Chapter 52 - Valentine
Draco Malfoy and Charlie Weasley were married on Valentine's Day. At the request of the Malfoys the ceremony was small and largely unpublicized, attended only by the immediate family. Albus arranged for the gathering to be held in the Room of Requirement that evening, with a private family dinner to follow, courtesy of the Hogwarts House Elves. The room itself looked like a spring-time garden - a pleasant change to the winter snow still on the ground outside the castle.
Albus, Severus and Harry along with the nine Weasleys were already waiting in the room when the Malfoys arrived. Lucius and Narcissa entered side by side, both elegantly dressed in formal robes that probably cost more than Arthur made in a year. The string of diamonds around Narcissa's neck could have purchased the Burrow and everything in it ten times over. But wealth aside, both looked unhappy. Narcissa, while beautiful and nearly unchanged since her own school days, had a pinched, arrogant sneer on her face that stood in stark contrast to the rosy-cheeked grin on Molly's face. Draco, trailing behind his parents in equally fine robes of Slytherin green, was nearly expressionless, only the sparkle in his eyes giving any indication that he was pleased to be there.
While the two elder Malfoys were obviously unhappy about the event, the Weasleys were all in good spirits. Though it was evident that Charlie's choice in mates had surprised them, the idea of a marriage and a new member of the family was clearly a joyful one for them. Molly actually shocked a rather baffled Draco when she gave the boy a warm hug, and then proceeded to straighten out his hair and robes that she'd ruffled. It was obvious from the look of utter shock on Draco's face that he had no idea how to deal with such behavior - a fact that made both Ron and Harry snicker in amusement. Again in contrast to the greeting Draco got from his new family, Charlie rated no more than a sneer from Narcissa.
Lucius paused beside Severus while Draco attempted to introduce his mother to the rest of the Weasley clan. "I thought this was to be immediate family only," Lucius remarked, glancing briefly at Harry who stood beside Ron.
Severus merely shrugged, having no intention of apologizing for his presence. Truthfully, neither he nor Albus trusted the Malfoys alone with the Weasleys. "They consider Harry a member of the immediate family."
Severus noted the odd look of speculation that flickered through Lucius' eyes at that. The idea that he was joining the Malfoy family to the Weasleys was probably unbearable - but Severus suspected that the pain was mitigated somewhat by the idea that Harry Potter was considered a member of the immediate family. No doubt Lucius would twist this to his advantage, hinting to the public that he had been more interested in the union with the Potter-Snapes than the Weasleys.
After the initial greeting Lucius insisted on seeing the wedding contract. Dumbledore had done a masterful job on the contract, and before the official ceremony could begin Lucius made a point of going over each line of the document. He argued some points, tried to change things to his advantage time and time again, but there was little room for compromise in the Cedo documentation. Still there were some minor points that were at the discretion of the two parties, and Charlie indicated that he was willing to discuss those openly.
Curious about what Lucius might try, Severus watched the negotiation closely. He knew that Charlie Weasley did not have a background in Wizarding Law. And while Arthur worked in Law Enforcement, legal contracts were not his area of specialty; young Percy who stood eagerly by likely had a more deep understanding than the rest of his family. Were it not for Dumbledore watching the procedure, Severus might have worried that Charlie would get himself in trouble entering any sort of negotiation with Lucius. But it became apparent very quickly on that Charlie had been coached in what to say. He seemed to know before hand every point Lucius would bring up, and had a counter to each suggestion - a flat out refusal of some points and a compromise for others that would not truly relinquish any power.
Baffled by Charlie's apparent aptitude in this matter, Severus turned his attention to Draco. While Draco was quiet and subdued, unwilling to meet his father's stern gaze, Severus noticed several times that a look of triumph crossed the boy's face when Charlie countered certain points. He realized suddenly that Charlie's coaching had come from the very Dragon he had tamed - Draco had warned him before hand every point his father would bring up, and told him how to counter it.
