A/N: Another . request! Sorry about waxing on in the others, but these chapters put me ahead of Reizbar-Ookami and she's kinda my hero. So I'm spacing them out. Enjoy the story folks, and as always, review!
DISCLAIMER: No matter how much I wave my wand, I will never own Sev and our favorite green-eyed Wizard. *sobs*
WARNING: Yaoi is an important part of these. Please desist in flaming. Slight smut.
-Ryder
P.S. There may be more than one title that gets a continuation; Dragon's Might, Dragon's Might II... etc.
-Previously On...-
He watched Harry like a hawk all throughout dinner. Trelawney gave him a shrewd look, then her eyes rolled back in her head as her voice changed to a horrifying, familiar gravelly tone.
"The winged one allies with the cobra as Beltane fades,
the Power he knows not manifests at the high moon,
All those are not what they seem
Double-crossed then double-crossed again
The Battle begins as Yule ends..." The entire Hall had fallen silent, Harry's eyes going wide. They were in for it now...
FoF FoF FoF FoF FoF FoF FoF
The Entire Hall turned as one to face Harry, who ignored them resolutely as he continued his dinner. The brat's friends followed suit, meaning that the rest of the Hall began eating again, resuming a sense of normality.
Sparta thundered across the field, lather soaking the gorgeous coat, coming up to him and letting loose a shrill challenge scream. He sighed, running his fingers through the lathered mane.
"Sparta, you'll be fine. Just breathe." A roughened hough was his answer before he felt the nose hit his chest. "Hmph, your comfort zone, I suppose."
"Professor?" Pansy Parkinson approached warily, watching Sparta as he neighed sharply. "Is that-"
"Sparta. He's an old friend of mine and a gift from the Dark Lord."
"A gift? That beast has injured a great deal of our Lord's followers and killed our best! You should have struck out its life when you had the chance!" Sparta neighed and pulled away from Severus to tower over Pansy. The emerald eyes glowed brightly, ebony wings snapping open as the stallion reared up all nineteen hands in a display of fierce protection. "It's attacking me!"
Severus snorted, then whistled sharply. The Pegasus dropped to all fours and nuzzled him, circling around and snuffling at his robes. "He was protecting me; you exuded an aura of malice. Sparta does not attack unless provoked or he is protecting me as he sees fit. He is not your normal Pegasus, Parkinson." The 'you foolish child, just because we so happen to serve the same Lord does not mean we associate!' was left unsaid. "Get back to the castle before I am forced to give you a detention. Do not speak so presumptuously to me again, girl, or you will find out why I am one of the Inner Circle." She gasped and whirled, fleeing as fast as her legs could carry her. Sparta whickered softly, one that sounded suspiciously like a horse laugh. "And you-"
"Sev, please. You know she was asking for it for the longest time. I don't think anyone has ever spoken like that to her..." Harry countered, his hair still slick with sweat from his run across the hills of Hogwarts.
"Brat, I'll do as I please." he announced, flopping on the ground with less than his usual grace after casting privacy spells of the highest degree. Harry curled up in his lap, almost plastered against his leg (as was his wont) and sighing as Severus carded his fingers through the thick ebony locks absently.
"That old bat has ousted us to at least half of the Wizarding population if they looked close enough. My Animagus form is a cobra... Though not many people know that."
"It's the double-crossing part I don't like." Harry said, worry in his gaze. "I know Ron and 'Mione would never, but I'm still wondering..."
"I have a vague theory about that. Lucius has approached me about spying for the Light. He does not want to lose Draco to the Dark Lord's mistaken blame placing."
"So, someone from the Light is going to double-cross us. I hope it's not Siri or Remus. I couldn't stand it." Severus couldn't help but to laugh at that insecurity.
"Black hates the Dark Lord for killing your parents and Lupin was Sired by Greyback, who is amongst the lower ranks as the Dark Lord is wary of the beast." He congratulated himself for lifting tension in those growing shoulders. Harry was getting close to his height, something Severus had found amusing as Harry had grown out of his robes and clothing for the first time in a long time. "You're getting heavy."
"I checked with Madame Pompfrey and she said that I was a late bloomer. She giggled when I mentioned the whole growing right out of my clothes thing."
