Aftermath of War

A/N: Not mine, J.K.Rowling owes it and is rich, wanna share with me??? Enjoy the story, let me know what you think!!!
The Aftermath of War. by Minerva Rated NC-17
*Chapter 1

Harry had done it. He had finished school and was still alive and Voldemort had been defeated. Harry had enough money between everything that had happened, reward for killing Voldemort, and what was left of his parents fortune he didn’t need to work. He wouldn’t have to work ever if he used his money wisely. But that was neither here nor there at the moment. Harry needed time off. Time to relax, time to find out who Harry Potter really is.
Harry was able to get closer to who Severus Snape really was. Severus fought side-by-side with Harry and Dumbledore during the final battle with Voldemort. Between the 3 of them, mostly Harry, They had banished Voldemort and his soul to the netherworlds. He wasn’t coming back.

Hermione and Ron weren’t allowed to go to the battle, so they really had no idea of what Harry was going through. They didn’t see the things he saw. Harry hated what he saw and felt himself a murderer, even though no one else in the wizarding world would say he was. He did the wizarding world a huge favor by getting rid of Voldemort. No one looked at Harry the way Harry did. He still had many nightmares and woke up in cold sweats. He had gone to Dumbledore several times with these nightmares and there was nothing he could do. Dumbledore suggested that he go and talk with Snape and see if he could help any.

Summer was in full swing at Hogwarts, not one student was there so Severus was able to try and help Harry with his full concentration. Harry and Severus sat and talked for many hours about Harry’s dreams, how often he had them, and the reaction when he woke up. Severus had actually been going through somewhat the same thing, though he would never admit it to anyone.

Severus had tried dreamless sleep but Harry still had the nightmares. They were so bad with Harry that when he woke up he would jump into Severus arms immediately for some sort of comfort. He would cry and Severus would just hold him and try and comfort him. He never really hated Harry but being a spy he had to act the part. He had explained this to Harry and they had since gotten closer. Harry had to grow up beyond his years to do what he did. Live what he lived. Severus actually admired the boy. As far as what people had seen. Harry was just as mature and polite as Severus was in certain circumstances. Harry had age in his eyes well beyond what any 18-year-old should have. His eyes looked almost as old as Dumbledore himself. Harry had actually handled everything very well, everything except the nightmares.
Severus felt it was the only way he could help, just be there for Harry until the nightmares started to ease away, and that would take time. Severus had given Harry his bed and retired to a cot next to the bed. He needed to monitor Harry while he slept while he tried different potions to help ease the pain. They were just short of the last option they had. Wipe his memory of the battle itself. And all the other things. They had some serious reservations about doing this as they didn’t know how stable he would be after they removed the memories.

On night after a particularly normal nightmare, Harry found himself in Severus’ lap crying and had cried himself to sleep. Severus didn’t have the heart to wake him since he was actually sleeping quite peacefully on the mans lap. The next morning came and both Harry and Severus were lying in bed Harry in Severus arms. Severus woke up first and realized it was morning and Harry hadn’t had a nightmare after the one that took Harry to his lap. Harry was left peacefully sleeping while Severus went and started on a new batch of Wolf’s bane for Remus Lupin.

Harry woke up about an hour after Severus left. He had felt better that morning then he had in the last few years. He wandered over to the bathroom took a shower and sat on the couch and started to read a book he had found on his last trips to Hogsmeade. It was a muggle schoolbook on psychiatry. He felt maybe this might help him out. He read for about an hour before searching out Severus. He found him in his potions lab. Deep into a potion. Harry didn’t say anything and went and sat in the corner not saying a word to Severus. Harry knew what he was doing and didn’t want the potion messed up so he just sat quietly and watched Severus do his work. As Harry watched he noticed how graceful Severus was in his movements and how calculated they looked as they moved. he knew being a potions master that Severus knew what he was doing, but it was enjoyable for Harry to watch. Harry watched for about 20 minutes before Severus got to a stopping point and looked up not too surprised to see Harry sitting there. “How did you sleep the remainder of the night Harry?” Severus was sure he knew the answer but wanted to hear Harry it. it.

“Actually Severus I slept very well after that first nightmare, I actually had pleasant dreams the rest of the night. Thank you.” Harry looked down at the ground, he knew he had cried himself to sleep in Severus’ arms last night. He didn’t know what to feel or to say about it other then thank you.

“You look much better today then you have in months actually Harry. I am happy I could help you.” Severus said and sat down on his stool with a quiet thump.

“Um, Severus?” Harry looked up at Severus with a cocked head and waited for the potions master to look up. He finally did. “Thank you, I mean that, I really do. But there has to be another way for me to get sleep. I am sure you don’t want to hold me every night for the rest of your life.” Harry looked back down to the floor and blushed. He really didn’t know how he felt about the potions master at that moment. He knew he cared for him. But how deeply he didn’t know.

“It’s alright Harry. We will try tonight without you being held and see what happens, if you have a nightmare I will hold you if you like.” Severus knew he had feelings for Harry but he also had no idea how deep they ran. he really didn’t mind holding him at all, and wanted too again. Severus didn’t want to scare Harry away though so he was not going to push the issue at all until he felt for certain just how Harry felt about him. He could see something in Harry’s eyes but wasn’t for certain what that was yet.

“All right, we’ll give it a shot tonight then.” Harry hoped he would have a nightmare, he liked being held, he liked it a lot. He hadn’t really been held since he was a baby. Harry got up and left Severus to his work. It was almost time for the second stage of the potion. Harry went to the kitchens to grab some food. There he was met by house elves more the willing to submit to his every whim.

