A/N: I don't own Harry Potter and am not making money from this (although you can always pay me in reviews!). Thanks to my Beta, Jack Frost lover cadi93 !

Chapter 21: December Dawns

The 2nd dawned with light shining through the fake window the Room had provided them with. As the light slid onto Harry's face, he woke with a start, before settling back onto the green plush couch. He lifted his arms above his head and sighed. While they often spent weekends in the Room now, they'd never had another bed, and Harry's back was starting to feel the impact. He glanced over at Severus, expecting to see the man's opal eyes staring steadily into his and laughed aloud at what he saw.

Severus had fallen asleep sitting sideways in the mallow armchair. He'd had his back to Harry as they'd been talking about his childhood. He never cried, but he didn't like even Harry to see the tears gleam in his eyes.

Harry could only imagine what kind of a mood Severus would be in when he awoke as he was currently draped over the armrest, hair dragging the floor, and mouth wide open. He had one arm resting on the floor in his hair and the other placed neatly at his side. His legs were flung over the back of the chair.

Even as Harry watched, Severus turned onto his side and rolled towards the front of the chair. Harry chuckled. It was amazing to watch Severus so peaceful. He'd have thought that the man would be as he is during his waking hours: calm, collected. Instead, he flung about and nestled into whatever position suited him for a moment, only to sling himself back the other way a few seconds later.

The first time he'd watched Severus sleep, he'd thought the man was having night terrors. He'd woken in the bed to Severus tossing violently side to side; shocked, Harry rushed to wake him, but Severus had only laughed, blushed, and apologised while explaining that he'd always done that. When they fell back asleep, Harry was sure to stay on his side of the bed, far away from the other occupant.

Now, he knew it was normal and fine and didn't spare a second thought to it except to admire the way Severus' cheeks became rosy as the blood rushed to his head. His face was peaceful and innocent, almost like a child's. Harry smiled as Severus spun again, coming to rest on his stomach, but within a blink, Severus' legs had fallen and he was flipping onto the floor with a clash.

Harry blinked again and bit back his laughter as Severus snarled and rose. He pierced Harry with his glare, "You couldn't have done anything!"

"Hey! If the Room wanted you to have a soft landing, it should have done something," Harry shrugged.

Severus mouth pressed into a thin line, the epitome of his angry stare. Harry laughed right at him; he saw the gleam of amusement in Severus' dark eyes.

"What time is it, prat?"

"Well, let's see shall we?" With a flourish, Harry picked up his wand and waved it, mumbling the enchantment. The time and date came floating into the air; it was nearly time for breakfast. Harry quirked an eyebrow at Severus who pulled himself off the floor and tried to straighten his robes.

"We'd best be off."

"Oh, I suppose," sighed Harry as he went to peck his Potions Master on the cheek and whisk out the door.

Ginny was unusually fidgety that morning. It was times like these that she wanted to break her promise to Harry and tell their friends where he was and who he was with. She hadn't seen anything of Harry all weekend and neither had Ron, Hermione, or Neville. Hermione was trying her hardest to keep her cool, but Ginny could tell that she was secretly worried that perhaps Harry was not simply away with Snape, but perhaps in a much more precarious situation.

Neville and Ron were downright panicked. "No, Ginny! I swear to you: he did not come back to the dormitory last night."

"Well then," she sighed at her brother, "he simply must be dead."

"That's what Ron and I have been trying to tell you!"

Hermione and Ginny exchanged a look; perhaps they didn't understand the sarcasm. "He's fine," Hermione leaned forward and patted Ron's hand, "honestly, boys."

"How do you know!"

Hermione looked about to burst, but Ginny stepped in instead, "For starters, he's right there."

Both the boys and Hermione whirled to look at the entrance to the Great Hall, where Harry had just appeared. Hermione and Ginny again exchanged a look, half relief and half amusement.

Harry was ruffled and tired-eyed. His robes hung off his shoulders, unbuttoned, and he appeared to be wearing no socks. Quickly, he seated himself between the girls and shot a puzzled glare at the boys. "What."

"What? What. What! Hear that Neville! All he has to say for himself is "what"! Where the bloody hell have you been?"

"I-er-what?"

"What!"

"I-er- fell asleep in the library. I had to finish that Transfiguration essay."

