Disclaimer: Never was mine / Never will be mine I am making no money from this story. Everything belongs to JK Rowling and Warner Bros.

Beta read by the great JediCandy.

Chapter Eleven – He Never Knew.

September had generally been a pretty shitty month for Harry and he was glad it was coming to an end. The fatigue was getting better, he was feeling more in balance with himself and it had shown in his school marks. All of his Professors had remarked that he had gotten a lot better after a shaky start to the year. He was even looking forward to his final in-depth project for Defence against the Dark Arts. They had to choose a subject, research it and do some kind of demonstration with it; you were even allowed to work in pairs or groups if you wanted to. All he had to do was choose his subject matter; he was playing with a few ideas in his head. His only real remaining problem was Severus. Harry had gone and done the stupidest thing ever, he had gone and fallen in love with the man!

Ron teased him mercilessly but it was done in good humour. Hermione thought it was terribly romantic, she liked to call it a tragic love story. Harry just called it typical of his life, no matter what he wanted it was always just beyond his reach; however he was determined to find out if, maybe, Severus had feelings of more then friendship for him. He was going to use what the sorting hat had claimed it had seen, his Slytherin cunning, and try to find out, first of all, if Severus was even gay. When he told his friends of his plans, Ron predictably laughed and Hermione ran to the library. He wondered briefly if there was a sexual orientation list in which all the witches and wizards were recorded. Then he realised that was preposterous. He would just ask her when she came back; it was the easiest way.

***

Harry and Ron were finishing up some homework when Hermione came up to them with a grin. It was rather Slytherin-esque. "My room. Now!"

They did as she ordered; that is how they found themselves spread across her bed while she was going through the big, dusty, old book she had returned with from the library as she sat at her desk.

"Harry, I did a little research for you."

"On what, Mione?"

"You and Snape."

"How?"

"This book, Harry, is the list of all the school rules. It says that if a student is of age, he or she can have a relationship with a member of staff as long as both parties are willing participants and are discrete."

"The most shocking thing, I think, is that you haven't read that book for fun before and that you needed to get it out of the library!" Ron said, in a matter of fact tone. Harry couldn't help but snigger.

"For your information, Ronald Weasley, I have read it before back in our first year. I thought it was beneficial to become aware of all the school rules. I was just checking back on my facts so I could give Harry the correct information!" Hermione had managed to say all of that in the haughtiest of voices Harry had ever heard.

"Well, that told me, mate."

"Yeah, I suppose. And you're in trouble because she called you Ronald!"

"I guess I'll have to use the famous Weasley charm to get out of this one." He wiggled his eyebrows up and down causing Harry to laugh.

"If you two are quite finished," she was rolling her eyes, "Harry, don't you see there is nothing stopping you going after Snape except, well, Snape himself?"

"Yeah, but how do I show him I'm interested? I don't think it would work if I just walked up to him and said 'hi, Severus. I think I'm in love with you. Fancy a snog?' I don't think that would go down well, do you?"

"Love, mate? I thought you just fancied him." Harry blushed at what Ron had said; he had forgotten to censor his words.

"Harry, I didn't realise your feelings for Professor Snape were quite that deep. Are you sure?" Trust Hermione to ask questions and check that all the facts were in place before she actually commented on something.

"Yes, I'm sure. But how do I get him to notice?"

"Simple, mate. Buy him a gift or something. It's a Hogsmeade weekend in a couple of days so either buy him something for helping you or buy him something for his birthday." Ron said.

"Ron, you're a genius! That's a bloody brilliant idea! Oh, but I don't know when his birthday is,"

"Have you only just realised that I'm a genius?" He actually sounded affronted.

"Harry, why don't you ask Professor Dumbledore? I'm sure he won't mind telling you and if it isn't his birthday soon, do what Ron suggested and give him a gift to say thank you for the summer and all the help he has been giving you."

Harry grinned. That was exactly what he was going to do; first thing in the morning he would try to get an appointment with Dumbledore for later that day. After all, Professor Dumbledore had always said his door was open to him for a chat and a cup of tea. He thought it was time he took his Headmaster up on the invitation; after all it had been nearly seven years.

