Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter that privilege belongs to JK Rowling
Warning: This story mentions abuse and has male on male sex themes so if you don't like it then I suggest you stop reading it
Pairings: HP/SS, RW/HG, NL/LL, DM/PP, GW/DT
Summary: Harry is being abused by his relatives, The Weasley's are mad at Harry for hurting Ginny, Severus Snape gets de-aged and has a surprising sorting. There are no horcruxes in this story. AU, OOC.
A/N: I like to thank you for your reviews. I would also like to say that many of you have asked when is Harry going to find out about Lionel? Well, let me think...ummm...I could say at the end of the story but that will be cruel LOL. Actually it will not be long until Harry finds out about the truth and his reaction will be...you just have to wait and see mwahhh
Beta: I would like to say that I have finally got a beta-reader and they have been absolutely amazing and have helped me so much so thanks a heap for your wonderful work:D
HPSSHPSSHPSS
Over the next few weeks, Lionel and Harry split their time outside classes between catching up on the school work they had missed while Harry was unconscious, and teaching Harry the art of occlumency. Voldemort continued searching for Severus, and Harry made several more trips to the hospital wing because of their mental connection. Luckily for Harry, the attacks were only minor and never required more than a day in hospital, but they were still frequent enough for him to fall behind in his school work.
Severus managed to get into his chambers without anyone knowing, and he retrieved all the books that he thought would be useful for Harry to read about Occlumency.
While Harry spent his time reading, Severus was down in his lab continuing with his research. It was slow progress and as his feelings for Harry grew stronger and stronger, Severus was more reluctant than ever to return back to his old self but it was depending on Harry's reaction to the truth that he will decide then. If Severus was honest with himself, he wanted to stay the age that he is at now. Severus decided he did not want to go back to his old life as a stoic, sour, miserable, emotionless shell of a man whose goal in life was to rid the world of the Dark Lord by spying on him for Dumbledore while protecting Harry Potter.
In truth, he was tired of walking that fine line. He was tired of getting tortured by the Dark Lord for not getting to the meetings on time or for not having the information he had wanted. He was tired of being manipulated all the time by both the Dark Lord and Dumbledore. He was tired because he couldn't do the research he wanted to do or invent new potions that were needed because all of his time was taken up by their demands. Most of all he was tired of being tired and for the first time in almost twenty years, he finally understood what it meant to be truly free. He was now free to do what he wanted. Free to be who he truly is, but most importantly he was free to be with someone and he has allowed himself to fall in love with the most wonderful man he could ever hope for, Harry.
Harry on the other hand read the books that Lionel gave him, making notes and if he wasn't clear on anything he had read, he would ask his boyfriend when he got back to the dorm. Harry had to admit it was great to finally have an understanding of what he was suppose to do; something that he'd never been able to figure out with Snape's 'teaching' methods.
Harry couldn't help but smile at the thought of Lionel. He knew he was falling hard for the boy, but he would often get a feeling that Lionel was hiding something from him. During their times, when they had their Occlumency lessons and Lionel entered his mind, it felt familiar to Harry. He couldn't quiet place it but Lionel's presence reminded him so much of a gentler version of Snape's. Harry brushed the feelings aside because teenaged Lionel obviously wasn't the missing adult Potion Master.
But other times some other things Lionel did were odd. For example, during potions Lionel never once read a recipe or took notes of Slughorn lectures, yet he was top of the class passing Hermione and Malfoy with ease. To Harry it looked like Lionel was a natural at potions, but at other times he knew things that no one else knew as if he was a Potion Master but that would be impossible, right? Besides, Lionel was only seventeen years old and still in school.
It was the same when it came to Defence Against the Dark Arts. Lionel knew all the spells, how to defend against them as well as the appropriate counter curse and just like potions, Lionel was the top of the class... out - doing Harry with ease. It was like Lionel knew what sort of curses a Death Eater would use. He spent his time teaching Harry the curses, how to counter them and defend against them. Harry thought that there was no way he could be a Death Eater because there was no mark on his left arm. He knew this because when they were working on a potion Lionel would often pull his sleeves up and his skin was bare.
Harry sighed and continued working on his DADA essay. Since returning to school for his final year Harry hadn't had a chance to speak with Remus in private and he missed his honorary godfather. He hoped to finish up his homework and then see Remus before dinner, providing Remus wasn't too busy, and the timing was perfect since Harry knew Lionel would be tied up with his potions until at least dinnertime.
