Deserving (Final Chapter)

Title: Deserving
Author: Moon of the Sea
Beta: The wonderful and so needed Ellie.


Chapter 22


***
The following day when Harry came home from work, Severus and Millicent were waiting for him with Richard and Baby in arms. Harry knew there was something different about Millicent. She smiled as a wife would do when she got a new… haircut! The strands were gone and… were those earrings she was wearing? He didn’t want her to feel awkward, so he gave her an approving smile. She smiled back. Harry gave Richard a kiss than gave Baby one also. Richard giggled and stretching from Papa’s arms, gave Baby a kiss also. Harry reached over and grabbed his son away from Snape.

“Can you give Dada a kiss too,” and again Richard smacked his lips in mid air not really kissing anyone. Harry put his finger on his cheek and placed his cheek in front of Richard’s face.

“Kiss for Dada,” he prompted but Richard was not complying.

“Give Dada a kiss like this,” said Snape kissing his son’s cheek.

Richard laughed and looked at Harry and said: “Kissssssssssssssss” and clapped happily adding a new word to his growing vocabulary.

“Yes, kiss,” celebrated Harry, Snape and Milly.

“Can you give Dada a kiss?” prompted Harry again.

“Kiss, dada, kiss,” he said to Papa leaning back to make way for the kiss between his fathers.

Severus felt so uncomfortable and had no idea where to look. Harry on the other hand was looking straight at Snape. Harry stepped closer to Snape and said: “Kiss Papa,” offering his cheek.

Severus leaned over and gave Harry a kiss on the cheek. Richard applauded his approval.

“Kiss Richard,” said Harry offering his cheek to his son. Richard gave Dada his first kiss.

Pleased with his evening so far, Harry sat on the floor to play with the children. When Baby would not join in or laugh as Richard was doing he looked up at Snape who turned his head obviously still wanting to avoid Harry because of last night’s events. Harry called Kreacher and when the elf arrived he handed Richard over then he got up and handed Baby to Millicent.

“Snape, I need a shower before dinner,” he announced.

Severus got up and followed Harry up the steps. He had hid in the bathroom during the morning and was glad when his husband did not demand to see him. But now it was time to pay the piper. When they entered the room Severus was going straight for the bathroom to turn the water on but he heard the command and stopped.

“Don’t! I want to know if you got the money bag.”

“Yes, Sir, I did,” he said, not turning to face his guide.

“Did Poppy come?”

“Yes, she did,” answered Severus, still not turning.

“Damn it, Snape, turn and face me when I am talking to you,” commanded the Guide.

Severus turned and looked at his Guide and awaited instructions.

“Well?”

“I do not believe you have given me an order, Sir, therefore I do not know what you expect from me,” said Severus with honesty.

“What did Poppy say?!”

Severus felt stupid; he was obviously allowing the events of last night interfere with his judgment.

“Poppy was able to sit with Millicent and talk for a good hour and a half. They did girls’ things and Poppy gave Millicent a haircut and gifted her the earrings she is wearing,” reported Severus.

“What? How does that help Baby?” yelled Harry.

“Sir, if you will allow me to explain. Millicent was able to tell Poppy, in a non-threatening environment, of the care or shall I say the non-care given to Baby in her Guide’s household. It seems that Baby was kept in a plastic dog kennel so Millicent could do her chores. The door would magically open three times a day so she could feed him. Millicent was not even allowed to keep him by her side at night. Baby has been deprived of human contact.”

“So why didn’t Poppy cure him?”

“Poppy did do some spells and gave him a potion but she says he will need a lot of stimulus to get in touch with his surroundings. We have been holding him all day and even Kreacher has taken to carrying him around when he is not doing his chores. Millicent took a nap with the children and had Baby sleep on her chest.”

“So we don’t put him down for a second. We will each take turns carrying him, and playing with him, and talking to him…”

“Reading to him,” added Severus.

Harry closed his eyes and dropped his head then taking a deep breath said: “Yes, Snape, and reading to him.”


