Courtesies and Formalities

by Ahmira Zaraelys

NSFW. Intrigue, betrayal, and the introduction of copulation. Dark Fic, Incest, Slash, Het, AU. complete

1. Something Unexpected

Courtesies and Formalities

By Raneynr Lerrqu

Rating: R

Couples: Severus/Harry, Draco/Hermione, Blaise/Ron, Bill/Charlie, (Implied:) Fred/George/Oliver, Ginny/Seamus, Albus/Minerva, Harry/Hedwig, & Remus/Sirius

Summery: Harry can talk to Voldemort whenever he chooses and uses it to aid him in destroying Him. Harry is a Slytherin in heart and soon in colours. Hermione got pregnant, INCEST, Slytherins/Gryffindors…what can you say?

Warnings: INCEST, Dark fic!

Disclaimer and Author's Notes: I do not own these characters, places, or original plot. I am writing this for the pure fact that we enjoy playing with these several characters; I am not receiving any profit. I'd like to thank my betas: Naomi Jameston and Rynalin Onyx. Begins after Book 5 and goes through Harry's graduation (Book 6 hadn't been out yet, & I didn't feel like adding any of it in.)

Chapter 1: Something Unexpected

It was hot, humid, and Harry couldn't be happier. He had always wanted to know what Hogwarts was like during the summer. Now, after his fifth year, he was finding out. Harry sighed as Hedwig landed on a tree branch a few feet away.

"Is it too hot for you, Hedwig?" Harry asked softly.

In my owl form, yes…Can we go inside or if the coast is clear may I shift? her mind speck echoed in his thoughts.

Harry stood and called her to his shoulder. They then walked out to the weeping willow. Harry ducked under it as Hedwig took off to land on the ground inside the confining tree. "You can change here, no one will see."

A brilliant flash of light emanated, momentarily blinding him. When he could see again, a beautiful woman stood before him. Immediately, he pulled his cloak off his shoulders, revealing his chest, and draped it around her. She fastened the cloak quickly with a smile and turned to look at Harry.

"Harry," her enchanting voice caressed, "I know you are hurting but you shouldn't be punishing yourself…he died saving you…"

Harry glared at Hedwig. "Yeah, saving me…Just like me mum and dad!"

She sighed and beckoned him to come to her. As he approached, she loosened the cloak so it just draped around her shoulders. After he reached her, he was pulled inside the cloak. She slowly led them to the ground. She knew he needed physical love and, as always, he knew she would give him what he needed.

Albus smiled; he knew what was happening in the willow. He was glad that Harry had Hedwig. He was even gladder that Hedwig was willing to answer his physical needs. Albus knew that now, with Sirius dead, he was the only family Harry truly had.

Albus thought back to Lily, Harry's mother, and his sister's youngest daughter. Albus had been furious when he had found out that Lily Black, as she had been born…the cousin of Sirius, had been adopted by Muggles and her name changed to Evens. Now, Albus knew, he was the only blood related family Harry had.

Albus' thoughts were interrupted by a shriek coming from one of the bookshelves. He got up to investigate, when it happened again. He looked at the only living, well mostly living, thing on the shelf and smiled. The Sorting Hat was awake, with still two months before school began.

"It's not time, my friend, go back to sleep."

"I can't," its voice whispered, "not until I fix a terrible error."

"What error, my friend?" Albus inquired.

The Hat sighed. "I misplaced a student, Albus, and every year since it has bothered me…Only now I fear, it must be fixed."

Albus raised an eyebrow, "If you had suspicions that this student belonged in another house, why didn't you place them there?"

"He asked me not to place him there. Also, I thought that in another house, he would learn a valuable lesson; he has but now, I know, I should have placed him in a different house."

Albus froze; trying to think which students could have been misplaced, he could think of none. "Who have you misplaced?" The Hat did not answer. "I need to know who, if I am to fix it!"

Many moments later, the Hat took in breath. "HARRY POTTER SHOULD BE IN SLYTHERIN." That said the Hat fell back to sleep.

Albus was unable to move, his mind repeating the sentence. 'Harry…in Slytherin…but Harry proved to be a Gryffindor…he pulled Godric's sword from the Hat…unless he was able to do so because of my blood, my side of the family has always been Gryffindors…'

Albus grabbed a medium piece of parchment and wrote quickly. "Fawkes," he began; "could you take this to Minerva?" he grabbed it and flew off to Gryffindor tower.

Minerva opened the letter as Fawkes waited. "Minnie— the Sorting Hat woke up and informed me that Mr. Potter should be in Slytherin. What should I do?" Minerva's mouth opened slightly in a gape. Then, after she recomposed herself, she scribbled a reply under Albus' letter. With her written response, Fawkes took the note back to Albus.

Albus grabbed the letter and read it while Fawkes ate. "Love, call a meeting with Severus. Talk to him about it. I don't want to lose Harry to Slytherin but it may come to that. —Minnie." He snatched up an unused scroll and wrote to Severus. Fawkes flew it into the Snake's Den.

Severus opened the scroll to see an invitation to the headmaster's office; it was to discuss something extremely important. Severus pulled on his robe, no need for Albus to see that Severus was wearing Muggle clothing, and he stalked up to the headmaster's office.

"Albus," Severus called as he began to ascend the staircase.

"Ah, Severus, I'm glad you came," Albus said quietly.

"What do you need?"

"As it appears, the Sorting Hat says that a student in Gryffindor should be in Slytherin."

Severus stared at Albus, shocked. "A Gryffindor is supposed to be a Slytherin?"