HPSSHPSSHPSS
It was an hour later and Harry had finished his essay and was standing outside of Remus' office. Raising his hand he knocked on the door and waited.
Harry heard Remus' call out, "Come In"
"Hello Professor" Harry said, coming through the door.
"Harry" Remus said, happily to see his godson "How have you been?"
"Fine thanks Professor"
"Harry, we're not in class... you may call me Remus, you know."
"Yes sir...I mean, yes Remus" Harry said, with a slight smile.
Remus smiled back and pulled the young man into a hug. "That's better; it is so good to see you, Harry. I was starting to wonder if I was ever going to see you outside of class" Remus said, as he pulled his way out of their hug.
"Yeah sorry about that Remus but I have been really busy lately with school work and all" Harry said.
"Yes, I remember when I was in my last year at Hogwarts" Remus replied, knowing full well that Harry would never intentionally avoid him. He was also glad that some of Lily's scholastic habits had rubbed off onto Harry, unlike his father who would only be thinking of ways to pull pranks on people especially Severus Snape.
Remus remembered when he first heard of the Potion Master's disappearance, he was concerned for him. Unlike James and Sirius, Remus never really disliked the man but he never really liked him either. It was rumored around the school that Severus Snape was deep into the dark arts and knew more spells in his first year then most seventh years did. Then, once school was finished Severus sunk deeper into the dark arts and joined the Dark Lord's side in the war. Remus couldn't understand why he ever did that but one thing he knew for sure was that Severus wanted acceptance and that was something he never got while at his home or Hogwarts, especially when it came out that he was gay.
He remembers how cruel James and Sirius were to him and his saving grace for him was Lily. Lily, her love and friendship towards Severus was the one thing that stopped Severus from going down the dark path fully and helped him to bring himself back to the light, thus becoming a valuable asset to them.
"Care for some tea, Harry?" Remus asked pulling himself out of his thoughts of his schooling years. Harry nodded and Remus called out to one of the elves, ordered some tea and cake for them. Remus directed Harry into his personal chambers. They were barely seated when the house elf returned with a pot of tea along with cakes and biscuits for them to enjoy.
"One thing you can always say about the house elves is that they give you more food then is actually required" Remus stated, as he poured two cups of tea indicating to his honorary godson to help himself to the cake and biscuits.
"That is true. Dobby will always stack my plate with extra food that he thinks I would like; I don't have the heart to tell him it is too much for me." Harry said with a smile to Remus before putting some cakes and biscuits on a plate for himself.
They both had a chuckle at the small, excitable elf and his antics... especially where Harry was concerned.
"So Harry, how are things truly going?" Remus asked. He was a little upset that he couldn't see Harry when he was in the hospital due to the fact that it was the full moon.
"Good Remus, things are great." Harry said wondering if he should tell Remus the whole story.
"Harry" Remus started, knowing that Harry was holding back on something. "What happened between you, Ron and Hermione?" he decided to ask.
Harry looked up at Remus than back down. "They hate me" he simply said.
"Why?"
"Because I'm different from them, or as Ron would say to me, 'a freak'" Harry said, without really looking over to Remus.
"You're still the same Harry to me. What has them thinking that you are different?" Remus asked.
Harry looked up at his godfather. Remus had obviously missed that morning when Ron decided to announce to the whole school that he was gay. "It's because they couldn't...well you see they found out that I was...gay" Harry whispered quietly.
Remus stared at Harry in shock. It is not that he hadn't heard the rumors about Harry being gay, he just chose not to believe it until he had a chance to speak to Harry himself. He knew that both James and Sirius would be mortified at the fact that Harry was a homosexual if they were still alive. He remembered when James and Sirius found out about Severus being gay. They had announced it to the whole school during the evening meal and at every opportunity they teased and humiliated the Potion Master. He knew that they were both extremely homophobic and there was no way in the world he could ever let Harry know that about his own father. James would more than likely disown him over his sexual preferences, and unfortunately, so would Sirius. Remus feared that it would crush Harry if he ever found out, especially considering how much he loved Sirius and how often people would tell him how proud his parents would be of him as well as Sirius. If Harry found out they were against homosexuals, it would be the worst blow that anyone could deliver to the young man, not even Voldemort could deliver such a devastating blow to him.
