Author: HatefulRodeo
Story: Out Of The Fog
Notes: Obviously this is now a Severus/Rabastan fic. Enjoy Chapter 3!
Disclaimer: I own nothing because if I did Sirius & Severus would have survived. Ginny would have been deceased leaving Harry free to live happily ever after w/ his beautiful uke Draco. Alas dear readers I don't own HP but JKR does
Previously:
Some of these Professors had taught Rabastan when he had attended Hogwarts all those years ago. Merlin he was still weary of McGonagall! That witch was scary when she wanted to be but Severus said they believed in his innocence and Rabastan had no reason to doubt him.
The journey to the Great Hall was bittersweet; memories of their school days mixed together with the horrible memories of the Final Battle in Rabastan's mind. Together they walked hand in hand; Severus offering his silent support as if he knew the emotional turmoil that was flooding Rabastan's brain.
Before long the massive doors to the Great Hall appeared in front of them and Rabastan said a silent prayer to Salazar that this lunch went well. With a deep breath and a nod from Rabastan Severus pushed the doors open.
~~~~~~~~~~~*************Chapter 3************~~~~~~~~~~~
As it turned out Rabastan had little to worry about when it came to having lunch with his former professors. They all welcomed him warmly to the table. No one commented or even blinked at their joined hands; if anything McGonagall and Flitwick seemed pleased by it.
The conversation flowed easily between all of them; the staff had of course asked him about the circumstances surrounding his trial and release. Rabastan answered all their questions honestly and earnestly.
Rabastan also took the opportunity to discuss his thoughts on the possible changes he wanted to make at Hogwarts when he assumed his place as a Governor on the school's board. His idea about a course on wizarding culture and traditions was met with positive feedback and even a few suggestions about the curriculum if it were to be offered to the students.
Rabastan's thoughts about the rising tension between the houses was another topic that spurred on quite a bit of debate but it was all good natured. The consensus was that the past Headmasters had simply just left the rivalries, especially the one between Gryffindor/Slytherin, alone; each hoping that the situation would resolve itself in time.
It hadn't but McGonagall, the current Headmistress, and several other professors hoped that the war had shown people that not all Slytherins were evil and that the other Houses were not always innocent. It was shown throughout the trials after the war that Death Eaters came from all four of the Hogwarts' Houses.
Rabastan left the Great Hall in quite a giddy mood; Severus just watched his new lover with an amused eye. Rabastan was truly happy that these educators would stand behind his ideas when he presented them to the Board. If they hadn't the fight to get the changes passed would have been a bit more of an uphill climb.
When they reached Severus' quarters both men went back to sit on the sofa and as if they had been doing this for years settled next to each other; their arms coming to wrap around the other's body. Rabastan was in a state of pure bliss. He finally snagged the man of his dreams!
If anyone had a problem with his and Severus' relationship they could go hang for all he cared. He was happy and free for the first time in many years; Rabastan would be damned if he let someone's opinion sway him from his lover's side.
Rabastan sat with Severus for quite a while but before long it was time for him to leave. He had an interview tomorrow and he had a feeling that some of the questions would be hard to deal with for him; the newly freed man needed his rest.
Rising and making his way to the floo with Severus by his side Rabastan leaned forward and tilted his head back to press his lips to Severus'. This time it wasn't just a simple pressing of lips as the taller man took the initiative and swiped his tongue against the crease of Rabastan's soft lips.
Rabastan opened his lips willingly for Severus' tongue to come in and twine with his own. It was amazing to feel Severus' tongue sliding against his own and Rabastan craved more. Raising his arms he slid them around his partner's neck and pulled his lover's taller body harder against his.
The moment their bodies pressed together Rabastan couldn't help but moan into the mouth against his. The smaller man knew if he didn't stop this now he would do something he and Severus weren't ready for. Reluctantly, Rabastan broke the kiss and moved a step away from Severus' lean form.
"I have to go but I'd like it if you would come for dinner tomorrow night. If you're free that is?" Rabastan spoke shyly, feeling a bit nervous after their heated kiss.
"Of course, does seven work for you?" Rabastan nodded in agreement and with a quick peck to Severus' swollen lips he entered the floo and returned to his Manor. The Lestrange Lord practically bounced out of the hearth with a bright smile on his handsome face.
Today had been magnificent! He had found his first lover, earned the support from the Hogwarts professors for his educational reform ideas and had a date with said lover tomorrow night. Now what to tell the elves to make for supper tomorrow?
