Chapter 27 : Secrets of the Castle

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"Better apologize for what you've done than regret not doing it, I say!" He muttered to nobody in specific and pushed the door open with all of his strength. His mouth slacked open at the sight; long live his curiosity streak! It had led him to the castle's library; and it was a room he could recall easily. He spun around slowly as he observed the room; it was immense and the ceiling was twice as high as the corridors' outside the door. Well, the second floor might have had something to do with that, he ventured. Because there was a second floor, fashioned around the empty space that allowed a great portion of the arched ceiling to be seen, and he could see rows upon rows of bookcases on both floors. The chandelier that hung from the ceiling was unlit but the metal shone in the light coming from the stained glass window covering the central part of the wall further away from him, behind a grand double staircase that led to the upper floor.

"Wow." Harry croaked in shock as he regarded the room petrified for a few more seconds. As he snapped out of his stupor he walked around the room, half expecting Merlin to show up around the next corner; it was, after all, most definitely the library from Severus' mind. And as the boy started pondering on the suspicion he had fallen asleep and was dreaming, he heard his name being called from the stairs.

"You found your way to the library I see." Severus stated chuckling as he walked down the stairs. Harry was once again surprised and not just because he had thought he was alone in the room. Severus looked different; with a quick assessment, the boy understood exactly why that was. He was still wearing the black slacks from that morning but gone were his black cape and shirt. They had been replaced with a white shirt and a dark green vest which, paired with his smile and the few pounds he had put on, made Severus look healthier and every bit the twenty seven year old man that he was. He was holding two leather bound books in his arm and had a spring in his step; it was Severus as he should have been, as he would have been if it wasn't for Voldemort.

"No black cloak?" Harry asked with a smile.

"I didn't feel like wearing black today." He stated shrugging.

"You were right." The boy stated happily, making Severus' smile widen. He truly had felt like wearing something brighter today, a feat on its own accord as black had been all he had worn since graduation. "This room is amazing!"

"It is." Severus agreed chuckling. "I remodelled it a little to appear like my dream library and I believe the outcome has rewarded my efforts." The potions master smiled at a vigorously nodding Harry. "And how do you like the castle so far? Did you pick a room yet?"

"I did. Minnie said it's in the family quarters, a few doors away from yours." Harry admitted with a smile. "And I love the castle!"

"It's a good thing you do, because we will be spending a lot of time here." Severus offered.

"May I ask you a question?"

"Anything kid."

"What do we tell my family?" Harry asked. "I mean, what happens if they come looking for me at Spinner's End only to find it empty and me gone?"

"I see your point." Severus said thoughtful. "But Harry, in all honesty, when was the last time your family came to pick you up from my house?" The young professor asked with a sad smile. How long had it been since he had last dreamt of Lily living in his house with Harry and himself? Close to a year, maybe a year and a half, he discovered startled. He had no more time to ponder on that subject however as Harry responded.

"Never?" His answering smile was just as sad. When had the last time he had wished his parents would come pick him up from Severus' house been? Too long ago to remember exactly, he realized. Maybe before his fifth birthday. It didn't really matter anymore; Harry had decided that wanting to stay with Severus more than he did with his parents was a natural result of his growing up and didn't mean he did not love his family. It was just that staying with Severus was now a choice made happily and consciously instead of a choice made for him until his parents claimed him.

"Never." Severus agreed. "And this castle… Let's just keep it between us until I'm ready to share, or at least until you're asked directly okay?"

"Okay Sev!" Harry said nodding, making Severus smile yet again at how considerate the boy was. "And what are these books?"

"I figured out these books have been in here since practically forever, so there was bound to be something about emblems in their midst." The potions' master stated, pointing at the larger of the two books that was bound in dark brown leather.

"And you found a book?"

"Yes. Apparently emblems were a hit up until the eighth century before falling out of grace during the first goblin rebellion when it was thought wiser to not showcase your magical abilities to your enemies." Severus explained placing the first book on a table and seating down along with Harry who opened the book eagerly and skimmed through the first page.

"Can I read the book too?" Harry asked. "I promise I won't rip it or…"

"Relax Harry." Severus assured him chuckling. "I found the book for you and even if you decided to rip it into a thousand pieces you wouldn't be able; all the books of the library are magically protected."

"That's a relief; this looks ancient!" Harry exclaimed. "Heavy too…" He muttered as he tried to lift said book.

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