"Yes, Severus," Albus smiled.

"How could the Sorting Hat get that screwed up? Slytherin and Gryffindor are complete opposites!"

"It didn't screw up, Severus; it placed him differently for its own reasons. The question is: this student will be going into the sixth year, will we change his house?"

Severus thought several moments. "Who is this student?"

Albus sighed, loudly, "Why Mr. Potter, of course."

Severus' eyes grew, 'Harry Potter was supposed to be a Slytherin?'

"Yes, Severus," Albus answered.

Severus thought a few more moments and then sighed. "I have an idea. Let's meet tomorrow an hour or so from lunch or after lunch: Minerva, Mr. Potter, you and me."

"We can discuss it then?"

"Yes, and that way Potter can chose after we have our little conference."

Albus looked at Severus and inquired, "Are you willing to have Mr. Potter as a student of your house, I know the two of you haven't gotten along since he came here."

Severus chuckled, a real chuckle not the usual evil laugh he normally used. "I only don't get along with him because he is a Gryffindor and everyone is expected to get along with him. But, if he was a student of mine I'd have no choice but to like him…" Severus smiled, "which may or may not be a good thing."

Albus laughed and said "Goodnight," to Severus. Severus retreated to the Den; wondering if he and Potter could actually become friends if Potter was in Slytherin. Severus dreamed of the Quidditch cup.

The next morning Harry awoke to receiving a message from Albus, stating that they must talk at an hour past lunch in his office. Harry frowned and tried to get up. He could hardly move due to arms wrapped around him. He smiled softly and kissed her forehead. She groaned softly.

"Hedwig, I need to get up…" he paused, looking at the clock, "It's almost lunchtime. I need to get up and take a shower…" She laughed and shifted back into an owl. He smiled after she retreated. After he was finished getting ready he went to lunch and then to Albus' office. "Sorry I am late; I had a few difficulties this morning."

"Quite all right, Harry. Minerva and Severus haven't arrived yet either." As he finished, the statement was made untrue as they walked in.

"Albus," Minerva and Severus said in unison.

"Ah, now that everyone is here should we get started?" Albus told Harry what was going on and then Minerva told him his options. Harry just blinked.

"Sorry but," Harry interrupted, "are you saying that I am a Slytherin and that I should change houses now?"

Minerva paled. "Not exactly; you see, Harry, you can be a Slytherin and you can move to Slytherin house…if you want to, no one is going to make you…"

Harry looked over to his potions teacher. "I will change houses if Professor Snape can promise something."

"What?" he asked quietly.

"Keep Malfoy from killing me, and from most nasty curses and hexes that he and I normally spar with."

Severus smiled; "Easy enough actually."

Harry smiled. "Then we have a deal; Headmaster, may I speak to you alone?"

Albus nodded his head and the other two adults left. "What is it Harry?"

"Is there any way to get to the Burrow from here, now that it is the middle of the summer? I would like to visit with Hermione and Ron…since I know that I won't see them as much as I would normally in a school year."

Albus smiled. "I'll take you to them. And I see no reason not to stay together as much as possible. I mean you could start the treaty between Gryffindor and Slytherin…Lords knows those two houses need to start getting along."

Harry smiled. Albus got up and Apperated them both to the Burrow. Molly and Arthur walked out to see who had arrived and blinked. "Albus, Harry?" Molly inquired.

"Molly," Albus began, "Arthur, hello. Harry wanted to see Ron and Hermione."

"He'll be staying won't he?"

"Harry?" Albus asked softly.

"Can I have a few weeks Professor?"

"Of course…" He turned back to Molly. "He'll be staying a few weeks if you don't mind."

"Oh, no, we'd love to have him. Ron and Hermione are upstairs if you'd like to go see them."

"Thank you." Harry walked into the house and walked up to Ron's room. When he reached the door, he knocked several times. He heard Ron say to come in and so he opened the door. Ron was sitting on his bed with his back to the door. Hermione was rummaging through his closet opposite the door. "Personally, Ron, I wouldn't let her go through your closet but that's me."

Ron spun on the bed and somehow managed to fall off; Hermione turned around and smiled happily. "Harry!" they both exclaimed.

"Hi Hermione, Ron…" he smiled, "it's good to see you."

"How are you here?"

"Professor Dumbledore brought me; I'll be staying a few weeks." Harry frowned. "We need to talk."

"About what?" Ron inquired.

"School actually…" Harry grinned. "There has been a slight change."

Hermione sat down and asked softly. "What change, Harry?"

Harry sighed. "I've been moved into Slytherin House."

Ron roared, jumping off of the floor, "What?"

"The Sorting Hat placed me in Gryffindor because I asked it not to place me in Slytherin… but I should have gone to Slytherin house in the first place… I mean we won't have all our classes together now, and we won't be sharing a room but we'll still hang out as much as possible and we'll still be best friends. I don't care that I'll be a member of Slytherin as long as I don't lose my best friends."

"Harry," Hermione snapped, "you're rambling."

"Sorry…" his voice trailed off.

Ron smiled. "All right, it will be different but we'll manage to keep things together. The only thing I won't like is having to eat meals without you at our sides."

Hermione groaned. "You'll have to eat meals with the Slytherins…you'll have to deal with Draco Malfoy all the time!"

"I'll live…"

Ron groaned, too. "You'll have to deal with Snape all the time!"

"I'll get use to it, I hope."

"Are you prepared to live, breathe, the sly way of the Slytherins?"

"Ron, without meaning to I've done some verifiably Slytherin things in the past, it won't be that hard to do it all the time."