***

Once the children were put to sleep, Millicent and Harry sat in the sitting room. Harry was reading his new edition of Quidditch magazine while Millicent was simply sitting in the couch looking at the fire. Severus walked right pass them and was going to go into the kitchen.

“Snape, where are you going?” asked Harry.

Severus froze in his action and without turning around he said in a clear and loud voice, so he wouldn’t have to repeat it: “I am tired, Sir, I will retire early tonight.”

Harry looked at Severus’ back and tried to swallow the lump in his throat.

“Didn’t I ask you to face me when you speak to me?”

Millicent perked up with a worried look upon her face. Harry didn’t seem angry and he was not yelling but his words seem so demanding. Severus turned and faced Harry but he did not repeat himself. He simply waited for Harry’s command.

“Can you sit for a while with us? We didn’t get to speak this morning,” said Harry with an even temper.

Severus glided to his old stump but Harry waved his wand and replaced the stump with Severus’ chair, and then glided the chair back to its place. Severus showed no reaction to the action. Harry accioed his knitting and placed it on Severus’ lap.

“Do you knit Professor?” asked a shocked Millicent.

Severus simply nodded and began to knit. He could feel Millicent fidgeting in her chair and wished she would stop but was not about to admonish her. Like Harry, he wanted her to feel at ease in the house.

After about half and hour and just before Severus was about to try to retire for the evening again, Millicent got up from the sofa and knelt before Harry. Severus’ eyes went wide and Harry preserved more than saw that something was going on. He put down his magazine and found Milly before him.

“Milly! What are you doing? Why are you doing this?” asked a stunned Harry.

Millicent looked up at him then vowed her head again.

“You have been so kind to my baby, and I and now you are my new master, so I am offering myself to you,” said the girl without raising her eyes.

Harry looked shocked with horror and turned to Snape with a plea in his face, a plea that Severus didn’t know how to respond to. Did Harry want him to leave so he could be alone with Millicent? She was after all a woman and Harry craved the company of a female. Severus got up and was about to leave.

“Snape!!!” cried Harry and then turned to Millicent. “Millicent please get up.” He turned again to his husband. “Snape, talk to her. Tell her.”

Severus helped Millicent to her feet.

“Child please get up, there is no need for this,” said Severus in a monotone.

“NO! No need at all and besides, Milly, you do know that Snape and I are married, right?”

“But you have discarded him,” assured the girl, still wrapped in Severus’ arms.

Harry looked at Snape as to ask ‘what is she talking about?’ Millicent answered the question.

“I heard last night when the professor left your room in a hurry and he never came back up. I think he slept in the kitchen floor and just now he was on his way there again,” she explained.

“Millicent! I didn’t kick Snape out. He is just cross and wants no part of me for the time being, but as soon as he gets himself together he will be back upstairs,” he explained and then looking at Severus eyes, “where he belongs.”

“If you use me then you will not bother the professor and he won’t have to… you know… be used,” she explained, her cheeks flaming as she managed to stutter out the last of the sentence.

Harry didn’t know where to look. Did Snape put her up to this?

Severus, knowing of Harry’s insecurity, took a good guess at what Harry was thinking.

“Child my husband and I have simply had a misunderstanding. You have no need to worry about either of us,” assured Snape, guiding her to the steps.

Millicent was too embarrassed to say good night but when she was half way up the steps she turned and said: “I only wanted to help. Both of you have been so kind to us and I really have no other way to repay you.”

“Good thing you don’t have to,” said Harry, with a smile that said ‘all is forgotten’.

Severus walked by Harry gave him a little good night nod and disappeared into the kitchen. Harry walked in and saw that Snape was lying on the floor, wrapped in the dreadful purple and lavender nightgown. He walked over took his clothes off and lay by Snape who froze when he felt Harry on his back.

“I don’t mind sleeping on the floor but do you really have to wear that dreadful nightgown? I did get you new pajamas; did I not?”

Severus clutched the lacey collar in his fist as if that could prevent Harry from using his wand to vanish the apparel. Harry decided he did not want to aggravate the situation so he let it go. After almost a half hour of tension Severus broke his silence.