Remus was certain if Lily would support her only son if she was alive...even to the point of going against James. Lily was fundamental during Severus' rough period, and it was thanks to her that he was where he was today. The fact that she supported Severus had caused a few problems with the relationship between James and her. Unfortunately, James' hatred of Severus and the prophecy about Harry eventually drove Lily and Severus apart.
Though he was their favourite target, Severus was not the only one who James and Sirius had a go at for their sexual preferences. In fact, anyone who ever admitted that they were gay also was on the receiving end of some very nasty pranks by the two of could he ever tell Harry about that, how could he? Harry loves his parents very much even though he doesn't remember them. He could never hurt Harry like that; he could not destroy Harry's beliefs both of his parents would be proud of how he'd grown up.
Remus knew homosexuals were no different from him. He sympathized because the wizarding world treated homosexuals the same way it did those with lycanthropy, they were judged for what they were rather than who they were as individuals by the extremely closed-minded population. Because of this, Remus had determined long ago not to judge anyone on their sexual orientation. With Harry being The - Boy – Who – Lived, he was going to have a hard time dealing with the fallout when everything eventually hit the press. Actually, it amazed Remus that the Daily Prophet hadn't caught wind of this yet, and in some ways, he was glad for Harry that he didn't have to put up with all the hate mail that would come with it. On the other hand, it would be better if it was over and done with rather than still looming on the horizon so that Harry could get beyond it and concentrate on his studies…especially since this was his NEWT's year.
Then again, with Harry's celebrity status as The - Boy – Who – Lived, people might begin to change their perspective on homosexuality; perhaps it would prompt society to develop a better understanding of the fact that someone different sexual preferences shouldn't be judged and treated as something different. Remus knew that no matter what, Harry is still Harry, regardless of whom he desired. He was still the same boy Remus has always known and he knew from firsthand experience how cruel the world is going to be towards him. Remus he would support Harry through it just as Harry has done for him.
Harry was sitting watching the different expressions that were crossed Remus's face, and he was starting to think that perhaps Remus was going to be like Ron and Hermione and leave him because of his preferences. After another minute of not saying anything, Harry got up and started to walk out of his honorary godfather office trying to fight back the tears that were threatening to spill over.
He heard him say "Harry, wait!" Just as he put his hand on the door handle, but didn't turn around or say anything. In truth Harry was afraid that Remus had betrayed him too.
Remus could see Harry tense up and knew he had to do something to help his honorary godson. "Harry" he started off carefully. Harry didn't respond nor did he move, so Remus took that as a sign to continue. "Harry, I'm sorry for the way I just was. (Sighs) You see, I was just thinking how hard it is for someone to admit they are gay and it does take a lot of courage to admit it. I know the wizarding world does not look too favorably upon people who are different like you and like me. But know this, Harry; I will never, EVER turn my back on you"
"You mean it Remus? I don't think I would be able to cope if I lost you too" Harry said sadly, his voice betraying the fear of losing his honorary godfather.
Remus walked over to where Harry was standing by the door, placing his hand on the boys' shoulder. "I meant what I said Harry; I will never, EVER turn my back on you. I mean it with everything that I am Harry"
Harry could hear the truths in the man's words. Harry threw himself into Remus' embrace and cried.
Remus was temporally stunned by Harry's actions. He quickly wrapped his arms around the young man and let him cry. Remus had a feeling that this was perhaps why Ron and Hermione had turned their backs on Harry. He figured that his lack of response to Harry saying he was gay made Harry fear that Remus was going to turn his back on him too.
Harry slowly stopped crying. Once he fully stopped, he slowly pulled partially out of Remus' embrace but only far enough that Remus still had an arm over his shoulder.
"I'm sorry" he said wiping his eyes with his hands.
Remus, with one arm still across Harry's shoulder gave him a small smile and led him back over to their seats. "You have no need to apologize Pup" Remus said, using his term of endearment as a reassurance to Harry that he meant what he said.
Harry looked across to his godfather and gave him a half smile before pouring himself another cup of tea.
"Is this why Ron and Hermione have stopped being your friends...because you are gay?" Remus asked.