Rabastan made his way to his favorite chair in his study, pushing his besotted thoughts of Severus out of his mind, and focused on the upcoming interview tomorrow with the Daily Prophet reporter.
~*~*~*~Time Skip*~*~*~*
The reporter from the Prophet arrived promptly at eleven the next morning, her name was Megan Sharpe and she was a friendly young woman. Well at least Rabastan thought so but he also knew not to judge a book by its cover and proceeded with caution.
Megan started the interview by reviewing, and asking simple questions to clear up reader questions in regards to, the statement that was been printed in the Prophet's Sunday edition.
The questions after these became more in depth and revolved around his newly acquired Lordship and position in the House of Lords said Lordship granted him. Rabastan enjoyed detailing his position politically; which he was sure would raise a few eyebrows around the Ministry and with the public in general.
Yes, Rabastan was a Slytherin and a Lestrange but those things did not define his views or who he was. Yes, he was proud to be a pure-blood and a member of a Noble House but he wasn't under the delusion that these facts made him better or more worthy than any other witch or wizard.
Rabastan was also more open-minded to compromise than most of his pure-blooded and noble brethren. The newly freed man explained that if the wizards and witches in the government ever wanted to get anything done they would have to compromise and become more accepting of changes.
Rabastan, however, still stood solid in his beliefs that while they should embrace change the magical population should never forget where they came from and the age old traditions that their world was comprised of.
Megan, as she asked Rabastan to call her, was indeed a truly pleasant young woman and the Lestrange Lord enjoyed their time together. Once all the questions were asked Megan exuberantly thanked Rabastan for his time and told him that he should be on the lookout in the next few days for his interview to be printed.
He assured her he would and left an open invitation for another interview should the Prophet desire it. Rabastan made his way from the floo Megan had disappeared into and went to the kitchen. Tippy rushed forward once he entered the room and offered him tea, cookies, cakes, and every other imaginable sweet they had in the house. The elves, obviously, remembered Rabastan's sweet tooth it seemed and stocked the pantries accordingly.
He watched on in amusement as the elf began listing the individual cookies on hand before he raised his hand for Tippy to stop rambling; "I'm fine Tippy but I would like to inform you that we will be having a guest for dinner. He will be arriving at seven so dinner should be ready by seven thirty."
"I would like our dinner to start with a Caesar salad, leading to a medium rare Sirloin steak with baked potato and broccoli. I would also like to end the meal with Vanilla ice-cream and fudge brownies. Is this possible?"
Tippy nodded her little head enthusiastically and gushed her response; "Of course, Master Rabastan! Tippy and the others won't disappoint Master and Master's guest. No sir, we's be starting on dinner right away!"
Before Rabastan could tell her that starting now wasn't necessary as it was only five she was already started buzzing about the kithen and focused on her task of preparing dinner. Shrugging, Rabastan made his way to his bathroom to run a hot bath. He wanted to look his best tonight for Severus.
~*~*~*~*Time Skip*~*~*~*~
Rabastan nervously pulled on the sleeve of his black over robe, as he surveyed his reflection in the full length mirror in his bedroom. He looked good, great even. He had selected a pair of dark blue pants that hugged his long legs, hips and arse, a snug button-up shirt in black. Black Dragon hide boots topped off the lovely and well-made outfit; he just hoped Severus liked it.
Merlin Rabastan felt like he was seventeen again! Pushing his nerves aside he made his to the receiving room to greet his guest. He didn't wait long and soon his lover emerged from the floo.
Rabastan felt his mouth water at the site of Severus; the man was gorgeous in all black, as usual. The fit of Severus' clothing was impeccable, highlighting the man's tall strong form. The Lestrange Lord thought his partner should always dress like this and now that Severus was with him he would be able to.
A Lestrange always took care of their own and the raven haired man was Rabastan's now. Whether the dour potions master liked it or not Rabastan would take care of him; of course he knew Severus would fight him a bit but Rabastan would not be swayed.
If he wanted to buy his lover a few outfits, or anything else that jumped out at him, he would and Severus would just have to get over it. Rabastan knew if anyone deserved to be cared for it was Severus Snape. The man had faced so much in his life and he deserved so much. The chocolate eyed man simply wanted to be the one to give it to him.
Shaking himself out of his thoughts Rabastan stepped forward to kiss Severus' freshly shaven cheek and took his hand to lead him to the sitting room where they could have a drink before dinner.
Sitting down on the sofa in front of the bay window that presented a beautiful view of the Lestrange gardens Rabastan nervously waited for Severus to speak. His breath caught when Severus pressed his thin lips against his and proceeded to kiss him senseless. When the raven haired man pulled away Rabastan knew his chocolate eyes were probably hazy with arousal and lust.
