Love In the Dark
From time to time, I get people asking me for recommendations for good stories. Feel free to look at my favorites list- there's a good collection of BDSM stories, comedy, crackfics, harem, slash and het. I mostly read longer stories, and most of them that make the favorites list are complete. There are very few one-shots there, but the ones that are, are really, really good. Like Agent O, by Rorschach's Blot. XD
One of the first HPSS stories that I ever read is called Life As I Know It, by Blinded HP. That, along with Another Kind of Magic, by the goofball. They are both very, very different from each other, and both are very good in their own ways. I feel as though both provide a good insight into the D/s dynamic.
x-x-x
Harry watched his friends milling around the room, gossiping and chatting away. The Malfoys had rented a room in an upscale place to host Harry's thirteenth birthday party. Harry had been the one in charge of the invitations. Some of the people there looked rather confused as to why they were there, but Harry didn't mind.
Neville, Hermione, Seamus, the twins, and Lee were all talking in one corner, while most of the Slytherins were in another corner. Susan, Hannah, Tonks, and Luna were all talking near the table. Luna's Father was there, as was Susan's Aunt, and Hannah's parents. Ella and her husband were there as well, watching everything from their spot at the table. Flint was sitting next to them, with his fiance. All four Heads of Houses were there as well, and Harry was still a bit surprised that they had accepted his invitation. They hovered away from the students, noshing on the food. Madam Pomfrey had also been invited.
The Malfoys were there, of course, as were Lord and Lady Bulstrode.
Harry approached Severus, listening to the end of a conversation that he and Flitwick were having.
"Hullo Harry! Happy Birthday. How does it feel to be thirteen?" Flitwick asked.
Harry gave him a small smile. "Same as twelve, I suppose."
"So...how are you feeling, dear?" Professor Sprout asked, looking at him worriedly.
Harry just gave a slight shrug of his shoulder. He knew Narcissa would dissaprove, but oh well. "I'm okay. I'm glad that everyone was able to come today. I honestly expected you lot to turn the invitation down- you wouldn't want to be accused of favoritism..." He chuckled.
Flitwick laughed too. "Ah, I made it no secret that your Mother was one of my favorites!" He squeaked.
"Really?"
"Oh yes, she was quite good at charms- she could have been a Charms Mistress, if she had continued her education and had a patron..." The man looked a bit sad at this.
"I wasn't aware that you were friends with Miss Tonks, Harry." Sprout said, glancing to the Hufflepuff alumni.
"Yeah. She taught me a few things, back in first year. She's great fun." He waved to Tonks, who came over. She tripped slightly, grinning sheepishly.
She ruffled up Harry's bangs. "How's it goin' Harry?"
"Alright. How's training?"
"Ugh, exhausting. I'm just glad I got the day off today. Moody's been driving me up the walls. Hey, that good looking bloke over there, that's Flint, isn't it?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "He's taken. That's his fiance, sitting next to him."
"Oh." Tonks pouted. She grinned cheekily at the adults. "So, how are you lot doing? Never thought I'd miss Hogwarts, but here I am."
"We've been keeping busy." McGonagall said. "There was a rather large donation to the school just last week, and now we're amending our budget."
Tonks grinned. "That's fantastic! Maybe you should get some new school brooms- the old ones nearly kill the firsties every year."
Harry thought it was a good idea, actually.
"I thought we could have a formal dueling club, rather than the mess that Lockhart had last year." McGonagall ventured, making Harry wince. She looked at the boy. "Sorry dear."
"...It's okay." Harry said quietly. "I think that's a good idea too. People should be able to learn how defend themselves properly. What with our Defense Professors...uhm, leaving, it might be a good idea to have a club too."
"Well, the Headmaster is still interviewing applicants for the post. He's having a bit of trouble finding someone, however."
Harry nudged Tonks. "You could ask Tonks here, once she's finished her training up, but that won't be for a couple of years yet, right?"
Tonks flushed at this. "Oh no, I couldn't. I'm not nearly as good as some of the other guys I'm training with. I'm so klutzy!"
Narcissa came over to the group. "Harry, it's time for cake."
x-x-x
Harry and Narcissa were in muggle London, to do a bit of shopping- a birthday present from the woman. Narcissa was trying to act very bright and cheery, and Harry knew exactly what she was doing.
