When Snape entered the bedroom later, the boy was already asleep, his arm dangling from the bed as he slept. Snape leaned against the door-frame for a moment, simply looking at the boy.
He was an idiot. An arrogant idiot if he thought that he was powerful enough to simply strut down the grounds and not be in danger. All it took was a stealthy hex, a soundless incantation, a drop of the wrong potion in his goblet, and it would all be over. Severus shook his head as his heart clenched at the thought. Also a foolish thing, that came to care for young, innocent beings such as Harry.
He walked across the room, gait slightly unsteady. It had taken a rather liberal amount of alcohol to sooth his frayed nerves. As he dropped onto the bed, less gracefully than usual, the boy stirred and turned, but didn't wake. Now he was facing Severus, who gave him a long look, before sliding into unconsciousness. He blamed the funny feeling in his stomach on the alcohol.
The next two weeks passed in a blur as the preliminary exams washed over Harry. To his great surprise, he passed all of them, including Potions. Due to their reduced number of subjects, Hermione barely had the time to get worked up before they were already over. Harry was glad and thought he might relax some, if not for the thought of the impeding Ministry Ball. Not only did he need new dress robes, but he and Snape needed a cover story, one the could both recite and possibly elaborate, should anyone be more curious. And they would be. Harry knew from experience that at least half the people there would be plotting on how to best harm him somehow. He sighed, packing up after another DA meeting. Ron and Hermione had been last to leave, though Harry thought they looked eager to be alone. He smiled as he thought of the successful Tickling Charm Colin had produced, breaking through Angelina's admittedly rather weak Shield Charm. The boy had improved greatly since he had started coming to the DA meetings. He turned and saw that Ginny was still there, arranging the pillows they had been using for practice in a corner. His heart did a strange little jump and his groin tightened. They had stayed back here after practice before.
Ginny turned towards him, brushing her ginger hair from her face. Harry thought that her eyes were quite beautiful, a pale blue.
"Ginny," he said, unsure of what he actually wanted to say. She crossed the room determinately and kissed him, one hand at the back of his neck pulling his face down. Her lips moved against his in a familiar pattern and Harry gave a small gasp as she licked the corner of his mouth. It had been a long time- His balls tightened and Ginny slipped her tongue inside his mouth. They kissed in earnest and Harry could feel his skin hum where she touched him, anticipating what was to come.
"I missed you," Ginny whispered against his lips, then her hands slid down his chest, grabbing at his buttons. He usually did that part himself, as he did when he went to bed, where Snape-
Severus. His mind screeched to a halt and he took a step back, breathing heavily. Ginny looked at him, bewildered and hurt.
"I- I can't," he gasped, still panting from the kiss. Oh god, what had he done? This was wrong, Ron would kill him and Severus- his stomach coiled and he felt guilt rise up his throat like bile. Oh god. He had sworn not to cheat on Severus. Oh god oh god oh god- What if this somehow damaged the bond, was Snape already on his way to Voldemort?
"I have to go," he said quickly, dashing from the door. He ran the way towards their quarters, praying he was not too late.
Snape sat in front of the fire, tea on the table and an seventh year essay in hand when the door burst open and Harry skidded in, only coming to a halt when he saw Snape sitting in front of the fire.
"Oh, thank god," the boy panted, leaning on his knees and breathing heavily. Snape watched him, torn between amusement and alarm.
"Would you care to explain-?"
"I thought you might be going to Voldemort," the boy said, still gasping for air. He sat heavily on the couch, running a hand through his already wild hair. Something was different about the boy. Snape leaned forward lightly. His pupils were wide and alarmed, his hair in a complete disarray.
"Why would I be doing that?" Snape asked, surprised. The boy shot him a guilty look, biting his lower lip, which was already swollen. He buried his face in his hands. Oh. A chill filled Snape's stomach. Of course. The boy was bound to have certain- interests. He knew it had only been a matter of time. Severus fumbled with the corner of the essay, unable to look the boy in the eye. Vaguely, he wondered wherever it had been a boy or a girl the boy had slept with. Anger suffused him and he gritted his teeth. Had he come here to rub it in his face? Severus nearly ripped the piece of parchment off. He looked up as Harry took a deep breath and looked at him, guilt positively dripping from those green eyes.
"I'm so sorry," he blurted. Snape started nodding, but Harry wasn't finished. "Ginny, she was- we used to be together and she waited up after study group and-" Oh gods. Severus closed his eyes. He really didn't want to listen to this. He put his scroll aside and made a movement to stand up.
