Accidentally Bound Chapter 10: Azkaban, a harry potter fanfic

Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Harry Potter.

Note: thanks for the reviews. I know many people didn't like the way I did it, or did but well, I planned it all out. Anyway, let's begin. This chapter will take place in a span of a couple of days. The long awaited words, sex in this chapter.

I don't know if the presence of the Dementors could be infused in the walls but I believe it could, therefore the symptoms even through the Dementors no longer guarded the prison.

There was chaos everywhere in Courtroom 10. People were shouting at each other, refusing to listen to one another. It reminded Minerva McGonagall of a classroom without a teacher and if it was one thing Minerva knew well, it was dealing with unruly children. The first thing was to remove whatever caused the disturbance.

Since that had already happened, she knew that removing Harry before things got worse and before the reporters which had gotten wind of the problem that this scandalized trial was, was the next thing to do.

She set her own fury and shock aside. What fools they had been. Severus should have consummated the bond but the stubborn wizard had refused, leaving them in this mess.

She shook her head, this was not the time to think of words to describe the folly of that man and what a fool had he been. No, somebody else needed her now and that was far more important.

"Professor, I can't get him up." Ronald's voice easily caught through the commotion as the members of the Wizengamot shouted at each other some more. Shacklebolt was trying to get them under control but by the looks of it the miserable, angry looking man, wasn't succeeding.

Well she didn't have the time to focus upon him now. Taking a deep breath and pushing her shoulders back with Scottish stubbornness she had always been so proud of, she was the only one who could remind Severus Snape that she had once knew him as an awkward first year, she descended the stairs.

"Mr Potter, this is not the time to wallow in self pity, even when you have every right, you may continue to do so once we get you home!" She forced herself to sound like his former Head of House and the emerald green eyes, dull with exhaustion and stress glanced up at her.

The band of sweat and the greyish tint of his skin and the magic she could feel in the air when she drew closer, reminded her all the more of the long day. "Come, boy, Severus wouldn't want you to lose it because of something he did."

A small bitter smile twisted the full lips of the younger wizard and for a moment his eyes shone with the defiant streak that had carried him through losses, battles and 6 years of Hogwarts shone in his eyes for a moment as he said. "No, that was one of the many things Severus never wanted. He would rather go to Azkaban than to touch his own bond mate."

A wild sob tore out of Harry's throat and Ronald Weasley bent over and pulled his friend to his feet, holding him steady by a strong arm around the waist. "Now what, Professor?" Ron asked grimly, his mouth set in a firm line as Harry's feet refused to support him, causing him to lean heavily on Ron.

"Back to Spinner's End. We need to get him to bed or at least the safety of their home before we can decide what else to do." Ron merely nodded and disapparated away with a loud crack.

"What will happen now, Professor?" Hermione Granger's voice was filled with uncertainty and Minerva sighed as she realized just how shaken these people had come out of the war, messes, they all were and faced with mountains of responsibilities and hardships that no one their age should ever have to face.

Oh, Albus, was it really worth everything? You left for the next great adventure leaving us with a great mess. Was this really how you saw it all those years ago when you began to weave your plans? Was it a land filled with peace but wrecked by a sorrow? Was your next plan for Harry to lead this country when he can barely look himself in the eye for what has to be done? You counted on everybody doing your bidding but I can't, Albus, I am not you. I can't send that boy to a doom while leaving an innocent man in Azkaban simply because he is too stubborn for his own good.

"I don't know, Miss Granger. We need to regroup and rethink our strategy. It all depends upon how long the Wizengamot will take to view the memories. For our claim it won't matter how long Severus stays in Azkaban, because their magic won't suffer because they are not bonded…." Minerva struggled to block out the sounds from the courtroom. She looked around for Poppy but the mediwitch was nowhere in sight.

The war had left her nerves rattled and the long struggle for victory and the many surprises at the trial had left her feeling tired, old and worn. She was still struggling with the aftermath of so much destruction. The first war was not so bad in comparison to the second.

For years she had watched the proverbial storm clouds gather and even Albus had seemed madder in those last few years, filled with a sense of urgency, urging Harry on and on towards a goal she knew would destroy him in the end, but even she had not foreseen Severus Snape's role in all of this and it had left her belief shaken in her old friend when she had learned just how well he had played everybody.

"But what if we have been wrong?" Hermione's voice was a soft whisper now and Minerva had to bend forward to the young witch to hear it.

"What are you babbling about, Miss Granger? Explain yourself at once."

Hermione flushed but her eyes shone like they had often done in the classroom when she had seen a problem her peers hadn't even begun to see. Often her intelligence had been the one thing that had set her apart from all the other wizards and witches of her age. She really had been the cleverest witch of their year.

"What if instead of with normal linked magic couples, they have already managed to link their magic together. We know that at the moment when somebody offers to link their magic together, the magic fuses together for a time and the linked magical beings must remain close to one another. Once recovered enough, their magic separates but remains compatible with each other, causing them to feel at ease with each other. Sometimes the magic can be become unstable, forcing them to bond through the rite of sex and truly linking their magic together. But what, if once again Harry and Professor Snape are an exception to that rule?"

Hermione took a deep breath and her eyes glittered as she continued. "What if, because of Harry's depletion and Professor Snape's wounds, they have only been relying on a part of their magic and they haven't even recovered enough to separate their magic. You know how stubborn they can be and the accidents around them, like doing accidental magic and how sick Harry became on the third day when they woke up. What if the bond between them is still there and Kingsley has just sent them to their doom?"

Hermione's lips were trembling and she choked out. "Oh, Professor McGonagall, what if we have been so wrong? We thought that they would only suffer because they had consummated their magic and therefore seal the bond between them. But what if the bond is still raw and unpredictable and Harry can die because Professor Snape will weaken because he is in Azkaban. Without a wand, he won't be able to do any magic and he will slowly die."

"Miss Granger, get a grip of yourself, girl!" Minerva thundered. She glanced around and shook the trembling younger woman harshly.

She forced herself to take a deep breath and then said. "That may be the case, however…only time will tell how far they have allowed it to go. In history there has only been mention of linked magic and all cases are different, you have done the research. We will try to work through it and hope that the Wizengamot sees reason."

"But what if Harry's magic has been affected by Voldemort's magic and making him different again?"

Her breathing had suddenly exhilarated and Minerva's hands tightened on Hermione's shoulders. "What are you talking about, Miss Granger?"

"When Voldemort cast the Killing Curse on Harry, a piece of his soul latched itself onto Harry, into his scar, giving him different abilities such as parseltongue and the connection between their minds. But what if Harry's magic has been affected as well and now that it is Harry's own, it is unstable and when Harry linked their magic together, his magic is still unstable and he needs time to adjust to it. But what if, when they consummate the bond, instead of disappearing, it will grow stronger and making them more dependent."

