Preface
Death Eater Takes a HolidayPosted originally on the Archive of Our Own at /works/7876387.
Rating:
Explicit
Archive Warning:
Rape/Non-Con, Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Fandom:
Harry Potter - J.K. Rowling
Relationship:
Harry Potter/Severus Snape
Character:
Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Other - Character
Additional Tags:
First Time, Drama, Romance
Collections:
Ink Stained Fingers,
HPFandom,
Talullah's favorite HP fanfics,
Fave_Fanfics_Rereads
Stats:
Published: 2003-11-18 Chapters: 87/87 Words: 566682
Death Eater Takes a Holiday
by Lee Lee Potter [archived by ISF_Archivist]
Summary
Albus spells a few Order members back to their seventh year age, and sends them to spend time at Hogwarts for a holiday. The Headmaster's intent is for them to learn that Harry is indeed mature for his age, so that he will be accepted as a full member. What will happen when Severus returns from his time as a teen, to find he has spent the better part of the week entwined with a certain Gryffindor? And, how do their lives change afterwards?
Notes
This story was originally archived at Ink Stained Fingers, which was created in 2002 as a home for Harry Potter slash fiction. To preserve the archive, we began manually importing its works to the AO3 as an Open Doors-approved project in January 2015. We e-mailed all authors about the move and posted announcements, but may not have reached everyone. If you are (or know) this author or artist, please contact me using the e-mail address at the Ink Stained Fingers collection profile.
DETAH 01 - The Holiday begins
Chapter Summary
Summary: Albus spells a few Order members back to their seventh year age, and sends them to spend time at Hogwarts for a holiday. The Headmaster's intent is for them to learn that Harry is indeed mature for his age, so that he will be accepted as a full member. What will happen when Severus returns from his time as a teen, to find he has spent the better part of the week entwined with a certain Gryffindor? And, how do their lives change afterwards?
Chapter Notes
Warnings: This is SLASH! Male x Male relationship & sex. Language, Also, not too graphic, but occasional: Disturbing Situations, Child Abuse,Torture, Rape and brief molestation scenes in later chapters. That's not really at all the focus, but they are there, albeit brief. They are pertinent to the story, not gratuitous. If you can't handle it, skip the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter characters. I make no money. I'll give them back when I'm done. Special Thanks to my Beta: Xikum
The staff meeting was over; several teachers stayed behind at the Headmaster's request. Albus slowly walked around the staff room observing the other occupants before he spoke. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. The meeting had been heated with the issue of house rivalries, but that was only part of the problem. The staff had been under a lot of stress all year. The previous summer had brought unbearable heat and a Death Eater attack that was the biggest in years. All those now in the staff room were also members of the Order and had played key roles in the summer events. They'd had little or no break before the school year began. With many Death Eater children nearing the age of receiving their mark, altercations between students were worse than they'd been in years.
Albus surveyed the room. Madam Hooch was tapping her foot; Minerva had been stirring her tea for what seemed like forever. Severus Snape was expressionless, well no change there. Most the others just looked tired.
"I would like to start out by thanking you for signing up to stay during the Easter break." Severus mumbled something that sounded a lot like 'babysitting'.
"I agree Severus," said Dumbledore smiling at the younger wizard, a smile the Potions Master was weary of. "We know that many of the Death Eaters that were captured have trials coming up. Voldemort is in a regrouping stage and the holiday promises to be very quiet."
Albus paused and the tinkling sound of Minerva's teaspoon stopped. "I think you all need a well deserved holiday."
Before Snape could respond with the obvious, that they were in fact there because they had given up leaving the castle to stay during the holiday, Dumbledore continued. He explained that they would be given a potion that would return them to their former selves as children, thus giving them a break from the stress and problems they were dealing with all year. The expected uproar came all at once.
"Who's going to watch the students?"
"What if there is an attack leaving them defenseless"
"It was a disaster the last time it was tried."
"What if your childhood wasn't better than what you had now?"
The last comment, while almost inaudible, silenced the room. Dumbledore, who hadn't stopped smiling, answered all their concerns. "I know some of you were here when this was tried before, but having experienced it first hand, I've made the appropriate changes. First of all you will all have the counter potion on you, if there was an emergency, you could simply take the potion and return to your normal age. I will have you each write a small note to your younger selves, and I will explain to you after the potions have been taken what the rules are. There are very few students staying and the few that are here can easily be handled by Hagrid, Poppy, and myself." Albus paused and looked into the dark eyes, "I know there is no sense in taking you from adult problems to childhood problems, so I will be casting a charm that will soften the edges a bit."
"Could you explain what that means exactly, Albus?" asked Minerva. Snape was glad she voiced the question he wanted answered, not liking the idea at all.
"You will have a clouded memory. Hogwarts will be a familiar place, but you will all be strangers to one another. I believe this will start you all on a clean slate, to help you get in touch with yourself as a child again, without the stresses of adult life." McGonagall almost snorted. Almost.
"What age were you thinking of, Albus? What about what happened when Head Master Dippet tried this?" McGonagall was pleased when she saw a small tinge of pink on the old wizard's cheeks from her words.
"I will have you young enough to be students, but old enough to be very comfortable here at Hogwarts." Albus then looked straight at Minerva "We will take all meals together, but for all other activities we will separate the boys from the girls."
Severus made a mental note to find out what had happened the last time; it was sure to prove interesting. Snape suddenly noticed Hooch about to speak. She would have to open her big mouth. If she includes me in her next comment I'll kill her with her own broom.
"Does separating the girls from the boys solve all your problems?" She said it, the bitch. Don't dare look in my direction.
"As there are only two gay teachers staying and they are not of the same sex, I don't feel it is an issue." Albus didn't mention the students, knowing they would be introduced with their real names at dinner. No problem.
A few days later a small group of teenagers no one had seen before exited the Headmasters office. They would unpack in the rooms they'd been given for the week and be announced at dinner.
Harry looked up from the chess game in progress to see a small group of underclassmen entering the common room. "Ron, why are there students from the other houses moving their stuff in here?"
"I hear that since there's so few staying this holiday, they're making us all bunk in the same house, boys in Gryffindor and girls in Ravenclaw towers. Were the only boys in seventh year, so we'll have the dorm to ourselves." Harry nodded to his friend. He sat in the chair across from Ron in the common room, watching the boys from other houses bringing their things up the stairs. A first year Hufflepuff looked around in awe and froze when he spotted Harry watching him. Harry looked back to Ron.
"Some of these kids don't even look familiar." Harry was thinking it would stink if he had to spend the week with first years underfoot staring at his scar all week. They both played chess for the third time, Ron defeating him every time. Just as Ron called "Checkmate" the portrait hole opened and two very different boys entered the common room. The first was very small, with short, light brown hair. Ron thought it was Professor Flitwick at first, but realized the wizard had no facial hair and was very close to his own age.
Ron nudged his foot at Harry's but he felt nothing. He was too busy gawking. Walking directly behind the diminutive wizard was the direct opposite, tall, dark and sexy. He had four inches over Harry even with the few decent growth spurts he'd had. His dark hair was pulled loosely into a ponytail. Harry's mouth hung slightly open. Ron nudged Harry when he saw the two were walking over to them.
"You're going to drool on your robes, Harry," Ron whispered to him. Harry quickly shut his gaping mouth, licking his now dry lips. "Are you students staying here?" Ron directed the question to the smaller of the two, since Ron was sitting down on the floor.
"We're here for the week for vacation. Oh, chess," he said spotting the game in play. "I love chess, maybe we could get in a game this week." Ron smiled at the thought of someone totally new to play against; Harry was very predictable in his game.
"That would be great. I'm Ron Weasley by the way," he said politely holding his hand out to the young Flitwick.
"Nice to meet you," he said taking the proffered hand but not giving his name in return. "I'm afraid Prof. Dumbledore told us we should wait to be introduced at dinner, sorry"
Harry, who had not taken his eyes off of tall, dark and sexy, smiled when he saw him rolling his eyes and holds a hand out to Harry.
"Sev"
"Harry"
Ron laughed inwardly at his best friend's glazed-over expression. "Boys' dorms are up those steps. We're in the room marked seventh year. I think the third and fifth year dorms are opened up for you and the others joining us this week," Ron said, pointing to the stairs leading to the boys' dorm. Sev smiled and nodded his thanks to Ron before heading up to unpack. When the odd pair were out of sight Harry turned to Ron grinning.
"He is so_." Harry paused letting out a low whistle.
"Fresh meat?" Ron teased, earning him a playful punch in the arm. "You freak me out, you know that, right?"
Harry pouted at this friend. Ron had taken the news of Harry's sexuality fairly well. He laughed it off whenever he witnessed Harry checking someone out, but was adamant about the 'no details' rule. Harry could not speak of any personal details from dates, and there was no snogging in the dorm room, where Ron may walk in on him.
DETAH 02 - Harry Who?
With time to spare before dinner, Ron and the cheerful little wizard started a chess game. Sev was quietly sitting on the other side of the low table making a house of cards. Harry watched Ron for a while, but got bored when each player took so long to make a move. He took to the floor and read his Quidditch Weekly magazine. When he thought no one was looking, Harry watched Sev. His long slender fingers gently placed each card. After every other card or so Sev looked around, finding Harry's muggle clothes interesting, especially the blue jeans that were tight across a firm arse. Trying not to make his observations too obvious, the young Sev continued to glance around the room, catching Ron's eyes. Doing his best to make excuses for checking out the redhead's friend he said,
"I noticed Harry's the only one not wearing wizard robes. Are you muggle born, Harry?" Ron looked at him like he had ten heads. How could this guy not recognize Harry Potter when he saw him? Harry turned around and sat up. Sev was momentarily disappointed; he lost the view of Harry's backside, but the sight of those glorious green eyes well made up for it. Harry smiled at him.' What were the chances of meeting someone so hot who doesn't know who I am?' Harry thought.
"My parents were both wizards, but I grew up with muggle relations. These are comfortable, and my robes have gotten short this year," he admitted.
"That, and he bought himself a new wardrobe this year," Ron teased. Harry blushed; he had treated himself when he had left the Dursley's for good by having a bonfire of his old clothes and getting all new ones.
"Looks like it's time for diner," said Harry, changing the subject. Ron would comment about the subject change, but never complained when it meant food. "I'll bring this upstairs, save me a seat," Harry said, holding up his Quidditch Weekly.
When he returned to the common room, the other students had all gone off to dinner with the exception of Sev. He was standing by the fireplace, the flickering light playing across his face.
"Coming Sev? I want to hear Dumbledore's introduction; I figure you'll only be a man of mystery for another hour or so," Harry said, chuckling. Sev raised an eyebrow and glided over to Harry at the portrait hole. Harry watched his every move, the grace with which he walked, the way his robes seemed to flow behind him, his head held high, giving a great view of a long slender neck just begging to be nibbled on. When their eyes finally met, he was sure he could just get lost in them, dark eyes that looked back at him hungrily. Harry shivered when a warm body leaned in, he could feel his breath on his ear whispering,
"How close are you and Ron?"
Whatever Harry had hoped he would say that wasn't what he had expected. Letting go the breath he didn't know he was holding, Harry moved even closer on tiptoes trying desperately to reach Sev's ear. He flicked his tongue at the lobe before answering.
"Ron's my best friend. My very /straight/ best friend."
Sev moved away to see his face. Harry nearly whimpered when the earlobe he was sucking on pulled away. Long slender fingers laced through dark untamed hair, pulling him closer. Harry closed his eyes when he felt the soft lips meet his own. So soft, sucking on his bottom lip. Harry tentatively slid his tongue over the lips covering his. The taller boy abandoned the now swollen lip to enjoy the tongue that was battling for dominance in his mouth. He couldn't care less if he won that battle or not. Harry couldn't tell if the moan he heard came from himself or not.
When he broke the kiss for some much needed air, Harry wasted no time going to work on the neck that had been taunting him for the last hour or so. He nibbled and licked every inch he could reach, working his way down to a collarbone and back up to the earlobe he was previously sucking. He was careful not to leave marks. Harry hadn't come out of the closet to everyone and wasn't sure how Sev felt about it. After thoroughly worrying his earlobe Harry ran his tongue around the shell of Sev's ear. Sev moaned and pressed Harry against the wall, his erection pressed on Harry's, who was equally aroused. Harry gasped, Sev not sure if the sound was excitement or fear pulled his head back to see Harry's face, careful not to move anything else. With his calves now killing him Harry slid down from his tiptoes causing them to rub together once more.
"We can't do this," said Harry quickly.
Sev's face sank at the words. He had pushed too soon and had blown his chance.
"If we don't stop now I don't think I'll be able to stop at all."
Sev began to breath again, relieved.
"I don't know you, hell I don't even know your whole name. Let's go down to dinner; Dumbledore will introduce you."
There was promise in his voice. The Headmaster would introduce everyone and all will be fine. And if I'm lucky, Sev thought to himself, I'll get to taste his kiss again tonight. What could go wrong?
With so few people staying at school, the great hall was set up with one large table for meals. Harry was glad to see two giggling girls heading for the great hall about the same time as them, so they wouldn't be the only ones late. A well cast charm covered the red and bruised lips. Poppy sat next to the Headmaster on his right. An empty chair on his left was for Hagrid, who was delayed tending to an overexcited creature he'd been caring for. Dumbledore explained that he would wait for Hagrid to introduce everyone, but took the time to explain the extra 'students' were in fact there for a stress-free vacation. They were not to speak of disturbing current events; he did apologize for being secretive, and it would all make sense later. Ron wondered why they were asked not to speak of the staff since there were hardly any at the school, but they were assured that all would be explained after diner, when Hagrid joined them.
Albus was enjoying the lively conversations going around the table. A girl with wild eyes spoke about quidditch. Ron told the headmaster that he hadn't been so challenged at chess since his first year. Harry wanted to talk to Sev but since he wasn't supposed to know his name, he didn't know how to get his attention. Sev was quiet, seemingly content with listening to the conversation around him.
Harry asked Ron to throw him a roll, which Ron did, literally. As the roll flew towards Harry's head, Severus' hand shot up and grabbed it out of the air. He gave Harry an evil grin and bit into the roll. Albus watched to see Harry's reaction; it wouldn't do well if they were fighting before he even had a chance to get to the introductions. Harry's eyes were wide as he watched his roll get snatched out of thin air, and he laughed out loud.
"Nice catch, up for some quidditch after dinner? It'll be light out for a while." Sev nodded, unable to speak with a mouth full of dinner roll. Albus smiled with the usual twinkle in his eye. Harry couldn't wait for dinner to end. He wanted to know why it was such a big deal the others couldn't tell their names, and he was excited to go out flying with tall, dark and sexy. The large doors opened to the great hall and everyone assumed it was Hagrid finally joining them. Mr. Filch hurried in to speak with the headmaster. Suddenly there was a yell heard from what could have been miles around; it was definitely Hagrid. Harry stood up, as did Severus. Harry saw Sev pull a potion vial out of his pocket. Albus shook his head slowly at Sev. Poppy ran out of the hall, Albus stood up and addressed the table.
"It looks as if Hagrid's creature has gotten the better of him," said Albus, motioning to Harry to sit back down. "Poppy will take good care of him. You may check on him later, Harry."
Not wanting to waste any daylight hours, Harry opted to fly a team broom over going back up to the Gryffindor tower for his own broom. They grabbed a quaffle and played one-on-one, which consisted of taking turns between chaser and keeper. Harry was disappointed in having to wait to hear Dumbledore's introductions and announcements. Sev laughed at that since Harry already knew his nickname and he himself didn't know much else. Sev had explained the hazy memory he had.
"I promise not to mess up your holiday by asking questions or guessing at who you might be. I envy you; what I wouldn't give to have a vacation from my memories." Sev was so surprised with what he heard he didn't even try to keep the quaffle from the hoop. He was curious but wanted to keep it light with his new friend.
"If my kiss was so bad, I could do an Obliviate curse to liberate you from the horrible memory," teased Sev.
"Don't you dare! I'm rather fond of that particular memory," protested Harry before throwing the quaffle straight at Sev's head. Sev looped around the broom with ease, but the smug look on his face was quickly changed to panic when a glass vial fell from his pocket. Harry flew into a dive, snatching it from the air before it could hit the ground. It was the same vial he noticed Sev take out at dinner. It was labeled,
"In case of emergency: Drink potion"
Sev flew down to where Harry was hovering just above the ground.
"You're a seeker! You have to be, you have a prefect body. I...um I mean for playing seeker. Are you on your house team?" Harry nodded. "That was amazing." Harry was grateful his windblown face hid the blush, so was Sev who was a little pink himself. "What other hidden talents do you have, Harry?" Harry's sweet sexy expression switched to evil grin.
"Why don't we fly over to the quiet side of the lake and I'll show you. I'll race you to the clearing." Sev wasted no time and took off for the lake, or at least tried to. Harry had planted his feet firmly on the ground and held onto Sev's broom with all his might, causing the broom to shake and vibrate, especially vibrate. With the broom between his legs and the look on Harry who was now licking his lips, it was all Sev could do to keep from moaning.
"Does that count for a hidden talent?" Harry got no answer, the other boy was hovering, his lips forming an "oh" but no sound came out. "I'll take that as a yes?" said Harry shamelessly and flew off to the clearing. When Sev came to his senses Harry was half way to the clearing. Thankfully, it was only a short distance away. Flying with an erection wasn't easy. Harry lay by the lake. The water's surface mirrored the orange sky, disturbed occasionally by the passing of a giant squid enjoying the last of the day's sun. Sev left his broom with the other and wasn't sure if Harry had heard him coming until he realized he was talking.
"I love this place. It's my favorite place to think, or not think at all." He paused "It's nice to have someone to share it with." Sev lay down next to Harry. "I still don't know you very well, and I know I'm contradicting myself, but I just want to be with you while I can." Knowing his cue, Sev pulled Harry into a passionate kiss. It started out fast and furious. They kissed with a hunger, only stopping sporadically to gasp for breath. They kissed for what seemed like eternity, but not nearly long enough, when Sev abandoned the bruised lips for a chance at Harry's neck. They pulled at each other's robes; Sev working his way down the other's neck, finding a sensitive spot behind the ear. Harry whimpered, momentarily forgetting the nipple he had been pinching roughly. Hot breath in his ears and all his blood pooled between his legs.
"I'm all for living this week as my last, but who's to say we can't do this again next week?" Harry stopped sucking an earlobe just long enough to reply,
"Don't worry, I won't hold you to that"
"I'll have you know, I'm a man of my word," Sev said indignantly, pulling away from Harry. /Oh crap, I spoiled the mood/ Harry berated himself silently.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to insinuate your weren't. Even though we just met, I sincerely feel that I can trust you for some reason, but we don't know where you're going to be next week. You're familiar with Hogwarts, but you must have graduated already. If Dumbledore thought you needed a holiday from your thoughts, you must have an awful lot to think about. We don't know you're going to be here next week even if you wanted to be here. I can't allow myself that hope; it's not a luxury I can afford," Harry said, never taking his eyes from Sev's.
"I'm sorry" he ended softly. Sev looked into green eyes. They were so beautiful, yet he could see pain in them. Harry was too young for such pain, Sev thought. He would not be selfish and ask for more than he was given.
"I promise I'll be around if you do happen to be at Hogwarts next week," Harry said sheepishly. Sev smiled wide and reclaimed Harry's mouth. In no time their robes were haphazardly discarded. Sev nipped and sucked on a nipple, Harry groaned and squirmed beneath him causing their erections to rub together.
"Oh."
Harry's expression of surprise and want was almost enough to send Sev over the edge. He rolled over, pulling Harry with him feasting once again on his neck while his hand caressed and rubbed all he could reach. Harry made happy little mewing noises with the attention he was receiving. Sev was rewarded with a moan as he grasped the tight arse pulling their erections together again with enthusiasm. Harry stiffened ever so slightly when he felt a long slender finger trail down his crease, without missing a beat Harry continued licking and nibbling, following a trail from neck to navel, effectively putting himself (or at least his arse) out of Sev's reach. This maneuver was not lost on him. He would not push Harry. Content to fondle and lick, Sev was pleasantly surprised when Harry had found a rhythm to his grinding, effectively rubbing them both off. Harry stiffened against him. Sev knew he was close. Pulling him closer, he picked up the pace sending Harry over the edge shouting "Oh... ohh, Sev." He quivered with release. Hearing Harry call out his name in passion, sending slippery warmth between them was all Sev needed to bring him to orgasm, his seed mixing with Harry's between them.
When their breathing had returned to normal, aware of Harry's weight on his body, Sev shifted him over. Harry now on his side using a shoulder as a pillow, looked over the lake and the now blue-gray sky.
"This is the first time I've been here at sunset and didn't notice when it set," said Harry.
"You needed to be properly distracted," said Sev, placing a soft kiss on his lips.
They stayed for a while until Harry remembered to take the brooms back to the school. Sev waited on the pitch while Harry returned the school brooms and quaffle.
"Hey, Sev" Sev was startled to hear Ron's voice coming onto the pitch, relieved he hadn't come around a half hour earlier.
"Hey, Ron, did you win the chess game?"
"Nah," he replied with a smile. "Got clobbered."
"Harry's a good flyer. I hope I haven't been occupying too much of his time. He said you and he were best friends." Ron beamed at his words.
"I don't mind. It's exciting to have such a good chess player to challenge my game." Ron took notice to the darkening sky. "Did he make you stop flying to watch the sun set?" Sev almost choked, and turned red, he saw Harry walking up to meet them.
"Actually we didn't even notice it set," Sev answered dryly.
"Don't let him fool you, Sev," Harry said referring to Ron. "He likes to come down here for the sunset himself, ever since he found out Hermione thinks it's romantic." Ron's cheeks went pink. "Hermione's home for the holiday. She usually hangs out with us. Ron fancies her," he offered as explanation. Ron, suddenly happy to change the subject remembered why he came looking for his friend.
"Dumbledore would like us all to meet in the great hall. Hagrid is all patched up and they want to make introductions."
DETAH 03 - Introductions
Dumbledore greeted them with a smile, as the three were the last to enter the hall. Ron, Harry and Sev sat in the remaining chairs.
"Ronald, I see you have found our strays?" inquired Dumbledore "I'm most appreciative that you have welcomed our guest. I think this week will be a pleasant one. I'd like to remind the students to respect our guests and not discuss anything that would disrupt their vacation. You may know some of them, even if you don't recognize them at the moment, so I ask you to treat them as you already have, with kindness and friendship. Perhaps by the end of the week we could have a chess tournament with our resident champions," He said, smiling at Flitwick and to Ron.
"Or a quidditch match," Sev interrupted. Harry gave him a smile. Dumbledore smiled also; he was thrilled to see them getting along so well. More than he knew in fact. Harry had moved his hand to Sev's thigh, rubbing with his thumb absentmindedly. When he heard the name Minerva McGonagall, Harry didn't register at first that his teacher hadn't stayed the holiday. When Filius Flitwick was introduced, Harry slowed the circles he was rubbing on the boy's leg beside him. Ron was shaking Flitwick's hand rambling about having a name to call him now.
Deep down Harry knew what was coming, but he kept telling himself "He could be an auror, or some order member." The fact that Sev was short for Severus never crossed his mind. The only thing they ever called him was Snape or Greasy Git.
"Next to Filius is Ronald Weasley, Harry Potter, and Severus Snape," Dumbledore concluded. The hand on his leg froze in its place. Severus looked at Harry, who seemed to be frozen, his glazed-over eyes still in the general direction of the Headmaster. Ron looked shocked, and nervously turned his attention to the small wizard sitting on his other side. Harry came out of his trance at the sound of his name.
"Harry?" Sev said tentatively. He wanted Harry to look at him, but was afraid, too. He had noticed the reactions to the introductions. Every one seemed to know them. Most reactions were surprise and interest, but he had gotten a few different responses. A couple of first years nearly gasped. Ron's eyes bugged, out and Harry, well, Harry's was the reaction he had been worried about ever since the hand on his leg stopped moving abruptly. When the hand had frozen he knew for sure Harry must know him from somewhere, and obviously didn't like him or he wouldn't have reacted that way. It must have occurred to Harry finally that he still had a hand on the leg next to him when he jerked it away. 'Here it comes' Sev told himself. Ron had tried and failed to keep the dislike from his face. Now it was Harry's turn, but when Harry did finally look at him it wasn't dislike. Was it fear? It was. Harry looked downright scared of him.
In a zombie like fashion Harry finished his dinner. After that was over, the students went upstairs to the dormitories. Harry pulled on his nightclothes and climbed into bed. He hadn't spoken to Ron or anyone else since the introductions.
"Can't believe we didn't see that one coming," said Ron. Harry pulled the covers over his head. "I mean how many people are called Severus? I never would have dreamed he would ask us to call him Sev." Ron rattled on while Harry let out a defeated moan. "Hey, Harry, did you beat him?" Harry pulled the covers down enough to reveal his eyes.
"What?"
"Did you beat him? In quidditch, did you come out on top?"
Harry prayed the red in his face didn't go all the way to his eyelids.
"How is he at flying?"
Harry didn't hear any more questions. He was thinking about coming on top of Sev, literally. Grinding, rubbing, licking, having his earlobes sucked on. Snape was going to kill him next week.
Next day, Sev showered and headed for the common room. Today was the first full day of his holiday. Ron was reading a letter by the fire and Filius had just come down also.
"Hello Severus, Ron. Where's Harry this morning?" Ron looked up from his letter.
"Hey Filius, uh Sev," said Ron hesitantly. It was odd not calling them professors. "I think Harry's sleeping in today."
The boys in the common room headed down to breakfast. Sev went back up to the dorm rooms under the pretense of putting his toothbrush back in his room. He did want to talk to Harry alone to find out why Harry had reacted the way he had. After knocking softly and getting no reply, Sev opened the door to the seventh year's doom. Harry was asleep. His body tangled in the sheets as if he been tossing and turning for a while. Harry's lips were moving but Sev could hear no sound. In fact, when Harry rolled over not even the sheets made a noise. 'Silencing charm,' Sev thought to himself.
Harry suddenly went rigid in the bed and began to convulse. Sev couldn't stand and watch any longer. When he reached the side of the bed and went within the silenced area, Harry's screams were deafening. He suddenly curled into a ball with his hands clenched over his forehead. Sev put his hand on Harry's back tentatively, not sure of what to do for him. He was about to go for help when Harry seemed to be coming out of it. Sev rubbed big circles on his back till the convulsions slowly ebbed. Harry allowed him to pull him back up to the pillow, but Harry didn't let go of his head.
"What can I do for you, Harry?" asked Sev nervously. "Are you ok? Was it a dream?" Harry held his arm over his head as if the light was too bright to take.
"I'm ok now Ron, thanks," Harry said after catching his breath. "It wasn't as bad as last time. I think a blue and a green one will do it."
Sev had no idea what Harry was talking about and wasn't even sure if he should tell him he wasn't Ron. Harry had been pointing to the bedside table with his free arm when he spoke, so Sev opened the drawer to reveal a small stash of potion vials. Picking up and reading the labels. The blue label was marked "Pain killer" and the green "Muscle relaxant" He opened each vial and handed them to him. Harry drank them down, handing the vials back to Sev, not looking up from under his arm.
"I need a few minutes. I'll meet you down at breakfast. Save me some bacon."
Sev sat at breakfast. The younger children watched him when they thought he wasn't looking. They did it to all the younger versions of the teachers, but when noticed they would smile and look away, except with Severus they just looked away quickly. He didn't particularly care. Ron was polite, but not friendly as he had been. He noticed that Ron was taking food and hiding it in his napkin. Vials clinked in his robes pocket reminding that Harry thought he was with Ron this morning. Lying wasn't how he wanted to start off his relationship with Harry. Not that he knew what that was exactly. They had only met the day before, but were both attracted to each other. Mostly it was lust, but he enjoyed being with him.
"Ron, is that for Harry?" asked Severus, eyeing the napkin in Ron's lap. Ron didn't answer right away; he was obviously trying to figure out if he trusted Severus. Sev took a pile of crispy bacon off the platter and added it to the growing feast. "He asked me to save him some. Um... actually he thought he was asking you. I didn't want to upset him, so I just went along with it when he called me Ron. Sorry." Ron wrapped up the food and dragged Severus out to the hall.
"What do you mean he thought you were me? What did you do to Harry?"
"Nothing, he didn't answer when I knocked, so I opened the door. I was going to leave when I saw he was asleep, but than..." Sev pulled the vials out of his pocket and handed them to Ron. Ron's eyes grew wide; he didn't need any more explanations. He grabbed the front of Severus' robes. Even at his younger age, Severus was quite an imposing figure, but Ron didn't care. He looked up at Severus and pulled tighter at the front of his robes.
"You had best not use this against Harry in any way next week. If I hear one person make one joke about this I swear I'll..." Ron paused, he wanted to say he would hex him, or thrash him bodily, but as soon as Snape was back to normal next week, he'd be in a load of trouble and that still wouldn't keep him from taking advantage of knowing a weakness of Harry's.
"Is there a problem, gentleman?" Madam Pomfrey said calmly, eyeing the grip Ron had on Severus' robe. "That's not food you're taking out of the hall, is it, Mr. Weasley?"
"No, no problem at all" said Severus smoothing out his robes now that Ron had let go. 'Now I'm in for it' Ron thought. Severus handed the empty vials to her. "I was just assuring Ron that I would not betray Harry's privacy in this matter." She looked from one teen to the other and back to the vials in her hand, sighing. "Alright, you two run along." Madam Pomfrey looked down at the napkin once more nodding. "Stay out of trouble please," she added. Ron walked away shocked that Snape hadn't taken advantage of a chance to get him in trouble.
The rest of the day came and went. Sev saw no sign of him. Harry knew Pomfrey would have kittens if he skipped all three meals, so he showed for dinner. He sat in the empty seat next to Hagrid, distancing himself from Snape, not once making eye contact with him.
Later that evening Severus found Ron watching a game between Harry and Filius.
"Hello, Severus," Filius called out. Ron looked up and nodded. Harry didn't look up.
"Hi Filius, can I play the winner?" Sev asked hopefully. It was obvious Ron was waiting his turn and Harry was losing miserably.
"Sorry Severus, Ron already called winner, you can play Harry he's..." Filius moved his queen in to position, putting Harry in checkmate. "...finished."
That had worked how he hoped it would. If only Harry would speak to him now. Severus went over to a table where a few first years were sitting and asked if he could take the chess set if they weren't using it. They weren't but from the looks on their faces they would have given it up even if they had been.
Returning with the chess set Sev could hear the last bits of conversation between Harry and Ron.
"So you beat him at quidditch, he'll get over it. I don't see why you're so upset."
He hadn't told Ron, noted Sev. Ron had been very protective of Harry and he hadn't even found out about what they had done by the lake. He set up the chess set just far enough away from Filius and Ron so they could have privacy, just in case Harry did talk to him. Technically, Sev never really asked him to play chess, but thought he would just keep going as if he had.
"Harry, what color do you want to be?" Ron nudged Harry to go over and play. Ron's theory was to be careful the rest of the week and Snape would forget about the first day, maybe even work some of it in their favor. Harry knew better but humored Ron and got up to play chess. Any ten year-old would've been able to read Ron's lips as he mouthed; "Let him win" Harry rolled his eyes and replied loud enough for Snape to hear,
"He would have to really suck at chess for me to have to." Harry sat across from Sev. "This color's fine," he said without even looking down at the board.
They played in silence for while. Each taking far too long to think about the next move, only for it to be something as simple as moving a pawn up one square. After ten minutes only three men had been moved around, clearly with no particular strategy in mind.
"I guess the introductions didn't go as well as you hoped," Sev said finally, breaking the silence. Harry winced at the choice of words.
DETAH 04 - Even fairies fly straight in the wind
Chapter Notes
Slash fic! Slash in the dungeons!!! Just thought you aught to know!!! This chapter is for xikum who got me off my arse. Silly how real life demands attention?
"I guess the introductions didn't go as well as you hoped" Sev said, finally breaking the silence. Harry winced at the choice of words.
"I told you, /hope/ and me are not 'friends'," Harry said shaking his head in misery. "No, the introductions didn't go the way I thought they would. We have met; in fact I've known you for years. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you before, but ... neither one of us did anything the other didn't want to, no harm done. I won't tell anyone," he finished his rehearsed speech with a sigh.
"That's it? You've decided? You said you would be here after next week if I wanted to be with you. What makes you so sure I won't want to see you again?" said Sev indignantly.
"Oh, don't worry you'll see me. I'm just /hoping/ when you do, you won't kill me. See what you've done, you got me hoping again," Harry said sarcastically.
"Since I'm sure to kill you it wouldn't hurt if we talked, would it?" Harry found it was hard to stay afraid of Sev while he was being sarcastic right back to him. He had a point too; whatever was going to happen on Monday was only going to get worse if he was rude to Snape for the rest of the week. 'Damn', he thought, 'and it's only the first day'.
"You're hungry aren't you? You want to go down to the kitchens and nick some food?" Sev asked, looking around to see if anyone else heard. Harry looked shocked at the suggestion of them breaking rules. This must be what Ron had in mind.
"How did you know I was hungry?"
"I watched you at dinner and you ate about as much as I did." Harry nodded; it was true he was starving now. He had been too worried before to eat. He couldn't even say why he wasn't still worried, but he enjoyed being with Sev. That made his head hurt thinking about. Harry motioned for Sev to follow him up to the dorms.
"We won't make it back by curfew, so we might as well take precautions," said Harry, digging though his trunk. Sev waited for Harry to find what he was looking for in a trunk that seemed to hold a ton of stuff.
"Is everything you own in there?" Sev said jokingly.
"Yes, this is all of it. When I graduate I'll move right from here to my new place." It seemed like a lot of stuff for one trunk, but not very much for it to be everything he owned, Sev thought before noticing something special on Harry's bedside table that he hadn't noticed before.
It was an award for the Order of Merlin. Etched in gold, it read 'Sirius Black'. It was in a purple velvet lined box.
"Found it, ready to go?" Harry called out, pulling a shimmering cloak from the trunk. Sev's mouth hung open. "There's room for us both under here. We only have to avoid Filch," Harry said, almost laughing about not having to worry about Snape catching him.
They almost managed to make it all the way to the kitchens with no problems. When they reached the bottom of a flight of stairs, Filch came around the corner grumbling incoherently about Peeves and a bucket. Harry and Sev backed up only to find the stairs had moved. They were forced to wait until Filch had mopped up the water from the floor. They couldn't risk walking past and leaving footprints. Harry took a step back as a mop came dangerously close to his feet, stifling a gasp as he pressed up against Sev. Harry could feel his breath on the back of his neck, and wondered if he was doing it on purpose. He was getting hard thinking about that mouth so close to his skin.
Harry mentally kicked himself. "This is Snape I'm getting hard for." With self-preservation in mind Harry took a step forward. God, was this going to take forever? It's only some water for Merlin's sake and it's a stone floor after all. It would have dried by morning had he not found it. Harry was pulled from his musings quite literally. Filch had come back around with the mop quickly and Sev wrapped his arms around Harry's middle pulling him back away from the caretaker. Harry could feel an erection pressing on his backside. Warm lips pulled in his earlobe, sucking on it mercilessly. A tongue darted in his ear, sending shivers up his spine. The arms around his middle manipulated him to turn around and the same warm lips claimed his mouth. Knowing he was doing this in front of the caretaker only seemed to spur him on. When they broke from the searing kiss, Sev laughed because neither of them had noticed Filch leave.
Harry pulled away, "We can't do this anymore." Sev nodded, but knew he would try again anyway. He wouldn't push if Harry didn't want to, but when they were kissing he's noticed that Harry was just as hard as he was. Sev continued to walk much closer to Harry than need be. Harry shuddered as he realized, "Snape breathing down his neck" now had a whole new meaning.
When they arrived at the painting of fruit, Harry let Snape show him how to get in. No point in incriminating himself worse. When the cloak came off, two startled house elves yelled and ran out.
"Harry Potter has come to see Dobby! Dobby is so glad to see you again, Harry Potter!" Harry blushed and said hello to the creature. "Who is this that has come with Harry Potter?" He introduced him as Sev and asked if they could have something to eat. Soon there was a huge pile of food brought out to them. Sev's eyes bugged. "I know my memory is hazy, but I don't remember ever getting this much before" Sev mused. Harry shrugged. Dobby beamed up at Harry, and then suddenly looked sad. "Is you felling better now? I is putting new potions from Madam Pomfrey in your drawer for you today." Harry thanked him, mentally pleading for Dobby not to say much more. But he was not that lucky.
"Dobby was very happy you only needed two new vials for the scar that pains you." Severus tried to contribute to the conversation, only to infuriate the house elf, although he had no idea why. Harry rubbed the abhorrent mark unconsciously, wishing they had never come. Dobby was yelling at Sev, and he wished the floor would open up and swallow him whole. Harry grabbed the food, and thanked Dobby once again. Arms full- up with food he and Sev took off as fast as he could without hurting the elf's feelings.
Not wanting to get caught, they stayed quiet and carefully made their way to the Astronomy Tower.
"How was I supposed to know? I didn't mean to insult the thing."
"He's not a thing. His name is Dobby, and he's rather fond of me. You have to be careful with him." Harry said, placing the food on a small table in the Astronomy tower.
"The thing... sorry, Dobby starts ranting and raving about the famous Harry Potter and what rock was I living under not to praise you for the life we live, when suddenly you tell it my whole name and it practically runs screaming. Why is a house elf afraid of me? Why didn't you tell me you were famous?" Severus looked genuinely confused.
"I don't want to be famous!" yelled Harry, blushing; he hadn't meant to say that so loud. "Sorry. Look, I'm famous for something I had no control over. I hate it. No one treats me like a normal guy. I never know when I ask someone out if they're saying yes because they like me or if they like who I'm supposed to be." Sev sat in silence, unsure of what to say, thinking he should say something, when Harry continued. "Why do you think I was attracted to you? I mean, at first I was just attracted to you because you're gorgeous, but then I realized when you didn't know who I was, that I could relax and enjoy your company. I figured I would have the week for us to get to know each other. If we liked each other than it wouldn't matter come Monday that I was Harry Potter, because you would know Harry. Does that make sense?" Harry said. His words hopeful, but his face dejected.
"Do you really think I'm gorgeous?" asked Sev with a smile. Harry couldn't believe after all he had spouted that was what he had heard.
Sev had heard the rest but was now stuck on this thought. "If you think I'm attractive why didn't you recognize me? Am I ancient?" Harry laughed at the thought of a 150 year old Severus Snape.
"No you're not ancient, you um... wear your hair differently," Harry said, careful not to make a gag face while he thought about Snape's greasy hair. Harry studied the other man's features. "Your nose, that's what it is," he said suddenly as if solving a puzzle. I um... think you may have broken your nose at some point. Sorry," said Harry apologetically.
"I guess it only gets worse then," Sev said, waving a hand at himself. Harry seemed to be thinking about that for a while; he looked to be getting the courage to say something.
"Your voice."
"My voice what?"
"It gets even deeper" Harry paused as if remembering. "You could make even a snide remark sound dead sexy if I was thinking about it."
Sev didn't reply. He sat thinking about Harry finding him sexy, well his voice anyway, even though he obviously didn't like the older Severus. He watched Harry dive into the snacks on the table. It was amazing to see him pack it away. Harry laughed through a pastry.
"I thought Dobby was going to flip out when you asked if I was famous for being a Quidditch pro." Sev laughed along with him; now that they were a safe distance from the elf it was pretty funny.
"So, your scar is on the 'we can't talk about it' list?" Harry nodded mouth full of cream puff. "Have you been made any offers to play for England?" Harry nodded again.
"Yeah, I got a few offers, but if I play at all it won't be for a while. I've got some important things to get out of the way first," /like Voldemort/ Harry said, leaving off the last bit.
"What do you mean if you play? Why would you pass up something like that, I mean once you got the important stuff done?" Sev assumed he meant continued schooling.
"Dumbledore set it up so I could go to a regular try-out for both teams wearing a glamour disguise. Only one of the two teams accepted me, and neither of them noticed my flying skills were identical to the ones they see Harry Potter do."
"Don't talk about yourself in the third person, it's confusing enough that you talk about me like that," Sev teased. "I see what you mean, but since you made one team at a try-out, what's the difference why they gave you the offer? You know you're good enough and that's what counts."
"You're right, I just want to make sure quidditch isn't spoiled for me. I love to fly and it's a great way to get away from it all, up in the sky." Harry ran a hand through his hair. "It's the only place my hair looks like it should be wind blown." Sev choked on his pumpkin juice and they both laughed hard. Sev reached over and ran a hand through Harry's unruly locks. "We shouldn't," Harry said softly, but didn't pull away. Sev pulled his hand away caressing Harry's cheek as he did. Hope was not a bad thing, and Sev was determined that he would prove it to Harry. Severus leaned his head back and licked the cream off the side of a cream puff, getting cream on the side of his face. Harry tried but couldn't take his eyes off the tongue now trying to get the sweet goodness off his lips. Harry swallowed hard when Sev swiped at some cream and sucked it off his fingers, one delicious digit at a time. Harry shifted in his seat.
"You're doing that on purpose."
"What?" feigning innocence, running a slow tongue over his lips.
"You're killing me," Harry pleaded. Severus got up got up in a huff and grabbed a piece of scrap parchment off the floor, and wrote:
I, Severus Snape, will not kill Harry Potter for anything that may have happened during this week.
He dated and signed it with a flourish, handing it to Harry. Harry read the note and pocketed it.
"That's not what I meant when I said you're killing me," said Harry looking down to his now noticeable hard on, with a grin on his face. Severus pounced on him, his soft lips pressed hard against the other's. Harry moaned and arched his back, pressing himself into Sev who ground against him in return. Harry pulled his mouth away panting. "Ohh God... " He was cut off by another searing kiss. Their tongues entwined, Harry was almost lost in the kiss, almost.
"I... I can't do this," he said still panting. "At least before..." Harry gasped, "I didn't know. Now I have no excuse." Harry could hardly say the words as Sev distracted him by sucking on his neck, and rubbing his nipple through his robes. Harry wanted so much to give in; he made him feel so, so good. Harry closed he eyes and imagined Sev morphing in to Severus Snape. He could almost hear his words.
"POTTER!! Have you considered the consequences of you actions?"
Harry stiffened. His imagined Snape was probably pretty close to the real one, and scared the hell out of him. Harry stood up, surprising Sev who had already opened the top four buttons on Harry's robes without him realizing. "Ow," Harry rubbed a bruised nipple. Sev looked up guiltily.
"Sorry, I didn't think you were going to stand up." He had pulled his nipple past Sev's teeth. It disturbed Harry to feel his cock jump to attention from the sensation. He was grateful for the distraction when Hedwig flew in the tower. The owl happily munched on a pastry while Harry read the note.
/ Harry,
Where are you? You left without finishing the game. Has Snape done something? Ron /
Harry chuckled and wrote back, not caring Sev was reading over his shoulder.
/ Ron,
We're fine. Went to get food, we'll bring you some back. Harry
Even Fairies fly straight in the wind /
Sev raised an eyebrow, "Even fairies fly straight in the wind?" Harry laughed. "Ron is checking up on me. If I didn't write that at the end he would know the note was forced." Harry laughed again. "It was his turn this month to pick the phrase. Ron's a recovering homophobe." Sev snorted. "He took the news fairly well, but I'm not allowed to give him any details."
"He's very protective of you. Are you sure he's straight?" Harry nodded. "He's been dating Hermione all year; he thinks they're a secret. Harry rolled his eyes. "Ron's usually by my side when I get into trouble, but the last few times he wasn't and he felt that he'd let me down when things got bad." Harry sighed. "It wasn't his fault."
"We keep an eye on each other." Sev just smiled and nodded. He had only met Harry the day before, sort of, but nonetheless he felt a pang of jealously. He felt the urge to protect Harry; unaware he had been for years.
When Harry and Sev returned to the Gryffindor Tower later, Ron grinned at the large tray of goodies Harry was carrying into the common room. No one else was up save Ron and Flitwick. Harry re-enlarged the pumpkin juice while Ron dove into the snacks. Filius eyed the food with uncertainty. Harry got the impression that he wasn't one for breaking the rules. Luckily it was Sev's idea. Sev sat back in a big chair by the fire. "Are you going flying tomorrow?" Sev asked of no one in particular.
"Busy tomorrow," Ron said with a mouthful of cake.
"It's Cram Tuesday," Filius helped. Harry gave Ron a stern look clearly saying 'Why did you tell him that?'
"On the first day of hols they relax, on the second day, "Cram Tuesday" they do all the homework in one day, leaving the rest of the week free." Sev laughed at the explanation.
"What do you have?" asked Sev, referring to the homework. He didn't acknowledge the glare he got from Ron. Harry answered.
"We have two charms to perfect, and essays for Potions and Transfiguration." Harry checked off the list on his fingers. Sev commented that he did okay in Charms, but excelled in Potions, even if he did hate what it did to his hair. Harry and Ron were on the floor laughing.
DETAH 05 - Cram Tuesday
Chapter Notes
Random Insanity was great enough to give us a link to the young Allen Rickman. Do check it out. Thank you R.I.
http//~tchapman/allenyoung.jpg
'Cram Tuesday' started right after breakfast. Ron and Harry took over the largest table in the common room and got started. Severus wandered around looking for something to do. He held the door open for a girl at the library who stuttered her thanks. Two Hufflepuff boys talking over a book of Quidditch Through the Ages had burst out laughing; one had caught his eye and quickly apologized for the disruption. They all walked on eggshells while he was around. It was annoying. Seeing he was near the kitchen Sev decided to ask Dobby how often he had to restock the potions for Harry. The elf was hesitant to answer, but knew that since he was the potions maker, Snape would probably know this as his usual self. It was only about once a month, but had been more around the time of... and that was all the elf would say before he started hitting his head on the prep table in the kitchens.
"Master Dumbledore says I can't tell you of the terrible things." Sev ducked out so the elf would stop hurting himself.
Later in the day, in the Great Hall, Severus didn't realize that Filius had been speaking to him at lunch; he was disappointed Harry hadn't shown up to eat. It also annoyed him that the younger students, the few there were, seemed panicked every time he was around. He was pulled from his musings when he realized the voice talking to him wasn't Filius any longer, but Albus Dumbledore.
"How is your holiday going, Severus?" Albus said with a soft smile.
"Okay, good I guess." Severus answered a lot less confidently than he'd wanted, earning him a questioning look from the elder wizard. Sometime after lunch Severus took a walk and found himself at the side of the lake he had been with Harry. After some time he noticed someone walking slowly in his direction. A long white beard was easily made out from a distance. When he was close enough Sev raised his head up in greeting.
"Headmaster."
"Hello Severus, may I sit?" he asked politely, but didn't wait for the answer, transfiguring a daisy in to a big cushion. "This seems like the perfect place to come and think," said Albus looking across the pond.
"Or not think at all," Severus said, seemingly to himself. "That's just what Harry said about this place." The older wizard looked slightly surprised by the statement but didn't comment on it. "What was the point of this holiday Sir?"
"I thought that was fairly obvious. This is a time for you to spend away from your daily stress and to rejuvenate you, so when you go back you can handle things with a fresh outlook. You may not remember the others, but they are associates of yours in several areas, such as your job, organizations and the like. It may benefit you to see them in a new light, thus improving your working relationship."
Severus thought about that for a moment. Of course he had had that all explained to him the first day, except the co-worker part. "So playing a game of Chess with Filius is going to improve our relationship on Monday when we're our old selves again?"
"Is it your relationship with Filius that's troubling you?" Severus sighed at the Headmaster's question. He hated that the man could see right through him.
"Did you see Harry's face when you introduced me?" Albus nodded, the twinkle in his eye faded a little. "It's just great that Ron has a new chess partner; everybody likes Filius. What's the point in flying around the quidditch pitch with Harry if we're going to go back to hating each other on Monday?"
"Why are you so sure you'll hate each other on Monday, when you can't honestly say that you're sure you hated him before?"
"Are you kidding? It took me half the night to convince him I wouldn't kill him next Monday. I even put it in writing." Albus smiled, which was only served to annoy Sev more.
"So Harry knows who you are, and yet he still spent half the night talking with you? That doesn't sound like someone who hates you." He hated to admit it, but Albus seemed to have a point.
"I guess not. We did have fun once we abandoned the chess game for ..." Severus stopped short remembering that Harry was still a student and would get into trouble for being out after curfew.
"For what?" asked Albus, sounding amused. When Severus blushed the Headmaster got concerned. "For what, Severus?" he repeated a little more firmly. Severus looked up sheepishly, knowing he couldn't lie.
"We snuck out with an invisibility cloak, and...nicked food from the kitchens." He finished, suddenly finding a blade of grass fascinating. He missed the relieved look on the older man's face.
"Monday will come, Severus. When it does, if you don't hate him, tell him. If you find that your hatred is so strong well... at least he has it in writing that you won't kill him." Severus' head sprung up in disbelief.
"I would never hurt Harry!" said Severus adamantly. Albus stood up; the daisy was already returned to its shape.
" /That/ I've known for years," Albus said with a smile and returned to the castle, leaving the young Severus to his thoughts.
Severus sat in the Great Hall, brooding. The teenage Minerva giggled while talking to a strange girl with yellow eyes. Was it Hooch? Sev gave them a menacing glare when they giggled even more and pointed at the boys now entering for dinner. How dare they check out Harry, although it seemed like Hooch was checking out Minerva. Minerva paid no attention, her eyes were on the boys, no, men. He knew his possessiveness toward Harry was unjust, but his teeth clenched nonetheless.
Dinner was relatively uneventful. Harry was polite to Minerva, but it was obvious to Sev and perhaps Ron that he was uncomfortable. Harry gave in to the lesser of two evils and spoke to the young Ravenclaw next to him. The third year had been trying to speak with Harry since he unpacked in the Gryffindor tower.
When dinner had near ended, Ron asked a few people if they had wanted to get up a quidditch game. Harry seemed very interested to see how the Hooch girl flew. Filius and the giant were going also. The physical dynamics of either of them on a broom was beyond him. Severus thought, Hagrid, the big one, is only going for supervision. It was apparent the girls had spent most of the time apart from them. It didn't matter in the least to Sev, since Ron hadn't asked him along with the others.
As the plates cleared Ron and Hooch declared themselves captains and were heading out the door discussing whom they wanted on their teams. Harry jumped up to join them. Sev didn't look up, convincing himself he didn't care. A few moments later he was surprised to feel a warm hand on his shoulder.
"You're coming flying, aren't you Sev?" Severus looked up to see the inviting green eyes smiling at him. Albus Dumbledore raised a goblet to his lips. He smiled, listening to the banter as the two left. "You better hope you're on my team Sev, come what may on Monday, because today I'm going to kick your ass."
"We'll see about that," said Severus
Albus continued to smile, a twinkle in his blue eyes. Harry would be graduating soon, and most likely join the Order. It would do well if he and Severus were friends.
Severus woke with a start. He couldn't remember his dream, assuming it was part of the memory adjustment. He didn't remember sleeping so well in a very long time. A quick glance around proved Filius asleep. On his way to the loo Severus noticed the fire was bright in the common room. He smiled when he found Harry asleep on the couch. He looked so peaceful when he slept without nightmares. For a long time Sev watched him sleep, thinking how he looked without his glasses. He was beautiful.
Looking around for where Harry's glasses were, not wanting to step on them, he found them on the table with an assortment of parchments and a potion book. Harry must not have finished during 'cram Tuesday' as he'd planned. Having been quite good in Potions class himself, Sev read through the essay.
Harry woke up to the scratching of a quill on parchment. "What are you doing?" Severus turned, surprised he didn't notice Harry wake.
"I hope you don't mind, I was reading your essay." Harry smiled at the irony in that. "It's very good but... well no offence, it probably won't get you an A." Harry fought the urge to tell him he hadn't ever gotten an A in Potions. "There's a few ingredients you should have included in the list of items that could be used in the same type of potions here, and..." Severus riffled though the parchments "you could have mentioned the effect monkshood would have, too."
Severus noticed Harry hadn't spoken, but was smiling; that was a good sign. "I wrote up an extra paragraph that would cover it." Harry looked astonished. Sev had helped him with his Potions essay. He couldn't let him, but it was nice of him anyway.
"Um. Thanks, you didn't have to. I don't know if I should..." Harry trailed off. Severus grinned at him.
"Why not? I know it was my idea to get the food the other day, but you were no stranger to the kitchens, if I remember correctly. Don't try to tell me you're afraid of breaking the rules." Harry nearly choked. "You said your other friend, the one Ron likes, is very smart. Doesn't she help you?"
"Actually she would never let us copy off her, but she does make suggestions as to what we could do to improve our work." Harry read the paragraph Sev wrote. "She'd never let us put something in if we didn't really understand it," said Harry, pointing to the parchment. "I don't even know what that one is."
Severus explained the items in the list that Harry didn't know, and what the effects were in relation to the topic of the essay. Harry enjoyed seeing how animated Sev became when talking about something he was interested in. It occurred to Harry that this really was Severus Snape. It was suddenly hard to separate Sev from Severus. Harry enjoyed being with him and wondered if Severus had changed so very much growing up, or was it that it didn't know the man at all? It was most likely a little of both. Maybe he wouldn't kill him after all. /There's that damn hope again/. Harry thought. Harry didn't protest when Sev charmed the additional paragraphs onto his essay.
Sev sat next to Harry on the couch; they talked about the quidditch they had played with the others and for a while just sat watching the fire. Harry looked over to find Sev looking back. Harry gave him a sleepy smile. Sev in turn gave him a kiss, or tried, but Harry backed away. "Sorry," said Harry apologetically.
"I must be a real bastard."
Harry had no idea what to say. It was only last week that he would have agreed with him. Now what did he think? If he was going to say anything, it had better be soon.
Too late. Sev stood up when Harry's lack of response confirmed it. "Good night, Harry" Severus walked up the stairs to the dorm rooms, ignoring Harry's calls for him to wait.
DETAH 06 - Finite Incantatum
Ron and Harry headed for the common room after lunch. "Harry, what do you care if he didn't show for lunch?"
"He didn't show for breakfast either." Ron shrugged. "I think I might have made him angry."
"Why, because you kicked his arse at quidditch again? Serves him right, I didn't even ask him to come."
"He wasn't going to, I asked him. I wouldn't have had to kick his arse if you had picked him for the team when you had the chance."
"Why should we pretend to like him? He'll be back to normal on Monday. He's still Snape, just a younger version."
"You thought he was nice when we first met him," protested Harry, entering the common room.
"Because I didn't have a chance to know him yet. Really, why's he mad at you, Harry?"
Harry didn't answer; he looked around to see who else was in the common room, and led Ron to the dorm.
"You still don't know him. Just because he's Snape, you figure he's not worth being nice to."
Harry pulled out his potions essay and showed it to him. Ron read through it, nodding and raising his eyebrows occasionally.
"This is great. When did you do all this?"
"Last night. I thought since Snape knows about 'Cram Tuesday' I'd better do a good job so he can't complain about the work being rushed. I didn't do the last part there," Harry said, showing Ron where Severus had added. "He came downstairs and read it; I was asleep on the couch. When I told him I shouldn't let him because I didn't really know the information, he explained it all to me. You should have seen him; he talks with his hands when he's really into it."
Ron looked over the essay again. "Even without his part this is better than your usual; no offence mate. Too bad, you know what you have to do don't you?"
Harry nodded, rereading the essay one last time. "I know," said Harry taking out his wand. "Finite Incantatum" Ron looked on to see the extra paragraphs fade from the parchment. Harry sighed and put it back into his book bag.
"What did you do to make him angry"
Harry sighed again. /Damn Ron to not forget that./ "He sees how everyone acts around him, you included. We were talking," Harry lied "He said that he must be a real bastard, and I didn't actually argue the fact with him. I tried talking to him, but he went off to bed. I feel bad after all he did for me with the essay." /And 'cause I love how he kisses./ Harry left the last part unsaid, lest he freak out Ron.
Ron laughed. "What?" "You're funny, Harry, you lecture me about not picking him for the team, and you're the one who didn't even argue when his called himself a bastard? Oh that's rich. I wish I could have seen him say it. Do you think one day when you get a pensieve you could show it to me?" laughed Ron.
"I'm not so sure anymore about him being a bastard and all. And you've got to admit at least this week he's not a greasy git." Harry said, thinking about when he ran his hands through his jet-black hair.
Ron's eye grew wide. "Don't even tell me ... this is worse than when you said Draco had a nice arse. Come Monday he will be a greasy bastard. You only fancy him because he's young and... well."
"It's not the same, having a nice arse doesn't mean Draco isn't still a jerk, and I don't think it's just because Sev's young and ...HOT. You have to admit he is Ron, even if you don't fancy men. He is hot. And not just when he's young; haven't you ever listened to his voice?"
Ron held his shocked expression. "You never told me you fancied Snape before last week!" Ron said pulling a face.
"I didn't, it was more like Draco' so arse. But now when I spend time with him, I don't know, I'm just not so sure he's a bastard is all." Suddenly it occurred to Harry that it wasn't Ron who needed to be convinced that Snape wasn't a bastard. "I've got to go Ron, I'll see you later."
Ron stood there shaking his head, "and I thought it was girls I didn't understand."
Harry looked all over the castle for Sev. Harry climbed the steps to the Astronomy Tower, disappointed to find it empty. He looked around, thinking about the last time they were up there. Harry blew the hair from his eyes and stopped at the window before leaving. It was a great view. The breeze blew, the newly budded flowers scenting the air. The forbidden forest was starting to get greener with new leaves. The sun reflected off the lake. The water in the lake rippled from...from someone throwing stones in.
Sev was at the lake.
Harry ran down the steps two at a time. Harry told himself that he wasn't excited to find Sev at their spot, he was just glad to have found him. He wasn't very convincing, even to himself.
"Sev," Harry panted, catching his breath.
"Harry," he answered, expressionless, keeping his eyes on the lake.
"You didn't come to breakfast...or lunch." Harry's breathing leveled out "I was looking for you."
Severus didn't answer. Running out of rocks to throw he settled for sitting down and pulling out grass one blade at a time.
"I'm sorry about last night. I don't think you're a bastard."
"Is that why you came to find me?"
Harry nodded. "You've always appeared to be a very private person, I don't really know you that well."
"So I could very well be a bastard. Like you said you don't know me that well."
Harry shook his head. "No, but you do; you have to know if you're a good person. You weren't very nice to me when we first met. I think it was because of my relatives, whom you didn't get along with," Harry was careful not to say parents. "After a while, I annoyed you enough for you not to like me on my own merits."
Sev smirked, wondering where this was going.
"Now, the last year or so a lot has happened, stuff I can't mention this week, but I've grown up a lot and I think you may not hate me so much anymore. I don't hate you, haven't for a long time now."
"Was that supposed to cheer me up?" Sev teased. "So we don't hate each other, which makes me a good person? Or you? You think we'll not hate each other enough to want to get to know each other better?" Sev said, slightly sarcastic.
"I think when you don't like someone for a long time it's hard to change even when the reason isn't there anymore. My reasons are gone; I guess on Monday you could tell me if yours are too."
"Your reasons are gone? Do you think come Monday when I'm back to my old self, our one afternoon of passion will be enough for your reasons to be gone?"
Harry looked hurt and Sev knew instantly he shouldn't have said it.
"No it's not, but it was enough for me to think a lot about it and all you've done for me over the years. You've always been there for me, even when you didn't like me." Sev looked skeptical. "You saved my life," Harry said the last part quietly.
Severus looked up, meeting Harry's eye for the first time since he had arrived. "I did?" Harry nodded. "How?"
Now Harry smiled. "Which time?"
Sev looked confused and Harry continued. "The first time, well the first time I know of; was during a quidditch match when someone jinxed my broom. You muttered the counter curse 'till he was stopped, to keep me from falling," Harry ticked off a finger and went on. "Next time, well the next time you saved me from who you thought was an escaped murderer, but Sirius was innocent, but it still counts because you still went up against him and one other fully trained wizard to do what you thought was right."
Harry smiled and ticked off another finger. "The last time was over this past summer, I don't think even your older self knows about the last time though."
Harry took a deep breath. He hadn't really planned on talking about the day of the battle at his home, but he needed Sev to understand. "Something bad happened at my ... where I lived and you got me out. I never had to go back."
Severus leaned over, pushing a stray lock of hair behind Harry's ear. Harry couldn't look him in the eye and keep it together.
"Tell me what happened, Harry." Severus voice was calm and comforting, but Harry could hardly speak.
"Can't" said Harry swallowing hard.
"Harry, screw Dumbledore's plans for my holiday. You want us to get to know each other better, and I bet this might be easier now while we're still... I think we can really try to get to know each other, but it may be harder later. We have to trust each other," said Sev, putting his arms around him.
"I meant /can't/ as in too hard to talk about," he sighed "I've trusted you for years," said Harry just above a whisper.
Sev squeezed Harry's shoulder once more and rubbed small circles on Harry's back.
Harry took a deep breath and started his story; he knew Sev was right. This would be easier to tell now since Harry was sure Severus hadn't known the truth; no one really did, except the Weasleys and Hermione.
"Things weren't good where I had lived. The relatives I lived with were...well they didn't understand magic, being muggles, and they were very unforgiving of my /abnormality/". Sev cringed. "Their hatred of me grew when I got my Hogwart's letter and I found out I was a wizard, but it didn't get real bad until I was older."
Sev wondered what it was that got bad. He had a good idea.
"Usually when I wrote to Sirius I kept it light so he wouldn't worry about me, but when it got bad enough to think I might not make it 'till school started I told him I needed help." Harry took another deep breath.
Severus recognized the name Sirius from the 'Order of Merlin' award on Harry's bedside table, but wasn't going to interrupt to find out whom he was.
"There are some people who would like to see me dead, besides the ones I lived with, I mean. They had been intercepting the owls between Siri and I. They knew he was coming to help me. They planned their attack. When Sirius tripped the wards to help me, they thought Dumbledore would not interrupt because he knew Siri was not the criminal he was made out to be. But they hadn't considered that you would inform Dumbledore of the plans and be ready for them."
Sev looked amazed at the story Harry was telling.
"Was that how I saved you, by informing Dumbledore of the plans?"
Harry managed a weak smile. "Part of it. It had been a long time since there was such a battle, with enough time to plan. Many wizards fought that day. There were loses, some in particular a great loss, but in the end it was an impressive victory for our side."
Sev had to lean in and listen very carefully to Harry's words. He spoke just above the sound of the breeze against the leaves.
As if he had just remembered why he was telling the story, Harry continued. "When the battle was over the Min... some important people suggested that I stay at my home where I would be safe." Harry looked up to meet Sev's eyes again. Harry had no tears; he would not allow them. "It was you that insisted that I be taken to Hogwarts to be checked over, just in case. They were all shocked to find that I had sustained serious injuries and assumed I'd left the house during the battle. I was taken here. Madam Pomfrey was told of the battle and my injuries and never questioned where they came from. Only Sirius knew the reason he was there that day. I think in the days after, Dumbledore had it figured out, but we never spoke of it; there was no point. I'm out of there forever now."
Severus pulled Harry in to a warm, comforting embrace. Harry allowed himself to be comforted. The long arms around him made him feel safe, safe and protected. It was a wonderful place. They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other's arms for some time. Sev didn't try to kiss Harry, he only held on. Neither of them wanted to let go. Severus knew they would eventually have to let go of each other, but didn't care, and would stay till his arms fell asleep, or longer.
Harry only looked up from Sev's robes when he heard a small splash much like the sound of the stones Sev had been throwing in earlier. Harry pulled away to see a small brown owl fluttering in the water just beside them. Harry laughed and scooped the waterlogged messenger from the lake.
"Ron worried about me, Pig?" the owl hooted its reply, sputtering and shaking out his wings, spraying water on them. "Ron always felt like he should have been there for me last summer." Harry offered as explanation for the owl.
"He's very protective of you. He's already threatened me not to use anything I find out against you." Harry laughed, he eyes widening a bit. "Did he know it was you yet? I mean had you been introduced?" Sev nodded, Harry smiled.
"Wow, I'm impressed. We better get Pig up to the tower. We can walk him up there faster than he could dry off and fly back."
Harry stopped walking for a moment. "Wait, what did Ron think you had on me to get him so worried?"
Sev looked sheepish, he wasn't sure if Ron had told him or not. "When you had your... dream. I was the one who gave you the potions. You thought I was Ron." Sev hoped he wouldn't be upset; he couldn't quite make out Harry's expression. "Are you upset? I wasn't trying to intrude, I..." Sev trailed off.
"I'm not upset about that, it's just, well I feel like you know all these personal things about me now. I must look like such a head case to you." Severus wanted to argue, but Harry went on. "Dumbledore watches me like a hawk now as it is. Could you imagine what he would do if I was worse?"
Severus grinned.
"If you were worse he would send you on vacation from yourself."
This had the desired effect. Harry gasped and then started laughing.
DETAH 07 - Serious Sirius Talks
Ron sat by the fire with Pig preening his now dry feathers in his lap. A large brown owl had just come with a letter for him. Hermione had finally gotten an owl this year for Christmas, and was able to send post now without having to wait for Hedwig or Pig to come by. "Hermione says she has a surprise and to be here in the common room at 10:00 tonight." Harry noticed that Ron quickly pocketed the note when Harry asked what else she had to say. "Oh, she said she's fine, you know, stuff like that," said Ron, with a pink tinge to his cheeks. Harry had asked just to bug him.
Ron had changed the subject to quidditch, and was surprised to see how much Sev had joined in the conversation. For Harry it was like a history lesson in quidditch. Ron had known all there was to know on the subject, talking about great games from the past, and Sev remembered them like he'd just seen the games. Apparently Dumbledore only faded out memories that would be detrimental to his vacation. Occasionally they mentioned something Harry remembered from 'Quidditch Trough the Ages' and he was able to contribute to the conversation. It was odd watching Ron and Sev talk about a subject they both enjoyed. Harry mostly sat back watching them argue over the poor choice of Seeker the Chudley Cannons had made in 1973, thus sending them into their loosing streak. Ron was slightly flustered when Sev commented on Ron's ability to remember so many years of quidditch stats. "You must have great grades if you can remember so many details like that," said Sev innocently. Ron stuttered out some excuse for wanting to reread Hermione's letter and went over to the other side of the room. Harry tried not to laugh at the whole thing, as Sev walked past him and winked at Harry.
When ten o'clock rolled around Ron nearly jumped out of his skin to see Hermione's face in the fire. "It's done!" She said excitedly. "I've got my parents house on the Floo network." She went on to tell them all the legalities they had to go through to get a muggle house on the network, but since Hermione's last birthday she was recognized as an adult witch, so Floo privileges were approved when they signed documents with the Ministry. This was her first time fire-talking from home. Harry noticed a few times that Sev would look over to see whom they were talking to. Hermione had also noticed a few unfamiliar faces. Ron explained that with so few students staying, all the boys had been placed in Gryffindor tower.
"Hermione, settle something for us will you?" said Harry. "I think Snape's calmed down this year in class in an effort to offset the House rivalries that have gotten so bad and Ron thinks Dumbledore ordered him to go easy after the battle on Privet Drive over the summer. Hermione shook her head, and rolled her eyes.
"You're both clueless," she said with a laugh. "What makes you think Snape has changed at all in the last seven years?" They looked at her, clueless, and she sighed. "Didn't you remember Colin's little brother complaining last week? He's just like he was to his class as he was to ours two years ago. Professor Snape should be able to relax a little with a seventh year class. Even if we screw up a potion, we know enough not to blow things up anymore. Harry, when has he ever treated you special when something happed to you?" It was Ron that answered her question, contradicting his earlier statement.
"Yeah right after they gave you Sirius' Order of Merlin, McGonagall gave you a few days off of class to get yourself together. And what did Snape do, but load you up with an extra long essay," said Ron, sneering. Harry nodded, he remembered thinking how it would be nice to get a few days to himself while the others were in class, but it was too much time alone and made him fester in his thoughts. It was Snape's extra work that kept his mind occupied when the emotions had gotten to be too much to bear. /Did he know he'd been the one to help me through?/ Hermione interrupted Harry from his thoughts.
"Is that a student? I think I would have remembered him." Ron mouth hung open for a moment before speaking.
"What do you mean by that?" Ron was quick to be jealous. Harry laughed.
"What she means, Ron," said Harry, raising his eyebrows at Hermione "...Is, who is Tall, Dark and Sexy playing chess over there."
"Harry!" said Ron, rather shocked. Harry motioned to Sev to come over and introduced them.
"Sev is staying here at Hogwarts this week. Sev, this is Hermione Granger. She's the friend I was telling you about. Hermione this is Sev, Severus Snape." Harry was quite impressed at how well she held her composure. They exchanged pleasantries, and Harry pulled Sev away before she could say something about him being a professor. "Ron, I'll let you explain it to her." said Harry with a smile, and took Severus upstairs.
Harry plopped on his bed, grabbing that big chocolate egg that Mrs. Weasley sent him for Easter. Harry motioned for Sev to come over and he broke open the egg to reveal more sweets inside. Harry explained that he had pulled Sev upstairs to give Ron privacy with Hermione, and he didn't have to stay with him if he had something else to do. Sev chuckled, taking a few pieces of chocolate.
"And miss out on Chocolate? No way." Harry smiled and put the egg between them to share. They sat in a comfortable silence, occasionally battling for the same piece of candy. Harry did his best not to stare when Sev licked the melted chocolate from his fingers. Severus looked at the Order of Merlin on the bedside table.
"You and Sirius must have been very close," said Sev, cursing himself inwardly. He wasn't going to ask, but he couldn't stand not knowing if Sirius was his lost love, and hated the pang of jealousy he felt. He had no claim on Harry whatsoever. "Sorry, you don't have to talk about it."
"I don't mind; it's nice to be able to talk about him and not get a look of pity from people." Severus was relived at his response. He had been wondering about him since he first noticed the award in the box. "Sirius was killed this summer in the battle I told you about. Hermione and Ron were there for me, but if you've never lost someone you really have no idea what the person is going through." Sev nodded. "They were afraid to talk about Sirius in case it would upset me. After a while people move on, they don't know that you're still hurting. It's been about eight months now; sometimes it feels like it was yesterday and it hurts so bad, but other times it seems like forever ago; it's just nice to remember him." Harry smiled, looking at nothing in particular as if remembering something special. "Ironically the person he was accused of killing years ago was also at the battle. When they found him (also dead), Sirius was acquitted of all charges and received his award posthumously for his part in the war."
"Did I know Sirius?" Sev asked tentatively. Harry nodded
"You did; you were in the same year here at Hogwarts. You two didn't get along very well." Sev snorted. "He really didn't like you," Harry said laughing. Sev rolled his eyes. Harry was gazing back into nothing again.
"He loved me."
Sev's face was impassive. Harry was going to tell him what he wanted to know, but now he wasn't so sure he wanted to hear it.
"Sirius loved me as Harry. He was the only one who ever did. He never saw me like everyone else did. He knew me as Harry and he loved me. In my sixth year here I admitted to myself I wasn't interested in girls. It was Sirius that clinched it. I had such a crush on him. He had known my family, but I didn't get to really know him until about three years ago. I think he knew I had a crush on him, but he didn't let on. We spent a lot of time together my sixth year and I realized that he was special, but he was like family. A lover I would keep till death do us part, but family is forever. I got over the crush, I wanted forever. We were going to live together when I graduated."
"He sounds like a great guy." Sev said honestly. "Why is it I hated him?" He added the last part for levity, hoping Harry didn't interpret it as being disrespectful.
"Ha, don't worry, I think it's safe to say your feelings for Sirius were well founded. House rivalries," he added as explanation. Severus nodded in understanding. There was no point in finding out more; he would remember it next week.
"He was great. He came for me that day. I'd left him my racing broom over the summer; he flew it to my window, blasted the bars off with such force that the house shook." Sev wondered why Harry would have bars on his window, but didn't interrupt. "When my relatives saw him they went crazy. He wouldn't tell me what he had done with them, but when he carried me down the stairs he was giggling. We realized when we got down stairs that there was an attack on the house. Siri brought me to the basement and put up a protection barrier."
"In the commotion with my relatives my broom was destroyed. Sirius had bought it for me. He spoiled me rotten. Before he left to join the battle he told me when it was all over the first thing we would do was go out and buy a new broom. I didn't care about the broom; I wanted to help in the battle, but I was in no shape to help and he wouldn't hear of it. He told me I should stay safe and think about what kind of broom I wanted and when he came back for me we would go flying for hours. I never saw him again."
Harry picked up the box containing the medal, and swallowed hard. "They gave this to me with the key to his vault. I did like he said. I went to his vault, pulled out a pile of galleons, and bought the best racing broom I could find. I put up a barrier on the quidditch pitch so no one would bother me and flew 'till I was numb."
Sev wiped a single tear from Harry's face, resting his hand on his shoulder. Harry took a few calming breaths before speaking again. "I've never had anyone to talk to that didn't know at least some of the story already. Ron and Hermione have been amazing, they're always there to listen, but they know me so well; I've never told them the story all the way through like I just did. "I always thought if I told the whole story I would freak out and cry for days. I probably would have if it were six months ago. What you must think of me..." Harry trailed off from his ramblings. Severus moved the chocolates from between them and pulled Harry over for a reassuring hug.
"It would be ok if you were freaking out, Harry. Thank you. Thank you for telling me your story." Harry sat up and smiled. "I'm glad you feel safe enough with me to share something so personal." Harry listened to his words, not once moving his eyes away. Sev watched as Harry's expression slowly changed from content to realization. His green eyes seemed to look right through him.
"I feel safe with you because you were always there for me." Harry said seeing Sev's look of disbelief. "No, not this week; for as long as I could remember you've always been there. Even if I didn't want you to be, before I knew you were protecting me. You've done so much for me that I wasn't even aware of. Some of it I didn't even realize till tonight while I was talking to Hermione. When every one around me treated me different because of whatever was going on, you never changed. You were my constant. When everyone was praising my name, you were the same snarky bastard." Harry said with a laugh. "But at the drop of a hat, or a slip of a tongue the masses would turn on me. You never wavered. Even if it was distaste I got from you, I could always count on one little part of my world staying stable. All this year I thought you were changing and I'm realizing that you never have, I just never looked close enough."
Sev wasn't sure where this was ending up. While he was glad to hear he had been there for Harry, the words snarky bastard and distaste made him wonder if Harry didn't want them to get together after Monday when he got back all his memories. Harry needed him there the way he always had been, so where were they to go from here?
His questions were answered when he felt soft lips meet his own. Sev stiffened in surprise only for a second before responding. Harry's tongue slid across his lip begging for entrance, sending a shiver down his spine. Sev opened his mouth slightly, allowing him in. Harry ran his fingers through silky black hair, pulling his head down for the hungry, almost desperate kiss. When they came up for air, Sev ran his hand down Harry's backside, pulling him into his lap, capturing his lips once more, and tasting of chocolate.
Tongues battled for dominance, neither caring who won. Hands roamed everywhere they could reach in exploration. Long fingers came to rest on Harry's right hip, pulling him even closer. Harry winced and Sev stilled not wanting to push him too fast. "Sorry," whispered Harry, pulling his wand out. "Almost impaled myself." Sev tried not to laugh and spoil the mood. Harry was about to slide the wand under his pillow when he looked around the room; with a quick swish he spelled the curtains on this bed closed and threw in a silencing charm for good measure. His wand and Sirius' award safely under his pillow, Harry gave Sev a grin and pounced on him. The remaining chocolates bounced about the bed haphazardly. Robes and any other obstructing fabric were tossed off as fast as two can do without taking their lips off each other.
Severus moaned as Harry latched onto his neck. Harry continued to taste, lick and nibble on ever inch of the body laid out before him. Strong hands wrapped around to caress and squeeze Sev's arse while Harry took in his length again and again. Sweet noises of approval spilled from Sev's mouth as Harry swallowed around him unexpectedly. Severus moved his hands from Harry's dark hair to claw at the sheets, as the urge to pump became urgent.
"Oh, Harry that's so..." Sev panted. "I'm gonna'..." The hot mouth devouring him sucked harder, quickening the pace as gentle hands massaged his balls, sending Sev over the edge. Harry swallowed around the pulsing shaft until Severus convulsed from its sensitivity. With one more lick to make Severus quiver, Harry grinned and climbed up to lay next the recovering Severus. "That was amazing Harry. You're so hot," he said, catching his breath. Harry ran a lazy hand across his chest and abs while he listened to his breathing even out. Harry looked up again to see Sev's eyes closed; he had drifted off to sleep. He cuddled closer and enjoyed the opportunity to study the man's face. He looked so peaceful and sated. Harry had found a Ravenclaw seventh year with an affinity for men, but a snog in an out cove or grope in the Astronomy Tower paled in comparison to having Severus in his own bed.
DETAH 08
Ron entered their room spotting the curtains closed. "Harry? You in bed mate?" Harry lay quietly despite the silencing charm. Hearing no reply, Ron tried to open the curtains but found them closed by magic. He instantly looked over to the side table to see if Sirius' award was there, it wasn't. It had been months since Harry closed himself off in his bed for privacy. Ron would respect his privacy and leave him to grieve in piece. "I'll be in later Harry, a lot later." Harry chuckled. He could just imagine what he and Hermione were doing. Maybe they had some floo powder.
Harry looked back to Sev to find him wide eyed. Harry smiled. "It's ok, he can't hear us," said Harry straddling Sev "I'm glad you're awake."
"Is that so?" said Sev circling his hands over Harry chest and back down to rest on his hips. "Tell me why." He said teasingly, wriggling beneath the hard slender body. Harry squeezed his legs tight around Sev's hips.
"I want you, that's why," he ground their erections together. "You've recovered, good." Severus sat up with Harry still straddling him. Lifting him to shift over to the middle of the bed. It was impressive how strong he was. Harry wondered how strong Sev's older self would be. Did he have the same washboard stomach? He was distracted from his examination of Severus' muscles when he realized he was speaking to him.
"How would you like me, like this or should I turn over?" Sev asked in a deep seductive voice, sending shivers though Harry as he felt the warm breath wash across his neck. Harry did his best to sound as sexy as Sev, but his blush was not helping.
"I want you...on top," he said while laying back pulling Sev with him.
Sev looked at him questioningly. "Are you sure?" grinning. "You know come Monday, once I'm a snarky bastard again I may not let you top. You might want to take advantage while you still can."
Harry giggled. "I don't know exactly what to do." Harry blushed more as he stumbled through his words.
"You've never topped before?" It was more a statement than a question. Harry shook his head in confirmation. "You've only been on the bottom? Or..." Harry bit his lip. "Harry, you've never at all?" Sev asked incredulously. "How can that be? You had to have been with someone, you just gave me the best blow job of my life, you're so confidant and you've never?"
"Severus, you and I are both very unapproachable for very different reasons. I have been with someone, but I only just realized that I wasn't interested in girls a year or so ago. Do you know how hard it is to find someone who is gay with out coming out to the whole school? Than you have to find someone smart enough to keep it discrete. There's always the chance that anything I do today will be in tomorrows paper," he said the last part disdainfully. He started pulling a loose thread from the sheets. "I'm managed to find a few worth the time of day, but no one special."
Harry looked up for a reaction, finding Sev unable to form words. Was he special? Sev thought to himself. "Harry, are you sure? You want me to, to be your..."
Harry cut him off with a kiss.
"I want you. I'm /sure/ I want you. You /are/ special," he punctuated each sentence with a kiss.
"/You/ are special," Sev said back to him in that seductive voice that makes Harry melt. He pushed Harry's hair away from his face exposing the scar. "I don't know why the rest of the world thinks you're special," said Sev trailing a finger along the lightening shape. "But I know you are special for my own reasons."
"I'm just Harry."
"I'll bet you were never just Harry." Sev pulled him in for another kiss. "You were nice to when I came to your common room invading your holiday. Oh wait, that was because you thought I was hot," he teased. "You could have ignored me after, but you didn't, even though I was someone you didn't care for."
"Do you feel cared for now?" asked Harry smiling around the nipple he'd latched on to.
"Ooo, yes I do. Stop that, it's your turn." Sev put a pillow under head and grabbed a piece of chocolate and held it tight. Harry watched in anticipation. Severus opened his hand to reveal the now melted chocolate. He dabbed a long slender finger in the chocolate and painted each nipple, than trailed a path along his torso, around sensitive skin near Harry's hips making him gasp. "Ticklish?" Harry nodded and Sev stored the information away for another time.
Harry watched him lick and suck the hardened sweetness from his nipples leaving each sensitive nub hard and red. He continued until all traces of the confection were laved from his now trembling body. Harry was rock hard and aching with need. Severus barely brushed by his member in favor of his legs, a tongue trailing along his inner thigh. Having no idea this would feel so good Harry just lay back and enjoy, moans encouraging Sev to go on. A hot tongue slid around his balls pulling them in a hot mouth, released only to run up his dripping member.
Harry resisted the urge to buck while the Sev flicked his tongue before taking him in fully. "Oh, oh Severus," Harry breathed. "Yes, oh please don't stop" Severus smiled around his hardness and hummed, enjoying the sounds Harry made at his ministrations. Strong hands massaged hips, and legs gently lifting them apart. Harry concentrated on the glorious feeling of a long, hot tongue now sliding down, lower still swirling around his sac, and gently lower still. Gasp! Sev looked up hearing the sharp intake of breath.
"Alright Harry?" Harry nodded; too embarrassed to say that hadn't occurred to him that someone would do that, or that it would feel so good. "Do you want me to stop?" Sev was going to say 'It's ok if you're not ready', but Harry interrupted.
"No, no don't stop, I...don't stop." Severus understood, and continued. Harry was so close, and he needed more. Sev asked what they had in the room for lubricant. Harry released the spell on the curtains around the four-poster bed and reached under the mattress of Neville's bed. He left the magazine with pictures of sexy witches and grabbed what he was looking for. Harry was surprised when he returned to the bed to find Sev holding one of the potion vials from his bedside table.
Sev prepared him with a mixture of oil and some of the pain-relieving potion. Harry relaxed as Sev whispered encouragingly to him. "Breathe." When he was sure that Harry was ready Sev entered him; watching he face for pain or regret, seeing none. He knew it would hurt at least a little, but Harry showed only passion, and trust in his green eyes; not leaving Sev's for a second. Sev pulled Harry in for a kiss, he was now completely inside and began gentle and slow thrusts. He was slightly surprised he managed to last as long as he had. He suspected the potion he applied had a numbing effect for him as well, and was grateful.
Harry shifted on the pillow under his hips, his mouth open slightly. He made sweetest sounds in passion; his breath catching when Sev had managed to thrust against that amazing spot Harry didn't known existed before today. Hot breath once again on his neck, "So hot, so tight," whispered Sev in his ear. Harry bucked his hips unable to speak of his need for more. Sev complied thrusting faster and harder, he reached for Harry stroking him in rhythm with his thrusts, bringing him over the edge. The expression on Harry's face alone would have sent him over as well. His eyes seem to look right in to his soul. Harry's face glowed; his hair spilled against the pillow framing his face. Licking his now dry lips Harry locked his green with the onyx eyes above him as Sev thrust in one last time. With a scream he was spent and collapsed on to the now quivering mass below him. Sev lay against him, his heart still pounding, as Harry held him tight. He held on as if he would disappear if he were to let go. He trembled with emotion while Sev slowly ran his hand through his wild mane, pulling him closer still. They slept tangled in each other's limbs in peaceful slumber for the rest of the night.
Ron woke early that day, cursing his aching back after falling asleep on the couch. He dragged himself up the steps to the dorm to catch a few more hours of sleep. When Ron entered the dorm he noticed that Sirius' Order of Merlin award was back in its place, also a pain-killing potion was half empty on the bedside table. 'Oh shit,' Ron thought Harry had had a nightmare/vision and he wasn't there to help him. Harry would never have taken only half a vial.
He slowly pulled back the curtain to see if Harry was sleeping soundly. At first Ron wasn't sure what he was looking at than he realized it was a foot, Harry had slept with his head on the wrong side of the bed. The foot was pale, it scared him to think Harry's coloring had been so bad and he only had half a vial of potion, than it occurred to him the other foot was tanned, both other feet. Ron's eyes grew wide as saucers as he pulled the curtain back fully giving him an unobstructed view of Harry and Severus entangled together, naked.
Ron clapped a shaky hand over his mouth chanting a silent Mantra "Oh my God." Harry and Snape, "Oh my God," naked. "Oh my God." What in Merlin's name was he thinking? He knows this is Snape, Ron continued to say to himself while trying not to look at the naked forms before him. Before closing the curtains again Ron did look to the bottom of the bed at Harry's face nuzzled in to Snape's side. He had seen Harry asleep thousands of times over the last seven years, but never had he seen him look so peaceful, Peaceful with Snape? "Oh my God."
Ron froze when Severus stirred. He wrapped his arm around Harry's side pulling him in protectively. Harry didn't wake; he just nuzzled his head against the warm body beside him. Thankful that neither of them woke, Ron closed the curtains and climbed in to his own bed. There would be no more sleep for him this morning. He has always insisted that Harry never give details about the nights he'd been out snogging. He accepted Harry for what he was, but couldn't keep from cringing when he thought about his best friend lip locked with another guy. Now he had seen him lying naked, naked with Snape of all people. Ron lay in bed thinking up ways to convince Harry to obliviate him with out having to tell he'd seen them together.
DETAH 09 - Ron's red and Harry's blue (literally)
Some time later Harry started to wake, he lay in bed motionless in the semi dream state when you're not quite awake until you hear or feel something to confirm you're no longer dreaming. Harry couldn't remember his dream, which was a good sign. There was no reason to get up, no classes to attend, and the bed was so, so comfortable.
Soft lips brushed against his. "Mmmmm," sighed Harry. 'Nice dream', he thought until the lips left his mouth and trailed a line down his neck. Harry slowly opened his eyes to see a messy head of black hair. Sev was leisurely trailing a hot tongue over his collarbone. "I thought you were a dream," he said sleepily, running his fingers through Sev's messy locks. "A very good dream." Harry pulled Sev up to kiss him; not to say that he wasn't thoroughly enjoying what Sev was doing with his sinful tongue. "Unfortunately," kiss "you have to leave," kiss "before Ron gets up." kiss.
"Ron doesn't like me anyway," said Sev returning to Harry's neck, earning him a groan.
"That's not the point, I made a promise to Ron, you have to leave." The ever-amazing tongue slid back up his neck taking in his earlobe. "Ooo If you keep that up I wont be able to say no."
"Mmhm, that was the point," hot breathe against Harry's neck.
"This'll be my defense on Monday, I can't resist you," teased Harry who was currently pulling on a pair of boxers.
Sev knew that Ron meant a lot to Harry and he didn't want to start trouble, he gave Harry another kiss on the lips, and grabbed his clothes. "I'll go. See you down stairs later?"
Harry smiled and threw his boxers at him. After a long passionate kiss they said there good byes, which was a little silly since it would only be an hour or so till they met up again in the common room.
Harry lay in bed for a little while longer thinking about the night they shared, and what Severus' reaction would be when the week was up. He had to play his cards right if he were going to get to know the Potions Master better.
Despite the pillow over his head, Ron heard the sounds of potion vials clinking as Harry put away the half-empty vial. "Ron?"
"Hm?"
"You ok?"
Ron pulled the pillow away from his face and sat up rubbing his face. "Can we talk?"
Ron looked tired. He wasn't sure of what to say and was thankful his exhaustion was keeping him from freaking out more. " When I said try to get something on Snape I meant find out his middle name, or something embarrassing, I didn't expect it to be /you/ on Snape." said Ron incredulously. "What were you thinking? He's going to kill you, and I won't be able to stop him."
"I was thinking he's someone worth getting to know better." Harry grabbed a pillow and sat with his chin resting on it, looking over at his friend. "I like spending time with him, we had fun, we talked, he likes me." Harry sighed in to his pillow. "When we first met I saw this guy whose not only hot, but also didn't even know who Harry Potter was. It was a dream comes true. "
"That's all well and good Harry, but what happens when your dream wakes up on Monday and becomes your worst nightmare?"
"I'm working on that."
Ron wanted to shake some sense in to his friend but luckily he was very tired and what was the point at stage of the game? They had already been together, and the week was almost up. He hated to admit it, but it was so nice to see Harry looking content. Ron wasn't looking forward to next week.
"When did you figure out Snape was gay?"
Harry almost laughed. Poor Ron, he couldn't recognize a gay man to save his life. "The first night before we were introduced." Ron's eyes widened in disbelief, "Before we came down for dinner, he kissed me." Harry thought about their first kiss dreamily.
"Damn, he'd only been there less than an hour and you two are snogging?"
Harry grinned sheepishly.
"You to didn't waste any time, slut." joked Ron.
Harry raised an eyebrow at his friend. "Like you and that girl you met the summer after forth year?"
Ron smiled with a slight pink tinge to his cheeks. "She was using me to get to you. Who am I to turn her down? She wanted me to fix you two up and she was very encouraging."
"As I recall you let her /encourage/ you for two weeks before telling her I wasn't interested."
"I had to make it seem like I was trying," Laughed Ron "If you'd of come out of the closet think what I'd of missed."
"If I had come out, Dumbledore wouldn't have let Sev stay in our dorms, or at least have introduced us earlier. Did you notice that we've not been near the girls all week with out supervision?"
"Thank Merlin, teenage McGonagall is down right scary," said Ron,
Harry laughed. "I think she was giving us the eye too, imagine how stupid she'll feel on Monday?"
"Harry, if she's going to feel stupid for flirting, how do you think Snape is going to feel," said Ron suddenly very serious. Harry wore a solemn expression. "Remember last year when we made a pact? We said we'd be there for each other, and vowed not to go looking where we didn't belong. No more chambers, no more adventures. We managed all of sixth year with out getting in to some life-threatening ordeal."
"Yeah only we stayed safe all year and Voldemort came to my house over the summer instead."
Ron cringed a little. "I can't argue there, but we promised to not allow each other to do stupid things. Sev is not Snape. What do you think is going to happen next week?"
"I don't know, but Sev is Snape we just don't know him that well."
"Bloody Hell Harry, he doesn't even know himself that well! How old do you think he is now, seventeen, eighteen? He's not going to be 'hot Sev', your not going to see that same teenage body."
Harry looked hurt. "No, his body will be different, but it's not the only one you know!" yelled Harry with a wave of his arms in reference to his own body.
Ron closed his eye's mentally berating himself for saying something so stupid. "I'm sorry Harry, I wasn't thinking, but how much do you think a man would change in fourteen years or so, change enough to join in with Voldemort, and then change enough to spy for Dumbledore? How much of Sev could possibly be left?"
"I need to find that out Ron, I think it's worth finding out," Harry finished quietly.
Ron desperately wanted to argue, he didn't want is friend to go through unnecessary pain, but couldn't help but to think about how content Harry looked in Sev's arms. He would not argue, but be there to pick up the pieces later if need be.
Filius sat chatting with Severus in the common room, the little wizard was taking guesses as to what they did for living before they were here. It occurred to Severus that he hadn't given it much thought. He'd spotted Harry within the hour of arriving and hasn't had much else on his mind since. Harry had in fact given him lots to think about. Sev listened, keeping an eye on the steps for a certain pair of green eyes to appear.
When a pair of large feet appeared at the steps Sev's eyes shot up to see Ron entering the common room. Harry was right behind deep in thought; his expression quickly changed at the sight of Severus across the room looking over at him. /His smile brightens the room, Sev thought, returning the smile.
"I'm starving," Ron announced to no one in particular.
"Breakfast was an hour ago Ron," Filius informed him.
Ron shrugged. "We can go to the kitchens, it's not against the rules unless it's after curfew."
Ten minutes later four teens were pigging out on pastries and such. Dobby brought Harry a big plate of scrambled eggs and huge pile of crispy bacon. Sev enjoyed watching him dive in to his food, Harry ate with gusto, crunching bacon and he seemed to savor every bite.
"So, Severus are you going to tell us who she is?" asked Filius, popping a berry in his mouth.
Sev looked confused. "Excuse me?"
Filius didn't answer right away. He grinned mischievously while finishing his fruit. "You didn't come to bed last night and you have that look on you face." Flitwick said lightheartedly.
"What look do I have on my face?" said Sev with the beginnings of a small glare.
"I've barely seen you smile in days and now you're ...well, obviously you got laid."
Severus' eyes grew wide, Filius laughed and Harry outright choked.
Dobby jumped up on the chair behind Harry and was pounding on his back, all the while joining in on the conversation. "Oh yes Mister Snape is just about glowing sir." Harry continued to cough; Dobby continued to pound his back chatting away. "Now you is blushing sir."
Harry's lips were turning blue. "Eep!" yelled Dobby as Severus pounced at the house elf. Severus knocked the creature to the floor and put his arms around Harry's middle. With his hands in a fist just above Harry's navel, the food was dislodged with one forceful thrust.
"Well done!" cheered Filius. "I'm afraid my arms aren't long enough to do the Heimlich maneuver."
Ron had yet to close his gapping mouth from the moment he heard 'you got laid,' to the moment he saw a chunk of food fly across the table from his friend's throat. Luckily the commotion was enough for them to forget about Flitwick's question of who was she.