"You bloody well know that isn't true! We looked everywhere for you!"

"Ron, calm down. I'm sorry I worried you?" He held his hands up placatingly, "I'm fine honestly."

"Sounds like you had a rough night," Hermione mused. She and Ginny turned to each other and giggled.

"Hey, Ron, how's Fred and George's shoppe doing?" Hermione's giggles became forced and she covertly shot Harry a look. 'You wouldn't,' her eyes seemed to say.

"Don't try to change the subject. Where. Were. You?"

"I told you! In the library! Merlin, Ron, let me eat!"

They all finished their breakfasts in relative silence until Ron leaned towards Harry and said, "You could've just told me, Harry."

Harry's heart dropped and his four friends turned to look at his shocked expression. "Told you what."

"It's not that hard to figure out, Harry. You both disappear at the same time, show back up around the same time, and come into rooms at the same time. We know you're with him."

"How?" Harry asked, louder than perhaps necessary.

"It's not that hard! I just told you!"

Harry darted a look up at the Head Table where Severus sat, completely unaware that their secret was soon to be painted across the walls for everyone to see.

"Chill, Harry, we won't tell anyone," Neville piped up.

"Yeah, and you could've asked us for help."

Harry stared blankly at Ron and asked slowly, "Help with what?"

Neville answered, "You know, following him. Malfoy's always been up to something. If you think we need to find out what, then we'll help you, but don't go running around by yourself. He could be dangerous."

Harry breathed a sigh of relief and the smile he wore wasn't complete fraud. They didn't know. "Thanks guys."

"I don't think Malfoy's up to anything," As ever, Ginny was argumentative, "maybe you should just leave the poor kid alone."

Hermione and Harry looked at her wide-eyed. They knew that voice. They'd each used it so many times when trying to conceal their own secrets that her deception was juvenile by comparison.

They looked at each other and smiled impishly. They'd figure this out easily.

The trio walked quickly down to the dungeons, having left Ginny and Neville behind. Ron and Hermione were babbling eagerly about the assignment they were due to be turning in, and Harry lagged a bit.

Classes had been going the same as ever. Severus was a prat and Harry was a smart-mouth, but now it felt different. He hated having Severus be rude to him, no matter how necessary it was. Knowing it hurt him just as much didn't help Harry's feelings any.

As the drew down the corridor, Harry's feet began to drag and he sighed. Though he and Severus were companions, he still hated the class. Now, it was worse than ever. Ron and Hermione turned into the classroom ahead of him, but still Harry trudged behind. He was still halfway down the hall when he heard the magically charmed note to ring out signally class to begin. He jumped but didn't quicken his pace. Not that it mattered, he was late and would be punished even if he ran.

Then, Harry felt a hand on his shoulder and he whipped around. His vision captured the familiar buttoned chest of his Potions Master and he almost smiled. Almost.

"What," he asked, not really caring to hear the answer such as the mood he'd worked himself into.

"Still hate my class, Potter?"

"More than ever, Your Highness," he mockingly bowed, cautious to keep up the façade.

"No one's here, Harry," Snape whispered and bent lightly to press a kiss to Harry's forehead.

"But they could come out at any second and where would we be then?"

"Well, we wouldn't have to sneak around anymore."

Harry laughed sarcastically, "Yes, that's a fantastic idea!"

Severus narrowed his eyes, "And why aren't you in class, Mr. Potter?" He raised his voice so the class would be able to hear them inside.

"You're the one that's late to his own class, sir."

"Detention, Mr. Potter."

Harry sat in Potions and sulked while Snape swooped around the dungeons with unusual vigor. He wasn't bothered by the gleam in Harry's eyes. He'd long believed it to be hatred, but, no, it was the prospect of a new challenge, something Harry'd confessed Severus had always been to him.

And Severus? Well, if Severus was unsuccessful in keeping his own gleam from his eyes, it was no matter. The children were now far too accustomed with his glare to subject themselves to it. And if one or two happened a fleeting glance to his face, they just assumed it was the sparkle of malice hidden deep in their professor's eye.

It was lunch time directly after Harry's Potions class, but Snape called him to stay after to discuss his detention. He'd be going in Severus' office to work on homework, but he'd be telling everyone that he was to polish everything in the Potion's Master's vast ingredient stores.

