Where Others Fear to Tread

Chapter 31

Harry sat quietly on the front steps of the cottage staring up at the path to the road beyond. It was pouring with rain, the last of the summer sunshine having given way to the Autumn rains. Severus had been gone two weeks, and Harry was empty inside, like a part of him had been ripped away. It was an awful feeling and no matter what Harry did it wouldn’t go away. Where their bond had been growing continually from the moment Harry had signed the marital contract, it felt now as if a giant wedge had sunk deep between he and Severus forcing them apart and casting doubt in Harry’s mind for the first time in months. It was worse at night and in the early mornings. He was having nightmares, not visions of reality but actual dreams created by his own wild imagination. He’d hardly slept in the last three days. In the mornings he’d wake up wet with sweat, the sheets often torn where he’d struggled against unseen restraints. He was ill too, and had found himself knelt on the floor, dry retching every morning in the bathroom.

So far he’d managed to keep Jasper’s questions at bay but with his failing appetite and his loss of weight his sickness was beginning to show physically. Harry was still completing his training everyday though and if anything he was focusing harder so as not to think about more worrying things in his life. Jasper it seemed was pushing him harder each session now, but Harry was giving as good as he got. Spells, incantations and his moves were coming almost instinctively, his wand a mere extension of his arm as he easily deflected curses and reassigned spells Jasper threw at him. Harry had learnt more in the past weeks at the cottage than he had ever in his entire life. He’d learnt a lot about Jasper to, or rather the Snape family in general rather than Severus’ mysterious elder brother. Whenever conversation had turned to Jasper’s life specifically the wizard had changed the subject quickly, avoiding answering any specific questions Harry had asked. While Harry had an niggling feeling that he shouldn’t turn his back on Jasper for a minute, he also knew he could do nothing but trust the man for the time being.

Today had been an utter disaster. His morning ritual of heaving up the contents of his stomach had left him exhausted. Jasper had also demanded he do exercise in the rain. Still dripping wet Jasper had then proceeded to drag Harry into the barn and began firing curses at him, in no order or pattern. Harry couldn’t keep up, for every curse he blocked two more hit him. Although he’d struggled through the pain, the last curse had struck him firmly in the chest sending him flying to the floor with a sickening thud. While the curse itself hadn’t hurt all that much, the pain that swept through his abdomen and stomach as he hit the ground made him scream in agony. Curling up on himself Harry had lay on the floor screaming in pain, his hands clutching uselessly at the burn in his stomach. Jasper had been apologetic and had carried him back to the cottage, before helping him with a warm bath and to change. The ache was still there though even after the pain potion Jasper had given him. Unlike his brother Jasper had absolutely no skills in potions, and Harry had just pointed to the right bottle, which Jasper had gladly given him. Harry didn’t know what was wrong with him, but he knew inwardly it had to be something to do with the bond.

Now with the rain pouring down in buckets Harry could do nothing but watch the droplets bounce off the gravel path in front of him. Behind him Harry heard steps on the slate floor of the hall before a warm steaming cup of chocolate was held in front of his face.

“How are you feeling now?” Jasper sat down cautiously beside Harry on the step, his own cup of chocolate clutched in his hands.

“Sore.” Harry whispered as he sipped from his chocolate, relishing the warmth it brought to his insides.

“I honestly don’t know what happened, I didn’t mean for that to happen.” Harry glanced sideways at Jasper who was staring out into the rain-drenched moors that lay beyond the road at the top of the garden path. “It could have been any number of things, incompatible curses, refraction from a block, even an unintentional concentrated burst of magic from my wand, it’s not registered so it’s prone to doing that.” Jasper sipped from his chocolate before sighing and looking back at Harry. The boy was resting his mug of chocolate on his knee, while the other hand had begun twisting the wedding band around his finger again. Where the skin had healed over the past few weeks, since Severus’ departure Harry had managed to rub the finger raw again. Despite the obvious pain the habit must have been bringing to Harry, the boy continued to twist the gold and platinum ring.

“I miss him.” Harry choked a little on his words as he continued to stare at the raindrops running off the entranceway roof into the rock gutter of the path.