While it was obvious that Draco lacked the courage to outright challenge his father himself, Charlie had no such fear and did so almost gleefully. Severus found himself chuckling softly - Charlie and Draco would make a very formidable pair. Nor, he suspected, would their relationship be anywhere near as unequal as the contract implied - Draco obviously had the skill and intelligence to manipulate things from behind the scenes, and Charlie seemed not only content but rather pleased to let him. Severus smirked - Lucius never really stood a chance against the pair.
The ceremony itself was short and simple, performed again by Albus. In form it was rather similar to the ceremony Harry and Severus had participated in, though this one ended in a rather passionate kiss between the two young men in question. Molly Weasley burst into tears at the sight and began dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief given to her by her husband. Across from her a rather cold looking Narcissa Malfoy sniffed disdainfully in her direction.
During the ceremony Severus found himself glancing over at his own bond-mate. Six months ago they'd been in the exact same position as Charlie and Draco and had both forgone the traditional kiss - appalled by the very idea. Severus wondered now what he would do in the same situation. He doubted he'd pass up the opportunity to kiss the boy with impunity if given the chance - public or not. But what would Harry's reaction be? The boy was staring rather curiously at Draco and Charlie, faint color high in his cheeks. Was he imagining them in the same position, Severus wondered?
Severus raised his hand and touched the crystal pendant that hung around his neck - the stone was well hidden under his clothing, but he could feel its powerful presence against the skin of his chest, reminding him constantly that it was there. His mind drifted back to the moment he'd seen it, the moment he'd touched it, and he found himself wondering, not for the first time, what it meant. Like everything associated with Harry Potter, it left Severus unsettled and confused.
He'd been a bit leery of the traditions of Valentine's Day. Albus tended to overdo the decorations around Hogwarts, and the student body was more than happy to indulge in the odd gift giving traditions that came with the celebration. As a married man Severus knew he was expected to get something for his bond mate - it was tradition after all. Even in arranged marriages, such courtesies were not ignored. And so that afternoon after class he'd presented Harry with a large box wrapped in Gryffindor-red paper.
It was doubtful he'd ever forget the look on Harry's face when he'd seen the box. No doubt Ron or Hermione had informed him that tradition and duty would compel him to give him something - but he suspected the boy had been expecting one of the silly cards sold down in Hogsmeade rather than the large box he'd received.
Severus had watched in amused silence as the boy had opened the gift, and had felt a wave of immense satisfaction wash over him when a look of delight had crossed Harry's face. The coat he'd presented him with had been truly spectacular. Severus had commissioned its creation in January after they'd returned from the Winter Lands, and knew Harry was unlikely to receive many gifts in his life quite like this one.
The coat was beautiful - a high mandarin collar, tailored at the shoulders and chest, tapered neatly at the waist and flaring out at the hips to a knee length. But it was the material that made this coat spectacular. While the under side was made of the toughest Dragon skin, the out layer was Basilisk scales - taken from the very creature Harry had slain in the Chamber of Secrets. The Dragon skin would turn back just about any blade, but had little protection against spells. The Basilisk skin was less tough against blades, but could deflect all but the strongest of spells. The black scales picked up the light and glittered with an array of colors making the coat not only functional armor, but a work of art as well. It was tailor-made to Harry's measurements, but had been well spelled to adjust if he grew or chose to wear a suit of armor beneath it.
Harry had never been vain or obsessed with any of the clothing Severus had bought him, but the Gryffindor in Harry had been utterly enthralled by the coat. He'd pulled on the coat immediately and had run to the mirror in their bedroom to admire it - Severus had followed along behind him with a pleased smile on his face.
"Wicked!" the boy had proclaimed as he'd admired himself in the mirror - high praise indeed. The sense of satisfaction Severus had felt at having his gift so well received had caught him quite by surprise - he shouldn't feel this pleased by something so trivial. But the sight of Harry wearing that coat, eyes bright with pleasure, had done things to Severus' insides that he couldn't quite explain.