"That, Miss Granger, is utter nonsense. I am sure, that if they are given the chance, their magic will go back to normal like all bonded and linked magic couples. We should go and regroup at Spinner's End." Minerva took a deep breath, how could the stubbornness of one man create such a mess?

"Come on, Harry, you need to take a sip." Ron was trying to coax the unresponsive Saviour of the Wizarding World to take a sip of water. He stroked his hair away from his face, resting his hand on Harry's tense shoulder.

"Harry, please, it can't all be so bad."

"He is gone, it has all been for nothing," Harry moaned, his eyes clenched shut as he shook his messy head, trying to burrow further in the rugged couch that stood in his best friend's new home.

Ron had been amazed at the state of the house. For a moment he had thought he had been wrong when they apparated into the sitting room but when Harry had stumbled to the couch, unable to contain his own weight.

Ron may come from a poor family and many things they may have to budget upon but their house had been well cared for. The house in Spinner's End looked neglected, even with two wizards living here. Now Ron could see the touches Harry added few as they were the mess the younger male had left behind, such as a messy pile of books.

Pop

Ron drew his wand as he steadied Harry with one hand and the other grasping his wand, aiming it at the intruder.

"That is really unnecessary, Mr Weasley. I am here to help." Madam Pomfrey's voice was curt and Ron turned back to Harry. It frightened him really to see his best friend like this. Harry had always been so strong, always rushing into battle. He wasn't one to give up hope. Only once had he been in shock and quiet, not just his normal moods, when he had returned from the maze.

The dulled green eyes stared ahead and Ron was reminded by just how much they had changed and by the heavy burden Harry had to carry around for so long. Sure, they could help him and they had done, sticking with him to the end but he had been the one to do it and he had to be the one to live with the guilt.

"Will he be alright?" Ron couldn't help but ask. Never before had Harry looked so small and broken to him, even when Sirius died, there had been something driving him but Ron had seen that something in Harry had changed then, like he had accepted something inevitable and when he told him of the prophecy, Ron couldn't blame him. Harry had accepted that he was going to die when he faced You-Know-Who.

The tingle of magic and Madam Pomfrey was already rummaging through the cabinets as Ron stuttered, what was she doing? Snape would kill him. Snape was in Azkaban, probably in a small, dark cell.

Ron shook his head; this was not the time to think these things. He had really thought that everything would be fine once Harry and Snape had consummated the bond, as gross as it had been to think about that but once again the odds were against Harry.

"Mr Weasley, a hand if you would be so kind." Ron responded to the order by sitting beside Harry. Madam Pomfrey had a vial in her hand with a blue liquid inside and Ron eyed it with suspicion.

"What is that?"

"It is Dreamless Sleep. He needs to rest. He is in shock." Madam Pomfrey's voice was soft as she uncorked the vial. She banished the water in the glass Ron had tried to make Harry drink and then she measured the correct dose of the liquid.

"Isn't it better to get him to bed first? I mean if it is the same thing you gave him when he returned from the maze then he will fall asleep quickly, right," Ron was stuttering but Madam Pomfrey gave him a tight smile.

"You are right, of course, Mr Weasley. Up you get, Potter." Harry swayed the moment he was pulled up by them both. Ron wrapped one arm around the younger wizard's waist and dragged Harry's arm over his shoulder.

"Come on, mate, let's get you into bed."

"So cold….such darkness…. Severus….." Harry was mumbling incoherently and tried to struggle against Ron's hands.

"Yeah, I know, mate." Ron managed to drag Harry up the stairs, aided by Madam Pomfrey who went into the bedroom. Ron followed a moment later and Harry began to struggle against Ron.

"No, no, don't want to." The green eyes were wide and Ron could feel Harry's magic rising, agitated as he struggled to hold onto Harry, trying to keep the smaller wizard as still as possible until Harry managed to knock them both off balance, making them topple over.

"Ron?" Harry glanced at him, seeming to have been shaken out of his shock or whatever he had been in and the green eyes were glazed with exhaustion. Harry was shivering and trembling with fatigue.

"Come on, mate, let's get you to bed." Harry didn't even struggle, merely gave a weary nod as he glanced around and asked.

"Where is Severus?"

Ron exchanged a startled look with Madam Pomfrey; couldn't Harry remember anything that had happened?

Harry's mind was fuzzy. The last thing he remembered was the press of lips upon his before a loud pop and then there was a sudden blankness. He remembered hearing Professor McGonagall's voice and then Ron's voice and the feel of arms around him but it was like he had been viewing it from a distance.

He shook his head, trying to force his mind to be clear but it took a great effort. His magic was gone and Harry glanced up, repeating his question. "Where is Severus? He will need his potions."

Madam Pomfrey took a step forward and then he felt her hands on his shoulder. "Come, into the bed, Mr Potter." Harry struggled, something wasn't right and then he remembered.

"Where is Severus?"

He felt so cold and weary but he had to know. He swayed but he didn't care. This time it had been different from all the times he had fought with Snape before. He flinched away from Madam Pomfrey's hands, throwing himself off balance.

"Where is my bond mate?" He finally snapped, his eyes going from one person to another.

"Severus is in Azkaban, Harry. The Wizengamot found out that you had lied. Now, because of the stress of today and the trial you have worked yourself up in a frenzy and I am ordering you to rest." Madam Pomfrey's voice was stern.

Ron was looking at him strangely, eyes calculating. It was the same look his best friend had worn in their second year when they had found out Harry was a Parseltongue. "Harry, summon this to you, please?"

"Mr Weasley, I hardly think that this is the time to play games," Madam Pomfrey bristled at Ron.

Harry could barely stand on his feet but Ron said again. "Harry, please summon this!"

"Ron…I…."

"Harry!"

"Mr Weasley!"

"Harry, do it now!" Ron held up the glass and then dropped it. Harry wanted to levitate and summon it, he really did but as he waved his wand and muttered the incantation, it was like his breathing had suddenly constricted and black spots appeared before his eyes as he swayed as the glass shattered to the floor.

"Oh Merlin," Madam Pomfrey said as she waved her wand, repairing the glass as Ron supported Harry, softly muttering.

"Easy, mate, I got you…"

Harry squeezed his eyes tightly shut as tears escape from underneath his closed lids as he choked out. "I am sorry…I didn't mean…."

He should have been able to levitate the glass easily. Even with all the stress his magic had healed well enough to do such a simple thing. He felt Ron gently easing him down upon the bed and he mewled.

"This is bad," Ron muttered.

"Hush, Mr Weasley! We will discuss this later!"