They were looking at shoes when Harry spoke up quietly. "You know whatever is going on between Lucius and I...isn't your fault. I know I've been distant from all of you."
Narcissa's smile faded. "He is trying to make things better, you know."
Harry frowned. "I know. But you can't solve everything with a bit of money. I don't want him getting into something that he can't back out of."
Narcissa sighed, and she held up a pair of shoes. "Do you think these will be suitable for school?"
Harry looked wistfully at them. "I wish, but I don't think I could pull them off. People will start saying things soon. If I don't display interest in girls and keep...dressing the way I do."
Narcissa shook her head. "When did you start worrying about what other people think?" She led him away from the shoes, and he followed her to the dress section. They were going through the racks when Harry spoke again quietly.
"I don't. I just...people look up to me, strangely enough. I...I kind of want to be a good role model." He rolled his eyes at this. "Strange, I know."
"There are worse people to look up to." Narcissa said softly, holding out a dress. "Think you could get away with wearing this when you're alone?"
Harry looked at the dress and smiled. "It is rather pretty..." He took the dress into his hands, looking at the soft fabric. It was rather fetching. Too bad he couldn't try it on... he glanced around, and seeing that none of the clerks were looking their way. He pulled his ponytail, freeing his hair. He adjusted his jacket a bit, zipping it up all the way. This way, he'd just look like a flat chested girl. He knew it wouldn't be long before he would have to resort to glamours and things in the muggle world, if he ever wanted to do this- the puberty monster would soon make him grow tall and not girlish at all.
"I'll go try it on." He said quietly, grabbing the couple of dresses he'd been looking at, and ducking into a dressing room. He set his other shopping bags down, and went about trying the dresses on. To his horror, he found that they were a bit loose in the front, and his shoulders were a bit too wide...this sucked. Big time. Would he have to go a size up?
He turned, looking at his reflection, gathering the fabric tightly around his waist. This wasn't fun anymore. He scowled at his reflection, looking at the clothing. He could get things custom made, but that would just be a hassle and far too expensive for clothing that he wouldn't be able to wear outside his room. He pulled off the dress over his head, and jumped as there was a knock at the door.
"Miss? Your Mother wanted me to give you a few more things..." A female clerk called out.
Harry shifted uncomfortably, very aware that he was just standing there in his underwear, half wearing a dress that obviously showed he was a boy. He clutched the fabric to his chest, and cracked the door open a bit.
The girl handed over a few things on hangers- severals girls' trousers, and some blouses. She froze for a moment, staring at Harry. Her eyes went round as her gaze dropped, and Harry shut the door in her face.
He closed his eyes, cursing himself, dropping the dress to the floor. He tried on the trousers and blouses. He decided to get them, as he could get away with wearing them out. He noticed that Narcissa had chosen clothing that had more muted colors, and the cuts weren't as obviously girlish. It was...a compromise. Harry could live with it, for now.
He left the dressing room, clothing in his arms, ignoring the way that the clerk was whispering to the others, and they were all staring at him strangely. He approached Narcissa, who had picked up on what was happening.
"We will just pay for items and go elsewhere." The woman murmured.
x-x-x
When Harry and Narcissa returned late that afternoon, Harry caught Draco scowling at him when he passed Draco's room. The boy was leaning against his open door, arms crossed over his chest.
"Slumming in the muggle world again?"
Harry rolled his eyes, and opened his bedroom door. He carried his things inside his room. Draco followed him.
"Before you came along, my Mother would have never gone to the muggle world. Before you came along, she was a proper pureblood wife, and she did as she was told- before you came along, my Mother and Father never, ever fought-"
Harry set his things on the bed, and turned to glare at Draco. "I have nothing to do with your parents fighting-"
Draco looked furious. "Don't interrupt me, you stupid muggle lover! I hate you! I hate that you get all the attention from the upper years, I hate that everyone seems to love you so much! I'm the Malfoy Heir! I'm important too! Everyone wants to be your friend, and you're always in the papers-"
Harry laughed. "You're jealous!" Perhaps that was not the smartest thing to do.