Throwing caution to the wind, along with his nerves, Rabastan moved so he was straddling Severus lap. The smaller man shifted to get comfortable before slamming their lips together and forcing his questing tongue into lover's hot mouth.
Severus allowed Rabastan to explore his mouth before pushing his partner's tongue back into his own mouth. Severus then stroked Rabastan's tongue with his own in hard strokes. The older man was panting and moaning into their kiss, letting himself be swept away by that talented mouth and sinful tongue that was dominating his own so skillfully.
When they broke apart Severus brought his lips to Rabastan's pale neck and laid teasing nips and sucks along the soft column of flesh. The smaller man mewled in delight when Severus sucked on a particularly sensitive place where his neck and collarbone met.
Seeing his little lover's enthusiastic response Severus continued to tease and worry that spot. Rabastan's hands were gipping the back of the sofa, trying to ground himself in the face of the mounting, mind blowing pleasure he was experiencing.
Rabastan jumped off Severus in surprise when Lippy popped in and embarrassingly told them dinner was ready to be served in the dining room. Blushing heavily, Rabastan took several deep breaths in an attempt to get his body and breathing back under control again.
He noticed that Severus was going through the same issues he was and felt a bit smug that he turned his lover on as much as Severus aroused him. Not too bad for an innocent virgin if Rabastan may say so! Once they were calm they made their way, once again hand in hand, to the dining room.
As soon as they sat down a delicious Caesar salad popped onto the table before them. Conversation was easy, as it always was, between the two of them; Rabastan discussed his interview and Severus told him about Minerva asking him to come to her office to discuss more changes she wanted to present to him.
Rabastan was confused as to why Minerva would want to present them to him. Severus cleared up his confusion by explaining that the Board would be more inclined to listen and even make changes to the laws, and possible changes to the classes offered, if they were proposed by one of its members rather than the Headmistress.
Rabastan thought that was the dumbest thing he'd ever heard and resolved to integrate the professors' ideas and suggestions into the Board meetings. Maybe even allow the professors who had an idea to schedule a presentation to the Board so the members could listen and then ask questions to the sponsoring teacher.
The idea had merit and Rabastan had received an owl earlier letting him know that the Board of Governors was meeting in the first week of August to discuss the upcoming school term. Yes, Rabastan was chomping at the bit to present his ideas to the sometimes stuffy and backward thinking Board.
It was time the wizarding world's old school thinkers were shaken up a bit! The stagnation in their governing bodies was unacceptable. Not when there were so many young and brilliant minds coming up with new and inventive things and ideas all the time.
Rabastan abruptly lost his focus when a large fudge brownie covered in vanilla ice cream was placed in front of his face. Severus chuckled and stayed quiet while Rabastan applied himself with single-minded devotion to his dessert. The Lestrange Lord may have grown and matured but his sweet tooth would never go away.
His sweet addiction would probably haunt his health in his later years but Rabastan could give a flying fig about that. Besides Healer Pryne ordered him to eat what he wanted to help get his still thin body back into healthy shape.
Thinking of Healer Pryne made him remember his appointment with the man on Thursday. Rabastan mentioned it to Severus and quickly had to assure his onyx eyed lover that it was just a routine checkup when he saw Severus' concerned gaze.
Rabastan's felt his eyes water a bit when Severus insisted that he should accompany Rabastan just in case they found something wrong with him. Also, the potions master could speak to his Healer and acquire a list of potions so Severus could brew them for him, if need be.
Rabastan smiled a loving smile at Severus' mother hen like behavior but let it be. It warmed him to know that his partner seemed to want to care for him as much as he wanted to care for him. Smiling, Rabastan stood after they were finished and suggested they take a stroll in the gardens to help them digest their scrumptious meal. The sweet addict was really beginning to love his trio of little house elves!
Rabastan let Severus wrap his strong arm around his slender shoulders while he placed his arm around Severus' trim waist. Together they walked the stone paths through the wonderfully fragrant gardens, making their way to the large pond at the center.
When they reached their destination Severus and Rabastan sat down on a stone bench and stared up at the half full moon. Never in a million years did Rabastan hope to be sitting here with Severus. He never dared to hope that the both of them would one day be free of the Dark Lord and able to be together openly.
