"Master Harry!" Norie exclaimed, nearly deafening Harry as she squealed right into his ear. She had a stranglehold around his neck too, so Harry felt slightly dazed when she and Zan stepped back and beamed at him.

Well, Norie was beaming. Zan was smiling also, but ‘beaming' just didn't seem to be the best word to describe his gentle, dignified demeanor.

Harry smiled back at them. "Norie, Zan, I'm so glad to see you again!" And it was true. He was sad and upset about everything else, but seeing the elves again helped.

"And we are happy to see you as well," Zan said. "Prince Hall has been too quiet and empty without you and Master Severus."

Harry looked about at the kitchen with its pale walls, dark wooden beams crossing the ceiling, the brick floor, and the copper-bottomed pots resting on the table set in the center of the room and on the wooden counters along the sides of the walls. The room hadn't changed at all since he had first seen it at the beginning of last summer. Harry took a deep breath, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

He was home again.

Everything would be all right now. He could just stay here at home with Severus and the elves, and see his friends on the weekends and holidays. He would never have to face hostile crowds or listen to curious whispers again. He was safe here.

"But Master Harry," Norie said. "Are you certain that leaving Hogwarts was a wise decision? You seemed very happy there and you are leaving your friends, your education." Her smile had vanished and her wizened face was filled with concern.

Harry shook his head firmly. "Dad told you about...you know, how everyone knows about the spell now. I couldn't stay there anymore, Norie. I just couldn't bear it."

"You can't run away from your problems, Master Harry," Norie replied.

"I couldn't stay there!" Harry repeated, his voice rising. He looked at them desperately. Severus had talked with them. Why couldn't they understand how hard this was for him?

"Now, calm down, child. I didn't mean to upset you," Norie said soothingly.

At the same time Zan spoke calmly, "Master Severus and Master Harry have decided to come home for a bit. That is their decision."

"Of course," Norie agreed. She smiled again, though her blue eyes were still solemn as she patted Harry's arm. "And we're glad to see you again, Master Harry."

Behind them the Floo roared and Harry quickly moved out of the way as his father stepped from the fireplace into the kitchen.

"Master Severus!" Norie and Zan greeted him enthusiastically too.

Severus nodded to them as he set down the trunk and boxes he carried in his arms. "Norie, Zan, how are you?"

"We're very well," Zan told him as Norie flicked her fingers at their trunks and boxes, which promptly disappeared.

"Zan and I will see to putting your things away while you eat, Master Severus, Master Harry," she said. "Lunch is already on the table."

"I'm not very hungry," Harry said quietly.

Severus frowned. "You didn't have any breakfast, Harry."

"I'm not hungry."

His father sighed. "Try to eat a little. Please, for me."

Harry really didn't want to, but Severus was so anxious. His father almost always managed to keep a calm expression, but Harry could see concern in his eyes. So he gave in. "All right, I'll try."

"Thank you," Severus told him. He turned to the elves, "Norie, Zan, would you care to join us?"

But Norie and Zan shook their heads. "Oh, no, Master Severus," Norie said firmly. "We've already eaten and we have a great deal to do."

So she and Zan apparated upstairs to the bedrooms to unpack while Severus and Harry went to the dining room where their plates were piled high with chicken pie and fruit salad. Harry had not planned to eat much, only a few bites to satisfy his father, but the food was so good that he ate more than he realized and was surprised when he glanced down and noticed that his plate was almost empty.

"So what shall we do now?" Severus asked as they were finishing.

Harry looked down at the table. "I don't know," he mumbled. "I don't really feel like doing anything."

Severus reached to take his hand, gently curling his fingers around his son's. "Harry, it will be all right."

Harry looked at their entwined hands, remembering other times that his father had held his hand to offer him comfort. He looked up at Severus and tried to smile. "Yeah."

"Harry, most people are very grateful to you for saving us from Voldemort. I think Draco might be mistaken in his assumptions of how the public will react to the news. I believe many people will respond with sympathy and outrage on your behalf," Severus said quietly.

"Maybe," Harry agreed. He didn't want people's pity though. That might be even worse than scorn and derision.

