Chapter 21

Hi everyone, thank you so much for all your comments. I'm glad everyone is enjoying my story so much! I'm trying to write as fast as I can, but sleep deprivation is a powerful thing and I'm exhausted! Having a child is a joy, but so much work. As always please review it is inspiring, and once again thank you to all those who have stuck with me.

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"Ah Harry, I was just thinking about when we would next meet. Why are you wandering around this castle so late at night?" Dumbledore questioned softly.

Harry was relieved the Headmaster wasn't angry at him for being out after curfew. "I was visiting my friends in Gryffindor tower sir, now I'm just off to bed."

"Ah I see. It's good that you still see your friends given the circumstances. I was just curious Harry, if you're not too tired of course, would you mind accompanying me to my office? I have some news regarding your request and considering we both seem to be night owls, now is as good as time as any."

Harry looked towards the staircase that had finally swung round, presenting him with a clear path towards Severus' quarters. He really just wanted to see Severus but he always found it difficult to say no to Dumbledore. The man's eyes were twinkling in earnest, and Harry knew Dumbledore went out of his way to help him.

"Sure why not?" Harry shrugged his shoulders.

"Excellent," Dumbledore smiled at him, leading him away from the stairs. "How goes Quidditch?" The old man asked as they walked towards his tower.

"I think Gryffindor is in with a chance this year. I'm failing them a bit as a captain, but thankfully I have a really strong team. We have a match against Hufflepuff coming up." Harry easily fell in step with the man, effortlessly talking about their chosen subject. Dumbledore was always easy to talk to, a grandfatherly figure in Harry's life.

"I must admit I was a little concerned when Mr Weasley was put forward as keeper. Sugar quills," Dumbledore told the bronze griffin.

"Ron just needs a little more confidence in his abilities," Harry reassured Dumbledore, letting the man walk ahead of him on the stairs.

"Indeed and how are your studies progressing? How are you finding Defence?"

Harry halted in thought. He had been trying his best in all his subjects for a change. These were the years leading up to his NEWTS after all. Harry was struggling with Potions, he always had done, and as for Defence Against the Dark Arts… "I find the new teacher, Slughorn a little peculiar if I'm honest sir." Harry had ignored most of his lessons, preferring to teach himself the spells suited to his cause.

"I originally planned Horace for the Potions role, and I was going to give Severus the job of Defence Against the Dark Arts. Horace is the better Potions master after all."

"Why didn't you?" Harry asked, unsure if he could ask such a thing.

Dumbledore smiled. "Do not repeat this to Severus Harry, but I believed Horace would give this year's students an advantage. Potions are a delicate subject, and one that is not needed for everyday tasks. I believe Defence is something everyone should know. Every year I have sobbing students at my door, all suffering from the hands of professor Snape." Dumbledore chuckled to himself, and opened his office door.

Harry could understand Dumbledore's decision, but he honestly didn't believe he was learning much from those classes.

"Now Harry please take a seat, can I offer you anything to drink, something to eat perhaps?"

Harry sat and smiled at Fawkes who was sleeping contentedly on his perch. "No thank you." Harry remembered the funny after taste of the headmaster's tea. It wasn't a brand Harry liked.

"Alright then," Dumbledore answered, conjuring up a pot of tea for himself. It took a few minutes for the man to get comfortable, and eventually he regarded Harry with a warm stare. "Now then, I spoke to the professors regarding your request, and while they were all willing to help, I think we should concentrate on certain areas. I don't believe Astronomy or History of Magic will aid you much."

"I agree."

"Excellent. Professors Sprout, Flitwick, McGonagall, and Slughorn have all agreed to give you one to one tuition. Severus has also agreed to help you with your potion making."

Harry regarded the information carefully, "why would Herbology help?" He asked Dumbledore cautiously.

The man studied him, something clearly battling within his head. "Do you believe the final battle will be at Hogwarts Harry?" He answered slowly.

"Maybe. I don't think Voldemort has a specific place in mind."