“She will not bother you again. You can go back to your room in confidence,” he whispered staring at the fire.

“I know that,” was Harry’s to-the-point answer.

After another half hour of thick tension, it was Harry’s turn to break the silence.

“Can I ask you a question?”

Severus buried his face in the crook of his bended arm, giving the clear signal that he wanted no part in any conversation with Harry. He decided that Snape needed some persuading.

“Tell you what, you can ask me a question if I can ask you one. And I will even let you go first.”

Harry could feel Severus relax a little. He slowly guided Severus to lie on his back so he could face him. Severus turned his face away from Harry and towards the fire.

“Why did you not accept her offer?” asked Severus almost in a whisper.

“What?” asked a horrified Harry. “Did you want me to use her like that? After all she has been through.”

“No, Sir, I am glad you did not put her through that, but she is what you have always wanted: a woman.”

Harry guided Severus’ face towards him.

“Come on Snape, you know me. Do you really think a girl could put up with me? You know how difficult I can get. You are cold, heartless and strong and YOU can barely handle me.”

Severus turned on his side again and there was more uncomfortable silence.

“Your question,” whispered Severus.

“Why is this nightgown so important to you?” his question was followed by yet more silence. Severus took a deep breath, he had agreed to a question for a question deal.

“Kreacher gave it to me.”

“Snape, you are not telling me anything new,” said Harry, with an even tempered voice.

“I came to your house as less than a house elf with nothing, no money, no magical power, no freedom. I would in no way be able to pay him for any kindness that he would have towards me, but that did not keep him from giving me things that were dear to him. He loved his mistress and these were things he kept in memory of her. He gave them to me… No one has ever shown me kindness like Kreacher. Everyone sees me as the cold, heartless, strong Snape. So when I feel that my heart is melting. When I do not feel as detached and strong as everyone sees me, I come to this corner where Kreacher allows me to be… not so strong.”

Harry found it difficult to swallow; something had lodged itself in his throat. He cast nox and attached himself to Snape’s back. Both men found it hard to sleep but not another word was said.

***


Tuesday morning Ron was back to work. Everyone at the Department was congratulating him. They had placed a banner across his cubicle that read “It’s a wizard!” Harry was smiling at the sign when Ron had to bypass him in order to get into his workstation.

“Hey! That is really great news, congratulations,” said Harry to his old friend who was obviously looking for something in his desk. Once he found the paper he was looking for, he was back on the run, but Harry was blocking the entrance.

“Thanks… Potter,” he said and slid through the small gap between Harry and the doorframe.

Harry took a deep breath, squared his shoulders and went to his own cubicle.

***

Severus continued to be cordial to Harry when he had to come in direct contact with his Guide but avoided his presence. Harry on the other hand kept on finding excuses to engage him in conversations. He seemed to have forgotten where anything was asking Severus for everything. “Have you seen my Auror belt? Did you see where I put my Quidditch Magazine? Where is Richard’s favorite book? The one with all the neat animal sounds.” Severus knew that Harry could simply Accio the misplaced objects but showed tolerance and found the object, engaging in as little conversation as he could get away with.

Every night Harry went to the kitchen where Severus was sleeping and silently took off his clothes and got into the makeshift bed on the floor.


Two weeks later, Severus was awakened by a loud scream coming from the nursery. Harry woke right after him and followed him to the children’s room. Milly was crying and screaming but as soon as Harry spelled the light on they both realized that she was having a nightmare. Severus sat on the daybed and cradled her in his arms.

“Shhh child, it is alright. You are safe.”

Milly opened her eyes and took stock of her surroundings. Then she stated her frantic rant.

“Professor, they were coming for me. There were two of them and they fell from the sky. They came to take me back but instead they chained you to the floor. Harry was frantic but for some reason he did not want to call Kreacher…”

Harry looked at Severus with wide eyes and Severus had to struggle to keep his calm.

“Shhh child everything is alright. It was just a bad dream.”

