Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Blood Bound	By : greenwizard11 Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 30346 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 9
Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter universe. I only play with the characters for my own amusement; which all I'm getting out of the writing of this story. So dance puppets, dance!

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
The next week was spent making preparations for Bill and Fleur’s wedding. They thought it best to have the ceremony at the house, which wasn’t helping Mrs. Weasley’s nerves. Mrs. Weasley was also trying to find out what Harry, Ron, and Hermione were up to. She wasn’t pleased that they weren’t planning to finish school. She’d already tried dragging their plans out of Ron and Hermione before Harry arrived, then she cornered him in the pantry.

When trying to find out failed, she did her best to keep the three of them apart, giving them any chore she could think of to keep them busy. She’d even gone as far as to bug Severus, which with his mood swings was dangerous.

“Off my back, woman!” he growled, coming in from penning up the chickens after feeding them.

“But….” She shrank back a little. “You knew Dumbledore’s plans, didn’t you? Tell them they’re mistaken. He meant for the Order as a whole—”

Severus whirled around to face her, his nostrils flaring. “I’m not some sort of crystal ball you can keep poking until you get the answer you want!”

“I—Sorry.” Mrs. Weasley frowned. As determined as she was, even she realized she was pushing it.

Severus took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “Honestly, Molly, I can’t tell you.” Mrs. Weasley mumbled something under her breath and hurried off to tidy up the living room for the third time that day.

Harry and Ron exchanged looks from across the table. As much as Harry wanted to spend time with Severus, the sudden outbursts weren’t a turn-on. “I’m sorry you’re having such a rough time,” Harry mumbled.

Severus snorted. “Words are empty. Maybe later you can show it by rubbing some ointment on my back. But right now, I would like you to join me out in the shed for a little chat.”

Harry had no idea what Severus wanted, but he left Ron to finish setting the table and followed the elder wizard out to the shed. It was one of the few places they could get any privacy. “What is it?” Harry asked, a little afraid it was something bad.

Severus lowered himself onto a wooden stool. “I had a little chat with Remus the other night, and he made some good points. I can’t exactly expect you to be a mind reader. Legilimency is more difficult than Occlumency, which you’re useless at.”

Harry frowned. He still wasn’t quite used to Severus’ bluntness. “I probably wouldn’t be able to keep you out no matter what anyway,” he argued.

“True enough, but that wasn’t what I brought you out here to discuss. You seem to view our relationship differently than I do.”

A cold lump formed in the pit of Harry’s stomach. “You…you don’t want to be with me anymore?”

Severus let out a frustrated sigh. “Maybe I should have let Remus do this,” he mumbled. “Look, I’m not good at the touchy-feely stuff, so don’t take this personally. Sex doesn’t mean the same thing to me as it does to you. I do care about you, but I’m not ready to make the commitment you want.”

Harry bit his lip and lowered his gaze. “I understand.”

“No, you don’t. I’ve been very accommodating for you because I knew you needed support. I really haven’t minded, but we can’t go on like this. Don’t think I’m abandoning you, because I’m not.”

“Then what are you doing?”

“I’m telling you we’re not a couple, at least not right now.”

Harry looked a little confused. “What about the baby?”

Severus rested a hand on his stomach. “We’ve already discussed that. Obviously you’re its father. I’m not going to keep you away from it. Merlin, you’ll make the better parent anyway.”

“Why do you keep saying that?”

Severus raised an eyebrow. “Are you bloody serious? Have the last six years around me taught you nothing?”

“I’ve learned that you’re a very good actor.”

Severus grumbled under his breath and put his head in his hand. “I really do miss James.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Harry asked, feeling a little offended. Severus’ past was a bit of a rough spot for him.

“It means he was much easier to communicate with. He didn’t ask so many god-damned stupid questions!” Harry’s lip trembled a little like he was trying not to cry. “Harry, I’m sorry. I’m just getting a little frustrated. Your dad and I were very similar in many ways. We understood each other. The first three months of our relationship were purely physical, and he was fine with it. I’m beginning to see you don’t feel that way.”