"Tom will attack Hogwarts one day; it is a place of great importance to him. However many of the Horcruxes are still outside this building, and you may one day have to find them."

Harry looked at his mentor in horror, finally seeing just how frail the man appeared. Dumbledore had always been old, his white hair gave that away, but Harry had seen him fight against Voldemort last year in the Ministry. He knew that Voldemort was afraid of him. Surely he wasn't going anywhere just yet?

Dumbledore smiled kindly at him. "I am old Harry, and while I am touched by your concern the fact remains I am old. I cannot seek all the Horcruxes by myself, but I will not leave you to fight this battle by yourself."

Harry exhaled loudly, slumping on the chair. "I thought you were about to tell me you were dying or something." Harry laughed nervously. His heart was racing at the prospect of going through this on his own.

"I assume you know about Severus' late night meeting?" When Harry nodded Dumbledore pressed on, "Has he informed you of what he learnt?"

"No sir, he said he would need to speak to you first. I don't want to get him into trouble by knowing things I shouldn't." Harry began to rub his hands in his lap. Was that why he was here? Were they both in trouble?

Dumbledore nodded wisely, his eyes burning into his soul. Could the old man read minds like Severus? Was that what he was doing? Harry subtly tried to place mental shields up, like Severus had once vainly attempted to teach him. He could feel his eyes twitch beneath his glasses with the subtle effort. Dumbledore made no facial expressions that anything was out of the ordinary, even when Severus' older magic entered his body in an attempt to help.

"Yes he was right to do so. Madam Bones was murdered last night, and it was better Susan Bones knew about it before you were told, I hope you understand." Harry tried to look saddened by the news, but his head was reeling with the possibilities of using Severus' magic like this. It wasn't something either of them had discussed, and Harry was unaware he could call on in like this. Maybe his studies would become easier now.

His eyes widened. Someone had died and all he was thinking about was magic? He didn't know the Hufflepuff well. His memory was limited to seeing the back of her auburn head in joint lessons. Harry was glad Severus hadn't told him, the thought of others discussing Sirius' death without firstly telling him made his blood boil.

"Do you know why?"

"Who knows why Tom does these things. Perhaps it was to weaken our morale, or maybe she got on the wrong side of a Death Eater." Dumbledore paused, looking at his phoenix. "Or it might have had something to do with her being a member of the Wizengamot council and one of those who stood up for you in your trial."

Harry felt his body become heavy, the Headmaster's words sounding like they were coming out from deep under water. He was responsible for this? He didn't even know the woman.

"Harry, it has nothing to do with you." Dumbledore reached across the desk and patted his hand.

"How can it not? She was murdered because she stood up for me." Harry spat, jerking his hand away from the Headmaster to wrap his arms around himself.

"Harry you have to believe that one day you will stop him, and all these deaths."

Harry clung to the words like they were ointment on his tormented soul. He would defeat Voldemort, he just had to! "Is Susan alright?"

"Time heals all wounds Harry as you well know… there was something else we needed to discuss…"

"With all this death the morale of the Order can't be great. Just looking around the school makes me feel depressed. Everyone is scared all the time, and there's nothing to look forward to but another letter telling you that a member of your family is missing, or dead." Harry interrupted Dumbledore, jumping to his feet. "There has to be something you can do!" Harry implored, his brain already thinking of ideas. "Maybe…oh never mind it sounds stupid." Harry sat back down in embarrassment.

"You really think that would help?" Dumbledore's speculative voice only confirmed Harry's idea that the old man could read minds. Severus' magic quickly came to his aid once again.

"I don't know maybe. After all most of the students here haven't had anything fun this term. Maybe a ball or a party of some description would help. I know the girls would like it. Just something for everyone to look forward to, it might take their minds off what's happening." Harry thought the idea might be a little juvenile, but something needed to be done.

"I think you're right Harry, something to boost the spirit might be exactly what the student population need. This is the reason you'll make such a great leader in the future my boy."

