Gooey Melting Hearts | By : Blackkitten23 Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 24984 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 6 |
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and I don't make a profit off my stories |
(I'm thinking)
"I'm speaking"
Pairing: Yaoi M/M – seme James x Severus
Last Time:
An hour or so later a young wizard with the classic blonde Malfoy air stepped through the floo, “Hello. I’m Luciu-” Lucius was never able to finish the greeting. He saw the elderly wizards’ eyes narrow and he hit the floor unable to move ...
XXXXXXXXXX
“Is this the usual Prince greeting?” Lucius asked calmly despite not being able to move at all. What shocked him the most is that he didn’t even see the old wizard draw his wand let alone cast a spell.
“My apologies. Let me start over. I’m the Lord Prince, Sebastian, and this is my husband, Nicholas.” Sebastian said in a sarcastic drawl as he gestured to his love who was pointing his wand at the Malfoy. “Now my family is considered light for the most part, but we’re neutral as far as the war goes. We are open to everyone’s views as long as they respect ours.”
“A lovely ideology.” Lucius said, trying to maintain his impassive look.
Nicholas hummed, “We are also careful.” With barely a single lazy flick of the wrist Lucius’ long robe sleeve was shredded to bits revealing the dark mark. “What does a Death Eater want with our grandson.”
Lucius blinked more than a little stunned, “I’ve seen you before- …” he winced as the wand began to release a set of flaming tendrils that slithered towards his neck. “I’d never hurt Severus.”
“How are we to know?” Sebastian asked as he glared down at Lucius.
“He didn’t want it.” Everyone froze and looked up to see Severus on the second floor landing. “He’s always been my friend.”
“So you’re aware of this, Severus?” Nicholas asked, pointing his wand at the dark mark. Upon seeing Severus nod Nicholas immediately undid his spell and freed Lucius. “That’s all I need to know.”
“How did you know?” Lucius asked as he carefully stood up. His entire body was unsteady from the binding spell. “That was quite a strong binding spell. You’re very fast.” Lucius was thoroughly impressed by the old wizards.
Nicholas smiled, “Thank you. I had a lot of practice.” He said, shooting his husband, who snorted in amusement, a slight glare. “As for how we knew that really should be obvious, don’t you think?”
“Wards.” Lucius sighed feeling a little foolish. “You have older wicken wards. My father insisted on getting an updated version years ago because he didn’t want to pay for a specialist or that was his excuse, at least.” Lucius said implying there were other reasons.
Sebastian sighed, “It takes hundreds of years for wards to get to the point where they need maintenance so, knowing your father’s reputation, I can guess why he wanted less strict wards. No matter. This isn’t what this gathering was to be about.“ He smiled as they guided their grandson and his friend to the living room to chat.
“No it wasn’t, but I’m glad to know a few questions, namely Severus’ safety, were answered.”Lucius with an amused smile, but then snapped his fingers and looked at Nicholas. “Nicholas Frazier. You have 60 dueling wins and 20 records to your name. I had no clue you married into the Prince family.”
Sebastian winced, “My mother had conditions … they had to be met if she was going to allow our marriage-“
“I agreed to them. Quit dwelling on that. It’s been over 60 years.” Nicholas chastised his husband happily before looking at Lucius. “His mother didn’t like that I was dueling or that my part time job was a Gatherer.”
Severus’ eyes widened, “You were a gatherer?” He exclaimed a little awestruck.
Nicholas nodded, “Yes. I used it as a chance to search for rare plants and get paid for it. I had strong defense skills so it was a good fit. Of course, such a dangerous job involving hunting rare and dangerous plants and creatures for potion ingredients wasn’t ideal to my mother-in-law. She believed the bearer in a relationship should be more …” he paused as if trying to recall a specific word. “Subdued. She wanted me to cut anything dangerous out and fade into the background. I had no problem with that since she did allow the marriage afterwards and really she was right. I did become pregnant soon after and would’ve had to stop anyway. Sebastian had the worst of it as far as in-laws go.”
“Yeah …” Sebastian said with a shiver.
