TITLE: In The Silence

NAME: Jack Quaker

SUMMARY: When Snape goes to what he believes to be a typical death eater meeting he is surprised to find himself caretaker of Voldemort's newest "toy"; a silent young man with the most beautiful turquoise eyes. What secrets does this man hold? Can Snape save him from the Dark Lord?

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter or anything pertaining to the world of Harry Potter.

WARNING: Slash (Snape/OMC and Harry/Draco), mentions of torture and rape.

A/N: Wow, I've gotten really bad at updating, and for that I apologize. Anyways, here's the latest chapter, Enjoy!

The rest of the Holidays passed in a happy blur filled with a few shopping trips ("Would you stop wearing my clothes. They're too big for you and you just look ridiculous."), dinner in the Great Hall ("It's been a week for Merlin's sake! Don't those dimwits have anything better to stare at?"), and lots of… non-snuggling ("I do not snuggle."). Before Severus could figure out where all the time went it was the morning before the students were to arrive back. He rose early that morning and careful not to wake Terren headed to the staff room to get some work in before the scheduled faculty meeting. There were only a few other teachers there, McGonagall, Sprout and Flitwick. It seemed most professors were taking advantage of this last morning to sleep in.

"Morning Severus." McGonagall greeted. "Where's your shadow?"

"My what?"

"Terren. I think this is the first time since you returned with him that I've seen one of you without the other." Instead of responding Severus scowled and poured himself a cup of tea.

"Oh come now Severus, it's cute." McGonagall teased. Sprout and Flitwick snickered quietly as the potion master's scowl was replaced with a look of horror.

"I am most certainly not cute."

'Of course you aren't.' The words appeared before Severus's eyes. He turned to see Terren standing in the doorway, smirk firmly in place. 'I'm the cute one.'

"If by cute you mean annoying and bratty I'd have to agree." Terren gave a mock pout. "Oh stop it, you're not fooling anyone." The younger man just smiled and came the rest of the way into the room, giving Severus a quick kiss before pouring himself some tea and taking a scone. Both McGonagall and Sprout gave overly sappy sighs. The potion master rolled his eyes and turned his back on the lot of them, choosing a secluded corner to do his paper work. It was less than five minutes before he felt a familiar presence next to him. A small stack of papers was shoved under his nose and he turned to glare at Terren. Terren merely raised an eyebrow in response. With a small sigh Severus took the papers to find that he needed them for the meeting in an hour; he must have forgotten them at his desk.

"Thanks." Terren just smiled brightly. Severus had quickly learned that when it was just the two of them Terren didn't like "talking" as he did with others but instead enjoyed the way Severus could understand him without words. Sentimental Brat, Severus thought fondly, not for the first time.

It wasn't long before the other teachers began to file in and soon it was time for the faculty meeting. Severus scowled as he took his place at the table along with the other professors. He had never liked faculty meetings. They were long and tedious with rarely anything of importance being said. The only thing consequential said, at least according to Severus, was regarding Terren and his new role as Pomfrey's aid in the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey had looked quite put out when Dumbledore suggested it, still upset over the fuss he made a week ago but Terren looked quite happy with the development. If the mischievous light in his eyes was any indication Pomfrey had good reason to be worried. Severus smiled mentally at the thought of his young lover making the medi-witch's life difficult. It would serve her right after all the times she had forced him to spend the night in the hospital ward when all he wanted was his quiet dungeons. The meeting ended not a moment too soon for Severus. He was just about to make his hasty retreat when Dumbledore's voice stopped him.

"Severus, if I might have a word with you and Terren before you leave." Severus sighed but nodded and sat back down. The rest of the staff left until it was just Dumbledore, McGonagall, Terren and Severus. "I've asked you all to stay so that we might discuss Harry and his future. Terren, you're his only family outside of the Dursleys and Harry has made the request that you become his legal guardian. Where do you stand on this issue?"

'I would be honored to be Harry's guardian but as I do not plan on spending my life alone I would appreciate some time in which to further consider this.' Terren answered, his eyes straying to Severus who refused to show his thoughts. Dumbledore nodded.

"A very reasonable request. In the mean time I would like to discuss Harry's education. As everyone in this room already knows, Harry has been prophesized as the only one who can defeat Voldemort. I believe it's time we begin to prepare Harry for the inevitable."

"Albus, you can't be serious!" McGonagall exclaimed. "He's just a boy."

"I believe Harry is mature enough to handle the training."

"But Albus-"

"Potter is not a child." Severus interrupted, much to McGonagall's surprise. "I'm not quite sure he ever was. I also think he is mature enough to handle this, besides, it's not like the dark lord is going to wait till he is." The transfiguration teacher looked as though she didn't know how to respond.

'I agree with Severus. I realize I don't know Harry as well as the rest of you but I do know that Voldemort won't wait until Harry is ready to fight but try and strike while he still thinks him vulnerable.'

"I'm glad to hear you agree Terren, I was hoping you would consider teaching Harry the ways of the mage. Not a complete training of course but basic wandless and wordless magic would be a great."

'I will teach him what I can.' Dumbledore beamed.

"Wonderful dear boy. And Severus, I was hoping you would also consider helping with Harry's training. Your insight from years of spying would greatly help Harry in his upcoming battles. I also expect you to resume occulmency lessons." Severus found he wasn't the least surprised by these request. If he were honest with himself he had been expecting something like for some time now.

"I will do what I can, we can only hope he will pick something up. Potter's are notoriously thick headed." Terren stuck his tongue out playfully at Severus's teasing. Dumbledore chuckled.