Harry felt his cheeks warm. "I don't really like going to balls but it changes the subject from future Death Eater attacks, everyone will be too wrapped up in potential dates." Harry muttered bitterly.

"An excellent idea, I'll mention it at the next staff meeting," Dumbledore smiled happily. "Now Harry there's something else we need to discuss about Severus' meeting. It seems that Greyback has become aware of Severus' condition."

Harry could feel his spine straighten in distress, his body automatically leaning forward. Not wanting to appear immature Harry placed his hands in his lap to avoid clenching the arms of his chair.

"It's not a cause for alarm but we just need to be extra vigilant, we don't want to put Severus in anymore danger now do we?"

As he thought over the Headmaster's words a question began to burn on his tongue. "Can Greyback tell if Severus has a mate?"

"I'm not completely familiar with the werewolf senses but I don't believe you to be in any danger. While Greyback might know Severus has a mate, I don't think he knows it's you."

"Doesn't that put Severus in more danger?"

"Severus knew the consequences in bonding Harry. He willingly put himself in this danger to aid you."

Harry remembered his earlier morning conversation with Severus, and how he had become angry at Harry. The man continuously put himself in danger, only becoming angry at the thought that Harry had some how put himself in danger to save him. Had Harry done the right thing in bonding? Was the man in even more trouble? "Have I done the right thing?" Harry whispered to himself, forgetting Dumbledore was sitting across from him.

"You felt a connection that was worth saving, and Severus needed the protection of the bond. Now we have to determine if having such a bond is safer in the long run. He is safe from the ministry of course, but now he is in even more peril with Tom's followers. That is something you need to think about Harry."

He looked at the elder wizard, and eyebrow cocked in thought. He knew what the older man was saying indirectly, but was that something he could do? Harry looked down at his grubby trainers. People were dying and here he was selfishly thinking about love. Severus was in danger and Harry didn't want to let him go, even though it might be the right thing to do. How could he even call it love if he wasn't willing to put Severus' safety first?

"It's late you need to sleep. Don't forget though Harry, you don't have to stay in Severus' quarters if you don't wish to, Gryffindor tower is always your home. Don't forget your friends, and remember to have fun while it's still safe." Dumbledore smiled at him kindly, and Harry felt his stomach twist. Wasn't this the man who always pushed him to accept his destiny? Why was he now he was trying to twist it in such a way that Severus was holding him back?

No, the old man was always trying to look out for him. He might be over bearing, but Dumbledore wouldn't try and manipulate him like that. He had allowed them to be bonded after all, and he had let it slip in the hospital wing that Severus had feelings for him. Feeling more confident Harry got up to leave.

"Oh just a moment, I have something for you," Dumbledore shifted through the pieces of parchment on his desk. "Here is your new timetable with evening sessions. I've tried to spread them out so you have a few evenings off here and there."

Eagerly Harry snatched it up, scanning the timetable. "Of course our lessons regarding the Horcruxes will be an as and when deal, I'll send an owl informing you a week in advance, if that is acceptable to you?"

"That's fine Sir. Thank you for this," Harry shifted uncomfortably. "Sorry I've been avoiding your letters about meeting you for the Horcrux meetings."

"I understand Harry. Please be aware that anything that I can do to aid you in this fight I will give you." Dumbledore spoke gently, but Harry could see the man's eyes narrow, and he knew him well enough to know something was being hidden yet again.

Remembering Severus' instructions that everything was always being done for his own good, Harry decided to ignore it and simply bade the Headmaster a good night.

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Severus was seriously considering going to look for Harry at this late hour. It was well after curfew, and the boy was seldom late after their arrangement. Severus could feel his skin crawl with the possible thoughts of what Harry could be getting up to, and he had no one to blame but himself.

It was only when Severus felt the boy subconsciously pull on his magic, a tingling sensation which pulled on Severus' heart, that the man knew what had happened. Albus Dumbledore.

