Death Eater Takes a Holiday

Chapter 55 Values Put Into Practice


Albus' face appeared in the fire, scaring thyligylights out of Dudley. He leaped behind the sofa, which was an impressive move for the rotund boy. "Ah, Dudley, there you are." Albus smiled warmly, acting as if he hadn't just made the boy dampen the front of his pants a bit. But then it could have been the exertion of jumping the sofa that caused him to leak. "Do calm down. You remember me from yesterday, do you not?" Albus questioned him sweetly. Remus, who was behind him, was sure there was a spell somewhere entwined in the Headmaster's words as Dudley visibly calmed.

Since Harry was so grateful for Remus' presence escorting them home the previous night, Albus and Remus had agreed Dudley would be better behaved with an authority figure present. Not that they didn't consider Harry an adult, but Dudley, while the same age, was far less mature. Once he recovered from the sight of Remus stepping through the fire, the wizard easily convinced Dudley they should have some breakfast. Albus had confirmed Harry was still asleep, but Remus had still insisted he arrive early, as he had no intention of letting Harry cook for and serve his cousin as he'd been forced to do in the past.

"You find us some plates and I'll start the cooking," suggested Remus, effectively coaxing Dudley to set the table as he fried up some bacon.

"You're not allowed in the kitchen!" the miserable boy reprimanded the snowy owl as she came to investigate the smell of bacon in the pan. She gave an irritated hoot; Hedwig had expected Severus, who always tossed her some scraps as he cooked.

Remus sighed, put the now cooked bacon on some paper to drain, and left to wake Harry for breakfast. He knocked on the doorframe, since thanks to Hedwig, the door to Harry's bedroom was wide open. That owl always could manage to pull open an unlocked door when there was bacon involved.

"You up? I've got breakfast ready," Remus peered in. Harry had already staggered out of bed groggily.

"I'm up. Who could sleep with him yelling like that?" said Harry as he rubbed his face with his hands, trying to wake up fully. "I could feel Albus' magic as he let you through from his fire. Did you come to keep the peace?" Harry asked, amused. Grabbing a pair of jeans, Harry hopped up and down to pull on the tight denim. He hadn't noticed Remus didn't answer his earlier question. "Breakfast smells great, I'm starved," Harry continued happily, grabbed his glasses and looked up to see the stunned man in a bit of a daze.

"What?" he asked, but quickly realized Remus hadn't expected him to be starkers since his door had been wide open. Was Remus checking him out? Remus had suddenly looked terribly embarrassed and turned away when he realized Harry had seen his stunned expression.

"I'm sorry. I guess after living in the dorm all those years, I've no modesty left," apologized Harry, hoping his tone was relaxed and unconcerned. Harry'd held back his smirk when he saw how gobsmacked Remus had been.

"You have no need to apologize; it's your home. I remember how it was in Hogwarts," Remus explained conversationally, his cheeks still pink. He'd heard Order members comment on just how much Harry had filled out, when they discussed his training. But knowing and seeing were altogether different things. Standing there before him was an eighteen-year old body; sleek, tan and more fit than a body had a right to be. Harry's sleep- tussled hair only added to his shagable persona. Shaking that thought from his head, Remus tore his eyes off of Harry's firm chest, quickly returning to serve breakfast.

Breakfast was a strained affair. Dudley scowled from the moment he set eyes on Harry, who had walked in shirtless. Harry pondered whether his cousin's attitude was because of him not being the scrawny kid to push around, or if it was because he made Dudley look even worse by comparison.

Remus never took his eyes off his eggs. What had started out as amusing was suddenly not so funny. Harry was starting to wish he'd worn a shirt. He berated himself inwardly. Oddly enough, his internal voice sounded a lot like Severus. He'd told Harry in the past that his flirtatious nature should be toned down a bit. In no time, Dudley was back in front of the tube. Remus was relieved to see that Harry had quickly run into his room and put on a tee; then he and Remus cleared the table.

"I'm sorry I made you feel uncomfortable, Remus," said Harry as he placed the dishes in the sink. Remus was about to protest when Harry continued. "Everything was a little easier, knowing you were around helping out." Harry sighed. "I hadn't even thought about having to serve Dudley this morning. I should be doing everything to make you comfortable in my home, and instead I was a prat."

Remus smiled warmly. "We haven't had too much time together, considering the years I've known you, but I've always thought of you as the son of a dear friend. Sirius always referred to you as his Godson; he was proud of his title," Remus grinned. "When you were thirteen, I saw the spitting image of my friend and thought how lucky I was to be a part of your life again. I was proud for them."

"And now I'm acting like a jerk. I'm sure you're very proud," laughed Harry.

Grinning, "At eighteen, you're expected to be a prat once in a while. At thirty-seven I'm not expected to be gawking at my friend's son. Naked son," he amended. He ran his hand through his hair, a look of disbelief on his face. They were both laughing off the situation, but there was a palpable undercurrent of tension.