Snatches of pain and a dense darkness shot through him and Harry shivered, his teeth chattering as he wrapped his arms around himself. He rocked himself on the bed, back and forth, shaking his head, trying to wrap his mind around the darkness that was inching into his mind through the bond, even when he had suffered those pain flashes, this hadn't been so bad. He had been able to escape into oblivion but oblivion was even more frightening than this grey twilight where he was weary and unable to perform magic.

He eyed the vial. The Dreamless Sleep would ensure a sleep so deep he wouldn't feel any pain or darkness but what would happen if he came round again, it would be just as bad. Wouldn't it be easier not to take Dreamless Sleep but just a normal sleep potion and then think of what to do next?

"Madam Pomfrey, what if their bond has already been formed? What if it is because of Professor Snape that they are unable to perform magic? What if because he is in Azkaban…."

"Mr Weasley, I said that we will discuss this once Professor McGonagall gets here!" The mediwitch voice was cold and curt and it reminded Harry of whenever somebody caused amok in her Hospital Wing.

"No, I need to know now! Harry could be in danger." Harry glanced up just as Ron was looking at him and the furious older wizard pulled Madam Pomfrey by the arm and went to the hallway, pulling the door halfway shut behind him.

If Ron was angry or upset you could always tell immediately while Harry remembered Snape's temper. His bond mate might have a bad temper but he would never stomp off angrily like Ron sometimes did, no he would merely glower in silence until…

"What if because of Snape's imprisonment, you know that he can't perform magic in Azkaban and the sheer environment with the walls being so fused with the evilness and the likeness of the Dementors, Harry is affected as well? What if the bond between them is already so powerful? Linked magic is a very obscure branch of magic and not much is known about it."

"I am sure it will all work out once the bond is consummated, Mr Weasley, now stop making such a fuss. You are not helping Mr Potter. The Wizengamot will see reason and I am sure at this very moment Mr Potter is imagining things because of his stress level. They would have told me if the bond reaches such a distressing level that they would be able to share their magic and feel each other's pain."

Harry flushed at that. That was one thing they hadn't told Madam Pomfrey. Harry had assumed she knew when she had told him when he had left the Hospital Wing that touching would bring them both comfort, so she had to know. Harry sighed and shook his head; it was too tiring to think about this.

He would slowly go mad if these sensations continued, who knew what would be next? The numbing silence and darkness and his magic becoming unstable or disappearing forever possibly? He remembered the faces of Bellatrix Lestrange and Sirius Black once they had gotten out of Azkaban, could he really stand it, knowing that either Snape or him could go that mad?

And what if Snape would be sentenced to 10 years in Azkaban or even longer, could Harry stand to be without his magic for so long? Already he was shaking much worse than a moment ago, or would it simply be a side affect just before Snape got used to Azkaban.

Surely the man wouldn't allow that prison to take his mind, it was the most precious thing he owned, Harry knew that much about the man he had signed his life away to be with. A relationship was hard enough without the struggle of magic that needed to be shared or pain or darkness so dense that it would leave anybody afraid of the dark.

Could this really be so easily solved by consummating the bond between them? Surely it couldn't get any worse than what it already was, could it? Would, if they consummated the bond, their magic be their own again? He would still be married to Snape but it could be bearable and anything was better than the state he was in now, in this half phase between being weak and making use of his magic.

Yes, it was the best thing he could do. He would ask Snape to consummate the bond with him and whatever came after, well Harry would deal with it then for surely, it couldn't get any worse or the bond any stronger now could it?

"He is asleep." Madam Pomfrey sighed, accepting the cup that Minerva handed her with a sigh of pleasure. She glanced around the room; the two children; Miss Granger and Mr Weasley were sitting together, the girl's shoulders shaking and her face pale. A Calming Draught would do nicely now.

Minerva just looked old, you could see it in how thin she had become in the last year. How much they all had matured and yet underneath, there were these gentle souls. She lamented even more that the war had hit so close to home and it was long from over yet, just because the Dark Lord had been defeated didn't mean that the after affects of the war no longer affected those suffering from it.

"How is he?" Minerva asked, seating herself in a comfortable chair she had transfigured from an old newspaper.

Poppy glanced around. How could Severus and Harry stand to live here? This place was so rundown that not even Mrs Weasley could fix it up with her magic. She took a sip of her tea before she answered. "He is weak and exhausted. He had a severe relapse and his magic is depleted, he cannot even perform the simplest of spells."

Minerva looked startled at this and Poppy watched with narrowed eyes as Mr Weasley shared a look with Miss Granger before he said. "What if we underestimated the bond between them? Harry has always been a very powerful wizard and he has always been one to defy the odds, what if his magic is different because it was affected by Voldemort's soul for such a long time."

Poppy gasped and she realized she wasn't the only one. Minerva had sat forward in her chair, her teacup shaking but her eyes were hard and her voice was steady as she barked. "Explain yourself at once, Mr Weasley!"

The youngest Weasley son glanced at the witch beside him almost apologetically and then said. "I am not sure if Harry wants us to tell you this."

"It could mean the survival of both of them, Mr Weasley. If you care for your friend then tell us what we may have missed."

Hermione Granger sat up and slowly said. "You know about the story that Voldemort broke his soul into seven pieces and created Horcruxes. With each important death he created another one. He used items that were important to him, such as the Locket of Slytherin because he was a direct descendent of Salazar Slytherin. Professor Dumbledore instructed Harry to find out what these Horcruxes were and how to destroy them. In his second year Harry destroyed the diary and a piece of Voldemort's soul, which was what we had been doing that year when we were away from school."

"Miss Granger, this doesn't explain anything about Potter's magic...." Minerva interrupted her. Miss Granger flushed and then she continued.

"When Voldemort went to kill the Potters, his soul was already unstable because of the many Horcruxes he had made. He had created 6 in total and then the piece of soul in his own body. When he cast the unforgivable act of killing a child and with Lily Potter's powerful protection, the curse backfired and blew a piece of his soul away as Voldemort fled. It latched itself on to the only other living person in the house, Harry. That is why Harry could see inside Voldemort's head at times, it was their connection and the Parseltongue was another part of it. Voldemort tied their destinies more snugly together than any spell could ever have done."

"Then what is the point of this, Hermione?" Minerva had gone pale and Poppy felt her heart skip a beat, she needed a Calming Draught as well.

"Harry had to die in order to kill that piece of Voldemort's soul. What if Harry's magic is unstable because it is his own again? He linked it to Professor Snape's immediately before so what if when the bond between Voldemort and Harry disappeared, the bond between Harry and Professor Snape grew stronger?"

"Let me see if I understand this correctly. For all his life, Potter has been sharing a connection with He Who Must Not Be Named and perhaps even a share of magic and Albus knew this?"

Miss Granger gave a shaking nod. "I think that Professor Dumbledore merely suspected it but there was never any complete evidence to explain why Harry could see inside Voldemort's mind."

