Disclaimer: Neither Acherona nor trulywicked have any claim on Harry Potter or any characters or locations thereof.
Warnings: Angst, lots of it, Male Pregnancy, mental torture, infant in peril, boys in love, friendships broken and new friends gained. Disregards canon in so many ways.
MOCKINGBIRD
Chapter Eleven.
Severus Snape was having a bad day. No scratch that, it was a hellish day. This day of the week was when he was stuck with the third and fourth year students and true to form at least seven cauldrons had blown up, necessitating infirmary visits. He had also been in pain all day, his muscles tensing in preparation for a massive cramp and his nerve endings screaming at even the slightest brush against him. It was from the lingering effects of Nagini's venom and was also the reason he'd canceled his usual summer trip. It would take another year for his system to return to normal and he didn't want to have an episode while in the middle of a jungle, far away from medical assistance. Right now all he wanted to do was to get into his bed, take the medicinal potion that would hopefully stave off the episode that was building, and sleep until morning. The Head Table could live without him for one dinner.
Remus looked around waiting for Severus to show up but as the students fell in and started to eat it became quite clear that the potions professor wasn't coming. A tight knot of worry formed in his stomach and he only waited for the meal to be over so that he could go check on the other. Teddy was still with his Grandmother and Harry had spoken to him earlier. Remus was honored and proud to teach Harry a bit of the basics of caring for a baby, he had no doubt that Harry would do brilliantly when the time came.
As soon as the plates vanished Remus was on his feet and with a quick nod goodbye to the Headmistress he shot down the stairs to the dungeons and he knocked softly on Severus' door.
Black eyes cracked open and the potion master made a soft pained groan as he managed to roll himself out of bed. He only wore his silk dressing gown and personally he swore that if it was a student pestering him he was going to hex them into oblivion. He was hurting too much right now to be tactful, nice or even marginally pleasant. He yanked the door open, eyes shooting daggers until he noticed who it was standing on the other side, "Remus? Is there a problem?"
Remus' eyes raked over the body in front of him before he could help himself and snap his eyes up to meet Severus' dark ones. "I was worried, wanted to make sure you're okay." He looked closer at the other and noticed the drawn lines of his face and the shadows in his eyes. "Are you alright Severus? Is there anything I can do?"
It was a testament to years of control and spying that he didn't snap and snarl at the other man. Instead he lifted a brow and leaned on the doorjamb, "It's been a trying day is all." He felt the muscles in his back beginning to draw up tight and knew that if he didn't get back into the bed soon he'd be convulsing on the floor. "All I require is some rest." He'd apologize for being short tomorrow but right now he needed to lie down before his pride took a nose dive and he collapsed to the floor at the werewolf's feet.
"Okay, sorry to have bothered you." Remus said but his eyes narrowed. He knew Severus was lying. Almost thirty-five years of searing, burning pain once a month made him recognize the signs. He wanted to push but he couldn't, not if Severus was in pain. Better to leave it for another day. "Rest well then Severus."
The other man nodded, "I will see you tomorrow then." He half turned and reached for the doorknob when it struck. Every muscle in his body seemed to draw up into one giant massive tight knot all at the same time and his nerves lit on fire. He fell to the floor, agony blazing through him though the only sound he made was a sharp hiss through his teeth so as not to scream and drawn anyone else's attention.
"Oh you stubborn, insufferable man." Remus pushed the door open and kneeled at Severus' sides. "Bite down now, I'll help you to bed." He winced at the shudder that went through Severus as the merest touch but Remus knew it would only get worse for Severus' if he stayed on the floor. Thanking his werewolf strength Remus hoisted Severus up and carried him into the inner room of his quarters, laying him down on the bed. He saw the muscles spasm and draw up and without hesitation he started to rub them, trying to make them relax. "I'm sorry, I know it hurts but it will be better later."
The potion master just made a pained groan and focused on riding out the waves of agony. The competent hands digging at his muscles to relieve the cramps would eventually be successful he knew from his experience at St. Mungos but until then the firm touch felt like a hot brand laid on his skin, his nerve endings screaming. It was as bad as the Cruciatus without the known relief of the curse being lifted. It could go on for anywhere from ten minutes to two hours depending on the severity of the attack and he'd be unable to move until it ended. He closed his eyes, aware that tears were leaking from behind his eyelids but not particularly caring.