Harry shook his head. “What does this mean?”

“It means you need to give me time. I don’t often let people in. In fact, only one person has ever truly been close to me. I had a childhood like yours, but unlike you I didn’t make friends at school. No teachers other than Horace Slughorn took much notice of me. I got used to being alone. You, on the other hand, made friends like Ron and Hermione. You were adopted by the Weasleys. Don’t get me wrong—I’m happy you didn’t end up like me.”

“Are you still going to help us?”

“Of course, as much as I can.”

Harry nodded. “That’s good, at least. We should probably get back. The Delacours will probably be here soon.”

“Harry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“I know you didn’t,” Harry assured him. “I shouldn’t have assumed. I just….”

“I know.” Severus patted Harry’s shoulder and walked out with him. Everyone else was waiting in the yard. Mrs. Weasley narrowed her eyes at Severus as they emerged but relaxed when she saw the look on Harry’s face. Apparently she was worried they had done more than just talk.

The house was even more crowded with Fleur’s family, which made it all the more difficult for Harry and his friends to plan. Before Harry knew it, it was his birthday. He’d told Mrs. Weasley he didn’t want a big fuss; the wedding preparations were already taking up a great deal of everyone’s time.

A small pile of presents waited for him on the kitchen table when he came down in the morning. He got Chocolate Frogs from Ron and a new Sneakoscope from Hermione. Fred and George gave him a few of their latest inventions. Harry was delighted to see a big box from Severus. Inside was a chess set, a box of expensive-looking chocolates, and a photo album full of more pictures of his parents; Severus was in quite a few of them as well. “I figured you’ve probably memorized the ones Hagrid gave you by now,” Severus mumbled, not looking directly at him.

“Thank you, so much,” Harry grinned. He almost hugged the elder wizard but caught himself, remembering that Severus didn’t care for public displays of affection. “But why don’t these move?”

“Your dad always used to say a picture was supposed to capture a moment. Moving pictures don’t really do that, therefore they’re stupid. I quite agree.”

“Oh.” Harry nodded, tracing a finger over a picture of his dad lazily stretched out on a couch with an amused smirk on his face.

Mrs. Weasley held out a small box to Harry. “I was saving this for last.” Harry opened it to find a watch with stars instead of numbers. “It’s tradition for a wizard to get a watch when he comes of age, she explained. “It isn’t new, it belonged to one of my brothers, but—”

Before she finished the sentence Harry flung his arms around her. It meant a great deal to him that she treated him like a son, and words couldn’t express his feelings. Mrs. Weasley seemed a little surprised, but patted him on the shoulder before turning to put breakfast on.

“I’ll put your gifts away for you,” Hermione offered, gathering everything up. Harry nodded and sat at the table. Hermione had apparently took it upon herself to pack everything they would need. She said everything was ready to go at a moment’s notice. Harry could only guess how she’d managed it.

That evening they were going to have a birthday dinner for him. Mrs. Weasley had invited Remus, Tonks, and Hagrid. There was no possible way everyone would fit inside, so they set up tables in the yard.

Remus was looking rather ragged these days, but he managed a sincere smile when Harry hugged him. “Happy birthday, Harry. You’re finally seventeen.”

“Yeah,” Harry sighed, glancing over at where Severus had set up a hammock away from everyone else. How was he ever going to get close to someone who kept to himself so much?

“I wouldn’t worry too much.” Remus put a hand on his shoulder. “You’re just feeling each other out right now. Welcome to adult relationships.”

“How did my dad do it?”