Draco punched him. Hard. Harry hadn't expected it. He fell down to the floor, and slowly sat up, clutching his jaw. He stared up at Draco, and saw that the boy was so upset his hands were shaking. His eyes were bright with unshed tears. "I am not jealous!" He yelled.
Harry felt sorry for him, for a moment. "What do you want me to do?" Harry asked quietly. "Do you want me to leave?"
"Yes! Mother and Father may have adopted you, but you're no brother of mine!" Draco scowled as he grabbed Harry's shopping bags, and threw them at Harry. "Take your filthy muggle clothes, and..." He trailed off, seeing all the blouses and trousers, knickers, camisoles, and even a few skirts. "What the..." His anger faded, and he looked visibly surprised. "What the hell is this? Is this some muggle freak thing?"
"Draco..." Harry said quietly. "Look, I can explain-"
"Ugh, disgusting- I always knew you were too girly-" Harry flinched at this, and stood up.
"I can still kick your ass." Harry said dangerously.
"Oh yeah?" Draco made to hit Harry, and Harry blocked it, and followed the movement to punch Draco directly in the gut. The boy doubled over, and Harry grabbed him by that pretty blonde hair of his, yanking his head up.
"Don't fucking mess with me." Harry said flatly. "I've killed before, and I can do it again. I might like to dress like a girl, but at least I'm not a spoiled child. Get the fuck out of my room." He snarled, shoving Draco.
Draco fell to the floor, and stared up at Harry fearfully. "Yo-You've never killed before." He whispered.
"I have. Quirrel. I shot him."
"Sh-shot him? Why?"
"He was trying to attack me." Harry said, his voice still flat. "And I stabbed Lockhart when he tried to attack me again too."
"Again? Lockhart?" Draco echoed, looking confused. "I haven't heard anything about this."
"Ask your parents."
"But...why would they attack you?" Draco asked, standing up.
"Please leave." Harry said, mechanically picking up his things. Draco left the bedroom. As soon as the door closed behind him, Harry dropped whatever he was holding, and buried his face in his hands.
x-x-x
Harry woke in the middle of the night to find an owl tapping at his window. He got up from his bed, putting his glasses on. He wrapped a sheet around him to sheild himself from the cold air. He took the letter from the owl, and it shot off again. Harry opened it, recognizing Tonks' handwriting. It was rushed looking, and messier than usual.
Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban- it just happened an hour ago. In the briefing, we were told that he might come after you. Be Careful. -Tonks
Harry sank down on his bed, staring at the letter in his hands. He hadn't really expected this. After all, wasn't Azkaban supposed to safe? Then again, Hogwarts was supposed to safe too. And now a madman was after him, the madman that had betrayed his parents. He sat in his bed for several hours, trying to collect his thoughts. He needed to figure out a plan. The news would undoubtedly hit the papers soon, and people would get a little crazy over it. He needed information, and he needed it fast.
He went to his desk, and wrote a letter to Tonks back.
If you can, look at his trial transcripts. Why would he break out all of a sudden? Did they give a reason in the briefing? I've been in the wizarding world for a couple of years now, so why now? Any hints to how he broke out? I want to know his strengths and weaknesses, so I can protect myself better- any evidence and such will be a big help. Thanks for the tip. You watch out for yourself too. -Harry
Harry pulled on his dressing robe, not bothering to get dressed properly. He left his bedroom, and knocked on Narcissa's and Lucius' door. He heard a noise, and after a moment, Narcissa came to the door, clearly half awake.
"Harry?"
"Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban." Harry said, holding up his letter from Tonks.
Narcissa jolted awake at this, and read the letter. "I see. I will tell Lucius to strengthen the wards, and go to the Ministry to see what's going on." Harry gave her a nod, and went downstairs. He went to Dean's room in the guest wing, banging on his door.
Dean opened the door groggily. "Harry...what's goin' on?"
Harry handed over the letter silently. Dean scowled. "Damn." He let Harry inside the room. It was much smaller than Harry's room, but it was still quite nice.
Dean sat on his bed. "This Tonks chick, she'll get the info you need. She might have to do a bit of sneaking around, but she'll get it."
"I hope so." Harry said quietly, sitting next to Dean. "This guy betrayed my parents, Dean."
"You wanna kill him?"
"...I just want to know why he broke out now. Why now, rather than when I first returned to the wizarding world? It doesn't make sense."