Remus knew pain but seeing this strong, capable and proud man suffering under it almost made his heart break. Not because he thought it made Severus weaker in any way but because he thought Severus had already been through enough, he didn't deserve this. He continued rubbing and massaging, hoping the cramps would give soon so that Severus got some relief. "I'm so sorry you have to go through this Severus and I wish I could take the pain away." His voice was soft and soothing, the same tone he used when he tried to lull Teddy to sleep or kiss a booboo better.
Snape made a sound that even through his pain sounded sarcastic and managed to force two words out of his throat, "Bleeding...heart." He viewed these episodes as a sort of penance for his mistakes, for the deaths his mistakes had caused and for the deaths he'd been personally responsible for. Really viewing them as such was all that kept him sane with each episode because if he didn't believe he deserved the pain he'd have lost his mind trying to find a way to justifying continuing to live through it.
"I'm not a bleeding heart to have simple compassion and I still say you don't deserve this. I know you don't believe me but you are a good man Severus Snape and I am proud to know you." Remus Accioed a vial of oil from his own chambers, something that made the day after his transformations a little bit easier. He spread it over his hands and went back to his attempt to uncoil the struggling muscles.
The potion master just made a sound that bordered on humorless laugh and continued to breathe through the pain. His muscles were slowly responding to Remus' ministrations and one by one they relaxed and unknotted until he could reach down and grab the werewolf's hand in a loose grip. "Enough," his voice was cracked and rough from the strain of holding back screams. He let his hand fall back onto the bed. His muscles were no longer cramping but his nerve endings were still raw and felt exposed. He gestured to his bedside table, "The green bottle in the drawer, please."
Remus removed his hands, pushing down the regret at not being able to touch any longer. He wiped his hands on his robes and reached into the drawer for the green bottle. "Do you need help drinking it?"
"No," Severus held out his hand, noting that it shook with a fine tremor.
Ignoring the slight shakes Remus placed the bottle in Severus' hand. "Here you are then."
"Thank you," he uncorked it and downed the potion within in one go, sighing as he felt the effects start soothing his nerves. "How long?"
"Not too long, about twenty minutes I would say. From your expression I see it's been worse at times." Remus looked down at his hands. "I'm really sorry I came by and got you out of bed."
"Don't be. You were concerned and you should never be sorry for concern." Severus closed his eyes again, "It was bound to happen again eventually in any case."
"Still sorry." Remus moved up the bed and stroked the hair out of Severus' forehead and eyes. "Get some sleep now and take tomorrow off. I can cover your classes and before you get your pants in a twist I won't have them brewing anything. It will be a purely theoretical lesson. You need to rest and I want you well and healthy."
He shook his head wearily, feeling the sleeping part of the potion start to take effect, "No need to substitute. I'll be back to normal tomorrow, I always...am." He could admit to himself that the gentle hand felt good now that his body was cooperating and his nerve endings weren't compounding sensations until they were painful.
"Stubborn...You will rest tomorrow even if I have to tie you down and sit on you." Amber eyes narrowed as Remus sighed. "For now though I will leave you to your rest. Sleep well Severus and get better." Remus let his hand fall away and got up from the bed.
"Nnn, stay," half out of his mind and almost asleep, his hand managed to snag the hem of the werewolf's robes.
"Oh Severus, I bet you'll regret this in the morning." Remus couldn't push down his own wishes to stay though so he kicked of his shoes and took off his tie before he slid into the bed behind Severus and slipped his arms around the other man. "Sleep now."
"Hmm," warm, exhausted, comfortable and under the potion's influence, he did as told and slipped into a mercifully dreamless sleep.
Burying his nose in the crook of Severus' neck Remus inhaled the other man's spicy scent and closed his eyes. He fell asleep wishing it wasn't just the pain and the potion that was talking, wishing that Severus wanted him there as much as Remus wanted him.
OoOoOoOoO
The first thing Severus noticed the next morning as he slowly regained consciousness was that he was warmer than he ever was in his dungeon quarters. The next was that there were arms wrapped around him and someone breathing on his neck. His eyes shot open and he jerked into a sitting position, pulling out of the arms and turning to see who was in his bed with him, nearly gaping as he saw Remus Lupin. He remembered the other man helping him through an episode but, how had the werewolf come to bloody cuddle him through the night?
Used to be woken early by a small ball of energy, Remus' eyes shot open when Severus moved and he looked at the other man carefully as he reached up to rub the sleep out of his eyes. "Good morning, how are you feeling today? Any lingering pain or discomfort?" He brought his hand down over his mouth to cover a yawn.