"Oh god, and she kissed me and, fuck, well, I kissed her back!" The boy's shoulder's hunched in defeat. Severus paused halfway out of the chair. "Oh god, god, I'm so sorry, I knew I shouldn't have, but then I remembered that there was you, and that I was married to you and I told you I would never cheat on you and then I did. I didn't know if that wouldn't break the bond and I thought you might already be halfway on your way to Voldemort and I'm so sorry, it'll never happen again." He buried his head in his hands again, his fingers moving into his hair and clenching it, as though to pull it out.
There was a moment of silence.
"Let me just see if I understood this correctly," Snape said quietly, sitting back down. "Miss Weasley, an admittedly attractive young woman, your ex-girlfriend, tried to seduce you today and kissed you. And you turned her down and came running to me." The heat of anger dissipated and turned into- something else.
"Well, yeah," Harry raised his tortured gaze for moment, then let his head hang again. "But you're forgetting the part where I kissed her back."
Snape had to suppress a smile at the boy's antics and settled back in his chair. "Harry, even if you had gone through with the deed, it would have not endangered our bond." Harry looked up at him. Snape snorted. For someone who had seen so much, Harry was still surprisingly naïve at times. "Married couples cheat on each other often enough, I assure you, and remain married. It might weaken their magical bond slightly, but never break it."
Harry gaped at him. Obviously the boy hadn't been aware of that. Severus almost snorted again. The boy had thought he might have killed him with a snog and guilt had driven him right back home. A bitter smile formed on his lips. Better this bond than none, right?
"But I'm not like that! I don't want to cheat on you!" The outraged tone surprised Snape again.
"Why not?" He was honestly curious. "You have no obligation towards me."
"Of course I have," Harry snapped, as though somehow annoyed to be let so easily off the hook. "We are married! I took the marriage vows!"
"A fake marriage solely to protect me," Snape clarified with a harsh voice, as he felt colour rise up his cheeks. "If anything, it is I that must watch my steps, so that you do not break up with me. It would be suicidal for me to do so with you." Maybe he shouldn't clarify the boy's advantageous position.
"But, but-" Harry mouthed, as though Snape was somehow missing the point. Maybe he was.
"I swore it," he exclaimed. "I said I wouldn't cheat on you and it was wrong of me that I did!"
"You didn't cheat on me, Harry," Severus said exasperatedly. "Your ex-friend kissed you and it took you a moment to decline her offer." He felt smug saying that, for reasons he'd rather not think about.
"It was wrong," Harry insisted. "It was wrong and I won't do so again. I'm sorry if I hurt you."
Snape made a derisive sound, opened his mouth- and closed it again, baffled. What was he supposed to say to that? He felt an unfamiliar warmth pool in his stomach as he looked at the young man before him, who still looked upset and was picking at his fingernails.
"Harry," he started again, "it's alright. I forgive you." He held his breath.
The boy's face flashed with surprise, then a grateful smile crossed his lips and he nodded. Severus exhaled silently. Good, it had been the right answer. Merlin, the boy could be complicated sometimes.
He looked back at his essay, but found he couldn't concentrate anymore. Well, well, it seemed as though Ginny Weasley had the nerve to touch what was rightfully and officially his. All but a public challenge. She would pay.
And Harry- he had turned her down. A beautiful girl, he knew that. Smart, powerful and popular, the typical Gryffindor. And Harry had rejected her out of a promise he had made to him, Severus Snape. Out of fear it might hurt and harm him. He felt as though he had drunk half a bottle of whiskey, somehow light-headed.
He put down his essay to watch as Leila, who had been basking in the warmth of the fire slithered over to Harry, who scooped her up in a practised move. He hissed at her for a long time and Severus wondered wherever he was relating the story. Finally, he stopped and glanced at Severus, gifting him with a bright smile. Severus couldn't help but smile back. Thank all the deities that the boy had no idea how he sounded when he spoke in Parseltongue.
Harry's gaze flicked back to the snake and his brow furrowed.
"What did she say?" Snape asked curiously.
Harry looked at him with a worried expression. "That she would bite off Ginny's head if she were you."
Snape chuckled. "Rest assured that I won't."
Over the next few evenings, Harry made a point of settling down with Severus in front of the fire, usually reading or doing his homework. Snape had the sneaking suspicion that Harry was trying to make up for the kiss. What really surprised him was how little minded. In fact, it was enjoyable. As long as they didn't talk about their cover story, at least.
