A/N: A new chapter... Hope you enjoy :-)
Oh i have a new story, of course a Snarry but i'd like suggestions on the other pairings you'd like to see in the story in terms of Draco, Ron and Hermione!
Please do review! x
Beta: Onyx Thanatos Theodore Lerins. All remaining mistakes are my own!
The following morning, Harry woke up with a start; a tingling feeling ran up his spine and all the way to the tips of his fingers and toes. He flexed his fingers to try to figure out what was causing this sensation but it left as quickly as it arrived leaving a very confused Harry sitting upright in his bed. Harry looked around him, this time taking in his surroundings of a sun lit bedroom rather than the candle lit and rather romantic setting of last night. He smiled to himself as he recalled the previous night.
Severus had just shown him up to his bedroom which was just as spectacular as the rest of the house; a large four poster bed in the middle of the room with a large fireplace to his right and a wardrobe to his left. The would-have-been wall behind his bed was actually panels of large windows overlooking, at that point a beautiful, magically lit up garden with a little balcony to the right and two plush green armchairs faced the fire with 2 bookcases on either side of said fireplace. Harry saw perfection everywhere he looked which is why when he spun around, Severus found himself with an armful of a Gryffindor. Severus had been nervous about their living arrangements, he wanted with all his heart to just take Harry with him into his rooms and say that it was just much his as Severus' but he knew that he couldn't take things too far, especially not when Harry had threats looming over him. He didn't even know if Harry thought that far about them or even felt half of what he did so Severus settled for a neutral expression as he watched Harry gush and explore his new room. Harry of course noticed Severus' mood and leapt forward, grasping his hands in his own as he spoke, "I love it Sev. You're the best!" before placing a chaste kiss on Severus' lips and heading for the balcony.
Severus followed him outside where he placed his arms around Harry's waist pulling him close as the cool air gently caressed their skin. Harry turned in Severus' arms as he hooked his arms around Severus' neck pulling him down in a slow but passionate kiss. Their tongues danced together and hands were tangled in hair, fisting clothing and caressing skin. Both Severus and Harry pulled back reluctantly as they panted for air; Harry still not letting go off Severus' robes as he turned them around and led Severus back into the bedroom. Harry let himself drop to the bed pulling Severus down with him as he reclaimed the thin, soft lips once again rebuilding the passion. Severus however realized where this was going and pulled away, once again very reluctantly, getting off Harry and standing up straight once again in front of him.
"I'm sorry Harry but today was rough on us both; we really should focus on getting some rest. There's also something I need to speak to you about but that will wait till the morning."
Severus allowed a pouting Harry to move into bed more comfortably before pulling the covers over him and giving him a goodnight kiss. Harry tried and failed to deepen that kiss as well but Severus saw it coming and ended up leaving a whimpering Harry behind.
Harry smiled at his memories, even though he was left very hard and helpless by the man he so very much wanted by his side day and night but he did have a feeling that Severus' reasons went beyond being just exhausted and had something to do with the threats Harry had been receiving.
Harry's thoughts were disrupted by a house elf popping up by his side.
"Harry Potter sir," the high pitched elf bowed low as she spoke up again, "Master Snape has asked Dotty to bring back things young master may need for his stay. Dotty was honoured to assist young master. Master must call Dotty when he needs anything."
Just then, a suitcase materialized and Dotty disappeared once more. Harry approached the suitcase and opened it to find many sets of clothing along with a few robes and at the very bottom of the pile was his most favourite muggle novel of all time; he was most definitely going to have to thank Severus later.
Harry chose a pair of black jeans and a white T-shirt before heading through a door in the room which he'd only just noticed and which as he supposed turned out to be his own private bathroom.
He left his room in an hour fresh and ready for the day as he went in search of Severus. He found the man at the dining table, indulging in what looked like to Harry as the most delicious breakfast he'd ever seen.
"I assure you that it's much more enjoyable when you actually eat it rather than gape at it," came the all too familiar drawl of the potions master.
Harry grinned at Severus before sitting down opposite him and tucking in, "Thanks for getting Dotty to bring my things forward Sev, I really appreciate it, especially the book."
Severus smiled back at him over his mug of coffee, "Couldn't have you getting bored stuck here with me now could I?"
"I actually intend to get to know you in this time. Everyone knows what a private person Severus Snape is, yet I don't think I'm going to settle for that."
"You're not in a position to make demands Mr Potter," teased Severus.
"Well I think I'm in the perfect position after you left me hanging last night." Shot back Harry playfully.
Severus' expression immediately turned thoughtful; he couldn't go further with Harry until he'd spoken with him of the future. He had a plan, something he'd started up on a few days ago but he knew how sensitive of a topic it was and if Harry got mad at him again and left, he wouldn't survive it knowing that the young man was taking his heart with him as well.