A black brow rose at the other man's ease in this position, "Sore but then that is quite typical of an episode." He poked at his own mind and managed to unearth a vague memory of asking Remus to stay. Bloody hell he hoped he hadn't revealed his infatuation with Lupin as well. He had no desire to be pitied for an unrequited attraction.
Remus sat up in the bed and stretched to get his muscles working, he wasn't as young as he used to be and a life full of transformations made it difficult to simply roll out of bed first thing. "Good, I'm glad you're feeling better. You're still going to take the day off though." Sharp amber eyes turned on Severus. "I'm fully willing to go through with my threat to tie you down." There was a ball of disappointment lodged in Remus' throat, he had hoped against hoped that maybe Severus had meant something when he asked him to stay but today it seemed as if Severus didn't want to mention it at all. Remus was a fool to even hope and he knew it. He was a middle-aged werewolf with a child...Not exactly the grand prize. Severus could do so much better than him anyway so it was best to pretend like nothing and at least keep the other's friendship.
"I would like to see you try Remus. I am far from being easy to subdue." The potion master slid off the bed and rolled his shoulders, taking a few steps to assess his body. "I have been teaching after episodes like this all year and I am not the type to be idle." He moved towards his bathroom, intent on scrubbing off yesterday's scum and potion residue.
Quick as the wolf that lived inside him Remus was off the bed, grabbed Severus, pushed him back among the sheets and straddled him. "See I'm trying...You look pretty subdued to me." There was a flash of smile. "I know you're capable of teaching today but what's wrong with accepting a little help once and a while. Use the day to go through your notes or work on your own potions but let me handle the kids for one day so you can have some peace." He looked down at Severus intently, trying not to focus on the strong, lean body underneath him.
Dark eyes narrowed, he was never one to simply back down in a challenge and he was not what you'd call fond of being pinned. Snape arched, flipped over beneath Remus, bucked him half-off then used his legs to sweep the werewolf from the bed before moving into a crouch and staring down at Lupin. He had a moment of distraction, taking note of how good the other man looked tousled and rumpled, before bringing his attention back to the subject at hand, "I am a creature of habit and routine and I am not particularly keen on letting a minor episode disrupt that routine. It is Friday; I can rest and seek my peace this weekend."
Remus' eyes flashed before he let out a sigh, the tousling with the other man had left him with a 'problem' and he didn't want Severus to know. Moony howled his approval at the other's strength and speed and Remus couldn't deny that the man found it hot as hell either. "Fine, fine you stubborn creature. I can't force you to do anything so I'll leave you to do whatever you wish." Remus got up from the floor and made sure his robes covered his groin area.
Severus moved off the bed, again, and straightened his dressing gown. "Remus, thank you for the offer regardless."
"Hmm." Remus was in too deep; he couldn't keep his eyes off Severus, that pale skin and sinewy muscles. He had to get out of there before he made a complete idiot out of himself. "Well I should go get ready for the day, floo Teddy before breakfast. See you later." He escaped through the door before he said anything he couldn't take back.
Snape sighed and rubbed the back of his neck before heading to the shower. He was just stepping out of the bathroom with a towel round his hips when the door opened and his godson stepped in.
"Dear Merlin save us all my eyes!" Draco turned sharply to face the door rather than his nearly naked godfather with a shudder. "Bloody hell Uncle Severus why in Circe's name are you just now getting out of the shower?"
The professor glared at his godson's back before moving to his wardrobe, "I had a difficult night and then had to deal with a concerned colleague this morning. Is there a particular reason you're in my quarters before breakfast?"
"I was sent, well bullied into it, as an emissary to request use of the Slytherin common room in one month's time for a party."
Snape zipped up his trousers, slipped on a dark green shirt, pulled his vested under robe over it, charmed the buttons to do themselves up, and then donned his voluminous outer robe. "You can turn round now you little pest." he moved to sit and put on his shoes. "Precisely why are you wishing to host a party in the common room that needs my permission?"
"It's a baby shower for Harry." Draco turned around cautiously; leaning on the wall and watching his godfather complete his morning routine when he saw that the man was indeed clothed.
The potion master took up a bottle of his protective hair oil and began combing it in. "Again, why does this need my permission?"
"Because two Gryffindors, the Weasley family sans Ronald, the entire staff, Viktor Krum, the Headmistress of Beauxbatons, the Delacour family, the Minster of Magic, Mr. Ollivander, Oliver Wood, Alicia Spinnet, Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell, two bloody mad house elves, and Andromeda Tonks have all been invited. It's either the Slytherin common room or Harry takes us on a tour of the Chamber of Secrets for the baby shower." Draco had to hide his amusement as in mid-recital his godfather had stopped what he'd been doing and turned to just stare at him.
