Dear Readers, I finally got the new chapter up! Yay! Don't kill me... :) I do have a valid reason this took me so long to update. School ends in about 18 days and i have final projects due in these two upcoming weeks and these past three weeks I've had to take 4 AP tests, nearly all of my finals for my classes, and getting my grades up for the end of the year. Since schools almost over, however, expect quicker updates as soon as school ends and summer begins :) also, if you are reading Only For You, I'm not sure when I'll be updating that because I honestly have no idea what the next chapter is going to be about. If you have any ideas on it, give me some reviews and I'm sure that will be a big help in getting it out quicker!
I don't own this, btw, in case you were wondering, or in my case, hoping :)
Chapter 2:
Unexpected Events
"Ah, Severus do come in," Dumbledore smiled benignly from his huge purple arm chair situated behind his oak desk, motioning for Severus to take a seat across from him in the chair he usually reserved for his daytime visitors.
"Headmaster," Severus nodded and took the appropriate seat, declining the lemon drops offered with a distasteful glance and a slight shake of his head. "May I inquire as to what this sudden meeting is about?"
"Yes, of course," Dumbledore situated himself more firmly in the squishy chair before leaning back and stroking his beard pensively. "Due to certain new circumstances, I wish to discuss your spying duties." Seeing Severus immediately sit up and open his mouth, Dumbledore held up one wrinkled hand and shook his head. "Let me finish before you being you begin to argue. Now that you are mated to Harry and have progressed to the courting stage, I believe that it is time for you to retire. Spying has simply become too dangerous, both for you and Harry."
Severus's eyebrows arched in a distinctively unimpressed manner. "My position in the Dark Lords rank is invaluable, it will take years for another person to find their way into such a secure position as I have. Not only is it a foolish move, but a pointless one at that," he rebuffed Dumbledore's argument with almost a cool disposition, not worried in the least by the gentle worry the headmaster had in his eyes. "I assure you that I am not lacking in ability, Harry will be in no more danger than he was before, less so even."
"Yes, your position has been a great value to the order," Dumbledore peered down sternly over his half-moon glasses and slightly rose himself in his chair, shifting his look from the kind grandfather to the leader of the Order. "However, my position on this matter will not change. We have more than willing volunteers ready to take your place and your presence is much needed elsewhere. I believe Harry will agree with me on this matter," The headmaster's voice gentled again as he took in Severus's irritated expression. "I am not doubting your ability to protect your mate, Severus; however, even you must consider the fact the Voldemort has a wealth of power at his disposal. You continuing to spy on him will efficiently paint a mark on his head should he find out that not only were you spying, but that Harry potter is your mate. He will use you to get to Harry; you must not continue to go to any meetings."
Severus stilled for a few brief seconds and took a considering breath. The decision was hard, but as soon as Dumbledore mentioned the risk it would place on Harry, Severus knew his decision. Whether or not he was confident in his abilities, he would not take the slightest chance of Voldemort using him to get to Harry, no, it would be too much of a temptation to his mate to resist.
"Very well, you will inform me of any new spies taking my place, and I will expect monthly updates on their progress. I will not be leaving the spying duties to a foolish man trying to prove himself," Severus demanded, his eyes narrowing as he thought of how all of his work could be destroyed in one false move. The Dark Lord was not the forgiving type; one hint that there was a spy in the network and the inner circle would be dispersed and any new members killed.
Dumbledore's face eased into a slight grin and he obligingly nodded to the man. "Very well, in the mean time, perhaps you should tell Harry this news. I have no doubt he will be extremely reassured to hear that his mate will no longer be spying on Voldemort."
Severus's harsh expression eased away at that and he nodded once as he rose and turned to walk out. Yes, he had no doubt that Harry would be pleased to hear his news, and with that knowledge in his mind, Severus couldn't find one small part of him that regretted making the decision he had just made. For Harry's safety and happiness, he would go against Voldemort himself.