"Sorry," Harry said with a nervous grin.

"When I do get to see my mum?" interrupted Dudley from the other room.

"Prat," Harry and Remus exclaimed simultaneously.

Remus told Harry the Weasleys would probably be around soon. It would be like that for a few days until the funeral services, friends and family coming by to comfort the grieving.

"I hadn't even thought about the funeral. Do you think I have to go?"

"That's something you have to think about. Forget about the press for a moment and think about your own needs." Remus was a comforting presence.

"He was a bastard. I want as little to do with him as possible." Harry's teeth clenched as he spoke.

"Bastard, true, but he was still a very big part of your life, miserable as it was. Closure is important Harry, not just for the people we love, but for the others, too. It may help you to see him truly gone, that's something to think about. I'm sure when the day comes, you'll want to see Voldemort's body destroyeroofroof of his defeat."

Harry raised his eyebrows, surprised Remus had used the name. Frowning, "I couldn't attend services for Sirius. I've always regretted that."

Remus had been glad of it; of course he would never say it. He was mourning the loss of his mate, and that made him the surviving widower of sorts. Harry would have overshadowed all that, leaving Remus on the sidelines.

"Well?" demanded Dudley, who had just entered the kitchen. Remus promised him they would go to St. Mungo's as soon as visiting hours were open. In no time, redheads began to emerge from the fire. Molly arrived with Ron and the twins.

"Hey Harry, Remus," greeted Ron, going straight for the fridge. "You're out of pumpkin juice, mate."

"Not any more," sang Molly, who had entered the kitchen and began enlarging an already large package from the grocers.

"You really shouldn't go through so much trouble," protested Harry. "It's not like I'm in mourning or hinghing; well not really," he added hesitantly.

"I'll hear none of that," spouted Molly. "All this business is a stressful affair. You may not be fraught with grief, but it'll take it out of you, nevertheless," insisted Molly. He was in no shape to argue, as he couldn't hold back a yawn, but managed to blame it on the huge breakfast Remus made. Molly smiled approvingly at Remus, and took the dish he was washing right from his hand. Remus happily relinquished the kitchen, leaving to fire call St. Mungo's to check visiting hours.

Dudley nervously glanced over at Remus while he spoke into the flames. Not far from the sofa were identical troublemakers. Fred and George had a private conversation regarding Harry's lover, knowing full well Dudley was listening in. Sharing evil grins they continued to mention small tidbits of information they hoped would scare the muggle. Fred spotted Remus who was on his way over and suddenly remembered a promise they made to help their mum.

Remus eyed the twins suspiciously as he approached with a glass of pumpkin juice. Dudley looked at the strange orange liquid he was offered, debating if it was palatable.

"Is it true what they said?" he glanced at the twins. "Does Harry have a b-boyfriend, an old one?" he asked timidly, feeling he could trust this soft-spoken man.

"In our world, the average wizard lives well past one hundred and fifty years old. What looks to be a tremendous age difference now, will hardly seem like much in a few years, when Harry is a little older. It is hard even for wizards to see Harry with someone my age." He saw the wheels turning for Dudley, and quickly added, "No, I'm not Harry's boyfriend."

"Well, they did say he was scary, and you don't look like someone I could be afraid of, nothing personal," he explained, thinking he could snap this guy in two if he had to. Dudley didn't know enough to recognize the significant smile on Remus' face.

"Don't judge a book by its cover," Remus grinned.

"You mean 'cause you've got a wand?"

"Magic isn't all there is to be feared. Harry for example, is one of the most powerful wizards of his age, but he's also an impressive opponent without his wand."

"Yeah, like the last time he went to see my dad last week? I wish I'd been there to see him blacken Harry's eye," laughed Dudley.

Remus considered him shrewdly, contemplating his next move. He'd felt sorry for the muggle, considering the circumstances, but the more time he spent with the oaf, the more he wanted to hex him. "That can be arranged if you like," Remus whispered conspiratorially. Dudley furrowed his brows, not sure of trusting the kind looking man. Remus slowly pulled out his wand, so as not to startle the boy. "I can fix it so you can see your dad blacken his eye. It's sort of like watching the telly, but in your head. It's safe," guaranteed Remus.

Dudley thought about it for a long moment and asked several questions before agreeing to the spell. He flinched when Remus raised his wand to the boy. At first it didn't seem like anything had happened, but when instructed to close his eyes, Dudley grinned at the sight of his father in all his glory, purple-faced and raging, punching his cousin square in the eye. He laughed out load and beamed at Remus for such a gift. "This is brilliant!" Dudley was thrilled. He could have a look at his dad whenever he wanted, and see Harry get clobbered, too. "All I have to do is close my eyes?"

Remus nodded. "Enjoy. It might be a distraction while you're out, so I've spelled it only to work while you're sitting here on the sofa. I'll leave you to it," Remus grit his teeth as he smiled.