"And Minerva has agreed to all the outside people on the grounds? Wait, don't answer that. She'd likely let a nundu in if Potter requested it, especially now." He finished greasing his hair and eyed his godson, "You mean I'm invited to this infernal thing as well?"
"You are staff are you not?" Draco studied him a bit more closely, "Difficult night you said? You had another episode didn't you? And you're getting ready to teach today?!"
He raised a brow at the blond, "That was my plan yes."
"Uncle Severus you have to stop doing this! Yes I know," he lowered his voice and mimicked the older man, "'I am perfectly capable of handling my classes after an episode Draco. It is not detrimental to my health.' No it's not but it is bloody well detrimental to your recovery. You'd recover much faster if you rested after an episode rather than jumping right back into your normal activity. The St. Mungos healers told you that, Madam Pomfrey told you that and you yourself came to that conclusion so why won't you rest?"
"Is there another potion master in this school Draco?"
The blond narrowed his eyes, "No but there's a bloody apprentice who can very well handle the first and second years, which I do believe are on today's agenda."
"First Remus now you, I am perfectly able to teach my own classes."
"What do you mean 'First Remus now you'? Professor Lupin was here? He offered to take over?"
"Yes, teaching only the theory but yes and I'll tell you as I did hi-m," black eyes widened as a wand was quickly drawn and he found himself bound to his own bed in a pair of soft flannel pajamas. He narrowed his eyes, "Draco you will release me, immediately."
"No I don't think I will. You're resting and I'm using enough binding spells that even you will find it utterly impossible to break out of them all before Madam Pomfrey gets here." He cast a silencing charm on his godfather and the layers of binding spells, "And by the time she does the Headmistress will be informed that you are ailing, Professor Lupin will be recruited to help me keep the little monkeys under control, and you will be forced to get some much needed rest." Draco called a house elf to please go fetch Madam Pomfrey, finished binding his godfather, and strolled out the door before breaking into a run to get to the Headmistress before Snape could break free. He'd have to apologize to Harry for ruining the plan to host the shower in the common room but he was sure the brunette would understand.
Only staff had made it to the Great Hall for breakfast so far and both the Headmistress and Remus looked up when Draco Malfoy came tearing in like he was chased by the devil himself. Remus had never seen the young Malfoy heir as anything but calm, cool and collected other than the night of the final battle and to see him here with flushed cheeks as he tried to regain his breath sent a shiver of fear down Remus' spine. "Are you alright Mr. Malfoy...Has anything happened to Harry? To the baby?" Remus was out of his seat in a second.
"Yes Mr. Malfoy, please explain what has you running at breakneck speed through the halls of Hogwarts." Minerva's voice was stern as usual but the worry in her eyes betrayed her, she was just as concerned about what had happened to make Draco act so out of character as Remus was.
The blond smoothed his hands over his robes to straighten them, "No Harry's fine. Professor Snape needs to take the day off Headmistress McGonagall," he lowered his voice so only the stern woman and Remus could hear him, "He had an episode and he really needs to rest. I told him that I could teach the first and second years the practical if Professor Lupin can be there to keep them all controlled and teach the theory."
Surprisingly the first thing Remus felt was anger, why would his mate listen to a student over him, even if said student was also his godson? Then came shock, Remus could actually feel the blood draining from his face. Mate!? Where in the name of the four founders had that come from? Remus had made it almost forty years without a mate, he'd been married, he had a child for goodness sake. Remus had always known he swung both ways and he'd had both girlfriends and boyfriends but that one soul that was meant just for him, he had never thought he'd find it. Now he had no idea what to do, Moony growled to him that he should take action, claim and keep but for the man it wasn't that simple.
"Of course Mr. Malfoy, it is good that professor Snape rests. Are you okay with covering potions together with Mr. Malfoy Remus?" Minerva turned to the chalk white professor.
"What?...Oh of course, I've already offered. I only have one DADA class today and it doesn't cut in with the potion classes so it should go perfectly well." Remus replied when the Headmistress started to look at him funny.
Draco smiled at him, "Brilliant, now once he gets out of the body binds there's nothing he can do but rest..." he trailed off when both of them looked at him oddly, "What? He's my godfather, it's my solemn duty to make sure he recovers swiftly even if that means putting him in a body bind while his back is turned and going over his head to make sure he rests when he should."