Harry was grateful no one suggested for him to go see Madam Pomfrey. Filius felt a little guilty for having such an effect on Harry with his comment, handing him a glass of water. Harry drank slowly, leaning in to Sev's warm hand rubbing his back.
Dobby allowed them to leave only after Harry convinced him he was ok, that and a glare from Severus and they were all soon outside taking in some well needed fresh air.
Sev walked along careful not to walk too close to Harry; it was bad enough Filius had commented about him having sex, he wasn't going to have him figure out it was Harry. He didn't know what his relationship was with the small wizard, and Harry was quite concerned about what would come of their relationship on Monday. Severus would be careful.
Ron had been grateful for the chance to get closer to Harry for a change. He was deep in thought all the while they'd been walking through the castle to get outside. He wanted to say something, but couldn't figure out what.
Harry who knew Ron all too well now noticed his friend had seemed very disturbed since they left the kitchens. "What is it Ron?" He got a shrug in reply. "Are you freaked about Sev and me?"
Ron pulled a face. "Well yeah, but that's not it," said Ron not looking him in the eye. "Harry, I made a pact to be there for you, we practice counter curses and stuff." Ron paused unsure of him self. Harry nodded encouraging him to continue. "It's just that here we are trying to be prepared for the worst, like a Death Eater attack or at the very least Malfoy trying to hex you, and I can't even protect you from your scrambled eggs," stated Ron miserably.
Harry did his best not to laugh at the thought of 'evil eggs'. "Ron, we're there for each other, that doesn't mean you take responsibility for me and every thing that happens to me. If Sev hadn't done it, you would have. At the very least you'd have dragged me to Pomfrey and I'd be fine. Don't worry you'll be busy enough helping me out Monday when all hell breaks loose." Ron rolled his eyes and Harry knew he'd be fine.
The four stopped walking when they spotted a group of girls ahead lying on blankets in the sun. Madam Pomfrey was leaning against a tree, enjoying a book in the shade. She was wearing a large brimmed sun hat. The boys found it a comical change from her white hat she wore in the infirmary. The girls had noticed they had arrived and occasionally giggled while looking over. Filius Flitwick strolled over to the waters edge and began skipping stones on the surface. Harry and Ron found it amusing to see a professor trying to impress the girls. Although Filius did look younger, he used to have a lot of facial hair before, hiding his face so he really didn't look too much different than what Ron and Harry were used to. It was fun to see his younger form acting like a typical teen. Ron picked himself up from the grass to join his charms teacher in skipping rocks. He had no interest in impressing the girls, Hooch and McGonagall included, but Ron had started feeling uncomfortable sitting there with Harry and Severus feeling like the third wheel. He knew it would be the first time they were alone since Sev had left Harry's bed this morning. Ron did his best not to cringe at the thought.
Harry thanked his best friend inwardly for some privacy. Smiling at Sev, "You did it again," a puzzled expression on Sev's face. "You saved my life."
Severus considered this for a moment. "It was you who saved the elf's life." Sev grinned. "I surly would have killed him had I not been so concerned with your turning blue." Harry now blushing red, and thanked him. When Severus dismissed it as him just being closer and was sure one of the others would have done the same if he hadn't. Harry leaned over in an innocent looking gesture as if telling a secret whispered. "I will thank you properly later," said Harry flicking his tongue over Sev's earlobe.
Severus shuddered as he felt the others lips ghost over his skin. "Too bad the girls are watching," he said looking over at them.
They had been watching Filius and Ron skipping stones. It was no surprise that Filius was quite good. His throwing arm being four feet closer to the level of the water alone made him much better than Ron. The girls would still look back on the two dark haired wizards keeping to them selves.
"The trick is..." said Sev pointing a finger in the general direction of the girls, "is to let them think we're whispering about them." Case in point, the moment Sev pointed his finger and whispered in Harry's ear they heard giggles from the small group.
Harry slid his hand over Sev's. Long slender fingers warm beneath his.
"Do you want to go some where private?" Sev asked in that voice, the one that makes Harry's whole body melt in to the grass below him, most of his body. Other parts had their own ideas. Severus smiled hearing the moan he got from the sexy boy next to him.
"Hmmm, I would love that, but no. I wont have this chance again next week and I don't want to waste the opportunity of sitting beside you in the grass at the lake in front of people with out a care in the world."
"Harry why are you so sure I'm going to hate you on Monday?"
Harry saddened; he knew this wouldn't be happening again. "I'm not really, I hope not. The truth is even if you were to wake up with no regret whatsoever; we would have to be very discreet with our relationship."
"If you're worried about me, don't. I'm fairly sure that Dumbledore knows about my preferences. Are you worried about coming out to your own friends and relatives?"
"It's so much more complicated than that. My very closest friends know, and you've already made sure my relatives won't be a problem. After you took me out, Dumbledore had them signed in to a magical contract saying they couldn't harm me in any way including giving out any information that could be of ill consequence. It's much more complicated than just coming out." Harry sighed "I can't believe it's Thursday already."
While Madam Pomfrey had fallen asleep under her tree, one of the most aggressive of the group of girls looked to be on her way to talk to one of the four wizards. "Privacy is looking better and better. Want to go for a walk?" asked Harry. Severus wasted no time getting up. They left Ron and Filius to fend for themselves, while they ducked into a nearby garden.
DETAH 10 - All Out War! Will they all live till Monday? Will Albus?
Harry and Sev laughed as they pushed through a bush to get into a nearby garden.
"The last thing I want right now is McGonagall flirting with me," said Harry, getting past the last few branches, disrupting a few fairies in the process.
Harry stopped suddenly and Sev walked right into him while still half-stuck in the bushes. Harry looked up to find the sun blocked by a huge body; he couldn't miss the large, beefy hand holding a whip.
"Hi Harry, Ron," said Hagrid cheerfully. "Oh, Severus, I didn't expect you there. Where's Ron?"
Severus nodded hello, keeping his eye on the large whip in the half-giant's hand. Harry explained to Hagrid that they had left Ron and Filius fending off Minerva McGonagall. Hagrid had attempted not to laugh, but failed miserably, coughing. At this point, Hagrid had moved out of the way to show them a large Palomino that had gotten himself into the garden.
"Whoa, that's the biggest horse I've ever seen," said Sev, walking right up to him, offering one hand for the horse to smell as the other gently stroked his soft face and nose.
Hagrid was impressed with Sev's comfortable handling of the creature. Harry watched in awe. "He's a might restless, this one. He wants to be in the air. Hates being stuck in the paddock for so long; that's why he escaped and trampled into the garden here. I recon Professor Sprout won't be none too happy when she returns to find one of the gardens a mess."
"Where did you get him from, Hagrid?" asked Harry, moving a tentative hand to pet the horse.
"S'ok Harry, you can touch him. He likes the attention. I'm taking care of him for a few weeks for Madam Maxime."
It occurred to Harry that was why the horse was so large; it was one of the flying Palominos from Beauxbatons. He wasn't as large as the ones Harry had seen, which could be compared to elephants.
"He's young yet; he has a lot of growing to do," Hagrid said proudly.
"Do you ride him? Do you use the whip on him, Hagrid?" asked Harry, looking at the now gentle creature. Hagrid explained that the young Palominos need a strong hand while they're still learning, to become manageable. He didn't care for the whip himself, but the horse was trained with the sound of the whip cracking in the air.
"He's probably solid enough to carry me, but I uh... I don't care much for heights," Hagrid admitted.
"Can we ride him?" Sev asked excitedly
"We?" Harry squeaked. "I've never ridden a horse."
"And ya' won't today," said Hagrid. Sev's face fell, dejected. "You should ride on the ground a few times before flying one. He's not like riding a hippogriff, Harry." Hagrid picked up Harry effortlessly and sat him on the horse's back, then walked him back to the paddock with Sev.
Hagrid insisted they come in and wash up before leaving for the Great Hall for lunch. He set out glasses of pumpkin juice for them. "Severus, if you're still interested," said Hagrid, holding Sev's biceps; his fingers went all the way around the teen's upper arm. "Come back next week with yer real muscles and you can take him for a ride. You would be doin' me a big favor."
Severus wasn't sure if he'd been insulted or paid a compliment. Harry winked at him, making him smile. Sev agreed to come back next week.
At lunch Harry teased Sev about the muscles he would have next week. Ron made it a point to talk about Hermione in front of Minerva to discourage her. Albus Dumbledore smiled at a young girl sitting beside him. She was one of the girls Harry had seen at the lake with the others.
"Professor, did you know that Severus saved Harry's life?"
"Excuse me, Miss Archer?" said the Headmaster with interest.
Severus felt the hand on his thigh tighten in an odd d jvu. Harry stared at his food, hoping to avoid eye contact with Madam Pomfrey.
"Filius said that he saved him just this morning," said the perky second year. "Harry was choking, and Severus saved him." She finished with a smile at the young Potions Master.
"Is that right, Severus?" asked Albus with a smile. "Why didn't you tell us of your heroic act?"
Harry and Severus were both blushing. Severus tried to play it down, but was surprisingly interrupted by Ron, who said that Severus had acted where Filius could not and Ron himself didn't know what to do. Harry's eyes grew wide at his friend's comment.
"It was quick thinking and action, you should be proud of yourself, Severus," commended Albus, raising a glass. The rest of the table followed suit and raised their glasses.
Harry gave Sev's leg a squeeze and thanked him quietly. "You seem to hold the record, Sev," whispered Harry. Severus wondered, how many times had Harry's life needed saving? although he was proud of being the one to do it.
Forty minutes later Harry, Sev and Ron were on their way to the infirmary.
"I knew she'd make me come down here," ranted Harry. "It was hours ago, she could see I'm breathing now. What's she going to check? I'm fine!"
Ron knew from experience not to say much. He nodded and led his friend to a nearby bed.
Madam Pomfrey sighed when they came in. "Your usual bed, shirt off, Mr. Potter," she said amiably.
Harry complied, giving himself a quick once-over, looking for signs of his night with Sev.
When she arrived at his bedside, pulling the curtains around, she commented, "Please excuse us, Severus."
"What?" Sev couldn't understand why she wanted him out. Harry had already removed his shirt. Why wasn't she asking Ron to leave?
Ron pulled his sleeve and led Sev out to the hall. "Come on Sev, we'll go get some lemon ice for the patient," said Ron, conspiratorially.
Harry yelled from behind the curtain. "I'm not a five year old Ron!" said Harry jokingly. "And I want cherry flavor!"
Pomfrey rolled her eyes at the antics of her frequent patient. She would miss him when he graduated in a few months. "You'll need to take off the concealing charms Harry, I need to check your ribs to see if they were bruised."
Harry nodded and took off the charms. Putting them on had become as routine as brushing his teeth each morning. When the exam was over and Poppy was confident there were no ill effects, he was sent off to meet the others in the hall.
Ron was working fast on his lemon ice, Sev held lemon and cherry ices, red juices dripping down his fingers. Harry grabbed his treat, holding Sev's fingers as well, licking the side of the paper cup to get the dripping flavor before it hit the floor. Sev suppressed a moan when the hot tongue laved over his fingers.
Harry took his treat and turned around, walking between the two. "Thanks, Sev."
"My pleasure," said Sev in his most deep, sexy voice.
Ron coughed and turned beet red. Harry had said that Sev had a sexy voice, but he couldn't hear it, didn't quite understand... until now. "Sev, how are you at charms," asked Ron "can you cast Obliviate?"
Harry rolled his eyes at his best friend. "Prat."
Hours later, Albus Dumbledore stepped out of the entrance hall to feel the sun on his face. Argus Filch was sweeping the step that led out to the grounds. The Headmaster gave him a smile, then frowned in realization. "Argus, I thought I asked you to keep an eye on the boys today? Severus in particular."
The caretaker nodded and pulled a face (as if his face isn't permanently like that anyway). "I did what you asked. I watched them for hours playing a muggle game, kicking a ball around the quidditch pitch. Don't know the point Albus, the girls have been off in the back gardens with Poppy most the afternoon."
Albus was not about to explain the sexual preferences of his professors to Filch. "Where are the boys now, Argus?"
"Showers." Albus paled "They get themselves sweaty and full of mud and then have the audacity to think they were going to march across my clean floor. Snape put up a fuss, but I told him he could take a shower, or go jump in the lake for all I care," said Filch indignantly.
The Headmaster gave a nod and hastily made his way to the locker rooms. Ron's yelling could be heard from a distance.
"It's him or me, Harry!"
"Don't make me choose Ron, you'll regret it!" Ron looked surprised at Harry and took aim at Severus.
Michael came running out of the locker rooms, soaking wet, practically running right smack into the Headmaster. After questioning him, Michael explained that when they went to take showers, Severus said he would rather shower in the Slytherin locker rooms and have more hot water to himself.
Michael looked nervously at Dumbledore and back at Ron, who was yelling and aiming into the locker rooms at Severus. "Um...well, Harry made fun of Severus, telling him we didn't want to see him naked anyway..." the boy trailed off. "Since then, Ron and Severus have been at it." He finished with a smile, wiping the wet hair from his eyes.
"You've not picked me for your team since I got here Ron, you'll pay!" Sev yelled, but Ron had dove out of the way, avoiding a direct hit. He rolled out of the way, returning fire, accidentally hitting Harry square in the face.
"Harry!" Sev yelled, looking back to see Harry falling from the blast. Sev turned toward Ron with an evil grin. "DIE, RON!"
Dumbledore could feel the magic radiating from the locker room. Severus, while seeming only a teen, still had the magical strength of a full-grown wizard.
Ron had been looking to see if Harry was alright, since he had been aiming for Sev. Suddenly, his eyes were wide. Ron was in for it, and he knew it. Ron was typically protective of Harry, so he knew the look in Sev's eyes.
Albus was there in a flash and pulled Ron away, thus getting hit himself with all the power Severus had intended for Ron.
Severus, Harry and Ron gasped at he sight of their Headmaster lying flat on the grass, soaked to the bone from the biggest water bomb Sev could muster.
Ron and Michael ran to Dumbledore's side to help him up. Harry picked up his soggy wizard hat, handing it back to the Headmaster. Everyone was afraid to speak, especially Severus who had emerged from the locker rooms, awaiting his execution. Albus put on his hat. Water trickled down from his temples, disappearing into the long white beard. It was remarkable how the man could be so wet and still pull off a distinguished appearance.
"Sir?" Michael dared speak.
Albus took in a deep breath, effortlessly waved a hand and he was dry, and Severus was gone. No one dared ask where Snape had gone. "Michael, you and Ron may go change for lunch," he said, before turning to the only one left. "Harry, you may go give Severus a hand."
After a few seconds Harry called out to Albus, now heading back up to the castle. "Where is Severus, sir?"
Dumbledore turned around with a smile and winked at Harry. "In the lake."
DETAH 11 - Wet
Harry laughed at the sight of Sev dragging himself from the lake, bits of vegetation hanging from his clothes and hair. Severus shuddered as a tentacle from the giant squid brushed past his legs. Harry laughed even harder, earning him a glare. Sev was taking the last few steps to the shore when his expression turned from sudden awareness to annoyed. Harry watched Severus reach down into the lake, wondering why, when Severus stood upright, pulling with him his shoe from the muck on the bottom of the lake.
At this point Harry exploded with gales of laughter, falling to the ground clutching his sides, not caring in the least when the muddy shoe hit him. Severus stood on the grass in one shoe and one muddy sock half off, glaring at the hysterical figure writhing on the ground. Harry held out his hand for Sev to pull him up. A small smile now forming on his lips, Sev put his hand out to help Harry up.
Harry had other plans and pulled Severus down to the grass. Before Sev could get his bearings Harry had flipped over, taking Sev with him. With the sun behind him Harry's face took on an almost ethereal quality. Harry took the sleeve of his robe, wiping off Sev's face, pulling him up for a passionate kiss. Sev didn't care if he ever breathed again. Harry kissed him hard, pulled back only to gasp for air and plunged in again. There was no battle for dominance; Harry had claimed the mouth below him with intensity.
After some time Harry abandoned Sev's tonsils for an attack on his long slender neck. "I thought I'd never get to kiss you today," breathed Sev.
"Mmm..." Harry agreed. "Nothing personal, but your neck tastes like lake water." Harry teased.
"I can't believe the Headmaster dropped me in the lake. I thought he was going to hex me into oblivion. You think he's still mad?"
Harry chuckled. "I don't think he was too mad to start with. He was worried that you were going to hex Ron. And to think, it was the first time you guys were having fun together in days." Sev snorted. "I was a bit surprised that Dumbledore was hit like that. Not that I'm surprised he would protect Ron, but I would have expected that he could have blocked you or something; he did defeat Grindelwald, after all."
Severus smiled and leaned on one elbow. "Easily," Sev explained. "Here in school, blocking spells you've learned block out all types of spells, well most, depending on how strong your magic is compared to who's attacking you, but there are better blocking spells to use in battle.
"Let's say I come along and see you in a duel; you have blocking spells to protect you. But I see a powerful wizard come along and he also attacks you. There are spells I could use to help you, but not if you've blocked me too." Harry nodded, as he understood so far. "If you used a type of blocking spell that only blocked out hexes and curses, but enabled helpful or at least harmless spells you would be safer and wouldn't use as much of your energy to cast it. If I had intended to hurt Ron, Dumbledore would never have been hit by me."
Harry's smile was wide. Severus had explained all this and it hadn't even occurred to him that he shouldn't know this information at his age.
"What?"
"I guess Dumbledore let you keep the important memories." Sev smiled in realization. "Smart man." Harry winked at Sev, and pulled a green slimy thing out of his hair. "I think you need a real shower now," he said getting up, pulling Sev with him.
"Speaking of how smart Dumbledore is, I'm surprised he left us alone. He's been watching me fairly carefully." They leisurely walked to the showers. "It's almost like giving us permission, leaving us alone like this, but he's been watching too close for that to be the case. I don't think he's sure about your being gay or not."
"I think he doesn't want to ruin any chances of us becoming friends, so he won't separate us completely," said Harry, just reaching the entrance to the showers. "We should spell the entrance locked." Harry stopped short as a mop hit him in the shoes and Sev walked into him. Harry could feel Sev pressed against him, and his cock stiffened in response, despite the fact that he had just walked into Filch. He wondered briefly, since every time he saw Filch with a mop Severus pressed his hard-on against him, would this be the start of a sick sexual perversion? Would the sight of mops have such an effect on him for years to come? He shook off that thought when he realized Filch was speaking to them.
"No need to spell the doors boys, I'll make sure the ladies don't come in. Hurry up, lunch is being served soon."
They smiled at each other, entering the large room with a row of showerheads. Filch ignored them, staying near the door, mopping up the remains of the water fight and keeping any girls away.
Sev chose the shower across from Harry; it was far enough away, but made for a good view. Sev had been near the doorway, so if Filch had looked over he could see Severus, but Harry was behind a wall. Harry took full advantage of that fact. Severus took off his clothes and looked around for soap. Harry had started a strip tease. By the time Severus had looked over to Harry after finding the soap, Harry had his jeans opened and hanging seductively off his hips. As he peeled off his shirt, arms over his head, the pants inched even further down those delectable hips. The unmarked skin, a slight tan line... it was all Sev could do not to pounce on him. All he could do was stare at the gorgeous form in front of him, with an occasional glance at the door to see that Filch was busy.
With his clothes finally off, Harry began to wash, and wash he did. He slowly rubbed soapy suds all over his body, giving special attention to his hard cock. He turned away and washed the front of his legs slowly, reaching all the way down to his ankles, giving the perfect view of his firm backside. Sev continued to wash and shampoo, trying to keep his back to the doorway, to obstruct the view of his raging hard-on. He was tempted to put up a silencing charm when he started to moan at the sight before him. Harry stood under the water caressing the soap on his body, all the while stroking himself. Sev couldn't take his eyes off of Harry; watching his mouth that was slightly open in a silent moan, his eyes never straying from Sev, the hand rinsing off soap would stop and pinch a nipple, the other hand continued stroking himself. This was torture and Sev knew that Harry was really enjoying torturing him. As he watched he wanted desperately to touch himself, but the nasty caretaker was still mopping in the next room. Looking back at Harry's face he could see the O shaped mouth, his lower lip quivered slightly. Their eyes met again and Harry looked down. Sev followed his line of sight just in time to see him climax. After milking his cock for every last drop, Harry leaned his head back against the tile, letting the water run over his face. Severus closed his eyes in the hopes of burning the memory into his brain.
When Fitch had yelled at them for taking too long, they quickly spelled their clothes clean. Harry pulled on his tight jeans and Sev pulled over his robes, brushing off the front, looking in a full-length mirror to see how obvious his erection was. Walking would not be easy. They walked up to the castle in front of the caretaker.
"You're evil," whispered Sev.
Harry grinned. "You love it," said Harry, licking his lips.
Harry knew he had left Severus in an uncomfortable position. When Harry had been fending off Severus days ago, they seemed to end up alone all the time, but now that they wanted private time, it seemed impossible to get. After lunch they went to the Astronomy Tower, only to find a few first years competing at spitting off the edge. Their special spot by the lake was also currently in view of Hagrid out on the grounds. Eventually they settled on a promise that Harry would make it up to him, and they went flying with Ron instead. Ron had brought his and Harry's brooms down in hopes that they would go flying. Together they all went looking for the best broom from the shed for Severus.
"Hey Harry look at this," Ron held up a camera hidden behind some brooms. "I forgot we hid this in here last week. We'll have to give it back to Colin on Monday when he comes back," said Ron, taking aim at Harry and Sev. "Say cheese," Harry put his arm around Sev's shoulder and they smiled for the picture.
Flashback a week or so...
Colin Creevy had decided to interview quidditch players in the locker rooms like muggle sports casters did. Harry and Ron grabbed his camera, explaining that if there were any pictures of him undressed, Harry would have to kill him, so it was in Colin's best interest to let them have the camera. They had stashed it in the broom shed, intending to give it back eventually, but then they had forgotten all about it.
That evening at dinner Filius told them that after talking to the girls at the lake, Minerva had asked if she could join in their chess games. Ron had remembered that it was her that had made the giant chess set to protect the stone all those years ago. So they had spent the rest of the evening in the Great Hall instead of their common room. As it turned out, McGonagall was a formidable player. The hall was starting to look like a chess tournament.
Harry sat against the wall, with a pad and charcoal pencil. He kept looking up at Ron and looking back at the pad, adding detail to his picture.
"Hey, mind if I sit here?" Sev asked timidly.
"Sure" Severus' height made it easy for him to see the drawing. Harry looked up at Sev and back at the drawing. Sev suddenly looked nervous and shifted in his seat. Harry laughed at him. "It's ok Sev, I know."
"Know what?" he asked, sounding unsure.
Harry snorted. "I know that you're nervous because you've seen my picture and you think I'm waiting for your opinion and you don't want to tell me how bloody awful this is."
For a brief moment Sev looked relieved then thought he should argue so as not to insult Harry's picture. It was pretty bad.
"You didn't sit right down, you asked first. Why?"
"You looked intent on your work and I didn't want to interrupt."
Harry smiled. "Exactly. My aim was to look less approachable... Not to you," he added. "This way I could sit back and relax in a room of people, and keep to myself if I want to.
Sev nodded, he understood. "I do like the concept of your picture though," said Severus, looking at the drawing again. "I first thought it was Ron on a horse, now I see it's a knight from the chess set. It's Ron in his element. That's a very creative way to depict him."
Harry smiled, he knew he wasn't really that creative, but that he had actually seen Ron as a knight, but he wasn't going to disillusion Sev now. Looking back across the room, he saw Ron was worrying his lip before making his move. Ron was in his element and when Ron had a chance to shine, Harry sat back and enjoyed watching his friend.
Harry and Sev sat in a comfortable silence.
"Good evening, Harry, Severus."
"Hello Professor Dumbledore," they answered almost together.
Albus gave them a smile. "Harry, I was wondering if you could stop by my office before you head off to your common room tonight." He always had a way of making it sound like he was politely asking a question, never giving an order. No one would ever say no to him.
"Yes, sir."
"Good, I'll see you later. Goodnight, Severus."
DETAH 12 - Meetings and Numbness
Chapter Summary
Yeah, I wrote Harry as a crappy artist. He can't be good at everything.
I read back a chapter or so, to make sure I knew what day it was, and I realized that Thursday was the longest day imaginable and they had lunch twice. Oops. I guess Harry in the shower had my mind somewhere else.
Harry felt the wind on his face as he flew around the quidditch pitch. He circled the pitch at great speed and looped the rings before heading around again. Occasionally he would go into a dive. There was no snitch to catch; he wasn't practicing, he was just flying, flying hard, so hard it made his cheeks red and raw from the wind, and his legs burn from holding on too tight. Today he would fly 'till he was numb. Harry had been out there for a while. His knuckles were white on the broom handle; his adductors burned. Not numb yet.
This was how Severus found him. He was concerned about what Dumbledore had wanted to talk to Harry about, and then he didn't see Harry at breakfast. Ron hadn't seemed concerned. He guessed Harry had left him a note or something, but he didn't want to ask Ron. Sev didn't know if Ron knew how far their relationship had gone, or if Harry had talked to him about the meeting with Dumbledore.
Harry had been so focused on his thoughts, flying on autopilot, that he hadn't noticed Sev sitting in the stands. Sev sat, leaning on the ledge of the stands, watching Harry fly at breakneck speed around the pitch. He dove down, pulling up just close enough for the twigs on his broom to brush the grass. In his hand was the head of a dandelion he had plucked as a practice snitch. Sweat poured profusely from him as he felt the burn would soon be turning numb.
"Hey," said Sev, as Harry flew by fairly close. Startled with the sudden knowledge that he wasn't alone, Harry jerked his head to see who was there. He had promised himself to try to be aware of his surroundings, so he wouldn't be caught by surprise by anyone meaning to do him harm. But here he was, exhausted and startled. His sweaty hand slid from the broom handle making him swerve off. Gaining composure quickly, Harry flew back around to where Sev was in the stands.
"Sorry, I thought you had seen me sitting here," said Sev, moving aside so Harry could land.
Harry didn't land; he hovered in front of Sev, catching his breath.
"I didn't see you last night, and you missed breakfast."
"I had some things to think about," said Harry, his face void of expression.
"Anything you want to talk about?"
"No, it doesn't involve you," replied Harry flatly.
Severus nodded, trying to remain neutral. "I'm here if you need..." started Sev, but Harry cut him off.
"Haven't I told you enough personal stuff about me?" He said angrily.
Sev was hurt. Before he knew it, he had walked down from the stands. Harry flew one more lap before catching up with Sev's retreating form. He stepped off his broom just ahead of where Sev was walking.
"Severus," Harry called out tenderly. "That was rude, I came out here to think, and expend some negative energy. I didn't mean what I said, I'm sorry."
Severus gave a slight nod.
"You forgive me?" Harry asked almost teasingly, as he stepped closer, bringing him face to face with the taller wizard.
Sev's somber expression broke into a small smile. He knew that while he was here for a carefree week, Harry still had a life to contend with. He allowed Harry closer, closing his eyes as soft lips met his.
Harry felt Sev returning the kiss, but his body tensed still. "Do you forgive me?" he asked, more serious this time.
"Yes, but..." answered Sev, giving him a chaste kiss, "you smell."
Harry gasped in mock offence. "I thought you liked me sweaty?" said Harry, after taking a whiff of his armpits.
Sev snorted. "I like getting sweaty with you. I don't prefer to start out that way. Go shower, please!"
"I have to make a stop first."
As they walked together in silence, Ron came by. "Hey Harry, um, Sev." Ron still felt odd calling him that. "Harry, you look rough. Getting ready for Mum I see. Can I borrow your broom?" Harry nodded and handed him the racing broom. "We leave right after lunch. I'll see you later." Harry gave him a weak smile. They continued to walk to the castle.
They continued walking in silence. Harry chose not to say what was on his mind, but he seemed content. Sev also noticed that Harry hadn't spoken at all to Ron. Either Ron hadn't noticed, or he knew Harry so well that they didn't need words. The latter seemed more likely.
As they entered the infirmary, Madam Pomfrey looked at Harry remorsefully. His robe clung to his body from sweat and his face was still red, his hair blown back. "You're going with Mrs. Weasley today?" It was more a statement than a question. She handed Harry a dose of Pepper-Up potion, which he drank at once.
"Thank you."
"You and Ron will have fun, I'm sure," she said with a reassuring smile.
"Yes Madam. I'm sure we will," Harry said with a small smile.
On the way upstairs to the Gryffindor tower, Harry explained that Ron's Mum had always treated him as one of her own, and had went overboard in their sixth year. She felt that Harry had too much to deal with at such a young age and was concerned with his ability to cope. Little did she know that Harry had been coping with more than she knew for most of his life, and that was before Sirius had died. He resented her for talking the Headmaster into having him go for counseling, but after a while he saw the benefits it served. He leaned to focus his energy in healthy directions, and whenever he knew he was going to spend time with her under difficult circumstances, he would vent beforehand.
Sev had remained quiet. He wanted to know where Harry was going with Ron, but was going to mind his own business if it killed him, and what the Hell did Dumbledore have to say? Harry could see Sev was nearly biting his lip to keep quiet.
"I have to go do something today with Mrs. Weasley. I asked if you could come with us, but Professor Dumbledore thought it might not be safe for you to go out, since you don't remember people who might be a danger to you."
'Oh'. "I understand." Well, Harry at least tried to have him along. That made him feel better, even if he didn't know where they were going.
When they reached the tower, Harry fumbled through his overstuffed trunk for his toiletries before heading for the shower. Sev grabbed a pamphlet off Ron's bed and leafed through it. "Want to join me?" Harry asked Sev seductively.
Sev looked up from the book, eyebrow raised. "I think not. If I were to see you naked in a public place again, I don't think I could control myself. I'll wait for you here." Harry smiled and left Sev there on Ron's bed reading 'You and the Ministry'. It was a pamphlet about jobs in the ministry, requirements and how to apply.
Harry stepped under the steamy water, washing off the grime. It was like washing off his worries. His mind easily went back to his meeting with the Headmaster.
Harry walked to the Headmaster's office, thinking, 'What if Voldemort were up to something? Would Sev be drinking that potion in his pocket, cutting his holiday short? 'Ha,' Harry thought to himself. 'Voldemort could be ready to attack and I'm worried about my time with Sev being interrupted.' Harry's head went in a thousand directions. There were only a few days left; what would happen when Severus remembered? He'd told him so much about himself, some he hadn't planned on sharing, but it just seemed to happen that way. Harry knew it could only help if Severus understood him better, but if things didn't go the way he had hoped, he had laid himself out like a sheep ready for slaughter. For the man to suddenly wake on Monday to find he had had sex with a student, a Gryffindor no less... Would he remember the times they enjoyed together, or would he just be blinded by the fact that he was Harry Potter? God, what if Dumbledore already knew? The man seemed to know everything.
Not really. Harry used to think that Dumbledore was all knowing, but if that had been true, the DADA professor wouldn't have leased out the back of his head to the Dark Lord. In fact, Harry had held resentment until he realized that Dumbledore was wise, and quite capable of reading people, but not all knowing. He also had the ability to remain calm, giving off the impression that nothing surprised him. Harry prayed that this was one of those times that the Headmaster was unsure.
He barely remembered giving the password and walking up the steps to Dumbledore's office, when he had already approached the door. "Come in, Harry" he heard as he reached to knock. 'God, the man really does know everything sometimes.'
"You wanted to see me sir?" he said, closing the door behind him.
"Yes, about a few things, Harry. Have a seat." Albus gave him a smile and gestured toward the chairs. This was not the timid Harry that was called into his office when he was in trouble; he saw before him a young man ready to graduate soon. Harry had had quite a transformation in seven years. "Would you like a cup of tea?"
Harry accepted the tea politely. He had learned over the years that the older wizard would continue to offer him beverages and candies for a while. It was best to take the first thing he offered, and get to the topic of conversation faster. Plus, if he had something in his hands, he was less likely to fidget.
"How is your week off going so far, Harry?"
"Fine sir. It's odd to see a young Professor McGonagall picking flowers outside; other than that it's fine."
Albus chuckled. "It is pleasing to see the students welcome the staff into their activities this week."
Harry nodded, he was still thinking about what Severus would think when he was back to normal.
"Is something bothering you Harry?"
"No, just thinking, sir."
"Were you just thinking about Professor Snape?" Harry's eyes widened a bit, though he tried to act indifferent.
"Harry, I need to ask you something, and I need you to answer me truthfully."
"Yes sir." He almost regretted having the tea as the cup clinked against the saucer.
"It seems that Ronald Weasley was overheard telling Michael Archer about something that occurred between you and Professor Snape. There is more gossip flying around this school than there are owls. Usually I don't get myself involved in such affairs, but when it concerns the welfare of a student, I feel it necessary to get to the bottom of it."
Harry nodded. Ron knew about him and Sev, but he wouldn't have told someone, well Hermione maybe, but not someone like Michael. He was a good kid, but we don't know him that well. Harry's head was now reeling.
"The person who had overheard the conversation did not hear what Severus had done, only that he had done it while you were asleep on the common room sofa. When asked if you had allowed him to do it, Ron's response was that you had said no. You appreciated the attention and effort he had made, but that you couldn't allow him to do it, but after he had explained what you didn't understand so that you would be more comfortable, you stopped arguing about it, even though you knew you shouldn't allow it."
Harry gave up on holding the tea still and put it down on the desk in front of him. "Sir I, ...um, did he say anything else?"
Albus looked uncomfortable. "Only that Ron had said it was something he wished Hermione would do for him."
Harry's eyes were wide as saucers.
"I believe he was discussing Tuesday evening."
"Tuesday? Oh, Tuesday! Cram Tuesday is the day we do our homework. Sir," Harry said quickly, "Ron was talking about my Potions essay." 'God even the truth sounded lame at the moment'. "I had fallen asleep doing an essay and Severus finished it for me. I told him I couldn't cheat, and he spent all this time explaining the material so I could hand it in with a clear conscience," said Harry, rolling his eyes at the possibility of handing in the essay like that.
"Harry, I want to trust you, but you must understand it wouldn't be the first time you saw fit not to tell me when you needed help. Do you realize what Ron's story insinuates?"
Harry lowered his eyes; he didn't blame Albus for having to make sure. "Yes sir. You could check if you want. My essay is in my book bag upstairs."
Albus nodded and used a summoning charm. Within minutes the essay was in his hand.
"I forgot, I already took off the part Sev wrote," Harry added nervously. Dumbledore noticed the nickname, but made no comment.
The old wizard looked over the essay. When he reached the end he waved his wand over the parchment, saying the incantation "Prior Incantatum." Severus' paragraph reappeared on the parchment in Harry's handwriting. He recast the spell and the same paragraph now showed in Severus' handwriting. "It is just as you say." Harry nodded. "Has Severus or anyone done anything without your consent?" the Headmaster asked in a very serious tone.
"No, sir, he hasn't. No one has," Harry answered firmly.
"I had to check. You understand that, don't you Harry?"
"Yes sir."
"It was after I sent you to fetch Severus from the lake that I heard the story. I was quite concerned. You do seem to be getting along quite well, I thought," he said with the twinkle now back in his eyes.
Harry almost blushed. Almost. He did smile. "Yes, we do get along," said Harry despondently. "Sir, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Harry."
"What's the point? The whole holiday for the teachers, what's the point in it?"
Albus couldn't help but be amused by the fact that Harry was asking the same question Severus had.
"I understand they are supposed to get to know each other again, but they're so different. I don't see where it would matter that much if Professor Flitwick plays a game of chess, or Professor McGonagall flirts with Ron. They're all so much older now that I can't imagine they would consider anything they did this week being a tremendous bonding experience. The only one at least close enough in age to appreciate what it was like to be carefree enough and maybe try to remember the benefits of relaxing would be Severus, and I think he is going to freak out when he realizes he spent his whole holiday with Harry Potter." Harry took a deep breath after his rant. Suddenly realizing he may have over-stepped his bounds. "It wasn't my place to question your rationale, I didn't mean to be disrespectful."
"Don't apologize, Harry. It's refreshing to hear your perspective."
"I was thinking about what the teachers would have gained when they looked back on this week. I don't see the girls that much, but I don't see much besides giggling and the times we spend in the Great Hall. Professor Flitwick played a lot of chess with Ron. While I'm sure he enjoyed himself, I don't see where he couldn't do that all along. Hard to imagine he's the same age as the other teachers for this week, he's very mindful of the rules."
"I did not change anyone's personality, only his or her age. He may be mindful of the rules, but that doesn't make him any more mature."
"Then there's Severus, who of all people I would think could benefit from a week like this. He could relax; do the things he likes to do without a worry in the world. I'm even envious. In theory it sounds good, but I'm not sure I even want to contemplate what he's going to say when Monday comes around. Wouldn't it make him unhappy to see where he is now compared to a carefree teen?"
"That is a very mature point of view. It is not surprising that you would be more mature than the average person your age. Next month you will be the youngest person in the Order's history to be invited as a member. It's not easy to notice the changes in a person when you see them growing up every day before your eyes. Having the Professors spend time with you, with them at your age, serves several purposes. You get a chance to see that they too were young once. They are now older and wiser, but not infallible. I know it's hard to see our teachers as real people. On the same note, they get a chance to see you and how mature you are in comparison to themselves at the same age, thus making a smoother transition from student to Order member. In fact, they are a year older than you, this week."
Harry was trying to take in all that the Headmaster had said. They were there because of him?
"I was going to send them off to a tropical island, but I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone." He added as if reading Harry's mind. Harry wasn't too sure he couldn't actually read his mind. "The first meeting for you will be next month. As I mentioned last week, we felt there was no point in making you wait to join the Order so that you may continue training, but you will still only attend meetings as an observer until you are considered fully prepared by those training you. You may be called upon for your opinion or asked questions, but you will only address your own questions to me, after the meetings. There is more, but that can wait 'till next month. Any questions?"
"No, sir." Harry was thinking about so much, it was hard to be sure why he was called in here in the first place. Albus looked at a large clock in the corner, it had many more hands than the one at the Burrow. Several were up at the moment. The Headmaster was apparently a very busy man. "Was there anything else, sir?" Harry asked before getting up from his chair.
"Yes, actually. The reason I asked you here originally was that I've received an owl from Molly Weasley this afternoon. She says the apartment you wanted to see was only available for viewing tomorrow afternoon. I've arranged for Ronald and yourself to join her here so you may go check to see if it's to your liking."
"That reminds me of another question," Albus motioned for him to continue. "I was given a list of apartments available in the area, and I noticed that another boy in the common room had a much bigger list."
Albus' smile dimmed slightly. "Your list was slightly edited down to people who had a place to lease that I was quite confident were not Dark followers. Yet, that is not the reason your list is so small, I'm afraid. The same as a muggle would have a 'no pets' policy for their renters, several wizards have found it safer to not offer to high profile persons such as yourself. They feel it puts their property at less risk of attack."
"I understand," said Harry. He couldn't help but hear his Potions Professor's voice from their first class. "Clearly, fame isn't everything."
Harry and Albus spoke for some time, but it all became a blur after a while. It was late when Harry got back up to the tower, thinking tomorrow he would possibly be seeing his new home. Before, he was supposed to leave Hogwarts to go to a new home to share with Sirius, even if he was still in hiding. Harry lay awake for hours, staring at the Order of Merlin award on his bedside table. No, he would not let this overtake him. He thought about all the other students; they all were leaving their home away from home. All the graduates' lives were changing; he would be no different. His new place would be all his own. He could wake up any time he wanted. Have his friends over for parties. He would not get emotional. 'Well...
I'd better go flying in the morning.
When the water in Harry's shower ran cold, he realized he had been in there a long time. The sweat and worries washed away. Things had not gone as he had expected, but that was his life. He certainly hadn't expected to spend the week with Severus Snape. Harry dried off, thinking about the young Potions Master in his bed, waiting for him. Well, technically on Ron's bed.
Only two days left, and he was going to make them count.
Severus was lying on Harry's bed when he returned, a blue potion vial twirling in between his fingers.
DETAH 13 - Love Bites
Severus was lying on Harry's bed when he returned, a blue potion vial twirling in-between his fingers. It was the pain relieving potion they used to make Harry's first time less painful.
"Hello, Severus." He locked the door behind him, letting the towel fall to the floor. "Hmm, you look so intent, I wonder what you could be thinking?" Harry asked seductively, as he saw the vial in Sev's hand. He climbed up on the bed, nuzzling Sev's neck.
"I was thinking about why my handwriting is on your potion vial."
Harry froze. 'Oh no. No, not now'. "Did I brew these?"
Harry slowly nodded.
"I teach Potions here?" Sev asked slowly and quietly.
Harry nodded once again, this time not lifting his head back up again. He was suddenly feeling uncomfortably naked, next to a fully clothed Severus in mid-realization.
"This morning, a first year asked me how I liked living in the tower, compared to the dungeons. I thought he meant the Slytherin dorms." Severus noticed how pitiful Harry looked. "It does explain a lot. When you found out who I was, you tried so hard to fend me off." Harry mumbled something at the comment. Severus continued, " I thought, since you were still turned on, it was safe to push you. It never occurred to me you were reluctant because it was unethical."
That was all Harry could take. He lay back, putting his arms over his face.
"Could you refrain from using words like 'unethical' while I'm lying here naked? I may never get it up again."
Severus snorted. Harry was dead sexy in that pose, with his arms above his head. "Harry, I'm sorry I pushed you. I was selfish, and didn't realize what a position I had put you in." Harry said nothing. "How you must feel, I'm so sorry..."
"Enough!" roared Harry, hopping off the bed. He stood naked, with his hands on his hips indignantly. "Stop the pity party. You've never given it to me in seven years and I don't want it now!" Severus moved to speak, but Harry held up a hand to stop him. "Before we were introduced you were aggressive and pushy. You kissed me in the first hour I met you." Severus looked properly chastised; Harry continued on. "I was never so turned on in my life." Harry's lips curled up at the edges, Sev's eyes widened. "I didn't do anything I didn't want to, before or after the introductions. I have no regrets. Do you understand that?" Sev nodded.
Harry sighed. "It's so much more complicated than you realize. Part of me wishes it was Monday already, so we can get on with it and I can find out if I stand a chance with you, and hopefully get to know you for real. Parts of me don't want this week to ever end. I hate that we only have two days, and now if you're uncomfortable, we won't even have that. I'm not ready to give you up." He said the last part softly.
Severus crawled across the bed on his knees, putting him around the same level as Harry. Harry's expression showed no signs of consent, but he did step forward to the edge of the bed, almost touching Severus. Long, slender fingers carded through his hair, pulling him closer. Soft, gentle kisses started at the center of his forehead, kissing his eyes closed. He could feel the kisses trail across his cheeks, to his earlobes, following his jaw line. Soft lips ghosted over his. Harry hadn't noticed his eyes had stayed closed since Sev kissed them. He almost didn't notice that the kissing had stopped. He opened his eyes lazily to see Sev looking adoringly at him, at the way he stood with his head slightly tilted, lips parted. With no words said, Severus stood up removed his robes quickly and effortlessly. Harry found himself picked up and placed in the center of the bed in one sinuous motion. 'Damn he was smooth, and strong as hell.'
Those glorious hands smoothed over Harry's body, massaging his tense muscles. The flying had taken it out of him mentally and physically. The shower, while relaxing, had only given him a chance to think about the meeting, leaving him a little tense. The massage moved down his torso and legs, completely ignoring a very important part, in Harry's opinion. Harry thought perhaps he was now paying for the teasing he'd done in the shower yesterday. The massage felt wonderful. Harry hadn't heard the spell cast, but enjoyed the result as he felt the now warmed oil being spread over him. Nice touch, he thought. When Sev had finished massaging the front of his legs, he was helped to roll over. Encouraged by the low moans muffled slightly by the pillows, Sev continued to smooth and soften the tense muscles beneath his strong hands. Long, slender fingers kneaded and squeezed the tight shoulders, while his thumbs slid up and down the base of Harry's neck. He melted bonelessly into the mattress below him, as the firm hands slid down his sides and up the center of his spine. Sev repeated this stroke several times, while straddling Harry's lean thighs.
Harry could barely form coherent thoughts when he felt the oiled hands caressing over his backside. He continued to moan and make happy little sounds as Sev prepared him. His sleepy moans soon became desperate pleas, and whimpering for more. He hadn't noticed when Sev added the remaining half of the numbing potion to the oil, only that strong hands had wrapped around his hips, pulling him up into a better position. Severus leaned over Harry's tanned back, kissing the back of his neck, tongue sliding down before biting his shoulder. His erection teased at Harry's entrance.
"Sev please, " Harry panted "I'm begging you". Sev grinned and bit his shoulder once more. Harry shuddered as he felt the teasing at his entrance was now a solid pressure. Severus seemed to be waiting for something. Harry took a deep relaxing breath; just as he let it out fully he was entered in one smooth motion. He gasped, filled completely. The slight pain ebbed away. Warm arms ensconced around his waist, giving him time to adjust. Severus held still inside the tight heat to prevent himself from going over the edge before they even got started. Hot puffs of breath on his neck sent shivers down Harry's spine, and he began to rock back and forth. Sev moaned at the sensation, content to hold still while Harry set the pace for their lovemaking. At first it was slow and careful, if not a little clumsy at times. Sev held his hips to steady them; in time he began thrusting with determination to hit the gland that was his target. "Oh! Severus," Harry screamed when Sev hit his mark, grinning at the reactions he got from the gorgeous creature trembling before him. Their pace quickened, bodies glistened with sweat, the uttering of encouraging words from Harry were now only sounds of pleasure. Then, when only gasping and an occasional squeak could be heard, Sev knew Harry was close to climax. Reaching around to take hold of Harry's dripping hardness, he stroked it in time with his thrusting, or as best he could with his own impending orgasm. The moment Harry felt the firm grip around him, he began his descend over the edge. With a scream, he came in his lover's hand, the clenching heat bringing Sev along with him.
Sev lay on Harry where he had collapsed, licking the mark he made on his shoulder. Eventually, he rolled off to the side on Harry's request for breath. Turning on his side, Sev faced Harry and ran his fingers through his hair. "Hmmmm, that feels nice," Harry sighed. "I could stay like this all day, but we've already missed half of lunch. Ron and his Mum will be waiting for me."
"Is Ron's Mum that bad?" asked Sev.
"Huh? No, no she's not." Harry realized Sev had seen him after flying on the pitch and heard Madam Pomfrey's comment, too. "Molly Weasley had always treated me like one of her own. She was always here when something would happen."
"But...?" Sev prompted.
"But, for a while, the only time I saw her was when bad things happened. I couldn't take the pity she would show every time I saw her, so I would plaster on a smile so she would think I was happy and fine. After a while, I got to resent having to keep my happy face on for her all the time, and I just got irritated whenever I saw her." Harry sighed, thinking back to when he had to talk to the counselor. He wasn't going into that conversation with Sev. "I had to retrain my mind so that my initial reaction to her wasn't negative, not to just think about the bad stuff, but all the great times I've had with their family over the years. Besides, when I wasn't myself, she would see right through me; after seven kids I wasn't going to fool her." Harry added the last part chuckling.
"So you have to fly till you're in an exhausted state every time you see her?" asked Sev incredulously.
"No, today was just one of those times when I had a lot on my mind, and would be better off to vent before I saw her and maybe fell into an old pattern." Sev nodded in understanding. He wondered if he and Harry had been the same way, disliking each other out of habit, perhaps they could make this work. As a teacher that would be difficult, but he wasn't going to think about that now; he had all afternoon to think while Harry was gone.
Sev started to trail a finger down Harry's chest. "Flying works, but you know you can get the same result with some hot sex. If ever you need to vent," said Sev, in offer of services. Harry climbed on top of him, burying his face in Sev's neck, sucking on an earlobe.
"I'll take you up on that sometime. I could easily see where being fucked senseless would be infinitely better than flying for hours." Sev growled in response. Harry looked down at their sticky bodies. "No time for a shower and we're so late now," he said, grabbing for his wand. He spelled them clean, then climbed off the bed to pull clothes out of his trunk.
Sev pulled on his robes, watching Harry pull on a pair of blue jeans; they were not tight, but hugged his arse nicely, and were followed by a comfortable tee shirt. "Ready?" asked Harry, hand on the doorknob. Sev placed his own hand over Harry's, holding the door closed. Harry raised an eyebrow. Sev pulled him close, kissing him soundly.
"Now, I'm ready,"
Molly and Albus were speaking about Ron's future after Hogwarts, when she spotted Harry entering the Great Hall. Harry found himself in a warm embrace before he had even said hello to anyone.
"Harry, dear, I've not seen you in so long," she said as she ran a hand in his still damp hair to smooth it. Harry rolled his eyes playfully. "Let me have a look at you." She pulled on the shoulder of his tee shirt to straiten it out after the hug. She had pulled his shirt hard enough to reveal a mark where his neck met his collarbone. Harry looked at her curiously, hearing her sharp intake of breath. "You'll not be out with me today looking like this," she declared, pulling her wand out of her purse.
"What? This is a new shirt." Harry protested, knowing she couldn't be referring to his muggle clothes, since he wore them all the time at her house. She frowned but the smile hadn't left her eyes.
"Respectable wizards don't go around with love bites on their necks," she said firmly. With a fast spell, the mark was gone. Harry had the decency to look properly ashamed. In seconds, her big smile was back. Harry introduced Sev to Mrs. Weasley, but didn't mention his last name. If she were to put two and two together... he didn't want to deal with that today. Sev was very polite, and Molly asked if he was coming along. Since they had missed lunch, she wanted to take them out to eat in Hogsmeade. Sev thanked Mrs. Weasley and made his excuses.
The walk in to town was pleasant enough, Molly told them how the family was, what Charley had been up to, what department Percy was now in and other various things. Ron had already started planning the first party he thought Harry should have in his new place. Molly told him all about the amenities the place was supposed to have. She had helped out immensely by looking into different places to rent and getting information in more detail than the list Harry had been given. She had owled him with details of each place, so he could narrow down the search, avoiding spending his whole weekend looking at places that were a waste of time.
When they reached their destination, Harry started to get excited for the first time. He would have his own place, a place where he could have friends over; lie in on the weekends without roommates to wake him. He could cook for himself for the first time without resentment for his relatives.
The landlord was a nice old man who showed them around, pointing out details that he thought were of interest. The large fireplace had a nicely carved mantel perfect for pictures and such. The kitchen was a bit small, but Harry convinced Molly that if he ever wanted to eat with more than four people at once he would probably be at her house anyway. Ron had also commented on the large closet in the bedroom, perfect for his ever-growing wardrobe. Harry told him he was just jealous that Harry hadn't grown tall enough for Ron to ever be able to borrow his clothes.
The landlord was very proud to say that he was a personal friend of Albus Dumbledore, and had helped out many times by housing guests of Albus' that needed a quiet place to stay. Harry wondered briefly what kind of guest they would be, if they couldn't just stay in the castle, and if Sirius had ever stayed there? Then he realized that the thoughts of Sirius hadn't disturbed his good mood any and he was glad of it.
Some time later, Harry, Ron, and his Mum were eating and discussing the pros and cons of the places they had seen. "It was lucky that we ran into Mrs. Donovan today, I don't think she had planned on seeing you 'till at least a few weeks from now," said Molly, referring to a woman she went to school with. They had run into her on the street, and when the topic came around to Harry looking for a place to stay, she told them that she was expecting Harry to look at a place she was showing. Molly hadn't recognized her on the list because the place belonged to her daughter, and was listed with the daughter's married name.
"Glad we got to see it, though I don't think I'll chose that place," said Harry casually.
"Why ever not?" asked Molly "It was just as nice at the first place." Harry took a sip of his butterbeer, stalling for an answer, when Ron came to his rescue.
"Mum, come on, the woman stared at his scar the whole time we were talking."
Molly looked apologetically to Harry. "Sorry dear, I hadn't noticed, and you'd see her all the time since she lives downstairs."
Harry winked at Ron.
"Was she staring?" Harry said sarcastically. "I just don't want to live there because she's a friend of yours. What with all the wild parties I'm going to have, it might get back to you how Ron acts while you're not around." Harry clinked his glass against Ron's as Molly's eyes went wide for barely a second before she laughed at him.
"Very funny, Harry James. Sure, mock me, you're not better than the twins." Harry smiled at the use of his middle name; Ron laughed.
The rest of their time in The Three Broomsticks was less confrontational until the check came. Harry wanted to thank Molly for all her help with the searching she had done, while Molly was adamant that she invited him and wouldn't dream of letting him pay. In the end, it was settled that when he was all set up in his new home, he would cook a dinner for her and Mr. Weasley. As they got up to leave, Molly stopped suddenly.
"Ron, I almost forgot." She pulled out a small package wrapped in brown paper. Harry thought it looked a lot like the way they wrap deli meats at the butcher, but soon the package was enlarged to show a much larger parcel. "Bill sent this over to the house this week. I would have sent it along, but I didn't trust Errol with it."
"What it is?" asked Ron, curious as to what his brother would send him.
"Dress robe, he needed one for a friend's wedding last month, and thought you could use it for the seventh year Formal. It's quite striking, and I adjusted the hem for you."
"Brilliant," he said, kissing her on the cheek "Thanks, Mum, oh, and thanks for lunch, too."
She hugged them both and told them to keep out of trouble and then she apparated back home. Harry and Ron started back for Hogwarts. Mrs. Weasley had suggested earlier that Harry get his own robes while in town, but he was exhausted. Harry smiled as thoughts of Sev came to mind, 'definitely worth the fatigue'.
An hour later, Severus had left the paddock where he was helping Hagrid, when he came across Harry and Ron on the grass near the gardens. Harry was lying on the grass, legs crossed, hands behind his head, and fast asleep. Ron was sitting next to him with a large package. He was reading a letter, while a tiny owl, hooting incessantly, flew around his head. Ron looked up from his reading as he heard Sev walking over.
"Hi Sev," Ron said, folding up his letter, placing it on the package from Bill. "Helping Hagrid with the horse?"
Sev nodded and sat down, watching the owl in amusement. "Yeah. I can't wait 'till next week when I can take him for a ride. How long has 'Sleeping Beauty' been out?"
Ron chuckled, looking down at Harry's sleeping form, and back up to Sev, to see him also watching Harry sleep. "He's been out about half an hour. I was getting bored, but Pig came by with the post. Post usually comes in the morning!" He directed the last line in Pig's direction, which only caused the happy little owl to hoot louder.
Severus looked at the tiny owl and the large package at Ron's side. "That's quite a feat; did you deliver that all by yourself?" Sev asked.
Ron found it very entertaining to see his young Potions Master talking to his owl like one would to a child. Pig perched himself next to the letter and puffed out the feathers proudly. "My mighty owl," said Ron, shaking his head. Turning back, he saw Sev no longer paying attention to the bird, but to Harry. He looked so relaxed laying there, his sun kissed face showing only signs of blissful dreams. Sev gave a contented sigh, a smile on his face, his eyes gazing at his dozing friend. Ron had never seen so many emotions on Sev's face.
Clearly, he cared for Harry a great deal, but this was Sev, not Snape, not the man they would face in class again next week.
"You don't trust me, do you?" Severus said, noting Ron's expression of mild contempt.
Ron thought about that for a moment before commenting. "You're an anomaly, Severus Snape. I don't know what to make of you. I trust you with his life, maybe," said Ron, glancing at the scar on his best friend's head, "but not with his heart."
Severus chose not to reply. He knew that no matter how much he cared for Harry, he truly didn't know what to expect when he returned to his true life. They stayed in silence for a while. Eventually, Ron picked up his things and the minute owl.
"I want to go reply to this letter, you staying?" It was obvious that Ron wouldn't have left Harry asleep alone, and would only leave if he knew Sev planned on staying until Harry woke.
"Yes," said Sev with certainty, and Ron started to leave.
"For what it's worth, I hope I'm wrong about how this turns out," said Ron with sincerity.
Severus gave a short nod, and for a moment, Ron saw the face of his Professor, the man behind this young man's eyes.
Once alone, Sev gazed down at Harry again, placed a 'notice me not' spell around them, and lay down beside Harry, placing a small kiss on his lips.
Harry's eyes fluttered open, squinting against the sun. "Hmmm... hi, Sev," murmured Harry before cuddling in close and falling back to sleep.
DETAH 14 - Sounds of Passion
Chapter Notes
( breaks in to song "The hills are alive with the sound of" ... oh never mind.)
Severus woke from his slumber; he had not been asleep long. He had laid beside Harry for a long time, watching him sleep; he looked younger while he slept. Maybe it was the glasses. Even with the glasses, Harry looked younger than his age. Sev wondered if Harry was very mature for his age, or was it that he himself wasn't. Perhaps it was the fact that he had no worries and Harry did. Severus then jotted down a note.
He had found a note from his older self in his pocket that read, "Find out what happened the last time regarding Minerva." Sev had been adding questions to the parchment ever since. They were all questions he didn't know if his older self knew or not. The afternoon without Harry had given him a chance to think, think about his life, about being a teacher. While he couldn't remember much about his life, he hadn't expected a career in teaching. It made sense, he enjoyed potions and hoped to have a career in potions, but he had wanted more. Not just to teach. Mediocre potion makers were teachers. He wanted to be a Master. Not that he felt teaching was beneath him, but he felt disappointed in himself for not going all the way. Perhaps that would be a new goal for him. What had happened in his life to keep him from achieving his goal, and why is it that he could remember this goal, but not other details of his life? Dumbledore's spell did not just wipe out his memory indiscriminately, this was well thought out. Leave it to the old wizard to conveniently let him remember only what Dumbledore wanted.
Maybe he also wants me to consider my not reaching my goal. Funny how he watched me like a hawk. I don't think he knew Harry was gay when he set this thing up. Sev would have been insulted by the lack of trust by the old man, but he knew better. Sev had been a randy teenager. The moment he set eyes on Harry he wanted him, and Harry had been frozen in place the moment he walked in. Sev knew in a heartbeat Harry was checking him out. It could have been the mouth hanging open. He laughed at the memory.
Harry had been so carefree that first day. I felt like a fresh cut of meat and I was only too happy to hand him over the carving knife. Harry was hot and eager, but he did not allow Sev everything that first few hours they shared as strangers. How much had changed in a matter of a few days? Sev's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his stomach rumbling. He glanced over at Harry. Picking up his hand, he turned it slightly to get a better look at his watch. Almost time for dinner. He decided to wake the sleeping sex god.
Harry was barely aware of the birds chirping in the trees or even that he was spread out on the grass outside Hogwarts. His awakening attention was focusing on the feeling of his hand being held. And what was that? Was that a tongue sliding between his fingers? He let out a sleepy moan as he felt the tongue now pulling his finger into a warm, wet mouth. Harry opened his eyes to see his finger being sucked in and out of Sev's smiling lips.
"Time to wake, Sleeping Beauty."
Harry smiled, and then it occurred to him what Sev called him. "How do you know about a muggle thing like Sleeping Beauty?"
Sev snorted. "Are you kidding? The wizarding community writes 98% of fairy tales. It's common knowledge among wizards. A witch put a spell on Sleeping Beauty. A witch gave Snow White a poisoned apple. Honestly, Harry, this is stuff you should have learned as a child in history."
All of Harry's schooling prior to Hogwarts had been muggle schools. Harry was suddenly reminded of something he saw in Hermione's flyers for continuing education. He would have to take another look at those.
Sev teased him, "Did you live under a rock before you came here?"
Harry laughed, thinking about Sev's comment, 'Under a rock, or under the stairs, same thing.' "I'm going to miss you," Harry said softly as they walked.
Sev resisted the urge to hold Harry's hand; they were getting too close to the front door. "Me too, I guess we'll have to make the most of tomorrow."
"What do you mean tomorrow? You're not going back till Monday right?" he asked pleadingly.
"No, sorry Harry, we go back early Sunday morning. I guess we have to settle back in before starting back to work again on Monday, preparing for classes and such."
Harry looked positively bewildered; he'd thought he had more time. Sev could be back to normal and having him expelled by Sunday noon. Well, maybe he wouldn't go that far. He'd have to 'fess up to having sex with him to have reason for getting him in trouble, and that would put himself in jeopardy every bit as much as Harry. Severus did seem as intent as Harry about making it work out, but that didn't account for the rest of Severus' memories and feelings for Harry. Harry wondered if Sev would be responsible for his actions, considering his state of mind. If it really hit the fan, Dumbledore would probably be most likely in the line of fire, either from Severus or the Board, depending on how far it went. Harry didn't like to think about such things, but he was going to be prepared for any possible outcome. He had not run into this blindly, and while part of him couldn't stand the thought of Sev leaving earlier than he expected, the other part of him knew he had thinking to do, and some planning, if he was going to make it work out with the Potions Master.
Once again the masses seemed to congregate in the Great Hall after dinner. Harry agreed to play chess with Filius while Ron played a rematch against McGonagall. Sev chuckled at Harry's choice of colors. He had picked this particular board because the pieces on it were more of a rowdy bunch than the rest. Harry was of the opinion that if he couldn't take many pieces, he would at least do it with as much fun as possible. Apparently the chess pieces had gotten to know the players after a while. The white pieces on Filius' side stood looking smug and proud, as they were confidant to be on the winning side, while Harry's pieces seemed to take on reckless grins, ready for action. Of course the pieces just stood still as any other set, but when they moved you could clearly see the differences.
Sev watched, Harry concentrated, and Filius on the other hand, was very relaxed. As such a good player, he would take on Harry as a leisurely game, a bit of a rest before his next game with Ron or McGonagall. Harry didn't mind, playing against someone as good as Filius could only improve his game. He wasn't a bad player, but the other three were quite good.
After some time, Harry took his first piece against Filius. The little chessman swung his weapon around in the air several more times than necessary, for effect, and smashed the white rook with a vengeance. In addition to the usual pieces of broken stone, there was a pile of dust settling on the board where Filius rook once stood. Ron and McGonagall looked up from their game to see the grin on Harry's face, along with Filius' amusement.
Severus sat back and thought, 'No, he was never 'just Harry'.
"...Severus." It occurred to him that Filius was talking to him, interrupting his thoughts of Harry. "I said, did you figure it out yet?" Filius repeated. Sev nodded. Harry looked at the two questioningly.
"Filius and I were discussing our possible occupations the other day." Sev offered as explanation. "You?" he asked of his fellow Professor. Filius nodded with a smile.
"Yes, I was fairly certain, but then yesterday it was confirmed when I saw someone's homework with my notes on the bottom, though I wasn't sure if it was Transfiguration or Charms before that."
"I guess that takes care of your first few guesses?" Harry was surprised to see the little wizard blush. It seems that a few of their theories were quite absurd, now that they knew the truth.
Severus was chuckling with Harry and Filius when he noticed an owl swoop down towards them. The large bird landed between Harry and Ron. Just as Harry took one of Filius' pawns, the indignant owl puffed out his feathers and backed away from the dust cloud that erupted from the chessboard, snubbing Harry while putting his leg out to Ron to receive the letter. When Ron untied the letter, the owl ruffled his feathers to remove any remaining dust and flew off. Harry rolled his eyes at the sight; only Hermione could have an owl with such an attitude.
"Oi! Harry, It's from Hermione. She's coming back early. She'll be here tomorrow," said Ron.
"Great, " Harry exclaimed, taking the letter from his friend. It had both of their names on the envelope. "She says she's looking forward to meeting you," he said, looking to Filius and Severus.
"Us?" questioned Severus.
"I assume she is a student here?" asked Filius.
"Top in our class," Harry stated proudly of his friend.
Filius smiled. Now that he knew he was a professor, it would be fun to see his best work, so to speak. He was looking forward to meeting her.
Severus, on the other hand, while interested in meeting a close friend of Harry's in person, couldn't help but be a little wary. If she was that smart, she may pose a threat to his relationship with Harry. Most of the students here were younger, hence a little clueless, and Ron's reaction was what you could term guarded; Sev had no idea of what Hermione would bring to the mix. Had Ron already filled her in on what Ron knew, and how much does he know?
Harry watched Sev's expression moving from interest to concern. A sad few chess moves later, the game was finished. Filius waved his wand and the chess pieces were whole again, albeit smaller than before. There was always a little dust that didn't make it back. Harry thanked Filius for the game, and said good night.
"Sev, do you want to go see Dobby?"
No, but if it means we could leave without raising suspicion, "Sure."
Harry smiled and said goodnight to Ron, who was concentrating on his next move. He looked up just enough for a quick 'see ya Harry', and they left.
Sev and Harry sat at a scrubbed table in the kitchens, while Dobby ran off to get them some ice cream. Sev sat thinking about Hermione, rubbing absentmindedly at his finger where a ring would be if he'd been wearing one. Harry watched Sev; it was obvious he had wanted to ask a question ever since they talked about Hermione coming. That was why he took Sev out of the Great Hall; so they could talk. He couldn't help but enjoy the expressions Sev showed on his face. The Severus he knew for years would never show so much. Harry noticed whenever Sev had a question he'd been rubbing at his finger. He thought back to Potions class and tried to envision Snape in class. He long, slender fingers expertly stirring a potion. Yes, Harry did remember a ring Severus wore. It was silver, with a black stone, fairly nondescript. He made a mental note to watch Severus next week and see if he still had the habit.
"Hermione knew I was your teacher here when you introduced us in the fire, right?" and does she know we shagged a few hours later? "Does she know we're...?"
"Shagging?" Harry chuckled. "She may know whatever Ron knew the night she was in the fire, but he wouldn't mention us in letters. After last summer, well we're very careful about what we write," said Harry, thinking about his letter to Sirius triggering the attack at Privet Drive, ending Sirius' life. Dobby hurried into the room with a tray of hot fudge sundaes, thus ending their conversion. Harry dipped his spoon into the chocolate sauce, getting just the right amount of sauce, nuts and cream on his spoon.
"I've never seen anyone enjoy food as much as you. Well, Ron seems perpetually hungry, but you, you make eating into an art form."
Harry smiled around his spoon. "One of the best things about Hogwarts is the food," said Harry, licking his spoon clean. "And when you've spent as much time as I have in the Infirmary, you learn to enjoy what little there is to do there."
Sev shook his head in amusement. "Was that last summer?" inquired Sev.
"What?"
"The battle at your house, was that when you were in the infirmary for a long time?"
"No, I, well I was in for quite a while then, but I meant over the years in general. I've spent countless days in there. Last month I was hit in the head with a bludger and spent two weeks there. Dobby fixed me every food I could think of."
"A bludger, and you still want to play professionally?" teased Sev, knowing full well that pros get hit all the time.
"In my defense, there were three bludgers out that day. Malfoy, he's a player for Slytherin team, had set loose a third one straight for me."
"Where does he go to school now?" asked Sev comically.
"Ha! Malfoy has about as much a chance of being expelled as I do. It'll never happen. Besides I wasn't going to tell on him; if he's kicked off the team, then I couldn't enjoy beating him outright." Harry took another bite of his sundae, crunching on the walnuts. "Mmmm, oh this is heaven," sighed Harry almost seductively.
Sev smirked. "You sound like you're having sex. Do you always make sounds like that when you eat?"
Harry laughed, careful not to spill chocolate sauce from his mouth. "One time..." started Harry, but he had to catch his breath from laughing mid-sentence. "Hermione came to visit me in the infirmary and Dobby popped in and started to feed me a bowl of custard. It was the first food I'd had in a while and it was the best custard," Harry broke off again, shaking in laughter at the memory of it.
Harry lay in bed with his arms wrapped in bandages; Hermione sat in the chair by the bed, smiling at her convalescing friend, while a happy little house elf sat on Harry's abdomen feeding him custard with a long spoon.
"Honestly, Harry," said Hermione, shaking her head when he moaned.
"What?" he said innocently. Hermione just blushed and shook her head again.
When the mediwitch heard the 'sounds of passion' she hurried over, yelling through the curtain, "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger! I hardly think this is the place..." she paused mid-rant when Hermione pulled the curtain back to give Pomfrey the full view of Harry humming around the spoon in his mouth as the creature on his stomach fed him as one would a toddler.
Harry wiped a tear away, "It takes true talent to make Pomfrey blush."
Severus, now laughing, said "You're evil, Harry."
Harry nodded with a smile and a gleam in his eye. "I was only trying to wind up Hermione; Pomfrey was an added bonus."
DETAH 15 - Some Things Are Best Left Alone
Harry crawled out of bed, padded to the loo and brushed his teeth. He could hear Filius talking happily to a Hufflepuff in the common room. 'Good,' he thought, 'hopefully, Sev is still in bed.' When Harry opened the door, he could hear the steady breathing of sleep coming from behind the curtains. He laughed after pulling the curtain back to find the sleeping body completely under the covers, head and all.
"Good morning, Sexy," said Harry, seductively climbing upon the bed. He chuckled when a tired moan was all he received in response; the sound one makes when they won't be ready to wake for quite a while. "Come on, Sev, you have to get up. Today's our last chance to fool around before you go back. And, I can't wait for you to meet Hermione today. She's coming around breakfast time." Harry thought he heard a muffled laugh. He pulled the covers down, to reveal a sleepy girl smiling at him. She had on a soft cotton nightgown, and her hair was up in a tight, uncomfortable looking bun.
"Hermione! When did you get back?" he asked, and threw his arms around her.
"Late last night. I was out at the Three Broomsticks last night, and well, it's a long story. I'll tell you and Ron together."
"Okay, tell us over breakfast. That's quite a look you have going, Professor," Harry teased about her hair.
"Don't remind me, my head hurts from having the hair up all night."
Harry laughed; he was glad to see his friend.
"I've been talking to friends and visiting all week with the floo network. I'm so thrilled to finally get connected, and you should see what it does to my hair after flooing a few times in one day, hence the bun." she babbled. Then, she reached over to the bedside table and pulled her wand out of the drawer. She said, "Finite Incantatum," trying to undo the Hold-Tight spell she used on her hair, but nothing happened.
"How much did you have to drink last night?" teased Harry, when her spell had no effect on her hair. Hermione sat, thoughtful for a moment, while Harry untied the bun from its' tight restraint. It irritated Hermione, not knowing why the spell didn't work, but suddenly something else occurred to her. Her eyes grew wide and a grin appeared across the sleepy girl's face.
"Harry James! You thought you were coming to wake up someone else!" she said, turning around on the bed to face him. "Who did you want to meet me? Did you say fool around?" Harry nodded, gave her a nervous smile, and held the side of his lip in his teeth. She grabbed his hands and practically squealed. "Tell me, tell me!"
Harry took a deep breath and told her about his week with Sev. He told her about what happened before they were introduced, and his reaction to the news, the times they spent talking, and how they ended up where they're at now.
"Hermione, it's been the best week I could remember in a long time. He's fun to be with, he's witty, considerate, and gentle. Oh, yeah. He's strong as Hell; he picked me right up and, well...he's very strong," said Harry with a blush.
"Oh, Harry," she said softly. "You've fallen."
He dropped his head, staring at their hands together. "Don't say that," he said dejectedly.
"But why? I have to say I am shocked about you two, but I can see it in your face." She had never seen him looking so intense.
"People don't fall in love in one week, and even if they did, it would help if I knew more than this little part of the whole man. If this part even still exists." The closer Monday, or was it Sunday, came, the more nervous Harry was getting about what would come. Sev had given him hope, but he still feared hope.
Hermione hugged her friend tight. She couldn't wait to meet Sev in person, and see the interaction between the two. A familiar knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in, Ron," she called out from the bed.
When he entered the room to find his girlfriend in bed with his best friend, the expression on his face was comical. "Um, Harry, why are you in bed with my... Mione, " said Ron in an attempt to hide his slip.
Hermione pulled up the sheet to cover her nightgown a bit more, and patted the bed beside them, inviting him to join them. "Harry was just telling me about his week. I can't wait to meet everyone. From what Harry tells me, you've reacted very maturely to the whole thing. I'm impressed," she said with a wink, patting his back.
"I think it helps that Ron was here the whole week, to see how things kind of fell into place," said Harry.
Ron coughed, "Saw more than I'd cared to, thank you very much."
Harry laughed when he thought he heard Ron mumble something about Obliviate.
"And how come you get closer to girls now, more than before you came out?"
"Sorry, mate."
Ron wasn't sure if Harry was sorry for what Ron saw, or that he was in Hermione's bed.
"Since we're sitting here discussing my love life, don't you think it's about time you two announced your undying love, and gave each other a proper hello? It's been a week, for God's sake. Have you two ever been apart that long in all the time you've been dating?"
Ron looked shocked. Hermione smiled, and then gave Ron a proper kiss hello.
"We're sorry we didn't tell you, Harry. Are you upset with us?" asked Hermione, taking one of his hands again.
Harry shook his head with a smile. "Of course not. I figured you would tell me when you were ready, and it's been to my advantage that some people didn't know."
They all laughed. It was rumored for a while that Harry and Hermione were dating, and they hadn't bothered to argue the fact because it helped Harry hide his sexuality until he was ready to deal with it. It wasn't an uncommon sight for Harry to sit close to Hermione in the common room. They were good friends, and a great comfort to each other when times were hard. Hermione was thrilled when she found out Harry was gay; that meant she wouldn't have to worry about feeling guilty about her feelings for Ron, and she could be comfortable with Harry, knowing she didn't have to worry about giving him the wrong impression.
Ron pulled her into his arms. The relief on his face was plain to see.
Harry smiled at his friends, his eyes full of emotion. "You make a beautiful couple. I love you guys."
"Aw," cooed Hermione, pulling him into a big hug. Harry squeezed back before pulling away.
"Well, the 'love in' has been fun and all, but I've got to go shower and find Sev," he said, heading for the door. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Ron whispered something into Hermione's ear, and she laughed and slapped him on the arm. "Harry, I'm straight. I do everything you wouldn't do."
Closing the door and locking it, Harry grinned and laughed out loud when he heard Hermione call him a pig.
At breakfast, Harry sat down next to Sev and across from Filius. Sev looked a little off this morning. Hagrid waved with a huge almond & poppy seed muffin in hand, spraying half the table with crumbs.
"Morning Harry, did you see Ron? Did he tell you Hermione is back?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah, I saw them upstairs. I'm waiting for her to tell me why she came back early. She said she would tell me later."
Hagrid stopped smiling, brows furrowing. "I think you need to have a talk with your girlfriend about the company she keeps," said Hagrid, with a curt nod. 'Oh, this should be an interesting story,' he thought to himself. He crunched on his last piece of bacon, looking up at the enchanted ceiling. It was a beautiful day; the sun was shining, there were only a few puffy clouds in the sky. Harry was not surprised that Ron and Hermione didn't show up for breakfast. He put a bunch of muffins in an enlarged napkin and pocketed another napkin before grabbing a pitcher of juice.
"Shall we go outside and soak in the sun?" Harry asked, looking in the direction of Sev and Filius. "Ron and Hermione will probably be down soon enough."
Out by the lake, Harry took the napkin from his pocket and enlarged it to a picnic size cloth, placing the food and drink in the middle. Severus seemed to be nervous about meeting Hermione. Harry didn't worry. Although she did seem shocked when he told her, she was smart, and he knew she would always get all the information she could before making a decision about how she felt. At times, her analytical mind drove him crazy. But then, times like now, it was a comfort. She would see how wonderful Sev is, and all would be OK. But...Sev was off today, and Harry hoped he would be back to himself soon. 'Maybe if I took his mind off of her', he thought.
"Filius, was it strange for you when you found out you were a professor?" asked Harry.
"It wasn't too much of a surprise. After all, we were here, at a school, for holiday. Although, I must admit, a few of my first guesses were a little farfetched," said the little wizard, chuckling. "Do you suppose it would do any harm to tell me about myself a little, since this is the last day and all?" he asked, looking hopeful.
"I guess it couldn't hurt to tell you a few things. What would you like to know?"
"I don't know... the basics I guess, how old am I, am I very different from the man you know?"
Harry gave it some thought. "Hm, well, I know that you were teaching when Ron's oldest brother was here in the 80's, and I think I remember him once saying that you'd been here a long time, even back then, so I guess you're around Hagrid's age, about 70?" Harry laughed when Filius squeaked.
"70! Oh my, I've got quite a few years of growth to my beard!"
"How did you know you usually do have a beard?" asked Harry, making Severus laugh.
"It's an expression Harry," explained Sev. Once again, Harry realized how many things that were common to wizards went right over his head, even though Ron had taught him and Hermione a lot of stuff.
"Let's see what else I could think of...I know, you were once a dueling champion, and you're the Head of House for Ravenclaw." Filius' eyes grew wide. He was pleased to hear that he was Head of House. It spoke volumes of a Professor, to hold such a title. "Actually, Severus is also a Head of House, for Slytherin, " he said with a wink, when Sev looked up, hearing he was also Head of House.
"How old is Severus?" asked Filius, with a conspiratorial grin.
Harry almost gulped. He didn't want to say that Severus was the same age as his Mum and Dad. "He's one of the youngest teachers here. Maybe younger than McGonagall by about 40 or so years." Harry answered, not mentioning that McGonagall was about the same age as Filius. Harry could see that Severus wasn't going to let him off with such a vague answer, but was saved by Hermione and Ron's appearance.
Harry introduced Hermione to Filius and Sev. Grateful for the food, Ron munched on a blueberry muffin while Hermione told Filius how thrilled she was to meet some of her revered teachers as teens.
"It's so easy to think of professors as fixtures in the school, always there. It's easy to forget you're real people, with lives outside of class."
"Yes they're really human, Hermione," Harry teased, just as McGonagall and Hooch walked by. "Well, mostly human," he added, when Hooch glanced over with her yellow eyes. Harry watched Hermione interact with Filius and Sev. Leave it to her to point out, in the first five minutes, what Dumbledore had in mind all along, or at least part of it. He heard Hermione gasp and realized Ron was telling her about the water fight. Ron was making grand hand gestures, and doing a fair impression of Dumbledore standing there with water dripping down into his beard.
"Albus Dumbledore was willing to take a hit for me," Ron said theatrically, with his hands over his heart. Hermione was hysterical, listening to the antics that had gone on throughout the week. Ron looked suddenly at Severus, "I never did get you back for that shot." Ron picked up a piece of fruit, chucking it at Sev. "I cast you back down to the dungeons," he yelled.
Sev snatched the fruit out of the air just as he did Harry's dinner roll that first night in the Great Hall. Severus bit into it, and smiled as the juice from the kiwi dripped down his chin.
Hermione sat, stunned, with her mouth slightly open. 'Who would have thought that Ron and Severus Snape would be joking around? And, God, is that my Potions Professor? He is sexy.' Hermione was interrupted from her immoral thoughts about her teacher when Harry spoke up.
"You never told us about what happened last night. Spill it!"
Hermione blushed; her eyes darted to Flitwick and back again.
Filius stood up. "I think I'll leave, so you children may have your story in privacy," he said with a chuckle. "Sev? Would you like to come along and mingle over there with the faculty?"
Harry and Ron burst out laughing with the little wizard.
Severus shook his head. "I'm not going anywhere. If I play my cards right, I could take off house points for this, the day after tomorrow."
Ron almost fell over at the shocked look on his girlfriend's face.
Harry pulled out his note from Sev. "Do you think you could add to your note here, that you will not kill me, nor my chances at the house cup?"
Severus pulled out his note to himself that he kept with him, and did a near perfect imitation of Harry mocking him. He soon found himself tackled to the ground. Well, they were already on the ground, but he was knocked over. Sev lay, pinned to the ground, smiling up at Harry.
"What do you plan to do with me now?" asked Sev, seductively
"Well, when Ron threw fruit at you, it ended up in your mouth, I've thrown myself at you..."
"Are you calling yourself a fruit, Harry", said Ron "because you hate when I do that. Oh... not in front of me!" yelled Ron, as Sev and Harry kissed.
Hermione just watched. It was the first time they had ever seen their friend acting affectionately with someone out in the open. Harry looked immensely happy. "Do hush, Ron. I could watch those two all day." "You're so cute together." she addressed the new couple.
Severus realized he should consider who's watching them, as he claimed Harry mouth for his own.
"Hermione," Sev said, in a voice that made her glad she was sitting, because she suddenly felt weak in the knees. "I don't do cute." Sev picked Harry up, and sat up to face her. Ron watched his girlfriend melting into a puddle at the sound of Severus' voice.
"Tell us your story, Hermione," Ron said, changing the subject. Not that he was sure he knew what the subject was, but he would rather hear her speaking, rather than making him feel inadequate. Lucky for him, it worked, and she told her story.
"I am never going out with that slut, Hannah Abbott, ever again!" Ron's eyes went wide at her outburst. "I was supposed to floo into the Three Broomsticks to meet her at 8:00. We were to stay for a while, and then I'd spend the night at her house, before heading back today. I get there and she's already sitting with two boys at the table. She had set the whole thing up. Apparently, Kevin wouldn't take her out unless she could find someone for his friend Owen. By 10:30 she had the both of them eating out of her hand, and I'm up at the bar alone, trying to figure out if the front door would be locked here at school. I expect you can't just walk right in here at night, but you know that's not the kind of stuff they tell you about in Hogwarts, a History."
"I win," yelled Harry. Ron shushed him. Hermione turned scarlet and yelled.
"Ronald, you promised not to make bets! Harry, you're encouraging him!"
Sev laughed at their banter. "What did you bet on?" Sev asked.
"How long it would take for her to say it."
Sev looked puzzled.
"Hogwarts (pause) a History!" Harry and Ron chorused.
"Honestly," Hermione said in a huff.
Ron put his arms around her, pulling her close. "We're sorry, sweetie, finish your story. I promise, no more betting on you."
Sev was shaking from holding in his laughter.
"There isn't much else to tell. After a while, Hagrid, who was sitting at the other end of the bar, decided he'd seen enough and took me back to Hogwarts, all the while giving me a lecture on being more careful about with whom I spend my time."
"Hermione, how did you get into the Gryffindor tower? The passwords were changed for the boys. The girls all slept in the Ravenclaw tower this week," inquired Harry, suddenly wondering why she was in her own bed last night.
Hermione's expression was thoughtful. She seemed to be going over something in her head. But couldn't get all the pieces to her puzzle together. "Head Girl and Boy have an override password. We can always get into any common room," said Hermione. Obviously, her thoughts were somewhere else. They sat in silence, enjoying the spring day for a while. Hermione lay with her head on Ron's belly, until she could hear him breathing heavier as he dozed off.
She sat up and looked over to Sev with a smile. He smiled weakly back, but looked away quickly. "Would you like to go for a walk, Severus? You don't mind, do you, Harry?" she asked, taking them both by surprise.
Harry shook his head, not minding. He knew something was up with Sev, and she had obviously been working something out. Since neither of them looked like they were going to tell him, he thought it best to let them sort it out. He'd learned to trust her judgment in the past, and he didn't want to push Sev, since he himself had things he didn't want to talk about.
"Sure, why not," answered Sev, after looking to Harry for his response. Harry sat next to his sleeping friend, just as he had done for him the day before, as he watched Sev and Hermione walk along the perimeter of the lake.
"Did you have a nice holiday, Severus?"
"Yes. You have good friends."
She was quiet for a moment as they walked on. "I've never been closer to anyone, than I am with Ron and Harry. You're meeting them for the first time, so to speak. I'm interested in what your opinion of them is, being our age, yourself, right now."
Severus watched her stop to pick a little yellow flower. "Well...I think Ron is a nice guy, though a little high-strung at times. He was very friendly the first day, until I was introduced. Then he became...protective." He struggled not to say 'jerk'. "He's more relaxed now." Hermione chuckled knowingly. "Harry is," he paused, not sure of what to say. "Special."
She smiled at his words. His eyes spoke volumes. That was a thought she never would have guessed she would have about her Potions Professor. "He is special, as much as he hates to hear it. I think, coming from you, it would mean something more. He's quite taken with you. I can see why." she finished with a blush, receiving a smile in response. "I've never seen you smile before today; it lights up your whole face." They walked a bit more, stopping occasionally for Hermione to pick a small wild flower.
"I didn't ask you to go for a walk to talk about the boys." Severus remained silent, waiting to see what else she would say. "Did you cast an Obliviate spell on me?"
"Excuse me?"
"If I'm wrong, I will apologize. But if I'm right, and you lie, Dumbledore will be able to find out. It's against the law for a professor to cast Obliviate on a student."
Severus took a deep breath. "How did you figure it out?" He was torn between feeling annoyed, and impressed that she had managed to figure it out and was handling it calmly.
"First of all, Harry has known where I sleep for years, but when he bounded onto my bed this morning, he was surprised to see me. Then, I tried to undo the last spell I did on myself, and it didn't work. The third thing I noticed was that a trunk with the initials FF was by the bed across the room. It made sense that you would bunk with Professor Flitwick, but I can't figure out why you didn't choose one of the boys' dorm rooms to sleep in," she said, checking off the clues on her fingers.
"We took the third years' room, but it smelled horrid." Sev pulled a face as he remembered the 13 year olds' stinky room. He left out the fact that the other girls' dorm rooms had posters of unicorns and kittens, but the seventh years' posters were of quidditch pros wearing a lot less than the standard uniforms. It was no contest.
"Severus, what happened that you felt it necessary to take my memory from me?" She asked quietly, but firmly.
"You have it figured out, basically. It was just a misunderstanding, an embarrassing one," said Sev miserably. "Some things are best left alone."
"I'm very uncomfortable with this, and I have the right to my own memories. The Severus Snape I know is an honorable man, and from what Harry tells me, you mean a lot to him. Harry doesn't give of himself freely, so I trust that you wouldn't have done anything to intentionally harm me." The more she thought of it, the more she wanted to know.
Severus resigned himself to the fact that he would have to give her the memory back, though he wished he could lose it himself. "Perhaps you should sit down," he said, taking out his wand. "Are you sure you want to do this? You were very upset; I thought it was for the best." She bit her lip and nodded. Severus recited a stream of Latin words and she suddenly wished she had thought to ask him how one goes about reversing a spell like this one. Thoughts of the spell flew from her mind as a new thought; a memory, was in its place.
-Last night- Hermione's POV
Hermione pulled off her robes and muggle clothing, leaving on her camisole and silky boxers that hung low on her hips. The boxers were a gift for Ron, but the 'I only wear boring white or plaid cotton' boy never wore them, so she kept them for herself. "Huffleslut. See if I help her with finals now. Ron is going to have a hissy fit when he finds out." She said to herself, climbing into bed. As she settled in, moving herself closer to the middle of the bed, she felt the warmth of a tall body spooned next to her. 'How romantic, Ron missed me and is sleeping in my bed.'
Sev was slowly pulled from sleep as he felt a body snuggling up to him. He put his arm around her middle, too sleepy to notice that the 'firm' was now a 'soft' belly.
Hermione gave a happy sigh, as she wriggled against his growing member and he placed soft kisses her shoulder. Sev groaned as a hand fisted around his prick.
'Wow. He did miss me, he's huge!' she thought. "I love you," she whispered.
"Oh... Harry," said Sev, and then he heard a scream.
With a scramble for wands (hers on the bedside table, his under the pillow), they both spoke, almost together.
"Lumos."
"Lumos."
He realized that when he pulled out his wand, there was a cotton nightgown hanging off of it. Apparently, she kept it under her pillow.
She darted out a hand, grabbing the garment from his wand tip, and held it against herself. 'Oh my God! Ron will never forgive me.' She thought as she began to hyperventilate. Tears streamed down her face.
Severus climbed out of bed as unobtrusively as possible. "I'm sorry. Obliviate!"
~End of memory~
Severus sat in the grass at a safe distance from the girl. He watched as her expressions ranged from shock to mortified. Now she sat, shaken, with her hand over her mouth, wiping at the tears that weren't there, suddenly remembering the tears were from the memory. It was as if it just happened, not having had the chance to sift through her emotions of the experience.
"Are you okay?" he asked tentatively.
She stayed silent.
"Do you want me to leave?"
Still silent, Hermione shook her head.
Sev sat in silence as the girl deciphered her feelings about what had happened.
She thought about her actions and how they would affect her relationship with Ron. She was of the belief that secrets should not be kept when in a serious relationship. (Dumb girl) She thought about what would happen if Harry and Severus were to end up together. Would Ron ever be this relaxed around Sev again? Probably not, and that would put a tremendous strain on the friendship between him and Harry. 'I climbed into bed with a professor and stroked his...'
Sev looked up when he heard the gasp. She had her hand over her mouth again in disbelief.
"May I have the parchment in you pocket?" she asked, keeping her voice as steady as possible, which wasn't very.
Sev handed over his notes without a second thought. He watched as she unrolled the scrap paper, found the charcoal pencil inside, and wrote on the back of it. "Some things are best left alone."
She said it aloud as she wrote. "Severus, I -I'm sorry I insisted you do this. You were right."
"Are you certain?" he asked, taking a handkerchief from his pocket and wiping a single tear from her face.
She nodded solemnly.
"Finite Incantatum." The memory was once again gone.
Hermione looked down at the note she had been clutching, read it, recognized her own handwriting, and sighed. She could remember her conversation with Severus after the memory, but not the memory itself. It was an odd sensation. They sat in silence for a while longer. Severus wondered how she would act now. He wasn't overly comfortable with girls. He thought, 'Harry had been so excited for me to meet her; she must mean a lot to him'.
He also thought about the brief moment when he thought it was Harry saying, 'I love you'.
When they walked back to where Ron and Harry were, Severus was greeted by Harry's warm smile. Hermione put her head on Ron's shoulder and cuddled in next to him.
Harry looked around to see if McGonagall, Hooch, or anyone else was around, before pulling Sev down to where he sat. "Everything all right?" he asked softly in Sev's ear.
Sev smiled. "Yes, it is now." Harry smiled again, warmly gazing into Sev's eyes for the longest time. Sev put his hand on Harry's shoulder, sliding up to caress his neck, then into his hair, before slowly pulling him close for a kiss.
Harry closed his eyes as he felt the press of soft lips on his. A hot tongue brushed his lips, asking for entrance.
Neither of them noticed the hazel eyes watching their passionate kiss. Hermione turned back to cuddle with her lover, a contented smile gracing her face.
DETAH 16 - Calm Before the Storm
Chapter Notes
Sometimes you just can't help but break into song...
Oh Monday mornin', Monday mornin' couldn't guarantee
That Monday evenin' you would still be here with me (mamas and the papas)
Like any vacation, eventually enough is enough; there is only so much you can do every day, even at a big castle like Hogwarts. There are only so many days to go flying and so many chess games to play. Several of the teachers decided to see Albus and take their potions early. Filius had asked Severus if he was going to hang around all day, or take advantage of the time they had and reacquaint themselves as professors. He looked at today as 8 - 10 hours of boredom that could be better spent, but Severus was not ready to go back, though he did not tell Filius his reasons.
Severus did not want to give up the last of his carefree Harry time, although it wasn't as carefree as his first few days had been. Harry told him that his older self would have been the first to go back. That evening, Hermione had dragged Ron down to the Great Hall to talk to the professors. Harry and Severus holed up in the seventh years' dorm. When they entered the room, Harry locked the door, put up a silencing charm, and wrapped his arms around Severus, his hands splayed on his back, holding him tight. Severus returned the embrace, holding Harry close, feeling him sigh against his chest. They stayed like that for some time with no distractions, only the near silence of a snowy owl asleep on her perch.
"Would you like to move this to the bed?" asked Severus softly in Harry's ear.
"Not if it means letting go of you," Harry said with his cheek pressed against Sev's chest. Sev smiled and kissed the top of his head before reaching down to grasp Harry's arse, pulling him up off the floor. Legs toned from much flying wrapped tight around his waist. He felt more than heard Harry let out a giggle into his robes. Sev, wrapped in Harry, walked over to the bed, pulled back the curtains and the covers before depositing him on the bed. Harry inched up to the pillow and watched with a smile as Sev used a charm to remove first his, then Harry's clothes, before climbing into bed. Harry rolled over to snuggle against Severus as he had before.
Long, slender fingers carded leisurely through messy black hair. Harry closed his eyes so he could just feel. Thoughts of the past week, and what his Potions Masters' reaction would be, filled his mind. It had taken Harry some time to come to terms with the fact that Sev was Severus. Certainly the professor would also need time to work it out. 'Maybe I shouldn't be around tomorrow' Harry thought. Harry didn't know when the hand massaging his scalp moved to his shoulders and chest. His nipples hardened from the attention.
"It's my last night," said Sev "We should make it special."
"It already is," Harry said, pulling Sev closer.
"Being your last chance and all, would you like to top?" asked Sev with a feral grin.
Harry smiled, but shook his head. "No, after you've taken your potion, you ask me again. But until then, I won't take what isn't truly being offered fully. Ask me again next week," he said with a wink. Harry gazed into Sev's beautiful black eyes. He had long eyelashes that Harry hadn't noticed before this week. "Sev, I know you've only known me a week, kind of, and had this been a normal situation, with two people not in some demented time warp, I wouldn't ask, but ...are we more than sex?"
Severus saw the pleading in those green eyes; they were so full of emotion. 'Was he that unsure of himself?' "Do you really need to ask?" Sev said and gently placed a kiss on his lips.