That evening when Harry and Severus returned to Snape’s chambers. Harry was worn out. He’d been flying most of the day and helping Hagrid with some of his creatures. He read a little bit more of his book before retiring for the night at about 10. Severus bid him good night only for Harry to come running out 45 minutes later wet from sweat. Harry took a shower after he settled down and changed his pyjamas. Then went and sat on the couch next to Severus and cuddled with him.

“Very well, are you ready for bed now Harry, I’ll come with you and hold you and we’ll see if we can’t get you another good nights rest. Give me 5 minutes and I’ll be there all right?” Harry nodded. Severus didn’t snap or anything, no rude comments, just polite and concerned for Harry. Just as he said, five minutes later Severus was in the bedroom getting into bed. He pulled Harry close to him and Harry laid his head down on Severus’ chest.

“Thank you Severus. This really means a lot to me that you care enough about me to do this.” Harry said sleepily not looking up and yawning at the end. Severus just shushed him and rubbed his back, in no time the boy was asleep again. Severus spent the time it took him to get to sleep thinking about his feelings towards Harry. Just how did he care for him? As a close friend? No, not like that, it was more then that. As a lover? That was closer to how he felt. It scared him. He was brought up to think that love was a weakness. This was Harry Potter though. Everyone knew he brought out the best and the worst in people. Severus liked how Harry made him feel. He really did. But where would it go from here? How did Harry feel about him? Did he feel the same or was it more like a caring of an older brothf faf father type figure. Or did Harry have the same sort of feeling he had? that was his last thought as he pulled Harry closer to him and tighter, Harry snuggled into it without a second thought, of course he was asleep. The next morning the both woke up about the same time, within seconds of each other. Harry looked up and smiled at the professor that was holding him.

“Good morning Severus, Thank you for last night.” Harry said quietly since they were so close to each other.

“Good morning Harry, and your welcome. Are you feeling better?”

“Much thank you.” and Harry started to slide away to get up. Severus didn’t want him to, not really, but who was he to keep Harry in bed with him. Harry didn’t want to go either, but he had no idea of exactly how he felt about Severus. He also didn’t know how Severus felt towards him, so he wait until he knew before doing thinks like cuddling after a good nights sleep. He really did appreciate that Severus did this for him. “We’ll have to tell Albus we found something that works, maybe we can come up with something similar to this so you won’t have to hold me every night. I don’t want to be a burden on anyone.”

“Really Harry, you’re not a burden, you never could be. Your too independent to be a burden to anyone.” Severus had hoped he had given enough away without being over powering. Harry raised an eyebrow.

“Really, you don’t think I am a burden? That’s alwaysd tod to know.” Now Severus raised an eyebrow.

‘This could be a good thing’ thought Severus to himself.

“Severus, if I asked you something, would answer honestly?” Harry asked point blank. Severus started to panic every so slightly, he wasn’t ready to answer anything on his feelings towards Harry, not yet anyway, soon, but not this soon.

“That depends on the question Harry, I will do my best to answer honestly though, you know that.”

“I was thinking about going on a holiday, I was wondering if you wanted to come? I’ll be going for about a week, although I haven’t decided where I am going yet though.” Harry was waiting for Severus to blow up at him for some reason. It never happened.

“Well, I think I would enjoy some time away from Hogwarts, it has been awhile since I took a holiday, where were you thinking of going?” Severus was thanking everyone in all nine hells that Harry didn’t ask him how he felt about him.

“Well, I was thinking Asia, to learn a little of the wizard culture there and maybe find some neat stuff to go do, or maybe even Egypt. Ron said it was great when they went and visited.” Harry looked at Severus to gauge his reaction, his simply nodding in consideration.

“Well, if you ask me, Asia has more to offer, especially in India, as far as, as you put it, neat stuff, to see and do. Egypt is a nice place as well, but Asia does have more to offer. But either one you decide, I will be happy to accompany you.” Severus was dressing as he spoke and was done when he finished talking. “Now, why don’t we go have some breakfast then we will go see Mr. Lupin today and deliver his potion. When we get back we’ll let Albus know about the holiday as well as the ‘temporary’ cure for your nightmares.”

“I can’t wait to see Remus, I haven’t since him since.. since, the battle” Harry cringe at the memory of the battle. Remus had gotten hurt but it was only a minor injury. He and Sirius were both fine.

Harry and Severus made their way into the Common room of his quarters and sat at the table and food appeared when they sat down. They both ate, and surprisingly enjoyed each others company.


**Chapter 2

After Breakfast they made their way to Hogsmeade, talking about odd little things no one really ever talked about, old legends, and prophecies. Once they were in Hogsmeade they apparated to the house in the woods where Remus and Sirius were staying. Sirius was free, but didn’t want Remus lonely so he stayed with him in the house.

Severus let Harry knock on the door, he was only too happy to do it. The door shot open only to find Harry in a huge bear hug with Sirius. “How are you Harry, I haven’t seen you for months. Are you doing ok, I mean REALLY ok?” Sirius was worried and Harry could tell.

“Well, considering I have aweful nightmares several times a night, I guess I am ok.” Harry looked down and Sirius pulled him into a more ginger caring hug rubbing his back.

“Well get in here anyway, Severus, are you here to drop off Remus’ potion?” Sirius looked back at Severus who held up two vials and nodded. “Very well come in and I’ll get Remus.”

Once inside, Sirius made a huge fuss over Harry, Remus did as well too. They couldn’t help it, they felt guilty about how things had gone in his life. Harry was the youngest in the battle, he was only seventeen. Three months before graduation. The next closest to Harry’s age was twenty seven years old and he died. Harry seemed to be holding up very well considering that fact.

