Where Chaos Ensues, And A Door Opens
Chapter 4 of 13
neelix“Chaos often breeds life, when order breeds habit”
~Henry Brooks Adams ~
Harry
My first thought is always for the patient, but I am halted momentarily by the knowledge of who she is. I force myself to remain professional as I enter the treatment room, and although I am shocked by the lack of colour in his face, seeing Ron sitting next to the child brings my mind back to the present.
‘Ron.’ I nod.
‘God mate, Hermione is going to bloody well kill me,’ he says quickly.
‘Let’s see how Harriet is, shall we?’
I’m not going to assuage his guilt. It would be bad enough if his own child had been injured, but it’s far worse that this is someone else’s. Inwardly, I am amused that it’s Hermione he’s scared of and not Snape. He should have realised that at school.
The child is beautiful, and I try not to note the alabaster skin and the dark, glittering eyes of her father as I approach.
‘Hello, Harriet. I’m Harry, and I’m a medi-witch. Are you hurting somewhere?’ I try to smile as if everything is normal as I catch her gaze, and she forces a weak smile back.
‘I know you. You’re Uncle Harry,’ she whispers.
I feel a knot in my stomach. This child knows who I am, and part of me wants to know if her father has ever spoken about me. I feel dazed, but then I realise that Hermione is her mother and it would be natural that I would come up in conversation.
‘Yes, well… I know your Mum,’ I say. I can’t look into her eyes now, so I take out my wand and start the diagnostic. Hedley was right about the broken bones, but I’m more concerned about the large, purple bruising on her forehead that disappears into her hairline. As I run my wand close to the area, the results confirm my suspicions, and I feel sick. I turn immediately to Hedley and murmur instructions quickly and then turn back to the child, who has now closed her eyes and looks ready for sleep.
‘Harriet,’ I say loudly. ‘You need to stay awake for me, okay? I’m going to get your mum and then give you some special medicine to keep you awake. It’s really important.’
Her eyes spring open, and she bites her lip in an endearingly familiar way.
‘Harry, you’re scaring her,’ Ron says in a low whisper.
‘If it keeps her awake then so be it,’ I mutter.
‘What’s wrong with her, then?’
‘I can’t tell you, Ron. I’m sorry. I really need to speak to Harriet’s parents,’ I respond. ‘It’s procedure, you understand. But I could use your help,’ I say.
I can imagine how he’s feeling, despite the fact that I do blame him even though I’m unaware of the circumstances. The burden of Lupin’s death still weighs heavily on my shoulders, no matter how many people tell me it wasn’t my fault.
‘Anything,’ he says.
‘Keep talking to her; keep her awake. It’s vital.’
***
Severus
‘What in the bloody blazes are you doing in my Floo?’ I glare at him, and I don’t know if I’m angrier that he woke me from my alcohol-induced sleep or because of shock that he is here in my reality, as well as my dreams.
‘I’m sorry, Snape, but can I come through? It’s urgent.’
I can hear the authority in his voice, and I don’t even consider refusing him. The part of me that yearns for him is singing, but I ignore it in favour of petulance and feel even angrier for it.
‘Do I have a choice?’
As he steps through onto the hearth rug, I notice he has changed. He has grown taller, and his frame has filled out with adult muscle, his face peppered with what looks like the beginnings of stubble. He looks around the room briefly and then our eyes meet. They are still green, and I’m instantly reminded of pools of hidden desire, of passion and want. I find that I cannot look away.
‘Where’s Hermione?’ he says quickly, no preamble, no pleasantries. Immediately I bristle.
‘I do not hold her prisoner, Potter. She has a life beyond these walls.’ I can hear the acid in my voice. I’m not prepared for the withering look I get in return.
‘You’ll have to come, then. Your daughter is at St. Mungo’s. She’s had an accident.’
‘No!’ I leap from the chair and feel faint. I can feel myself trembling, and as my legs try to balance themselves, I almost fall. My arm is gripped by warm, firm fingers, and I steady myself.
‘You’re okay,’ he says gently.
‘Don’t tell me what I am or bloody well aren’t, Potter. Take me to Happy. Now.’
I wrench my arm from his grasp and try to ignore the flinch in his eyes and the residue of warmth from his sure, firm fingers.
My stomach churns as I follow him from the Floo, and I don’t stop to look about as we walk from the office into the long, stark corridor. We are shoulder to shoulder, and part of me is aware that we are almost the same height now. We walk purposely, like comrades on a serious mission. Perhaps we are.
He stops suddenly outside a closed door. He turns and looks apprehensive for the first time. Oh, God almighty. This is fucking serious.
‘Spit it out, Potter.’ I am aware of the tremor in my voice but right now all I need to know is… Is…
Please, God, let her be alive…
‘She has a fractured skull and some broken bones. There is a large contusion on her forehead, and until I run further tests I can’t tell how bad it is.’
I feel numb. I appreciate his forthright approach, but now I have the information, I have nowhere to hide. I take in a long, slow breath.
‘I want to see her.’
‘Of course. I don’t think she needs to know how badly hurt she is, not yet, anyway.’ His eyes are suddenly compassion and caring, and I cannot bear it. I nod and look away, and I can feel the tears pricking my eyes.
‘We really should let Hermione know.’ I hear his voice through the fog that clouds my thinking, and I know he’s right.
‘She’s at the Three Broomsticks, but the Floo will be locked. You will have to send your Patronus.’ I don’t think I could summon my own right now if I tried.
‘No problem. I’ll take you in now. Ron is with her. You have to keep her awake if you can.’
He pats my shoulder, and I know he’s trying to be reassuring, but I stiffen automatically, and he shrugs before opening the door.
As if suspended in time, I will never forget the sight that greets me as I go into the room. There are pictures on the walls, bright, colourful images. A knight is slaying a purple dragon, and on another wall, two children are playing with butterflies that fly and flutter out of their reach. I note all of this in the brief moment it takes my eyes to focus on Happy.
She is lying on a hospital trolley with her right arm in a sling, and I can immediately see the large purple lump on her normally perfect forehead. She looks so small, so frail, and my heart aches as I paste a false smile on my face. I ignore Weasley, who scuttles towards the door like a cockroach, as well he might. I’ll deal with him later.
‘Hello, sweetheart,’ I say softly. I want to touch her but feel afraid to do so. Her eyes are slowly drooping, but she wakens at my voice.
‘Hello, Daddy. Did you really help Uncle Harry kill a bad wizard?’ she whispers.
I feel rooted to the spot, and have no idea what to say to that. Fucking Weasley and his big mouth.
The door flies open suddenly and Hermione rushes towards us, hair flying and her face white. Her lower lip trembles, and I instinctively pull her into a hug.
‘Don’t let her see you upset,’ I murmur into her ear. I feel her shake, but she nods in response and takes a shuddering breath to calm herself. She hugs me back gratefully and over her shoulder, I see Ron glance sideways at Harry, who is staring at us like he has seen a ghost.
Hermione is right. It really is all such a bloody mess.
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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 :)