Nicholas chuckled at his husband’s behavior, “Anyway, how do you know about me, Lucius? You’re far too young to know much about my dueling past.”
“My father likes to think he’s the best at everything and, of course, has been trying to break your records.” Lucius looked at the clean cut edge of his sleeve that extended all around his arm. “Very clean cuts. Back, front, sides and yet no cut to the skin. The Spiral Cutting Curse, correct? Father only managed to cast 5 cutting curses simultaneously without losing control and hasn’t managed to curve any. You brought him a great deal of frustration.” Lucius said getting some enjoyment out of this encounter. “Speaking of frustrations, I want to make sure you’re aware of James Potter’s full role in Severus’ life beyond saving him.“
Severus’ eyes narrowed, “Actually, how did you know I was here or that James was involved at all. I haven’t been awake long enough to write to you.”
Lucius scoffed, “Bellatrix and Narcissa intercepted a letter to their cousin and questioned him on the contents. Gringotts assisted with the rest.” Lucius said indifferently. He twitched when Severus shot him a suspicious look. Clearly the younger Slytherin knew this was more than a simple questioning. “Anyway, as thankful as I am to Potter it seems he only got involved after over hearing our talk that night you healed me.”
“He was there?!” Severus gasped, but instantly felt his body weaken and a dizzy spell hit him.
Both Lucius and Nicholas grabbed Severus before he fell off the couch, “They were planning their usual ambush, but that’s hardly important! Are you ok?“
Sebastian nodded, “Dizziness is a side effect of the nutrition potions he’s on.”
Silver eyes narrowed dangerously, “I’ve had many healing potions and never had those effects.” The grandfathers were pleased to see the protectiveness in those eyes, but they were curious as to why James was the one who eventually stepped in and not this young man before them.
“Very strong nutrition potions for reversing long term damage do have those effects.” Sebastian said as he checked for a fever while also taking note of the young Malfoy’s expression. Lucius seemed to ponder the explanation a moment before finally believing it. “Good, no fever. I’ll get you something to eat. Would you like something sweet or more salty?”
“He has an addiction to dark chocolate.” Lucius said cheerfully as he casually leaned away before Severus could tweak his ear for blabbing secrets.
“Sweets it is!” Sebastian chuckled and left to gather some snacks.
“I take it you don’t have house elves.” Lucius commented.
Nicholas shook his head, “No, we do. They don’t come into the house beyond the attic and cellar. House elves are powerful creatures and it’s well known by the Prince family that their magic affects potions and the ingredients even at a distance, which is why they are asked to stay back. If there’s an emergency they’ll step in or you look in the grounds you’ll see them tending to many other chores … now, what was this about an ambush, Lucius?”
A part of Severus wanted to stop his friend, but Lucius actually clapped his hand over the younger wizard’s mouth to prevent it, “Potter bullied Severus for five years. Since the first day of school.”
“Is this true?” Nicholas exclaimed looking worriedly at his grandson. After discovering the abuse his grandson felt at the hands of his daughter Nicholas thought it was over. He didn’t consider that there was a whole other issue at school too. Thinking back now he recalled how Severus reacted to James upon waking up. Maybe there was more to it than being scared and in a strange place. Maybe some of that fear was because it was James that Severus saw first.
Severus pushed Lucius’ hand away, but looked at his grandpa almost nervously, “Yes … he and his three-... well, two, friends. They got rough at times.”
“Is that so?” Everyone glanced up as Sebastian came in and set a large tray with a fondue pot full of dark melting chocolate surrounded by lots of crispy snacks compatible with said dip on the table. “I may owe the Potter family for having a hand in your return to us, but this shouldn’t be overlooked especially if that fool of a headmaster is as deeply involved as I suspect. I’ll discuss this with them tomorrow afternoon. For now, eat up.”
“Some hot cocoa might be nice. Would you like some?” Nicholas asked as he stood up to help his husband get the drinks and some plates. Lucius had already grabbed a fondue fork and was dipping a helping piece of brownie in the chocolate.
“Umm yes.” Severus said and looked curiously at his grandfathers as they walked away. “Wait, why tomorrow?” He asked, ignoring Lucius who was blowing on his dipped confection to cool it.