"To be honest with you, I might have chuckled a bit when you admitted as much to me." Severus confessed, getting a huff of disapproval from the lanky teen. "What? I had much same problem, so I am qualified to laugh." Harry broke out into a fit of giggles.
"You? Mr. 'I'm so tall that I can stare down a Seventh year because I can?' Sev, no way! It's in the rule book or something like that..."
"I was your age once. Don't mock me." he admonished with a bop to the head.
"Mmmhmm." Harry yawned, his eyes fluttering closed. He slipped into deep breathing as Severus watched. A faint smile tugged at his lips before he stared at the stars, protective of his charge.
-PoV-
Harry slept through History of Magic despite Hermione's disapproval. He mentally sighed when Severus set Malfoy to supervise the class the dark circles under his eyes slightly worrying. The class was silent, fearing the possibility that Professor Snape might come back. Very few of their Sixth year mates had made it into the NEWT Level class. Potions were made and finished before the bell had rung. Malfoy merely raised an eyebrow when passing his, proceeding onto the next with the critical eye of a Potionmaker.
Severus made his way into the classroom, asking that he stay but making it sound like an order in front of Malfoy. "Potter, stay behind."
"Professor-"
"Leave Draco. Your last name is not Potter, is it?" the acidic snap sent Malfoy out of the door with a hurt look in the silver eyes that vanished quickly. "Damn. I need to apologize to Draco now..." Harry sighed and sat on the edge of the desk, waiting for Severus to talk; they'd done this countless times as Pegasus and Wizard, waiting for the elder male to speak. "Should I disappear after we defeat the Dark Lord?" The abrupt subject switch didn't bother Harry, as the room was Warded by professionals that weren't associated with anyone.
"Mmm, disappear as in die or just moving away?" he countered lazily.
"Faking my own death... It would have to be convincing."
"That idea makes me uncomfortable, Sev." Harry admitted, poking a sullen finger at the Ward.
"Stop that, your powers are starting to manifest. Why does the idea make you uncomfortable, Harry?" the concern was genuine, as always, even under the gruff admonishment.
"We don't even know what they are, Sev. I... I'd miss you terribly." he mumbled the last part.
"What was that?"
"I said, I'd miss you terribly." Severus's chuckle startled him off the desk. "What?" he asked, blushing faintly.
"Thank you. At least one person would visit my grave."
"I'm sure Madame Pompfrey and Professor McGonagall would have something to say about that. Besides, wouldn't Malfoy miss you?" he snapped, crossing his arms defensively.
"Which one?"
"Malfoy Jr.? I don't-Why did you ask me that?" Harry muttered, his cheeks flushing a bright pink this time around. Severus gave him a soft look, one that fit well on his face. Where had that thought come from? He swallowed and grinned sheepishly, hoping to be excused so that he could talk to Hermione and Ron.
"No reason in particular. You may go."
With that, the privacy Wards shut down and Harry practically flew to the Trio's hiding spot.
"Hey!"
"What'd the Professor want?"
"He asked me how to disappear and then it got weird..." Harry divulged his time with Severus; Hermione giggled and Ron raised an eyebrow. "You're giving me those indulgent looks again. What should I be worried about?"
"You sound like Ginny did the first summer I got home from Hogwarts, only it's Snape in place of you." Ron managed before he joined Hermione in laughter. His pacing stopped abruptly as the words registered in his brain for the first time. Did he think of Severus like that? A... romantic interest? Harry groaned lowly before flopping down onto the grass, pushing himself into a sitting position.
"Great, grand, just peachy keen. Can my life never be normal?" he hissed sourly, pounding his fist into the ground. "No, I've got to be Fate's favorite chew-toy!" His best mates stopped laughing and Hermione sat next to him, cradling his hand in both of hers.
"Harry." He looked anywhere but her honey-brown eyes. A smooth hand grabbed his chin and made him look. She smiled before opening her arms. Seeing no other recourse, he snuggled close, Ron's arms holding them together. They sat like that for the longest moment. "It's perfectly alright for you to like Professor Snape."