Hp
Harry sighed as he traced a pattern on his piece of parchment. He was in History of magic and if the bell didn't ring soon he would die of boredom and join Binns in the afterlife. He briefly looked around his and immediately smirked when he saw all his other housemates in various states of boredom induced comas, all except Hermione, of course, who was still diligently taking notes. He checked his watch another time and nearly sighed in relief when he saw that he had only ten more minutes to go before he could go relax in Severus's presence.
Finally the bell signaled the end of class and Harry shot out of the door before Ron or Hermione could even shout at him to wait. Harry raced down the halls and into the dungeon until he got to Snape's private quarters. Immediately the portrait doors opened, the figurehead not even bothering to ask for a password from the new inhabitant of the rooms. Clearly Severus had warned it of their mateship and it had been instructed to let him in on sight.
Snape looked up and arched an eyebrow at Harry's loud entrance. "Hello," he said dryly as Harry curled up on his lap and nuzzled his nose on Severus's cheek, unable to stop his smile at the affectionate greeting Harry has just met him with.
Harry grinned and Severus chuckled and wrapped his arms around Harry's waist and pulled him closer to himself. "How was your day?"
Harry made a face. "Horrible."
Severus's smirk grew in size and he nuzzled his nose on Harry's cheek in commiseration. "Perhaps I could make it better with some good news?" he teased lightly, his breath tickling Harry's ear as he rearranged them both so Harry was facing him on his lap. Harry hummed in agreement and stared at Severus's lips, concentrating more on the movement of the soft looking skin than the actual words coming out of it. "I had a conversation with Dumbledore today, and we both decided that it would be more beneficial to the both of us if I quit my spying duties."
Now that finally caught Harry's attention as he tore his gaze away from the lips to stare up at Severus with a beaming smile and bright eyes. "You're no longer spying for Dumbledore?"
"Not as long as it remains a danger to you or me," he promised softly, unable to ignore the tightening of his gut when Harry's smile widened even more and soft lips pressed against his own with no warning whatsoever other than the slight intake of Harry's breath when their lips touched.
Before Severus could properly react, though, Harry blushed brightly and practically jumped off his lap, avoiding his gaze when Severus tried to make their eyes meet. "Sorry," he squeaked quickly as he carefully tried to maneuver off Severus's lap and into the spot besides him, or possibly even on the chair farthest away.
"Stop," Severus commanded firmly before Harry could even think about moving farther away than he already had. "Come here."
Harry swallowed and briefly wondered if Severus was going to yell at him for his more than forward move. He carefully settled himself closer to Severus's body but still refused to cuddle up to him as closely as he had before. He felt a gentle pressure on his chin and obligingly looked up only to be met with warm black eyes and a small smile on the perfect lips.
"Now am I really that bad of a kisser?"
Harry's eyes widened briefly and he was quick to shake his head, "No! Of course not, I just assumed-"
"Well then, you need to learn not to assume things. Now come closer, I fully intend to finish what you started," Severus teased lightly, his black eyes taking on a lighter quality as he cupped the back of Harry's neck and laced his fingers in the hair, tugging slightly until Harry bent his head back into a more acceptable kissing position then descending his lips onto Harry's.
The kiss was gentle at first, as was expected from a first kiss, but after Harry got the first taste of Severus he whimpered in a distinctively appealing manner and Severus gave a soft growl in reply and pressed his teeth against Harry's bottom lip. It didn't take long for his mate to catch his meaning, and the lips quickly opened to encompass him.
Severus's tongue forced Harry's into submission then explored every nook and cranny of Harry's mouth, claiming the silky cavern and groaning in delight at his mate's unwilling sounds. In a small part of his mind his reservations spoke out against his actions, telling him not to take it too far, too quickly, but he easily squashed those in the back of his mind.
Harry moaned into the kiss and wriggled slightly on the Veela's lap, resting his body closer to the warm form underneath his, barely noticing the hand that was tangled in his hair, tugging his head even further backwards to adjust to the knew closeness. He really didn't notice anything after Severus's tongue wrapped around his own and gently coaxed it into play.