White hot rage was bubbling inside of her and Poppy bit out, "That is quite the gamble to take and especially with a student's life. Granted, Mr Potter has always been extremely special and he may have known he was going to die or not but to put such a pressure on a student, and then on one so young. Albus always turned a blind eye towards you lot, yes, I heard the rumours but if he was doing it as a favour for Potter then he failed miserably. He should have foreseen his own death then as well, but nobody to see Potter through, so I reckon Potter might have seen to that himself."

"All of Albus' faults aside, we need to think of a plan to get Severus out of Azkaban, especially if the bond is indeed so strong between them, so let us for the moment assume it is." Minerva cut in with a stern glaze at Poppy.

Poppy huffed. She had always found that Albus' behaviour towards Gryffindors and especially Potter had been infuriating. He always interfered to stop the boy from getting his due. Not that Potter really needed that, he had been given his due a long time ago. She knew the boy had gone through tremendous trauma but had she really been the only one who had seen how broken Potter was at the end of his fifth year, how so entirely without hope and no Albus in sight to talk to the boy.

Yes, the headmaster might have been busy but there would come a time when he needed to see Potter through but Albus was simply not there. She had known that Albus had criticized Severus many times for the way he ran the Slytherin House with a firm hand but she had known the Potions Master to be fiercely protective when it came to his students.

She wondered, would things have worked out differently if Potter had indeed been sorted into Slytherin as she heard the Sorting Hat had considered. Would Severus see Potter through then or would the hate the older wizard had for the boy's parents cloud his judgement?

Poppy refocused upon the conversation around them and listen to Mr Weasley's question. "Can't we move Harry someplace else? This house is so rundown; I hate to leave him here behind."

"Regardless if he is in a state to travel, this is his home now, Mr Weasley. We cannot move him. Besides, come tomorrow the newspapers will learn of this new development and Harry cannot see that. He is going through enough." Minerva grimaced as she said it.

"Could it quite possibly be arranged for Harry to visit Professor Snape?" Miss Granger seemed to have recovered a little because she was no longer so pale, like she had taken a deep breath.

"Yes, in a few days he will be able to visit. The trial will be resumed in a week most likely because on the agenda tomorrow is the Malfoy trial. But we need to come up with a plan. We were relying on the marriage to be consummated…"

"But what if the marriage is consummated between them, what may happen then?"

"It won't make much of a difference for Severus' punishment. He has been sentenced to Azkaban while his trial continues and there is nothing we can do about it. However, if they did choose to consummate the bond then the Wizengamot will demand to see proof, which will change in the documents the moment the bond is consummated. I, however, will not make them. I will take Potter to see Severus in a few days from now when they have sufficiently recovered and then I will discuss with Severus what needs to be done." Minerva looked even more tired than usual.

"We will discuss this at a later date then?" Poppy asked, she suddenly felt as tired as Minerva looked.

"Yes, we will…" And with Minerva's sigh Poppy knew that despite the peacefulness of the moment, they still had a lot to think and to do before Severus would join them again in this very living room.

Darkness was all around him and he didn't even know if his eyes were open or closed. No, wait; there was a small light that shone in through the barred window. How long had he been here?

Surely it couldn't be even longer than a day. He moved and wrapped his cloak tighter about him on the narrow cot. Magic danced over his pale skin and his dark eyes slowly focussed upon the dark wall.

He could hear the guards walk past his cell. He refused to cry out, even as nightmarish memories pressed against him, he had learned long ago not to cry out. It was part of his training, regardless of the circumstances, he would never cry out.

Severus uncurled his legs before he hugged them to his chest. He was cold and his breath was a small cloud in front of his mouth. The mouth that had hours ago kissed his bond mate. Finally, after all this time he had properly kissed his bond mate.

Harry

He remembered the green eyes, how unfocussed and dazed they had been. If he hadn't been pressed for time and if the aurors hadn't been standing right behind him, ready to take him away, he would have savoured the kiss, but surely it would be another time that he could kiss Harry. He was surely not against doing it another time.

Severus ran a shaky hand through his long dirty hair. His skin itched from beneath the bandages around his neck. His potions had been tossed in a few minutes ago, or had it been hours? He couldn't tell the difference anymore.

He may have been a fool for denying himself any bond between him and Potter right now but he still stood by his decision that Potter deserved better than that quick shag.

But would he see Harry again? Severus didn't know and as he sought for any hidden warmth within himself, he curled in on himself, allowing himself to lose himself in the memories of the past few weeks, for truly, his marriage to Potter was much better than this cold and dark cell in Azkaban.

He was shivering, that was the first thing Harry became aware of as his eyes snapped open. For a moment he was confused by the light that shone into the room, this couldn't be right. His dreams and mind had been dark a moment ago, where was the light coming from?

His eyes drifted across the room but he was all alone. His hand shot out from underneath the blankets but the spot behind him was ice cold, as was he. Harry rubbed at his eyes as he uncurled himself from the heavy blankets. Despite the blankets he was still shivering.

Perhaps a warming charm would do him some good but as he reached for his wand, his magic danced over his skin and Harry suppressed a shiver. He slowly sat up as he watched the shadows dancing through the room.

He wondered how long he had slept and he sighed. It felt like years. He felt just like he did when he had woken up after the Final Battle but the only difference was that he already knew what had happened. He was depleted, again but this time it was worse, there was no magic to be shared with Snape, and now he would have to do it alone without any comfortable touches and snapped comments.

He sat on the edge of the bed, staring ahead. This was merely one of the rooms he had fought in with Snape. They could never have a normal conversation but they had always fought. Strange how much the silence was so foreign to him when he knew that Snape wasn't around and might not be for a long time.

It had always been Snape's house and the past few weeks had been anything but peaceful, but what Harry wouldn't give to go back to that time instead of this heavy feeling in his chest, the icy feeling that ran over his spine and the darkness that was seeping into his mind.

He didn't even know anymore what to think or to do. Was he supposed to scream with everything that had happened? He didn't even want to, he felt numb. He knew what had to happen; he would have to consummate the bond.

Not even that thought brought hardly any reaction out of him, not even his heart sped up with nervousness or excitement. It was simply another thing that would have to happen to make this mess right again.

He wheezed, trying to force a large mouthful of air through his lungs. Why couldn't things be any simpler? His marriage to Snape wasn't supposed to end like this or to even be like this. The bond that was between them was supposed to be explored and perhaps, if he was very lucky, cherished, not cut off abruptly.

Harry ran a hand through his already messy hair when a thought suddenly occurred to him. What if they had been wrong? What of instead of cutting off the tentative bond between them, it would enforce it, making it stronger? It might bind their magic together more snugly and stronger than they had ever faced? The bond would still need to be nurtured but Snape might be able to take refuge in it so that he didn't have to go on alone in this depressing darkness.