"But you said I didn't have to go anywhere, right?" He asked, suddenly anxious. "I don't have to go out and see people, do I?"

"No, not unless you want to," Severus reassured him.

"I'll never want to," Harry said vehemently. "I just want to stay here at home and not see anyone. Well, except for my friends."

"I hope that one day you will feel differently." Severus held up his other hand to stop Harry's protestations. "But it is your decision. I will not pressure you to go anywhere against your will. All right?"

"All right," Harry whispered. "Thanks, Dad."

They were quiet for a moment and then Severus spoke again.

"It was very compassionate of you to want to spare Draco from Azkaban, Harry."

Harry shrugged. "Azkaban's horrible. I know that Si..." He broke off abruptly, not wanting to remember his godfather right now when he already felt so emotional. "Well, it's a horrible place. I didn't think he should have to go there."

Severus nodded. "Yes, it is." He hesitated, and squeezed Harry's fingers lightly. "I wanted to be sure though, that your decision was not influenced by your regard for me."

Harry just looked at him in confusion.

"Draco is my godson. I know that you are aware of that," Severus explained. "I want to be certain that you understand that you are the most important person in my life, and you always will be."

That lump was back in his throat again. Harry struggled to speak around it. "Thanks, Dad." He looked back down at their hands and added. "And you're the most important person to me, too."

Severus' black eyes were soft as he spoke. "And that's why I want you to know that if having Draco here is too difficult for you, then we can send him away. I will support you fully."

"I know, Dad. Thanks," Harry said softly. He had known it, but it did feel good to hear his father say those words aloud.

"You are welcome." Severus gave his hand a last pat and let go.

A thought suddenly occurred to Harry. "Dad, where is he going to stay?"

"I was going to put him in that room that you had in the beginning, the one on the top floor," Severus replied.

Harry was quiet a moment. He didn't want Draco to have a room close to his and his father's suites. It would be rather difficult not to see him if the other boy was just down the hall. But he wondered if it was wise to place Draco far away from Severus' supervision. Who knew what mischief he might get up to all on his own?

"Do you think he could cause any trouble up there by himself?" Harry asked.

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Draco is not going to cause any trouble at all if he is wise, and I shall make that very clear to him, just in case he has not already realized."

He reached for his glass and took a sip of water. "Of course I plan to place monitoring charms on his room as well, though."

"Oh, okay. I guess that would work too," Harry agreed. He glanced at his father. Another thought had occurred to him and while he didn't want Severus to be offended on Draco's behalf...the boy was his godson, after all...Harry couldn't help being concerned. He said hesitantly. "Dad? Prince Hall is still under the Fidelius Charm, isn't it?"

At Severus' nod, he continued slowly, "Well, will it still be safe once he can come here, too?"

Severus nodded again. "I don't believe that Draco would bring anyone here who would do us bodily harm and in any case, I don't plan for him to be coming and going from Prince Hall. Once here, he will remain here until the end of the school term, unless we decide otherwise. But I would not take any chance with our safety so just to be certain, Albus and I are going to re-set the Fidelius Charm this evening after he has brought Draco here."

"Will my friends be able to come through?" Harry asked.

"Yes, Albus can let them through from Hogwarts," Severus told him.

"You do think Dumbledore'll let them come, don't you?"

For once his father did not remind him to use the headmaster's title. Instead he simply answered, "I feel quite certain he will."

Then Severus was quiet for a moment, studying Harry carefully.

Harry tilted his head quizzically. "What is it?"

"I know that you are hurt and upset by today's events. I am hurt and upset for you," Severus said. "What can I do to help?"

Harry had dropped his head but now he looked back up at his father. "You've already helped. Thanks, Dad."

"I want to do more," Severus told him.

"I don't think there is anything else you can do," Harry replied.

Severus leaned close, his dark gaze so intense that Harry felt compelled to meet it. His voice low but intense, Severus asked, "Harry, you do remember that you promised me you would not attempt suicide again?"

"Well, yes, of course. I haven't even thought about doing that again, Dad. I promise," Harry told him.