Harry's innocence left Severus feeling more smug than he probably should have. Every hesitant caress made by his mate made Severus feel happier and happier that he was Harry's first. His first everything. Severus chuckled when he felt a curious tongue start to probe his mouth and he tightened his arms around the waist and allowed Harry to have his own fun now that he was done claiming Harry's mouth.
Severus grinned to himself and took Harry's tongue between his lips then sucked on it, eliciting a surprised gasp then a heated moan. His hands softly trailed down Harry's body until he found what he was looking for. He cupped Harry's bum in his hand and gently massaged it, enjoying the delectable sounds coming from his submissive's mouth. Severus let out a soothing growl and harshly bit Harry's bottom lip.
Harry yelped in pain them mewled when Severus took the red lip and gently sucked on it. He pulled away to admire Harry's bruised, red lips and smirked in obvious enjoyment. "My apologies," he said smoothly, soothing a thumb over the red lips and trying to silence his chuckles at Harry's dazed expression.
Harry took a deep breath and looked up at Severus as the shock of being kissed in such a manner gradually wore off. "Wow," he said breathlessly as Severus's smirked in a pleased way and stroked his hair that he had previously been tugging back. He watched Severus's happy expression avidly for a few seconds before the smiling lips turned into an annoyed scowl and his head tilted towards the door.
Harry frowned, concerned by the abrupt shift in moods, but he immediately understood when he heard the firm knocking at the door. "If you may excuse me for a second while I let in your mutt of a godfather and his little tag-along?"
Harry couldn't even bother to get offended at the insulting nicknames any more, he was more offended by the fact that he had to move off his comfortable perch on Severus's lap.
"I assure you, this will last no longer than a few minutes, then we can happily continue this seating arrangement," Severus assured with a smile before rising to answer the door, immediately coming face to face with Sirius and Remus. "And you owe to me this pleasure why…?" he drawled.
"We would just like to have a discussion with you in private for a few minutes," Remus interjected politely before Sirius could open his mouth to make a rude comment. His eyes quickly flashed to where Harry was sitting forlornly and he smiled briefly before nodding to a separate door leading off to the kitchen. "We shall not bother you for more than a few moments."
Severus nodded disinterestedly then sneered at Sirius as he swept past the man. The werewolf he could tolerate, the mutt on the other hand….
"I'll only be a moment, love," Severus promised before leading the two into the kitchen and leaning against the counter, not bothering to offer them seats. "I assure you wish to talk about Harry, or you wouldn't have disturbed me in the middle of a monday afternoon."
"Let me get this right," Sirius began gruffly. "You need our approval to complete the bond?"
Severus curled his lips back in a sneer and glared towards the man. "Technically, though it could be done without it." These two could not have picked a better time to address this matter; he'd just finished kissing his mate for the first time, after Harry had show his own fear, and he had successfully gotten Harry to cuddle up with him before they had to interrupt. Clearly this was an event they had somehow planned.
Sirius and Remus were obviously not pleased with that response although they ignored it in favor of the point they had come here to make. "We have only one thing to say but you will listen to it. You will treat Harry with the respect he deserves. Anything less, and we will withdrawal our support-"
"As reluctant as it is," Sirius interjected before Remus game him a look and continued.
"-of your relationship. Harry has lived a tough life, I don't believe you need to be reminded of that, seeing as you caused a great deal of strife for him, and any sign that he is not happy with you…" Remus trailed off in a threatening manner and despite Severus's anger at the thought that he would treat Harry with anything less than respect he couldn't help the trail of fear that shot up his spine at the sight of Remus's yellow flecked eyes.
"Harry will nothing less than happy and loved with me," Severus spoke calmly, choosing to ignore the insults circulating around his brain. "Rest assured, the moment I begin treating Harry anything less than appropriate is the moment when I will question the bond myself."
Sirius and Remus's faces relaxed and they nodded. "We believe you, and as of now, we accept you as Harry's mate. If you have lied, however…" Sirius threatened and Severus once again had to beat of the growing irritation at the words. He didn't let any of this show, however, and simply placed a firm scowl on his face and nodded at the two, motioning them to the door once he was sure neither of them had anything else to say.