"No, you will not tell them I courted you," Harry said flatly. "You can tell them I snogged you first, but only because it would have been illegal for you initiate it."
Snape rubbed the bridge of his nose in annoyance. "Potter, I'm telling you-"
"Don't Potter me," Harry snapped at him.
"Fine, Harry, if we string the story that it was I who started the whole endeavour, we would be playing into their hands! The Ministry officials will be able to turn that into me coercing or else seducing you into this marriage. It has to be you."
"Oh, fine, whatever." The boy was in a foul mood, sitting grouchily in his armchair, staring mulishly at the fire. "So I fell for you during all those horrendous Potion lessons while you were taking all of Gryffindor's points, bullying me and my friends and trying to fail me whenever you could. Our Occlumency lessons only sealed the deal."
"Correct," Snape said, folding his hands over his stomach. "Then, we were working together in the Order of the Phoenix. We were doing background research on some of the suspected Death Eater families. That's when I succumbed to your remarkable intellect."
The boy glowered at him and Snape smirked. Harry had started to understand almost all of insults.
"Alright, but then you kissed me first."
Snape rolled his eyes at the childish battle of dominance. "Agreed. I defiled your mouth thoroughly on my own accord."
To Snape's secret pleasure, Harry turned pink at the imagery.
"We've been dating ever since and decided to marry, else our union could not have been continued in Hogwarts." Severus nodded- it was reasonable.
"Do you have any brothers or sisters?" Harry asked. Severus shook his head.
"My mother, Elaine Prince, if from an old pureblood family which rejected her once she married my muggle father, Tobias Snape," he told Harry, figuring now was as good a time as ever. "I don't think you need to know more about them. My grandparents all died before I met them. Is there anything I have failed to gather about your relatives that could prove relevant?"
Harry shook his head. "No, that's about it, what you saw. I haven't spent much time with them since I came to Hogwarts. How many people will there be at the Ball?"
Severus did a quick count in his mind. "I've never attended such an event before, but I presume it will be about 200 Ministry witches and wizards, along with staff and security."
Harry looked profoundly unhappy. "That many? Merlin's beard..."
Snape watched him closely. The displeasure seemed authentic. "Speaking of which, your robes will be ready this weekend. I will pick them up myself, since I have business to do attend to in Hogsmeade, anyway."
Harry nodded, still gazing at the fire, stroking Leila absent-mindedly. Then he returned Snape's gaze. "What are doing for Christmas?"
Snape scowled. "I prefer to spend it here, even though Albus makes us attend Christmas dinner."
"Oh." Harry paused for a moment. "Well, it's just that the Weasley family are spending Christmas in Grimmauld Place with Remus and all. Lots of the order will be there. I just reckoned- maybe you'd come to?" He raised his head and met Snape's gaze hopefully.
Snape snorted. "There's no need to keep up this charade with the order. They already know the true reason behind this marriage. There is no one there who would rejoice at my presence."
"I would," Harry said immediately and turned pink again as Severus stared at him, thunderstruck. The boy actually wanted to him to be there?
"And Ron wouldn't mind, either," Harry added, grinning lopsidedly. "I think you've grown on him."
"Like cancer, undoubtedly," Snape said, still baffled.
"And I know Mrs Weasley likes you, she would be disappointed if you didn't show!" Harry was still looking at his, that heart-breaking foolish expression of hope on his face, try as he might to conceal it with his babbling.
Finally, Snape found his voice again. "Well, it would be horribly rude to disappoint so many people," he said softly, not trusting his voice. As though he even could deny the boy anything. "I'll be there."
"Great!" The boy grinned, his green eyes bright behind his glasses.
"Just keep Miss Ginevra away from me," Snape warned, settling more comfortably into his armchair. "She isn't very fond of me at the moment."
"You put her through a week of detention with Filch," Harry laughed. "I'd be pissed with you, too."
"Really, Harry, it's not that difficult," Hermione said wearily. She pulled her textbook closer. "Look, you concentrate your power at the tip of your wand, until you feel you can't hold it anymore, then-"
She pressed her wand tip to the log they had been practising on and a curl of smoke rose into the air as the wand scorched a line into the wood.
"It's all about focus," she said primly, as though she hadn't been repeating it over and over for the last hour. Harry caught Ron's eye, who looked just as enthusiastic as Harry felt.
"Hermione," the red-head said carefully. "Holidays start in two days, don't you think-"
"Harry!" A cry caused the three of them to jump and turn towards the office door. Snape opened it with more force than necessary and strode towards them, eyes livid.
