Alright. Here we go. Smut shall follow this author's note. Now, you all know this has been coming so no flames, please. I doubt I'll have any problems with you guys... You're all great XD. I'm a bit behind on my uploading status now so if I slow down, I do apologize, although I'm sure I'll still be able to update every other day or so.

I usually write heavy smut, but I'm trying this new thing where I try not to make the lovemaking scenes vulgar. So, as far as graphic words, there won't be many, but the smut is still heavy. This chapter might also be twice the length of any previous chapters... So think of it as a double chapter!

I've been trying to decide how to end this story smoothly, because I don't want it to go on and on into like 20-something chapters... Any ideas readers?

Warnings – Snarry (M rated material... not for the young eyes & mind)

More Than Meets the Eye

Chapter Fourteen

Written by Illumination

The heart wants what the heart wants.

Those seven words ran through Harry's mind, over and over again, until the saying began to sound funny in his head. He continued to repeat it, attempting to justify the dream he'd recently had. Actually, this wasn't the first time. This was the third night in a row where he'd awoken in a sweat, chest heaving, and skin still tingling where dream-Snape had been touching him. Last night had been worse, though. He'd awoken and hurried to the bathroom to clean himself up and change trousers.

Another day came and went. Severus had been busy lately – with what, Harry did not know. The man, Death Eater or not, lover or not, had always been solitary, and didn't like to reveal much about his life to anyone... Not even Harry. So the boy had been wandering the house alone, practicing his potions (but not the dangerous ones, because I didn't fancy burning Snape's house down), and responding to Draco's letters. It seemed Draco was bored at home too, because they'd sent nearly a dozen owls back and forth in the span of three days. It was sort of rewarding, to speak to someone Harry had never really gotten to know. He was discovering that Draco wasn't a bad person himself; his family had just influenced his personality. Perhaps if Harry hadn't rejected his offer of friendship in their first year... Things would have been different.

Harry didn't expect Snape to return until the next afternoon, so he was quite surprised when he was shaken awake by the man in the middle of the night. Again, he was covered in a thin layer of sweat. Immediately mortified, he shifted. No, it hadn't been another bad night... But apparently he'd been thrashing about enough to wake Snape.

"Harry... Are you alright?"

Looking up at him, Harry was slightly aware that his face probably held a look of chagrin. "I–... Yeah, I'm okay." Severus placed a hand to his forehead.

"You cried out my name. Have the nightmares returned?"

Harry nodded, unable to bring himself to tell Severus the truth. "Y-Yeah. Um, did I... Say anything else?"

The raven-haired man shook his head. "I heard your cries from my room. I was just outside the door when you yelled for me."

"You were dying," Harry murmured, thinking quickly. He kept his eyes down, worried about their unspoken connection. Could Snape see through his façade?

"Would you like to sleep in my bed? Perhaps having company will help prevent them."

Harry nodded, allowing the man to lead him from his bedroom to Snape's. He had never been inside. It was quite roomier than his, and the bed must have been king sized. Drapes hung from the frame of the top; creating a layer of privacy within the surface of the bed should it be needed. Harry stood by the door awkwardly while Snape moved inside.

"Well, come in, then."

Stepping inside, Harry let Severus grab his wrist and gently pull him over to the bed. As soon as he lay down amongst the blankets and pillows, he was submerged in Severus's musky scent. It was pleasant, to say the least. Turning onto his side, he gazed at Snape in the dim light. That longing was back – the feeling that had been ruling his dreams. Snape raised his hands to gently remove Harry's glasses, setting them on the table beside the bed. Harry was thankful his vision wasn't too bad; he could still see the man before him quite clearly. It was things farther away that he had trouble with.

"Comfortable?"

"Yeah... A bit cold, though."

The elder man pulled Harry into his arms, settling him against his body. Harry's eyes slipped shut as he breathed in Snape's essence.

They lay together, like that, in silence for quite a while. Harry knew sleep would not come to him again, especially considering he was lying flush against the man whom had been haunting his dreams. Giving a little unintentional shiver, he buried his face further into the man's chest.

"Surely you cannot be cold anymore." Harry remained silent. "Care to explain yourself?" Gently, he pushed Harry back so he could get a proper look at him. Guilt was written on the boy's face.