The boy had surprised him a few moments later when he'd pulled a small box out his trouser pocket and handed it over to Severus - it too was wrapped in the traditional red paper. "This is for you," the boy had said, his face somewhat flushed. "But it's nothing as cool as this coat. I didn't know what else to get you." He shrugged apologetically, his tone denigrating whatever lay hidden in the box. It was obvious that he did not feel his gift adequate to the gift Severus had given him.
Amused at the idea that the boy had gotten him anything, Severus pulled off the paper. He wondered who had helped him pick out the gift? Hermione most likely - the thought of the Gryffindors discussing what an appropriate Valentine's Day gift for their dour Potion Master would be amused Severus far more than it should have. No doubt there would be some odd potion ingredient in the box - or perhaps the boy had gone the humorous route and bought him a heart-shaped snitch as a joke.
His breath caught in shock when he'd finally pried off the lid of the box and seen the object resting there. At first glance it looked like a precious gem - but Severus had seen enough of these to know what he was looking at. It was a Heart Stone - Harry's Heart Stone to be exact.
All sixth year students were required to produce a Heart Stone - it was a project they began at the beginning of the year in Transfiguration class, and finished in Charms class. The students worked on them on and off during the first half of the year in the various classes. Typically the sixth-year Heart Stones were all completed by early February and were a favored Valentine's Day gift amongst the student population.
This was the students' first introduction to the art of making a Magical Artifact - a skill very few Wizards or Witches had any talent for. Needless to say most Heart Stones were worthless save as keepsakes amongst lovers or family members. Those who lacked a sweetheart to give their stone to typically gave them to their mothers. Severus' own sixth-year Heart Stone - a rather odd looking amethyst that suffered from an unfortunate crack in the middle - was locked away in a dusty box somewhere in his bedroom, of little value to anyone save for the passing grade he'd received at having completed it. He'd had no one to give it to.
The stones themselves had little power - they were designed simply to hold the magical signature of the Wizard or Witch who had made it. Harry's stone was unique. The majority of the stones were little more than crystals - they were all made from a lump of coal, transfigured during a long series of Transfiguration classes. Some Wizards and Witches managed true precious gems - rubies, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, amethysts - though that required a great deal of magical control that most sixteen year-olds did not possess. Hermione Granger had managed a rather impressive looking sapphire according to McGonagall, and Draco had produced a rather attractive looking garnet.
At first glance Severus would have said that Harry's was an emerald - but the color was not quite right. The flawless crystalline structure of this stone was a far darker green than any emerald he'd ever seen, and there were lines of ruby red running through the stone that no emerald had ever possessed. He would have said that the ruby color was a flaw in the crystalline structure - but he could see no cracks in the stone at all; the stone looked perfect.
But the true shock had come when Severus had touched his finger to the stone, seeking out Harry's magical signature. He'd touched enough such stones - the Slytherins loved to show him their accomplishments year after year. He knew what to expect from contact with these stones. But the sense of presence he'd felt when his fingers had made contact with the surface of the stone was unlike anything Severus had ever before experienced. Touching this stone was like touching Harry's magic - as if it were a raw current flowing into him. He was reminded sharply of that night after Remus had gone feral when Severus' own control had broken and he'd kissed Harry in his sleep. He'd been able to feel Harry's magic humming beneath his skin, and he had grown intoxicated on the sensation of power. This felt like Harry's wild magic - the uncontrollable surges that broke free of the boy's control and often sent the world around him into chaos. Somehow, Harry had managed to capture all of that sensation - that Presence - within the confines of this Heart Stone. While the stone itself might have no actual power - no ability or task for which it could be used - it was a true magical artifact.
"I know it's silly," Harry had said apologetically as Severus had stood there in silence staring down at the stone in his hand. "But everyone said it was a traditional Valentine's Day gift for sixth years. I was going to get you a book, but Hermione said this would be better. If you don't like it I can still get you that book. . ." he broke off anxiously.