Harry sat up on Severus' desk as Severus spoke to him, the Potion Master's hands resting lightly on his knees. Severus smiled lightly as Harry slid his knees apart, inviting the man closer. He smiled as he took the invitation, chuckling softly as Harry's knees tightened on his hips. He leaned forward to press a light kiss on Harry's forehead, but Harry turned his face away.

"I hate your class." He whispered seductively into Severus' ear. He slid down the desk, pressing close to the professor for a split second before pushing him away, smirking. He strutted out of the classroom, leaving behind a bothered and blushing Potions Master.

Severus took lunch in his room that day. He was discovering more and more things about the boy he'd fallen in love with. They'd yet to take the next step in their relationship, but they were dancing around it in increasing frequency.

Take today for example, even a week ago Harry would never have let Severus that near him, let alone initiate it, and a week before that, he wouldn't have dreamed of sitting atop the professor's desk.

Yes, things were getting heated between them and Severus thought it was only a matter of time before the Room offered them another bed. But for some reason, Severus couldn't bring himself to think of that. He loved the boy, yes, and he trusted the boy, yes, but there was something holding him back. Fear of the unknown? Fear of rejection? Fear of falling even more for the man who'd yet to tell him he loved him?

Severus dropped his head into his hands. He was in too deep.

Crabbe and Goyle left the Manor. They'd been away for over two months, unable to tell even their families that they'd be gone. However, they were able to bring good news to their Master: The book he'd been looking for had been found. It was easy to take from the man who'd had it. He seemed almost desperate to give it to them and help their cause.

During their research, Goyle had found that the man was a wealthy business owner. He'd even asked Severus, who'd confirmed that the man was a well-respected and wealthy Apothecary but had been growing old and hermitic.

It had been difficult for the men to find him deep within the Congo Rainforest, but once they'd reached him, he'd immediately handed the book over, warning them to keep it closed. He'd shooed them away from his tiny shack without so much as an explanation.

Personally, Crabbe had thought it odd that such a prosperous man had been living in a run-down hovel, but Goyle had only told him to hush-up, the bugs were bothering him.

They'd delivered the book to their Master without even reading the title. They'd been told that once they found Davu, and that was the only name he was known by, he would know exactly which book they wanted. And he had.

Now, Crabbe and Goyle were sitting next to each other at their favourite pub when two tawny owls swooped in and dropped them letters. Always excited to hear from their sons, they ripped them open eagerly before stopping short and looking at each other.

"What's he doing now?" Goyle asked.

"We haven't verified it with anyone yet! We can't tell him until we're sure!" Crabbe snapped back.

"If you don't want to tell him now, I will. I'm not wasting my chance and letting someone else tell him first. Are you coming or not?"

Crabbe nodded slowly and downed the rest of his Firewhiskey. They hurried outside and apparated back to Little Hangington. Vincent had better be right.

Goyle took off at a brisk pace and didn't slow until he reached the Manor. He stopped at the wards, one hand out to touch them, and waited to be admitted.

The Dark Lord sat in his chamber, flipping almost lazily through the new tome. He hadn't gotten very far in his studies and he'd been working tirelessly for months, but this was a large breakthrough. Angrily, he realised someone was pushing on his wards. He looked through them to see Crabbe and Goyle standing there.

He narrowed his snake-like eyes and put his wand to the door, summoning Wormtail. He'd refused to mar his own skin to bare the Dark Mark so he kept Pettigrew nearby to summon whomever he wished. Now, the stubby man scuttled into the room and the Dark Lord put out his hand. Reluctantly, Pettigrew put his left arm forward and Voldemort touched his wand to it, making the outsiders' Marks glow. Through his mind's eye, he saw them step through the wards, and he lowered his wand.

"Meet them at the door, Wormtail. Lead them to me."

The coward ducked his head and nodded, scampering from the room. The Dark Lord sat back and waited, not needing to wait long. Crabbe and Goyle rushed into the room, eyes alight.

"What is so important that you wish to disturb me?"

The men couldn't see in the dim lighting so they fixed their eyes to where the voice came from. Goyle answered first, "We have news of Harry Potter from our sons."

"You deem it important?"

"Yes, My Lord," Crabbe bent his head, "it involves one of our own."

Voldemort sat up in interest, "A betrayer?"