Remus chuckled and shook his head. “I think you’d better stick to your own strengths. I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I’ll tell you a little secret. A little gesture will go a long way. I bet he still has that stuffed bear your dad once gave him for Valentine’s Day. James felt bad when everyone else was getting gifts and Severus sat alone in a corner. It was a random act of kindness that showed Severus there was more to James Potter than met the eye, if you catch my meaning. James didn’t have to do it, he just thought everyone should get at least one Valentine. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the look on Severus’ face when James gave it to him.”

“Someone cared,” Harry said, beginning to understand what Remus was saying. “That was the turning point, wasn’t it?”

“One of them, yes.” Remus nodded. “There were a few moments that broke down those walls one by one. You’re going to have to do the same if a relationship is what you really want; though I would advise you to give that some thought.”

“I will,” Harry promised.

Mrs. Weasley came out looking a little out of sorts herself. “We can start as soon as Arthur comes home.”

As soon as she finished speaking a weasel Patronus landed in the yard. “The Minister is coming with me,” it said in Arthur’s voice before fading away.

“That’s my cue to leave,” Remus said, getting up from the table. “I’m sorry I can’t stay. I’ll explain later.” He and Tonks left in a hurry, leaving Harry a little confused.

Then Arthur appeared with Rufus Scrimgeour at his side. “Ah, happy birthday, Harry.” Scrimgeour gave him a fake smile. “Since I see I’m party-crashing, I’ll try to make this quick. I need to see Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Severus Snape. Is there anywhere I can speak to them privately?”

“I suppose you can use the sitting room,” Arthur answered.

The four of them followed the Minister inside. “What is this about?” Harry asked, taking a seat on the couch.

“Dumbledore’s will,” Severus answered, sitting in Arthur’s recliner.

“Right you are,” Scrimgeour nodded. “All four of you are in it. Severus, he left you the most, strangely enough.”

Severus patted his stomach. “I guess he wanted to make sure his heir was well cared for.”

Scrimgeour’s jaw dropped. “You mean that’s—you can’t be serious!”

“Maybe I’m lying, maybe I’m not,” Severus shrugged. “Interesting timing, though, isn’t it? And he did put me in his will.”

“Yes, well....” Srcimgeor conjured a stool for himself and took a seat.

“I don’t understand,” Harry said. “Dumbledore died a month ago and you’re just now getting to his will?”

“The thirty days are up.” Hermione answered the question, turning to Harry. “You see, the Ministry has thirty days to review a wizard’s will to make sure they aren’t passing on anything illegal or dangerous. Apparently they couldn’t find a reason to keep the items any longer.”

Scrimgeour frowned, confirming that Hermione was right. “You really are a very bright witch. Going into wizarding law, are you?” Hermione crossed her arms and didn’t answer. Scrimgeour pulled a piece of paper out of his pocked and cleared his throat. “Severus, let’s start with you. He leaves you his home, though unfortunately he doesn’t have the address anywhere.”

Severus’ expression didn’t change. “I guess it’s good I know where it is, then.”

“All right, where is it? I’ll need to put in the Ministry’s records.”

“I’m not telling you. I’m one of two people who know where it is, and I’d like to keep it that way.”

“I really must insist.”

“As I once told Dumbledore, learn to live with disappointment.”

Scrimgeour could see he was getting nowhere. “He also leaves you a few books from his personal library, a Lunascope, and seven thousand Galleons. As I said, he was quite generous with you. Were you closer to him than the other teachers were?”

“I’ve already answered that question. It’s not my fault you don’t believe me.”

Scrimgeour looked a little unnerved but handed over a small sack with all the listed items in it. Then he turned to Ron. “To you, Mr. Weasley, he left his Deluminator. It’s funny, he taught thousands of students and yet he remembered only you three in his will. Why is that?”

“Careful, smoke is coming out of your ears,” Severus mused. “Albus was James Potter’s godfather, so naturally Albus—along with the rest of the wizarding world—took an interest in Harry. Ron is Harry’s friend. Oh my, that was incredibly difficult to piece together.”

Scrimgeour glared at him. “I wasn’t talking to you.”