Dudley wondered if there was a cat or dog around, he'd sworn he heard a growl. Shrugging it off, he happily closed his eyes and was thrilled to find that he didn't just get to see the one punch, but every time his father had hit Harry. It was like watching little bits of Harry's abused life in reverse order. What a grand gift he thought as he lay down to enjoy the show.

~*~

"I can't believe I finally get to see your house," exclaimed Ron as he grabbed a handful of floo powder. "What's the floo code again?"

"Godric 1512," said Harry before he disappeared in a flash of green flame. Ron followed quickly behind, landing in a patch of grass.

"Wicked! I've never traveled to a freestanding floo." Ron marveled at the brickwork seemingly in the midof aof a patch of grass.

"I've only got the Builder's Floo Permit for ten months. When the time's up I'll get an extension, or if by some miracle the house is finished, I'll register it with the house name. Only thing is, I can't for the life of me come up with a name."

"I thought you'd call it Godric's Hollow like your parents did," Ron said casually, as he checked out the foundation.

Harry stood in the middle of the area surrounded by the concrete foundation and the framework that outlined the shape of the house. "I don't want to think of this as my parents' place. I only have the one memory of living here," Harry managed a weak smile.

"Makes sense," admitted Ron. "Wow, you've got some serious wards up," grinned Ron. "Who helped you put them up?"

Harry narrowed his eyes. "No one helped. You're the first person to see the place. I've not had a chance to tell Sev about it; things keep coming up." Suddenly it struck him that Ron had sensed his magic. "You can feel my wards?" his eyes lit up.

Ron smirked "Don't be too impressed. I was all excited when I was able to sense my dad's magic when I was in his office this year, but then I found out that most fully trained wizards can sense their own family, especially since there are so many of us Weasleys, and our magic feels similar. Dad said that I could probably sense you 'cause we've been so close and... well, your magic is so strong. I can't sense Mione's magic; well, not yet," he added as he hoped that would change. It didn't help that the guys at work were still teasing him about his 'lover' since the picture of Harry and him in the paper.

"When are you going to buy that girl a ring?" taunted Harry.

"You sound like Mum. I've almost got enough saved. Wait 'till you see, it's a beaut'," Ron beamed, thinking about the ring being held for him at the jewelers. Harry mumbled about Ron not being able to save up for a ring if he keeps taking time off work for his friend's problems. "Don't be a prat. Besides, I've saved up for the ring mostly, only the engraving fee is left. I wasn't supposed to tell you, but I'm getting paid."

"Paid for what, engraving?" teased Harry.

"No, prat, when I asked for some time off, my superior gave me an assignment I didn't want to turn down." Ron polished his nails on his shirt. "It seems that since you're such big news, and the rumors are flying about your uncle's death and your aunt's hospitalization, the Ministry doesn't want to make themselves look bad. So, they're covering their arse. In your best interest, of course," Ron said mockingly. "'One trained auror, of high standing in the Ministry, has been given the assignment of protecting our 'hero in mourning', Harry J. Potter'. At least until your aunt is better, in hopes you don't sue them for damages after they gave her the wrong potion," grinned Ron, looking at the back of his hand as if checking his manicure.

"So, basically, nothing's changed. You've always watched out for me," smiled Harry as he pointed out some of the features he'd planned for his home.

"Yes, but now I'm getting paid for it," replied Ron happily. "Which one of these rooms in the guest room? I want to know where I'll be staying when I come over," asked Ron as he walked between beams.

"I gave up one of the bedrooms in lieu of a lab, but now I'm not so sure." Harry looked at the layout miserably. He was still very confused about how he felt about Sev plotting Vernon's death; his thought immediately went back to Sev when they discussed the rooms.

"Don't even tell me you're going to let Vernon come between you," scowled Ron. They both stilled quickly, having heard a sound not far off in the distance. Turning with their backs pressed together, they scanned the grounds. Ron heard the small crack of a twig around the same time Harry saw a depression in the grass. He watched the footprints depress from invisible feet for a few steps before sending a stunning spell. Spells and hexes were sent back to them, but none of them hit their mark.

"Is it just me, or is this a little too easy?" whispered Harry. He was sure he'd hit the invisible target, but there were at least two others sending hexes and curses at them, yet not hitting them, or just grazing.

"Mm-hmm," agreed Ron as his Stupefy hit its mark, sending yet another invisible foe to the ground. 'Is it done?' they heard a voice asking in the distance.

"Finished," answered someone from behind Harry. All at once their opponents were visible. A wizard in a black robe, his face covered in white, leapt over to where his fallen comrades were. He and the unconscious victims disappeared with a pop.

Harry was the first to notice the one remaining wizard, or the only one visible. Harry grabbed the back of Ron's collar, pulling him away from a falling piece of lumber just in time before it could strike his friend. Turning to send off a hex at their attacker, Harry spun around just as a large portion of framework collapsed. Before he could register the fact that much of his hard work had been destroyed, a thick beam of wood sent him to the concrete with great force. Ron went down along with him, as Harry hadn't let go of his collar.