"How many times do I have to tell you to return any equipment you borrow from my off-"
"For Merlin's sake," Harry interrupted him, putting down his book and glaring right back. "I haven't got your bloody ink-pot!"
"Potter, you borrowed it yesterday, although borrowing implies you actually wanted to return-"
"Don't Potter me!" Harry huffed irritably. "And I told you, I put it back! You must've lost in on your own accord. No bloody wonder with that mess on your desk all the-"
Snape swooped down, causing Ron and Hermione to cringe away in panic. He snatched Harry's ink-pot from under a heap of parchment.
"Hey!" Harry stared, infuriated, at Snape's retreating back. "That's mine!"
"Then I suggest, Harry, that you return mine soon," Snape drawled, before exiting the door and shutting it sharply. Harry glowered at it, then rounded on Ron.
"Can I burrow yours?" He asked, still seething. Ron was goggling at him. "S-sure, mate," he said, then shot a look to Hermione, who looked equally baffled.
"Thanks," Harry said grudgingly. He fumed silently for a moment, then noticed neither of his friends had said anything. He looked up to see them still staring at him.
"What?"
"What the hell was that all about?" Ron asked, glancing back at the office door, as though he expected Snape to burst in again any minute.
Harry snorted. "He thinks it's my fault if he looses his stuff. He'll find his ink-pot on his own."
"Blimey," Ron said weakly, sharing a look with Hermione. "So you invited him over for Christmas day, huh? Bound to be fun."
Harry grunted, returning to his text.
"Harry," Ron threw another hesitant look towards the door, then leaned forward. "Have you thought about the DA lately?"
Harry glanced up at him. "What about it?"
"It's just, I've been thinking," Ron looked nervous. "Most of us are doing kinda good, right? So I reckoned that maybe it would be time to do kind of the more serious stuff. Hexes, curses-" He clarified, as Harry looked at him, uncomprehending.
Hermione frowned. "That could be illegal," she pointed out.
"But it would make us more useful," Ron argued, somewhat passionately. "Think about it: Right now, it's all pretty basic and it's more than most people here ever learn. But out there-" he gestured vaguely towards the windows. "We'll be facing people who want to kill us. We're sitting ducks, mate," Ron concluded. Harry scowled in annoyance.
"Don't you think I know that? I've been out there plenty of times!"
"But don't you see, that's the point," Ron said exasperatedly. "We know you're fighting You-Know-Who and stuff, special lessons with Dumbledore and all- but I'd like to be able to defend myself, too! And I bet a few of the others feel the same."
Harry flipped the pages of his book, without really seeing them. Teaching any more advanced curses might be bordering on illegal, and would certainly not strike any teacher's favour. But Ron was right, Voldemort was out there. As was Bellatrix, Malfoy, Avery, Nott, Lestrange- Hogwarts would not protect them for ever.
"I don't know much about advanced curses," Harry said eventually.
"Well, then we'll learn! And show the others, after," Ron said, tone indicating that was something obvious. "Like we did when you were preparing for the Triwizard Tournament, remember?"
Harry looked at Hermione, hesitant. Hermione met his gaze and bit her lip. "I guess," she stared slowly, tracing the spine of her book with her fingers, "this is war. And we will be fighting. I don't like it either, Harry, but that's the truth. And I want to be able to protect my family best I can. It's only fair to give others the chance, too."
Ron beamed at her. "See!"
Harry huffed. "So we'll be turning our DA into a real army, then? Creevey into a soldier?" He swore under his breath as he imagined the small boy duelling against a Death Eater.
"No," Hermione said immediately. "No, not the young ones. Perhaps- fifth years and above?"
"That's just organization," Ron waved his hand dismissively. "So we're doing it?"
Harry looked at him and thought of Ron's brothers and sister. "Alright," he said heavily.
"Brilliant!" Ron grinned.
"We'll need to do lots of research," Hermione mused, glancing around the room. She stood and walked to the bookshelves, scanning the titles.
"Snape has some really good material." She plucked a book out and scanned it's pages. "Do you think he'll give you permission to visit the Restricted Section of the library?"
"Uhm, dunno-" Harry didn't fancy trying, but if he could catch Snape in a good mood... "I reckon I could try," he amended.
"Good," Hermione said, smiling. She glanced up at him and Harry could she the determined glint in her eye. "That's settled then. We can start with the practical stuff after the holidays."
