Deserving (Final Chapter)

Chapter 34

“Harry you have no choice in the matter. You know that. Every convict has to be examined by a medi- witch,” said the Auror, who Harry thought may have been named Simon but couldn’t be too sure, as he unsuccessfully tried to get Harry to consent to the examination.

“The Department knows I have only ever allowed my personal physician to examine me,” rebutted Harry.

“Harry be reasonable, this is not your annual work check up. You are not in here as an Auror. Please, Harry, don’t make things difficult. It is just a simple medical exam. Nothing to make a fuss about.”

“Patrick (yes, that was it; Simon was the one who giggled at anything vaguely obscene while Patrick was the more sensible one, still it was hard to physically tell them apart) you know I have my rights. I want *my* physician here, or there will be no medical examination,” said a determined Harry.

“But Harry do you really think Madam Pomfrey is going to want to see you?”

That was exactly what Harry was banking on. If the department could not get his personal physician in three days, then they would have to submit all the paper work to have him examined without his consent. That could last another three days and by then he was hoping to be far away from that cell.

“I told you, I will only consent to my physician’s examination.”

The Auror left defeated, not understanding what Harry was playing at.


***

“Mr. Potter, you owe me an explanation,” said the cross Medi-witch as she entered his cell. “I have just been informed by your department that I am on record as being your personal physician. Correct me if I am wrong, but since you left Hogwarts as a student I have never seen you as a patient,” said the witch, trying her best not to raise her voice.

Harry couldn’t believe she was there. She was going to give it all away. He had struggled so hard to keep his secret but now it would all come to light. He fell to his bed in defeat.

“Mr. Potter, is there something wrong? Are you not feeling well?” asked the witch, forgetting she was so upset with him and reaching out to feel his forehead. “You look pale,” she said as she whipped out her wand and the scanning began. It did not take her but a minute to see what he was concealing.


“How long have you had this medical problem?” she asked trying to ease him.

“Is that important? Who are you going to tell?”

“Mr. Potter, I take my profession very seriously. I would never divulge a patient’s condition. I just don’t understand why you haven’t had Severus brew you a cure,” she asked with a puzzled frown.

Severus… brew him a cure? Could he do such a thing? Harry felt a dozen questions flood his mind. Severus was a master brewer. Of course he could cure him. Why didn’t he think of that? Everything was going to be alright as long as Poppy kept her word and did not reveal his condition.

“When can I see him?”

“I do not think that wise, but there are other brewers I can recommend…”

“NO! It has to be Snape. He is the only one I trust.”

She raised an eyebrow. “It is a pity he can’t trust you,” she said turning on her heels and leaving.

***

He heard footsteps for the second time that afternoon. They weren’t Ron’s steps. Ron was upset with him and had not been back to see him. One day he would explain everything and Ron would understand. That was his last thought before he was confronted with Neville’s face. Apparently he still had Auror privileges because he crossed the bars with ease.

“Hi, Harry, how are you?” said Neville with a grin.

“Not in the mood for small talk. What are you doing here anyway?” asked Harry, immediately suspicious of Neville’s intent.

“I am here because Severus sent me,” announced Longbottom.

“Snape! You’ve seen Snape? You have a message from him?” said Harry, letting down all his defenses.

“Yes, well, I do have a message from him, but I will warn you, it might not be the one you are expecting,” said Neville, not really wanting to hurt someone who had never done him any harm.

Harry grew suspicious again and immediately put up his guard. “What do you mean, I might not like it? Snape would never hurt me. We are family, you know, we take care of each other and our son,” said Harry, hearing the words and choking on them. Was something wrong? Why did he have this pang in the pit of his stomach?

“You almost killed Severus. He fears for his life. You can understand that can’t you? He needs to get away from you. He is ready to search for his happiness and he has accepted to be my husband.”

“What? You’re barking mad! You can’t marry him. He is MY husband. What are you playing at?”

“Harry, I want you to be reasonable for once in your life. You know you are not what he needs. He has paid for his crimes.”

“DID HE TELL YOU THAT? Or are you assuming?” said Harry, all but holding back his rage.

“Harry he has the right to be happy. Please let him go,” pleaded Neville.

“And you believe you can give him that happiness?” Harry paused to chuckle and shook his head. “Do you really think he can be happy without paying for his crimes? You don’t know him do you? He will never be happy until he believes he has paid; he will walk around a sour miserable man without redemption.”

“You are done making him suffer. I will no longer allow it.”

“What did Snape ask you to say?” asked Harry with warning in his tone.