"Harry!" yelled Ron, concerned, but still having the foresight to check their surroundings. Harry's wand had clattered just out of reach. Ron was pinned between Harry and a very large piece of wood. "Accio!" shouted both Ron and the Death Eater simultaneously. The eleven inches of holly turned like a needle on a compass, but did not move closer to either wizard. Ron stretched his arm hoping ouldould help, but Harry's wand remained still. Neither wizard was going to relent. Whoever held out longest would have the wand that was destined to be a crucial part of Voldemort's demise. Even if they hadn't figured out how that was going to happen.

Sweat began to bead on Ron's brow, but he held his trembling wand for the longest eight minutes of his life. Harry regained consciousness without detection as he'd learned to do with Kieran. Following Ron's line of sight, he could see his wand and the silent battle between the two equally matched wizards. "Accio," the sound of Harry's voice was barely heard by Ron, but the effects were obvious as Harry's wand whistled through the air into its owner's hand.

Ron was quick to send off a hex, but not quick enough to stop another section of timber from falling over them. Ron's face contorted as he used his tongue to dislodge the portkey behind his last tooth. With a clench of his teeth he and Harry were pulled into the vortex of portkey travel and arrived into the 'safe' room at Auror Headquarters deep in the Ministry building. His breathing labored, Ron attempted to catch his breath, putting one hand on Harry's neck, checking for a pulse as the other frantically pushed his sweat-slicked hair away from his face. "Wake up, Harry," he pleaded.

The barely audible name hissed out with Harry's exhalation. "Ron,"

"Yeah, Har, I'm here," Ron assured him, still brushing his hair back, never noticing the pile of lumber was no longer keeping him pinned atop his bruised friend.

"Are we gonna' cuddle every time I show up here at your job?" Harry managed a weak smirk. Ron's eyes widened as he deciphered the words.

"Bloody Prat!" he accentuated his words with a thump to Harry's head, unwittingly knocking him out cold. "Damn."

~\*'

Dudley sat next to his mother, bored out of his mind. He couldn't believe that the nurse didn't know what a TV was. Didn't all hospital rooms have them? A friendly witch had come by with a trolley of sandwiches, but Dudley didn't think he should eat anything from the odd looking lady with a multi-colored patchwork robe and orange shoes. Each time she passed by the woman smiled warmly at Dudley. He winced, seeing her grin was a few teeth short of a full set. After three excruciating hours, the witch announced it was her last round for several hours when she would return with the dinner cart. His stomach won over and he selected a sandwich that looked edible.

"How many, dear?" she asked, holding up four sandwiches. His eyes bugged out, then narrowed as he pulled out the handful of the odd-looking coins Harry had handed him before leaving.

"How much for those?" he said pointing to the four in her hand and holding out the pile of coins.

"Fifteen Sickles and twenty-three Knuts," she said kindly. Dudley's mouth dropped as he only had about ten coins in his hand. "Do you need help, dear? Not to worry," she said at his dumbfounded expression, and took two of the coins. Here's your change." She smiled, encouragingly holding up a bottle dripping with condensation it was so cold, "You may want to give me two more of the silver coins for some juice." He handed her six coins and took three bottles. To his credit, he held back the flinch when she smiled brightly.

~*~

Sitting in a chair across from Ron, Harry held an ice pack on his head. No one wanted to chance using magic on either he or Ron until they found out what spell the wizard at Godric's Hollow had cast. It was apparent the Death Eaters weren't there to attack them but to cast some kind of spell, either on Harry, or perhaps the floo. Several people were called in to confirm that Harry and Ron were under no spell or curse, but Arthur Weasley asked them to stay put until Bill could get there. It didn't hurt, having a curse breaker in the family. While waiting for Bill, they talked about the attack. Ron filled in his father with the details. Harry noted Ron's account of the story was told with great accuracy. Something he definitely learned in Auror training. In the past, Ron's stories had usually gotten more exciting with each telling.

~\*'

Harry noted Bill Weasley was still a very cool wizard. He'd dropped everything to come check his brother Ron and nearly-brother Harry for curses. At the point when most others checking them over were confident the young wizards were safe, Bill continued, trying every diagnostic and counter he knew to ensure their safety. After a while, Ron, who was used to the protective nature of his family, had gotten fidgety and begun paying more attention to his growling stomach than his brother, Bill. The sheer volume of spells Bill used had fascinated Harry. He had become a formidable wizard, but his training with Kieran and Sev had primarily been for his eventual defeat of the Dark Lord. Harry stomped down the momentary question of his usefulness after the final battle, or lack thereof. Instead he concentrated on the last series of spells used by the curse breaker.

Satisfied neither Harry nor Ron had any remaining curse on them, Bill began to fill out a standard Ministry form stating his findings.