"No," Severus interrupted immediately, moved beyond words. "This is. . .this is. . ." he shook his head uncertainly. "I'm honored," he admitted at last. "But are you sure you want to give this to me? Are you sure you wouldn't prefer that it go to your godfather?" Even the least impressive of Heart Stones were not given away casually. Lacking a lover, Wizards kept the stones within their family so that they could later be embedded in a gravestone when death finally came so that centuries later a Wizard's magical signature could still be felt.
An odd look had crossed Harry's face. "Why would I give my godfather a Valentine's Day gift?"
Severus had shaken his head again. "Not for Valentine's Day," he'd corrected. "I meant the stone. Heart Stones are typically kept within families."
Harry had grown still at that, his expression oddly shuttered. "We're family, aren't we?"
It wasn't the first time Harry had suggested such a thing, but it was the first time he'd asked for confirmation from Severus. Faced with such an intense look from those green eyes, all Severus had been able to do was nod, unwilling to deny any claim Harry might wish to make on him. If the boy wanted them to be family, then who was Severus to deny such a bond? He was coming to realize that he wanted the bond - wanted it more intensely than he'd ever wanted anything in his life.
"Thank you," he'd said instead, his hand tightening around the stone.
The shuttered expression had lifted from Harry's face and he'd grinned at him. "Thank you for the coat," he replied happily. "It's brilliant! I want to go show it to the guys in the Tower!" He'd raced off then to show off his coat, obviously satisfied that their Valentine's Day exchange had gone well. Severus had been left alone in his bedroom, holding tightly to a stone that all but sang with Harry's power.
Later, while staring intently at the green coloring of the crystal and the strange ruby strands woven throughout the structure, he found himself thinking that there was something oddly familiar about it, as if he'd seen something similar somewhere else. A thought occurred to him - an odd, disturbing thought that he'd dismissed almost immediately as a flight of fancy. But then again, around Harry nothing could be taken for granted. He knew he'd have no choice but bring the subject up with Albus later.
Unwilling however to be parted from the stone, Severus had fixed a chain to it and had slipped it around his neck. Slipping it under his tunic, he let the stone rest against the skin above his own heart. It felt as if he were carrying a small piece of Harry around with him - such a ridiculous romantic notion, he thought, thoroughly disgusted with himself. But it still didn't stop him from wearing the thing.
He found himself somewhat comforted by the fact that Harry had opted to wear his gift as well. Standing beside him at the wedding ceremony, the black scales of the coat catching the magical springtime sunlight that lit the room, Harry looked elegant, his slender form drawing more than one eye in the room. Severus hadn't missed the looks Lucius had given the boy - he caught the moment when Lucius' eyes had narrowed as he'd finally figured out what animal had produced such scales. He'd shot a look at Severus, and Severus had merely raised one eyebrow in mocking salute. Lucius had been largely responsible for the presence of the Basilisk in Hogwarts - an event that had nearly resulted in the death of the only daughter of the family his son was marrying into. Under the circumstances, even Lucius Malfoy knew when to keep his mouth shut and his opinions to himself.
At the end of the ceremony, Draco and Charlie signed their names to the marriage contract. Arthur and Lucius followed suit - signing their own names as witnesses. A copy of the contract was given to both Heads of House, a third copy magically sent off by Dumbledore to be registered at the Ministry. With that formality out of the way, Charlie used a spell known only to Dragon Tamers to remove the Dragon Gold around Draco's neck. He presented the gold to Draco, however, allowing the boy to keep the object he obvious prized greatly. Draco graced Charlie with a rare smile that caused Molly to burst into tears once more.
After the ceremony, the large group sat down at the dining table set off to one side of the Room of Requirement to eat the wedding meal the House Elves had provided for them. Despite the presence of Lucius and Narcissa, the mood was a festive one - it was hard to contain the natural exuberance of the Weasley clan, and none of them seemed to feel any need to put on false airs to placate the formal manners the Malfoys were used to.