“I know.” Jasper replied clutching his cup of chocolate in both hands to keep them warm. There was a long silence that hung between them as they both stared out into the rain. Finally though Jasper spoke again. “I have to go into the pub this evening I’m making an exchange. I thought you would like to come with me, for a change of scenery.” Harry blinked away his stare and turned to look at Jasper with both a little shock and some suspicion. One of Severus’ specific instructions before he left was that Harry wasn’t to leave the cottage, accompanied or not.

“Em, I don’t think Severus would…” Jasper cut Harry off quickly.

“It doesn’t matter what Severus thinks Harry, I think you need to get out a little. The pubs usually quiet on a Saturday and with it raining they’ll be even less people there. With your cloak on you’ll look like every other eccentric patron who’s in there.” Jasper paused and glanced down to where Harry was holding the warm mug of chocolate against his stomach in an attempt at easing the ache. “Besides there’s no brandy in this old place and I think you need a glass or two of it.” Harry awkwardly removed the mug from where he’d pushed it against his stomach and quickly downed what was left of the contents.

“Well what if I’m recognised by other wizards? The whole idea of coming to the cottage was for Severus and I not to be found by Voldemort.” Jasper rolled his eyes and finished off his own chocolate before taking Harry’s empty cup and stacking it with his own.

“Riddle is going to find you eventually Harry whether you’re trying to hide or not. You can’t just stop living because he’s after you, one day you’re going to have to face him.” Jasper smiled warmly and reached across to put a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Besides you know what I’m capable of Harry, I can protect you if he does show up. Please. Just tonight.” Reluctantly Harry nodded in agreement, both too tired and sore to argue and already knowing Jasper would have his way anyway. Jasper smiled brightly and stood up from the step, helping Harry to his feet afterwards. “Good, now I think you should just lie down for a while until we leave.” Harry liked the idea of lying down and allowed Jasper to lead him through into the bedroom. Kicking off his shoes Harry shifted himself up onto the bed and stretched out. Jasper brought a blanket out of the wardrobe and went to drape it over the boy. Harry however reached out a hand and grabbed Jaspers before he could leave.

“Can you stay with me, I don’t like being in here alone.” Harry wasn’t sure he should have asked Jasper to stay with him but the bond inside him cried out for touch and Jasper was the only person currently able to oblige him. Jasper smiled lopsidedly and climbed easily into bed beside Harry. Instinctively Harry cuddled up to the other wizard as Jasper laid his hands around Harry’s waist. The ache in Harry’s abdomen lessoned a little as the elder wizard placed his warm palm flat against his stomach. It was strange having someone not Severus lying next to him but Harry couldn’t fight the need for comfort and the boy eventually closed his eyes and fell into a light sleep beside his mate’s elder brother.

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“I really don’t think this is a good idea.” Harry whispered as they approached the country pub. There were a few muggle cars parked on the road outside and Harry could hear music coming from the old style jukebox inside. It was still pouring rain but one of Jaspers supposedly simple ‘staydry’ spells had allowed them to walk to the pub without getting wet. Pausing at the entrance to the pub Jasper turned around and tugged the hood of Harry’s cloak down on his face a little casting his features in shadow.

“You’ll be fine Harry, trust me. Just keep you head down and don’t talk to anyone.” Harry swallowed nervously and nodded making Jasper smile. Taking a step into the little pub was like stepping into another world. Wooden chairs and tables, occupied but some colourful characters lay gathered around the large roaring fire on the far wall. At the back of the pub was the bar and from beneath his cloak Harry could see a young blonde woman serving the men waiting on stools at the edge of the bar. Harry stuck close to Jasper as the man led the way through the crowd. People called his name in welcome and Jasper nodded and acknowledged them with the same beaming smile he’d aimed at Harry when they’d first met back on Glasgow station. It was hard to tell the difference between the muggles and the wizards, and although Harry had always assumed the two worlds to be distinctly apart, here in this little pub wizards, witches and muggles sat side by side joking, laughing and playing cards. “Sit.” Jasper pulled up a bar stool onto the end of the bar and gestured for Harry to sit down. The boy did so obediently, still glancing about the pub from beneath he relative animosity of his cloak.

“JJ, I was wondering when you’d crawl in.” The young blonde witch behind the bar smiled brightly at the customer she was serving before glancing over at Jasper who pecked her softly on the cheek as he passed by to hang up his cloak.