"Don't you care about the image Slytherins get, people will say that you've turned against them. That you've been taken under His wing, being nourished by evil and death's uncanny hate…Are you prepared for that?"

Harry smiled sadly. "As much as I always have been, I'm used to them talking about me but I see no difference if they are talking about me being a slyth or a gryf."

Hermione smiled regretfully. "Why did you really come, Harry?"

"I had another vision last night; I can't get it out of my head. I'm worried."

Ron sobered. "What did you see?"

Harry shook his head. "Where are Ginny and the twins?"

Ron puzzled. "I haven't seen them in several days, why?"

Hermione gasped and paled. "They were in your vision?"

"Yes," Harry's voice faded. "I fear that they might have been captured by Voldemort's people. I'll go talk to Albus, and your parents." Harry walked down into the living room to see Molly crying into her husband's arms. "Mrs. Weasley, are you all right?" Harry inquired.

Albus and Arthur paled. "Harry, go back up with Ron and Hermione please. This is Order business," Albus commanded.

Harry frowned. "Does it have to do with the disappearances of Ginny, Fred, and George?"

Molly shuddered; Albus blinked. "How do you know that Harry?" Arthur asked.

"I saw them, the same way I saw you being attacked by the snake. I had another vision."

"Oh, god…" Molly uttered. "My babies are dead."

"No, Mrs. Weasley, they're alive and unharmed…they're being released today in the fields off of the Lancaster city limits."

"What, released unharmed? Harry, are you sure?"

"I could double-check if it would make you feel better." Albus looked at him strangely. Harry just closed his eyes and concentrated.

Yes, Harry, a whispery voice inquired in his mind. What do you need?

'You're releasing the Weasleys today aren't you?'

I am, why, Harry?

'Are they unharmed?'

There was a short pause and Harry was looking through Voldemort's eyes at the three captives. He heard Voldemort saying, "They are unharmed and will stay that way, understand?" he saw that the Death Eater was shaking. Harry, you want me to release them closer to you, don't you?

'I'd like that but I'm not going to expect it.' Harry sighed inwardly.

You're with the rest of the Weasleys.

'Yes, Tom, I am.'

"Change of plans…due to intriguing developments I want you to return them to their home; leave them at their doorstep."

Harry smiled. 'Thank you, Tom.'

You're welcome, Harry; but I do wish you'd stop calling me that.

'That would destroy the last shred of humanity you have, Tom, and you need a small amount of humanity. Besides you are not the same type of Immortal as you once were so you should still have at least one person calling you by your mortal name.'

Very well, Harry; but stop the Occlumency studies, it gives me a frightful headache.

'I can manage that, I think; but no promises. When will they be here?'

Within the hour; goodbye, Harry.

'Goodbye, Tom.' Harry sighed and looked at the three adults staring at him. "They'll be home soon, just don't let anyone outside for the next hour and a half or there will be trouble."

All of the occupants were residing in the living room when the door opened revealing the three missing members; looking completely dumbfounded. Before anyone had a chance to speak, Ginny exclaimed, "It doesn't make sense; You-Know-Who had just said that he'd kill us and then he makes his order to keep us unharmed and then he ordered our release at our door; doesn't that seem… well… strange?"

Fred and George nodded their agreement; something wasn't right. They turned into the living room to be crushed by the weight of their family and their questions. At the end of said questions, George turned to Harry. "What did you do?" he asked.

Harry shifted uncomfortably. "I simply made Him see things as I did: keeping your best interest at heart. I told Him to keep you safe and he asked me if I wanted you released closer to home. I told Him that I did and he made the order for you to be released here. But by doing so I am not allowed to take anymore of Professor Snape's Occlumency lessons; it was the price to spare your lives."

Albus gasped. "You mean that you contacted him and… what?"

"Well, when I told him my terms he said that if I did what he asked he would let them go. I asked him what he wanted, and he told me to stop the lessons, or else he would kill them. Their lives are more important than the useless lessons anyway. I swore to stop for their lives."

Albus nodded. "Severus isn't going to like this," he mumbled. "Harry, I'll come get you in a few weeks…if you need me have Hedwig deliver a message to me directly." Harry nodded and Albus was gone. Harry knew that when Albus returned, he wouldn't want to go with him, but he would have to get used to being a Slytherin without anyone watching him, waiting for him to screw up.

When he arrived at Hogwarts, Harry was led into the Snake's Den by Severus. He was shown to his new bed and they placed his trunk in the closet after they had taken everything out of it. Harry's things went into the dresser and the closet, including a hidden Invisibility Cloak.

After his room was sorted out, he and Severus toured the common room and the baths, and everywhere else in between. Once that was done, Severus pulled out Harry's new schedule and promptly led him to every one of the classrooms, in easiest route to get there, and the Great Hall. After that, of course, they rested in Severus' office in the Potion classroom. He and Severus had gotten along splendidly since he had returned to Hogwarts but Harry knew it was about to change.

"Professor Snape?"

"Yes, Mr. Potter?" he asked, a small smile playing along the corner of his lips.

"I don't know if Professor Dumbledore told you but," Harry paused, knowing what wrath he was going to provoke, "our Occlumency lessons have been cancelled… indefinitely."

"Albus told me, but I think you should at least tell me the truth: being that I am your head of house."

Harry smiled, that sounded so strange. "He asked me, Professor; he asked me to stop and I told him I would."

Severus looked into Harry's eyes. "That's all he did was ask?"

Harry nodded, looking down. "He's always in my mind, I can hear his thoughts at any given moment…I can speak to him like I'm talking to you, anytime I choose. Instead of the lessons driving him from my mind, it seems that it's making us closer; only it gives us both a rather painful headache."