Harry walked over to the crib and was surprised to see the two babies fast asleep. They had slept through the commotion. Kreacher was at his side also making sure that the babies were undisturbed. His attention was brought back to the daybed where Milly continued her rant.

“Professor you must believe me. I have had dreams before and they always come true. You are in danger. Make no mistake: the men are on their way,” she pleaded.

Harry turned to look at Snape. There had to be some kind of truth in her statement because there was no way that Snape would have told her about the two men that were after her.

“Milly we must get you to safety. If those men are on their way they must not find you here,” explained Severus.

Harry crouched down to Kreacher’s level. “Do you think you can get her to safety?”

Kreacher nodded his answer and Severus and Harry began to gather some things for her journey. They prepared a bag amidst Milly’s protest that she was not the only one in danger and that the professor should also flee.

“Hush, child, I assure you that no danger will come to me. They will not take me away. It is you they are after and we must make sure they do not get their hands on you. You will go with Kreacher and do as he tells you. Do you understand?”

She nodded her understanding. Harry crouched again to Kreacher’s level.

“You listen to me. No matter what, you are not to come back here until I call for you. Is that understood? You will be of no use to anyone if they capture you in an ivy cage.”

Harry saw the little elf’s eyes widen with shock.

“Yes, that is what they are doing. You know you will not be able to free yourself from the ivy, so remember, you are not to return until I call for you when it is safe.”

Severus moved to the crib and wrapped Baby in a warm blanket and placed him in his mother’s arms.

Kreacher took hold of her and disappeared.

Severus and Harry went down to the kitchen to get some tea. Dawn was upon them and there was no use in trying to get back to sleep. But no sooner had they entered the kitchen, Severus saw through the window the two familiar figures descend from the sky. This time they did not place their wands on the ground but on the side of the house. Severus immediately fell prisoner to the collar and chain. Harry whipped out his wand to try to keep the men out. One flew away leaving Harry to duel only with the remaining wizard. He was keeping him at bay but it did not take a great strategist to understand that the other one was gaining access while Harry was forced to hold his ground in the kitchen.

“Richard!” cried Severus who had also figured out the game plan.

Harry left the kitchen and Severus unguarded and ran up to the nursery two steps at a time. When he arrived he saw the other wizard floating outside of Richard’s window. Richard was fast asleep and unaware of any danger.

The man looked at Harry with a wicked smile on his face and was soon joined by the other wizard. They both flew away without a word.

When he got downstairs Severus pleaded for knowledge.

“Richard?”

“He is fine. He is sleeping,” he said as he went to Snape’s side and yet again tried every spell he knew that might free Snape but to no avail. Harry knew there was only one thing he could do, so he got up and was about to leave Severus’ side. Severus knew what Harry was thinking.

“Sir, do not do it. I will be fine. Draco told me that the chains will disappear in no time.”

“I can’t do it. I can’t protect my own family. I have to call Neville,” said Harry, clutching his useless wand.

“Sir, do not do this. I am sure we can figure out another way,” said Severus, understanding how difficult this was on Harry.

But Harry did not listen and walked to the floo. To his surprise Ron was requesting passage and Harry granted it. To his amazement Ron walked through with an elf in his arms.

“It seems Gaby here fears that the Professor is in some kind of danger. I had to leave Hermione and my new baby boy to come here at his insistence. What is going on?” rambled Ron.

“Hermione has an elf?” asked a stunned Harry.

“Long story, listen, baby… would like to get back… moving this along,” said Ron, using his finger to convey meaning.

“Severus is in the kitchen bound and only Neville can help him,” explained Harry, leading them into the kitchen.

“Thick as always. Neville can’t free the professor no more than you and I can. The only ones that can free him are the elves. And lucky for us Gaby just happens to fit the bill.”

“But why hasn’t she fallen prisoner of the ivy cage?”

“I am married to the smartest witch of our times,” responded Ron.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

Ron rolled his eyes. “Do you really think I go around carrying my elf like a little child? Boy! You are thick. He can’t touch the ground or he’ll be trapped,” Ron explained in exasperation.