"Very good. Now Minerva, I know you aren't happy with my decision but I hope that won't deter you from helping Harry." McGonagall gave a defeated sigh.

"What would you like me to do?" The only man smiled happily, his twinkle shining brightly.

"I want you to help Harry become an animangus." The woman nodded her consent, though she didn't look happy.

"Great!" Dumbledore exclaimed, rubbing his hands together happily. "Now that that's settled why don't you go and enjoy your last few hours before the students arrive. I expect all of you at dinner where I shall announce your presence Terren." Terren nodded in understanding and everyone left.

The walk was silent as Severus and Terren made their way down to what had become "their" chambers. Soon the two were settled comfortably not-snuggling on the couch, as they often liked to do in the evenings.

"So you wish to become Potter's guardian." Severus stated.

Terren gave a sheepish look.

"You've already promised him something haven't you?"

Terren shrugged one shoulder in a noncommittal way.

"I don't suppose there's any help for it. You do realize we'll also be having Draco stay with us don't you?"

He received a questioning look.

"Well he can't very well go back home after openly aligning himself with the light side can he? And I am his godfather."

Terren gave a bright smile.

"Oh yes, you're just all set for domestic life aren't you? I don't even want to think of all the trouble those two are going to get into this summer."

Terren's smile brightened as he leaned forward and gave Severus a small kiss.

"I think I deserve more than that considering I'm going to be forced to live with two Potters and a Malfoy, two of which are hormone driven teenagers who just happen to be currently dating."

With one of his silent chuckles, Terren leaned back in, this time giving Severus a slow, sensuous kiss.

"Much better." Severus commented when they finally surfaced for air. Terren didn't bother answering but instead attacked the potion master's neck. It wasn't long before clothes were being tossed carelessly about the room.

Severus and Terren nearly didn't make it to dinner on time. But they did, both looking pristine; it wouldn't do for them to arrive flushed and clothes rumpled. Despite the fact that it wouldn't take long before the entire school knew about his and Terren's relationship Severus didn't feel the need to advertise it to everyone… especially not that aspect of their relationship. Though he was beginning to enjoy the looks of horror he got every time Terren kissed him. They even made a first year Gryffindor pass out two days ago when they were caught in the hall.

They arrived quietly through the side entrance and took their seats at the teacher's table. The students were getting settled themselves and didn't notice. It wasn't until all the students were seated and waiting for food that they began to notice the new face at the head table. Harry on the other hand, had been keeping an eye out and spotted Terren immediately as he entered with Snape. He caught his cousin's eye and gave a shy wave. Terren smiled brightly and waved back.

"Is that your cousin? The one who went missing?" Ron asked.

"Yep."

"He looks a lot like you." Hermione said with a smile. "His hair's lighter and his eyes a different color but you both have the same nose and smile." Harry grinned. Turning his eyes back to his cousin. He watched as Snape leaned over and whispered something in Terren's ear. Terren laughed at whatever was said and playfully hit Snape on the arm.

"They look very close." Harry started before turning to look at Hermione who was still watching the teacher's table. She moved her gaze to Harry. "Do you think there's something going on between them?"

"I don't know."

Across the hall another pair of eyes was on the couple. Draco watched the interaction between Snape and Terren with narrowed eyes. He could see all the subtle and not so subtle signs. Sev's finally gotten a lover, Draco thought with a smirk. And he appears to be a Potter no less, who would've guessed.

All throughout the hall student were beginning to notice the new member of the faculty, listening in rapt attention to the stories of their friends who had stayed over break. By the time Dumbledore rose to make his announcement the entire hall was abuzz with the new rumors of Snape's love slave (a gift from Voldemort who was currently under the effects of the imperius curse, I mean, why else would someone want to kiss Snape?).

"If I may have your attention," Dumbledore called out, quieting the hall, "As I'm sure you've all noticed by now we have a new person with us tonight. I'd like you all to welcome Terren Potter who shall be joining the faculty as Mme. Pomfrey's assistant." The reaction was diverse. Most students didn't know how to respond. Not only was he Snape's love slave but also Harry Potter's long lost cousin. However, from opposite sides of the hall came enthusiastic clapping. Harry, along with the rest of the golden trio were cheering while at the Slytherin table Draco was also clapping loudly though was more restrained. The rest of the hall quickly followed their examples and clapped loudly as well. Up at the head table Terren smiled brightly at the students.

The food was served and the students dug in happily. Soon it was time to retire for the night and slowly the students began to trickle out of the Great Hall. Harry watched as Terren and Severus exited through the teacher's door and quickly left as well, hoping to catch his cousin in the halls. He spotted the mute walking along side the dark potion master walking down the hall towards the dungeons.

"Terren!" He called out. Terren jumped at the sound of his name but smiled when his eyes landed on Harry. The boy quickly caught up to his cousin but was slightly miffed that Snape had also stopped to wait.

'What can I do for you Harry?'

"I was hoping I could talk to you. In private." Harry added with a pointed look at Snape. The man gave a small snort that sounded suspiciously like a laugh before turning away.

"You may use my office for your little family chat. I expect you not to take too long Terren, there's only so long I'm willing to wait before I start without you." Terren watched the dark man walk away with laughter shining in his eyes before turning back to Harry.

'Shall we get started?'

A/N: And you have to wait for the next chapter for Terren and Harry's convo. Why? Because I'm evil. Or something. Hey, also I'm having some trouble with where I want the story to go. I have some ideas for future plot but I'd love to hear ideas from you guys. If you have any or simply have something you'd like to see added to my story please write and tell me. I won't promise to use anything you send but I do promise to consider anything sent to me.