Severus made Harry look at him and gasped. He could see Voldemort's eyes being reflected inside Harry's own. Like a mirror in front of a mirror – a double reflection. "Fine, no more lessons; but I ask you to promise me something, Harry Potter."

"Yes, Professor Snape?"

"Promise me that if anything happens you will tell me first."

Harry smiled. "I can promise that…because I know I can trust you." The next month or so passed uneventfully…well, mostly; Harry and Severus had become friends during the remainder of summer.

Today, of course, was the day the students returned to school. Harry awoke to Severus' voice outside his door, calling in to see if Harry was going to get up and eat with the teachers or if he wanted Severus to have Dobby bring him something to eat later. Harry bolted up and called, "Do I have time for a shower?"

Severus chuckled. "Of course, I knew you'd want one so I decided to wake you up early."

Harry opened his door and smiled. "Thanks Severus, I'll meet you after I'm done."

"Of course, Harry; but, please, don't let anyone else hear you calling me by my first name…at least not yet." He paused, "Definitely not in front of the other Slytherins…anytime soon."

Harry nodded and went to take a shower. After he was finished and dressed, he walked into the Great Hall and was summoned up to the dais. Once he was with the rest of the teachers, he figuratively joined their ranks, to the amusement of several of them. Moments later, Dobby brought Harry his breakfast and to Harry's surprise he was asked to stay and eat at the table with the others. After he was finished eating Minerva smiled at him.

"So, Harry," Minerva began, "how are you adjusting to being in Slytherin?"

Harry smiled. "Fine, at least until tonight, when I have to face the rest of my," Harry smirked, "unsuspecting house."

Albus and the other teachers laughed and Minerva smirked. "I can see why you are a Slytherin, Harry," Minerva replied. "You're a natural at Slytherin ways."

Harry chuckled and looked at the headmaster. "If I may be excused, I need to set Hedwig out of her cage and feed her."

Albus smiled, "Of course. Harry, I had Molly pick up your school supplies…they're on me this year."

"Thank you, Professor," Harry smiled. "I'll be on my way then."

The train had been delayed so Harry was already seated on the far end of the Slytherin table when the students began to sit down. At first, no one noticed that it was Harry who was sitting at the Slytherin table. He really had changed in the months since school had ended. Instead of his usually unruly hair, it was slightly longer then his shoulder blades and, presently, tied back against the nape of his neck. He had also grown nearly four inches and he had been helping Severus carry stacks and stacks of books up the many staircases, becoming much more physically toned. But what mostly made him look different was that in the last two weeks, his scar had faded to nothing more than a thin white zigzagged line above his eyebrows.

Harry smiled as several of his Gryffindor friends walked past, oblivious to his presence. Almost all of the students had taken a seat; the Slytherins were ignoring the intruder of their table, when the fuss began. Draco Malfoy walked into the Great Hall, cloaked in his usual arrogance and started towards his seat. That was when he noticed the unknown figure.

Only he was hardly unknown to Draco. "What the hell are YOU doing at MY table?" he yelled. Instantly, all the Slytherins moved to see what had upset their prince. No one understood that it was Harry Potter sitting so comfortably at the end of their table.

Harry smirked and reclined in his chair. "Is there a problem, Draco?" His voice was calm, underlined by power and confidence; it was the voice of a slyth…much to Draco's horror.

"I'll say! You're sitting at the Slytherin table," Draco paused. Harry was also wearing the Slytherin crest and tie. "And to make matters worst, you're wearing Slytherin colours."

Harry held the tie in his hand. "Yes, they do bring out the colour in my eyes…don't you agree?" Draco slightly gaped. This was too weird. "Draco, just sit down so we can get this damn meal over with; our head of house is glaring at you." Draco looked to the dais to see that it was true; Severus was staring at him, mentally screaming at him to go sit down. Draco squared his shoulders and went to his seat, sulking all the way.

After their meal, Albus asked the Prefects to take the students to their houses since the first years had no idea where their houses were. All other students had a two-hour void before curfew. Since Draco was a Prefect he had to escort the students, much to his displeasure; he would much rather talk to Harry and find out what was going on. So as he passed, he leaned down to whisper in Harry's ear. "I'd like to talk to you before curfew…where can we meet?"

Harry smirked. "Better yet, Drake, I'll walk with you and we can talk. Besides you don't know the slyth password."

Draco blinked. "And you do?"

"Yes," Harry said as he stood and started walking out. "Are you coming?"

Draco and the first-years followed without trouble. Draco and Harry started to quicken their pace to get some room to talk. "So, Harry Potter, why are you in slyth clothing and sitting at the slyth table?"

Harry smirked. "Because, Drake, I am a Slytherin and Slytherins do such things."

Draco shook his head. "No, Harry you are a gryf, not a slyth…because if you were a slyth then we would be friends," Draco smirked, "and we are not friends."

Harry turned to Draco when they reached the entrance and chuckled. "Zabini," Harry said shortly. Draco looked around for Blaise, to no avail; but to his astonishment, the Slytherin entrance was open. They walked in, showed the first-years their dorms, and then walked out. Draco followed Harry, curious as to where he was going, when he walked into the sixth-year private rooms' corridor. Harry led Draco into his room.

"Have a seat, Drake, can I get you anything?"

Draco gawked as he realized that these things were Harry's that were scattered around in perfect order. "Sure. How about some answers?"