"I need lunch. Want to join us back at Harry's for a bite?"

Bill chuckled at Ron, and turned to Harry, asking in an amused tone, "Is my brother usually so rude as to invite people to your home? I'll pass. No offence, Harry."

"You sure?" Harry pushed. "We were going back to eat anyway, and we have loads of food."

"Oh, that's right, Mum's been cooking it up at your place. Sorry for doubting you, Har, but I've got loads of single friends, and it's rarely safe to eat what little food they have around."

"That's where you're wrong, bro', Harry's a great cook, and Severus, too, I hear," complimented Ron.

With these words of praise from the Weasley Eating Machine, Bill was convinced. In very little time they were back at Harry's, taking out what seemed like an endless supply of food from the fridge.

~*~

Severus sat at the Head Table, watching the student populace file in for lunch. He nodded, acknowledging a Slytherin Prefect that had greeted him before taking a seat. Everything seemed to indicate it would be one of thousands of uneventful lunches in the Great Hall. No sooner had Severus spelled his food, deeming it safe to eat, than he noticed the students clearing a path. A Ministry wizard entered the hall, causing a stir. The students whispered and pointed as he walked intently towards Albus. Severus recognized him immediately as an Order member. With a quick bow, he gave Albus an envelope with the Ministry seal, but did not move to leave the hall.

Severus studied the Headmaster's face as he read the enclosed parchment. The old wizard always had a 'look' about him, like everything that happened was fully expected, but Severus knew the small signs to watch for. Today however, anyone seated nearby could see the surprise and outrage as his eyes flashed with anger. Albus stood abruptly, thanked the messenger, and dismissed him.

Minerva glanced over at Severus. She'd been able to see the letter from Arthur Weasley from where she sat, and desperately wanted to follow Albus from the hall. However as Deputy Headmistress, she was required to remain at the Head Table in his absence. Severus was not bound by any such rules. He managed to clear a path with his usual glare, but fate was cruel to Severus as he hastily made his way to Albus' office. Practically growling the password, Severus waited furiously for the passage to open. He'd been detained when a fight broke out in the corridor. Also, some poor startled Hufflepuff was now down fifty points for dropping a book in Snape's path, which had caused him to skid in an undignified manner.

"...goodness they're safe. Thank you for contacting me, Arthur, and please tell Harry to fire call me this evening." Albus' voice could be heard from the top of the steps. Arthur's head was already gone from the flames before Severus walked in, not bothering to knock. Albus walked around his desk. With a wave of his wand a tea service appeared. Tapping the pot, steam erupted instantly.

Severus waved off the silently offered cup, having recognized the steeped tea was laced with a calming drought. "I have no wish to be drugged. What has happened?" snapped Severus. The Headmaster was looking rather tired. It was then Severus realized the calming tea hadn't been brewed for him. A second pot appeared with Sev's favorite and unadulterated tea.

"Death Eaters attacked Harry and Ronald at Godric's Hollow just an hour ago. They appear to be fine and are being checked for residual hexes," he explained briefly.

"I'm in the Dark Lord's favor at the moment, and I've heard of no plans for such an attack. Are you certain they're all right?" his concern was barely concealed.

"Arthur is convinced the objective was something other than a straightforward attack. It could be anything from a tracking spell to a time-release hex placed on a piece of lumber... or even a single nail." Albus emptied his cup and poured another of the calming blend. "I know I can't ask Harry not to go out and live his life, but he has to be more careful about settling into a routine. He shouldn't be predictable; they must have known where he was spending his free time.

It occurred to Severus that he didn't know what Harry was doing with his free time. Once school had started, their time together was restricted to the weekends and the nights Harry would spend at Hogwarts during the full moon. Other than the continued training with Kieran, he didn't know what Harry's daily activities consisted of. The only routine he'd grown accustomed to was waking to find Harry's mouth around his cock the morning after the full moon. Very few points were taken from his first class of that day. He had to stomp down that mental image and concentrate. "Why was Harry at Godric's Hollow, and why would that be predictable?"

"He's been trying to tell you for ages, but something would inevitably come up and put him off again. I think he's waiting for just the right time, which..."

"I think you've had enough of that tea," scowled Severus. "Tell me and save him the anguish of finding 'just the right time'." Glaring at the teapot did nothing to calm his nerves. "And spare me the cryptic words of wisdom you bestow upon anyone idiotic enough to ask you a direct question."

"He's building a house," Albus smiled merrily.

"A house?" Severus said distantly, forgetting to be shocked by straight answer from Albus.

"Yes. According to Filius, Harry's drawn up quite a fine looking plan."

Gritting his teeth at the thought of the Charms Professor being better informed of his lover's day-to-day activities than himself, Severus wondered why it would be a big deal to tell him about building a house. Harry certainly wasn't going to rent a flat forever. With the many questions now swimming in his mind, Severus shocked himself with the one question that spilled from his mouth before he could stop it. "He told Filius?"

