Follow Me

A/N: Thank you to all those that are reading and reviewing my work, and another thank you to those that have encouraged me to continue.



A/N2: I just noticed that with this chapter the story is over 400 pages long. I never realized how huge this thing was getting, over two hundred thousand words so far. You guys have done over one hundred and fifty reviews, please continue to review... it encourages my ego and hence I focus on writing so inturn you get your chapters quicker.... yes I know a horrible bribe...lol.



A/N3: Ok folks, I set up a yahoo group for my writing. Primarily it is to give me a place that I can post my stories to, and hopefully get some useful feedback on chapters before they are posted elsewhere on the net. By the way there is a picture of Norische on the group... http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Of_Pens_and_Ponders/?yguid=104171974







[...] or {...} = mindspeak

~...~ = parletongue

\'...\' = thought





Chapter 39



“But father she said I could get up today.” Norische argued.



“Actually, Madam Pomfrey stated that she would check on you in three days and that… if… you were doing better that she would allow you to get out of bed.” Severus sat down his cup of tea. Shaking his head Severus was amazed at how horrible a patient his son could be. For the last three days Norische had been restricted to bed. The first day wasn’t bad truly; Norische simply spent the day lazing around with his mates and Harry enjoying the rest. The second day Norische had been informed that the conversation in the dinning room had continued without them and that Severus had placed the memory of the conversation into a pensieve for the boys to watch once everything calmed down a little. And every since then, Norische had been a royal terror. Arguing that he didn’t have to get out of bed to go over the conversation.



Thankfully Pari was more than willing to put her foot down and reminded her godson that there were several other ways to punish a stubborn, head strong teenager rather than just to paddle his butt. Knowing his godmother as he did, Norische quieted down and decided to put his enforced isolation to good use and borrowed several of Severus’ Potions Journals. Going over the articles and research that was had been done on a wide variety of new improved potions that were sure to be on the market soon.



Well at least it gave him something interesting to talk about with his father, who had joined Norische in his room for a spot of tea. “Father how can this guy get away with publishing such crap about nagoli oil. If anyone uses it as this fool suggests…”



“They will undoubtedly be sued to their very last galleon… yes I know. Ignorant armatures. I had the same reaction you have had when I read the article. Nagoli oil is not the proper base for an anti-aging potion; with its corrosive properties it will not only counter act any soothing agents within the potion but the fact that one out of every nine individuals exhibit some degree of intolerance to the oil will make it practically impossible to find anyone that would be able to use the potion without some form of serious residual effects.” Severus growled at the ignorance of the author. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the journal actually didn’t find itself in a little bit of a legal situation after posting such rubbish.”



Harry walked into the room in the middle of the conversation, slightly confused at the general topic. Harry went over and sat down next to Draco who was spread out on the bed using Norische’s lap as a pillow. Chris was laying across the foot of the bed going through another baby catalogue, quite occupied with writing up an order for preemie baby clothes. Molly had mentioned earlier at breakfast that even if the babies were born on time and went to full term, the chances that they would be smaller than average was quite high since they were twins. So Chris took the statement to heart and had started going through all the baby catalogues they had gotten, picking out a generous selection of preemie things, just to make sure that their sons would not be wanting for anything. Better be safe than sorry.



“What’s nagoli oil?” Harry asked as he sat down on the bed.



“It is an oil rendered from husks of the nage fruit. Which isn’t actually a fruit at all but a nut, it is found only in India and quite rare. It’s primary use is as an exfoliate, its slight abrasive nature allows for a wide variety of cosmetic uses. However, since it is highly acidic, using it frequently can cause serious and irrevocable damage to the skin.” Severus explained.



“Ok.” Harry was still not sure what the conversation was about.



“Audry Filpots, a ‘well renowned’ potions master from Wales,” Hmmmpff Norische snorted his objection at the ‘well renowned’ comment. “…has gotten it into his head that since Nagoli oil can an excellent additive for a intermittent exfoliate, that if he used it as the base oil on a standard moisturizing cream that it would be even better.”



“Ok….” Again Harry was unsure of the point.