"Maybe he somehow got a hold of a copy of Witch Weekly." Dean joked.
"Ugh." Harry grimaced.
"Curl up with me- it's still the middle of the night."
The two friends curled up in the bed together, Dean hugging him tight. Harry sighed. "This is nice."
"Don't get any ideas." Dean warned.
Harry giggled. "Who, me?"
"Yeah, you. I better not wake up to find you groping me."
"Ah, just like old times." Harry said, snuggling into Dean's chest. "You're not as snuggly as you used to be. You lost all that baby fat."
"Of course I did. I'm a growing boy, unlike you." Dean murmured, carding his fingers through Harry's hair sleepily.
"Hey, I'm growing too." Harry pouted.
"Just don't do any growing down there while you're in bed with me, alright?"
Harry was quiet at this. He pulled away from Dean's arms, and rolled over with his back to his friend.
"Harry? You alright?"
"...Since...Lockhart...I haven't really been...up to that sort of thing." Harry admitted quietly.
"Oh..." Dean hugged him from behind gently. "Don't worry Harry, you'll be slutting around in no time." He attempted to joke.
Harry turned over, scowling at his friend in the darkness. He punched Dean's arm. "I'm not like that anymore! Shut up."
"...Sorry. Guess you're only lusting after the Greasy Git now?"
Harry sighed. "Let's just get some sleep."
x-x-x
Harry and Lucius met up in the garden- Harry had been daydreaming, wandering the path, while Lucius was brooding on one of the benches. Their gazes met, and Harry looked away first, a bit ashamed of how Lucius looked a bit nervous.
"Harry."
"Sir." Harry replied, approaching him. "Did you hear anything at the Ministry?"
"Fudge, that idiot, just saw Black the day before he escaped. He gave Black a newspaper." The man sneered.
"Oh...he saw me in it?"
"Most likely. The guards heard him murmuring 'he's at hogwarts, he's at hogwarts'. So yes, I assume he is after you."
Harry sighed, flopping down to sit on the bench beside the man. "Well, damn."
"They have the whole Auror department, and they've even got a few Hitwizards after him."
"I know. Tonks wrote me again this morning. Do you remember there being a trial?"
Lucius frowned, looking thoughtful. "I...I'm not sure. I can look into the records. Those days, well, it was chaotic. Many people were coming out of hiding, others were discovered dead, there were quite a bit of trials...I'm sure Black had a trial."
"According to Tonks, there was never a trial. Black confessed, and they threw him straight to Azkaban."
Lucius shook his head. "Veritaserum?"
"If they used it, it wasn't written in the report."
"...I see. But the evidence was rather overwhelming..."
"You and I both know that he could have been framed. We need to find Black, so that he can have a proper trial. I don't want to send the wrong man to Azkaban, not if my parent's real betrayer is out there."
Lucius looked thoughtful. "If I remember correctly, the Potters were friendly with Black, Pettigrew, and Lupin. Pettigrew is dead, by Black, and Lupin disappeared shortly after his friends were killed."
"Disappeared?" Harry said with a frown.
"Yes."
"Hmm."
They shared a look, and Harry offered the man a cautious smile. "First time we talk all summer, and we're talking about capturing a wanted fugitive. Even if you are a Bastard, I've missed you."
Lucius breathed a sigh of relief. "And I've missed you as well, child." He reached over, tucking a lock of hair behind Harry's ear. Harry shied away from the touch, turning away from the man. Lucius winced. "I'm sorry."
"...It's okay." Harry said quietly.
"Draco talked to us." Lucius said after a moment. "He was quite distressed."
"Oh?"
"I know you two don't get along. Even though you are both the same age, you are so different. I know that Narcissa and I have...sheltered our son, and you know quite a bit of the world. More than you should, really." The man said this last part softly.
"It doesn't give me an excuse for threatening you."
"But I understand why you did it. Harry... you have a good heart. Despite all the things that have happened to you, you...don't let it get the best of you."
Harry rolled his eyes at this. "You have no idea."
"I think I do. I know you're trying to change for the better...and so am I. Yes, we're dangerous men, but...perhaps our skills be put to good use. Yes?"
"...How?"
"Helping those who need it, rather than for our own gain."