“He wants you to sign the divorce paper so it will go through promptly and he and I can be together,” said Neville with the confidence of a man that was saying the truth.

Harry could not believe his ears but he knew Neville was not lying. He would not lie to him, that much Harry knew. He thought Snape knew the reasoning behind most of his actions, but apparently he had done it again. He had broken his prize possession. It seemed he always did: Hedwig, the mirror that Sirius had given him, his wand and now Snape. He had been able to fix his wand but he was not being given the opportunity to fix Snape and therefore he was leaving, abandoning him.

“Harry, you will give him his freedom; right? He deserves it,” pleaded Harry’s old roommate.
“If that is what he wants,” said Harry as he nodded.

***

The court day came and Severus and Harry were before Madam Sprout. Harry was trying to look into Severus’ eyes but Severus was averting his. It seemed to be the story of Harry’s life. Every time he was a court the person that he depended on the most would not look him in the eyes.
“Mr. Potter I have been informed that you have agreed to the divorce but there are two matters to be discussed before finalizing everything,” pronounced Madam Sprout.
Harry and Severus took deep gulps of air. Neither one had any idea what these two matters were.
“
“First, the financial aspect of this divorce, Severus is entitled to half of all your assets…”

“Granted,” announced Harry not allowing her to finish her statement.

“No, I do not wish to take what is not mine. I did not work while living with Mr. Potter. I brought no assets into the household,” interjected Severus.

“You took care of our child and the house,” offered Harry.

“Kreacher took care of the house,” explained Severus.

“Severus, it is my call and I say you are entitled to half of Mr. Potter’s assets,” said a firm Sprout.

“Madam Sprout, please allow me leave this room with my dignity held up high. Can I please get back only that which I have contributed? I believe my pension and a property left to me by my parents will be sufficient.”

Madam Sprout considered Severus’ words. She knew him to be a proud man.

“I see that there is a small treasure gifted by Hogwarts on your wedding night,” she said looking over her spectacles at the two men.

“It belongs to Snape,” jumped Harry.

“No it does not. It was my dowry and under dowry laws it belongs to my spouse,” said Severus with pressed lips and an iron determination.

“Very well, Severus, it will be done as you wish,” said the stout witch.

Harry had the distinct feeling that Severus would be getting his wish throughout the proceedings.

“Then there is the matter of Severus’ magic. As you know Mr. Potter, you are the only Guide that was given the option of giving or taking your Marked One’s magic. This was done because Mr. Snape is, after all, a war hero. It was assumed that you would give him his magic but alas you have failed to do the correct thing. So I am hoping that you will do the right thing now and give Severus back his magic,” said Madam Sprout, digging her eyes into Harry.

But Harry was not about to be intimidated. He caught on to her slight of words. So… it was up to him to give Snape his magic and she had no control over it. He had all the control on that matter.

“I will not give him back his wand nor his magic,” announced Harry, sending Sprout to her feet.

“MR. POTTER!”

“Your honor, if I may, I have no need of my magic. As you well know I have never been fond of silly wand waving. My hus… Mr. Potter has already given me the gift of brewing and I am…”

“Severus, you are entitled to your magic and I will not have a capricious BOY keep you from it,” said Sprout in a no-nonsense tone. “What? Are you going to let him keep you away from your child also?”

“What?!” yelled Harry and Severus at the same time.

“That is our second matter, custody of little Richard,” she said keeping her eyes on Harry.

Severus felt his heart skip a beat.

“Joint custody,” said Harry, not looking at Severus. “Richard will live with his Papa of course,” he added.

Harry was not going to take Richard away from him. Harry loved Richard too much to have him suffer the loss of his Papa. Severus fell to the seat that was luckily behind him, but got right up again. “My son’s father will be able to see him whenever he pleases,” he added.

“I don’t think that prudent, Severus. I think a period of separation would be wise,” responded Sprout.

“Separations from my family?” croaked Harry.

“From Severus,” cleared Mona. “Your ex-husband,” she added for good measure.

Harry felt a lump in his throat that he just could not swallow. The words were pounding in his head.

“But then how will he be able to see our son?” asked Severus, looking at Mona for some answers.

“He will be able to come see him here, at the Ministry. We will provide Mr. Potter and his son with an empty office where they can…”

“Absolutely not! That is unacceptable,” charged Severus, upset with the whole idea. “My child will not be subjected to this. He has always been able to play and fly with his dad. And this…”

“Severus, I assure you they will have plen…”

“NO! No, this will not do. Madam Sprout if our years of working together mean anything to you, you will not subject my child to this situation. May I suggest that Kreacher come get Richard when Mr. Potter would like to see his son? Would that be acceptable?” Snape negotiated.