“Well can’t leave this place in your hands for too long, or I’d go broke wouldn’t I Alice.” Jasper grabbed a half black apron from the coat hook at the back of the bar and Harry watched as the man expertly pulled a crystal glass from the racks hanging above the bar. Jasper poured a familiar amber liquid into the glass before placing it carefully in front of Harry who glanced up at Jasper in question. “Sip it and when you’re done I’ll get you another.” Harry nodded and sipped from the glass, the rich taste of brandy assaulting his tastebuds. This brandy wasn’t as expensive as the stuff Severus preferred but it did the trick, warming Harry inside and out as the liquid slide effortlessly down his throat. “Is he here yet?” Harry watched carefully as Jasper began serving another cloaked man at the end of the bar, still talking with Alice who was also pulling beers at the tap.

“Yeah, far right booth came in about an hour ago.” Harry glanced carefully around to look at what Jasper had been directed at. A man hidden in shadow and nursing an unfamiliar blue drink sat in the corner. Harry couldn’t make out the man’s facial features but he looked to be rich, with rings of gold and silver adorning his hands.

“Wonderful. I’ll be back in ten.” Jasper made another of the strange blue drinks the man in the corner was drinking, before smiling at Harry as he moved out from behind the bar and headed directly for him. Harry cursed that he couldn’t see what was going on without turning around, something he didn’t want to do in case he aroused suspicion. Harry wanted to know what Jasper was trading and if possible get a glimpse of whom the man was. But without drawing attention to himself Harry could do little but sit at the bar sipping his drink. Customers came and went from the bar as Alice served them, a man with a long streaky white beard had sat in the chair next to him for a little while before heading back to the chairs around the fireplace. The brandy Harry was drinking was making him relax and his upset stomach had calmed a little. Finally though after 15 minutes Jasper returned to the bar tucking into his jeans pocket a strange leather pouch. Jasper smiled at Harry and went back to serving the waiting customers at the bar. Daring to glance over his shoulder Harry sighed heavily as he saw the man who had been in the far booth had gone, two empty glasses the only evidence that he’d been there.

“So who’s your little friend JJ.” Alice poured herself a glass of lemon as the crowd at the bar died down a little. Jasper huffed a chuckle and shook his head as Alice attempted and failed to see beneath Harry’s hood. Harry ducked his head so the woman couldn’t see him.

“None of your business Alice.” Jasper answered quickly having refilled Harry’s glass of brandy for him. The young blonde tutted loudly and rolled her eyes as she sipped from her own glass of lemon.

“You’re no fun JJ, is he sweet?” Harry frowned a little completely lost on why a comment like that would have been made about him. Jasper laughed again and shook his head.

“He’s not my property Alice and you’d do well to keep your paws to yourself lady less you want a wand up your anal cavity.” Harry glanced strangely from the blonde to Jasper and then back again. Alice was still staring at him her eyes narrowing as she tried to see his face beneath the cloak. Harry didn’t trust her, just like he didn’t trust half of the shady characters in this pub, wizard or not.

“Oooh touchy are we, sorry I asked.” Alice finished her drink and Harry watched her pull a packet of muggle cigarettes from the pocket of her black half apron. “I’m going out back for my break.” With a beaming smile at Jasper she disappeared through a back door behind the bar leaving Jasper to serve the few customers who approached the bar. Harry was content sipping on his own amber alcohol and watching each unusual character approach Jasper for a drink. Jasper talked to them all with relative joviality, even if the customers chose not to reply to him, for their own reasons. Nothing major seemed to be happening and everyone kept to themselves enough for Harry to almost relax. It was while he was sipping the last of his second brandy however when there was a gust of cold air as the doors to the pub were pushed open. Almost instantly all the hairs on the back of Harry’s neck stood on end and there was a rush of scraping chairs and mutterings of ‘going home’ as people began to leave in a hurry.

“Move!” Jasper whispered harshly to Harry, as he gestured back behind the bar. Without even looking around Harry guessed that whoever it was who’d just walked in wasn’t a welcome guest. Leaving his brandy glass on the bar Harry shot around the back of the bar, and ducked below the cabinets out of sight as Jasper had indicated. Casually Jasper continued wiping glasses with his checked tea towel as Harry listened to the scrape of the bar stools as several people sat down at the bar.