“The trial is tomorrow. We can talk about it in a minute.” Sebastian said as he and Nicholas went into the kitchen. Severus barely opened his mouth before Lucius’ chocolaty victim was shoved in his mouth. The younger Slytherin chewed the tasty treat, but did still shoot Lucius a glare for shutting him up.
“Go ahead and glare.” Lucius smirked already dipping a cookie in the chocolate. “I know what you wanted to say.” Severus scoffed, but gasped slightly as Lucius wrapped an arm around his waist and leaned in almost too close. “You wanted to ask them if you could go to the trial.” He said softly while slipping his free hand up Severus’ loose shirt. The other hand was still dipping the cookie.
“Why shouldn’t I ask? … if they catch you I doubt you’ll only have a shredded sleeve.” Severus said, a little annoyed his friend read his intentions so easily and was getting too handsy again.
“I’d like them even more if they left me a bloody mess on the floor!” Lucius smirked letting the chocolate coated cookie cool. The comment just made Severus roll his eyes. “As for the trial you aren’t going because you’re underage and the goblins don’t allow it especially in abuse cases. You’ll be asked for a memory, nothing more. Eat your cookie.” Lucius said as he quickly pulled away and shoved the chocolate covered cookie in his hands.
“So I can’t see my mother?” Severus asked not sure how he felt about that. He nearly jumped when a cup of cocoa was set in front of him. Apparently, he didn’t notice his grandfathers’ return with drinks, plates and his potions.
“To answer your question, no.” Nicholas said sadly as he set the drinks down.
Sebastian frowned at the flash of hurt in his grandson’s eyes, “You may not like it, but policy is in place for a reason. They want to prevent further trauma to any young children and dragging someone through a trial, especially someone recovering like you, is not easy at all. You won’t be dragged in front of them, asked detailed questions or be forced to describe the treatment.” He said as he set the plates and potions down. “You give them a memory and that’s all. In fact,” he picked up an empty vial that was next to Severus’ potions. “May I?”
Severus looked at the empty vial and then at the wand in his grandfather’s hand. A part of him didn’t want to since it would no doubt seal his mother’s fate, but he nodded nonetheless. “Yes.”
“And don’t worry, Sev.” Lucius said as he sacrificed a gram cracker to the chocolate goo while a long silvery memory was dragged from his friend’s mind. “I’m not underage so I can go … assuming I’m invited to the private family trial, of course.” He commented as he handed the coated treat to Severus.
Nicholas smiled, “I think that’s an excellent idea. If you and Sebastian assist there, Severus and I can try getting out and walking around. If you’re up to it, of course.” He said and was happy to see his grandson nod almost eagerly.
“Don’t take him to an apothecary. It’ll be too stimulating.” Lucius snickered, getting a glare and playful ear tweak from Severus for the joke.
Sebastian couldn’t help but chuckle at the two boys’ actions, “Now, Lucius, why don’t you tell us about yourself.”
“Yes. Did you duel or play quidditch?” Nicholas asked curiously.
Severus scoffs, “He’s too lazy.”
“I’m hurt!” Lucius exclaimed in mock hurt. “What my dear friend means to say is that I never did any physical things in school, but my vast skills reside elsewhere. I happen to specialize in runes and warding.”
“Oh really? Fascinating!” Nicholas exclaimed with genuine interest.
With that the four wizards, young and old, chatted casually over the chocolate. It was quite pleasant, but ended when they noticed Severus was yawning. Of course, the stubborn Slytherin didn’t want to just go to bed. Lucius was not on his side, however.
“So you don’t want to be well rested so you can go on that shopping trip your grandpa was going to take you on tomorrow?” Lucius commented while munching on a cookie. After that Severus quickly, though begrudgingly, relented. The Malfoy watched closely as Severus was guided to his room, given the dreamless sleep potion and tucked in. “You removed his scars.” He whispered as they left Severus’ room.
“He shouldn’t have ever had such marks on him.” Sebastian murmured as he shut the door. “I’ll bring that up tomorrow … along with your experiences if you’d permit it.” He said while pulling out the vial filled with the memories he had safely tucked away in his pocket.