Ron looked disappointed. "But-" A glare silenced him and he turned back to his books. Harry was surprised to see a pleased expression on his face. Ron winked at him.
"Best if she thinks it was her idea," Ron whispered and Harry laughed. "Come on, Harry, Quidditch practice!" He happily stuffed his books back into his bag and stood, beckoning Harry to the door.
Harry returned, shivering. It had started raining, a nasty, cold rain that soaked his robes and made him forget what it was like to be warm. Snape threw one look at him and pointed his wand at the fire, making it flare. Harry chattered his thanks, and went straight to the shower, letting the warm water disperse the bone-marring chill. Feeling much better, he settled into the armchair opposite Snape, who looked at him, then at his watch.
"It's a bit early," Snape drawled pointedly, looking at Harry down his large nose.
Harry shrugged, grabbing one of the books Hermione had pointed out earlier. "Don't feel like going anywhere."
He sensed that Snape was still looking at him, but refused to meet his gaze. Finally, Snape shifted and Harry relaxed. Leila slithered up his leg and he let her settle into his lap.
"Oh, happy anniversary, by the way," Harry said, speaking to the book. When nothing but silence greeted him, he looked up. Snape looked- flabbergasted. Harry grinned.
"We've been married for two months now. Don't tell me you forgot!" Harry said in mock horror. Snape snorted and the corner of his mouth twitched. Harry realized that he barely ever saw the man really smile. Well, if that wasn't a challenge, Harry didn't know what was.
"How could I forget," Snape purred, putting his book aside. Harry's heartbeat sped up as he watched Snape stand and purposefully walk to the liquor cabinet. When Snape returned to the fireplace, he handed Harry a short glass filled with amber liquid.
"To our bond," Snape said, his dark eyes glittering. Harry stood, facing him. Snape's eyes really were black, he realized. Not brown, but truly dark, like obsidian, or maybe onyx. Harry lifted his own glass and bumped it lightly against Severus', still looking him in the eye. "To not having killed each other yet." Snape's mouth twitched again before he tossed the liquor back. Harry mimicked him, then coughed as it burned it's way down his throat.
Harry watched Snape putter around their bedroom, stuffing some items into his pockets that might be useful for the day.
"What's that?" He asked as he saw Snape retrieve a vial of potion from his bedside cabinet.
"An antidote," Snape answered curtly, the vial disappearing into his pocket. "In case your lapsnake bites someone." He gestured at Leila, who was currently curled on Harry's crossed legs.
"Nah, she only bites people if they're mean to me," Harry smiled down at her and rubbed her head. "But again, it's a good idea for you to have that potion, then." Harry directed his smile at Snape. His features softened a bit and Harry felt a trickle of pleasure.
"Impertinent brat," Severus said and Harry grinned. "Why are you still here?"
Harry blinked in surprise. "Er, I'm waiting for you? You're going down to breakfast, right?"
Snape eyed him suspiciously. "Are you afraid to walk through the corridors alone now, Potter?"
"Harry," Harry corrected automatically. "I thought we were to keep up appearances? It's Saturday, so I reckoned it might be- you know, right, if we show up together." He felt his face heat slightly as Snape gazed at him, calculating. He warmed even more as Snape stepped closer to the bed and actually sat down next to him. The bed dipped.
"Have you thought about exactly what kind of appearance we will make?" Snape leaned forward, his voice soft and silky. Harry could smell soap off him and swallowed. "The two of us, entering the Great Hall together, always the happy couple, late for breakfast-" Snape was now whispering in Harry's ear. Harry felt his spine stiffen and fought the urge to pull away as Severus' breath ghosted over his ear. He felt goosebumps spread across his back and arm and shuddered. "-don't you think they will wonder what we have been up to prior to our appearance?"
Harry felt his eyes widen at the implication. The heat on his face was now so intense, Harry was surprised Severus wasn't scalded. Snape lingered for a second, then pulled back. Harry exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. Severus threw a look at his face and barked a laugh, his eyes sparkling mischievously. He swept from the room and Harry followed quickly, stuffing Leila down his shirt. Snape was waiting for him in the hall, still looking smug.
"Oh, shut up," Harry mumbled, as he lightly took Snape's arm. Snape smirked.
"Did Slughorn brew you the antidote?" Harry asked as they stepped down the wide stairs. Snape looked down at him with contempt. "I do not require any assistance from that amateur," Snape sniffed haughtily, guiding Harry around a corner and waiting for a large group of students to pass.