“Can I help you gentlemen.” Jasper inquired Harry noting acutely that the man’s wand stuck out from the pocket of the apron ready for action.

“I was informed you had rooms available.” Harry froze like a statue hardly daring to breath as he heard the familiar voice of his blonde Slytherin rival. No one had heard or seen Draco Malfoy since he’d mysteriously disappeared from Snape’s rooms the night of the death eater attack at the school.

“That depends.” Jasper replied as cool and calm as he always appeared when negotiating something. Harry heard a shuffle of robes before the unmistakable tinkle of gold galleons, as they were slide across the bar.

“Depends on what?” Was the same cool reply from Draco. Harry glanced up and watched as Jasper put aside the glass he was cleaning and physically counted the galleons that had been placed on the bar before him.

“There’s one room, two singles and a double bed. Breakfast is served at 6.30 and the rooms get cleaned at lunchtime.” Harry could hardly believe Jasper had just agreed to let the boy stay at the pub, didn’t he know who he was? Well maybe he did… There was a huff of agreement from Draco who ordered a round of beers for him and his supposed three companions. Jasper dutifully poured the four beers staying close to Harry who was still hiding behind the bar. “I haven’t seen you around these parts before, you do realise the colony is closed to outsiders.” Harry frowned in confusion as Jasper put the four beers on the bar and pocketed the galleons and sickles for both the drinks and the rented room.

“Quite aware Mr….” Draco paused as if waiting for Jasper to supply his name.

“That’s not important.” Jasper answered back as he returned to drying the glasses freshly out of the automated sink. There was a long silence and Harry heard the men drinking from the beer they’d been given. “So what are you doing in this part of the country, a little far from the dark lords lair isn’t it?” Harry put his hand over his mouth hardly believing Jasper had just said what he had. There was a short evil little chuckle from Draco.

“You’re full of questions for a bar keeper.” Harry knew condescension when he heard it, having put up with Snape’s condescension for the past five years of school. Draco was being awkwardly arrogant just as he was at school.

“I like to know who’s staying on my property that’s all.” Jasper calmly replied as he put aside the last of the clean glasses, ready to re hung on the rails above the bar. Just at that moment Alice came back in through the back door of the bar and instantly froze. The expression on her face telling Harry far more than if Harry had seen the people on the other side of the bar himself. Harry was sure Alice had seen him hiding behind the bar but she’d covered it quickly and gone back to her job of cleaning up the bar, not a word passing her lips. It was a long half an hour sitting crouched behind the bar until finally Draco announced that he and his companions would retire to their room. Jasper had Alice show them upstairs with clean linen and a bottle of complementary whisky. Once they’d gone Harry hardly had a moment to speak as Jasper dragged Harry to his feet and pushed him hastily out the back door of the pub. The rain was still falling outside in the darkness but Jasper didn’t bother with a ‘staydry’ spell and instead huddled Harry up against his chest and began walking the boy back down the road towards the isolated little cottage. Harry was doing his best to keep up but stumbled a few times on the rocks. Jasper’s wand was pressed up against the length of Harry’s sternum the man’s white knuckled grip on it immediately obvious.

Reaching the cottage Harry was bundled down the gravel path but was pulled hastily to a halt when it became clear someone was inside the house. The wards were broken and humming loudly and the flicker of a fire from the fire place caught their attention.

“Stick to my back.” Jasper whispered as he pushed open the cottage door his wand out stretched in front of him as he stalked carefully into the hall and across into the lounge. There was no telling whom it was sitting in the chair by the fire waiting for them, and having just encountered Draco and death eaters at the pub Jasper wasn’t taking any chances. Harry himself had his wand out but was dutifully behind Jasper. As they stalked carefully into the lounge room both of them came to a halt as a hand appeared from around the side of the chair, it’s wand tightly grasped.

“Where the hell have you been?” Harry instantly recognised the icy cold voice and lowered his wand as he ran over to the figure sitting in the chair. Severus was sitting in the armchair in front of the fire, his cloak still wrapped around him but his wand still pointed directly at Jasper.

“Severus, when did you get back.” Harry leant down to press a kiss to his mate’s lips but Severus turned his face away quickly and stood steadily to his feet. Harry had seen Severus mad on several occasions and he knew what was coming, as Severus turned to his brother his wand still out stretched and aimed.