Harry listened to Snape’s arguments. Snape was fighting for their child’s rights. Snape would always do what was right when it came to Richard. Harry had allowed his thoughts to take him away from that wretched courtroom, but was brought back by the mallet falling and dictating sentence. They were divorced.

***
Patrick and Simon leaded Harry to the exciting floos and turned to leave. Harry was perplexed.

“Wait a second, what is going on? Are you letting me go?” Harry asked.

“You have had your day in court and you have been sentence has been dictated?” said Patrick as if this explained everything.

“But I was being held for a crime, not a divorce,” countered Harry.

“Listen Harry, all I know is that we were told to escort you to the floos once the proceedings were over and they are over, so we follow directions,” explained the Aurors as they turned and left. None of it made sense to Harry, but he was free and he was not about to argue
Harry crossed the floo into his sitting room. He could already feel the emptiness in his home. He had lost his family. He had broken the only thing that mattered to him and now Neville would have all that he cared for. Neville, Neville who had dodged the bullet of being the Chosen One. He had not had to go through life fearing eminent death from the hands of a deranged wizard as Harry had. Neville would inherit his family. Harry could feel his insides screaming about the injustice of it all. He fell to his knees in front of the hearth. It hurt, it hurt so much.
He felt the soft hand caress his hair.
“Harry,” said the soft voice of Dennis. “Please, Harry, come and sit on the sofa. That stone floor is very cold.”
Harry allowed himself to be guided to the sofa, but instead of sitting he laid his head on Dennis’ lap. Izzy began to caress his hair.
“Thank you for taking care of Richard,” whispered Harry.
“I didn’t have to do much,” fibbed Dennis. “Millicent and Sly are very possessive of him. They had to help me keep him on his schedule. I am a sucker when it comes to Richard. He had me reading three to five books before bedtime. If it weren’t for Sly who would come in and turn off the light, I’d still be there reading.”
Harry smiled, Richard would do the same to him and Snape would always come rescue him.
“Is is true what they are saying?” asked Dennis. “Is Madam Sprout really going to grant the fugitive Aurors amnesty? Will Sly actually be able to go back to his job and life? I knew that would be one of her first matters of business when she got elected. Now the Slytherins have an ally. They had been silent because of Singles’ apparent support but now with Madam…”
Harry could not bring himself to care. He was just grateful for Dennis’ ministration of his hair, which seemed to sooth him. But all too soon he was left alone and he had to go up to his room. His room, why did he always call it his room? Was it not their room? Did he ever tell Snape that it was their room? He looked at the bed. He could not even imagine sleeping in that bed without Snape by his side. He walked away from the bed and found himself face to face with the dresser. He fell to his knees and opened the last draw: Snape’s draw. He gathered his courage and opened it. He looked down at the contents. It was all there. The money bag, maybe that had been a mistake, but he had given Snape a good money bag also, which still there. The one that was not tainted. Snape had to know that he trusted him. He gave him complete access to his Gringotts’ account. He snapped himself out of it and returned to the drawer, there was that hideous lavender nightgown with the purple roses that Snape found so much comfort in. Kreacher had given him that, but he had gotten him nice pajamas. Manly pajamas, but those were left behind also. Everything that Harry had given Snape was left behind. Snape wanted no part of him.

***

Severus had arrived with Richard and Neville to Kings’ and Draco’s home. They had dinner and the conversation was idle. Kings and Draco figured that the Professor and his fiancé needed some time alone and offered to put Richard to bed. Neville and Severus were left alone.

“Are you taking me to your bed tonight,” asked Severus, wanting it all over as soon as possible.

“No, Severus, I will not be taking you to… how did you put it? Oh yes, to My bed,” responded Neville with a small smile as he let his shoulders drop in defeat. “But I will be taking you and Richard tomorrow on a little trip. Pack lightly,” he said as he walked towards Severus who could not help but to go rigid at Neville’s proximity. Again Neville’s shoulders slumped in defeat, but he did not lose courage and gave Severus a tender kiss on the forehead.

“Good night Severus, sleep well,” he said as he left through the floo.

Severus felt a chill run through his body when he was left alone. He heard the popping noise of Kings’ house elf.

“Would you like Dilly to show you your room?” asked the little elf with a smile on her face.

“Yes, Please Dilly,” and followed the little bouncing elf to the guest room.

But when he entered he immediately panicked.

“Where is Richard?”

“He is in the room with Nicky,” answered Draco as he entered the room.

“There is no need for that; he can sleep here with me,” said Severus as he walked aimlessly out to the hall looking for his son.