Severus was proud that Harry was attempting to conceal his thoughts. What was concerning him though was why Harry felt he needed to. Severus paced back and forth by his fire. It's once roaring flames now reduced to glowing embers. Severus' open palm slammed into the fireplace frame. He had given the old coot ample information to work with, and he made the situation worse by arguing with Harry.

Glaring into the cinders, he didn't even hear the door to his chambers open, only noticing Harry when the boy coughed discreetly. Severus turned and saw within seconds that resolution was swimming within those green eyes.

"No." He growled.

"It's for the best," Harry muttered, kicking open his trunk and avoiding eye contact.

"No Harry don't listen to him, this is what he wants you to do." Severus knew what had happened, and he couldn't stop the panic that was beginning to climb up his throat.

"How is this ever going to work?" Harry screamed in frustration, spinning on his heel to scowl at him. "We can't even have a basic conversation without getting into an argument!" Harry began stuffing his few items into his trunk.

Severus moved closer to Harry, but he was held back by the boy's unconscious magic creating a shield between them. "I agree that our communication needs work, but there is no reason to act so rashly." Severus subtly began picking away at the shield.

"No, you never wanted me and I never wanted you. It's done now and I'm going back to Gryffindor tower!" Harry slammed his trunk shut and gave the room one quick look around.

"You truly are an imbecile if you think I'm going to let you walk out that door Harry Potter."

"Threatening me now? How Death Eater of you!" Harry picked up the trunk and began dragging it towards the door, his shield still making Severus keep his distance. Severus had already locked the door in preparation and Harry merely scowled at it. "You can't keep me in a relationship I don't want. I saved your sorry hide which is more than most people. I'm not going to tell anyone of your condition so you don't need to worry about that."

Severus still didn't open the door, but his resolve was beginning to waver. The burning in Harry's eyes was too powerful to ignore. Was this really what he wanted? Harry stood in front of the door, waiting for it to open. It was slight, but Severus knew Harry well enough to see the boy's shoulders hunched in anguish. This wasn't what he wanted.

With aid from his werewolf, Severus finally managed to rip apart Harry's shield and moved to hold him. "No stop I don't want this, you disgusting old man." Harry fought back, flinging insults as a last ditch attempt.

Severus grabbed his wrists, forcing him to stop. "Harry dissolving our bond will not put you in any less danger. I can protect you from Greyback." Severus wanted Harry to understand him. He was strong enough to protect this fledgling emotion he was feeling and he would die a thousand times before letting harm come to Harry.

The boy was struggling, straining against his body. "I'm not in danger, you are." Harry spat, attempting to pull his hands away.

Severus let go in shock. "You want to terminate our bond because you think it will make me safe?"

Harry stumbled backwards as Severus let him go. "Yes," He muttered resentfully.

"What about your safety?" Severus was unsure what was happening. Why did Harry think he was trouble? That blasted man! "Harry I'm not in danger, Greyback isn't interested in harming me, it's you he threatened." Severus sat on the sofa his head in his hands.

"Me? But why did Dumbledore…" Harry trailed off as the pieces fit together.

Severus breathed deeply as he thought about what had just happened. His initial thoughts were Harry was afraid for himself, he should have known that was out of character for the Gryffindor, especially someone like Harry who felt he had to save everyone. He finally had his answer.

A timid hand touched the back of his hand gently. "I'm sorry I said those things." The sofa dipped a little as Harry joined him. Harry's leg was pressed against his in a basic need for reassurance, but Severus' mind was reeling with his new revelation.

"At the beginning I wanted to save Artemis. I'd never really considered being gay, but saying that, I've never really had romantic feelings for anyone. There's always been too much happening, and I never wanted to put anyone in danger. As time passed I began to trust you, and in a way I think I always did. I was always quick to cast you in the bad guy role, but I know how hard you work for the Order."

Severus listened, sensing the boy shouldn't be interrupted. "I trust you Severus, and I like belonging to you."

"You are not a possession."

"I meant I like being with you, not just with Artemis. I'd like to see where this can go, despite the consequences."