"No, My Lord," Goyle smiled a wicked grin, "it would seem that Harry Potter has grown a fancy for a certain Potions Master."

Voldemort sat back in his chair, thinking deeply, "Do you think he knows?"

"I'd doubt it, My Lord," Goyle continued, "he'd have told you, no?"

"We shall see," Voldemort held out his hand and Crabbe ran forward, desperate to be of service. The Dark Lord pressed his wand to the man's Mark and across the world, Death Eater's Marks were glowing black. They apparated to the tiny town as quickly as they could. The man of the hour was among the last to arrive.

Amora Vincintia bowed her head again, growing slightly annoyed. She'd told Dumbledore at least a dozen times already how she'd used his diamond shards to shape the garnet and explained in detail which spells she used to make it work.

She'd told him what she saw. She was sworn to secrecy. She'd sworn on her magic that she'd told no one. He'd seen her memories.

And now she was sitting through another lecture on why she shouldn't have made the stone.

"I don't understand why!" Dumbledore bellowed, pacing his office in front of her.

"It was all in the innocence of curiosity, understand?" She shouted back.

"Oh, no," Albus swooped, much like the dungeon bat, and menacingly bent over her, his face hanging bare centimetres from hers. "Curiosity has never been innocent. It is dangerous and dangerous indeed. But what I don't understand is why using Dark Magic is no qualm to you, but this is."

"He's a child?" Even in her outrage, she managed to make everything sound unsure, Dumbledore marveled.

"That is true. This must be dealt with." He considered simply Obliviating the woman, but no, she'd known too long. This was doubtlessly worked into many a memory. She'd notice such an absence.

More than that, she was right. It was simply unacceptable. How dare he.

But Severus was gone at the moment. He'd gotten a summon during lunch, notified Albus and been sent on his way. It was not even ten minutes later that Professor Vincintia came up to him, asking to speak in private.

It was nearing dinner now.

Dutifully, he walked up the steps, unknowingly passing the place where the poor caretaker had been murdered. He stepped into the room of Harry's nightmares.

The Dark Lord watched as Severus strode callously towards the centre of the circle.

"Friendsss." There was not a millilitre of camaraderie in his voice. At once the men dropped to their knees as one.

"My Lord," They offered in response.

"The time isss near at hand," he paused for cheering, "and we've been given an unexpected aid."

Narrowing his eyes, the Dark Lord stepped to Severus. "Our friend here, hasss helped usss immensssely, sssimply by being hissss charming sssself."

Severus allowed a calculated flicker of confusement to cross his face.

"Sssee, friendss, Ssseverusss hasss attracted the attention of our little hero."

Raw horror crossed Severus' face, only this time, it stayed. "What?" He asked flatly.

"Yesss, disscussting iss it not? No matter, no matter. You will sssimply have to handle that yoursself. Now, onto the plan, I've unfolded."

The Dark Lord's followers stayed on their knees as the plan for Severus to pretend to court The Boy Who Lived unfolded. It was a relatively simple plan. Severus would win the boy's trust over a few weeks time, then say they needed a more private meeting place. He'd take the boy to the Shrieking Shack a few times to get him comfortable going there. Then he'd tell his Lord when they were ready and he'd take Harry back to hand him to the waiting Death Eaters. Crabbe and Goyle senior were not among this party.

Severus pinched his face in disgust, as was expected, when the Dark Lord spoke of how he'd treat Harry. He didn't disagree however, pretending he knew his Master and his duty, he nodded and scowled.

Finally the plan was laid out, and The Dark Lord reached out to touch Severus' face. He fought down the rising bile in his throat as the slick and cold as death fingers caressed his face.

"He told you to care for the boy?"

Severus didn't need to ask who was being spoken of, "Yes, he told me to look after him. I wasn't sure how far that duty reached."

"You've done well, my pet."

"Thank you, My Lord." Severus bowed.

"You'll remember the plan?"

"Of course, My Lord."

"We'll get him this time, won't we Ssseverusss?"

"I'm sure, My Lord."

The Dark Lord's cackle rose in the air and Severus strained to keep his knees from trembling. He kept his face a mask until the even the echos subsided. Then, the Dark Lord smiled a grin that alone was enough to strike nightmares into the heart of a grown man, "Then, when his little savior is disposed of, we'll come back for Dumbledore, and he'll beg for mercy."