It might mean that Harry had to live for the both of them but it was a chance he was willing to take. Of course it could backfire and indeed, as he feared, cut the bond between them but was it worth finding out? Harry sure hoped so.

Not even in all his years when he had been wounded or lived with the Dursleys had it taken Harry such a long time to dress and to face the day ahead. He had to stop every few seconds to stop his head from spinning dizzily and more than once did darkness etch his vision.

He was still shivering, despite the warm clothes but the shivers seemed to come from deep within himself and no amount of layers could stave them off.

He walked towards the door, picking up his wand out of habit. His magic responded immediately, dancing over his skin before disappearing, making Harry feel extremely nauseated. He managed to find his way down the staircase, holding onto the banister and the wall for good measure. It would be just his luck if he managed to roll down the stairs and knock himself out.

He pushed weakly against the hidden door and finally it opened as the rush of voices inside quitted. He frowned when he saw Professor McGonagall rising, her expression grim when she noticed how he shuffled inside.

Hermione was beside him in an instant, her arms thrown around him and Harry tensed, absentmindedly patting her upon the shoulder as she sniffled loudly. He could barely keep himself upright and if she leaned on him, he knew he was going to fall. "Mione, please…." He begged.

The witch released him as if struck and she glanced at him, her pretty mouth open as she took in his obvious horrible appearance. "Oh, Harry, you look…." Hermione was stammering and Harry took a good look at his friend.

She looked worn and her hair was an untidy mess. There were dark circles underneath her eyes and it looked like she had been crying. He knew he looked tired and if he looked like he felt, well then there was no other word for it than horrible, but Hermione just caught him off guard, what had happened to her?

He glanced at Ron, his best friend who stood behind Hermione, a good 10 steps away but still, Ron looked the same. Careworn tired and exhausted. Like they have been through hell and back again….

"What…what happened?" Harry managed to produce. The world felt like it was spinning around him and Harry tried to keep his mind from sinking into the comfortable darkness as he tried to fight the numbness that also spread to his mind.

His eyes narrowed as he saw Ron and the Headmistress exchanging a look. She had the same look about her, like she had been sitting at the bedside of a sleeping or wounded person. Oh no, that meant…

"How long was I out?"

Hermione was embracing him again as she said. "I am so glad you are awake. You had no idea how worried we were."

Harry's eyes stared at Professor McGonagall. He knew that she would give him a true answer. She sat back down again and then answered. "The last word anybody spoke to you has been over three days ago. Madam Pomfrey expected you to wake up when the Dreamless Sleep wore off but you continued to sleep so we have been feeding you Nutrition Potions that Severus had stored here."

"How is…Severus?"

Her eyes hardened and she said with a crisp tone. "There hasn't been any word. I have been trying to get in touch with him but even I could not penetrate through the thick sculls at the Ministry, Mr Potter to tell them that you had weakened considerably and that they should look in on Severus. Lies have a tendency to do such a thing."

Harry found his own eyes harden as well, so that was what this had been about. Well, it would change soon enough; he would make sure it would.

McGonagall gestured to Ron and then said, "You will eat what I put before you now, Potter! You will need your strength because we are leaving in an hour."

Harry knew his eyes went wide and he swayed, feeling Hermione's arm around him. She helped him to the couch where he sat down heavily. Would they really take him away from this place? He couldn't, he wasn't ready to leave…It would make things more final.

"Where are we going?" He finally demanded when he had caught and stabilized himself enough to make his mouth work other than allowing it to hang open.

Ron returned with a steamy bowl of porridge and Harry stared at it as his best friend sat it down before him, before joining Harry on the couch. He continued to stare at the bowl like it was going to empty itself before picking up the spoon as his hand trembled.

He lowered the spoon back to the bowl, afraid to spill it all over the old school robes he wore. He swore, he wasn't supposed to be this weak!

"We are going to Azkaban, Mr Potter, to visit your bond mate!"

And as Harry realized his mouth had fallen open ungracefully and he stared at his former teacher she said with a small smile. "Eat up, Potter, you will need your strength for this little trip."

And while Harry worked furiously to keep the blush from his face, he knew, that yes, indeed, he would need his strength.

The tall, four walled building was imposing as Harry glanced up. The sea was calm today, unlike his racing heart but perhaps it had something to do with the apparating they had just done.

Immediately, wizards rushed forward, dressing in navy blue robes and a wand was pointed at them. He didn't even dare to take out his own wand as he felt Professor McGonagall tense beside him. For a moment he felt her hand on his shoulder and then he saw one of the wizards step forward as the hazel eyes lifted up to his scar, Harry immediately smothered his hair over it self consciously.

He didn't meet the gaze of the delegation of wizards before him. He was only standing through sheer will. He sighed and then lifted his chin. He was here on a mission and one way or another; things were going to change, yet for the best or for the worst, still remained to be seen.

"What is your business here?" The voice was gruff and filled with authority and Harry glanced up. The wizard before him was somewhere in his middle forties and apparently just promoted by the way he kept glancing around at the other wizards.

"We are here to visit a prisoner." Professor McGonagall said as she took out an official looking letter out of her pocket. She handed it to the man in front of her and he tore it open, immediately his face changed to a look of meek submission, Harry felt ill.

"Oh, I am sorry, Headmistress. Please follow me. My name is Augustus Smith and I am the Head of the Security Office here at Azkaban. We guard the prisoners. You will have to register your wand in advance because this prisoner has been under restrictions of the Ministry regarding who can visit him and who can't. He is a Death Eater, you see and well….we are very particular who we let in to visit him….there have been rumours of people trying to kill him for being a traitor to their cause."

"You will not need to fear that either Mr Potter or I will try to murder Professor Snape, Mr Smith." The younger wizard flushed and then preceded them inside.

Azkaban might be a beautiful building if not for the cries that came from deep within. Cries that made Harry's stomach curl and sired a desire to flee deep within him. He forced himself to be strong, to think of the darkness, the shivers and the numbness and asking himself if he wanted it to stop or to continue?

To give himself time he glanced around the building. The ceiling was high in the hallway, where they were right now as Smith left them alone to go into a door beyond. The walls were dirty as were the floors and the cold coming from the stones seeped right through Harry's shoes into his feet. He curled his robes tighter around him, searching for warmth but finding none.

Cobwebs hung from the ceiling and light came in through the broken windows. The wind stirred his hair and Harry pulled his cloak tighter around him, how could people stay warm in a place like this? But of course, warming spells.

The door banged shut and Harry turned back to look at Smith. The older wizard had a device with him, the same device the guy in the Ministry had to register somebody's wand. "Wands please."

