2. Where Normal Life Resumes
Chapter 2 of 13
neelix‘You can close your eyes to things you don't want to see, but you can't close your heart to the things you don't want to feel.’
~ Anonymous~
Severus
I enter the kitchen, and my eyes are immediately drawn to a note addressed to me in Hermione’s handwriting. It’s resting beside the kettle, as she knows I would head there first. She normally knocks my door to let me know she’s leaving, which means she’s still pissed off with me. She’ll get over it.
I lift the note and shove it in my pocket for later. I’ve overslept. It’s a bloody miracle I slept at all. I still have time for a quick cup of tea before waking Happy. Honestly, I sometimes wonder how long she would sleep if we didn’t wake her.
Why do we think tea is the solution to everything? I doubt it will help me this morning, but I mustn’t brood. In fact, I won’t think about it at all.
Damn. Now I’m thinking about it. At some point in the night, I almost came around to Hermione’s way of thinking, but I refuse to risk everything on a glimmer of a chance. A fantasist I am not. It would turn his life upside down, just as he has his foot on the ladder. I feel stupidly proud, as if I had some hand in his success. I just pushed him to better himself. ‘Pushed him away,’ Hermione would say. She never could see that it was the right thing to do.
I drink my tea and ignore the gnawing ache in the pit of my stomach. I don’t miss him. Things are much better this way.
I hear the tell-tale noise of feet padding along the floor above my head and can’t help but smile. My earlier question has been answered for me, at any rate. I turn and watch as Happy walks up to me, her hair a tousled mess, her face full of sleep as she yawns softly and rubs at her eyes. Her pyjamas are a little too long, and she’s dragging Fluffy, her stuffed rabbit, along by his ear. My heart feels full again.
‘Good morning.’ I hug her to me with one arm as she snuggles against my side, and I bend to kiss her messy head.
‘Hello, Daddy.’ Her voice is quiet, for now. No one told me that small children could be quite so endearing when they’re half asleep. ‘Can I have toast today?’ She lifts her head and grins, and I know this girl has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. Hermione would insist on porridge or fruit.
‘Two slices. Don’t tell your mother.’
I feel smug as her giggles fill the room. Getting one over on Hermione is one of life’s little pleasures, and I ignore the guilt of using Happy to do so.
Once breakfast is over and Happy is showered and dressed, we head to what was once the spare room but is now the study. Home schooling was one of Hermione’s better ideas. It alleviates the complications involved in Muggle schooling and also means that Happy will be equal, if not a step ahead of her peers when the time comes for her to start at Hogwarts.
Before I have the chance to ignore the thought, it occurs to me that I am destined to be alone one way or another, and that even Happy is not mine to keep.
Harry
Changing the bed sheets by wand is nowhere near as satisfying as doing it by hand. Aunt Petunia always insisted on ‘hospital corners,’ and in a strange way I miss that. Repetitive, mind-numbing tasks that can be done with a flick or a swish are all well and good when I want to think, but there’s nothing like physical exertion when I don’t.
When the beds are made, I sneak into the cleaning cupboard, grab a mop and bucket and find a deserted hallway. Energetically I wring out the mop, and I start at one corner and push and pull the mop from side to side, putting effort into each stroke. My shoulders stretch and flex, and my back aches satisfyingly. I could keep going until I collapse from exhaustion, but I’m interrupted by footsteps. I flick my wand, and the mop moves without further physical input from me. I feel cheated.
‘Harry?’ Fred Hopkins, Deputy Ward Supervisor and all round arse-licker stands and stares at me, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. ‘Elizabeth wishes to see you.’
I avoid his gaze and walk past without speaking. Once a Slytherin, always a Slytherin; he thought he could fuck the Gryffindor out of me for a time. Being dumped by one didn’t really help his ego, and it certainly hasn’t made for a pleasant working relationship, either. We hate each other now, but it wasn’t always the case.
Elizabeth Fairburn is a different story. As Ward Supervisor, she has ultimate responsibility for the patients and staff on the Janus Thickey Ward, and I don’t think I have ever met such a kind and patient person. She’s also my mentor. Without her, I would still be lost.
The half-smile she gives me as I walk into her office doesn’t fill me with joy, and I know something is up.