"No! No it isn't. I'm supposed to be dating Ginny or Padama or-Ouch! What was that for?" he rubbed at the back of his head, pouting at her in mutiny.
"Mate, the Wizarding World doesn't care what gender you like because we can switch it at the drop of a hat with glamours, Polyjuice Potion and other spells." Ron snorted, tightening his grip before relaxing it.
"He's twice my age!"
"We live for almost two centuries. A few decades are nothing." Hermione reminded him tartly.
"He'll probably be disgusted with me. I'm hopeless and always falling for the wrong one; first Cho, now this..." Hermione carded her fingers through his hair, knowing there was nothing to say to that.
"At least you didn't fall in love with your arch-rival?" Ron suggested weakly. That made Harry laugh.
"No, it's just him."
"So maybe you're Severus-sexual?" 'Mione asked, her fingers seeking out his favorite spots with ease.
"Probably," he answered, shrugging out of Ron's grip and lolling across Hermione's lap. "More than likely by this point and time." She hummed as they enjoyed the warm sun. "Mmm, dinner." Right after that, his and Ron's stomachs protested the lack of food with loud rumbles.
-PoV-
Severus noticed a new shyness to Harry that took a most curious form; blushing when he said something important or relevant to them both.
"Harry?" he asked one afternoon in 'their' clearing.
"Mmm?"
"Why have you been blushing lately?"
"What do you do if you like a good friend but don't want to ruin what you have already?"
"Is it Granger?" His chest felt odd, tightening as he waited for Harry's reply. He hoped it wasn't Granger.
"Good Merlin no! Umm, they're not a girl and no, it's not Ron." came the relieving response. Not a girl? Harry was into other Wizards. A huge weight lifted off of his chest at that reassurance. But why had it done-Oh. No, that was entirely wrong! Harry was at least ten years younger... They were pupil and Professor! No, it would not do to have such affections.
Yet they grew as the school year flashed by, scaring Severus with the intensity. Harry seemed to return to normal. He had tea with Poppy to try and dispel his affections for the younger man.
"Severus, you've been staring at your tea for five minutes now. What in Merlin's name is wrong?"
"I am not quite sure, Poppy."
"You like someone!" Damn, did the witch have to be so spot-on? "Oh, Minerva and I have watched you these past few weeks. Your behavior is softer towards Gryffindor and the other Houses. Who is it?"
"I cannot tell you."
"Mmm, don't you mean will not?"
"No. I cannot reveal who it is, Poppy. Frankly, it terrifies me that I even feel this way..." he snapped, metaphorical hackles raised. She smiled at him before pouring more tea. He didn't sip from the second cup, knowing she'd laced something with it. "You'll not get it from my lips that way. Nice try though." Poppy sighed lowly, scraping back her graying hair.
"Severus, you have a long life ahead of you. We want you to find happiness."
"While the Dark Lord still plagues us? Nonsense." he countered sharply, standing suddenly. "Thank you, Poppy, and good day."
He swiftly strode to his private quarters before slumping against the back of the door. It was hopeless and utterly forbidden, just as Lily had been. Why did it have to be Harry? The question, asked in mental anguish, answered itself; Harry was everything he'd ever wanted in a partner. Kind, loyal, loving to a fault and always willing to forgive. Yes, he was in deep shit...
The holidays arrived before Severus had time to blink. High moon was less than three days away and his feelings had grown to the point where he reigned them in and returned to his 'usual' self, acidic and full of ridicule. Harry spent all of his hours in Severus's study, doing winter homework and taking advantage of his expertise. Granger and the youngest Weasley seemed to be more comfortable as well, seeing as Harry invited them down often enough.
"Professor?"
"Ms. Granger."
"Are you an Animagus?" Severus twitched and then nodded shortly. "What form?"
"That is personal, Ms. Granger." he demurred, not answering it directly.
"Oh. I apologize if I was too direct, sir." she said, smiling gently at Harry's twitching in his sleep. The adorable brat was taking a nap on his sofa.
"Nnngh... Can't a guy get some sleep?" came a sleep-slurred response, warmth in the voice.