Harry handed his wand over and for a moment his magic swirled about his hand. The device made a little bit of noise and then a piece of parchment came out at the end. Smith took it and then said. "Harry James Potter Snape, holly 11 inch with a core of phoenix feather, in use since 1991?"

"Yes, that is correct." Harry wasn't surprised to find that his voice sounded slightly hoarse. He wasn't feeling too great and he accepted his wand back gladly. He just didn't feel whole without it.

He turned away as Professor McGonagall, her lips thinned to a stern line handed over her wand. Could he really go through with this? He had his arguments prepared because Snape would argue, he knew the man would but was he really, really ready for what was going to happen.

One way or another he was going to walk out of here hurt, either way his body would hurt or his mind. Was he really prepared for the full power of Snape? He had seen glimpses of that power and it was frightening and Harry gulped.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he startled badly when Professor McGonagall touched him upon the shoulder. "That will be enough of jumping at shadows, Potter!"

You would be jumping at shadows too when there are suddenly more shadows in the room than there is light.

Harry merely scowled and followed his former Head of House towards the door where the screams were coming from. He wasn't sure if he was ready for this.

The screams were even worse in here. The cells were small but only one person was in one, people screamed, murmured and some moaned and Harry wondered if he could ever forget about the sounds. What a horrible place.

He now knew how somebody could go mad here. The wave of depression that came from within was mind blowing and Harry tried to quell the nauseated feeling inside of him. He was here to see Snape and for no other reason.

They passed through another archway and silence greeted them. Some people were murmuring softly and Harry somehow found the silence much worse than the actual screams. The darkness seemed denser here but then he realized that a cloud had moved in front of the sun.

"Those that are awaiting trial are beyond this point. You will each have 15 minutes with Professor Snape. A guard will be posted at each of the archways and if you need something just let them know. One of them will knock upon the door the moment the time is up. You may take your wand inside but all magic will be registered as well as a restriction on aggressive and attacking spells. You will be searched upon potions and such. You may not speak to any other prisoner except the one you requested to see. Is that clear?"

Harry merely nodded. Smith's eyes travelled over him and his expression softened. "It can be quite a struggle to see one we love in such a state. Some of the prisoners go mad but so far Professor Snape has been quiet. His appearance may come as a shock however. He is quite pale."

Harry gave a nod that he understood as they stopped at the next archway. "Then I will leave you to it. You each have 15 minutes, make the most of it."

Harry fought his blush, he was going to.

They stopped at a cell door and Harry fidgeted with his hands. Snape was behind the door, only a few steps and a locked and warded door away. There was silence coming from behind the door and Professor McGonagall turned back to Harry. "I will go first. You may take up the remainder of my minutes so I will try to be quick. Just a little while longer, Potter and then you may do to your bond mate what you want."

Harry forced a grin to his face because truly she had no idea what she was talking about.

"Lumos"

The black eyes widened at the source of light that came from Minerva's wand. She waved it and the orb of light multiplied before hovering in the air. She looked about the cell, it was small, dirty and dingy and it made Spinner's End look like a palace.

A small cot with ragged grey blankets had to pass for a bed and a lavatory and a small sink stood at the other end of the room. Light shone in through a small barred window and Severus glanced up at her, fumbling for words as his eyes fixed upon her form.

"Minerva?" He finally managed and pity stirred her heart. The younger wizard was curled up in his dark cloak which was dirty. His hair was pushed back from his face but he looked pale with dark circles. The normally crisp white bandages around his throat were dirty and Severus' nails and hands were dirty as well.

The dark eyes fixed upon her as a shiver passed over his face and Severus ran a hand through his greasy hair.

"Hold on a moment, young man." Minerva said as she cast a few cleaning charms. Severus had wanted to get to his feet and after a few struggles he succeeded. Minerva would have given him a hand but she knew he would never accept it.

It was such a long stretch from the controlled Potions Master she knew that he appeared thin and brittle. But his mouth had curled into the familiar sneer and it eased her heart a little as she said.

"Now, tell me, why have you submitted yourself to this?" Immediately she noticed his dark eyes widen before he sneered at her and said.

"Like I said, Potter deserves better."

"Why don't you try to explain that to Harry when he sees you within the next half hour?"

She watched as his gaze faltered and he stumbled over the words. "Harry…Potter, Potter is here?"

"Your bond mate is here, Severus," She confirmed before continuing. "We would have been here sooner but Harry was asleep for three days. It is confirmed, the bond between you is very strong. You would be wise to rethink your strategy." Minerva noticed how a shadow passed over the younger wizard's face before her.

It seemed like it took every atom of strength and willpower Severus possessed to keep standing there and to face Potter when he came in. For a moment Minerva wondered what Harry would want to discuss with Severus but then she decided, she didn't want to know.

"There is no other strategy. I am stuck in Azkaban."

"But you could try it, Severus. It might bring comfort to you both."

"It will not!" Severus snarled at her. He paced around agitated and then ran a hand through his hair as he turned back to her. "What if the bond grows stronger or disappears entirely? It will break Potter! I couldn't live with myself if I caused that."

"Severus, honestly."

"No, Minerva, my answer is no! That little part of my mind that is still myself will not do this to the boy simply because you ask it! This is between us, Potter and I and when we see it fit to consummate the bond is between us." He bowed his head, breathing rapidly and Minerva took a step closer, even if it was unwelcome and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I know, Severus, I know. I just hate to see you suffer when you have a chance to escape it all."

"My chance has come and gone a long time ago." He murmured, glancing up. Something fell shut behind the dark eyes and the cool Potions Master and Head of Slytherin House resurfaced.

"Now, Minerva, what will you do to get me out of this position?"

"I am working on it, unlike some," She couldn't resist. Severus' stubbornness might be worth a lot in the past war but it had also gotten them in a bunch of problems but luckily for her, Harry could be as stubborn as the Potions Master, but right now, she didn't know who she pitied more, Severus or Harry.

Severus paced the length of his cell. Minerva's visit had strengthened something inside of him. He prided himself on the fact that he had never lost control or let himself slip. He wouldn't start now. He wouldn't allow himself to fall into this darkness.

Potter might say he didn't need him but the brat had stated the obvious. They needed each other and they were struck with each other for better or for worse. Better not to make matters any worse by consummating the bond, especially when anybody but the brat seemed to want it for them.

Harry glanced up and stopped pacing when Professor McGonagall came out after 10 minutes. She saw him looking and nodded, saying. "I give my remaining minutes with the prisoner Severus Snape Potter to Harry James Potter Snape."

Harry nodded as he felt the magic dance over his skin. He would need all the time he could get with Snape; first to persuade the man and then to…however long it took.

He walked towards the cell door, which opened at his touch. One last glance back at Professor McGonagall and he nodded, he would come out a changed man after all, however you put it.