Harry took a sip of his tea and nodded his head. "Ron was already angry with me because I broke up with Ginny without really telling her why. Ginny took the break up very hard, thus Ron got mad because I hurt his little sister; so did the rest of the Weasley's. I had to do it Remus, I couldn't be with her. It's not that I didn't like her, far from it in fact. I just didn't want to hurt her; far from it in fact, I just didn't want to hurt her. But I did anyway. Perhaps if I had told her the reason why, it would have been easier, I don't know. All I knew was that I needed to accept who I was or live a miserable life with someone I couldn't bear to touch." Harry said.
Taking another sip of tea he continued his story. "During the summer holidays I never heard anything from Ron or Hermione. Then when I got back to school, Hermione practically demanded to know why I broke up with Ginny. So I told her and she went ballistic on me, saying how unnatural I was. She also said that she was going to start doing some research to cure me of my unnaturalness. (Sighs) You know, Remus, I honestly thought that Hermione would be more opened minded since she was a muggleborn. Hell, even muggles are starting to accept homosexuality as part of their society. But no; she had to go to the library and find an answer to a problem that is not there. Typical of her, using a book instead of seeing what is in front of her. I am still me. Then she told Ron and he called me a freak of nature, a fag, and has not really talked to me since. I thought that since we have been friends since first year that they would both at least accept it. But no I lost my friendship with them which is rather typical behaviour of them actually. Do you know why Remus?"
"Why Harry?" Remus asked
"Because I was once again different from them, and they couldn't accept it. It made me wonder if they were really my friends at all. It was like, in second year, when I discovered that I was a Parselmouth; it took both of them a while to accept that I was a Parselmouth. And in fourth year, Ron got jealous because my name ended up in the Triwizard cup and Hermione did nothing but nag me the whole time."
"Yes, I would have to agree that Ron's anger has a tendency to stop him from seeing straight. As for Hermione, she needs to learn that there is more to life than books and that not all answers are found in them." Remus said.
Harry smiled at Remus. He was thankful that at least his father's friend was sticking by him.
"Now that we have that out of the way, I hear you are captain of the Quidditch team" Remus said.
"Yeah, I am" Harry said solemnly.
"You don't sound too thrilled about it Harry."
"It's just that I'm not really sure if I want to play. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love quidditch and all but I'm not as passionate about it as Ron is. Also, with most of Gryffindor not talking to me, it kind of makes it tough to get the team to train and listen to me."
"That could be a problem."
"I was actually thinking that I might step down as captain and away from quidditch all together" Harry said.
"Is that what you really want Harry?" Remus asked.
"Yes...No...I don't know, Remus. It's just that I have a lot on my plate at the moment, especially with the war and all."
"Harry, perhaps it might be a wise idea to step aside and do what you would like to do" Remus said, trying to guide his godson into making a decision that suited him.
"Perhaps."
"You need to do what is right for you Harry."
"What's right for me? Huh. What is right for me Remus is not to be stuck in this war that an adult should fight and not me. It would be great not to have Voldemort attacking my mind whenever he feels like. It would also be great to have someone help train me on how to defeat him. If it wasn't for Lionel and his lessons on Occlumency or the different kind of spells he has been teaching me, I would be in deep trouble by now. I need to learn as much as I can so I can defeat him and perhaps, for once in my life, have a normal life and not one with a cloud hanging over it or the wizarding world's expectations on my shoulders." Harry ranted a bit feeling a bit, airing some of the frustration he was currently feeling.
"Harry, you are right, this war is not for a child to fight, it is for adults. Unfortunately that night when Voldemort attacked Godric's Hallow, he marked you his equal thus he will not stop until you're dead or you kill him."
"I know that Remus but that doesn't mean I have to like it."
"I know, Pup, and I will help you out anyway I can."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"When can we start?"
"What about Tuesday after class? We can work through until dinner time, which would give us about an hour and a half for us to work on your dueling and strategies to help you win the fight against Voldemort."
"That sounds great Remus" Harry beamed at his godfather. He was especially glad that Remus was going to help him. Although Lionel was helping him out with spells and Occlumency, they have yet to do duelling. Remus was one of the best duelist out there... second only to Professor Flickwick.
"So, tell me about Lionel, Harry? You two seemed to be very close" Remus said, doing a quick change of subject.
Harry couldn't help but blush at the mention of his boyfriend's name. Remus noticed the blush that crept up on Harry's face and rather quickly came to the conclusion that he and Lionel were more than friends. If Remus was honest with himself, it really concerned him. Unlike Harry, Remus had extra sensitive sense of smell and could remember the different scents of people. Therefore, he knew that Lionel Prince was actually Severus Snape. From what he could tell, Harry had no idea of his true identity.