Draco for his part looked overwhelmed by events, not at all certain how to integrate himself into the family he'd spent so much of his life denigrating. Severus found himself once again rather impressed with the generosity of the Weasley family - Charlie's siblings seemed more than willing to give Draco a chance to start fresh with all of them. Even Ron, who had a long history of hatred with Draco, held his tongue, and even intercepted a prank item or two from the twins before they could be unleashed on anyone.
It was during dinner that Narcissa finally spoke up, having been oddly silent throughout the meal. "I don't suppose you and Draco have made any plans for the summer, Charlie?" she asked during a lull in the conversation. "I was thinking you should both come spend the summer at our Villa in Tuscany. Or perhaps you might prefer the Island in Greece - I'll have the yacht prepared for you and you can spend the summer touring about. Wouldn't that be wonderful?" She directed her suggestion largely toward her own son, but smiled graciously at Charlie.
Severus knew that Harry had warned Charlie about the things Sirius Black had said about Narcissa, and he wondered if Draco had been told of the man's suspicions. Severus had no doubt in his mind that if Charlie made the mistake of putting himself in the hands of Narcissa, isolating himself in one of their villas or private islands, he would never be seen again. The Cedo contract gave Charlie the power to control his own destiny, but a simple murder would end the marriage and return Draco to the control of his father once more.
Draco glanced at Charlie, obviously intending to let his bond-mate handle the situation, but Severus could see the wariness in the boy's blue eyes. Charlie merely smiled. "Thank you, Narcissa," he inclined his head at the offer. "But we've made no firm plans yet. I do have to work, you know - summer is a busy time for Dragon Tamers. I've only been able to take off the time this winter because so many of the Dragons hibernate in the cold weather."
"You needn't spend the entire summer then," Narcissa replied, the expression on her face indicating exactly what she thought of someone having to 'work' for a living. "Perhaps a week or two? Draco does so love to travel, don't you my dear?"
"I'm looking forward to seeing Romania, mother," Draco answered. "I want to see where Charlie works - I want to see his Dragons."
"Really?" Narcissa raised one blond, delicate eyebrow obviously finding such a thing unbelievable. "I think the climate in Tuscany would be far better for you both. And you must really introduce Charlie to some of the extended members of the family - it's only proper. I'll arrange travel plans for. . ."
"Oh!" Molly exclaimed excitedly, interrupting Narcissa in mid sentence. "You can all come stay at the Burrow! Wouldn't that be wonderful? You can meet all the Weasleys - Arthur has so many cousins, and the Prewetts - you have to meet all my cousins."
Both Lucius and Narcissa looked alarmed at the suggestion, but before they could say anything against such a thing, Molly burst into tears again, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief. "Oh! I'm sorry!" she told them all, and then began giggling uncontrollably. "I'm just so happy! I don't mean to be so emotional, it's just with the baby and all I can't seem to help myself."
For a moment no one said anything - and then all seven of the Weasley children shouted in unison, "Baby!" Severus found himself utterly at a loss for words.
Molly looked at them all in surprise. "Didn't I tell you?" A quick glance at her husband who shook his head confirmed that she had not in fact told anyone anything.
"Mum?" Ginny asked in shock. "Are you. . .are you pregnant?" Her sons were all staring at her - their gazes moving back and forth between their overly emotional mother and their rather pleased looking father.
"I am!" Molly agreed happily. "Happened right after you got back from the Winter Lands Harry. I don't know what got into Arthur!"
All eyes turned toward Arthur who had the grace to look somewhat sheepish as he shrugged at his family. At the far end of the table Severus noticed Albus covering his mouth with his hand, stifling a chuckle that was quite apparent in his twinkling eyes. Severus wasn't certain if the Weasleys caught the significance of the timing, but he saw a faint redness flush through Harry's cheeks as the boy glanced at him in shock.
"Remus is going to be so embarrassed," Harry whispered to him and Severus had to nod his head in agreement. Seemed Severus and Charlie weren't the only ones whose libidos had been affected by the feral transference.