"I am a Potions Master, no matter what my current work position might be." Harry smirked.
"So what, you had to use the study labs?" He asked, grinning. They entered the Great Hall. "I hope you put in your name on the list, I know for a fact the teachers hate it when you just use them unannounced."
Snape arched an eyebrow at him and Harry grinned wider. Snape stopped in front of the Gryffindor table, within hearing distance of Ron and Hermione. Snape leaned in and Harry felt himself drawn in by the black eyes mere inches from his own. He suddenly thought he might have bitten off more than he can chew when his breath hitched. "You, Mr Potter," Snape rumbled, voice deep, but not all that quiet, "Are a tease." He tapped the tip of Harry's nose lightly the turned abruptly, robes billowing. Harry gaped after him, open-mouthed. Oh Gods.
He turned towards the table and saw his Gryffindor mates goggling at him, Neville slightly green in the face. To his ultimate horror, his previous blush returned in full force and he sat down between Ron and Hermione, hiding his face.
"So, Harry, how's married life agreeing with you?" Harry shot Seamus a filthy look, but he only laughed and pressed a kiss to Dean's cheek.
"You're really doing a pretty good job, you know," Hermione said conversationally. "You and Snape, I mean. If I didn't know better, I'd buy the whole secret-love charade."
Something about her tone caught Harry's attention, but she seemed engrossed with her food. "Yeah, well-" Harry started, then left it at that.
"Wanna go outside, Harry?" Ron nudged him from the other side. "I know that Michael Corner was looking for people for a snowball-showdown with some of the Ravenclaws."
Harry threw a look at the enchanted ceiling, from which snowflakes were descending peacefully.
"Sure," he said.
A few minutes later, not even bothering to dress properly, they raced each other out of the entrance hall. Harry's breath huffed out of him, his exhilaration driving him onward. Outside, the world was pearly grey and white and Harry skidded to a halt, breathing in the freezing air. A snowball hit the side of his face, sprinkling it with bits of ice. He yelped, rubbing the pain away. Ron grinned at him, backing away, already scooping up fresh snow. Harry growled and leapt for cover behind a pillar in the courtyard.
Soon, they were joined by Ginny, Michael, Neville, Seamus and Dean, along with a couple of enthusiastic first- and second-years. The Ravenclaws emerged, already in formation, in a tight bulk.
"Now!" Ron bellowed, and the first folly struck the Ravenclaws as the cowered. A savage howl echoed and they dispersed, grasping up snow as the ran to the opposite side of the courtyard. Harry's fingers felt numb as he formed another ball, but he didn't care. Instead, he took careful aim and pelted a snowball at a dark-haired Ravenclaw. He laughed as it hit home, only to be pelted by three of her housemates in return.
The fight lasted for about half an hour and by the end of it, Harry was trembling under his robes, but happy. He walked up the stairs and saw Snape there, an amused look on his face. Harry grinned, then bounded up to him.
"I won't nurse you if you catch a cold," the DADA teacher said pointedly. Harry grinned up at him, teeth still chattering. "I won't," he promised. His teeth continued chattering even as they passed through the entrance hall. Eventually, Severus huffed. "Oh, for the love of-" He unclasped his outer robes, revealing the white shirt and black trousers he wore underneath. He held the cloak out to Harry. "Take it, you foolish imbecile. I won't be listening to you coughing through the night."
Harry thought briefly about declining, but he was to cold. "Thanks," he said, wrapping himself into the thick wool, relishing the warmth it still carried.
"Have you packed yet?" Snape asked him as they climbed the stairs together, Harry waving at Ron, who was heading for the Common Room with the rest of the Gryffindors.
"No, not yet," Harry said, stuffing his hands in his armpits.
"I strongly suggest you get started. You're leaving in two days," Snape reminded him, putting a casual arm around his shoulders.
"You're not coming with me?" Harry looked up at Severus, surprised. He had assumed they would be leaving for Grimmauld Place together.
Snape shook his head. "I will arrive on Christmas Eve, as promised. I still have some things to attend to, here."
"Oh." Harry looked at the floor. It felt- strange to leave without Snape. His cheery mood had evaporated suddenly. Snape was watching him.
"Surely, you can survive a few days without my inexplicably pleasant company," he drawled and Harry managed a smile. "I'll do my best," he answered.