“Professor, you know how well they get along. They love being together and it will be good for Richard to see this as a sleep over until he gets used to reality,” said Draco, losing volume as he realized that his words might bring the his professor to a reality he might not be ready to handle.

This time it was Severus’ shoulders that slumped. Draco was right. He did not want Richard realizing that they were homeless and subject to the charity of good friends.

“I assure you we will be out of your way as soon as possible…”

“Professor! King and I are happy to have you and Richard here. We love you and we love that this is a place you feel safe enough to come,” assured the young blond man.

“May I see my son?”

“You know you can. In fact I believe he is waiting for his good night kiss,” said Draco, guiding him to the nursery with the winking bears.

“Papa!” exclaimed Richard, sitting upright on his bed and alerting Nicky to the adults’ presence. “I am going to be sleeping with Nicky for these many days,” he said holding up all five fingers.

“So you will, but tomorrow we will be going on a short trip with Neville.”

“He is funny. I like him.”

“Do you, now? That is nice to know,” he said, kissing his son’s forehead.

“Will you read us a story, Papa?” asked Richard with the cutest puppy dog eyes he could muster.

But Severus was not buying it. “Has Mr. Shacklebolt read you a story?” he asked the two boys with a raised eyebrow.

They did not answer but Draco did. “Two, to be precise.”

“That should be enough for tonight but I will promise you that when we come back from the trip I will read two stories: one for you and one for Nicky. Does that seem fair enough?”

The two little boys nodded their heads in agreement as Draco and Severus left the room.

***

No sooner had they closed the door Severus saw the malicious green on Draco’s face.

“So a little trip with your fiancé, isn’t that jumping the gun? Wouldn’t it be wiser to leave Richard with us?”

“Draco, it is not what you are thinking. Besides Mr… Neville,” he promptly corrected. “… asked us both on the trip.”

Draco could see the sadness in his professor’s eyes.

“Professor, if someone would have told me that I was going to find happiness in these walls and with Kingsley Shacklebolt, I would have laughed in their face. But I assure you, Professor, I couldn’t be happier. He loves me and he is not afraid to show it. And what is even more amazing is that he loves Nicky and he isn’t afraid to show him either. It’s amazing how he plays with him and hugs and kisses him all the time.”

Severus smiled as he bowed his head. He had never realized how the prince of Slytherin, the child who had everything, had also been denied love and acceptance from his father.

“What is amazing is that you have allowed yourself to love and to show your child what love really is. That is not an easy task, but somehow you have been able to give your child what you never had,” said Severus raising his head to meet Draco’s eyes.

“We both have, haven’t we?” answered Draco with a slight smile. “Give Neville the opportunity to love you and your child, you won’t regret it,” advised Draco.

Severus tried to force a little smile but failed miserably. He went to his room and closed the door, hopping that Draco would get the message; he did.

He looked at the bed and decided to bypass it. He went to the chair in front of the fireplace and let his weight drop into it. It was done. It was over. Did he really expect to grow old amongst his family? Family was something that was not meant for the likes of him. He knew all this so why did it hurt so much? Without realizing it he called out:

“Kreacher”

Pop! And before Severus knew what hit him Kreacher was hanging from his neck.

“Kreacher is wanting to come. Mean Mrs. Weasley is not allowing Kreacher to come help Severus. She is capturing Kreacher with ivy,” he managed in-between sobs.

“I know Kreacher,” he said, untying the little hands from around his neck. “I assure you I am well. I simply needed to see that you were well also. Are you?... Well, I mean,” cleared Severus.

“I is doing well, but my master is not eating supper tonight. Mr. Creevy is trying to feed him but Master Harry Potter would not do so. Harry Potter is not sleeping in his bed. Harry Potter is sleeping on a chair. Kreacher is not knowing why Harry Potter is doing this,” said the little elf, hoping to get an answer from Severus.

“He must be missing Richard,” supplied Severus.

“Kreacher is not thinking this is so. Richard is not being the one who sleeps with Harry Potter. Kreacher is thinking Harry Potter Sir is not wanting to sleep alone in his bed. Harry Potter is missing Severus Snape,” said the wise old house elf.

Severus did not want to dwell on Kreacher’s words. What was done was done.

“Kreacher, can you get me my nightgown? Please.”

No sooner had he asked Kreacher had snapped out and back with nightgown and reading glasses in hand. Severus smiled his thank you. Goodbyes were said and soon Severus was alone again. He put on his nightgown and hugged himself in an attempt to stop the chill and hurt running through his soul.

A/N

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