Norische smiled and explained. “What Nagoli oil does is that it is an inflammatory as well as an abrasive. Any skin that it comes into contact with almost immediately becomes inflamed to some degree. Depending on the amount used and the concentration of the oil you can get from a mild to dramatic effect. Charlatans have used it for ages as an additive for de-aging potions, supposedly erasing wrinkles in just minutes. What it is really doing is that it inflames the tissues around the wrinkles, making them appear to disappear, but as soon as the inflammation goes down the wrinkles are back and the skin is slightly tender do to the abrasive nature of the oil. This guy is talking about using it as the base for a de-aging potion, instead of as just an addition. The person would have to use it all the time in order to get a reaction that last for more than an hour or so, and using it that much would cause some major damage to the skin.” Norische continued with his rant although he wasn’t sure if Harry was actually interested in the subject at all.



“Every time someone would use the lotion it would eat away at layers of skin, causing it to have a ‘fresh and youthful’ appearance, and the inflammation caused by the irritation of the skin it would indeed smooth out the wrinkles. Unfortunately, if you used the potion the way this guy is suggesting…within two weeks the potion would literally have abraded away all the upper levels of the epidermal.” Norische tossed the journal to the foot of the bed in his frustration, hitting Chris who had been concentrating on his catalogues.



“Hey!” Chris huffed, pushing the potions magazine off the bed.



“Sorry luv, I didn’t mean to do that, I was just getting frustrated.” Norische apologized and took a deep breath trying to calm down.



Harry thought about what Norische had said then went over and picked up the magazine. “So the potion this guy is putting out there could actually cause people to end up with holes in their skin?”



Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Hopefully individuals would notice the damage before it got to that level but technically yes.”



“You guys should write this magazine and tell them then. You know how dangerous this potion could be, but what about others who don’t have as much experience or knowledge as you have?” Harry shook his head, looking over to Severus and Norische.



Norische looked over to his father his eyes just twinkling with the possibilities. “He’s right father. I would be willing to write the article, if you help me that is.”



Severus felt the pride he had for his son swelling in his chest. “Write the article, I will go over it with you and make sure your analogy is professional and correct.”



Norische smiled and started to get up out of the bed…



“What do you think you’re doing young man?” Madam Pomfrey asked curtly.



“Oops.” Norische quickly sat back down, attempting to look innocent.



“Mr. Snape I thought I told you to stay in bed and rest?” Poppy huffed as she walked over to the end of the bed and sat down her satchel.



“Yes Ma’am. And I have…I was just going to get up and get a parchment and quill.” Norische tried to explain but the medi-witch was having none of it.



Draco, Chris and Harry quickly got up off the bed and moved over out of Poppy’s way. Not wishing to fall victim to the dragon lady’s wrath.



Poppy waived away his excuse and motioned for him to lie down. “Lay down so that I can do a quick scan and see how you’re doing?” As soon as Norische was lying flat, Poppy pulled out her wand and began to do a series of diagnostic spells and scans. Making notes on a pad every now and then, Poppy cast a final spell and then turned to Severus who sat anxiously waiting for the results.



“Well…surprisingly the boy has indeed managed to regain most of his magical energy. He still needs to take it easy, no heavy magic for a few more days but he is doing well enough to get out and about. Limited activity mind you, nothing to stressful, or strenuous but a little walking would do him good. Make sure that he keeps it up with the nutrients, and the feedings, his iron level is low so you might need to up the level of iron and potassium you put in his potions.” Poppy stated.



As soon as Norische heard that he could get out of bed he let out a whoop. “Whoo Hooo!”



Poppy turned back to Norische giving him one of her looks. “I am not finished with you yet young man. I need to give you your normal exam. It was due last week but with every thing else that was going on I let it slide. Now that you are fairly up to par, I need to check and make sure that everything is still doing well.” Then Poppy reached into her bag and retrieved an item, after placing it on the floor a few feet away from the bed she raised her wand “Engorgio!” The small item enlarged and proved to be one of the hospital beds from the infirmary. Poppy presented Norische with a gown and motioned for him to change into it with all due speed.



Norische blushed slightly but took the gown from the medi-witch and headed into the loo. Norische grumbled about having to sit down to do his business but decided that since Poppy would probably be poking around down there that he should go ahead and empty his bladder while he had the chance. It took a few minutes for Norische to finish and make his way back over to Poppy, but he got out there as quickly as he could, wanting to get this over with and get out of this blasted room.



“Very well Mr. Snape if you could lay down on the bed we should be able to get this over with quickly.”



“Norische do you wish me to leave?” Severus asked.



“NO. Ah… no…please stay.” Norische practically shouted, and then realizing the tone in his voice he quieted down and gave his father a frightened look.