"Oh, yes, Filius taught him spells and charms for preserving building materials. It was most helpful in the class he took on Wizarding and Muggle Building Requirements and such. With the binding and protection spells he used in the concrete, it took him a very long time to get the foundation poured. I believe he was waiting for the framework to be finished so he could show you where the rooms would be when you saw it for the first time. He was especially excited about having the greenhouse attached to the potion lab, to allow better access to freshly grown ingredients." Albus prattled on. He'd definitely had too much calming tea.

A potion lab? Harry had been building them a house? "You say he's been meaning to tell me, does that mean the framework is done?"

"I'm afraid not, at least, not anymore. I think that for all his efforts, the foundation could withstand an earthquake, but the wood structure was destroyed this afternoon. Arthur said it had collapsed on top of them. He'll have to start all over again," sighed Albus.

\**/

Harry emptied his glass, thinking about his recent visit to the Ministry. If he never went back, it would still be too soon. He was, however, very impressed with the eldest Weasley brother who'd checked them over.

"I was able to figure out how some of your spells worked by the Latin words, but often enough I had no idea what you were saying. I tried to pay attention, but there were several times I couldn't even tell if you had spoke a string of many small spells, or a few long incantations," Harry was in awe of his ability. Bill could use his talents in several professions if he didn't want to stay with Gringotts forever.

Bill nodded in appreciation. It had been a long while since any of his brothers had been impressed with his aptitude in the field. Not unlike getting used to Charley managing dragons. What was frightfully fascinating to most was old hat to his siblings. "I added a few pages to my book while working in Egypt." Bill was looking forward to returning there on holiday.

"It is kind of cool listening to you using Egyptian spells," Ron spoke through a mouthful of food. "Wish I knew what they were doing at your house, or what's left of it... sorry Harry. You know I've gotten more field experience with Death Eaters than some of the guys that went though Auror training two years ago?"

"Hell, you had more experience than some before you even left Hogwarts," Harry pointed out. "Those bastards! It took me weeks to build that much," he scowled. "I was going to show it to Severus this weekend." Harry turned his head away in thought.

"You'll have to start over, but nothing's changed, has it?" questioned Ron. "You and Severus, I mean."

Harry shrugged, still not meeting Ron's eyes.

"You've got to be kidding me!"

"He killed Vernon because of me."

"That son of a bitch died of a heart attack in the Ministry building," Stated Ron firmly.

"A technicality, and you know it," Harry stood from the table and leaned back on the kitchen counter. "He got furious and went on a tirade. He went to Voldemort with information and made sure he was part of it,"

"You don't know that for sure though, Harry," said Bill in a soothing voice.

"Yeah Bill, I do. He showed up here last night. I don't think he planned on telling me. Severus will leave things unsaid, but he won't lie to me. I asked him if he planned on killing Vernon and he said yes, plan and simple." Harry stared down at the table full of dirty dishes and half empty bowls of food. "Add him to the list," mumbled Harry.

Hearing the quiet words, Ron stood up. "Oh, no, you don't," he started calmly but his voice continued to get louder as he went along. "Vernon Dursley Doesn't Go On THE 'LIST'!" Ron was referring to the 'list' that he and Harry had made of people they knew who had died or suffered great loss because of Voldemort. "Vernon didn't die because he was related to you, he died for the way he mistreated you. He had no right, and he needed to pay for what he'd done. Severus loves you. He didn't run right off when he found out about your past. He let it go because that was what you wanted. But then he saw that Vernon was still fucking with your life."

Harry pursed his lips. He regretted not telling anyone what his home life was like until it was almost too late. Ron continued his rant, as Harry wasn't interrupting. Bill watched his little brother in shock, but agreed with him.

"Hell, Harry, even after you were at school again I still saw him hurting you. Every time you woke up from a nightmare. I was the one in the bed next to yours. I heard the screams. Don't get me wrong; I wouldn't have it any other way. But let me tell you, the Vernon dreams outnumbered He Who... Voldemort's... for a while. With the exception of your parents' deaths, I'd say, blow for blow, Vernon did the most damage. Do you know how many times I wanted to kill the man myself? And the game..."

"Ron!" shouted Bill. "We don't talk about that!"

"What?" Harry looked on curiously. Bill was glaring at Ron. Ron was so irate his eyes were glazed over.

"The game we play when we're particularly angry," said Ron punctuating 'angry'. He ignored Bill's protest, continuing on. "It started out as a simple discussion between me and the twins. 'What we'd do to Vernon if we had the chance' kind of conversation. Fred had some interesting suggestions," Ron raised his eyebrow, nodding as if agreeing with them himself. "It didn't really turn into a game until the summer after our fourth year."

Bill shook his head in disbelief. They all had agreed they wouldn't tell Harry about this.