Sirius and Remus immediately placed smiles on their faces once they walked back out into the living room and Sirius swooped Harry into a large hug with Remus quickly following. "If you have any problems…" they whispered quietly before offering him one more smile then saying their goodbyes and seeing themselves out.
Harry turned to look at Severus then he wrapped his arms solidly around his neck. "Is everything okay?" Harry mumbled and Severus gave him a loving smile and nodded. "Of course, Harry."
Harry grinned. "Great, because I am definitely in the mood for some more kissing."
Severus snorted. "I think I've just created a nympho," despite his words though, he pushed Harry's back against the wall and continued right where had left off. Starting with bitting those delectable looking lips.
Hp
It was Tuesday morning, and Harry was already having a horrible day. He had woken up to see his roommates had already left for breakfast without waking him, he was felt up by a stranger while walking to Transfiguration, and now, at lunch, half of the school was giving him looks that sent shudders down his back.
"What's going on?" Harry whispered to Hermione, trying to avoid the stares of Seamus, who was practically salivating from across the table.
Hermione avoided his questioning gaze and even Ron seemed like he was trying to avoid him. "Guys?"
"Well," Hermione said hesitantly. "Oh Harry, everyone's staring because everyone. Well, everyone wants you."
Harry blushed brightly and choked on his pumpkin juice. Ron sympathetically patted him on the back. "Sorry mate, but Hermione's right. Now that you have been recognized as a…..well as a-a submissive, all the potential dominants that have come into an inheritance are seeking you out."
Harry made sure to stay away from the juice, so this time he didn't choke. Instead he fell of his seat.
"Harry!" Hermione said alarmed as she helped Harry up before anyone could take advantage of his vulnerable position.
"But-but I've already been mated to Severus!" Harry hissed to his two best friends. "How is this possible? I'm not even technically a submissive creature!"
Hermione winced. "You really didn't read up on this much, did you?"
Harry dumbly shook his head and Hermione sighed. "Oh Harry, you are Professor Snape's mate, but the other dominants won't accept this. Technically you are still obtainable until someone actual completes all the mating rituals with you. It doesn't matter if you don't have any inheritance yourself, the other's inheritance will affect you in a manner that is typical of their own race. I'm assuming you act differently around Severus than you do others?" Hermione asked knowledgeably.
Harry's blush was all Hermione needed in reply and she nodded knowingly and gave the Great Hall a quick glance before returning her attention to Harry. "Because you have been chosen as Professor Snape's mate, you have technically come into a submissive inheritance even though you don't have any creature blood."
Harry paled. "But what about Severus? I mean, he's my mate. Veela only mate once so how could all of them...want me?"
Hermione sighed. "Not all of them are Veela, and it doesn't matter if you already have a mate. To them you haven't been claimed yet."
"Bloody hell," Harry groaned as he slammed his head against the table.
"S'not so bad. Snape will be able to keep the majority off of you," Ron said as he took a bite of bacon.
Hermione wrinkled her nose in disgust then primly turned back to Harry. "After all, Harry, Snape isn't spying anymore so there's no reason why you should need to keep your relationship a secret."
Harry immediately brightened at that. "You're right! I'll go and talk to him right now," he rose out of his seat and immediately twenty pairs of eyes swiveled towards him. "Or maybe I'll wait till later," he finished lamely as he sat back down.
"Harry! Professor Dumbledore told me to give this to you!" a beaming Colin said as he pranced up to Harry and handed over the note.
"Thanks Colin, I appreciate it," Harry said, smiling weakly at the always over-enthusiastic boy before taking the note out of the boy's hand and gently shooing him back to his seat so he could open the letter.
"What's it say, mate?" Ron asked with his mouth full of food.
"Don't talk with your mouth full!" Hermione scolded.
"Dumbledore wants me to go to his office immediately. It probably has something to do with what we've been talking about," Harry whispered, not wanting anyone to overhear.