Harry smirked, softly. "I've been a slyth since first year; I just didn't become an active slyth until two months ago. You can ask Snape about it; he'll even tell you that I am for real. Harold James Potter is a Slytherin."

Draco smirked. "Harold?" Draco inquired.

"Call me that and I'll tell your dear fiancée that you screwed a Mudblood and if it hadn't been for some quick thinking that Mudblood would have had your child." Harry winked. "I'm sure you don't want her to know that, or maybe you'd like me to explain about that other time…"

Draco cut in sharply. "All right, Harry, all right; I get the picture. You are a slyth, only one of us would go for the family dishonour, and making said family think said child is worthless."

"Of course, Drake."

"Why are you a Slytherin?"

"I'm not as innocent as everyone thinks I am, besides…fighting for the law gets old extremely fast." Draco looked at Harry and smiled; then he cringed, there was something dark in Harry's eyes. "Friends then?" Harry inquired.

"Friends, Harry." Draco got up and was about to leave when something occurred to him. "Was Hermione really pregnant with my child, Harry?"

Harry smiled sadly. "Yes, Draco; and had you not been such a prat she would have kept the child. Abortions are considered rather unpleasant in the Muggle world and they are even worse here. She wanted to have it, Drake, but knew she was too young; Minerva convinced her to lose the child."

Draco paled; Minerva then must know who the father was and that meant… "Harry, why hasn't McGonagall expelled me yet?"

Harry smirked. "If she knew she would, Drake; but Hermione wouldn't tell who the father was; even while under the influence of Veritaserum she didn't utter your name. Hermione might actually love you, but like all Slytherins that doesn't matter as long as your hide is safe."

Draco sighed. "When you see her, tell her I'd like to meet in the Prefects' office before breakfast; assuming, of course, that you were planning on seeing her and the Weasel tonight…"

"Drake," Harry began, "I'll tell her, we planed to meet tonight anyway. My only request is that you try not to be overly vicious to Ron; you hate him, he hates you, fine, but not another word about families and fortunes. I'm telling him the same, so don't glare at me like that."

Draco nodded. "I'll try, Harry…tell her please." With that, Draco left.

Harry raced to Gryffindor tower to see Minerva standing there. "Professor, is Hermione in?"

She smiled. "Don't tell Albus, but the password for the month is butterscotch; you can come and go…Hermione will keep you posted on passwords." He nodded and walked in, still in Slytherin robes and smiled. The den felt more like home than the tower did, strange as it was.

He heard his name and so walked slightly closer to see what was going on. "Where is Harry anyway? I mean he did spend the summer here so he must have been there for the feast but he wasn't at the table." Hermione walked down and smiled, seeing Harry. "Hermione, where is he?"

"Wouldn't it be easier to ask him?" she asked.

"Yeah, but no one knows where he is."

"Have you looked behind you recently?" Harry's voice inquired. They spun and gasped, seeing him in Slytherin robes. "Hermione, I was looking for you; we need to talk…your rooms?"

She smiled and nodded, leading the way into the Prefect Girl's bedroom. "What is it, Harry?"

He smirked. "I have a message to deliver to you from Draco. He would like to talk with you before breakfast tomorrow and he asked if you would meet him in the Prefects' office."

She smiled, "Of course."

"McGonagall said that you would give me password notifications, and I need you to give this to Ron for me. I have arrangements I need to make with Professor Snape so I need to head back to the Den."

He stood, let her take the note, and hugged her. He left quickly; arriving in the Slytherin Common Room with every fifth, sixth, and seventh-year watching him. Draco smiled and addressed the crowd. "Everyone meet the second most important Slytherin in the house; the most important being me, of course." Everyone was watching him, waiting for their prince to introduce whoever it was. "The one and only," Draco paused, dramatically, "Harry Potter."

The room was silent, until it lifted into a quickly growing uproar of fury and disbelief. Hexes began to fly at Harry, curses followed soon after; Harry started coughing and when he pulled his hand back, it had blood on it. Severus walked into the Common Room in shock. "ENOUGH!" Severus glared at the mass of Slytherin students. "Draco take Harry into my office and stay there; I'll be in momentarily."

"Yes, sir," Draco replied.

After a devastating lecture and one hundred points docked from their house, Severus went into his office to see that Harry really was coughing up blood. "Harry, what is it…Which curse?" Harry's eyes glanced at Draco, saying that is was Voldemort related. "He is trustworthy, Harry. Draco, cast a silencing charm on the room." Draco did as told.

"He…he's been hurt, badly…an Auror perhaps," Harry coughed several more times. "I feel like I'm being ripped apart."

Draco raised an eyebrow and conjured a glass of soothing tea; it was one of Severus' secret recipes. Harry accepted the glass and drank swiftly. He raised his head and looked at Severus and Draco. "I…"

Harry?

'Tom, are you all right?'

No, Harry. I need you to come to me; I need you to kill me.

'But… I don't understand…why?'

It's my time, Harry; please come to me and finish me off…

'Where are you?'

Knockturn Alley, above the antique shop…Hurry Harry. Find a way to get to me, before it's too late.

Harry was shaking. 'Tom, because of our bond…won't killing you kill me as well?'

No, Harry, it won't but it's a thought. Please, hurry Harry…I'm counting on you.

"Harry, can you hear me?" Severus' voice broke through the haze in Harry's mind.

"Sev…" Harry coughed. "I need, I need your help."

"What is it, Harry?" Severus inquired. Draco was standing next to the fire; forgotten by the other two occupants of the room. "Harry?"

"I need you," Harry paused, "to take me to Voldemort."