Harry gave the man a confused a look. Lucius explained. "The Malfoy family has a long history of philanthropy- but mostly towards certain causes and missions that...benefit us and our friends, rather than everyone else. I have been considering our Family's image. While we have bettered it, since you came to our Family, I do think it could improve. And I think you are old enough to get involved with our community in a greater capacity."
"What do you mean?"
"I am giving you the option to take control of your properties and investments. I think you will make good use of it. We can go to Gringott's tomorrow and turn the paperwork over. While I do have the final say, you will have control. While you have been tutored in finances, a little hands on practice won't hurt. I will be doing the same for Draco this year as well- I'm giving him our share of stock in Flourish and Blott's."
"I suppose this is your form of a 'coming of age' test?"
"Of sorts. It's tradition. There's a reason why we are so financially secure, you know."
Harry nodded slowly, looking down to his lap. "Lucius...I really do think you should spend some more time on your son. I will make myself scarce for the rest of the holidays."
"...I understand."
Their eyes met, and Harry offered the man a shy smile. "I think I'll spend a bit more time with Severus."
x-x-x
It was raining when Harry arrived to Spinner's End. Since Severus wasn't at the school, he sort of...guilted McGonagall into telling him where the man's house was. It wasn't accessable by floo, unless Harry had permission from Severus, so he took the Knight Bus. Harry arrived at the damp and dreary place. Rowhouses, squashed up against each other, their chimneys blazing and kids running about jumping in the puddles.
Harry raised the hood on his jacket, darting past an old man with an umbrella. He arrived to Snape's house, and knocked on the door briskly. No one answered. Harry cursed, and banged on the door again. No one. Harry turned, frowning. Severus must have stepped out.
He waited on the front stoop, shivering and cold, wishing he could cast magic here, but couldn't because he was underage and he was in the muggle world.
He huddled close to the door, trying to keep himself warm. He was there for twenty minutes until he finally saw Snape walking up, umbrella in one hand, and a bag of groceries in the other. Their eyes met, and Harry gave him a cheerful wave.
He then noticed the ciggarette hanging from the man's lips, and his muggle clothes. Woah.
"What in the hell are you doing here?" Severus hissed, striding quickly towards the door. Severus unlocked it, and they went inside.
"Wanted to see you." Harry said, watching Severus flick the umbrella, drying it off wandlessly. He set it aside, and Harry followed him further into the house. Harry glanced around. The place was rather small and dreary, and books were stacked all over the place. On end tables, on chairs- and bookcases were everywhere. One guess how Severus spent his pocket money.
The kitchen was small and dismal looking, and Harry took the man's groceries. "Let me. You get out of those wet clothes."
Severus gave him a Look, and ignored him. He grabbed the bag back, and started putting things away. "You shouldn't be here. Black escaped Azkaban- it's not safe for you to be alone."
Harry pouted, and looked at the things that the Professor unpacked. Several cartons of ciggarettes, some whisky, bread, and cheese. He looked about the kitchen, and sighed. "You live here?"
Severus frowned. "Just for a few weeks a year. Sometimes If I'm at a conference, not even that." He turned to Harry, crossing his arms over his chest. "You shouldn't be here."
Harry just grinned. "You said that earlier. I didn't know you smoked." Harry took the cigarette from the man's lips.
"There's a lot you don't know about me." Severus muttered, and watched Harry take a drag. Harry coughed a bit, but took another drag anyways. "Who said you could take that?"
Harry laughed. "You didn't say no. So, I came here because I wanted to talk. About my training. We've put this off long enough."
Severus turned away. "I just want you to concentrate on your other training, for now. You've already got quite a bit on your plate."
Harry sighed, and pulled off his wet jacket. "Mind if I clean up a bit? I'm soaked, and I don't have the advantage of using spells outside of school yet."
"Loo's around the corner, down the hall, to the left." Severus muttered.
"Thanks." Harry left the kitchen. A few minutes later, he returned, wearing a dark green bathrobe, and nothing else.
Severus' eyes went round as he saw Harry. "Where are your clothes?"
"They're wet."
"...I'll go dry them."
Harry caught Severus as he passed. "Don't bother." Harry murmured, pulling the man close, their faces inches from each other. "Sir, you said that we would talk. I've waited long enough."
