The Third Time is a Charm

Posted 14 October 2009

Chapter 32: Happy Christmas

It was Christmas Eve and Harry, Severus and the rest of the gang were in the sitting room having a good time putting up decorations. Harry, who had never been allowed to join the festivities at the Dursley’s, wanted the feel of doing it himself, instead of giving the job to the house elves. Severus and Regulus indulged him by sitting and watching while Becca got into the festivities full swing. She was now two months pregnant and still had morning sickness but she loved being in the middle of something that was exciting. Harry was energized with all the muggle lights and the tree he had bought.

He was still amazed at the way he was able to go to the shopping mall (unbeknownst to Severus) and not have to travel out in the open where he and Becca could be recognized, or worse, attacked.

When Becca had first given them a tour of the manor, she had pointed out three escape routes to the muggle world. These were a last resort in case they were attacked. “Always have a contingency plan” she had told him in response to his question of “Why?”. To him they were as safe as possible under a muggle neighborhood, in an underground fortress without all the extra precautions.

They had taken a door to an underground tunnel. In the tunnel was a sort of golf cart that ran on electricity or magic; much like the ones at Gringotts. They took the cart to the end of the tunnel and found an elevator that went up to a muggle shopping mall. This was really nice. Harry had asked her why they hadn’t gone shopping sooner. Becca had shrugged and said they had been so busy, she hadn’t thought about it.

Harry went wild. It was a good thing he had his credit card with him, because he bought all kinds of decorations for the manor. It was the first time he would be able to decorate his own home and he wanted to do it right. As they went from shop to shop, Harry would go into the men’s room and shrink his packages before going into another store and getting more items. He had given a brief thought about underage magic, but figured the Ministry wouldn’t be able to find him anyway if they kept moving.

When they left, Harry had bought all the decorations they would need (probably for the next ten years, Becca thought) and also some gifts for the elves that worked in the manor and even some live mice for the snakes. He thought they would appreciate live food once in a while.

As they went back to the elevator and used a hidden panel to get to the underground entrance, Becca saw the big smile on Harry’s face and decided it was worth tagging along just to see him that happy. When they had gotten back to the manor, Harry hid all the packages until they could have an old fashioned decorating party.

Even Gorbink and some of his family came to visit for a short while. It was strange to see the young and older goblins that were the same people from the different time periods but they worked well together and the younger Gorbink’s family pledged to do all they could so that the other timeline would not repeat itself. What was really strange, or maybe not so strange, was Griphook was another member of the family, Harry’s goblin that served him the first time he went to Gringotts. As Harry recounted the meeting between him and Griphook and the first time he rode in a cart, the goblins were honored that the young man felt so highly of him. As a rule goblins were looked down upon by wizards and never remembered by name or transaction.

At midnight, the Christmas Eve festivities and decorating party came to an end. Everyone was looking forward to the next day and wanted to be up bright and early. It was a day of celebration and even the Prince Conglomerate employees were having a good day as everyone was given a nice Christmas bonus even though some areas had not been in operation long. The Prince family was celebrating in a big way, even if in hiding from the rest of the wizarding world. Regulus was of course included in that as he didn’t want to die at the hands of Voldemort. He knew they were looking for him, he had seen a friend of his while out doing business for the company, and although he would love to see his mother, he wanted more to keep everyone safe.

The next day was Christmas and one hundred and three books were delivered in green Christmas paper to the main pureblood households of the wizarding world that were known Voldemort supporters or followers All of them dropped mysteriously on the doorstep with a peck or hoot at the door. The elves, picking up the packages, checked for curses, hexes and poisons and finding none put the present under the tree for the family members.

The couple had dressed that morning in identical green silk shirts and black slacks. They wore identical style basilisk skin boots and even the belts were the same. They had not planned it that way, but when they ordered something to wear for Christmas, the elves evidently thought it would be cute. They had laughed about it when they saw what the other was wearing that morning after they had dressed.

In the Prince household, there were many presents under the tree and even some for the elves that served in the manor. Most were small presents for acquaintances and friends but nothing extravagant. Severus gave Harry a book on parsletongue magic and when Harry presented Severus with his flowers, still blooming in their boxes Severus was ecstatic.