Ron and Hermione left the next day, along with the other students, by the Hogwarts Express. Harry watched them go, feeling slightly forlorn at the castle gates. He knew he would see Ron tomorrow, when he took a portkey to Grimmauld Place. As far as he knew, the whole Weasley family was already residing there, up to their ears in Christmas preparations. He shivered against the cold as he watched the students pile into the carriages, excitement in the air. Barely anyone remained at Hogwarts, except for him.
He returned towards his quarters, feeling lonely as he strode through the empty corridors. Not even Peeves crossed his path until he entered his quarters. They were empty, too. Snape was probably overseeing the boarding of the train. Harry slumped into his armchair and stared at the grey ashes, not bothering to light a fire. He knew he was being silly- he would see them all again tomorrow. He threw a look across the room, scanning it for Leila- but it appeared completely desolate. Harry huffed, sinking deeper into the chair. He sat there, lost in thoughts, until the door opened.
Snape entered, unbuttoning his cloak. He flung it over his armchair and shivered. "Merlin, Harry, why is it freezing in here? You could have at least made yourself useful and lit the fire!" He waved his wand and flames roared to life. Snape sat in the armchair, muttering something about useless Gryffindors and rubbing his hands. He snapped his fingers and a bowing House Elf appeared.
"Bring some tea for me and the stupid boy," Snape barked and the House Elf disappeared with a crack. Harry smiled and felt the warmth of the flames wash over him.
Snape watched Harry drag his trunk out of their bedroom, failing to point out that he could have taken the portkey into it, instead. He sat in his armchair as Harry let it plop down in the middle of the room to wipe the sweat from his forehead.
"Have you got everything?" Snape asked, standing up. He had no intention of delivering any possessions to the boy afterwards.
"Yeah," Harry said, huffing.
"How about your snake, then?" Snape jerked his head towards the fireplace, where Leila was still huddled. He snorted as the boy's eyes went wide and he jumped towards her, hissing. He cradled her for a moment before stuffing her down his shirt. Snape followed Leila's movements under his shirt. He felt his fingers twitch as she seemed to settle around his waist. He wondered idly how far his own fingers would go around that waist. Harry was so slim-
"Okay, now I've got everything," Harry said, startling Severus out of his thoughts."Where's the portkey?"
Snape gestured at the table, not trusting his voice. Thank the gods the boy was leaving a few days early- He could definitely use the time to get his wits back together. It just wouldn't do to start thinking of him that way. Not when he could never have him.
Harry grabbed the quill, then looked at the watch. "Alright then," he said, looking at Snape again and grinning his lop-sided grin that made him look so utterly mischievous. Any teacher's nightmare. It made Severus breath hitch. He could tell by the way Harry's eyes sparkled that he was honestly looking forward to seeing his friends and family again. Snape scowled as he thought of the bunch of redheads and werewolves fawning over Harry, touching him, embracing him-
"But you'll come?" Harry asked, his brow furrowed. Snape snorted.
"I did promise you, did I not?" But stay away from Miss Weasley until I get there. Harry's smile returned and he looked at the clock again, evidently eager to be gone.
"That's good then. Wouldn't know what to do without you. Who'd be calling me names all the time?" With a crack, he was gone, along with his trunk, snake and infernal grin. Snape snarled to the empty room. He let his gaze wander- everything was as always. Harry's desk was untidy and scattered with parchment and quills. Books, records, his record player- yet the rooms felt wrong. Too silent. Severus stomped into his office. At least now he'd be able to work in peace.
Instead he stared off into space. He had essays to mark, lessons to prepare and Dumbledore to talk to- and yet, he could only think of Harry's anxious voice as he reassured himself Snape would actually attend. The boy had become used to him, dependant on him, maybe even liked him- but that would pass, as soon as he was with his friends again. Then he'd remember, that really, he didn't need Snape at all.
The bed was cold without that oven of a boy. Snape tossed for what seemed the thousandth time, stretching his legs across what normally was Harry's half. It was wonderful to have his bed back to himself again. All this space- simply grand. Just fantastic. He wondered if Harry was having trouble sleeping, as well.
Severus rolled over completely, dragging the covers with him. He inhaled deeply, willing his mind to relax. Instead, his eyes snapped open and he nuzzled the pillow. It smelled of Harry. With not even that dratted reptile as witness, Snape buried his face into the pillow, embracing it. He'd think about the implications in the morning.
When morning came, however, his mind was on his scheduled meeting with Professor Dumbledore. He knocked on the door to the Headmaster's office.
"Come in, Severus, come in!"
The Headmaster poured him a tea and Snape watched in silence. He paid particular attention to Professor Dumbledore's hand- the curse seemed to have halted for the time being.