Harry had never felt like this before; nor had he ever had someone else treat him like Sev did. This was so foreign to him that he was afraid someone was going to suddenly see how happy he was, and rip it away from him. As a child, he had never been permitted to keep anything that made him happy. Dudley would always find renewed interest in a discarded toy that Harry found entertaining. Harry soon found that he would only be allowed to have what no one else wanted, whether it was Dudley's old clothes or even the questionable food on his plate. He suddenly wondered if that had anything to do with his attraction to his Potions Master. Did anyone else want him? Could Harry keep him only if no one saw him enjoying himself? Voldemort was the Dudley of the wizarding world for Harry. He was the one that kept Harry from having happiness each year. Voldemort took Sirius away from him, his last chance at a family. Would he prevent his Sev from being his when they returned to normalcy? Did he really need to ask if it was just sex?
"No."
Severus pulled the covers over them and cuddled into Harry. They were not just sex, not anymore. They spent the night in each other's arms.
Severus found himself waking in a dark room. The candles had burned down, and a peek through the curtains showed that Ron had no intentions of sleeping in his own bed tonight. He doubted Hermione would sleep with the lights off tonight. Interesting girl she was. Sev pulled a robe over his head, padded out of the room and headed for the owlry. There had always been extra parchment and quills in there, just in case. He penned a note to Harry and made his way back to the warm bed where Harry slept. On his return Harry was tossing and turning. He hadn't had a bad dream all week since Monday. Sev wasn't sure why Harry would need potions for bad dreams, but tonight's wasn't nearly as bad as the one he'd seen before. Sev climbed into the bed. Harry was clawing at his neck behind his right ear, as if he was trying to pull a tight shirt over his head. Sev gently pulled his hands away from his now red skin. Harry had scratched it raw. It was the very spot that Sev liked to suck on and lick to make Harry melt in his arms. Green eyes fluttered open to see Sev sitting, watching over him with concern.
"Sorry," Harry said sheepishly.
Sev frowned. "Shh, don't be sorry. Do you need a potion?"
"No, I just had a bad dream is all. I shouldn't think about my family before I fall asleep."
Severus lay back down by Harry's side and pulled him close once again. The next time Severus awoke, he found Harry watching him. He wore a solemn expression. It would be quite a long time before he woke with this man again, if ever. Sev leaned up on his elbow. "Do you think the person you are now will shape the person you become?" Harry shrugged. "You are legally an adult wizard. Do you think you will change to be a completely different person in the next 10, 20, or 50 years?"
"No, I guess not. I can see where you're going with this, but you don't know the life changing decisions you've made, decisions that change a person. I realize that I've not had the chance to get to know you before, so there could very well be a lot of 'Sev' left in your older self. But before this week, I've never seen a glimpse of you, never." Harry reached over to hold Sev's hands. It was surprisingly intimate, considering all that they'd done physically.
"Remember something for me, Severus. I do want to get to know who you are. I've seen what I thought were changes in you this year, but in fact it was just you being a little more relaxed. Give me a chance to get to know the person you've become."
Sev squeezed his hands. "I'll remember."
Harry smiled and kissed his young professor. It occurred to Harry that this might very well be his last kiss for a while. He held Sev's face and pulled him in for a passionate kiss, his lips pressed so hard he could feel the man's teeth. He broke the kiss, then followed it with several little kisses.
In the common room they met up with Ron and Hermione.
"Severus?" Hermione called him over. "I thought you might like this back." She handed him the parchment he'd had in his pocket all week, the one he had been writing down questions on. "I'm sorry if it was private. I didn't realize what it was when I read it until I turned it over to see my note."
Sev shrugged, "It was only questions I'd been curious about. I was wondering if maybe I would know the answers later today when I got my memories back."
"I think you know some of them. A few of them only Ron and myself know, and I wouldn't betray Harry's trust. If you still have questions after tomorrow, I would be happy to tell you about the ones I can," she said with sincerity.
"Thank you, Hermione," he said with a smile.
She returned the smile and suddenly remembered one of the notes he'd made. "You're welcome. It will be nice to have our Potions Master back again," she said with a wink.
Severus smiled wide. He was a Potions Master. He had reached that goal.
Harry had just walked up behind him, whispering so no one else could hear. "Would you like to have breakfast now, Master?"
Severus gulped. He wondered briefly if he could skip breakfast and shag Harry senseless.
At breakfast, Albus smiled at everyone. The twinkle was evident in his blue eyes as he said good morning to the group on this last day of their holiday. "I think it was a fine holiday for all of us." Harry squeezed Sev's leg under the table. "New friendships have been formed. Old friendships renewed." Dumbledore said with a look of accomplishment. The food appeared and everyone began to eat.
It was odd to see Filius Flitwick back to his old self again. It was funny how he didn't look that much different. Older and hairier, but pretty much the same little wizard. Again, Harry felt the unfamiliar feeling of hope come over him. If Filius wasn't much different after fifty years or more, Sev could very well still be a part of Severus Snape, Potions Master. Just maybe, the hard life of a Death Eater turned spy hadn't beat Sev out of existence.
When breakfast was over, Sev turned to Harry. "When will I see you again?"
"I will see you on Wednesday for Potions; any earlier than that is up to you." Harry stood to leave. "Thank you, Severus."
"For what?"
"Hope."
Harry may have been hopeful, but he wasn't stupid. Today, he, Ron and Hermione would leave the castle and stay clear of one Severus 'about to get his memories back' Snape. Being seventh years and legally adults, meant privileges for the trio. They could go into town on the weekend, even if it wasn't the assigned 'Hogsmeade weekend'. They needed only to sign out and get approval from their Head of House or the Headmaster. Dumbledore gave them the okay, and a knowing smile. In fact, the professors that had already 'aged' gave some thought about the week they saw Snape palling around with Harry Potter, and decided to spend the day far from Dumbledore's office, waiting for the inevitable explosion.
Harry and Ron introduced Hermione to the landlord of the first place they had looked at. He liked that one the best, and had decided that he would tell the man he would take it. Hermione looked around, checking the views and the few muggle appliances that were in place, while Ron pointed out the floo and the layout of the room in relation to the fireplace. Harry hadn't considered that he would be talking to people in the fire, and it made sense to consider such things. Ron, having grown up in the wizarding society, would think of those things before Harry. It reminded him that he needed to talk to Hermione about a class he'd seen in her school brochure. After Harry signed a lease, Hermione dragged them to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions to select dress robes for the Seventh Year Formal. Ron proudly stated that he already had his robes, and they were spectacular. Truth be told, Bill had outdone himself and picked out the nicest robes Harry had seen, not that he'd been to many formal occasions, but there had been a few. Ron would look good in them.
"Harry, you're not even paying attention," said an exasperated Hermione. She was holding up two dress robes for Harry to see.
"The blue one is fine," he said, not really looking that closely at the robes. He didn't particularly care. The one he wanted to dance with he couldn't, even if the man wanted to. 'Would he want to?' Harry looked at his watch, wondering if Sev has already changed back.
The Headmaster held the door to his office open for an anxious Severus. He gestured to a chair and the young Potions Master sat, almost as gracefully as the older version would have, making the old wizard smile. It was like he'd gone back in time himself, a happier time.
"Are you ready to return to your life, Severus?"
"Yes sir," he said, as he shifted around in the chair.
Albus smiled again. "Good, I will be performing the charm that will unite your new memories with your previous memories. When the charm is complete, you will drink your potion, returning you to your former self... or should I say future self?" said Albus, with a chuckle. Albus reached into his robes for his wand. When he looked back up, Severus was drinking the vial of potion. "Severus, you were supposed to wait for the charm."
Sev made a face at the horrible taste of the potion. He saw Albus looking slightly disappointed. He hated that look. "I know I was supposed to wait, but I had this note from myself when I first got here, and well..." Sev handed over the note to the Headmaster. All the professors had notes to themselves; the notes were there as a reassurance to themselves.
Albus quickly read the note.
1. Don't embarrass yourself.
2. Lose the potion, you die!
3. Drink vial before charm.
4. Avoid McGonagall.
Albus gave Severus a tired smile, and watched the teen Sev morph back into adult Severus. "Welcome back, Severus," said Albus, the twinkle in his eyes returning. He had missed the younger man. Younger, but now in his thirties again.
"It's good to be back Albus," Severus said with a rare smile. He knew that since it seems like he never left, that he had taken the potion before the charm like his note had said. He was feeling particularly smug at the moment, thinking to himself, 'I know how this potion works, Albus. I made it. You say the charm; I have whatever happy holiday memories you contaminated my head with in the forefront of my mind, along with the emotions that go with them. Doing this my way, I return in command of my own mind. Then you do the charm and fill in the fun filled week, as you will surely insist.'
Albus was only slightly disappointed things hadn't gone exactly as planned. Sure, Severus had manipulated things so his new memories would not be his highest priority, but Albus knew the important thoughts and memories would meander their way to his fullest attention. Yes, the twinkle was back.
"If you're ready, Severus?"
He had been standing in front of the Headmaster's desk, his arms folded across his chest, his thin lips in a smirk. He was now several inches taller than 'Sev', but a quick wave of his wand lengthened and expanded his robes to accommodate the form of the now fully-grown man.
Albus raised his wand when he received a nod, performed the spell, and took a step back.
Severus stood in his usual dignified manor. He arms still crossed, smirk in place. The smirk was the first thing to go, as the memories began to flood his brain. The arms were suddenly not held so tight. His right hand reached down to the desk for balance, while his left hand was held against his temple, his fingers at weird angles, as if he were riddled with arthritis.
"Would you like a cup of tea, child?"
Severus' head snapped up as if he had forgotten the other man was there. He took a deep breath before pulling on the mask of indifference he wore for the rest of the world. "No, I need to prepare for classes."
Albus nodded knowingly. He would be in his office all day, waiting for when his Potions Master decided to ask the questions that were now forming in his head.
Anyone who had the misfortune of being in the same corridor as Severus Snape would feel his wrath. The few that were, practically hugged the wall on the opposite side to put as much distance as they could between themselves and the Fury that was the Slytherin Head of House. One naive first year said hello as she passed. He responded with a growl and punched the next suit of armor he passed.
Minerva flinched as the clatter of armor spread out across the floor. 'Severus is back', she said to herself with a smile. She had already had the day to deal with her own embarrassment at flirting with a few boys over the week. She was now free to enjoy tormenting Snape for his befriending the prize Gryffindor. She was aware of the benefits of his friendship with Potter, and now saw Albus' tactics for what they were, but that wouldn't keep her from having a little fun with her rival. Every year she and Snape would have bets on house cups and quidditch games. They were constantly there to harass each other. It was a mutual relationship with which they were comfortable.
"Welcome back," said the portrait. Severus grunted and looked at the now bleeding hand that had destroyed the suit of armor and dented a statue near the entrance to the dungeons. "No one has passed since you left," the portrait assured him, and opened when the password was given.
He closed his door, spelled it locked, and locked again. He could not be bothered with a silencing charm. No Slytherin students had remained for the holiday; no one would come around to hear. Looking around his rooms, he could see that all was just the way he left it. Everything was clean and orderly. The house elves had kept the place dust free. Severus picked up a crystal figurine that decorated his sitting room. It was a figure of a snake, round at the bottom where the snake was coiled and up from the middle the head rose with mouth open, fangs at the ready to make the deadly strike. It had been a gift from a graduating student, many years back. She was especially good at potions, and had wanted to thank him for being nice to her. Like Harry, she too saw subtle changes in him during her seventh year. He looked for a moment at the well-crafted figurine.
"I am not nice!" he roared before throwing it across the room, taking pleasure in the sound it made as it smashed against the wall of stone.
DETAH 17 - The Storm
Severus continued to storm around the dungeons for the next three hours, smashing things every twenty minutes or so. He continued on this path, muttering to himself all the while. Currently he was pacing the potions classroom with memories of the week flashing in his mind. It was worse than the flashbacks he used to have from when he was a Death Eater, before he'd turned spy; to do such things, to happily defile a student mindlessly and all the while under the care of Albus Dumbledore. Did the man who seemed to know everything truly know everything? He wanted to go up to the twinkle-eyed monster and scream, "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" He put a randy teenager in a dorm full of boys and said, "Have a great holiday!" Damn you Albus!
Severus shook his head. No, this was not all his fault, though I will never tell him otherwise. He had wanted to introduce everyone first thing at dinner when they arrived. Ha... Potter never would have come near me if he knew right off whom I was. 'Merlin had I even unpacked before...' The memory of pressing the young Gryffindor up against the wall for their first kiss filled his mind. Harry had been coy and careful not to allow them to go too far too fast. 'I had been the aggressor', he thought angrily to himself, as another beaker met its end against the wall of the potions classroom.
After ice creams Hermione dragged the boys to the bookstore. She and Harry were talking about the course he wanted to take at the school she was going to after she graduated Hogwarts.
"What do you mean you've taken the class already? Why didn't you tell me about it? I would have gone with you." Harry protested. He was referring to a class that muggle born wizards attended to acquaint themselves with Wizarding customs and traditions.
"I went over the summer last year." That was really all she had to say. Harry was recovering most of the summer and had been too emotionally drained from Sirius' death to do anything more than eat, sleep and count the dots on the ceiling of the infirmary.
"If it makes you feel better Harry, there is a grade requirement, and I don't think you would have qualified." My extra Arithmancy class was just enough for me, and it's twice the points you get from Divination."
"Oy Harry," said Ron. "Maybe if you had actually died like in the predictions, Trelawney would have given you extra points."
"Ronald! Don't say such things," scolded Hermione. Harry and Ron continued to laugh as she huffed into the bookstore ahead of them.
"Hey Ron, I just got a great idea for the twins. Trick tea leaves. Guaranteed to show a grim in every cup!" They received a look from their friend as they entered the store laughing. "Relax Hermione, it's a book store, not a library."
An hour or so later the trio started walking back. They were starting to get tired, bored, and ready to go back. Harry hissed in pain; his hand rose automatically rubbing his scar. His two friends waited to see if it would get worse, but the pain came and went just as quickly. Harry assured them he was fine, and wondered what was going on with Voldemort.
"Dad said there would be a lot of trials coming up this month. Most of the Death Eaters that were caught last summer had trials, but some were still left, and a few of them had given up names of other Death Eaters who were now going to have a trial." Ron paused, looking at his friend where the scar was peaking out past his hair. "It might be a tough time for you," he said thinking about how much pain Harry could receive during that time if the trials convict a lot of dark followers. "Um... Harry, you are a little low on your potions supply aren't you?" said Ron with a blush. He was trying to delicately remind his friend that he had used up some of his supply with Sev. Harry felt just a tinge of pink on his cheeks as he nodded.
"We need to get more without Pomfrey finding out," said Harry. This is when Hermione chimed in.
"Don't tell me you two did something as childish as taking pain potion. You know, that stupid Hufflepuff is still in St Mungo's detox ward."
"I'm not the one inappropriately using potions," said Ron pointedly. He hadn't been able to embarrass Harry in a long time, and now that he knew Harry knew about him and Hermione dating for a long time, he was getting payback for all the times Harry harassed him about his letters from her. Harry glared at the redhead.
"Ron shut up!" Harry yelled incredulously. Hermione watched the exchanges of various accusing looks and glares.
"What?" asked Hermione laughingly? "What did you do?"
"Makes sense," said Ron, "he is a potions master." Harry turned redder; he couldn't believe Ron was having so much fun with this. It may be time for a rubber spider in his bed.
"Ron, that's personal," said Harry thin lipped and rolling his eyes toward Hermione.
"I don't get it. How can taking a pain potion be personal?" Ron was hyperventilating with laughter at her question. Harry pulled her aside, away from the now hysterical Ron.
"Hermione," he paused looking at Ron and back to her, not letting Ron see him smiling. "What the PRAT is trying to say," 'What the hell, may as well go for shock value', he thought. "It wouldn't be personal if the pain potion was used orally." Hermione lowered her brows thinking that through for a moment. She blinked in realization of what he was implying. Her mouth opened wide, a hand clapped over it.
"Oh my God, Harry! I can't believe it. When? You really did?" she squealed and threw her arms around him, rambling on, "Oh Harry, I knew you wanted to wait. You didn't want it to be just anybody. He must mean so much to you. I can't believe it," She repeated. "Oh, and after the last date with what's his name...the strawberry blond, I didn't think you would get close enough to someone for a while. He was too self centered to take care of your needs...I can't wait for later so you can tell me all about it. We'll pick up some butterbeer to bring back with us." Harry laughed at her rambling, while Ron had stopped laughing about half way through.
"How do you know all these things about Harry's ... well, his dates and things?"
"Honestly Ron, just because you have a 'no details' rule," she bent her fingers in quotation marks, "doesn't mean I don't want to hear it." Ron gaped at her.
"I don't want my girlfriend hearing all the details about that kind of stuff," he said pulling a face. "Ew, it's just..."
"Grow up Ron," she said, effectively cutting him off. "Did you honestly think it was Pansy that gave me pointers on most the things I do?" Ron's eyes went wide. He didn't want to know how she knew how to do that thing she does with her tongue, only that she had only done it to him. Hermione had been tempted to tell him about the demo Harry did for her using a well-formed banana, but thought that would send Ron over the edge.
When everyone had calmed down, they realized the reason this started was Harry's need for more pain potion. They attempted to purchase some, but the shopkeeper wouldn't sell it to them. Although they were adults in the wizard world they were still students and it was a restricted item. 'Damn that Hufflepuff, idiots like him ruin it for everyone else'. While they were waiting in line an owl swooped into the apothecary. Harry froze when he heard the clerk call out to the resident potions maker.
"Must have been another explosion at Hogwarts potions lab. There's a big order here replacing all sorts of glass beakers, vials, and such." The three friends left the shop in silence.
"Maybe a meal at The Three Broomsticks would be good idea, no reason to hurry back," Ron suggested. No one argued.
During the quiet meal, Harry contemplated what he could do to get to know Severus, assuming he doesn't have him expelled first. Meanwhile back at Hogwarts, a large tawny owl delivered a message to Albus Dumbledore.
Dear Albus,
I do hope this finds you well. From the recent orders I can only hope Severus is still in one piece. I am sorry to bother you, as you have more pressing matters at hand, but I'm afraid this must be brought to your attention. The youngest Weasley boy, Ronald I believe, was in my apothecary today attempting to purchase pain-killing potions. As you know my normal policy is to alert the parents, but as Arthur is a good friend of us both, I felt it best you handle the matter personally. Certainly a formal letter to the Weasley household would have to go on record, and I'm sure you'll agree that's not necessary. I trust you will handle the issue at hand. Thank you for your attention in this matter. Yours truly,
Ferdinand Jiggers of Slug & Jiggers Apothecary
Albus sighed and placed the letter in his desk drawer. He would have to look into this. A note thanking Mr. Jiggers for bringing this to his attention, assuring him he had done the right thing in contacting him was sent back out with the tawny owl. Albus decided he needed to deal with the more pressing matter first, and threw some powder into the fireplace.
"Severus," said Albus, deciding it was time for them to have a talk. As soon as he spoke the name a glass vial containing some green substance shattered on the mantle, nearly showering the headmaster. "Severus! I think you need to come to my office so we can discuss this over a cup of tea." Snape growled and sent sparks to the other corner of the room. It was out of Albus' line of vision, but from the sound of the squeak, some poor house-elf, trying to clean up, was just frightened from the room. Albus stepped from the fireplace into the room. "I don't see why you're so upset, you got along with Harry splendidly. What is it that upsets you the most?" Severus stopped pacing for a minute.
"The fact that I can't get my hands on a time turner."
Albus sighed. "You're overreacting. Do you remember our conversation by the lake Tuesday? You need only to be honest with yourself. If you don't hate Harry, tell him so, and we can get on without all this nonsense," the headmaster said, gesturing to the broken glass all around the outskirts of the room.
"It's not that simple," said Severus, still pacing around the room.
"Yes it is. You need to get out, get some fresh air and calm down. Why don't you save a few owls the trip and go pick up your order at the apothecary." Severus looked surprised for a moment. 'How did the man know I put an order in?' Severus thought to himself. He wanted to argue, but Albus' suggestion for a walk was closer to an order. Knowing the old man wouldn't let up, he went for his walk.
As Severus walked to the edge of the wards to apparate, he passed that spot by the lake. He thought that he may see Harry sitting there, waiting for the sun to set. But no, he was not there. Severus refused to think if that was disappointment he was feeling. 'Almost sunset, another hour or so, and the train arrives, and once again the halls will be full of obnoxious students. Albus is a senile old man if he thinks everything is so simple'. If he were to be truthful with himself, Sev hadn't given it much thought if he hated Harry or not. He was still too irritated over the whole thing to think if he hated the boy, well- man, if he was being honest. Severus rarely allowed himself to feel too much, and the memories of this week were an overload of emotions he'd thought were long since dead in him. For all his many hats, Death Eater, spy, Order member, and professor, it was a matter of self-preservation that you didn't allow yourself something as frivolous as caring for another person too deeply. Or perhaps that was an excuse he used to keep people at bay?
Harry sat facing the window in The Three Broomsticks. Hermione and Ron sat together opposite Harry. Hermione spoke of how jealous she was that Harry and Ron both could apparate, but her parents wanted her to wait longer before taking the test. Harry was only half-heartedly listening; he was still thinking about Sev. At first he thought it was because he was thinking of him so much that he was starting to see people that looked like Snape. But no, there walking down the street was the tall, dark, contemplative looking man. Harry watched the brooding potions master walk along deep in thought. He seemed to glide when he walked. Harry wondered if he had to work at it to make his robes flow behind him like that, or if he did it effortlessly. Looks effortless. Harry watched Sev's arms at his sides barely swinging, and his button up shirt just visible at the top. His emotionless face...was staring right at him. Harry startled. He didn't realize the man had seen him. Harry blinked a few times in surprise, and offered weak smile. Severus glared and strode off quickly.
The sky was not bright, the pub was well lit; that allowed for Severus to spot those bright green eyes at a distance. Harry had been gazing out the window looking particularly lost in thought. It had been obvious when the boy had spotted him. It was a strange sensation knowing someone is checking you out. 'When was he going to realize that I see him doing it? Ha, now he knows. His expressions are so easy to read, the blush looks good on him. He is unsure, but smiles at me, and I feel the corners of my mouth begin to curl. Quickly the mask is up. I am furious at myself. I see him for two minutes and almost smile. 'Damn him. I don't smile!'
"Damn Potter, and I can't kill him!" he muttered.
"No Severus, we can't, but don't worry, his time will come," came the familiar drawl. Snape's head snapped up to see his old partner in crime.
"Lucius, Draco," Snape said with a brisk nod. I'm off my mark if they can approach without my notice. To be this distracted is dangerous.
"Hello Professor," said Draco politely. Always polite, he was a Malfoy after all.
"Busy week at the Ministry, Lucius?"
"Why yes, very busy," Lucius said with malevolence. "Nott's trial will be at the end of this week; the outcome will be significant," he paused. "For either side." Severus did not speak, but slowly nodded in concurrence.
DETAH 18 - Looking for answers
Chapter Notes
"The list" Sev has consists of questions he asked himself over the week of his holiday. I think they were all mentioned in the chapters as each day progressed.
Severus Snape entered through the big oak doors of the main entrance, his mind still on Lucius. It was a relatively uneventful meeting. Lucius had been there to buy his spoilt brat something to keep him quiet for a time. It was lucky for him, that of all people to hear him spout off about wanting to kill The Boy Who Lives, it was Lucius' ear the comment fell upon. Surely, he would report that little comment, only placing me in a better position, unless he were to think I planned it that way. Fortunately or unfortunately, however you look at it, it was obvious to Lucius that I wasn't myself. It was all a verbal game this evening. He would never speak of important matters in front of Draco, unless it was to intentionally get the boy to believe he was being brought in as a part of something when Lucius needed a favor from his son.
Albus, who all but ambushed him, interrupted Severus' thoughts of his Malfoy run-in. Severus handed over his packages to a house elf. Albus beckoned, giving him orders to deliver the package to the dungeons while the Potions Master joined him for a cup of tea. Severus soon found himself settling into a chair across from Albus' desk, accepting a cup of Dragonwell. He bit into a biscuit and it occurred to him that he never accepted the treats that the old man offered. Had he offered? Did he just give it to me and I ate it without thinking? Sure, there were times when the old coot had gotten his hands on a bag of cookies that looked sinfully rich, full of chocolates and nuts, but he would always decline.
"I am so off my mark," said Severus more to himself than Albus.
"It would appear that your transition back to your older self has not been a smooth one." Sev glared and put down the biscuit he had forgot he was holding, brushing off the non-existent crumbs from the front of his robes. 'Why is it so difficult for you to show yourself enjoying that?' thought Albus silently, watching Severus rid himself of the treat. "It's the simple pleasures in life that make it worth living." The last comment was not something Albus would normally say to the other, but that's what this meeting was all about, after all.
"I've enjoyed myself enough for one week. Thank you very much."
"I think you are being hard on yourself, Severus. What is really bothering you about your holiday?"
"Albus, I spent the entire week with your Golden Boy!" Severus was fuming to see the blue eyes twinkling more than ever.
"You wanted this to happen, Albus, I know how you work. You think that if you send me in as a clueless teen, I'll befriend Harry like everyone else, and all would be fine for our future endeavors as Order members. But, I really want to know, Albus. Did you plan all of it? Or didn't you expect us to become so close?" asked Severus in an ominous tone. Albus calmly sipped his tea, and nibbled on a biscuit. It infuriated the younger man.
"Is it so horrible that you two got along better than I expected?"
So he hadn't planned All of it. But, how much? Sev asked himself. "Did you know that Harry was gay?" 'Did you know he was a virgin? Was being the operative word here!' Severus was so busy with his internal rant, he almost missed that fact that the Headmaster was talking to him.
"No Severus, I was not aware of his sexual preference. Although, with the school almost empty, it allowed Mr. Potter a chance to relax and be himself. I realized after a while that he was quite taken with you."
"It's obscene, Albus," Severus practically growled.
"You could make a good couple. I saw nothing obscene about it, Severus."
'You didn't see him in the shower.' Severus almost slapped his hand on his mouth. He mentally replayed the last line, making sure he hadn't said that aloud. He would not lose it now. He was always in control of his mind and body; he would not think that way. He would not think of Harry in the shower. Severus kept telling himself that, but the mere thought of Harry in the shower was having its effects. Severus now held his hand on his temple, much like he had when Albus spoke the charm that returned his memories.
"How could you say that?" A good couple? "Honestly Albus, I sometimes think you're a few Tarot cards short of a full deck."
Albus ignored the comment and picked up a biscuit to nibble.
"I say that because it is true. Harry will finish at Hogwarts in a matter of two months, and you will be working closely together. I think you owe it to him and yourself to be honest about your feelings."
"Albus, my feelings are irrelevant. Harry spent the week with my eighteen-year-old self, a mindless one at that. I'm not that person. Hell, Albus, I was never that person, I always had something to keep me from relaxing and opening up."
"Your feelings should never be irrelevant, Severus. I know you have this deep seated feeling of repentance, but you know how I feel about that already."
Yes* yes*. You think I've paid my debt, and should allow myself to live again. Not bloody likely.
"If you think Harry doesn't know you, then let him know the person you are now."
'Oh, by all means Albus, I'll just open myself up to him. So when he sees the man I am and runs screaming, I'm left exposed and alone, again', thought Severus, but didn't speak.
An extended silence and several biscuits later, Albus let out a sigh. "Severus, might I suggest you bring your thoughts of last week and now together?" Severus looked at him, perplexed. "Do you still have the parchment you were taking notes on?" Sev felt the folded paper through his robe pocket, and nodded. "Find the answers to your questions, Severus. When you have all your answers, you will know how you truly feel. Then your emotions will not be torn, and you can act on what you feel is for the best."
Severus nodded and stood to leave. He did not speak. Albus was right about at least one thing; he would have to get his questions answered. At least then he would have his head straight and be in control again. He still wanted to scream at the old man, tell him what he and Harry had done, but not tonight. It would wait until he had his head straight and could enjoy it more. If he played his cards right, he may be able to shock the old man.
Albus did not smile as his child left his office, knowing it would only infuriate him more, but the twinkle was back. It would take a long time for Severus to come to terms with this, and it was just as well, since Harry would still be a student for another couple months. As the door was pulled closed, the smile appeared. Not once had Severus referred to the young man as 'Potter' when using his name, but Harry throughout the entire conversation. Yes, it would take some time, but things would work out.
As most of the students were unpacking from their holiday and getting prepared for the first day of class tomorrow, Harry, Ron and Hermione sat in the common room. Harry didn't take his usual spot leaning against Hermione. He blamed the heat, but truth be known, if he couldn't cuddle with Sev, he didn't feel like leaning on anyone else at the moment. Ron assumed that since Harry knew about them now, he could rightly take his spot on the couch alongside his girlfriend. They spoke of mostly inconsequential things; Harry spent most of the time thinking of what he could do to get through to Sev. At least he tried to think of ways to work it out, but all he ended up thinking about was the changes that there would be between 'Sev' and 'Severus' in his current state. Harry felt a flutter on his chest; it was the snitch shirt the twins gave him. The red tee had a golden snitch on it that occasionally fluttered around the bold black letters that read 'What A Catch!' It was a tight-fit shirt, making him shudder if the snitch flew over his nipple too much. Thoughts of Sev laving at the hardened nub raced through his mind. A hot tongue was alternating between licking and soft bites to his flesh. Nibbling and sucking a path up along his neck, up to the very sensitive skin behind his right ear. Harry's tight black jeans were increasingly tighter and he fought back a groan as he felt warm air blowing over his neck and ears. It suddenly occurred to Harry that it was real; the hot breath he was feeling was the air blowing from behind him. He turned around to see Hermione at the open window receiving an owl. It was a large brown school owl.
"Who's that from? We just saw everyone at dinner," said Ron curiously. Hermione opened the envelope carefully. The only people she knew that sent owls that weren't at the school now were the rest of the Weasley's. The handwriting was far too elegant to belong to one of the twins. She recognized it quickly from her Potions essays as Severus'.
Inside the envelope were a note and a smaller envelope with Harry's name on it. Hermione read the note and smiled. Ron and Harry looked at her expectantly, but she said nothing and pocketed the notes.
"Well?" Ron asked.
"Well what?" She asked impishly. Ron threw his hands in the air in exasperation. Hermione laughed at how dramatic and impatient Ron could be. "You, dear Ron, need to learn the difference between keeping secrets from one another, and allowing each other some privacy. The words were firm, but the smile never left her face. Ron settled back down, looking to Harry for sympathy.
"Don't look at me, mate. I know not to cross that woman," said Harry, kidding his friend as he watched the other walk up the stairs to her dormitory. "You know," said Harry with a pause. "Since her lines have rounded out, Hermione has a nice arse." Ron, who was also checking out Hermione retreating up the stairs, was now gaping at Harry.
"I thought you weren't into girls." Ron's face was contorted with expression. He wasn't sure how he felt about Harry checking out Hermione's arse. He was comfortable with their physical closeness only because he knew that Harry would never think of her the way he did.
Harry watched his friend's expression with amusement. He sat back in his big comfy chair, stretching one leg over the armrest. "Ron, I don't have to be sexually attracted to someone to appreciate his or her form." Harry had become very confidant in himself, and comfortable with some things Ron was still working through.
"It's just a bit weird hearing you talk about Mione like that."
"If it will make you feel better, I'll keep all comments about her body to myself, or at least not say them in front of you," he said with a wink. "Does this mean you don't want Hermione and me talking about your body either?" Harry couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculous look on Ron's face. His eyes were wide, and his mouth was open, but his lips were still together. Harry briefly wondered how Hermione could kiss a mouth that made such stupid expressions. Ron, on the other hand, had mixed feelings. While on one hand, the thought of his best friend, a guy, discussing his body with his girlfriend freaked him out, yet he couldn't help but be curious. Ron, after all, did relish the times when he was the center of attention.
"You and Mione talk about me? About m-my body?" he asked sheepishly, unsure if he really wanted an answer to that question.
Harry smirked. He would have just a little bit of fun with him. Harry leaned back and visually took in Ron's body, clearly checking him out from head to toe. His eyes were on their second pass of inspection of his friend when Ron squirmed and fidgeted on the sofa. He would not let Ron suffer too much.
"Relax Ron, I'm just winding you up." Ron gave a sigh of relief. "She just tells me how much she enjoys tall men, like yourself."
It was true, she had said that, along with a lot of other things they discussed, but Harry knew better than to say too much. Ron would probably freak if he knew how much detail he and Hermione had gotten into during their conversations.
"Hey," Harry said, having a thought. "We still get our date night after we finish at Hogwarts, don't we?"
At the beginning of their last year, Ron had hooked up with several other good chess players. They met once a week to play, and it soon became Harry and Hermione's time to spend together. That was when rumors of them dating had begun. It started out as a night for them to review classwork, but soon turned into butterbeer nights of Harry spilling secrets of his dates with the guys he'd seen. Hermione was enthralled with hearing about Harry's experiences and how he felt about his various relationships, if you could call them that. They talked about everything from love to how to please a man. Some days they would talk about nothing but the future they hoped to have, while other nights Harry would describe in great detail how to use your tongue to make a man melt into a puddle. Hermione was no prude, but having grown up with no brothers or sisters, and two boys for friends, she hadn't had the chance to have 'girl talk' like most girls do. Harry's coming out was the turning point in their relationship. It wasn't a bad set-up for Ron either. He may not have known what they talked about on those nights, but Harry certainly noticed a little extra spring in Ron's step the night following 'date night'. What's the use in being a quick study without the practical experience, after all?
"Date night? Oh yeah, I was thinking about that myself, actually. Between you and me, Harry, I think Hermione must miss me the night I go play chess, 'cause the next night she usually makes up for it, if you know what I mean." Harry just shook his head.
Many flights of stairs below the Gryffindor tower, deep in the dungeons, was a Potions Master in his private chambers, reviewing the questions he had asked himself over the last seven days. He sat at a desk off to the side of his sitting room. It was a small desk used for personal activities, letters, his calendar, and other things he liked to do in a quiet setting. Unlike his large 'work' desk in his office that was full of papers to grade, ingredient list, and Potion Masters of Britain monthly journals.
He leaned back in his high back leather chair, reviewing his list. At first his eyes swam across the wrinkled parchment, getting aggravated again as his thoughts went in several directions. I will think this out systematically. I will get the answers, then when I have all my information straight, I will tell the boy to bugger off. Happy with his plan, Severus pulled out a clean sheet of parchment and sectioned it off in three categories. 1) Questions I know the answers to, 2) Questions I will ask Albus, and 3) Questions I will have to research. His thought went to Hermione Granger and her offer to help him with some of the answers if he should need her assistance. He would avoid her, but inwardly he gave her credit for handing the embarrassing situation between them very maturely. Her ability to research the facts and think things through before allowing her emotions to cloud the issues would always benefit her, and was a needed counterbalance to the reactions of her Weasley boyfriend.
The rewritten list went as follows, give or take a question that may occur as he sorted things for himself.
1) Was Harry out of the closet?
2) Does Albus know he's gay?
3) Why did Dobby fear him?
4) Do I know why Harry takes potions?
5) Do I remember Sirius Black?
6) What do I know about the attack at his home?
7) Why were there bars on Harry's windows?
8) Harry is ticklish. (Just a little info stored away for future reference.)
9) Why did I have to leave the hospital, but not Ron?
10) Is Tuesday a good day to help Hagrid with the flying horse?
11) Why did I not reach my goal to become a Potions Master?
Q1: Was Harry out of the closet? Severus read the question, thinking he'd figured that out already. When he wrote that question, it was before Harry had told him of his past experiences, or lack thereof. Harry had been convincing him of how much his older self had done for him, and that, according to Harry, was worth the irrevocable gift he had given Severus. 'How could he possibly think I'm special?' Severus asked himself. He picked up the cup of tea, and was about to hurl it in the air at the wall across the room, when he took another deep breath, took a sip of tea and placed the cup down again. It felt good returning to being the man who had perfected self-control as an art form. Originally he had gone to the liquor cabinet, but thought better of it. He needed a clear head and a nice calming tea; he would need all the help he could get. His mind wandered. Severus did truly enjoy treating himself to things like the sweet biscuits Albus ate, but only in the comfort of his private quarters where he didn't have eyes on him to see that he was in fact human. OK, back to the questions or this would take 'till the Leaving Feast and then it wouldn't matter. Severus was thinking that idea had merit; he could ignore it and it would go away. No, perhaps not. Question 1 was marked as things he knew. Q2: Did Albus know he was gay? Severus thought for a moment and realized he wasn't sure whom he meant when he had written the question. It was one of the first questions he'd asked himself. Most likely, he was referring to himself; but it didn't matter now. Albus had known Sev was gay for years, and now knew of Harry also. On to number 3. Severus snorted as he read the question again. 'Damn house elf had better fear him!' Severus made a mental note that the house elf had answered his questions because he assumed his older self knew the answers anyway. The creature seemed quite attached to Harry; he would be good to question. Where did the elf get the potions? What was the policy on this? Students were not allowed to keep a store of potions on hand. Once again, The Boy Who Lives was given special treatment. That thought had come so unconsciously that Severus had to shake his head for a moment to reevaluate how his reactions changed while on autopilot. His memory of Harry's 'bad dream' was startling. Why didn't he know about the dreams? Were his dreams about the attack on his home, Black getting killed? He would tell Harry about what he knew of that day, but when?
As Severus thought about the first few questions, he realized he had the answers to some, but others only caused more questions. Severus held his head in his hands. This would not be as cut and dried as he had hoped. 'Hope. The one thing Harry said he did not allow himself. The very thing he thanked me for giving him. He gave me his secrets, he gave me himself, and what did I give him in return? Hope.' Sev squeezed his eyes shut.
This time the teacup did meet the wall.
Severus stepped over the shards of china that was once his cup, entered his bedroom, and dropped his robes. He climbed into bed, knowing sleep would evade him tonight.
DETAH 19 - Ten Points From Gryffindor
Chapter Notes
For xikum, who makes me look beta.
Severus lay in bed, unable to sleep. Maybe it was the many things on his mind, or perhaps it was that he missed sleeping with his limbs entangled with those of an able-bodied quidditch player. He even thought to put up a silencing charm when he crawled into bed. 'It's absurd; we didn't spend that many nights sleeping together. Well, there was the time he slept by my side at the lake. Where did Harry go that day with Ron and his Mum?' Severus thought to himself. The sound of his bedchamber door opening startled him. Harry smiled brightly at Sev; only his green eyes could outshine his smile. Severus hadn't noticed what Harry was wearing when he entered the room, but when Harry climbed on the bed he wore only a grin.
"I missed you," he murmured.
"Harry, you shouldn't be here, there are rules..." Harry's tongue assaulted his mouth. Severus could hardly breathe with Harry ravishing his mouth with intensity.
"Rules don't apply to me," said Harry, nipping at Sev's nipple.
"How did you get in?" Sev shivered when Harry nipped harder. "The wards, did you get past my wards?"
"Are you going to keep worrying about every little thing that in the end doesn't matter, or are you going to relax and enjoy what we could have?"
Whatever Severus was going to say vanished from his mind. The words on the tip of his tongue were soon replaced by moans of ecstasy as Harry engulfed his entire shaft in one go. He released a shuddered breath as Harry pulled back sucking hard, and plunged down again, taking in every inch without effort. Sev fisted his hands in Harry's hair, quickening the pace. He was getting close to orgasm. The sensation was almost too much, hot wet mouth sucking hard, the locks of hair between his fingers, the burning pain on his forearm. Pain? The sensation of Pleasure was ebbing away as the awareness of Pain increased. Severus woke with a start as he realized his nighttime visitor was only a dream. He unconsciously rubbed his arm where the dark mark burned. It didn't hurt terribly, since he was not being called. It was merely a reminder of his servitude. It usually meant he would be called soon; something must be going on to aggravate the dark lord. Perhaps it was the upcoming trials.
Severus opened a cabinet in his spacious bathroom, pulling out a large green towel. His bathroom was more luxurious than most would think a 'greasy git' would enjoy. In fact it was nicer than most of the professors baths; but then he was the only professor coming back from Death Eater meetings in need of a soak in a hot bath. In the corner of the room was a large glass shower stall. It had several showerheads aiming from different directions. He climbed into the hot shower. One stream of water rained over his head, while the other two massaged his back.
It was then that he realized that he still had a hard-on from his dream. 'Infuriating boy', he thought. 'How many times am I going to find myself in the shower with an erection due to him?' Severus lathered up, closed his eyes and let the memories of his dream flood his mind. Sure it was conflicting to be enraged about what happened this week and still think about it while masturbating in the shower, but he would deal with conflict later; for now only thoughts of Harry sucking his cock would fill his mind. Unsure whether he wanted the thoughts of Harry to last longer, or if he was putting off seeing him for real at breakfast, he took a long time leisurely pumping his erection. Eventually he finished with a shudder, breathing hard against the glass wall he didn't even notice he was leaning on.
After putting on the shampoo and getting a surprising amount of lather, it occurred to him that he hadn't made a potion in over a week. He didn't have the need to use the hair tonic that kept his hair clumped together, preventing any stay hairs from becoming an unwanted ingredient in his cauldron. That, and leaning over a steaming potion for hours, made his hair curl up like Hermione Granger's on a rainy day. When he had longer hair it was fine to have a little extra curl, but that wasn't practical for a potions master. There was a charm that would keep his hair in place. It was originally a spell only used by vain witches trying to keep their coif just so, but he had read in a potion journal that potion brewers had been using the same spell as an alternative to the tonic. His thoughts went back to when he used to use this spell for potions class in his sixth year.
A young James Potter and Sirius Black entered the potions classroom to find Severus Snape already at his worktable with ingredients ready and organized. They had found out the week previous that Snape had been practicing the concealing charms they learned that year. At first no one noticed the subtle changes, but by the end of he week it was Sirius that had spotted it. At first it they would just poke fun at him, but by the end of the week it was more fun to mess with Snape when he wasn't aware of it.
"Finite Incantatum," muttered Sirius under his breath, pointing his wand at the unsuspecting Slytherin. James snorted as the petite feature on Snape's face returned to the original hooked nose he was born with. He hadn't realized his concealing charms were gone, nor had he known the charm on his hair was also gone. Twenty minutes later his now blue potion, that was supposed to be violet, was ruined.
"Mr. Snape," drawled the professor when she was in sight of his cauldron, "You need to do better than this if you want to be offered an apprenticeship next year. Blue? Only two things would cause this to turn blue, either you incorrectly chopped the gingerroot or you've inadvertently added a human hair. Which do you think it was?" she said, tugging on a long black lock of his hair. He knew he had charmed his hair to stay put. Then it hit him. He looked down to see his nose back to normal, just as a fit of laughter burst out from the back of the room. Severus scowled as the Gryffindor pranksters relished his misery. "You have thirty-five minutes to complete this potion Mr. Snape. I suggest you get busy". Severus growled, there was no way he could prepare all the ingredients and have the potion brewed in that allotment of time.
One of Severus' remaining ingredients slipped from his hand, landing clear across the room and hitting Black. Oops. It caused angry red welts to form on his face. After James was instructed to escort Sirius to the infirmary, Severus was only too happy to assist in cleaning up the abandoned Gryffindor workspace, taking the prepared ingredients for himself. Thirty-four minutes later his potion was completed, and the class was dismissed. The professor strolled up to the only remaining student in class.
"Practicality Severus, there is no room for vanity in potion brewing. The beauty you will find here is in the softly simmering cauldron. The moment just before this potion started to bubble, turning from pink to violet, that is beauty." Severus wasn't sure if he agreed with the woman or not, but knew he would have to be practical if Black was always going to be there to antagonize him.
Once again in the present time, Severus thought about Sirius Black some more. For now he needed to get on with his day, but he would have to put some time aside and think about that fateful day. The day Death Eaters attacked # 4 Privet Drive. The day he watched Sirius Black take his last breath. He owed it to Harry to tell him what he knew. If nothing else, he owed him that much.
In the corridors students began their invasion of the great hall for breakfast. Ron walked alongside Hermione in a crowd of students coming together for the first time back from holiday. Harry had told them to go on ahead. He had so much on his mind that he didn't get much sleep last night and was still getting dressed.
"What do you mean the note is for Harry, but your not giving it to him yet?" said Ron.
"Just what I said. The note he sent asked that I give Harry the note in potions class, and that's what I'm going to do," she said with a huff. "I think it's romantic and even if he is mad about all this, he is still Sev deep down. I don't really expect he would ask for my help now that he's back to normal, but at least I can help with this," she said with an odd expression Ron wasn't used to. It was one of those few times when she let the logical part of her mind rest and allowed herself to fantasize about what could happen. Even if it wasn't herself directly involved, it was still a very romantic idea.
"Let's just hope Snape doesn't see you passing notes or you'll get your first detention since you've been made Head Girl. Hell, he'll know it was you since he sent it to you in the first place." Ron groaned.
Hermione laughed and took her boyfriend by the hand. It felt good to hold his hand in public for a change. At the Gryffindor table students had lively conversations about their holidays. Harry had not been far behind his friends. When he came in holding a camera, Ron knew right away that Harry was going to talk to Colin this morning. So he wasn't surprised when Harry didn't sit directly across from him, but a few seats over where Colin had sat. Ron explained to Hermione about the picture he had taken of Harry and Sev earlier in the week. He assumed that Harry was asking Colin about developing it for him. When Harry had turned back around and was going to sit with his friends, the table had started to fill up and he was stuck sitting with Colin and his little brother at breakfast.
Harry glanced up at the teachers' table again. Snape hadn't arrived for breakfast. He pushed his eggs around his plate. This time when he looked up at the teachers' table, he locked eyes with Professor Dumbledore looking back at him. He gave Harry a reassuring smile, and went back to his conversation with Professor McGonagall. Harry realized that Colin had been talking to him. He offered to show Harry some of the pictures he had taken over the past year or so. Apparently after years of snapping everyone's pictures Colin had quite a collection of photos. Harry explained that he and Ron had taken a picture with the camera and asked if he could have it when the roll was developed. Colin offered to have it done by tonight. Harry moved over across from Ron when the table started to empty out.
"Alright mate?" inquired Ron. Harry shrugged.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just tired. My scar kept me from sleeping this morning. No big deal, it just ached. It reminded me I still need to replace that one potion, and I can't ask Pomfrey for it."
"Why not go right to the source?" asked Hermione. "It would give you a reason to talk to him."
"He needs time to settle down. Remember what it was used for. I think it's best if that's not our first conversation."
Ron called him a chicken, and Hermione rolled her eyes at the both of them.
Classes seemed to go on forever on their first day back. During a break they had midmorning, Harry and Hermione headed out to see Hagrid. While Hagrid was learning the spell to clean a horse stall without a shovel, Ron was in the dungeons with an empty potion vial in his pocket and a look of determination on his face. Severus sat at his desk, reviewing the pop quiz he had given to his first class. In his tirade the day earlier he'd left little to no time to prepare for the classes. He always kept quizzes on hand in the event a Death Eater meeting kept him from organizing ingredients for the day's classes. Severus was almost grateful for the knock on the door taking his attention away from the worst possible test score. Rotten Hufflepuffs.
"Come in."The door opened slowly. Determined or not, Ron wasn't too sure about being the first one to talk to the adult Snape. "What is it, Weasley?" Ron took a few hesitant steps toward the large desk, pulling an empty vial from his pocket.
"Harry thought it was best not to disturb you." Wise of him. "But he should have this refilled." Oh shit.
"You're telling me this why?" Ron shuffled his feet thinking of what he wanted to say.
"I told him he should just tell Pomfrey,"
"Madam Pomfrey," Snape corrected.
"Yeah, I told him to just tell her he spilled it and she would give him a new one but he refused." Severus thought about this for a moment. Did this mean Weasley thinks it was spilled? Does he not know? Certainly Pomfrey would have given him a new potion if he spilled it, unless he wants the potion for something else, or someone else.
"If Potter gets his potions from Madam Pomfrey then that's who he should be speaking with. It's always been against the rules for a student to have potions in their rooms. Every other student goes to the infirmary for medications. Just because everyone else sees fit to bend the rules for the Golden boy, doesn't mean I have to."
"But you..."
"I what?" I lower my voice to a frightening tone. Careful Weasley.
"But you two are friends." Severus stood up to properly glare down at the boy. Damn he's gotten tall. No matter, he's still scrawny.
"Friends? Try professor and student." Ron was a little disappointed that things seemed to be going just has he thought they would between Harry and the older Snape, but he was a Gryffindor and would not give up.
"Yes, well my friend Professor Flitwick and I will be playing chess together on Thursday; we seem to manage to be both." Ron didn't stick around for a response from Snape. He made his point and got out before he could lose house points. He didn't push for the potion; it was obvious Snape wasn't going to give it to him. He would have to talk Harry into asking Pomfrey for more.
Severus sat back down when the redhead left. He looked back at the quiz in his hand, but couldn't concentrate on it. His day continued on like that. He handed out the quiz to each student and spent the class time reviewing his list of questions about Harry. He also spent some time thinking about Sirius Black, and what he would tell Harry. The more he thought about the day, the more disturbing he found it. Was he so blinded by his dislike for the boy? A long day and three classes of quizzes later, Severus headed up to the great hall for dinner. While he was much more aware of his surroundings than the evening Lucius caught him off guard, he still didn't notice Seamus giving Ron a signal that Snape was about to come around the corner and enter the great hall. Ron had told Seamus it was a prank on Snape. No one had to know that Harry had his own agenda. Harry saw Seamus give his signal and winked at Ron before yelling in a mock argument.
"What the hell's the matter with you!" Ron gave him a grin and yelled back before shoving Harry forcefully. Severus came around the corner hearing Harry's voice in the distance, though he wasn't sure what he was yelling. He was vaguely aware of Ron's response when Harry came flying backward through the door, into his arms. The doors swung closed leaving them alone in the entranceway. Harry looked up at Severus, purposely not regaining his balance too quickly.
"Glad to have you back," Harry said with a confidant smile. Severus glared. "I had no idea I'd be in your arms again so soon." Harry winked at him.
Severus pulled him to a standing position. When did he turn himself around? When Severus realized he had spent entirely too long looking into those mesmerizing green eyes, he pushed Harry back against the wall, unsure of whom he was angrier with, Harry for pulling this or himself for getting into such a situation. "Look Potter..." Harry winced, more at the use of his last name than from hitting the wall so hard. Severus saw the wince and briefly, very briefly, felt a pang of guilt. He hadn't intended to push him so hard. Harry looked around and saw someone coming far off in the distance.
"Someone's coming, you can't hex me, or kiss me for that matter," He said glancing back down the corridor. "I guess you have to settle for yelling at me." Severus was infuriated.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for your cheek!" The student coming down the hall had now passed them and entered the hall for dinner. Harry now looked up at Severus seductively.
"I do love that voice of yours."
Snape freaked. "Have you considered the consequences of your indiscretion? This whole past week of transgressions and immorality could have cost my job and your position as a student in this school. Is that what you had in mind, or were you not thinking at all? Typical Gryffindor behavior!"
Harry's eyes narrowed. Do you always use such big words when you're angry? "Your job was never in jeopardy, and if I'm forced to be the Golden Boy, than I might as well reap the benefits too. I did my homework; the only way we could get in to trouble would be if you, or my guardian or myself made a formal complaint to the Headmaster or directly to the Ministry of magic. Albus Dumbledore is my guardian. You on the other hand are welcome to go to the Ministry. You could probably get me expelled, jeopardizing Albus' position at the same time since this scheme was his idea. You would have to tell-all in a small hearing to the student protection and welfare committee. While you're doing all that I go to France for two months to finish off school at Beauxbatons. On the bright side, Slytherin would probably win the Quidditch cup."Severus was seething. Harry had gone off on his tangent not realizing how irritated the man was getting. "Look, I just want you to see that I thought this through. I'm not just a careless Gryffindor. I want to get to know you." Severus took a deep breath and then backed a step away from Harry.
"It is inappropriate for you to have physical contact with me. I expect you to respect me and not try something like this again," said a cold Snape. "I don't wish for you to get to know me." Harry tried not to show the hurt that statement caused.
"I'm still waiting for you to tell me if you hate me or not. Until then I will leave you alone," He said softly. "Give me a chance, Severus." The door next to them burst open, and a few giggling second years went off down the hall. Harry slipped out from between Severus and the wall before Sev had a chance to think through all the words. It wasn't until Harry was gone that he realized that Harry had called him Severus.
A good place to end the chapter? No? I don't think so either. ;)
Later that evening in his private sitting room, Severus thought about what Harry had said. No, he didn't want Harry to get to know him. He didn't like letting people into his world. He guarded that above most. He was aware of the fact that he held very little say over his life at this point in time. His past mistakes had placed him in this position. His life was mostly at he mercy of Albus now, but he was content with the security of being an unwavering part of Hogwarts. Spying and being an integral part of the Order gave him the feeling of worth that he needed. He was making things right. Albus may think that he had paid his dues several times over with the sacrifices he had made, but Severus didn't see it that way. Apparently Albus didn't fully understand to what extent his relationship with Harry had progressed. 'Even so, how could the old man approve of me snogging the boy who lived?' He was starting to see why Harry hated that title. He will not allow anyone else into the sanctuary that is his private self, but did he truly hate Harry? 'I suppose I should answer the question when I figure it out.' Severus got up from his oversized leather sofa to sit once again at the little desk. He did not take out his list of questions, but a fresh sheet of parchment.
In the Gryffindor common room Ron complained about getting homework the first day back. Hermione thought with only two months left, they should learn all they could. Harry, on the other side of the table full of books and parchment, was reading a letter that had just arrived for him.
"Maybe I should go read this in private," he said, and packed up his things before heading up to his dormitory.
"I hope it's good news," said Hermione optimistically. Ron picked up the envelope that Harry had left behind. It had a black wax seal, and when he pushed the two halves together he could clearly read the imprint of SS.
"If it was good news, do you think it would have come so soon?" Hermione winced at Ron's words. She knew he was right, but she truly felt they had a chance. She had had the time to speak with Sev that day by the lake, and really felt he was still a part of Severus Snape. When it started to get late and Harry hadn't reappeared in the common room, Hermione left Ron to clean up the table of discarded notes and parchments and went to check on her friend.
Harry was lying on the bed, still dressed. The letter he had read and reread was on the night table. She could see something was clutched in his hand, a handkerchief maybe?
"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked softly, sitting on the bed in front of him. Harry scooted back to allow her room on the bed.
"Nothing to talk about." He paused and she waited for him to gather his thoughts or composure, she wasn't sure which. "I had been wondering some things for a long time, and now I know. You can read it." Hermione put her arms around him, pulling him up for a hug. The letter could wait a moment longer. Harry reached over for the letter, handing it to her. He was about to lie back down when she pulled him in the other direction so when he did so, his head was on her lap. He was grateful for the comfort as she squeezed and rubbed his arm. Harry had told her and Ron earlier what had transpired in the hall, and she was shocked that Severus would have come to a decision that he disliked him too much to be together. At least, not so quickly. He couldn't have gotten all the answers he was searching for so soon. "Read it already." She really does over think things.
Harry,
I know that you are waiting for an answer to our question. An answer I've not yet told myself. I appreciate the fact that you've not contacted me while I consider my options. Killing you of course not being one of them. If nothing else I am a man of my word.
I'm afraid if I were to realize that my deep ingrained feelings for you are too much to look past, I may never tell you what I know about the night you say I saved your life this past summer. So, I will take this opportunity to tell you what I know about what happened outside of Privet Drive.
The battle was very close to what you told me. I had informed Albus that the plan was to attack Privet Drive in three days time. I did not know at the time they had been intercepting owls at your home all summer. As you said, they planned the attack for Sirius' arrival. He was barely alive when I came across him. Sirius was distraught that he had brought harm to you while trying to help. He knew he should have let Albus handle things, but he feared you couldn't wait. He was right. In his last few moments as we spoke he begged me, as his dying wish, to take you to Hogwarts. He apologized to me for the events in our past. Although I think it pained him to do so, he had to be sure I would follow through on his wish for your safety. You were right. I did not know what he meant at the time, and even though the evidence pointed otherwise, I was willing to believe that you were indeed injured as a result of the battle and not at the hands of your relations.
I don't yet have an answer to our other questions; it is not something I will take lightly. I am sorry for not knowing you better as a student all these years. Even if I did not like you, as a member of the Hogwarts faculty is was my place to know you and keep you safe. While I currently hold the record for saving your life, I can't help but think I've failed you.
Severus Snape
Hermione now realized what Harry had been clutching was Sirius' award of Order of Merlin. His body shook with grief.
"I miss him so much."
Tears streamed down her face at the sight of her trembling friend. She spelled the curtains closed, and held him tight, thinking to herself, 'Severus had better not hurt him.'
DETAH 20 - Tea leaves, Flights, and a Shiny New Light bulb
Chapter Notes
Since school is in session most of the year, save the few months of summer, and holidays, many students celebrate birthdays away from home. Because of this, it is a common wizarding custom to have a large celebration on the tenth birthday, before their start in Hogwarts. It is a milestone most remember well.
Harry sat in Divination, checking his watch. Ron poked at the bottom of Harry's cup with a spoon so the dregs of tea leaves would take on an interesting shape. He was going to make a grim, but after last night thought better of it. Harry glanced down at his cup.
"Looks like a blob to me," commented Harry. Ron poked a little more, but before he could finish the professor came over to have a look. Harry rolled his eyes as Trelawney gasped and announced his bleak future. Apparently if he were to live until the end of term he would be a miracle. Harry had been so tempted to get out the Magical 8 Ball Hermione gave him for Christmas. She felt the muggle toy had just as good a chance, if not better, than the old bat at making a real prediction. Harry checked his watch again. "Professor, do you really think I may not make it to the end of term?" Ron bit his lip to hold a straight face and not laugh. They had sat in the back corner of the class, so they were as far away as possible from the others. Harry scrunched up his face, trying to look pathetic.
"I'm sorry Mr. Potter, the tea leaves are seldom wrong," she said with a pitiful look, but her eyes bright with excitement. She could hardly contain her joy at predicting his demise. "If this is upsetting you dear, perhaps you would like some of my herbal calming teas?" Harry just looked down at his feet, and gave Ron a kick when he snickered. "Maybe you should lie down, and then give yourself some time to get your affairs in order?" Harry practically jumped up.
"Yes, I think laying down would help." Harry quickly grabbed his book bag and headed down from the class. Ron gave him thumbs-up as he ducked out of sight. As he ran to the Gryffindor tower to ditch his books and grab his invisibility cloak and broom, Severus was in his private chambers getting dressed.
Severus hung up his teaching robes. He was wearing a loose white shirt tucked into a pair of brown leather riding pants, and high black boots that hugged his calves. Looking through his wardrobe, he moved several robes out of the way, looking for just the right one. There in the back with the other robes that were seldom worn was a long black robe. Severus put on the robe, and at first glance it looked very similar to any other robe he wore, with a few exceptions; it had fitted arms and buttoned from about mid-chest down the front to the waist. Along the waistline there was a row of buttons. Severus unbuttoned the waistline buttons to reveal the robes were in fact open in front and crossed over to appear as one piece, but when opened and re-buttoned around the back, the legs were exposed in front to allow him full movement.
As 'tall, dark, and sexy'(and now leather clad), walked briskly through the halls he was now very glad he had gone through the trouble of getting his free period when no one else had. That meant the classrooms were filled, the corridors empty. This allowed him to enjoy his free time without the nuisance of people around. Severus didn't care for other people around when he was enjoying himself. His grandmother had once told him that if he made a job fun, then it would not seem like a job. His father on the other hand felt that if he was having fun, then he wasn't concentrating hard enough on the task at hand. The moral of the story had been, 'Never let them see you have fun'.
Harry hovered on his broom under the invisibility cloak, near Hagrid's hut. The large man was off tending to the flying beauty in the stables, preparing him for his first flight since he'd arrived over a week ago. Harry caught sight of the large oak doors opening and almost fell off his broom when Sev came into view.
"Is that leather he's wearing?" Harry had realized that he had never seen his potions professor's legs before (well, at this age anyway); he had always worn traditional robes. Sure, in the dueling club Snape wore special fitting robes and there were trousers showing at the loose bottom, but never exposing the legs fully from the waist down, and certainly not in soft brown leather. Harry was nearly drooling. Severus walked past where Harry was hovering and continued at his brisk pace to the stable. Harry flew silently at a safe distance back. He had been mad at himself for pulling the childish stunt yesterday, and hoped it didn't mess up his chances with Sev. He had, after all, looked into Harry's eyes for a bit longer than expected and that seemed like a good sign to Harry. Lost in his thoughts of falling into Sev's arms, he suddenly realized Sev had reached the stables without him. When Harry caught up he could hear the two men talking.
"You don't know his name?" said Severus incredulously. "You've had this animal for over a week, haven't you?"
"Sure I 'ave, it's just that when Olympe' told me 'is name I din't rightly know how to say it. She wrote it down for me, but I can't seem to find the piece of paper. He don' take to no command in English neither. He only listens in French, I 'spect. Do you speak French, Professor?"
"I assure you, a good rider needs only to communicate with body language," said Severus with a curt nod.
"So you don't speak French then," said Hagrid almost sarcastically. Severus tried not to glare at the other man, as he was grateful to be to riding again. It had been a while. He had ridden many a Pegasus, but they had been put into a category of creatures nearing extinction and were now illegal to have in captivity, without special exemption.
Severus took the reins and held the bit of the bridle to the winged horse's mouth. "Ouvrir." Hearing the command, the horse opened his mouth, allowing Severus to put in the bit. He smirked at the surprised expression on Hagrid's face. Severus looked up at the saddle and stirrups; they were three feet higher than those of a normal horse. This nameless beast was the size of an elephant. Hagrid pulled over a step stool; Severus nodded in thanks and stepped up. Even with the step up, he had to get his foot pretty high to reach the stirrup. In one sinuous motion he swung his right leg around landing smoothly in the saddle. His robes swung around fluidly, so they were now draped over the back and sides.
Harry watched intently as Sev pulled a strip of black leather from his sleeve. Severus held it in his teeth, sliding his index fingers through his hair from his ears back, pulling only the hair from the top of his head in a small ponytail. With his hair now tied securely with the leather cord he lead the flying horse out of the stable.
"Enjoy your ride Professor, see ya when ya've landed," said Hagrid as Severus headed out. Harry watched in awe as Severus started off. He had only seen this kind of horse fly in tandem with a team pulling the Beauxbatons carriage. His Sev on a single horse trotting along the grounds was quite a different sight. Severus sat tall in the saddle. Despite the sheer size of the creature beneath him, Severus had a commanding presence. His heels dug in to encourage the horse faster, and they took off at an incredible speed. Harry flew along, far off the side so as not to be heard as his robes flapped in the wind. Severus' robes were also now flowing behind him like the tail of a large bird. The sound of the thundering feet across the grounds suddenly stopped and was replaced by the flapping of wings, as they took to the air.
High up in the air, flying alone, was a very liberating feeling. No one to see you, no one to judge you, you were just you. Harry suddenly felt as if he were intruding on a private moment as he watched Severus enjoy his ride, but he couldn't pull his eyes away. As the horse reared up to avoid the whomping willow, Severus held on tight. Harry could see him grinning when he flew a little too close for Harry's comfort. It was hard to imagine an animal that size could change direction so fast. The flailing tree had that effect on everyone, Harry suspected. After a few close calls with his invisibility cloak, Harry decided to land on the astronomy tower to watch from there. He watched them fly around various towers and turrets of the castle, but since the astronomy tower was so high, Sev tended to always fly back towards it. Harry had the perfect spot. Hagrid had been right; Severus did have more muscles now. In the fitted leather pants Harry could see the muscular legs gripping tight. He pulled the reins with the ease of a skilled equestrian. Practiced or not, it was clear that this animal demanded a firm hand. It was an exhilarating ride to watch, and Harry was sure that Sev was enjoying himself.
After a while when he looked to be landing, Harry climbed back on his broom and flew near the stable. The ground shook as the hooves touched down, and continued to run along before slowing in front of the stable. Severus gave him a pat on the neck and dismounted. He walked to the front of the horse, saying something in French Harry didn't understand, then reached up to pet the horse's face gently. 'This is the man I met last week. There is still some Sev left in Severus, even if he doesn't allow anyone to see it'. Harry slipped out of the stables before he was caught. Hagrid must have heard him land and was now walking over to the stable.
"How'd he perform for ya Professor? Did he behave?"
"Yes, he responds well with the proper handling. I thank you for the opportunity to ride."
"I'm grateful to ya fer letting him get some exercise. Yer welcome to ride him any time," said Hagrid, as he hung a bucket of single malt whiskey for the winged palomino.
Harry could just hear the two men saying goodbyes and agreeing on a tentative time for Severus to ride again, then he was out of earshot. He placed his broom in the shed behind several school brooms, and placed a few wards around it. After tucking his cloak under his robes he set off to the castle entrance. 'No sign of Sev, he must still be talking to Hagrid'. Harry opened the large oak door and walked into the entrance hall. With a quick glance back, looking for signs of the leather clad sex god, Harry turned back around and walked right into Severus' back. Harry was so shocked he fell backwards in an attempt to get as far away as possible from the man. He didn't want to irritate him like he had yesterday; not after saying he would leave him alone.
"Excuse me, I didn't see you there. I didn't mean to..." Harry mentally slapped himself for rambling on like an idiot.
"Potter, where..." Severus glared as the Headmaster cut him off. Harry hadn't even seen the older wizard standing there in front of Severus.
"Harry, are you not expected to be in Divination at this time?" Albus said with a twinkle in his eye. He looked to be thrilled to have a chance to get these two together.
"Yes, sir, I was. Professor Trelawney let me out early so I could get my affairs in order," said Harry, trying not to laugh as he said it. He was sure he heard a slight chuckle from the old man. Harry noticed that Sev had been holding some kind of leather cord. 'Oh, his hair was down again'. Sev started twisting his ring. Harry almost beamed at the revelation. As a teen, Sev would make the same kind of movement when he wanted to ask a question, but was holding back. It seemed like he did that a lot last week. Harry thought an explanation for Sev's benefit wouldn't go amiss. "Apparently my pending death is closer at hand then we thought, and she allowed me to leave, so I can compose myself and maybe make out my will." Harry did snicker as he said that; Severus did not look amused. Albus looked to be contemplating something.
"Harry, we talked about these predictions; did you need to compose yourself?" asked Albus in a serious tone. Harry thought about his answer for a moment. 'If I'm going to get anywhere with him, he needs to know that I'm not giving up on getting to know him.' Harry said to himself. 'And the truth shall set you free'.
"No, sir, Hagrid told me that Se- Professor Snape would be riding today, and I knew he had been looking forward to it all last week. I wanted to come out and watch." He turned to Severus, "I didn't mean to intrude." Albus smiled, Severus was stunned, although his face revealed nothing. When Harry had come through the oak doors, Severus had suspected that Harry was out there while he was riding. He hadn't expected Harry to be honest about the fact. He was torn between aggravation over having an audience while enjoying his ride, and shock that Harry had said what he did. "If there's nothing else, I don't want to keep you from your conversation."
"No, Harry, nothing else. Have a good day," said Albus with a smile.
"Thank you. Oh, Professor," said Harry directing his question to Albus. "What are you in the mood for later, something sweet maybe?" The smile on Albus' face grew as he contemplated his choices. Harry decided not to tell Severus what he was referring to. He was surprised the Head master didn't explain it to Severus himself. 'No matter he doesn't have to know every thing'. Harry thought to himself.
"That would be splendid," said the old wizard. Harry chanced a look at Severus, once again seeing the ring twist on his finger. Harry gave him a smile. Severus watched Harry's eyes move from his face back to his hands again, realizing what Harry was looking at his folded his hands and scowled at him. Harry sighed, he certainly wouldn't see that again. Severus wouldn't allow such an obvious sign to continue now that Harry recognized it. He was a Death Eater spy after all, and knew not to do such things, but Albus had made him feel relaxed talking about Hagrid's Pegasus.
"See you in class, Professor," Harry said, pulling Sev from his thoughts.
"If you're sure you can get your affairs in order by then," said Severus with an edge of sarcasm.
"Was there something you wanted me to leave you in my will?"
"No, if I can't kill you myself, I don't want anyone else to have the privilege."
Harry knew he had already made all the witty comments he was going to come up with in one day, and decided to quit while he was ahead. 'So, if you can't have me no one else will?' Harry just gave a nod and smiled as he walked away. Albus was overjoyed; he would get them to be friends if it killed them. Not him, them.
Later in the day Severus was thinking back on the conversation. He had meant to shut Harry up with his snide remark, not encourage him. He looked up from the huge pile of pop quizzes that needed grading when someone knocked on his door. He was about to tell whomever it was to go away, when he heard a squeaky voice.
"Are you in, Severus?"
"Come in, Filius," Sev called, waving his wand at the door to unlock it. Filius Flitwick entered Snape's office looking around at the jars of various slimy potion ingredients. Filius was almost never down to his office, so he wondered what the little wizard wanted. "What can I do for you Filius, I've got enough quizzes here to last me a month."
"Hello, Severus, how is it to be teaching again?" asked the perky charms professor.
"Fulfilling as ever, Filius," said Snape rolling his eyes. "Surly you didn't come all the way down here to discus the rewards of teaching?" The diminutive man's face suddenly took on a more serious expression.
"It's about Harry," et tu Filius? "How is he doing in potions?" Severus shrugged.
"He's passing if that's what you mean." Is he going to make a point soon?
"I wanted you to confirm for me if his potion was made properly for the pensieve class we had this morning."
"I don't see why not. It was the last day before break, they were restless, but I checked every cauldron knowing you needed the potions for your class. Only one didn't come out right, and I gave Longbottom some of Grangers." Professor Flitwick took out a jar with the shimmering silver pensieve liquid in it. Severus swirled the jar around to check the viscosity of the contents. He opened the jar and smelled it. As far as he could tell it was fine. "It's fine, what's the problem?"
"When I look into the memory, I can hear some quiet sounds for a few minutes, but the image is completely black."
"What was the assignment?"
"The standard one I use every year. What was their favorite gift they received on their tenth birthday?"
Note: Since school is in session most of the year, save the few months of summer, and holidays, many students celebrate birthdays away from home. Because of this, it is a common wizarding custom to have a large celebration on the tenth birthday, before their start in Hogwarts. It is a milestone most remember well.
"He was raised by muggles, who's to say that his tenth was any different from any other party he's had?" Severus sneered at the pleading look on Filius' face. "Fine, I'll take a look at it later when I have time. I'll give you my analysis then. Will that be all, or did you want me to find out what color the balloons were?" Filius pursed his lips to keep the scathing remark he was about to make to himself, and instead thanked Snape for his help.
When Flitwick was gone, Severus started to think more about Harry. He had been so busy being mad at him, or thinking of reasons why Harry shouldn't get to know him, that he had forgotten a lot of what he had learned last week. Obviously his relatives almost killed him last year. How long had it been since they started with the beatings? Didn't Harry say at one point that it had gotten worse after he was accepted to Hogwarts? "Their hatred of me grew when I got my Hogwart's letter and I found out I was a wizard, but it didn't get real bad until I was older." What kind of kid was he if they hated him so young? Was it that he just remembers it that way? When Harry said it didn't get 'real bad' until he was older, what did he consider 'not too bad'? Not getting killed? Severus decided he would look at the mini-pensieve from Filius' class. Memories can get distorted over time, but a memory in a pensieve was a true account.
Severus transfigured the jar into a wide shallow bowl to allow better viewing. Touching his wand to the liquid caused it to swirl and change. Soon the shimmering surface was black. Slight sounds could be heard; he tapped his wand on the side of the bowl, reciting an incantation to amplify the sounds. Harry's small, young voice could now be heard, along with some shuffling sounds. He seemed to be humming something.
"9 x 6 = 54, 9 x 7 = 63, 9 x 8 = 72, 9 x 9 = 81." He's reciting his times tables? How long did Filius say he listened, a few minutes? Severus decided to keep listening. The potion was correct and the spell seemed to work since he could hear Harry. He would wait until the final swirl to see if Filius missed anything. After five minutes of hearing nothing but tapping sounds, sounds like someone drumming their fingers; Severus was startled from his stupor. "STOP MAKING THAT INFERNAL RACKET!" a man's voice bellowed. "Not like there's anything else to do in here," mumbled Harry. There was more silence for a few minutes, then the tapping started again. Severus wondered if Harry had done it unconsciously or had he done it to aggravate the man?
Why the Hell is everything black? What did he do wrong while casting the spell for the pensieve?
The man's voice boomed again, and Severus was again startled because he had been staring into blackness, and suddenly there were strips of light across the whole surface. As his-- or was it Harry's-- eyes adjusted to the light, he was now able to see through the long slotted holes. There was a partial view of a large face with a moustache. "WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT THAT NOISE!" he bellowed, followed by a woman's voice. "For heavens sake Vernon, give him the bulb, it's been long enough!" she said checking a calendar. Suddenly a small door where the slotted holes had been, opened, light flooded the little space, and Severus could see a young Harry Potter sitting on a cot. He was so very small. This must have only been a year before Sev met him here at school. Did he have a growth spurt after that, or did Severus just not remember Harry ever being so young and small?
A large, beefy hand came reaching into the small space, and Harry flinched away from it. He then realized that the hand was not going to hit him, but was handing him a light bulb. "Happy Birthday," the man grunted and slammed the door closed again. There was a snapping sound and the slotted holes were gone. Blackness once again overtook the place where Harry sat; Severus watched. After hearing some more shuffling noises and a click, the light bulb was lit and the little room was in clear view for the first time. The cot fit the full length from wall to wall; there was a small shelf with a drawing of a motorcycle with wings, next to that was another picture done with crayons, it looked like a lightening bolt with a green haze around it. Severus shuddered at the thought. There on the shelf was a marble and three half crayons, barley nubs of colored wax, but they were lined up like prized possessions. Harry hummed Happy Birthday to himself, and squeezed his eyes closed as he concentrated on his wish, than blew at the bright new light bulb before turning it off. The black swirl twisted around, becoming once again a silvery liquid.
Severus stared blankly at the surface as it returned to normal. 'Ah, Hell.'
DETAH 21 - Potions Class
Severus sat at his full desk of quizzes yet to be graded, visions of a very young Harry in his head. Why was he in that...what was it, a broom closet? Was that his punishment? He added the question to his ever-growing list. He thought more about the tiny room. If it had stored brooms and cleaning supplies, then it would appear that he'd been thrown in there as punishment. But with the drawings and the cot, not to mention, it didn't seem like Harry was overly upset about being in there. He had kept himself occupied. Perhaps Harry had been in trouble so often that he decided to make it homey. Not that that sounded logical, but he was sure that Harry had told him of Sirius Black blasting the bars off a window; there must me a room with a window.
Severus' thoughts were interrupted by a knock on his door. Now who the hell is bothering me? "Enter." Draco Malfoy sauntered in to see his head of house. "What can I do for you, Draco?"
"Hello Professor, I wanted to know if I could work on potions for some extra credit." Damn spoilt brat, couldn't be bothered to do the potions homework last term and thinks he can make up for it with a ten minute potion. Severus pointed to a workspace in the back of the class and assigned a potion any third year can whip up. No matter, he'll purchase any potions he needs like all Malfoy's do when he finishes school.
Severus checked his watch. He wasn't sure which class Draco was supposed to be in, and didn't question it. Sev had time before his next class to go talk to that creature, "Dobby," he corrected himself, as Harry had last week. He hated when little things from last week entwined into his current life. He liked to think the two were not connected, but there were little reminders of the fact that they were the same in many ways. On holiday he had no problems and was carefree, so Sev of last week was a very different entity than that of Sev as he lived it many years back. But he was still Sev, he still liked to ride horses; he had enjoyed Quidditch in his youth, although it has less appeal now than it had when he was a student.
As he thought about his youth, or at least the happier parts of it, Severus arrived at the kitchens only to find that Dobby was off somewhere in the castle. Undeterred from his mission, Sev continued down the corridor. Luck was with him today as he saw a familiar head of bushy hair off in the distance. Following her up to a classroom door, Sev thought he'd missed his chance, but she hadn't entered the class. She was looking through the window on the door. A familiar redhead was sitting in the back of the class. She pointed her wand at him, casting a spell with a whisper. Childish romantic, Sev thought as he watched Ron turn is head after he felt someone blowing softly in his ear. She smiled and waved from the window to her boyfriend, who was winking back at her. Hermione turned back around; the smile on her face quickly fell as she turned to face her potions master staring down at her. He was most intimidating.
"Where should you be, Miss Granger?" asked Severus, smirk in place.
"Advanced Arithmancy," she said confidently. "The professor sent me on an errand, and let me leave class early." She held up a pass to the library.
"This corridor is not on the way to the library from your Arithmancy class, Miss Granger; take a detour did you? He said, snidely glancing over in Ron's direction. She lowered her eyes feeling a bit less confident than before. "Detention tomorrow, 8:00." Hermione's eyes grew wide. She hadn't had detention in two years. To think, this year's Head Girl in detention.
"Sir, I have to attend the prefects' meeting as Head Girl tomorrow at 8:00." Severus knew this when he suggested the time.
"I'm sure your attendance is far too valuable to miss such an important event," he said sarcastically. "It's tomorrow night ...or," he looked at his watch. "I'm available now." Hermione looked down at the library pass in her hand. She was going to spend the extra time researching a project they had in Arithmancy. She also planned on seeing Ron after the meeting. Seeing no other options, she sighed.
"Now it is, I suppose," she said glumly. Severus smiled an evil smile and proceeded to walk down to the dungeons. He knew he was walking too fast for her, but kept at his pace. He held open the door of his classroom, allowing her to enter, when they caught sight of Draco Malfoy working on a potion. I forgot he was in here.
Hermione was heading to the back corner of the room where the cauldrons were when Severus stopped her.
"You will be serving detention here Miss Granger," he said pointing to a desk across from his own. She looked back from the cauldrons she thought she would be cleaning with a confused expression. "Mr. Malfoy, please inform Miss Granger what our rule of thumb is in Slytherin."
"Use resources wisely," he said in a superior manner.
Hermione sat at the desk feeling slightly uncomfortable being so close to Snape. He handed her a pile of quizzes from first to third years to correct. After five minutes or so Severus took a quiz off the top of the stack. She had been none too lenient on her own house. She was not as bad as Snape, but marked off for small details. Students should be glad that she had no plans for teaching. Severus unlocked his desk drawer, and pulled out the small jar Filius brought him. Hermione's eyes grew wide as she recognized the jar as being Harry's pensieve project. Severus returned the quiz to the pile, handing her a new one.
"Would you say numbers 4, 7, and 9 are fairly accurate?" he said in a low tone, so he wouldn't call Draco's attention. Hermione took the parchment expecting it to be a quiz. There was his list of questions about Harry, now re-written, new questions added at the bottom, and many crossed out. She suppressed a giggle when she noticed that #8 was crossed off twice. Severus looked up at Draco again, and dismissed him, giving 10 points to Slytherin for his efforts despite the fact that the potion was not finished. He sauntered out of the classroom, closing the door behind him.
Was Harry out of the closet?
Does Albus know he's gay? Yes
Why did Dobby fear him?
Do I know why Harry takes potions? -- Stress headaches from nightmares?
Do I remember Sirius Black?
What do I know about the attack at his home?
Why were there bars on Harry's windows? -- To keep him in, or Voldemort out.
Harry is ticklish.
Why did I have to leave the hospital, but not Ron? -- Because Pomfrey knows I'm gay?
Is Tuesday a good day to help Hagrid with the flying horse? *Tuesday 9:45*
Why did I not reach my goal to become a potions master? Where did Harry and Ron go with Ron's Mum? Why was he in the broom closet? - For punishment?
Hermione perused the list once again. She had been surprised to see #4 wrong. Turning the parchment so he could see what she's talking about. "You don't know?" She was flabbergasted. "I think Professor Dumbledore would have to answer that one," Hermione stammered. She knew many of their professors knew what Harry went through. Why not him?
"Seven is half right, keep Harry in, owls out, but we found ways around that. Small owls, or he could just untie the note from through the bars. I didn't know when they were replaced after Ron pulled them out with the car in second year. That may have been last year. I always included paper and pencil with my letters in case the Dursley's had taken away anything that Harry could use for letters." Severus was staring at her, and Hermione closed her mouth realizing she had given a much more in-depth answer than he had expected, or maybe wanted.
"Er, a few of these are not my place to answer. For the last question though, were you referring to the pensieve? Severus nodded. "The cupboard wasn't the punishment," she paused hoping she wasn't telling him something too personal about her friend. "It's where he slept. I think when his Hogwarts letter was addressed to the cupboard under the stairs, his family got nervous about being watched, and they gave him his own room after that."
"I see, thank you Miss Granger," he said politely. Hermione knew the conversation was over, and picked up her bag and began to leave.
"Sir?" she said hesitantly. "I hope you find the answer you're looking for." Both knew she wasn't referring to any of the questions on the parchment. She left, not waiting for a reply.
Severus now realized he was wrong on most of his assumptions even after he'd reassessed Harry's life. Maybe it was time to stop looking into the past as miserable as it was, and take a better look at the present. While it irritated him to hear Harry rant on about what would happen if he tried to expel him, he'd have to admit Harry had thoroughly researched the possibilities. Considering all he's been through, and his knowing that he still has hard times ahead, Harry is very confident and well adjusted. He would rethink his list. He still wanted to know where Harry was going with Ron and his Mum that would make him upset, and what the potions were for.
The rest of the day went on fairly uneventfully. Albus wanted to talk to Severus about pain potions and if he were missing any. Something about a talk he was going to have with Weasley on Friday. Ron had certainly gone out on a limb that day to try to replace Harry's potions. There must be a reason for them not going to Pomfrey for more. The memory of Harry's silent screams, his cringing in pain, was very disturbing. He would definitely brew Harry some new ones. How could I have been so thick-headed to not remember that when Ron was asking for replacement vials? A little voice in his head reminded him that he wasn't thinking of Harry in pain, he was thinking of what they had used the potions for.
It was yet another time that Harry had really thought things through. It wasn't until Harry had really thought about Severus' good qualities that he decided to give in to Sev's advances and pounce on him. Severus put out the lights in the sitting room and continued his train of thought in the bedroom. Robes were removed leaving him in a pair of silk boxers. Cotton is too clingy and doesn't allow proper billowing of robes as he stalks down corridors. Severus climbed up on his bed; he was getting hard just thinking of the last time they used the potion vial. Harry was so eager and responsive. The way he seemed to melt in Sev's arms when a wicked tongue caused his inability to form full sentences. The look on his face the first time Sev thrust in to hit that sweet spot, the sounds Harry made when he was lost in ecstasy. Severus didn't remember when his boxers reached his thighs; he continued to fist his cock while images of Harry flashed in his mind. His pace quickened as images went from Harry's mouth sucking him to the look on his face when Sev slid into Harry's tight arse the first time. Severus thought he should have placed that memory in a pensieve so he could see it from the third person point of view, as he thrust into him, to see Harry from the front as he pounded him from the back, reaching around to stroke him to completion. Sev stayed with that one thought until his own climax overtook him. He laid his head back, thinking. He would allow Harry to get to know him, even if it meant losing him. Severus wouldn't have a relationship with a student, even if he were of age. It wasn't ethical. It would take that long for Harry to get to know him well enough, anyway. Albus would sure find some way for that to happen regardless of what Sev wanted. The training involved for Harry later would be just the excuse Albus would have. Severus was sure Albus didn't know just how far their relations had gone, and he did so enjoy the rare times he could surprise the man. He wondered briefly if he could time it well enough to truly shock the old man. He, after all, wanted revenge for his life being so manipulated, even if it was to his advantage.
Severus was about to open his classroom door to allow the students in, when he heard what he was sure was Harry's voice. "No, I've got the real one to work on."
"Liar, you can't tell me that you don't miss him, bet you wish you were back in last week right now." This was Ron's voice. Sev pulled his hand from the door and listened.
"It was great," Harry said coyly. "But like any vacation, it's nice to come home again. It's hard to be with someone so carefree all the time. It makes me look like a needy head case with all these problems. I want to know what he's really like, and I want him to know I'm not just some love-struck teen."
"Speaking of 'love-struck teens', I noticed your Ravenclaw friend was put-out at breakfast when you told him you weren't interested," said Ron, laughing. Harry snorted.
"That asshole offered to give me a Charms tutorial tonight. I'm in the top 5 of our year in Charms. He said it right in front of people who know he's gay. Out me, why doesn't he. That's all I bloody need. I'm finished with him anyway. I should have taken him up on it, and then told him how impressed I was with his bravery, since anyone publicly with me puts themselves at risk with Voldemort."
"That would scare him away, the loser," said Ron. He didn't notice the door slowly opening.
"Severus wouldn't be," said Harry decisively. "He stands by me even if he does hate me."
"Harry, he's standing by you right now." Ron said discreetly pointing behind his friend. Harry turned around slowly to see Severus standing behind him, expressionless as always. He turned and stalked into the classroom, allowing the seventh years to filter in behind him. Severus grinned as he could hear them whispering behind him. "How should I know how much he heard? Hey, did you get a note from Hermione today?" Severus stopped grinning. How could I forget about that blasted note? Just then he could hear her voice.
"Phew, I made it," Hermione said, making it just barely on time. Severus quickly turned around, his robes whipping around in his wake.
"Miss Granger," he snarled. Good, startle her before she gets a chance to pass the note to Harry. "You may sit over here today," he said, pointing to an empty seat by a Slytherin girl with a face only a mother could love (a mother warthog). Hermione smiled and sat down. Severus turned to face the class, "Today you will be preparing..." he rambled off the potion they were to brew, and the list of ingredients written on the chalkboard. Harry made notes with a pencil and began setting up his scales.
"What's that for?" Ron asked, pointing to Harry's desk.
"It's a pencil, muggles us it to write with."
"I know what a pencil is you prat, what are you using it in here for?"
"Hermione told me to keep it on my desk today. I guess I'll find out why later," explained Harry. Ron grinned, realizing what she had done.
The class continued on as usual; they chopped, stirred, and brewed. Occasionally Draco would make a remark that would set off a few people. Severus was only too happy to see Hermione getting harassed. If it kept up she wouldn't find a way to pass Harry the note Sev had sent her when he was young and stupid.
Harry stirred his potion. It was almost done. Across the room Hermione waved her wand in his direction. Harry watched in amazement as the pencil on the worktable started to transform in to an envelope. Ron leaned over and whispered that Hermione had gotten it in the mail days ago with instructions to give it to Harry in class. He recognized the handwriting; it was a tad sloppier than that of his now adult potions master. Harry smiled and began opening the envelope.
As Harry opened his note, the said potions master realized what he was opening. Just ignore him Snape, he said to himself, watching Harry from the corner of his eye. Whenever anyone dared pass notes in his class they had the dubious honor of having it read aloud, much like he'd done to Harry when that Rita Skeeter cow wrote a horribly inaccurate article about him. If Snape acknowledged the note and didn't read it aloud it would raise suspicions. Yes, defiantly ignore him. Try as he might, Severus looked up to see Harry reading. He inwardly cringed remembering what he wrote to Harry that night, when he'd slipped out of bed with the boy to send it.
Dear Harry,
Do you miss me? I was lying next to your hot body thinking about how I will no longer be able to hold you next time we're together, so I sent this along with a friend. Am I being a fool now that we are not together? No matter what I act like, you know the truth is that I want to hold you. If I could I would be sucking on that neck right now. Are you in class? Am I speaking now? Do you hear the voice I know you love? Imagine it's whispering in your ear, telling you I want to have my wicked way with you.
Harry looked up to see Severus keeping his eyes on the parchments on his desk. In fact, Severus spoke very little in this class today. He must be squirming. Harry smiled.
Harry, don't allow me to push you away. I know that we must keep our secrets, but know that I am still me, and I want to be with you. Remember how I teased you when you were trying your best to stay away? This could be pay-back time. You know I want you and care for you. Where's Filch when you need him?
Harry almost laughed out loud when he read the last part.
Did you get an answer from me yet? It should be Wednesday now. If you haven't gotten an answer by now, then you must know that I will tell you I want you. I want to press my aching cock against yours. I want to hear you scream my name when you thrust into me.
Harry's face started to heat up. He looked up again to see Severus desperately keeping his eyes anywhere but looking at Harry. Malfoy glanced around the room. He needn't pay too much attention to his potion since his partner was doing all the work. He spotted Harry Potter smiling. He was hiding a parchment behind his cauldron and not doing a very good job of it. Draco looked back from Potter to Snape only to be disappointed. Snape was busy with papers on his desk; in fact he seemed almost too intent on the papers in front of him. If his potions master were busy, surely he would want Draco to call this matter to his attention.
"Something interesting Potter?" Draco said loud enough for them both to hear, intending to call the professor's attention. Snape looked up casually from his papers.
"Potter, no using notes. This potion is to be made from memory. Ten points from Gryffindor."
Harry read the last line and pocketed the note.
Even if we can't be together, know that you mean so much to me.
S
Draco stared slack jawed. He was disappointed in his results. 'At least Gryffindor lost house points,' he thought, but he was not satisfied. He waited for his opportunity, while Harry was distracted; he slipped the parchment from Harry's pocket.
"Dear Harry," Draco began reading aloud. "How I long to hold you in my arms again," recited Draco with a sneer. Harry was seething, he tried to jump Malfoy, but Goyle was sitting behind him with a strong hand on his shoulder, and a wand in his back. "Granger is this from you? To think you dumped the boy who lived for the Weasel here."
Ron turned beet red and wanted to hex him for his scathing remarks, but Severus stood up and held his hand out for the note.
"I'm sure we heard a lifetime worth of Potter praise, don't make us suffer though more of this drivel," he said walking over to the side of the room where Draco was. Unfortunately Draco had been reading ahead spotted an interesting tidbit half way down; his eyes were as wide as saucers. He looked as if Christmas had come early. By this time Harry and his friends were throwing themselves at him to reach the note, but it was too late.
"I want to press my aching ... " Draco was cut off when the parchment he was holding went up in a ball of blue flames. Severus looked to where the spell had been sent from to see Hermione holding her wand. Good girl, but too late. "Merlin Potter, you're a poof!" Draco laughed heartily as Harry's face burned red. "You can't even deny it, you were smiling like a Weasley finding a galleon while you read it." By this time Severus glared at everyone to get back to his or her seats. When did I lose control of this class?
Ron pulled Harry back to his seat. Seamus helped upright the bench that they had knocked over in an attempt to get the note. Dean, Seamus and Neville were the only ones, plus Hermione and Ron, that already knew of Harry's preference for men. All the others were whispering amongst themselves. Harry was thankful for the slight distraction as a cauldron had been upturned and Snape was now supervising the clean-up. "Hey Potter, who's 'S'? Is it Simmons, the prissy boy in Hufflepuff?" taunted Draco, looking for a reaction in Harry.
"If they find out the truth, they'll kill him," Harry whispered to Ron. Neville peered around his cauldron asking,
"You mean 'S' is a guy in Slytherin?" whispered Neville. Harry looked to Ron, who shrugged his shoulders. It wasn't a lie, even though he was referring to the Death Eaters. Harry nodded to his friends.
An hour later the same thing was going on, only now it was in the great hall during lunchtime. All four of the house tables were abuzz with the news of Harry Potter being 'outed' by Draco Malfoy. Harry had left the potions class without a glance to his professor. He wouldn't take the chance. Snape was grateful; he was also feeling a little guilty knowing this was entirely his fault. He now sat at the head table not touching his food. The news was bound to come out eventually, but that didn't make him feel better. Damn it this is Albus' fault. I refuse to feel guilty for this. He growled, inwardly trying to convince himself.
By dinnertime Potter was still the topic of discussion, but now a few of the masses were braver and asking him questions directly. For whatever reason, one girl slapped Weasley in the face. Severus was straining to hear some of the conversation. He heard a girl ask him when he went gay. Stupid twit. "When did you go straight?" Harry answered. Many wanted to know who the mystery man was? Harry just shook his head telling them it wasn't important since they weren't together; but they were a relentless bunch. His own housemates pressured him to the point of insanity. 'Who is he?' 'Why did you break up?' 'Is he a Gryffindor?' 'Are you dating Ron and Hermione?' Ron cringed at the last one.
"Leave him alone!" Someone shouted. It was a Gryffindor 7th year with a thick brogue. "You're supposed to be his friends, leave 'im alone!"
"It's ok Seamus, I'm leaving," Harry said, thanking his friend for his help, and got up to go. Despite his friend's words, several students continued to be obnoxious. Someone from the Hufflepuff table asked if Seamus was 'S'. Harry looked pleadingly at his friend unsure of what he would say. He was scared for Severus. Word was already getting around that the teachers had been here on holiday. Someone was bound to put it together.
"I'm sorry Harry," said Seamus apologetically. He got up and walked over to Harry. "I don't know how you put up with being in the public eye like you do. I can't compete with that." He paused. "We're through." Anyone in hearing distance was nearly silent waiting to see what Harry's reaction would be. He looked shocked, and bit his lip. He certainly hadn't expected that from his friend.