Severus' head snapped up when the door opened a second time. His heart nearly stopped beating when he saw his bond mate standing there. Potter was fidgeting with his robe but there was something different in the green eyes that Severus couldn't place. He knew it, something had changed.

How did one greet his husband when you barely even knew him? How did you greet somebody when the last time you see them you kissed them before you were Apparated away?

A part of him wanted to crush Harry to him, to say everything was going to be alright but he knew that he of all people didn't have that right. He had never given himself that right and no matter how much he wanted to, it might be forever beyond his reach.

His keen eyes already noticed the subtle changes. He could feel Harry's magic and then the brat licked his lips before his green eyes lifted up to meet Severus' black ones. "I don't have much time so I am just going to say it. I want to consummate the bond."

Severus faltered; surely he had heard that wrong. "What did you say?" he growled.

Amusement flashed over the pale face of the younger wizard and then Potter repeated. "I said that I want to consummate the bond, as in right now!"

"Potter, this is hardly the time nor the…."

"Oh, for once cut the rubbish, Snape! The last few days were some of the hardest mentally of my life. I know you don't want it to be meaningless and I know you well enough that it won't be that and you won't want it to be for me to save your soul from Azkaban, well that won't happen either. But it will be to save each of us. I don't know if the bond will grow stronger or it will break off but it is a chance I am willing to take. It is easier to salvage things when you get out of here than to try and get through it now, in this half life."

Something had hardened in Potter's eyes and Severus found himself growling. "No, I won't."

"This isn't about being honourable. I will go mad if this continues and you are sentenced to Azkaban. The bond can never be broken and we have underestimated it severely. I don't know what will come out of it, but please…if it means that I will have to live for the both of us, then so be it. It is easier than trying to stay afloat in this darkness, without knowing what might happen to you. I am offering you a chance out. But I guess if you are afraid then…."

The black eyes narrowed and within two steps Snape was standing before him, growling low in his throat. "I am never afraid, Potter!"

The black eyes were hard and unforgiving as they stared down into Harry's eyes. "You are a fool, Potter. Do you have any idea what you are asking?"

Harry took a deep breath through his sudden dry mouth. "I know what I am offering…or I have an idea at least."

Snape looked away for a moment before he glanced back. "This wasn't how I wanted this, you know, Harry. I wanted it differently, not in a dingy cold cell with the Headmistress standing outside. Certainly not whilst pressed for time and not knowing what will happen once the bond is consummated, are you sure?"

"We can make it more meaningful next time, Severus but really, I can't do this. It is driving me mad and perhaps if the bond works the right way, you'll have a chance for survival with your mind intact. It is not for me…." He realized he was stammering when a hand gently caught his chin and lifted his face.

"You have no idea what you are getting yourself into, Potter!" Snape whispered and Harry found himself breathless when lips folded over his own, forcing his lips apart so a coy and expert tongue could slid in between them and caress his own tongue.

Harry forgot about the darkness as his body began to throb with the delicious kiss. His eyes slid closed and arms wrapped around the broad shoulders of his bond mate. A hand tangled in his hair to push him deeper into the kiss and Harry made a sound in the back of his throat.

Snape broke the kiss to ask. "Are you sure?"

Harry could only nod, breathlessly; his voice had deserted him as his tongue darted out to lick his lips. He could still taste Snape upon his lips and the thin lips before him curled with amusement.

"We don't have the time for long exploring of the body, Harry, but trust me, once we get the chance to repeat the procedure and you would like to do it again, and then I might be in agreement to that. But know, it is not my desire to hurt you and once we begin, we cannot stop."

Harry could only give a nod. His heart was suddenly hammering and he wondered if this was such a good idea. He had assumed that Snape would struggle more and not give in so quickly.

He swallowed past the lump in his throat. He was excited, nervous and slightly frightened as well. Snape was waiting for him, glancing at him and then the older wizard kissed him again and Harry tried to respond. His mouth moved against the other wizard's and he swallowed the groan Snape made as his hand tangled in the dark, greasy hair of his bond mate.

Snape's hand on his back pulled him forward and they stumbled towards the cot. Harry pulled away when he needed to breathe. He stared at the dirty sheets and made a small sound of disappointment in the back of his throat. It was a torn sob and Harry could only now see how dirty everything was and Severus had to live here.

Hands unclasped the folding of his cloak and then spread it out over the dirty blankets. "The blankets are the least of our worries, Harry."

The cool hands ran up his back from underneath his shirt and Harry shivered. He turned and pressed himself against Snape, nose in the man's neck to try and inhale the scent that normally clung to his bond mate to comfort himself.

"Oh, brat…what are you asking of me?"

"No, I want to. I need to, please," Harry pleaded as he glanced up to meet the dark eyes.

"Very well then, but do not hold it against me if this does not go as you imagined it would be!" The voice was strict and Harry nodded, he closed his eyes.

Was this really what he wanted? Was it really worth it? Couldn't he just wait? But lips were nibbling on his own, hands seeking to relief him of his clothing and Harry knew he was safe. Snape would be gentle, however quick they had to be.

Warm lips nuzzled his throat and Harry arched his head back, this felt quite good actually, he could get used to it.

A bell chimed and Harry froze and Snape swore. "Dammit, 10 minutes left."

The older wizard glanced down. "I am sorry, Harry but we have to quicken the pace. Undress!"

Harry didn't even think not to obey.

What am I getting myself into? When have I become such a weakling? Perhaps because Harry's suffering was worse than knowing I can and will make him mine in the truest sense of the word?

Severus undid his cloak quickly, his shirt following. He was shivering with the coldness of the cell and once more cursed his lack of magic. What he wouldn't give for a warming spell? He kicked off his shoes, his socks following.

He glanced over his shoulder and froze. How could he have been so foolish? Potter was standing by the bed, naked and his back tense. There was blankness in Potter's pale face that Severus didn't like at all.

He felt something softening inside of him as Potter shied away from his gaze and then he turned his attention back to himself, undoing his belt and then with a loud sigh; he slid his trousers past his hips and stepped out of them. His fingers rested on his boxers before with a resultant nod of his dark head he pushed them away as well, revealing himself.

He turned and his lip curled. Potter's eyes were wide as they swept over Severus' half erect cock. Had the boy ever seen another cock in such a regard before? He approached Potter and he saw how the Adam's apple bobbled as Potter swallowed thickly.

Potter was smaller in the shoulders than him but his chest and stomach was flat. The pink nipples stood out and a small dark trail of hair was going from Potter's belly button down to his pubic hair. Out of the black curls a slender cock rose and Severus allowed his eyes to drift over it again before he glanced back up.

An eyebrow rose and Potter appeared to gain confidence as he stood a bit straighter. Severus pointed to the bed and Potter obeyed, sitting down.

"On your back, boy…."