‘Have a seat,’ she says, her soft voice caressing me with warmth even though she is now looking down at the parchment in her hand.
‘What’s wrong?’ I demand to know. After being kept in the dark by Dumbledore, and others I choose not to think about, I can’t be bothered to play the waiting game.
‘Nothing is wrong, Harry.’ Finally, the full smile and the bright blue eyes are aimed in my direction, and I relax slowly. Not bad news. Thank goodness.
‘Go on, then.’ I still don’t want to wait.
‘You’ve been promoted,’ she says, a touch of regret in her eyes. My stomach clenches.
‘I didn’t ask for promotion. I’m happy here,’ I plead my case weakly. I already know what’s happened; the look in Lizzie’s eyes tells me.
‘No you’re not. You’re going through the motions. And you’re hiding away.’ All efficiency, I can sense her guilt from this side of the large desk.
‘Why, Lizzie? I thought we were friends?’ I can milk that guilt for a while, I think.
‘You know we are, so don’t start that. You’ve been here for almost five years and I won’t allow you to waste your talents a moment longer. You’ll end up as institutionalised as the patients. As your friend, I can’t stand by and watch that happen.’ Thin lips press together into a determined line, and I know there is no budging her.
She’s right of course, particularly about the hiding bit. But I feel safe here, where the patients don’t know me and I’m just Harry, junior mediwitch. There was a time I had ambitions for myself, before everything. I know I have been pathetically feeling sorry for myself here ever since. I think I’ve quite enjoyed the self-flagellation.
‘Where?’ I ask eventually, and I ignore Elizabeth’s grin at my childlike pout.
‘Children’s Ward, Mediwitch Potter. Congratulations.’ She doesn’t smile this time but raises a challenging eyebrow in an uncomfortably familiar way.
I guess my hiding days are over.
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
Latest 25 Reviews for Making Happy
80 Reviews | 6.75/10 Average
So good to read this again.
Seriously lovely.
Yay for happy endings! You have done a fantastic job with this, Neelix. Really, it was beautiful from start to finish. I think this ended perfectly where it did, but I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be thrilled to see little glimpses of the future here and there. I like the conversation between mother and daughter on the train. It would be totally unrealistic if Harriet didn't have some reservations about how her peers would accept this unconventional family. It isn't the norm, and kids are cruel. Still, you make the point that different is not equivalent to bad. She just has extra people to love her is all. Regardless of her nerves about what people will think, I have no doubt that she knows deep down how very special she is and how very much she is loved.I don't think she will get too much grief about her parentage. Having three of the most instrumental folks in wizarding history as your family has got to count for something, right?I really, really love Harry's confidence in their relationship. He could feel nervous due to lack of verbal confirmation on Severus' part, and yet he seems to just know that this is right and that it will work between them for always.I hope the writing of this tale lifted your spirits a bit. I know reading it did for me. Thanks so much for sharing such a great story!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
thank you so much for your positive response to this. I'm really pleased with the way it was recieved, and yes, I did really get a boost from wiritng it!There will be new one-shots intermittently I think, firstly from Severus' POV. I'm still off work but I hope to go back soon . I miss the craic, to be honest!
So glad to see them together at the end. I really liked your story telling from each person's point of view. As someone else said, Snape's point of view on the bonding would be lovely to see.Well done.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank yu so much for reading. I intend to do a few one-shots to go with this, i think.
This was fantastic. Although not my usual pairing preference, the characterizations were outstanding. I agree with the request for a sequel. Very interesting to see how they balance the alternative family and how the kids handle it. It is always fun to see the true potential of a kid with parents such as Hermione and Severus too! Thanks for writing!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you so much - I seem to have convinced a few people about the pairing!
Well now everything is sorted and in its proper space. Nicely done you!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thankyou! I had a lot of fun with this x
Well, my dear, this simply BEGS for a sequel !! Snarry is generally not my thing so much, but this tale was written with such sensitivity and plausability of character that I was ensnared. Fine work !!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Wow. Thank you for that! perhaps I will do some one-shots to go along with this. A sequel would need further plot, and not their bonded there's no where to go!