***

Harry was in a large, dark, circular room. The only light was from the fireplace and two lit torches on either side of the big double doors. He sensed that he was not alone. He turned around to find himself faced with three young men kneeling before him. He recognised one to be Marcus Flint. The other two he knew, he had seen them around school a year or two ago. One was a Ravenclaw, if he remembered correctly. They seemed to be fearful of him. He wondered why until he spoke words that he had no control over.

"You have made your families proud tonight, passing your initiations and proving yourself worthy to be in my service." Harry's voice was raspy and harsh. With dread filling his mind, he realised where he was.

"Tonight, you will recive my mark. It will stay with you forever, serving you as a reminder as to whom you belong. You will be rewarded with riches and power, if you serve me well. But know that you will be punished if you disappoint me for I do not accept failure." Harry started to pace up and down in front of the three young men.

"You are the first of my new generation of Death Eaters. Others will follow in your footsteps as my power grows. When our numbers are sufficient, we will strike and take the Wizarding world back from the mudbloods and half-breeds that that old fool Dumbledore had put in charge. You will help me rid the world of that nuisance brat, Harry bloody Potter. You will be my first line of defence and attack. Step forward and embrace your destiny!"

The three boys stood and took the few remaining steps to bring them closer to their new master. Even if they were having second thoughts it was now too late, their fate had been sealed. They each bared their left forearms to him. Harry wanted to scream at them, tell them that they were ruining their lives and that they were stupid and that they should run and hide. But he had no control over what he was doing. He lifted his wand and started to say an incantation he had never heard before. He then he raised his left hand and lightning seemed to erupt from his fingertips as more words were chanted. This time he recognised the language as parseltongue. His wand touched Flint's forearm even as he wrapped his lightning covered hand around it, chanting continuously. Harry could hear screams of pain from Flint and he felt a connection being made from the dark mark that now graced Flint's forearm to his master. The pain was unbearable; his head felt as though it was going to explode and the burning on his arm was quite beyond belief.

***

His screaming had woken his dorm mates. Ron immediately sprang into action, calling to Dean to go get McGonagall. He rushed to his friend's bedside and tried to pin him down so he would not do any damage to himself. Ron had not been woken like this in some time; not since Harry had gotten a better grip on occlumency last year. It still happened every now and again, though. Harry's screams had died down to whimpers interspersed with the occasional sob. He smoothed his friend's hair and whispered comforting words to him. He heard McGonagall enter and gasp.

"Mister Weasley! How long has Potter screaming?"

"A few minuets Ma'am. I can't get him to wake up. I think he is still in some pain, though"

"Merlin help the poor boy! I will take him to the hospital wing to be checked over, I want the rest of you to return to bed."

"But…"

"No 'but's' Mister Weasley. You can see Potter in the morning. Now goodnight, gentlemen." Minerva levitated Harry out of his dorm and to the hospital wing. She left him in the very capable hands of Poppy and went to see Albus.

***

Harry awoke in an unfamiliar bed hearing voices talking quietly behind the curtain. 'Oh great' he thought, the hospital wing. Why? Then it all came back to him; the placing of the dark mark on Marcus Flint's arm. His Voldemort visions were quite rare these days. He only suffered them now and again but when he did, boy did he feel it! His head was throbbing with a dull ache and his left arm was so tender he winced when he moved it. He must have made a noise because the talking stopped and the curtain was pulled back to reveal Madame Pomfrey, Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. They looked at him expectantly and Harry knew it was time to give his report, so he did. What surprised him the most was the relief he felt when Severus had come in half way through his telling of Voldemort's latest exploits. His heart had skipped a beat when he saw the man. He also felt a little safer having him in the room.

***

Harry finished his report, aware that everything he had told them had not been of any tactical importance, and was waiting for them all to leave because of this. He was a little thrilled when Severus had stayed behind, after the others had left.

"Severus, did you bring the salve I ask for?" Pomfrey asked him.

"Yes, but why did you need a burn salve?" Harry saw him glance over to him with a perplexed expression on his face.

"If you will excuse me, Severus, I need to see to Mister Potter." the tone was obviously one of dismissal.