"I...I understand Seamus," said Harry, now facing him. "We gave it a shot."
"Friends?"
"Sure," answered Harry extending a hand. Seamus grabbed his hand and pulled hard, making Harry off balance. Before he could even get his footing, Harry was held in a tight embrace, being firmly kissed. Severus remained expressionless. He told himself the odd feeling he had was certainly not jealousy. Harry was left standing stock-still, most surprised by his friend's actions. As Seamus left the hall some of the students were applauding. Not that they wanted to see their savoir dumped, but they seemed to have a happy ending of sorts, and everyone loves a happy ending. There were no more questions about 'S' after that.
When Harry got to his room, he quickly put on his father's cloak and headed out. Thankful that it was Wednesday and he friends wouldn't look for him. He tickled the pear on the painting allowing his access to the kitchens. Dobby greeted him with his usual flair. "Dobby is most happy to have you back to be cooking with Dobby, Harry Potter!" Chattered Dobby. Harry smiled at the hyper house elf. Harry told him they would be making something sweet for Albus this time. "Dobby was missing you last week when the teachers were young wizards. Only eight more cooking Wednesdays left before Harry Potter is done with school. Is you certain you is not needing a house elf in Harry Potter's new home?" he pleaded.
"Sorry Dobby, my home isn't very big to be needing a house elf, and I'm looking forward to having some time to myself for a change. I promise to visit." The elf's ears fell until the last part. He then told Harry that Professor Dumbledore had requested something with strawberries. Harry had learned to cook with the Dursley's, but he couldn't make anything Petunia didn't and he was careful not to make it much better than her. Out-doing his aunt in the kitchen was taken as an insult to her, and he would be punished. One of the reasons he never made deserts was that it was her specialty, so he would never chance making something sweet. For the past five Wednesday nights, Albus and a few select friends had had the chance to enjoy some of his culinary attempts.
While Harry was pouring ingredients in a bowl, Albus was in his office pouring tea for Severus.
"Tell me Severus, any news on the trials? When you spoke to Lucius did he indicate anything to you?" the headmaster said while handing Severus a cup of Earl Grey. Severus was grateful Albus wasn't discussing the note Harry received in potions. Shocked, but grateful.
"Nothing Albus; he had Draco with him and wasn't saying too much. Lucius will get the dirty work done while keeping his hands clean. Voldemort has a few lackeys trying to buy a few ministry heads. While most won't take a bribe, some of them are still afraid of retaliation. Now that the general public is aware of Voldemort's return, the fear of coming home to the Dark Mark over their house has returned also. Lucius will choose a few trails that are safe for him to support, (non-Voldemort related) and use his influence to get a few hard to bribe officials working on those cases giving the Death Eaters a better chance at getting off." Severus took a sip of his tea. "It worked for Goyle." Albus nodded and sipped his tea. None of this was news to Albus; Severus wondered why the old man really had him here?
Suddenly a house elf appeared with a tray. A large piece of strawberry shortcake and a plate of enormous strawberries dipped in fine chocolate. Albus held up his hands, fingers wiggling as he decided what to eat first.
"My this does look scrumptious. What can I offer you, Severus?" asked the headmaster cheerfully. Severus shook his head. The man is like a child in a candy shop.
"Nothing, thank you Albus. If you don't need anything else, I've got a potion I wanted to brew."
"No, no I don't need anything, I just wanted to touch base with you. How are you coming along with the questions on your list?" You mean did I tell Harry if I hate him yet?
"Fine," Severus answered curtly, and left. Albus smiled at the potions master, knowing perfectly well that he had just tucked into one of Severus' favorite deserts.
Harry was drizzling the remaining melted chocolate from the pot over his shortcake when the portrait opened. Dobby spotted the tall dark professor and ran off, returning with a box. "Harry is making your favorite treats tonight," said the elf, as he filled the box with dipped berries and cake. Severus turned to see Harry at a workstation, and glared at the creature.
"These are your favorite?" asked Harry, quickly regretting it. Dobby cowed away when Severus glared; he had told a secret of the professor's. Before he could whack his head on the table Harry's hand flew to prevent him from hurting himself. "NO!" Dobby scurried off; a crash could be heard as he ran headlong into some pots and pans another elf was carrying in the next room. Harry shook his head at the stupidity of it all.
"What are you doing down here Potter? The food everyone else had wasn't good enough for you?" Chided Severus, ignoring the fact that he himself was here for a little something to snack on.
"I'm here every Wednesday night. The Headmaster knows this."
Oh, I'm sure he does, the conniving old man.
"It's not like I could have had much of an appetite for lunch or dinner with the gossiping feeding frenzy going on," said Harry dismally, pushing his plate away, his appetite once again quelled.
"About that, Potter, I regret the outcome of the note today." It was as close to an apology as he could get.
"It's okay," said Harry. Severus looked at him a skeptically. "Really, I've been dreading this day. You kind of get used to being watched all the time, but I'm still a very private person. I thought this would be the worst day of my life when it finally happened, but actually I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders." Severus understood this, and nodded. "At least now I don't have to worry about putting up a facade for the end of year formal," he said lightheartedly, with a smile.
"I guess I should bring this up to Seamus as a thank-you for today's performance," he referred to the dessert at hand. "I was so shocked. He's not even gay."
"Why did he do it?" Severus had been wondering if it was all set up. "Does he know...about last week?
"No, he knew 'S' was a Slytherin and would be in danger if found out."
"He did that to protect a Slytherin?" * You're kidding. *
"No, he did that to protect someone I care about." Harry waited for Severus' comment on the typical Gryffindor behavior, but none was coming. He grabbed a box and filled it up for Seamus, said good-bye to Dobby, and headed for the portrait. "Good night".
"Good night," said Sev, just as the door was closing. He just caught sight of Harry winking at him as the painting closed.
Severus took his box-full of strawberries and headed back to the lab to finish Harry's pain potion.
DETAH 22 - Shocking Discoveries and a Shattered Teacup
DETAH 22 - Shocking Discoveries and a Shattered Teacup
Severus lowered the flame to begin the cooling process on the pain potion he brewed for Harry. He was angry that it had taken so long. Albus' unexpected meeting had been over an hour; at least they discussed which Death Eaters were more of a threat than others. This way, Malfoy Sr. will think he's getting his job done, but in fact, the ministry will be allowing some less dangerous DE's to get away, for an opportunity to ensure a few other important people in Voldemort's inner circle do get the kiss. As if it wasn't late enough, Albus managed to make sure I stopped in the kitchens on my way to my rooms. That's what I get for giving in to my sweet tooth. Severus knew that Albus was working hard at getting his and Harry's friendship off the ground.
For some reason, Severus never liked making the pain potions very much. He seemed to be in a bad mood when making them for Pomfrey, except for Harry, and knowing it would help him with the seizures or whatever it was. He thought it was most obvious that whatever reason he'd been kicked out of the infirmary that day was to keep Harry's secret about whatever ailment he's suffering through. He was tempted to summon Harry's medical records. As the potions master he had the right to check anyone's records to see if they ran a risk of injury in class due to illness or allergies that may be exacerbated by the fumes or handling certain ingredients in class. No one would question his doing so, but he felt that would be an invasion of Harry's privacy, since he really only wanted to know for his own curiosity. Harry made it clear he wanted a chance to get to know Sev, and he would probably tell him if he asked. Then he remembered Granger's reaction to his ignorance on the subject. Why was she so sure I already knew? Maybe she assumes I know where all my potions end up after I deliver them to Pomfrey. I certainly never cared where they went. Only that she seems to have horrible timing with her list. He realized, that was why he hated making the pain potions. Her timing always sucked; when she needed them he was too tired or busy to have to deal with extra work.
Sev realized he'd rambled on in his head for so long the potion was long since cooled. He put the vial in a pouch and summoned a house elf. In seconds there was a *'pop'* and a frightened house elf stood before the intimidating professor.
"Which one are you?" he said with a scowl. The elf backed up a step.
"Excuse me sir?" squeaked the elf in reply. Severus had little patience with these creatures and even less when he asked a perfectly simple question.
"I'm looking for Dobby, are you he?" Snape said tapping his foot, which only served to make the elf more nervous.
"I - I is not a he sir," she said, batting her eyelashes. "Would you like for me to get Dobby for you sir?"
"Yes, at once," he said curtly; she left quickly.
The workstation clean and ingredients put away, Sev checked his watch once again. It seemed like eternity since he'd sent the elf out. That was a she? After another fifteen minutes or so the elf popped back in.
"Dobby?"
"No, I is still Effie sir, sorry" she said apologetically. "Dobby is busy for Professor Dumbledore sir." Severus sighed. It should be a lot easier than this.
"Will you deliver these to Harry Potter? Dobby usually puts them in his side table drawer."
"Dobby is doing that right now sir. Would you like these in the drawer too, or would you like me to deliver them to Harry Potter? He is in the infirmary now, sir."
"What?" he shouted, grabbing the pouch from her hand, accidentally grabbing her hand, too. He walked briskly through the corridor, his robes snapping in the air. Severus heard a frightened squeak when he rounded the corner. Only then did he realize that he was dragging along Effie, whose hand was firmly in his grasp with the pouch of potion vials.
"Sir, do you need Effie for something else sir? Effie is not wanting to hear Mister Potter screaming again, sir." Severus dropped the house elf abruptly on the floor and continued his trek to the infirmary, quickening his pace.
He opened the door to find a quiet room. Sev hurried over to a bed with a privacy curtain obstructing his view. Pomfrey and Albus were both buzzing around. As he neared the curtain, Sev could feel himself passing through a strong magical barrier. The sounds behind the silencing charm were deafening. Harry was screaming, his body racked with pain. Sweat poured off his face as Madam Pomfrey tried to help. The pain intensified, causing him to retch. Severus asked what had happened, startling Albus. When he saw an answer wasn't coming too soon, Sev noticed Ron, sitting in a chair off in the corner, looking miserable.
"What's happened to him?" Sev barked at Ron.
"I tried to tell them, they wouldn't listen. He needs another vial, at least." Ron said dejectedly.
"What you told me Mr. Weasley," interrupted Poppy. "Is that you spilled some of the potion. I can not give him more if I have no idea how much you've already given him!"
"I told you he had just a tiny bit less than one vial. It spilled only a little when he was thrashing." Ron looked close to tears. Harry's screaming was unnerving everyone in the room. He suddenly stopped thrashing as if whatever was causing the pain had stopped, but he was left still gasping for air, and his body jerked in spasms. Severus recognized those systems easily; he had all the symptoms of someone being under the Cruciatus curse for too long.
"That still doesn't explain what happened to the other vial. Did you spill them both?" asked Poppy. "SEVERUS!" she yelled when he saw him pull a vial from the pouch and pour it forcibly down Harry's throat.
"Ron didn't spill the other vial, it was gone almost a week ago," admitted Severus. Albus looked up, surprised. He led Ron out of the infirmary, looking back to his Potions Master. With Ron gone, Albus returned to see Severus sitting at the side of Harry's bed, wiping a cold cloth across his head. Relieved to see the green eyes were no longer rolled back, but they were still rather unfocused. "Shhh, you're ok now. Try to relax," Severus whispered.
"Sev?" cried Harry, unsure if he was real.
"Yes Harry," he said softly, and brushed the hair from his eyes. Harry tried to answer but coughed, his throat raw from screaming. Sev leaned in to hear.
"Hold me, Sev," his pitiful voice cracked as he spoke. Sev was unsure if it was due to overuse of his voice, or his emotions. Harry usually spoke with such confidence. This was worse than the screaming. Well, maybe not.
Sev put his arms around Harry carefully, moving him as little as possible. Not until this very moment did he realize how much he missed this. Sure, he had been having some fine memories of their steamier times, but to just hold him in his arms. Now he held Harry gingerly, wishing his very breath on the boy's shaking form would make it all better. Harry held onto Severus tightly. It was normal to keep one's hands clenched in a fist while coming down from the Unforgivable curse, but Harry had managed to reach one arm around Sev's neck, while the other held tight to the front of his robes. Sev wasn't sure if it was a very comfortable position for Harry, but didn't want to chance moving him again.
Eventually the shaking began to subside; only an occasional tremor surged through his body. Severus didn't expect he could be so comforting; it had been a long time since he'd had to comfort anyone. Harry snuggled in closer as Sev gently rocked him, warm breath whispered words of comfort into his hair.
The door opened to the infirmary. Severus knew at once it was Minerva. She had come as soon as she heard, and was now heading for Harry's bed. She was quite surprised to see her rival head of house comforting her star student. Severus had straightened up somewhat when she neared the bed, but Harry whimpered in pain from the movement. In the end he decided, what was the difference if it were he or Ron being a comfort to Harry? Perhaps that wasn't rational, but he was alarmed at how much Harry had been hurt, and it irritated him to no end that no one had yet told him how or why this has happened. Obviously it's something they expected, since Harry kept his own stash of potions in his room. Severus listened intently as Minerva and Albus spoke from the other side of the privacy curtain.
"Why is Severus in here holding Mr. Potter? How did he even find out?"
"Relax Minerva, I think it's wonderful that the two of them have formed a friendship over last week."
Severus smirked to himself; he could see in his mind's eye the twinkle in the old man's eyes as he spoke, not to mention the eyebrow Minerva must be raising at the statement.
" Friendship, Albus?" she said in her most cynical tone.
"Yes, friendship. So, perhaps they may have shared a kiss or two. I dare say that if you had actually caught one Ronald Weasley you were chasing, you would be in no position to cast stones," stated Albus, causing his trusted Gryffindor Head of House to blush.
"I just want what's best for the boy, Albus. It's bad enough he has to suffer through these curses that evil man casts about as if it were nothing. Poppy tells me this was the longest he's ever had to withstand without receiving all the potions."
"You're right Minerva, just as we've discussed so many times; it saddens me that Harry must endure this. Poppy won't know until he's had some sleep if Harry will have residual effects to contend with," said Albus solemnly. Severus was trying to take it all in. Voldemort did this to him? How long has this been going on? If he knew it could be like this, why the bloody hell didn't he get that potion from Pomfrey?
Harry wasn't hexed for anywhere near as long as the Longbottom's had been all those years ago, but he may very well be facing some permanent damage. Once the mind is affected by overexposure to Cruciatus, it worsens with each time the person has it cast on them. Even an infinitesimal amount of damage poses a large threat since Harry will certainly be exposed again in the future. Severus would be keeping a close eye on him for signs.
Harry's breathing leveled out, and he became limp in Sev's arms. He was finally asleep. Harry whimpered when he was released, but didn't wake. Sev tucked him in and brushed the hair from his eyes. The anger that had been ebbing away as he gazed upon the sleeping face returned full force when said face twitched from the pain. With his anger raging, Severus went to talk to Albus, who was surely waiting for him.
As he approached the entrance to the headmaster's office, the gargoyle jumped aside, regardless of the lack of password. Albus is waiting for me. He stormed up the rising steps to hasten his ascent. Severus didn't bother to knock. Albus always knew who was at the door. Albus sat at his desk, waiting for Severus. Both had questions needing answers. Severus stormed in. The two chairs in front of the desk moved back out of his way as he paced around. "How long has he been feeling Voldemort's curses?" demanded Severus. Albus sighed. "How long, Albus?" he was shouting now.
"As far I can guess, around the time Voldemort took up residence in Quirrell's head."
"Quirrell? That's six Years, why was I not aware of this?"
"What would you have done with such information? Can you honestly say that you would have cared, even a month ago?" Albus asked calmly. "Have a seat and some tea, Severus. We'll discus this." Snape took neither the tea nor the seat. He continued to pace around the office. If he were to be honest with himself, he wasn't sure if he would have cared if he knew of this last month, unless of course if he were to see it for himself. It was terrible to watch helplessly as Harry thrashed around, having to bear the pain of others. That is what a savior does; bearing the pain of others, is it not? The irony was not lost on Snape. "Severus, tell me what happens to the wards when your dark mark calls you to a meeting?"
"The magical signature on the castle changes, so that I no longer know how to break them." he said, almost irritated. "What was your point?"
"So, if you were questioned under a truth serum, you couldn't tell the Dark Lord how to get past the ward into Hogwarts," Albus stated as a matter of fact. "What do you suppose he would do if he found out that he can cause Harry Potter great pain simply by cursing anyone else?"
"I was there when you told Fudge that Harry's scar hurt when he was close to him, or if Voldemort was particularly angry. Why did I only see Harry have one episode last week? The Dark Lord must cast Crucio on Wormtail every other day for not having the right amount of sugar in his tea." He was confused on how the whole thing worked. Albus explained the visions and the pain Harry feels from the curses. Voldemort usually had to be very angry for that to occur. He had not experienced that very often, thankfully. While it did happen more often now, it still only happened when Harry was asleep. By now Severus was sitting, rubbing his temples with his fingertips.
"I assume Ronald was trying to replace the lost potion when he attempted to purchase it in the apothecary?" Sev nodded. "Did anyone come to you for any potions?" he nodded again to Albus' question.
"He didn't say what if was for, and I was angry. I didn't give it to him."
"Yet you knew he had lost or spilled it last week," stated Albus. Severus was getting angrier, mostly at himself, but at Harry too. "Why didn't they ask Pomfrey for more if they knew how important it was?"
"Ronald explained to me that they didn't think they could ask for more without reporting to me regarding a vision. They didn't want to chance losing the privilege of keeping the potions. It was a poor decision; they felt they wouldn't be considered responsible enough to keep the potions if they were to admit to not taking proper care of the potions."
"Of all the idiotic..." ranted Snape. Albus cut him off.
"I must assume some of the blame here. At one time Harry saw a particularly bad vision, and he didn't want to repeat it. Harry told Pomfrey that he had spilled the potion. She replaced it, but made him come see me anyway. I coaxed him to tell me what he saw. Relaying the story to me was enough to make the boy physically ill. I believe that was last year, end of November."
Snape winced as he knew exactly which Death Eater meeting he was speaking of. In fact, he was the one to receive the Cruciatus curse that evening. Severus had been punished for carelessness when he killed an eight year old. Snape had overdosed the child, to put him out of his misery. He still had nightmares about the child. It startled him to think that he and Harry may very well have the same nightmares.
"Albus, his future mental stability is at stake now. I would have given him a new potion if he had explained to me that it was important. I shouldn't have been such an arse; I should have given it to Weasley when he asked." Hell I shouldn't of used it in the first place. "This is all my fault, Albus! I wish I never went on your little holiday!" he made holiday sound like blaspheme. Albus picked up his teacup.
"Now Severus, you don't mean that," he said, taking a sip of his tea. "I know you care for the boy. It's good for you two to be friends, and maybe someday more."
"Maybe someday more? Albus you were a teen in the eighteen hundreds! Things move along a little quicker these days. What was that you told Minerva? Did you say a kiss or two?" Snape was irate, yet Albus stayed calm, sipping his tea. "His pain potion was used as a lubricant!" Albus dropped his biscuit in his tea. "Potter is in the infirmary having tremors of pain because I used the potion on him when I took his virginity!!"
Albus' mouth hung open and he didn't seem to notice his teacup shatter when he dropped it. The hot beverage that didn't get soaked up by his beard, spilled off his desk onto his robes.
This chapter was brought to you by my amazing beta xikum, and the letter 'S'
DETAH 23 - Tea, and Pastries
DETAH 23 - Tea, and Pastries
Having shocked Albus certainly should have been entertaining. Severus was too upset with the situation to enjoy the sight before him. Well, maybe not too upset. smirk
After the initial shock, Albus stood up when his mind registered the hot liquid seeping through his robes. With a snap of his wand the desk was cleared. Cooling and drying charms were placed on his robes to offset the hot tea. Albus sat pensively for a moment. He had made bad decisions regarding Harry in the past; in addition he had guided Harry in various directions doing what he thought was for the best. Many of them had been for the best, but after a lot of thought, and a therapy session he was asked to join with Harry and his counselor one day, Albus had agreed to be more open with Harry. He would avoid keeping him in the dark about things that directly affected him. He made a personal promise to himself that he would not manipulate things to alter great events in Harry's life behind his back. Sure, he would always have a little fun with the small stuff. After all, with age comes knowledge. Why shouldn't he have a little fun helping out people he cared for? The strawberries worked out rather well. But as for the big stuff, he would allow the boy to live, and live with his decisions. But here he sat, having set up this holiday that led to a milestone in Harry's life. Clearly this situation was greatly manipulated by Albus. He had broken a promise to the boy.
With the wind gone from his sails, Severus sat in the upholstered chair across from Albus. Sev's long fingers rubbed the bridge of his nose. He waited for Albus to say something, anything.
"His virginity?"
Sev's head dropped, slightly nodding.
"The courting stage of a relationship may have changed a bit since the mid-1800's when I were a teen, but if you think I could spend over fifty years surrounded by them and not know what's going on, you're mistaken, Severus," he said before conjuring up a new tray of tea. "I thought with only a week's time, plus the fact that you were introduced the first evening, I was avoiding a situation like this."
"The introductions were delayed as I recall," Severus said dryly, since it mattered, he'd kissed Harry before dinner that first evening.
"Delayed yes, but for what, an hour or two at the most? I always got the impression that Mr. Potter was very careful about who he spent his time with. You were a stranger, after all."
"Did it ever occur to you that it seemed that way because he doesn't like to date girls?" Severus waved his hand. "Who am I kidding? He may have been careful with me as well if I hadn't pushed." The headmaster raised an eyebrow at the last part. "Apparently not knowing who the famous Harry Potter is, is quite an asset."
"Severus, please tell me that you didn't - before I'd had a chance to introduce the staff?"
"No, no it was several days after, when I went off and pouted when he had refused my advances," Sev said rolling his eyes at his own actions. "In his misguided attempt to make me feel better, Harry went on to tell me all the heroic things I'd done in the past. It was then that he realized what a wonderful man I was," he finished, his voice full of sarcasm. "Honestly Albus, you take away my bad memories, make me a teen, what's left besides raging hormones and Quidditch? Now he wants to get to know me better, as if that was me at all."
"What do you suppose Harry would be like if you took away the threat of Voldemort and the other pressures of his life? Very much the same as you were, I would suspect. You saw how much more relaxed he was this week with no Slytherins or even other older students around besides Ronald. He was more relaxed on holiday, much like you were. I believe Harry did get to know you, more than you'd like to admit, Severus."
"I grew up with the pressures of life, and the effects of war. Sure, I could have been like that, but I wasn't. I am the product of a very different environment."
"Do you think Harry is blind to that fact? Was it not your acts as an adult that changed his feelings for you?"
"You're rather calm about this Albus, well..." Severus glanced at the desk where the teacup had shattered. "Relatively calm. You should have fired me by now."
Albus noticed the change of subject, but didn't comment on it. "You know perfectly well I can't fire you, Severus." Albus sighed and handed Severus a cup of tea. "I knew years ago when I offered you the position of Professor, that you could not be fired, and you in turn could not quit, at least not for the time being."
"Not if I want to live," quipped Snape. Albus furrowed his brows. Severus had joked, but he knew that he was one of the few, if not the only Death Eater, that held a position that required him to be available day and night. It meant he was still called, but mostly involving a need for potions. Voldemort wanted him to stay close to Albus Dumbledore, so he was resigned to the fact that if Severus was gone for too long Albus would become suspicious. If Snape were to quit or be fired, his loyalties would be in question.
"Never once have you given me reason to regret the decisions I've made regarding your position. In all these years, you've not once taken advantage of our arrangement," stated Albus seriously. Severus nodded, and sipped his tea. "Severus, you know that I care for you as my very own, and like you, Harry has a special place in my heart." This was hard for the old wizard. He had a strong need to protect them both. What he had to figure out was from what or who was he protecting them. "I need to make sure of a few things Severus."
"I assumed you would." Severus was expressionless once again. Mentally preparing himself for the questions he know would come.
"You said that you had pushed Harry before he knew who you were. What was his reaction to your advances?" Severus stayed quiet for a moment; he had already replayed these scenes in his head a dozen times the past few days.
"He was amicable, slightly guarded." Severus remembered Harry pulling himself out of his reach that first day on the grass. It occurred to him that for a teen, Harry stayed remarkably in control. "He didn't allow me to push him in to anything he didn't want." Severus was very uncomfortable. After Death Eater meetings he would have to inform Albus about what he had seen and done, but this was different. These were things he did, by his own decisions, albeit as a teen.
"Mr. Weasley didn't seem surprised by your presence in the infirmary. Are he and Miss Granger aware of your relationship, or the extent to which it has gone?"
"I'm not sure if they know everything. Weasley's threats to my personal well-being prove he isn't totally clueless. Remarkably enough, he seemed to trust me with Harry. He is quite protective of him."
"Do you wish to make a formal complaint regarding the past week's events?" Albus asked, surprising the younger man with his question. Severus' thoughts went back to what Harry had said regarding the possible scenarios if he were to try to get him expelled, or complain. No one would gain from his making an official grievance over this. At this point he would he want to anyway?
"No." he said flatly.
Dumbledore smiled at him.
"Thank you for being frank with me Severus. Did you get a chance to tell Harry that you don't hate him?" asked Albus; the damn twinkle was back in his soft blue eyes.
"No, but I would think coddling him in the infirmary would eliminate the need to express my hatred for him, or lack there of."
"Perhaps, but it's nice to be told." Albus sipped his tea again. Severus narrowed his eyes.
"I will allow him to get to know me better Albus, but only because we will begin his training for the Order soon after Harry finishes school."
"Your relationship is off to a great start," stated Albus. Severus thought for sure he was being sarcastic.
"Albus," he began, each word spoken slowly. "Do you know what Harry keeps in his pocket? A note from me, promising not to kill him," he said dryly. "That is not the start of a healthy relationship."
Albus chuckled and offered him a biscuit.
Some time during this conversation...
High up in the Gryffindor tower Ron Weasley was rummaging through his friends trunk looking for an invisibility cloak. He slipped into the kitchens to grab a quick box of treats and head for the infirmary. Harry stirred in the bed. Madam Pomfrey had woken him several times to check on him, and he hadn't been fully asleep when Ron entered. The redhead smiled when he saw Harry's eyes open. "Hey mate, how are you feeling?"
Harry shrugged.
"I couldn't sleep without knowing if you were alright. As it is, Hermione's going to have kittens when she finds out I didn't wake her."
"What time is it?" asked a sleepy Harry.
"You don't want to know. I plan on sleeping though breakfast. Hell, with the N.E.W.T.'s behind us, I may sleep past the first class too."
"You, miss breakfast?" teased Harry. Ron tried to look affronted. But settled for breaking open the box of treats.
"I brought us provisions to hold us over," said Ron opening the box, and holding it for his friend to have first choice. Ron grabbed an enormous cream puff and started in on it. "Duh it sill urt?" asked Ron through the large pastry. Harry laughed at Ron's attempt at speech, but rubbed his head regretting his laughing.
"I guess it still hurts, but not the same as usual." He rubbed the back of his head. "My scar doesn't hurt, and the pain from Malfoy is gone."
"What do you mean, Malfoy!" yelled Ron ready to pummel the Slytherin. Harry held up his hand to calm him.
"Not Draco, Lucius. It was Malfoy Sr. who got crucioed tonight. Crucioed...that's a word right?"
Ron shrugged. "It is now." and they laughed. "What did Malfoy do for that?"
"I haven't met with Dumbledore yet, so I can't say, I think he failed to do something or another. I'll let you know if it's anything that I can repeat." Ron understood and wouldn't ask any more questions.
Harry decided that was enough bad thoughts and dove into his chocolate clair. Ron made a face when Harry licked off the chocolate and began to suck out the cream.
"Ew, you're going to turn me off of clairs for a year if you keep that up," protested Ron.
"Give it a rest Ron. You make it sound as if every time I eat it's sexual." Ron wriggled is nose.
"You do! The way you lick that thing clean," objected Ron. Harry rolled his eyes.
"You just have such a sick mind, all you ever think about is sex. I've always eaten the chocolate first, since I'm here at Hogwarts, but since I told you I liked men you're all freaked out. You should see yourself eat one of these, you're no better." Deciding to have some fun, Harry smirked and slowly took the whole pastry in his mouth. He moaned with his eyes closed, swallowed some cream filling and slid it back out again. When Harry fluttered his eyes back open he was presented with the sight of Ron frozen in place, mouth gaping open, and full of creampuff. Ron's eyes were wide as saucers, shocked at his friends display. "That's just wrong!" Ron said lightheartedly with his mouth still full. Harry snickered, and took an abrupt bite out of the clair. Ron winced. "That clinched it, I'll never eat one of those again for the rest of my life," ranted Ron in mock disgust. Harry knew he wasn't really upset, just squicked.
It didn't take too long for Madam Pomfrey to hear a commotion in her infirmary. She gave Ron a stern look, but it always warmed her heart to see that Harry's friends would stand by him.
"Things are going to get very quiet around here when you two finish school. Whatever will I do with my spare time?" she gave them a warm smile. "Now, Mr. Weasley I think its time you let my patient get some sleep," chided Pomfrey. Ron didn't move just yet, he knew they could always buy ten extra minutes.
"You voice is saying get out, but your eyes are saying chocolate clair," tempted Harry holding up the box to her. Normally this would be where she would tell them they had ten minutes and scold them for eating treats this time of night, or morning considering the hour. But she was going to miss them, and she hoped this would be Harry's last visit to the infirmary as a patient.
"Scoot over Ron," she said, shocking the redhead, and picked up an clair. Ladylike as always she broke off a small piece of the pastry before popping it into her mouth. "When I was child I used to eat all the chocolate first," she said with a smile. "It drove my Mum crazy. She said I did it so I wouldn't have to share it." She delicately broke off another piece and ate it. Harry smiled. She seldom spoke of her personal life with him. He suspected it was easier for her to stay calm during medical emergencies if she always kept things professional. Merlin knew he has had his share of medical emergencies.
"Ronald," she said in all seriousness. "I would like to enlist you to do a job for me." Ron was surprised by her words, but tried not to speak with his mouthful in an attempt at manners. He pointed to himself, raising his eyebrows in question. She nodded.
"Harry dear, I'm afraid that the duration you were made to feel the effects of the Cruciatus Curse this evening poses a threat to your health, your mental health. I was going to explain this to you with Professor Dumbledore later this morning, but since Ronald is here, and you seem coherent, I will tell you some of it now." Harry nodded for her to continue. "Do you know what happens when a person is placed under that spell for an extended period of time?"
"The Longbottom's," was all he said. She knew he understood that they were insane from it, and were in St. Mungos.
"Yes, I'm afraid so. Now since you don't feel the full effects of the curse during a vision, you can go longer periods of time with out any permanent effects. But tonight was I'm guessing one of your worst experiences with this, and I'm afraid we don't know if you had reached that threshold earlier."
"I'm fine, well I don't feel that great, but I don't feel different mentally," said Harry.
Ron interjected, "Harry seems fine to me. Besides, since he feels it less than the poor guy getting cursed, wouldn't You Know Who stop the curse when the person was insane, or dead," Ron finished softly realizing what his friend must have had to witness during his vision earlier.
"He does," Harry answered for her. "But that doesn't mean he can't curse three people in a row, and I still feel it even though it's different people on the receiving end of Voldemort's wand," said Harry. Ron winced and wished Hermione was here because she would hug him right about now. Poppy patted Harry's arm.
"A person can be hit with the Cruciatus curse once a day for a year, and not be permanently affected, other than having very tight muscles in great need of massage and a good hot bath. But if you're under for too long at once, there is a line that gets crossed. Once that point is reached, every time that person is under the curse again they lose a bit of their sanity. If you have reached that point tonight, your metal stability is at risk with every curse you feel. We don't know for sure yet. You could be fine, but we will be watching for symptoms." Harry nodded in understanding. "This is where you come in Ronald."
Ron sat up straight, waiting to hear what his job was.
"The staff will be watching Harry for symptoms, but you are with Harry most of the time, and you know him best." She gave him a warm smile. "I want you to watch for any changes in behavior. Look for changes in mood, or emotions out of the ordinary, or a change in sleeping patterns or appetite." She turned to Harry again. "You need to tell me if you have pain, tremors, or anything you're not sure of. Understood?"
"Yeah, I understand. How long before we know?"
"We'll see, perhaps next week," she said before getting up to leave. "Ron, you've got five minutes. Harry get some rest." she said warmly, and left. Ron watched her leave, and turned to back around to Harry.
"You'll be ok, Harry, you'll see," Ron reassured him.
"Yeah, I'll be fine."
Ron got up from the end of the bed and placed the rest of the box of pastries on the table by Harry's bed. He looked down at the unfinished clair. "I'm not even touching that. Are you going to finish? Or will you spare me the visual?" Ron teased while cleaning up their mess.
"Ha, I thought you were going to bust when Pomfrey said she used to eat the chocolate first. You see, I eat fine, you just have a sick mind."
"So, you were being childish, and here I thought you were a pig," harassed Ron. Harry threw the pastry at him. "I'll see you later." Ron licked his fingers and waved to Harry as he left.
Harry snuggled into his pillow, pulling the covers up to his chin. He thought about Sev holding him, comforting him. Not knowing it had been real, he thought maybe if he was lucky he would have that dream again.
DETAH 24 - Sweet Dreams
DETAH 24 - Sweet Dreams
Severus woke early despite the lack of sleep he had. By the time he left Albus' office it was after two am. He opened the box that had been abandoned for brewing Harry's potion. The large strawberries were now dried up and shriveled away from their chocolate cocoons. Now at his desk, Sev took the last sips of his 'wake me up' peppermint tea, and turned to the next essay on the pile, Neville Longbottom. Too early for this, he said to himself and put Neville's parchment to the bottom of the stack. Next one is Harry Potter. Sev looked at the essay and shook his head. He had forgotten about it completely. When he unrolled the parchment fully to show the bottom where he himself had added to the essay to make it worthy of an A, Severus dipped his quill into the red ink ready to write a scathing remark, but was surprised to see his part had been removed. I guess I'm not too surprised. A small smile crept onto his face, and he wrote a B on the top of the essay. He found his thoughts going back to Harry and the previous evening.
The memory of Harry screaming was still clear in his head; his body thrashing as Severus had seen others doing under the evil curse. How often had he been at DE meetings, and seen the curse used again and again? Surely there must have been plenty of times that Harry would have felt what he had seen done to others, and even felt himself on occasion. Severus' mind drifted off to a meeting five weeks prior. It had been a hideous day. McGonagall was gloating over the most recent Gryffindor win over Slytherin, and he'd lost twenty sickles on a bet with her. He had almost a full day of classes with Hufflepuffs, and then was called to a DE meeting. A slight miscalculation in an attempt at a truth serum reversal potion had cost him. It was no mistake, but was worth the consequences of the harsh beating and Cruciatus Curse. The next morning had been a Saturday and he'd given Potter detention. Severus remembered being pissed off that after such a bad day and night, he was once again given a list of potions to brew for Poppy. He had stood over his cauldron that Saturday morning brewing pain potions, thankful that the Potter brat had been very sedate the entire time he spent scrubbing cauldrons. He hadn't even complained about missing his quidditch practice.
Severus shook himself from the memory. It was then that he realized Harry must have been recovering from his previous night as he himself had been. Not to the same extent, but for a teen to be asleep and suddenly feel the effects of that curse... How many times had this happened and he had been too wrapped up in his own thoughts to notice changes in Harry's behavior?That's why Poppy has the timing she does! Most times Harry needed new potions because Severus had had a DE meeting the night before. That was why Sev hated making the potion, he always had to do it when he was recovering, or agitated by his current position as spy after having had to spend time close to Voldemort.
He suddenly wanted to go down to the infirmary to see how Harry was doing. He knew he shouldn't be seen checking on Potter. Harry shouldn't have had to suffer as long as he did last night. Severus was getting angry again that this had happened to his Harry. He would worry later that he thought about Harry as his. Right now he was too angry about how Harry had been so brainless as to make such an error in judgment not to get more pain potions from Poppy earlier.What the hell was he thinking?
Having grabbed a few extra vials of potions, Severus headed to the infirmary on the premise of delivering medications to Poppy. He walked with purpose down the corridor. When he turned a familiar corner, he couldn't resist the urge to look down at his pouch of vials to be sure there wasn't a house elf attached to it, grinning at the memory. A first year Ravenclaw student froze on sight of her Professor with an evil grin on his face when he strode past. He didn't go out of his way to be cruel to the creatures, but couldn't help but enjoy a moment when something did happen. House elves were so easy to frighten; he did so enjoy instilling fear in others, and it didn't matter if they were human or not.
Severus had glanced in the Great Hall when he had passed. He saw Albus seated for breakfast. The older man gave him a knowing smile as he passed. Sev's grip on his potions increased as he approached the infirmary. He could hear screaming again. It wasn't Harry; no it was several people at once. They didn't seem to be in the same conversation, but yelling over one another. Why would Poppy allow such a commotion in her wing? Was that two more voices now? When the door opened Severus had not expected to see the room empty, save Harry with his head under his pillow. Over his bed were at least five vibrant red envelops screaming profanities and shrieking their opinions of the Boy Who Lived being the Boy Who Was Gay. Severus looked around the floor at what must have been the remains of a dozen other howlers that had been sent to Harry this morning. On the bed under the pile of shredded red envelopes was a copy of today's Daily Prophet. The headline read
Death Eater Trial finds Nott guilty
'Did they realize how odd that sounded?'* He thought. At first glance he wasn't sure if the Death Eater was not guilty, or was it Mr. Nott was guilty. A smaller article in the lower left corner of the front page was the announcement of Harry Potter's coming out of the closet. It went on to quote an anonymous seventh year classmate stating the savior's predilection for Scottish fellows; it also mentioned that his recent break up with an unnamed dorm-mate had left the Boy Who Lived devastated and unavailable for comment. Severus scoffed. Out of five dorm-mates, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out whom they're speaking of.
Harry pulled the pillow off his face when he couldn't hear the howlers any longer. Severus raised an eyebrow, as if to ask what was going on in here. He turned away from Harry when he heard a large tawny owl coming his way with yet another large scarlet envelope. Harry held the pillow with one hand while his other tried to open the howler rather awkwardly. He was quite a sight in a hospital-type gown that was tied behind his neck. His hair went in every direction; it could have been from hiding under the pillow or sleep, Severus couldn't tell. It was an amusing sight.
"What are you doing?" asked Severus edgily.
"I'm opening this before it blows up. Then I'm going to bury myself under this pillow," Harry said as a mater of fact. Severus glowered, and banished the howler with a spell. From the look he was giving Harry, it seemed Severus expected him to know that spell. "What? Are you accustomed to getting red fan mail? I'm not," asked Harry sarcastically. "These blasted things are giving me a headache." Harry rubbed the back of his head. Severus suddenly remembered what it was that provoked him to come here in the first place.
"Poppy never leaves a patient unattended while in her care, one who obviously needs watching over. Where is she?" he said curtly. Harry frowned; he'd hoped they would be on better terms.
"She's in the Great Hall. I'm fine. I don't need watching over. Madam Pomfrey told me to get some extra sleep, and then I could leave after breakfast." Harry smirked. "Is that why you're here, to watch over me?" he said in a low tone, licking his lips, but was disappointed when his comment didn't have the desired effect.
"So, you don't need watching over? Why the hell didn't you get your potions restocked?"
"Why the hell didn't you give it to me when you knew Ron was trying to get it? You were there that day last week, you saw!"
"I was mad! I wanted to you leave me alone, and I foolishly thought that you were smart enough to get the potion from Pomfrey the way you're supposed to!" Severus was seething. He was now holding the paper pointing to the headline. "If I knew the source of your pain, I could have told you there was an excellent chance of him getting angry last night." Sev said just above a whisper, which was surprisingly scarier than when he yelled. Severus knew before it even happened that Malfoy would fail, and there was a better than excellent chance of Nott getting sent to Azkaban. "You could have taken a potion..."
"Dreamless sleep doesn't work for this," Harry interrupted.
"As I was saying," he said furiously. "You could have taken a potion to keep you awake." Harry lowered his eyes. It had been a bad call in judgment and he knew it. Now Severus was mad at him. He had the previous week to show him how mature he was and had completely nullified that in a few days' time. The wind was all but out of Sev's sails now. Harry was looking pitiful, and well chastised.
Severus heard the flapping of wings off in the distance. As a spy he was much more aware of his surroundings than most, and certainly more than Harry would be lying here in bed. Had he known the note he wrote would have caused such a chain of events, he never would have sent it. "Nothing good came of it. I wish I hadn't done it," muttered Sev, holding his wand ready for he owl he knew was approaching with another howler.
Harry hadn't heard the owl; he only heard what Sev had said. It cut him deeply to think that Sev wished they had never had the time together that they had. Harry didn't realize the man was referring to the note he sent to the Potions class and not his time with Harry. It hurt. Above all, Sev was now holding out his wand at the ready. Hermione had told Harry that she could tell her memory had been changed, but she felt it was for the best, and didn't want anything to hinder her relationship with Ron. Harry looked up at Sev's wand in fear, and then anger.
"I'm warning you right now, Professor Snape," he emphasized the title and clearly he struck a cord. "Don't you even think about messing around with my memories." Severus looked at him incredulously. "You cant' take the chance that no one else knows. I know what my friends' first times were like." Harry continued to ramble. "Oh, sure they were thrilled they got laid. Who cared if it was in the Astronomy tower on a cold stone floor? If you take this from me, my next time will then be my first, and if it's not every bit as wonderful an experience, then you'll have taken much more than my virginity."
Finishing his rant, Harry's eyes narrowed when Severus raised his wand higher. Sev banished the howler that was coming their way. Harry flinched away. The howler was now on its way somewhere; Harry wondered where. Then with all the Gryffindor courage he could muster, he looked up again to meet Sev's gaze. Surely he would be livid from Harry's outburst. He blinked a few times to be sure. Did Sev look sad? Maybe it was a mix of fear and grief? Harry was so confused. It was hard to stay focused.
"Harry," he said softly. "I can't Obliviate a time span of several days that happened over a week ago, though I won't deny I thought about it on Monday." Severus was going to say more, but Harry was starting to look off in the distance. Oh shit.
"I'm gonna be sick." was all Harry could get out before he clambered out of bed. He stumbled as his legs were entangled in the bed sheets. Severus spelled open the door to the loo, and Harry ran in. He was worried for Harry, but couldn't help but smirk at the sight of him running across the room with the back of his hospital gown wide open, exposing his backside. What a delectable backside it is. Before he could finish ogling the young man's form and be of some comfort, the infirmary door opened. "Severus!" screeched Poppy, with the sight of him standing there, wand out and smirking. "What is going on here?"
Walking in behind the nurse was Draco Malfoy, looking rather annoyed. Annoyed looking to most, but Severus knew him too well. He pocketed his wand. "I am here," he said holding up his pouch of vials, "with your potion supplies, not to tend to your patients." Draco winced in disgust when he heard the sounds of retching echo off the tiles in the loo. Severus walked over to Draco, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I expect better care for my students."
Poppy knew Severus was speaking of Harry when he said that last line. She had seen him and Harry become fast friends last week, and couldn't have missed him being such a comfort the night before. She left Draco in Snape's capable hands and tended to Harry's needs.
Severus gave Draco a once over. "What brings you here; you look healthy enough?" He listened for Draco's answer as he opened a nearby supply cupboard and placed the vials from his pouch into their respective places. "I don't need to be here," snarled the blond. "Dumbledore made me." Severus eyed his student and put a vial of calming potion in his pouch, then closed the cupboard. " Professor Dumbledore," he corrected. "Come Draco, let's go for a walk." He paused, hoping to hear if Harry was ok. "Potter could be contagious."
When they reached the lawn past the entrance, Severus asked him what had prompted the headmaster sending him to the infirmary. "I hexed Goyle for being a prat, and Professor Dumbledore suggested that I return with Madam Pomfrey for some calming potions." Draco kicked a rock as they walked. He no longer looked annoyed, but sullen. "I told him I'd give him the chocolate frogs from my care package this week, and he was foolish enough to complain when I didn't get anything from home this morning."
Now Severus knew what was bothering the young Slytherin. His mother sent him a package every Friday. The only time she failed to send one was when something happened. If Lucius had a particularly hard time at a meeting, she would forget to send it. Severus was rather certain that she did this on purpose. A house elf could have easily done it for her if she was too busy, but she knew it was a subtle way of letting her son know not all was well. She was adamant about him not receiving the mark. Not that she didn't believe in what they wanted to accomplish, but she had no desire for her son to be tied to a madman, as her husband was. She thought it was best if Draco could take a position of power and influence like his father, and still serve to aid the cause of their Lord, without having to answer to every call and take part in the barbaric activities of the Death Eaters. Severus had always supported Narcissa in her quest to keep Draco unmarked, but for his own reasons, and certainly not to aid the Dark Lord.
"Dumbledore is a wise man," said Severus, pulling out the vial of calming potion and giving it to the boy. Draco made a face. He looked so young when he did this, Severus thought. Funny how he still thought of Draco as such a child, but when he thought about Harry he thought about ... well, bending him over his desk mostly, but certainly not a child. He was so lost in the memory of bending over Harry, making him moan in pleasure and beg for more, that he almost missed the complaints from the young Slytherin at his side. Draco did not care for his head of house's assessment of the old wizard. "He is wise, and I agree, you do need that potion, so drink it. Now." Draco uncorked the vial and downed the potion in one. "Using your recourses wisely means knowing what your resources are. A smart man knows other's strengths in addition to their weaknesses." Draco considered that thought for a moment, deciding not to comment. Instead, he changed the subject altogether. It was the best way to keep himself out of trouble when he didn't agree, or understand something.
"What happens to Mr. Nott and his family now?" asked Draco, not really caring in the least; except that he knew that his father could be in the same circumstance one day.
"I haven't received the details of the trial yet. He will go to Azkaban, but I don't know for how long. It depends on what they found out from his wand. Those caught attempting to break the wards to get to Mr. Potter were given a lot of years, and more to those who used the Unforgivables in the battle.
They continued their walk and conversation for the remainder of time left while the other students were at breakfast. Two other students were also leaving the Great Hall early. Harry was to meet them after breakfast; too impatient to wait, they headed to the hospital wing to see their friend. They had been expecting to see Harry about ready to leave, not sound asleep on the bed. Madam Pomfrey was angrily cleaning up the shreds of red paper all over the floor. Harry looked peaceful enough, sleeping under a blanket that Hermione had never seen before. It was white like the rest, but had red stripes on it. And some writing, but she couldn't read it yet.
"What is that for?" she asked, pointing to the striped bed linens.
"CNS blanket," replied Poppy, and then muttered on about the rudeness of some wizards as she continued to clean up the howler remains.
"See-anes?" she asked, confused. Ron helped out. He pressed the wrinkles out of the blanket so the words were even and Hermione could read them.
"C. N. S. Cast No Spells. Get it?" Ron said as he pointed to the red words on the covers. Her eyes grew wide in understanding. There were several reasons it could be unsafe to cast a spell on a patient. But she was of the understanding that Harry was to be released today. What was he healing from?
"Mr. Weasley, in your quest to get Mr. Potter here last night, was he dropped or injured in some way?"
"No!" Ron yelled indignantly. "He was levitated all the way here. We would have told you if he fell. After what happened to Neville last year, we promised you we'd fess up if that were to happen again." Ron looked nervously at Harry sleeping. "Did something happen?"
"He has a concussion," she stated with a frown. "What about his bed linens? Did you see any blood?" asked Poppy. Hermione gasped.
"No, but Dobby had been in to replace the potions; I assumed he made the bed. It was made up when I woke up," explained Ron.
Poppy explained to them that when she was helping Harry in the loo around the time Severus left, she noticed a patch of dried blood on the back of his head. It was then that she checked him for concussion. She had been very irritated with herself for missing it. She explained to Hermione and Ron that the symptoms he had been experiencing so far could have been from his head injury or the more serious problem of his crossing the safe line of the extended Cruciatus Curse. They would still have to look for symptoms, but she wasn't going to count what they had witnessed thus far. Once he woke from his magically induced healing sleep and the concussion was gone, they would know that any future symptoms would be from the curse. All three of them were quite relieved. Summoning Dobby was the key to the mystery. He had changed the bedclothes. There had been blood on a pillowcase. They determined that Harry had violently banged his head during the thrashing around. In the commotion no one had noticed.
"How long will he have to sleep for the healing to be complete?" asked Hermione. "Is it dreamless sleep?"
Poppy gave her a tired smile. Hermione always had a load of questions.
"He has been given a potion that greatly speeds the healing. He'll sleep until tomorrow morning; he is spelled motionless to keep his head from moving during the rapid healing, it will wear off tomorrow sometime after he wakes. Any spell on him now could effect the motionless charm, and I'm afraid the dreamless sleep potion conflicts with the healing potion. He will have to live with any nightmares he may have this evening," Poppy said with a sigh.
Ron's face lit up as he got an idea.
"What about 'Sweet Dreams'? It's safe with potions." Ron said excitedly. Madam Pomfrey smiled. In fact she seemed to be biting her lip to keep from laughing. Hermione asked what it was. "It's a powder, or sparkly stuff that gives you 'sweet dreams'. My mum used to give it to us when we were sick. You dream about sweet stuff like candy and chocolates."
"We do have some, but it's for little children. We only keep it for first years that are homesick." Ron huffed, but didn't push the issue.
The day went on from there with very little excitement. Harry's concussion was explained away as a Quidditch practice accident. Later that evening the four remaining seventh years talked about the latest gossip, since they were the latest gossip. Seamus had also received a few howlers at breakfast. His past experiences all being with girls, the rumor of him being bisexual was spread. It wasn't that horribly uncommon for teens to experiment. They wondered how some of the crazy stories even got started. One boy had been telling people that he was sure Seamus had been checking him out last year. As it turned out, the girl that Seamus had been dating off and on for the last few months found it very endearing that he had chosen her over Harry Potter. When he found out, Harry would be happy to hear his friend had found a way to take advantage of the situation, and wasn't suffering too much since his sacrifice on Harry's behalf.
A few hours later, Ron woke shaking, perspiration beading on his face. It was a very odd dream that had startled him. He couldn't remember much of it, but Malfoy Sr. was there casting Unforgivables on Harry, who was screaming like he had been the night before. It had been upsetting to hear, but he couldn't escape from the sound, as he was held in place by a black cage. The bars on the cage grew hairy. They were spider legs trapping Ron in. Seamus was there also. He was holding a large bug spray canister, but he refused to spray the spider until Ron gave him a kiss. Ron had been considering his options between the spider and Seamus, when the spider tried to spin him in a web. Ron had woken up all twisted in his bed sheets. He glanced over to Seamus' bed grateful everyone else was sleeping.
Shortly after his dream, Ron was snooping around Poppy's office. "Bingo." he found what he had been looking for. Determined that Harry would have a peaceful night's sleep while recovering, he took a pinch of the gold flecked substance from the vial labeled 'Sweet Dreams' and blew it from his palm onto Harry's face, just as Ron remembered his mum doing when he was a young child. A few minutes passed and Harry smiled in his sleep. Ron smiled too. Harry wouldn't have had a chance to have 'Sweet Dream' sparkles as a child in the muggle world. He was glad he could do this for him. Ron hadn't noticed a tall dark figure enter the room.
Severus took in the scene before him. Ron was grinning, Harry was sleeping with gold flecks shining in the little bit of light there was at this time of night in the infirmary. "That's a sick joke to pull on a defenseless friend. Not very Gryffindor of you, Weasley," Snape said icily. Ron's head snapped up, surprised to see someone there. "To think I had been impressed by what a loyal friend you are to Harry."
"What are you talking about?" Ron wasn't sure if he'd heard right. "What joke? Wait... you're impressed with me?"
" Was impressed, but you are losing credibility with every passing moment. Why would you do that? Did it even occur to you that when he woke up, he wouldn't be able to move and save himself from certain embarrassment?"
"What embarrassment? So the stuff is for kids, Harry loves it when he gets to do things only wizard children do. He'll like a good dream about sweets. One year my little cousin came over with his toy broom, and Harry rode it all over the yard as a joke." Ron snorted at the memory of Harry flying the tiny broom that wouldn't fly more than a gnome's height above the ground. Sev huffed. Ron was a good friend, but still had a lot of growing up to do. Not surprising being the youngest boy in such a large family.
"Sweet Dreams', as in 'Good Dreams', not necessarily confections. You dreamed about sweets as a child. In my own childhood, I dreamed of racing brooms. What do you suppose Harry, at age 17, would consider a very good dream? Severus asked silkily, with a raised brow. Ron's vacant expression suddenly lit with realization, his mouth agape.
Oh.
Severus lips curled. "When his dream is... shall we say finished, he will not have the ability to move. Will a homophobe like yourself be here to help out?" Severus was having fun with this. He couldn't have planned this better if he'd tried.
"I'm not a homophobe!" cried Ron indignantly. "I...I'm fine with Harry's choices." He stuttered.
"Then it shouldn't bother you in the least that you have given him such a sweet dream; of course, since he can't move, you'll help him out?" Sev said with a straight face, glancing down at the CNS blanket that was noticeably rising with the effects of Harry's dream. Ron was looking green by now. He could convince himself that he was fine with Harry's sexuality, he was really, but giving him a wet dream was too much for Ron to handle. Ron held his hand over his mouth, and started at a run for the door. Part of him knew he was abandoning his friend, but the other part knew he was leaving him in Snape's care, and that was another thought he couldn't contend with just now. When the doors swung closed behind the retreating redhead, Severus spelled them locked.
He pulled a chair closer to the bed where Harry lay. Pulling his hand into his own, Sev watched Harry smile with the touch. Sev had been all too aware of the effects of 'Sweet Dreams'; it had been a common practical joke when he was a student. He paused. He was still a teacher; Harry wasn't conscious to give approval. But... the dream was going to happen whether he was there or not. It couldn't hurt to observe, and perhaps clean up any potential embarrassments. Severus knew he was acting out of character. He was a man of principle. It had been so long since someone had this effect on him. In fact he couldn't remember anyone affecting him as much as Harry had.
A long slender hand gently brushed the dark hair from Harry's face, and continued to caress along the side of his head, then down behind his ear. Sev was very careful not to move Harry's head. His delicate touch traced a line behind Harry's ear where he liked to be kissed. The hairs on his neck reached up to the hand as if to lean into the touch. For sure, Harry would have shivered had he not been spelled into stillness. The gentle fingers reached the end of their course as the covers were now in his path. Sev traced the line of Harry's collarbone, edging the fabric away from his chest and lower still to reveal his peaked nipples. Harry was having a fine dream indeed. Sev's fingertips ran through the sparse chest hairs, rubbing over the taut nipples. Resisting the urge to take the nub into his mouth, Sev continued his stroking of the flawless tan skin before him, as if it would have made it worse to touch him with his lips than only his hands. Severus stood up for better reach. His fingers on the left played with the hard nipples as the right meandered through the hairs that lead down the center of his chest and abdomen.
Severus looked at his own belly for a moment. It was firm and flat, but no longer had the washboard look that Harry had seen last week. Harry's six-pack abs were clearly evident despite his love for food. Who would have guessed that Harry and I share a love of cooking? He had been afraid that they only had sex in common, and that wouldn't keep him interested in the potions maker forever. Yes, he would let Harry get to know him; and for right now, he would get to know this magnificent body lying in front of him.
Harry did have a teen body. His neck and shoulders were still relatively slender, his body was well muscled, but would fill out more in time. Sev's now warm hand caressed down Harry's sides, following the oblique muscle lines from his side toward the front. The area where the sides curved into the hips in a triangular shape was so sexy. The sparse hairs were now denser the closer he was to where the muscles would end and his hard shaft began. Harry remained still, but his breathing would fluctuate depending on what was going on in his dream. Severus continued mapping out Harry's muscles wondering what they would look and feel like pressed against his adult body. The long slender fingers wrapped around the hard shaft. He squeezed and a drop of pre-come appeared and was spread around the now glistening head. Sev could feel the blood pulsing beneath his fingers as he stroked the hard cock. The head was almost purple now as it wept. Severus listened to Harry's breath shorten, and felt the balls he was fondling getting tighter. He could tell Harry was so close to climax. Grateful for his height, Sev leaned over the side of the bed. He reached up with one hand again and pinched one of Harry's nipples while he licked and sucked at the head, then laved the line along the vein on the underside. Gliding back to the tip, his warm mouth caressed the head, then took in every inch Harry had to offer. It was a struggle to not gag on his impressive member. He moved one hand down to stroke slowly from behind the sac to the pink rosette, circling it as he swallowed around the hard cock a few times more before he was rewarded. Harry's mouth was slightly open in a silent moan; his body of course unnaturally still with the exception of his now softening cock. It has been licked clean; leaving no traces of a dream that would have caused him embarrassment when Poppy returned in the morning to check on her patient.
Severus dragged a lazy hand back up the tanned body as he replaced the gown and blanket. Harry's breathing has evened out once again, and Sev wondered if Weasley will 'fess up to his friend regarding the 'Sweet Dreams'. With a final glance at the beauty that slept on peacefully, Severus pocketed the remaining vial of the gold-flecked powder and returned to his chambers.
DETAH 25 - Symptons & Strategy
Saturday afternoon was perfect weather for the Slytherin vs. Hufflepuff quidditch match. Harry was released from the infirmary. The golden trio sat amongst friends in the Gryffindor stands, waiting for Hooch to release the quaffle. Ron and Harry prattled on about stats and how long it would take for Hufflepuff to get their first score, to how long it would take for Slytherin to make their first foul. Hermione would join in occasionally, but didn't care that much about quidditch, and would interject with other topics from time to time. "You seem fine, Harry. Ron was worried that you may have had a nightmare while forced to sleep for so long, but I guess you did all right; you look great. Bet you're starved after sleeping all of yesterday," said Hermione, handing him a chocolate frog. Harry bit the head off the frog as it tried to hop off. He loved the look he always got from her when he did that. "I see your appetite hasn't changed, you're gross," she teased, as he licked his fingers. Poppy had made sure he ate a full lunch before leaving, but a teen male's appetite is a mighty thing.
"Well, that will be one less symptom for me to look out for, Harry. You still eat like a five year old at a party," Ron said, clapping his hand on Harry's back. It earned him an elbow in the ribs. Ron continued to show his own maturity by eating a chocolate frog, legs first, so Hermione could see the face the frog made. She declared them both pigs and didn't speak to them until after the match. They didn't really notice her lack of conversation, given the large variety of fouls the green team was getting. Harry watched Severus in the Slytherin stands applaud enthusiastically when Malfoy caught the snitch.
As the days passed, Ron did watch for changes in Harry. So did the others that Poppy had sequestered for the task. McGonagall had nothing to report as Harry's magical ability hadn't changed, and she saw no problems in class. Madam Hooch had noticed no changes in his flying. He still took the same amount of risks as prior to the night Harry suffered the Unforgivable indirectly, and his reaction times were normal.
If anyone had been acting differently, it was Ron. He couldn't hide the expression of guilt he wore every so often. Harry noticed, and would confront him soon enough. Harry had been preoccupied with what Ron had said about him eating like a child. Hermione didn't agree, but Harry was adamant. He had come to the conclusion that if he was going to win over Sev, then he would have to show him how mature he could be.
While the official watchers were reporting that Harry was still acting his norm, Severus was seeing something different. Having found out about the concussion, Sev had new hope that Harry would be ok, and not suffer permanent damage from that curse. But now he was seeing subtle changes in Harry, changes that could mean a future mental imbalance. Harry was quiet in his class. He still spoke to his friends, but never rose to the bait that Malfoy would offer. He paid close attention, and hadn't even approached Severus. He had thought Harry would have taken the opportunity that arose when he had comforted him while in all the pain; but he did not. Harry didn't appear to know about the 'Sweet Dreams', and that bothered Sev too. He was starting to feel guilty for taking advantage of him while he slept.
It was dinnertime. Sev had watched Harry discreetly. Harry didn't eat with the gusto he usually did. He acted strangely. Strange, like the first time Sev had seen him seated next to Albus at a special dinner; he had been so very mindful of his manners. Was he not hungry? Had he been sleeping well? Severus hated not knowing. He even found himself turning his ring subconsciously when he wanted to grab the boy and question him. It seemed like Harry almost never bumped into him any more. Severus scolded himself, he should be glad that Harry was using discretion, and not knocking down his door. He had expected that Harry would have said or done something after he had comforted him. But then again, he had yelled at him for his stupidity, and hadn't spoken to him since, unless you were to count the things he said while Harry slept.
Harry and Ron were on the pitch to gather bludgers and the rest of the quidditch balls while the team went in to shower. It was their time to talk about how the practice went, and where the team needed work. Harry had been made captain the same year Ron joined the team as a beater. Ron took over the job when Harry was incapacitated after the attack on Privet Drive. When Harry was well enough to play quidditch again, he shared the position with Ron, not wanting to take it from him after Ron had done an excellent job with the team while he was gone. "Harry," said Ron tentatively. "Er...I kinda' have a confession to make."
"I was wondering when this was going to play out."
"You know?" asked Ron, looking startled. Harry laughed.
"I know you, and you've been festering on something for a while now, spill it," said Harry. Ron told Harry about the 'Sweet Dreams'. While telling the story Ron remembered Madam Pomfrey's reaction, which made a lot of sense now that he knew the effects it would have. For the most part Harry thought the whole thing was humorous. It was funny when he thought about Ron thinking he would dream of candy. He was sure to get a bit of revenge by telling Ron that he had already been having similar dreams all week, but that one was particularly hot. Ron's face was flushed, and he didn't think he could 'fess up to everything at once. He would tell Harry about Severus being there later. Maybe when they showered, so Harry wasn't armed. "Do you think the others are done showering?"
In the previous season, one of the players had found out that Harry was gay. He finished school last year, but Ron and Harry continued with their habit of after-practice meetings on the field, so that Harry wasn't showering with the team. To Ron's credit, he always thought it was ridiculous for Harry not to shower with the team. Harry had always showered with the others in his house in the dorm and it wasn't an issue. It wasn't as if he was going to come-on to someone in there. But Harry insisted he didn't mind and didn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable. Which is how they got themselves into trouble.
Harry stripped off his quidditch robes, tossing them in a pile. He took off the leather strap on his arm that held his wand. Harry was never without it, even during play. With his wand safely with his clothes, Harry stepped into the steamy shower. It was heaven on his aching muscles. "Ah, I need this. What a practice," moaned Harry from his side of the shower.
"You're not allowed complaining, you're the captain, why did you make us work so hard?" teased Ron.
"Co-captain," corrected Harry. "This is half your fault," he protested. Harry's words sounded gurgled as he spoke through the stream of water he had pulsing on his face.
"We needed this to win next week." Ron said confidently. They both jerked their heads when someone snorted at his comment. Ron's mouth opened, but no words came out. His eyes bugged at the sight of three people in black robes and white masks at the entrance of the shower. Harry's eyes darted around as he quickly assessed the situation. The exit was now closed off, with his wand on the wrong side of the barrier of the three hooded figures. He could hear Ron's breath quickening in small gasps. Harry sidestepped over to Ron, as the other three moved in agonizingly slowly, apparently for effect. It was working; at least on Ron who had never been faced with a Death Eater before.
"Don't panic, they're not Death Eaters. Slytherin maybe, but not Death Eaters," whispered Harry in one breath. At first sight Harry thought it strange the three hadn't spoken at all when spotting them, and Harry noticed the smallest of the three was wearing trainers. In all the times he'd had the displeasure of seeing Death Eaters, they had never worn running shoes, nor snorted at the topic of quidditch.
Harry ducked, avoiding the first hex, and lunged at them, taking one to the floor. While Harry wrestled, Ron had his own problems. He had managed to swerve away from a curse, but he the second was dead on, and Ron had been too tall to duck out of the way, as it was aimed at his stomach. Harry turned to see Ron fall when he heard 'Impedimenta' called out, stopping Ron in his tracks.
"Fight it, Ron!" yelled Harry. They had practiced fighting off spells ever since the Tri-Wizard tournament. With Ron temporarily easy to control, the third attacker pulled Harry off of the one he was wrestling with. Harry had pulled off the mask of the one rolling around the tile floor with him. "Nott!" Harry yelled as he recognized the son of the man found guilty and sent to Azkaban last week. "Alexander you scum; get off me!" screamed Harry. He glanced quickly at Ron who was getting beat up at the moment. Harry could tell by the intense look on Ron's face that he would break the Impediment Curse soon, and once again fight back. There was nothing he could do to help at the moment, as Alexander's sidekick, a beefy boy with hands like Dudley's, was now pulling Harry's arms behind him. The beefy one kneeled on Harry's wrist so he could have use of his wand hand. "Don't," young Nott said as the other boy held up his wand to Harry. "Let him struggle. He can fight Imperious, and this way, I enjoy it more," said Nott, emphasizing his words with a punch to Harry's gut. "This is for my father!" he said, with another punch. "That's what he gets for serving Voldemort," said Harry, earning himself a blow to the face, the metallic taste of blood on his lips. Struggling to get his arms free, Harry managed to get a soapy hand free and got in a good shot before he was hit with a binding spell. Ron on the other side of the showers was holding his own. Now free from the Impediment curse, he had gotten in several good shots, and was now attempting to grab the other's wand without getting hexed in the process. In the struggle, Ron's height was to his advantage. He hadn't managed to get the wand, but did knock it from the other one's hand, leaving them even in the fight.
Ron felt extremely vulnerable fighting with no clothing, but realized that while fighting he at least could grab the robes of the other for leverage, while he was wet and not easy to get hold of. With a firm grasp of the Death Eater robes, Ron pulled the boy down and toward him, kneeing the boy in the stomach with great force. The wanna-be Death Eater was on the floor gasping for air, the wind knocked out of him. Before Ron knew what hit him, he was also on the floor writhing in pain, as a curse sent by the larger guy hit him full force. He screamed as the feeling of hot knives burning through his flesh took over him. The hefty boy, Harry recognized as a seventh year Hufflepuff, helped up his friend as Ron lay on the cold tile floor; the pain was now starting to ebb away. Harry watched Ron and struggled against the body bind, knowing that if he could fight Imperious, an Unforgivable, he could certainly get through this. Nott Jr., having decided his friend had the right idea, hit Harry with the same hex, sending Harry into a wealth of pain. He watched on, enjoying the sight of Harry quaking, and hadn't noticed Ron was coming around. Ron feigned his pain longer than the hex had really lasted, giving him the chance to tackle the beefy boy at the knees, sending him to the ground with a thud. Nott looked over, surprised at the sight of Ron grabbing the large boy's wand from him. It was quite a sight to see, Ron was tall, thin, and naked, atop this brute of a Hufflepuff, hexing him with his own wand. "Think you can get the better of us do you!" Ron yelled. "You're no Death Eater, Bloody hell, you're not even Slytherin." He snorted, and punched him before cursing him with a nasty spell.
"Stop gawking and Help him you fool!" barked Nott at the shorter one that seemed to be in a daze.
The body bind long gone, Harry was still feeling the effects of the searing blades on him, but he had managed pain before, and he wasn't really getting cut or stabbed; it was only a psychological sensation. Nott found himself at the receiving end of Harry's left hook before he knew what hit him. They struggled as Harry had a tight grip on Nott's wrist, trying to slam it against the tile to knock the wand free. Nott was lying beneath Harry, trying to aim his wand as Harry tried to make a grab for it. Harry reveled in the fact that he and Ron were doing fairly well, given the circumstances. Sirius would be proud. Sirius knew the importance of self-defense, all those years on the run, and without a wand for much of his first year. Harry didn't allow himself to drift off to the memories of Sirius teaching him to fight; he would not get distracted now. Nott yelled out a few hexes, but Harry still had a grip on his wrist, causing him to miss. Nott shook his head to clear it after Harry head-butted him hard. Harry could almost feel a curse graze him as it passed by over is shoulder. He could see Ron and the large one beneath him slump to the floor as they were hit with the Stupefy Nott had intended for Harry. Even Knowing Ron was only stupefied didn't keep Harry from having the eerie sensation he had when looking at his friend. Ron had fallen away from the other boy, and was slumped on his side, motionless on the wet floor.
Harry silently berated himself for being distracted by the sight of Ron, as one guy was now pinning him down while the other straddled his legs. The three attackers didn't seem to have had a plan once they trapped Harry, and he hadn't figured out if they had just come to punish him for Nott Sr. going to prison, or if they were on some harebrained scheme to impress the Dark Lord in an attempt to avenge Nott's father. At the moment they were content with pummeling him. Alex Nott took out his aggressions physically, while the other was now throwing painful curses at him. Harry tried to twist his body to throw off Nott, trying to send him off balance a few times.
"Stop squirming Potter, you faggot!" screamed Nott. He continued on a rant, emphasizing each sentence with another punch. "To think I grew up hearing stories about how great you were," he hissed. "The great Harry Potter took out the Dark Lord as a baby. Then all the stories about how you bested him again here in school. To think I thought you were some powerful wizard, and you're nothing but a fucking faggot."
"A.. Alex," the smaller boy stuttered. "This is taking longer than you said it would."
"So?"
"So, m.. maybe I should start getting him out of here b.. before someone comes," he said, pointing to the unconscious one by Ron. Harry took his opportunity. While pointing, the smaller one had taken one hand off Harry's shoulder. Harry twisted hard, knocking them over, but it was fruitless, as Nott hit Harry with a binding spell again. The stuttering one also put on a second binding spell just in case.
Harry lay still on the now cold floor. He could just see the large boy being levitated up and taken out of the locker rooms. He was sure now that they had no plan from this point on. Great, thought Harry, one not-so-cunning Slytherin and two ever-loyal Hufflepuffs, and not a brain between them.
Alex's voice was now at his ear. "You're not so powerful now, Potter. I could kill you right now. I could do anything I want," he spoke slowly, the hand gripping Harry's throat now sliding down his chest. If Harry could speak, he would scream. Nott was speaking again, but Harry couldn't hear him over the screaming in his head, as a hand was now fondling his flaccid member. Nott must have seen the intensity in those green eyes that were glaring at him in fury. He pushed Harry's head aside so he couldn't see him while he continued the exploration of his genitals. Harry, in his new position, could see Ron again. Ron, having been stupefied, couldn't fight the curse and lay there, still. Ron was bruised and battered. His face was swollen and red. A small trickle of blood from his mouth spread through the now pink-stained water.
Seeing Ron like that that, and the unbearable sensation of being touched by this cretin, gave Harry the burst of energy he needed. Harry could feel his magic radiate off of him. Being a more powerful wizard, he suddenly broke through the binding spells, throwing Nott off, startling him, and grabbing his wand. A terrible gleam in those green eyes paralyzed Nott. Harry raised his wand. He could feel the magic flowing throughout him. Harry's hand trembled in fear of himself. He did not trust himself not to do something he may regret later. Now out of danger, he did what he knew to be safest. "Enervate"
Ron woke to see Harry holding Nott's wand and that he also had a firm grip on his throat, one in each hand. Ron was grateful he had never had that look Harry was giving, directed at him. Harry was on the verge of exploding. The magical current in the air made the hairs on his arms stand up. "Harry?" Ron crawled over cautiously. "You all right, mate?" Harry didn't answer. His grip on Nott's neck tightened. Ron had seen Harry in this state only a few scary times before. "Hold on there Harry, don't do anything." Ron slowly got up and walked from the showers. He rummaged through Harry's pocket, pulling out a stone. It was an ordinary looking stone, like one you would find at the side of the lake. Dumbledore, as a safety, spelled the stone for Harry. It would begin working for no one but Harry. When Ron retuned with the stone, Harry was still in the same position. Nott was starting to look like he would pass out, but he could still breathe, just barely. Harry didn't trust himself not to kill him, which was why he woke Ron first. "Harry!" yelled Ron, getting Harry's attention. "Catch". Harry caught the stone, and Ron watched as his friend instantly vanished along with the other boy, who was praying for his life. Ron quickly threw on a robe, grabbed his and Harry's wands, and ran up to the castle.
Harry had caught the stone without a second thought. The tug on his navel was instant. Just as it was supposed to, the stone delivered Harry directly to a small sealed room beside Dumbledore's office. An alarm sounded; the Headmaster was there in a flash, and McGonagall, the Deputy Headmistress, was on her way. The two boys landed in the same position they had started in. Albus had made sure of it when he set the portkey, in case Harry used it while badly injured.
With a wave of his wand, Albus could see through the door to the magically sealed area. Albus approached the two cautiously, immediately recognizing the style of robes Alex Nott wore. Albus resealed the room; only Minerva could get in now when she arrived. Albus noticed Harry's bruises and bloodied face. One eye was all but closed from swelling. There were several areas beginning to darken as the blood filled in the spots that would soon get as black as his eye.
"Harry," Dumbledore spoke softly. "I don't yet know what has taken place this evening, but it appears that you are currently containing yourself with a great deal of restraint."
Harry didn't answer. He didn't know what to do. He knew it was over, that he would have to get up, and perhaps let Nott breathe again soon, but he was still battling an internal struggle with what he knew he had to do, and his urge to squeeze the life out of the scum beneath him. Harry told himself that fighting with Nott wasn't any different from his past battles with Malfoy, but he had never felt so vulnerable before. To be attacked, and with no wand, ...to be touched in such a manner. Harry shivered, but tightened his grip on Nott's throat.
"I'm gong to have to ask you to let go of Mr. Nott. I know that you don't wish to harm him further," reassured Albus.
Oh, but I Want to...but I Need to stop... Harry struggled with himself.
DETAH 26 - To Kill or Not To Kill
Ron ran past the main hall and up to the gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's office. He knew Harry would be up there, but didn't know if Dumbledore or McGonagall would have gotten there yet. Ron waited for a few moments, but couldn't stand not knowing. His mind was reeling over what had just happened. Ron didn't notice the looks he was getting from passersby in the hall. If he stood still, he may have collapsed. Ron paced a few moments longer before making a decision. Truth be told, he had only been there three minutes, but they seemed like an eternity. Ron had no patience, and took off. Ignoring the gasps and whispers from students around him, Ron continued on his trek, thinking about the way the stone worked. He knew that Harry wouldn't be alone, but that wasn't enough. Ron needed to be sure he was doing all he could. He would not let Harry down again.
Severus stood with his feet at shoulder length apart. One elegant hand held a ladle, stirring the contents of the cauldron slowly, while the other held his wand, adjusting the flame beneath. His motions were precise, as the potions bubbled away, taking on a deep yellow color. Severus placed his wand on the worktable, and very slowly added the next ingredient, then watched for a reaction as he continued to stir. The knock on the lab door was ignored as Severus continued to stir, his potion at a delicate stage. When the pounding could no longer be ignored, Severus adjusted the flame once more before waving the wand in the direction of the door, without once taking his eyes off the bubbling substance.
"Who ever you are, leave. I'm busy and I've no time for petty childishness," scolded Severus, hoping that would make the person go away.
"Sir, it's Harry," said Ron breathlessly, attempting to keep standing. Severus hesitated for a brief second, and the potion instantly turned from a fluid deep yellow to brown and glutinous. Snape cursed and scowled, looking up for the first time since Ron entered the lab.
"What happened?" snapped Severus, taking in Ron's appearance. His robe was not buttoned properly and had been left open at the top; making it evident Ron had nothing underneath. Sev could see the bruises and blackened eye along with an occasional smear of blood. He was also quick to notice the lack of blood on Ron's robes. First and foremost in the Potion Master's mind should have been, 'What had happened, and was Harry hurt', but Severus couldn't help but think for a second, 'Why was Ron undressed in the middle of the day on a weekend with his Harry'. "What happened?" he repeated, as Ron caught his breath.
Ron said they that been attacked. Suddenly Snape was at the lab door; they were already moving quickly down the hallway as Ron explained that he had sent Harry using the stone to the room by Dumbledore's office. Ron didn't go into the details, as it was all he could do to keep up with the long, fast strides of his professor. Ron stumbled a few times, and Severus realized the boy could hardly stand, much less walk up all the steps before them. He muttered a few words, and grabbed Ron's elbow supportively, leading him along. Ron was shocked but grateful for the help. He wondered if Snape had been complaining or if he had muttered a spell, since Ron felt as if the walking suddenly got easier. As students saw them pass in the corridor, Ron received sorry looks; it appeared Ron was being led away after getting into trouble.
Severus was pulled by his thoughts as a watch in his pocket chimed an alarm. He pulled the gold watch from his pocket, to see one of many hands on the wrong side of the dial. Nott-Mortal Peril, it read on the single tiny green hand. Ron's eyes widened.
"What's that?" It was unlike any wizarding watch he had seen.
"Unlike a wizard clock, this tells not the location, but if a Slytherin student is in mortal danger. Tell no one of the watch," Snape said, in clear warning. Severus continued along, quickening his pace.
Meanwhile~ ~ ~
Harry could feel the pulse beating under his hand, as his grip on Nott's throat remained steadfast. He barely registered the words from his guardian as Albus did his best to talk him down, to convince him to allow Nott to live. He dared not touch Harry in this state. Harry continued to fight his internal battle alone, as he considered the possible outcomes of his given choices. Albus' words continued to be lost on him; he could only feel Nott's fast pulse though his hands, beating like a big, noisy drum in his head. He wanted to make it stop. But he needed to stop himself.
After five more minutes, Albus let out a defeated sigh and slowly approached the two. He could no longer wait for Harry's decision. He couldn't convince himself that Harry would make the wise choice. Harry stared straight at Nott, looking into his eyes, but not seeing the boy. Albus moved in such a way it seemed as if he glided across the room without taking a step. Before Harry could register what was happening, Albus touched the tip of his wand to the Slytherin's temple, causing him to fall unconscious. Harry hadn't heard the spell, nor felt the robe being placed over him. By now Severus had arrived, but could only watch through a portal window at the door until Albus opened it, or Minerva arrived. Sev had been shocked by the sight of Nott frozen in fear beneath the glaring Gryffindor. Severus had never seen Harry in this state of mind, and briefly saw what it was that Albus had seen all along. This was the boy that would someday defeat Voldemort, and set Sev free in the process. Ron sat in a chair in front of the Headmaster's desk watching Snape, watching his anger rise by the minute as Severus continued to watch the scene unfold. Harry had been beaten and hexed. There were marks deepening in color even as he looked on. Severus clenched his fists, gouging his nails into the palms of his hands, as he spotted the finger marks in blood around Harry's throat. There hadn't been that much blood, so the smeared fingerprints trailed off without any indication of where they had lead. What had sent Harry into such a state of mind?
Harry's eyes had glazed over when he realized the decision at hand was no longer his to make. Albus had saved him from himself. He allowed his guardian to coax him up from his position straddling the unconscious Nott. Harry didn't remember getting up, but he did register the cool sensation on the palm of his hand when he was no longer squeezing off Nott's air supply. Albus held his arm supportively, helping Harry remain standing. Minerva had finally arrived, opening the door, with Severus right behind her. Minerva gasped at the sight of her beaten student, and blushed fervently as she noted that the robe, which was only draped over his shoulders, had left him fully exposed to her.
"Oh, my! Albus, what has happened?" she asked, averting her eyes. Severus scowled, brushed past his rival head of house, and pulled Harry's robes closed. When Harry's eyes started to refocus and his thoughts were on the here and now, he found himself sitting next to Ron in front of Albus' desk, accepting a cup of tea. Taking a sip of the hot beverage, Harry wondered if Albus had spiked it with a calming potion, as he noticed he was much more lucid than before. Yeah, it was spiked Harry told himself.
Harry sat silently while Ron told them what had happened in the Gryffindor locker rooms.
Severus was impressed with how he and Harry had handled themselves. Considering it had been three armed against two unarmed wizards, it was remarkable. But this was Potter, after all, and Harry hadn't ceased to amaze Sev. He wondered where they had learned to fight so well without the use of magic. Although, having five older brothers, it wasn't that surprising Ron could hold his own, but still...
Severus watched Harry listening to his friend's recollection of the story. He could see the telltale signs of a calming tea at work, as Harry relaxed further into the chair. His robes were still wrapped around his waist tightly, but had fallen open at his chest, revealing his lithe form. Severus mentally berated himself for looking at Harry that way while he was in such a state. It infuriated Sev to no end, seeing him this way. He just wanted to take him into a bath and wash away the filth and pain from his Harry.
When Ron had told his story as far as he could up until he had been stupefied, Harry was questioned from there. His answers were vague, and it was obvious he wasn't telling them something. He had been far too troubled for his reaction to have been caused by a schoolyard fight, even if they were dressed as Death Eaters. Hadn't Ron said that Harry had known they weren't real Death Eaters from the start?
"Harry, how did you know they weren't Death Eaters?" asked Severus curiously. Harry smiled at the use of his first name. The smile was soon torn from his face, the moment he heard Minerva ask also.
"Yes, I was wondering that myself. How did you know?" said McGonagall. Harry spun his head around, seeing her for the first time.
"Eep!" he squeaked at the realization of his Head of House's presence there. Harry pulled his robes tightly around him in an attempt to cover up, spilling the tea in his haste. Reaching for his wand to cool off his legs from the tea, Harry looked around fervently for his wand. 'When had Albus taken it?' he wondered, then realized the wand he had had was Nott's. "My wand," Harry said, frustrated. He was feeling extremely vulnerable once again, without clothing or his wand. He wasn't really without clothing; he was wearing... whatever this was. It looks an awful lot like a table cloth I've seen in here during a few private diners with Albus. Harry said to himself. Ron placed Harry's wand in his hand. All at once, the whole scene seemed ridiculous to Harry. He had his wand now, which made him feel a wave of relief; he was naked except for being covered in a tablecloth, or a transfigured robe from a tablecloth. His Head of House was looking as red as Ron's hair, sharing in his embarrassment. Harry did the only thing he could. He laughed. It was either that or sob.
Ron looked on nervously at his best friend, who seemed to be losing his mind. Albus stood up, as did Severus. "I think we can resume this conversation after Madam Pomfrey gets a look at you two." Albus said, leading them out of the office. "You mean there hasn't been enough people having a look at me tonight?" Harry said laughingly on his way down the steps, his voice getting more distant. "How about you Professor Snape?" he offered.
"Sir?" said Ron, scared for Harry, watching him make his way down the spiral stairs being led by Severus. Albus gave him a reassuring smile.
"Harry will be alright, Ronald. He is just finally crashing from the adrenalin rush that has kept him going this long."
Ron felt somewhat better, but not much. Minerva led him down to the infirmary, explaining that Harry is experiencing an emotional release, and that it's perfectly normal after a particularly taxing event. Ron understood what she had said, but he himself wasn't going through what Harry seemed to be experiencing.
The Headmaster tended to the unconscious Slytherin on his floor, with a list of questions collecting in his head, as Harry left to be tended to by Poppy. When Harry and Severus entered Poppy's domain she looked deflated to see Harry again so soon. "I knew you would miss me, so I've returned," he said, with a lopsided smile due to his fat lip. Severus felt Harry stiffen beside him as he noticed two Hufflepuff students in adjacent beds. Sev gave Poppy a questioning glance. She explained that Professor Sprout had found the two behind Greenhouse 3. Poppy eyed the two skeptically.
"They claim to have gotten in a fight with each other," Poppy said contemptuously. One boy was much larger than the other, yet was the much worse off of the two. Severus snorted.
"Mr. Weasley is on his way down. I think he may have a word or two in opposition to their claim. Perhaps screens would be best," suggested Severus. Poppy put up the privacy partitions without a question. She had seen enough battles in her wing, and wasn't having any of it today.
Bumps, bruises, and black eyes were easily healed. Poppy made them all stay calm for an hour or so before letting the two Hufflepuffs and Ron go. Harry was a different story. He had obviously been in a bit of shock, and given his recent concussion, she wasn't letting him out just yet. She would have liked to give him some Dreamless Sleep potion to give him a chance to rest and calm down, but it was too soon after his concussion to give Dreamless Sleep. So, Harry laid in bed with a calming drought to sooth his nerves. Professor Dumbledore returned to talk to Harry more about what happened, now that he was the only patient in the ward. Albus and Severus had spent the last hour talking to Alex Nott before Severus brought him to be cleaned up by Madam Pomfrey. With Nott safely out the door with a promise of "We'll speak later" from his Head of House, Severus came over to where Albus was approaching Harry. Harry was now tucked in snug in a bed with a pair of pajamas buttoned up to his neck, and the covers nearly up as high. Was it his attempt to cocoon himself from harm, or Poppy's doing in an effort of comforting the boy?
"I want him expelled, Albus," Severus demanded.
"Now, now Severus, I think the punishments will be decided after we've heard more about what happened." said Albus. Then he turned to address Harry, "Would you say Harry, that Mr. Weasley was accurate in his explanation of the events this afternoon?" Harry nodded.
"Pretty much. I think Ron made it sound a little more one sided than it actually was. There were a few times I wasn't too sure we would be able to take them," admitted Harry. Albus smiled, and nodded for him to go on. "I don't think they had it planned out much. Knowing that we would be easy targets, alone and unarmed, appeared about the only thing they seemed to have thought through. Nott said it was for his father." Harry rubbed his stomach, thinking about the punches to his gut. Severus watched his every move, not missing a thing. "You're not going to expel them, are you?"
Severus narrowed his eyes.
Albus looked on curiously, asking, "They attacked you and Ronald under the pretence of being Death Eaters. They've broken many rules today. Tell me Harry, why wouldn't you want them expelled?"
Harry looked a little nervous about the question. He knew that if there were an expulsion, the Ministry and Board of Governors would have to become involved to see if legal action was needed. That would mean more publicity. The inevitable two days of gossip around school would grow to be much longer if it involved an investigation. Harry didn't think Nott would tell anyone. He had waited for his friends to leave before touching Harry, but an investigation could change that.
"Why wasn't Sirius expelled for what he did to Professor Snape?" asked Harry, a plan set, he once again spoke more confidently. Severus' mask fell for only a second before he covered up his look of surprise and anger.
"The circumstances involved with that particular incident were very complicated. Don't borrow worry Harry; I haven't made my decision whether or not to expel them."
"Were they as complicated as the time Draco and his goons showed up on the quidditch pitch dressed as dementors? I believe that was a foolish prank that almost got me killed. Much like Sirius' prank." Harry pleaded. "It was just a fight between students. I don't see why it should be treated any differently."
"When a student poses as a Death Eater, that changes everything," snarled Severus. Harry snorted. Severus raised an eyebrow. "Care to tell us why that is funny? While we're at it, how was it that you were so sure they weren't the 'real thing'?"
"One of them snorted when we talked about winning the next game. That's how we knew they were there, and then they gave me plenty of time to get over to Ron. They walked into the showers silently and very slowly, as if trying hard to terrify us with their very presence," Harry listed, almost sarcastically. "As if the 'real thing' has to even try to be terrifying. And the big one was wearing trainers." Harry laughed. "The only thing scary about them was three against two. That, and us being starkers and unarmed," he finished quietly, pulling his covers up higher.
Harry looked at Dumbledore pleadingly. "Please sir, if your punishment involves parents or the Ministry, then I get punished too. I want to let this go. Besides, kicking Nott out only gets the mark on his arm faster."
Albus sighed and gave a small smile, placing a hand on Harry's arm. "I understand, Harry. I will take these things into consideration when I make my decision."
"Thank you sir." Albus gave his arm a squeeze before leaving.
Severus didn't get up. Harry looked at him oddly, wondering why he wasn't leaving with Albus. The silence between them was not a comfortable one. Harry could never hold out as long as Severus could. "Why are you here?" Harry asked, with no malice in he voice. Severus raised a questioning brow. "I mean, why are you still here?
"Would you rather I weren't here?"
Harry thought about it. He wanted him there, but not while he still didn't know if Sev was going to drop the bomb on him and tell him he hated him too much to want to consider a relationship. He settled for a shrug.
"I don't think anyone would question my being here. You did, after all, have a fight with one of my students. That, and I want to talk to you about a few things while you're still drugged up on calming droughts." Harry looked startled. He hadn't thought about that. "I dare say, between Madam Pomfrey's drought, and Albus' tea, you're likely to answer my questions." Severus smirked at the startled expression on the younger man's face.
"You willed yourself out of a binding spell? That's quite a feat," Severus was looking mildly impressed.
"Two binding spells" said Harry haughtily. Severus eyed him shrewdly. "Not really a feat, tho'. Two reasons: 1, Nott isn't a very powerful wizard. It's surprising he's in Slytherin at all, which would explain his choice in friends. 2, the Hufflepuff, what ever his name is, is a weak-minded fool. Even if he were a powerful wizard, he lacks the conviction to make a spell strong enough to be effective. He's not in Hufflepuff for nothing. Why do you think the 'Puffers are so loyal? They've barely anything else to offer. All of Fred and George's employees are Hufflepuff."
Severus almost laughed. Harry had been prattling on, and didn't realize he also spoke the truth. Severus smiled. This combination was better than truth serum.
"Now I'd like you to tell me what you didn't tell Albus."
Harry's eyes widened. "What do you mean? I didn't lie to him."
"Lie no, maybe 'omit' is the correct word. You were in such a state that Weasley felt a strong enough need to use the stone. You've been in situations before; times when I was shocked you two didn't use the stone." Severus looked for a reaction from Harry. He wanted him to admit Nott had done more, so that Harry could get it out of his system and begin to heal. It also was irritating to Severus that he didn't know the extent of what had happened. The look on Harry's face had upset Severus. He remembered what Harry looked like when he took him from the Dursley's that fated day Sirius died. Harry had looked crestfallen, depressed and ready to fall apart, but this was different. Today, Harry looked distraught. "What gets you into such a state, Harry? What was the trigger?"
Harry looked at Severus apprehensively, as he was trying to determine what he could say, what he was willing to say. "Just between us?" Severus nodded. "You won't tell Albus?"
"You know you can trust me, Harry. What was it you think you couldn't tell Albus?" Severus spoke evenly and encouragingly.
"He would be disappointed in me. I know he would." Harry looked up for a long moment, into dark obsidian eyes, looking for comfort. "I, um, I think you would understand, and maybe not think less of me, too much," stuttered Harry, angry with himself for seeming so weak. Severus gave him a slow, reassuring nod to continue. "Nott, he um, he..."
Harry's breathing became quickened, and erratic. Severus gave him a glass of water from the bedside table, for which Harry was grateful. Severus looked deeply into green eyes, taking a long steady breath. Harry imitated him, calming down again. "Only a coward attacks a person under a binding spell," Harry said firmly. "If he was smart, he should have hexed me with something painful in addition to the binding, so I couldn't concentrate on breaking the spell," Harry added in hindsight.
Severus didn't hide his surprise. He smiled at Harry. It was a very Slytherin way of thinking. He had heard years ago about the Sorting Hat debacle and didn't see how anyone could consider Harry anything but a Gryffindor; but he was beginning to see more and more. Harry took another sip of water.
"When Nott was um, when he..." Harry clenched his teeth. "When I got so enraged, I broke the spell. I wanted to squeeze the life out of him." Harry's eyes flashed with fury. "I wanted him to pay."
"He attacked you and your friend. It is a perfectly normal reaction to want to hurt him back."
"No," Harry said shaking his head. "I didn't want to hurt him. I wanted to take his life. I could feel his heartbeat under my hand, and I wanted to grip harder until I couldn't feel it any more." Harry covered his face in his hands. "I am not evil like Him. I refuse to have one more thing in common with that bastard."
It occurred to Severus that Harry wasn't speaking about Alex Nott.
"This past year, when Albus took me in and became my guardian, I was so thrilled to get to stay here where it was safe. Then one day I realized, it was just one more thing that I had in common with Voldemort. I swore to myself that that would be the last thing," Harry spoke with conviction, but is trembling body gave him away. Severus handed Harry the glass of water again.
"When I held his wand over him, with my hand grasping his throat, I could feel power, power over him, and power rising in me. I wanted to feel it more. I wanted him dead. He was no longer a threat to Ron or me. Even when I was in Albus' office where I knew I had help, I still wanted it, to feel it. Albus must be so disappointed in me. He stopped it; he didn't think I could."
"Could you? Could you have stopped it?" asked Sev. Harry nodded.
"Yes, I could have. In fact I had already decided that I wasn't going to kill him."
"Then since you were in control enough to do the right thing, why, really, are you this upset?"
"I didn't stop because I was good, I stopped because I didn't think the consequences were worth it. But I still wanted to feel him...feel the power of stopping him." Harry held his arms over his head, hiding his face.
"Harry, do you honestly think that we are all good or all evil? You're too smart, and too mature to really believe that. Yes, there are evil wizards such as Voldemort, and the opposite could be said for people like Albus, but most of us fall somewhere in between. Life is about making decisions and living with the choices we make. We don't always make the right choices, but that doesn't make us evil. If you made a bad choice, and didn't make it right, or learn from it, then Albus would be disappointed. Do you understand?"
Harry nodded, but he didn't seem convinced. Madam Pomfrey interrupted the silence, checking on her patient.
"You seem a bit upset Harry, would you like a little more calming drought?" she said, holding up the glass on the bedside table. Harry's eyes were wide. He'd been sipping on it for a while now. "Oh, I see you've already had some," she said with a smile, looking at the 1/2-full glass. Harry guessed, since she wasn't upset, it wouldn't hurt him to have that much. He wondered if Severus knew what he was giving Harry to drink. Funny thing is that he was so calm, he didn't care in the least.