“My experiences?” Lucius asked rather confused by what the Prince Lord meant by that comment.
Nicholas smiled softly, “You say you’ve had many healing potions, but never participated in the activities that would bring about those injuries. You clearly care for Severus, but despite being from a prominent family yourself it was James Potter who helped Severus. You also have a gentle, yet very close and slow, way of touching Severus. Calm motions that can be mistaken as seductive, but that’s not what it is. You were looking for his scars and to make sure there weren’t new ones.”
“On top of that you’re politically minded so would probably know that if you stepped in to help Severus you would’ve volunteered your family as his guardians since you weren’t aware of us.” Sebastian said, looking the young wizard straight in the silver eyes. “Do you realize what that tells us? It says you couldn’t risk your friend being under your household because it would be exactly the same if not worse.” Sebastian noticed that Lucius became very tense. “Also, Severus mentioned that you’re allergic to Pepper ups. Is that true or is it just reacting to a potion already in you? Perhaps a potion to keep you quiet about certain injuries.”
Nicholas hummed in thought as he pondered out loud, “Runes just so happen to be a good way to suppress the control potions have especially if you study up on very advanced techniques secretly. It can’t remove them from your body, just suppress their control so you appear allergic. Gringotts, for example, has more than enough to help a mere student to go far beyond the skill required to suppress potions and even identify old wards over updated varieties. It isn't a bad place to research politics either.”
Lucius felt his jaw unhinge in his shock, “You were watching us the entire time. I don’t recall that in any ward systems.” He couldn’t believe he was found out in one meeting.
“We’re old, we gained many helpful tricks in our years.” Nicholas said jokingly.
The Malfoy scoffed and fell silent as he seriously pondered what they were offering him, “I couldn’t say much.” He murmured softly, not quite admitting to a potion or the use of runes, but not denying it either. However, it wasn’t the potion stopping him, but fear of something, or someone, else.
“Goblins have ways around that.” Sebastian said holding the vial up. “We only need a memory. Say the word and I’ll back you.”
For a second Lucius was hopeful, but after a moment he realized it was, sadly, not possible, “Thank you, but there’s no way to accept that much desired offer without risking the lives of other people I care about … my father has a frequent visitor who has a temper even worse than his and many of my friends are in his reach.” It hurt to say no, but Lucius still felt he had to.
Nicholas nodded, “After that’s out of the way then!”
The Malfoy heir blinked. Apparently, they weren’t going to just drop the offer, “I don’t know when-“ his sentence trailed off as Sebastian laid a hand on his shoulder comfortingly. “Thank you.” Lucius murmured softly to the first people he can honestly say stood up for him. With a quiet goodbye Lucius left. At least, for a little while. He will return in the morning before the trial.
XXXXXXXXXX
“Severus … Severus? Are you ok? Do you feel tired?”
The young Slytherin came back to his senses and looked away from the thing distracting him to look at his worried grandpa, “I’m ok.”
Nicholas knew his grandson was very distracted. For a moment he wondered if it was because of the potions he was on or the crowds in Diagon Alley, but he noticed what was in the direction where Severus was looking. It just so happens there was a clock visible next to the window of the store they stopped in. That clock also showed that the time was 5 minutes to 1:00 or, to be precise, 5 minutes until the trial started.
“You know, we got everything for you, but we haven’t fully stocked your side of the potion lab. What do you say we do that?” Nicholas offered and couldn’t stop the chuckle that escaped his lips when Severus’ eyes lit up. This will distract the young wizard for a while.
The older wizard paid for Severus’ brand new clothes and put the shrunken package in his pocket before they left the store. They kept walking at a casual pace despite Severus’ building excitement. However, Nicholas noticed those dark eyes dim when they walked right passed the apothecary in Diagon Alley and chuckled.
“Your grandfather hates the apothecary in Diagon. We’re going to his favorite place in Knockturn Alley. It’s called Crock & Pestle and it's much bigger. You’ll spot it right away by the large spice rack and lion fish tank in the window.” A smile spread across Nicholas’ face as Severus was practically glowing with excitement not that most people would notice. Nicholas was just so used to the reserved nature of the Prince family that he could see all those subtle signs. Those eyes can be so expressive if you know what to look for.