"Well, he's amazing Remus. I mean, he is so wonderful. It's like he doesn't judge me like the rest of the wizarding world does. He truly sees me for who I am and he really cares about me. It's like, when I am with him, nothing else matters...you know what I mean? Not only does he help with the war against Voldemort, he is also helping with my studies (gives a laugh) my potion skills have actually improved quiet a lot."
"I can imagine" Remus said quietly.
"He talks to me like you do, Remus" Harry continued, as if Remus hadn't said anything "It's not like it was with Ron and Hermione; he truly listens to me as if I am all that matters. He also tells me things too. It is like that I actually matter and that I have an opinion that counts, not like it was at times with Ron or Hermione or even Dumbledore. He doesn't try and sugar coat things to make me feel better, he tells me things as they are, as they are needed to be. He has been helping train for war, and Lionel is just as passionate about ending this stupidity as I am. He and I are so similar in many ways, but different in others. He has confided in me about things just like I have with him. I feel as if I can really trust him." Harry said, speaking from the heart about his Lionel.
"If I didn't know any better, Harry, I would say that you love him" Remus said, Harry giving him a sceptical look.
Harry remained quiet for a second, thinking of Remus' observations. Did he love Lionel? Up to this point he knew he was falling for him, but had he actually already fallen for him? It was not something that Harry was use to; sure, he had cared for Ron and Hermione when he still considered them friends but Lionel, was in an entirely different category. He felt a deep connection every time he was with Lionel. His stomach flips when he sees his boyfriend and he's left breathless and feeling very aroused after they have a make out session.
"I do love him Remus" Harry said. The realization of actually saying how he feels out loud hit him like a herd of loose Hippogriffs. It was true that he did, in fact, love Lionel; he loves him more than anything on the planet. The best thing about it was that his love was based on friendship and trust, not sex; they still hadn't gone that far. It wasn't that Harry didn't want to have sex with Lionel, far from it in fact. It's just that he felt he wasn't ready yet for them to take that step so soon into their relationship.
Remus studied Harry and he could see that Harry truly did love Lionel, but the thing that worried him the most was how Harry was going to react when he finds out the Lionel Prince is in fact really Severus Snape, his most hated Potions Professor.
Another thing that did concern him was that Severus Snape could possibly be using Harry for his own personal gain. Remus wouldn't put it past Severus to use this opportunity to get back at James for all the poor treatment his enemy had doled out; he was a Slytherin after all. Remus knew that Harry really had fallen in love with Severus, and he hoped for his sake that Severus' feelings for Harry were as genuine.
That brought up a whole new question. If Harry's feelings were reciprocated, what would happen to their relationship if or when Severus reverted to his normal self? How would Harry cope with Lionel's true identity? Would it tear Harry apart? Make him lose faith in adults completely? Remus had so many 'What if' scenarios going through his mind that he didn't hear Harry ask him a question.
"Remus?" Harry said looking at Remus' concerned face "Is everything alright?"
"Sorry, Harry, I got lost in my thoughts" Remus replied.
"Are you alright though Remus? You seemed to have spaced out a bit" Harry asked, slightly concerned for his godfather.
"Yes, I'm fine. Anyway, what were you saying, Harry?" Remus asked wanting to get his mind off all the possibilities that could happen to Harry when the truth about Severus comes out.
"I was asking how Tonks are going, and if she is coming to Hogwarts at all?" Harry asked wanting to know how Remus' wife was coming along.
"Yes, she will be coming to Hogwarts shortly." Remus said.
"How is she feeling?"
"Like most women do going through their first trimester of their pregnancy, she's Sick, grumpy and sleepy" Remus said with a slight laugh. "Thanks for visiting Harry; it was good to see you, but it is almost time to head down to the Great Hall for some dinner." Remus said getting up.
"It was great to talk to you too, Remus" Harry was surprised when he realized how much time had gone by.
"Harry, I am here for you if you ever need anyone to talk to, you know that, don't you?" Remus said being a bit on the serious side.
"I know, Remus" Harry said as he stood up. He gave his godfather a hug before they both headed out of Remus' office to go to the great hall for dinner.
