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What love is

The young Vyspa pair sat in stunned silence, facing the headmaster.
Surprisingly, or not depending on who you were, it was Severus who stood first.
"Please Albus," He pleaded in an almost whisper, "Hogwarts is my home. I can't- I don't-"
He broke off, staring at the carpet. He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure.
Harry frowned, "How long?"
Severus stiffened, his back trembling slightly.
His mate was well aware he was trying to hold back tears.
The elders voice was weary, "I am not sure."
Severus's dark eyes were unfathomable, "Until he's gone then?"
Albus sighed heavily. His grandfather eyes were sad and missing their customary twinkle, "You will be able to visit some, but having you at the school is a danger to not only yourselves, but the other students as well."
Harry swallowed the rising lump, "It's my fault then."
"Harry-"
"No," he said contritely, "it's the truth isn't it? To keep the school safe, we have to remove Riddle's target. That's me."
Dumbledore answer.
Harry bit his lip, "I understand."
Severus still wasn't speaking.
"I'll see you soon boys. Do try to be optimistic. Now you have a room to yourselves. No house points."
And he was gone, taken by green flames.
Severus crossed his arms. He wasn't sulking. Definitely not.
"It'll be alright babe," Harry laid a hand on the shaking shoulder, "Hopefully it won't be for too long."
He snapped, "Hope? Really Harry? It's not alright! Be optimistic," he mocked, "I've lost the only home I've ever known, and you know what?! It's your fault! I just had to be mated to Harry Bloody Potter didn't I? If I weren't your mate, I could go to school and leave. You. Here!"
Harry's face dropped, and the hurt in his eyes was indistinguishable.
The anger evaporated, and Severus's shoulders slumped.
"Harry- I didn't mean- you know I'm just-"
Harry wasn't hearing him past the blood in his ears.
And Harry left the room.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose.
"What have I done?"

Molly was having a good day. There was still no sign of her daughter, but she had given up on that. Hopefully she would come back to the light. Eventually.
The loving matriarch was cleaning, preparing for Harry's upcoming birthday celebration. Everything had to be perfect! You only turn seventeen once you know, and Harry truly did deserve it after everything her family has put him through.
She spared a glance to the family clock.
Arthur was at work, of course he was always working lately, the poor dear.
The twins were at the shop, business was blooming in the summers after all.
Then there was Charlie. Traveling. She smiled, maybe he was headed to a girls house?
Bill was at home, him and Fleur were probably planning the wedding. Oh, she was so excited.
Percy. She shook her head. He was at work as well. He was probably tailing the minister like a lost puppy.
Where was Ron? Out. She spared a fond thought for the young Malfoy who was occupying all of her Ronald's time. Her son had never seemed so happy.
Then there was Ginny. Mortal Peril.
Her eyes widened.
She ran to the fire to floo call her husband.
"Arthur! Arth-"
"Yes Molly dear? I'm awfully busy right now."
"It's- it's Ginny! She's- on the clock- and I-"
Arthur turned his head to inform his secretary that he was needed before stepping through.
He made it to his wife just in time to catch her when she fell in to his arms.
The spoon fell with a clang, the only Weasley daughter's face fading from the silver.
"She's gone! She's dead!"
Arthur held his distraught wife in his arms, shedding his own tears for his only baby girl.

Severus pushed open the door to their shared bedroom, peeking in at the line form of his mate. Harry's eyes were open, staring blankly at the wall.
"Harry?"
His body tensed as if waiting for the final blow.
"Harry I'm so sorry."
He padded over to place his palm against Harry's shoulder blade.
"I didn't mean it. I swear I didn't."
The silence was deafening.
Then came a soft, "Then why did you say it?"
Severus hugged Harry sideways, trying to convey his regret.
"Because I was angry. I took it out on you."
Harry used his arm to pull Severus off him and onto the bed to face him.
"You wouldn't say it if you didn't think it."
Severus shook his head in denial, "I don't- well..."
"Well?"
"I guess I do feel kind of stuck. I can only be with you, while you can be with anyone. As the dom you don't have to remain loyal. You'll be protective but you don't have to-"
"Severus," Harry cut off the emotional rant, "I would never leave you for another. My heart is yours."
Severus shuffled closer, tempting Harry to pull him close. His drew his finger along the contours of Harry's face.
"I am yours Harry. I don't wish to be anyone else's, I am happy to belong to you. I'm just- I'm scared."
Harry embraced his lover.
"Why are you scared pet?"
"What if you decide not to want me anymore?"
Harry held him tighter, "Never. I will want you always."
Severus buried himself in his neck.
"How can you be certain?"
With a smile across his lips Harry answered, "Because that's what love is."
"I'm afraid I'll do something stupid. I'll bollocks it up and you'll rid yourself of me. You won't love me anymore."
"Idiot," Harry admonished with light affection, "I'll love you no matter what. We may fight Sev, but my love will never falter. Don't you trust me?"
He felt Severus nod against him.
"I trust you."
"Good. Never give that up," Harry felt Severus's breaths becoming deeper, and he wandlessly put out the lights.
"Sleep well my love."

cruisechick: thank you! Hope you like this one as well!

Dragonfire -Jessie Sparrow: Why must your name be so dreadfully long? jk. Thanks for the review!

Anguis Reginam: seeing your review had me smiling like an idiot. Really. I'm so happy my story is causing excitement! Whoop! I have big plans for this one, hopefully I can make it longer than the last one!

YamiBakuraKitty: Thank you so much! That was a most welcome ego boost. Hope you enjoy this second part just as much!

AlwaysASlytherin: I'm glad you like it, and thank you for reading.

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