"You should let me examine that," he told Albus, gesturing at his hand.
Dumbledore waved his left one dismissively. "It matters not now. The dice have been cast and there is nothing to be done. No, my boy, I wanted to talk to you about some other matters."
"Which would be?" Severus had fair inkling at what was on the Headmaster's mind.
"Why, our dear Harry, of course."
Of course.
"What of Mr Potter?" Snape refused to use any possessive pronouns, even less so in front of Professor Dumbledore.
"I have been watching him on occasion and his Defence Against The Dark Arts homework is satisfactory- but I wanted to ask your expert opinion on how he is doing."
Snape scowled. "I suspect Miss Granger and Mr Weasley see more of him than I. We both are busy throughout the day and rarely indulge in idle chatter." Well, except lately, of course.
The headmaster looked at him indulgently over the top of his spectacles. "Nevertheless, I value your opinion."
Snape huffed. "The boy is- quiet. From what I gather, he spends most of his free time either doing homework or practising Quidditch. Also, he mentioned a study group. I suspect he has restarted that little club of his- 'Dumbledore's Army' or what they called themselves."
Albus chuckled. "Ah, yes. I am confident Harry has the abilities to help his classmates out a bit. I suggest you let him be."
Severus nodded, sipping his tea. "I have noticed the absence of some of my books, though. I strongly suspect it is Miss Granger's doing. Incidentally, Mr Potter has asked me for a pass to the Restricted Section. It appears that they are aiming towards more sophisticated material."
The sipped their tea for a moment in silence. "I do not mean to pry, but how goes- ah, your conjugal life? Is married life agreeing with Harry?"
"It seems so," Snape said drolly. "I suspect he has resigned himself to his fate."
Albus chuckled. "And how do you feel with the situation?"
Snape looked down at his teacup, thinking about the last few evenings. "Tolerable. I do not see any homicide occurring in the near future."
"It can be a daunting thing, to be faced with a temptation, yet unsure of how to make the most of it," The Headmaster said mildly. Snape looked up sharply, but Albus merely unwrapped a chocolate eclaire and popped it in his mouth.
"I assume you are talking about your sweets," Severus said drolly. Albus chuckled.
"Why, yes, what else would we be talking about?"
Snape made a non-committal noise.
"I will have private meetings with Harry, come the New Year."
That caught Snape's attention instantly. "What will they entail?"
"There are things concerning Voldemort Harry has yet to understand. I'm afraid can't protect him any longer. There are things he must know." Albus looked older all of the sudden, and stroked his withered arm. "I ask of you not to inquire about what we will talk about."
Severus felt himself pale with indignation. "If you hope that the matter will stay yourself and Potter, suspect you will be severely disappointed. Potter is utterly incapable of keeping secrets from his two sidekicks, Weasley and Granger or anyone even slightly proficient in Occlumency."
"I fully intend for him to share this information with them. He will need them before the end."
Snape sat there, feeling slightly gob-smacked. "Of what nature could this information possibly be, that you would be willing to include Weasley and Granger, but not me?"
"Your task will be different from Harry's, Severus," Albus said gently. "Hogwarts will be facing very difficult times, come next summer. The students here will need every protection possibly available. You know the school and castle as well as any marauding student."
Severus suddenly understood. "You do not think Potter will be returning for his last year." His heart sank at the thought. The headmaster shook his head sadly.
"I highly doubt it. Severus, Harry will most likely leave to accomplish a task vital to the destruction of Voldemort. It must be him who fulfils it."
"And yet you will not tell what it entails." Severus was fully aware of the fact that his bitterness was seeping through. But then again, why bother hiding it?
"Your duty is to the students, Severus." Oh, how he loathed that gentle tone. It always made him feel like he was twenty-one again, and begging for forgiveness. And how he hated his job, even more so when it kept him away from the people he truly cared about.
"Have you made contact with Draco?" Severus knew fully well that the headmaster had changed the topic on purpose.
"None as so far. He is avoiding me ever since I made my alliance to the light clear."
Albus clucked his tongue in disapproval. "His attempt on my life on All Hallow's Eve was mediocre at best. The lack of further attempts suggest he has further plans. We must not let him harm any of the student body."
"He was set up to fail," Severus mused. "He will become more desperate as time passes."
"All the more reason we must be careful."
A request: Tell me what you DON'T like about the story. Usually, authors don't want flames, but I'm telling you, hit me!