"Sorry, Harry." they chorused at the same time, a sheepish grin on Ms. Granger's face. Severus refused to show emotion in front of the brat's friends. Of course, Ms. Granger seemed to detect his affections; damn that woman's intuition! She motioned that he put up a Silencing Ward. He did so with a wave of his wand, onyx eyes locking onto honey-brown.
"You know, you should probably tell Harry how you feel."
"Ms. Granger, I do believe you have the wrong person." his eyes flashed with a warning. She pressed on, heedless of the danger; typical of a Gryffindor.
"He's so unsure of himself! It's kind of scary how much your approval of his work and image means to him..."
"Harry is the most confident person I have ever had the option of meeting. He does not need my support."
"I am respectfully disagreeing with you, sir." she stressed his title, the soft eyes pleading with him.
"It is none of your business," he hissed finally, breaking the Ward quietly.
-PoV-
Harry twitched; everyone's eye was on him the day of the high moon. His shoulders stiffened up abominably and his stride lengthened to escape the feeling of being watched by hundreds of eyes...
Exhaustion tugged at every fiber of his being as he slipped into Severus's quarters. Laying on the sinful hearthrug, he sighed as muscles he didn't know he had relaxed.
"Urgh... I hate Prophecies." he grumbled as he heard Sev's boot-tread.
"Don't we all, Harry, don't we all. Blasted shrew cannot seem to keep that trap of hers shut," the deep voice rumbled, a slight chuckle to the next words. "What are you doing on my rug?"
"Mmm, you've never done this before? It feels great." Harry purred as he rolled over, stretching out like Crookshanks on a good day. He opened his eyes to see Severus blushing profusely. "Am I making you uncomfortable?"
"No, not at all, Harry. You can stay there if you wish." A comfortable lull settled them both into their regular routine. "How was your day?"
"Bloody awful, Sev. They kept staring and expecting me to do something about the fact that today is the high moon..."
"Language," Severus chided lightly, "Though you do have a point. The Wizarding World does expect too much of you."
"I wish they'd stop, to be honest with you. Who expects a sixteen year-old to-Sev? I say something wrong?" Sev had sprayed out his nightcap snifter of whiskey.
"I'm sorry. Did you say sixteen?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Holy Circe..."
"What?"
"Never mind." Harry frowned then thought about what he'd said. He giggled as he sat up to look at his friend and unrequited crush.
"You just figured out I'm legal?"
"Yes." the reply was hoarse and made Harry giggle all that much more. "Yes I did."
That sparked an idea within Harry's mind. What if he kissed Severus? Would he like it, hate it or utterly despise Harry for what he was about to do? Gathering up his Gryffindor courage, he pushed himself up off the rug and straddled the elder's lap, kissing for all he was worth. Severus kissed back with little prompting, moaning into his mouth as strong warm hands caressed his back and pulled him closer. Tongues slid over teeth and each other in exploration, the taste divine. They broke to breathe. Astonishment warred with disbelief on Sev's face when they took deep breaths.
"Merlin, you-What have I done?" He was gently set aside as Severus stood suddenly, square-tipped fingers sinking into ebony silk strands in frustration. "This is wrong!"
"I-"
"No, it's not you, Harry; it could never be your fault." The reassurance wasn't reassurance at all to him.
"Damn it all, Severus, I kissed you! Say it wasn't the most mind-blowing kiss you've had and I'll let you wallow in your self-pity!" he snapped, his patience slipping dangerously under his unrequited love's insecurity.
Onyx eyes softened and large hands slipped around his slightly smaller ones. "It was beautiful, Harry. How can it be anything but? You do not understand. Professor-pupil relations are not permitted at Hogwarts."
"They are too, Sev." he countered, grinning as he swung their hands together. "I had 'Mione look it up in the Library. 'Anyone over the consenting age of sexual relations is allowed to have a fully condoned relationship, provided that the Professor is of likewise consent. Any distension of said relationship is negated due to Sector Beta, Segment 86 of the Hogwarts Charter.' See?" The next moment found Harry flat on his back on the hearthrug, Severus staring down at him in awe.
"Thank you."
"Mmm, anytime."
Ending A/N: Whoot! Onwards! As always, folks, ASK ME FOR DRABBLES!
