Harry woke up. His own hands stretched in the air scared the life out of him. Just what was he calling? Who was he talking to? His restless mind welcomed the darkness surrounding him as well as the deadly silence.

His ribcage was lifting itself in rather chaotic manner. He slowly pulled his hands back and rested one of it on his forehead. He closed his eyes once again.

How long? How long would he suffer from this insane torture?

Harry.

Harry was scared. He was terrified. The voice filling his mind was different from before. This one was seeking for him, calling for him. This voice awoke sharp, boiling pain right in his chest. It flooded over his body, resting in his stomach, giving him shivers.

What was it? It felt different from his other nightmares. This wasn't Voldemort, right?

It locked his mind in new kind of nightmares, focusing only on the light touch of that cursed kiss. Was it even real? Or was his mind playing tricks on him again? It was unbearable.

He was helpless and restless, he couldn't sleep anymore. It was no good. Harry got up, and went for a walk. He sneaked through the dark corridors among the statues, tapestries, long shadows and howling wind. He was getting colder and colder, yet his insides were blistering. Several minutes later he was standing before the doomed door. He kept staring at them, his hand in the air ready to knock.

He lightly brushed his knuckles over the wood. It was enough. The doors swung open without a sounds and Harry got in.

In the long nights of solitude, of fear and hate and eternal cold Harry somewhat knew. He knew, that the warmth spreading in his veins was calling him back to life. This feeling growing, the only one, who could possibly make him feel alive again, stood behind that door. Inches away from him. Harry felt nervous, he was panicked, and he wondered if his fingers aren't too cold, when he grabbed hand of his professor. Severus' skin felt boiling hot under his innocent touch.

"What are you doing, Potter?" his barking voice was the same as usual. No mercy to spare with Harry.

"I couldn't sleep." Harry whispered. His fingers were shaking slightly when they slipped in the palm of the older man. He was looking into his infinitely consuming eyes, drowning in his own thoughts. Harry was too scared to talk about the little touches he and Severus shared over the past few weeks.

"I deduced that much," bitter sarcastic remark. Yet Severus' hand was welcoming and kind, squeezing his own gently.

"Am I still here?" Harry asked carefully not wanting to upset the professor.

"Don't be stupid, Potter, of course you're still here," Severus was impatient again. He hoped that Potter won't come down here anymore after what happened last time. And yet the boy sought his help, when being in distress. Seriously. How thick-headed was he? Couldn't he tell that he wasn't the only one who had trouble sleeping? Severus eyes flamed with anger. Stupid selfish brat.

Harry inspected Severus' face, trying to understand why he seemed suddenly so miserable. Harry brushed tips of his fingers lightly against Severus' palm, trying to convey feelings he yet needed to comprehend himself.

"I can't be sure anymore. I can't tell what's dream and what's real when the nigh falls."

"How poetic."

Harry's cheeks blazed with heat making him turn his face away. He was so tired of not understanding. Of not knowing. Of not having any control.

"But it's true," frustration in his voice more than evident, "I feel like madman. Like nothing makes sense anymore except this place," Harry pointed randomly at many things in the room, gesturing what he meant with his free hand.

"That is truly flattering but I can't see how I can help you, Potter. If you do not suffer from any consequences from your nightmares I fail to see the reason behind your frequent visits here. And let me remind you, that nor any potions nor any of my advices helped you so far," despite his words Severus squeezed Harry's hand almost painfully hard.

"You're wrong. Maybe potions weren't the best option for dealing with my fears, but your presence and your k-kindness always showed me the right way," Harry felt like these humiliating words were the only way how he could express his gratitude. Severus haven't a word. Merely one lifted eyebrow was more than enough for answer. It gave Harry the impression that he should explain himself more and clarify what was said.

"For example, the kiss! It still lingers inside me, burning me alive and I have no idea if it was only a dream or if it really happened, but it makes me think of you, it reminds me of your gentleness, that you never tossed me out when I came here, you always listened…" Harry trailed of. He wasn't capable of thinking normally anymore. He was exhausted. He tried to bottle his emotions inside him, so he wouldn't ridicule himself, but it seemed pointless at this point. It didn't help he had no idea what he was trying to say with his embarrassing monologue and felt the urge to run away.

However, it looked like it made Severus interested. The older man carefully pulled Harry closer to him, examining Harry's eyes closely, trying to find whether he told the truth. Finally, Severus reached out and stroked his foolishly blushed cheek.

Severus was fairly confused. He couldn't wrap his head around this boy anymore. After so many years of fights and hate Potter has the guts to call him gentle? Caring? It was preposterous at least.

"Perhaps we are both madmen, Potter," Severus relaxed for the first time in Harry's presence. Seeing how vulnerable the boy was, how stupidly he spilled his heart out, it almost made him smile. Harry nuzzled his hand, sighing. Murmuring words for himself.

Some part of Severus couldn't stand this anymore. He leaned closer to Harry, cupping his face, kissing him slowly. He felt the rising heat in his chest spreading through him, knowing exactly how dangerous Potter was for him. Soon Severus was taken aback by Harry's eagerness. Wondering if this young Gryffindor will be the one who will burn him down for good, he was afraid if his fingertips weren't too cold on Harry's radiating skin.

Hello!

I'm really happy I could update this story again. And I'm so sorry it took so long.

It's harder to write this than some other stories, because this isn't so easy-going, so I need to be in the right mood, but I love it!

I hope you enjoyed reading this and please let me know what you think! I'm forever thankful for your reactions and support.