"Do you want us to walk you there?" Ron swallowed.
"Nah, I'll manage, thanks anyways. I'll see you guys tonight," Harry said as he got up from the Gryffindor table and made his way to the entrance, trying to ignore all the lustful stares sent his way. He was barely out the doors when he felt a heavy arm drape itself across his shoulders.
Harry nearly jumped a foot in the air. "Relax. It's just me Harry," Severus soothed as he pulled Harry into his side.
"A little more of a warning would have been nice," Harry said acerbically. "I've already been groped numerous times; one actually had the audacity to get into my pants!"
This was obviously not the best thing to say the Snape. His eyes narrowed into small slits and he growled warningly. "Don't worry, my Harry, we're going to get this all sorted out. I am sorry I didn't warn you sooner."
Harry shrugged and nestled into Severus's side as they walked to Dumbledore's office in silence.
"Cockroach Cluster," Severus said firmly to the guardians standing watch outside Dumbledore's office.
"Ahh, Severus and Harry. Come in, come in, my dear boys. Please have a seat." Dumbledore smiled benignly and his blue eyes twinkled from behind his half-moon glasses. "It seems we have quite the predicament on our hands."
"You don't say," Severus drawled out sarcastically, not in the mood to deal with any of this at the moment. He moved over to the chair in front of Dumbledore's desk and beckoned Harry forward with a finger. He didn't want his mate to be father away from him than strictly necessary.
Harry obediently padded forward and took a seat on Severus's lap, relaxing when strong arms immediately wove around his waist.
"Now Severus, if you would explain to Harry what is going on," Dumbledore requested.
"I already know," Harry interrupted. "Hermione and Ron told me. What I don't get is how they are able to feel…attracted to me when I already have a mate?"
Severus sighed and pinched his nose agitatedly. "I have not yet claimed you as mine. Legally, you have been available for courtship since you "came into" your inheritance. My mating with you set off a trigger for all potential dominants, and you will continue to be seen as available until I claim you fully."
Harry growled. "Then how do you claim me?"
Dumbledore's eyes shined through his glasses but Severus shot him a venomous look, warning the elder wizard not to say anything.
"Severus," Harry said warningly. "You know I don't like being kept in the dark. What is it?"
Severus sighed once again and tightened his arms. "To fully bond with you, we will have to participate in sexual intercourse."
Harry instinctively tensed in Severus's arms and his breath shortened. Sure, he'd slept in the same bed as Severus occasionally, undressed with him, he'd even felt the older man's morning wood, but that didn't mean he was entirely comfortable with the idea of sex, not yet at least. It was too permanent, too new, and a little part of his mind couldn't help but spark up and add in that he was just a virgin, and Severus was obviously far more experienced than he was. What if he couldn't please his mate?
"Hush, Harry, I will not force you into anything, nor will I allow you to follow through simply because you are afraid. I will not allow anyone to harass you, we're going to discuss our plan right now," Severus whispered soothingly, feeling the body tense up in his lap. He stroked a firm hand down Harry's arm then cupped it over Harry's lightly trembling stomach. "Everything will be fine, I will take care of it."
"So," Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Our young Harry here is being courted by several young lads. Now that your position of a spy is no longer, I see no reason why you two shouldn't become public," Dumbledore beamed at the both of them as they were intertwined together.
Harry shook off his worried thoughts and gave a half smile that even Severus mirrored. "Yes, I believe I would like that very much," He said dryly as he tightened his arms around Harry's form.
Dumbledore clapped his hands. "Wonderful, wonderful. We still have the issue of Harry being sought out, however. I'm sure that announcing his mating to you will throw a few of them off, but those who are determined to find a submissive will not be so easily swayed," here Dumbledore peered at Severus seriously. "Severus, you are going to have to put up with all of their advances. You may give them detention, take points, and reprimand them, however you cannot attack them as a dominant would protecting his submissive."
Severus looked pained at this but he nodded. "I understand," he growled out.
Harry looked equally upset. "So I have to deal with their groping, and I can't even defend myself!"