When Poppy ushered Severus out, he thought, just as well. He had a certain Slytherin to talk to. Severus recognized, There's still something Nott did, that Harry's not saying. He would come back later to check on Harry.
Poppy fussed some more over Harry, but it didn't bother him today. She explained that she would be checking on him for concussion again, although she was pretty sure he was fine. She apologized in advance for having to wake him several times later in the evening. Ron and Hermione were down soon after Severus left. Ron volunteered to wake Harry every two hours. Poppy agreed, as long as he had an alarm. He was to ask silly questions like what is your name, or what year is it, so as to ensure Harry was ok. She couldn't use a spell as she had before, since they were still in the two-week time frame of looking for symptoms of mental instability. It was basically formality at this point, since none of the others watching Harry had anything to report. His state of shock and anxiety wasn't out of the normal for the circumstances. Poppy was confidant she would give Harry a clean bill of heath come morning.
Severus was in a better mood; he had an interesting conversation with Nott, and a promise of more talks soon. When Severus returned, he found Harry reading a book Hermione had dropped off, and Ron asleep on the next bed.
"If he misses you that much when you're gone for one night, whatever will he do when you finish school?" deadpanned Severus. Harry slowly looked up from his book.
"At least I know how he feels," said Harry, surprised he had said the words. The calming potion left him feeling free to express himself. "If you have another question about the fight, ask. Otherwise, leave. You show up here as if you care. It's cruel for you to screw with my head while I'm in here," he said with a gesture to the infirmary.
" I abhor public displays. I would have thought my actions during my first visit to you in here made my feelings clear."
" How could I have mistaken your actions," Harry said sarcastically. "I should have known that when you banished a few Howlers, yelled at my stupidity for not getting my potion, then left with Malfoy while I was vomiting, was a clear way of saying 'I don't hate you'."
Severus heart dropped. Harry didn't know. All this time he didn't know that Sev didn't hate him.
Harry was sure he was ruining his chance with Snape, but the man did nothing but scowl at him all week. What chance did he have anyway? "I don't know why I bothered making a fool of myself all week trying to pretend I'm more mature than I am, fat lot of good that did me. What did it get me? I'll tell you what it got me, every time I chanced a look in your direction you looked murderous, as if you hated me now more than you did before the holiday." Harry looked up, startled; he suddenly realized he was rambling, he'd never intended to say all that. "Damn calming potion, I'm making a bigger fool of myself. I think you should leave now," he said, disgusted with himself, and grabbed a sip of water. He could hear the man make a noise, almost like stifled laughter. Harry looked up to see Severus smirking, and realized he had inadvertently drunk more calming potion. "Oh shit," he said with defeated laughter. Severus pulled up a chair beside Harry's bed.
"Harry, I looked angrily at you many times this week because of what I thought I was seeing." Severus raised a hand to stop the younger wizard from protesting. "I was very angry that you had been hurt so badly, angry that I have occasionally been the cause of your feeling the pain of my receiving the Cruciatus, and angry that I had been too self-absorbed in my own problems to recognize your pain over the years. This past week, I've been watching you for symptoms of prolonged exposure to the curse. I've seen you in class, ignoring Malfoy's baiting you. I saw you pass on seconds of your favorite pudding. It seemed that every time I looked at you, you were acting out of the ordinary and I was angry that you were showing signs of mental instability." Severus almost laughed. "I'd like for us to get to know each other better, not for you to pretend you're someone you're not," he paused. "How do I know if you were acting or not? You could still be showing signs."
"Ron was with me all the time. He knew what I was doing. Hermione wasn't too happy, but she knew too. Both of them, and the other Professors assigned to watch me, had nothing to report."
Severus smiled, but was making sure. "What about two days ago, when you didn't eat breakfast."
"Ron and I pigged out the night before and I couldn't eat," said Harry with a smile, thinking he had taken care of Sev's concern for his mental status. He suddenly frowned. "Is that why you didn't tell me if you hated me or not, because you wanted to see if I was going to be insane in a few years?" Harry couldn't help but look away. He felt the depression of his mattress as Severus sat down on the bed, taking his hand.
"Of course not. With the chances I must take, I couldn't even guarantee you my own sanity in a few years. The day you received the howlers from the moronic sector of the wizarding world, was not the first time I came to see you. I was here while you were in pain. I gave you the potion, the one I should have replaced a long time ago. I'm sorry Harry."
"Were you in the infirmary that night?" asked Harry, thinking about the dream, Sev holding him, comforting him.
"Yes, I was there for you, I thought you knew," his tone was remorseful.
"I thought you were a dream," Harry said with a weak smile. "I dream a lot about you, and I wasn't really sure if it happened or not." He sighed. "You don't hate me?" He said, almost as a statement, but he needed to hear the answer.
"No, I don't hate you." Sev was so relieved that Harry was ok. His heart was still pounding. They sat in comfortable silence for some time. But when the silence was broken Severus wondered if he would regret the calming potion. Harry was certainly speaking his mind.
"So, you've been watching me, have you?" Harry said coyly.
"Only to watch for symptoms, I assure you." Sev said defensively.
"That would explain why you know my favorite pudding?" He smiled.
"Brat."
Harry smile grew bigger. "Speaking of pudding, I'm hungry. How about you?"
"No, thank you. You'll find the bottomless pit of a stomach you have is a teenage affliction that I no longer have."
"God, I love your voice," Harry said with a hungry look in his eyes. Before Sev could respond, he was interrupted by Dobby's sudden appearance.
"Harry Potter is wanting Dobby for something?" the elf asked cheerfully. He was standing on the bed. Severus did not look startled; he was too disciplined for that, but he did pull his hand from Harry's. He hadn't even realized he was still holding it.
"I'd love something to eat," Harry said to the elf. "What to have..." he pondered. He suddenly had an evil look on his face that Severus didn't trust.
"He'll have soup," Severus answered for Harry. The grin never left Harry's face, he nodded to the elf, and Dobby 'popped' out. "I don't trust your choices Mr. Potter."
"So, you thought soup was a safe choice?" Harry knew he picked that because Sev thought he couldn't possibly eat soup seductively.
"Indeed."
When the soup came, Harry thanked Dobby, and tucked in. Severus watched him eat; waiting for Harry to show what the evil grin was for, but Harry did nothing of the sort. He ate his soup with all the manners one would have lunching with the Queen. Not one seductive lick of the spoon. Severus decided it best to get on to a new topic. He didn't like the inappropriate direction his mind had been going.
"What's Weasley doing here?" safe topic, he assumed.
"He's here to wake me every two hours." Harry looked at his watch. It was later than he thought. "Apparently it's to check for the concussion I don't have," he said with a roll of his eyes. Severus looked at the timer over Ron's head. There were numbers lit in the air just above him. The numbers were counting down backwards from two hours. The clock was currently reading one hour, twenty minutes, and going down. Harry waved his wand and the numbers restarted at two again. Severus snorted. "I don't see any point in the alarm going off since I'm awake. By the way, how long does this stuff last? The one we brewed in class lasted for an hour or so," Harry said indifferently.
"Professional strength, it will last till morning."
"Oh. I noticed several of her potions have different qualities than the ones we brew in class."
"Very perceptive, I would imagine the amount of time you've spent in here over the past seven years, you would be an expert in potion characteristics. Not that your grades reflect such ability," Sev said with a smirk. Harry just smiled at the backhanded compliment.
"Ok, while we're on the subject, and you are a master, why is it so hard to buy pain potions as a student, but anyone can come down here with a headache and get the potion without so much as a bat of an eye?"
"The potions you buy in the store are cheaper to brew, and have side effects much like muggle pain relievers. Poppy gets her potions from me. I use better ingredients, and the addictive side effects are offset when armadillo bile is used. It takes twice as long to brew, and has a shorter shelf life, but well worth the effort in my opinion."
"I should learn to brew that for when I finish school. I'll have to keep a supply on hand, that and the muscle relaxant, but I already know that one."
"In my opinion, your ability to brew the relaxant is somewhat lacking. I say that not to criticize, but to make you aware that it's not sufficient for your needs."
"Actually, Hermione fully agrees with you, that's why I sat in on your Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff class to watch it being brewed again. I got a chance to watch that blond girl who sits in front. She really knows what she's doing. I brewed it again the next day, compared it to the one I have in my drawer, and it came out good." Harry waited for Sev's reaction to his confession of sneaking in on his class.
"Using your father's cloak for good instead of evil, I see," teased Sev. Harry's face tinged pink; he was relieved by Sev's reaction to his latest of what seemed to be many confessions.
"It was fun to see what you're like in a non-Slytherin class," Harry said, and took his last sip of soup.
Harry reached for the glass again, but stopped. "Not this time," he muttered, and the elf showed up again. "Dobby, could you get me some pumpkin juice that hasn't been drugged? Would you like anything?" he asked Severus.
Sev held up a dismissive hand and shook his head.
"I is so sorry Harry, I was forgetting to bring the bread," said Dobby apologetically. Severus wondered how Harry managed to call the elf, when he clearly hadn't summoned him. Debating on whether or not he wanted to ask, Sev looked at the basket of bread to see long pieces of soft bread, perfect for dipping into the soup. Harry smiled, almost licking his lips. Severus could see the look in his eyes, remembering Harry's words from earlier. So, you thought soup was a safe choice?8 The words rang in Sev's ears as if Harry had just said them, as he remembered the evil grin accompanying that comment. The grin was back. Harry thanked the elf for the bread, but sent him away with it since he had finished. Severus wasn't sure if he was relieved or disappointed.
DETAH 27 - A Meeting, and some Flashbacks
He moves the food around his plate unable to eat, the knot in his gut telling him he will have to go hungry tonight. He chances a glance up to the head table. Dark eyes return the glance, and the boy feels them look through him. He suddenly feels as if the few bites he did eat are like a rock at the pit of his stomach. The dark eyes look away, the face is expressionless. The tall, dark, intimidating Severus Snape stands up from the head table giving the boy an almost imperceptible nod, and leaves the hall through a faculty entrance.
After seven years, he has certainly been to this office many times, but never before in circumstances such as these. His palms sweat, he anxiously straightens his robes, as he walks further and further into the dungeons. As he procrastinates, nervously walking slower than necessary to put off the inevitable, Severus Snape is in his office preparing.
Severus moves quickly around his office, getting ready. He has plans for tonight, and he wants everything to be just right. Giving the office a final once over, Severus moves to a small sitting room through a door most people never notice is there. The room is decorated in rich, deep colors. There is a fireplace, but no fire is burning in the grate. Two tall, high back leather chairs sit so they are facing slightly toward each other and the fireplace simultaneously. Severus notices the cool temperature of the room and makes slight adjustments. He also places a spell to change the temperature at a particular time. While the room looks as if it is the sitting room of the Professor's private chambers, it is not in fact remotely close to his personal living space. Snape returns to his office when hears a timid knock at his door. He knows the boy at the door is waiting, but he sits behind his desk, and picks up a copy of 'What's Brewing', a monthly publication for Potions makers. "Enter," Severus calls out irritably as the boy knocks a second time.
On the other side of the door the boy runs his hands through is dark hair, waiting for permission to enter. Hearing the 'Enter', he wipes his damp palms on his robes before turning the knob. The room feels cool. It's always cool here, but it seems cooler than usual. He can see Snape sitting at his desk, not looking up from his reading. Severus points to the chair opposite his desk without so much as a glance in the boy's direction. He sits and waits, desperately trying not to fidget. It's been a few days since the man has spoken to him, and he really isn't sure of what to expect. After what seems like an excruciating amount of time, probably only a few minutes, the Potions Master puts down his periodical, and addresses him.
"Mr. Nott,"
Harry and Ron are buried deep in a pile of books, preparing for the finals. Hermione is as you could imagine, going insane studying for the last test she'll ever take at Hogwarts, and writing the Head Girl's year-end speech for the final ceremonies.
Ron peered over his book, snickering, as Hermione crumpled up yet another piece of paper. "She's mental that one," Ron said to Harry, with a laugh.
"Watch yourself Ron," warned Harry, playfully.
"What? As if you weren't teasing her but five minutes ago?" protested Ron, ducking back under his book as Hermione slammed down the quill, giving up on the speech for now, and grabbed the nearest Arithmancy book.
"Ah, but she loves me," Harry says sweetly, giving her a peck on the cheek. "Besides, when she's mad at me she doesn't talk to me for an hour. When she's mad at you, she talks twice as much, and you don't get any 'till she's happy again," teased Harry. Hermione pushed Harry away, wiping the kiss off her cheek with her sleeve.
"Will the both of you please shut up? I'm trying to study for finals!" Hermione reprimands them as sternly as she can while remaining quiet enough for Mrs. Pince, the librarian. Harry jumped back, narrowly escaping the swat from Hermione's book, earning him a dirty look from the librarian. He moved quietly behind his frustrated friend, whispering in her ear.
"I know we don't cuddle as much as before I came out of the closet, but must you resort to violence?" he said, nuzzling her neck. She couldn't suppress the giggle. Ron was biting on his fist to keep from laughing, making sure they don't get kicked out.
"Harry Potter, our lack of lounging on the common room sofa has nothing to do with your coming out. If you can see fit to stay out of the infirmary long enough to finish the year, we could have more time for hanging out. But, not until I finish this speech. Now get the Hell away from me," she said without malice, brushing him away from her again.
Harry smiled at Ron, who was trying not to laugh at them both. Ron watched Harry leave; wishing he could sneak off too, but there was no way Hermione would allow it. Ron did fairly well in his N.E.W.T.s just before Easter break, but she wasn't going to let him rest on his laurels now, with finals coming up.
Harry took off with his books and retreated to his dorm where it would no doubt be quiet this time of night. Many students were studying either in the library or common room. With a quick hello to his housemates sprawled around the floors and sofas, surrounded by books, Harry retreated up to his four-poster to study in peace. Settling in on the bed, Harry looked around the room, thinking that he would soon be gone from here. He was looking forward to having a place all his own, yet he couldn't help but feel apprehensive about leaving the only place he'd ever truly called home.
Harry tried to study, but he couldn't keep his mind from wandering back to this past week. On Tuesday a miracle occurred. Trelawney actually predicted Harry would live, at least till the end of school. That gave him a few weeks to live at least. Harry didn't mind. He was busy, watching out the window. Severus had gone riding again. It wasn't as good as flying by his side, but Harry could see him through the window. He thought it might not have been a coincidence that today Sev flew on this side of the castle more than last time. The soft brown leather pants he wore made Harry want to do nasty things to his professor. He was torn from his fantasy of removing said pants with his teeth, when the class ended. Between the view of Severus in leather, and his aching hard-on, Harry wished the class lasted longer. He didn't know how he would climb down the damn ladder in his condition.
Memories of Sev in leather had only served to give Harry another throbbing erection. He missed making love to Sev, missed sleeping in his arms. Harry rubbed himself through his robes, thinking about Severus touching him. The night they spoke in the hospital was nice. Later, Sev told Harry about the night Ron gave him Sweet Dreams. Harry had remembered that night well, and the thoughts of Sev there, doing that, while he dreamed such sweet dreams only made him ache more. Pushing his books aside, Harry spelled his curtains closed and pulled out his hard cock. He rubbed and stroked himself, thinking about the look on Severus' face as he told Harry about that night. He looked apprehensive, watching Harry's features carefully for a reaction. Harry had never seen so many emotions on the man's face before. He longed for the day he would see Sev's adult face in the height of passion. Drops of pre-come appeared on the tip of his almost purple cock. Harry moaned at the memory of his dream. Severus hadn't gone into detail with Harry, insisting that it was inappropriate, as if he hadn't actually done it. Harry thought it was ridiculous that Severus could touch him while he lay asleep, but refused to go into details with him now. He was sure that if Ron hadn't known Severus was there, Sev wouldn't have told him at all.
Details or not, Harry had his dream, and the feeling of Sev's hot mouth sucking on him and caressing his body, was very clear. He only wished he could have seen those long, slender fingers roaming his body, pinching his taut nipples. Harry pulled on his own nipples as his fist pumped a rhythmic pace. Memories of a long, slender digit, teasing at his entrance before sliding in. Harry wasn't sure if he could reach the sweet spot on himself, but was determined to try. He pumped with one hand and fingered his hot, tight hole with the other. Envisioning Severus in leather pants, behind him, fingers deep inside, his other hand stroking his cock. Oh, how he wished it were Sev making love to him, pounding him into the mattress. Harry came with a stifled shout, feeling his own muscles clench around his fingers as he climaxed. He lay panting for a moment or so before cleaning himself up.
Harry had already thanked Ron for the Sweet Dreams; only it made Ron pale and avoid him for a day. Severus said it would have been easier to have been mad, and allow Ron a chance to be forgiven. It would take less time for things to get back to normal. It was that comment Sev said in jest that ignited the plan. Harry chuckled out loud at the memory.
Harry had just sent Dobby away with the bread, inwardly laughing at the look on Sev's face for the infinitesimal amount of time it took for the mask to go back up. In desperation to change the subject, Sev went back to the safe subject of Ron. "It's very Gryffindor of Ron to play nurse-maid for you. When he wakes you does he wear the cute little nursing hat too?"
"Very funny, he would flip if you mentioned cross-dressing to Ron. It's a fear of his that I'll start wearing pink robes," Harry said with a snort. "I think you're right about Ron. I should retaliate the prank and maybe he'll get over it."
"Ron almost had kittens when he realized you weren't going to a dream about chocolates. He hasn't looked me in the eye since. Not that he dared to do so before," Severus said smugly. "What do you have planned, an eye for an eye?"
Harry's eyes bugged. "No, I couldn't do that to him. I'd never convince Hermione to help him out, and I couldn't leave him to fend for himself when Pomfrey came in to see him in a mess."
"Who said anything about leaving him in a mess?" The evil grin on Severus' face was almost frightening, so why did it make Harry stir in his pajamas?
"I'd never! You wouldn't would you?" asked Harry, almost afraid of the answer. He certainly wouldn't touch his best friend like that.
"Of course not, what kind of man do you think I am?" Severus had the nerve to look affronted. As if he hadn't done just that to Harry. But that was different, or so he told himself. "If you're going to play a prank on someone, you really ought to go through the trouble to do it right," he said with a smirk. "Besides, it worked beautifully on Black."
Harry's eyes grew wide as saucers. Severus left to pick up supplies and returned to an anxious Harry. He watched in awe as Sev went to work, pulling out jars and vials from a pouch. "This," he said pointing to a small bottle, "will make his mouth dry. You make sure he drinks from this." Sev held up a small glass by the bed. Harry watched him move Ron's mouth so his lips were a bit more open, dropping in a drop of liquid. Ron licked his lips, and turned over. Severus placed a few drops of the potion in the vial into a small glass of water, and then put it by Ron's bed.
"Ok, the stuff you put in his mouth makes him parched so he'll drink. What's this for?" Harry asked, pointing to the glass.
"This potion is a failed attempt at a birth control potion for men. Instead of causing a man to halt sperm production, it causes penile dysfunction." Severus sighed at Harry's confused expression. "Can't get it up," Sev deadpanned.
"Oh," so eloquent. "Why would you keep a failed potion like that?"
"Many a great creation has been formed with a totally different intention."
"Yeah, I guess, but why would you want that one?" he asked thinking it was a lot of trouble to go through to keep from getting embarrassed by a midday hard-on in class.
"Primarily my functions as a Death Eater are to spy on Dumbledore, and brew potions that are not readily available to the general public. While I'm not often asked for more, I must occasionally prove my loyalties. Voldemort has been convinced of my impotency for several years now. It has excused me from taking part in a number of unpleasant activities," again Severus watched Harry closely for his reaction. It certainly wasn't what Harry had expected Severus to say. Harry nodded in understanding.
"Lesser of two evils I suppose."
"Quite."
"Tell me again why we're giving it to Ron?"
" You are giving it to Ron. He will still have his version of a 'Sweet Dream', but this will prevent a physical response to the dream. He will awake, with no erection, and more importantly, no mess, leaving him to wonder about who took care of his...ahem, problem." Severus almost laughed at the shocked look on Harry's face, almost.
"Oh my God! You are a sadistic bastard. I love it!"
The whole prank worked like a charm. Ron woke Harry up as scheduled, asking his name and other inane questions to be assured of Harry's lack of concussion. Realizing how parched he was, he drank the potion-spiked water Harry offered him almost immediately. In less then five minutes Ron returned to bed, and was lightly snoring again. With the 'Sweet Dreams' powder blown on Ron's face, the prank was in motion.
When Ron woke again, he moaned with the memory of his dreams. Then he realized he wasn't in his own bed with the curtains drawn, but in the infirmary with Harry. Looking down, expecting to see his bed sheets tented from his arousal, and seeing none, he quickly checked for the mess he was so sure he would find. Ron was shocked to find that not only wasn't there a mess, but an empty bottle of 'Sweet Dreams' was on the bedside table. The redhead nearly leaped from the bed when he spotted his Potions Master sitting in a chair on the other side of Harry's bed, book in hand, seemingly preoccupied by his reading.
Harry lay on his bed, laughing at the memory of a freaked-out Ron. Ron hadn't gone back to sleep that morning, and wouldn't tell what was wrong. Harry had let him stew for the afternoon, before hinting that it had been a joke. It was three more days to convince him that no one helped him while he slept. Severus hadn't made it any easier. In class he commented on Ron's dismal attempt at potions, and suggested that, "Perhaps, Mr. Weasley...should... get more sleep." Ron turned as red as his hair, and wouldn't speak again 'till late in the day.
Thinking back to the week again, Harry wished it wouldn't take so long for Sev and him to get back to where they were before. A little voice in the back of his head was thankful he had some time to work through how he was feeling about Nott and what he had done. He was also fairly sure that Albus wouldn't allow Severus to continue a physical relationship with Harry until after he finished school. Harry had gotten that impression during an embarrassing meeting with Albus yesterday.
Harry approached the gargoyle by the entrance to the Headmaster's office. He didn't know the current password, but had his own personal password since Albus was given custody of Harry last year. Harry rode the spiral steps up, thinking he wouldn't be doing this too many more times as a student. "Come in, Harry," greeted Albus from behind the door. Harry still debates with himself if he should ask Albus how he does that. "You wanted to see me, sir?" Harry asked politely, before taking a chair in front of the desk.
"Sir? Now Harry, have I been anything but 'Albus' since you came to stay with me?" the twinkle evident in his blue eyes made Harry smile. It was such a comfort to be welcomed by Albus when Harry was returned to school after the attack on Privet Drive. Harry had expected to stay in his dorm room, out of everyone's way, but Albus wouldn't hear of it. Harry had is own room through a secret passageway just off of Albus' office. Harry stayed in his 'new' room until the term started. Although he almost never did, it was a comfort to Harry, knowing he could come back and use his room whenever he felt the need to be alone, or to feel safe. Harry mostly kept important things in there that he didn't want lying around in his dorm room.
Harry shook his head and smiled. It had been fun to see the Professors' expression the first time they heard him call the old wizard Albus. Snape had been his favorite. He had been midway to taking off house points when he realized the headmaster had given Harry permission to use his given name.
"Harry? Would you like some tea," asked Albus, with an amused expression. Harry had the feeling it wasn't the first time Albus had asked. Harry's mind was wondering today.
"Tea would be fine, thanks." Harry watched Albus pour; he always seemed to smile brighter when he lumped in extra sugar just the way Harry liked it. It was a wonder how he never got a cavity.
"So, you have many changes in your near future. Are you looking forward to life as member of our wizarding society?" asked Albus. Harry could see the other questions that were really being asked. How did he feel about moving, being on his own, joining the Order, his friends moving on to new things, etc...
"Honestly, it's hard to imagine that I'm not coming back next September, but I'm looking forward to having my own place. It will be nice having breakfast without a thousand other people for a change. Dean says he doesn't think he'll be able to sleep without the familiar buzz of Neville's snoring," Harry said with a laugh.
They continued to chat about what Harry will do when he leaves school, and other various topics. Their conversation stayed light for a while. But all good things must come to an end...
"We haven't really spoken about what went on the evening you were attacked," Albus said somberly.
"Yes, um, yes we did. I thought we just about covered it. I really appreciate your decision to punish Nott without expulsion." Here it comes, he told himself. He knew it was coming... Is there anything else you wanted to tell me about?
"Is there anything else you wanted to tell me about?" Albus asked. Harry thought the blue eyes could see right through him. He looked to the floor, his teacup, and anywhere that wasn't Albus.
"No sir, um, no, Albus."
"I wish for you to know, I feel Mr. Nott's actions were worthy of a severe punishment. While Argus has some rather nasty things planned, I'm not sure they fit the crime. I must express my concern regarding this choice that I've made." Albus looked deeply into Harry's eyes. The young man thought for sure the wise old wizard could see every thought he ever had. "Do not make me regret my decision, Harry. If you feel uncomfortable speaking with me concerning the events involving Mr. Nott, then perhaps you should speak to someone with whom you are comfortable."
Harry's shoulders dropped instantly. No, not the shrink! Harry yelled inside his head.
"Now Harry, you have many changes approaching." No, not the shrink! "You're finishing school, you'll be losing contact with many friends as they find their own path," No, not the shrink! "Living alone, being totally responsible for yourself." No, not the shrink! "The training you'll undergo alone is no small task," Albus explained. All the while, Harry was listening to his personal mantra in his head. No, not the shrink!
"Listen to me, Harry!" Albus said firmly, startling Harry. It was a tone he had never before heard directed toward him from Albus. "I have been very supportive of a future relationship that you and Severus may have. I've watched the two of you interact, and I've seen the possibility of something wonderful forming between Severus and yourself. I'll admit I was not aware of the extent of your friendship during your holiday," Harry blushed deep crimson. "But nonetheless, I've encouraged Severus to give you a chance to allow you to get to know him better. Severus is a very, very private man. It is a great sacrifice for him to allow you into his personal life, and possibly his heart. I had almost given up on ever seeing him allow anyone in. I think you, of all people, understand what it is like to have your personal life manipulated by a meddling old wizard."
Harry nodded. "Yes, sir."
"I've manipulated many a thing these past few weeks. Some I'm sure you're aware of, others perhaps not, but what is important for you to understand is, Severus means a great deal to me, as you do, Harry."
"If you plan on getting to know him, and perhaps pursuing a relationship with Severus, I must insist that you do so with a clear head. If you have issues that prevent you from your goals, you may not get a second chance. Do you understand what I'm saying to you, Harry?" said Albus explicitly.
The young wizard thought about what Albus had said. He was not expecting that. Certainly, if Harry were to have issues from that bastard Nott, Severus could misinterpret his actions as rejection. Harry seethed with anger, knowing that Nott was affecting him. He had fun joking with Sev in the infirmary; but yesterday he'd almost punched Ron in the nose, when he grabbed him unexpectedly.
"I understand, Albus," Harry said. He would owl the counselor in the morning. "I'll take care of it."
"Good," the twinkle was back. "Now, let us plan your warding!" Albus said happily.
AN: (Warding is the term used when a child leaves the home; it is a wizard custom for the most powerful wizards in the family to join the wizard at his/her new home to place the protection wards.)
DETAH 28 - Intimidation 101
Severus watched the boy fidget in his seat. Nott's face shined, sweat forming despite the cool temperature of the room. Severus Snape was a pro at fear, intimidation, and other tortures. Of course he couldn't use his talents to their fullest extent on his 'day' job. Children were easy to intimidate.
"Mr. Nott,"
The young Nott was smart enough to know not to speak unless asked a direct question, just smart enough.
"You and your bumbling sidekicks attacked two unarmed students. Your behavior is unbecoming of a Slytherin!" Snape scowled at the boy. "If my influence had not been what it is in this school, you would have been expelled!" Severus almost laughed at the 'truth' of that statement. If he had the pull he thought he should, Nott would have been out on his ass already. "You have no idea the favors I've had to call in for you to finish the term. As I recall the results of your O.W.L.'s, you may have been better off expelled and repeating the year at Durmstrang." Snape said offhandedly. It was not really an option but it didn't matter, Nott was too nervous to think it all out.
"As you know, you will be required to serve detention every weekday evening for the duration of the term. You will continue to see Mr. Filch for detentions unless I can persuade him to release you to me on occasion, to assist me with some experimental potions." He permitted himself a small smirk.
Nott seemed to be mentally weighing the settings, unsure if helping with experimental potions was a relief from Filch or not. He shifted in his chair as the images of what that might mean came to mind. Would Snape...?
Severus rose from his chair and waved his wand, adding wards to the already locked door. He placed a silencing charm Nott had never heard before, and could probably never recreate.
"You attacked Harry Potter on school premises wearing the robes of our Lord's followers! What were you thinking?"
"I was thinking about my father," answered Nott, forgetting that this was probably a rhetorical question.
"Your father has people like Lucius Malfoy on his side. He may very well get a chance at an appeal next year." Fat chance Severus said inwardly. "Do you think he would get off on a plea of being under the influence of Imperious if his son goes around attacking the wizard who is, in the public's view, 'our savior', while wearing Death Eater's robes?" Snape said the words 'our savior' with a look as if he had just smelled something foul.
Nott sunk further in his chair as he realized he hadn't helped his father any with his actions. Not that his father had a chance in hell of getting out any time soon, regardless.
"Did it ever occur to you that any plans our Lord may have had for the near future will be seriously hindered by the additional security put on Potter since your reckless actions?" Snape watched him squirm. "Luckily, you haven't finished school yet. If you already had the mark you would probably be still shaking from the pain of Cruciatus, among other things." The boy was starting to look green. "I wouldn't worry too much about it, unless your friends are stupid enough to brag about a fight that they lost. The Dark Lord is unlikely to even find out right away. I will say nothing, for now, unless I sense that others are about to relay the information; if that happens, of course you will understand..."
Nott knew he was still being reprimanded, but wasn't sure about the rest. Was Snape trying to make him feel better, while warning him? He didn't want to think about the possible painful future. He had enough to deal with for the next few weeks with Filch.
"Sir, did you know Mr. Filch has a - a torture room?"
"If you can call that a torture room," Snape mumbled derisively, barely loud enough so he was heard. "Yes, don't give it a thought. He hasn't been allowed to make use of such punishments for many years now. He likes to make students clean that room. It's the most intimidating he can get these days." Severus said as if mocking the caretaker. "Watch yourself, the castle is alive with magic. Be sure to treat that room with the respect it deserves."
Nott nodded, although he didn't understand how he was supposed to respect a room. Severus made a mental list of the possibilities.
"Now, unless you feel we need to continue the discussion of your punishments, I think we should move this conversation to a more comfortable setting."
Nott shook his head, and stood up to follow his Head of House. His eyes widened a bit when he noticed a door open, not six feet from where he had been sitting. He couldn't remember what it was he thought he saw there before he noticed the door.
The room they sat in was even colder than Snape's office. As they spoke about possible career opportunities Severus had lit a fire, supposedly to make the atmosphere more comfortable, though the room didn't seem to get any warmer. The high back leather chairs were stiff and hard to get comfortable in.
After the topics moved from possible career choices to choosing your associates wisely, young Nott fell into sense of security. He was sure he'd gotten out of discussing the attack on Harry Potter. He wasn't that lucky. Severus poured two classes of some sort of amber liquid and placed one in front of his student. Nott smiled weakly and thanked him. It wasn't like any alcohol he had tasted, and he didn't want to look ignorant asking what it was. Snape smiled, thinking, Fool. He thinks because I drank some first it's safe. Snape took a sip of his tainted scotch. It wasn't his drink of choice, but much easier to add 'helpful' ingredients undetected. Snape could easily maintain enough control over himself to overcome the mild potion, but he wasn't in the mood, so he'd taken an antidote beforehand.
"Do tell me how three wizards were bested by two, when those two were unarmed?" Snape looked at the student and smiled, a look at once colder and more deadly than any glare could have been.
Nott shifted in his chair as it suddenly seemed even more uncomfortable, which was something, considering Snape had charmed the chair to be extra stiff.
"What did Potter do when he saw three Death Eaters enter the room?"
"He froze, and ran."
Froze and ran? "What, no Gryffindor courage?"
"Actually he froze, looked us over, and ran over to tell Weasley something."
I thought so. "You had Potter in your grasp, unarmed. Did you at least hit him with Cruciatus?" asked Snape, knowing full well the boy didn't posses the courage or ability to cast such a spell.
"That's an Unforgivable, sir," whimpered Nott. Snape glared, thinking, What you did to my Harry was unforgivable. Snape was grateful Harry was only molested; it could have been so much worse. He, Snape, would certainly be in Azkaban, or dead, for throttling a student to death.
"I suppose I could see your reluctance to use an Unforgivable on school grounds. Did you at least take advantage of the fact that he was naked?" asked Snape, who now had moved so close to Nott that the boy could feel the warmth from his body. Nott shifted as far away as his uncomfortable chair would allow. "With someone like Potter, who is powerful and well trained, the best move to make would be to attack and torture him without magic." Snape took a long sip of his drink, eyeing Nott carefully. "You did rape him, didn't you?"
"I'm not gay!" yelled Nott with conviction, louder than he intended. His blush said otherwise, or that he was unsure of himself.
"Who said anything about being gay?" asked Snape smoothly. "To a proud Gryffindor there is nothing worse than being humiliated by a Slytherin." Snape looked accusingly at Nott. "You took him, right?" asked Snape with ambiguity. The young Slytherin nervously shook his head, but admitted to molesting Potter, as if it were some sort of last minute redemption.
"You had opportunity and wasted it. You merely...touched him?"
Nott sputtered.
Snape could sense the inexperience, the resistance. The boy is straight, merely curious. Now was the time to terrify him.
"Ah, you did not know what to do? It was a whim? Never go into a situation without premeditation; and be prepared to follow through."
Snape paused, as if considering. "You want to be a Death Eater? You think you have the required ...gifts?" Snape asked softly.
Nott looked up, puzzled, "Gifts, sir?"
"Your desire to serve our Lord is admirable. But first, there is a great deal you need to learn. You will need proficiency and endurance, in many skills. Of course, you would want to *...please*...our Lord at your initiation. You cannot afford otherwise. The result would be most painful. And I would not want one I recommend to be less than competent." Snape seemed to have somehow moved even closer; he was leaning over him now. He raised his hand, stroked his index finger from Nott's cheek to his chin, and then tilted his head up, looking down at him with intense, fathomless black eyes. He continued with a low, silken voice, "Your father would have, of course, been the one to prepare you to be a proper servant for our Lord, had Nott Sr. been available."
The boy winced at the thought of his father in Azkaban... or was it the thought of his father preparing him for the Dark Lord?
"I could instruct you... He has... unusual tastes." Snape's breath made the hairs on the boy's neck raise. Nott swallowed, hard. Snape moved back to his chair. "I will allow you time to consider. Do not return unless you are sure. Once you are marked, it is for life. You cannot leave His service. If you do not accept this offer, I will not ask again. This discussion will simply be... forgotten." Nott left, clearly shaken.
Snape chuckled. That had been rather amusing. He had particularly enjoyed the blanching and cold sweat that had periodically broken out on Nott. The boy was so cowed he didn't even notice Snape registering his reactions, though Nott had made a good effort not to let them show. Double entendre was so much fun, and Slytherins were so much better at picking up on the nuances than anyone else. He knew the student would not return.
Once past the initial feeling of annoyance that he had been pressured to go see his counselor, Harry looked forward to seeing Dr. Kirkland again. He remembered the first time meeting her. Erin Kirkland was a surprisingly pleasant lady. She was attractive, in her mid-forties, wore short brown hair, and had a pair of glasses hanging from a silver chain around her neck. Harry was surprised to find the office had been redecorated. He liked it before, but for some reason found the change comforting.
"Good to see you, Harry," said Dr. Kirkland, kindly.
"Hello," he said before sitting in a chair across from her desk. "You changed your office; it suits you."
"You think? I'm glad you like it." She made a note to Harry's chart. Harry was happy to talk about her office decor more than his problems.
"It used to remind me of the common room in Gryffindor, but now it's more like I would expect you to have it," said Harry casually, as he noted the office was slightly more clinical. He noticed diplomas and certificates on the wall. The furniture was a warm blue color, with cream carpeting on the floor. "It's very soothing."
"I wasn't sure if you realized the significance of the decor when you first came to see me, and it wasn't too important to mention at the time, but I know it bothers you to be kept in the dark about things that effect you."
Harry nodded. That was the problem he had with Albus, and they had worked through that well enough. He wasn't sure where she was going with this, nor what it had to do with her redecorating the office.
"It's common practice for wizard counselors to spell their offices to reflect what the patient finds to be a comforting atmosphere. Do you understand?" She continued when he nodded. "Is it correct to assume that since the office is what you think I would have, that you are comfortable, and feel safe with me?
Harry laughed a little. He felt silly not knowing that. He couldn't wait to take the muggle-born course on wizarding customs Hermione had taken last year. "Of course I feel fine around you. Is this what your office looks like when no one else is here?"
"Close, " she said and waved her wand around. The room didn't change much, but Harry noticed more personal items now. He glanced over at a picture of her and a young woman in formal robes. They were so close in resemblance they had to be Mother and daughter. "The change in decor is us usually significant for patients Harry." When he offered no explanations she continued. "Can you tell me why you feel unsafe, or not as comfortable and safe at Hogwarts as you did before?"
Harry lowed his head. She had gotten right to the heart of it without him seeing it coming. "Ron and I were attacked."
Harry went on to explain what had happened, and how he had wanted to kill the slimy Slytherin. When she asked why he was more upset with Nott than he had been with Draco Malfoy after a particularly bad fight they had the year before, Harry was quiet again.
"I was still dealing with the repercussions of being outed. Did you see the article The Prophet ran on it ?" She nodded. " That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I was still dealing with some of the more ignorant, cruel sector of the student populace, all the while trying to deal with a possible new relationship. This, when we were attacked, we were showering... I, um, felt more vulnerable even than when my uncle was at his worst," he said quickly.
"You have a lot on your plate, Harry. Why don't we start with your being outing, was it?"
"Outed," he corrected, with a weak laugh. "One of my more embarrassing moments to date," he said, rubbing his eyes. "Once things settled down, it wasn't that big a deal. I expected it to be worse. I've gotten pretty good at tuning people out." Harry thought about what he said. Would telling her about Nott be like his being outed? Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as he thought, to have someone know. It had been a relief to have it all behind him when the public knew of his sexuality. How would telling her be a relief? It's not like I'm not still going to keep it a secret from the public. 'If you care enough about Severus, you'd get past this. It would be a relief because it would help him deal with how he felt about it. Damn his conscious for being rational.
"I'm afraid if I don't get this out of my head, I'm going to ruin my chances at the only relationship I ever felt strongly about."
Dr. Kirkland nodded to encourage him to continue.
"He was screaming something about me not fitting the bill. Not being what the "Boy Who Lived" was supposed to be, as he had pictured in his mind all those years. It's like I'm some god or something, and then when someone gets close enough to see I'm just human, they're disappointed. How could I be the one who is to save them all, when I can't even save myself from the likes of Nott? Maybe he blamed me for not killing Voldemort already and saving him from having to become a Death Eater like his father. IT'S NOT MY FAULT HIS LIFE SUCKS!"
"No, it's not," the counselor agreed.
"Did he think beating up Ron and me was going to get his father out of Azkaban? Did it make him feel like a bigger man to attack me while I had no wand, to hex me, to hit me... to touch me?" he said the last part just above a whisper. His hands began to clench on the arms of the chair. "I couldn't move, couldn't scream. When he saw me look at him, he pushed my face away. All I could do was feel. I felt helpless, felt his hands on me, rubbing me." 'Plink' Harry looked up, startled to see what the sound was. The glass pitcher of water on the desk had cracked; water was trickling down the side. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean..." Harry stood up, but Dr. Kirkland waved her hand at him to sit and relax. She picked up the pitcher, placing it in the basin in the next room. Harry noticed she didn't fix it, but put it in the other room. She had once told him that in life, it was important to deal with things we don't want to, even if it isn't hard to make it go away with magic. It was one of the arguments she and Albus had with him about his scars. They wanted him to remove his glamour and deal with his life, and he didn't see the point. The compromise had been that Harry would remove the glamour when school ended. Poppy had also been an advocate of him allowing the world deal with him being less than perfect. Harry didn't care so much what the world thought about him, but he didn't want the extra attention he would get when the charms did come off. He unconsciously rubbed the side of his neck where the worst scar was.
The counselor told Harry it was perfectly normal to have a sudden burst of raw magic when dealing with an upsetting issue for the first time. He expressed his concerns for Albus knocking out the Slytherin before he could kill him. Harry was sure he had let Albus down. She explained that if Harry were truly out of control the day of the attack, he would have probably experienced a larger eruption of raw magic and energy. She continued to assure him that Albus most likely knew he was not out of control, but wanted to give Harry a chance to make his own decision. Dr. Kirkland and Harry continued to speak about the attack, and touched on several other subjects before agreeing to meet again in a few days time.
In the Gryffindor seventh year dorms, Hermione gasped as Harry twirled around to give a proper view of his new dress robes he was trying on for her.
"They're gorgeous! I love them." Harry clasped her hand, as if pulling her over to dance. "You two are going to look so great next Friday," gushed Hermione. Harry felt a hand squeeze his shoulder, but didn't flinch as he might have, before.
"May I cut in?" asked Ron, taking Hermione in his arms.
Harry bowed, ending their mock dance. He made a mental note that he was feeling more comfortable with physical contact from his friends again. Sure, it was only little touches, but it was a start at any rate. Wearing a wistful expression, he watched his friends dance. "You know mate, Fred had a dance with McGonagall at his formal." Harry chuckled at the thought of that sight, and the even odder vision of asking Severus to dance with him. Harry couldn't really remember what Severus wore for the Yule ball three years ago. He doubted he would have given Severus a second glance back then.
Hermione giggled as Harry slid off his dress robes. "Are you going to wear cut-off shorts underneath on the night of the formal, too?" she teased when she saw what he was wearing.
"No one knows what we've got on under these things," said Harry with a grin. "I'll just have to leave you guessing that night."
"I heard that since the formal is on a week night, Nott is going to miss the first half; Filch won't let him off detention that night," said Ron. Harry nodded; he didn't know what to say. He was able to avoid Nott since they didn't have the same classes, but Harry hadn't thought about the formal. He was frowning at the thought of having to see him in a social setting.
"How's it going with Dr. Erin?" asked Hermione timidly when she noticed Harry's sudden change in mood. Harry gave her a smile.
"Fine. We've talked a ton. I sometimes wonder if that woman has a time-turner." Harry was suddenly finding the floor more interesting. He was putting this off, but knew it was time. "I have something I need to tell you," he said quietly. "I wasn't planning on it, but I guess Dr. Erin thinks I should have at least one person to confide in. That would be you guys."
Hermione gave him a small smile. She liked when he referred to them as one. Harry could never tell one of them something important without telling the other as well.
"Did something happen?" asked Ron. Harry nodded without looking up. Hermione sat down next to Harry. He was grateful for the comfort she gave. He missed the closeness they'd had.
"When you and I were attacked in the locker rooms," he started slowly, but worked his way up in speed as he continued, "When you were stupefied, and the other two had left, Nott said that he could do what ever he wanted, and he touched me, uh, you know," he said rolling his eyes and looking down at his lap.
"Oh My God, he molested you?" spouted Hermione in shock. Harry winced.
"I really hate that word, could we just call it... never mind, I don't want to call it anything."
"I'm glad you told us," whispered Hermione. "I understand why you didn't want to tell anyone, but I'm glad you could tell us. It's good to get it out. You must want to kill Nott. Is Dr. Kirkland helping you work through this?"
Ron didn't speak. He understood now why Harry reacted the way he did after the attack. Several other things made more sense now, too.
"Yeah, Dr. Erin knows just what to say. Actually, she doesn't always say much, but asks just the right questions. It's like I knew the answers all along, but didn't know the right questions to ask myself. Does that make sense?" asked Harry, with his head tilted slightly as if he was going over the sentence in his head. Harry told them about a few other things he talked about with the Dr. to help him get past this. They were happy to see he was doing better. None of them knew that just one bed over were Seamus and Dean, behind the curtains of Dean's four-poster bed. Dean was helping Seamus with a love letter for the girl he likes. They hadn't intended on eavesdropping, hadn't expected the trio's conversation to take such a private turn.
Severus Snape walked through the Great Hall to dinner. He always had such a presence. His robes looked slightly different today. Harry watched discreetly as he sipped from a goblet of pumpkin juice. Something was not the same. He scanned the black robes, looking for something. Then, about midway down, he spotted it. There were buttons along the waistline. These were the robes Severus wore riding. Harry wished he had a chance to see Severus riding again. Before reaching the head table, the professor stopped and spoke to a blond Ravenclaw girl. Harry remembered she was the one who wanted to get an apprenticeship in potions. He handed her a card, and then sat down with the other professors for dinner.
Severus ignored the conversation Filius and Hooch were having next to him. He ate in silence, and glanced around the Great Hall. There was a small burst of laughter where Draco Malfoy could be seen in the center of a conversation at the Slytherin table. Nothing interesting at the Hufflepuff table (as usual), and the Ravenclaws kept to themselves most of the time. The tall blond girl rose from her seat before dinner arrived. Severus watched her cross the room to the Gryffindor table where the Creevey brothers were sitting. She gave the older brother a note, and proceeded to do the same with Harry. Severus knew Harry had been seeing a counselor. It wasn't hard to find out. One of the professors had to escort Harry to an apparation site, so it was discussed during a staff meeting. Minerva had volunteered to walk Potter out for the appointments. No one mentioned that they were for a counselor, but Severus could figure it out easily enough. Harry walked a little easier the past week or so. He held his head up higher, and was now the confidant boy Severus had met on holiday. Sev watched Harry look up, surprise evident on his face when the Ravenclaw stopped in front of him to give him a card. Severus couldn't hear what they were saying, but knew she was giving him one of the passes Severus had given to her to distribute.
The potion lab will be open to you on Thursday evening at 7:00 for tutorial.*
Harry read it twice, guessing that Severus would be showing him to brew the non-addictive pain potion. He didn't want to kid himself into thinking that Severus just wanted to be with him. Creevey had gotten what must have been a similar note. He looked forward to Thursday, regardless of the motive his Potion's Master had.
DETAH 29 - Formalities, Close Calls, and a Secret
The halls of Hogwarts were abuzz with students talking of the seventh year formal and the summer ahead. Harry noticed the girls discussing their dress-robes, and how they wanted to do their hair. Some boys were still working on getting a last minute date. Harry on the other hand was looking forward to an earlier date, his tutorial with Professor Snape. As it always seems to do when you want it to pass quickly, time was slowing down to an agonizing pace. Harry couldn't wait to see Severus in his lab when it wasn't class time. He couldn't wait to be out of school and in his own place. Free to pursue Severus with fervor.
"Butterscotch" Harry said when he arrived at the entrance to Albus' office.
"Come in," greeted Albus with a smile. "I see you've got the bounce back in your step," he said merrily, his fingertips pressed together in a contented gesture. Harry sat down across from Albus. A tea tray appeared, Harry poured. He felt more like family and less like a guest when pouring for Albus. The old wizard inhaled deeply, taking in the scent of the hot beverage. "Just the way I like it," he said after a sip.
"Mr. Jennings, my new landlord, said I could move in any time, so it will be all ready for me when I finish school."
"Wonderful, I have the invitations for you Warding ready. Would you like to see them now?"
"Invitations?" Harry asked, unsure of what it was that a Warding involved.
"Traditionally, one would ask the three or four most powerful wizards in their family to put up the wards in a new home. I received this invitation from a niece last month to put up wards in her and her new husband's home. Commonly, a couple would chose two from each side of the family, but that's usually to keep the peace amongst families." He said with the ever-present twinkle in his blue eyes. "You may chose whomever you wish, but if you were to need a little direction..."
"Why don't you just make this easier and tell me who I'm inviting." Harry said with a smile. "Wait, let me guess. You, and Professors Snape and McGonagall."
Albus chuckled, and a few crumbs from the biscuit he was eating fell to the desk. "Close," he said holding up three invites. "In addition to myself, I suggest you invite Filius Flitwick and Severus Snape."
"Why not Professor McGonagall? Being my Head of House, I thought she seemed more like family. Is Professor Flitwick a more powerful wizard?"
"I wouldn't say that he is more or less powerful than Professor McGonagall. He is excellent with charms, and has always assisted in the warding of the school. Professor McGonagall is the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. She and I almost never leave the school at the same time. It would leave Hogwarts vulnerable."
"Oh," Harry felt a little dumb for not realizing that. "Who's the third invitation for?"
"It's for whomever you would like. Not everyone is invited for his or her magical ability. A balance of energies for the wards best protects a home. Professor Flitwick can create a most intricate weave of magic protecting your home. He's not the Charms Professor for nothing. Professor Snape offers not only his very powerful magic, but also the deep understanding of dark magic, combined with the desire to protect you. You may invite someone solely by what that person represents to you."
Harry thought about that for a while. He drank tea with Albus in a comfortable silence. At last Harry put down his empty teacup, stating his decision. "I'm going to invite Mr. Weasley." He received a pleased smile from Albus. "My first thought was that he represented what a family should be like, but, living alone, it isn't like I need to worry about family values. I've always felt welcome at the burrow, and that's how I want my friends to feel, like they are always welcome to my home." Harry hoped that was what Albus meant by 'what a person represents to you'. Judging by the smile and the twinkle, Harry had gotten it right, or at least close. Albus charmed the last invitation to have Author Weasley's name on it. The words were written in a fancy script with purple ink.
Harry heard someone coming up the spiral step rather fast, and a sharp knock on the door. "Come in Professor McGonagall," said Albus to the closed door. How does he do that? wondered Harry. The door flew open; sure enough it was Professor McGonagall.
"Albus, you must come right away. Oh, excuse me Mr. Potter; I didn't see you there. At least you have a solid alibi for this one."
"What has happened, Minerva? Harry should know what he's grateful to have an alibi for."
McGonagall wasn't pleased with the Headmaster making jokes at the moment. "Someone has strung up Mr. Nott to the highest quidditch hoop; he's wearing nothing but a rope around his ankles. There are several objects believed to be invisible bludgers that are charmed to fly at Nott whenever someone gets close enough to attempt a rescue."
Harry coughed to hide a laugh. He just missed the twitch on Albus' face. Harry was instructed to go to lunch, while they went down to the Quidditch pitch for crowd control and to get the miserable boy down.
In the Great Hall the Gryffindor table was almost empty, as was the Slytherin table and about half of the rest. Harry could just imagine the pandemonium that was going on right now on the pitch. Two guys in particular stood out. Dean and Seamus were the only other seventh year boys at the table. Harry caught a little of their conversation as he approached. "'E'd been up there a good two 'ours 'fore anyone knew 'e was missing. Bet 'e's nice and sunburned by now," said Seamus with a laugh. Dean almost sprayed pumpkin juice from his mouth.
"How would you two know how long he's been up there?" asked Harry, making them jump. They hadn't seen him walking up.
Dean's eyes widened, but Seamus was always quick with something to say. "Dean and me didn't want to leave school without at least one great prank under our belt. Can't have two from our own dorm attacked without proper consequences, right?" Seamus finished with a wink. Harry bowed and thanked them for gallantly revenging the attack on Ron and himself. Dean laughed; it was fun to see Harry acting silly, he was in a good mood. "Remember all this later when I use you as a reference while applying for a job this summer," said Dean. Harry grinned, and tucked into his lunch.
The last class of the day was Charms. Ron still had a few bruises from the fight that had broken out on the quidditch pitch during Nott's rescue. Harry had the feeling the invitations went out after lunch because Flitwick announced they would be working on placing wards today. It was a good class, and almost everyone was able to put up a good ward on their book bags and desks. Hermione confessed to using wards on her book bag for the last year and a half. No one was going to copy her notes, no one, that is, beside Harry and Ron. As the class ended and students began shuffling out, Filius asked Harry to stay behind a moment. Harry saw the familiar purple ink on a crisp piece of parchment placed on the desk where the small wizard was standing. He was surprised when Filius bowed to him.
"It is a great honor you have bestowed me. I humbly offer my services in the Warding of your new home," said Filius formally.
"Thank you sir, it means a lot to me," Harry said returning the bow.
"You may call me Filius," he said, before sending Harry off to catch up with his friends.
Ron and Hermione were sitting in the common room when Harry caught up to them. They appeared to be having a nice conversation, but their red and puffy, 'just been kissed' lips gave them away. Harry told them about inviting Filius to the Warding, and tried to remember what he had said. "I think it was 'I'm honored to offer my services in the Warding of your home' something like that."
"He said," Hermione began. "It is a great honor you have bestowed me. I humbly offer my services in the Warding of your new home," she said, smiling at Harry's open mouth. She explained to him that if Harry had sent formal invitations to his Warding, Filius had followed wizarding traditions when giving his response. Hermione went to her room, returning a few minutes later with a book for Harry to borrow. "It's the book you'll get when you start your summer class, 'Wizarding traditions and customs'. There's a whole chapter on Wardings, it includes everything from the positions the wizards stand in during the casting, to the food most commonly served by the host." Once again Harry's mouth was hanging open. "Didn't Professor Dumbledore explain any of this?"
"I think he would have, but when we were talking about it, McGonagall interrupted." Harry snorted. "She said Nott was only wearing the ropes he was tied up with." Ron let out a hearty laugh. "It was good of Seamus and Dean to pull it off, but I'm surprised they came up with the charms to get the bludgers to do that." Harry didn't notice Hermione blush. Later, Harry was glad that Hermione pointed out a few things in the chapter. He now knew the ritual answer should anyone else respond formally in person.
Harry couldn't wait to finish dinner so he could change and go down to the lab for his tutorial with Severus. He knew the blond Ravenclaw girl was going to be making a special potion she needed to get the apprenticeship she wanted. "I don't know what Colin Creevey is going to be doing there," Harry said to no one in particular.
"I 'idn't know Snape took on apprentices," muttered Ron through a mouthful of food.
"You're a pig," chided Hermione, at Ron's offensive table manners. "He doesn't, Gwen is hoping to get her apprenticeship with a Potions Master in France."
"Who's Gwen?" the boys chorused. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Don't you think it would have been wise to find out something about the student Severus spends a lot of time with? You do want to get to know him, don't you?"
"How am I supposed to know what he does in his off time. It's not like I've ever been asked before now. How did you know?" asked Harry, glancing over at the next table for a glimpse of the blond.
"She's a prefect; as Head Girl I get to know all the prefects. I think it's a wise move for anyone to get to know the prefects. They are a chosen group for a reason. Most of them are smart and responsible. Not a bad bunch to be familiar with," she said, with a little too much attitude for Harry's liking.
"Tom Riddle was a prefect you know."
"I didn't say they were all good to be friends with, but certainly good to be familiar with. You know what they say, 'Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer'."
"You sound like Mad Eye Moody," teased Harry. "Not that I don't think you've got a good idea, 'Mione, but since the year is just about over, why don't you inform me on the who's who of Hogwart's wizarding set?"
"What, do you think just because you're gorgeous you can be obnoxious like that?" she kidded him.
"Hey," protested Ron at his girlfriend calling Harry 'gorgeous'.
"Yes I can, it works every time," said Harry
"Fine, you may as well leave to get ready. I'm going to have to spend the next half hour convincing Ron that you're not half as cute as he is," she said with a wink.
"Hey!" griped Ron again. He didn't really mind her talking that way, but when he made a fuss, she usually made it up to him in a very nice way.
Harry left them to bicker. The faster they got to the argument, the faster they got to the make-up sex. He wondered if it would ever be that way with him and Sev. Then it occurred to him that their first time seemed to start out that way. The walk to his room to change and head down to the dungeons was a blur. He thought of Severus the whole time. Harry knew he wasn't going to be alone with the man, but at least he would see him out of class, and out of the infirmary. For a while those were the only places Severus seemed to exist. He didn't count meals since Severus still had appearances to keep and wouldn't give him the time of day in the Great Hall.
The first thing Harry noticed as he entered the potions lab was Colin Creevey set up at a workstation close to the door. Harry found he tensed as he waited for the inevitable 'Hi Harry' that he got almost the second after he thought it. Colin's voice had finally broke last year, but it still was an annoying sound that Harry thought would one day drill a hole straight through his eardrums. Luckily, Colin was busy with his book bag, and Harry slipped away.
"Creevey, need I remind you, no photography in my lab? Put the camera away, and for God's sake lower your flame before that boils over," Severus said, with a glare in his eyes. Colin jumped, grabbing his wand to lower the flame, resulting in only a small spill of potions down the outside of his cauldron.
Harry noted that the Ravenclaw girl, Was it Gwen? was also set up at a workstation. She was very close to the front of the room. By all appearances, she had been working for a while. Harry approached Severus.
"Am I late, Professor?" asked Harry, praying he didn't get the time wrong, putting him off to a horrid start.
"You are," Severus paused and looked at a clock on the wall, "Right on time. I have you set up over here in front of Miss Jennings. Your start times have been staggered to better suit my needs. Miss Jennings' potion will take hours. Also, I have timed it so neither of you should need my assistance at the same time. Creevey, I start early, so I may be rid of him earlier."
Harry nodded, and tried not to laugh at the comment about Colin. He checked the table Severus had set up for him. The scales were like new. The mortar and pestle were also immaculate. He turned to see the potion brewing behind him; it was a color he had never seen before in a potion.
"Could you back away about a foot please?"
"Oh, yeah, sure," said Harry, backing up a few feet.
"Sorry to be rude, but my future as a Potions Master is brewing in this cauldron," said the blond, not looking up until she stirred three more times and set down the ladle. "I'm Gwen. Nice to meet you," she said with a warm smile.
"I'm Harry," he rolled his eyes and laughed softly when she said 'I know.' He hated stating the obvious.
"Hermione speaks very highly of you," she said, and he felt better.
"Your name is Jennings? Any relation to the Mr. Jennings who has an apartment to rent in town?"
"He's my uncle," she said, eyes widening. "You aren't renting there, are you?"
"Yes," he said hesitantly. "Why? Should I be nervous?" his tone was light, but he was still unsure of what she was getting at.
"Oh, no it's just that he was asked not to tell who it was until the Warding. He bet me a galleon I couldn't guess who it was. I was going to guess a visiting Ministry guest, but now, this changes everything. Thanks for the galleon, Harry."
"If you're quite finished sharing the wealth, you have a potion to start, Mr. Potter. You will come with me for your ingredients."
Harry hadn't heard so many words from the man's mouth in a week, and the rich tone made him want to swoon. Harry had enough sense not to puddle onto the floor, but as he was heading for the supply closet, Severus was going the opposite direction. He double-timed it, hoping Severus didn't notice.
"Dittany," Sev spoke the password and a cabinet opened on the wall. They were partially hidden behind the large door that opened up. Whatever Harry thought Severus was going to say next, he hadn't expected what he heard.
"It is a great honor you have bestowed me. I humbly offer my services in the Warding of your new home," Severus raised his head again. Their eyes met, and the younger wizard hesitated for only a moment before returning the bow.
"The honor is mine. I am grateful for the magic that is uniquely yours, and is always welcome in my home." Harry was so pleased with himself for remembering it properly that he totally missed the expression on Sev's face. It was a mix of surprised and impressed. By the time Harry had looked back up from the deep bow the look was gone.
Severus collected all the ingredients needed for Harry's pain potion, while explaining the importance of good quality and freshness in potion ingredients. He told Harry that most Masters will share a recipe, but won't necessarily tell you if there is a necessary change in measurements to accommodate the change in weight of dried ingredients compared to freshly picked ones that always weigh more. It's a way of ensuring that no one makes the potion as well as the original brewing Master.
Once Sev left Harry on his own, he went back to Gwen's workstation. Harry had wished he could have been alone with Sev, but now he got a chance to see something he hadn't expected. While Sev had spoken to Harry regarding the potion and the ingredients, he was more or less instructional. Harry did like to see him enthusiastic about his craft, but with Gwen it was different. He spoke, and she understood. It was more like Master and young protgee, than Master to student. Harry thought, if times had been different, Severus would have enjoyed having an apprentice. Sev would say something Harry didn't catch, or perhaps he had just made a noise, but Gwen understood and acted accordingly, whether it was a change in slicing a root, or the angle at which she stirred.
Harry hadn't realized Sev had turned around to face him until he heard that voice at his shoulder. "If you slice that root on an angle it changes the ratio of core and outer skin." Severus placed his long slender hands over Harry's and adjusted the angle of the blade. Sev didn't miss the shiver that ran through the younger man's body. He stepped away from the heat that radiated off of Harry. They both wanted to be together, but Sev was adamant that Harry should truly know what he'd be getting into. He was going to keep his distance. Perhaps tonight he would have some Sweet Dreams.
Colin Creevey had finished his film-developing potion that made the pictures move. Severus was checking his potion before he left. Harry asked Gwen why Colin was even there, since he seemed to make the potion mostly without assistance from Snape.
"He had been making it in his dorm, and after the second fire, the Headmaster required him to do it here. He makes it a lot. He must take a ton of pictures." she said. Harry winced at the thought of him being the subject of so many pictures. He had noticed that a few times that evening, Colin had obviously wanted to get out his camera. It was the first time he would get a picture of Harry in a classroom setting. Harry wondered if he would grow up to be a great photographer or a stalker.
Harry's potion was cooling; he was disappointed to have to leave so soon. It was fun. More so after Colin had left. At one point in the evening, both Harry and Gwen's potions needed to simmer for 20 minutes, and they had talked. Mostly it was Gwen talking about her plans to study in France where she hoped to be next month. Severus told them about his own apprenticeship. It didn't sound as much fun as what Gwen had planned, but it was interesting to hear of some of his past. Severus didn't say it of course, but Harry thought the Master that taught Sev potions might have been a Death Eater, or at least a supporter.
Harry started cleaning his workspace when he felt a tinge of pain in his scar. He braced himself on the worktable for a second before looking up at Sev. Severus did not flinch despite the deep pain emanating from his Mark, but his dark eyes locked with Harry's, full of meaning. Severus quickly checked the stage of brewing Gwen was at. She was almost finished, and could easily continue without him. Severus walked briskly to his desk, retrieving something Harry couldn't see, and headed straight for the supply cupboard. He called to Harry to bring him an ingredient from the cabinet on the back wall, and continued filling a large pouch full of vials. As soon as Harry entered with the ingredient, Severus rambled off a small list of things he wanted Harry to find, and told Harry to stay with Gwen after he left, in case she needed a hand, then he went off to make up an excuse to her for his abrupt departure. Harry carefully packed the vials, making sure each lid was closed tight. Concentrating so hard on his task, he barely registered the touch on his face. The gentle hand pulled his face around. Harry eagerly looked up, waiting for more instructions, when soft lips met his own. Severus was kissing him. For only a brief second, Harry's mind went in several directions, but he was soon lost in the kiss. When had his hands wrapped around my head, cradling me tenderly? He felt so safe in those hands. Severus gave him a slow and tentative kiss, it was meant to be short, but meaningful, or at least he started that way. Harry let out a small sound, a cross between a whimper and a moan, and Severus ravaged his mouth.
When Harry finally began to more eagerly reciprocate, Sev remembered he had somewhere to be. Harry stood, head tilted, mouth slightly open. When his eyes fluttered open, Severus grinned. It had been some time since he'd seen Harry look well kissed.
Half an hour later Gwen was finishing her potion.
"Let's test this out, shall we," she said enthusiastically. Harry nodded eagerly, sharing in her enthusiasm. Gwen had cooled off two vials of the potion, leaving the rest to simmer. "Take a good look at my face," she said. Harry didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. She was pretty. What was he supposed to see? Colin came back into the room for a bag he forgot as she downed the vial in one go, and held up a mirror. The two boys watched, looking to see some dramatic change. A small brown mole appeared on her cheek. "See it?" she said beaming.
"Um, you brewed a potion for hours to make a mole?" Colin asked incredulously. Harry thought the same thing, but wouldn't be so rude as to say so. Gwen snickered.
"No, silly, I had the mole. Professor Snape placed a very powerful concealing charm on it. I know it sounds like some cosmetic potion, but it has other benefits, too. When vain witches and wizards began paying other people to place stronger cosmetic charms on them, they didn't realize the charm went more than skin deep. That could affect medical treatment. It's now common practice to give this potion in hospitals when the patient is unable to confirm if they used concealment charms. The Ministry uses it on people in custody." She was so proud.
"Smile," called Colin. Harry was used to this, but the flash took Gwen by surprise. Harry saw the open vial of lemongrass fall from her hand. Harry tried to catch it; his hand darted out so quickly one would think he was catching a snitch for England. Harry caught the vial, but the lemongrass spilled out and his hand went into the potion up to his wrist. The potion was ruined.
Guinivere watched her dreams slip away with the lemongrass. She screamed at Colin, who ran from the dungeons, and then she slumped into a chair, a tear running down her face.
"Can't you make it again?" asked Harry, optimistically. "Come on, you just did it, it's fresh in your mind. I'll assist," he pushed. She expressed her fear of asking him to help because the potion took hours, and it was already past nine-thirty. She also needed ingredients from the Potion Master's private stores. "What kind of Gryffindor would I be if I didn't aide a damsel in distress?" he said lightheartedly, and held out a hand to help her up. Gwen reached for his hand and gasped.
"Your hand! Let me see it!" she said, grabbing his arm to get a closer look. He had burned it when it submerged in her potion. "Sit here, I'll be right back," she called as she was already half way to the supply cupboard.
Within ten minutes she mixed up a yucky looking orange colored paste that she spread over the burned skin. Harry noted her hands were soft and gentle. He could see the attraction, but preferred Sev's strong, yet gentle hands. He thought maybe it was that he liked being mothered by her. She was very kind. I like being mothered by a seventh year, and kissed by someone my Mum's age. That's a scary thought. At times it did make him think, 'What was he getting into?' but most times he couldn't imagine being with anyone but Sev. He thought about the kiss, and the fact that by now those same soft lips had probably kissed the hem of Voldemort's robes tonight. Harry flinched at the thought.
"Does that hurt?" asked Gwen as she finished wrapping his hand. Harry shook his head no, still thinking about what Severus was doing.
Severus was thinking about what Harry was doing. He thought about the kiss, the look on Harry's face. How he wanted to see that look again. Severus felt a tingling sensation just below his belly, but the potion he took kept him from getting an erection. Perhaps tonight was the perfect time for some Sweet Dreams. He could dream about his Harry, and wake up clean. Severus casually looked up when he heard someone standing in the doorway. In walked the Dark Lord, closely followed by Lucius Malfoy. Voldemort was holding a crystal sphere.
"What are you brewing, Severus?" asked the Dark Lord, knowing the answer already. He was holding the sphere.
"Poison, my Lord," answered Severus quicker than he had planned. Voldemort nodded. His red eyes glistened.
"Your expression was one of content, Severus. What were you thinking about before you knew I was at the door?"
"Harry Potter, my Lord," Severus' face remained cold and emotionless. He was one of the few who could lie to Voldemort undetected. Harry's name came out of his mouth without a second thought. What the hell was that sphere?
Voldemort smiled. "I like that you think about Harry Potter while you brew poison, Severus. With any luck, you may administer it personally one day." After Lucius and the Dark Lord left, Severus adjusted the potion slightly. It would still kill, but the fragrance was more potent, making it more obvious if slipped into food or drink. Anyone who knew what to look for had a good chance of detecting it before ingesting it. Too bad he couldn't give it to Nott. The little bastard.
"Hello Severus," said Lucius. His voice like silk, he walked like silk too, strolling into the room. "What did you think of the new toy I found for our Lord?"
"Scary," Sev answered, again too quickly for his blood. Lucius must have it in his hand. He was standing closer than usual. Lucius had been put off by the lack of attention Severus paid to his hair, and didn't hide it. "What were you thinking before I came in, Sev?" Severus thought now would be a good time to test the sphere, to see if he could tell a selective truth.
"Nott, revenge." Not bad, but leaves much room for improvement. Sev told himself. "Don't call me Sev."
"Go ahead Sev, try to fight it. It makes it more fun this way, like when we were kids." Lucius gave him a sardonic smile. Severus didn't always do well against Lucius, but they were no longer kids, and Severus could hold his own, and Lucius knew that. Never the less it was fun to challenge Severus. Lucius always liked the game. "Draco tells me you had a talk with young Nott...
Things went on like that for a while. Severus managed to get around the truth. Luckily the truth wasn't that hard to manipulate. He just wished Lucius would tire of the game so he could finish the damn potion, and get back to the castle. As it turned out, the sphere was a rare gift a Death Eater came across on holiday in India. Since Voldemort could tell when someone was lying, he gave it to Lucius. Severus didn't want to think about what Lucius would have to do later to show his gratitude.
When Severus finally apparated back to the edge of the Hogwarts grounds, and dragged his tired arse to the dungeons, he was about to enter his personal rooms when he noticed the light on in his lab. He cautiously opened the door to find the lab clean, Guinivere Jenning's finished potion bottled and on his desk with a note. When he walked around the desk he spotted Harry asleep on a cot near the corner. He decided to read the note.
Professor Snape,
There was a mishap with my potion. Harry was kind enough to assist me in brewing the potion again. I needed supplies from your private stores. Harry remembered your password from earlier, and opened the cabinet for me. Please don't be mad with Harry, I couldn't have done this without his help. If you do feel the need to get aggravated I could suggest a certain photographer. Unfortunately Harry was burned in an attempt to save my potion, but I treated him with the burn paste, and I expect it to be healed by now. Knowing the clean up would take a while, I begged him to go, but he refused to leave me. He's so sweet; too bad I'm not his type. I transfigured a chair, and told him to sleep. If you're reading this I've finished cleaning up and didn't want to wake him for at least another half hour when I will check his burn.
Sincerely exhausted,
Guinivere
Severus dropped the note, and knelt by Harry. Harry had gotten up earlier to use the loo, and removed the burn paste himself. Not a mark was left. Severus was looking for the bright orange mixture, not finding any. He ran a finger across Harry's brow moving the hair out of his face. Harry sighed in his peaceful sleep, rolling over, exposing his neck, and long band of scar tissue that began somewhere around the back of his neck to behind his right ear. The door opened, Severus stood up. Gwen padded in. She picked up Harry's hand inspecting it for any signs of the accident.
"The paste worked wonders I see. The burn had been such an angry looking red. I had no idea what a great guy Harry was. I guess with all the fame, you think you know a person. We talked so much." She had gotten so over tired; relieved the potion was complete, that she was getting punchy.
"Did you say, you thought the paste worked wonders?" he said in disbelief. "There's a terrible scar that seems to wrap around his whole head, and you don't think he should have gone to the infirmary?"
Severus didn't see Harry wince.
DETAH 30 - There are worse marks you could have
Gwen looked from him to Harry, unsure of what to say. Her lip quivered, "I ..." she paused, squared her shoulders, and took a deep breath, "when Harry tried to catch something that was falling into my potion, his hand was submerged, and was burned. I used the proper burn paste, and was sure he would be fine." She said.
Severus closed his eyes and nodded in understanding. Gwen looked back to see if Harry was still asleep. Harry was not asleep, but now walking over to her side. He held out his hand, turning his wrist to give them a full view of both sides.
"Good as new," he said with a tired smile. Harry gave Severus the once over, looking for signs of Cruciatus. "Did your errand go smoothly, Professor?" Harry asked.
Severus knew what he was alluding to, but his mind was busy making observations, processing the information. He looked at Harry, and then at Gwen. Her mole was back. Had they both taken the potion? Gwen was uncomfortable, and needed sleep.
"Sir, would you like to look over the potions before I pack them up to be sent out?"
Severus looked over the bottles on his desk. The potion would be tested in five different ways. There were six vials on the desk. He held up the only one not labeled for testing. She explained that she had already finished her first potion, tested it on herself, and put a second vial aside when the accident happened. She didn't go into details of the accident. As mad as she had been with Colin Creevey, she didn't want him to have to bear the wrath of Severus Snape.
The Potions Master examined the potion while Gwen pulled Harry aside. "Harry, I don't know how I could ever repay you for all your help tonight." She hesitated for a moment, and pulled him in for a hug. "I'm so glad I had a chance to get to know you a little before we left school."
"Maybe you'll save me a dance or two tomorrow night," he said with a smile. She was lost for a moment in his eyes, and his bright smile that lit the room. Scar or not, Harry was gorgeous. He looked slightly up at her, and stood up on his toes. "My dress shoes give me a little more height," he said humorously, she blushed, promised a dance, and hurried out while the mood was still light.
"See you tomorrow," she said over her shoulder.
Conscious of the now visible scar, Harry tentatively turned around to face Severus; his fingers unconsciously pushed a strand of hair behind his right ear. It was a habit he'd had for years now. If he couldn't feel the scar while his fingers brushed behind his ear, he knew the concealment charms were in place. He was surprised to feel the marred flesh even though he knew it to be exposed. It had been a long time since anyone besides Poppy had seen it. He felt somewhat exposed.
Severus watched Harry turn around. He looked for the beautiful green eyes, but they were not meeting his. He felt like a heel, fairly sure Harry heard his comments regarding his scar. Harry looked down, brushing his hair back behind his ear. Severus noted it was a familiar movement. He hadn't mentally registered it before today, but was sure he'd seen Harry do that very same thing many times before. He watched as Harry's fingertips brushed over the start, or was it the end of the scar, and slightly flinch as the tips of his fingers stoked back his dark locks. What had happened to his Harry?
"I was burned; it was too old to heal by the time I returned to school," said Harry, as if that explained everything. Severus took a step closer to him, noting Harry didn't move up himself. He hadn't backed away, but clearly was making no move closer to Severus.
"How long have you been concealing it?" Not accusatory in tone, but curious.
"A few years." Harry shifted on his feet. He was obviously tired. Severus had gotten up early to fetch a few plants from the forest while the dew still glistened on the grass, and he'd seen the Gryffindor Quidditch team practicing. It had been a long day. "If you wanted to see what potions Poppy used, you're welcome to have a look at my files." Harry paused, and picked up his bag. "I'm tired, and to be honest, I'm feeling a little vulnerable right now. I promised my shrink and myself that I would be mindful of my needs. I would rather we talked about this after some sleep, and when I'm more comfortable having the concealing charms off."
Severus nodded. "I understand. Thank you for helping Miss Jennings with her potion." He hadn't planned on Harry making such a sacrifice when asking him to stay with her. He trusted Harry to do as he asked, but knew Harry would have stayed to help her even if he hadn't. Sev had a ton of questions now for him and the scar that marred his perfect skin. It occurred to him that his own body had many more marks since Harry last saw him undressed. One in particular he didn't want exposed. How would Harry react to seeing the mark up close? Severus knew exactly how Harry was feeling right now, being forced to bare his scars to the world. It would be similar to someone forcing him to wear a short sleeve shirt; only Harry didn't have a choice. He'd wished things had gone differently when he found out Harry's secret. Wished he was still there, and was in his arms, and that he had told him how beautiful he was. That evening the man changed for bed, stopped, and took a long look in the mirror before donning his bedclothes. The first thing that always caught his eye was the Dark Mark on his arm. It made the other areas of marred skin less conspicuous. Like many people do when looking at themselves in the mirror, he saw only the flaws.
In another part of the castle, a seventh year Gryffindor dreamt of the Formal he would soon attend. Dreams of dancing with that someone special, feeling his breath on the side of his face as they danced slow, hearing that voice whisper sweet nothings in his ear. He dreamed of those and many other things he wouldn't remember by morning. He woke with a vague memory of pleasant dreams. As he passed through the fog from sleeping to almost awake Harry thought back to the night before. He'd learned to make the potion for pain, kissed Sev, helped Gwen, and Sev had seen his scar. Harry lightly traced his scar along the side of his neck, and a trailed his fingers to his lips. He kissed me. Harry closed his eyes, remembering. Severus Snape had kissed him. He pressed him up against the counter in the supply cupboard and kissed him hard. Harry had thought 18-year-old Sev was a great kisser, but this was Severus. Apparently the years of experience did make a difference. Wow.
It was time to get up and now he had to will his hard-on away. He used to think about his friend Neville in riding chaps and nothing else, with his pudgy bottom sticking out the back, but Neville had a growth spurt last year, and his newfound height had balanced out his body nicely. He was no longer a surefire way of killing off morning wood. I know, Nev's Gran in short shorts. Yup, that did it. His problem was gone, although now he wondered if he could ever get it up again with that picture in his head.
Ron was half asleep, but noticed Harry's scar right off. He didn't mention it until Harry was leaving to take his shower.
"You going to..." Ron trailed off, waving his hand vaguely in the area of his neck. Harry shook his head.
"Long story. I'll tell you when we see Hermione," he said, before heading out the door. Both boys, having showered and dressed, were about to leave the dorm when Neville stopped Harry.
"I think you forgot something, Harry, " Neville said, while trying not to look in his direction. Harry kept his face void of emotion.
"I didn't forget. Thanks, Nev." For a moment everyone was silent. No one else had wanted to say anything about it.
"You mean you want to have your pants unzipped?" asked Neville incredulously.
Harry snickered and the whole room burst in to a fit of laughter. Having zipped his pants, he and Ron headed down to meet Hermione. Harry barely heard Ron's comment of 'Keep it in your pants, mate' when Hermione pounced on him. Harry pulled a handful of hair from his face as his friend squeezed him in a big hug.
"You are so wonderful," she said rather loudly, then finally let go. "Word around the Prefects bathroom is that you saved Gwen Jennings from the summer from hell. Thanks to you she gets to spend the summer in Paris relaxing before she starts to study Potions in the fall. She would have had to wait until September just to reapply, and then have to wait until January to begin." Hermione was talking so fast the boys could hardly understand what she was going on about. "Tell me all about it; how did things go before Professor Snape had to leave?" she asked and poked him, as if to say 'you better tell me everything'. The trio sat on the sofa in the common room before breakfast. Harry told them about the potions and Colin, and Severus having to leave. Ron didn't notice Harry had nudged Hermione while he told them about the evening.
"The potion lasts for a few days. I knew what I was getting into when I drank the potion; but who else could she get to help her at that time of night? I thought she was going to freak when she saw the scar. When it occurred to her that I'd have to go to Formal like this, she practically hyperventilated, apologizing profusely. A few months ago, I don't think I could have done it, but after being outed to the school via Malfoy and the Daily Prophet, this doesn't seem so big a deal. I'd promised Dumbledore I'd do it when we got out of school anyway." Hermione threw herself at him for another hug, and told him what a great guy he was. Harry realized that he was comfortable with the sudden closeness with Hermione and he hadn't flinched away as he'd done after the attack.
Harry saw Colin Creevey heading his way, looking extremely apologetic. "Ron, run a diversion on Creevey while I talk to Hermione for a minute." Despite his good mood Harry didn't want to see Colin right now, plus he had to talk to Hermione. The only person he could talk to.
"What was the nudge for? Something juicy? What, what, what? Did he get called to a meeting?" Hermione said too fast to be allowed by humans. "You nudged, that means something you can't say in front of Ron," she said, giggling. Harry slowly nodded with a big grin.
"I felt", he said touching his forehead, "and he felt. He looked into my eyes; I'd thought I'd get lost in them." he sighed. "Next thing I know I'm helping him get supplies to take with him. It happened so fast I didn't see it coming." He paused and Hermione looked like she would bust. "He kissed me," whispered Harry, Hermione screamed.
Ron had been keeping Creevey at bay when he heard the scream. "OH MY GOD!" she squealed.
Harry almost covered her mouth with his hands, but he loved when he got to tell her stuff he couldn't tell anyone else. So many times he'd been bursting to have someone to talk with. Her reactions were usually fun, too. Now that it was Severus, it felt more private, and he had the feeling he wouldn't be telling her too much more as time went on. Harry had on a grin from ear to ear, and was blushing. With a plea for details, he filled her in. When he was finished, her eyes were glazed over as if she'd been kissed herself.
"Oh Harry, it's just so romantic," she whispered this time, holding his hands.
As the day progressed, Harry got various looks and people gawking at his now visible scar. By the end of lunch many people knew what he had done for Gwen and at least tried not to stare. Some others however must not understand how rude it is to just outright stare at a person, studying the unsightly mark up the side of his neck as if he were one of Hagrid's beasts. By the time the day had passed and the boys were getting ready for the Formal, most people had stopped asking about it, and Harry was surely used to having people look at him. He could ignore them easily.
"It feels like September again with the first years' staring at me all the time," Harry said to Ron as he put on his dress shoes. Ron was combing his hair. He could see Harry from through the mirror.
"Tonight they'll all be too busy looking to see what everybody's wearing and who's dancing with who to care much about it. You'll see," said Ron.
Dean, Seamus, and Neville confirmed that most people assumed he'd gotten the scar when the Death Eaters attacked Privet Drive, so hardly any one was asking questions about how it happened. Since Privet Drive was Voldemort's 'coming out party' as it were, more people were acknowledging that Harry had seen Voldemort after the Tri-Wizard tournament, and thought the scar may have been from then.
"Have you seen Hermione this afternoon?"
"Nope, she and most of the girls have been fussing for the last two hours on hair and whatever else girls fuss over." Ron said, as he pressed his robes out with his hands. "Is that what you're wearing under your dress robes?" he laughed. Harry flashed him a grin.
Hermione's eyes were wide when the two dashing young gentlemen met her in the common room. She was proud to be escorted by Ron. His attitude was much improved since the last dance he'd been to, now that he had her at his side. Had it not been for Malfoy, Ron would be best dressed in the hall. Harry wore blue robes. Simply cut, light fabric flowed over his form, occasionally showing his muscles nicely. Harry had tried to spell his hair to calm down, but the potion he tested for Gwen was preventing any spells from calming it. Finally he tried to use a hair growth spell. It was only helping along something that happened naturally, so the potion hadn't prevented it. He'd been tempted to pull his hair over to one shoulder to hide his neck, but Hermione talked him into wearing it back. She transfigured a hair tie to match his robes.
"With your hair back and your contacts in, you look so much older. Wow... you should wear contacts all the time!" exclaimed Hermione. "You look hot! " she whispered in his ear.
"Contacts!" said Ron suddenly. "That's what's different."
"Honestly Ron, get a clue," chided Hermione. "How could you not notice?"
"I noticed something was different, but I was trying NOT to stare." He said the last part directed at a nearby second year that hadn't taken his eyes off Harry since they'd entered the common room.
"I wish I could wear them all the time," said Harry, watching the second year boy run from Ron's glare. "If I get a speck in them, it feels like a rock in my eye. It's not practical in a confrontation, it's like impossible to floo with these things on, and at least if my glasses get broken, I can repair them with my wand. I can't even put these in without a mirror yet." Harry patted his pocket to assure that his glasses and wand were there. "Creevey alert," he said when he spotted the photo-happy boy approaching.
In a great plea of apology, Colin Creevey took photos of the trio in their best-dressed. They posed for several pictures and Colin offered to show Harry his full collection from over the years, to make up an album to remember his years at Hogwarts by. Harry agreed that they would get together just after school finished when Colin would have them ready.
The Great Hall was a sight to see. The usual sea of black robes was replaced with wave of multi-colored fabrics flowing through the hall like wild flowers in the breeze. The mood was so much different than what the Yule Ball had been. They would all be out of school soon. Harry was having a blast. He didn't have the stress of a date; thrilled that no one had to open the ball with a dance, and that he was not the center of attention. Some still looked at him and his seemingly newly acquired scar, but that would not bring him down. He danced with Hermione and a few others. Whenever he had a chance, Harry would scan the room looking for someone special, but to no avail thus far. The dance was already forty-five minutes started and Severus was nowhere to be seen.
In another part of the castle, Severus Snape neared Mr. Filch's office. He'd gone there almost every night the past weeks. Severus silently passed the caretakers office, approaching the long since abandoned torture room. Its only purpose now was to look intimidating and get polished by students during detentions. Severus smirked. He watched Nott, who was completely unaware of his audience. His tall, dark form blended with the shadows. Nott hadn't once noticed his arrival these past weeks. Sev wondered, What would it be tonight... a large blade suddenly flying from its place on the wall, just missing the boys face? That one had been fun; the boy wet himself that night. Perhaps a whip could snap unexpectedly. The first time was ok, but the second time had an unexpected added bonus. Who knew the boy would turn around at that moment? I did warn him to be careful; the castle's alive with magic, my magic. He wanted this to be a good night for Harry. The seventh year formal was meant to be a fun time, without care. Who would want to share the dance floor with a boy who molested you? Severus waved his wand with a flourish, and soon the cuff Nott was polishing closed tight on his wrist. There he stood against the wall with his wrist snagged in this cuff, connected to the wall by a big heavy chain. Filch would eventually find him, but without the use of magic he would have to go find a member of the staff to help unchain him. There had been a few times Nott needed to be helped out of a piece of torture equipment, but for some reason, despite his knowledge of every shortcut in the castle, this time it took Filch a very long time to find someone to help him, and then the professor he found had been too busy to run right off to get the boy free, thus doubling his detention time. As if an unspoken agreement was understood between faculty members. Most thought Nott and his friends should have been expelled, and weren't going to let them off easy.
In the Great Hall, Dumbledore was having a chat with Prof. McGonagall. He smiled, seeing Severus enter the hall through a side door. "I see our lost sheep has found his way," Albus said with amusement.
"You mean the black sheep," Minerva joked. Severus had a sharp retort, but Albus cut him off.
"Speaking of strays, where is Mr. Nott this evening?"
Severus winced at the pun. "Rotting in Azkaban?"
"Now Severus, you know I'm referring to your student, the younger Mr. Nott. Shouldn't he have finished his detention by now?" inquired Albus.
"Perhaps he couldn't get a date," Severus said silkily. Minerva leaned over so only Severus could hear her.
"Or she broke free while he was in detention," she said with a gleam in her eye, much like her cat form.
"You could lend him your handcuffs, Minerva," he said with a wicked grin. She stormed off as if affronted, but Severus knew she was smiling as he watched her retreating back. She was soon lost in the mix of students mingling in the hall.
Severus scanned the crowd, looking for Harry, though he didn't appear to be looking for someone, merely bored. With no sign of Harry on the first casual glance, he decided to look for Ron. He was much easier to spot in a crowd, and the rest of the trio was never far away. Sure enough, the carrot top towered over most, as he'd grown tremendously the past year. Nice robes, he thought as he spotted the youngest of the Weasley men carrying two glasses from the refreshment table. Just ahead of him was a table with several empty seats, and Neville Longbottom nursing a drink. A quick scan of the immediate area, and bingo, there was Harry dancing with Hermione Granger. Severus almost didn't recognize him with longer hair, and didn't he look fine without the glasses? They danced well together. It was a slow dance, and Hermione looked very comfortable with her head on his shoulder. Severus exhaled forcefully, waiting for Weasley to cut in, but he was sitting with Longbottom chatting away.
Some annoying person started speaking to Severus, making him loose track of Harry for a while. Just as well, since he didn't want to appear to be preoccupied with the Boy Who Lived. Thirty agonizing minutes later Severus found a seat and returned to his watching. Who was he dancing with now? Severus saw the beautiful blond in Harry's arms, and almost didn't recognize her as Gwen Jennings, his best student. She was wearing more makeup than he was used to seeing her in, and she usually wore her hair in a tight bun to prevent it from getting in her cauldron, but tonight it flowed loosely around her shoulders. Severus thought for a moment of his own slightly greasy hair. He consoled himself with the notion that he really never knew when he was going to have to brew a potion. Harry was about eye level with Gwen, but he looked confidant regardless, and seemed to be having a great time. Gwen did not have the comfort level Granger had with Harry; she danced a little stiffer, and with the proper distance between them. For a second he thought Harry was going to kiss the girl when he reached up on his toes, and whispered something in her ear. She laughed, and they went back to the table where his friends were. Severus decided to give the 'Harry watching' a break, and see what his Slytherins were up to. Harry introduced Gwen to everyone at the table with the exception of Hermione, who she already knew. The girls immediately began chatting about continuing schooling and her summer plans for Paris.
Harry excused himself and strolled out of the Great Hall. As he entered the boy's washroom he heard a distinct voice. Malfoy.
"Figure it out Goyle, you have to pick what you want. I'm not making you chose between Crabbe and me. Do it because that's what you want to do for the rest of your life, but don't do it just because Crabbe is." Malfoy turned away from Goyle to face Harry. Harry was standing in front of a mirror placing a few saline drops into his eyes to moisten his contact lenses. He faced Malfoy. Draco had long hair like Harry's. Unlike Harry, Draco had been growing his for a while now. With his blond hair loose, it was frightening how much he looked like Lucius; only this was Draco, and Harry was not frightened of Draco.
The blond stepped close to Harry, very much so in his personal space. He brushed back Harry's hair that had come loose from dancing, and took a good look at the scar on his neck. Harry was eerily reminded of the first time he met Lucius in the bookshop when the man examined the scar Voldemort gave him. Draco was suave, he moved smoothly, and spoke slowly with a pause after each sentence.
"Does it continue down your back, or does it wrap around your neck like a noose?" Draco asked with a true hint of curiosity. Harry held his head up high, his face void of emotion.
"Around," he paused. "Like a noose," said Harry, as casually as discussing the weather. Draco tilted his head in a form of shrug.
"There are worse marks you could have," said Draco evocatively. Harry didn't reply. He knew the two Slytherin were talking about taking the Dark Mark. He'd always thought Draco would follow in his father's footsteps. He still supported the Dark Lord, but apparently his Mother got her way, Draco had no intentions of taking the Mark. As he left, Harry thought about Severus. He would be happy to know Malfoy's intentions, but then he probably already knew.
An hour of dancing and socializing later Harry found himself sitting at the table talking with Neville, Dean, and Dean's date, whose name he couldn't remember to save his life. Ron and Hermione were also at the table, but were too lost in each other's eyes to partake in conversation.
"Son of a bitch," exclaimed Harry at the sight of his ex-snogging partner dancing with another boy. They had both been so careful not to out each other, and now he was at the seventh year formal dancing for all to see. "That's what I get for being a bastard to him when he almost outed me that day."
Dean and Neville didn't really know what Harry was talking about, but knew he was referring to the two boys dancing. It had caught everyone's attention to see them dancing. "I guess if Harry Potter can come out, it makes it easier for the rest," said Dean's date. What the hell is her name?
"Great, just what I need, to be the gay wizard's poster boy," grumbled Harry. He was feeling down that he couldn't dance with whom he wanted to most. He wanted nothing more than to move to the music without a care in the world, resting his head on Sev's chest, breathing in his scent. He sighed, looking around for Severus in the crowd. He not only found him, but also spotted those obsidian eyes looking back at him.
Severus watched Harry again. He looked annoyed. No doubt why, as he was watching the two boys on the dance floor shamelessly pressed against one another. Severus realized one of them must be the boy Harry had been seeing. He felt a pang of jealousy knowing Harry was bothered by them, but soon the feeling was gone, as he noticed Harry's annoyed look was replaced with a sigh, and look of longing as he watched all the couples dancing. Harry did seem to have a lot of fun this evening, but still it was clear that he longed to be dancing with someone special, not just Hermione, and other girls he had acquaintances with. Sev continued to watch and realized he was being watched too. Eyes locked with Harry's across the room, he wanted so much to pull him into his arms. Actually after watching him in that robe, he wanted to pull him under the punch table and shag him senseless, but he was Severus Snape, so he stood, continually looking bored. Severus made a quick glance around to see that no one was paying him any mind, and shocked Harry with a wink.
Harry had been making eye contact with the man, hoping to see something, anything of the man that kissed him, when Sev winked at him. Harry sputtered, making his drink spray a little. Severus looked away with a smirk. Harry blushed, but continued to watch Severus subtly; he didn't want anyone to notice. He knew how important it was to keep their relationship quiet. Whatever it was you could call their relationship. Harry grew concerned when he saw what looked like a grimace on the man's face. Quickly enough the mask of indifference was up again, but Harry had seen it. At that same moment a yelp could be heard by a boy a few tables over. It was a Slytherin table. He and several others from the same table stood up and left abruptly. Harry saw Goyle watching his friends leave, as he seemed to want to go along. Malfoy sitting beside him grinned and put his arm around his date. He wasn't going to have his night interrupted. Harry looked away from Malfoy in time to see Severus slip out the side door.
Was there a Death Eater's meeting again so soon? Were all those other guys that left also Death Eaters?
Suddenly the thought of the boys that had been dancing together seemed very trivial. Harry remained relatively quiet for the rest of the evening. Many of the couples were walking about the grounds on this warm night, looking for secluded places to be alone. There would certainly be a party in the common room tonight. He did attend the party for a while, spending most of the evening looking around for something, or someone. When the party settled, the lights dimmed, and most the couples were kissing. Only a few diehards were still drinking butterbeer, celebrating their impending departure of Hogwarts. Harry took his leave, heading back down to the entrance hall.
Sitting obediently in a windowsill was Dobby the house elf. "Professor Snape is not be returning to the castle yet."
"Thanks for keeping an eye out for me Dobby, I appreciate it," said Harry sincerely. The elf smiled wide, explaining how much he likes doing for Harry and didn't mind getting out of cleaning up after the seventh years' parties. He also put in a plea to go with Harry when he went to live alone, but Harry declined as kindly as possible. Long after Dobby left, Harry sat in the windowsill as the elf had before him. He remembered how big the window seemed when he sat in the window in his dorm room the first year. Everything was so big and new. It all seemed like so long ago now.