"Harry, we still need to speak and it is of great importance."
Just then he was interrupted by what sounded exactly like a neigh and he knew that Harry wouldn't let him continue until he'd seen just what was going on, "Hold that thought Sev."
Harry bolted to the glass door and out and as Severus walked over to join Harry outside he heard an excited "Whoa!" from Harry.
"Sev! You have horses! How could you not tell me this? Wow this place is amazing! You know Sev; I might just opt to continue living here even after the guys on my back get lost!"
Severus didn't miss Harry's words and even though he knew Harry was just babbling from excitement, he couldn't help the little hope that bloomed at hearing Harry's words, "Well, I have a horse Harry and I believe that there were more pressing matters at hand to discuss than Boxer."
Harry stopping petting the horses face at that moment and said, "Boxer! Geez Sev, I guess the name goes with the owner then. Tough, I mean."
Severus scoffed at that comment but continued watching Harry play with the horse like a 5 year old with his first puppy. He walked closer to both the horse and Harry before starting, "Harry, there's something I need to speak to you about regarding your magic."
That got Harry's attention as he stopping petting Boxer and turned fully to face Severus, "Severus, we've had this conversation before and my answer remains the same. I'm not interested in getting my magic back whether it's possible or not. I'm happy like this, I'm happy being a regular bloke in this world with nothing to fear. Okay yes, I do have some maniacs after me now but who doesn't? Whether you're a muggle or a wizard, there's always going to be someone out there wanting to get even with you over something or the other, its just life and I've accepted it. Please Severus; just accept that too, please!"
Harry finished off holding back his anger, he really didn't want to burst out in front of Severus but he also was mad that the man still hadn't seen that he didn't want this.
"Harry, please just hear me out. You cannot expect to come out of this ordeal alive if you do not take the necessary precautions. As I've said before, these men are out for revenge, they hate you and they will make you suffer. Yes the world is a cruel place with threats around every corner but you are a wizard and you have the power to anticipate any attacks and stop them. Harry, I'm not asking you to fight for the world, I'm just asking you to protect yourself."
Severus paused to look at Harry, he was rooted to the spot and whether he knew or not, Severus could feel the magical energy he was projecting but still he persisted, "Listen, I've developed a potion from the already existing magic replenishing potion. I've had to modify it as you are a very powerful wizard and should you choose to practice magic again, great damage could be caused to you and your surroundings if we are not prepared for the burst of power we are sure to experience from your first few attempts. Harry, I've put a lot of time into this because I care about you deeply and I cannot think about what id do if you were hurt. Please Harry, just please hear me out before you-"
Severus was cut off by Harry who was shaking with what Severus deemed as anger, the air around them was crackling and when his first bit of powerful magic projected forward, it seemed to get to Boxer first as he yelped and got up on his hind legs. The action caused his front legs to hit Severus on the head with the most immense force causing him to be knocked off his feet and hit the ground with a loud thud.
Harry seemed to be brought back down to earth when he immediately ignored the panic stricken animal beside him and rushed to Severus' aid. He got down on his knees beside Severus and moved his hair out of the older mans face before bringing Severus' head onto his lap. Harry didn't even realize when he'd started crying but he ignored his tears which were starting to blur his vision as he tenderly stroked Severus' head over the spot he'd been hit while whispering to the man, "Sev, please, I'm sorry! Please be okay, I didn't mean for this to happen. I just lost control of my temper, please just wake up Sev, please, please, please-"
Harry broke down and just let the tears fall while he held Severus; he knew that he was being no less a brat than he had been countless times in school when Severus offered his help back then too but for the life of him, he really didn't think he'd lose it with the man who'd sacrificed and was still sacrificing so much for him. He kissed Severus on the forehead and rested his there for a while, before he attempted to gather all of his strength to be able to carry or maybe even drag Severus somewhere he could help him regain consciousness.
Just as Harry was about to hoist Severus up into a sitting position, he heard a raspy voice, "Harry, its fine, I think I can manage now."
Harry didn't need anymore time to think as he immediately jumped on Severus, wrapping his arms around the man, dropping them both back to the ground again, "God Sev, you scared me! I'm so sorry, God I love you so much, I'm so sorry!"
Severus didn't have the time to ponder over Harry's words as an involuntary groan escaped him; his head was pounding and he needed some pain relieving potion before he went insane. He weakly returned Harry's hug before Harry straightened up and helped him back to his feet. Harry assisted him to his bedroom and then proceeded to the drawer which Severus had showed to him with the potion. He held the vial to Severus' lips until he'd drained the last of the liquid.