“I gave you specific instructions not to leave the house.” Severus narrowed his eyes at Jasper who didn’t back down himself from where he was aiming his wand at his brother.

“He needed some time away from this place, you can’t keep him in a gilded cage like a pet Sev.” Jasper glared at his younger brother and Harry could feel the tension rising between the two brothers.

“He’s not a pet Jasper he’s my husband and you took a risk I didn’t give you permission to take!” Severus was loosing his temper quickly something Harry had only even seen him do once. The wand Severus held in his hand shook a little as Severus growled at his brother. Harry went to say something to try and alleviate a little of the tension but before he could speak Severus had torn at the collar of his jumper tugging it down so that he could see either side of the boy’s neck.

“Severus what are you….” Harry was stunned that his mate had done something like that and stepped back cautiously even as Severus continued to run his fingertips across his neck searching for something unseen.

“You won’t find anything.” Jasper whispered hastily as Severus tugged at Harry’s jeans dragging the material and the briefs underneath down, so that Harry’s milky hips were exposed.

“Well better safe than sorry, considering it was your lingering presence I found beside my mate in bed.” Harry’s face flushed red and hot as Severus inspected his hips looking for something.

“I wasn’t feeling well, he just kept me company this afternoon while I slept that’s all.” Harry looked apologetically up at his mate when he’d finished his strange inspection. Severus glanced at Harry before looking back to Jasper who had since lowered his wand and was now leaning back against the wall his arms folded across his chest. Harry gingerly pulled his jeans back up and straightened the collar of his sweater where Severus had pulled at it ruthlessly.

“I told you, you wouldn’t find anything didn’t I?” Jasper whispered smugly as he moved over the lounge room and sat down in the chair opposite Severus’ in front of the fire. Severus sighed heavily and sat down in his own chair again, his wand tucked back in his cloak. Harry gingerly sat down at Severus’ feet eager for touch from his mate whom he’d missed terribly the last few weeks. Sitting quietly on the rug between Severus’ legs Harry nuzzled contently against the man’s trousers feeling the warmth radiating from within him. Nothing in a million years could compare to the presence of Severus in his life, and that was a frightening thought to Harry. “You’ll never guess who turned up at the pub this evening.” Jasper whispered as he flicked his wand and summoned a tray of fresh aniseed tea from the kitchen.

“Draco Malfoy and a little entourage of death eaters.” Jasper didn’t look stunned that his brother knew this and merely nodded. Harry however was concerned as he watched Severus pour himself a cup of the tea. “I’ve been following them for four days, it seems Lucious’ prodigy’ has finally taken his place among the ranks.” Severus cast his eyes downward and sighed into his teacup. “To think I devoted the better half of his schooling trying to ensure he broke the mould Lucious had carved out for him. Like most things though it was all in vain.” Severus sighed and sipped from his cup of tea, Harry silently rejecting the cup offered to him by Jasper. The unwelcome swirling of his stomach had begun again making him feel thoroughly ill despite being pressed up against Severus’ leg.

“He was never destined for anything else Severus don’t blame yourself. The boy didn’t stand a chance what with being Tom’s personal plaything from the age of 10.” Harry sat up sharply surprised at this revelation Severus rolled his eyes at his brothers loose tongue and turned his attention to Harry who was staring at his mate in question.

“When you become a death eater Potter, it is expected that you promise something to your lord in thanks for bestowing his trust in you. I promised him to perfect an anti aging potion, Lucious however promised him his first-born son. Your gifts worth will directly effect your station among the ranks.” Harry stared at Severus in horror as everything about Draco’s life began to fit into place. “Young Draco has been a permanent fixture in the dark lords bed for quite sometime, I had every intention of aiding him in escaping from his fate but it seems my godson did not want to be saved after all.”

“So why’s he here.” Jasper inquired quickly as he picked up a chocolate cookie from the tray to dip into his aniseed tea.