Through the stained glass window Harry could see little fairy-like creatures lighting up the bushes in the gardens. It was very romantic. He thought about what a romantic fool he was. Did he think a man that was a Death Eater would romance him? No, maybe not, but Sev had many great qualities he wanted to become more acquainted with.
"Is there not a party you should be celebrating at?" Harry startled, and smiled at the man beside him. "Hello, Albus," he said quietly, as if he didn't want to wake the creature depicted in stained glass. "How many Formals does this make for you?"
"Too many to count my boy, too many to count," he said with a smile. "Why are you not celebrating with your friends, Harry?"
"You know exactly why. Besides, the celebrating has turned from dancing and drinking to snogging and drunkenness. I'd feel better if I knew Severus was back." he received an understanding nod from Albus. "Is it common for Voldemort to call them two nights in a row?" Harry asked, concerned for Severus.
Albus ensured he hall was void of others listening. "It is not unheard of, but what is more likely is that not everyone was called both last night and tonight. Severus is commonly called to brew potions. He may have been one of only a few called last night, and tonight it looked as if the whole group was called," Albus said wearily. Harry wanted to ask why Albus didn't just check for the dark mark on everyone and turn in the D.E. students in to the ministry, but Albus had a reason for everything, and Harry was determined not to put his nose where it didn't belong. "I know that you will be out of here and on your own soon enough Harry, but I'd like to ask you not to leave the castle tonight. We don't know why the Death Eaters were called, and I would feel better knowing you were safe in the castle tonight." Harry agreed to his request. He would wait for Severus inside the castle.
Harry sat behind the window, alone with his thoughts, while far off in an old house; Severus brewed a potion for the Dark Lord. The Potions Master had an uneasy feeling as he stirred in the same ingredients as he had the previous night. Why was he making the same potion so soon? He'd made a very large cauldron full, they couldn't have used it all already unless Voldemort was planning something big. When the potion was near finished, the door to the lab opened. Voldemort entered with someone who must have been a recent recruit, obviously a teen. He would bet he had seen the boy that very night at the Formal. Sure enough, the boy removed his hood at the Dark Lord's order. Severus remained impassive, as if he wasn't surprised when he saw one of his better students standing by Voldemort's side. Damn he thought, as he hadn't expected this boy to be considering the dark side.
"Almost finished, Snape?"
Shit, he never calls me Snape. This can't be good. "Yes, my Lord."
"Terrance will be assisting you with potions." Voldemort took a vial out of his pocket. Severus recognized it as the poison he had brewed last night. "Tell me Terrance, what is your opinion of this?" The boy examined the potion, and stated that is was abundantly aromatic, and would be recognizable by most wizards. The boy spoke as if he'd been reading from a script. Either he had been told verbatim what to say, or he conveniently overheard a conversation tipping him off as to what the Dark Lord wanted to hear. Likely the latter; new recruits were willing to please him, and Voldemort liked to let the new recruits feel like they had a sense of control. Terrance was instructed to finish cooling and bottling the potion as Severus was led to a larger room. In the room were the usual group of hooded, black robed figures, but also a small group that must have been the seventh years Severus had seen leave the hall when he felt his mark burn.
"Tell me Severus, did you make the potion badly because your loyalties are not what they should be?"
"No my Lord. I am loyal only to you," Severus bowed deeply.
"Then perhaps your mind was elsewhere? Does it bother you that I give Lucius gifts such as the truth crystal? Do you think your performance warrants rewards? You will get what you deserve. Crucio."
Severus fell to the floor in a pain that was rivaled by no other. He writhed, teeth clenching for as long as he could hold out before the scream escaped. The young Death Eaters watched on. Some were enthralled, while others watched the floor instead of the man screaming in pain. There feet shuffled about nervously as they watched.
When the pain stopped, Severus knelt in front of the Dark Lord. He couldn't have stood up if he wanted to. Voldemort ordered the young followers to teach their professor a lesson for making an inferior potion. It was ironic to say the least. While Severus was being punished, the new recruits were being tested. By the strength behind the blows and hexes, it was apparent which of them were torn between their new Lord and the Head of House they had come to respect over the past seven years. Not all were so torn, some were only too happy to pay back the potions professor for his tyranny. Did they have any idea Snape would seem like a walk in the park when compared to Voldemort? They would know soon enough.
Severus was relieved, but concerned when Voldemort called the beating to a stop. It hadn't been as long as he expected. As the red eyes came closer in view, and then out of view while he moved to whisper in Severus' ear, he knew the man wanted to add a personal touch to his punishment. "Ssseverusss, you've become too comfortable. I think you spend too much time in close proximity to Albus Dumbledore." Severus kept his breathing level. He suppressed the shiver that was trying to run the length of his spine, hating when the man drew out his name like that. It sounded like a poor imitation of Parseltongue, and it intimidated many, but annoyed Severus. The Dark Lord of course knew this, and took the opportunity to annoy the potions maker. "No one outlives their usefulness here. Without your excellent skills, I have no other reason to see that you live, Ssseverussssss," he said in a whisper in his ear, finishing his sentence with a lick to his earlobe. He couldn't stop the shudder that ran through him at the feeling of the snake's tongue on him. His ever-strong face of impassiveness would save him from showing the look of disgust he was feeling.
A white, bony hand pulled an all too familiar dagger out of its robe pocket. He slowly and methodically cut open the robes on Severus' chest, exposing some scars. The dagger traced an old scar over Severus' heart. "You see what I do for you Ssseverusss? I have a gift for you, a gift of enlightenment. I did enjoy giving you this gift once before. Do you remember Ssseverussss?" said Voldemort, mocking him. Severus remembered, all too well, what the enlightenment had been. It was quite a learning experience. He gnashed his teeth as the blade cut through his skin, blood spilling down onto his robes. The red eyes were nearing again, and dipped out of sight when the man, if you could call him a man, darted out his tongue at the flow of blood. When the eyes returned there was a trail of blood on his chin making him look like a vampire after a kill. Before Severus knew what was happening he found himself in the dark forest. He had been disposed of for the evening, while the rest of the followers would celebrate. Severus quickly transfigured his hood into a bandage, and spelled his robes clean before he attracted unwanted attention with the smell of blood on him. His injuries made for a long, slow walk back to the castle. His mind went back some 15 years or so when Voldemort first gave him the incision over his heart.
Severus stood in front of his father; both were wearing Death Eater robes. Severus clutched his chest to slow the bleeding. He knew it could be healed, but not by just anyone. "Son, you have angered our Lord, it is your responsibility to find a way out of this. As a follower, I should not help you. Why don't you go see Val, or Vance what ever his name is."
Severus continued walking to the castle, his thoughts on that fateful night so long ago. He had been crushed to learn that his boyfriend Vincent had not been able to heal him. He later realized his father didn't help him, not because Severus needed to help himself, but because his own father didn't have the ability to save him. Eventually, he learned it was Albus Dumbledore that was the one who could say the healing spell to mend his wound. It was as Voldemort had said, an enlightening experience. That was not the case now. Severus knew Albus had the power to do it again, and he would waste no one else's time in pointless attempts.
DETAH 31 - Risking Intimacy: First Steps
Severus was nearly at the castle when he saw a lone figure sitting in one of the decorative windows of the Great Hall. Entering the hall, he could hear music. Harry must have conjured it, he thought since he could hear it louder as he approached the window. Harry stepped down when he saw the shadowy figure approach him. The few candles still lit gave off just enough light to see, but not too clearly. Harry proceeded cautiously, unsure if any others had returned around the same time. "Professor?" he said hesitantly, and watched as the man spelled the doors closed. Severus watched him approach carefully; Harry's hair was still long, but now free from the thong, and hung loose behind his shoulders.
"Five points from Gryffindor for being out past curfew, Potter," Severus said wryly. Harry's mouth dropped open in shock and snapped shut again when he saw the grin on the man's face. Had he made a joke?
"My name..." he stepped even closer, "is Harry, Severus." Harry held out his hand. "May I have this dance?"
Severus liked the sound of his name on Harry's lips, and took his hand to dance. He danced as smoothly and gracefully as Harry had expected. Not once did he suspect the pain Severus had been ignoring. In Harry's opinion the dance was over far too quickly. He could have leaned against the dancing sex god for hours.
"As much as I'd like to continue this, I'm afraid that with my evening's previous activities, I've a few things that need to be attended to." A few bruised internal organs he mused in his head.
"Is Albus expecting you to report to him?" Harry asked, quickly forgetting the dance he craved.
"Yes, but nothing that's important enough to disturb him before morning. Now I suggest you go up to bed."
"Is that an offer?" teased Harry, pulling him closer. Severus winced at the unexpected grab at his lapel as the younger man leaned into a particularly sore spot on his chest. Harry quickly took a step back; he was pulling at his hair, using it to cover the scar on his neck. Severus saw this, and knew what Harry must have thought when he winced. Certainly he wasn't going to let Harry think he was put off by something like that. It wasn't as if he didn't have a few scars himself. Severus flicked his wand, making the candles burn a little brighter. Harry wouldn't meet his eyes.
"That was not an offer," he said in the voice that made Harry want to melt into a puddle there at his feet. Sev pushed Harry's hair back behind his shoulders, making his point. "As beautiful as you are, you know how I feel about our physical relationship right now. Despite how hot you look in those robes slinking across your body, I refuse to take advantage of your willingness until I'm sure you know what you're getting yourself into."
Harry rolled his eyes at the little speech. "I know how you feel, and I respect that, but you can't blame me for trying. Can I at least get a kiss goodnight?" he asked, batting his eyes. Harry wondered to himself if maybe the extra Ogden's he had at the party was talking for him, but didn't care at the moment. He got his kiss.
The kiss was nice, very nice. It didn't have the desperate quality their last kiss had in the storage cupboard. Sev's lips graced over his ever so lightly, and then pressed firmly. The kiss stayed slow; Harry felt his lower lip being pulled and sucked into a warm mouth, then a tentative tongue slid between his lips for a moment before darting in to meet his. Harry shivered when he felt the long, slender fingers slide up his neck, into his now long hair. The fingers massaged his scalp as those lips... where were the lips? Harry opened his eyes, unsure of when the kiss had stopped. Sev was smiling at him. The first time he'd seen a genuine smile, just for him, by the adult Severus. Looking closer now for the first time since the lights were brightened, he also saw a bruise on Severus' face.
"What happened? You're hurt," said Harry, gently running a fingertip over the man's brow, where a bruise was forming. Sev took his hand in his, pulling it away from his face.
"Hazards of the job, it's nothing. As I said earlier, I've a few things that need to be attended to," he said softly. Harry realized at that moment Severus had been with him all this time, needing to be healed, and he hadn't even realized, nor noticed anything unusual until just then, for that matter.
"I-- I'm sorry I didn't, um..."
"Are you always this articulate?" Sev said lightly to ease Harry's mind, but it didn't work.
"You need to see Madam Pomfrey."
"No," he said firmly "I need to go to my rooms and take care of myself. It's nothing that I can't handle." Harry was about to protest when Severus stopped him, and continued. "I cannot be disturbing the school nurse in the middle of the night when I'm quite capable of healing myself." Harry saw there was no point in arguing with the man. He obviously had been doing this for years, and Harry wasn't going to change anything this evening... or was it this morning? It was very late.
"A'right, go, heal, and get some sleep," he said, and began to walk out with him.
They walked down the deserted halls. No one was up, or at least not out of bed. Sev mused, "I won't be getting any sleep tonight." He regretted saying it as soon as it came out. Sure enough Harry's eyes asked why. "I have a few things that will keep me busy until I meet with Albus in the morning."
"Would you like some help?"
"Excuse me?"
Harry had to admit, it wasn't the smartest thing to offer assistance when he had no idea what the man had to do until morning, but he didn't want the night to end just yet. Apparently neither did Severus, as he gave in.
"I suppose you could assist with a potion, as long as you don't read into this. There will be no fooling around."
"Of course," Harry said assuredly. He cheered inwardly. Every time they'd had any contact, Severus had instigated it. He just needed to be enticing, and wait. He knew Severus had been adamant about his convictions, and didn't expect him to change his mind about sex, since he'd made it so clear, but it would be fun to see how much he could get away with, and if nothing else, encourage them to get to know each other faster.
As expected, they met no one in the corridors on the way down to the dungeons. As Sev held the door open, it occurred to Harry that he never heard a password spoken. He had been wondering what kind of password Sev would choose for his living quarters, and was slightly disappointed when he didn't get to find out.
When the door was closed, Severus quickly turned around to speak to Harry. He hadn't been expecting him to be so close; due to the sudden stop, Harry's hands spayed onto Sev's chest almost defensively.
"I seldom have a guest in here. If you don't know what something is, don't touch it. Is that understood?" he said in all seriousness. Harry nodded. "I don't mean to be curt, but I don't want to have to explain how you were portkeyed to Timbuktu," Sev said mischievously. Harry shuddered at the thought. "Not to mention, I have no intention of giving Albus the satisfaction of knowing you were in here." He noted Harry still had his hands splayed across his chest, seemingly unaware. "I need to tend to a few things if you don't mind," he said pointedly.
Harry nervously stepped back, now very aware of his hands. Despite telling himself not to fidget, he unconsciously brushed the hair behind his ear. Seeing a smudge of blood around Harry's ear, Severus started, brows raised. "What happened?"
Feeling uncomfortable, Harry pulled his hair back over his scar, realizing that he'd exposed it to Sev. He had intended on telling him about the scar, but didn't expect the question so suddenly.
"You're bleeding," stated Severus. That wasn't what Harry expected to hear. He looked down at his hand to see the drying blood on it. The blood, it seemed wasn't from his ear, but had spread there from his hand. Confused, he looked at his hand and realization came to him. Harry stepped close to Severus again, placing his clean left hand where his right one had been on Sev's chest. When he pulled his hand back, it was crimson.
"It's you! What happened?" he said, trying to open Severus' robes to have a look at the wound. He soon found Sev's hands wrapped around his, gently preventing his exploration. Sev lightly slapped Harry's hands away, being persistent.
"If you don't mind," he said, not sounding annoyed, but unyielding. He wasn't ready to show his own battle scars, much less inform Harry of the nature of his wound.
"Come on, if nothing else, you have to admit we're friends. Let me help you."
"My friends would never consider opening my robes, and certainly they wouldn't expect me to allow them."
Harry shrugged, feeling not the least bit put off. "Hermione would rip the shirt off my back if she thought I'd been hiding injuries from them again." He almost laughed at the memory of her doing just that.
Severus pulled a face. "I suppose Mr. Weasley would do the same, hm?"
"No, I guess you're right," Harry laughed. "Ron would yell for Hermione."
"I'll be back in a few moments; make yourself comfortable," he paused and turned back around again. "Not too comfortable," he said with a smirk, getting a smile in return from the younger wizard.
Severus directed Harry to the kitchen to wash up before he left to heal his injuries... all but one injury. That one would wait until morning when he saw Albus. He knew the old man would be upset at his not waking him, but he refused to go running to Dumbledore in the middle of the night. He would keep pressure on it, and come morning would be healed by an annoyed Headmaster.
Harry washed up in the kitchen, and looked around. It was a small room, but well equipped for culinary expertise. When Severus returned he stood silently in the doorway, watching Harry who was engrossed in reading every label on his spice rack. Occasionally he would open a bottle and smell a spice he was unfamiliar with. When Harry made a face at a particularly strong-scented seasoning, Sev chuckled quietly, alerting Harry to his presence.
"You have spices even the house elves don't have." He picked up a jar, "What language is this written in?"
"Armenian, I use it when cooking Pahnjareghenov Mees," Sev laughed at Harry's incredulous expression. "Vegetables with Meat," he explained with a small laugh.
"Why didn't you just say that?" Harry asked, shaking his head.
"It's the only thing I know how to say in Armenian; it's also the only Armenian food I know how to make. It's not one of my better dishes. You know how some cooks are; they never give you the full recipe. They're worse than potion makers. I got the recipe and the seasoning from a Potions Master I met at a symposium years ago. We exchange recipes for potions, and sometimes food. I hear from him every few months, sometimes longer."
Harry felt a pang of jealously when he thought about Severus corresponding with people who must be a lot more intellectually stimulating than him. "What happens at Potions Symposiums?" Harry asked, thinking of Percy Weasley at a podium speaking about thin-bottomed-cauldrons. Sev poured tea, and they sat at a small prep table in the kitchen.
"The symposiums themselves are pretty much a waste of time. Some bigwigs from the companies that sponsor the event give lectures about things they themselves don't understand, hoping to promote business. Followed by various groups getting together for dinner at the best local restaurants, and then having to endure the evening's entertainment, which usually involves scantily clad women." Severus rolled his eyes for the last part. "While I do enjoy the opportunity of fine dining, it's the contacts that make it worth going to those dreadful things. If I can make a few contacts with other Masters that are willing to keep each other informed of breakthroughs, we all benefit. Last year a vacationing Potions Master from Indonesia made a fire-call, telling me of a plant that he found in a local apothecary that is almost never found fresh in Europe. I'm lucky to have such rare finds come available."
"Why don't all potion makers apparate to places where the ingredients are fresh? It would make sense wouldn't it?"
"Not all potion makers could apparate such a distance. In fact, many wizards become potion makers because of a lack of magical strength. Making potions is an art, and a science. It can be done with little magic. Of course there are many who brew for the love of it, and not for a lack of 'better' options," he being one of them, of course.
"So, Potions class was your favorite at Hogwarts?" Harry was thrilled to find out all he could about the enigma that was Severus.
"Merlin no, I hated Potions. I had a nasty professor, evil thing she was... Don't even think about commenting!"
Harry snorted. "Then why become a Potions Master?" he asked, biting back the comment he so desperately wanted to say regarding evil Potions Professors. He was still laughing slightly.
"I wanted to be a chef. I love cooking. But, 'Snape's do not make a living doing the work of a house elf'." He said in a voice that must have been what his father sounded like. "You could say that I fell into the field. No, not like Longbottom fell into his cauldron last year. Apparently, my job choices were limited by what was most beneficial to the Dark Lord, and my father's good standing within his circle. I apprenticed with Voldemort's former potions brewer. It was as close to cooking as I would get, and I found potions to be more rewarding. Now, I'd much rather cook at home, than for some unappreciative wizard who doesn't know the first thing about fine dining. Potions are not hard to excel at when you have a good grasp of cooking. I'm surprised you don't show more aptitude in the subject yourself."
Harry mumbled something about nasty, evil professors and Severus glared at him, less threatening than his usual glare.
"I think I've spoken to you more in this last hour than I have in the last several years in class. I do believe you offered some assistance earlier?" Sev said, gesturing to his private lab.
"I'll even test some potions if it means I still get to hear that voice," said Harry, surprising Severus.
"Were you actually listening to the words, or just the voice? I could have spoke French and you probably wouldn't have noticed."
Harry pretended to be offended at the comment. "I listened to every word. If you'd been speaking French I'd have probably come in my pants." He said as a matter of fact, not the least bit embarrassed. He wanted Sev to want him. Severus stopped walking, as that wasn't what he'd expected to hear. Harry breezed past him, looking around Sev's private lab.
After Severus set up ingredients for a potion, Harry recognized they were making the pain potion again. Sev had felt bad leaving them to go to the Death Eaters meeting the other night, and used that as an excuse to make sure Harry was able to confidently make the potion himself. Time passed by fairly quickly. Harry did enjoy the part when he asked Severus how he stirred for hours without tiring, and Sev wrapped his arms around Harry's from the back to demonstrate. He held Harry, guiding him, showing how to hold his arms fairly stable, but relaxed, not rigid, and rocked from one foot to the other, to stir with balance and flow of body instead of arm strength. It seemed like a slow form in tai chi, but with the body contact it felt more like an intimate dance. He noticed Severus didn't hold him for too much longer than necessary to demonstrate, but he was sure he heard the man inhale deeply as he was taking in Harry's scent.
"Thanks for helping me with this potion."
"It's the least I can do. I regretted not being there to attend to Gwen Jennings' potion, and I am grateful to you for your assistance. I wouldn't have asked if I'd realized the consequences," he said, glancing at the scar on the younger man's neck.
"I guess the timing could have been better, " Harry said with a shrug, "but I had put it off a long time. I'd promised Albus I'd take the concealment charms off around the time I finished school." He met Sev's eyes for a moment. "If you still want to know", Harry said referring to the scar that extended from the back of his neck, around the front and up to the back of his right ear.
Severus took a step closer, and traced a finger along his neck, noting the strip of marred skin seemed to have dots in the center, as whatever burned him had some kind of pattern of holes on it. Harry shivered at the sensation of Severus touching him there. They finished cleaning up and returned to Severus' sitting area.
Harry sipped his tea, keeping his eyes on Sev. He so seldom saw the man sitting except for class and meals. This was his personal space. This was where Sev relaxed, but he didn't seem too relaxed. He sat somewhat stiffly. "Is something wrong? You look kind of...uptight or something." Harry asked. Severus resisted the urge to press his hand over his heart; Harry would think he was having a heart attack.
"I'm fine." He said without thought, but saw the disappointed look on Harry face. "I still have a small injury left. It's not horrible, but I cannot heal it myself." he said, holding up a hand to stop Harry's protest before it started. "Before you even say it, Madam Pomfrey can't help me. It's 'His' way of keeping the upper hand, by giving me an injury that only Albus can heal." Harry understood that he was referring to Voldemort.
"It must be a very complicated spell if only Albus can do it for you."
"There are spells that Albus can do because of inner qualities that have nothing to do with magical strength."
Harry didn't quite understand the vague answer Severus gave him. He thought it may have something to do with the bloodlines Dumbledore has, but kept his theories to himself, voicing only his fears of Sev being found out as a spy. Severus told him that anyone spending as much time around Dumbledore as he did would automatically have his loyalty questioned; but the Dark Lord needed his Potions Master, and Severus proved himself to the Dark Lord when he had to. It was clear at this point that Severus no longer wanted to have this conversation. They sat in silence for a moment until Severus finally spoke up.
"I looked at your records, as you have mentioned not minding I do so. It would appear Poppy tried every healing remedy in her collection. Had you tried muggle remedies?"
Harry had wondered how he would start this conversation, and was grateful to start on a medical note and not one that involved abusive relatives, though it was impossible to not get into that subject. "I read that vitamin E is great for scars, the pills are like a gel capsule with the vitamin E oil inside. I managed to rub on some on for about a week and it helped a lot. I'd've used it longer, but my cousin found them in my room and that was pretty much the end of that." he said as if that explained his cousin in a nutshell.
"When I got off the train that year, my Uncle was in a very good mood. That alone can be a scary thing. I was relived to find that I'd nothing to do with his recent bout of happiness, but that my cousin Dudley had come home for the summer carrying an armful of boxing trophies. The following week they'd gone out to celebrate, taking Dudley and his friends out. Normally I would stay home in my room, but Dudley had been sneaking extra food at night all week, and my aunt refused to believe that I wasn't stealing their food." Harry said with a roll of his eyes. "I expected them to lock me in again, but I was caught laughing while reading a book Ron gave me, 'Great Quidditch Blunders of the Century', and they decided that I was no longer miserable enough being forced to stay in my room."
Sev remained quiet while Harry told his story. He was sure he heard the boy mumble. Never let them see you having fun. and thought of his own childhood.
"I spent the night in the basement while they were out. It wasn't that big a deal, I got ahead on the laundry that night which I'm not usually allowed. 'The dryer makes too much noise while dear Duddikins is watching TV." He said in his best Aunt Petunia voice. "I thought they would know that I hadn't been taking food when it was still diminishing in the middle of the night while I was locked in the basement, but they said that I'd used some of my 'freakish ways' to unlock the door."
"Freakish ways?" Severus asked dryly. Harry snorted.
"Yeah, they don't use the 'M' word." He said laughing. "Fear of the name, don't you know?" he said, again with a laugh, and whispered Magic. Wiggling his fingers in front of his face in a spooky manner. Severus snorted derisively. "Uncle Vernon thought up a better way to keep me in the basement," he said. The laughter gone from his voice, his brows narrowed. "I don't know how familiar you are with common muggle basements, but there are pipes suspended from the ceiling, water pipes. They use strips of flexible metal wrapped around the pipes to hold them suspended from the ceiling. I think they're called braces, or brackets." He said with a shrug, it certainly didn't matter what the damned things were called. "I suppose he could have wrapped the metal bands around my wrist to keep me there, but I'd be able to stand comfortably, so Vernon opted to go for the neck," Harry said without emotion as he remembered.
"I don't think Vernon knew the metal would get hot when the water ran through the pipes," he sighed. "Maybe he did,"
"Why didn't you get help?" Severus questioned him without accusation. "You could have owled someone,"
"I might have, but Hedwig was delivering a letter. I'd told Ron to keep her for a few days to ensure she would get fed. By the time she returned, I'd started having nightmares about Cedric. I wasn't convinced I didn't deserve what happened to me. I at least lived. I wrote a letter to Albus, but didn't send it. The pain from the burn kept me up at night. I didn't want to sleep." Severus understood what it was like to want to escape your nightmares. His nightmares were real, as were Harry's. Life can be more terrifying than fiction.
"It looks a lot better now that a few years have gone by. It was kinda' raw looking before," Harry said wrinkling up his nose. "Did you look at the pictures?" Severus shook his head.
"No, I wasn't certain it was my place to do so," he said, remembering the envelope marked 'Evidence', Harry Potter vs. Vernon Dursley. Severus stood from his chair to sit by Harry on the sofa. Pushing Harry's hair away from the scar. "May I?" he asked gently. Harry nodded and turned his head away to allow Severus full view. Had he not been slightly nervous, he would have moaned, but he did still melt into the touch of gentle hands moving his hair away from his neck. Severus traced his fingertip from around the back of Harry's neck. The metal strip had gotten hot enough to burn almost to the left side of his neck, most of which would be covered by his hair. The worst was up around the right side where it apparently was attached to the pipe. Severus continued to trace his finger up to the end where it ended behind Harry's right ear. On closer inspection, he could see where a small patch of hair used to grow. Harry shivered, as the skin in that area was especially sensitive.
Severus sat back, pulling Harry with him. The hand that had been trailing his scar was now lazily carding through his hair. As Harry drifted off, he felt a kiss pressed to the top of his head, vaguely he heard Severus speak.
"Beautiful."
DETAH 32 - Unexpected Revelations
Sev lay, still holding on to this beautiful young man for over an hour as he slept, listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat and breathing. It was probably after 4:00 in the morning. Severus knew he could not go to sleep until Albus healed him. If he were to sleep, the pressure charm wouldn't hold, and he could bleed to death. To keep awake, he laid holding on to Harry, thinking about all he'd learned this morning. Harry had been frank and told him many things that must have been very hard to divulge.
He had obviously had a hard time dealing after the Tri-Wizard tournament. Had they just dumped the boy off at his relatives after such an ordeal? He strained to remember what Harry had told him when they were on holiday. Mrs. Weasley had insisted he go for therapy after his Godfather had been killed during the attack at his home. That would have been a year after he was burned. Had his family treated him badly all along? Yes, the pensieve project certainly showed that he was used to abusive behavior long before he turned 10. A light bulb for a birthday gift, indeed. Harry never outright admitted that he was abused or beaten, but he did say that he'd owled Sirius when things got bad. What? A metal noose burned into his neck wasn't bad? That had been the year earlier. Severus was roused from his thoughts when Harry spoke.
"Do you always scowl when cuddling?" Harry asked, and then snuggled in closer.
"I'm not."
"Not scowling, or not cuddling? I know you can look content, I've seen it when you were riding. You look very nice in leather, by the way. And I know you can cuddle," he said, sliding his hand around the other man. "Now the question is, can you do both at the same time?" Harry was pretty sure that Severus had been thinking about the goings-on at Privet Drive.
Severus looked down to the gorgeous creature practically climbing onto his lap. He likes me in leather? His breath hitched as he felt Harry's face nuzzling in his neck, his hands trailing behind his neck and up into his hair.
"Do you recall me saying nothing will happen between us tonight? What do you think you're doing?" he asked calmly.
"Yes, I do recall," he said. His words breathed warm air over Sev's neck. "I'm just cuddling." He sounded innocent, but wriggled on Severus' lap. Severus made no move to stop him, but didn't reciprocate. He relaxed into the sofa, allowing Harry to nuzzle him, trailing little kisses, covering every inch of his neck. Harry wanted to turn the man on, but didn't want to move too fast. If he could just get the man hot and bothered, Sev would attack him; well maybe not, but at least kiss him again. He hoped.
Harry continued to kiss and lick Severus' neck. He would occasionally be daring and reach up higher, pulling an earlobe into his mouth, worrying the lobe for a while before retuning to the long, elegant neck that begged to be sucked on. Before long, Harry was straddling the man, shocked that not once had Severus joined in on this one-sided snog fest. Harry was very careful not to leave marks on the slender neck he was ravaging, stopping only when Severus startled with a jerk. Harry sat up quickly.
"What's wrong?" Harry asked worriedly. Severus blinked a few times.
"Nothing, I just caught myself dozing off."
Dozing? Harry thought incredulously. He'd been attacking the man's neck for what seemed like forever, and the man was dozing off? He suddenly felt embarrassed to be straddling his lap, and realized for the first time that he felt absolutely nothing beneath him. Severus wasn't even slightly hard for him. "I guess I should leave so you can get some sleep."
Severus saw Harry's hurt expression as he clumsily climbed off his lap. Reaching up, he grabbed the sleeve of Harry's dress robe and pulled him back on the sofa, so that Harry was sitting next to him. Looking at his watch he said, "About forty-five minutes; you're persistent," Sev said with a laugh, as Harry did clearly not understand. "I wondered how long you would go before giving up, or tearing my robes off. I appreciate your restraint on the later," he said with a smirk.
Harry's hurt expression was now lost somewhere between defeat and anger. "Fat lot of good it did," Harry mumbled.
Severus put his arm around Harry and squeezed his shoulder. "Harry, I take a potion before every Death Eater meeting ensuring impotence. You couldn't get this up if you danced naked, chanting Wingardium Leviosa," he said pointing to his lap. Harry was biting his lip, but laughed despite himself. "If it'll make you feel better, by 8:30 mid-breakfast time, the potion will wear off, and I'll be suffering an agonizing hard-on from all the effort you've put forth.
Harry looked sheepishly at Severus. "I wasn't going to push since you said no fooling around, but I was hoping to tempt you."
"Had it not been for the potion I'd taken, I would never have been foolish enough to have you here alone with me in my rooms. I may be a man of my word, but I am still a man, after all," Sev smirked as he watched Harry shudder at the words.
"I hate to say it, but you look too tired to get it up anyway." Harry said, teasing the man.
"After a few rounds of the Cruciatus and a sound beating I'm bound to look fatigued. That and I've been holding the pressure charm on my chest for hours. I may have to resort to holding the damn thing by hand when I get too tired to keep the spell going."
"Isn't there a spell to keep you awake? Didn't you mention that when I was in the infirmary?"
"Yes, a potion, but it can not be taken twice in a ten hour period, and I will most certainly need it come lunch time. There is no point in taking it now, since I can keep myself awake." By now Severus had given up on holding the charm and kept his hand over the bandage to keep pressure on the incision.
"Do you have to stay awake, or is it that you need to keep your cut closed? Couldn't I help you by holding it and allowing you to get some sleep?"
"I think not," Severus said flatly.
Harry ignored the tone, chalking it up to exhaustion and Severus just being Severus. "Why not? I could stay awake; trust me I'm a pro. I spent most of fifth year avoiding going to sleep. Don't let all that practice go to waste," Harry pleaded.
Severus sighed. "Harry, it's not that I don't trust you, but even well trained Aurors have fallen asleep at their watch," he said seriously, and then added, "If I were to bleed out, who would take points from Gryffindor?"
Harry slowly put his hand up to Severus' robes to take a look at the wound. Severus was curious himself to see what it looked like after all this time, and allowed Harry to pull back the gauze packing for a quick moment. Harry kept his face impassive as he examined the area as he'd seen Poppy do many times in his past seven years. Blood started to slowly flow again, and Harry covered the injured area. "I'd say with that length incision and depth, it would take an hour for you to pass out from it. Why don't I set an alarm for 30 minutes, so if I were to fall asleep, you'd live to take copious points."
Severus thought about his options; he was tired. Harry did seem fairly awake, and his idea did have merit. It disturbed Severus that Harry was quite confident, and spoke with authority on how long it would take to pass out. He was too tired now to think about what that meant. He didn't think he could fall asleep in someone else's company, but he nearly did just that while they were lying together earlier. In the end, fatigue won out, and Harry sat peacefully next to Severus, keeping firm pressure on his bandage.
Harry was in fact a pro at not going to sleep. After addressing the issues that plagued his dreams in therapy, Harry seldom had the need to keep himself up at night, but he could still do it, and do it well. After resetting the alarm for the third time, Severus had gotten 90 minutes of sleep so far and Harry was happy he could do it for him.
Boredom and curiosity soon got the best of him, and Harry was checking the wound again. What was it Albus had? He could heal Severus but Poppy couldn't? Severus had said that it was not a difficult healing charm, but that Dumbledore had inner qualities that enabled him to perform the spell. Was it bloodlines? Harry had wondered what made him so special that he would be the one to take out Voldemort. Dumbledore was the only person that Voldemort feared. So, did Harry and Dumbledore have this thing in common? Was Harry a small branch off the Dumbledore family tree? A twig? He mused.
Harry concentrated to remember the different spells from the chapter on healing in his Charms textbook. He remembered a spell for healing cuts such as this that he'd been fairly good at, but wasn't sure if it was enough. Maybe he should perform the spell that cleaned and healed, thus preventing infection. Harry thought surely Severus would have cleaned it earlier, but no point in taking chances. Harry recited the charm in his head a few times before trying it for real. It was disturbing how much blood had trickled out during this time. Harry and Sev's robes were getting sticky, but Harry did not allow himself to be distracted as he cast the spell. It was quite a satisfying feeling to see the wound close, completely healed. There was a scar Harry could see, and an old scar just visible behind the new scar gracing Severus' chest. The incision had been made with a blade combined with magic; it was intended to leave a scar as a reminder.
Harry had never been one to resist his curiosity. It had always won over good sense, but he could not resist looking. Pushing Severus' robes fully open across his chest, Harry gazed at Sev's form. He didn't seem to notice the various scars scattered across the man's chest, but saw every change his body had made since his eighteen-year-old form. Severus, while still fairly hairless, now had a broader chest. His pectoral muscles were well defined. Harry couldn't resist running a hand over them; he almost laughed when he realized that the nipples didn't get hard even when squeezed. That had been one good potion Sev took to keep himself from getting aroused. Sev didn't have that scrawny teen neck that he still had. He shivered at the thought of seeing Sev completely naked. This was a grown man beneath him. He couldn't wait until he could see him completely, feeling him against his own skin. He would have been hard by now if it hadn't been for the disturbing amount of blood on them.
Harry wanted to go and wash up, but wasn't ready to leave Severus' side yet. He kept a hand over the man's heart where the wound had been, ensuring it was completely gone and wasn't returning. His thoughts strayed to Dumbledore, noting he would have to ask next time he saw him if he was related somehow. Would Albus tell him what it was that made him able to heal Sev? While needing to keep Severus alive, it hadn't been too hard to stay awake, but now, that stress was gone. Hours had passed. If there had been windows in the dungeon, Harry was sure he would see the sun rising. He didn't even notice his eyelids starting to fall.
Severus woke with a start. He felt better rested than he thought possible. There was no way he had only been asleep for thirty minutes. Remembering how Harry had reset the timer when Ron slept in the infirmary, he knew exactly why he felt so rested, but since he was still alive, he knew it couldn't have been too long. Severus would have enjoyed seeing Harry sleeping so peacefully on his chest had there not been so much blood between them. Harry groaned and moved slightly, turning his head. Severus was unpleasantly reminded of what Harry looked like the night he removed him from his home on Privet Drive, the night Black was killed. His feelings of that night were now mixed with disappointment. He had trusted Harry to stay awake. How foolish I'd been, he thought to himself. Harry also woke with a start, grumbling when he was nearly pushed to the floor as Severus stood up.
"Oh, I am sorry for having disturbed your slumber, Mr. Potter, but I've got to see Albus while I still have some blood left," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Not a morning person, are you Sev?" Harry wasn't particularly concerned with Severus' tone. He was sure that when Sev realized that he was no longer bleeding, he would calm down. Maybe he would make breakfast for him. Hopefully Sev wouldn't mind me cooking in his kitchen.
Harry watched the door to Severus' bedroom slam, remembering that he had said earlier that the sitting room fire was open to the floo network, and he kept the fire out, so they wouldn't be disturbed. It wouldn't fare well to have Lucius Malfoy's head pop into the fire to speak to Snape and find Harry Potter sitting on his sofa. The fire in the bedroom was separate, and he used it to speak to Albus. Harry laughed at the similarity to having an unlisted phone number, but for wizards. Harry spun his head around at the distinct 'pop' sound, to see Dobby standing behind the sofa.
"Good Morning, Harry Potter! Eww, Professor Snape was saying that you were needing a cleaning up. You is a mess."
"Morning, Dobby."
"Professor Snape ordered Dobby to tell you to clean yourself up, and for me to bring you your father's cloak, so you is to leave safely."
Harry was disappointed; that meant he wouldn't be cooking breakfast for Sev today. Dobby was gone in a pop, with a promise to return with his invisibility cloak in a while, giving Harry time to get cleaned up. He also reminded Harry that Snape had said not to touch anything. Harry wondered if he was supposed to turn on the shower with the powers of his mind or would he be allowed to use his hands. Laughing at his own joke, Harry entered Severus' bedroom to get to the bath. Sev's room was fairly plain, but tastefully decorated. A rich black carpet that made Harry want to toe off his shoes and wiggle his toes offset the light colored wood of the furniture.
Now that Harry wasn't lying next to Sev, he realized it was cold in the rooms. Severus had set the temperature colder than usual to prevent himself from falling asleep. Harry didn't think Severus would appreciate him changing anything, so he just tried to ignore the chilliness. He dropped his dirty robes on the rug, leaving them to clean later. He just wanted to relax in a nice hot shower. It was luxurious to have a shower without others around. He really couldn't wait to get into his own place. Shocked by his reflection, Harry saw that he must have cuddled into Severus during his sleep, because he had blood on the side of his head. That must be why Severus looked so upset when he woke up. Harry said to himself, having misread the man's reaction.
Harry stepped out of the steamy shower, wrapping himself in an oversized towel he found on the hook behind the door. He had planned on spelling his robes clean, but when he stepped into the bedroom again, the cool air hit him, and he wrapped the towel tighter. He sat for a few minutes on the bed, facing the bathroom, wrapped up in the towel, waiting to adjust to the temperature before wanting to move. "Screw this," Harry said, then took his wand out and lit a fire. With a flick of his wand the fire was blazing, warming up the room nicely. There was no need to worry that Albus would show up to talk to Severus, since they were together. Not that Harry would really care if he did. He lived with Albus the summer he'd been taken from Privet Drive. He still had a few things in his room up in the tower near Albus' office. The fireplace in Harry's bedroom by Albus' was also private; only Albus could speak with him or floo in. Harry started to dress, and then stopped, leaving the bloody robes on the floor. He didn't feel like touching them just yet, and couldn't leave 'till Dobby returned anyway.
With the room warm and cozy, Harry couldn't pass up the chance to lie down a bit. He'd had only had a few hours sleep, and the duvet looked so inviting; it looked like it would be smooth and soft against his skin. Dobby would wake him when he came in. On his stomach, relaxed, Harry enjoyed the scent of Severus on the pillow. His hair was still long from the previous night, and splayed over the pillow. Very nice, he thought.
"About fucking time you lit a fire, Snape!"
Harry froze, someone's head was in the fire, but he couldn't see whose, and he didn't dare turn around. With the long hair, chances were he wouldn't be recognized from the back. What the hell do I do now? It occurred to Harry that this person could step though the fire if he wanted, and Harry had no way of knowing if he was on the side of light, or even a Death Eater. Pretending to sleep was not the best action, so he grabbed his wand and dove into the bathroom, spelling the door locked.
The man in the fire realized the man on the bed was too small to be Severus Snape. Seeing him diving out of sight, the man in the fire grinned from ear to ear. This is going to be fun, the man thought. He hadn't had such good dirt on Snape in a while.
In a high tower where the Headmaster resides, one Severus Snape explained that he once again needed to be healed as he had been so many years ago. Light blue eyes looked tired as Albus reprimanded his child for not coming to him sooner, determined to convince Severus of his self-worth. The younger man was doing a fine job of reprimanding himself, muttering about falling asleep, and being such a fool. He stared straight ahead to avoid eye contact with the older wizard. Albus moved the bandage away from Severus' heart to reveal the healed wound. Looking back at the soiled robes, he noted the blood had mostly dried. The twinkle returned to the tired eyes. Albus pressed the bandage, and asked him to sit down. Severus sighed; he was a captive audience and would have to sit through a lecture if he wanted to be healed. He continued to keep pressure on the bandage, and sat in the offered chair.
"Tell me why you are so upset, Severus," said Albus in a gentle voice.
Severus incredulously looked down at the blood-stained robes and back again at the old man. "I am merely angry at myself for being in such a situation."
"Would that be the situation where you need to ask for help, or the situation involving Harry?"
Severus eyes widened slightly. "Harry has nothing to do with this," he said angrily.
" He doesn't?"
"Albus, I'm not in the mood for games," Severus said, rubbing his temples, a stress headache beginning to start.
"No games, Severus," the head master said quietly. "As you stated, you are upset with yourself for being in this situation, and apparently for falling asleep. The first of the two was out of your control, so not worth fretting over. The later however is a different matter. Did you not take precautions against sleep, considering the consequences?"
"I thought I had," he said curtly.
"Many years ago, you were upset to find out Vincent could not heal you. It hurt, but later you admitted that being free from that relationship was for the best, and you no longer regretted it."
"Your point?" replied Severus rudely. He was impressed that after all those years, Albus still remembered Vincent's name, though he would be hard pressed to admit it. His own father couldn't remember even while Severus was still dating him.
"My point," Albus said, not the least bit slighted by the younger man's disrespect. "Maybe you needed the sleep more? Some things work out for the best." He received a scowl in reply. "Do you feel pain?"
Severus' scowl decreased slightly as he thought about that for a moment. He had been in such haste to get to Albus, and away from his disappointment in Harry, that he hadn't even noticed the pain was gone. Catching sight of Albus' warm smile, yet with a look of mischief in his eyes, Sev looked down, pulling the bandage away. He couldn't believe his eyes. The wound was gone, with a scar in its place, just as the other scar from years ago. "You...how..." he asked with an intake of breath.
"Not me, you were healed before you came to me," said Albus.
Harry stood in Severus' bathroom, one hand on the doorknob, the other on his wand. He relaxed slightly when a familiar pop was heard. Sure enough, Dobby was knocking on the door, announcing his return with Harry's invisibility cloak. After convincing him the fire was void of strange heads looking for Severus, Harry ventured out. At least part of him was out. Dobby watched eagerly as Harry's right arm slid through the small opening. With a swish and flick the fire was out. With a sigh, the rest of Harry emerged into the bedroom, relieved that Dobby was holding up a now clean dress robe. He was tempted to take the elf up on his offer to come serve him.
"Eep!" squeaked the elf, and then looked apologetic for his reaction. "I was not expecting you to be wearing so little clothes while you is in a professor's personal rooms."
"Oh, yeah, well," Harry, muttered when he realized he was not wearing much. "I hadn't planned on taking my robe off until I was back in my room," he lied.
Dobby confirmed the coast was clear. Harry was soon on his way back to the Gryffindor tower. Hermione and Ginny were the only two awake so early. Most were still recovering from the previous evening's festivities. Harry slipped in and took off the invisibility cloak as he entered.
"You dog!" exclaimed Ginny, when she realized Harry was still in his dress robe. "You're even showered! Where did you sleep last night?"
On top of him, he was temped to say. "Who slept?" he said with a grin. Ginny practically squealed.
"Who? Tell me who it was!" Ginny demanded.
"Do I look like the kind of guy who kisses and tells?"
"You better be that kind of guy," interrupted Hermione. "Are you going to breakfast?"
"Yeah, I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said, thinking about what will happen when Sev's potion wears off in the middle of breakfast. Harry couldn't wait to see him squirm. "I'm going upstairs to change." With a turn he was gone up the steps. Ginny and Hermione watched him go. "What did you think, briefs, or boxers?" Ginny asked, while checking out Harry's arse as he climbed the steps.
"Might be a thong," Hermione commented, uncertainly.
Harry opened the door quietly to avoid waking his dorm-mates. He was surprised that all the curtains were closed; even Neville's four-poster was closed tight. Usually Neville was the first up. Harry shrugged it off as too much partying and unclasped his dress robe, allowing it to slip to the floor.
"And the winner IS: Black Satin Bikinis. Pay up, Seamus!" called Dean from his bed. Harry lowered his head, shaking it in disbelief. He couldn't help but laugh at his dorm-mates' antics. Seamus threw open his curtains, giving Harry a mock scowl.
"You cost me 10 sickles, Harry," Seamus complained. "I had you down for starkers. You should have seen Patty Patil sputter her punch out when you bent over to pick up Mione's napkin. A right many eyes were on your arse last night Harry."
Harry gave his arse a shake before pulling on his trousers. Dean made believe he was swooning, and Ron yelled at them all to shut up so he could go back to sleep.
"What about you, Neville?" Harry asked. Neville looked around sheepishly.
"I bet 8 on boxer-briefs. You know, the long tight ones you wear when you play Quidditch."
Harry sashayed over to Neville's bed. "Nev, I didn't know you noticed such details." he teased. Neville went scarlet. "Now I know why you squeezed my arse on the dance floor," he added. Neville's eyes went wide.
"I did not!"
"Relax Nev, I'm just winding you up." Neville let out a relieved breath, and busied himself, avoiding all eye contact. Seamus and Dean laughed and apparently thought Ron had the right idea; both of them closed their own curtains once again, deciding to skip breakfast this morning. Harry stopped Neville halfway down the steps. "Are you straight, Nev?" he asked in all seriousness.
"I guess," he shrugged. "It's just, sometimes I notice things."
"Like my arse?" he said lightheartedly.
"Yeah, that and Ginny has a nice one too."
"Don't worry about it, you'll figure it out," said Harry, putting his arm around his friend. "Don't let Ron hear that you're checking out Gin's arse," warned Harry. Neville shook his head in agreement.
"You and Neville?" interrogated Ginny when she saw them walk down together. Neville turned scarlet again.
"No, despite the fact that Neville is looking quite hot these days, I've got my sights elsewhere," Harry said smoothly. Neville, while still eight shades of red from the compliment, decided to take the opportunity opened to him.
"Would you like to have breakfast with me, Ginny?" Ginny took the proffered arm, and headed out with Neville for the Great Hall. Harry held out his own arm in a similar gesture.
Hermione took it and rested her head on his shoulder. "You had better be the kind that kisses and tells," she whispered as they walked behind the other two.
DETAH 33 - Warding
"He healed me?" stated a disbelieving Severus as he gawked at the healed wound over his heart. Albus smiled warmly.
"It would appear so."
"But he couldn't possibly..." Severus trailed off as he considered the ramifications of Harry healing him.
"Yes he possibly could, and must, in order to have healed you. Did you explain to Harry the details of the spell, or the necessary element?" inquired Albus. Severus shook his head.
"No, I merely said that you alone could do it."
"It's nice to know I'm not alone. Has Harry told you how he feels about you?"
"Only that he wishes to get to know me better to give our relationship a chance. If he'd told me he loved me, I would not have believed him."
"But he does love you, or the spell to heal you would never have worked." Severus thought about how Harry had looked when he woke. He had expected Harry to wake up spewing excuses for his falling asleep. It had bothered Severus more that Harry didn't even look ashamed at all. Of course, now he knew why. Harry had already healed him and had known it was safe for them to sleep. He felt like such a fool. For that matter, he had felt like a fool all morning. Only earlier, he felt like a fool for trusting Harry and being let down. Now he felt like a fool because he hadn't trusted Harry. Damn. He was not looking forward to talking to Harry. Severus wasn't accustomed to having to apologize and be thankful all in one conversation. The headache continued to grow.
"He loves me?" thought Severus, and then realized he'd said it aloud. He felt a comforting hand on his shoulder. Albus was still smiling.
"Go, get rid of those awful robes and get washed up. Breakfast will begin soon." Albus steered Severus to the fire, tossing in the Floo powder. "Oh, and Severus, confirm a date to start Harry's training so I can make the necessary arrangements."
Severus nodded and stepped into the fire. He had so much to think about he decided not to think at all just yet. He really needed to get out of his bloody robe. As he stepped into his bedroom he immediately felt the cool air. Spelling the room warmer again, Sev remembered Albus' request. He lit a fire and threw in a pinch of powder from a small box on the mantel. "Kieran Donnelly," Sev called into the fire. A moment later the head of a man with wiry brown hair and a three-day-old beard appeared.
"You look like crap, Snape," said the man. Severus grunted in reply. "You just come from Albus?"
"Yes, he wants to know what day is good for us to begin the training."
"I talked to our friend, he says you had it pretty bad last night. I'd say he's right."
Severus grunted again, rubbing his temples.
"Thought we'd talk last night, but looks like you were busy."
"Get to the point Kieran, I've got a shower to take. You should try it sometime," Severus said sarcastically to his friend.
"Maybe so," he said smelling his armpits, "but you're the one they call 'Greasy Git'."
"What the Hell do you want?" snarled Severus
"You called me remember? Frigin' potions fumes are screwing with your head." Severus shook his head. He was tired. "I'll call you later to set up days for training," he said, turning to go into the bathroom.
"You do that; let me know what days you pick. I don't care, anything but Thursdays. Then you can tell me who the pretty boy was I saw in here this morning."
Severus snapped his head around to see Kieran with an evil grin. "Excuse me?" Severus was suddenly very awake.
"I could only see him from the back, long dark hair, not too tall. You're not paying for it, are you Snape?" Kieran hassled him, knowing Severus didn't usually talk about his sex life. He wanted to find out who the guy was, if for nothing else but to harass Severus with the information.
"Bugger off, Donnelly," Severus climbed into the shower attempting to forget his friends comment.
'Pay for it, indeed'. He grumbled to himself. So Kieran had seen Harry. He hadn't recognized him, but he did see a man in my room. Severus was angry that Harry had been so careless as to light the fire, but still had his mind wrapped around the fact that Harry loved him. Did he even know? While he wanted Harry to care for him, Sev wasn't used to getting what he wanted. He was enjoying this time, but fully expected Harry to get to know him, and then get as far away as possible when he did. Harry wouldn't want to be with him after he saw his true self, and knew more of his past. Love changes everything. If Harry loved him, then he (Harry) would be hurt when he got to know him. The last thing he wanted was to hurt Harry. Foolish boy!
Harry was afraid he'd caused Severus some serious problems by opening his private Floo. Realizing the best action would be to tell him as soon as possible, Harry borrowed Hermione's owl to send a message along before breakfast. He now sat down at the nearly empty Gryffindor house table in the Great Hall. Neville and Ginny sat a few seats away, allowing space for a private conversation. Hermione continued to bug him for being so quiet. All he could think about was that man in Sev's fire. Eventually he attempted conversation, and was glad for the distraction.
"So, what's the fascination with my arse, and why are people making bets on it?" he asked Hermione. She chuckled, the sound echoing off the inside of her goblet of pumpkin juice.
"Remember when you tried on your dress robes wearing cut-off shorts? I had asked Ron what you wore under them for the formal and he turned red and wouldn't tell me. And to think they used to call me a prude," she said with a roll of her eyes. Harry laughed. "Well, Seamus had heard me and said that he bet you'd go starkers, then Dean said 'I'll take that bet!' Next thing I knew others were doing the same. It wasn't really that big a deal until you leaned over and Patty made such a scene. God, you would think she never noticed you had a nice arse before."
Harry feigned surprise, and looked taken aback at the whole thing, as if he couldn't imagine them all looking at his arse.
"Right Harry, like that look's going to work on me," said Hermione. Harry smirked. "Maybe you could still pull off that innocent, clueless look with some people, but I know better. You knew eyes were on you all night. You love it."
"Yeah, but were Severus' eyes on me?" he said, looking up at the head table. Only Professors Sprout and Flitwick had arrived this early. He checked his watch, anticipating the time Severus' potion would wear off.
Hermione leaned in closer to her friend. "So, what happened? You obviously didn't get much sleep last night. You're not going to make me wait for date night are you? We're still going to have date night now that we're done with school, right?" she asked enthusiastically. Harry assured here they would. "Oh, that reminds me. As Head Girl I made an announcement to the seventh years last night. McGonagall will meet us in the common room after lunch to go over the ceremony and stuff. I guess she just tells us how and where to walk, and what to do when we get our diploma and they take pictures and stuff. That's about it. I thought it best to make the announcement while most the class was still sober. Bet half of them don't remember."
"Why is it you're so chipper this morning? I saw you belt a few back yourself last night?" inquired Harry as he realized she was in very good shape considering how hungover he'd seen her in the past.
"A certain Potions professor sent me a little gift for helping him out with a few things," she said, remembering the anonymous vial she received of hangover drought with a note that read, Thank you for your assistance. Enjoy your celebration. It wasn't signed, but she recognized the script, and liked the fact that he hadn't even told her what was in the vial, trusting she was clever enough to figure it out. "Did he ever figure out that it was you who suggested to Professor Flitwick that Severus take a look at your pensive project to see what was wrong with it?" she asked with one brow raised.
Harry smiled an evil grin, shaking his head no. It had worked out perfectly. It was a brilliant way for him to show Severus that he had not been brought up as he may have guessed, without having to spill his guts yet again to the man.
"Careful Harry, your Slytherin is showing." Harry quickly held a hand over his chest as if exposed. He told Hermione about the dance and the kiss, complaining both were too short. He didn't tell her about the snog fest he had with the unresponsive Sev, and she knew he was holding back.
"Nothing else really happened, but I feel like... I don't know, like it's too private somehow." Hermione smiled. "You're falling for him. It was easy to tell me every juicy detail back when the boys didn't matter to you, but now you care. I'm so happy for you," she said hugging him. "I just know that this is all going to work out somehow."
"Do you love Ron?" he asked quietly. She nodded slowly, a warm smile across her face.
"Yeah, I do."
"Won't it be hard when you're in school and he's off in Auror training?"
"Yes, but we'll manage. Being able to take on the challenges and overcoming them is all part of working on your relationship together."
"How did you get so smart?" he teased her.
"Actually I got that from Mrs. Weasley. If anyone knows challenges, it's that woman," she said thinking of the latest explosion the twins had caused.
Harry smiled, but all he could think about was Severus. 'Would he find love? Would he know it when he did? 'How do you know if it's really love?' he thought to himself.
The man Harry was thinking about was now getting out of the shower. He reached for the towel he'd left on the hook behind the door, only to find it damp. Realizing Harry must have used it, he pulled the towel up to his chest, inhaling the scent lingering there. Sev was suddenly grateful for the potion that was preventing him from getting a hard-on while thinking about Harry in his own shower. What was it about Harry and showers?
Dressed and ready to leave his rooms for the Great Hall, Severus stepped out of his private rooms to find an unfamiliar owl waiting, with letter in tow. He read through the apology Harry had sent.
Severus,
This morning while I waited for Dobby to return, I lit a fire. A man's head appeared; he was calling for you. I'm so sorry to have done something so careless, but I was sure you said the Floo in the bedroom was private. Please forgive me; I'm really concerned that I may have jeopardized your trust in me, but even more so that I may have jeopardized your safety. I have no idea who the man in the fire was, but I'm pretty sure he didn't recognize me. I hope I didn't cause too much trouble for you. H
Severus had told Harry the Floo in the bedroom was private. It was unwise of him to think that Albus was the only person to whom Severus would allow access. Kieran was going to be ruthless with this information. For that matter, so will Albus. He hadn't planned on Albus finding out about Harry being in his rooms, but someone healed him while he slept, and not many qualified for the job. Severus thought for a moment about Kieran. Despite the fact that Kieran still called him Snape, they went way back. It was irrelevant he thought, since Kieran had been on a mission last night and couldn't safely change locations. As he mentioned, Kieran gained information about the meeting where Severus was punished, but also knew that Albus was at Hogwarts to take care of him.
Before he knew it, Severus had arrived at the Great Hall. Only a scattering of students was at breakfast after a night of festivities. Harry and Hermione were easy to spot at the Gryffindor table. Harry kept his face emotionless, but fidgeted with his goblet. Hermione was looking particularly chipper this morning, confirming for Severus that she had received his thank you gift, and identified it as a hangover drought.
Harry glanced over to the head table every so often to see his Severus looking especially irritated. He was worried that his run-in with the strange man in the fire was the cause of Severus' foul mood. Glancing at his watch again, Harry grabbed a selection of fruit from the bowl. He spoke to Hermione about nothing in particular, as he bit into a ripe peach, wiping the juice off his chin with the back of his hand, and licking his lips. Harry had been hoping Sev was looking at him, but refused to look at the head table again to give himself away.
"Mione, watch Severus for me, and tell me what he's doing," he said, glancing at his watch again. "Any movement at all."
"Like that isn't too obvious. Won't he see me watching him?"
"Not if I time this right," Harry said as he checked his watch again and selected his next piece of produce.
She watched, waiting to see something other than Severus looking annoyed, but wasn't sure what to look for since Harry hadn't told her anything specific. He had claimed that it was unsafe to speak about it in the Great Hall, but she knew that was a smokescreen. She thought him gallant, and wouldn't press for information. "Um, does shifting in his chair count as movement?" asked Hermione. Harry held back a smirk and fought the urge to look at the man.
"Wait for it," he said cryptically. "Tell me when you think he's looking over here," Harry leaned back slightly, allowing a good view, although there were very few students around to block Severus from seeing him.
"Any minute, he looks like he's looking from one table to the next. He's shifting in his chair again." Hermione put her head down, despite what Harry said she didn't want to be seen staring. "He's probably looking now, at least at the Gryffindor table."
Harry finished the slow peel, just before deep-throating the entire banana. Hermione's head snapped up at the loud clatter of china, as Severus fumbled his goblet, toppling his plate and several other items, making quite a commotion. Harry looked up in time to see a glass of water tipping into the man's lap, wondering if that was totally accidental, or to help reduce Sev's current condition.
Severus had been so caught up in his thoughts that he'd forgotten about the potion wearing off around this time. That was until he saw Harry check his watch for the fourth time during breakfast. His plan was to just stay irritated thinking about Harry, and what his reaction would be when he found out his Potions Master had a terrible history that he couldn't possibly look past. It worked for a while. With a slight tingle Severus could tell the potion was all but out of his system, but he was a man of control and could handle this. Then Harry licked his lips. Sev wanted to be that peach, to hear the moan of passion he was sure would go with the expression Harry was wearing that moment. He cursed himself for taking the potion in the first place, as he felt the blood beginning to flow south. Looking at the girls at the Slytherin table helped alleviate his problem slightly as most of them were rather unattractive, and the wrong sex for his taste. Try as he might, his treacherous eye traveled back to the Gryffindor table to see... O Merlin, he didn't just do that with a banana. Grabbing the goblet in an attempt to hide his shocked look, the base of the goblet caught under the rim of the plate and sent it toppling over with the knife and fork clattering about.
Severus glared at the students. There was a little laughter, mostly seventh years, as they felt safe now that classes were done for them. Albus smiled in his direction. Severus turned away so as not to have to look at Albus' damn twinkling eyes. Unfortunately, instead of Albus, the flying instructor caught his eye. His lips thinned at the sight of her.
"What do you do for an encore?" asked Hooch. She smirked as he regained composure.
"I wait to see if the distraction was enough to get a potion in your pumpkin juice unnoticed," he said dryly. She knew he was bluffing to cover his embarrassment. Surely the juice was safe to drink. She just wasn't particularly thirsty anymore.
As the day progressed, Ron eventually woke and joined his friends. Harry was on a mission to purchase food to bring back to his new place, so he would have something to prepare for his guests at the Warding this weekend. Hermione reviewed her book 'Traditions and Culture of the Wizarding Community', explaining what to expect at the Warding. A proud Ron, who had been thrilled to hear his father was invited to participate in the Warding of Harry's new home, was listening intently to the details of the Ceremony.
In Harry's new place the trio puttered around. Actually two puttered and Ron sat, legs sprawled across the floor at a small scrubbed table in the kitchen while Harry and Hermione put food away. Hermione let out a frustrated scream when she tripped over Ron's feet for the third time.
"If you're not going to help, could you at least stay the Hell out of the way?" she cried; eyes glaring, her hands balled into fists.
Ron quickly pulled his knees up to keep his feet out of the way. She had been emotional for weeks with such a large milestone soon approaching them. Many of the girls in the corridors had been seen hugging and crying that their time in Hogwarts was at an end. Harry and Ron usually shrugged and walked around the emotional mass when they came across them.
"Oi, leave me alone. I'm not the one who got to take a cure this morning. If I knew Snape'ed be nice and giving a gift of thanks, I'd've told him stuff about Harry myself," moaned Ron, still suffering from the hangover.
"Well then, you should have offered like I did," she said, and continued before he could interject the comment she could see forming on his lips. "I don't do things because of what I may have gained from it, but because I was happy to help out."
Harry smiled at his friends banter, and continued to wash the produce they'd picked up. He looked out the window when he saw a flash of white on the ground below. It was the landlord's cat chasing something out of the gardens. The gardens were barely kept up. The rows of dirt were no longer clear, as it seemed like the plants were growing in all directions. Weeds had sprouted in between plants and were choking out some of the vegetables. It looked as if someone had gone through a lot of trouble to start a garden and then left it abandoned. He would have to look into it, hoping he could get some information without insulting the man's gardening technique.
The rest of the day and half of the next went by quickly. Before he knew it, Harry was back in his new home with the men he'd invited to his first Warding. Filius Flitwick and Albus were first to arrive. Harry was surprised to see them carrying gifts. He had been so preoccupied with the actual Warding details and the food he wanted to serve, that he'd not gotten to the section in the book about what was typically done, or expected by the persons who are requested to participate. Albus noted the surprised look on Harry's face, and explained that when a person is invited to add their personal touch to the wards, it is customary for them to bring a gift that represents them personally as well. He learned later that the gifts were not wrapped because it's considered rude to bring something concealed into an unwarded home. Filius presented Harry with a new chess set, complete with an accessory book titled, How to Charm Your Men, and Other Helpful Hints for Chess. Harry chuckled at the title, thanking Filius.
Before Harry could see what Albus had, a distinct popping sound announced the arrival of Severus Snape and Arthur Weasley. Having arrived at virtually the same time as Arthur, Severus was taken by surprise when he was suddenly inundated by a large swag of fabric almost knocking him over.
"Oh, hello there Severus, so sorry," apologized Arthur when Severus got a face full of blanket, bedspread, or what ever the huge thing was that he was carrying. "There you are Harry, good to see you looking so well. Molly insisted I bring this along today. She wanted you to feel safe and warm in your new home. I dare say she's been working on this thing since... oh well, since she was sure she couldn't convince you to live with us," he said with a bright smile. Molly had in fact started making the bed covers when she was sure Harry was going to live though his serious injuries. That had been when Albus had taken Harry in and became his legal guardian. "Hello Albus, fine day for a warding is it not?"
"Fine day it is," Albus said cheerfully. Severus mumbled something, but no one seemed to catch it.
"Who is the fourth for your Warding, Harry?" asked Mr. Weasley, thinking they were waiting for one more to arrive. Harry, embarrassed at his poor manners as a host, began introductions.
"I'm sorry, I thought you and Professor Flitwick knew each other," said Harry apologetically. Filius laughed along with Arthur. Albus also chuckled. Harry looked around for a cause for the sudden amusement. Sev, emotionless as always, was no help.
"Didn't see you down there Fil," laughed Arthur as he lifted the blanket up enough for him to gain sight of the minute wizard standing before him. Harry went off to the bedroom to put the blanket on the bed. When he returned, Mr. Weasley gave him a small ornate box. It was for the mantel, and was full of Floo powder. "This is from me, Harry. It is to show that you are always welcome in our home," he said, hoping his gift was satisfactory. Harry thanked him profusely, placing the ornately carved box on the mantle. It occurred to him, this was the first time he'd received a gift from Mr. Weasley. Over the past seven years all the gifts from the family were handmade or baked by Mrs. Weasley. Harry smiled, tracing a finger along the carvings, thankful for the family that had all but adopted him. Severus watched intently, his anger fading slightly.
Severus placed a new set of scales on the table next to Albus' gift without so much as a word said. Harry was now telling the eldest wizard that he'd begun taking measurements to show the five points of the room they needed for the warding. Albus waved him off, interrupting Harry.
"I'm sure you've done a fine job Harry, but no need to go through all that trouble," said Albus, taking out a large round stone from a bag he hadn't seen the old man carrying in. The stone looked a lot like a sundial, but instead of a dial on top there was a prism protruding from the center. Filius summoned a small table for Albus to place the stone onto. "If you will, Arthur," requested Albus. Harry watched with interest while his best friend's dad cast a spell making the ceiling appear to have a gaping hole in it, allowing sunlight to saturate the room. As the sun brightened the room the prism reflected various colors of light on the wall around the men. Albus paid little attention to the small colored dots on the wall, but instead took note of the five distinct beams of light pointing out from the center. Filius swished his wand, though it appeared nothing had happened, until Albus covered the stone with a cloth, causing the small reflections of color to disappear, leaving only the five large beams of light spread throughout the rooms. The spell Filius cast not only kept the five lights glowing, but they shone right though the walls, so that if you were to enter the next room the light would still be seen hitting the back wall of the room.
"We'll need some room in here. Arthur, how about you push the sofa back a bit, while Severus and Harry take this table to the other room," directed Albus.
He explained to Harry that he'd rather they didn't use magic to move the table once the process had begun, reserving their magical strengths for the Warding. Harry understood, but still wondered if the old wizard was just giving them a chance to be alone for a moment. Severus silently took hold of one end of the table, while Harry grabbed the other end. Harry nodded to show his readiness, and they lifted the table. Harry had no problems being he was rather fit himself, but couldn't help but notice Severus' end of the table went up swiftly, and seemingly effortlessly. His mind drifted off to the times Severus, as a teen, had swept him literally off his feet and carried him to bed. He had been so turned on every time the saw evidence of Severus' might. He was tempted to make comment about getting Severus into his bedroom so quickly, but remembered the man had been in a rather bad mood the past day or so, and he hadn't talked to him since sending the apology for the fireplace incident.
"Severus, I'm sorry I did something so stupid, lighting the fire as I did. I thought you had said it was private," said Harry with his words rushed to get it all out before they'd be gone too long. "You've been so cross since then, I figured I caused you a lot of trouble," he said miserably.
"I did say the Floo was private. Did you assume that Albus was the only person in my life close enough for me to allow access?" Severus smirked as he watched the change of emotions cross Harry's face.
Harry stood silent, processing what Severus had said. Yes, he had thought Albus would be the only one. Who was the man? Was he a friend, a lover? It hadn't occurred to Harry that Severus might have had a lover before the holiday when they got together. 'No, he couldn't have', he told himself. Severus never would have kissed him in the storage room that evening, or allowed him such liberties as he'd taken the night Sev had been injured. Reassuring as those memories were, Harry couldn't help but think that it was a real possibility that the man in the fire may have at least once been Sev's lover. Did someone else want Severus? It scared him that he could be prevented from having Sev once someone else knew of his desires. Never let them see you having fun.
Severus had been amused watching Harry's emotions so clearly shown, but he'd only wanted Harry to be more careful in the future; it disturbed him when the face changed from guilty to distressed.
"I will endure some embarrassing ridicule for you actions, but I assure you there has been no great damage done." He hadn't planned on letting Harry off the hook so soon, but he didn't like the look on the younger man's face. What had Harry been thinking?
"Are you angry at me for something else then?"
Severus shook his head. He had been angry, but he couldn't say he was angry with Harry, mostly angry with himself for not being a better person for Harry to have fallen in love with. He deserved better. With a sigh, Severus was resigned to the fact that his anger, without explanation to Harry, was pointless; it served no purpose. Eventually, Harry would know him better, and he would deal with the consequences when that happened.
"No, I am not angry with you," he said sullenly. Harry beamed; it was all he could do to keep from throwing himself into Sev's arms. He did place a chaste kiss on Sev's lips before walking confidently from the room.
Albus watched Harry emerge from the bedroom with a wide smile.
DETAH 34 - Surreptitious Activities
Albus continued to chant the ancient spells that would be in place to protect Harry in his home. The other four men echoed his words, strengthening the wards. The men stood at the furthest parts in the home, each at one of the five points, with a beam of light ensuring they stood in the correct area. After several minutes the chanting stopped abruptly. Harry had been worried he wouldn't know when to stop, and be the only one still saying the spell. Albus had assured him not to worry, and that he would instinctively know when to stop. Harry worried regardless, but apparently for nothing as all was going well. In silence, the five walked to the center of the main room, the lights all the while still shining on them, guiding the men to their respective places. With a nod from Filius, a new chant was begun. The Wards were weaving nicely. Harry listened to the words; he could hear each distinctive voice. Severus' rich baritone reverberated through him. Concentrating on every syllable enunciated, Harry hadn't even realized his obsession with Sev's voice had his whole mind focused on the words being said, thus strengthening the Wards being formed.
With Hogwarts' most powerful wizards working on the wards, Albus anticipated great results. Arthur cared for Harry as he would a family member; that depth of caring made up for his magical strength not measuring up to the other three wizards' power. They could feel the Wards being set in place as the magic weaved its way through Harry's home. Having initiated the Warding, and being the powerful wizard that he was, Albus could actually see the magical fibers knitting together to form the powerful barrier. He continued to chant the incantation, watching the various colors of magical threads weaving together. He was quite pleased to see that the portion of the weave coming from Harry's wand was indeed very vibrant. Harry would be a very strong wizard when he came into his full power, and if his portion of the Wards were any indication, Harry would someday surpass his own magical abilities. This would be a long way away, given that Albus has had 140 years more to perfect his craft, but eventually...
Just as before, the chanting stopped abruptly and the Warding was almost complete. The last step was to set the Anti-Apparition spells. Harry and his guardian, Albus, had discussed the Warding the week prior and agreed that Albus would have his magical signature wound into the Wards, allowing him to Apparate into the apartment directly. It was customary for the witches or wizards taking part in the Warding to back away from the circle during this portion, as it would be rude to assume to have such an honor.
The five men took a few steps closer to the center of the room. Close enough to clasp the hands of the wizard at each side. Harry's left hand was taken into Severus' right. It was very warm from the spell casting, or maybe it was just Harry's imagination. The man made him feel warm all over. With great effort, Harry stopped thinking about wanting to feel heat from Sev, and concentrated on the Anti-Apparition spells. It was the shortest spell of the series and Harry felt Arthur give his hand a squeeze before letting go and stepping back. Filius, who was between Arthur and Albus, had also stepped out of the circle. Severus pulled his hand from Albus' grasp, but found Harry to be holding on with force. He looked over to Harry, looking for confirmation, unsure if Harry knew what this meant. Harry didn't meet his gaze, but walked closer to Albus to close the circle. Albus on the other hand, didn't seem the least bit surprised that Harry wasn't letting go of Severus during this process, which would allow all three of them the ability to Apparate directly into Harry's home. If the other two men were taken aback, they didn't let on. Filius had started putting two and two together weeks ago, but was keeping quiet. He had remembered the morning Severus looked well shagged, and later after the holiday was over, and they were adults again, Filius once again remembered Snape's sexual preference. It was Severus' hissy-fit after the holiday that convinced him it had to have been Harry. Arthur simply assumed it was Severus' place in the Order and as spy that had earned him this right.
Having cast more magic in one hour then he had in the last month, Harry's hands were hot, and practically vibrating, yet he still had missed the warmth of Sev's hand in his when they were done with the Warding. He was suddenly grateful for the food choices for the afternoon. He had thought since it was a nice summer day, to serve light foods, nothing too heavy, maybe some sandwiches, cold potato soup and fruit. But Hermione had other plans. She had read in the chapter regarding Warding that foods commonly served were just the opposite. Hearty foods with substance, in other words, comfort foods. Harry had argued that it was only a guideline, and he could serve whatever he wanted as the host, but she had been insistent that there was almost always a reason for things, even if they couldn't see it at the time.
Harry had to admit, she had been right. Participating in a Warding was taxing; it took much magical energy. He wanted nothing more than to dive into the lunch he'd prepared and eat the whole thing, guests be damned. A hand gently squeezing his forearm interrupted his deliberation of food. Albus was saying something, but he'd missed the first few words, or was it sentences? A clear vial was placed in his hands and Harry took a small sip as directed by his wise guardian.
"This will help you recoup some of your magical energy," said Albus, corking the vial.
Harry looked around the room; Severus and Arthur were entering the room, bringing back the table that had been cleared out. When had they left the room? he wondered. Albus chuckled. "When you are more experienced with your magic, Harry, you won't feel so drained from exerting yourself such as today," he explained.
"Alright there, Harry?" asked Arthur cheerfully, as he placed the table in front of him.
Severus grinned as Harry shook his head to clear it.
He was feeling like a child surrounded by adult wizards who had done this many times over. He was in fact a child among them, but never before felt that way until now. Albus gave Harry the vial to keep in case he had future use for it. Whatever it was, it was working. Harry was feeling more himself as his energy began to replenish. He quickly went to the kitchen to put out lunch for his ravenous guests. The four elder men enjoyed a glass of wine in the sitting room while Harry took care of last minute details.
Severus listened to the conversation, occasionally adding his opinion, but mostly he watched. He watched Arthur sitting perfectly relaxed on the sofa next to him, he watched Albus offer a hand to Filius who was doing his best to get up on the matching loveseat, to no avail. Mostly he watched Harry. Severus had selected his seat for the view. He faced the others, but also had a good view of the kitchen behind them. It had been a rough time for both of them since the holiday. Severus had been an arse, and Harry seemed to have reverted back to the self-conscious boy of his earlier years. It was the last few days that the younger wizard had returned to his usual coolness.Harry breezed throughout the kitchen with ease, taking hot biscuits from the oven, pouring beverages into pitchers. He was once again the confidant young man Severus met on holiday. Harry was wearing casual robes of slate blue, his hair once again short, as it had been before the Formal. Severus had to admit he preferred Harry's muggle clothes. They displayed his body far better than robes could. The other men were better dressed for the occasion, not formal of course, but robes appropriate for a nice dinner out. Harry hosted the traditional Warding. Severus had been impressed with Harry's knowledge as to what to do, the foods to serve. With the exception of his choice of clothes. He thought it unlikely Harry owned many robes. Most of his day was spent in school robes, and Harry wore muggle clothes while not in class. Chances were, his few robes were casual with the exception of the deep blue dress robes he wore the night of the dance.
Thoughts of Harry straddling his lap in said formal robes had Severus shifting his position on the sofa. Oh, how persistent he'd been, trying to get Severus worked up. Chuckling at the thought of Harry working against the potion to get him aroused earned him looks of curiosity from Arthur and Filius. The tall, dark man gave no clue. They knew better than to ask, as no answer would be coming. Albus sipped his wine, concealing his I told you so smile.
Deep obsidian eyes roamed the room, taking in the decor. He had to stop watching Harry, since Albus had noticed where his attention was, and the old wizard was looking a little too smug for Severus' taste. Not to mention, if he kept watching Harry, he wouldn't be able to will away the hard-on threatening to tent his robes. Unfortunately, the decor wasn't much to keep his mind from Harry's sleek body. The rooms were fairly basic and simple. The sitting room had the sofa he was sitting on, and a matching love seat. Both were in a pattern so worn it was hard to distinguish if it was a paisley or floral print. The coffee table was also showing wear. The fireplace mantel was bare with the exception of the Floo powder box Arthur had gifted Harry. Severus was starting to feel regret for having purchased Harry a set of scales for his potions. He'd apparated to a specialty shop he loved in Italy, to pick up a bottle of extra virgin olive oil as a gift. He'd always given it at Wardings. The gift should be something that represents you, and his love for cooking made it the perfect gift, but this morning his was still caught up in his anger. The last thing he wanted to think about was virginity, even if it was oil.
Severus hadn't missed the look Albus had given him when he'd arrived with the scales. The reason Severus had been invited to several Wardings was Albus' doing. When muggle-born couples married, they had no magical relatives to call on for the ceremony. Usually Albus was asked for this, and he always selected Severus as one of the other four. Severus had thought it was Albus' way to get him out of the dungeons and into a social setting that didn't involve Death Eaters.
Lunch was superb. Harry had outdone himself. He served salad, beef stew with biscuits, Shepard's pie, corn on the cob, and asparagus. The men ate their fill with gusto, having built such an appetite from their magical exertions. Harry noted, despite their enthusiasm, there was no lack of manners as they followed proper etiquette. Aunt Petunia had been strict about proper table manners, but having spent most the year at Hogwarts surrounded by classmates, it was easy to slip into poor habits. He quickly put his napkin on his lap, having noticed Albus doing the same.
Feeling nearly ready to explode, Harry was grateful for his decision of a lighter dessert. A large platter of fruit and chocolate was placed on the table. He had wanted to serve something he knew Sev liked. The platter had thin slices of honeydew and cantaloupe melons, large ripe strawberries, and assorted chocolate truffles around the edge of the plate. Harry didn't miss the delighted look on Severus' face, even if it had been fleeting. Arthur complimented Harry on a wonderful lunch, promising to sing his praises to Molly when he returned. Filius couldn't reach, but flawlessly summoned several pieces of fruit to his plate. Harry was unsure if he should pick up his sliced melon or use a fork, so he settled on popping a truffle into his mouth until he saw how the others ate.
Filius cut up his food, but that could have been because it wouldn't fit in his mouth any other way. Severus, always poised and dignified, cut his melon before placing small pieces into his mouth. Albus, on the other hand, had bitten right into the center of the melon. It looked like a big green smiley face. Deciding on the appropriate manners took a back seat when Harry felt a leg brush against his. He told himself it could have been an accident until it happened again. Severus had barely looked in Harry's direction unless the conversation called for it. Harry could hardly keep his eyes off tall, dark and sexy as he treated himself to a truffle. Albus was thrilled to see Severus enjoying dessert. He had no idea how much Severus was going to enjoy it.
"Any grandchildren on the way, Arthur?" asked Severus. It was unlike him to ask Mr. Weasley a personal question; Harry wondered why the sudden interest.
"Not yet, still have to marry them off. Looks as Ron and Hermione will be our first bet, if he proposes as we expect he'll do after Auror training."
Severus nodded with a smile. Harry was now very curious, but once again his thoughts were thwarted by Sev's actions. Harry watched with interest as long slender fingers picked up the largest strawberry on the platter. As the colossal berry entered Sev's mouth, Harry could see a tongue slide out to lick the bottom just before biting down; red droplets slid down his chin. Harry thought for sure he would see that tongue again, licking off the juice. It would certainly be his undoing, but Severus never ceased to amaze him as he politely dabbed his chin clean of the offending red droplets.
Harry didn't notice at first that when Severus put his napkin back on his lap, his hand did not return to the table. Instead, he kept his hand on his leg, which was already dangerously close to Harry's. He was starting to wish he'd worn trousers under his robes to keep things under control as it were, but Hermione had insisted that he keep with traditions and wear wizarding robes as they were meant to be worn. She had read that the loose fitting clothes allowed magic to flow around you, thus enabling your magic to be better channeled to where you wanted it. It was the reason the first Olympic athletes were nude, but when clothes were later introduced, it was decided to allow the muggles to take over the events.
Even memories of Hermione's boring lectures about wizarding traditions hadn't helped keep the blood from rushing to his groin. The hand Severus kept on his leg had moved, slightly brushing against Harry's thigh. Severus smirked, not at the joke Filius was telling, but at the shiver he caused in younger man next to him. Harry couldn't keep his fork from shaking, so he gave up on the fruit and settled on sipping his drink. He had been drinking pumpkin juice and was considering wine, but was afraid that the wine would get him into trouble. He didn't trust himself not to do something he would regret later, like thrusting his tongue down Sev's throat in front of his other guests.
Harry tried his best to keep up with the conversation, but the hand so near to him had moved again. A rogue pinky finger was sliding back and forth onto his thigh. It was all he could do to answer Arthur's questions about ...about whatever it was the man was asking. Before long Filius was nearing the punch line of another joke. Severus moved his full hand to the muscled thigh next to his. A gasp from Harry was well concealed with perfect timing to the group's laughter in response to the joke. Severus silently commended him for his quick recovery, as Harry evened out his breathing. Severus squeezed his hand, feeling the quadriceps beneath tighten in response. Harry's leg muscles were so well defined; Sev could feel each individual muscle on the hard thigh he was exploring. Harry finally relaxed a bit, his legs softening to the touch. Sev rewarded him with feather light touches. The long, slender fingers stretched out and curled back again, caressing the sensitive skin through the slate blue robes. Harry held his glass a little tighter than necessary as the hand slid at an agonizingly slow pace up his inner thigh. Harry grabbed one of the last strawberries in an attempt to keep his eyes from rolling back in his head. But Sev was ruthless, and his timing impeccable as always. As Harry's pearly whites bit into the berry, Sev's hand found its destination. Harry moaned around the berry. In his shock, realizing the moan had come from his own mouth, Harry nearly clasped a hand over his mouth, but thinking quickly made it look as if the juice running down his chin had surprised him. Having wiped the juice on the back of his hand, Harry saw the other men chuckling at his antics. He then remembered his manners and grabbed a napkin.
Severus stilled his hand while Harry gained reasonable composure, but didn't allow him much time before again stroking him through the robes. Harry's member was now rock hard and twitching at the touch. Part of his mind was thinking that he might need to stand up soon if his guests moved to leave, but the other part of his mind was gone, lost in the sensation of his previous Potions Master fondling him beneath the table. It was all he could do not to whimper and thrust into the man's hand. Severus had curled his foot around Harry's ankle, pulling his legs slightly apart, allowing better access. Severus deftly opened a button, allowing just enough opening for Harry to spring free of the one layer of fabric keeping them from the marvelous feeling of skin on skin contact. Harry had been so close he nearly came when he felt the contact of Sev's now hot hand curl around him. It was not the hand of the eighteen year old he'd slept with during holiday. Severus' hand was large and now noticeably more skilled for the task. What little brain activity left on Harry's part was conscious enough to think to have his napkin well placed, though the table linens nicely shielded his lap from view. The strong grip wrapped around his hardness continued its leisurely pace, every so often sliding a thumb over the head of the now dripping cock. Harry's shaking hand filled his glass again. He wondered how the Hell Severus managed to sit there, calm and collected, as if he wasn't wanking off the host in front of his co-workers and the young man's guardian, who was also his boss.
He was so close, and began shifting in his seat for a few moments. The urge to pump his hips was getting unbearable. Harry realized that he'd been out of the conversation for quite some time now when Arthur gave him a peculiar look. Harry smiled weakly and did his best to pay attention to what Filius was saying. It was nearly impossible to even comprehend what was being said, but Harry had regained focus long enough to know that he'd never manage a discreet climax. He'd had much practice, living in Hogwarts' dorms, especially the first three or so years before they'd learned a silencing charm, but to keep his face expressionless was something he wasn't willing to attempt. Maybe in front of his friends after they had a few, but in front of Albus, Filius and Mr. Weasley, it was out of the question.
Severus had been ruthless. The moment he realized Harry was thinking again he picked up the pace, taking Harry very near the edge. Harry spilled his drink across the table, and stood quickly to prevent the spill from going over the side of the table onto anyone's robes. Luckily, Severus grabbed hold of Harry's robes, pulling them as he stood. What would have been a large embarrassment was conveniently back in his robes. The men's attention had been on the spill, so no one noticed the raging hard-on their host was sporting.
"Why don't we move this into the sitting room, and I'll bring in some tea?" suggested Harry nervously.
"You go ahead Harry, I'll take care of this," Severus said kindly. This earned him odd looks from the two men who were unaccustomed to Severus Snape being kind; Albus was the exception. The Headmaster led them all away from the kitchen with a new topic of conversation. The kitchen had a swinging door that had been propped open earlier by a rock. Gliding into the kitchen, Sev casually knocked the doorstop out of the way, allowing the creaking door to swing closed behind him. He grunted slightly when the door hit him in the arse on the way in. Harry's chuckle was stifled when strong arms wrapped around him.
"What's wrong, Harry, couldn't pull it off?" teased Sev in his ear.
"I thought that was your job?" he replied with a grin. "I could be quiet, but I couldn't have kept a straight face."
"Lucky for me, you're not straight." Sev sucked on an earlobe. "Let's see how quiet you can be." Severus reached into the still unbuttoned robes. Harry let out a sigh, leaning back against the taller wizard. With no audience, Harry was back at the edge of climax in no time. Severus continued to worry his earlobe between his lips and teeth, quickening the pace of his strokes to match the quickening of Harry's panting. Hot breaths against his neck sent Harry's mind into a spin. The deep voice was his undoing. "Come for me, Harry."
He did. Harry pressed his head back against Severus' chest, silently convulsing in orgasm. Before Harry could get his bearings, Sev had wiped him off with a napkin, tucked him in, and closed the button of his robe. The kitchen door made a creaking sound as it opened. A hoot could also be heard.
"It looks as though Hedwig has found her new home; she has a letter for you, Harry," said Albus, entering the kitchen. Harry startled, and took a double take of his appearance. He looked fine, and Severus was standing several feet away. When did he get over there? He had been neatened up so fast; he hardly knew how he was standing. His knees still shook slightly. "Ah, Severus, are you tasting the sweets Harry is serving ahead of the rest of the guests?" teased Albus, seeing him suck on a finger. Severus nodded and hummed in confirmation around the cum-covered digit.
"Mm - hmm,"
Harry's eyes almost bugged out of his head at the sight of Severus sucking on his finger, with Albus speaking to him as if he were a seven year old caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He stared, stock still, at the tall, dark and discreet man wiping his hands on a napkin. Harry still hadn't made a sound. He was still trying to even out his breathing before he could get his mind around the fact that Albus was in the room, and only a moment earlier he'd been held up by a wall of heat while coming in Sev's hand.
Severus was one cool cucumber. With a wave of his wand, the tea was ready. A swish and flick and Harry was holding a tray of biscuits. The weight of his snowy owl on his shoulder brought Harry back to reality.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
Severus was unsure if he'd been referring to the tray of biscuits, or not. He winked and followed Albus out of the kitchen, leaving Harry to catch up.
DETAH 35 - Weasels Dont Tan
Harry walked the grounds of Hogwarts, having apparated as near as possible from his new home. Scatterings of students dotted the grassy lawn of the school's terrain. He caught sight of Neville and Ginny snogging in the gardens; Ron and Hermione were easy to spot, they were near the place the trio liked to view sunsets. Ron was lying down, using one arm as a pillow behind his head, while running his fingers through his girlfriend's hair. Hermione rested her head on Ron's belly, and watched the fluffy clouds go by. He would have continued on, allowing them privacy, but it was the last chance they would have to lounge on the lawns as students. Ron and Hermione would have the next two weeks to be together, until she went to school and Ron entered Auror training.
"Hey," said Harry, lazily sitting beside his friends.
"How was your Warding?" they asked in unison. Harry sniggered at them. They were an adorable couple. Harry had been telling them the last few days, that since he could no longer have public displays with Severus, he would live vicariously through them. Hermione pulled him close so he could rest his head on her. Harry poked her tummy before resting his head. His head bobbed from her giggles. She rested her hand on his chest for lack of a better place. Chances were, time would put some space between them, but he hoped they would all stay as close as they were now.
"The Warding went well. When everybody left, they each thanked me for inviting them and giving such an honor. Er... something like that. I can't remember the exact words. By then I wasn't thinking straight. I hope there wasn't anything special I was supposed to say to them. I couldn't remember that part from the book."
"Nah, I think that was about it. I'm sure you did fine," said Hermione encouragingly. Harry was taken aback at how completely chilled out Hermione seemed this afternoon.
"Did you smoke something, 'Mi? I haven't seen you this relaxed since you accidentally ate one of Fred and George's Hash Brownies." Harry's head bobbed again as she laughed, hers did as well, but no one could tell as her head seemed twice its normal size, what with Ron teasing her hair into a wiry frenzy.
"In case you haven't noticed, this is the first time in all the seven years you've known me that I am with total lack of something to study or worry about. We're done with classes here, and I don't get my new books for University until after next week. I've given my brain the week off."
"Well, that explains it," he said, not sure that it did, but was happy to see her so chilled out. Maybe she and Ron had just had sex. "What ever will you occupy your mind with?" he asked humorously, as he played absentmindedly with her fingers.
"I plan on keeping her mind and body very busy the next couple weeks," stated Ron. Hermione rolled her eyes at her lover and squawked when the hand messing up her hair started to travel precariously close to the opening in her blouse. Ron's hand was clasped beneath her own, and held in place below her bust while she admonished him, but her voice lacked venom, and they all knew she only complained because it was the respectable thing to do.
"Come on, Harry, tell us all about your Warding. Did you perform the spells listed in the book? Did you take measurements?"
"Yeah, it was cool. I didn't need to use the measurements," he said, explaining the stone Dumbledore had used to mark the areas in the apartment. "I was nervous, but I could tell by the tone of Albus' voice when to stop saying the spells."
"I told you his inflection would guide you," she said in that tone that said she had known what she was talking about and he should have listened.
"You assumed I knew what 'inflection' meant, right? Stop laughing, you're going to give me whiplash," he warned. Ron wasn't laughing; he probably didn't know what inflection meant before now either. Harry's head stopped shaking as Hermione settled down, when Ron asked,
"What was it like having Him in your apartment?" asked Ron, referring to Snape. He couldn't see Harry grinning.
"I wish I had a chance to fix the place up a bit before he saw it. No pictures or anything of my own in there, yet. Found out he's not mad anymore at any rate, or at least not at me. I haven't figured out what had his knickers in a twist," he said, wondering what it was that had set off the man.
"Did you get a chance to talk?" asked Hermione.
"A bit, only long enough for us to move a piece of furniture." He paused, "He did give me a hand in the kitchen," Harry said dreamily. Ron snorted.
"How sweet, he does dishes," Ron said sarcastically. "Does he do laundry, too?"
"No, but I'm looking forward to..." Harry started to say, but was cut off as the sun was suddenly blocked by a figure standing above them.
"If it isn't the Gryffindor menage trios," said Draco, renaming the Golden trio. They weren't as upset by the title as he'd hoped they would be.
"If you're here for a reason, get on with it. Otherwise get out of my sun," Ron said rather calmly, surprising the other three.
"Weasels don't tan, they just burn. I'm doing you a favor," drawled the blonde. He was tanned himself. It was a nice contrast to the light hair. While Harry didn't particularly go for blondes, he couldn't deny Draco was attractive, albeit a prat.
"Since you're feeling generous, maybe you could do us another favor and jump in the lake?"
Draco sneered, distracted from his rebuttal when a sound, distinctly female, caught his attention. "I have better things to do than waste my time with you three," he said, looking over to the girl he was meeting. No one bothered to reply, in hopes he would just leave faster. Hermione couldn't resist praising them for their maturity. While they had relatively stayed out of most trouble all year, Malfoy baiting was a hard habit to break.
The trio lounged for a while as Harry told them about the Warding ceremony and a few of the jokes he could remember Filius telling. After some time, Harry realized he hadn't seen anyone under seventh year, with the exception of Ginny snogging Neville in the gardens. "Where is everybody?"
"The train came today, remember?" asked Hermione. Clearly, Harry had not. "Only students left are the seventh years, with the exception of siblings to seventh years. The families will be here in the morning for breakfast, before the ceremony."
Harry nodded, he had been so busy with the Formal, his night with Severus, and the episode with the man in Sev's fire, that he had forgotten the train had come and left while he was having his Warding. It was a busy several days. The closing ceremony would be a breeze. They had to sit through a speech made by Albus, and also the Head Boy and Girl, and have their pictures taken. He suddenly remembered that Hermione was the Head Girl and had a speech to make in the morning. There was no way she was this calm before something this big. She must have been agonizing over this speech all week, and he'd been too busy to notice. "'Mi! Your speech! I forgot. I'm so sorry I haven't been there for you to bounce it off on. Wait...did you say you gave your brain the week off? My arse you did. Did you take a calming potion, or did you two just shag?" he asked, smiling curiously. They answered at the same time.
"Potion," she said.
"Shag," Ron said simultaneously.
"Ok, both," she confessed. "I guess I got so worked up about the speech, Ron got a calming potion, and... well, distracted me."
"You'll do fine," Ron assured her. Harry could feel Ron give her hand a comforting squeeze next to his head. "She has the speech memorized, and her inflection well rehearsed," he said putting emphasis on inflection. She teased him about how proud she was of him for using a new word in a sentence. Harry had to sit up when his head was bounced off her stomach, when apparently Ron revenged her comment by tickling her. The unusually calm Hermione was now close to hysterics, laughing and giggling loudly. She tried to tickle him back, but Ron was the master in tickle fighting. He had suffered the twin's wrath for many a year, and knew all the tricks.