A sick smile slid across Severus' face, "I cannot wait, My Lord."

By the time Severus reached his office, dinner was nearly finished. With Harry due to be arriving at any moment, he simply jotted a note to the Headmaster. Though quick, it detailed the plan and the reason for his not coming in person, carefully leaving out the relationship aspect with Harry, and the fact that the student for detention was Harry.

Harry knocked before entering the Potions room. Severus had not been at lunch nor dinner, and there'd been rumours that he'd not taught the rest of his classes.

Snape called for entrance and Harry reluctantly pushed open the door. He knew that whatever had kept the Potions Master away all day could not be good. Judging by the broken appearance on the man's face, Harry was right.

"Have you been summoned?" He asked quietly.

Severus simply nodded, looking slightly stunned as the brown tawny school owl flew out passed Harry's head.

"I'll come back later. I'll tell Dumbledore. You go." Harry nearly had the door closed before Severus realised what he'd meant.

"Wait," he called softly, waiting until Harry was in the room with the door closed before speaking again, "I just got back. That letter was telling Albus what I heard."

"And what did you hear?" Harry whispered. He had a bad feeling about this.

"Can I see your dreams?" Severus asked, surprising Harry.

A hot blush started quickly climbing his neck and cheeks as he stuttered, "Er, my dreams?" He scratched the back of his neck, giving himself an excuse to duck his head.

That snapped Snape out of his daze, an embarrassed look coming across his heating face. "Your nightmares-visions," he corrected quickly.

"Oh, oh, right. Do you want to use Legilimency?"

"Er, no. I have a Pensieve if that's all right."

"Sure, but I don't know how to use it. You'll have to show me."

Severus got up and beckoned for Harry to follow him. They went down the short hall to Severus' private offices. Harry studied the organised clutter of jarred animals as Severus retrieved the Pensieve from a cabinet.

He placed it on the centre of his cleared, polished desk. Harry stepped forward as Severus said, "There is no incantation. You simply think of a memory, much like you're using it to Occlude, and place your wand at your temple. You should feel your head tingle as the magic works. Simply pull your wand away and dip it in the water." He dipped his memory into the water as he spoke. It floated down and Harry saw a glimpse of them kissing outside the Headmaster's office.

Harry smiled a little as he repeated the process with his own memory. Severus stepped forward, his hair pulled back messily in one hand. "May I?"

Harry nodded his consent, but as Severus leaned over the bowl, his hair slipped from his fingers, "Blast!" He cursed, "It does this all the time when I make potions, too."

"Why don't you use a band?"

"A what?" Severus asked, thinking of the Weird Sisters, contrary to popular belief, he did have good taste in music.

"You know. A band. Like a rubber band but for hair. Gir-er-people with long hair use them to keep it out of their faces." As he spoke, he magicked a band, into the air. "See? It's just a rubber band with fabric over it."

Severus watched as Harry stepped towards him, then sat at his desk as Harry guided him to do, a dubious expression on his face. He waited patiently as Harry cascaded his fingers lightly through his hair, working out the tangles, and he relaxed as Harry pulled the strands up to the back of his head. All of the stress from the day was melting out of him. He felt years of anxiety fall off his shoulders as Harry wrapped the "band" around his hair, securing his hair in place at the back of his head.

It was an oddly intimate gesture-having someone do his hair, and all too soon his hair was secure and Harry was moving away. Severus smiled at him in thanks and returned to standing above the Pensieve. With a little hesitation, he plunged his face in it.

Harry waited patiently as Severus viewed his nightmares. The time had come, he knew, that the Dark Lord had found out about their relationship, or at least one side of it. Severus had just been told the same plan that Harry had been telling him about since the beginning of their time together. He only wished he knew who had brought the news to Voldemort.

Harry took the Potion Master's desk chair, and sat quietly until he heard a familiar tap-tap-tapping on the classroom door. Quickly, he strode from the office and into the Potions room and opened the door for Fawkes. The Phoenix lighted on his shoulder, and, seeming to sense that the man he'd come for was otherwise occupied, entrusted the letter to Harry.

Harry brushed the bird's feathers lightly with his fingers as he walked back to Severus' office. When he returned, Severus was waiting for him.