"Ginny had heard us talking and joined in. After a spectacular suggestion of castration by way of Fluffy the three-headed dog, we started awarding points to the person with the best idea. By the time you were in the Infirmary fighting for your life, the Weasleys had three separate games. One was a drinking game, one was a board game, but Mum found it and tossed it in the fire."

"And the last?" coaxed Harry.

"Mostly a verbal game. The one with the most outlandish punishment won a bag of chocolate frogs."

Harry managed a weak smile. "A board game?" he said shaking his head. "There's a big difference between talking about it and actually doing it. Did any of you go to Voldemort with a plan?"

"Harry," Bill said softly in contrast to Ron. "You know us; the Weasley family is a very old wizarding family. We've worked for the Ministry, the wizarding bank, I was Head Boy, and a great many of us are in the Order to fight against the darkest wizard of our kind. We are known to be nice people. And yet, we also spent time to devise newer and better ways we would like to make your uncle suffer. After one particularly rowdy game, the drinking version, Charlie had to hex me with Petrificus Totalus to keep me from following through with the best plan."

Harry looked up, surprised by his words.

"You would have?" asked Ron incredulously.

"You weren't there that night," he told Ron. "The point is, I'm sure we would never actually follow through with it. It was a healthy way to vent out our frustrations about something bad over which we had no control." Bill sighed after taking a big gulp from his glass. "Severus, on the other hand, is only just now getting to know the details of your past. We've had you around growing up, and got it all in bits and pieces over the course of years, and we still wanted to feed the man to Fluffy. Severus has seen and done a great many things we'd rather not think about. He continues to lead the life of a dark wizard as he spies on Voldemort. If it hadn't been Ron that was given over to Severus, do you think he would have risked it all and not raped some man he didn't know?"

"We don't talk about that," rasped Ron in a strangled voice.

"Like we don't talk about the game?" yelled Bill, accentuating his sentence with a punch to Ron's shoulder. "I'm a curse breaker, today was my chance to contribute. Ron's on his way to being a top Auror someday, and he's here by your side."

Ron stopped glaring finally.

"Besides making potions, Severus has had to torture and kill muggles. He would do everything in his power to keep you safe. Is what he did that big a stretch from what we do?"

"He's just having conflicting feelings because he's glad Vernon's dead while the rest of the clueless wizarding world mourns for Harry's loss. Harry, tell me you didn't want Snape to come to your rescue, take him out of your life for good," Ron asked his friend haughtily. Bill was totally taken aback by his brother's words, while Harry was surprised by Ron's insight.

Ron never did know when to quit while he was ahead. "Even dead, the man makes you miserable. If you let Vernon come between you and Severus, then you need to have your head examined! Well..." he faltered, "examined again. Don't you see, Harry, if you let him get between you and Severus, you'll have let Vernon win. He'd have beaten you from the grave, and as badly or worse than ever before!" He finished with a little less conviction. Harry knew he was right. He couldn't let Vernon win and ruin the one great thing he had. He loved Severus too much for that.

"You really had a board game?" asked Harry with a depreciating laugh. Ron nodded with a mischievous grin.

"We even had charmed pieces. Hermione gave me a book on the history of chess and the spells used to animate a wizard's chess set. There was a big Vernon, his eyes would bug out, and he'd shake his fist. Fred and George's favorite piece was Dudley. He would suffer most of the gags the twins had come up with. They especially liked the gigantic tongue that grew from his mouth. Ginny made up cards, too."

"Ginny... cards?"

"Yeah, one said..." Ron was once again stuffing his face, so Bill interjected to save himself from having to see Ron's lunch as he explained.

"They were fun," he admitted. "One card read, 'For pulling bars off window, move ahead four spaces.' Another was 'Prank call to Vernon, move ahead one space.' Then there was the one that Ron always seemed to get stuck with, 'Trip over Invisibility Cloak, go back three spaces.' The first person to find your hidden school trunk won and got to stick the Vernon piece in the cupboard 'till the next game."

"Yeah," Ron interrupted, having swallowed his mouthful of cake. "Whenever you and Charlie were around, I'd get last pick and get stuck with the McGonagall piece," complained Ron.

Harry laughed, "What did she do?" He had to know.

Ron tilted his head aside, making a face. "She was in cat form. Mostly she would terrorize the Petunia piece by coughing up hairballs and shedding on the sofa. Oh, and she sharpened her claws on the furniture, and knocked things off the countertops and such." Ron made his best-disgusted face. "I think the twins still have some of the charmed pieces.


~*~

Severus knocked on the door to Remus Lupin's office, getting no response. He scowled at the students who dared look curiously at him while he waited for the wolf to answer. With a brisk about face, he was leaving to return to the dungeons when a voice called his attention.

"Were you looking for me, Professor Snape?" Remus unlocked his door, inviting him in.

"Yes, I wanted to have a word with you," he said, glaring at one of his students who was walking by very slowly. Severus slammed the door shut to deter the nosy Slytherin.

"What can I do for you, Severus?" Remus asked. Severus didn't like the way he looked. He was unusually fidgety and anxious.

