Chapter 5
Saturday has finally arrived, and Harry's anticipation grew as he looked forward to spending the weekend at the Prince Manor. As he descended the stairs for breakfast, Death greeted him with a knowing smile.
“What time are you expected at the Prince's, Master?” Death inquired, earning an eye roll from Harry.
“We haven't specified a time, but I hope they'll be expecting me for lunch,” Harry replied nonchalantly, shrugging off Death's smirk. They both understood that Harry intended to forge a closer bond with his newfound family.
Arriving at Prince Manor just in time for lunch, Harry engaged in a conversation with Septimus about his upcoming introduction before the Wizengamot on Monday. He diligently absorbed the pointers offered to him concerning the intricate dynamics of the court. After the meal, Harry somehow managed to persuade the young Prince to spend the afternoon in his company, and they retreated to the library where they peacefully read side by side.
“Is there anything I can assist you with, my Prince?” Harry lowered his book, shifting his full attention to the fidgeting boy.
Harry found it amusing that Severus seemed more interested in him than in his own book. The boy attempted, unsuccessfully, to be subtle in observing him whenever he thought Harry was absorbed in his reading.
“No, I... you just... remind me a little bit of my friend,” He stammered.
“Oh?” Harry's eyes twinkled. “What about me reminds you of your friend?” Warm green eyes locked Severus' wide obsidian gaze.
“You have the same eyes... and smile,” Harry felt his heart skip a beat as those eyes briefly glanced at his mouth.
“Her name is Lily. She's special. She is magic too, like us. I just... I really miss her a lot, but my Ma said I'm not allowed to go back...” Severus trailed off sadly.
“Well, you can still communicate with her,” Harry suggested.
“How?” Severus asked, his expression hopeful.
“You can send her an owl,” Harry replied.
“Send her an owl?” Severus echoed, his face adorably scrunched up.
“Yes. You can write her a letter and then deliver it using an owl,” Harry elaborated. A broad smile illuminated Severus' face.
“Oh, that's why we keep so many owls in the barn! They deliver letters for us,” Severus exclaimed, and Harry jolted as the boy threw his arms around his neck.
“Thank you, Harry! Will you please assist me in writing a letter to Lily? I'm not very good at using a quill yet,” Severus pleaded.
Harry felt utterly defeated. He knew he could never refuse Snape if he asked him for anything.
“Of course, my Prince. Shall we begin?” Harry responded, a soft smile gracing his features.
“Are you sure Lily will get my letter?” Severus asked skeptically while observing the owl as it took flight with the missive fastened to its leg.
“Don't you believe in magic, my Prince?” Harry laughed as the boy huffed crossing his arms.
Winky materialized before them, dutifully reminding the Heir Prince of his scheduled afternoon nap.
“Thank you, Winky. I shall escort the Prince Heir back to his bedroom.” Harry placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, and together they departed the barn.
“It's big enough, you know. You can lie down,” Severus offered, gesturing to the space beside him.
”Are you...suggesting that I... get in bed with you?” Harry asked, his tone hesitant and suprised.
“Yes, if that's okay with you? Lily and I used to nap on the grass together. It's difficult to fall asleep without her,” Severus admitted, a hint of sadness creeping into his expression.
“I would be delighted to join you in a nap, my Prince,” Harry responded, loosening his cravat and removing his vest and jacket. He carefully folded them on the bedside table before slipping under the covers. They exchanged warm smiles before drifting off into slumber.
Harry abruptly woke up, sensing a pair of eyes upon him, and discovered Eileen Snape standing at the foot of the bed. Mortification filled him as he realized his current location. ‘Oh no, I'm in her son's bed,’ He thought and made a swift movement to rise, but was hindered by small limbs. Death will never let him live this down.
“Don't. You will wake him. He's never slept so peacefully.” Eileen advised, her tone was gently restrained. Harry nodded hesitantly, his body easing back onto the bed.
“Severus told me about his friend, Lily. He mentioned that I remind him of her, so I suggested we send her an owl. Then he requested that I lie down because he cannot sleep... without Lily. I find myself unable to refuse him,” He explained quietly as he traced the relaxed features of Severus with his gaze.