"Yes, your visions came true. Blast! Why do horrid things always have to happen around me?"

Harry snorted, "Around you? Right." He handed Severus the letter, and watched as he paled.

"What?"

"I think it's time you go back to your dormitory."

"Sev, tell me what's wrong."

"Go."

Harry, able to tell when he was given an order, followed his directions and silently left the dungeons.

Severus knew his face was paling as he read the letter. He could feel the younger man's concern growing, a tangible substance the air. As soon as he'd seen Harry had gone, he'd known he'd received a letter from Albus. What he read, however, was a surprise.

"You won't do this for him, though, will you? So the boy is safe for the time being. We have weeks to prepare, while the Voldemort thinks you are worming your way into Harry's life, for he cannot possibly believe that you will be able to kidnap him without a semblance of trust between the two of you.

"Calm yourself.

"But I'm afraid this doesn't change another situation that has come to hand. I will be awaiting you in your quarters with company. Do hurry."

The letter did nothing to quell Severus' fears.

"Come, Amora, dear, we have matters to which need attending."

Professor Vincintia rose and followed the Headmaster down to the dungeons.

"Hello?" Severus asked.

"My boy, take a seat please." Albus motioned to his furniture where Professor Vincintia had already helped herself to a place on his couch.

Not very well liking being offered a seat in his own home, Severus merely joined his hands behind his back. "I prefer to stand."

"Very well. You see, Severus, we've come here so late, though we would have come earlier, because something strange has come up."

Severus raised his eyebrows for him to continue, but instead Amora began speaking, "You've heard of the rare properties of the blue garnet, no?" He nodded, "Then you know that when swallowed it can show the aura of the beholder, no?" Again, he nodded, "I've been working on a project, see? I've been attempting to expand the abilities of the stone, understand?"

He didn't and said so, "Why would anyone need to expand the properties? When you swallow the stone, you see your aura and any aura that matches it perfectly. You're then left to see any and all of your possible life companions. Who needs more than that?"

"Many do not want to swallow the stone," Albus cut in.

"Many cannot afford such a stone to begin with. Only the desperate try," he retorted looking pointedly back at Amora.

"That is not why I got the stone, is it though? I got the stone to expand its abilities, remember? And I have, see? Now, this stone senses not the aura of the swallower, but all matching auras when they're in peak, understand?"

Severus was getting rather annoyed with this woman. It seemed impossible for her to end a sentence without turning it into a question. Instead of asking her for clarification, he wordlessly turned to Albus.

"When auras are in peak it means there is a relationship between the two. For example, say Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger were in a relationship but their auras did not match, the stone would show nothing around them. Then, say Mr. Longbottom and Miss Weasley had matching auras, but were not in a relationship, the beholder would see nothing around them. But! Say Mr. Potter and yourself had matching auras and were in a relationship, the stone would reveal your auras to the beholder when you two are together."

"What are you saying?" Severus asked bluntly.

"What are you saying?" Ginny asked bluntly.

"I told you: I've been having these nightmares for months. I knew it might happen, but how would Voldemort know something that Dumbledore doesn't know?" Harry answered. He'd asked Ginny and Hermione to come to the boy's dormitory with him. Hermione was a little reluctant at first, but seeing the look on his face, she sighed, closed her book, and dutifully followed him.

Now, she was sitting on his bed next to Ginny with the curtains pulled and spelled around them, worrying her bottom lip. "No, that's not what she's asking. You said the letter was delivered by Fawkes?" She waited until he nodded before continuing, "Then, something in Dumbledore's letter is what's troubling him. What's he not want to tell you?"

"I don't know. I'm sure if it was really important he'd tell me right?"

"Maybe," Ginny answered slowly, "but maybe not. Maybe it's too important to tell you yet."

"And maybe it's just a hunch so far," Hermione added.

Severus paced the room again.

"It's not a hard question, Severus," Dumbledore told him. "All you need to tell us is whether or not Harry and yourself are romantically involved."

"No, no, not a hard question, Albus, but an incriminating one. See, the moment I give you an answer, that's the answer I'm stuck with. Why does it matter anyway?"

Amora sighed again, "What does it matter when the stone can't lie?"