Narcissa looked vaguely horrified by the announcement. Lucius on the other hand simply looked irritated, and shot his wife a cold glare as if this were all somehow her fault. Severus knew that Lucius had always desired more than one child - he suspected that along with hating Arthur's way of life, he also envied him the large number of children he'd been blessed with.
Severus glanced down the table at Albus who raised his glass to toast the happy occasion. Severus just sighed - no doubt in Albus' mind this was just yet another beneficial effect of a werewolf. Even one who'd gone feral seemed capable of producing something positive, even if the man himself was lying insentient in a cave. Just what the world needed, another Weasley. Hogwarts it seemed would never be without someone from that family attending.
Thanks to the rather talkative Weasley clan, the dinner ended without Narcissa extracting any promises from Charlie. Draco and Charlie would be leaving for some private location for the next five days for a short honeymoon - Draco had already made arrangements to keep up on his class work. Once the two of them had vanished via a portkey provided by Dumbledore, Harry and the rest of the Weasley children headed up to Gryffindor Tower for the evening. Severus and Albus escorted Molly, Arthur and the two Malfoys down to the waiting carriages at the front gate. They thought it best to make certain that Lucius actually left the premises without lingering too long.
After seeing everyone off, Albus smiled at Severus. "I take it you want to talk to me about something?"
Severus just nodded. Albus always seemed to know when he was needed, though he swore he did not read minds. Perhaps he had merely become extremely good at reading body language? Either way, Severus followed him back up the numerous stairs of Hogwarts to the Headmaster's private office at the top of his own tower. A happy trill from Fawks greeted them when they entered the cluttered office. After petting his phoenix, Albus summoned a service of tea and motioned for Severus to be seated in one of the numerous armchairs near his desk.
"Albus," Severus began with out preamble. "Did you ever see the Eye of Odin up close?"
His question obviously startled the Headmaster, and he stroked his long beard thoughtfully before replying. "Up close, no," he admitted. "I did see it from a distance when Voldemort was approaching the castle. And I believe there is a photograph of it in one of the newspaper articles - though it was rather poor quality."
"What did it look like?" Severus pressed.
Albus glanced away as if looking at a distant memory. "It was green in color like an emerald but with strands of red woven through it. According to legend it either was or was supposed to represent Odin's green eye. The strands of red are supposed to be the veins that bled when it was plucked from his head."
Nodding, for he had expected such an answer, Severus reached beneath the collar of his robes and lifted the chain he wore around his neck. He removed the chain and held the Heart Stone out to Albus, setting it down on the man's desk between them. "Did it look anything like this?"
Albus' eyes widened in shock. "Severus, where. . ."
"It's Harry's Heart Stone," Severus explained before the man could continue. "He gave it to me this afternoon. I want to think that it is coincidence that it looks so much like the Eye of Odin. Harry saw the stone up close."
"The Eye of Odin exploded in Harry's hand," Albus confirmed. "It was destroyed - I'm certain of that. The boy did not lie about it - in fact I am fairly certain that the boy has not even thought on the matter since then. That can't be the Eye."
"I know," Severus nodded in agreement. By now every portrait in the room was watching them, former Headmasters crowding together in the nearest canvases to see the stone up close. "It's definitely a Heart Stone. Touch it."
Albus reached out one wrinkled hand and placed his fingers lightly against the surface of the stone. Behind the half-moon glasses, Albus' blue eyes widened in shock. "Merlin!" the old man exclaimed. "Minerva and Filius had told me that the boy's Heart Stone was extraordinary, but I had not expected something like that." He picked the stone up and held it cradled in his hand as if he could not bear to let it go.
"The boy saw the Eye of Odin up close and his subconscious mind likely settled on this design without even knowing it," Severus stated, as if trying to convince himself. "But you see how difficult it is to take anything for granted - especially in light of the power embedded in that stone?"
Albus nodded in agreement. "I wish I knew what to tell you, Severus," he sighed. "I confess I am as baffled as you - I don't know what this means, if it means anything at all. All my senses tell me that this is nothing more than a Heart Stone, with no intrinsic power or ability to it."