AWWWWWWWWWWW! This is perfect ending. Maybe one day you'll write about Severus' feelings for this evening. I would have loved to see his face when he discovered the box in his plate. And his emotions while Harry paased the ring on his fingers should be interesting to know. Please?
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I might do a special one-shot just for you from Severus POV :) Thanks for reading xx
Response from snitchette (Reviewer)
*squeeeee* THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
Awww ... this was nice. One thing that I have really enjoyed about this story is that there is conflict at the proper times, but it is quickly resolved. Not that I don't enjoy long drawn out angst and such, but that is not what this story is ultimately about. I think the cat is out of the bag as far as any secrets between them, so all that is left to do is pursue this relationship. Something that I needed to convince me that this pairing can work is a mature Harry. I'm ok with SS/HG where she is young, but for some reason it is hard for me to stomach a young, inexperienced, immature Harry with Snape. No worries with this version of Harry; he is perfect.Hermione is going to be absolutely delighted by this latest development. Happy probably will be as well. I don't see that there is anywhere to go now, except towards a happy ending -- no pun intended :)
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you honey - sorry I'm so late in replying, I've been off radar for a little while.Thanks for reading x
Well, from Harry's perspective, Hermione has given him a lot to think about. From my perspective, what the hell is he waiting for? Go to Severus now and tell him how you feel. Geez, men.I love the interaction between Severus and Happy. I can see why he was worried about Hermione taking her away as he clearly loves her dearly.Severus and Hermione have taken an awkward situation and made it even worse in the interest of protecting Harry and Happy. I hope they can make things right for all parties involved.I will be interested to know how Happy came about. I thought in the beginning that Harry and Severus were a couple and wanted a child and Hermione volunteered to help, but then somehow things went belly up and he and she ended up staying together. Then I thought that maybe Severus and Harry were a couple, but because of maybe lots of alcohol and some bad choices, they ended up sleeping together-just this one time- and Happy was the good and bad outcome. Guess I will wait and see.On a personal side note, Harry and Happy are two of the Hippos in the game Hungry, Hungry, Hippos which my son has just recently discovered. I've thought about you each and every one of the ten thousand times we have played over the last week :)
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Ahh yes, Hungry Hungry Hippos - this is the bane of Severus' life in Hilltop Cottage, the devil's own entertainment! lol!!More comes clear in the next couple of chapters, and as you say, Harry is never backward about coming forward so...
Response from HBAR (Reviewer)
I knew if anyone would understand my pain, it would be you and Severus!
At last! Harry knows the truth. Whew thats a releif. ((bounces)) Severus ought to duck if knows whats good for him. I expect he is going to get a good shouting at by med witch Potter. Hee
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
lol... I think there may be some strong words, you're right. Harry is like a dog with a bone really!
Hooray! You had me genuinely worried about Happy there. I have a very hard time picturing Hermione with Rosemerta, but then Ginny was taken and Lavender was REALLY not her type, so who knows? I guess the wizarding world figured out Artificial Insemination, though chances are they don't do it with a glorified turkey baster. ... well, maybe they do. Why use magic when simple Muggle methods work just as well? It's no use guessing- I'm pleasantly surprised every time.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Well. I'm glad I was able to make you feel something. Next chapter wont be long. Thanks for reading.
I can't wait to hear Severus' story about the conception of Happy. Because honestly I thougt it involved a lot of alcohool followed by a pityful performance and a great headache afterwards, maybe regrets too.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
That would have been a fun scenario to write, actually, but no, not like that. I won't keep you waiting for much longer.
... as I Floo home, I’m feeling more confused than I was before.*pats Harry on the back* "Me too buddy, me too."Where, may I ask, is my explanation of this vow? Hmmm? I'd sic Severus on you, but I'll be damned if he isn't soft and squishy around the edges in this tale. And if that sounds like a negative comment, it isn't. I love your Severus. He retains his hard exterior, biting words, inherent insecurities ... all of the things that make him who he is. But when he is with Hermione, or Happy, or now Harry, he softens a little and that makes a hard-to-love man loveable.You may very well be able to take credit after so many before you have failed, to turn me into a Snarry fan. I'll hold out until the end to decide, though. No pressure, really.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you for reading, even if Snarry isn't your thing. I warn you now there will be sex coming up. I'll do my best to make it believable so that you don't feel the need to avert your eyes!Severus is a bit softer in this story. He's a different man, I think, and having Happy changed him beyond his own imagination. I'm sure that he's looked back on his own childhood and decided to be a different sort of parent.I have to be honest, I have struggled with the last couple of chapters. Hopefully the next one will be easier.