Okay so Severus hadn't agreed when he said no to Remus, that made both the man and the wolf feel better but now he couldn't help but wonder how Severus was doing. His mood could not be very pleasant after such a jump on him. It made the corners of Remus' mouth twitch.
One of Minerva's eyebrows disappeared underneath her pointed hat as she regarded the young Malfoy with both disapproval and amusement. "I see, well since it was for a good cause I will let it slide but if I hear of any other attacks on this school's staff back turned or not I will dock Slytherin so many points your grandchildren will struggle to catch up. Is that clear Mr. Malfoy?"
"Perfectly Headmistress. Oh, one other thing, just in case they haven't gotten round to asking yet, the ladies are planning a baby shower for Harry and the guest list...well it's massive and I doubt that Professor Snape will cheerily agree to the Slytherin common room hosting it. Would you happen to know of anywhere that we can hold it other than the Room of Requirements?"
"The Room of Requirements is not fit to be used anyway, our restoration team hasn't made it to that room yet so you wouldn't be able to keep a party there." Minerva fixed him with a stern stare. "Really though Mr. Malfoy, It's your seventh year and quite bright if I have been told correctly. A simple expansion spell would take care of any troubles and you'd be able to use any room. We are wizards after all. I suggest the old Charms classroom on the third floor though, it's out of use so you can decorate it as you please in advance and it's at the end of a hallway so you should have some privacy."
"Thank you. You'll have to excuse my momentary lapse in intelligence, I have four young women prodding me over this and every other detail...it's a bit confusing."
Minerva's expression softened. "Well get used to it Mr. Malfoy, woman are always confusing and that's just how it should be." She looked up as students started to fill in and sit at their tables. "I trust you sent Madam Pomfrey to look on professor Snape?" At Malfoy's nod she gave a pleased nod. "In that case go have some breakfast, I'll let the professors know that you're filling in teaching today and I'll have a classmate bring you today's assignments at the end of the day." She sat back down in her seat as a sign that the conversation was over.
"Thank you," Draco caught sight of Harry walking in between Blaise and Pansy and went over to sit next to him at the Slytherin, "Sorry I was gone this morning, I went to ask Uncle Severus about the common room and well...things happened. Pans you don't mind bringing me today's assignments do you? I offered to teach the first and second years the practical aspect of potions today."
"Of course I don't mind," Pansy shook her head. "Is professor Snape alright?" He might be tough and snarky but Snape was very much liked by the students of his house.
"He's fine, just a bit worn out. If he'd bother to actually rest when he needs it he'd be even better," Draco scowled and tapped a finger on the table. He'd have to teach Professor Lupin how to get the drop on his godfather just in case. "He'll be in a foul mood next apprenticeship lesson though so if I return looking ragged, you'll know why."
Pansy nodded, knowing that Draco told the truth. If Draco had somehow forced Snape to rest then their potions professor would take it out on his arse next lesson. Snape did believe in Tit for Tat after all.
"Don't worry; I'll take care of you." Harry leaned over to rest his lips by Draco's ear. "A rubdown maybe..."
The gray eyes widened and Draco shifted as his body responded enthusiastically to that sexy little murmur. He turned his head and looked into gleaming green eyes and deliberately purred back, "Don't make promises you might not keep pet."
"As bloated as I am at the moment there's nothing wrong with my hands...See." Harry wiggled his fingers enthusiastically. "So no reason what so ever that I shouldn't be able to keep my promise. Besides I love touching you, your skin...So smooth, it's like running my fingers over heated silk."
Draco caught the brunette's hand and pressed a kiss to the center of it, "You're a naughty man Harry Potter and it's enchanting."
Harry gave him a wide grin. "Sometimes it's nice to be naughty and you have no idea how naughty I can really be." Honestly Harry didn't have any idea how to be naughty or seductive but it was nice to flirt, to be able to feel a little bit naughty if nothing else.
Draco leaned in close so his breath ghosted over Harry's ear, "I look forward to finding out."
Harry flushed and was about to reply when Pansy made a gagging noise.
"Please children, not at the breakfast table when Mummy is trying to eat. You can have your playtime later when Mummy is either asleep or dead drunk, whatever comes first." She reached for the jam pot and spread a generous layer of blackberry jam over her toast.
Draco pulled away and smirked at Pansy, "You, milady, are just jealous that your own beau is currently sitting over at the Gryffindor table and therefore you're unable to make him blush."