Severus shoved him away, his cheeks suspiciously pink. Harry smirked as he watched the man leave the room to dry Harry's things.
Severus came back to find the kitchen empty. "Harry?"
"In the sitting room!" Harry called out, his voice loud enough to carry through the thin walls. Severus went into the sitting room, stopping short as he saw Harry sitting in front of the loveseat, on the floor, He grinned at Severus, and the man cursed internally. Harry had grown up quite a bit over the summer, and it showed.
He shoved the boy's clothes at him. "Get dressed."
"Alright." And Harry did. Right in front of him. Severus turned away quickly, but not before getting a good look. What was up with him?
"I thought...you would be more...reticent, after the events of last year." Severus stated, trying not to imagine what the boy looked like dressing.
"It's different, with you. Alright, I'm finished."
Severus turned slightly, and Harry sat on the loveseat, fully clothed. Severus sat down in the armchair instead of the loveseat, wanting to put space between them. "Tell me what's going on."
"I want to know about my training." Harry said simply. "If I am to be yours, I need to be trained, right? Everything's been put on hold long enough."
"You're still too young."
"No I'm not."
"Yes you are."
"No I'm not."
"Yes...fuck. Forget it." Severus muttered. "Fine, alright. If I'm going to start training you, you must be absolutely serious about this. This isn't a game, understand?"
"...Yes sir."
"Very well then." Severus settled into his chair, looking thoughtful. "The books you read, I'm sure are graphic and are very...fun to read, but they aren't really guidebooks. Some of them completely disregard safety and tradition. Yes, I read those books, but that was years ago, before I actually had experience. Now that I have experience, I know what I like and dislike."
"Yes?"
Severus studied Harry carefully. "I want someone that is skilled, knowledgable, and able to support themselves in their own right. I want them to be capable of taking care of themselves, if they have to. You are all of these things, yes, but you also need to consider the future. Even if you are Mine, I still want you to have a career and a social life. My work is very important to me, so you can't expect me to pay attention to you all the time."
"I get that." Harry said.
"There are those who believe that the BDSM lifestyle is extravagant and full of devious sex all the time...that's just not practical. I tend to keep things separate. I have a time for work, and a time for play. Sometimes, if I am stressed because of work, I will not always be in the mood to play. I am a very private man, so we will never play in any space where we could be caught by those who know us. We will also take precautions like safe words...I do hope you know what those are, yes?"
Harry gave a slight nod at this.
"Good. Now...you and I will not have a physical relationship until both of us are ready to do so." At Harry's expression, he pressed on. "And I mean it. You can still be in service to me without a romantic relationship." Severus paused. "As you and Flint have ended your...relationship, you are welcome to pursue another, as long as you get permission from me first. I would want to make sure they are safe."
Harry looked down at this, frowning.
"I'm really not interested in anyone else right now, sir. Just you."
Severus cleared his throat. "That...can change. You're still young."
"So...how can I be of service to you in the meantime?" Harry asked.
Severus smirked at this. "By doing the best you can in your classes, and continuing your study group. I may ask you to do a few errands for me, but nothing that will leave you alone or out of the school. I want you to be safe."
"I...I'm not a bad cook, sir. I'm not bad at cleaning, either." Harry offered. "I know the elves clean the castle, but..."
"I actually don't permit the elves in my quarters. If...we do have time, perhaps I can ask you to do such things for me, as long as you've completed your other work."
Harry smiled brightly at this, and then it faded. "Sir...in the books, the submissives always talked about wanting to be submissive all the time...I'm not really like that." He bit his lip, looking a bit worried. "As a matter of fact, I feel more dominant with others."
Severus nodded slowly. "Yes. I can understand why." He tilted his head. "Have you ever felt dominant over me?"
Harry shook his head quickly, eyes wide. "No, never. Never with you." He blushed a bit. "You've always been different."
"There are such things as switches, people who can be both dominant and submissive. I've known switches who dominate women, and are only submissive to men, or visa versa. Sometimes, it's just a matter of personality. Some people just react dominantly to certain personalities, or submissive to others." He paused. "Take your friend Dean, for example. There are times that he acts submissively to you, but he has a very dominant personality to others. However, he does talk back to you, because you are so close."