"If you don't mind, Poppy, I would like to see Mister Potter after you are done with him."

Harry's heart was close to bursting at hearing Severus say those words. He was hurting and in pain and he wanted to be comforted by him.

"Severus, really! I think it can wait until morning. The boy is hurt and…"

"Madame Pomfrey, I'm okay, really. I would like to speak to Professor Snape," Harry interrupted her before she became too much like a mother hen.

"Fine, but Severus, you need to wait outside until I am done and then you can stay for only a short time, Mister Potter needs his rest." Severus left the area and Poppy went about applying the burn salve to his left arm. Once applied, she covered the area with bandages, "Don't let Professor Snape bully you, do you hear me?

Harry smiled, "I won't!"

***

A few minutes after she had left, Harry saw Severus re-enter. He sat down in the chair next to his bed. Harry watched as Severus gave him the once over, his eyes stopping at his bandaged left forearm. His eyes widened and, if possible, he seemed to pale a few more shades.

"It's not permanent," Harry ventured.

"Oh, Merlin! Please don't tell me that's…"

"No!" Harry interrupted quickly. He guessed what Severus had been thinking, "It's shaped a little like it, I guess, but it's just a burn. Madame Pomfrey reckons there should be no scarring, the burn salve should heal it all up."

"How?"

Harry told Severus everything that had happened in his dream, including all the pain and fear he had felt. He didn't know why he was giving Severus such a detailed account when he had only told the others the bare facts. He decided it was because Severus could sympathise with and would understand the pain more then the others, considering both of them had been through it. When he finished talking, he was unable to hold back the tears he had been fighting since he had awoken. He refused to break down into sobs but a few tears did leak down his cheeks. He immediately felt better when Severus reached out and brushed the tears away.

"I'm so sorry, Harry, that you ever had to experience something like that," he truly did sound sad and regretful.

"It's not your fault, Severus." He meant it, too. It wasn't his fault, but something was gnawing away at him and he needed to know so he decided to ask. If he wanted to try and pursue something more then friendship with this man, then there was something he needed to know. "Was it like that for you?"

He looked a little startled at the question, then he looked uncomfortable but he did answer, "Yes."

Harry sighed, "Why?"

"Why what?"

Harry knew that Severus had perfectly understood the question and was purposely avoiding it. Harry gave a heavy sigh, "Why did you join?"

He saw Severus get up to leave with a look of annoyance in his face, Harry reached out and grabbed his hand, "Please, Severus."

"It's not important and it none of your business. I do not need you judging me as well!" But he noticed Severus did not pull away from his hand.

"Severus, I won't judge you by it but I need to know."

"Why?"

"Because… because that's what friends do. They share things, they tell each other things no matter how tough it might be."

"Is that what we are, Harry? Friends?"

He was a little taken aback by that statement because, yes, that is exactly what Harry had thought, and he was hoping to, maybe, turn it into something more then friendship, if possible. Harry answered honestly "Yes, I think so. I consider you to be one of my closest friends."

"And that is why I don't wish to tell you. I don't want to jeopardise our friendship."

He could tell Severus truly meant what he said. He really didn't want to risk their friendship but Harry knew there was not an awful lot he could say that would put it at risk. Shit, he had seen Severus at a couple of the dark revels, he knew the kind of crap he had to get involved in to keep his position as a spy from being discovered. "Please, I won't judge you by it; it was a long time ago."

"Exactly! That is why it should stay in the past. I am now paying highly for my mistakes. I do not wish to include our friendship to that very long list of regret and loss."

Harry wanted to hug him, but knew that doing so would no doubt send him running from the ward in full flight. Instead, he squeezed his hand in a reassuring gesture, "I promise you, you won't lose my friendship over anything short of me dropping dead tomorrow."

"You shouldn't say things like that."

"It was a joke, Severus."

"I am aware of that, but let's not prove the mad old cow in the North Tower to be correct at anything, all right?"

Harry smiled at him, "Okay, I promise."