Hermione wasn't dumb. She knew she couldn't win with Ron; distraction was her best bet at this point. "Harry!" she yelled. "You mustn't feel left out," she giggled, and threw herself at him, landing on his knees, ignoring the groan she earned. With a sharp intake of breath he held out as long as possible to the torture she put him under, until he finally broke from pressure, bursting out into gales of laughter from the onslaught of her tiny fingers digging into his sides.
"AH! Stop! Stop! You witch, stop!" he giggled. The term of endearment only severed to encourage her. "Ron, some friend you are, you're supposed to be by my side when I'm under attack," he yelled in attempt to get the attention back on Hermione.
"I knew those great moves Sirius taught us would come in handy," said Ron, moving closer to them. Harry thought he was going to get assistance from his friend, but realized he was mistaken when Ron wrapped his arms around Harry's arms and neck in a scarf hold Sirius had showed them. Damn Judo, Harry moaned, as he lay defenseless with his head, arms and shoulders held tight against Ron sitting behind him, and his underarms now fully exposed for Hermione's assault. The sight of the three of them together on the grass would have been quite amusing to passersby.
One man in particular thought so. There, writhing on the ground was his Harry, pinned by a scrawny girl, and held in place from the back by Weasley, who practically had Harry's head in his lap. He wasn't sure if the sight was arousing or disturbing. Harry didn't seem to mind too much at any rate. When Hermione paused her attack, Harry looked up to see Severus standing a small distance away, observing the scene with one brow arched. Harry, still panting, took in the sight of Severus. He had changed from the robes worn at the Warding back into the black fitted work robes. Large yellow rubber gloves covered his hands, and he was carrying several plants he'd just picked from the forest edge.
"Encouraging to see the fully-fledged wizards of tomorrow, taking on their roles in a mature and dignified manner." Severus said sarcastically. "I would expect better from our Head Girl, but as she is fittingly drugged, it's tolerable," Severus grinned as their eyes widened at his words, wondering how he knew Hermione had taken a calming potion.
"Don't you want to defend your record and save me?" asked Harry, knowing full well the answer, he couldn't resist asking.
"I think not." Severus said dryly. He wanted to grab Harry and suck on the now pouting lip. "If this is how Weasley comes to your aide, I hardly think my record is in any jeopardy," he said with a smirk and turned to leave. Harry wanted to reply, but Malfoy and his girl were now walking back to the castle arm in arm.
"Get a room," Draco sneered at the sight of the unabashed three in a pile. Hermione giggled. They should have given her a calming potion years ago. Having now rid themselves of any end of term worries or uncertainties about their friendship fading with the passing of time, they pulled themselves off the ground and headed back to the castle.
Harry entered his dorm room as the sun shone brightly through the stained glass. The first thing he noticed was the outfit placed reverently on his bed, pressed and ready for the seventh year closing ceremony. He picked up the hat carefully, placing it on his head. In the mirror, Harry admired the deep red wizard hat with the edge folded over in gold. Small, twisted red and gold cording trimmed the fold. There was no point atop the hat like the black student hats worn with the school robes. The robes themselves were also very regal. Harry was proud to wear the colors his parents had worn, wishing they could be there sitting alongside the Weasleys and other families as he had his picture taken with the Headmaster handing him the certificate of a fully trained wizard.
Having placed the robes and hat back on the hanger, Harry joined his friends in the common room. The room was filled with seventh years all getting in their last chance at hanging with their friends as Hogwarts' students. It was strange to see the common room with not a single person younger than himself amongst the group, and Harry commented on the peace due to a lack of Creevey brothers.
"You should have seen it. You were at your Warding," Ron continued excitedly. "Colin came up to our dorms after breakfast with a box for you. When he found out that you would be gone until after the train left, I thought he was going to break down and cry. Poor sod. I left the box on your bed," finished Ron. Harry knew the box probably contained the pictures Colin had promised. He couldn't wait to take a look at them, and ran up to get the box. He was surprised to see the box was huge, so instead of the whole thing, he brought down the two envelopes marked 'Ron' and 'Hermione' instead. The photos were the ones Colin had taken in lieu of apology for his wrecking Gwen Jennings potion and ultimately being the cause for Harry revealing his scars.
To Colin's credit, the photos were impressive. Hermione showed her dorm mates the pictures of her and Ron in their best dressed for the Formal, while Ron glanced at them with pride. He did look quite fine that evening. The groups' conversations moved around from living with family again full time, to what kinds of jobs they were hoping to get. The students that had planned to continue their education went on about what classes they wanted to take, and who didn't want the early morning classes. Harry couldn't help but notice that he didn't fit into any of these categories. With the exception of the class he wanted to take, no one else there planned to spend their summer with Snape and some other Order member in serious training against the Dark Arts. Nor did any of them hold the deed to property, waiting for the family home to be rebuilt. Compared to the rest, it was going to be a very different summer for Harry.
The same conversations continued while the participants moved on to the Great Hall for dinner. Harry gave vague answers to questions about his future. Many knew better than to ask. They all thought the same thing. Harry's purpose in life was to continue to live and hopefully fend off the Dark Lord in the process, until Harry would someday defeat him. Hopefully. Surprisingly, very few even thought to ask where he would be living. It was times like this that reminded Harry of how much more immature his classmates were. They were a good enough lot, but they were the average teen, not thinking past their own needs. Harry wondered if he was mature enough to keep Severus interested in him. He had laughed at the jokes regarding the use of big words, but he couldn't help but worry if he could keep up with Severus intellectually.
At the end of dinner, many of the Gryffindor and a few Ravenclaw students were left talking. Professor Flitwick had stopped on his way out to greet his Ravenclaw students. Hermione nudged Harry and he realized Filius was speaking to him.
"I found this on the floor, Harry. I thought maybe you could be a help and bring this down to Professor Snape. I'm sure he can find out who lost it," said Filius, holding a silver and green patch with the Slytherin crest with serpent on it. It had come off a robe like Harry's for the ceremony tomorrow. It was apparent to Harry that Filius could have asked anyone, but chose him. Harry guessed whatever made Albus a meddling old wizard was contagious. That, or Filius thought Snape would be easier to work with if he had Harry.
"Sure, I'd be happy to," Harry said, taking the small cloth from his hand. "Careful, Professor, I could see a twinkle starting to form in your eyes. You're not trying to take over for the Headmaster are you?" With a squeak of protest, Flitwick claimed not to know what Harry was talking about. "Thank you again for helping to ward my new place, Professor," Harry said as he turned to leave. Several of the students, having heard him, now wanted to know all about the Warding, having been impressed their Head of House was asked to assist in the Warding of the Boy Who Lived. Harry left him to answer questions from his students. Harry had felt a little guilty when Professor McGonagall asked him how it went. Not that he could help that she and the Headmaster couldn't both leave the school at the same time for safety's sake, but still, he thought she should have been there. He was appeased when she told him that Albus had been telling everyone in the staff room what a fine job he had done serving a delicious lunch, even if he thought Harry had seemed excessively nervous. He was glad they thought he was nervous about lunch rather than thinking he was being stroked by Severus under the table.
Before he knew it, Harry had reached the dungeons; the air was cooler and moist. Harry was grateful he'd not been in Slytherin. He couldn't imagine living under the lake in the dark, dank dorm rooms they had down there. He'd hoped to reach Severus' door before running into anyone, but hope wasn't totally his friend just yet. A small group rounded the corner just after he heard their footsteps. He'd had a perfectly good reason to be down there, but hesitated to knock on Severus' office door.
"Lost, Potter?" Harry heard the voice that could only be Draco Malfoy's. He was with several classmates, Nott included. One of the boys next to Crabbe had a rat on his shoulder. Harry stood firm, telling himself he did not have to react to Nott's presence. He was pleased to see Nott looking particularly anxious himself. If he remembered the dates right, Nott had his last detention only a day or so ago, and was still a little worse for wear. "Where did you get that?" Malfoy asked accusingly, and tried to grab the Slytherin patch from Harry's hand. Harry withdrew his hand too fast for Draco to get hold of the item.
"I didn't mean to distract you from torturing small animals for fun, I just thought I'd return this to whoever lost it." The boy who had the rat was now holding it protectively, as if this weren't the first time someone had suggested that very thing.
Draco sneered, his upper lip raised exactly like his father's. Harry wondered if he used a mirror to practice that, or if it was genetic. "We've moved up from small animals, Potter. We're fully trained wizards now, don't you know? Fully trained." The last part said with emphasis. Harry knew they had extra tutelage that the typical student body hadn't.
"Moved up from small animals? That would qualify you to take on Macnair's old job. (The man who tried to execute Buckbeak) What with Azkaban filling up the way it is, I expect many job opportunities have opened up for you and your ...friends."
Harry couldn't actually remember if Macnair was one of the Death Eaters to have been sent to Azkaban, but it didn't matter, he got his point across. It was rather foolish for him to antagonize a group of Slytherins in their own lair, but he didn't seem to care. It could have been that he knew he was so close to Severus' office, or the fact that word had gotten around of him almost killing Nott. Either way, he and the Slytherins had mostly stayed out of each other's way the last month or so. By midway through the seventh year, many students knew they would be dealing with their actions as adults soon and not merely as students. This meant they either had to deal with the Dark Lord, with the possibility of him not approving of their actions concerning the Boy Who Lived, or dealing with Harry Potter directly, without Dumbledore to stop him from killing them in the future. It was to Harry's advantage that Nott hadn't told them he'd done anything while dressed as a Death Eater, other than try to beat him up. Sure, it encouraged the rumors of his insanity, but that had its advantages sometimes.
"I'd like to see what you're going to put on your job applications. ' I'm Harry Potter, and I keep living ' " Draco said in a silly voice, mocking him. "I don't see the Quidditch teams knocking down your door."
That hurt; it was true. Harry thought it might be fun to play Quidditch for a season or two, and then he could look for a real job. He wasn't convinced he would live, so he was in no hurry. But the Quidditch teams hadn't approached him as everyone had assumed they would. Team managers had recognized the way the public had a way of turning on Harry Potter when things were tough, and didn't want him as a liability to the team and possibly lose revenue if he was having a 'bad year' as it went with his fans.
"I could put down 'egotistical, high-brow snob'; it seems to work for you," said Harry coolly.
Draco grinned. "It works for me, but I wouldn't recommend it to a novice like yourself. A few vaults full doesn't grant you a place in high society. You'll have to settle for slumming with your muggle loving friends. Maybe you could buy a big house for the three of you to live in, and shag happily ever after."
Severus, who could hear everything from inside his office, was tiring of the childish banter, knowing eventually one of them would step far across the line, causing a problem for him to sort out. He wasn't in the mood; they were almost out of his care. The ceremony couldn't come fast enough for him. He was too slow to open his door however, and the line was clearly crossed.
"Oh wait, you do have another option," Draco drawled. "I've heard you received the deed to your parent's old place. You going to rebuild and make it just like home again? You do remember having a home once, don't you, Potter?" Draco knew he'd cut deep, even if Harry's face showed no emotion. When Severus opened his door it was to see the back of Harry with his fist tightly clamped around his wand, but still at his side.
"You raise a wand to my students and you won't make it to ceremony, Potter," the rich timbre voice said in his ear. A shiver ran through him like quick fire. "In!" demanded the Slytherin Head of House. Harry entered his office, hearing the snickering from the others as the door closed with a resounding bang.
"Never give a Malfoy the satisfaction of raising to their bait," Severus said firmly.
"He was right, all of it," Harry said miserably. "I hadn't even told anyone about the deed yet."
"The Boy Who Lives, homeless?" Sev asked with a wry smile. Harry couldn't help but smile a little; he couldn't help it when Severus had that rare look on his face.
"I know it was a really busy weekend for everybody, but I can't tell you how much it means for me to know I have a place to go to after the ceremony tomorrow."
"You would be surprised to know how comforting it is, knowing that Albus has a room for you in the tower any time you need. I understand it's important for you to have a place to call your own, but trust me when I say it's nice to know you always have a place to go when things are bad."
"Albus did say that I should leave a few things in my room up in his tower to remind myself I have a place there. I did spend the summer and then some living there."
"I know. You're not the most peaceful of sleepers." Severus said, waiting for the response. He enjoyed the shocked look on Harry's face. "Who did you think had the room next to yours?"
"I - I don't know, I never knew what was in that room," Harry said, trying to get his mind around the information Sev had given him. Severus was looking incredulously at him.
"You mean to tell me that you never went into the room next to yours in all that time? How could that be? You are walking curiosity itself," he said, not sounding malicious, but surprised.
"I've learned long ago that nothing Albus lets slip, or leaves around for me to find, is by chance. If he wants me to know something, he manipulates a way for me to find out. Nothing is a coincidence with that man," Harry said confidently, and continued after Severus' nod. "So when he made it a point to ask me to please respect others' privacy and not to enter that room, I took his word that it wasn't my place and stayed out. If nothing else, I've learned the hard way to listen to a direct order from Albus. It's the least I could do for all he's done for me, since...well, since I lived with him," he finished with a little less enthusiasm. Severus realized that Harry had never told him the details of what his family had done to warrant his removal from their home. Harry had been a right mess when Severus retrieved him after the battle there.
"I have a room like you do in the tower with Albus. I seldom see it, but on occasions when Albus feels I need medical attention, I stay there. It wouldn't look good if the Potions Master was seen repeatedly in the infirmary. Someone might think I'm accident prone, or a Death Eater, or some such nonsense," the small smile back on his lips. "Now, what are you doing, antagonizing my students? What good did you think would come of it? Hmm?" as he spoke Severus moved closer, causing Harry to shiver again.
"Flitwick found a patch..." His own shiver cut off Harry again, as Severus' lips brushed his ear while he spoke.
"Professor Flitwick," he corrected the young man. Harry sighed, and was rewarded with a similar reaction from Severus, when Harry's breath warmed his neck.
"Professor Flitwick sent me along with this", Harry held up the Slytherin crest patch. "As for what good would come of it, is shagging on your desk an option? It's a fantasy of mine."
Severus groaned, and pressed himself against Harry's lithe body. But to Harry's dismay, Sev shook his head no. "Too many people know you're here, and may be waiting to see you looking properly chastised when you leave. I won't allow it, not yet." Harry wanted to complain, but found it hard to do while Severus was sucking on his neck. His neck... Harry suddenly froze. Severus paused and moved back enough to see Harry's face. "What's wrong?"
"I, um, nothing," he said, stumbling over his words. With so much going on as of late, he'd forgotten about his scars, now exposed to everyone.
As if reading his mind, Severus spoke kindly, "You've forgotten to worry about it for days, yet no one has treated you differently. You are not the only one bearing scars," he said softly, and returned to the place on Harry's neck, using the now visible lines as a road map to be licked and suckled. Harry melted into his arms. He felt boneless as his body was held up by the stone wall behind him and Sev's firm body in front, as he lolled his head from side to side, allowing every inch of exposed skin to receive the attention Sev bestowed on him. It seemed like eternity, but was probably only ten minutes when Harry felt motivated to regain some control and pull up Severus for a passionate kiss. Spurred on by throaty groans from Sev, and a large stone on the hard wall now achingly pressing into his back, Harry pulled away from the wall, pressing against Tall, Dark and Erect all the more. He continued to press, leading Sev back, when Sev broke the kiss. "Where, pray tell, are you leading us?"
Harry thought he could come from Sev's words alone. "Since you won't allow my fantasy of shagging on your desk, I thought we'd go for option number two. It's the other scenario I like to think about when I'm alone in my bed, and it shouldn't take too long, plus I think you'll like it." Harry said in his best seductive voice, hoping it came even remotely close to sounding like Sev's arousing tone. Harry was pulling in the opposite direction of Sev's private chambers, and he was curious as to what Harry thought about alone in his bed while touching himself. Harry stopped at a worktable near the back of the room, more precisely, Harry's desk in Potions class. With soft lips pressing against his own, Severus relaxed, allowing Harry to run his hands over the dark robes, exploring his shape. Sev opened his eyes when he felt more than heard Harry gasp. "You're wearing the riding robes." Harry said excitedly.
"Yes, very perceptive. I'm expected at Hagrid's this evening to go flying."
"It was torture... every time I saw you wear these, I wanted to attack you right there in the hall," Harry said, making swift time of opening the front of the riding robes and refastening the flaps around the back, exposing the leather chaps. Severus grinned as Harry whimpered at the sight of the soft brown leather stretched over a strong length of leg. Harry was thrilled when he realized Severus was relaxed, leaning on his desk, allowing him to continue. Taking a deep breath in attempt not to rush things, Harry gently kissed the expanse of Sev's neck, as he pulled open the button and other closings restraining the large member waiting to be released from its' leather confines. Another groan from Sev, as Harry reached in to press his hand against the silken barrier. When he did finally free Severus' aching member, Harry was taken aback at the size. He hadn't expected to see anything different than he had when Sev was on holiday as a teen. Granted, he was well endowed then too, but now even more so. "It's, you - you've grown," Harry said feebly, for lack a better choice of words, his hand caressing the hard length.
"It does tend to happen when...Oh, Oooo." Severus was about to make a scathing remark about his age when he was cut off by the sweet sensation of a hot mouth taking in the head of his cock. Harry thoroughly enjoyed the affect he was having on the man. If he knew it would stop snarky comments, he would have given the man head years ago. Harry continued swirling his tongue around the head a few times before licking the underside down to the base of the shaft and back up again. He paused a moment before engulfing the entire length, smiling around it, as he listened to Severus cry out expletives. He licked and sucked in earnest, unfazed by the hand fisted in his hair. Severus released Harry's hair when he felt the urge to pull his head down forcefully; instead, he gripped the sides of the desk. "Touch yourself, Harry," panted Severus, and muttered a spell Harry didn't remember in his state of mind.
Any embarrassment he may have felt faded fast when Severus moaned at the sight of him pulling up his robes, exposing his own aching need. It was then that he realized the spell had been Sev transfiguring the desk next to them into a mirror. In his peripheral vision Harry could just about see Sev's face in the reflection. His lips were parted, his tongue darted out, moistening the lips, dry from the heavy breathing. Harry liked the look of pleasure on Severus' face, and stroked himself in time with the rhythm of his mouth fellating Sev.
Severus had to admit, at least to himself, this also was one of his own fantasies: Harry on his knees in the classroom, pleasuring him. In the mirror he watched as Harry stoked himself with fervor. He could tell Harry was getting close as his hand sped up the pace. A groan, marvelously vibrating around his cock, was all Severus needed to know Harry had come. The sensation caused him to thrust his hips, coming hard as Harry swallowed continuously until every drop was gone, and Sev flinched from the sensitivity. He couldn't resist another lick, forcing Sev to shiver once again, and he was pulled up hastily for a bruising kiss.
A short while later, Harry sat with his friends, Ron and Hermione, watching the sunset at their spot by the lake. The pink and orange sky wasn't the only view Harry planned to have this evening.
Severus was on his way out to meet Hagrid, when Albus stopped him in the entranceway. Severus had his hair pulled up and his robes opened in front for riding.
"Ah Severus, you look splendid," Albus said, in reference to his pink cheeks and rosy glow. "Did you have a nice ride?"
"I'm on my way to meet Hagrid now," Severus said with composure, and left through the large oak doors heading for the stable. Severus opted not to tell the elder wizard his coloring was not due to being windblown, but Harry blown.
Albus smiled his knowing smile, and went in search of something sweet from the kitchens.
DETAH 36 - Rite of Passage
"I thought what you had on under your dress robes for the Formal was bad, but that's just sacrilegious," complained Ron when Harry put on a green robe to wear under his red and gold Gryffindor ceremonial robe.
"Better?" Harry asked, comically holding up the green robe to expose his red boxers with little gold lions. Seamus had just finished straightening his hat for the third time, and glanced over to see Harry holding up his robes.
"Oi, see, that's why I broke up with ya'. Every time I turn around, you're pulling up your robes for some bloke," Seamus razzed him. "Ow!" he yelled when Ron threw a quaffle at him. It was the last game ball of the season. The whole team had signed it for Ron, who had scored the last ten points for the final game. Seamus cursed about his hat being knocked off, but forgot all about it when he took a closer look at the quaffle. "Amazing game, that was," he said, reminiscing about winning the final game, which had resulted in Gryffindor winning the Quidditch Cup. It was by far the game of Ron's school career. Harry had surprisingly not caught the snitch, but Gryffindor was so far up in points that they still won the game against Ravenclaw by ten points.
Ron put the ball in his trunk, ready to go down to the common room for the last time. He looked in the mirror and sighed. He was red all over. His orange hair sticking out from the hat was an odd contrast, and his cheeks were still very pink from their time in the sun the day prior. Harry snickered. "You know Ron, I think Malfoy was right. Weasels don't tan," Harry said and ducked.
"It's better than looking like a Christmas elf!" Ron taunted his best friend. "Does that outfit come with green tights, too? Pointy shoes?"
"You had to say Christmas, didn't you?" Harry asked, giving Ron a mock sneer. "Sod it, I'm wearing jeans under these." Harry pulled off the green robes, throwing them into the trunk in favor of his muggle clothes.
"You change your clothes more times than most girls, you damn pouf," Ron continued tormenting Harry. If he didn't, then he may have to think about it truly being their last time there. He was going to miss Harry. They would always be friends, but it wasn't the same as having him sleeping just four feet away every night.
"You're just jealous. When I was outed, hearts were breaking all over the wizarding world," Harry crooned, flashing his best Lockhart smile. "All those poor women having their dreams dashed to bits, when they realized they had no chance at the Great Lover Who Lived," said Harry, sticking out his chin haughtily.
"Great Lover my arse," rebuked Ron. "He gets laid once and thinks he's God's gift to wizards."
"Twice, but I'm hoping to up that number to three after the Ceremony, maybe four," said Harry raising his brows suggestively. Ron winced, pulling a twisted face. "Stop that. You look constipated when you make that face."
"Ew, I will stop when you shut up about that stuff," Ron said, wincing again. He enjoyed the banter as long as it didn't get too specific.
"Twice?" questioned a not so confident voice. "Who?" Neville dared to ask. Harry and Ron's eyes met for a moment, both knowing that while Neville had come a long way, the knowledge of anyone having sex with Snape would unhinge the boy. Not that they could have told him, or anyone, anyway.
"A gentleman never tells," said Harry. His voice held an edge of humor, but his green eyes revealed his sincerity.
The Great Hall was a sight to see. Banners from all four houses hung proudly on the walls. The students sat in the seats closest to the head table, while family members filled in the rest. Harry hadn't realized what a difference it would make to see the whole class dressed in their house colors. It was a festive sight. The muggle parents gazed at the view of the enchanted ceiling, relieved to see that the inside of the castle was in fact much nicer than the old broken down place they saw on their arrival. Hermione explained to her parents excitedly that they would be able to view the castle after the Ceremony. Now that they had been invited inside, the enchantment to deter muggles would no longer keep them from seeing the castle in all its grandeur.
They sat, respectfully and quietly, listening to the Headmaster share his words of wisdom to the departing class. While he didn't mention Harry by name, Harry knew that Albus had referred to him several times during his speech. It had warmed his heart.
Hermione as Head Girl was next, and did very well. By the time the Head Boy was finished, people were starting to get impatient. He may have given a fine speech, but Harry didn't know since he had tuned out by that time. That may have been the case for many of the student population, but they clapped just as loud as they had for Hermione, probably because they were thrilled it was over. Everyone wanted to get on with the announcement of the names, when they would walk up the aisle to be awarded their Certificates declaring them fully trained wizards.
Special awards were given for outstanding students ranging from highest grades to most NEWTs awarded. Hermione, top in their class, and Harry, who was fifth, were the only Gryffindors amongst the students receiving accolades; the others were mostly Ravenclaw, and shockingly, one Hufflepuff. Hermione's parents had later commented on Harry's high marks. Mr. Granger gave him a pat on the back for putting in his best effort, as a good student should. Hermione gave Harry an apologetic look. She knew that after Sirius' death, Harry had needed to keep a little more distance between himself and people. He had needed the space to help him gain back his sanity, which at the time, felt like it had been dissolving. He had closed himself off to others during classes, staying out of trouble, and had spent a lot of time with her, studying. Harry smiled at Hermione, seeing her embarrassed a little by her parents commending 'a job well done'. He could easily see where she had been motivated by them to do well at whatever she endeavored.
Their names were called alphabetically, the same as the first night they had arrived at Hogwarts, waiting to be Sorted. Friends and family alike applauded as their Head of House presented certificates to each student. Professor Minerva McGonagall, proper as always, hair up in a tight bun, head held up high, gave Harry a proud smile as the students cheered deafeningly when his name was called. Harry looked at the document bearing his name in purple ink for a minute before waving to his friends, and smiling for a picture with his Head of House, as had all the students. Surprised by the affectionate hug she received from her endearing student, Minerva was grateful the next few names were not of her house, as she didn't trust her voice.
Ron's name was called near the end, but he received no less applause than Hannah Abbott, who was called first. Ron's winning the Quidditch Cup this final year had earned him many praises in the Gryffindor house. Harry was reminded of Ron's first visit to the Mirror of Erised. He had not made Head Boy, but Harry didn't think Ron was too upset about that. To have had so many of his desires accomplished was an amazing feat. He was truly happy for his friend, but couldn't help being reminded of his own hopes and dreams over his past years, and of being disappointed time and time again. He told himself not to get maudlin, and held his head up high, determined to remain the confident man he'd become despite the last year of adversity. Telling himself that things were going well with Severus had soothed him, but fate had not been kind to him in the past, and he'd been thinking that it was all too good to be true. He went from receiving little to nothing from Severus by way of attention for months, to suddenly having two intimate interludes together in as many days. Harry berated himself for questioning good fortune, and enjoyed the rest of what should be a special day. He now realized why Dr. Erin had insisted he see her one more time after he finished school, even though he wasn't required to do so. He understood now why she said it might be a difficult day for him, though he hadn't at the time. He was at least grateful he wasn't as emotional as the girls that could be seen dabbing their eyes with handkerchiefs.
At times, Harry was feeling very alone in the crowd, despite several students introducing him to parents and siblings. Most of the students mingled around the room, talking with their families and showing them around. Some were seeing the castle for the first time, while other parents called to mind their own time at Hogwarts. Albus was kept busy having his picture taken with students. With Lucius Malfoy in the room, Harry didn't even chance a glance at Severus. The Weasley's included Harry as a family member, but he didn't want to overshadow Ron, and so kept a safe distance at times, then joined in at others.
Seeing the line letting up a bit, Harry accompanied Hermione and her parents queuing up for photos with family. He made a goofy face behind the photographer, making Hermione laugh for the picture. When it was time for his turn, Harry called Albus over for their photo.
"This is the line for family photos," stated the impatient photographer. "Pictures with the Headmaster is that line over there," he said, not bothering to look up from his camera.
"Well then, it's a good thing I'm in the right place, isn't it my boy?" said Albus cordially. The man looked up and realized it was Harry Potter with the Headmaster, and sputtered an apology to them both.
When he was made Harry's legal guardian, Albus had tried for Harry's sake to keep it out of the papers; but when the documents were filed at the Ministry of Magic, someone at the Records Office had decided to make a fast galleon by selling the information to The Daily Prophet. It had been a big story. Most of it was fabricated, since so few knew why Harry was no longer in the care of the Dursley's. The guesses made by reporters had ranged from the absurd, saying that Harry had been adopted as part of a grand plan for taking over the Magical world, to the not so far from the truth stories that Harry had been in an unfit living situation. One paper even printed an artist rendering of a broken down shack with rats crawling about. This one Ron was tempted to mail to the Dursley's, knowing how to freak out Harry's Aunt Petunia. Since most of the stories conflicted with each other, the public wasn't sure what to believe, and it had all passed over before Harry had recovered enough to care. He had been a long time healing. It was one of the few times Harry had been grateful for being out of the loop for so long. He'd missed most the news clippings completely, and the few students whose parents had been Aurors lost in the battle, had stopped resenting him for it, as he didn't seem likely to survive. By the time Harry was well enough to take part in classes again, those who had wanted a word with him, had realized that their savior was in fact human, and decided not to speak of that day to him.
Harry may not have chanced a look in Severus' direction, but Severus was watching him. Spying had its benefits. He knew how to watch Harry undetected in a busy room full of wound up witches and wizards. He watched Harry laughing with his friends and politely shaking hands with Neville's Grandmother, then laughed inwardly as he watched Harry unceremoniously spitting something into a napkin. Identical redheads, laughing and pointing at the ill-mannered Boy Who Lived, explained a lot, and Severus reminded himself not to eat or drink anything from the snack table.
When the families were done with pictures and the former students had said their final good-byes, trunks were collected from the hall where the house elves had brought them down during the celebration. The Weasley's were arranging for transportation for the Grangers to get to the Burrow for a party they were hosting. Harry turned his head to listen when he heard Charley speak.
"Hey Bill, looks like Professor Snape is checking you out," Charley Weasley said, causing Harry, on hearing the comment, to almost get whiplash at the speed he turned his head. "He's been looking over here for a while now."
Harry told himself that there would be a perfectly reasonable explanation if Sev were actually checking out Bill Weasley. Bill was cool, laid back, and very attractive. Harry liked to think that he also had those qualities, but had to admit, Bill was older, and suave, and didn't have the young innocent look Harry still exhibited.
Harry got the impression that the twins wanted to talk to him about something when they offered to help him move his trunk into his new place. Ron and Hermione went along with her parents to make the trip to the Burrow easier. Harry told them he would pop in on them in a while, and they could all go get his trunk later, but for now he wanted to see a certain Potions Master. He checked his trunk; to be sure it hadn't been tampered with, before heading up to his room in Albus' tower to pick up a few things.
It was a serene room, one that he could relax in without a care in the world. Harry often wondered if it had been enchanted, or if just being watched over so closely by Albus in the tower was what made him feel so safe there. Albus had truly taken good care of Harry since that fateful day he found out that he had been gravely mistaken, thinking Harry was well cared for by his family. Harry sat on the bed, looking around the sky blue room. The dresser was decorated with pictures. Some of Harry and Albus on holiday, one of Harry laughing as Albus excitedly opened a Christmas present. In the picture it appeared to have been a warm pair of woolen socks, but underneath the wooly items had been a wealth of muggle sweets.
Harry looked at the picture nostalgically, remembering the stomachache he had that night from eating a sickening amount of sweets. Just when Harry thought he'd never eat chocolate again, Albus pulled two small oddly colored chocolate frogs from his pocket and dropped them in some tea, causing a stream of bubbles to erupt. When his stomachache settled right down after drinking the tea as instructed, Harry realized it was some kind of magical antacid.
"Everyone should eat candy 'till they're sick at least once in their life," Albus mused. Harry put the picture back down when he heard the elder wizard at the door.
"Thank you, Albus," he said genuinely.
"You are most welcome, Harry," Albus replied with a small bow. "I have something for you," he said merrily. On cue, two house elves arrived at the door carrying a large box with brightly wrapped paper and an oversized ribbon with bow. "The pensieve I brought to the Warding was actually a gift from the staff and myself. This is from me. One of the benefits of being your guardian; I can give you a gift for finishing school without seeming to favor one student above others."
Harry took the box from the elf struggling with the heavy package. Harry braced himself, but still flinched with a chuckle when he pulled the bow open and the wrapping disappeared into a small explosion of confetti flying in the air. Albus watched with anticipation as a smiling Harry paused to allow the shreds of paper to rain down upon them.
Harry lifted off the lid to the large box, in awe of its contents. He was impressed that only two elves had carried the heavy package. With a little assistance from his guardian, Harry removed the clock from its box. The large cherry wood clock was made to be wall mounted. It had a dome-shaped glass covering the face, and several divided areas with words like 'Time for work', 'Time for Bed', and one that even said 'Time to have dinner with Albus'. Harry read all the different headings, chuckling at a few. In a small drawer near the bottom of the clock were several more hands that can be added and a book listing the spells needed to add more headings. Harry laughed, "I don't think I'll be putting in the one that says, 'Time to milk the cow'."
"No, but how about one that says 'Time to talk to Severus'," Albus said cryptically. Seconds later, there was a knock on the door to Albus' office. A smile could be seen above the long white beard.
"Are you going to tell me how you do that before I leave here today? Call it a parting gift!"
"You are not parting for long, my dear boy, I'll see you for dinner next week one day at five. We'll eat before your first Order meeting at seven." He chuckled at Harry's attempt to acquire his secret.
Harry carefully let his trunk down to the ground and apparated inside his new apartment to open a window. George, or was it Fred, levitated the trunk up to the window where it was pulled safely inside. Harry headed for the door, to admit the twins. He could hear them bounding up the steps as he crossed the room. "Come on in," he said, opening the door as they reached the top of the steps.
"Hey, you're turning into a regular Dumbledore," teased Fred, since Harry had opened the door before they could knock.
"Yeah, how did I ever know it would be you," deadpanned Harry. "He wouldn't tell me how he does that. Some guardian," joked Harry. The twins laughed and looked around. Harry watched them nervously, as they didn't seem to be looking around as much as they were stalking. He watched them open and look into empty closet doors and such. They looked at each other without speaking, only eye contact and an occasional slight nod. Harry remembered Ron saying the twins could have entire conversations without ever speaking a word.
"Great place you have here," Fred said. George was heading for the kitchen when Harry warned him not to touch or add items of any kind, not trusting them not to leave some kind of 'treat' for him to find later. Fred had the cheek to look affronted. Harry laughed at them.
Harry opened his trunk to reveal a small box with a large ribbon. When he pulled the ribbon, the box grew in size. The twins watched curiously as Harry took the clock from the now enlarged box. It was a beautiful clock. They helped him mount it to a centrally located wall, so it could be seen easily from the kitchen and living room. Fred looked mischievously at Harry, and pulled out the instruction book from the small drawer. He whispered a few words and showed Harry the spell in the book for his approval. Fred's grin grew wider as Harry took the small book and recited the incantation to add the heading to the others on the clock's face.
They stepped back and watched as the hand started to move from its spot and rise up to the new heading at the top where a 12 would be on a muggle clock, while a small chime sounded. It read, 'Time to party'. The twins whooped and howled, thrilled that it had worked, and it was indeed time to party. They were pulling Harry out the door so they could Apparate back to the Burrow when Harry paused, explaining that he wanted to change his clothes first and then he would meet them there. After much convincing, they agreed to leave him in peace to get washed up, making him promise to have many drinks with them later.
Harry shook his head, laughing at the twin's antics, though he wasn't yet in the mood to party. He closed and secured the door before heading into his room to change. Laughing at his stupidity, Harry walked back to the living room to find his trunk. He had walked into his room, realizing everything he owned, with the exception of the clock, was still in his trunk. Grabbing a pair of jeans and a tee, Harry went into the bathroom for a shower. Now that the twins were gone, his mind went right back to the conversation he'd had with Albus and Severus. Actually, the Albus part was an overstatement. Dumbledore had made up some lame excuse to leave, allowing Severus and Harry to talk alone. Harry stepped into his very own shower and took a few seconds to look at the controls to figure out how to turn them from cold to hot and from bath to shower. Before long, he had a decent stream of hot water cascading down over his head, leaving him with nothing else to think about but Severus' words.
Harry and Severus sat in matching chairs across from the Headmaster's desk, and watched the white haired wizard vanish before their eyes. Truth be told, it was his fast-talking that left Harry bewildered. Before he knew it, Albus was leaving his own office on some errand, in what seemed to be a blatant excuse to leave the two alone for a conversation. Harry wasn't sure he wanted to have this discussion, if the look on Severus' face was any way to judge the situation. He hated to see the mask of indifference that was threatening to take over Sev's face once again. Sev, it seemed, was working up his courage to speak.
"Harry, at your Warding," Severus paused, choosing the right words, "When we were alone," he started to say, when Harry cut him off.
"Does Albus know about that?" Harry sputtered, thinking that Albus knew what Severus had done in the kitchen, and was mad that Severus hadn't kept his word about not being physically involved with Harry before he finished school.
"No, no he doesn't... he may...Oh, that's not what I was referring to," Severus said, getting flustered. He needed to say this before he lost his nerve. "In your bedroom, when we were moving the table together, you asked me if I was still mad at you." Severus waited for Harry's affirmation that he knew what he was talking about, then continued when the young man nodded. "I had been upset to find you asleep, knowing that you were to stay awake so that I wouldn't bleed to death from the injury inflicted on me by the Dark Lord." A choking sound, covered up by a snort and exaggerated snore alerted them to the 'sleeping' portraits around the walls of the Headmaster's office. "Perhaps we should take this into a more private room," Severus suggested, and headed to a door Harry forgot anyone else could see. They entered the small hall that led to Albus' private rooms, where the extra rooms for Severus and Harry were. Severus had been referring to his own room, and was surprised to see Harry slip into the room just before his own. Severus followed him in, Harry sat on his bed, and Severus sat in a chair near the foot of the bed.
"I knew you were upset about me falling asleep, but I figured you would eventually figure out that you had been healed, so I didn't give it much thought. I wanted to ask Albus if maybe our roots had been from the same family tree, but he was being very vague about me healing you and said that I should speak to you about it. I guess I haven't had a chance before now." Harry took a deep breath, realizing he'd said all that in one. "I was really expecting you to be angrier at me about lighting the fire in your private rooms, considering the consequences." Harry started apologizing again for that, when Sev cut him off with a wave of his hand.
"Consider yourself lucky for the timing. You won't get away with such a lack of common sense in the future," Severus said with a growl. "Had I not been completely stunned by the information of you healing me, I probably wouldn't have let you off that easy. I had truly believed that Albus was the only person who could heal me, and I was taken aback when I found out you had done that for me."
Harry remained silent, waiting for Severus to continue. He was being so serious; Harry was anxious to find out why it was such a big deal. What was it that made him different from anyone else, as if he needed to have any more abilities most wizards didn't have. At least, Albus could do it. That eased his fears of again having some freak ability due to his link to Voldemort. Remembering Albus had healed him the time before, Harry asked, "Had anyone else tried healing you the first time this happened? What makes me so special?"
"Maybe because you realized the evil git Potions Master was only part of who I am, and bothered to look further."
"I guess, but that's because I care about you. But what does that have to do with my question?"
"Everything," Severus stated simply. Harry bit on the corner of his bottom lip, not understanding at all. Severus nodded as if he had finished some internal conversation with himself and had come to a decision. "When I was younger, the first time," he motioned to his heart where the slash had been across his skin, "I was devastated that the person I thought for sure could heal me, did not posses the ability, and then my own father could not help me. I knew he was a cold and brutal man, but I thought that at least, being his son..." Severus trailed off, thinking despondently. His own father had not loved him. "I was shocked to find that Albus could do it. I assumed there was no one else."
"If you thought no one could help, and you were a Death Eater," Harry said carefully. "How, I mean." Harry didn't know the right words to use. He hated that he couldn't articulate his thoughts as well as Severus, although admittedly, Sev wasn't faring that well himself this afternoon. "Did you go to Albus to be healed because he was the most powerful? Why, then, were you surprised? I don't understand. Sorry." Harry said apologetically.
"I didn't go to Albus to be healed, at least not physically. I came to the realization that I was going to die and no one I had surrounded myself with cared about me, except for what I could do for him or her. I wanted to come clean, as a last effort to do something good with my life. I went to see the one person I had felt bad about disappointing."
"Albus," Harry slipped. He had not intended to interrupt him. Severus nodded.
"I told Albus everything I could think of that might that might help the side of Light, and begged Albus to forgive me. When I finished cleansing my soul as best I could, I found myself on the floor sobbing into a white beard, asking Albus what he would do with my body, as I had no intention of being buried with the Snapes." Severus couldn't look Harry in the eyes, or he would have seen the sorrow and unshed tears threatening to well up further in the green pools. "Albus told me that all was not lost, and that I could still redeem myself if I truly wanted to help. If I hadn't believed him then, I was convinced when he placed his wand over my heart and spoke a simple healing spell, closing the wound immediately."
"It took a lot of courage to go see Dumbledore like that," said Harry quietly.
"No Harry, it hardly takes any when you think you're going to die. It takes courage to say things and live with the consequences. I never expected to live. It was then that I became a spy for the Light," and prayed for redemption.
"Is that why Albus trusts you?" asked Harry. Severus looked up sharply. "I didn't mean, I mean there are many reasons for him to trust you, but," Harry floundered. Then took a deep breath. "I always knew, even when I was eleven, that Professor Dumbledore implicitly trusted you, and I always wondered specifically why that was. What had made him so sure?" he said, hoping that explained his thoughts.
"I understand, and no, that's not why he trusts me. He knew I didn't expect to be healed and wasn't going to trust me just because I felt a pang of guilt for all the horrid things I'd done with my life up to that point." Severus shook his head to clear it. "We are entirely off the subject of this conversation." Severus knew he had allowed the conversation to flow off topic as a means of procrastination. "I have an unfair advantage in this relationship, and Albus wants me to come clean. I, myself, am not ready for this conversation." He pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and middle finger.
"Voldemort had planned on showing me I had no one but him, and should be grateful for him allowing me to serve him. The hex was spoken as his dagger dragged through my chest to ensure the 'learning experience', as he called it. He certainly hadn't expected me to be healed." After all this time speaking, Severus finally looked over to Harry, and locked eyes with him. "Albus had to love me to heal me."
Harry's eyes widened, but he didn't speak. He wanted to be sure that he fully understood, and was carefully thinking it through. 'Albus could do it because he loved him; his own father couldn't. He had mentioned someone else, a possible lover. No, obviously lover wasn't the best title for whoever that was.' Harry thought about all this, and then it hit him. I healed him. I love Sev' Harry rubbed his face in his hands. If he was honest, he didn't know for sure what it was he felt. Was this what love feels like? It had to be. That was the unfair advantage Sev had mentioned. He knew I loved him even before I did. Realization hit. Harry stood up, surprising Severus, who was waiting for Harry's reaction to the information, watching the gears turn and various emotions ghost across Harry's features.
"You found out that I healed...love you, and your reaction was anger?" he couldn't hide the hurt he felt. He started to back away from Severus, stepping toward the door, but bumped into the dresser, knocking over several pictures, gasping when the glass broke on one of the frames. He held the frame tightly as if support from Albus would flow through the picture and protect him. Severus looked stunned, unable to speak. He had been angry to find out Harry loved him, but couldn't explain to the younger man why, not without revealing things about himself that he wasn't ready to reveal. Severus reached for Harry's arm, trying to prevent his escape, although he had no idea what he was going to say in order to convince him to stay. He watched as the black and white photo was turning red, and realized that pulling on Harry's arm had caused him to cut himself on the broken glass.
Severus pulled out his wand with the intention of healing his cut, but Harry shook his head and stepped back, further out of Severus' reach. He would not allow Severus to heal him. The implications of the gesture were not lost on Severus. He certainly never gave Harry any indication that he loved him.
As the water in Harry's shower began to cool down, he knew it was time to take his pruned body from the steamy bathroom. He was unsure if he was in any state to go to a party. Anger arose within him, as he decided that Severus was not going to ruin this day for him. It was a special day to celebrate, and he was going to party. He would think more on it tomorrow. It would be a nice accessory to the hangover he planned on having in the morning.
DETAH 37 - Apology
Blackness faded into a blurry gray. Light was starting to shine on his face. He couldn't really feel his body, still not fully awake. 'Am I on a stone floor?' Harry asked himself. There were noises of metal against metal. He was briefly reminded of a show he'd seen as a child of a man clanking a tin cup on the bars of his cell. It would explain the stone floor. A loud voice was heard in the distance. It was a familiar voice, but much too loud. Very loud. Harry could vaguely make out the words. Something about removing the bodies and airing out the place. He could sense being levitated off the stone floor. He didn't particularly care about where he was going, as long as it was away from the very loud voice. He thought he could hear some quiet laughter, but wasn't sure, and anything quiet was nice.
Several hours and a few odd dreams later, Harry once again began to gain consciousness, moving his head around to see where he was. He immediately realized moving was a bad idea, as his head had felt like it was going to explode, and blades of grass were now tickling his nose. When he dared to open his eyes, the unconscious face of one Ron Weasley greeted him. The sun was shining brightly, and reflected off the line of drool that was oozing from Ron's mouth into the grass. Harry could only wish to be drooling, as it seemed all moisture had left his mouth long ago. "Merlin, I'll never drink again," he told himself aloud.
"Until next time, right Harry?" said a deep, rough voice. Harry brought himself up to a sitting position. Bad idea.
"Hey, Charlie", Harry said lazily with a smile, his eyes squinting from the sun. "Were you here last night?" he couldn't say he remembered seeing Charlie, but with a houseful of Weasleys, who could tell?
"You could say that. I got here somewhere between last night and early this morning," he said, helping Harry off the ground. "I told Mum I would stay mostly sober and watch over the party when she and Dad went off to bed."
"Did our side win?" Harry asked comically when he noticed the line of sleeping bodies strewn across the grass. It looked like a battlefield, with casualties abound. Behind Ron were Seamus Finnegan and a few other friends. He wasn't sure, but one looked like Neville. Charlie laughed, assuring Harry that they had been victorious in the fight against sobriety.
"Mum wanted to get started on breakfast and cleaning up, so she asked Ginny and me to bring you lot out in the sun to air out a bit." explained Charlie. "She's in the kitchen now, banging pots and pans, cooking up a storm." Harry grimaced at he memory of said banging. Charlie tilted his head, gesturing for Harry to come with him. "Come 'ere, I've got a present for you. I think you're going to like it," he said with a wink.
Harry and the second Weasley son entered through the front door, slipping up the stairs, with Molly none the wiser. Harry couldn't wait until he got up the stairs, away from all the racket of Molly in the kitchen.
"I know I'm hung-over and all, but I don't remember your mum being that loud before," Harry groaned. Charlie snorted.
"She gets louder when someone in the house has a hangover. It's her subtle way of discouraging excessive drinking." Charlie shook his head as if he was still in disbelief of her actions, or that she still did that after all these years. "Bill and me stopped coming home nights, once we realized what she was doing. Percy never figured it out, but then he hardly ever partied like the rest of us." Bill led Harry up the stairs. Harry was grateful for the hand on his lower back, guiding him, as he couldn't see very well and his legs were a bit shaky. "You're lucky Harry; as a guest she gives you a break. Didn't you notice most the people out on the grass weren't family?"
"I think, if I were a guest, I would complain about being put outside on the grass; but since I woke up on a stone floor earlier, I guess the grass was an improvement," mused Harry.
Charlie chortled and guided him into the loo. When he questioned Harry about feeling his way around the sink, Harry explained to him that he had worn contacts last night, but took them out sometime after midnight when they felt like they were starting to congeal to his eyeballs. Harry braced himself against the sink as Charlie put toothpaste on the brush for him. Harry was equally grateful for the help and the toothbrush he kept at their house. Charlie slipped out while Harry brushed and freshened up.
The now fully trained wizard stood at the sink squinting at his reflection in the mirror. His pants, unbuttoned, hung precariously low on his hips; his tee was discarded on the floor. He leaned over, bracing his forearms on the sink edges, holding his aching self up for a few minutes before pushing up to a shaky upright position. He scrunched up the worn towel in his face to keep out the light. Charlie admired his lithe form from the hall. As he stepped closer, he could just make out the faint lines of a fading bite mark on Harry's shoulder.
Charlie leaned against Harry, wrapping his arms around the younger man's shoulders, bending his head to Harry's neck and whispering into his ear, "Did you know you call his name in your sleep?" he teased.
Harry had been leaning into him like a wet noodle, but was now frozen by the words.
"Relax, Love, I'm winding you up," Charlie soothed. "Ron falls for that one, too."
Harry relaxed again.
" He wasn't here last night, but you got someone, right?" said Charlie, more of a statement than a question.
Harry nodded his head, asking how he could tell.
"You don't blush anymore when you see me," he started.
Harry smiled, remembering how he used to turn crimson every time he was in the same room with Charlie, ever since they'd shared a kiss a year or so ago. "And you have a bite mark that hasn't completely faded...right here," he punctuated the words by placing a chaste kiss to the mark.
Harry was relaxed, he always felt safe with Charlie. He enjoyed when the man flirted with him. Charlie never crossed the line of harmless flirting. No one else had treated Harry like that; it was one of the times he felt normal.
"Did you say you had a gift for me, or are you just happy to see me?" asked Harry comically.
Charlie snorted and pressed against him. Harry was shocked to feel hardness behind him. Charlie reached deep into his robe pocket; Harry could feel his hand between them as the redhead found what he was reaching for and placed it into Harry's hand. Harry couldn't believe his eyes. It was just what he needed. His hands shaking, he readily opened his mouth and greedily drank down the bottle of hangover cure. "Mmm... Charlie, you're the best," groaned Harry happily. It was a well-appreciated gift.
"Could you keep it down? That's just disturbing," said Ginny, as she entered the bathroom with an armful of fresh towels. Harry hadn't even realized the door was still open, not that it mattered. Charlie held open the cupboard door as she placed the towels on the shelves.
"Ginny, I thought you were comfortable with my sexuality?" Charlie asked, pulling his little sister in for a hug, and then rubbing his knuckles on top of her head. Harry wasn't really sure if they were being serious or not. He chose to remain silent.
"Oh, I'm fine with it," she said with a smile. "But if Harry's going to moan a Weasley name, I just hate knowing it's not mine," she said, grabbing the wet towels and leaving with a flick of her hair. Ginny and Harry hadn't been that close after she had tried to save face when he had out-and-out turned down her advances. When she discovered Harry wasn't attracted to girls, it had boosted her self-confidence and their friendship. Her relaxed attitude around him since then had made visits to the Burrow much more comfortable.
Harry had been about to head down for breakfast with Charlie, when he realized Ginny had swiped up his tee shirt along with the towels on the floor. The attractive dragon handler tossed him a shirt from his bag, and they set down the stairs in search of sustenance.
During breakfast, Molly suspected that Harry had gotten hold of a hangover cure. He had a hearty appetite, while the majority of other guests who also spent the night were sipping tea and nibbling on toast as quietly as possible. Molly was always at her best when feeding a crew, and Harry was usually all too willing to be fed. "Hedwig was here for you earlier, but she refused to allow Arthur to untie your letter," said Molly, loading more bacon onto his plate. Harry's eyes grew wide. With all the commotion of finishing school, and then his talk with Severus, he had forgotten Hedwig at Hogwarts. "When she couldn't wake you, she took off again."
Harry wondered if the letter had come from Severus. Albus knew the Weasley family had a party, and would make a fire call if it were important. Arthur had recognized the emblem on the wax seal as Snape's. It wasn't the usual seal he used, but the one recognized by the Order. He wanted to tell Harry this, but didn't want to say so in front of mixed company. He settled for something vague.
"Maybe the letter was regarding your summer schedule," Mr. Weasley said cryptically, sipping his tea, studying Harry's reaction. "I believe Professor Dumbledore had mentioned you would take a class or two in defense."
That was an understatement if he had ever heard one. Harry would be spending several days a week in training, with Severus Snape and some unnamed Order member teaching him. Harry didn't know how he felt about getting a letter from Severus. Part of him was inwardly cheering that Sev was at least contacting him, but the other part of him was still just hurt from the man's reaction to Harry's love for him.
Earlier that morning, Severus Snape was pacing around his private quarters. It had taken him the better part of an hour to write the letter to Harry. In it, he apologized for being so curt with Harry the morning after he'd healed Severus. He explained that he hadn't realized he was healed until later, and shouldn't have assumed Harry's incompetence when finding him asleep that morning. Pacing the room once more, he noticed the four crumpled parchments on floor from his first failed attempts, and sent them into the fire. Severus definitely wasn't accustomed to having to say he was sorry. He mentally went over the letter in his head again, hoping the words were adequate. He had tried to explain that the anger he experienced was not due to Harry's feelings for him, but for the consequences those feelings would bring about.
Severus didn't want to come outright and say that he was expecting Harry to lose interest or be repulsed when he found out more about Severus, and that being in love would only make it harder on Harry. He continued waiting for a reply from the Snowy owl. When Severus went to the owlry he was relieved to see Hedwig, knowing it was safer should anyone be paying attention to the owls coming and going to the savior, since he was no longer protected by the castle walls at Hogwarts. He was also very confident that his direction would be followed when he instructed the bird to deliver to no one but Potter. Hedwig was loyal and smart. It also didn't hurt that the parchment would burn to ash should anyone else but the intended addressee of the letter attempt to open it.
When a flash of white alerted Severus of the owl's return, he quickly opened the letter to read Harry's reply. As the parchment burst into flames in his hands, he cursed his stupidity for not realizing it was not in fact a reply, but his own letter returned. Severus glared at the embers for few seconds before it occurred to him. His head snapped up from the view of the rug now adorned with a burn marring the surface. Harry had returned his letter, unopened. This was going to be harder than he thought. Severus had assumed that a quick apology would settle things. Harry had been so amenable thus far; he hadn't expected his letter to come back unopened. Even if Harry weren't easily persuaded to forgive him, Severus would have expected to be yelled at in response, not ignored.
Hedwig returned to the Burrow later that morning. Harry felt horribly guilty for forgetting her. He set out that afternoon to do some much needed shopping. First stop was to the Eeylops Owl Emporium for a new perch. He laughed appreciatively when she flew over to the most expensive perch in the store. Her sharp talons pulsed, gripping the wood, trying it out for size. Harry would not disappoint his faithful owl. The man behind the counter smiled wide when he saw that, and Harry handed over the appropriate coins in payment. A few stops later he apparated back to his new home. Harry put Hedwig's old cage in the back of a closet; she seconded the motion with a dignified "hoot".
Hedwig flew in and out of the rooms to the apartment, checking out her new home as Harry put away the groceries and other things he'd purchased to make his place more comfortable. She eyed her new perch from the bed, and then moved to the perch to survey her new view. When Harry heard the flapping of wings, he entered his bedroom to investigate. The room wasn't big enough for Hedwig to fly to as far and as fast as the sound suggested. By the time he got there, the sound had stopped, but the perch was now facing out the window. "Clever bird," he laughingly praised, and went back to cleaning the vegetables.
Harry reached into his sack to pull out a potato, and found a small note. He instantly recognized Severus' handwriting. 'When had he left the note?' It read:
If you were more aware of your surroundings, I would not have gotten this in your bag. Light a fire so we may discuss your much needed defense classes.
Harry had been thinking so much about Severus, that when he thought he'd sensed him while shopping, Harry had chalked it up to his imagination. The more he thought about it, there were several times he could think of that Severus may have been nearby. The man must think I'm an idiot, he thought, unsure if he was ready to talk to Severus. But, he knew he had to find out when he would start training. He was tempted to put it off, but thought better of it.
Severus was alerted the moment Harry lit his fire. It wasn't exactly legal for him to have such knowledge of the Floo system, but spying had its advantages. As long as he didn't go so far as to listen in on others' conversations, he would go unnoticed. After waiting ten minutes, so as not to appear too eager, Severus finally threw some powder into his fire to make the call.
"Mr. Potter" said Severus. He watched Harry, wand in air, changing the colors of the curtains on his front windows. The younger man jumped, hearing his name, keeping his wand arm up. He'd been expecting Severus, but startled regardless.
"Hi, um, excuse me," Harry said, putting his wand away. "So much for being aware of my surroundings", Harry mused. Severus smirked and Harry realized he'd said that aloud.
"Good to see something I will teach you will actually come in handy someday," Severus said. Harry did his best not to roll his eyes. "We should not be discussing too much before you've had a chance to authorize your Floo list."
"How do you know I didn't do it already?" It suddenly occurred to Harry that Severus was speaking more on authority than guessing. He stepped back to allow Severus to come in. Instead of coming though the fire, Severus blinked out of the Floo and apparated, standing directly in front of Harry.
"What kind of spy would I be if I didn't know such things?" Severus said just above a whisper. Harry felt a shiver up his spine. "I strongly recommend you go with the list of people you will allow to speak and travel through your Floo, rather than the much larger list of people you wish to exclude."
Harry nodded. He had yet to go over the large packet of parchments from the Ministry that explained how to make your Floo accessible to only the people you wanted. It cost more to do it that way, but it beat allowing anyone with a pinch of Floo powder access to the view of your sitting room. He suddenly realized that since Severus was there now, he should in fact close the Floo. With a wave of his wand the fire was out.
"We will be meeting for your training four times a week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. After the first month, Kieran and I will evaluate your progress, and make any changes to the schedule as necessary."
Harry nodded. "Good, Thursday is no good for me anyway," he said, going over the schedule in his mind. Severus raised a brow as if to ask what Harry could possibly have on his schedule now that school was done, since he had no job to speak of. Harry chose not to tell him about the wizarding traditions class for muggleborn. Severus knew enough about him so far. If he's such a good spy, let him figure it out himself. Harry was a little put out that Sev was acting so...'business as usual' and not talking to him about the more personal issues. He resigned himself to the fact that setting up the training schedule was important; he would address the other stuff later.
"I can not give you an address for the location of your training. I'll have to take you there the first time to get you through the Wards. You'll be able to apparate back yourself for the training after that". Harry knew it was difficult to apparate to an unknown location even after being taken there initially, especially since he hadn't had his license that long. Severus would have to help him get there if he wasn't given an address. "Are you ready?"
"Now?"
" It's not around the corner, and may take you a few tries. Better now then tomorrow when Kieran is waiting."
"Fine," Harry said dismally. "Don't want to keep Kieran waiting, do we?" Severus sneered at Harry's sarcastic tone.
"You'll find Kieran gets bored quickly, and you don't want that." Severus didn't explain why you don't want Kieran to get bored. Severus wrapped his arms around him, and for a moment Harry forgot why. "Concentrate on me, just like in Apparition class," Severus said evenly. "On three," Harry nodded in understanding. "One, two..." Harry squeezed his eyes shut in concentration. "Three." On arrival, Severus held Harry's shoulders until he was sure the other man had his equilibrium.
When Harry was sure he felt solid ground beneath him, and that he was in one piece, he opened his eyes to the sight of a very large barn. The building looked like it used to be a stable for a large number of horses, or similar animals. Now the dividing walls for the inhabitants were gone, leaving one large open space. Before he could look around further, Severus was speaking to him.
"Apparate back to your home and return. If you do not return in three minutes, I'll be at your home to see which pieces you may have left behind."
Harry kept his face impassive. He was not going to be splinched, and would prove his ability just to get that damn smirk off Severus' face. He looked around once more, concentrating on the place he was standing. With a 'pop' he was gone. Severus checked his watch, and if Harry shocked him by returning forty-five seconds later, he didn't show it. Harry grinned, and resisted the urge to look down to see if all of him was there. Severus offered to assist their apparation for the return trip, but Harry refused, despite Severus' insistence on his inexperience.
When they returned to Harry's sitting room, he did look down this time, making sure all of him went for the trip. That was his first mistake; the second was to lift his head back up quickly. "See, I'm all..." Harry didn't get to finish his sentence, as the stars spinning around his head distracted him and he began sliding to the hardwood floor. Having anticipated this, Severus was already wrapping his arms around Harry, preventing his descent. Harry was only vaguely aware of being swept into strong arms and placed gently on the sofa. It had truly been a great distance that Harry had apparated, four times in less than ten minutes. Severus had to admit to being impressed.
Green eyes fluttered open, as a cool cloth was placed across his brow. Gentle fingers brushed his hair behind his ears, causing a slight sting of pain. "Ow, what was that for?" mumbled Harry. Dark eyes narrowed and focused on the cause of Harry's discomfort.
"Someone's been nibbling on your ear." Hearing the words, Harry's eyes widened. He knew he was drunk last night, but not that drunk. As if sensing she was being spoken of, Hedwig flew in from the bedroom, landing on the armrest of the sofa behind Harry's head. He said hello to his familiar, and received a soft nip on the ear, not surprisingly at the same offended area, now red and sore.
"Oh yeah, Mr. Weasley said she tried to deliver a letter, but couldn't wake me up. Whoever sent her must have been extremely intimidating. She's never been so persistent," Harry said, rubbing his ear. Severus allowed his face to show some guilt, but held back the smile as he inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. Harry hadn't sent his letter back, he just never received it.
"I may have been a little insistent when I sent her along," Severus said, remembering threatening the bird with every feather on its body. He told himself it was to protect their secrecy, and not his pride, but didn't believe it for a moment. His inner conversation taking too long, Harry interrupted.
"What did it say? Can I see it?" Harry's voice sounded weak from his exhaustion, but he didn't care at the moment. It seemed the state he was in made Severus more amenable to conversation.
"No," he said rubbing his fingers where the parchment had burned him. "I apologize. Hurting you was not my intention. In fact, that was exactly what I was upset about." Severus helped Harry to sit up. "I do want to give you the chance to know me, and I you. While I've told you a few things, they pale in comparison to the many of things I've learned about your life. Most of the image I've had of you in the past was unfounded, and the more I learn, the more I'm astounded by you, your perseverance, and your ability to keep a healthy attitude despite what life has thrown at you."
Harry had heard these words of praise in the past, and they'd always annoyed him, much as hero worship did. But to hear them from Severus meant something altogether different. Still, it wasn't enough. "I...thank you. It means a lot to me, it does, but it doesn't explain why you would be angry."
"There is much about my life of which you are unaware. Some, I will tell you in time, and some I will not. I am so much older than you, and have done so much for which I have not forgiven myself. I would not want to burden or darken you further with knowledge of those things, yet I also would not feel right having you be with me, without letting you know what I have been, and still am, capable of doing."
Harry dropped his head slightly, nodding.
"To be brutally honest with you, I was afraid. I fully expected that you would at some point realize you were in a relationship with a Snarky Bastard, and want out. I thought you loving me would only mean that you would be hurt when you realized the truth," Severus said sincerely. Harry raised his head; surprised by the sheer honest and open way Severus was speaking.
"What happens now? Have you already given up on us?" asked Harry, cursing the weakness in his voice.
"No, I have not given up on us." Severus wanted to touch Harry, pick up his hand, anything. But he resisted, not accustomed to things going his way. "If you accept my apology, we continue to get to know each other, and see where that leads us."
"I do accept your apology," Harry said quietly. He was used to the way his friends had fights, screaming and yelling. This all seemed to go too easily.
"But..." Severus prompted Harry, seeing the look of insecurity on his face. Harry shrugged.
"I don't know. I can't say that I fully agree, but I understand why you feel that way, and why you want to wait on going too far with our relationship," he said, referring to sex. "I guess it just feels, I don't know..." he paused. "too easy. I mean, is this 'it' and we're happy again?"
Severus lifted Harry's chin, forcing him to look into his eyes. "What do you want to happen, Harry?"
"I don't know. I'm not used to fights being so calm, and settled so simply. I guess I don't know what normal people do in situations like this." He had practically rehearsed what he wanted to say, or more likely yell, at Severus. "I wanted to just scream at you, but now that doesn't seem as appealing as it did last night when I was drunk," or this morning, he thought to himself.
Severus kept his face impassive, thinking Harry would not appreciate the amusement he found with that statement. "If there are things you feel need to be said, perhaps you could still make your point, without screaming," said Severus with a grin. Harry gave him a stern look.
"Stop being cute. I'm still mad," Harry held his frown with great effort.
"I'm never cute," Severus said dryly.
With the banter finished, they sat in silence while Harry gathered his thoughts. Harry sat with his legs up on the sofa, facing Severus. He started to speak quietly and calmly.
"It's not fair, you knowing my feelings before me. I don't know how long it would have taken me to recognize it was love I was feeling. Even then, I probably would have been too scared to tell you for a while. It hasn't done us any good so far. It's not like I'm waiting to hear you proclaim your love in return. Hell, I was on a cloud when you told me in the Infirmary that you didn't hate me," Harry said with a snort.
Severus remained quiet, listening.
"Part of me wishes I never healed you. Then another part of me doesn't want to give up that night we shared in your rooms after the Formal. Except for all the blood, it was the best. We talked, brewed a potion, you told me about yourself and some of your past. You trusted me, and we slept in each other's arms. It was what I thought being in a relationship would be like," he said calmly, before his tone changed slightly. "Then you woke up pissed off, and you've never been the same, since. You had to go and get all sanctimonious and keep The Boy Who Loved at bay because you didn't want me to get hurt, or you weren't ready to deal with my feelings."
His voice was much louder now. "None of this would have happened if you weren't being a stubborn jackass that doesn't think he's worthy of waking up Albus to be healed! You know he loves you, you git!" yelled Harry, unsure of what to do next, unsure if Severus was going to yell back at him now. He stared at the sofa pattern, biting his lip. Severus pulled him in for a hug. He swallowed hard, letting Sev's arms wrap securely around him.
Severus took a deep breath, exhaling his words into Harry's disheveled hair. "I'm sorry, Harry. I'm so sorry," Severus held his trembling lover in his arms.
After what seemed like ages, Harry spoke again. "I guess I still needed to scream a little," he said with a snort that sounded suspiciously like a sob.
Severus puffed his amusement into Harry's hair. "Do you feel more normal now?" Severus teased
"No, most normal people have make-up sex after a fight," pouted Harry, with a smirk.
"Who said you're normal?" Severus asked, drawing him close for a gentle kiss.
Harry mumbled something that sounded vaguely like 'git' and returned the kiss with enthusiasm.
DETAH 38 - The Sara Meeting
Chapter Notes
Warning: Harry has a very bad dream involving torture to a family (including rape). If that disturbs you, read the first line of italics and skip to the end of the italic section.
AN: Kieran is Scottish. I don't think I will attempt to write the accent. Use your imagination. Ok?
Harry sat in Dr. Erin's office. He never did ask her if she used a time-turner, but noticed she never checked the time during his appointments. She would end the sessions when she felt it was a good time to stop for the day. The sessions tended to run around the hour mark, but were sometimes less and a few times twice the length, depending on how productive the meetings were. He could tell today's session was coming to a close as he waited for her to retrieve something for him from the drawer in her desk. She was looking for a very long time, when it occurred to Harry that the drawer might have been spelled to hold a lot more things then appeared possible. With a final 'Aha! Found it,' she produced a small box that Harry recognized immediately. It looked like brushed chrome, but was too lightweight to be metal. The box was sealed on all sides with the exception of a circle the size of a silver Sickle on one side.
"Do you know what this is?" asked Dr. Erin
"Yes, it's a Pensieve-Agitablis...something-or-other." Harry said with a snort. "Severus dropped off a few of them for Albus. It's just like the pensieve project we did with Professor Flitwick, only it's safer then a glass jar, and an owl can travel with it safely & easily. I forget the long, stupid name for them; I just call it a 'brain box'." When she raised a questioning brow, Harry explained that he and Ron joked about it looking like they were pulling a strand of their brain out and putting it into the pensieve. Since then, he'd called it a brain box. "I'll use them to relay visions to Albus. It's odd to think that I won't be able to just wake up and walk to his office," said Harry
Dr. Erin tapped her wand on the circle, opening the box to reveal the silvery contents. It was the shimmering pensieve liquid. "I hadn't decided if I was going to use the 'brain box' with you," she said chuckling at the new name. "There are mixed feelings amongst psychologists regarding their use. Some Dr.'s believe in ridding the patient of the overbearing memory by dulling it with the use of a pensieve, until they are better equipped to deal with it at a later date. I feel, by doing that, you are only putting off the inevitable, making the issues harder to deal with later. Certainly, in extreme cases, they have their place."
"Extreme?" questioned Harry nervously. He didn't think he was extremely screwed up in the head. Well... not anymore.
Erin Kirkland's eyes grew wide when she realized what she had insinuated. "I was not referring to you when I said extreme," she said adamantly. "You were allowed to deal with your problems head on, and I think you are doing very well. The pens...brain box will serve a different purpose for you now. Instead of locking away your memories, we can use the box to take a closer look at them. Sometimes, as time passes we forget things, or perhaps with the emotions running as high as they do in times of crisis, we don't always remember things as they were. Memories get distorted. You will see that looking at your memories from an outsider's point of view shows you a totally new perspective of things. You may discover that things were not as bad as you remembered, or you may find ways to handle the situation differently, should the same problem arise in the future."
Harry thought that made sense. It also explained why Severus had asked permission to look at the memories Harry sent Albus of his visions. Even if Severus were present at a meeting, it would give him a different perspective, and perhaps he'd see a few things from before or after he arrived at the Death Eater meetings that would help him piece together some important information.
"Harry, I think you may want to consider talking to Severus about your experience when Mr. Nott attacked you," said Dr. Erin. Harry cringed. "You said earlier that your relationship has not progressed physically, and I'm afraid that, while you may feel that you are doing well dealing with the attack, things may change once your relationship does progress sexually."
Harry didn't tell her that they had fooled around a little, and he hadn't once thought of the attack during their little tryst. He was grateful for someone to talk to about his relationship, someone who was mature enough to discuss things and be unbiased. His curiosity about why Albus was so sure it was safe to tell her everything had been answered in one of his first sessions, when Dr. Erin referred to Albus as 'Uncle Albus'. Dr. Erin was not his niece, but the widow of Albus' nephew, who had also been a member of the Order. He had died many years ago during a mission. It was times like this that Harry was reminded that many people died due to Voldemort, long before he was even born. It was not his place to bear the guilt for the deaths that occurred. His thoughts were so far from their discussion that it took him a minute to realize Erin was speaking to him.
"...instead of you thinking of the attack by Nott, and placing the memory in the box, I can cast the spell that would draw the memories when you felt violated, or assaulted."
Harry laughed sardonically. "I don't think that box is big enough for all that."
She looked distressed and explained the spell would be specific to only encounters that were sexual in nature. Harry agreed to the spell, and promised to discuss it further at the next session. He also promised to give more thought to speaking to Severus regarding what had happened with Nott. That was one conversation he didn't want to have.
Harry arrived with a pop, waking Hedwig momentarily. She took in the sights, remembering that this was her new home, and clenched her talons onto the new perch, settling back down to sleep. Harry walked into the kitchen, looking around, still getting accustomed to having a place of his own. He grabbed one of the mismatched glasses that Mr. Jennings, the landlord, had left in the kitchen cabinets, and sat on the sofa with a cold drink.
The small 'brain box' wedged into his hip, and he pulled it from his pocket to read the top. Dr. Erin had labeled the box, 'Death Eaters Attack Quidditch Players'. He found it interesting that she would label it that way, but was too tired to think too deeply about it. He would look at it, but not yet. When Dr. Erin had cast the spell, Harry had been shocked to find that the attack from Nott and his cohorts was not the only memory that went into the box. He decided not to mention the other memory just yet. As his thoughts wandered from the attack to thoughts of his talk with Severus, Harry's eyes began to close, his glass still in hand, balanced precariously on the sofa against his thigh. His dreams were chaotic, and eventually turned to one of his most dreaded reoccurring nightmares.
Originally it was a vision. He couldn't remember the exact date he had the vision, only that it was in fifth year. It was by far one of the worst he had seen that directly involved Severus. The one-time vision was now a nightmare that would haunt his sleep every so often. Evenings following a Potions class in which Snape was extremely annoyed would usually trigger him to have the dream again. Harry hadn't had it for months, sometime before the holiday.
Four wizards, three of whom were in black robes and masks, were terrorizing a muggle family in the living room of their suburban home. A man around the age of thirty-five had been badly beaten. His eyes were almost closed from swelling, as a wizard who held him in a binding spell carved patterns in the muggle's forearm with a knife. Despite the beatings and other horrific tortures, the man did not answer the questions put to him.
Harry's glass threatened to spill over as his arm twitched in his sleep.
The man screamed, and continued to do so for what seemed like an eternity. He screamed not for his own pain, but of that of his wife, as the man binding him forced him to watch while another man brutally raped his wife. The woman was gagged, but that only muffled her screams, as she was assaulted by a man Harry knew was Severus. While one hand held her hip the other gripped her throat as he thrust violently into her. "Sara!" the man cried out for his wife. He called her name over and over again. A small child, no older than two, sat on the floor crying for his Mommy, as a slightly older sibling held him. She was silent, rigid with fear, holding her little brother tightly. Snape paused his assault, reaching into his sleeve to extract his wand from a strap on his arm. No incantation could be heard over the screams, but it was clear something was said, as the toddler suddenly became quiet. Both children now sat silently, with vague expressions on their small faces. The father continued to call his wife's name. "Sara!"
Suddenly, an angry voice belonging to Voldemort himself berated the forth man for his failure, spurring him to participate. The forth man had been unmistakably uninvolved throughout the interrogation and torture session. In response to what must have been a challenge to prove his worth, he stood, extending his shaky wand arm, and cast the Unforgivable. In a flash of green light, both children were lying side by side; their lifeless eyes still hauntingly open. The wizard, with his wand arm still outstretched, stood paralyzed by his action, and then crumpled to the floor in a heap of pitiful self-loathing.
The woman, now overcome with grief, could barely breathe as she sobbed, her mouth still gagged. The hand on her throat pressed more firmly; she thrashed until she too lay as still as the children not two feet from her. Snape stood, cast a cleaning spell on himself, and then straightened his robe as he listened to the Dark Lord reprimand the cowering Death Eater on the floor.
"You are not worth the magic used to burn my mark into your hide," hissed Voldemort. "This man," he said, pointing to the husband who was still murmuring his wife's name, "this man has told us nothing. Your interrogation proved futile. He is now useless, as are you. Kill him."
With that command, the first wizard, who had bound the husband, cut the muggle's throat and stood waiting his master's next command. Voldemort looked down at the miserable one that had failed his test, and casually cast the killing curse.
Harry's eyes flew open; with a start he realized that his lap was soaked in pumpkin juice. He unconsciously rubbed his scar, as if it hurt from the memory from long ago when he'd felt the pain that had accompanied the vision. He thought back to when he'd seen that scene for the first time. It had been the final straw that convinced Albus and Madam Pomfrey that Harry should have supplies of potions in his room. If his calculations were right, it was also around the same time Severus had started using the impotence potion before Death Eaters meetings. He wondered if it was 'The Sara Meeting' as he now dubbed it, which had made Severus start taking the potion that would prevent him for getting an erection.
He would never forget the woman's name. He also remembered the following morning, when after little or no sleep, Professor Snape taught his class. The man's face seemed to be made of stone that day. He did not sneer when errors were made, nor did he give his usual approving smirk to Malfoy when Draco taunted Harry. His face remained void of expression through the whole class, and through every meal that day. Harry did his best to brew a perfect potion that morning, giving the professor little or no reason to complain. At the time, he wasn't sure if he was being good for Snape's sake, or for his own safety. Probably both.
Harry went to his bedroom and changed into a dry pair of pants. He couldn't help but think of what Severus had said, that when Harry found more out about him, he would want to run from any idea of a relationship with Snape. Harry knew that as a spy, Severus would have to perform as a loyal Death Eater to keep his cover. But could he honestly say that he was okay with this? He couldn't easily say yes, but he couldn't argue the fact that 'The Sara Meeting' had happened long before he fell in love with Severus. Part of him knew that he was just rationalizing to make himself feel better, but he did love Severus. As he rationalized that he was ok with Severus acting as a Death Eater, he remembered Severus had told him that now he was mostly brewing potions for the Dark Lord.
Severus had researched and produced many potions, not only for poisons and torture, but also very complex potions created to accomplish various things, including Voldemort's never ending quest for immortality. He had not succeeded creating that potion yet, but he had developed many other nefarious creations. One of the 'benefits' of Severus' servitude was that he had free rein for the testing and use of various potions that the Ministry would never have allowed him to develop.
Harry could tell himself that Severus mostly brewed potions now, but he had to turn a blind eye to the implications of their use. And, he couldn't argue that even if it had been a long time ago, Severus still had done those other things. Harry'd had questions about that night for a long time, and now that he had a supply of the pensieve boxes, he decided to find out some answers.
After getting one of the boxes from his bedside drawer, Harry sat at the kitchen table, siphoning the memory into the pensieve 'brain box', and then took a closer look at that memory of the vision that for so long had plagued his sleep. Harry was grateful that his scar didn't hurt while close to Voldemort in a memory. He watched the wizard asking the husband for information, but he never heard a direct question. He still didn't know what was so important that the man would not reveal the information, even if it meant his wife and children's lives. What could be so crucial? Harry watched Voldemort more closely. The evil being stood in silence for a long while, watching the proceedings around him. His red eyes flashed with excitement as he watched Severus methodically go through the motions. Harry noticed that Severus made sure that both the husband and Voldemort had a good view of his actions. Although he wore a mask, it was easy to tell Snape's face would show nothing, even if the cloth mask hadn't been in place. His every move was precise and with purpose, unlike the Death Eater working over the husband, whose every motion was done with reckless abandonment. It was as though that Death Eater had worked himself up for the attack, and now just let loose while the adrenalin coursed through him.
Harry did his best not to look at Sara, but needed to be close if he was going to get one of the answers he so desperately wanted. It was nearing the time when the very small child's screams would start to get to the Potions Master, and he would shoot a spell at them. The very fist time Harry had the vision, all he had seen was an angry Snape lash out as the screams became too much to bear. But later, Harry had seen a repeat performance in a dream. Being only a dream, it wasn't accompanied by the pain that the vision had carried. Without that pain, and looking at it while awake, he now had a different, clearer perspective of what was going on. He realized that Severus had never lost his cool the whole time, but Harry still didn't know what it was the man had done to the children. For some reason, it bothered him more to see that one thing done to a child, than the other horrid things done to the adults in the room. Why the Hell had the Father not told them what the attackers wanted to know?
The time was nearing and Harry stepped closer to Severus, waiting, wishing the man would stop screaming Sara's name long enough for Harry to hear the spell Severus had muttered under his breath. Blocking out the other sounds as best he could, Harry concentrated only on the voice he had come to love. "Obliviate," was the one word spoken from beneath the mask. Snape had taken away the children's memory of the violent attack on their family. Severus knew going in, that no one would be left alive after they departed. Soon after, the Dark Mark hung in the night sky, a green threat to all who saw it hovering above the suburban home.
Harry leaned back, taking himself out of the memory; there was no need to watch it to the end. He had some of his answers. Now, if only he could have some Dreamless Sleep potion for the night ahead.
It was strange being in a new bed, and Harry had almost thought he was back on Privet Drive when he awoke. Oddly enough, the night was not as bad as Harry had expected. Maybe, viewing the dream so many times had desensitized him. Most likely, not. Having showered and dressed, Harry checked the clock on the wall. He had enough time before his training to brew a pain potion. It was necessary to keep a fresh potion on hand just in case. Hopefully, he wouldn't need it. As he sorted through the ingredients he had purchased the day previous, Harry was surprised to hear a knock at his door. He drew his wand, ready for the worst, but couldn't help but smile when he realized that this was his first unexpected guest. He was still getting used the fact that he lived there now. Harry whispered a quick-view spell, allowing him to see who was at the door. It was Gwen Jennings, the soon to be Master of Potions in Training.
"Gwen," he said happily. The nervousness she felt faded at the sight of his bright smile.
"I hope you don't mind me showing up unannounced?" she asked. "Is this a bad time?"
"No, no, come in," Harry said, stepping aside to allow her inside. He realized he wasn't wearing any shoes when she seemed even taller than her usual few inches over him. "I thought you would be off in Paris by now."
"Oh, I will be soon enough, but I wanted to stop and see my Uncle before I left," she said, holding up a gold coin. "I got to collect on my winnings, thanks to you," she said, pocketing the galleon. Harry had forgotten that her Uncle had bet Gwen a galleon that she couldn't guess who was renting out the apartment. "He was so shocked when I guessed right. I confessed and told him that you had told me, but he let me have the coin anyway, saying he wanted to give me some spending money for Paris."
Harry offered her a cold drink and she told him of her plans for the summer. Harry showed her around his new place, and she showed him where she used to hide, when, as a child, she had played hide and seek with her brother. Gwen's mother had worked for her brother-in-law at the shop downstairs and would bring Gwen and her brother with her. Back then, Mr. Jennings had lived upstairs from his shop.
Spotting the ornate clock on the wall, Gwen noticed the hand was moving into the 'Get ready for class' position on the clock's face. "What class are you taking?"
"Wizarding traditions," he answered, before he realized she had seen the clock, which was referring to the training with Severus and Kieran. It was just as well he had a good answer for her, as he couldn't very well say 'Defense Against Death Eater Attacks and the Eventual Battle with the Dark Lord.'
Knowing he had to get going to his class, Gwen said good-bye to Harry. He told her that if she missed potion brewing over the summer, she should stop by sometime. He had agreed to let the twins brew potions there. Apparently, Molly had one too many explosions at the Burrow and banned them from brewing concoctions for the joke shop there. They were going to come by in a few days. Gwen said she might stop by, but Harry doubted she actually would.
Harry looked into the mirror, hoping that sweatpants and a tee shirt were ok dress for training. He combed his hair, though it still had a tousled way about it. His hair was so much tamer when it was long for the Formal, but he was glad it was short again. He did not have the patience to brush it out every day.
With a 'pop', Harry was standing in the large building Severus had shown him yesterday. The first things to catch his eye were two men, both talking and reviewing a small book. Severus gave a nod, acknowledging Harry, and finished talking to the man Harry assumed was Kieran. The man stood just an inch shy of Sev's height, making him several inches taller than Harry.
"Kieran, this is Harry Potter," said Severus, as the two men walked over to Harry. "Harry Potter, this is Kieran Donnelly."
"Mr. Donnelly," Harry said politely, offering his hand. The man had brown, wiry hair, just above shoulder length. His tanned face was unshaven. His facial hair made him look as if he was dirty, like a five o'clock shadow before noon. Kieran looked around the room and behind him as Harry spoke to him.
"Mr. Donnelly?" Kieran said with a hearty laugh. "I don't see my father in here." He spoke with a Scottish accent, and his voice was rough, like someone who had been smoking heavily for many years. "It's Kieran. I don't trust people who call me Mister," he said with a grin, and shook Harry's hand. Harry also asked to be called by his first name, and he hoped Severus would not be calling him Potter again. Harry found it funny that Kieran called Severus, 'Snape', although it was obvious they had been friends a long time. Kieran looked like someone he would not want to cross paths with if seen in Knockturn Alley, but he had a way about him Harry found very likable.
They showed Harry the small book with a training schedule written up for him. The book was worn, and had many names and schedules. They would use the book to plot his progress and compare it to past trainees. There were no real names used, and Harry found himself very interested to see what they would write in as a name for him. Kieran told him they would put in a name for Harry when they found one they felt 'fit' him.
The first day would consist not of training but of evaluation, to see what Harry knew in the way of spells and physical ability. Harry had been in a dueling club, but Severus long thought Harry was more capable than he'd let on. Severus, being familiar with Harry's dueling technique, felt they should start out with Harry facing off against Kieran. Severus conjured a chair, sitting with it facing the wrong way, resting his arms over the back. Harry was taken by how at ease Severus was in this place.
Kieran shook his head, making his hair go in all directions. Harry distinctly heard a 'crack' sound from the man's neck. He grinned at Harry before giving a small bow. Getting into the mood for a duel, Kieran began taunting Harry. "So," he said with an unnerving grin. "I get to duel with the man who survived a duel against the Dark Git himself. How do you suppose he managed that, Snape?"
"Dumb luck?" Severus deadpanned.
Harry ignored him. Determined to do well, he concentrated on the way the man held his wand and moved about.
"Tell us, what's your secret?" asked Kieran sarcastically, while throwing a Jelly-legs jinx at Harry.
Harry easily jumped out of its path, and replied with a grin. "I know when to run like Hell."
Kieran let out a hearty laugh, and shielded Harry's attempt to hex him.
"A great many wizards have fallen, for not knowing that lesson." Kieran said seriously.
Harry had found the banter to be distracting, but soon realized it had stopped with Kieran's last comment. They were now dueling in earnest. Harry did well, but it was clear Kieran was keeping it within Harry's ability and not his own. He used curses and hexes that were more advanced than Harry's, but not much more. Kieran managed to deflect or dodge most of what Harry threw at him. One well-aimed Tarantallegra had the Scot dancing fast. Harry, surprised by his accomplishment, didn't hear the incantation "Cadeo-Vadosus", but felt shallow slices cut into his skin as if invisible razors had come from the man's wand.
Harry continued as if he'd not been hit, ignoring the stinging from his left side, searching his mind for a spell to cast. He shielded what he could, and jumped out of the way of what he couldn't. He searched his mind, surprised by how many spells he could remember. He was thankful for the hours he, Ron and Hermione had spent looking up spells that were not part of the prescribed curriculum at Hogwarts. Sometimes Kieran would wait until Harry recovered from being hit with a hex, while other times he took advantage and hit him with a second spell while he was down, disabling him. Harry cast the few more curses and hexes he could remember. When it was clear that Harry was starting to repeat himself, Severus ended the duel with blue sparks from his wand. The duelers bowed, and Harry dropped himself to the floor in exhaustion. Severus shook his head as he watched Harry fall unceremoniously to the floor, watching the green eyes flash as Harry smiled his tired smile at him.
"Not bad, Harry," regarded Kieran. He was sitting on a hay bale, holding the training book, marking off hexes he heard Harry use, which ones he was able to deflect, and which ones hit him full force. "We're going to work on your reaction time, and what curses are easier to shield verses countering them." Kieran finished checking off spells in the book and created a list of spells he wanted Harry to learn. Severus took the offered list, giving it his approval before passing it to Harry as 'homework'.
" I was surprised I managed to hit you with something as basic as Tarantallegra," Harry said, sitting on the floor with his legs crossed in front of him. "Not that it did me any good," he mused.
"It's not worth the effort to fend off that spell. I was able to get off a hex even dancing," he smirked. "At least it was enough to mess up my aim," Kieran said, thinking the Cadeo-Vadosus had missed.
"Not quite," said Harry sarcastically, and held up his tee, exposing his sliced-up side. Harry's jeans were darkening at the top from the blood seeping down.
"Son of a bitch," Kieran said humorously. "Snape, he didn't even flinch when it hit him. Remember, Sheila dropped to the floor when I did that?"
Severus looked up from the list he was still reading, and got up from his chair to have a look at Harry's injury.
"Sheila?" Harry asked, wondering if they trained many women.
"Sheila was a bloke from Australia we trained a few years back." Sev paused, thinking back.
"Didn't get too many pages into the book, that one. Screamed like a girl." Kieran added with a laugh. "Let me take care of that for ya'.
Harry paused a moment. For some reason, dueling with someone wasn't the same as sitting still and allowing someone raise a wand to your person. He'd learned that from Lockhart. Harry looked to Severus, who gave him a reassuring nod.
"I'm a Healer; it's how I make my living," Kieran said. Harry managed to control his lips enough not to blurt out his disbelief, but his expression told all. "What? You think Healers are all women in flowing robes with flowers in their braids?" the man said with a snort. "Not that I haven't met some of them," he said with a low whistle.
To say Harry was shocked by Kieran's gentleness was an understatement. He folded the shirt back carefully and studied the cuts as if admiring his handiwork. The gruff looking man closed his eyes, whispered an incantation, and the wounds were closed. In all his years having injuries healed by Madam Pomfrey, Harry had never experienced anything like it. Severus explained that people like Madam Pomfrey were trained to treat ailments and injuries, but true Healers were born with the ability to do so. While they still received training, their healing ability comes not from a remedy, but from within themselves. Harry was paying such close attention to what Severus was saying, he yelped in surprise when Kieran slapped his side where he'd been healed. "Good as new!" he said with certainty, like a mechanic slamming closed the bonnet of a car he'd just fixed.
Severus grinned at Harry's shocked face when Kieran smacked him hard. The Scot thought a person should not just feel well; they should feel well enough to take a good hit. "Ready for battle", as he put it.
"Good. I'm ready to eat," declared Severus, who took out a sack and began handing out sandwiches.
"About fucking time Snape! I'm starved," Kieran said loudly. Grabbing two large sandwiches, he waved his wand over them.
Harry froze as he heard that familiar statement. It sounded like what he heard from the fire that morning while lying on Severus' bed. 'About fucking time you lit a fire, Snape!' Harry remembered. Oh shit
"That hit the spot," said Kieran, having eaten his first sandwich in a few bites. "Healing makes you hungry as Hell."
"That, and you're a pig," Severus said dryly. Kieran turned his head to Harry as if ignoring Severus' comment.
"Harry, don't let his high-brow bullshit fool you. If he weren't putting up his 'I'm the professor who demands respect' thing, he'd be pigging out like me," he said, nudging Harry with a laugh. Harry laughed too and looked to see Severus lips curling slightly.
"I am not his teacher anymore, and grateful of it," said Sev, who was indeed grateful for reasons best left unsaid.
"Nah, see Harry," Kieran pointed to Severus. "You only know him as the obnoxious professor, but trust me, he chills out. He just won't admit it to you because he still thinks of you as a student. He acts that way when he's trying to get laid, too."
Harry spit out his drink.
"I hardly think this is an appropriate conversation," Severus glared at his friend, to no avail. It never worked because Kieran always knew Snape wasn't really mad.
"I hardly give a shit," Kieran said, taking another sip from the bottle Severus handed him. He made a point to drink with his pinky finger out, trying to annoy Severus, and Harry snorted in laughter. It was rather funny to see him with his thick, dirty looking fingers wrapped around a bottle with his pinky out. "While we're on this inappropriate conversation, Snape... I ran into Bill Weasley. Now I know why you're so sure of your choice... long hair, and slender body. Was it Bill I saw in your bed last week?" he asked with a wink, and another nudge to Harry.
"In my bed?" Severus asked incredulously. "You never said anything about him being in my bed," said Severus adamantly to Kieran. He didn't look in Harry's direction in the slightest, but Harry heard the unasked question. Severus was thinking about Harry in his bed, and wondered what else Kieran wasn't telling. He was an excellent spy, and would never reveal his hand until necessary, especially when it meant harassing Severus. Kieran smiled in a wicked way.
"Thought you knew who you were sleeping with," he said sarcastically.
"Why do you insist on having this conversation?" Severus said with a glare.
"Because with every word, Potter blushes." Kieran had started out harassing his friend, but soon found it more fun to see Harry's reaction.
Harry could feel the heat in his cheeks intensify. Who knew lying down by a lit fire for two minutes would cause so much trouble? It occurred to Harry to question why Kieran would think it was Bill Weasley in Sev's bed. Severus did seem interested in the Weasley family lately, but Bill wasn't the one who was gay. Was Kieran gay? Was he Severus' lover at some point? There was the comment he made about women Healers though. Damn, too much to think about.
Severus came to the rescue with a change of subject. Harry was grateful. "Albus usually stops in during one of the training sessions to see how things are progressing. He usually comes by for the second or third session," said Severus, as he offered Harry another sandwich. Harry declined politely. He was still hungry, but didn't want to look like a pig.
"Clean up, Harry, and we'll meet you over there," Kieran said, pointing to the far side of the building.
Harry grabbed the empty bottles and stuffed half a sandwich in his mouth as he cleaned up. "No sense in it going to waste," he said to himself. Finding a bin, he dumped the trash and started putting the bottles where he noticed other bottles on a shelf near the trash bin. Before he could put up the last bottle, Harry felt something strange was happening. He felt incredible pain coming from the back of his tongue, and felt his throat start to tingle.
Severus turned to look in Harry's direction when he heard the sound of glass breaking. Even from a distance he could see Harry's eyes open wide with fear, just before he fell to the ground, unconscious.
DETAH 39 - A Bet & Weasley Lifestyles
Severus turned to look in Harry's direction when he heard the sound of glass breaking. Even from a distance, he could see Harry's eyes widen with fear, just before he fell to the ground, unconscious. Sev was by his side in record time, knowing exactly what was wrong. "It's not one of mine; which one did you use?" Severus yelled to Kieran.
"I used at least three; what color is his tongue?" Kieran asked, looking concerned. "He's smaller than you. It must have hit him hard."
"Red," Severus said, looking down Harry's throat.
"It's the Angoris hex. He's suffocating."
Sure enough, Harry's lips were turning blue. After a wave of his wand and the counter-curse, Severus placed one hand on Harry's forehead and the other on the side of his jaw, titling his head back to begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Seven nerve-wracking breaths later, Harry coughed and began breathing on his own. Severus rolled Harry onto his side, where he promptly threw up.
When Harry started to open his eyes, he immediately felt the pressure of a vial at his lips. He twisted his face away letting out a groan. Suddenly, strong hands gripped his jaw firmly. "Drink this, Harry," he heard Severus command. At once he opened his mouth, swallowing the contents. With a taste of mint and ginger, he felt the nausea and pain in his throat diminish.
"Sorry mate," said Kieran. "We don't usually hex your food 'till your fifth session."
Harry thought he was kidding, but then watched the man open the training book and make a note several pages past the notes of today's session. "You did that on purpose? Was it some kind of test that I obviously failed?" asked Harry miserably.
"Nah, I was hexing Snape. You said you didn't want any more sandwiches, and Snape usually eats more than he did. What, were ya both bein' polite or somethin'? What is this, tea with Albus?"
Severus reached out a hand, helping Harry to stand. "We've been hexing each other's food for years now. It's become second nature for us to use a counter-curse before taking a bite. I do it unconsciously, even at Hogwarts. It keeps us on our guard."