“Yes, she's a sweet girl and his only friend... until you came along. I am glad to see that you're...getting along with each other. Severus has mentioned that he can feel your magic, a strong indication of compatibility. You will find happiness in each other. That's all that matters to me, his happiness." Eileen conveyed, her words laced with an unspoken warning. Harry could discern the underlying message clearly, ‘Don't you dare to harm him.’
"You and I both share that sentiment, Eileen. You and I both," Harry replied, feeling a profound sense of commitment to safeguard Snape's well-being.
Harry's weekend visits to Prince Manor had evolved into an enduring tradition, extending from Saturday noon to Sunday night. He was graciously provided his own quarters, yet they served merely as a sanctuary for slumber. The majority of his time was spent in the company of Severus, engaging in leisurely activities. They would drift into peaceful dozes together, engross themselves in perusing literary works within the vast expanse of the Prince family library, and imparting rudimentary charms and spells, generously permitting Snape to borrow his holly wand—a cherished possession he has repurchased from Ollivander's. Their shared pursuits extended further to the potions laboratory, where Harry would ostensibly assume the role of an inspector as he offered guidance to Eileen in educating her son, until she astutely discerned Harry's own 'inadequacy' in the art and insisted that he too should receive tutelage.
Notably, Harry's culinary inclinations aligned with Lady Prince's, prompting him to lend a hand in the kitchen. His delectable creations became a cherished component of their weekend dinners. On another note, he and Lord Prince embarked on ventures to galas and court sessions, their companionship cemented by their attendance at contentious Winzengamot hearings or obligatory appearances, the presence of the Prince Patriarch invariably accompanied him. Suffice to say, Harry had ingratiated himself deeply within the entire family, their affection towards him evident.
“Harry, wake up! You have to look at this!” Severus vigorously shaking Harry. Reluctantly, Harry fluttered his eyes open as Severus eagerly waved a piece of paper in front of him.
“Good morning, my Prince,” Harry mumbled. Yielding to his impulsive desire, he pulled the boy into his bed and planted a tender kiss on his forehead.
“What is it, my Prince?” Harry groggily inquired, lazily massaging the stiffness out of Severus' back.
“It's a letter—from Lily. She has finally responded... after a lengthy wait,” Was the boy's flustered reply.
“Mmm, how is the owl?” Harry probed, running his fingers through the soft strands of hair.
“Oh, um... it seems exhausted, I suppose,” Severus answered, eventually melting under Harry's soothing touch.
“That's because it exerted itself greatly trying to locate your friend. Your letter may not have been adequately addressed, and Lily is still not fully attuned to her magic. Hence, the delay in delivering your letter,” Harry explained, striving to convey his thoughts coherently.
“Oh,” Severus acknowledged, absorbing the information.
“Would you mind if I catch a little more sleep, my Prince? Certainly, it can wait a little longer.” Harry yawned, the boy's warmth and magic lulling him back to sleep.
“Okay, I'll just go—mmph!” Harry hastily grasped and held Snape tightly in his arms as the latter attempted to rise from the bed.
“No, you're not going anywhere. Stay right here,” Harry insisted, inwardly feeling a hint of selfishness.
“Alright, Harry,” Severus agreed, a smile playing on his lips as he settled comfortably in Harry's embrace.
At the breakfast table, Winky conveyed to the rest of the family that Lord Peverell and the Prince Heir would not be joining them, as the two had yet to emerge after the young Prince had surreptitiously entered Lord Peverell's quarters earlier that morning.
“I believe it would be wise to leave them undisturbed for the time being,” Septimus remarked, his delight barely concealed.
“Septimus! Harold is a gentleman. I am certain there is a perfectly innocent explanation for our grandson's presence in his quarters,” Livia reproached her husband with a sharp look.
“What? I am merely pleased by they're getting along remarkably well. I did not imply anything untoward,” Septimus retorted, turning to his daughter for support. "Please back me up, Eileen."
“Actually, Father, I caught Harold in my son's bed on his second visit. I assured him of my approval, of course, but it doesn't mean I am 'delighted' about it. Nonetheless, I agree with Mother; Harold is indeed a gentleman, and he cares deeply for Severus," Eileen responded, resuming her breakfast and suppressing the urge to burst into laughter at her parents' shocked expressions.