***

Severus sat back down again, very aware that he was still holding Harry's hand, but it was nice. He didn't want to let go and Harry seemed in no hurry to let go either. If he were going to have to speak of one of his most stupid mistakes, then it would be nice to have a little comfort while doing it, though he had no doubt that once Harry had heard the whole tale he would not feel so forgiving towards him.

"Fine, but if I am to tell you I want no interruptions, or that will be the end of it. Understood?"

He saw Harry nod at him and give him a warm smile. He studied that smile and committed it to memory, he wasn't sure he would ever see it again.

"There was a couple of deciding factors, as to why I decided to take Riddle's mark. I was mostly undecided as to whether it was the correct choice for me. My father wanted me to take it; he as good as beat the shit out of me when I dared to say I was unsure. He called me a coward for not following my family's destiny. He threatened to disown me. What I was unaware of at the time was that my Father had already sold me into the Dark Lord's service, for what I don't know. Probably for money or for more power, I never asked him.

After my father had beaten me, I went to Dumbledore for advice. I asked him to possibly help me. He told me that if I chose a different path from that of the one for which I seemed distained for; he would give me sanctuary at Hogwarts but that the choice had to be mine. I had all but made up my mind not to take the mark, I knew I would lose all my friends for most of them had taken the mark or were getting ready to. It was my life I wanted to make my own money and gain my own power. Father had all but squandered the family fortune on drink and women, he had even resorted to selling the family treasures. I hated him and did not wish to be like him; I knew if I was marked, then I would start to become just like him, cold, evil and cruel."

Severus took a sip of water from the glass next to the bed, he offered some to Harry and he also took a sip. Severus was stalling. He knew he was, he didn't want to finish it, but he would. He had started his sordid tale of foolhardiness, so he would finish it and hope Harry would still be comfortable in his presence.

"I am sure your godfather and Lupin filled you in on the event that is now known as the Shrieking Shack Incident?" A small nod was given, "Good, I can skip most of that. As you are aware, your father saved me. A lot of people believed I hated him for doing so, but that is not the case. I won't deny the fact that I am no fan of your father's, we absolutely did not get on, and we were never friends. But I was grateful that he pulled me out in time. I did not wish to die. It was what followed that pushed me to make my decision.

Your father, Black, Pettigrew and I were in the headmaster's office no more then ten minutes after your father had rescued me. I was, for some reason, the one being reprimanded. I was as good as told that if I told anyone of Lupin's condition that any sanctuary I might have wanted would be taken away. I was effectively bullied into it. When I demanded Black and Pettigrew to be expelled, Dumbledore merely smiled at me and told me it was just a practical joke gone wrong and that boys would be boys and that they would be punished. They both lost 50 points each from Gryffindor and were given a week's detention, cleaning duties without magic. Potter was awarded 100 points for showing bravery in rescuing me. I was deducted 10 points for being outside the castle at night.

I left the office in tears. I felt an injustice had been served. They had tried to kill me and I lost house points for it. When we were outside of the office, Black even laughed at me for crying. I was so angry, I felt let down by Dumbledore; it was as if he was willing to sacrifice me to the dark as long as his Gryffindor heroes were fine. Words from Lucius flooded my brain about how the Death Eaters would accept me and the Dark Lord would welcome me into his fold because I was intelligent and gifted in potions. I went straight to the owlry and owled my father to send for me that weekend so I could take the mark."

Severus finished his story and waited for Harry to yell at him for blaming his father and godfather for it all, but it did not come. He received a gentle squeeze of his hand; he looked up to see a little sadness in Harry eyes, "You don't hate me?"

"No, Severus. You were treated unfairly and I can't blame you for being hurt and angry. I would have been, too. Thank you for telling me."

All he saw was honesty in Harry eyes; he was relieved, he had not lost his friendship. It had started to mean a lot to him recently and he didn't think he could bear to lose it.

"I should go, it's late and you need some rest. Goodnight, Harry."

"Goodnight, Severus."

He was rewarded with a beautiful smile that made his heart melt even more; he left with a small smile on his own lips.