"Can't I….?" Potter's voice was small and Severus understood what he was asking. He wanted to see.

"Very well, but you must do as I say. Do you have anything to….?"

"It is in my pocket." Potter's voice was losing confidence and as Severus watched as the younger wizard lay down, his hands quickly found the vial of lubricant. He sat down on his knees, hands spreading Potter's legs apart.

The green eyes were wide as if Potter couldn't believe this was happening. Severus leaned over and purred. "Do you fear me?"

"Yes," Potter choked out and his eyes slipped closer, one tear escaping.

"Do not. I will be gentle, that is a promise, Harry."

Harry opened his eyes to see Snape leaning over him. The man's thick cock was in the air and the slender body of his bond mate, the broad shoulders and the narrow hips was slightly intoxicating. The thin lips curled into a slight smile, not mocking but reassuring and the dark eyes were honest.

Harry knew that if there had been time then Snape would have allowed him to adjust and to take it step by step but there simply wasn't any time. Yet he couldn't help but keep thinking the words Snape had spoken the first time around.

Did he still disgust Snape?

"You are beautiful." The whispered words were so faint that Harry might have mistook them but the dark eyes passed over him before meeting his own again and then Snape kissed him with such a gentle kiss that Harry nearly wanted to cry out.

The kiss was deepened when Harry moaned as a finger tweaked his nipple, pinching it deliciously that it send shivers up and down his spine. His cock twitched and Harry pushed his knees further apart as he felt Snape's weight settle atop him.

The taller man fitted easily and one slender hand came to rest upon his inner thigh, making Harry squirm but Snape's hand didn't move, simply lying there as the other still toyed with his nipples. Harry bucked his hips against Snape's, causing the older man to growl and to break their kiss as he pulled away while biting Harry's lip.

"Eager, are we?"

Harry could only watch as with a smirk Snape pulled away to crouch between his legs again, slowly sliding his knees apart as he silently took the pillow to raise Harry's hips up. "It will be uncomfortable, Harry but I assure you, the pleasure far outweighs the pain."

Harry wondered what would be next when he mewled as fingers darted at his entrance, pushing in suddenly and he startled. A hand on his stomach kept him in place as Snape murmured. "Easy, brat, easy. I know, the first time isn't nice but it will pass."

"Please," He moaned and Snape leaned over, his lips covering Harry's to try and coax Harry's mind to someplace other than the pain. When the delicious nibbling began Harry wasn't nearly so distracted as when another finger joined the first.

His knees wrapped themselves around Snape's waist and the older wizard startled before settling back down on top of Harry. Harry's hand came to rest upon the thin ribs he could feel but the warmth was reassuring and it felt right.

The darkness was no longer the main focus, Snape was. Magic was swirling around them but Harry ignored it as the pain faded to a buzzing at the back of his mind before Snape broke the kiss as he said, pulling away to look Harry in the eye. "I am going to enter you, Harry, don't move unless I say so."

Harry nodded, biting his lip as the fingers withdrew and he moaned at the loss of contact. Something else, something far bigger was pushing at his entrance and then the next moment Harry nearly screamed, if Snape hadn't swooped in to drown the cry in a kiss as he pushed his tongue within Harry's mouth, while the thick cock pushed in.

Silent tears were making their way down his cheek even while Harry knew he had been prepared but not for this kind of pain. Snape pulled back, hands smoothing Harry's hair back as the Potions Master asked, still sheathed within Harry. "Are you all right?"

Harry could only nod breathlessly as he chewed on his lip.

"Talk to me, Harry."

"Please, this hurts."

"It will feel better in a moment," Snape chuckled softly, lips against Harry's cheek as the Potions Master began to move with a low thrust. The pain faded a little when suddenly Snape hit bundles of nerves that sent all of Harry's nerves endings on fire.

He saw stars and heard a low chuckle as his hands crept over Snape's buttocks, causing the older wizard to pause and to glance down at him. Harry squeezed, trying to urge Snape into a quicker pace.

"Not much time." He managed, out of breath and his bond mate gave a curt nod as he thrust again, deeper this time.

Harry found himself rising up, his eyes locked with dark ones as a hand wrapped around his cock. He moaned when the thrusts became more fantastic. They lost themselves in each other, unaware of the magic that danced around them and right before Harry was sure he was going to lose consciousness from the pleasure of it, something clicked into place and he wanted to cry out as Snape kissed him again and Harry saw stars as Snape climaxed, grunting low in his throat before collapsing on top of him.

He spilled himself over Snape's hand a moment later as he struggled to get his breathing under control. Snape's hand slipped and then the older wizard pulled away, easing out his limp cock as he rolled onto the floor.

Snape lay panting and Harry struggled to keep his eyes focussed and not slipping off into sleep. He rose, wincing at the soreness in his lower body. He didn't feel any different and he held out a hand for Snape as the older wizard glanced up at him before accepting it and allowing Harry to pull him to his feet.

Both got dressed silently and without looking at each other. Harry knew the time was nearly up but the awkwardness between him and Snape was disappointing and slightly terrifying.

Snape turned to him and Harry managed to keep from flinching as the older wizard tugged at his collar to straighten it. For a moment the warm palm lay warm against Harry's cheek and then Snape leaned in to place a soft peck on his lips. "It takes time for the bond to establish, whatever bond there is now between us but it has been consummated. I think by this time tomorrow we will know what will happen now."

"You mean if the bond has been cut off or has grown stronger?" Harry gazed up and Snape nodded, kissing him lightly again.

"Go, Mr Potter, before I change my mind and decide to keep you here as a pillow." Snape handed him his wand and the moment Harry's hand wrapped around it, magic crackled through the air between them and Harry's breathing caught as a delightful feeling settled in his stomach.

"Restored magic, it is coming back little by little." Snape nodded at him and Harry threw all caution to the wind as he wrapped his arms around the surprised Potions Master and rested his cheek against the thin chest of Snape for a blissful moment.

The next moment he pushed away and he saw as the mask slid back into place. He might not know Snape any better than this morning but the bond had been consummated and nobody, regardless of what would happen, could take that away and as he glanced back one last time at his bond mate, he knew as the door banged shut behind him, he would face whatever was coming with his head held high.

I hope you liked it. Wow, that was a ride. I hope I didn't disappoint

your too much with the short sex scene. This story is far from over yet. Of course not only the trial but also Harry and Snape will need to make this marriage work, but will they succeed? Review of course.

The next chapter: Harry goes home to Spinner's End but how will everybody respond when the bond has finally been consummated? How will the bond have changed between Harry and Snape? And what if Draco Malfoy comes to call in a favour for Harry to aid him with his trial? Will Severus be in even more trouble as his name is connection with the Malfoy trial as well? That and more in the next chapter: Trouble Never Sleeps.