Always

Chapter Six

"Does Wormwood Herb get a glass or cloth container?"

"Glass."

Harry nodded and pulled a small jar to him. Snape turned back around and continued with his stirring while Harry continued sorting, storing, and labelling different herbs. The small garden shed had been expanded and remodelled to house a potions lab for Snape and Harry found it soothing to be there.

Not that he had much of a choice. Since that horrific night six months ago, he was always with either Draco or Snape. But Harry really didn't mind. He had felt fragile and timid after that night, as awful as it was to admit to himself, and he gained a measure of comfort being near one or both of the two other men.

Most days he felt raw, exposed, and Draco and Snape seemed to him like a filter for it all. Not overly so, like to the numbing extent he had been feeling for years. But they made him feel as if he had back-up...stability. Actually, they had done more than that. As he moved through his healing, they would often help him regain control and to snap back from that numb state. It had been awful, still was at times, but he was slowly making it. It was slowly becoming better and easier.

He had lost his job, but was regaining his sanity and his family.

"Where are you?"

Harry looked up and smiled at Snape's concerned question. Well, others would think it was a question made out of irritation, but Harry knew the difference.

"Nowhere. I was just thinking about stuff," Harry answered and went back to filling the jar.

"Don't think too hard. The world couldn't stand it," Severus replied snidely as he turned around once again to his potion.

"Yes, sir." Harry stuck his tongue out at the older man's back. A giggle across the table from him made him smile.

"Daddy! That isn't nice to do," Maia whispered.

"You're right. But sometimes it's better than saying something nasty, yeah?" Harry whispered back. Maia nodded and went back to her colouring. Harry watched her for a bit, smiled, and went back to filling and sorting.

The clock on the wall suddenly chimed and Harry saw Draco's hand was in the "home" position. He quickly sealed the Calamus Root in its bag and slid off his stool. He smiled at Snape's raised eyebrow.

"I'm going to go welcome Draco home and let him know where we are," he answered the silent question. After a considering look, Snape nodded. Rolling his eyes, Harry walked outside. The garden was barren in the winter cold; still a bit green, but definitely showing the season as Harry hurried through it towards the house. He had just reached the back porch when he saw movement inside and the door opened.

"Why the hell are you standing outside in nothing but your shirt?" Draco snapped. "I am positive you have at least three excellent cloaks and two coats in your wardrobe."

"We're just in the lab," Harry answered. "I just ran out to tell you and welcome you home."

Draco scowled and swooped in for a kiss. Harry was happy to oblige and remembered to relax his body. He was rewarded with a warm hug, which demonstrated how cold it really was without a cloak.

"Come inside for a moment and then we'll go out to those two," Draco murmured into Harry's ear. "I want to show you something."

It was sitting on the dining room table. Harry was nearly afraid to go near it.

"It's the new potion the healer sent over," Draco said as he stood behind Harry. "He says it should help with your anxiety attacks."

"Draco, no more potions." Harry turned and looked up at his husband. "I don't want anymore, all right?"