"I... Didn't have a nightmare."

Snape's dark eyes were so concentrated on him and piercing that Harry wondered if he was penetrating his mind, but that thought was interrupted with memories invading his conscious mind. Ginny and Fred's funeral. Voldemort, breaking into ashes and floating up into the air. Draco stepping on his nose and breaking it in their sixth year. The dream. Snape's hands following the curves of his body, teeth and tongue teasing his throat. His body above him, all around him, within him.

Horrified, Harry tried to push Severus out of his mind, and when he withdrew, Harry wasn't sure if he'd been successful or Snape had just seen enough. Avoiding those dark eyes, he stared down at the man's chest. Severus was quiet for a long time. Harry prepared himself for the worst. Finally, a hand touched his jaw, raising his chin.

"It is quite normal for someone your age to have those kinds of dreams, Harry." The boy's aqua eyes narrowed incredulously. Was Snape really blaming this on his teenage hormones? Before he could get a word out, Severus continued. "Although, I don't believe that is the only reason why you've been having those dreams. Is there a more reasonable explanation?"

Harry couldn't bring himself to speak, and part of Severus didn't blame him. This was quite a touchy subject for someone of his age. But, yet again, those unspoken words told him all he needed to know. The way Harry was looking at him. His breathing shook the tiniest bit. The way his fingers were tensed. Indeed, this was his first time with a man, if at all. He was nervous. In truth, Severus had never been with another male either, although the thought didn't intimidate him. Cupping Harry's chin, he raised those soft lips to his own, kissing him gently.

"Do you trust me, Harry?"

"If you would've asked me that six months ago, my answer would have been different."

Severus smirked against the boy's lips as Harry chuckled slightly. "Do you trust me now?"

Harry's smile fell, and he gazed into those dark chocolate eyes. "Yes. I do." His voice was merely a whisper.

There was something against his chest. Looking down, Harry watched Severus's nimble fingers undo the first button on his nightshirt. Eyes rose to the man, his gaze apprehensive.

"Close your eyes," the man nearly purred. Obediently, Harry shut his eyes, raising his chin as he felt Snape shift closer. Fingers still worked at the buttons. Teeth teased the skin of his neck – carefully at first. It was all he could do to keep from whimpering.

Hands clutched at the fabric on his shoulders as Severus shifted again, hovering halfway over the younger. Lips molded together, tongues dancing as hands traced over a quivering body. He smoothed his hands over the boy's shoulders, effectively removing the cloth from his upper body.

It was instinct. Something natural – almost primal – that took over. This disposition didn't care if you were man or woman, old or young, or who you were. It was lust. Yearning. Desire.

Hands shook, making it difficult to maneuver any buttons, clasps or clothing in general. But the moment Severus's torso was bare, he descended on the boy again. Rain tapped softly on the window. The year's first storm. Lips caressed the boy's jaw, teeth testing the skin. The first sound – the softest of breathy moans – escaped Harry's lips. As the man's fingertips grazed over the younger's smooth stomach, Harry allowed his hands to press flat against Snape's chest. A heartbeat greeted his left palm. Steady and strong. Pounding in time with his own. Was the older man just as nervous as he?

Harry's pants were removed with some difficulty; his feet got tangled as he tried to kick them off, but with some help from his companion, they joined both of their shirts on the floor beside the bed. Retreating under the covers, Harry couldn't recall when Snape's pants disappeared, but they were both unclothed under the sheets. Exploring each other's bodies. Harry discovered that Snape was quite lean, yet strong. There was slightly defined muscle, but he didn't expect sculpted abdominals. Considering his age, he had a defined body. There was something about an imperfect body that attracted him even more. A thin trail of hair began just below his navel, traveling lower. Harry's fingertips followed it, until he felt the very base of the other man's length.

Severus pulled back when Harry hesitated. Nose to nose, they gazed into each other's eyes.

"No embarrassment, Harry. Do I have your word?"

The brunette searched chocolate eyes that pierced his very soul. Could he ask any more of him? "... I'll try."

His words earned a small smile, and a peck on the lips. "I will help you."

Holding himself up with one hand, his other hand covered Harry's, moving it down. His fingers wrapped around Harry's, and he directed the boy to stroke him slowly. His eyes slipped shut. It had been quite a while since he had felt pleasure from another. The younger one's hands were so unexpectedly soft. The pads of his fingers grazed over sensitive skin, making his hips twitch.