***

Harry lay in the infirmary with silent tears running down his cheeks. He had never realised that his father and his friends had had such a horrific impact on Severus' life. He knew of the bullying but hadn't realised it had affected Severus so badly. No wonder the man had hated the name Potter and despised his godfather with a passion. He could not blame him. Harry decided that he would have to do something special for Severus so that he would no longer associate the name Potter with pain and the Headmaster was going to be the one to help him. Harry rather thought the man owed it to Severus.

***

The following morning, Harry awoke to find the Headmaster sitting next to his bed, smiling at him with his eyes set on full twinkle. Harry instantly felt some of the old aggression fire up in his system about how this kind, old man could be responsible for such betrayals as keeping life-and-death secrets from him and sacrificing Severus to the dark.

"Good morning, Harry."

"Morning, Headmaster."

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine. I was wondering if it was possible, to make an appointment to see you later today to discuss some stuff."

"Stuff, Harry?"

"Yes."

"I see. Well, why don't we talk now? As it is nearly 10.30, you have missed the start of lessons this morning. We will not be disturbed."

"Umm okay. Now is good."

"Tea, Harry?"

"Please."

With a flick of his wand, Dumbledore conjured a pot of tea and two cups. Harry was a little apprehensive; he was effectively going to be attempting to pry into a teacher's private life. He had tried this before with Dumbledore about Severus, and he was always told to mind his own business. He needed to keep his anger in check, it would not do to lose his temper in front of the Headmaster again. He doubted he would, considering the tea was laced with calming potion. Severus had tipped him off about that one.

Dumbledore poured them both tea, "Does this have anything to do with Professor Snape?" he asked.

"Why would you ask that?" Damn! Why did the man have to know everything?

"Just a guess, Harry. Madame Pomfrey told me he stayed with you for a while after we all left last night. It seems as if you two have settled your differences," his eyes were still in full twinkling mode.

Harry wanted to yell 'well, isn't that what you've always wanted?' He, instead, settled for "I want to do something for Severus. Sorry, for Professor Snape."

"It's perfectly fine, Harry. If Severus is happy for you to use his first name, then please do so."

"Okay. I want to do something for Severus, to thank him for all his help this summer and for still working on the antidote in his free time."

"I see. Yes, Severus has helped you a lot hasn't he, Harry? Considering for years he claimed not to like you."

I wonder why that is, he thought sarcastically "I know about his counter curse on my broom in my first year and that it saved my life."

"Amongst other things, yes."

"Other things?"

"Mmmm, yes"

"Such as?" Why did the man have to talk around corners and not give a straight answer? Harry was getting a little frustrated even as he grew more curious. What other things?

"He warned Professor Quirrel away from you, many times. And think back, Harry, to maybe your second year?"

"Second year?"

"Yes, and a certain professor."

Harry could only think of Lockheart, but what about the man? "I guess Severus did try to keep him away from me and exposed him to be a total fraud in the dueling club." That had been highly amusing to Harry and his friends.

"Not just that, but he went in front of the Board of School Governors to plead your innocence in the opening of the Chamber of Secrets after the dueling club incident. He stated that you could not be the heir of Slytherin because he knew who was. He risked a lot by revealing that fact because Lucius Malfoy was on the board at that time."

"Oh!" Okay, he was shocked. That was the first time he had heard that. All he knew was one minute he was facing possible suspension for all of the incidents and the next moment he was not.

"And have you really thought about your third year, Harry? Now that time has passed and the facts can be seen in clear unemotional terms?"

"Not really." Harry was starting to get a bit of a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"Why do you think he went to the shack that night? Do you really believe it was to get you suspended for being off school grounds? Try and see it from his point of view."

So Harry did try. Yes, he remembered Severus bursting in and his total shock and fear at seeing Sirius who had just escaped Azkaban… Oh! Now he got it! "He thought that I, we, had been kidnapped by Sirius and Remus and he had no reason to believe or know that Sirius was innocent and meant us no harm. Also, he knew that Remus had not taken his wolfsbane potion that night."

"Indeed. So he risked his life to help you and your friends once again."

Now Harry felt not only anger but also guilt as well, not a good mixture to have first thing in the morning. "Anything else I should be aware of?"

"Do you want to try your fourth year, Harry?" His voice almost sounded amused. Harry guessed he was enjoying watching him squirm.