"And you promised that if such thoughts ever did cross your mind again, that you would come and tell me," Severus pressed.

"I will," Harry nodded. "But they haven't...crossed my mind, I mean. I've been upset, but I don't want to die anymore."

He hesitated before adding softly, "I don't want to leave you."

"That...means a great deal to me," Severus said huskily. "And I would never want to leave you either."

Harry smiled at him, and if it was slightly wobbly it was still a genuine smile. The corners of Severus' mouth turned up and then he spoke more briskly.

"Well, shall we see if Norie and Zan have unpacked your Firebolt? My old Silver Arrow doesn't compare, I know, but it might be fun to chase the snitch and have a race or two."

"You mean you'd fly with me?" Harry stared at him in astonishment. He couldn't remember ever seeing his father on a broomstick before.

Severus raised an eyebrow. "I may not have your talent, but I am a competent flyer, I assure you."

"All right, Dad. You're on." Harry couldn't help feeling a little better as they left the table and headed upstairs to collect their brooms. He was safely at home. He didn't have to confront the public, and he was going to spend the afternoon flying with his father. He didn't even complain when Severus insisted he wear a thick cloak over his red jumper and jeans.

Well, he didn't complain much. "Dad, it's the middle of October, not the dead of winter."

"You have only just recovered from pneumonia, Harry, and it is brisk and windy outside," Severus replied firmly, holding out the black cloak.

Harry sighed, took the cloak and fastened it about his shoulders. "Happy?"

Once the word was out of his mouth, it occurred to him that it sounded rather cheeky and he wondered if Severus would reprimand him.

Severus looked as if he were considering it, but then he simply rolled his eyes and gestured for Harry to precede him down the stairs. "Deliriously. Shall we?"

They spent the rest of the afternoon flying, soaring above the lawn and the moor, twisting and turning through the air as they chased the elusive golden snitch and raced against one another. Severus was right that his Silver Arrow wasn't much competition against Harry's Firebolt, but they had a good time and if a few of his son's daring aerial manoeuvres caused Severus' heart to skip a beat, he had to admit that it was worthwhile to see joy replace the sorrow and pain in Harry's eyes, even if only temporarily.

The sun was low in the sky when they finally touched down and walked across the lawn to the stone manor. Norie and Zan had prepared a delicious dinner in honour of their first night back home and Harry found that his appetite had returned full force. Being home again, and the afternoon spent outside in the fresh air, had helped. He ate every bite of the tomato bisque soup, filet mignon and roasted potatoes, with chocolate éclairs for dessert.

As they were finishing, Harry suddenly turned to Severus. "Hey, Dad, we had chocolate éclairs for dessert the very first night I was here. But I could scarcely eat mine then; I was so scared and upset. Do you remember?"

Severus looked at him and his black eyes were very soft. "I remember you were not able to eat much the first few weeks, but I did not remember the menu at any particular meal. I do wish that I had done more to help you in the beginning, Harry."

"It's all right, Dad. I didn't mean to make you feel bad," Harry said guiltily.

"I will always feel badly about that, Harry, about all the years that I misjudged you and mistreated you. If we had been on better terms to start with, it would have been much easier for you to come here," Severus replied.

"It still would have been hard to know that I was...a slave." Harry looked away.

"Yes," Severus agreed quietly. "I know."

There was a moment of quiet when Harry felt the weight of gloom and shame pressing in on him again.

Then Severus cleared his throat. "Harry, Albus will be bringing Draco soon. If you do not want to see him..."

Harry jumped up from the table. "I'll be in my room. But can I speak with Dumbledore before he leaves?"

"Professor Dumbledore," Severus corrected. "Yes, I'll call you."

"Thanks, Dad." And Harry hurried out of the dining room.

Severus followed slowly, though he simply went across the hall to the golden parlour instead of upstairs. He sank down into an armchair by the fireplace and gazed unseeingly into the flames as he considered the day's events.

So much had happened. Only that morning he and Harry had been at Hogwarts, and Severus' biggest worry had been wondering whether the fourth-year Hufflepuffs were capable of brewing euphoria elixirs. Now his son's greatest fear had come true with the discovery of the slavery spell and Severus was deeply concerned for him.