Ron knelt down besides the professor. Gaby leaned over and at that same moment Severus was free of his chains. Ron was going to help him up but Harry grabbed the marked man first.

“Are you alright, Professor?”

“Yes, Mr. Weasley, Thank you,” said Severus with his head up high but not really looking at the youngest Weasley son.

Harry examined Severus’ neck and found that the chain had left a nasty mark.

“You’re hurt.”

Ron arched his eyebrow and looked at Harry. “Wow! So you no longer hate him?”

“Of course I do,” said Harry firmly.

Ron looked at Severus for his reaction, but the professor’s expression was unreadable. Ron’s eyebrow was still not coming down. “Do you worry about all the people you hate?”

Harry understood where Ron was coming from and decided to set him straight.

“Listen, he is the father of my son and he also happens to be my husband, thanks to the stupid Ministry, I have no other alternative but to look after him. I took an oath and besides my son gets very upset when his papa isn’t well.”

Harry was still tending to the bruise while speaking to Ron. He noticed that his words were not affecting his Marked One. Severus was a master at keeping his feelings hidden and Harry didn’t possess the sensibility to notice that the Potion Master had swallow an unusual amount of nothing.

Ron on the other hand, did not miss it; his eyebrow finally came down to reveal another expression: one of disappointment.

“Well, since I DO care about my family, I best get going.”

Harry led Ron and his elf to the floo. No further words were exchanged.

***

Once the chain and collar disappeared Harry called Kreacher who came back with Millicent and Baby. They seemed to huddle together as a family all day long. That night when Harry went to the kitchen he found Severus reading in the chair next to the hearth. He was silently taking off his clothes when he heard Severus speak for the first time without being asked a question.

“You would be more comfortable in your bed,” he said without raising his eyes from the book.

“I’m alright; Kreacher casts a mean cushioning charm. I wish I knew how to cast one as well as he does. It would come in handy in my job.”

Severus continued to read.

“It will be Richard’s birthday soon,” said Harry lying on his back with his hands cushioning his head.

“Yes, it is soon,” said Severus turning the page of his book.

“I was thinking we should have a muggle style birthday party. I never had one. We can get a clown and a pony and ummm… popcorn making machine…”

“How will you explain to these muggles that will be bringing these things when your guests start performing magic?”

Harry thought about it. Severus was right; he was always right. His daydreaming came to an end. Severus could see from the corner of his eyes that Harry’s balloon had just popped. He continued to pretend to read.

“I am sure that if you inform your guests that no magic should be performed; they will respect your wishes,” as he continued to mock read.

Harry gained momentum again. “Yeah, you’re right. I can have the performers leave right before we cut the cake. They work on an hourly basis anyway. I will start looking for a good agency on the computer,” he said as he got up to go to the library.

“It is late. You should rest. You have the whole weekend to work on that project,” said Severus turning another unread page.

Harry froze on his way to his feet. “It is not as if we get much sleep.”

Severus closed his book and got up. He went to the door and when he got there he held it open for Harry.

“Where are we going?” asked a confused Harry.

“I will not be responsible for your lake of sleep,” said Severus, pointing with his chin to the upstairs bedroom.

Harry lowered his head in an attempt to hide a smile. Sure Snape was still being cold towards him but this was a step in the right direction. When he got to the door he put his arms around Snape and apparated them both to the bedroom. Severus was like a block of ice in his arms, so he decided to let go. Severus lifted the hem of the nightgown and was about to take it off.

“You don’t have to take it off. You can sleep with it whenever you feel you need it. I mean you’re not going to wear it every night but… you know… I won’t get upset when you do wear it.”

He wanted Snape back to his old self and if he had to compromise a bit… well… he would.

Severus considered what had just been said to him and took off the nightgown. He folded it neatly and walked to the dresser where he knelt in order to open the bottom draw. Harry saw as Snape placed Kreacher’s token of kindness next to the bag that Harry had given Severus to place his whoring money. That lump returned to Harry’s throat.



A/N

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