"But there is that gnawing spark of doubt," Severus finished for him. "What is it exactly that the Eye of Odin was supposed to be able to do?"
Albus shook his head uncertainly. "There were lots of stories. The most common one said that it had the ability to find things that were lost."
Severus frowned in confusion. "A location spell would do the same," he pointed out. "I thought it made a Wizard invincible? How could such a simple thing be turned into a weapon?" From what he'd heard the Eye of Odin had been wielded like a powerful weapon by Voldemort - he'd been able to kill indiscriminately with it, and send blasting bolts of power at the wards and walls of Hogwarts. He'd been able to subjugate the minds of all the creatures around him.
"Not like that," Albus shook his head. "To find what was lost did not mean finding items, but rather energies. With the Eye you could literally find the Strands of Fate, the strands of life and death, the hidden energies of the Earth, the Paths of Destiny. It's a terrible power for anyone to possess, let alone a madman like Voldemort."
Severus shivered at the description, but felt some small sense of relief. Harry's Heart Stone had no such ability - it was merely a very powerful magical signature, made by a very extraordinary young man.
Albus stared thoughtfully down at the stone still cradled in his hand. "I don't know why this looks like the Eye, Severus," the old man admitted. He held out his hand to give back the stone. "But it is extraordinary, and a precious gift you should treasure. And maybe. . ." He shook his head thoughtfully. "You are right; we can take nothing for granted where Harry is concerned."
Severus slipped the chain back over his head, hiding the stone once more beneath his clothing. Albus had grown pensive and he watched as the old man leaned back in his chair, once more stroking his beard in deep reflection. "Albus?" he asked, wondering what was bothering the man so deeply.
"I have lately been receiving a great deal of correspondence concerning Harry," Albus confessed. Severus thought about the stacks of wedding gifts he'd received and the new letters pouring in since Harry's trip to the Winter Lands. Was Albus also being plagued with rerouted mail?
"More fan mail?" he asked.
Albus smiled at that but shook his head. "I've seen some of the piles you've been receiving, but no. These are letter directed to me from foreign governments. A lot of people out in the world are very curious about Harry."
Foreign governments! Severus found himself baffled by the thought - he knew of course that stories about Harry Potter frequently made the international news, but for the most part the insanity that followed the boy tended to limit itself to the British Isles.
Albus leaned forward and rested his elbows on his desk, fingers folded together in contemplation. "Seers all over the world have been having visions about Voldemort," Albus explained. "All the visions are vague and unclear, but they've put the ENTIRE Wizarding World on alert. For a long time the world largely ignored us because they believed Voldemort merely wanted to conquer Britain. Now they are not so certain he will be satisfied with Britannia alone. They are all frightened. And from what I've heard, Voldemort is traveling. He has done nothing aggressive that anyone knows about, but he is moving from one country to the next, from one continent to the next. His presence is being felt all over the planet."
"And because of that they're asking about Harry?" Severus guessed. It was bad enough that Britain expected a sixteen-year-old boy to save them - but for the entire world to turn their attention to him was unacceptable.
Albus nodded in agreement. "They don't know what to do any more than we do."
"But they expect Harry to know what to do?" Severus demanded.
"They expect miracles, Severus," Albus replied. "And Harry has made a career out of providing miracles."
"Sheer dumb luck!" Severus protested. "It's insane!"
"They're asking about you as well, Severus," Albus continued.
Severus frowned. "Me?" he shook his head. "What about me?"
"They're interested in knowing about your marriage to Harry. There isn't a country in the world that wouldn't like to claim Harry as their own. Were it not for the fact that he is already married, I am certain I would be inundated with more marriage proposals than I already am."
It took a moment for the implication of his words to seep in, and when they did Severus leaped to his feet in outrage. "More?" he demanded. "Are you saying you have been receiving marriage proposals for Harry despite the fact that everyone knows he's married to me?" An unexpected wave of jealousy flashed through Severus to accompany the outrage he felt at such a thing.