“Have you found anything that helps you sleep yet Harry, anything at all that gives you a break from the nightmares?” Sirius asked. Harry went bright red with embarrassment.

“Yes, actually I have, but I’d rather not let that secret out for awhile if that’s ok Sirius.” Sirius could sense the embarrassment in his voice and dropped it. “For now I will say that
Severus is helping me a great deal on it.” Sirius smiled.

“At least your able to get some sort of break from it Harry. If you don’t it will drive you mad.”
Tears started forming in Harry’s eyes. “How long Sirius? How long before I don’t hear the screams in my sleep, before I don’t see dead people everywhere I turn? How long until I can sleep without the fear of seeing it play over and over again in my mind?” By now Harry was full out crying. Sirius pulled him into his chest and rubbed his back comfortingly and tried to comfort him the best he could.

“I don’t have those answers Harry, I wish I did, but I don’t and I never will have those answers. I know you were told to do horrible things. You did those horrible things and much good came out of it, but until you are able to forgive yourself, I’m afraid you just have to keep having the nightmares.” Sirius said as he rocked Harry back and forth lightly to try and comfort him. His heart was breaking with every word. What right did the wizarding world have to place such hopes and aspirations in the hands and on the shoulders of a seventeen year old boy.

“Why do I feel like I deserve to be in Azkaban Sirius? Everyone says I did a wonderful thing but I feel like a murderer, and I am one, I killed 2 people that day, how am I supposed to forgive myself for that?” Harry was still sobbing loudly so he was barely able to get that out.

“Harry,” Remus piped up “That day it was literally kill or be killed. I see what you did as self defense, you knew when we went that they wanted you dead. Can you try and see it from that stand point?” Remus was trying his best to try and handle this and try and help Sirius calm down his godson. Both men knew, Harry would have to work through this by himself, no one was going to be able to help him seriously until he could forgive himself. Harry was strong willed just like his mother, so he wouldn’t take any help if he felt he deserved what he got. In some cases a strong will is a good thing. When it comes to a seventeen year old thinking of himself as a murderer, it was not.

“Remus, in my head I know that but my heart says different to me, how can I make it understand?” Remus was lost on that one. He really was.

“Time Harry, Time, that is the only medicine for you right now.”

“Good, then you won’t mind if I take a holiday then right?” Sirius started asking one thousand questions after that, where are you going, how long, and the like. He left like he was prying but considering the condition Harry was in, he was glad to know he wasn’t going alone but did wonder who was going with him. He didn’t push the issue either, he knew if he did Harry would clam up quickly.

“Well then, I think it’s time we go Harry, we have that meeting with Dumbledore, to explain some things to him” Severus pushed gently with his words.

“Explain what things Harry” Sirius asked and Harry rolled his eyes, how was he going to get out of this one in one piece.

“Oh, that I am going on holiday and what I have found that is helping me sleep so far.” Harry thought, ‘whew, that was close’ Severus smirked at his quick recovery. “I’ll see you when I get back for my holiday Sirius, ok?” Harry got up and hugged his godfather.

“Alright, just be careful and owl me at least once while your gone so I know your alright.” Harry smiled sadly and nodded his agreement.

“I will, and Sirius” Harry said with a serious look in his eyes. “Thank you, you too Remus, it really means a lot to me you want me happy and safe.”

“Harry James Potter, what kind of godfather would I be if I didn’t want you happy. Now get out of here, don’t keep Albus waiting.” He said Pushing Harry out the door, Severus was already waiting for him outside. He saw Harry was out and apparated back to Hogsmeade and waited for Harry. He didn’t have to wait long.

“Well, that went well I think.” Harry said. “Why did you do that to me anyway, that wasn’t very nice trying to embarrass me like that Severus.”

“I do apologize Harry, but it was quite enjoyable to see you panic if even for a moment” Severus said with an evil smile on his face. “So have you decided where we are going yet?”

“Yes, actually I have decided, but I don’t think your going to like it. In fact I know your not, so if you don’t want to come that’s fine, I can do it alone, I hope. But, I could use your support while I am there.”

“Harry, now you have peaked my interest, what are you talking about?” Severus was almost dumbfounded by what Harry was saying.

“Well, talking with Sirius made me realize something. I have never seen the house that my parents were killed in or that I spent the first 15 months of my life in. Nor have I ever seen their graves. I think sixteen years is more then enough time to try and deal with it, and it may help me deal with this whole battle thing. I know it sounds strange, but I actually think it might help me some. Something in my gut tells me it will help me.” Harry was staring off strangely.

“Well, then Godric’s Hollow it is Harry. I told you I would go on holiday with you and I meant it. So we go there. I’ll get all the information from Albus when we get there.” Severus was sure he saw something in Harry’s eyes. It was not unlike something he felt in his heart. He knew somehow that going to Godric’s hollow would help Harry out of this. Somehow. Harry smiled and they went and had the meeting with Dumbledore. Everything went as well as expected. Dumbledore insisted however that he escort Harry to the grave site personally, so he would be with them the first day. Albus also gave Harry the keys to the house, but stated he doubted it would still be standing. There were however some magical properties to the house and Harry would understand later.

They had all decided to leave the next morning at 9 by Floo. Godric’s hollow would be reconnected by then.