As they entered the hall, Harry spotted Lionel sitting down at the Gryffindor table. He bade Remus farewell and went and joined his boyfriend, while Remus made his way up to the staff table vowing to keep an eye on them, especially 'Lionel'.
HPSSHPSSHPSS
Dinner passed without much of a problem and once both boys finished their dessert they headed back up to the Gryffindor tower and into their dorms where they proceeded to finish off their homework and get ready for bed.
After Harry came back into their room, Severus quickly left to use the bathroom. He did his nightly routine: brushed his teeth and then got changed for bed. Tonight, Severus had told Harry that he was going to give him a different type of Occlumency lesson, which involved relaxation and finding out his element.
As he walked back into their room, Severus was instantly stopped in his tracks at the sight of a completely naked Harry; he obviously had no idea that Severus was watching him get changed for bed. Harry's back was toward him and he couldn't help but admire the well-toned body. His curvy butt and the muscles he had on his legs were mouth watering, but he felt a pang of sadness that his view was limited to Harry's back. Severus could feel his cock starting to get hard, and as much as he wanted to take Harry, he knew he couldn't. It's not that he didn't want too, but he refused to act on his sexual desire until Harry knew the truth. Until then, anything below the waist was completely off limits. In the meantime, Severus had to quickly think of something to douse his arousal before Harry noticed.
Harry called out to Lionel as he pulled his boxers on and climbed into bed. He wanted to make sure that he ready when his boyfriend came back from the bathroom and was completely unaware that said boyfriend was watching him get changed.
"I see you're ready, Harry." He was immensely grateful that he'd managed to get rid of his erection before Harry saw him.
"Yeah, I guess" Harry said fidgeting with his blankets.
"What's the matter Harry?" Severus asked seeing that Harry was nervous. That is one thing he has noticed is that when Harry is either nervous or unsure of himself he would look down and play with the hem of his shirt or in this case the blanket.
"It's just that, last time when Snape tried to teach me Occlumency, it was like that he expected me to know what to do straight away...without really telling me what to do. He was harsh, cynical and he mocked my memories" Harry told Lionel of his previous experience with learning Occlumency.
Severus could hear the frustration and hurt in Harry's voice from their last attempt at doing Occlumency. He felt guilty for what he did to Harry, the way he just forced himself into the teens mind without really telling him how to protect himself. But, this time, this time will be different. He has given Harry reading material that explained Occlumency and which had detailed instructions on how to clear the mind and what images worked best to block it from those using legilimency. Severus also answered any questions that Harry came up with and explained anything to him that he didn't understand in the books. Tonight was the night they were going to put what he had learned into practice for the first time.
"I'm sorry Harry. Learning Occlumency should not have been a torture session. It should have been a lesson that helped reveal the art of mind magic."
"Yeah, but when you have a teacher like Snape who hates your very existence, how could it be anything but? I have no idea what I ever did to him that made him hate me so much."
Severus felt the sting of Harry's words. True he might have hated Harry when he first came to Hogwarts, but that was because he was a physically a carbon copy of his father and it brought up all the old resentments. It somehow had seemed to be justice for those old wrongs if he hurt the son of his enemy. But as time passed, Severus discovered that Harry was nothing like his father; in fact, he was much more like his mother. He also had all the expectations of the wizarding world on his shoulders and Severus had begun to admire him for taking it all in stride. Since his potion accident, Severus had gotten to know Harry for himself, and he discovered there was a lot more to the young man he had fallen in love with than met the eye.
"I'm so sorry, Harry" Severus repeated, but he knew Harry would not understand just how deep his sorrow went or the magnitude of his apology.
"You got nothing to be sorry for, you're not him. Besides, if Snape really is in hiding at least he'll be safe from Voldemort as long as he stays away." Something about Lionel's unnecessary apologies to him caused a niggling at the back of Harry's mind . . . they seemed to have a bigger meaning.
"You sound like you are worried about him even though he has been cruel to you" Severus said rather curiously.
"I am." Before Lionel could say anything he continued. "Even though Snape hates me, I don't hate him"
"Why not?"
"For a number reasons really. I know he is a Death Eater but he is also a spy for us. Doing that takes great amount of skill and courage, especially to face Voldemort and lie to him directly without being caught. He may have treated me badly, but I think it is his own way of keeping me grounded, to remind me that I am just like everybody else. Most of all, I think he didn't want the fame and glory of being The – Boy – Who – Lived to go to my head. In many ways, he's the one constant in my life that didn't change or treat me as something special. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here today. He has saved my life more than once over the past six years and I hope he stays safe and away from Voldemort until the war has ended. I would like the opportunity to thank him one day for all he has done for me, not that he will ever accept of course"
"You never know, Harry, he could" Severus said giving a silent 'You're welcome' in his head.
