"Mom…?" I whispered, "Dad?"

I couldn't believe my eyes. It was impossible. It couldn't be. I knew I shouldn't get my hopes up. But at the same time I couldn't stop this bizarre giggle from bubbling up inside my chest.

They really were here. In this room. With me.

Once that conviction had settled inside my mind, I didn't waste any time in throwing myself at them. There were tears in their eyes, real tears, streaming down their cheeks. What could we do but lose ourselves in a blissful embrace?

Me. My mom. My dad.

We were together again. They were alive after all. That meant… that meant…

No more nightmares. No more Dursleys.

No more Voldemort.

As I contemplated that last thought, it hit me that that couldn't be true. I knew for certain that Voldemort was still alive. With that realization the scene seemed to shift suddenly, like someone had switched on the light in a dimly lit room. One moment I was struggling to bury myself deeper inside my parents' embrace, the next I was trying to catch their attention to ask what was going on. Something was off about the whole situation. Any moment I would be able to put my finger on it.

It was then that the ticking began. At the same time my father put a warm hand on my cheek, a soft but distinct rhythm started pulsing inside my ear.

"Harry." he hesitantly called my name.

I stared at him, feeling confused.

"For Merlins' sake, what's that unnerving sound?" I thought. The room seemed to swim before my eyes and I swayed.

My father pulled me closer, but it felt awkward, like he was trapping me. I struggled to free myself and at that moment I realized where the ticking was coming from.

I wrung my eyes open. The hand on my cheek was still there. The sound of a watch was ticking against my ear. I turned around to look at the warm body behind me. Severus. I groaned involuntarily.

It had been a dream, nothing more.

Severus was watching me intently, cradling me to him. I pulled at the hand that was cupping my cheek and used it to cover my eyes. I moaned deeply. It spoke for Severus that he didn't ask a single question. He was just there for me, allowing me to have my fit, while he gingerly rubbed my back.

After a while I felt I owed him an explanation, so I told him about the dream. He simply held me silently all the way through my story and caressed my hair. The gesture spoke clearly of all the things he didn't say. I couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corner of my mouth. Severus might not be like an actual father to me but maybe he was still the next best thing. Like a parent and a lover rolled into one.

"Dangerous assessment." I thought, "Better not tell him or he would have me across his knee faster than I can say 'spanking'." I wasn't sure how to feel about the twinge of arousal that flitted through me because of those thoughts.

Somewhere along the way – I really don't know how it happened – soothing turned into snogging as Severus' helpful tongue pushed the last bits of the dream to the back of my mind. Before I knew it I'd curled my arms and legs around his comforting frame and allowed myself to get lost in an endless succession of mind-blowing, wet kisses. Just as I'd started unbuttoning his robe, Severus' breathing became erratic and he gently pulled back, holding my face in both of his hands. He was watching me with a thoughtful look on his face and a slight smirk played around his swollen lips. As he continued to gaze at me but didn't make a move, I began to feel awkward.

"What are you thinking?" I asked him.

"I'm thinking about what I wouldn't give to fuck you raw right now." he replied. I stared at him, taken aback by his harsh words. Then I started to laugh.

"My, you are getting old…" I chuckled. Severus narrowed his eyes.

"And why is that?" he queried.

"Well, perhaps you haven't noticed, but I am here. As in: available."

Severus nearly choked in the little snicker that escaped his lips and I smiled at him. He coughed and as he quickly pulled himself together he gave me a teasingly stern look. In what I thought was a very good imitation of himself he tried to correct his slip-up: "I mean: watch your tongue, boy. Or do you want me to have your ass across my knee again?"

I fell completely in love with the amusement that played in his eyes and I blurted out: "When it comes to me, you can have it all. You know that."

He chuckled warmly and pulled me in a close embrace.

"Impatient little lion." he muttered against my ear, "I fully intend to make love to you. Just not right now. I did get poisoned yesterday."

I buried my face in his chest hair and inhaled his scent deeply.

"When then?" I asked.

"Mmh?"

"When will you make love to me?" I repeated, knowing only too well I was sounding like a child.

He lifted my chin with his finger to look me in the eye. For some reason his breath hitched and I wondered what he was seeing.

"Merlin, you look so…"

He didn't finish his sentence, but something akin to pain flitted through his gaze. He closed his eyes and pressed his lips clumsily against mine. I had the distinct feeling he pulled me into a kiss to silence me, but I knew better than to comment.

After a while he drew back and muttered: "I think it's best if you go now, Harry. My guess is that Ron and Hermione will want to have a word with you."

I grimaced and for a moment I wanted to ask him if I really needed to do this alone. But then I knew: of course I had to face them myself.

"When…" I started to ask.

"I will call on you when I feel better, Harry. Trust me."

I blushed as I realized I hadn't even asked him if he was all right.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. I'll be fine." he just said, "I think I just need a few more days to return to full strength. You can visit me any time if you want to."

I nodded and pulled him into a vice-like hug. He groaned and chuckled at the same time.

"Thank you for letting me stay the night." I said.

"My pleasure entirely, Harry, as I'm sure you're aware." he smiled. I grinned and softly punched his shoulder.

"But if you're going to molest a poor old man like me, then I think I was right in deciding to throw you out." he grumbled mockingly.

"Poor old man indeed." I remarked as I got out of the bed and walked to the door.

"Goodbye, Harry." Severus said.

"Bye, old bugger." I replied. "Make sure you don't fall."

I barely had time to dodge the slipper he threw at me.