Harry slept in Severus arms again that night, he was going to need a good nights sleep there was no doubt in his mind. He never hesitated to answer yes when Severus asked him. Although neither of them knew, they were both happy about this. The next morning Harry woke up at 7, he was nervous and scared all at the same time. He had no idea of what to expect. They met with Albus in his office at 8:45.

“Harry, I contacted the grounds keeper to meet us there, he should be able to explain things more then I will be able too.” Harry nodded and gave Severus a quizical look Severus just shrugged. He really had no idea. They all took a pinch of floo powder threw it into the fire and said Godric’s Hollow. They landed on a foundation of a house and you could tell where they stood used to be the main fireplace. Harry looked around and saw an elderly gentleman holding a box waiting by what would have been the front door.

“Hello Master Potter and welcome home. I am Elon, the keep of keys and grounds here.” With a curt nod of his head he Greeted Harry.

“Please, Elon, call me Harry, I am by no means a master of anything at my age.” Harry gave a curt nod back to him.

“As you wish Harry. In this box lies the power to rebuild this house. If you wish it rebuilt it shall be done, however, I can not do it, only the Heir can do it. You simply open the box. And the house will rebuild itself within 30 minutes. If that is so what you choose. These grounds and the house are yours to do with as you wish. There are no other heirs in the line. You my dear boy, are the last of the Gryffindor line.” Harry’s eyes widened with shock.

“Elon, did you just say that I am the heir to Gryffindor?” Harry whipped around to Albus.

“Why didn’t you tell me Albus? Not to mention you let me fight, I could have been killed and then there would be no heirs to the Gryffindor legacy.” Harry was upset to say the least, this was shocking to him.

“Ah, Harry, I did tell you in your second year. Do you remember what you pulled out of the sorting hat in the chamber of secrets?” Harry looked around madly while trying to remember and then nodded gravely.

“I pulled out the sword of Godric Gryffindor and you said only a true Gryffindor could pull that sword out of the hat.” Harry said while slapping his forehead. “What do you think Albus should I rebuild the house?”

“Harry that is totally and entirely up to you. It is yours to do with as you will.” Albus was short and too the point.

“Elon, I think I will rebuild the house.” Harry walked over to Elon, and everyone backed off of the foundation. Harry opened the box and an orb flew out of the box and went to work rebuilding. Everyone but Elon was watching this. It looked as though Elon had seen this happen before.

“y ify if you follow me I’ll show you to the family vaults.” Harry looked at him and shrugged and followed Elon. Elon looked at Harry and said “Wave your wand over this patch of grass and say ‘I am the Gryffindor heir please allow me entrance to the vaults‘”
Harry did as he told and the patch of grass opened up to stairwell. “Elon, can anyone accompany me, or do I have to go alone?”

“Anyone can accompany you Harry, they must go in after you and come out before you.” Harry nodded his understanding. “If you hold out your hand and say ’come’ a torch will come to your hand.”

“Thank you Elon, that is most helpful, will all of you come with me please?” They all nodded. Harry gave a small smirk. “Come“ said Harry and a torch flew into his hand and he blinked at it before shrugging his shoulders.


***Chapter 3

Harry went down the stairs, followed by Elon, Albus and Severus bringing up the rear. As soon as Severus cleared the ground closed up behind him. They all heard a slight rumbling sound coming from the direction of the house. Harry lit a few more torches on the wall and lit up the hall quite well. He guess the torches were magically enhanced. He looked down the hall and there were six doors. Each with a brass plate with words on them. The first one he read said ‘Wands’ The second ‘Staffs’ the next set said ‘Library’ and ‘Odds and Ends’ then last set said ‘Potions’ and ‘Money’. The door that said money on it had nvelnvelope magicked onto it. Harry got the paper out and looked, Severus and Albus looked over his shoulder and saw nothing.

“The ink is invisible to all except Gryffindor heirs, you’ll not see anything. That door is also charmed only to open for the Gryffindor heir‘s only also. All other rooms you can get into but you can not remove anything. Only Harry can remove something from the vaults, and that is only if he wishes too. The spells in the vaults have been set this way since Godric himself set them.” Severus and Albus both looked at each other and shrugged.

“Elon, is this number correct, is there really that much in there?” Harry asked, he figured Elon should and would know.

“Yes, I was the last to count it, it took me 3 days to count it all. Your father was in the library the whole time I was down here, but it was easier only to have one person count, that way there is no confusion. I finished the count the day of the attack.” Elon bowed his head in memory for James, he adored James, he was kind, and Harry seemed to be as well.

“Elon, not to stir up any bad memories or anything, but if all this is here, then what is the money in Gringott’s for?” Harry didn’t know anything about that at all, so he was asking for clearification, after all this is all his money.

“Harry, the money in Gringott’s is the money that your father made while he played Quidditch before the attack. There should still be about one hundred thousand Galleon in there if I am not mistaken. My pay has been coming out of the Gringott’s account since there were no Gryffindor heirs here to pay me.” Elon again bowed his head.

“Elon, why do you bow your head every time you explain something to me?” Harry asked.

“Harry, it is because it is the respect you deserve being the Gryffindor heir.” Elon bowed his head again. Harry knew there was going to be no way to stop him from doing it.

“Elon, how do open the money door?” Harry asked looking at the door not daring to touch it.

“You just grab the door knob. Only you can open it, no one else.” He trying not to bow and Harry could tell he was trying not too. Harry turned the knob and opened the door, everyone except Elon looked inside.

“Harry, if you don’t mind me asking, how much did the paper say was in here?” Severus asked.