“Where did you get these Harry? They are almost impossible to come by. They grow wild in the marsh of the southern U.S. and the hurricanes keep destroying them. They are beautiful; you must have paid a fortune for them.”

“Actually, Becca helped me. She knew someone that lived near them and we contacted her and bought them. I won’t tell you what we paid, but they were a bargain. I am glad you like them. Becca said they were good for healing potions.”

“Not just good, they are excellent for healing potions. I am honored you went to so much trouble for me.” Severus kissed Harry and quietly told him he had another present for him later. Harry kissed him back and said he was more than ready.

A house elf came at the same time and spoke with Severus quietly while the rest of the group was conversing about holidays past and future. Several of the gifts under the tree were for the little one coming at the end of July. There was a cradle and the mobile and the stuffed animals and all sorts of toys. He wasn’t even born yet and Evan had lots of toys and gifts for his room. Severus excused himself from the crowd and told them he would be right back. He went to the reception area on the first level to greet his guest.

Remus was standing there after the elf had told him to wait a moment. He looked around the area but realized the rest of the manor was warded off. When Remus had been hired, Severus offered him a generous salary with a company apartment and the elves. He had never felt so pampered and wished he knew how to thank them for their generosity. But when he mentioned that to another one of the employees, he had been told they treated all the workers that way and not to feel like he was singled out or given special treatment. Double checking in a mirror to make sure he still looked presentable, he took in his finely tailored silk crimson robes and the silk hunter green shirt underneath. Yes, maybe it was a little over the top, but it was Christmas and he wanted to celebrate in a way he never had before. All Prince Conglomerate employees were given carte blanche to buy clothes at cost in the Fashion section. So for them it cost less to dress in acromantula silk than blue jeans, if one were buying blue jeans on the market. Prince Fashions actually made all manner of clothes even high end muggle clothing. After about five minutes, Severus came into the room. “Happy Christmas, Remus. Good day so far?” Remus smiled and shook his hand. He really liked this Severus and he hoped the other one would grow into a similar individual. Of course this one didn’t have to deal with the dark mark. He knew Voldemort sometimes tortured his followers through that mark.

“I would like you to come and meet the family. They are down two levels so we will have to take the elevator.” Severus had started for one of the many locked doors when he turned around in puzzlement to face his employee again. Remus was still in the same spot and had not moved and he wondered if something was wrong.

The younger man was a little shocked at the word elevator and raised an eyebrow. “This is a muggle facility?” His incredulous look would have been comical if he weren’t half right.

“Not exactly, let’s just say as in the company, we take the best of muggle and wizard and mix the two for the best combination.” The older man smirked at him and indicated with a jerk of his head for Remus to follow.

He nodded and followed Severus as he used the computer recognition software with the palm of his hand pressed against a plate on the wall and stated his name for the voice print activation. The name he stated though was Severs Masterson Prince but Remus thought this was possibly an alias because of there being two of them in this time. Then the elevator went to the next level and they had to get out of one elevator, go to another reception area. He saw the heated pool and the beautiful murals surrounding the pool. It was the most beautiful site he had ever seen in a house. Then turned to another door to a second elevator and there in front of the door was a snake.

“Is… is that a basilisk?” Remus asked, not so sure he wanted to be here now. How many people had a pet snake and a basilisk at that? Didn’t they know the snake could kill if it looked into your eyes? He turned his head so as to not look at the slithering animal on the floor blocking their way.

“Oh yes, we have several. They protect the family and some of them are the familiars of other family members. This one is called First Born and belongs to my mate. He must have sensed a stranger in the house and came to investigate.” Severus was so used to having them around that he didn’t even think about Remus being uncomfortable around them.

“Will he attack?” Remus asked as he gave the snake a wide berth.

“Not unless you attack first.” Severus smirked

“I will keep that in mind.” Remus walked around the snake and got into the elevator Severus indicated.

When they got to the next and last level, they could hear cheerful chatter coming from a large sitting room. Remus noticed that there were more snakes in front of the fireplace and several adults in various chairs around the room. When he walked in he saw one young man go white in the face and look at Severus. Severus caught Harry’s eye and shook his head as an indication the former werewolf did not know who Harry was and everything would be alright. He smiled and introduced Remus to the rest of the group.