"Sure, why not?" Harry was resigned, now, to feeling like a total prat in his assumptions about Severus' previous behaviour.

"Can you imagine why he tried to get you disqualified from the TriWizard Tournament on no less then two occasions?"

"To protect me from getting hurt? Because I wasn't ready to participate in such an event?" Silence fell between them for a few moments. Harry was lost in thought when another scene flashed before him; when they were back in this very room after Voldemort's return. "Also, Severus risked his own personal reputation and safety when he bravely showed the returning dark mark on his arm to Fudge. God! He returned that night, didn't he? Just before the leaving feast. He disappeared for a time, that's when you asked him to return to his spying duties?" Now the anger was back. How could Dumbledore ask him to do it, to risk his life again? Surely the information he obtained was possible to get through other channels.

"Yes, it was a difficult decision to make but unfortunately in war, hard decisions must be made. The information Severus is able to obtain for us is invaluable."

"More so then his LIFE!?" Now Harry was seriously pissed off. How could Dumbledore be so dismissive?

"It was not an easy decision to make, Harry; to send Severus back to Voldemort like that. It was one of the hardest orders I have ever given. I love Severus like a son, I feel I have wronged him dearly over the years, and that I will not live to see things put right by him. I feel it has been left to long."

"Is that what you told yourself after he got the dark mark, that it was too late! You could do nothing for him?" The words were hash and Harry did regret saying them the moment he had finished, the look on Dumbledore's face and in his eyes showed genuine sorrow and guilt.

"I can guess what you and Severus spoke about last night. For years I wondered what the deciding factor was for him to take the mark was? I had my suspicions, a few educated guesses, but he would never tell me the reason why. I believe now I was correct in thinking it had something to do with me. I wish I could go back and change the past for him and make things better, but I cannot. All I can do is love him and give him my support and hope that it is enough."

Harry's anger was subsiding but it was still there. "Have you ever told him how you felt about things, about him?"

Dumbledore chuckled sadly, "Could you imagine Severus' reaction if I went up to him, threw my arms around him, and told him I loved him like a son and that I was sorry for everything I had done?"

Yes, Harry could imagine that and, yes Severus would be a little non-responsive but at least he would know. "You should try, you know."

"Maybe I will. Are you ready to rethink the actions of Severus in your fifth year?"

This was still a hard topic for Harry. "I guess he did try to help."

"Yes, Harry, he did. When Professor Umbridge gave you Veritaserum in your tea, Severus gave her nothing more powerful than water. He also understood your message regarding Sirius. He immediately contacted him to make sure he was safe and not captured by Voldemort. When he tried to find you in the forest to tell you it was nothing more then one of Voldemort's sick games, he found me and told me where you had likely gone. If it were not for Severus, you could have all died that day."

Harry now felt terrible, awash with guilt. Then he started thinking back to his battle with Voldemort last year when, mid duel, he had found himself portkeyed back to Hogwarts.

"It was Severus who gave me the portkey some how, last year, wasn't it? How?"

"The Death Eaters were told to watch Voldemort duel with you. For safety, Severus carries around an emergency portkey that will bring him back to my office in case he is found out. He made it invisible and levitated it to your outstretched hand, whispered the activation word and you were gone. I believe Voldemort was not happy."

"I bet! But if he had been found out, Voldemort would have killed him. With no way to escape, he was trapped!" Horror hit Harry at the full implication of that act.

"Yes, he was willing to sacrifice his life for yours."

Harry's voice was full of shock and incredulity, "I never knew everything he's done. It's so much and all I have ever given him was a hard time. I just never knew…"

If silence could be deafening, this was one of them. Harry was at a loss for words.

"Was there anything else, Harry?"

"Yes. I wanted to know when Severus' birthday was and, if it was before Christmas, what should I get him? I want to get something special to say thanks."

The smile was back on Dumbledore's face and the twinkle in his eye "Severus' birthday is in the beginning of November, the 12th I believe. And what to get him? I don't know, Harry, he is very difficult to buy gifts for. My best advice is to give him something from the heart. That way, whatever you decide upon will be treasured because of the thought that had gone into it. Now it is almost lunchtime and you have afternoon lessons to be getting too; so, if that is all, I shall bid you farewell, 'till next time."