“I reckon it’s just as he said,” Ron said. “Dumbledore talked to all three of us a lot.”

“That’s right,” Hermione nodded. “We were always involved in everything that went on at the school.”

Scrimgeour handed Ron the small silver object. “Still, this was a device of his own making.”

“Maybe Mr. Weasley here has trouble with lights,” Severus said as he got up. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to visit the little boys’s room again.”

Scrimgeour turned to Hermione. “He left to you a copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard.” He held the very old and delicate-looking book out to her. “Out of all of his books, why do you suppose he left you that one?”

“I don’t know,” Hermione answered truthfully. “I do love books, though. This looks like children’s stories. Maybe he wanted to give me something to remind me not to be so serious all the time? I mean, this comes as as much of a surprise to us as it does you. Obviously you’ve studied everything and have found no hidden messages. Why else would you be asking so many questions?”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to appear as simple as he really is,” Severus commented, returning from the bathroom.

Scrimgeour’s face turned bright red. “I’ve had enough out of you! I am the Minister of Magic, and you will give me the respect I deserve.”

Severus stared him straight in the eye. “Earn it. I’m afraid I’ve spent too much time in the company of true tyrants and heroes to be frightened by you.”

Scrimgeour opened his mouth to respond, but Severus moved in such a way that his Dark Mark became visible. The Minister’s mouth snapped shut and he turned to Harry. “Mr. Potter, he left you the Snitch you caught in your first Quidditch game.” He held out the little golden ball with fluttering wings.

Harry hesitated a moment before reaching out and taking it. Everyone in the room watched it closely, but nothing happened. “Well, that was rather anticlimactic,” Severus commented. “Now, if that’s all….”

Scrimgeour looked rather disappointed. “Yes, that was all. He did leave the sword of Gryffindor to Harry, but that’s a historical artifact. It belongs to the school, not to any one person.”

“Yes, it’s not like Harry is descended from Gryffindor or anything,” Severus said dryly.

Scrimgeour studied Severus for a moment. “You seem to know an awful lot.”

“Pillow talk.” Severus smirked. “I find it interesting that you made it all the way to Minister and yet you seem completely ignorant of how things work. You’re either a very good actor or incredibly lucky.”

Scrimgeour’s hand trembled a little. “Since that is all, I’ll be on my way,” he said in a quiet tone.

As soon as the Minister was gone Harry looked over to Severus. “What was that?”

Severus shrugged. “I was screwing with his head. Don’t worry, I was lying. Were you hoping I was telling the truth?”

“No, I just didn’t know why you were telling him that. You know he’ll tell other people, right?”

Severus shrugged again. “One more rumor to add to the pile. Come, we should get back to your party.”

Everyone was gathered at the table around a Snitch-shaped cake. They waited for Harry to be seated, then Mrs. Weasley lit the candles and they sang happy birthday. Harry blew out the candles and slices of cake were passed around. Then another small pile of presents appeared on the table. “What’s all this?” Harry asked.

Mrs. Weasley turned to Severus. “Well, I thought maybe we’d make this a combination birthday party/baby shower. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Harry assured her.

Severus sat at the table looking a little shocked. “That’s very sweet of you.”

“Go on, Severus, your turn to open presents.” Arthur pushed the packages toward him.

Severus was clearly uncomfortable with all the attention, but he tried not to let it show too much. He opened each present and a strange look came over his face. Most were baby clothes, with a few toys. The last one was from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley: a gorgeous crib. “I—this is unexpected, to say the least,” Severus said, staring at it in disbelief.

“You’re welcome.” Mrs. Weasley gave him a warm smile. “I kind of feel like it’s my grandchild.”

Harry was absolutely thrilled. “This is the best birthday I’ve ever had.”

Mr. Weasley looked at his watch. “And it’s almost over. Time for bed; we have a wedding tomorrow.”
- 11
- 12
- 13
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Blood Bound