Albus just shrugged. "There are numerous places in the world where a person of power and status is allowed to have more than one spouse. British politics are being closely followed all over the world. It isn't difficult for people to figure out that your marriage was arranged to protect Harry from our Ministry candidates. And there are plenty of Seers in the world gifted enough to figure out that Harry is still a virgin."
Severus' heart clenched at that, a cold chill washing over him. Divorce was highly uncommon in the Wizarding World, but a marriage could be annulled easily enough if it remained unconsummated. He stared hard at Albus. "Are you suggesting that I should. . .push this issue?" There was a good portion of him that was horrified by the idea, and unfortunately an equal portion of him that was hoping the Headmaster said yes. How easy it would be to convince himself to take what he wanted for the good of everyone involved - that perhaps such an act would be somehow noble and justified.
"No," Albus shook his head, and equal parts relief and disappointment washed through Severus' body. He began to pace restlessly around the office, his emotions unsettled, his body on edge.
Albus watched him for a moment before continuing. "I've let it be known that your bond was chosen by the Marriage Stone. That offers you some degree of protection. They have no choice but to respect a soul bond. But the issue has been raised and will likely not go away. There may come a time in the future when you will have to make a decision. . . " He broke off and shook his head. "No," he corrected. "When you and Harry will have to make a decision. This cannot be decided without him. Too many choices have been taken from him."
With every word the Headmaster uttered, Severus felt as if his world was slipping away from him - his future slipping inexorably from his control. He ground his teeth together, biting back the vicious words he wanted to shout to stop any of this from happening. He wanted to attack someone - wanted to vent his rage before it destroyed him. How dare anyone interfere in his life like this! How dare anyone interfere in his marriage!
"I take it then you don't wish to give him up?" Albus' mild tone grated on his nerves. Less than a month ago he'd asked him if he were in love with the boy - he had been unable to answer then, and had no intention of answering now.
"That's not the point!" he shouted in fury. "I'm not going to get into some ridiculous conversation with you about love!" He struck his fist against one of the stone walls of the office, upsetting the portraits nearby; again he began pacing like a caged animal. Panic and rage warred inside him. "Damn it, Albus! You did this to me!"
"You didn't expect to care about him?" Albus guessed.
"I don't!" Severus shouted. "I don't!" But even as he said it, he knew it was lie. God help him, but he did care! Too much!
He found himself sinking back down into the chair in front of the Headmaster's desk. "Damn it, Albus," he whispered, fighting now to regain some semblance of control. He took a deep breath. He couldn't shake off the anger, the sense of greedy, possessive fury that someone, anyone, would take something that was his. "I married him," he snarled. "I accepted him as my bondmate. And I am not going to let you, or the Ministry, or anyone else take him from me!"
Albus' expression was unreadable as he asked softly, "And what if he wants to be free?"
Just like that, his words took the wind from Severus' sails. Because of course there was one person in this world who could sway him - one opinion he no longer believed he could deny. What would he do if Harry opened his eyes and realized that the whole world was literally his oyster, and that he didn't have to settle for a mediocre marriage to a man he barely tolerated? He found his hand clutching convulsively at the Heart Stone around his neck that pulsed with the signature of a Wizard he could never hope to match.
His gaze drifted somewhat aimlessly around the room until it stopped on an innocuous blue crystal ball sitting on one of the numerous shelves adorning the office. The Marriage Stone had started all this - the stupid artifact that had ruined so many lives. Rising to his feet he crossed the room and picked up the crystal ball, staring into its depths. "Severus Snape," he said clearly and waited for the image he knew would appear in its depths. The smiling face of Harry Potter stared up at him from the light that momentarily burned at the heart of the stone.
There was no one else in the world for him. The boy was his soul mate. What the hell was he supposed to do with that?
"Damn you, Albus," he said quietly as he set the Marriage Stone back on its shelf and turned to walk out of the room. The Headmaster let him go in silence