"Yes, thank you, Headmaster." Harry was a little distracted by thoughts of what to get Severus for his birthday. Dumbledore did not seem to mind as he got up and left Harry to his rumination.

***

A few days later Harry was packing his things away at the end of his Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson when he was asked to stay behind by his Professor. As the classroom emptied, Harry approached his teachers' desk.

"Is there a problem, sir?"

"Nothing to worry about, Mister Potter, but you haven't yet submitted a paper on what your end-of-year project will be. I need to know what you will be studying."

"Sorry, I have had my mind on other things."

"I understand you have been in hospital, Mister Potter, but you can't allow your school work to slip."

"Of course not, sir. I'm sorry. It won't happen again." Harry felt like sounding off about how would he like it if he had Voldemort swimming around in his head, but he managed to keep his temper in check.

"Do you at least have any ideas on a subject matter?"

Harry contemplated this for a moment and an evil smirk crossed his lips, he knew how to shut this prat up and get him to back off. "Yes. Morsmordre and the Dark Mark." It seemed to have worked, his Professor looked horrified. Harry just smirked at him and left the classroom. Might as well give the idiot a reason to be scared of me, Harry thought as he walked up the corridor to his next class.

Next Chapter: Harry plans, organises and gives Severus his birthday present. And, at long last, the first kiss!

Thanks to everyone that has read my story and especially to those that have reviewed it.

Kateri1 – Thank you. I try to add a little humour otherwise it can get a little gloomy at times.

Dir en Grey – I guess you're right he probably would have had a fella before. Sorry didn't think about it. But thanks for the review.

Athenakitty – Thank you, I see you picked up on the Bill thing! …lol

Necromant – The kiss is next chapter I promise. Glad you liked Ron's reaction and I hope you liked Sev's confession. Thanks.

Calani – Thanks for reviewing. I hope you liked this one.

Jasey – Thank you so much. I hope this one lived up to expectation …lol

Jedi Buttercup – Yes there is. And in a few chapters it all starts to come out and Voldemort gets clued in on Harry's condition. Haven't decided yet if he will find out about their relationship. Well done for picking up on the Bill comment, and thanks for your kind review.

MedNar – Thank you for your review. I'm glad you liked that line; it was one of my fav's. Oh and Sev's birthday chapter is next as promised ages ago, sorry it took so long, but they will kiss I promise. *grins* and I hope band practise went well!

Sky – Thanks for your review and I promise I will.

bramblerose-proudfoot – Thank you. I glad you liked Ron's reaction, a lot of people do make him over react and I'm sure he wouldn't really; it's not the end of the world after all.

Goldenpaw – Thank you so much. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

mimo-chan – Thank you, and I hope you got up on time…lol

Esmerelda Black – Thank you hope you liked this one.

Chibi – Thank you for reviewing. I hope you liked this chapter.

Saavik13 – Thanks. Hope you enjoyed this one.

LeeLeePotter – Thanks for your review. And you are right about Bill. I was afraid I might have made it to subtle, but a few people did pick up on it. There will be more detail later on.

Selua – Thank you. I hope you liked this chapter.

Pam Briggs - Congrat's you were also one of the ones to pick up on the mention of Bill. Glad you liked their reactions, I agree with you. And Draco will start to come into it soon. Thanks for the review.

Stryfechild – Thank you and good luck on your finals.

Lillipad – Thanks for your very kind review. Glad you liked Ron thinking Harry liked him. Hope you liked this chapter.

Mikee – Thanks as always for your review. Glad your enjoying it, and I hope you liked this chapter.

TheSecretCharacter – Thank you for your nice words. I know it's a strange combination Harry and Sev but I read a few really good stories that changed my mind. Thanks for reviewing.

Shattered Diamond – The runespoor is in Harry's dorm and will make guest appearances, I promise. And it is a few chapters before Sev works it out. Thanks for the review.

Penny - Thank you, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Kristen – Thank you very much. I hope you liked this chapter.

Queen Slash - I agree. Thanks for reviewing.