Draco turned. "You're insane, Harry. Voldemort will kill you." Severus nodded his agreement.

"I have to go to him…" Harry looked into both of their eyes slowly. "He's called for my presence. You, both of you, know that when called you have to go."

Severus glanced at Draco. "He would only know because of his father."

Harry laughed. "I've seen Draco in the audience of Voldemort; he's even been given missions…How goes that escapade for the blood rose?"

"Still no luck…" Draco froze. "How do you know about that?"

"I was there when Voldemort gave you the order…well; at least I was in mind."

"Harry," Draco sighed, "I don't want to serve him but I don't have a choice, not so long as he lives…"

Harry smiled. "Then help me and I swear I will protect you from the Ministry. I'm sure that Severus will vouch for you as well if you help me now…When I'm going to end this war." Both men gasped and looked at Harry. "Please, don't ask. I just have to find a way to get to Knockturn Alley as soon as possible." Harry took in a shaky breath. "We can tell Albus what I'm doing but I only want you two with me."

"I'll go tell Albus that I'm taking Draco and you out for important business; meet me in the Entrance Hall in a few minutes…but first, Draco go fetch Harry's wand for him." Severus left, Draco and Harry did as told, and that was where Minerva found Harry and Draco. Standing in the Entrance Hall, she glared at the two students and though they were allowed to be there due to Draco being a Prefect, it was well beyond the point of midnight. She was about to yell at them when Severus walked to their side and indicated to the doors that led outside.

Minerva followed Severus and his two students to see them Apperate on the castle steps, why had Severus been given the password to Apperate...why was he taking Harry and Draco away. She rushed to tell Albus but he said it was cleared and that if all went well, Harry was ending the war. Minerva frowned.

There was a ring of Death Eaters surrounding Voldemort when the three arrived. Harry was cloaked in Severus' Death Eater uniform and he stepped up next to the ring. "Tom, I'm here."

Severus, Draco, and the Death Eaters jumped; using Voldemort's mortal name was forbidden. The Death Eaters looked at Harry with curiosity, each of them wondering who he was and how he knew their lord.

"I'm glad you could make it here, Harry, and so quickly."

"You're lucky I learned the art of persuasion, Tom; otherwise I might not be here at all."

The ring of Death Eaters looked at Harry, realizing who he was and everyone pulled out their wands. Voldemort turned slightly to look at his followers. "Lower your wands; he's here by my order." Those around him lowered their wands but their eyes were even more wary than usual. "Are you prepared to fulfil your mission, Harry Potter?"

"Yes," Harry answered and then turned to Severus. He whispered, "It's up to you and Draco to keep the Death Eaters from killing me after my task is complete." They nodded their understanding.

"Good, Harry," Voldemort said. "You will let him complete his mission; do not interfere. Harry, you remember what I told you?"

Harry gulped; he had been dreading this for years. "Yes."

"It is time, Harry; let's finish what we started all those years ago."

Harry nodded and raised his wand. "Avada Kedavra." Harry screamed, power lacing his very being. Voldemort twitched and slumped; Harry's ultimate task complete. "Tom… oh, Tom," Harry whispered as he was overwhelmed by the lapse of power recoiling within him. As he fell, only Severus heard the anguished, "I'm so sorry," that forced its way past the boy's lips. Harry hit the ground, spurring the Death Eaters into confusion and rage. Severus and Draco took care of them though, all the while keeping one eye on Harry.

The next morning the houses were gathered for breakfast when Severus, with Harry in his arms, and Draco appeared next to the doors. Everyone froze, watching the lifeless body of Harry Potter being carried to the dais and laid on top of the step. "The war," Severus' voice began shakily, "the war is over; Voldemort is dead."

Silence spanned throughout the room as they realized the price Harry had paid to save their lives. Harry was dead; Voldemort was dead. Albus stood, and took in a deep breath. "This is the time of great loss yet great celebrations; the threat to our world-to every world-is gone, but a price had to be paid." He took another, less stable, breath. "Today is a day to remember that we…lived through the darkness that was cast about us, and to remember those who did not."

Minerva sniffed, trying not to cry as she looked at Harry's body as Albus spoke. Her eyes were watery, extremely watery; it was impossible. It couldn't be.

"Due to these sacrifices, today is a holiday of life and death. There will be no classes for today." Now, Albus sniffed; trying to remain strong in front of the students. "Furthermore," Albus began.

"Oh, bloody hell, Professor! Can't you ever pipe down?" a very familiar voice inquired. "I mean, truly. Do these students look like they need to listen to your emotional speech? I know that I for one want nothing more than to take a long nap." Harry stood, glaring at the members of the dais. "I feel dead on my feet."

Albus and the rest of the members blinked as did the students watching. Harry frowned as he saw several students faint, then he chuckled as Poppy collapsed into Minerva's shoulder. Severus had backed away after laying him down and had clearly jumped when Harry had spoken. Now with a rickety voice asked softly, "How?"

Harry blinked and swayed. Severus stepped forward so he was right next to Harry. "I've an idea…" Harry threw his arms out to keep his balance. "I'll answer any questions when I wake," Harry paused, "up. I'm too drained…to stay coherent…" his voice faded.

Severus gasped as Harry fell backwards. Before anyone could even think of what to do, Severus had caught Harry in his arms and called out quickly. "I'll take him to his rooms," he turned to leave, "I'll tell you everything I know at another time."

Severus reclined into his chair, eyes strained from lack of sleep. It was nearly one in the morning. It had been almost two days since he had slept and though he was in his room, he couldn't sleep in his bed. Harry was there. Being that Harry's rooms were so small, Severus had decided that Harry could be comatose in his bed while Severus watched from the comfort of his armchair, instead of being camped out on Harry's floor.