"You're Slytherin side is showing. All the teachers know about the sorting hat in your first year," Severus explained at Harry's shock. "And I'm relieved your not a pure Gryffindor at heart," Severus pulled his head up. "I apologize for my imprudence earlier." Severus looked at his mate. This young man, filled with promise and magic, who could have easily picked a more suitable mate, had decided to love him.

It made Severus feel a little ill, his stomach twisting with bile. He had wanted the boy to love him for a long while now, but now he knew of it made him nervous. He was strong enough to protect Harry from others, but could he protect him from himself, with his sharp tongue and condescending attitude?

"I know what I'm getting into." Harry smiled and placed his small hand on top of his large one. "I might not be able to read minds but I can guess what you're thinking."

Severus looked down at the offering, the tanned complexion a stark contrast to his pale one. Slowly he turned his hand so their palms were now touching, and Harry took the initiative to entwine their fingers. "Things in life that are worth having are not always easy." Severus whispered.

"No they aren't…" Harry was going to say something else but he trailed off bashfully. "We need to begin speaking to each other… civilly of course." Harry added at Severus' raised eyebrow.

"My personality is not going to amend itself overnight, and I will remain the same in public. However I will attempt to be…" Severus searched for a word, "kinder in how I speak to you. I will be worthy of your trust Harry." Severus knew it was going to be a long road for the both of them, but he felt like they had made progress.

"I need to sleep. I'm going to hold a training session tomorrow." Harry indicated the sofa with his eyes.

"You are no longer required to sleep on the sofa. I would have thought that obvious." Severus rolled his eyes. "Although…I believe I offered you a bath last night and it was a shower we partook in. Can I rectify my error?" Severus asked huskily inching his body closer.

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Whatever Harry had thought when Severus offered him a bath it certainly wasn't this. His blood had heated at the prospect of intimacy. Instead Harry was reclining within the deep bath, filled with delicate smelling water. There were no bubbles to hide his modesty; the opaque water was doing that.

Harry hadn't expected to be by himself in the bath. Severus was with him in the room, observing him from a chair he had dragged in. Harry was quiet under the scrutiny, neither of them speaking. Black eyes were watching him for something, brooding as they remained in silence.

Sloshing the water about, Harry washed his torso and his arms, trying to ignore the stare. He felt awful about their earlier argument and he wanted to make it up to the man. Severus had been thinking of protecting him all the time and Harry didn't understand what Dumbledore thought he was doing. Perhaps he was just concerned for Severus as they were close. Yet the man hadn't mentioned it was him Greyback wanted. There must have been an explanation for that.

"Why didn't you tell me Greyback knew about you?" Harry broke the silence, wincing as the man's eyes narrowed.

"I did not wish to worry you further. It is enough that the Dark Lord is hunting you."

"Compared to that a werewolf isn't much to worry about…no offense." Severus' lips twitched so Harry assumed the man hadn't been insulted. "Were you going to tell me?"

"There are some things I cannot share with you. I believe I would have told you eventually. Albus needed to be told about Bones first however."

"I understand." Harry swirled his hand through the water thoughtfully. "Was it because of me?"

"Why would you think that?" Severus raised his voice angrily. "The most logical reason is Madam Bones is next in line to become Minister after Scrimgeour. That man has a price on his head." Harry felt his body melt with relief. "Did Albus tell you that?" Severus demanded.

"He mentioned it might have been a reason."

"Harry, people dying has nothing to do with you. You are the victim of a madman's rage, and it is because of him people are dying. Never believe it has anything to do with you. I'll be with you when the time comes, in either form."

"Promise?" Harry hated how childish his voice sounded.

"You have my word. No matter what transpires between us I will be alongside you."

"I wish I knew how Voldemort found out about the prophecy. Dumbledore won't tell me. I'd like to know which Death Eater was responsible for all of this." Harry rubbed his scar in irritation. He saw Severus was beginning to look uncomfortable. Harry had pushed him too far, by talking about his emotions like this. It was still early days yet and this was one of the most civil conversations they had in a while.