Dumbledore's face was once again amused. "No, Harry. You are fully within your rights to do whatever you wish to them. It will be hard in the beginning, but after Severus has successfully proven that you are his mate and he won't accept anyone else trying to destroy that, the majority will move on."
Harry made a face. "And the rest?"
"I'm sorry my dear boy, but you and Severus will simply have to deal with them," Dumbledore chuckled. "As for now, why don't you move into Severus's quarters, Harry, and tomorrow we will announce that Severus has claimed you."
Harry blushed at the prospect of living with Severus and snuggled closer to the older man. Severus, however, was not finished. "So you expect me to simply stand by and watch those insufferable brats try to take what's mine?" A low growl reverberated around the room and Harry could practically feel his body shake from the sheer anger of it. "Furthermore, I am supposed to sit back and watch Harry get groped by strangers while not being able to defend him like I properly should," he demanded.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled ever brighter. "Calm down, my dear boy, Harry knows he belongs to you-" Dumbledore's eyes flashed to where Harry had his face nestled into Severus's neck, "-And I know that you certainly aren't one to back down from a challenge. Besides, I think that this will be good for you."
Severus narrowed his eyes at the headmaster and stood Harry from his lap then rose as well. He placed a possessive arm around Harry's shoulders and stalked out the door. "You had better see to Harry being moved into my rooms, Dumbledore," He growled as the door slammed shut.
Harry pouted as trudged alongside Severus. "I don't want anyone else touching me, I only want you."
Severus sighed and gently pulled Harry closer to his chest and kissed his cheek. "I know, my love, and I will try my best to keep you away from them all, but this is something that was bound to happen."
"Well, if they think that I'm just going to let them feel up my arse, then they're wrong," Harry said defiantly, his expression showing the irritation and slight fear he felt.
Severus smirked. "You have no idea how reassuring that is, sweetheart," he murmured. They made it to Severus's quarters and they both collapsed on the couch. Harry then lethargically scooted over so he was resting against Severus's warm body, fully intent on falling asleep for a few more hours.
Severus chuckled quietly as if he'd guessed Harry's plan. "Come, love, I don't believe either of us will be pleased if we fall asleep on the couch and wake up from our nap with kinks in our neck."
Harry made a discomfited face as Severus carefully lifted him in his arms, but despite the caring treatment, Harry still started at the sudden movement and reflexively flinched from the embrace. "I will get you used to being carried," Severus vowed more to himself than the half-asleep Gryffindor, but Harry heard it nonetheless.
"As if," he snorted sleepily. "This will be the only time you get to carry me in such an undignified manner," he warned before slumping back against the firm chest as Severus began walking down the hallway to their bedroom.
Severus chuckled quietly at Harry's defense and set him down on the bed before grabbing his wand and casting a quick transfiguration spell to change both their clothes into nightwear. Harry offered a quick smile to him as Severus pulled back the covered and climbed into bed then crooked a single finger at Harry who quickly laid beside him. The next moment Harry heard rustling then he felt a strong body pressed up against him from behind. Harry squeaked but Severus gently stroked his stomach to calm him down.
Harry relaxed and melted into Severus's embrace. He felt his mate tightening his arms around his waist and he purred in content. "I like snuggling like this," Harry commented after a few minutes of silence.
Severus smirked. "I do not snuggle," he said superiorly. Harry snorted and pressed more firmly into Severus's chest, blushing when he felt the Veela's semi-hard member pressing into his back. "Then what do you call this?"
Severus chuckled. "Why, this is just holding my submissive for reassurance, not snuggling as you has so grievously put it before."
Harry snorted and cushioned his head on the pillow. "It's snuggling, and I like it," he said stubbornly then closed his eyes when he felt Severus situate himself more and rest his head atop Harry's. "Go to sleep, my love. I shall wake you when it's time for dinner."
Harry hummed in consent and quickly fell into a blissful sleep, comforted by Severus's protective arms wrapped around him and his strong body pressed close.
AN: Review!