Severus closed his eyes, thinking back to what Harry had said when he had killed Voldemort. Even in a murderous act, Harry Potter could still be compassionate. Harry had been sorry that he had killed him, while any other wizard in Harry's place would have been to the point of pure hate and revenge. Thinking that people might actually try to dub Harry as a saint; Severus dozed.

Harry's eyes opened, glancing around his surroundings. Where was he? His mind's magic spanned out, searching for the time and his location. He found that it was just past two in the morning. Harry blinked as he looked at the walls of the bed, being that he was without his glasses he shouldn't be seeing so clearly. Harry surveyed the room beyond the curtains to see a figure, hunched in an armchair, in the corner.

Harry gasped. The last thing he remembered was killing Tom, could he be a captive of the old Death Eaters?

The figure stirred. "Harry," the voice inquired softly, "Harry, are you awake?"

Harry sighed in relief; it was Severus. "Yeah, Sev, I'm awake."

Severus moved slowly to Harry's side, kneeling next to the bed. "Are you all right? Do you need anything?"

Harry blinked. Magic was everywhere he looked; it was being lead towards him. Slowly he looked into Severus' eyes and smiled softly; then he screamed. Severus jumped and tried to calm the young man before him, to no avail. A knock rasped on the door, and then Albus entered. "Severus, what is it?" he paused, "Harry, what's wrong?"

Severus just turned back to Harry, unable to say what was wrong because he, too, didn't know. Harry's arms stretched outward coming into contact with Severus' shoulder; Harry grasped and pulled. Severus plunged into the bed, next to the shaking young man, and he gasped as Harry collapsed into his lap. Harry was unconscious again.

"Severus, what was that about?"

Severus sighed. "I'll ask him when he wakes up next."

"All right," Albus said as he left.

Severus held Harry in his arms, still shocked, and reclined his back against the headboard of the bed. Severus shivered. What if Tom Riddle was magically and spiritually joining Harry…? What if Harry turns into Tom's reincarnated self, or something close?

Harry shivered in his grasp. He was moaning in what seemed like pain. Severus held Harry closer, trying to banish the anguish that spanned throughout Harry. Cuddled together, Severus fell asleep. Several hours later, Harry awoke to a warm embrace that didn't belong to Hedwig.

What was happening to him? Harry shifted, wondering who was holding him. He turned to see Severus. Harry gasped, which woke him up. Severus smiled at Harry and relaxed his hold on him.

"Good morn…" Severus paused, looking at the window. "Good afternoon, Harry." It was about four-thirty.

"Afternoon, Severus…" Harry's voice faded. "What happened?"

Severus blinked, confused. "Do you mean after the battle with…Tom or your fit early this morning?"

Harry blushed. "I had a fit?"

"Yes, Harry, you did."

Harry froze thinking. "Severus, why are we cuddled together?"

"Because of said fit, actually," Severus also blushed. Harry had yet to move out of his arms. "I was hoping you would remember the incident so as you could explain it to me. The Headmaster and I have no idea as to what happened to you."

Harry shrugged and tried to remember, to little success. Severus just held Harry as he thought, unable to do anything else. Harry, can you hear me?

Harry jumped. 'Tom, it can't be?'

Harry, I'm so sorry…please forgive me.

'I don't understand, Tom. How am I hearing a spirit and why are you sorry?'

Listen to me, Harry. There was a pause. It wasn't supposed to happen. When you killed me, yes, you should have lost consciousness, but not like you did. Harry, somehow you absorbed every once of my power that dissipated at that precise second from my body. Without meaning to you, somehow, managed to become the most powerful wizard in existence. Harry, you absorbed 99 of my powers, that compiled with your own magic…is well, extremely powerful…the last little bit of my power I'm using to tell you: God, I'm so sorry Harry. I'm fading Harry, please forgive me, and please use my old powers differently…

'Tom!'

Use them differently then I did…Goodbye, Harry.

'I forgive you, Tom… I'm sorry for killing you…'

"Harry, Harry, are you all right?" Harry blinked.

"Harry," a whispered voice asked, "Harry, can you hear me?" It was Severus, still holding him.

"Severus," Harry's voice strained. Harry's head felt compressed, and he couldn't see, though his eyes were opened. He wondered how many people were surrounding him. Six, his own mind whispered; Severus, Albus, Minerva, Hedwig, Draco, and Poppy. Harry smiled. "Madame, could I get a headache charm?" He heard her laugh as she walked over. A quick flick of the wand and his head felt less compact, but it still was overpowered and he still couldn't see. Tom's magic…

"Harry, how did you know Poppy was here?" Minerva asked softly.

"That's a little irrelevant at the moment, Professor McGonagall," Draco commented.

"Would you both just shut up, right now we need to worry about Harry," Albus told them. Harry heard a soft chuckle; Hedwig was in human form sitting on the bed next to him and Severus. It was confirmed, there were six people in the room, and he had identified them before they had made themselves known. "Harry, can we talk?"

"Sure, Professor Dumbledore as soon as I figure out how to function again…" Harry chuckled as Severus tightened his grasp on him. He leaned his head back and smiled at Severus. "Is there any particular reason that you are still holding me?"

Severus chuckled, evilly; "You haven't moved yet so you mustn't want me to let go."

You're being bad, Severus, Harry told him silently. Harry wasn't sure if Severus would hear him but it was true, Severus was being a bad boy. Severus jumped and released Harry quickly. He was looking at Harry with fright in his eyes. How had Harry learned that trick?

