Chapter 19

Three days later, Severus hobbled into the library with his cane. Today was a bad day for him. It was nearly evening, and he was surprised to see Harry sitting there reading a scroll.

"I thought you were busy with audiences?" He asked with a raised brow.

Harry placed the scroll on his lap and gestured for Severus to join him. "One can only listen to stuffy Lords complain for so long." When he noticed that Severus had problems moving, he hurried up and helped the other to the chair.

Severus lowered himself into the chair with a hiss, his hand tightened around the cane before he placed it against the armrest.

"Your ankle again?" He then asked with worry.

"The curse flares up when the weather is ruddy," Severus grumbled.

"You know it's a curse..." Harry looked at Severus with araised brow.

"Lord Slytherin, I was not born yesterday," Severus stated. "Also, Lupin confirmed my suspicions. And you probably found out from your Healers."

"Lupin told you?" Harry blinked. "He just told me you were injured five years ago. Though he didn't say to what extent."

"I asked him not to. I like to keep potential enemies guessing, especially since I cannot apparate far." Severus stated. "What else did Remus tell you?"

"Actually, nothing. He just wanted to leave London and told me about you being injured in confidence because he saw how I let you go." Harry frowned. "What else did he tell you?"

"Only that it was James who cursed me, hoping I would die at the hands of a Death Eater," Severus stated. "Apparently, Lupin confronted Potter, and they got into it. Then Lupin decided to cut ties with Black and Potter because they showed no remorse. Though seriously, what would you expect from those two sociopaths? Imagine my surprise when I find him visiting you."

"He's part of the second-largest wolfpack in Scotland. If they need to trade, they usually send him since he's familiar with us."

Severus shifted in the chair, his ankle giving a particularly nasty throb. Harry crouched down and brushed his fingers lightly against Severus's ankle.

"It's worse than I thought," He murmured.

"Don't pity me. I've lived with it long enough. The cure requires an ingredient that is notoriously difficult to obtain."

"The venom of a Silver-backed Scorpion," Harry said while still lightly stroking. "Don't worry. I have people on that. It will take some political moves, but I hope to secure it within one to two years, given how stubborn the other party is." Severus's eyes widened upon hearing that.

Harry began massaging Severus's ankle, careful at first, before his touch got firmer. Severus hissed once but settled down as the tension eased.

Silence stretched between them, though not awkwardly. Then Harry spoke again, his voice softer. "If I'd known about this curse sooner, I wouldn't have invited you to the ball," he said. "I'd have taken you on a picnic instead. Less strain, more peace."

Severus's brow rose. "A picnic?"

Harry chuckled. "Yes. But I had really hoped to dance with you that night. Gliding over the floor, you in those custom robes I designed, looked magnificent, delectable."

Severus blushed as Harry licked his lips. "You really designed those yourself?" The Potion master then asked. "They were wonderful. I just wish I had a chance to enjoy them. Black cut them off from me when I was captured. Apparently, he thinks I'm not worthy of wearing luxury."

"Bullshit!" Harry growled as his magic flared slightly, sending a shiver down Severus's skin.

Harry's magic still hummed faintly in the air, as his jaw tightened with indignation. "Not worthy?!"

Severus gave him a look, "Harry..." he said cautiously.

But Harry was already leaning back on his heels, a mischievous smirk on his lips. "Tomorrow, I'm taking you to Diagon Alley."

Severus blinked. "Pardon?! Absolutely not."

"Yes," Harry countered. "I want to spoil you. New robes, books, whatever catches your eye."

Severus's brow furrowed. "You've already given me a laboratory, clothing, and a roof over my head. I'm living here rent-free. I don't need more."

Harry smiled still. "Need has nothing to do with it. When Lord Slytherin wants to spoil someone, Lord Slytherin will spoil someone."

"Do you have any idea what people will say? A former Death Eater cavorting about Diagon Alley, lovey-dovey with the ruler of the wizarding world? They'll tear us apart with gossip."

Harry leaned closer, his grin widening. "You haven't said no."

Severus opened his mouth, then closed it again, realizing too late that Harry had caught him. Harry smirked and leaned forward while saying in a teasing voice. "Let me be your sugar daddy for the day."

Severus's ears went pink. "Merlin help me..." he muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Harry laughed, "Tomorrow, then. I'll make sure the robes Black cut from you are replaced tenfold. And more."

Severus shook his head, "You are impossible."