He believed Harry when the boy promised him he had not considered suicide again, and that he would come to Severus if he were ever tempted. He believed, and yet he still worried. Well, he would keep close watch over his son, and he would enlist Norie and Zan's aid. Perhaps he should consider placing monitoring charms over Harry's room as well, at least for a time. It would be a violation of Harry's privacy, which Severus hated, but his son's safety was paramount. He wouldn't leave the charms in place forever, after all, only until he felt they were past the current crisis.

The current crisis, which had all come about because of Draco. Severus felt so torn and conflicted by thoughts of his godson that he wasn't even sure how to respond to the boy. On the one hand, he was furious, as angry as he had ever been. Draco had hurt his son and Severus wasn't sure if he could forgive that, or if he even wanted to. Actually, Draco had hurt Harry twice, first by casting the enslavement spell and then by running to the newspaper to tell the public.

Casting the slavery spell had been a terrible thing, but at least it had been unintentional. But Draco had gone to Rita Skeeter deliberately, knowing full well what he was doing and with the intention of hurting Harry. That was very hard for Severus to forgive, loving Harry as he did now and knowing how devastated his son was.

There was a part of Severus that almost wanted to see Draco imprisoned for that.

But then he would see Draco in his mind's eye, as a small child with an innocent face lit with joy when he saw his godfather...in the few precious years before Lucius had insisted he repress his emotions and behave with dignified reserve.

Severus would remember the longing in Draco's eyes that the boy couldn't quite manage to hide when his parents treated him with disdain or neglect. He would remember the times he and Draco had spent alone once the boy was at Hogwarts. Draco had often volunteered to help him with his tasks and with brewing, and though Draco was quite good at Potions...much better than Harry was, actually...Severus knew that it wasn't ambition or a passion for the subject that had drawn Draco to him. No, Draco had come because he was so starved for any hint of affection and approval.

And of course, Severus couldn't stop thinking of the horrors Draco had suffered just a few weeks ago. The boy had been vague, but Severus had been to Death Eater rallies before. He knew what atrocities they were capable of. He could imagine it all too well.

That also made him remember how harsh and brusque he himself had been with Draco ever since the term had begun. His godson had tried to approach him several times, only to be sternly rebuffed. Severus couldn't help but feel guilty now. At the time, he had felt justified, thinking only of how Draco had hurt his son.

But now Severus had to wonder if perhaps he should have handled Draco differently. After all, Draco had not known about the slavery spell then. He had not realized that he had caused such harm to Harry. Though casting an unknown spell had been a dangerous and foolish thing to do, Draco had thought that he had only been continuing the schoolboy-rivalry that he and Harry had shared since their first days at Hogwarts.

Nothing could excuse the fact that Draco had gone to the newspapers once he had learned of the slavery spell...but Severus had to wonder if Draco would have done that if he, Severus, had behaved differently. Draco had gone to the paper because he blamed Harry for taking Severus from him, and at a time when Draco had needed Severus more than ever.

It had been a terrible decision on Draco's part, and Severus was furious with him. But if he had been receptive to Draco, if he had listened and had learned of Draco's tragedy, could he have changed these recent events? Could he have helped Draco, and in doing so, have helped Harry as well?

Severus sighed and shook his head. The past was over and done with. Brooding over possibilities wouldn't change anything now, and he had to try to decide how to manage things before Albus and Draco arrived, which should be any time now.

Draco was his godson, and beneath his fury, Severus knew he cared for him.

But Harry was his son and Severus loved him with all his heart.

Draco had suffered terribly, but so had Harry, and Harry was the truly innocent victim in all of this.

Was there a way to balance his concern for Draco with his love for Harry? Could he help his godson without betraying his son? Severus hoped so, because he did want to help Draco, to guide him towards becoming a better person and give him a chance to have a future...but his first loyalty was to Harry, absolutely, and Severus would not do anything that would further hurt his son.

His thoughts were interrupted by the Floo.

Albus and Draco had arrived.