"I got a nickname for my Animagus." He attempted to turn the conversation back to more trivial matters. "It's Apollo." He grinned.

"The twin of Artemis, fitting. Why the obsession with the god and goddesses of old?"

"Hermione came up with it. I already told you why I called the werewolf Artemis, I know you were listening."

"I always listened to your conversations with Artemis." Severus told him, his voice making it sound intimate.

"Now that's spying."

"Something I excel at." Severus stood, peeling away his robe.

"What are you doing?" Harry squeaked, his hands automatically covering himself.

"It is hot in here." Severus chuckled.

"Oh…" Harry pinched himself. "The water is nice and warm."

"The steam gives it away."

"Care to join me?" Harry challenged.

Severus regarded him thoughtfully before removing the rest of his clothes. Harry's vision was a little fuzzy without his glasses, but the man was close enough for Harry to see enough of his body.

Even though the man had already been intimate with him, Harry couldn't help but look away, his hands twisting together under the water. A cool hand on his shoulder made him startle, and at its insistence Harry scooted forward allowing Severus to sit behind him.

Long slender legs trailed past him, and Harry could feel the toned chest behind his back. Hands came up out of the water to pull Harry back by his shoulders, caressing and kneading the young flesh. Feeling brave, Harry halted them.

Immediately they stopped the body tensing. "Harry…"

Harry wanted to do this, as a way of apology and as a way of reconfirming their bond.

Twisting in the water so he was facing Severus, he sat uncomfortably on his knees, Harry smiled. Severus waited as Harry climbed to straddle the man's hips, their faces now level.

"Just let me."

"It is not usual for a werewolf to let their mate have the higher ground." Severus growled, hands gripping into the tender skin of Harry's side.

"I want to be able to see you."

Severus groaned, and pulled him closer, claiming his mouth possessively. Harry pushed the liquid soap along into Severus' reach and then wrapped his hands into the dark hair. He could feel the man's delicate intrusion, and he moaned into his mouth, hands now trailing the alabaster chest.

When Harry could tell his body was ready, he held the man's arms to his sides. "Let me," He growled in a way he hoped was seductive.

His mate's eyes narrowed but he allowed Harry to continue, only moving when Harry had enveloped him in his warmth. It wasn't complete domination; the man was still inside him, but setting the pace himself allowed Harry to feel empowered. He could feel the man's strength beneath him, his limbs like velvet covered steel.

Severus was struggling not to touch him, every instinct fighting for the urge to claim, Harry could see it in his face. Harry would stop occasionally, allowing their mouths to join. Black eyes would then open, fierce in their demand. Harry knew then that Severus trusted him. He knew how possessive a werewolf could be, and it must have been killing the older man, this slow agonizing pace.

Eventually Severus could withstand no longer and his hand snaked around Harry's member, urging him into a faster tempo. He sat up, changing the angle making Harry call out loudly. He thought it was him setting the tone, but it was Severus that was now controlling the situation, his teeth grazing the side of his neck.

Harry was powerless, a mere bundle of nerves as he rode out his feelings, spurred forward by the puppet master that was Severus. His body was tightening, reaching its peak. A mere flick of the tongue against his nipple was enough to send him soaring, pulling Severus with him as his body clamped down.

He slumped against Severus, feeling the deep thumping of his heart. Severus was panting, one hand clutching Harry's back, the other cradling his head. After a few moments Severus recovered, his fingers brushing away the strands of hair plastered against his forehead.

Warm lips pressed against his scar, not in a kiss but just resting against the mark. Severus was murmuring something, too softly for Harry to hear, even with his advanced wolfish hearing.

Harry was content just to rest against the man, happy with this new found happiness. They were both forever trapped by the world, their positions bringing their own kind of danger. But just listening to the man's breathing reassured Harry that this was the right thing, regardless of their obligations. He would destroy Voldemort and he didn't need to get rid of Severus to do so.

Perhaps he was more Slytherin than Gryffindor.

TBC