“Severus, there is enough here to make Malfoy look like a pauper.” Harry said matter-of-factly. there was according to the paper anyway. Harry looked at it again and tried to size it up with his eyes. ‘I guess this could be one hundred million galleon.’ Harry thought to himself. Shrugged his shoulders and then got everyone out. Harry wanted to explore some more. Elon looked like he was doing ok, he enjoyed having company again.

The door Harry opened next made Severus drool like a madman. “Oh Severus, you could have fun in here couldn’t you?” Harry said with a slight giggle in his voice. Severus looked around looked at Harry.

“Harry, can I look around in depth in here please?” Severus was looking like a kid in a candy store window asking his mother to buy him candy.

“Be my guest Severus, by all means take your time and look.” Harry said with a gracious voice. Severus had seen ingriedents here that had not been seen for a thousand years. He carefully picked up bottles and canisters and smelled the smells and took in the vision of this marvelous potions lab. Harry looked around, he wasn’t really interested in potions that much so he got bored quickly. “Severus take your time, I am going over to ‘Odds and Ends’ and see what that’s all about.” Severus could only nod as he looked at the shelf with at least a dozen potions books on it. Ten of the titles he had never seen or heard of before and the other two are extremely rare to find, and all of these volumes were in excellent condition.
Harry got over to Odds and Ends. This was a room he could learn to love. There were literally odds and ends in there. Orbs, rings, weapons, cloaks, and a few hats too boot. Something in the corner however caught Harry’s eye. It was a pair of boots. A pair of Dragon hide boots. Harry looked at Elon “what are these for?” He asked pointing at the boots. Elon reached onto a shelf and pulled out the only book in the room.

“This is the book that tells you everything that is in here and what it does. Everything in here is magical.” Harry took the book from Elon and thumbed through it quickly. He could come back, he was going to be here for at least a week, he had time. He knew Albus needed to get back, so they went and retrieved Severus from the Potions lab and took a quick peek in the remaining rooms. Then as Harry snubbed out the torches in the hall the ground re-opened to let them out. Harry made sure he was the last to leave.

“Now Harry, just drop the torch in the hole and say thank you and it will seal.” Harry did just that and it did.

“Elon, can you take us to my parents gravesite please? Albus needs to get back to Hogwarts and he wanted to make sure I saw the graves.”

“Yes Harry this way” Elon took the lead and led them to a huge oak tree. The tree looked like it had been there for ages. There was a large knot on the tree. “Tap the knot with your wand Harry. This is the Gryffindor burial plot, it is magically concealed to prevent desicration of the graves.” Harry td and and the graveyard appeared. It wasn’t very large, there were about 100 headstones in there yard total. Lily and James, graves were in the front. In the center was a statue and tomb for Godric Gryffindor. Harry kneeled down in between the graves of his mother and father. The headstones were beautiful. They were white marble with a gray inlay for the names and a green inlay for the ivy that circled the names. Harry ran a hand down his mother’s ivy bent down and kissed her stone and then started to cry.

Harry cried like he had never cried before. he had never been able to have any type of closure with their death until now. sixteen years of grief all wound so tight he couldn’t hold back anymore. Albus knelt down beside him and pulled him into his arms to try and comfort the boy.

It took Harry a good hour to calm down enough to move. Severus’ heart was breaking watching Harry have to go through this, but he also knew it needed to be done. Harry then bent down and kissed his fathers stone before leaving the graveyard. They all walked up to the house that was done now, the orb was back in it’s box and was gone.

The house was positively huge. Four stories high and a good 150 feet wide and about one hundred feet deep. It was made out of brick and was simply beautiful. Harry was awestruck.
“Harry,” Elon started. “The third and fourth floors are all guest rooms, the first floor is for entertaining and the second floor is all the family rooms. When the house rebuilt itself, everything is now as it was when it was destroyed sixteen years ago, your crib will still be where it was, and books in the house that were open will still be open. It may be hard for you to enter Harry, not physically hard, but emotionally hard. Everything lay as it was on October 31, 1981.” Elon bowed his head again. Harry didn’t complain he also bowed his head. he wasn’t sure if he was ready for this yet. Harry took hold of Albus’ hand with his right hand and had Severus hand with his left. He knew they were there for him.

Harry walked into the house. It was still kind of cool in the house, and smelled of Lilies and cinnimon. The smell was familiar to him. He felt empowered by it and dropped the hands he was holding for emotional support. He no longer needed them for some reason. Even though he knew his parents were dead, he felt like he was home. Harry had a very satisfied look in his eyes and everyone was puzzled by this.

“Harry, are you alright?” Albus asked gently.

“I’m home Albus, after all these years I am home. I am fine, I can’t say I have ever felt more comfortable in any place then what I feel right now.” Harry looked at him. Albus could see some residue pain from the grief but he also saw the comfort in his eyes too.

“Well, with that I will take my leave if there is nothing else Harry.” Harry shook his head and pulled Albus into a hug.

“Thank you Albus” Harry whispered into his ear.

“Your quite welcome Harry. It was my pleasure, I only wish we would have been able to do this sooner for you.” Albus smiled and went to the fireplace and took the floo back to Hogwarts. As soon as Albus left Harry heard a noise from deep inside the house. Harry cocked his head with a questioning look in his eyes. Elon caught it.

“House-elves Harry. They have been waiting a long time to serve a Gryffendor heir again. I’ll leave you to get settled. Harry if you need too, Bishy, one on the house-elves, is a seamstress, she will be more the willing to make you some new clothes. It doesn’t take her long at all. If there is nothing else sir, I’ll make sure everything is in order on the rest of the floors, you have some exploring to do. Everything is yours so don’t be afraid of touching anything and everything.” Elon bowed his head and left the room.