"Damn right I'm jealous." Pansy pouted and looked over at the Gryffindor table. "If anyone can be naughty it's me...You all know that but that...Bloody gentleman won't let me show it."
Blaise buttered a popover, "Patience piccolo fiore, a little time and I'm sure you'll be able to be as naughty as you like. They do say that it is always the quiet ones do they not? A little patience and perhaps Neville shall be the one making you blush."
Draco lifted a brow, "I would pay to see that."
She stuck her tongue out at him. "I know Neville is worth waiting for and I want it all with him, not just a romp but by Salazar my lady bits ache when I'm with him and toys only get you so far." Pansy sighed deeply and went back to her toast. Ignoring the giant size of Harry's eyes and his flushed cheeks as he listened.
Both Draco and Blaise were far, far too used to her to even react beyond Draco reaching over and patting her head, "There there dearest, they say waiting builds character."
"They say poverty builds character too, feel like trying it?" She gave his cashmere sweater a pointed glare and spread more jam on her toast. If she couldn't get nookie she could at least have sugar.
"Not if I can avoid it, which thankfully, due to my massive personal vault, thank you Grandfather Abraxas, I can." He pulled out his wand, flicked it, and had a jar of Nutella spread sitting in front of Pansy, "Try that Mademoiselle Grouchy-Pants."
"Oooh thank you" She reached for the jar greedily and grabbed another piece of toast. "So much better than jam."
Harry shook his head in amusement. Pansy was like no other but Harry wouldn't want her any other way.
Draco reached for some French toast, "You're welcome. Oh about the location of the baby shower, we've been given use of the old Charms classroom on the third floor and told to use expansion charms." He glanced over at Harry who was picking at his eggs, "Is something wrong pet?"
"No, nothing's wrong. I'm just not in the mood for eggs and toast." Harry picked at the eggs some more before he called for a House Elf, he whispered in its big, floppy ear and the elf nodded and disappeared with a loud pop. Shortly afterwards another plate appeared in front of Harry and he tucked in happily. Spreading the canned peaches on the blood pudding making sure that the pickles were present before dunking the whole dish in hot sauce. "There, that's more like it."
Blaise looked at the plate with horror and pushed his own plate away, his appetite gone as he watched Harry scoop up the vile concoction into his mouth with obvious enjoyment.
Draco had to clear his throat and take a sip of water as the hot sauce fumes made his nose twitch, "Well that kills that rumor."
"Hmm? What rumor?" Harry licked a drop of hot sauce away from the corner of his mouth as he looked at Draco questioningly.
"Excuse me, I need to go and...Toss my cookies." Pansy hurriedly ran from the table, slightly green in the face.
The blonds' lips twitched as Blaise soon followed her, "The traditional craving is supposed to be pickles and ice cream. You're missing half the equation."
"No I'm not." Harry grinned and shoved a forkful of blood pudding and peaches into his mouth. "Last night when you all had fallen asleep I was in the kitchen having a fish sticks, ice cream and chocolate syrup snack."
Draco's shoulder's shook and he dropped his forehead into his hand as he chuckled, "You're one of a kind pet. Just don't ask me to kiss you before you brush your teeth after one of these cravings."
"Since we haven't even kissed yet I'll take my chances. Besides, they're not that gross are they...The cravings I mean." Harry looked down at his plate; he couldn't see what the big deal was.
He looked at his...boyfriend was it? "Not too terribly in my view but it's not a flavor combination I'd like to experience even vicariously," he reached over and played with the hair at the back of the brunette's neck, "You eat what you like pet and whatever the baby tells you to, it's what you and Squiggles need."
Harry smiled at him gratefully and finished his meal before he picked up his wand and cast the strongest mouth cleaning charm that he knew, it left his gums tingling and his breath minty fresh. Then he leaned forward and placed his lips against Draco's in a very chaste kiss. "There, perfectly kissing safe." Harry got up from the table. "I need to get to Magical History before I'm late, good luck teaching."
The blond watched him go, one hand rising to his lips. He knew the tingling he felt had absolutely nothing to do with the hot sauce the brunette had ingested and everything to do with Harry. His mouth curved up in what knew was a stupid grin that he suspected would make an appearance every now and again throughout the day. His inner child was positively gleeful; dancing round and singing 'He kissed me! He kissed me!' over and over again. He shook his head clear and got up to head to the potions class room to start setting up for the day.
To Be Continued…