“Undoubtedly it was he who informed the dark lord of my binding with Harry, and it is he who is now hunting me and my mate. One of your less savoury customers it seems has taken report back to his master that there is a strangely warded cottage on the moors, thus their presence here.” Severus looked pointedly across at Jasper who swore into his teacup. “Don’t stress though brother, I believe everyone is still under the illusion that you are dead.” Jasper nodded thankfully at his brother before finishing off his biscuit. “Harry and I however aren’t so lucky and will be leaving tonight.” Harry sighed heavily still trying and failing to quell his stomach. The aniseed tea did little but make him heave. Severus must have caught sight of Harry’s lurch and frowned down at his mate in curiosity. “Harry are you alright?” Harry couldn’t hold it in any longer with a sharp shake of his head Harry bolted for the bathroom his hand clasped uselessly in front of his mouth trying to prevent the inevitable. Harry threw himself to the floor in front of the toilet basin and proceeded to loose the entire day’s contents of his stomach. Behind him he heard Severus and Jasper come into the bathroom but the boy didn’t acknowledge them as he threw up again, his hand clasped to his stomach in pain.

“Harry?” Severus put his hand on Harry’s back but the boy shrugged it off, completely upset that Severus was seeing him so ill. Snape obediently backed off and Harry heard Jasper whisper to his brother as they both stepped out of the bathroom.

“He’s not been well for two weeks Sev.” Harry clenched his fists as he heard Jasper tell Severus about his illness. “I thought it was separation anxiety with the bond but I don’t think that’s it.”

“What are the symptoms.” Severus whispered back knowing himself that although feeling a need for Harry while he’d been away, he certainly hadn’t been physically ill with separation.

“I’m not sure he’s been hiding them from me, but he’s not eating, restless nights, physically being ill and something really strange.” Jasper paused and lowered his voice more so that Harry had to strain to hear what was being said. “I threw a anti protection curse at him the other day and it knocked him off his feet. He blocked it perfectly but it still hit him square in the chest, curled up in a ball on the floor screaming like I’d cut out his heart. It shouldn’t do that, I thought maybe it was my wand but it was like his body absorbed the curse. It was really strange and there’s only one conclusion I could come up with...” Jasper trailed off a moment before Harry heard Severus swear. A second later Severus came striding back into the bathroom and knelt easily down beside Harry who had for a moment finished heaving.

“Potter, look at me.” Harry gingerly looked up at Severus, who having wiped the boys mouth with a towel cupped Harry’s cheek in between his hands to ensure the boy’s face met his own. “Now you have to tell me this honestly, no lies because this important. Have you taken or drunk anything from my potions collection in the last month? By accident or on purpose?” Harry swallowed and shook his head as much as he could with Severus cupping his face.

“Just the pain potions you’ve been giving me for the scratches and bumps after training, nothing else.” Harry swallowed heavily and stared honestly into Severus eyes. For a moment it seemed like Severus didn’t believe him but then a moment later Severus sighed heavily and shook his head in confusion.

“Jasper, help me get him onto the bed.” Harry didn’t know what he’d done or what was wrong with him, and he easily allowed Severus and Jasper to help him to his feet and walk him back out into the bedroom. “Just lie down.” Obediently Harry lay down on the bed and squirmed a little uncomfortably as Severus lifted his jumper and shirt and gently began prodding his abdomen and stomach. Harry hissed a little in pain as Severus pressed a particularly sore part of his stomach. Severus’ brow furrowed deeply as he pressed the spot again a little firmer this time. Harry instantly reacted and slapped Severus’ hand away catching the man completely off guard.

“That hurts.” Harry snapped moodily at Severus who stared at him blankly. For a moment Severus remained silent before he glanced up over his shoulder at where Jasper was standing worriedly at the end of the bed. Harry watched as a strange unspoken conversation passed between the brothers before Severus sighed and looked back at Harry, his hand coming up to gently rest on Harry’s stomach.

“This complicates things.” Harry looked from Severus to Jasper and then back hoping to find some sort of explanation to go with Severus’ worried look and strange comment. When nothing was forth coming Harry sat up on his elbows and looked pensively at his mate.

“What complicates things?” Harry had a feeling he wasn’t going to like the answer but what came from Severus lips floored him instantly.

“You’re pregnant Harry.” The last thing Harry remembered as he passed out was Severus face hovering worriedly over him and calling his name.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>

A/N Sorry guys it\'s been a while since the last update. For those of you who followed my other stories, you\'ll know I\'m pretty accident prone, this time I twisted my ankle and broke my ring and pinky finger on my right hand. So I am still tying this story it\'s just taking longer with two less fingers. Hope you like this update, we\'re getting to the good bits now....