Harry watched, mesmerized by the expressions crossing Snape's face. Eventually, his hand began moving of its own accord, and Severus's hand moved to grip Harry's hip once he no longer needed his guidance. A soft groan spilled from the older man's lips as Harry's thumb dragged over his sensitive tip. It was almost too much stimulation.

"What do you want... Harry?"

The brunette shivered lightly, gazing up at the raven-haired man. "... You..." The yearning reflecting in those dark eyes assured him the feeling was reciprocated.

Pushing his hand away, Severus moved between Harry's legs, effectively spreading them. Descending on the boy, he captured his lips in a passionate kiss before moving down his body, taking time to nip, lick and occasionally suckle on flawless skin. Harry whimpered and squirmed a bit under his ministrations, becoming exceptionally tense when the former professor's lips touched his inner thighs. Soft kisses were pressed to the skin before he moved back up his body. He lifted a finger to the boy's lips. Harry looked at him uncertainly.

"Suck on it, Harry."

While the boy complied and Snape struggled to maintain his self-control, he also conjured lubrication and moved his fingers down to coat the boy's entrance with it. The moment his fingertips touched the sensitive skin, Harry flinched, releasing his finger. Severus kissed the corner of his lips, murmuring gently, "You trust me, remember?"

Harry nodded, and Severus lowered his hand. The tip of his finger pressed into him, then a few inches more. Harry winced, although some sick part of him enjoyed the pain and craved more. Gripping the other man's shoulders, Harry whimpered quietly as Severus's finger hilted within him. "Try to relax. It will make it better." He did just that; attempting to let his entire body go limp.

That one finger began to move in and out, and was soon carefully joined by a second digit. It drove him to the brink of insanity, and he hooked his ankles over Snape's calves, furthering his clinging to the man above him. He wanted, needed, craved more. Harry tried to not feel embarrassed, but he couldn't help it when Severus's gaze was fixated on him. Finally, he met those dark eyes.

Severus nearly gasped aloud. The longing within those – those – eyes took him aback. Tacit emotions in waves passed between them, making the sultry air amidst them nearly crackle. Removing his fingers from Harry's body, he moved down on the bed and sat back on his feet. Fingers wrapped around Harry's ankles, pushing them up, and Harry tensed a bit. Being so exposed felt... Odd. But with one meaningful look, he yielded, not fully aware of what Snape planned to do. But the moment he felt a hot tongue slowly circling this little pucker, he gripped the sheets with both hands, his head falling back. An alluring moan escaped his lips as Snape's tongue plunged into him. His mind grew fuzzy as the man's tongue began penetrating him mercilessly.

"Wh-What are you... Do-oooh...–"

Harry's spine arched, pushing his body off the bed as that wicked tongue traced around the ring of muscle. It entered him again, and Harry felt his muscles squeeze around it. How on earth would the man fit inside of him when his tongue fit tightly? There was something so taboo about this act that drove Harry nearly to the edge. He was almost positive that if he touched himself, he could reach that peak. But he didn't want to. Not yet.

When the sweet torture finally ceased, Harry watched the man pull back to place a chaste kiss upon his ankle. "Are you ready for me... Harry?" Breathlessly, the brunette nodded. Severus placed Harry's ankle upon his shoulder and leaned forward, testing his flexibility. "Is this alright?" Harry nodded, surprising himself, and lifted his other ankle onto Severus's opposite shoulder as well. The man leaned forward until he could kiss Harry's lips softly. It was a bit of a strain, but the boy could manage.

When Severus pushed his hips forward, Harry felt the tip of his erection brush his entrance. "S-Severus," he panted, pulling him down by his broad shoulders. The man's large nose brushed Harry's. "... Make love to me, please..."

"Patience, Harry. I will fulfill your needs and mine. But first, you need to know..." Fingers ran through the boy's short hair. "It will hurt, no matter how gentle I am. I can perform a charm to help dull the pain, if you'd like..."

"No." Harry shook his head. "I don't want to be numb tonight. I want to feel everything."