“Wow” was all Harry could say. “I think I am hungry, what about you Severus?” Severus nodded at Harry and they left to find the kitchen. It didn’t take long, they just had to follow their noses to the smell of cakes and cookies. Harry’s eyes got big again. He couldn’t make up his mind what he wanted so he took a little bit of everything and had his fill.
“Harry, are you sure your alright?” Severus really was concerned, what had made him go from grieving to absolute bliss.

“Yes, I have never been better. I have never felt more welcome anywhere I have ever been. I can’t explain it. come on, lets go explore.” Harry said with a huge smile on his face and jumped up. Severus had never in his life seen Harry so happy. This make Severus feel much better and he joined his companion. “But first I must attend to some business. Bishy?” a house-elf popped up just a split second after he called.

“Yes, Master Potter, what can Bishy make for you today?”

“Bishy, can you make me some new robes?” Harry asked.

“Bishy can make anything your heart desires master Potter, what kind of robes does Master Potter want?”

“What do you think would look good on me Bishy?” Harry asked not exactly sure what to say. Bishy looked him up and down with a stern look on her face and then she lit up the prettiest house-elf smile you ever saw.

“Bishy knows what would look best on master Potter, everyday robes, or formal robes?” Bishy was shaking she was so excited.

“Everyday robes please Bishy. Do you need to get measurments?” Harry replied.

“No master Potter, Bishy measures with eyes, never been wrong before. Bishy be back in five minutes with everyday robes for master Potter.” with a pop she was gone.

Not five minutes later Bishy came back with a pop. In her hands she held some dark green crushed velvet robes. “Bishy are you sure those are everyday robes?” Severus asked gazing at the beautiful work she had done.

“Yes Mister Snape sir, crushed velvet for everyday robes in summer, cashmiere in winter for everyday, silk for formal robes. Only the best wool for winter cloaks and scarves and mittens and such. Regular wool is too itchy for humans.” She handed Harry the robes. “Is there anything else master Potter?” Harry shook his head no and she went away with a pop.
“Let me change real quick and then we’ll explore ok?” Harry was asking Severus. Severus nodded, he was letting Harry set the pace for everything. Harry grinned and found the nearest room and closed the door behind him. He changed his robes in less then five minutes.

“Well, what do you think Severus?” Severus wasn’t about to tell Harry what he really thought, which was he was simply beautiful.

“That color really suits you Harry, it’s looks really good on you.” Harry smiled brightly at Severus and grabbed his hand and pulled him along through the room he had just changed in. His old robes were already gone. “Your house-elves are quick.” Severus commented especially since Harry hadn’t been done but about two minutes. Harry shrugged. Severus looked around, this was some kind of parlor or sitting room.

Harry and Severus had covered the first floor by the time dinner was served. They made their way back to the Dining room. Elon popped in to see if Harry had any question. Harry did and pulled Elon out of the dining room to ask him. “Who do I talk to about arranging for a party? A sort of house warming party?” Elon smiled at the mischievious glint in Harry’s eyes.
“There is house-elf that tends to all of that sort of thing, his name is Elrod. Just call him he will show up and tell him what you want when you want it and a list of who you want to attend and everything else will be handled.” Elon bowed his head again.

“I’m not going to get you to stop doing that am I?” Harry asked with a smile on his face. Elon just shrugged his shoulders. Harry giggled. “Thank you Elon, I think we will be alright the rest of the night.” Elon turned and left and Harry went back into the dining room. Harry had the biggest smile on his face when he came back into the room. Severus raised an eye brow.

“Your planning something aren’t you?” Severus asked, he knew Harry was planning something.

“What on earth would make you think something like that Severus?” Harry’s grin got more wicked

“That” Severus said pointing at Harry’s face “is what makes me think your up to something. But it is good to see you happy and smiling again.”

“I told you coming here would make me better. I still don’t know why or how but I am happy. Happier then I have been in years, my whole life for that matter.” Harry was very genuine in his statement and Severus could see it in his eyes. But if that was the case would Harry still need him at night? It had only been 3 nights they slept together, but Severus enjoyed them and didn’t want them to stop, but he didn’t want to push Harry into doing something he didn’t want to do either.


****Chapter 4

Dinner was positively wonderful. A full five course meal. These elves really liked to cook and being on leave for sixteen years really got to them. They had a lot of cooking to make up for missing. Harry and Severus had finished their meal finally and made their way to the library on the first floor. There were just a lot of common books there, all the really good ones were in the library in the vault. After their stomachs settled down a bit from all the food, Harry and Severus went upstairs to investigate up there. they found the nursery right off. Harry picked up a blanket and smelled it. It smelled like his mother. There were several other
bedrooms on this floor as well as another library.

After they had explored the second floor Harry was very tired, it had been a very tiring day for him. he found a bedroom that he liked and went to find some night clothes. There were none.

“Bishy?” POP there was Bishy. “Can I get some night clothes please?” Harry asked very politely.

“Coming right up Master Potter.” With a pop she was gone and she came back just as quickly as before with some blue silk night clothes for Harry.

“Bishy, can I whisper something to you?” Harry said looking devilishly to Severus who raised an eyebrow at this.

“If master Potter wishes to whisper to Bishy then Bishy will listen.” Harry smiled and bent down whispered in her ear and she blushed and with a pop she was gone. Again coming back just as quickly with a pair of black silk night clothes and standing in front of Severus.

“Harry James Potter, what did you do?” Asked Severus, not really mad, but not at all happy either.