"Perhaps, you never know" Harry said with a smile.
"That may be so, but now we have a lesson to attend to" Severus said.
Harry nodded his head and waited for Lionel to give him instructions on what to do, but before Severus could start, Harry grabbed his boyfriend and pulled him in for a passionate kiss.
"What was that for" Severus asked, feeling a bit breathless after the kiss.
"Because I felt like it and you're such a wonderful boyfriend" A slightly flushed Harry replied.
"Well in that case..." Severus said, pulling Harry in for another kiss. He was feeling slightly guilty after what Harry had just said, and wondered will he still rate as a 'wonderful boyfriend' once the truth comes out. He knew he will have to tell the truth to Harry soon, perhaps once he has learned to block his mind. Until Harry could protect the secret, Severus knew he'd have to keep up the façade of being Lionel Prince.
After a little while, the flushed and breathless teenagers separated once more. Severus finally was able to start the lesson.
"Ok, Harry I need you to lie down flat on your back, arms beside you and your legs uncrossed" Severus watched Harry follow hi directions exactly.
"Good. Now I want you to close your eyes for me and I'll remove your glasses." Severus carefully placed them on the bedside table. "I want you to relax and listen only to my voice." He lowered his voice and began to speak in almost hypnotic fashion. "I want you to slowly relax your toes . . . feel the tension easing away and the relaxation gradually moving upward through your feet. Now it's spreading up your legs, beyond your knees and up your thighs. Feel it begin in your fingers and slowly move up your arms. Allow it to reach your shoulders and neck. Slowly feel your spine stretching out until your body is completely calm and relaxed. Now let your thoughts drift. Think of nothing, just listen to my voice and let it wash over you. There is nothing here for you to worry about. Good, Harry. Now, I need you to go into your mind, don't try to think of anything, just let your natural element reveal itself to you." Severus watched quietly as he saw Harry truly relax for the first time.
Harry had never felt so relaxed in his life. He savored the feeling and did exactly what Lionel told him to do. For the first time, he could understand what Severus had meant when he'd instructed Harry to clear his mind. When Lionel told him to enter his own mind, he found it rather easy.
At first, there was nothing there. He looked around and saw absolutely nothing, then he remembered reading that his element would only show itself when he was totally relaxed. With that in mind, Harry allowed himself to relax further. He began to an orange/red glow and he made his way over to it. As he approached, it got brighter and brighter until he realized it was a fire. Fire was his element! In his mind, he manipulated it, making it grow large and then shrink back down at his command. Fire was his shield, his element; now all he had to do was learn to call it up as a shield to prevent anyone, especially Voldemort, from breaking into his mind.
Severus watched as Harry seemed to relax further, hoping that his boyfriend would find his element rather than fall asleep. After a few minutes, Harry started to come out of his relaxation state.
As Harry began to come back to awareness, he blinked a few times and slowly sat up.
"Well?" Severus asked, his curiosity getting the better of him when Harry didn't immediately say anything.
Harry looked at his boyfriend, grabbed him, and pulled him into another passion - filled kissed.
Severus was shocked by Harry's reaction but quickly melted into the kiss letting his hands roam over his boyfriend's naked chest. When they finally pulled apart, Severus was half lying on Harry with his hand resting on his chest.
"Fire, Lionel, That's what I saw and controlled. It was so amazing! I never thought I would be able to do it, but I did, and it's all thanks to you" Harry reply was breathless, but very happy, and before Severus could say anything, Harry Kissed him again.
TBC...
A/N: Today is September 11. It was ten years ago today since the attack on the World Trade Centre and I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all those people who worked for countless hours, days or months on ground zero, you are truly all Hero's and I salute you all.
Also we must not forget all the people who lost their lives that day, you will not be forgotten.
As a fire fighter at the time of the attack, like so many other's that I know we wanted to be there to help our fallen comrades but as I live to far away from New York to help my thoughts and prayers were with you and even in my country, at my fire station we had our flag flying at half masked in respect to those who lost their lives.
Lest We Forget.