Severus nodded curtly in understanding. "As you wish, Harry." Kissing the boy's forehead once more, he lowered a hand to guide the tip of his length. The soft head slipped in with no problem, and mild discomfort. A soft breath escaped the brunette's lips. Past that... It was all Harry could do not to make a sound of pain. Tears pricked his eyes, and he clung to the man above him, as if he could smother the ache. Snape buried his face in the boy's neck, arms coming around him tight as he continued to push into the boy, not wanted to prolong the discomfort he knew Harry must feel. When he finally hilted, he let out a breath of relief. The hard part was over. After basking in the hot, tightness that surrounded him, he directed his attention to the younger.

"... Harry. Harry, are you alright?" Chocolate eyes met baby blue ones. Tears welled at the corner of the brilliant eyes, but there was affection within the azure depths. Harry attempted a small smile.

"I'm fine."

"If it is too much, I can–..."

"I said I'm okay..."

Severus gazed into the boy's eyes, still unsure, but nodded. "It will feel better soon, this I promise you." Harry nodded. Retracting his hips, Snape gently pulled out of the boy. Harry cried out in pain, but the noise changed drastically when he pushed back into his body. The sheer spike of pleasure tingled down to Harry's toes and obstructed his mind. "There we go..." Repeating the action, Snape watched the desire take over Harry's features. Lust sparked in the elder's lower stomach and he thrust harder into the one below him.

Harry's legs began to slip from the man's shoulders, and soon he was too flustered to hold them up. Extracting himself from the brunette earned a whine of displeasure, but he flipped Harry over and proceeded to spread his cheeks before thrusting into him again. The boy's forehead fell against the mattress as he was penetrated over and over. Snape's body lowered to cover Harry's, pinning his hands on either side of his head as he pushed into him. His tip somewhere deep inside the boy.

His body craved more. He pushed back against the other man, earning a groan from beside his ear.

Limbs became tangled in their frenzy of lovemaking. Toes curled. Nails bit into skin. Moans, groans, whimpers and uttered names spilt from their lips. Sweat sheened on their bodies, making the skin just sticky enough that it only increased the passion between them. It was perfect. It was imperfect. There was nothing but them. Lost in this fantasy with each other. A hand that had moved down to stroke the untouched length was swatted away and replaced by a larger one.

The feel of Snape's hand roughly stroking him was Harry's undoing. Gripping the sheets hard, his back arched as he tried to push back into the other man harder, wanting more, deeper, faster. The hand left his member to grip the boy's hips with both hands, pulling him back sharply to meet each thrust.

The man leaned down, whispering into Harry's ear in that deep purr.

"Together."

Unraveling, Harry cried out Severus's name as he reached his peak, muscles contracting into spasms around the other man. With a joining groan, Snape fell over the edge with his lover, biting down on the boy's shoulder to muffle his sounds of pleasure. His seed spilt into the younger, hips twitching in small thrusts. Harry whimpered at the hot feeling within him, strangely satisfied.

They lay there like that, Snape still within the younger one, panting as their heartbeats slowed from their frantic lovemaking. When Severus felt he could hoist himself up without strain, he removed himself from Harry, emitting a soft whimper from him. He fell onto the bed beside him, pulling him close, and the brunette folded into his arms. Still trembling, he listened as Severus whispered into his ear.

"Thank you, Harry..." Pause. "That was perfect..."

The room smelt of them. Basking in the afterglow together, they shared delicate touches and soft kisses. Sated and exhausted from their escapade beneath the sheets, Harry began to nod off.

Severus watched the boy sleep for a while. He looked angelic, after everything that had happened. A fallen angel, perhaps. Stroking his cheek softly, Snape rested his head on the pillow and prayed this wasn't another fantasy his mind had come up with. Could 'The Chosen One' really have chosen him as his partner? After all that Harry had been through... He must know that if Snape were to mess up, it would quite possibly ruin him. Forever. Yet he still took the chance and handed his heart over to the man who wasn't exactly known for maintaining excellent relationships. Severus feared that he had betrayed his Li–... No, she was not his Lily. But, in a way, he felt that he was keeping his promise to her; to himself. He was protecting Harry, like he had the boy's whole life. There had never been a limit to that protection.

He leaned over to kiss the boy's temple, and Harry nuzzled into his shoulder in return. Severus's lips curved into a smile.

Harry was his.