"Are you going to come up to my office, Harry, or should we have our discussion here with everyone listening?"

Harry thought a moment; he could trust everyone in the room. Except maybe Poppy; but she couldn't hurt him so they could talk here. "Here is fine with me Professor Dumbledore." Harry smiled as he heard everyone taking a seat, and then Harry reclined back into Severus' arms. Settle down, Severus, I'm not going to hurt you. Hell, you're warm and comfortable to lean against; I think I want you to stay where you are. Harry smiled and looked at Albus. Severus accepted the comment and relaxed.

Albus watched Harry for several minutes. "Harry, how did you defeat the Dark Lord, Voldemort?"

Harry frowned. "He asked me to kill him I did what he asked…Oh, and Professor."

"What Harry?"

"Refer to him as Tom, not Voldemort; he hasn't been Voldemort since I was an infant."

"Okay… He asked you to kill him, fine, but how did you kill him?"

Harry blinked. Was it that hard to know? "How else, Professor, then the Killing Curse?"

Severus shook his head at Harry's truthfulness; he could be thrown into Azkaban for what he had done. "You used the killing curse to destroy…Tom, and you don't seem to care that it's illegal to do so no matter what intentions."

Harry chuckled. "Truly, Professor, you know as well as I that the wizarding community are… were expecting me to use the killing curse because nothing else had the same proven statistics that it worked. I simply did as I was expected to."

Albus gawked. "Are you prepared to go to Azkaban if the Ministry decides to place you there?"

Harry smiled and remembered something Tom had told him. "Even if they sent me there, the dementors would release me so it doesn't matter."

Minerva frowned. "Harry, they wouldn't release you."

"Well due to recent developments I truly think they will."

"Harry," Albus began, "what happened to you?"

"An accident, Professor, that can't be undone." Harry smirked. Everything was perfect; his powers had settled down and were submitting to his command and he could see again. He could see clearly, Tom's magic… his magic, now, had corrected his vision.

Severus looked down into his arms and frowned. "Tom's powers were transferred to you, weren't they?" Harry just nodded. "Do you have control of them, yet, Harry?"

"Yes, Severus, I do have control. Though, that should have been obvious to you," Harry chuckled; don't you think?

Albus and Minerva gasped; they watched Harry for a few moments then the adults: Albus, Minerva, and Poppy, left shocked. They were thinking about what they were going to do with Harry now that he was at least as strong as Voldemort. Severus would have left too, but with Harry lounged on him, he wasn't going anywhere. Draco then smiled and left.

"Harry, what will you do with his powers?"

Harry smiled. Hedwig was so sweet. "Well, I plan to master them and then… I don't know; teach Defence Against the Dark Arts… or something. You don't have to stay with me, Hedwig, I'll be fine."

"You do realize that teaching would suite you, don't you Harry?" Severus asked as Hedwig transformed and flew off. Harry just nodded and shivered. "Are you all right?"

Harry tried to burrow into Severus as he answered. "No, I'm cold." Severus chuckled and pulled the blankets over the both of them, both falling asleep moments later.

Severus and Harry awoke at the same time with three hours before Breakfast. Severus was laying on his back and Harry was resting his head on Sev's shoulder, his hand lazily stretched over the other shoulder. Severus moved his hand to his stomach to realize that he no longer wore a shirt or his robe. He didn't remember taking it off but he must have… Harry was also shirtless.

Severus blushed. He was laying half-naked in his bed with a student using him as a pillow. What's more, Severus enjoyed having Harry there; he wanted to love, to cherish… Harry. Harry moved, his lips innocently caressing Severus' neck. Severus began to breathe heavily, trying to ignore the feeling that was coursing throughout his body to his groin.

Harry's lips moved up to latch onto Severus' earlobe causing Severus to gasp. Severus tried to move, tried to pull away from Harry but couldn't get any of his limbs to respond to his commands. Harry's hand found its way down onto Severus' chest and was caressing a pathway over one of Severus' nipples. The sensations flowing throughout Severus were overwhelming, he wanted Harry; though he knew that he couldn't have him.

"Harry," Severus' voice started huskily, "Harry, you need to stop."

Harry moved his head so he was looking into Severus' eyes and frowned. Harry's eyes were teary and dismal; Harry nodded mutely and got up. Severus heard his sniff, and him choking on a sob, as he donned his robe and shoes. Harry made for the door silently except for the anguished sobs he couldn't contain. Severus' heart clenched; realizing that it was his doing that hurt Harry so badly and deeply, though he couldn't understand why.

Harry's hand rested on the doorknob for only a second when he was about to turn it, when Severus' voice halted him. "Harry," it was so soft and sensual, "Harry, come back… we can talk." It wasn't an order, a command, it was a request that Harry couldn't refuse. Harry walked back over to the bed and sat on the edge, he wouldn't look at Severus.

"What is it, Professor?" Harry's voice was strained. He was trying to block out something and was doing an excellent job at it. He sounded like he did when Severus asked him something about the potion they were working on in class.

"Harry," Severus' voice inquired with all the natural calm Severus could muster, "why were you trying to seduce me?"

Harry looked at Severus with an even gaze, and sighed. "I was seducing you? I seem to remember you trying to seduce me." Harry shook his head and got up. He walked to the door and opened it with out looking back at Severus who was staring at him. Harry went to his room and flopped onto his bed. "Why," Harry whispered to himself, "why does he have to torment me; doesn't he know that I care for him?" What Harry didn't know was that Severus was thinking the same thing.