“Hi everyone, this is Remus Lupin. He took our werewolf cure about ten days ago. He now works in getting other werewolves the potion and helping them secure employment. Remus, I want you to meet some of the others that belong to the Prince Conglomerate Family. My mate is Harry Prince, next to him is Becca Prince, next is Doc he runs the medical facility we just put into use, Shashi handles some of the publishing and also does some of the paperwork at the medical facility. The others are healers Acubi, Kyia, Hymnia and last but not least, hiding in the corner is someone I think you already know.” He paused then said. “Regulus Black.” Severus turned to Harry and said. “I wanted it to be a surprise love. This is why I was in the lab brewing the werewolf cure and having meetings.”

Harry jumped up shouting “Yes!” while hugging his mate. He shouted so loud Severus had to pull back as it hurt his ears. “Sorry Sev.” The younger man said contritely. “I didn’t mean to scream in your ear. I was just excited that you did this so soon.”

At the same time Harry and Severus were having their conversation another shout was heard in the room. “Reg!” Remus shouted. He never expected to see his best mate’s brother in this place. “What are you doing here?” He gave Reg a big hug, happy to see someone he had thought was missing and presumed dead.

“I handle certain acts of distribution of certain publications that went out this morning to certain people that we know are following a certain individual.” Reg said cryptically, but then pulling Remus to the side of the room, changed his tone to emphasis the seriousness of what he was going to say next. “They saved my life, Rem, I owe them much.” Then Reg rolled up his sleeve and showed him the smooth white skin on his forearm. “They took it away Remus. I Am Free.” Regulus stressed the last three words as if they were precious gold.

Remus gave him another hug and asked “Am I allowed to mention this to Sirius? He would be so happy to know and I will be seeing him later today at the Potter’s.” At the mention of the Potter’s, Harry jerked his head up to hear what was being said. He hadn’t been able to see his parents even from a distance and wished he could talk to them. But he knew he couldn’t, it was one of the conditions of coming back to this point.

It was Severus who answered Remus’ question. “You may tell Sirius his brother is safe, you may not tell him where he is or who we are. I know this might cause some problems with your friends, but we need Regulus to stay safe and let’s just say that the certain someone that has certain followers is after Reg for getting away.”

“Not telling someone where he is won’t be a problem as I don’t know where we are. I can understand your wanting to stay cautious but I don’t think even MI6 or the whole department of aurors could get through here.” Remus would have laughed at his joke if it weren’t so accurate. “This place was a fortress.”

“Just tell them I am safe and will be in touch when things are more secure.” Regulus added. “Tell Sirius I have seen the light and this is a Slytherin matter.”

“Why do you not join Dumbledore and combine forces?” Remus asked everyone in the room. He watched as they all slightly cringed. “He is working hard for the light side and the destruction of Voldemort. If you joined forces, we might be able to see the end of the war much sooner.” The former werewolf felt he had to defend the headmaster that had helped him go to school.

“Read the dedication page to our book, and then ask that question. We cannot say more as it would compromise our position.” Harry was the one that said this. He wanted to answer Remus’ question but it was not the right time yet.

Remus looked a little puzzled but then nodded. “I will respect your wishes and not say anything. I thank you for trusting me thus far and for everything you have done for me.”

“Remus, you don’t have to thank us. Here we believe every being be it human, goblin or elf or something else has something to contribute. If we all contribute to benefit each other everybody wins.” Harry assured him.

About a half hour later, Remus stood up and addressed everyone in the room. “I would like to visit again when I have more time, I am sorry that I must leave as I have another engagement to attend with friends.” Remus then turned to address Regulus. “Reg, I will see Sirius and tell him you are fine and in hiding. He will be happy to hear what you have told me.” Remus looked at Severus and asked. “Could you tell me how to get out of here so I can visit James and Lily? They have invited me to Christmas Dinner.”

Becca jumped up and spoke to Remus for the first time since introductions. “Wait, we have a present for you.” She ran to the tree and grabbed a small box from under the tree. Inside the box was a jar of scar reducing salve she and Harry had whipped up after the flowers came. It really worked on Harry’s scar and she thought Remus could use some too as according to Harry; he suffered numerous wounds on days he transformed.