It was a dream come true for Rabastan; he blinked his eyes once again and cleared the tears away. He had been doing that a lot lately and it was beginning to unnerve him. The chocolate eyed man was never this emotional before he was placed under the curse and it was confusing to him. He jumped when Severus placed a kiss to his temple and took him in his arms, holding Rabastan's smaller body close to his.
"Let it out Rabastan. I promise you'll feel better afterwards." Severus' words were hushed and gentle and Rabastan couldn't make his voice work due to the emotions once again swirling and raging in his mind and body. All he could manage was to shake his head weakly as the first tears fell against his will.
His raven haired lover pressed his lips to Rabastan's temple and just held him tightly, supporting his slightly shaking form. He was suddenly overcome with all the emotions he had carefully pushed aside and veiled with a happy smile and cheerful demeanor and without his consent he began to babble; "Why did Rodolphus do this to me Sev? He was my big brother! I thought he loved me."
"He was supposed to protect me. He wasn't supposed to abuse me like he did! For years and years he imprisoned me in my own mind, my own body. Rodulphus forced me to sully my name, my soul and my hands with the blood of innocent people. All in the name of that madman."
"Severus, I hate him. I hate what I did! I'm disgusted with myself for my weakness, for not being strong enough to stand up to Rodolphus, for not breaking away from the Imperius' hold on me."
"How can you look at me like you do when you know how weak I am. How easily I was controlled and manipulated. I don't understand how you can care for someone as pitiful as I am." Rabastan's words were choked and halting as the tears now ran heavy and fast down his flushed cheeks.
Severus tilted his head back, bringing his tear filled chocolate eyes to meet his black orbs and Rabastan froze when he saw the emotions showing in those dark eyes; "Rabastan you aren't weak. Far from it. You have been through unimaginable things and come out with your mind and body intact. You survived years under the Imperius, or in the foul company of Dementors of Azkaban, and the Dark Lord. You Rabastan are one of the strongest people I know."
"As for Rodolphus he was a blind bigoted fool! He abused one of the most scared bonds and forms of love that one can have or experience; the love of a sibling. Rodolphus should have respected your wishes and protected you from the Dark Lord."
"Sadly, he didn't and that was Rodolphus' fault not your own, never yours Rabastan. You were, and are, the most loving, loyal and generous man I have ever known. I was so worried when I got your letter after you were found innocent and released that you would have changed but it filled my heart with happiness when you appeared to be the same as you have always been."
"I see now that the ordeals you have been through are effecting you a bit more than you want to admit and maybe you should bring it up with your Healer on Thursday. And before you say no remember I will be there to support you in any way I can. When I agreed to be with you as your lover I meant it for the long haul not until things get complicated. Trust me to help you, guide you, and care for you Rabastan and I promise I will never knowingly steer you wrong. Can you do that for me?"
Rabastan absorbed Severus' words of care and affection slightly taken aback by them. The emotionally closed man was never one to express himself so openly and that let him know that everything may not be perfect right now but with Severus by his side they could be, or as close to, perfect as they could manage.
"I'll try Severus but it's hard to open up and tell others how I'm feeling but if you're there I can try. Thank you for listening to me and supporting me through this. I know you're not comfortable with expressing your feelings, or when others express theirs, and I'm grateful to have you."
Rabastan leaned into Severus and snuggled into his firm body, leaching his lover's body heat and enjoying the scent of clove that always surrounded the man. "I know I'm not the most sentimental of men but if this is what you need to get through this I will do whatever I can to help you, Rabastan."
After Severus' words they sat in silence both emotionally drained from their heart to heart talk. Rabastan's eyes burned from his tears and his face was a bit sticky from where the salty drops had dried. Severus shifted, pressing another kiss to Rabastan's temple before standing.
"I have to get back we have a staff meeting tomorrow. I'll inform Minerva of your willingness to speak to her about our ideas. Come and walk with me to the floo." Severus held out his hand for Rabastan to take, once his hand was in Severus' Rabastan was pulled back to his feet gently.
When they arrived at the floo they shared a soft kiss filled with promises of continued support and the beginnings of what could one day be love. It was over to soon and Rabastan had to stop himself from asking Severus to spend the night. He knew he was to emotionally raw for that and would probably do something he may regret in the morning if Severus stayed.
His raven haired lover seemed to understand what Rabastan was thinking and with one more kiss Severus was gone in a flash of emerald flame. The Lestrange Lord tiredly made his way to his bedroom, brushed his teeth and stripped out of his clothes, not bothering with a robe and fell naked into his bed. Rabastan was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
I Hope You All Enjoyed Chapter 3!
All Mistakes Are My Own!