“It’s ok son, I’m not going anywhere.” Severus remembered the last time that his son was examined in such a manner. One look at Norische and Severus knew that Norische was remembering the previous incident as well. Severus helped Norische onto the bed and to lie down, but as he tried to move out of the way Norische reached out quickly and grabbed his hand…holding him in place.



“Mr. Snape, I have already done most of the scans and magic I need to do, so all that is left is a general exam. I am going to be as gentle as possible, if for any reason you want me to stop just let me know.” Severus and Remus had told Poppy about Norische’s experience with his grandfather and she certainly didn’t want to traumatize the boy in any manner.



“First I need to check and see if you have started to lactate and how you are developing in that area. Have your nipples or chest been overly sensitive?” Poppy spoke gently as she pulled aside the gown and began to press in various areas on Norische’s chest.



“A little. Every now and then they really hurt, but most of the time it isn’t too bad.” Norische grimaced as Madam Pomfrey squeezed his right nipple gently.



“Excellent, you are already starting to lactate. Excellent, right on time. Now over the next month or so you will probably get even more sensitive, if it gets too painful I suggest using a cool cloth or perhaps a piece of ice wrapped in a cloth. It will numb the area slightly without you having to take a potion.” Poppy continued to press and examine Norische’s chest as she spoke. Looking over to Chris and Draco Poppy asked. “Have you boys begun to suckle yet?”



“Ma’am?” Draco was shocked at the question.



“Draco, in order to encourage Norische to produce milk we should suckle at his breast at least once a day. But to answer your question Ma’am…no.” Chris explained as he moved to stand next to Norische with Draco.



“It is a little early truly, but since it is twins…I would suggest that he will need the extra time to build up the quantity necessary. Start with five minutes each day, each side and then use your best judgment. One of you should do it early in the day and the other should do it in the evenings. Notify me if there is too much discomfort or if he does not begin to produce an adequate amount of milk within the next month or so. We may need to give him a supplement to encourage the production a little.” After she finished, Poppy moved down to the other end of the bed. Then with a swish of her wand she produced a set of stirrups and a screen for Norische’s privacy.



“Very well Mr. Snape. I am going to place your legs in the stirrups and then I will finish up with this exam. Again if you experience any pain or you need me to stop just let me know.” Poppy waited for Norische to nod before she moved his legs into the appropriate slot.



“I know this is hard on you, but I have to find out if the birthing canal is forming on schedule. I am going to be pressing here and there to make sure it has not distended, then I am going to insert my fingers into your rectum to make sure that it is in its proper place and developing as it should.” Poppy spoke gently to Norische who had begun to tremble at her words.



Draco placed his hand in Norische’s giving it a gentle squeeze. Severus had never let go of Norische’s other hand, he gently placed his free hand on Norische’s shoulder trying to reassure him as best as he could. Chris moved to stand between the two of them and smoothed out Norische’s hair, leaning down to speak softly to his mate.



“Just try and relax as best as you can. Remember we are here, you’re safe, no one is going to hurt you.” Chris whispered in Norische’s ear.



Norische nodded but he couldn’t stop his eyes from moistening. He knew it was necessary, he knew that he was safe, but he couldn’t stop the fear. Norische felt the medi-witch moving aside his testicles, and pressing underneath gently applying just a slight amount of pressure. After several gentle touches, Madam Pomfrey allowed Norische to rest for a minute before she continued.



Poppy looked over the sheet to Severus who was focused solely on his son’s face. Tears were falling down the cheeks of both father and son, seeing this Poppy went over to her bag and chose a calming draught. After making sure that Norische took the entire thing and giving it the appropriate amount of time to take full effect, Poppy announce she was going to continue.



Harry had stood aside, not wanting to interfere. He felt so helpless, all he wanted to do was take Norische in his arms and make it all go away. The past, the fear, the pain….all of it. He tried hard not to allow his own emotions get the better of him, but as Norische began to lose his grip with his emotions so did Harry.



Chris looked over the table to Harry… [oh crap!] Chris saw Harry’s eye huge and the tears streaming down his face. [Dad! We need you! Harry is loosing it!] Chris yelled out in his mind to Remus who was downstairs talking with Sirius and Ron about some of the suggestions that Ginny had come up with.



Remus heard Chris yell in his mind and quickly grabbed Sirius’ arm. “Sirius, Harry needs you!” [where is he?]



“What’s the matter?” Sirius asked quickly, looking around for his godson.



“Chris says that he is ‘loosing it’….” Remus stated.