“This is something Harry and I made. The instructions are on the inside. Let us know how it works.” Remus graciously accepted the gift, wanting to give something in return but Severus said under no circumstances was he to bring any presents. The gift had no name on it so he assumed they must have put extra presents under the tree for anyone that happened to come. He wondered what was in the box that could need instructions.

Severus stopped him as well and gave him one of the lilies, “Please give this to our mutual friend.” He glanced at Harry to see if he agreed and saw a huge smiling grin plastered on his face at the thought.

Remus, with a fond expression, gave his consent with an indication of his head and shook everyone’s hand and bid them farewell. He took the portkey from Severus and was pulled away back to his apartment, ready for his next stop.

At the end of the meal, the guests left for their own homes including Regulus going to his quarters, so the three adults and seven snakes were left alone in the sitting room. Becca looked like she wanted to retire for the evening after the heavy meal, and actually looked like she had fallen asleep in the chair where she was. Severus gently woke her and helped her to the bedroom then went back to the sitting room to spend time with Harry.

Severus stood in the doorway watching his mate. He wanted to ask him something, something important and he didn’t know how to go about it. He still realized Harry was too young to be involved with an old man like him and could find someone younger, but he loved Harry with all his heart and could promise his younger mate that he would never leave him. Severus sat down on the sofa, a little away from the green eyed beauty just to be able to see him properly. Harry seemed to be lost in thought and barely knew the older man was in the room.

“Harry?” Severus approached him quietly. Harry startled and jerked his head in the direction of that softly spoken voice, tense and unsure of himself. When he become conscious of the fact it was Severus beside him, he visibly relaxed. Severus raised an eyebrow in that signature facial expression of a query and waited for Harry to come back to earth.

“I don’t know where your mind was, but you look serious about something. Care to share?”

The younger man shook his head as if to clear away his thoughts and said, “Just thinking about Remus and Sirius. They are having dinner with my parents and I can’t even tell anyone who I am. It’s harder than I thought to be here sometimes.”

“I’m sorry if my inviting Remus here has upset you, it was not my intention. You had said it would be a really nice Christmas gift to be able to give Remus the werewolf’s cure and I was hoping to make you happy, not sad.” Severus took the hand closest to him and held it in both of his own.

“Harry, love there is something I want to do before the day is over; I have that one last gift for you.” Severus started to say as he tried to calm the nerves jumping inside his stomach.

“But, I thought Remus was the other present that you were talking about. When I saw him come in, I was hoping he was going to take the potion, but you actually gave him a job. I am so proud of you for putting away all the animosity between the marauders and you.”

“I did it for you Harry; I knew it was important to you.” Severus started to rub his lover’s hand and noticed something odd but couldn’t place it. He put it to the back of his mind and started once again to broach the subject that he had begun when he came into the room. As he sat on the leather sofa he struggled with his courage to say what he had wanted to say for a while now.

“Harry, I know you are young and could find someone better, but I wanted to know…” Severus pulled out a small box from his pocket before continuing his question, “If you will marry me.” Severus was concentrating on their intertwined fingers and didn’t look into Harry’s face immediately, until he felt wet splashes on the back of his hand and forced his head up to see the expression on the face of his soul mate. Harry didn’t look happy, he looked…


A/N Thank you to everyone who sent a review. I do try to answer them all if there is an email address available. The next chapter is finished and just needs a little tweaking before I can post it. I now have over seven thousand hits. Thank you so much for the support and I hope you continue to enjoy the story. This is my first fanfic or actually story of any kind and you support is truly valuable.

Special thanks for those who recently reviewed.

nari-chan who always sends me such sweet deserts.

tamikolee-sugar quills work for me and Lucius will be coming into the picture after the next few chapters(A younger yummier Luc too), Giggles

Neji.s_Soulmate – Thank you so much and you are right, when I went back and read it over it was redundant, Thanks for the tip. As for the monitoring devices, we have to wait to see when little Harry arrives, so we have a while before I can put that in.

To everyone else, I have been updating Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Sometimes I am a day off depending on the time zone you are in. The reviews help a lot to keep me on track. Don’t be afraid to critique something you feel is needed.
Thanks again – Lady Edgecombe