"What? Dean doesn't act submissively to me..." Harry stuttered.
"He doesn't? He runs errands for you in Knockturne- don't look so surprised- and he assists you in your study group meetings. At this point he is your...second of command, I suppose."
"...Oh." Harry said quietly.
"Millicent and the other girls act mostly submissive in your presence, not only because they have been trained to subconsciously by their Mothers and Families, but because they want to. The other boys are a bit more aggressive, but they still do as they are told, at this point, because they know that you are stronger than they are."
"Oh." Harry repeated.
"Dynamics of the group can change, yes, but...it does give you something to think about, doesn't it?"
"Why are you telling me all this?" Severus ignored this question.
"Then take Lucius and Narcissa. Both of them have dominant personalities, and are very powerful. However, they are submissive to you at times because they know you have the potential in the future to outshine them both. They want to help you, because you can help them. Draco, on the other hand, is struggling, because he's still trying to find his place on the totem pole, so to speak. I believe that he, and some of the other Slytherin boys, may branch out and try to gain independence this year. We will need to prevent that from happening."
"...Why?"
"A united group is a strong group. Infighting will help no one. Enough of that. Let's get back to your training." Severus waved it off. "You have received training from a good amount of people who are knowledgeable in a variety of subjects. Miss Ella and Narcissa taught you how to talk to Ladies properly, helping you gain the loyalty of your female friends, and making a good impression among influential wives."
"Lucius and I, along with Flint, have taught you how to fight, duel, and notice the various political nuances that you will be involved in the future. Then there is the training you have been putting yourself through."
"When you say it like that...it sounds exhausting."
"But it's all for a good cause. Harry...I know you. You don't want to fight the Dark Lord, but sooner or later, you will have to. And...I think, if Dumbledore ever found out how powerful you exactly are, he will find a way to take you down as well. He will think you are too dangerous to be left alone."
Harry scowled at this.
"You have been quietly gathering allies and information- don't look at me like that- I know exactly what you are doing. You have also been training physically, and training others as well. While you have a small presence in the newspapers and such, I think you need to gain more notoriety. While you are known as the Boy Who Lived, not many know of your skill in dueling and such."
"I don't want people knowing my skills." Harry cut in.
"I know. Which is why you are going to emphasize your other skills to the media. It will cause your opponents to underestimate you."
"My other skills?" Harry asked thoughtfully.
"You will soon have a great deal of financial power at your fingertips. You also are...attractive, and those at Witch Weekly-" Severus sneered at this "Have already noticed this. Using your fame, good looks, and money, you could become even more famous. But you must be careful. If they find out how dangerous you really are, you could be in great danger. That means no visits to Knockturne. That means no dueling with others outside the study group meetings. That also means pretending you are a great deal weaker than you already are."
"I...I do that already." Harry pointed out.
"What with you shooting Quirrel and...the whole business with...Him, last year, the staff is aware that you carry weapons on your person. I've convinced them that Lucius has taught you to carry weapons, but has focused on teaching his own son to duel. If they knew that you were taught how to duel not only by Lucius, but by myself and Flint, we would have a problem. I've convinced them that the damages you inflicted were just...lucky shots."
"I understand. So...if I do get stuck in a bind, I mess up on purpose."
"Correct."
"So...where do you sit in all of this?" Harry asked finally.
Severus just smirked. "As of right now? Your advisor, I suppose."
"And soon?" Harry asked, moving to approach the man. "How long do I have to wait before I can call you my lover?" He sat in the man's lap with a cheeky smile.
Severus sighed, and pulled the boy close. They shared a long look. "Harry...I cannot be that for you. Not yet. You should have more experience. I think...you should start dating."
"Dating?" Harry asked, visibly surprised. "You mean, like dating as in...going out to dinner and such?"
"Yes. With girls. And no sex. Just enough to get the tabloids talking. I believe Miss Bulstrode and Miss Lovegood might be good choices."
"Millie knows I'm gay."
"All the better, then." Severus said, kissing Harry's brow. "At least, that way, you won't break her heart."
x-x-x
Whoo! Another Chapter! Hope you guys liked it. Remember, check out those stories I recommended. Harry and the gang will be starting their third year in the following chapter. Finally. Oh, and please review!