“I got you some night clothes Severus, come on let me have a little fun, I think I have earned it.” Harry said half whining half pleading.

“All right, fine I’ll wear them, at least you said black.” Severus retired to the bathroom and took a shower and put on his new night clothes. Harry went to the bathroom on the other side of the room. The bedroom was very large. There were only 5 bedrooms and each bedroom had two bathrooms. The bed was bigger then a king sized muggle bed, so Harry knew it was magically enlarged, not that he minded. The room was done in a soft green the trim was slightly darker then the walls. Harry and Severus both finished about the same time.

“Harry are you sure you’ll need me tonight, I can go sleep in a different room if you want to be alone.”

“No Severus, I want you to be here with me. It’s hard to explain, maybe I’ll find the words for it soon, but right now I just don’t know how to explain it. If you, however, don’t want to be here you can leave, you don’t have to do this. I don’t want you to do anything you don’t do of your own free will.” Harry said and blushed when he was done.

“I want to be here for you Harry, from now on, if you need anything just ask, don’t be afraid too. Just say the words and you have whatever you need or want.” Severus said as he started to clintointo bed. Harry followed suit and snuffed out the light. The moon shown brightly into the window, it was a full moon. Harry looked outside and thought ’I hope Remus is ok.’

Harry laid his head down on Severus’ chest and this time Severus started to comb his fingers through Harry’s hair. Severus had never done that before. Harry liked it a lot and started absently tracing patterns on Severus arm. Harry hadn’t done that to Severus before either. Both were wondering how the other felt about them. The things there were doing to each other were very intimate even for them. Neither spoke the rest of the night, they botifteifted off into a dreamless sleep in each others arms. The next morning Harry woke up first but didn’t move, he enjoyed having Severus hold him. he felt Severus stir a little bit but didn’t respond to it. Harry just lay there in peace until he felt a kiss on the top of his head, then he picked his head up and looked and Severus flushed. he had no idea that Harry was awake. he thought for sure Harry would be furious and throw him out. That wasn’t the case at all. Harry smiled shyly and blushed slightly and scooted up so his face was even with Severus’.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Harry asked softly.

“Harry you were going through enough without knowing that I care for you. I didn’t want to scare you away, you needed someone to turn too and I am so glad that I was able to be there for you. I don’t know, it just didn’t sound right when I would try and figure out how to tell you how I felt. Plus with your nightmares, I just..” He wasn’t able to get any farther because a set of lips were suddenly attached to his. Not that he mind this at all. He kissed back, and slid his tongue lightly against Harry’s lips asking for allowance to enter it didn’t take long for Harry to answer by opening his mouth and allowing Severus to explore the moist hot mouth. Their tongues danced together for quiet some time before they both came up for air.

Green eyes on fire, all all as black eyes on fire. Fire of want and passion. Once recovered enough they both went back for more of that kiss. Harry had his hands now on the sides of Severus’ face trying to bring him in deeper. Severus’ hands were in Harry’s hair trying to accomplish the same thing. They mutually agreed without talking that this was far enough for now. They had all the time they needed to get to know each other better in this new light. They cuddled for a few more minute then they both smelled food. They looked up and there was food on the table in the corner of the room. On the armoire door was Harry’s robes and Severus’ robes, both had been cleaned and hung ready for the day. On the table was also 2 copies of the Daily Prophet, one for each of them so no fighting about how long it took the other to read. Harry nodded his approval.

Severus and Harry sat down and Harry’s eyes immediately flew to the front page of the paper then he sank down in his chair. This was not going to be a relaxing week at all. Severus saw what Harry did then looked at the paper and his eyes grew to the size of tea cups.

“I guess Black is going to be coming to get some answers to this one.” Severus pointing to the headlines of today’s paper. ‘GODRIC’S HOLLOW REBUILT AFTER 16 YEARS OF DORMANT ASHES’ Harry ate one whole piece of toast for breakfast. Then went and got dressed. It was already 8 in the morning, he figured he had about an hour before Sirius got there. Harry was wrong. At 8:30 when Harry was coming down stairs an impatient Sirius was waiting for him in the library.

“Good morning Sirius, how is Remus this morning?” Harry was trying to keep the subject as far off the house as possible, but that wasn’t going to change the subject with Sirius, not today.

“Harry, I obviously don’t mind you doing this, but you could have told me. I should have been here with you when you got here. How could you not tell me you were coming here for your ‘holiday’?” Sirius was aggitated but not mad. He couldn’t be, not at Harry and not for this. It was his right to be in the house, it was after all his by rights and blood.

“Sirius, I didn’t even know I was coming here until after I left your house two days ago. I thought about it on the way back up to Hogwarts and told Albus I wanted to see this place as well as the gravesites. Albus and Severus came with me. Lets just say that the gravesite didn’t turn out to be a pretty picture for me. I lost it, I hadn’t mourned my parents death until yesterday and it all came out at once. It took Albus a good hour to get me to where I could function again. Then I finally came in the house and it was alright, I was alright. Sirius, I’m home, I’m finally home.” Tears were forming in Harry’s eyes. No matter how he tried to blink them away they kept coming.

“Harry, I’m sorry I yelled, but I wanted to be there to help you through this. It’s my job as your godfather to help you through rough times like that.

“Sirius, I understand that. But I think it would have affected you about the same as it did me, and I couldn’t take that chance. You were thrown into Azkaban the day after my parents died, you haven’t had time to mourn either, and that would have done neither of us any good at all.” Harry said and smiled sadly at his godfather.

“Harry James Potter, when you you get to be so mature and intelligent?” Sirius asked shaking his head.