"Everything, Amora, dear, but it is rather late in the evening. Perhaps we can do this at another time? Off we go then, dear." Dumbledore turned back when he reached the door, "I'll be seeing you later, Severus."

Severus thought the man had never sounded more menacing.

Those blue eyes seemed to bore into him even as he striped himself and fell into bed.

Harry was never an early riser, but, exhausted as he was, he was up unusually late. When he finally reached the Great Hall, most of the breakfast crowd had cleared up. The only people who were left were a couple scattered Slytherins, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Albus, Professor Vincintia, and Severus.

Harry thought it odd that the Headmaster was still around, as he was normally gone by the time Harry arrived, but he didn't give it another thought as he sat down and filled his plate with a large helping of everything he could reach. He neglected to meet Hermione and Ginny's eyes, he'd sent them to bed last night after they'd begun to make fun of his relationship. He was grateful to have them around and supportive, but sometimes, having only two girls to talk to about matters such as these, it was a little too giggly for his liking. Instead, he making conversation with Ron about Quidditch.

Ron had improved over the last week, seeming to get some of his confidence back, but he was still nowhere close to what Oliver Wood had been like. Harry preened Ron's ego, hoping it would help him with their practise later in the afternoon.

Harry had successfully gotten through his meal without having to look at either girl, only to have his hopes for normalcy dashed when a hand was planted firmly on his shoulder. The two violently exploded into laughter as Severus said, "Mr. Potter, the Headmaster wishes to speak to you in his office."

Even through the giggles, Harry was able to tell that his voice sounded tense. "Er, okay?" He dared a glance up to the Head Table just as Professor Vincintia pulled her hand away from her face and shoved it in a pocket. She turned and hurriedly began whispering in Dumbledore's ear.

"Shall we go?" Severus asked.

Harry traded scared looks with his four friends, calling pitying looks from the guys but pulling more giggles from the girls.

"What the bloody hell is all the laughter about?" Severus demanded as they walked out the doors together.

"Ginny," he coughed, buying himself time, "Ginny saw us holding hands about a month ago and told Hermione. Last night, they were, well, being weird. If that's what a slumber party is like, I'm glad I'm not a girl," He blurted.

Severus turned an incredulous look on him. "Who else knows? And being weird how?"

"They were just asking weird stuff," Seeing Severus questioning look he continued. "They wanted to know-er- what we've-er- done. And stupid stuff like what kind of socks you wear and if your fingers are soft."

"Finger?" Severus murmured, "Socks? Very well glad you aren't a girl." Then, louder, "You didn't answer me: who else knows?

"No one! Why? Are you embarrassed?"

"Of course not, but when I got back to my chambers last night, Dumbledore was waiting for me. I think we may have broken some sort of rule."

"Oh, hell."

Severus chuckled darkly, "My thoughts exactly."

Severus knocked on the door before pushing his way into Dumbledore's cluttered office. Harry thought this was strange because they'd just see the Headmaster in the Great Hall and he couldn't have beaten them back, but there he was at his regal desk. Professor Vincintia stood by his side, nervously tossing something between her hands.

"Ah, Severus, Harry, wonderful," Dumbledore said through clenched teeth, "take a seat."

"I'd rather stand," Severus said, as Harry sank into an armchair.

Albus pinned him with angry eyes, and Severus slipped into a chair immediately, "Now, it's come to my attention that there's, er, more here than a teacher-student bond."

Harry winced, but remained silent.

Dumbledore waited, but neither man seemed inclined to respond. "Is there?" He demanded.

Harry squirmed when the hard blue eyes landed on him, but followed Severus' lead and remained silent.

Dumbledore sat back in his chair, "I have all day boys."

Severus spoke up, "I still don't see why this is all necessary. I've looked it up. Students and allowed to marry their professors. Why shouldn't they be allowed a-" he hesitated, "romantic relationship?"

"Very good point, Severus, but I'm afraid it doesn't matter. You see, that rule was put in place when young girls were married off by their fathers to the most eligible bachelor, regardless of age, and should a father deem a professor to be the most suitable man, the girl would be married off to him immediately."

"So if your parents don't set it up, it's not valid?" Harry was so confused.

"No, dear boy, it means that there was no courting, no romance. They went straight from being student and teacher to married couple. Do you understand, Severus?"

Snape had gone completely pale. He wasn't ready for this.