Severus collapsed back onto the pillows for a few seconds as he felt the pain subsiding before he turned to Harry who had a concerned look on his face, "Come here brat,"
Harry shifted on the bed to lie down beside Severus and rested his head on Severus shoulder, "I'm fine so don't worry yourself besides I feel I may have had that coming, I shouldn't have so blatantly-"
Harry sat up abruptly dislodging the hand Severus had around his shoulders, "Severus, I'll do it, or well I'll think about it. I mean, you've always done what was best for me and you've many a time predicted the outcome of situations, and I'd be a fool not to see that you're trying to help me even now when I'm being so difficult. Just seeing you lying there and knowing I was the cause, I just couldn't handle it. Sev, my outbursts have been getting worse and if I'm not careful, I-"
Severus pulled Harry back down into his arms, using his free hand to wipe away tears that Harry didn't even know were there, "You aren't being difficult Harry; you just strongly believe in something and are thinking twice before you change that belief. Believe me when I say that I am satisfied by the fact that you are willing to give this thought even if you aren't promising anything."
Harry smiled into Severus' chest, "What have I ever done to deserve someone as amazing as you?"
Severus kissed his head as he replied, "Believe me Harry, I thank all the Gods for you every single day."
They both dozed off into a restful nap; Severus dreamed about hearing three words he hadn't heard ever since his mother had passed away while Harry dreamed of Severus and himself in the future with a family and no imminent threats.
xxx
Harry awoke when he'd turned in his sleep to find the other side of the bed empty and cold. He sat up to find a note addressed to him on the nightstand beside him.
Harry,
I have gone out to fetch a few final ingredients for my potion and before you panic, I feel fine; nothing a vial of pepper up couldn't solve which is why I left you one in case you feel a little weak after the energy you expended earlier. You have also missed lunch so please do ask Dotty to prepare you something to eat. I shall join you when I return.
S.S
xxx
Harry had spent the rest of his afternoon out in the sun reading his novel. Boxer was back in his stable and soon enough, the sun started to set making way for the stars. Severus had still not returned but Harry refused to let any worry overtake him. It was just a few hours and he was sure the man was on his way back home. Just as Harry re-entered the house and was making his way to the couch in the living area, the door burst open revealing an even paler than usual Severus.
Severus walked up to Harry, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Harry, there's something you need to know. Sit down."
Harry glared at Severus, fully aware that the news would be unpleasant, "No I'm not sitting down Severus, tell me what's wrong? Are you okay? Are you hurt? Why did you leave so soon after your head injury? Severus-"
Severus knew that he's going to have to cut Harry's rant short, "Harry, I'm so sorry. Your bookstore has been destroyed."
xxx
Whatever news Harry had been expecting, he certainly wasn't prepared to hear what Severus had just told him.
"Destroyed? What do you- Severus, how?"
"It seems to be burnt to the ground. It appears that the perpetrators were hoping you'd be inside. The auror department are currently-"
He was cut off by Harry making a lunge for the door, "Harry, what are you doing?"
"I need to see it! I just cant- Sev, that's my home, my life, my everything. It can't be gone, it can't be- No! I'm going there right now."
Severus grabbed Harry by the arm and dragged him a safe distance away from the door, "Harry are you absolutely mad? You cannot show yourself there or all of this would have been for nothing! Don't you see? This is what they want, they're not stupid enough to believe that you'd hide out in your home but they do know that attacking something that precious to you would serve to draw you exactly where they want you."
He paused as the struggling Harry in his arms relaxed and looked up to him, "Severus, I need to see it! Even if it's from a distance, I just need to see it, please."
Severus' heart broke to see Harry plead I that way and he wracked his mind trying to find a way for Harry to go undetected, then it struck him.
"Harry, listen, I can show it to you but you need to look into my eyes. I'm going to pass on my memory of the scene to you, okay?"
Harry nodded weakly while looking Severus dead in the eye.
Then images came rushing to him; the store blocked by thick clouds of smoke, the remains all black and ruined, and people running around in panic, books lying all over and on a nearby ruin in bold letters the letters U.U.
The memory ended and Severus refocused his attention to Harry who was now kneeling on the floor with his head in his hands sobbing. Severus walked over to him and hoisted him up with a firm grip but just as he thought Harry would collapse into him for support, Harry once again made a bee-line for the door yelling, "I'm going to kill them Severus. I'm going to kill them for destroying my life!"
Luckily Severus was a bit quicker and caught Harry around his waist before dragging him back inside, "Harry, you are not prepared! You cannot go there; it's as good as walking into your own death."
"Then prepare me Severus! Help me! Help me get my magic back so that I can stop them before they destroy more than a bookstore! I'm ready Sev, please."
Severus only nodded before gathering Harry in his arms and pulling him into a close embrace; he would more than gladly help the man he was inevitably falling for.
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