"The situation being what it is, I must keep my distance until the muggle returns to his home. He looked as if his next words were a struggle to get out. "I wanted to thank you for everything you've been doing for Harry," he finally managed to say.

"It's not a problem. I would do anything for Harry, and the students are used to having someone to fill in for me at least once a month, so a few extra classes isn't much of a disruption," he explained. "I dropped off Dudley and I'll head back later after I grade a few papers," Remus wasn't meeting his eyes, but Severus was too worried about Harry to notice that just yet.

"You were at Harry's? Albus said he was fine after the Death Eater encounter today, but I would have liked to see for myself. Did he look all right?"

"He l-looked fine, no problemRemuRemus smoothed out a few papers on his desk. Severus' eyes narrowed.

"What aren't you telling me? Is he hurt?" Severus was only partially relieved when Remus shook his head. "Is he very upset that I took matters into my own hands regarding his Uncle?"

"I had a talk with Bill, and he seems to think things between you and Harry are going to be fine."

Severus tried to figure out what wasn't being said. "You're on edge; I can see it," stated Severus waiting to see his reaction.

"Full moon's only four days away," Remus said as if that explained everything. But Severus had done a lot of extra reading when he heard the werewolf was returning to Hogwarts.

"Lupin," Severus' dangerous tone got his attention off the papers. "You're acting very nervous, like you did for a week after arriving to find your new office reeking of Harry's blood. Now, since you are spending a lot of time in his home, I think I have the right to know what the wolf in you is worked up about," his eyes glared, watching for a reaction.

Remus gestured for Severus to take a seat across from his desk. He rubbed his hands over his face, looking for the words.

"I arrived at Harry's very early this morning. I wanted to be there before Harry had a chance to get up. I couldn't stand the thought of him having to make his cousin's breakfast as he'd had to do for so many years."

Severus nodded in understanding. He hadn't thought of thatd wad was grateful the other wizard had.

"What with him having a house guest, and his bedroom door wide open, I thought it safe to wake him for breakfast." Remus began straightening papers again, keeping their eyes from meeting. "Harry's very comfortable in his skin."

"He was naked," Severus said flatly, seeing Remus flinch. He understood exactly what the problem was, but didn't think Remus would appreciate him saying, 'the wolf is horny and overcome by guilt'.

"It's like something dormant I thought was long dead has reemerged," Remus said into his hands. "He's like family, for gods' sake. It's very disturbing."

Severus understood that it wasn't Harry personally that triggered this. Any gorgeous naked man would have had this effect so close to the full moon. It wasn't as if Remus had no control. But Harry was the trigger. Remus would continue to be uncomfortable around him, unless... "You need to redirect that," said Severus firmly.

"You know what that entails!" shrieked Remus.

"As do you. Take care of it," he said flatly.

"You make it sound as if it's a cure I can just take like a potion," complained Remus. He hadn't tried to get a date in years.

"Can't you?" he smirked.

"I won't pay for it, if that's what you're insinuating."

"Honestly, wolf, are you that inept? The gay population isn't that small. Surely, even you can find someone. You're not horribly unattractive." Severus scowled, disgusted at having complimented the wolf, and sneered when he could see Remus had almost smiled. "You've managed before. What did you do to get the last bloke you were with?

"I offered him a place to stay when he escaped prison." Remus replied flatly.

Severus squeezed his eyes shut. It had obviously been a long time for Remus. "Loath as I am to share this information with you, but seeing as I no longer..." he paused, "frequent the place, I will share some valuable information." Severus wrote down an address. "Go here," he handed him the parchment. "Have a drink, sit in the far right hand corner, and tell them you're a friend of mine." He cringed saying 'friend' as if it pained him to do so. "When you're comfortable, explain to them that I want you to meet Seth."

"How can you be so sure Seth wants to meet me?" he was very skeptical.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering about stupid wolves that don't know a gift when it's been dropped in their lap. Little did Remus know 'Seth' was code for 'Be nice to me, I'm new and in need of a good shag.' Severus' old fuck buddies would make sure Remus got what he needed.

"Don't question me on this. It's painful enough to have to give you this much." He paused, having remembered something ang. ng. Severus opened his money pouch, handing Remus a gold Galleon. "When they ask where I've been, give this to Carl. He'll understand."

Remus' brows furrowed, thinking he was paying someone to be with him. Seemingly reading his thoughts, Severus scowled.

"I made him a bet and lost. Ask Carl if he's there, he'll tell you about it." Severus stormed off. He didn't like giving this information. It wasn't as if he ever planned to go there again, but that didn't mean he wanted to hand it over to Remus.

Stunned, Remus remained silent as he watched the man leave. He and Sirius had a friend who used to haunt the same places as Severus. He was suddenly very excited about finding out if some of the things he'd heard were true. Casual sex had never really interested him before, but in his current state, the idea was growing more and more appealing.

tbc