“It comes with the territory Sirius, it comes with having to grow up as soon as I was dropped off at the Dursley’s, it comes from having to kill two people to help protect the wizarding world. It comes from a lot of things. Do you remember how you and Remus told me I had to forgive myself before I could move on?” Harry still smiled sadly at Sirius and Sirius nodded. “ I learned a lot of things yesterday Sirius, a lot of things indeed. I have forgiven myself as well. Now I can live the life I wanted, with whom I want, not that there is anyone specific yet. A single smell and my life fell into place. I still need to find out just who Harry Potter the man is, my life has been planned out for me from the beginning, it’s time I take control and see where it takes me.”

“Harry you said a single smell what smell was it?” Sirius was confused.

“Lilies and Cinnamon Sirius, the smell of my mother, lilies and cinnamon.” Harry said looking far out over Sirius’ shoulder, just gazing. “Anyway, you’ve not had a chance to see their final resting places, would you like to go see them and say good-bye?” Sirius was shocked. he didn’t know what to say.

In two short days Harry had grown up even more beyond his years. He had never felt prouder of his godson.

“As a matter of fact Harry, I would love to go see it. But you don’t have to come if you don’t want too.”

Harry giggled at the reply. “Sirius, unless you like looking at oak trees, you won’t see them without me. I’ll be alright, I promise. Yes, it will make me sad, but I will be strong for you Sirius. I know how it feels to have 16 years of grief bottled up inside yourself. If your ready I’ll show you the way.” Sirius pulled Harry into a hug and then drew back holding Harry out at arms length and smiled. He nodded that he was ready.

While they slowly walked out to the oak tree, Sirius was admiring Harry’s new robes. “Harry where did you get the new robes, they look dashing on you, really.”

“Oh, yeah, Bishy made them for me yesterday. She is the seamstress house-elf. Not sure if I agree with what she considers everyday robes, but they are comfortable and cool.” Harry kind of shrugged. “Did my father ever tell you who he was exactly? As far as family lines?” Sirius looked around thoughtfully trying to remember if James ever told him anything related to heritage. He couldn’t remember anything at all so he shook his head no. Harry looked down almost embarrassed to say it, but Sirius needed to know.

“Sirius, did you ever wonder who Godric’s Hollow was named after? Of course it was a fellow with the first name Godric, but did you even wonder what the last name is?” Harry looked at him thoughtfully.

“Harry, I just assumed it was Godric Potter, your great grandfather.” Sirius was right, he did have a great grandfather named Godric.

“Do you think that Godric Potter was named after anyone in particular?”

“Harry what are you getting at here? Are you trying to say your great grandfather was named after Godric Gryffindor?”

“Sirius that is exactly what I am saying.” Harry and Sirius were standing in front of the oak tree. “Sirius, tap your wand on that knot right there and lets see what happens.” Harry grinned sheepishly.

Sirius tapped and nothing happened, he looked at Harry and shrugged. “What does this have to do with the grave sites Harry, come on, I’m not getting any younger.”

“This tree has everything to do with the gravesite Sirius, only blood relations can enter.” Harry tapped the knot with his wand and the tree opened to the graveyard. Sirius’ eyes grew larger by the second. Harry grabbed Sirius’ hand and pulled him in. Sirius looked and the first thing he saw was Godric Gryffindor. Sirius was totally flabbergasted about what was going on. He looked and Harry steered him over to his parents stones. ‘They really are beautiful stones’ Though Harry as Sirius knelt down between the two just like Harry had done the day before. Sirius then broke down almost the exact same way Harry did. Harry knelt down and comforted him in the same fashion that Albus had done for him the day before.

Severus started to get worried when he hadn’t seen or heard Harry throughout the first floor. he went outside and saw the tree was open. He slowly walked down to make sure everything was alright. He had heard someone sobbing, but it didn’t sound like Harry did yesterday. He looked around the tree inside the graveyard and saw Harry holding Sirius while he bawled like a baby. He was going through the same thing that Harry did yesterday. Severus saw that Harry was fine and then made his was back up to the house. Severus waited in the Library. Harry and Sirius came back about an hour after Severus had found them in the graveyard.

“Morning Sirius” Severus said not sounding chipper, he knew Sirius was upset. he also knew why, he wasn’t going to pick a fight now. Sirius looked up and nodded towards him and then flopped down on the sofa.

“Sirius do you need anything? Anything at all? Just tell me and you’ll have it.” Harry was still trying to comfort his godfather.

“Can I get some tea please?” Harry snapped and a full tea service was prepared and ready instantly. Severus looked at Harry, he had never seen anything like that, not even Albus could do something like that. Harry saw Severus’ face and smiled.

“Being a Gryffindor in Godric’s Hollow has it’s privilages.” Harry said snidly.

“But how did you know you could do that?” Severus asked and Sirius was also curious for the answer.

“I don’t know, I just knew. I know I can snap my finger while thinking bout what I want it will happen. Aside from things in the family vault. Even I can’t summon anything from there without being in them.”

“Family vaults? Why didn’t James ever tell me any of this stuff?” Sirius asked.

“Probably for the same reason I didn’t want to tell you, but I had to warn you before you saw the statue.” Harry replied. “I don’t want to be special, I really don’t, but I don’t have a choice in the matter. I want people to like me for who I am, not what my name is or who I am related too.” Harry shrugged at the end.

“You know Harry, I think you may just be right on that, it sounds like something James would do. He didn’t like attention.”

“And neither do I, and now my house is plastered on the front page of the Daily Prophet.” Harry said.