“I’ve never been in Knockturn Alley before.” Severus said trying, but failing to not sound as excited as he was.
Nicholas sighed softly as they took the turn that went into Knockturn, “The war has put a bit of a stigma on dark magic. Many more people try to get away from here every year. Unfortunately, more of the unsavory sorts are sneaking around here now..” He placed a hand on Severus’ shoulder presumably to guide him, but in reality he wanted to make Severus didn’t see him draw his wand as they passed a pair of cloaked people. “Promise me you’ll never come here without me or Sebastian, ok? You’re an heir now and a very tempting target.” He said seriously doing a better job at hiding his alertness than Severus was at hiding his excitement.
“I won’t!” Severus said as his eyes zeroed in on the door of the shop called the Crock & Pestle. From what he could see in just the store’s windows the store was definitely the apothecary his grandpa mentioned and did indeed have much more to offer.
“Good. Now don’t hold back. You can get anything you’d like, but don’t push yourself. The owner, Patty, is a dear friend of ours so she can help get anything you’d like.” Nicholas said letting Severus go in ahead of him. He glanced over his shoulder just in time to see the cloaked pair apparate away as the store’s door shut behind him.
“Nicholas! Oh it’s so good to see you! I’m surprised Sebastian isn’t with you. Everything ok?- be careful!” Came a strong, but kind, voice from a woman behind a set of shelves. A full figured, dark skinned woman with gray hair came despite clearly looking back deep in the aisles as if someone had annoyed her. “I swear, that one has two left feet!” She huffed before redirecting her attention towards Nicholas, who was quite amused by her annoyance, waiting for an answer.
“Sebastian is fine, he just had some business to attend to at Gringotts. Of course, he’ll be a bit jealous that we came without him.” Nicholas raised an eyebrow at the sound of a thud in the back and angry mutters. “Part timers giving you trouble, Patty?” Nicholas asked as he gave the woman a hug.
“You’d think I’d learn my lesson, but I still do this every year. I somehow get only the klutzy ones.” Patty immediately zeroed on Severus and smiled at the boy who was eyeing the store like other kids would if they were in a candy shop. “You definitely have the heart of a potion master and a healer aura. What’s your name, honey?” She asked as she went right up to the distracted teen.
Nicholas noticed that Severus was a little startled by the sudden closeness of a stranger and immediately placed a hand on Severus’ shoulder comfortingly. “This, Patty, is my grandson, Severus.”
“Grandson?” Patty murmured and tears came to her eyes as the information sank in. “Oh Merlin, thank you! We’ve been searching so long!” She beamed and tapped the stack of baskets near the counter. The metal butterflies on the handles lifted the baskets up and a couple baskets floated to Severus. “You take everything you want, sweetheart.” She said and gently hugged the teen.
“Thank you, ma’am.” Severus said softly.
Patty huffed, “Call me Patty. Now pick everything that catches your eyes. The cauldrons are in the back and the leeches are fresh-“ A splash was heard in the very far back. “These fools will be the death of me.” She sighed with an eye roll.
Curiosity spurred Severus to follow her, with his watchful grandpa following, and see what the ruckus was about. When they went farther back and passed over a dozen ingredients filled aisles they found lots of water spreading across the floor, a few leeches and two drenched teens next to the toppled tank. Both teens even had leeches stuck to them as they tried to collect the escapees in their aprons to appease the annoyed Patty. One wet haired teen slipped and landed hard on his ass, which was followed by a set of colorful curses. Of course, Patty wasn’t happy.
“We have customers so no such language! Now apologize and get the leeches back in the tank.” Patty huffed as she turned the tank back upright and twisted a dial that triggered water to fall from the ceiling to refill the tank.
“Right. Right. I’m sorry-“ the teen on the ground gaped as he spotted Severus. “Severus?”
Severus’ dark eyes widened. The teen was in a basic dark blue uniform with a white apron, was completely drenched and had a leech stuck to his cheek, but he could tell who it was. “James Potter?”
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