[We are all up in Norische and our room. Poppy is examining Nori, and I think Nori’s fear is drawing up memories for Harry. I can’t let go of Nori, he will panic if I stop touching him. Harry is crying and shaking.]



“Come on!” Remus took at a dead run for the front stairs, trying to explain what Chris had said as he ran up the stairs, leaving Ron standing there confused.



Sirius was running right beside his friend, his mind running wild with thoughts of Harry. It only took a couple of minutes for Remus and Sirius to rush into the room, one look around the room and both men rushed over to Harry’s side.



Sirius moved to take Harry into his arms, but as soon as Harry saw them move towards him he fell to the floor screaming, Harry’s screams were echoed by those from Norische.



Severus leaned down and gathered his son close to him, trying to flood Norische’s senses with his presence. “I’m here Norische, we are all here. You’re safe son. No one is going to hurt you. He’s dead, he can never hurt you again.” Severus’ words rang through Norische’s mind but they didn’t stop the fear, suddenly Severus felt Norische go limp in his arms. Immediately Severus leaned back and checked his son, finding that Norische had merely fainted.



“He’s just fainted.” Severus sighed, trying to reassure Chris and Draco who were practically in a panic themselves.



“Let me hurry this up then.” Poppy stated as she continued to do what was necessary to finish the exam. “Ok, Severus. I’m finish. Your son is fine. Everything is progressing as it should. I am going to leave you with a few calming draughts just in case but I think once he awakens then he should be fine.” Poppy gently removed Norische’s legs from the stirrups and covered the young man’s lower portions.



Severus nodded his thanks and sighed as he pulled Norische close to him.



Poppy quickly moved over to where Remus and Sirius were trying to calm Harry. “Mr. Potter!” Somehow Poppy’s voice broke through the confusion, and Harry looked up to the medi-witch.



Pulling another calming drought from her apron, Poppy sighed and handed Harry the vial. It took him a moment to realize what she was doing, but he took the potion and drained the vial. Remus didn’t know if it was the fact that it was Poppy, someone that had always taken away Harry’s pain, the fact that Poppy was a female, or the tone of her voice…but what ever it was Remus was so glad to have the medi-witch there right now.



“Now Mr. Potter, I highly suggest you get some rest. The last thing I need is to have to worry about another patient right this moment.” Poppy said sternly, but couldn’t hold her frown for long…as the corners of her lips curled up at her favorite student.



Harry just nodded and tried to figure out what exactly was going on, unfortunately the fog in his head wasn’t giving him a whole lot of help.



Severus lifted Norische from the infirmary bed and moved over to lay him down on the huge soft bed. Then with a wave of his wand Severus changed the hospital gown into a pair of silk pajamas.



Remus moved to help Harry stand up and then motioned for Harry to lay down beside Norische. At first Harry protested but finally the effects of the potion won out and Harry was coaxed to the bed and covered up. Just before Remus pulled the duvet into place Harry grumbled something about not letting Draco poke him this time, although no one quite understood what Harry was talking about and Draco just shook his head and shrugged at the comment.



“Come on boys. Breakfast is ready downstairs. These two need to rest for a little while.” Remus wrapped his arm around Chris who was still shaken from Harry and Norische’s reaction.



After discussing a few things with Draco and Chris, Madam Pomfrey said her goodbyes and headed back to Hogwarts. Then the boys joined in with the rest of the house for breakfast.



“Are Harry and Norische ok?” Ginny asked nervously, she had heard their screams earlier and since then had been worrying herself sick.



Chris looked over to Draco who returned his glance then nodded. Chris turned to the rest of the room “Both Nori and Harry are fine. Nori was having a hard time with the exam by Madam Pomfrey and I think Harry was overwhelmed by the emotions he felt coming off of Nori. But she gave them both a calming drought and they are resting at the moment. Madam Pomfrey said that the babies were doing well, and that Nori’s pregnancy was right on schedule, even with everything that has happened. She also said that he can get up and about as soon as the potion wears off, and that his magic was back to its normal levels, so as long as he doesn’t do any major magic for the next few days he should have no more problems.”



It was as if you could feel the tension and apprehension in the room lifted as soon as Chris’ words came out.



“Great. Now on to more pressing matters…” Ginny smirked. “Fred is still for the suggestion of attaching fireworks to different body parts and setting them off, but George is wanting to take a little more of a traditional approach with the fire ants and honey. So any suggestions?”