"There's more, however," Dumbledore continued, "once a romantic courtship has developed, it must be nullified and the student either removed from the professor or the professor removed from the establishment."

"What does 'the student removed from the professor' entail exactly?"

"A very good question, Harry! It means that should the student be in, say, the Hufflepuff House, and the teacher also be associated with that House, the student would have to be resorted away from the professor. They'd also have to drop any and every class said professor taught."

"Well then," Severus clasped his hands together and stood, "I guess it's a good thing that there is nothing, right Harry?"

"Severus," Dumbledore warned, "the blue garnet would stand in court."

Snape sank back into his chair, "Oh."

"What?" Harry asked. He felt very much out of the loop.

Professor Vincintia stepped forward and explained everything that she'd explained to Severus that morning. Harry's head was spinning by the time she'd finished, but he got the gist of the situation: they could tell the relationship had been there.

"So I quit." Severus stated, simply.

"No, I'll just drop your class. I'm not going to take your job."

"I'm not going to take your future. You want to be an Auror so you need Potions."

"If you hadn't lowered your standards at the beginning of the year, I wouldn't have been able to be an Auror anyway."

"You're the exact reason I lowered the requirement, Harry."

That brought him up short. He didn't know that.

"So I quit," Severus repeated.

"No, you don't."

"Well, you're not dropping Potions!"

"So when's the wedding?" Dumbledore cut in.

Both men turned to look at him.

"You must either cut off all contact with each other or get married," Dumbledore explained.

"This is bullshite!" Harry shouted, storming towards the door, "There should be an in between!"

Dumbledore called after him, but Harry just spun around and screamed, "Bullshite!" before slamming the door behind him and sulking all the way to the Common Room. He knew he needed to make a decision, but he couldn't do it on the spot and he couldn't do it without talking to Severus. They'd just decided to be a couple a month ago! How on earth had everyone found out?

Harry was surprised to find Ginny and Hermione waiting for him when he came back in.

"I didn't know how long you'd be so I told everyone you cancelled practise," Ginny chirped a him. "Guess it's a good thing I did, too."

"Why? What time is it?"

"It's five. Practise was supposed to start an hour ago."

"Oh, I missed lunch," was Harry's only reply as he sank onto the couch between them.

"What's wrong, Harry? Didn't your date go well?" Ginny teased.

Harry glared at her. "Because of me, he either has to quit his job, or I have to drop Potions and not be an Auror."

"Why?" Hermione spoke up.

"Apparently it's against the school rules."

"You didn't check?" Ginny and Hermione yelled at him.

Harry hung his head. "Just go away, guys."

"Oh, Harry, I'm sorry." Hermione put her arm around him, trying to comfort him.

"Too late now. And even if I drop Potions we still can't be together."

"But if he quits?" Ginny asked.

"I can't let him do that! It's his job!"

"Okay, I understand," Ginny offered, "but if he's willing to do it, would you stay together?"

"Yeah. But I won't let him. I mean he already has to live in this muggle flat during the summer. I can't make him live there year-round."

"You know where he lives?" Hermione incredulously asked.

"Yeah," he looked at her quizzically, "I spent, like, half my summer there."

The two girls shared a knowing look over his head. There was no way Snape was going down without a fight.

Severus was leaving the Headmaster's office directly after Harry's outburst. He didn't want to answer any more questions without the young man in attendance. Without so much as a second thought, however, Severus turned and walked back up the staircase. He took pause for a moment listening to the conversation on the inside.

"But why, my dear, would you need such a thing?" Dumbledore asked.

Amora answered him smoothly, "I only wanted to push the boundaries of magical artifacts, Dumbledore, I didn't need it."

There was silence and Severus assumed it was as good a time as any to interrupt. He knocked lightly, and Dumbledore called for him to enter.

"I must go," Severus said, shortly.

"So you resign?" Amora asked, shocked.

"Not yet, I'll be back later, but I must leave now." Dumbledore nodded his understanding. "I only ask time to sort this all out, Albus." he softly said.

"Yes, my boy, now go."

Severus turned and stalked down the stairs and to his quarters. As soon as he was past his wards, he packed a bag and set off for the edge of the school's property.

A/N: This is a bloody long chapter, and it took a bloody long time to write so I hope you like it!