How Severus Spends His Summer Hols

DISCLAIMER: JKR owns everything that is in reference to the Harry Potter world if it is in one of my works of fiction. If it is not found in one of her creations, then it is mine unless otherwise stated. I am not making any profit from the writing of this story.

Ron slowly walked back to the two old wizards and pulled up a chair to join them. Sitting heavily and looking at his hands, the red head began to speak before the other two could start.


“I dated Harry for a short time while we were in our sixth year at Hogwarts, so yes, I am probably over reacting to the relationship he’s in, but after the one he was in before…I can’t help it.”

Stunned silence hung in the air as the Wolffes digested that little tidbit of information that had just been dropped on them. Grant recovered first, once again, the parent in him coming out to protect his Severus from pain.

“Does Severus know?”

Ron nodded his face colouring slightly in the lantern light as he studied his fingers intently.
“Yeah, he knows. He knew then, took nasty pleasure in taunting me when Harry and I called it quits.” He looked up quickly, anticipating the next question. “No, I am not jealous of him at all. I am very happy with Mione. With Harry, I…it …well it was experimenting, you know? Nothing serious, a bit of snogging and a shag, hell, neither one of us could stop laughing during it. We knew we were just experimenting.”

Damon listened to the younger man, reaching out to his side and taking Grant’s hand in one of his own, moving to rest them both in his lap. He was worried about his husband, what had happened with Severus had taken a lot out of him tonight. If he were honest with himself, he’d admit he’d been shaken as well.

“As long as you aren’t going to continue to try to bust the two of them up anymore Ron, we’ll look past your behaviour tonight. I think you saw that Sev would rather put himself in danger rather than harm your friend.” Damon said as he noticed the red headed man watching their hands, Grant’s fingers stroking his own fingertips absently, taking comfort in the simple contact of his husband.

Ron nodded his ascent as he looked up at him, clearly wanting to ask, but not sure if he should. He knew the Potions Master was intensely private, but he himself needed to know Severus was going to be okay. He’d never been one of Ron’s favourite people, but he didn’t want harm to befall him either.

“We can’t tell you everything Ron, that is up to Sev” Grant began; he knew what the younger man wanted. It had taken Grant one summer to pry the information out of the black haired man, he knew the shame and guilt that was buried beneath the surface and would never divulge secrets without permission. Not only a muggle psychiatrist in his everyday life, he was also the one Severus confided in.

Nodding, Ron answered, “I didn’t think you could tell me everything, and I’m not sure I want all the details.”

“Fair enough, how about this? You ask and we’ll answer if we feel it is appropriate.” Damon said. He agreed with Grant to defend Severus’ privacy, “What is said here tonight stays here Ron, you never say a word to anyone. I mean anyone, not your wife, not Harry, not Dumbledore, and above all, not Sev.”

“Of course, I won’t say a thing.”

The married couple sat back and waited for the first question.

“This has happened before?”

Grant nodded, “Unfortunately yes.”

“Is he still being…abused?”

“We think so, his father is still alive and well…we have reason to believe Orion Snape still takes pleasure in tearing Sev apart.” Damon hissed in anger. The relief he felt that Severus was no longer going to be living in proximity to his family was almost physical, he wanted to make the elder Snape answer for the sins against his son.

“Does Harry know?” Ron asked, sure he already knew the answer.

Grant shook his head no.

“He won’t tell him, says it is unimportant.”

“Stupid git.” Ron muttered as he ran a tired hand through his untidy hair, and then yawned.

“He doesn’t hit Harry, does he?”

Damon just looked at Ron with a look of disgust plainly read on his wrinkled face. Ron looked back down.
“Right, I had to ask. So you know about Harry’s last relationship?”

“Only bits and pieces Ron.” Grant said, “But we do understand that is where you got the idea that a relationship like Harry and Sev have could be unhealthy for your friend.”

Nodding in agreement, he looked at the married couple again before he spoke again.

“You two are like that, right?”

“Oh yes, I’ve served Damon for thirty nine years, and in return he’s looked after me and kept me safe.” Grant smiled in response. He was happy as could be to be with Damon. Although their relationship was not as traditionally D/s in the opinions of some people, he knew in his heart he served with joy. They had long ago set aside the formal trappings and protocols that many in the Lifestyle followed; they each knew what they were to the other.

“Why do you act differently than Harry or Allie?”

“Age and the fact I am terribly spoiled by Damon, he lets me get away with things others wouldn’t.” Grant laughed as he squeezed his love’s hand.

“It’s because you can cook so well brat, otherwise, out the door with you.” Damon growled as he brought Grant’s hand to his lips and kissed his knuckles tenderly.

“I have other questions about Severus, but it is late, I’m tired, and you probably wouldn’t feel comfortable answering them.” Ron said thoughtfully as he watched the caring between the two. He hoped that he and Hermione would still care as deeply about each other when they were as old as the two men in front of him.

“Is the professor going to remember this in the morning?” he asked as the idea suddenly occurred to him.

“He will, I am not sure if he is going to remember that you were involved or not. I will ask you not to say anything to him about what happened, he’s going to be a little out of it for awhile in the morning, he always is the day after.” Grant answered, knowing that he would be spending some time with Severus simply letting the boy talk without fears of being judged. He decided that now that Severus was moving to live close to them, he would suggest scheduling weekly appointments for him to come in and talk with him, Harry may wish to take advantage of that offer as well.

“What if he says something to me?” Ron asked worriedly, even though he was no longer a student, he had a healthy respect for the older man’s temper.

“If I know Severus, if he says anything at all, it will be to apologize for any inconvenience he caused for you.” Damon snorted as he thought of the younger man’s proper manners and behaviours that were displayed at the oddest times. Idiotic brat needed to throw off the Old World mannerisms and simply relax. “If he does say anything, just acknowledge it and go on, don’t try to talk about it. And whatever you do, don’t treat him any differently.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, Sir, I like my head attached to my shoulders.” Ron laughed as he stifled a yawn and noticed the other two men were doing the same.

“I think it’s time we all got back to bed gentlemen, morning will be here soon enough.” Grant said as he looked at his husband and then stood as Damon offered him his hand.

“Yeah, sleep well.” Ron said as he rejoined Hermione in the tent and slid in quietly next to her. He closed his eyes, wanting to sleep, but thinking instead of everything he’d been told and everything he’d seen that night. He thought to himself that he needed to give Harry’s relationship another chance.

In the Wolffe tent, Damon held Grant as the other man sighed softly, thinking of how to deal with the younger man he knew he’d find in his tent come morning. Grant kissed Damon’s cheek gently and snuggled in next to him closing his eyes.