All That You Leave Behind

The chapter may be short, but it's important to the plot!

Akuma_river: No, it isn't Severitis. I guess we can see why you might think that, but it is informally called "The Epic" for a reason. The relationship between Harry and Severus is a gradually developing thing. Also, we have made it clear that we are sticking to canon as much as possible (although obviously there is some deviance), and Ginny's relationship with Harry is canon, if we are validating it and making it more believable, surely that is actually a good thing? You don't have to like H/G (hell, Queen doesn't!) but at least can you accept that that relationship is in the story? And is there for a reason.

misswarchan: We'd be glad to update you, but please let us have your email address!

And, to anyone else who might be waiting for the Ginny bashing to start: JKR doesn't do it, and neither will we.

Finally, thank you for our reviews! And a massive apology for the wait between updates, RL really messed us both about for a while there!

Queens of Angst

***

It was a week later. Harry was enjoying some time in Diagon Alley. Severus had mentioned casually that some of his clothes were a little threadbare, and so Harry had decided to go on a little shopping expedition and return with some items for Snape. At the same time, he had decided to fire call Hermione and spend a bit of time with her, comparing notes about the grumpy bastard he cared for. Harry grinned a little; Snape was difficult and snarky at times, but he wasn't really grumpy, not truly. Harry could tell the other was just acting as he always had, and it wasn't really directed at him at all.

So, here he was, sitting under a parasol, enjoying the bright sunshine, sipping a coffee, whilst Hermione rattling off thirteen to the dozen about all the things she had done with her parents when she had restored their memories and explained everything.

Finally, Hermione ran down, and Harry began to share some of the experiences he had had with Snape, which he knew she'd appreciate.

"...and then he said..." Harry broke off abruptly, shivering.

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked, concerned.

Harry shivered again. "I think we're being watched. Are we?" He surreptitiously let his eyes roam around the street, and noticed Hermione doing the same, looking over his shoulder.

"Nothing." she said, sounding a little worried. "You're sure?" she queried.

He nodded, chewing on his lower lip. Something felt very wrong.

After a few tense silent seconds, Harry shrugged and resumed his tale. Hermione dutifully laughed, but both felt the cold finger of unease tainting their time.

Something reflected in the glass of the cafe, and Harry did a double take, sure he had spotted something he couldn't put his finger on, something that increased his uneasiness.

"I'd best go," Hermione said, beginning to gather up her numerous bags, all filled, unsurprisingly, with books.

"Yeah," Harry said unenthusiastically, "me too." He collected his bags, opening one to check the garments he had bought were ok. He smiled as he imagined the older man's surprise.

"He'll be really pleased," Hermione said reassuringly, aware of Harry's slight uncertainty about the gift. "Severus will appreciate the thought and the time and trouble you've taken."

"I hope so," Harry said, "otherwise I'm gonna have a few frosty days at Spinner's End until he forgives me!"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous, Harry, this is Severus we're talking about. You've spent months nursing him back to relative health, and even if he isn't strong enough to be out and about, or even if he doesn't want to be seen, he still wants to feel like he looks nice, and you're thinking about that, and about him." she paused before returning to her main point, "so, he'll love whatever you've bought." she added suddenly, "so long as it isn't that dreadful robe Ron wore to the Triwizard ball!"

Harry laughed.

His bags held tightly about him, he focused on Spinner's End, and slowly rotated on the spot, the feeling of unease following. As he reappeared in the street outside Spinner's End, he caught a flash of something that caused his heart to immediately leap into his throat. The bags fell from his suddenly nerveless hands, the surprise forgotten; he raced inside, calling frantically for the older wizard.

"Severus! Severus!" he shouted, his heart pounding.

The man appeared out of the kitchen with a scowl on his face and growled, "What in blazes are you shouting about, Potter?"

"No time," Harry panted, "no time, we have to get out! Now!"

"Wha..?" Severus began, but Harry cut him off, grabbing his shirt front.

"It's Malfoy. Lucius Malfoy. He's found us."