Response from HBAR (Reviewer)
I warn you now there will be sex coming up. I'll do my best to make it believable so that you don't feel the need to avert your eyes!You've found my issue with these two. There can be a ton of sex, or none at all ... I just always have a hard time with a relationship between these two feeling believable. I'm liking them so far, even though their interactions have been repressed. Fear not, I have absolute faith in you to make this work.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
No pressure then. That's good!lol... I'm on chapter 10, sex will be in 11 I'm thinking. Wish us luck (thats me, Severus and of course, Harry... bwahahahaha!!!!)
AAaarrgh! I thought we might find out about the Vow in this chapter!! Well, I am glad that Happy is alright, anyway. Both Hermione and Severus will be able to face anything that happens now. Severus seems to be a great father so why he should have worried about Hermione taking her away, I don't know. Still insecure that everyone he loves will die/run away I suppose and whatever he Vow is, I don't think it has helped him to grow emotionally. Though I think having a daughter has, so perhaps he's ready to jump into the deep end with Harry. *Crosses fingers!*
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I think you're right about Severus and his insecurities. He has been abandoned by everyone he's ever cared about.The Vow isn't that exciting, really! lol... I think everyone will be majorly disappointed.
I'm so relieved Happy's well. I don't believe Severus would have ever recovered from her death, even with Harry's love to support him.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I think you're right,
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
. Onwards...
Thanks for not killing Happy off. Okay I really didnt think you would, but I was nervous for a bit. The vow is lifted, the child is recovering seems to me its time for the adults to have a discussion. Drum roll please for the next chapter!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
lol... Next chapter is on it's way. Thanks for reading x
Well it is about time. I've been wondering about all of this vow business; the what and the why of it all. I certainly hope that this means the next chapter gives more insight into it all. Knowing you and your wily ways, the next chapter will probably be from Happy's POV, and will take place while she is under for surgery so will just be a blank page, LOL. Ok. you're not that bad. Still, don't make us wait too long for more, pretty please.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Dont panic - Chapter 8 is with my beta ARo so you won't have to wait long - I really wish I had done a blank Happy POV, lol!!! I'm not that clever!I hope the reveal makes sense to everyone... *doubting self*
Oh, my gods..... what..... what...... ????!!!!
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
you need to refer back to Chapter 1! lol...
I can't believe I just tore right through the first chapters. I need another fix immediately! * taps foot* Lol, actually this is REALLY excellent. I'm quite enjoying it. Dare I surmise that...well no I won't. I'll let myself be surprised.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Thank you so much. next chapter is WIP but shouldn't be long x
Oh WOW he removed the vow ! I want the next chapter immediately!!! You are so evil to withhold it! This was just heartbreaking watching both Hermione and SEverus suffer so. Poor Happy.
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
It's carnage, I agree. It has to be. You have to break a few eggs... :)
What??? Oh my. *aughhhh...I have fallen.* Off the cliff I go.*giggle* Let's just say I am enjoying this immensely, and am looking forward to your next thrilling post.Thank you again for sharing~
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I hope this means you enjoyed the chapter. lol! next update wont be as long, i promise.
YOU are a very bad author!!! What's this vow (un unbreakable one?) that he made. To what purpose? YOu better update quickly *stare menacingly at you*
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
hehe... *cackles evilly* *makes you wait*
What a delicious diner they had. I'm jealous. *wink*
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
I think I preferred the dessert! Thanks for reading x
I LOVE this chapter!! ANd considering thess two sentences "I’ve never seen him look so bloody edible in my life, and my mouth goes dry.""I feel an urge to lick the exposed flesh"I'm wondering what, precisely, thay are going to eat for diner...
Response from neelix (Author of Making Happy)
Haha... With Severus in the house there's only one thing on the menu ;)
Thanks for reading :)