"How is it I've never seen you do it before?" Harry asked, still processing what had happened.
"I keep a hand on me wand while I eat, but Snape, here, can do it wandless," said Kieran.
"And I thought the twins were bad," Harry said humorously.
"How did you think I got the idea in the first place?" droned Severus. "You never know when someone is going to put something in your food. It could happen anywhere, even the Seventh Year Ceremony," he said with a grin.
"Saw that, did you?" asked Harry, remembering that he had to spit out something awful that the twins had put into his dessert. Severus grinned, amused by Harry's embarrassment.
The next part of the session was the physical aspect, to see how well Harry could manage defending himself against an attack without magic. Harry wasn't overly disappointed when his trainers decided to skip the rest of the scheduled session for the day.
"Harry, since ya aren't up for much, 'stead of wasting the time, we could watch the bogus Death Eater's attack on you and your friend," said Kieran helpfully. "I know a good projection spell, so we can watch it."
Harry's head jerked around so fast he had a pain in his neck. "How d-did you know about that? I never pressed charges." Harry was panicked that Nott's attack was open news. The whole reason he didn't get Nott in trouble was to avoid people finding out about it.
"Gotta keep an eye on possible followers. Pays to know what direction his followers' children are heading," Kieran said, producing a list, reading a few lines as if it were a shopping list. "Draco Malfoy hexed a muggle-born last week. Alex Nott, posing as a Death Eater, attacked unarmed students, May of this year," he said, looking poignantly at Harry. "This book is full of offences made by students who are in line as possible future Dark followers. Truth is, it's the students not in the book we have to watch out for, but you have to start somewhere."
Harry hoped that one line of information was all Kieran knew about the attack. He was about to protest the viewing of the attack when Severus spoke.
"Who did Draco hex?" Severus knew the answer to his question, but wanted to quell Harry's fear, as he saw the panic rise in the younger man.
Kieran shrugged. "Don't know. If I had details on every offense on him, this book would need a chapter just for him. I just get the name and the offense. What do you say Harry, I promise not to hex the popcorn while we watch."
"Why, exactly, were you unarmed?" Again, Severus knew the answer to his question.
"I was taking a shower."
"With Mr. Weasley?" Snape ignored the suddenly piqued interest by Kieran.
"We always shower after quidditch practice." Harry wondered where this line of questions was going.
"As much as I'm sure you would like to flaunt your physical abilities, I'm afraid I can't allow it."
Harry looked stunned. It was the first time since they had been there, that Severus had made a snide remark, yet he was thrilled to get out of showing that scene. When it was clear Harry wasn't going to protest, Kieran questioned Snape.
"It's against the bylaws of Hogwarts, and I believe the Quidditch Council as well, to purposely show memories of any unclothed student, regardless of age. Weasley was also showering in the locker room. You cannot project the memory, knowing how unforgiving the Ministry can be," said Severus.
"We're done, then?" asked Kieran. "There's a crowd expected down at the Hog's Head tonight. Could prove to be profitable."
Severus waved him off; they were done for the day. "Go, make your galleons off the dregs of society. You'll fit right in." With a 'pop', Kieran was gone.
Harry saw Severus chuckle as he sent his friend off. "Did he say he makes his living as a Healer? Who would...I guess he doesn't work at a place like St. Mungo's?"
"Who would hire him? There are plenty of wizards in need of healing. Kieran's patients require a discreet Healer, who won't ask questions about how they got hurt, or who cast the Dark hexes on them."
"So he heals the 'dregs of society', as you put it. Why? Did something happen that keeps him from working for a place like St. Mungo's?"
"You're very young, Harry." Severus got an indignant glare for his remark. "Why do you assume something is keeping him from working in a 'respectable' place?" Severus moved his fingers to make quotation marks in the air when he said respectable. "It would be none of your business if something had happened, and I wouldn't tell you. Can you honestly tell me you could see that man dressed in a white coat, clean-shaven, keeping a schedule, and putting up with the political bullshit that goes on in a place like St. Mungo's?"
"I can't even imagine him with clean fingernails."
"Exactly. Kieran has connections in many areas. He also gets into places many others cannot, picking up useful information along the way," Severus said as he checked the wards on the building. Harry asked where they were, but Severus changed the subject.
"Do you need help Apparating back home?"
"No, I'll be fine."
"It would be no trouble," Severus offered, but Harry declined. "Tomorrow then, don't be late."
Harry stripped off his clothes and stepped into the shower the moment he arrived home. Severus had offered to help him home, and now he was berating himself for not taking him up on the offer. It wasn't as if Sev could take him on dates out to the restaurants and dancing out in public. For now, he was just glad to be getting on fresh clothes and brushing his teeth.
After a quick fire call to Ron, he found out not only was Hermione spending the day with her mum, but also Ron was bored out of his mind, and thrilled for an excuse to go out with Harry.
Harry dragged Ron to the apothecary for supplies, and listened to him talk about all the information he was getting about becoming an Auror. "Too bad you're not going into Auror training with me, it'd be a blast for us to get through it together," said Ron as Harry placed vials, a potions recipe book and other assorted items into a new cauldron. He declined help from the clerk that seemed to be always there, ready to lend a hand. He was annoying, at best.
"I know. I miss us hanging out all the time, but I don't think I could work for the Ministry after all that's gone on. They were ready to break my wand first, and ask questions later, when I was attacked by the Dementors two years ago." Harry picked up a few ready-brewed potions to save him some time, as the pain-killing potion was going to take some time to brew, and he'd meant to do it the day before. He held up a bottle of headache cure to the light, noting how odd it was to see the bottle labeled in blue ink with someone other than Severus Snape's handwriting. Ron continued telling him all he had heard from a young Auror his dad had invited over for dinner, but Harry found himself not paying attention to Ron as he was paying for his things. He'd been trying to be aware of his surroundings, but it was hard while he was trying to focus on Ron, too.
The man behind the counter smiled as he'd done for each customer. The smile never reached his eyes. Harry wasn't sure why he didn't trust the man, but he got a very uneasy feeling. The man had taken longer than Harry thought necessary to wrap up his packages. The annoying clerk was now standing behind the counter also, and handed him the cauldron with the wrapped package inside.
After a stop at the bookstore, where Harry bought at least five books on spells, hexes, and magical defense, they headed back to Harry's place. "What say we dump this off and go to The Three Broomsticks for dinner?"
"I was planning on going home for dinner. Mum's got something good cooking, and she said that Dad had been so busy with work and Order stuff; he'd probably have to have help getting it all home. I was hoping it would be Mr. Morgan, the same guy he had over the other day. Funny, dad makes me call him Mr. Morgan, but he's only a little older than us. Why don't you come eat with us? You know how Mum is, she loves feeding you."
Harry could see Ron was excited, and agreed to go to the Burrow for dinner. He unwrapped his package, placing the vials in the sink to remind him to clean them before he used them. Ron laughed at him for his actions, as if he were still in class with Snape watching over them. The last thing to be put away was the headache cure. Harry was just sliding the mirror over to close the medicine cabinet when he stopped. Something wasn't right, but what it was, he wasn't sure. He picked up the vial again. It seemed fine, other than the fact that Severus didn't brew it. That, and Severus always labeled medicinal potions in black, not red.
"Holy shit. It's red." The vial in his hand was not same vial he had brought up to the counter. It had been switched.
"What? Can't hear you," Ron said from the kitchen.
"Nothing. You ready to go?" he said, picking up one of the new books. He would ask Severus to check out the potion. There was no sense in upsetting Ron until he knew for sure.
In moments, they were at the Burrow. Molly was, as expected, thrilled to see Harry and made sure he was staying for dinner. The house was filled with the smells of different foods, and he almost hated to go outside when the twins dragged him to the backyard for a quick quidditch game before dinner. George levitated an old tire in the air, and they played Harry/Ron against the twins.
"We're still good for Thursday?" asked Fred, referring to Harry allowing them to work on a few inventions at his place.
Harry flew as fast as George's old broom would take him, and grabbed the quaffle from Fred. "I have class on Thursday, so come in the afternoon." He tried to pass to Ron, but George was blocking him forcefully.
"Thanks, mate!" yelled Fred, as he flew into Harry, knocking him hard, and taking back the quaffle. The twins played hard, but Harry and Ron gave as good as they got. "Mum's at the end of her rope. The R has her about ready to boot us out."
"Research and Development," explained Ron. The impromptu quidditch match continued for another ten minutes, with no one scoring until a flash went by, taking the quaffle from one of the twins. Harry looked on, stunned, when Ginny threw the ball through the tire.
"Mum said to clean up for dinner." Ginny said, and flew off.
"What the Hell?"
"Pretty good, huh, Harry?" asked Ron.
Harry looked at his friend in amazement. "Why didn't I know she could do that? We needed a good chaser last year."
Ron shook his head 'no'. They landed in the grass, scaring off a few garden gnomes. "After You-Know-Who possessed her in her first year, Ginny didn't want any extra attention, and Mum thought quidditch would make her an easy target if anyone wanted to hurt her."
"It's been six years," he said incredulously. "Does she want to play?"
"I'm not sure, but she played for us a few times as a back-up chaser when you were in the Infirmary after the attack." Ron shrugged, and they went in for dinner. Harry was surprised to see Charlie in the kitchen, bringing in a few extra chairs. He was staying the week, having come back for Ron's Seventh Year Ceremony.
Harry enjoyed dinner, the companionship of just talking with everyone. There was an empty seat at the head of the table, as Mr. Weasley had a meeting with Albus right after work, and would be joining them later. Fred announced they had a new buyer, totaling six stores in all that would purchase Weasleys' Wizards Wheezes products for retail in area joke shops. They hoped to increase their product line enough to open their own store by next fall. Charlie had surprised them with a fresh supply of ingredients he had available to him, such as dragon scales, and other various parts. Harry didn't like to think about how they were obtained. Around the same time dinner was being cleared, the hand on the clock that read 'Arthur' was moving into the 'home' spot. The doorknob rattled a few times, as Mr. Weasley finally opened the door, while keeping a large stack of books and parchments, and a white box tied with red string, balanced in his arms. Ron looked over eagerly to see if the man behind his Father was Mr. Morgan, the Auror he'd brought home the time before.
"Right over here should do it," Arthur said, placing his bundle on a table by the door, and greeting his family, "Hello, everyone."
Charlie almost laughed out loud when he saw several faces drop, with the exception of Harry's. The man had placed the large pile of parchments with the others, and turned around as Arthur spoke. "You all know Mr. Snape?" At this point Charlie did laugh when Ginny dropped a fork and it clattered onto the floor. Charlie shook his hand, while the others just politely said hello. Molly began putting out dinner plates for them, when Arthur told her they had already eaten with Albus. "That reminds me, he said to say hello to everyone, and sent this along as a 'thanks' for all the extra work," he said, holding up the box. Molly untied the string to reveal an assortment of pastries and a few chocolates.
Severus looked to be making excuses to leave when Molly insisted he stay for tea. He looked around to see a room full of uncomfortable looking teens, and Harry. Harry didn't look uncomfortable. Neither did Charlie, but then he wasn't a teen, either. Severus hadn't intended to stay, but he and Kieran were trying to get a question answered, which was the reason he had offered to help Arthur in the first place. He hadn't actually offered, but he did make himself seem available, giving Albus the chance to volunteer his services, which he did obligingly. "I would love some tea." Severus commended Molly inwardly for her ability to hide her shock when he accepted. He did also enjoy the look on the twin's faces as he said it. Not to mention Charlie laughing outright at the sight of his kid sister dropping a fork, not hiding her shock in the least. Yes, this could be fun.
"Wonderful," Molly said, placing a teacup at the table for Severus. "Usually you're so busy. How do you like your tea?"
He was temped to reply 'dark and sweet, like my Harry', but thought Ginny would drop the dishes she was carrying too, and he would have to 'Obliviate' the room. "Black." Severus watched Harry get up and assist Ginny with placing the pastries on a platter. He whispered in her ear, giving her a pleading look. Severus wondered how many times Harry got what he wanted with that look, and was fairly sure of the answer when Ginny looked at him, confused, but gave a nod.
"Tell me, Severus, how did the first day of training go for our Harry?" asked Arthur, stirring sugar into his tea. Molly perked up; she hadn't realized it had been his first day already.
"Quite well, actually," answered Severus. Several young Weasleys were near shock from the compliment. "Today was merely a day to see how proficient Harry is now with magical defense. Tomorrow will be the physical aspect, and we will make up a rigorous schedule from there."
Severus couldn't believe how slack-jawed some of them still were. Was it too much to believe their professor was human? Perhaps. As Severus spoke without contempt, Charlie laughed, looking at the twins' stunned expressions.
"I suppose this is how we would have looked all those years ago, if our Potions Professor showed up for tea," Charlie said with a laugh. Molly looked flustered and embarrassed by her children's ill manners, but she calmed when she saw Snape actually smile, or smirk at the least.
"She was a beast, wasn't she?" admitted Severus, about his one-time Potions Professor.
"You attended Hogwarts at the same time?" asked Harry, doubtfully. For some reason, he never thought of Charlie being that old.
"Maybe in my first year at Hogwarts, Severus was in his last, but she was still teaching Potions for a few years after I got there," explained Charlie. It was amazing how much younger Charlie looked compared to Severus. It was no surprise when you compared their lifestyles. Harry thought it humorous that his first really good kiss, and his first love, had been older men. He wasn't sure if his first shag counted. Sev was eighteen at the time, but Harry knew how old he really was. He continued to think about their first time, wondering if they would ever have sex again. Severus was going to drive him insane if he had to wait any longer. Charlie, having answered Harry's question, was watching, as Harry seemed to be off in another world. "You still with us, Harry?" he asked with a smile and a wink. Harry startled from his thoughts of sex with Sev.
"What?" a pink tinge rose to his cheeks. Harry regained his composure, turning to Severus. "Wasn't it strange, teaching students who were in Hogwarts the same time as you? You must have been the youngest teacher there."
"Not as strange as teaching their children," Severus said dryly, amused at the now silenced Harry. Apparently, Harry liked to be reminded of their age difference as much as he did, but it was fun to see him as flustered as he was. Severus smirked.
Ginny approached with a teapot, refilling her Professor's teacup. Taking a sip, he realized she had put a piece of chocolate on the saucer. It was one of his favorites. It seemed that a certain green-eyed creature was speaking to the house elves again. Said green eyes were watching the dark man across the table. Molly had suggested the kids may be excused as soon as they were finished; she wasn't going to make them sit around politely, getting bored to death as the grown-ups talked. It irritated Harry that he was included in the 'kids' comment; he thought he belonged at the adult table, too. On Ron's insistent pulling at his on his sleeve, Harry began to get up. Charlie leaned over, whispering.
"Don't take offense Har, by the time they consider you an adult, you'll wish you could escape with the kids."
Harry frowned at the words. He didn't like being dismissed. Meeting Severus' eyes, he asked, "Maybe later, before you leave, we could talk? I have a question about the training." Severus gave a quick nod; he'd been watching the interaction between Harry and Charlie, but saw nothing to indicate if the man was gay. Damn Kieran for getting him into this bet. Just because someone had overheard Arthur Weasley comment about one of his sons surprising him with his lifestyle, Kieran, in a drunken state, was discussing the possibilities of which Weasley boy it was. Severus had put his money on Bill, but Kieran was undecided between Percy and Charlie.
Severus had seen Kieran light up when he heard Harry was close with the Weasley family, and wanted to ask him, settling the bet once and for all. But Severus refused to let Harry find out that not only had he been remotely interested in the benign conversation, he'd even participated in a bet about a Weasley's sex life. He had been disgusted with himself, and wouldn't allow Harry knowledge of his childish lapse of decorum. At least that was what he continued to tell himself. But as much as he hated to admit, it wasn't really in disgust. It had been a fun drunken night with Kieran. He had happily discussed the possible sexual preferences of one of his former students, rather than think about the more serious issues that filled his life.
At the Formal, Severus had been desperately trying not to stare, or was it gawk, at Harry, who was looking sexy as Hell. So, instead, he paid attention to the family in question, to see if Bill was in fact the best bet. He wasn't so sure now. Bill really was a lady's man, but it could have been a front. Questioning Arthur at the Warding proved ineffective. Damn. Without further thought, Severus bit into the chocolate, which tasted sinful, to say the least. Being the man of control that he was, he held back the moan of delight caused by the layers of dark and milk chocolate melting in his mouth. While he may have appeared silent and emotionless, he did, however, blink, perhaps longer than necessary to moisten his eyes. No, he would not allow himself to think that he had closed his eyes in chocolate bliss.
Damn it all. He had. When he opened his eyes once more, he found impossibly green eyes, wantonly looking back at him. Only Harry, who was watching so closely, noticed any change in Severus. It was Charlie who noticed the unmistakable look on Harry's face.
Moments later, Ron had successfully dragged Harry away from the table, and they were off to listen to the twins prattle on about a few concoctions they wanted to work on at his house, come Thursday. Harry looked at the list, and was alarmed by the potions the twins were attempting. There was a log of their successes and failures. But what made Harry nervous was that a few of the experiments they were going to attempt didn't look extremely stable. He would have to find a way to have Severus peruse the list, in hope of avoiding an explosion in his new home.
"How many fires have you started since working on this?"
"Only a...ow!" exclaimed George as Fred elbowed him in the side.
"It's just getting a little cramped in our room." Fred attempted to look sincere.
"Yeah, and Mom said that if she hears one more explosion, you're out."
"Shut up, Ronniekins," the twins said in unison.
From there on, it was a blur. Ron had winked at Harry and tackled one of the twins. It seems, Ron, having been home since finishing school, was an unwilling tester for the WWW products. He'd sprouted fur and feathers more times in the last few days than he had all last year. "I can't believe you gave these idiots money," yelled Ron, as he molted a fresh layer of red and blue feathers. It had been a free-for-all, Harry and three redheads wrestling and occasionally being force-fed the latest inventions. The mock brawl was over quickly when Ron passed out.
"What did you give him?" asked Harry, watching his friend peacefully sleep on a layer of molted feathers.
"Ginger Naps," Fred said proudly.
"The muggle cookie?"
"No, not Ginger Snaps, Naps, its a little play on words. We need to tweak that one. To make a good gag, he should only sleep for a few minutes. But he'll be out for hours. We haven't got the mix quite right," George said, pondering the ingredients for a minute.
Harry watched the twins. One was looking over the list of potions, while the other sat, leisurely plucking feathers out of his twin's hair. It was a surprisingly intimate thing to witness, and he wondered if they were simply being brotherly, or if there was something else going on.
"Harry?" Fred said timidly, as if he wasn't sure of how to put his thoughts into words, "About the money you gave us..."
"Yeah? Did you spend it all, yet?" he asked jokingly, but realized they were looking serious. "Did you? Do you need more?"
"No, no it's not like that. In fact, Bill has helped us out with a few people he knows from Gringotts. We've been investing some of the money we've saved for the store, and kept some for research." George picked at a spot on his robe. "Since we're doing well and all, we wanted to start paying you back for all you've done for us. We were thinking about maybe a few galleons a week, or if you prefer, a monthly installment?" Fred said nervously, unsure of what Harry's reaction would be.
"What? I don't want that money back! I gave it to you to start the joke shop. You're going to need it," he said, confused by the offer. It wasn't like them.
"Harry, what with all the training and stuff, and the fact that you're not working, and, well, you're going to need something to live on," said George emphatically.
"Thank you for thinking about me and all, but I really don't need it. Honestly," his finished quietly.
"Ron told us the last time he went with you to Gringotts, your vault was almost bare. I know you think of Cedric, but really, we've invested a bunch and you'd be getting back that money, not the winnings," Fred tried to rationalize it. Harry was inwardly very proud of himself for not cringing at the mention of Cedric. He was really doing well at getting past that.
"Guys," Harry began slowly, "I've not told many people, because it's private, and I don't like discussing it, but you need to know." He took a deep breath. "On my first trip to Gringotts, Hagrid told me I couldn't get a gold caldron, and squander my money away, that it had to last through school. I never knew he meant that literally. It was only meant to last me through Hogwarts. It was the vault my parents opened for me when I was born." Harry looked to see Ron still asleep, and the twins paid him rapt attention.
"At my last birthday, Albus gave me the key to my parents' vault. The real Potter inheritance, including the deed to their cottage in Godric's Hollow." Harry watched as the twin's mouths hung open, and eyes grew wide. "There's more," Harry said to his shoes.
"More?" they chorused.
"With Sirius' Order of Merlin Award, came the key to his family's vault. I've only opened it once, but, well...he was loaded." Harry looked to Ron's sleeping form again. Money had always been a strain on Ron, and their relationship as well. Ron had been much better about it for years, but Harry tried not to discus money with him. He hated that Ron was now concerned for him, thinking that he was almost out of money. Ron had known about him receiving Sirius' key, but he'd never mentioned how much had been in the vault. The one and only time Harry had ever opened it, was to get the gold to purchase a new broom, like he and Sirius had said they would when he got Harry safely back to Hogwarts. That wasn't a good time in his life.
"Keep the money. You'll probably need it for repairs to my apartment if you try to brew that potion listed there," said Harry lightheartedly. He was treated by two identical grins. The look of relief on their faces was priceless. "Better yet, hire some testers and leave Ron alone."
"What, and squander our money, while we have participants readily available?" Fred said with a grin. George understood the unspoken words of his twin and jumped his friend. Harry found himself laying the length of the sofa, with his arms pinned over his head. His shirt was riding up slightly, exposing his flat abs; George had straddled him, tickling the tempting flesh in hopes Harry would open is mouth, but Harry giggled and continued to shake his head violently, keeping his teeth and lips clamped shut. He was very close to laughing out loud from the onslaught of tickling, but was saved by one seriously irritated Molly Weasley.
"What have you done?" she bellowed. "Look at this room!" she said, pointing to the feathers and clumps of fur that littered the room, and Ron sleeping amongst it all. "And what, pray tell, did you do to your brother? Come, Harry," she said, offering a hand. Harry was surprised to see the twins jump to action when their mother spoke, cleaning the room so fast, but then he noticed Severus standing behind her, looking extremely menacing. He had to admit to feeling a little embarrassed in front of Severus, for acting like a child with his friends. Damn
"You had a question regarding your training?" his tone was even, and without emotion. He watched a bead of sweat trickle down the side of Harry's face. He was flush, and disheveled.
"Could we discuss it privately?" Harry asked with a wince, as Molly yelled some more.
Having politely thanked the Weasley's for their hospitality, Severus Apparated to Harry's home, knowing he would be there momentarily. He arrived in Harry's home with a 'pop'. Knowing Harry would be a few minutes yet, he sat on the sofa and made himself comfortable. On the coffee table was a large shoebox, filled with photographs. Next to the box was a pile of photos, face down. Harry had been labeling them. On the back of the one on top of the pile, written in Harry's distinct script, Sev read; Severus and Me. He told himself that he wasn't the least bit interested in them, but his treacherous hand reached for the photo, knowing full well which one it was. He didn't want to see the picture of Harry and himself looking young, tan, and arm in arm. He was not that young thing. Hell, he never had been. He hadn't broken his nose later, like Harry had guessed; it was a concealing charm. He was born with the beak and had endured his school years with ridicule for it. Seeing Harry frolicking with the twins had made him feel very old. Harry had fallen in love with a young man, not him.
Despite his internal battle, Severus turned over the picture to see himself and Harry. He was shocked to see it wasn't the picture Ron took of them in the broom-shed, but a picture taken earlier in the year. Harry was standing on the dueling platform, arm outstretched, wand in hand. He had been standing behind Harry in the picture, adjusting his grip on the wand. Had he not seen the picture, Severus probably wouldn't have remembered doing it. What struck him was that Harry, in the photo, wasn't looking at his grip; his head was tilted and turned around slightly. Harry was gazing up at him.
Harry arrived, finding Severus with a smile on his face. It was gone as quickly as he could put down the photo, but Harry had seen it. "I remember that," he said, looking off into space, recalling the day. "I had just blasted Goyle on his arse with a perfect spell, but you still found it necessary to correct my grip. I was so annoyed, but then you spoke," he let out an amused sigh. "I never did hear what you said, but I felt the breath from your words on my neck, and your voice made me weak in the knees."
"What was your excuse for not listening to me before then?" teased Sev.
"I didn't need to hear what you said, I only need look at the board listing House points to see what you said," Harry flippantly answered back.
DETAH 40 - Memories and Revolations I
Harry gave a contented sigh, as he felt the wall press against him. A steady pressure of hard body pressing him against said wall kept him balanced as Sev claimed his mouth. Harry gasped for breath and moaned when the forceful tongue that had dominated the kiss redirected its attention to his neck. In between kisses to Harry's neck, Sev spoke. At first, Harry enjoyed listening the sound of his voice between licks and bites to his neck, but then he realized Severus had been commenting on his inability to be discreet. He vaguely heard something about a randy teen with one thing on his mind.
"You had a question about your training? My arse you did," said Severus, while squeezing said arse. Harry moaned and thrust his hip into Sev's, wishing they had much less clothes on.
"Lot you know, I did have a question," he said, and began nibbling Sev's neck. "I would have asked earlier, but I didn't want to worry the Weasley's," said Harry, regretting the words as soon as they left his mouth. Severus took a small step back, allowing a better view of Harry's face, waiting for the question, but Harry had other things on his mind now. "It can wait. Come on, more kissing and less questions." Harry leaned closer to Sev, trying to catch his lips once more. The attempt was futile; Severus wanted to know what would worry his friends, and he wanted to know now.
Harry gave up, surprising him with his question. "Do you trust the man at the apothecary?"
"Yes," Severus said without hesitation.
"Would that trust include the weirdo clerk?"
"Mr. Jiggers doesn't have a clerk."
"Oh."
Severus had several questions now. Harry's eyes darted around the room as he tried to remember all the details of the visit to the apothecary, and what the clerk looked like. His fingers moved on his hands, as if checking off details in his mind. When Severus could no longer stand waiting for Harry to figure it all out in his head, he insisted on all the details. Harry explained about the clerk following them around the shop, annoyingly continuing to ask if they needed any assistance, and then showed Severus the vial of supposed headache cure, with the now red label.
Severus explained that Jiggers used a different color system than himself, but he was familiar with it, nevertheless. Severus held the vial up to the light, checking the color of the liquid and its viscosity. He waved his wand over the vial, and recited a spell Harry had never heard before. "The vial is spelled to alert someone if the seal is broken. Whoever it is that gave you this, wanted to know exactly if and when you took the potion."
"I did like you said and tried to be as alert as possible, but it's hard to tell if Mr. Jiggers is acting normal or not. He's been odd to Ron and me for a while now."
"He's keeping an eye on you both because you tried to buy an illegal painkiller," said Severus, referring to the time they tried to replace the potion they had used during sex.
"So, when people buy a lot of that painkiller, Jiggers thinks they're junkies, or maybe having a lot of sex?" Harry said with a laugh. Severus glared. Harry laughed harder. "I need to brew more of the painkiller, maybe I should make extra," he said with a wink.
"No, you should not. Even if we were to... and we will not be tonight," he said, earning an annoyed look from Harry. "We would not be using a pain potion. If one is properly prepared, a pain potion is unnecessary and dangerous. A person could be harmed and not know it until the potion wore off." Severus was practically in lecture mode, but added seductively, "Without the numbing sensation, your every nerve ending is stimulated."
"I hate you." Harry now had a hard-on, and knew Severus was not going to give in to having sex with him, not tonight.
"You love me," he said with a smirk. "Now, let's figure out what this is." Severus held the vial in one hand and made a hole in the glass at the bottom, pouring it into a vial he saw in the sink. He explained, "The spell on the vial was placed only on the wax seal, and not the glass itself. After examining the liquid and using a revealer charm, I deduced the potion was in fact a headache cure, but was also infused with a strong calming drought. It wouldn't hurt you to ingest, but you'd be vulnerable to attack while under the influence of the potion."
"Why pick something so... I don't know, so unpredictable? I could have this stuff sitting in my storage for a long time, for all they know."
"How hard would it be to give you a headache?" he asked. Not hard, obviously, Harry realized.
"Do you think they're going to do something soon?" he asked, watching Severus' expression; but it gave away nothing.
"I don't know. The Dark Lord is working on a few things, but I don't think he's ready with any of them yet. It could be they are 'testing the waters', so to speak." Severus took out a small pouch from a pocket deep inside his robe and refilled the vial with a pain potion mixed with a stimulant similar to Pepper-up. It would take away pain and keep Harry as alert as possible. "Keep this with you. I've spelled it to alert myself as well as whoever sealed the vial, when it is opened."
"Why open it at all? Wouldn't that be inviting them to attack me?"
"No. If you're in a public place, and you suddenly have a headache that you can't explain, it's your warning that an attack may be imminent, whether you take the potion or not. At least with the potion, you will be pain-free and alert to take on whatever it is they have planned," explained Severus. Harry nodded his understanding. "Remember something. You live very close to Hogwarts. If you are fleeing, don't come here, where no one is present to help you. Go to Hogwarts. You will be protected once inside, and the Wards will alert Albus and the staff if Death Eaters are using dark magic on the grounds. They can contact the Ministry for assistance, if need be." Severus watched Harry getting deeper and deeper in thought. He didn't want to panic him, but he needed to be prepared.
In an attempt to lighten the mood, Severus asked, "Why is it that you are buying a simple headache potion that I know you can brew easily? You're dating a Potions Master for heavens sake. It's disgraceful."
Harry watched as Sev's lips curled. "Dating? Is that what this is?" he asked comically. "It's more like Potions class with snogging breaks. Please tell me there's more to dating," like sex, he left unsaid.
"I do hope you're not expecting handholding in the park," said Sev, amused.
"You mean we're not?" he asked in mock offence. No picnics on the grass? No walks, hand in hand?"
"If memory serves me, the last time you went to a park, you were attacked by Dementors."
"Good point. I'd just as soon stay home," said Harry. He was hoping to spend a little more intimate time with Sev, but he still had a potion to brew. Severus also seemed to be checking out the new potions equipment. He looked around the kitchen at the potions supplies Harry had purchased earlier in the day. He flicked his finger at the new cauldron, making a 'plink' sound. He knew by the date that Harry would be due to make a new pain potion. It was already getting late, and the brewing time was lengthy. Taking a pouch out of a pocket in his robe, he said,
"I could assist you in brewing your potion, but..." Sev said twirling a blue vial in his hand. "I could give you a potion I have already brewed, and you could better spend your time telling me why you so desperately don't want Kieran to see the fight between you and Mr. Nott and his associates."
Harry paled. Severus waved his wand in an attempt to locate alcohol, but was disappointed to find his wand only pointed to the icebox, with several bottles of butterbeer inside. "Sorry, I've not done a lot of shopping yet," Harry said apologetically. Sooner than he expected, they were on the sofa, butterbeer in hand. "Dr. Erin's been pushing me to have this talk with you for a while," said Harry with a sigh. Severus raised an eyebrow. "Dr. Erin Kirkland, she's my..." Harry began to explain, but was cut off.
"I know Erin," said Severus, causing Harry to wonder if he had seen her as a patient. Sev continued. "Her husband's death was quite a blow to the Order." He thought for a moment about what Harry had said. Erin had suggested Harry talk to Sev. How much did she know? He knew she could be trusted, but he was a private man. "She said you should speak with me? She knows about our relationship?" he asked calmly.
"Not everything," Harry said with a shrug. "I don't know why she thinks we need to have this conversation. I gave in and told Ron and Hermione about what happened during the fight. We talked for a while, and Dr. Erin and I went over more than I care to think about," he said with a roll of his eyes. "I'm not freaked out by it on a regular basis. Why does she think I have to do this with you?"
"You may be coping fine, and while your friends may have a sympathetic ear, they won't be doing anything physically to stir up bad memories again for you." Severus sipped his butterbeer, wishing it were a good stiff drink. He waited for Harry to fully understand what he was alluding to. It was remarkably obvious when it did click in for the young man.
"Because when they touch me, it's not as personal as when you..." he looked up, taken aback. "You already know." Harry's breathing changed slightly. He didn't know how it even took him this long to realize that Severus had been talking like he'd known all along. "How long have you known? Is this why you don't - we don't...?"
"Calm down, Harry," he said in a soothing tone, and turned to face Harry on the sofa, when he found a sharp box annoyingly jutting into his thigh. Ignoring it for a moment, he did his best to calm the distressed man at his side. "I questioned Mr. Nott about the attack. I don't think he had planned on telling me, but..." Severus' voice became low and quiet, yet threatening. "I can be very persuasive." Harry shuddered. "I believe he is convinced it would be against his better judgment to discuss that particular evening to anyone else. His detentions were...shall we say, nostalgic, for Argus Filch."
Harry remembered Filch always talking about the good old days when punishments were a proper deterrent for rule breakers. 'I miss the screamin'. Harry had heard him say a few times over the years in school. He and Ron had certainly had enough detentions to hear Filch's ramblings. Harry understood now that Severus had made sure Nott's punishments were to fit the crime. It was almost amusing, but not at the moment.
"Do you want to tell me about it?" asked Severus calmly.
Harry took deep breath, releasing it with a sigh. "There isn't that much to tell, really." Harry paused and realized Severus was squeezing his hand. It was more a comfort than he would have expected. "We fought for a while, he was practically deranged by the time the others were gone." As Harry spoke Severus wasn't sure what he meant when he said the others were gone, but didn't want to interrupt. "I was pinned by Nott and a few different binding spells, when he was screaming about his Father, and me not being so bloody special as 'The Savior' should be. I don't know if he was madder about his father being sent to Azkaban, or about the fact that I was just an average wizard, not worthy of all the fame. He was determined to show me that I was helpless, and he could do whatever he wanted," he explained fairly calmly.
"What was it he wanted to do?" Severus gently coaxed him to continue.
"I don't even think he knew what he wanted to do. He just touched me clumsily, and seemed unsure of what he was going to do to me next. I just wanted to scream." Harry brought his eyes up to meet Severus. "I could never be reminded of Nott by your touch. That's why Dr. Erin thinks I should tell you, but your movements are always sinuous and deliberate, nothing like his." Harry sighed, as Severus pushed a stray hair behind his ear, caressing his face.
With his hand still embracing the side of Harry's face, Sev pulled him close. Their cheeks pressed together, they held each other in an embrace. Harry leaned into the touch and shivered as he heard 'the voice' whispering in his ear. Warm breath washed over him, but he heard no words, only the soothing voice sending him into sweet oblivion. He didn't notice for a while what Severus was saying, until he thought he heard a small laugh, and some words about his house losing points.
Severus pulled on the small box that was digging into his leg; surprised to see it was a pensieve box. He didn't think Harry had had a vision since he moved here. Albus would have mentioned it. The box was labeled 'Death Eaters attack Quidditch players'. From the look on Harry's face, he knew what was in the box, but wanted to confirm that. "Is this Nott?" he asked. Harry nodded. "If the attack isn't still upsetting you, why is it in a pensieve?" Severus was concerned that Harry wasn't telling him something. He knew some doctors had their patients use pensieves for disturbing memories.
Harry desperately wanted Sev to know he was not as screwed up as the box suggested. "It's in there for me to view, and to keep an accurate memory; to keep me from deluding the facts in my mind. It's not there because I'm hiding from it. I'm supposed to look at it, but I just haven't had time yet," Harry said very quickly, then took a deep breath. "She thinks I'll probably be surprised by how well Ron and I did against the other three. I guess she's right."
"I had been wondering myself, how the two of you pulled that off that day. I didn't realize you were so proficient without a wand," said Severus, impressed.
"My cousin was a boxing champion in his school."
"Did you two spar together often?" Sev asked, but was surprised by Harry's sudden snort of laughter. Stupid question he realized.
"Spar?" Harry laughed. "No, I was usually able to outrun the bastard, but once it was no longer safe for me to leave the house too often, it was hard to avoid him. It was Sirius that taught me and Ron to fight." Harry picked up the 'brain box'. "I thought about Sirius when we were fighting in the locker room that day. I was thinking he would have been proud we were kicking their arse, and they were armed," he said with a grin. Harry looked at Sev, then back at the box again. "Do you want to see it?" he asked contemplatively. He held out the box in his open hand.
Severus eyed the box and looked back into Harry's eyes. He did want to see it, but would never have asked to see something so personal. Did Harry really want him to view it? Was it to show how well he had done in the fight, or was it Harry's way of showing him what Nott had done, and get past it? "Are you certain?" he asked tentatively.
"I think so. We don't need one more thing between us, making this harder," Harry said in a tired voice. It had been a really long day. He had offered for Severus to see it, but hadn't thought it through; it was getting late. Severus offered to enlarge to viewing area, so that they could view it together, but Harry declined. He would watch it again another night. Severus moved to get comfortable, as Harry tapped the circle on the box with his wand. "Slime-ball."
Severus chose not to comment on Harry's choice of password, or the fact that Harry was now getting comfortable lying on the sofa, with his head on Sev's lap. "Comfy?" OK, a small comment.
"Mm-hmm. When this is done, I'd really like to put this behind us. I mean, unless you have a question after viewing this, Id rather not discuss it anymore."
Severus understood. Looking down, he could see a tanned hand on his thigh, next to Harry's face. He was feeling incredibly protective at the moment, and rubbed Harry's shoulder as he watched the swirl of shimmering liquid begin to form a picture. Occasionally, Harry could almost tell which part Severus was watching, as the hand rubbing his arm stopped. At one point, the rubbing was a gentle squeeze that turned to a tight squeeze. A sleepy moan of displeasure alerted Severus of his forceful grip, and he let up. It had taken a while for him to view the whole fight up to the end in Albus' office. Sev could tell Harry had fallen asleep, or he would have noticed how tense Sev had become by the end of the memory. Now he wasn't sure if Nott had had enough punishment. Seeing someone touching his Harry in such a way infuriated him. In his fuming, Severus almost hadn't noticed the liquid didn't return to black as he had expected. A new picture was now forming. There was another memory in the box.
Certainly Harry knew what was in the box, and would have mentioned if he didn't want him to view it. He ran a hand through Harry's hair and looked down into the box once again. Maybe this memory was related to the attack.
Severus found himself in a grassy place. It was a park where children played. Severus looked for him, knowing Harry had to be in the memory, but didn't see him anywhere. A woman sat on a bench, watching two children play in a sandbox. One had blond hair, the other dark brown. The blond child looked to be a few years older. Another child soon joined the boys, as the mothers exchanged pleasantries. "This little angel is my Dudley," the woman said, lovingly patting the blond child on the head. "He'll be five next month."
Severus knew he'd heard Harry mention the name Dudley, and realized who he was looking at when the small child shook a pile of sand out of his hair, and revealed a lightening shaped scar. It was Harry as a child. He was so small and quiet. He hadn't even made a sound when his cousin dumped sand on his head. "...Oh, that's my nephew, he's also five. Now, Didums, play nice with your new friend. Would sweetie like some juice?" asked Mrs. Dursley, poking a small straw in a juice box.
"I have an extra if your nephew would like some," offered the woman, seeing Mrs. Dursley hadn't offered any to the other child. Harry smiled at the woman and put out his hand.
"No, thank you," Petunia said sweetly. "He's diabetic," she added quickly as an explanation. Harry pulled his hand back when he noticed the scowl on his aunt's face. "You remember where the water is," she said pointing at a drinking fountain off in the distance.
Harry left the sandbox and trekked over to the fountain. It had taken him a while, since he had stopped to look at various things along the way. By the time he was there, his tiny hands were full of small stones, and acorns and such. After several attempts to press the 'on' button with a hand full of stones, Harry was relieved to get a helping hand. A grubby looking hand covered his, and pressed the button. Harry thanked the man, and drank his fill. The man continued to hold his hand once he had finished.
"Is that your brother?" asked the grimy looking man. Harry shook his head no, and looked over to his cousin and aunt, hoping she would call him back over now. He didn't like the man holding his hand, but didn't quite know what to do about that. "He wasn't being very nice to you. I wouldn't be mean to you," the man said. Harry didn't respond. He watched as the man knelt beside him. The man had on an oversized pair of shorts that enabled him to reveal himself easily. "Do you want to touch it?" the man asked. Harry remained silent, but vigorously shook his head 'no'. His small eyes widened as the man continued to hold his hand and stroked himself with the other. "It's ok, you don't have to touch, you can just watch."
Harry watched the man with uncertainty. He hated that his own shorts were also very oversized, as the man suggested that he show his, too, and had offered to help him get it out. He didn't know what he was going to do if the man tried to touch him. He worriedly looked down at his own really big shorts again, but the man suddenly stopped touching himself and Harry's hand when a large, beefy man approached them. Harry's uncle Vernon had arrived to pick them up at the park.
"Get in the car, boy," he snarled, and eyed the filthy man with disgust. As Harry walked quickly to catch up with his aunt and cousin, the shimmering silvery liquid swirled the picture out of focus.
Severus sealed the box of memories with his wand, and placed it on the table as best he could without disturbing the young man in his lap. It was all he could do, to not throw the box across the room. Severus was seething. He wanted nothing less than to grab that man and strangle him with his bare hands. He looked down again at Harry, wanting to hold him in his arms forever, protecting him from harm. It was late. Severus stood up, disturbing Harry as little as possible, and began taking off his socks, leaving them in the trainers Harry had left on the floor. Sev scooped up the slumbering Harry and carried him off to the bedroom. Harry sighed, contentedly clinging to Sev. He was vaguely aware of his clothes being transfigured to bedclothes.
"Sleep well, love. I will stay with you forever if it means I can be there to protect you from the evils in our lives," whispered Sev as he tucked him in. Harry turned over and opened his eyes slightly.
"Hmm? ...hear you, you're saying?" came a sleepy voice with jumbled words.
"It was nothing, go to sleep."
"Not taking points again are you?" Harry asked humorously, and only slightly more awake. Sev didn't answer, but Harry was sure he felt a wave of magic pass over him. Come morning, he would find that Sev now had him sleeping in Slytherin pajamas.
It was half way through the training session when Albus had arrived in the building, as Sev had mentioned he would. He sat in a chair he transfigured from a hay bale, as Harry faced off with Severus. Kieran transfigured a piece of straw into a smooth stick and threw it at the unarmed men.
"Catch, Snape. Harry, he has a wand, get it from him," were the directions yelled by Kieran on the sidelines. Severus caught the fake wand and was promptly tackled to the ground. Albus watched on delightedly. Kieran eyed the two with interest. Harry was doing a fair job, but what had Kieran's attention, was the fact that Harry didn't hold back in ways others had. Many of the trainees before Harry had also had Snape for a professor, but weren't so quick to throw themselves bodily at him. There had been exceptions for a few that had wrestling experience, but this was different somehow. Kieran had a good eye; he wanted to figure out his new puzzle.
When it became clear that Harry would not be taking the wand from Severus today, Albus conjured a tray of sandwiches for the men, and they took a break. Harry eyed the sandwiches warily, and didn't take a bite until Severus assured him it was safe to eat. Albus spoke with Harry about his friends and how excited Ron was about starting the Auror training soon. Harry mentioned a game they played at the Ministry as a way of getting to know each other. He had been laughing, because it was lame, and he was glad Kieran and Severus didn't do those things. The twinkle in Albus' eyes was the first indication of his mistake. Harry cringed when Severus glared at him.
"I think that's a wonderful idea, Harry," said Albus cheerfully. "Here are some papers and quills. I think I remember how the game goes. You all write down a question you would like to ask, and place it face down in front of the person you want to ask. When it's your turn, pick up a question from your pile and answer it honestly. The others try to guess if it was their question by your answer alone. Everyone understand?"
Kieran wore and evil grin and started writing questions. "This is going to be fun, Snape." Before long, Severus and Kieran had several questions in front of each other, each more embarrassing than the next. They occasionally remembered to write a question or two for Harry. Albus watched on in amusement as the last of the papers was placed on a pile.
"I'm afraid I have a meeting to attend, and cannot stay," said Albus. His chair returned to a hay bale, as he stood to leave. "I think, before I leave, we should mix things up a bit." With a wave of his wand all the papers in front of the three men swirled in the air, getting all mixed up, and floated down to a single pile. "Good day, gentlemen," Albus waved cheerfully, and left with a 'pop'. The three men now looked at the pile of papers, knowing they had planned the questions for specific people.
"You go first, Harry," said Kieran, as Severus mumbled something about manipulative old codgers.
Harry picked up the first paper. "My scar," he answered. Severus narrowed his eyes, but didn't comment.
"That was my question for Snape. 'What is your most prominent feature?' Right?" asked Kieran. Harry shook his head no, and read the card.
"What feature did you change with concealing charms?" Harry read, pushing his hair behind his ear, touching the scar on his neck briefly as if checking to feel if it was not concealed.
"I think we all know the answer to both those questions," Severus said, brushing his thumb across the point of his nose. Harry couldn't help but snicker. "I believe it's your turn, Kieran."
Kieran laughed and read the paper aloud instead of the answer. "Why did the witch hit you with her handbag last week?"
Severus grinned, and sat back waiting for the answer. Harry, amused, waited also.
"She hit me because I... mind you I was drunk at the time. I offered to heal her sore throat. How was I to know she always talked like that? I'd heard better sound from reptiles." Kieran picked the next paper and held it out. "Here you go, Snape."
Severus laughed. "Tripe," he answered. Kieran looked dejected not having gotten a good question on Snape.
"Damn, that was my question for Harry, 'What food do you hate the most?'"
Harry muttered the word 'spinach', as he read the next card. He paused before answering the unexpected question. "Quirrell."
"Most Hated Professor," Kieran and Snape said almost simultaneously. Laughing that they had asked the same question.
Harry shook his head faintly. "Who was your first kill?" Harry read in an even tone.
"I hadn't meant that question for you," Severus said softly. "Kieran and I were about twelve, and we had been trying to kill bugs, when Kieran accidentally cursed his pet frog," explained Severus. Harry looked at them incredulously.
"Oi, it's true, cried for an hour, I did," Kieran reminisced. "Herman was a good frog. Had 'imself a better sounding croak than that old hag in the bar last week," he said, getting the others to laugh.
The three agreed they had had enough questions, and went back to training. They continued sparring for a while until they were exhausted, then discussed hexes they wanted Harry to learn.
Over the next few weeks, Harry learned many new spells, curses, and hexes. Having to study for training and his new class on Wizarding Culture and Traditions, Harry had been very busy. Ron had started Auror training and Hermione spent a lot of time with her family before heading off to her next school. Harry did spend time with Severus, but it was getting to be a sore subject for him, even though he had no one he could talk to about it.
Severus seemed to always spend time with Harry when he had a time limit. Either he had a meeting with Albus, or a potion to brew back at the castle. For some reason or another they never had very much time all at once together. Just enough for quick little rendezvous, where sometimes one or both of them would get off, but almost never in a bed. Harry was sure Severus had been doing it to avoid them from getting too close to having sex. Harry was at his wit's end. Part of him wanted to tell Sev he knew what he was up to, and to please just stay with him longer, and he wouldn't pressure him, but other times he just wanted to scream 'Fuck Me, Already!'
It was the morning after his first vision in his new place. Harry felt like crap. The vision was not of any consequence that he could figure. Voldemort was mad that something hadn't been getting done fast enough, and punished the Death Eater that had enraged him. It was hardly worth the effort of having Hedwig deliver the 'brain box' containing the memory, but he did as instructed and sent it to Albus with a small note.
Harry looked at the disheveled bed sheets around him, and noted the sun was further up then he expected. He was late. Severus had told him in the beginning not to be late. He could remember it had something to do with Kieran getting bored, but that was about all he could remember. Skipping a shower, Harry threw on a pair of jeans and a tee shirt before disapparating.
Harry doubled over in pain as he apparated into the stable where Kieran was waiting to pounce on the next person to enter the building.
"You're late," Kieran taunted, and knocked Harry over again as he attempted to stand from the first blow to his gut. "Did you know that every time you apparate in here, you land on the very same spot?" he said, taking another shot at Harry, but missed. Kieran was surprised when Harry unexpectedly punched him in the jaw. "Ha! There you go! Fight back!" he yelled encouragingly, and punched him in the arm. "You have to think about what you do. Don't apparate to the exact spot each time. I know they teach you to do that so you have a safe place to pop into at home, without landing on people, but you have to think about who is watching you. Don't be predictable."
"Where is Snape?" asked Harry, while he swung and missed. Kieran took advantage of his over-balance and swiped his feet out from under him. Harry soon found himself pinned expertly by the Scot.
"He's at a meeting with Albus." Kieran's eyes narrowed. "You never call him Snape."
"Yeah, well, I've had a bad day." Having woken up to the Cruciatus curse via a vision will do that. Kieran continued to sit on Harry's chest. He took out his wand and traced Harry's scar, turning it purple. He then gave Harry a big curly mustache in blue. "Will you get the fuck off of me?" Harry said through gritted teeth.
"Language! You are having a bad day. I think, if you want me the fuck off, you had better 'get me the fuck off'" provoked Kieran, pulling Harry into a scarf hold. Harry struggled and flipped his legs all the way over twisting them around, but Kieran held his grip. As they continued to struggle, Kieran turned Harry over, and pulled his tee over his head, trapping his arms and head together, "Give up?" As he asked, he couldn't help but notice an interesting scar on Harry's back. Three identical spots on his lower back, they were about an inch apart. He had seen that scar. The man he had seen on Snape's bed had the same scar. Kieran let go of Harry, regardless of the younger man not having given up yet.
Harry sat up and pulled his shirt back on. They sat in silence for a minute until Kieran asked about the scar. Harry explained he had fallen backward on a garden tool. It was a small three-prong rake used for weeding and stuff. Kieran protested that most people would easily jerk their bodies away before such an object would puncture the skin. It wasn't a sharp tool. But he was forced to concede, as Harry explained his portly cousin had fallen on top of him at the time.
"Your hair was longer," Kieran said cryptically.
"What? Longer when?"
"Around the time you finished Hogwarts. Your hair was 'bout double that length."
"Yeah, I grew it to hide my scar at the Formal, but I got sick of it and cut it off." He tilted his head in thought. "How did you know?"
"You had long hair, the morning I saw you in Snape's bed."
Harry inhaled sharply. "I, um, he didn't know I was there. I mean, he didn't know I had been in his bed until you told him," stammered Harry.
Kieran enjoyed watching Harry. He was used to Severus, so the change of pace with someone who showed so much expression was entertainment at its' best. He crossed his arms and sat back, grinning, waiting for him to continue.
Harry took a deep breath to calm down, thinking carefully about his words. If he wasn't careful, he could say things he shouldn't.
"I was helping Severus do a few things, killing time before Albus woke up. I thought it was stupid to wait 'till morning, Albus would have seen him any time of night. When Sev ran off to see Albus, he didn't even realize that I'd already helped out and he didn't even need to see Albus. Next thing I knew, a house elf sent along orders for me to get cleaned up, and get out." Harry shrugged. "I was waiting for the elf to come back when I lit the fire," explained Harry. He hadn't taken into consideration that Kieran already knew about Snape's injury, and why Albus could heal it. Kieran would have healed Snape himself, but his friend would not allow it. He wouldn't allow a chance to be disappointed.
"You healed him?" Kieran asked incredulously. Harry's mouth hung open. "Snape would never 'av allowed it. I'd have done it myself."
"You know about that?" Harry asked nervously, and then realized what the man had said. "You? Are you and Severus...?"
"No! I coulda' healed him. Snape and me go as far back as little kids playin' while our mums drank tea. I'm not into blokes."
Harry couldn't hide the relief in his face. He could see that Kieran was hurt, for not having a chance to heal Severus himself, when Harry had. "He didn't know I healed him, he was asleep at the time."
Kieran was almost as surprised to hear that Snape had fallen asleep with Harry in the room. It was unlike him to trust someone enough to allow himself to sleep. Harry loving him did explain a few things. Apparently things were not well in paradise, considering Harry's mood today. Kieran would have to mix things up a bit, and have fun with Snape.
Kieran, like Snape, was extremely aware of his surroundings. He could tell from a few subtle sounds and a flux in the wards, that someone was walking the perimeter of the building. He wasn't positive it was Snape until the back door opened, then closed almost silently. Harry hadn't noticed anything. Kieran suddenly had a thought. "You spend a fair bit of time at the Weasley's, no? Maybe you can settle a bet for me."
"A bet between you and Severus?" asked Harry. Kieran raised an eyebrow. "He's been paying a lot of attention to them recently." explained Harry. Kieran nodded. Severus, who was still in the shadows, was surprised to find Harry had noticed his interest in his friend's family. "What do you want to know?" he asked suspiciously.
"Someone had overheard Arthur Weasley mention that one of his seven children was gay. I had my money on Percy. Snape thought it..." Kieran was cut off by a smooth voice coming from the shadows.
"Snape thought it was inappropriate to discus this with Harry." He sneered at Kieran.
"It's Charlie," Harry said flatly. Severus noted he spoke with certainty.
"Charlie?" Kieran asked in disbelief. Are you sure? This isn't just something you heard his little brother say off-hand?" Kieran looked at Harry, to see his cheeks had tinged pink. "Oh! Now we're getting somewhere! Spill it, boy," Kieran said excitedly. Severus looked as if to protest, but Kieran took advantage of his new-found information on Harry and his feelings for Severus. "Ah, Snape, what do you care if he's willing to tell us?" Kieran said, slapping Harry on the shoulder. Harry was chuckling, and wondering how this would affect him. Sev had calmed down when he saw that Harry wasn't looking worried about sharing whatever it was that convinced him of Charlie's sexuality.
Severus took a second look at Harry, noticing his purple scar and blue mustache. "I see you were late," he said nonchalantly.
DETAH 41 - Memories and Revolations II
Chapter Notes
Music "Unwell" by Matchbox Twenty
"No changing the subject Snape. Spill it, Harry." Kieran pointed at Harry. "Hey, I know. We'll use the 'Project' spell."
Kieran then agreed to take the mustache and purple off Harry's face, in exchange for the proof to settle the bet. The three men leaned back on hay bales as Harry's memory lit up in the air as if it were on a screen.
The scene began in the backyard of the Burrow. It was dark in the yard, where two people were sitting on a bench, with only the light from the window above them to cast a glow. A pair of rough, yet gentle hands pulled Harry up on Charlie's lap. Harry, only slightly younger, looked shyly into kind eyes. "You have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?" he asked, getting a blush from Harry in reply.
"Ain't he romantic," interrupted Kieran. Severus cursed him with a silencing charm, and sat back to watch again.
"I like that you see a real person when you look at me," said Harry, casually running his fingers through Charlie's red hair.
Charlie leaned in for a kiss as Harry met him half way, melting into his lap as the redhead gave him the most incredible kiss he'd ever had. They continued to kiss hungrily for a while. Harry had been thankful for the arm around his waist holding him upright. He'd never felt himself dissolve into a puddle in his inexperienced life until then. "Oh. My. God." panted Harry when the kiss broke.
"It's just a little kiss," Charlie said with a grin, knowing he was teasing him.
Above the two, in the window, Molly was placing a hot pie on the windowsill to cool. She could just make out Harry's voice. "No one's ever kissed me like that before." Hearing this, Molly smiled. Love was in the air. She walked quietly to the garage where Arthur was tinkering with a muggle item recently added to his collection. He had grease all over his fingers, and some on his chin where he must have had an itch.
"There's hot pie on the sill, Arthur," she said, smiling. Knowing his wife as well has he did, he raised his eyebrows in question. "There's love in the air, dear. I think our little Harry is out in the garden with Hermione."
"Don't know about that; Hermione and Ron came by a few minutes ago with a question," he said, realizing his mistake as soon as he saw his wife dash off. "Now, dear," he said, running after in an attempt to placate her.
"Arthur Weasley," she admonished. "If he's not kissing Hermione, then who..." she began to ask, but found that her husband was now getting ahead of her. As he rounded the corner of the house, Arthur found himself in earshot of what was unmistakably a moan.
"Virginia Weasley!" he scolded, and reeled back when he saw Harry skittering off his son's lap with bruised lips and disheveled hair. "Charlie?" he stammered, and was quickly distracted by a thump sound as Molly fainted.
As the scene faded out of the air, Harry wanted to look over at Severus, but wasn't sure if he dared. He was glad to show the scene, wanting Sev to see that with or without him, he wouldn't necessarily be with someone his own age. He secretly hoped to make him jealous. Kieran looked to be busting a gut laughing, but was still silent from the curse Severus hit him with.
"Who won the bet?" asked Harry, looking from one man to the other. Severus chose to take the spell off of Kieran rather than answer the question.
"Neither," Kieran said, still laughing. "Harry, that was hilarious! Molly sprawled out cold in 'er own garden!"
Harry couldn't help but laugh, too. He had forgotten about some of the details of that evening. Severus also didn't try too hard to hide his amusement.
"I hope that after that, you found a better place for snogging than right under Molly's nose." Kieran said, winking at Harry.
"Nah, that was our first and last kiss," explained Harry. He looked over at Severus, who seemed uninterested. "He didn't say so, but I think Mr. Weasley made him promise I was off limits. Something about keeping the Burrow a safe, comfortable place for me to go to."
"What? He didn't put up a fight for you?" Kieran asked with mock indignation. "The cad!"
"He still manages a little harmless flirting," Harry said with a faraway look. Thinking, he suddenly realized that Sirius used to flirt with him in subtle ways, though he hadn't realized it at the time.
Severus hadn't missed the expression on his face; he assumed it was Charlie whom Harry was thinking about. He told himself he didn't care, but couldn't explain away the foul mood he was now getting into. Severus stayed in a sour mood for the duration of the training. He was critical of almost everything Harry did.
By the time they were finished, Harry was exhausted from having to repeat almost every move three times over, until Severus thought he had done a worthy job of it.
Before Kieran left, but after they declared the training complete for the day, he leaned close to where Harry was leaning against the wall. "Don't worry mate, the best way to get through to Snape is to wear 'im down first. You'll see," Kieran said before disapparating.
Harry had to admit he had been trying to annoy Severus, hoping to make him jealous, or anything, for that matter. Things weren't right between them, and he didn't know how to make it better. He was so exhausted now; he'd lost sight of his plan to make things better. He was distracted by his jumbled thoughts when he heard Severus speaking, his emotional wall of indifference securely in place.
"We are finished for the day, in case you haven't noticed. If you have no intention of leaving, you can help clean up," Severus said curtly as he waved his wand across a section of the floor, causing a pile of loose hay to return to its bale.
"I'm too tired. If I'm in your way, I'll just go outside and ..." Harry began to say, and started to open the door he had noticed led out to a large lawn.
"No! You can't go outside of this building," Severus said quickly. Harry let go of the door, but had just gotten sight of a large Manor across the grounds. "We can use the stable building here, but I've given my word no one would go out to the grounds unless it was an emergency," he said seriously.
"Who owns this place?"
"Don't worry about it."
Harry huffed and went to sit down again.
"If you're so tired, go home."
"I'm going to, as soon as I'm sure I'm not going to splinch myself," Harry said, pulling the sleeve of his shirt across his brow to wipe off the sweat.
Severus glowered at him. "I should think at your age you would have more energy. I've seen you apparate in and out of here several times in a short period. Why are you making such a scene today?"
"I'm not making a scene," snarled Harry. "What do you care if I want to keep my body in one piece? You're the one that insisted I do every single move, and spell, a hundred times today," he said indignantly. Severus glared at the exaggeration.
"Honestly, Potter, you're seventeen and you get to sleep in until you have to be here. I must have brewed three potions before you even woke up."
"Don't call me Potter! Why are you being such a shit?" Harry squished his nose up and waved a hand in the air in a gesture he thought he'd seen Lockhart use once, knowing it would irritate the Hell out of Severus. "Oh, I brewed three potions while you were still sleeping," he said, imitating him bitterly. "Well, good for you Snape, I woke up with the Cruciatus curse, and my scar burning so much I thought my head would split in two."
Harry could almost make out he slight change in facial expression as Severus remembered that Harry had had woke with a vision. It was the reason he was late, having had a meeting with Dumbledore. He knew this, but had been so caught up with everything, he forgot.
"Harry, I ..." Severus began, but Harry raised a hand.
Harry sighed. "Forget it. I'm an arse. I wanted to annoy you today and then I complain once I've accomplished just that. We need to talk, but I can't do it now. I'm going home," he said quietly and apparated out.
Severus stared at the empty space where Harry had stood. Harry had woken with pain from an Unforgivable, and then had to go through the most strenuous training they'd had to date. He would not go running after Harry, but part of him toyed with the idea. Chances were, Harry was already passed out, asleep on his bed. A bed he noted that he'd yet to be on with him. Thinking back on the month, he hadn't been able to help but keep some distance between them, after viewing Harry's memory of the Nott attack, and the scene in the park from Harry's childhood. Since then, he'd visited Harry just before other commitments, ensuring his time was limited. It was a feeble attempt to keep things at bay until he was ready to deal with it. He still hadn't expected Harry to stick around that long. He knew things had to change. Their relationship, if you could call it that, was turning into a joke, and it was entirely his fault. At the moment, they were no better than students groping at chance meetings, never having any real time together.
Severus would have continued to dwell on these thoughts had the Mark on his arm not started to burn. When he arrived at the feet of the Dark Lord, Severus knelt before him, kissing the hem of his robes. He had always been grateful for the mask that hid his repulsion at such a task. Glancing around within his peripheral vision, Severus was glad to see this was not a full meeting, but only a small group, which usually indicated that his presence was needed as a Potions Master, rather than some other vile purpose.
His supposition confirmed, concentrating on the potion at hand, he did his best not to think about Harry and what he was going to do about their relationship. It didn't help matters that he still had a damn Apprentice hovering over the cauldron. He despised the man he was forced to work with, which only made it all the more difficult to concentrate, since this imbecile had violated his work area.
Stirring the cauldron slowly, he waited for the bubbles to get just a hair larger before adding the next ingredient. "Don't put those in yet," he said to his over-zealous apprentice, who was about to drop in a measured vial of newt's eyes into the pot.
"The book says they go in now," he protested, catching the attention of a nearby Death Eater who had been waiting for the potion.
Severus glared at the man intensely. "The book doesn't account for my using fresher ingredients than most."
"I'm here to keep an eye on you. I'm not going to let you botch up this potion like you did the last one!" he said, struggling to pour in the vial.
Severus grabbed for the Apprentice's wrist, declaring the imbecile's inadequacies in potions brewing, but it was too late. The vial had been tipped and the newt eyes dribbled into the potion. Severus' eyes grew wide as he tried to shield his face from the inevitable. The explosion, while not that spectacular-- on a Longbottom scale of one to ten, this was a mere four-- was enough to gain the attention of the Dark Lord.
A chill seemed to sweep into the room with the evil man. His red eyes scanned the group. Severus was sitting on the floor breathing deeply, spelling his robes cool against the burn of the cauldron's contents, which he was currently wearing. The Apprentice was also on the floor, but not as composed as the Potions Master. Voldemort sneered at the man squirming on the floor, wiping the goop from his face, and whimpering from the burn. "What happened here?" he enquired, turning his attention to the third Death Eater who had been waiting for the potion to be completed.
"Snape warned him, but he wouldn't listen. Something about going by the book," said the man, now bowing, hoping his answer was sufficient.
The red eyes now looked to be on fire. He was infuriated. "Snape! I want it now. How fast can you brew this?" he demanded.
Severus stood as confidently as possible when covered with sludge. "I can brew this in half the time. It will lose some of the visual effects when the flesh is melted away. The pain, however, will be equally intense as the regular potion. I think you will find the end result satisfying, given the time restriction, my Lord," stated Severus.
Voldemort gave a curt nod. "Do it!" he said, and then turned to the Apprentice who had now collected himself. "You will be silent, and watch," ordered Voldemort. "Crucio," he added before leaving. The Unforgivable was cut short. The Dark Lord didn't want production of the potion delayed any further.
Severus concentrated and worked swiftly. When the potion came to a point where he needed only to stir for a few minutes, Severus couldn't help but think that Harry had been asleep, and if Voldemort had been angry enough, Harry would have felt the painful curse for the second time in one day. At least it had been brief, but he knew for sure that Harry would have used his pain potion this morning, and was in no shape that afternoon to brew a new one already.
He had hoped the one potion would be all that was required of him that day, but regretfully, Severus found his wish thwarted when a list was handed to him. It was not uncommon for the Dark Lord to take advantage of Severus' free time in the summer, and stockpile commonly needed potions. There were a few ideas he wanted researched by the Potions Master as well. Severus took advantage of the help he could get from his Apprentice, and had several cauldrons brewing at once to expedite the job. Often, on occasions when he finished the list in record time, the Dark Lord would 'thank' him by handing over a new list. Fortunately, he'd been distracted with other matters, and Severus was granted his leave when this batch of potions was all labeled and stored.
Finally, having apparated as close as possible and walked to the castle, Severus worked his way down to the dungeons. An hour later he was exiting a steamy bathroom, enveloped in a large, green silk bathrobe. A towel draped behind his neck caught the water still dripping from his hair. Severus lit a fire in the hearth before dropping unceremoniously onto his bed. In a few minutes he would again make a fire call to Harry. He had tried earlier, before his shower, but had gotten no answer. Harry's fire had been lit, but he didn't hear Sev's call, or he'd ignored him. Severus thought the latter was a distinct possibility.
"Snape, you're finally back. Albus said you hadn't returned since the training," Kieran said from the fire. Severus groaned in reply. "I thought maybe you were off with the beauty I'd seen in your bed that day. You forgot to mention his name."
"I did not forget," Severus said, sitting up. "Nor am I going to tell you."
"Tell me, does he wear those little black, satin things all the time? 'Cause it looked tighter than a glove, and couldn't've been all that comfortable," Kieran said, waiting to see if he could get Snape riled up.
"Excuse me?" that had gotten his attention. "Black satin what?" he asked in curiosity.
"You're the one sleeping with him, for God's sake," harassed Kieran. "I myself, could never get used to something so... confining," Kieran rambled on, knowing it irritated the Hell out of Snape.
Severus thought about the details of what Kieran had told him. It wasn't until the second time Kieran had mentioned the man in his room, that he'd said he'd actually been in his bed. Now he's telling him Harry had only been wearing something tight, black and satin? Kieran was smart; he never revealed all. He was dropping little bits of information at a time. It was good to play the game out there in the world, dealing with the dregs of wizards as he did, but now Severus was in no mood. "What else aren't you telling me, Donnelly?"
Kieran knew when to have fun with Snape, and thankfully, when to quit. "You want to know?" he asked. Severus nodded in defeat. He was all but admitting he didn't know what was going on in his own private room. "He was laying on top of your bed, legs crossed, with his arms up, wrapped around the pillow. He was facing away, and his long hair was spread out, so I couldn't see his face. I scared the Hell out of him, and he ran into the loo and locked the door." Kieran laughed a little at the memory, now that he knew it was Harry. "He practically flew through the air; it was a right funny sight," he added.
"And?" prompted Severus, knowing the man too well.
Kieran scowled at him. "And, he had an odd scar on his lower back, three dots all lined up like a constellation." Kieran noted Severus' expression when he mentioned the scar. It wasn't much of a change, but he hadn't looked as if he'd known about the scar; instead, he looked indifferent, and for Snape that meant he hadn't been aware of it. How long ago was that? Kieran wondered. "Why are you asking me these questions? Shouldn't you be with this 'Man of Mystery'?"
Severus snorted. That had been what Harry had called him before Dumbledore had introduced them, way back when he was on holiday. "The 'Man of Mystery' could do better," stated Severus.
"Severus, how many nearly naked men do you have sneaking onto your bed when you're not around, breathing in your scent from your pillow? If you didn't give a shit, you wouldn't be asking me about it."
"I think not," Severus said snidely, knowing Kieran was right, but he would be hard pressed before he'd admit it. He knew Kieran was being as serious as the man got, since he had used his given name for the first time in a long while.
"I know if it were me, and some lass was waiting for me, I'd be getting better acquainted with that odd little scar while I was dipping my wand," Kieran said crudely.
"No wonder the women flock to you, you're such a man of grace and refinement," Severus deadpanned.
"Yeah right, I got to go. I hear a few of the boys are looking for me. They tell me The Evil Git was in a right awful mood today."
After Kieran left the fire, it occurred to Severus that the boys Kieran mentioned needing some healing might have been injured around the same time Harry had been sleeping. He called Harry's name into the fire again, hoping for an answer this time. There was the familiar view of Harry's empty sitting room, but no Harry. Sev called out his name again, to no avail. There had been a faint hint of smoke in the room earlier. He thought it had been due to the fire in the hearth, but now there was a significant amount of black smoke throughout the place.
Severus cursed the Ministry for having initiated a program that monitored the Floo system, as he dressed quickly and practically ran to the apparition point. Lucius worked at the Ministry, and would have ways of finding out if he had used the Floo into Harry's home. That would not fare well for his cover.
Being the spy he was, Severus popped into the sitting room, taking in his surroundings before alerting Harry to his presence. He was relieved to see the smoke had dissipated, and was surprised to hear singing. Harry was in the kitchen, singing. Severus smiled and shook his head, hearing the young man's voice. It was sporadically off key, but not too bad.
*But I'm not crazy; I'm just a little unwell I know right now you can't tell
But stay awhile and maybe then you'll see a different side of me*
Severus slowly rounded the corner, giving him full view of the kitchen. In the sink was a cook pot, containing some burned substance, now submerged in water. Harry was seated at the small kitchen table, making a peanut butter sandwich as he continued his song. Listening to the words carefully, Severus wondered if he really felt that way, or if it was simply a song Harry liked.
*I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired I know right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna' think of me and how I used to be.*
"Harry," Severus said softly. Harry startled at the sight of an unexpected body at the kitchen door.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry yelled in a near state of shock. He calmed slightly when he realized who it was.
"Good reflexes, but it works better with a wand," chuckled Severus, as Harry had been pointing a butter knife at him. "You left your fire burning, but didn't answer. I wouldn't have popped in like this, but I saw the smoke."
"An' since you're the one saving my life all the time, you thought you'd come to my rescue?"
Severus looked around and spotted the nearly empty bottle of firewhisky. "You're drunk."
"Ten points to Ssslytherin," slurred Harry. "I'm only a little drunk, most the drunkin' parts have worn off. Some more than others," he said rubbing his scar.
"Getting drunk doesn't make the pain go away, foolish boy," said Severus "What if you were attacked in this state?"
"I expelderamoosed you pretty fast. You know, that's easier to say when you don't think so much. It doesn't make the pain go away, but I no longer give a shit, so that helps," he said, changing the subject. Severus wasn't sure if it had been intentional, or if he was too drunk to think straight. "If Voldy's going to keep up the mood he's in, I'm going to have to keep a better stock of potions." Harry said in all seriousness.
"I brought you a few, but you can't take them now, to mix them with alcohol would be dangerous." Severus then added, "Don't bother with a sobriety spell, it may help your mental state, but the blood-alcohol levels stay the same." Severus placed the vials on the kitchen table and turned to leave. "Goodnight," he said and began for the door.
"That's right, leave quick. You don't want to overstay past your half-hour limit. And to think you didn't even get a quickie," Harry said coldly. Severus turned his head sharply. "What? You didn't think I would figure out what you were doing? Just keep getting me off, and I won't notice anything else, is that it?" Severus didn't have a response, so Harry continued. "Why are you trying so damn hard to keep us from having sex?"
"Typical teenager; you think this is all about sex," started Severus, but Harry quickly jumped back in.
"Merlin, Sev, I knew you were going to make me wait, but Hell, I thought we would have this great summer together, but you're so wrapped up in keeping us apart, we don't do any of the things I thought we would. I've not once cooked you a meal-- shut up!" Harry said when Severus rolled is eyes over to the burnt pot in the sink. "Hell, you didn't touch me for weeks after we talked about Nott. Lot of good that did our relationship. Did you think a bunch of quickies would be an improvement? I don't know what you want from this. But I think it would be for the best if we don't fool around until you finally decide I'm worthy of you making love to me. This way, with sex out of the picture, you might even stay for longer than thirty minutes, and we might actually enjoy each other's company for a change." He had intended on saying all that with sincerity and dignity, but the peanut butter stuck on his cheek didn't help.
" I don't find you 'worthy enough' to make love to? Don't be a fool."
Harry knew that wasn't true, but in his state of mind, it sounded good at the time. Deciding he didn't want the alcohol to muddle this conversation further, he picked up his wand. Damn. He put down the butter knife and took out his wand, and recited the sobriety charm, or was about to, but thought better of turning a wand on himself, given the way he'd been mispronouncing spells thus far. "Would you mind?" he asked, and was instantly rewarded with a sound mind that was threatening a headache any moment. Severus was quick with a wand.
"Can we start again?" he asked.
"By all means," Severus said in what Harry thought was an annoying tone, but it could have just been his mood.
"We aren't getting anywhere the way things are going. I meant it when I said I'd rather abstain and have some kind of decent relationship with you. But wouldn't it be easier if you opened up to me? Then you could see that I'm not going to run off when the truth of your wickedness is revealed." he said with a half smile.
At times Harry annoyed Severus, especially now, but then again this was what he liked about Harry. He wasn't like everyone else. Sev wasn't sure if Harry could manage to abstain as he suggested, he was a teen after all, but he had to give him credit. Severus was actually relieved that Harry wasn't satisfied with the quick little encounters they'd had. Where to start...
Severus sighed. Harry offered for him to sit. Before sitting, Severus took a small glass from the cupboard and poured himself the rest of the firewhisky. He looked into the glass as if it had the answer he was seeking, and drank down half of its contents. "I'm not a nice person."
"Sometimes you are," interrupted Harry, but Severus was in no mood to be interrupted.
"Shut up! If you insist we do this, than shut up and let me do it." He was clearly not looking forward to what could be the end of him & Harry. "Today I made a potion that would melt the flesh off a man, slowly and painfully. I make an antidote that Kieran buys, and uses so that he can heal those who have the misfortune of getting near such a potion. Usually, it's the Death Eaters that had administered the potion who are in need to be healed, after having some dripped on them. The poor soul who gets the full brunt of the potion rarely lives."
Harry made every effort not to flinch, and did a decent job of it. He knew Severus was going to tell him something bad, and that he expected Harry to be freaked out. He prayed that it would not be so awful that he would actually reconsider whether he wanted to be with the ex-Death Eater.
"Whenever possible, potions that have an ill effect should always have an antidote. How is it, do you suppose, that I research such potions? I was given the opportunity to test my research when the Dark Lord offered me a man that had been withholding information from him. I could use my potions, and test the antidotes, until the man gave the information needed, at which point the man was to be killed." Severus took another sip of his drink. "In three days' time, I managed to perfect one antidote, and made great strides on a few other projects I'd been working, all before the man's body expired. As an added bonus, I perfected the combination of a potion with a few spells that were used to keep him alive for that long," Severus said, thinking how grateful Poppy had been when he had presented to her a potion that would one day save lives.
"But you would have to torture the man if you wanted to keep them from finding you out. If you hadn't done it, someone else would have," Harry said, in an attempt to justify Severus' actions.
"Yes. I had to torture him until he gave me the information, then he had to die," Severus said without emotion, his face expressionless. "He told me the information after the second hour."
Harry, truthfully, was horrified by what that meant. "He told you after two hours?" he asked in disbelief. "You could have killed him, but you kept him alive for three days so you could test potions..."
"He was going to die, at any rate."
"So, by all means, add three extra days of torture to his life," Harry said sarcastically.
"I am forced to invent potions used to cause pain and suffering. I have to live with that. If I were to create such potions with no cure, or antidote, then I could not live with myself." Severus sighed as he emptied the glass. "The man had killed another man over a bet on a quidditch match. To avoid questioning from the Ministry, he cast the Dark Mark over the dead man's home to make it look like a Death Eater attack." Severus sat with his elbows on the table; his fingertips traced lines from his eyebrows to his temples. "Death Eaters don't take such impertinence lightly."
Harry stood up, tossing the remains of an uneaten peanut butter sandwich into the trash bin. He stood at the kitchen sink, bracing his hands on the porcelain, staring into space. It was a disturbing thought, Severus using some man to create potions. Even if it was a horrible man, and the potions were important, did that justify the torture involved? Was this the worst thing Severus could think of, or was it somewhere in the middle, so that if Harry had said it didn't bother him, Severus could counter him with something even more horrific?
It did seem that Severus was sure that Harry would leave him when he found out what he was really like. Was he exaggerating to make a point? Apparently Severus didn't fully realize the fact that Harry had seen ghastly things in his visions. He had seen Death Eaters doing the most terrible things.
"Severus," he began slowly, "I see and feel the very strong emotions of that evil bastard. Because of this, I get to see true Death Eaters at work. I've also seen you. I've seen you under Cruciatus, and I've seen you doing unthinkable things. Due to the nature of my bond, I could only have seen you when you were under the watchful red eyes of that monster, having to act the part of one of his faithful servants. I've always only seen you in control; your every move calculated. Malfoy's like that too, but he enjoys it. That man scares me." Harry thought about that for a moment. That's the difference with Severus. He could be scary, but Harry didn't fear him.
"Your story about that man is really disturbing. You are capable of things I have a hard time coming to grips with." He looked Severus in the eyes. The man looked like he was awaiting sentence. "I fell for you, already knowing what you do. Sure, I don't know everything, or all the details, but I had already seen more than I'd like to for a lifetime, long before I came to realize there was so much more to you then that Evil Git I grew up knowing."
"I am that Evil Git."
"Yes, you are, and I'm still obnoxious and ...what was it? Oh, yeah, an Intolerable Brat, but you still manage not to hate me," Harry said with a smile. "It's your other qualities that made me fall for you. Certainly, you didn't come here tonight and tell me these things because I'm a brat, who by the way, can't be too intolerable," he said with a smirk. "There must be more."
Severus got up from the table to stand face to face with Harry. His blank expression made it impossible for Harry to know what the man was thinking, or what he might say next. "Actually, my preferred term for you has been 'Insufferable Brat'."
"I hope it's not just my fine arse that keeps you coming around?" Harry smiled; his wicked tongue licking his lips.
"Amongst other things," Sev replied vaguely, his lips curled slightly. "I'm most assured it's not my arse that makes you as tenacious as you are."
"You forget, I've never seen your arse. At least not since you were eighteen. But that's ok, I can wait," he said encouragingly. Severus watched as Harry cleared the table, wincing as he leaned over, reaching for the empty glass.
"How many times did you suffer from His curses today?" asked Severus, leading Harry to a chair. Harry winced all the more.
"There were a few Crucios, but not too many," Harry answered vaguely. Being sober once again only brought his mind fully aware of his body, with all its aches and pains. Severus eyed him suspiciously. "I fell off the couch and hit my back on the coffee table," admitted Harry, embarrassed.
"Turn around", ordered Severus. Harry complied, allowing Sev to lift his shirt, exposing a dark bruise. "I have a salve that should help that." Severus looked into the living room. The sofa wouldn't do. "If you'll lie down, I'll work it in for you," he offered.
Harry was no fool; he was on his bed, peeling off his shirt in no time. Severus stood at the foot of the bed as Harry crawled up to his pillow. When he knelt to pull off his shirt, he gasped sharply as the sore back protested the stretch. Severus was quickly by his side, kneeling with one leg on the bed, the other foot still on the floor. Strong, gentle hands removed the shirt slowly. The offending bruise was in the shape of a crescent, similar to the edge of the oval coffee table in the other room. Severus reached into his robe pocket, taking out the pouch he used to carry potions.
"Take this," he said, handing Harry a small green vial.
"What is it?" questioned Harry, seeing a picture of a snake on the label.
"It increases circulation," the clueless expression on Harry's face prompted a better explanation. "The potion will help the alcohol leave your system faster, since it speeds metabolism and also improves liver function. Then you can take a potion for the soreness and tense muscles. In the mean time, the muscles can always be relaxed the old fashioned way," said Sev, as he spread a dollop of salve on his hands.
Harry drank the potion to help rid his body of alcohol, and placed the empty vial on the bedside table. "That's the potion used for non-lethal snake bites. It helps flush out the venom faster, thus, the snake on the label," Harry said as he remembered one of the many lectures Severus had given over the years. His reward was a derogatory comment on his potions knowledge, and a pair of cold hands on his back. Luckily, the salve warmed up quickly.
Severus started at the bruise, but then went to the base of the spine, working his way out, and up. He noticed Harry's jeans must have been opened since the waist was loose and slightly hung on Harry's hips. The tips of his long fingers rubbed small gentle circles on his lower back. As the strokes were repeated the pressure increased, as did the size of the circles. Before long, Sev was making long broad strokes up the spine, across the shoulders and back down the sides. After ten minutes or so, Severus' own back was starting to ache from leaning over and twisting his back to reach. He finally gave in, removed his boots and straddled Harry's thighs for a comfortable reach and the salvation of his own sore back.
Releasing a huge sigh, Harry was in heaven. "Oh, sweet Merlin, that feels so good," moaned Harry. "Please don't stop...ever," he pleaded.
Severus kneaded and manipulated muscles Harry didn't even know he had. Despite not wanting to miss a second of it, Harry could feel his eyes closing. He was vaguely aware that the pressure on his thighs released as Sev slid onto his side, lying next to Harry. One hand continued to maneuver around the muscles in his neck and scalp. He never knew how wonderful it could feel. Harry tried to formulate words to convey his appreciation, but his body was simply a puddle of goo. Eventually, the hand trailed off his head and neck. The bed creaked as Severus sat up. A heavy hand pulled on his arm, preventing him from leaving. "Please stay."
Severus didn't think that telling Harry one horrible thing was enough to rid him of the feelings he had, but he knew he had to be fair to Harry. Harry had been convincing; he clearly believed that he could handle what Severus had to do in his life, but was that one story enough?
"Don't think so much, just stay," a sleepy voice insisted. Harry turned on his side, putting his arm around Sev, pulling him close. "Please."
Severus placed his arm around the sleepy form beside him. He liked that Harry was just the right size, and rested his chin on top of Harry's head. For a long time, he continued to think and rethink the evening's events, but finally gave in to Harry's earlier plea to stop thinking. It wasn't like Sev not to think, but he decided to give it a try. Reservations aside, he knew this was where he wanted to be. He listened to the rhythmic breathing of the slumbering Harry. Massage induced sleep is the next best kind, nearly as good as after sex.
Severus was relaxed now, but still found it very hard to sleep. While he enjoyed watching Harry far more than he expected to, it was getting late now. Sure, he had fallen asleep with him once before, but Severus had been beaten, cursed, and was suffering from blood loss due to a life threatening gash on his chest. Thinking about falling asleep only made it worse. As it would appear, Harry was having problems of his own now. He tossed and turned restlessly. Severus was concerned that if Harry were to have another vision so soon, he may not have enough alcohol out of his system to allow a pain potion.
"Tell them!" screamed Harry, as he abruptly sat up, breathing heavily, and startled Severus from his thoughts.
Severus put a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry apologized for waking him, and settled back down. Severus didn't tell him that he'd not been asleep yet. Severus had thought to ask Harry if he wanted to talk about it, but he had always hated when Albus asked him if he wanted to talk about things. Albus would always say talking would make him feel better, but that had always just annoyed him. Especially when he knew Albus was usually right about those things. He was relieved when Harry started talking without being coaxed.
"Sev?"
"Yes," he answered, rubbing Harry's arm from shoulder to elbow and back again.
"Why did you pick that story, about the man and the potions? You thought I was going to freak when you told me that story, didn't you?"
"I know you've experienced many things, things a person your age shouldn't have. But, experiencing terrible things is altogether different from being the person who causes them. I told you about the man so you can decide for yourself if you want to be with me, knowing what I am capable of. I had hoped my worst story wouldn't send you away, but I would understand if it did," he said with a sigh. It hadn't been his worst story, but the other things were nightmares he only wished he could never think about, much less ever bring up for discussion.
"That was your worst?" Harry asked in a shaky voice. "I don't mean to say that I didn't think it was bad, but Sev, I have to know...don't you think Sara was worse?" he asked, praying that Severus hadn't thought raping and strangling that woman wasn't as bad as the torture he'd done to a murderer.
"Sara?" Severus asked in disbelief. "What do you know about Sara?" he asked, unsure if Harry could possibly be speaking about the Sara that haunted his own sleep.
"I dreamt about her again tonight. I know you cast Obliviate on the children..." Harry began, but was quickly cut off.
"I don't want to talk about that!" Severus said in a most severe voice. Harry startled and backed up slightly. Severus wanted to kick himself. Here, Harry had started to talk about what was bothering him, and what does he do, but scream. Severus collected himself and began again. "I didn't know you knew about that evening," he said in a calm, subdued voice. "Did you see it as a vision?"
Harry nodded. "I, um. I've seen a lot of meetings and outings over the years. Many have been more horrid than Sara, but none that involved you directly. It's one of my nightmares."
"Do you have it often?" Severus was horrified that he had been causing Harry nightmares by what he had done.
Harry shrugged. "I have lots of nightmares to choose from," he said with a sad smile. "At first, I dreamt about it a lot, but after a while, not so much. Sometimes when potions class was um...memorable, I could usually expect the dream again that night."
"When was the last time, besides tonight?"
"Last month, it was after the fight we had about me healing you." Harry looked into Severus' eyes. "Can I ask you a question? I think, if I maybe had a few questions answered, it might help." Getting a quick, reassuring nod from Sev, he continued. "What was so important that the man wouldn't tell, not even to save his children and his wife? What could be worth more than them?" Harry's eyes were pleading, as if this question had been haunting him for years. Severus realized it probably had been.
"It was nothing."
"Please tell me, what could be..."
"What I meant was, there was nothing the man could have said. We were there to test one of the Death Eaters. The Dark Lord was convinced there was a spy, and wanted us all to prove our loyalty. One of the other wizards with me was to torture the children to get information out of the father. He failed, and was later killed. He had been a member of the Order. The family was a muggle family selected at random. There was never any information to obtain. The man knew nothing, and there never was any real chance to save his family." Severus could hardly believe that the part that had upset Harry the most about that night had not been what he had done to the woman, but that the father had not protected his family. After thinking about it, it made sense. The only memory Harry had of his parents was of them protecting him. "After the holiday, when I found out about your visions, I asked Albus if you had known about that night. He said no. Why is that?"
Harry looked down at his feet. Albus had asked if he had anything he wanted to talk to him about, but Harry had said no. "I didn't want to tell him," Harry said meekly. "I didn't want to tell the story. I knew you were there, and Albus would get any important information from you. I had always thought you knew about the visions, and I was afraid of what you would be like if you knew that I knew about Sara. It was a long time ago."
"You have fairly regular nightmares about me doing those unspeakable things, yet you still chose me to be your first?" asked Severus.
"Spy or not, if you had acted like the wizard that killed the father, I would probably be afraid of you for the rest of my life. You... were not that out of control person who enjoyed what he was doing."
"Lucius could have done it, appearing just as calm and collected, but I assure you, he would have enjoyed it. What made you so sure about me?"
"I saw you the next morning in class. I saw how closed off you were. Only Malfoy and me noticed, but I knew why. You looked like shit for days." Harry made sure Sev could see his eyes. "I trust you. I know in my heart that I can." Harry smiled warmly at him. "Would Albus allow us, otherwise?" he said with a wink, and yawned so big, he was embarrassed. "Sorry."
When Harry awoke the next morning, he was disappointed to find the bed was empty beside him. He rolled over with a sigh. Harry remembered falling back to sleep in Severus' arms. He even remembered having woken up again when Hedwig had squawked and he'd seen Severus sleeping peacefully beside him. But now, here he was, alone. For a fleeting moment, he thought Severus had gone to the loo, but when he listened hard, he heard nothing. Even Hedwig was quiet. Harry assumed Sev had let her out before he left. Brooding, Harry didn't bother to get out of bed just yet. There was no training that day, and he didn't have class until later in the afternoon.
Harry's dejected thoughts were interrupted when Hedwig flew in, landing on his bed, munching on a slice of bacon. She had gotten quite comfortable in their new home and had taken to helping herself to whatever food she could get at. Harry had never even reprimanded her, feeling that he owed it to her for making her live at the Dursley's. Harry's eyes grew as wide as saucers when he realized Hedwig had cooked bacon, not some bread she pulled from the bag.
Hedwig didn't give him a passing glance as he threw on a tee shirt, and dashed from the bedroom, bursting into the kitchen with excitement. Harry's smile grew big when he caught sight of Severus standing barefoot at his stove, cooking breakfast. He was wearing the pair of black trousers he'd worn under his robe the day earlier, and a shirt that Harry thought looked vaguely familiar, but not one he'd expect to see on Sev. Harry had to bite his lip to keep from squealing. He had been so bummed when he woke up alone, that now he was bursting with delight. "You're here!"
"Where did you expect me to be?" asked Sev, knowing perfectly well what Harry had thought. "Did you think I would lie in bed all day?" he asked with a grin.
"You're making breakfast? How come I didn't hear you in here?" asked Harry, putting his arms around the sexy chef.
"Silencing charm, perhaps you've heard of it," Sev said humorously. "I tend to make a lot of noise when I cook, and didn't want to wake you... yet." he added. "Your bird was giving me some nasty looks, but a slice of bacon changed her tune quickly."
"Pushover," said Harry to his familiar, who was currently sitting atop the refrigerator, waiting for more bacon. "Can I help?"
"I'm just about done. There's coffee, if you'd like to fix yourself a cup," said Sev as he skillfully tipped the eggs, yolks intact, from the pan onto a plate.
"Mmm," Harry sighed, enjoying the great smells in his kitchen. "I like having someone cook me breakfast in my own kitchen," he said with a smile.
"You could have that with a house elf. As I recall, there was an elf, Dooby, who volunteered for the job."
"His name is Dobby, and he doesn't look nearly as hot as you do in those pants." Harry took the plate Sev handed to him. "Everything looks delicious," he praised, while dipping his bacon in the egg, breaking the yolk. Harry reached over, placing his hand over Sev's, brushing a thumb over the back of his hand. "Thank you," he said genuinely.
Severus gazed into warm, green eyes, and wasn't sure if it was breakfast he was being thanked for, but couldn't care in the least. "You're most welcome."
He had been starving. Harry had nearly eaten everything in sight, having only had half a peanut butter sandwich the night before for dinner. They cleaned up from breakfast together. Severus gave Hedwig his last piece of bacon, thus sealing their friendship. "I hope you don't mind," said Sev, pointing to the shirt he borrowed from Harry. "I was surprised you had one large enough, you usually wear a snug fit," said Sev, drying a plate. Harry wore an odd look and said he hadn't minded.
Later, in the bedroom, Harry watched Severus find a sock, checking out his arse as he bent to pick up the misplaced item. He suddenly had a thought. "Sev, yesterday, did it bother you to see me in the old memory with Charlie?" he asked with a coy smile.
"Should it have?" Sev answered slyly with a question.
Harry shook his head 'no', chuckling.
"Why do you ask?"
"I was just checking. He and I are friends, and I wanted to make sure you didn't regard Charlie as a threat."
Severus didn't miss the fact that Harry was a little too amused, but wasn't sure why. "What?" he asked flatly.
Harry bit his lip, and managed to reply with a straight face. "You're wearing his shirt."
"Excuse me?" Had he heard right? Yes, Harry's smirk did confirm it. "Of all the..." The shirt muffled Sev's grumbling as he hastily removed it. It hadn't really bothered him, but wouldn't admit that.
"He lent it to..." Harry began, but then couldn't pick his jaw up from the floor where it now resided. He made a noise, but nothing that resembled words known to man or snake. It was then that Severus realized he had taken off his shirt with no thought, and was now only wearing the black trousers. Severus was decorated with several scars. Some small and scattered, a few large and nasty looking, in addition to the two across is heart, one of which Harry had healed, all in addition to the Dark Mark on his arm. Severus had made no attempt to cover up, but it was apparent he was uncomfortable. Neither of them said a word.
Looking past every scar and blemish, Harry saw only a broad chest, muscular shoulders and arms, and a smooth, flat stomach. Sev, at eighteen, had a washboard stomach, but hadn't been as filled out as this man in front of Harry now. He took a tentative step forward. Feeling safe to continue when Sev didn't move away, he reached up to place his hands around Sev's neck, sliding his them down and across to his shoulders. Harry held onto the strong shoulders, tracing his thumbs along each line separating the upper three shoulder muscles, all of which were well defined.
Severus stood motionless, silently watching Harry's expressions as he continued his exploration of Sev's upper body. He was surprised by how strong Harry's hands felt on him as they traversed across his collarbone, and down the center of his chest. When the hands returned upwards, Harry's fingers glanced over his nipples, causing him to shiver.
"You made me shiver every time you picked me up, or did something amazing that showed me how strong you are. So much power," whispered Harry as he reverently caressed Sev's shoulders again, trailing down his arms.
Severus noticed that Harry, while paying attention to every detail, was only paying attention to the details of his body; not once had his fingers trailed along any of the many scars his body was covered with.
"I was so impressed when you were a teen, and now," Harry expelled a burst of air. He was gazing at a man in front of him, not some teen his age. Harry swallowed hard, not allowing any poor self-esteem to make him feel unworthy, knowing his was still a teen, and despite his good shape, and strength, he was not yet filled out. "Now..."
"I'm a grown man," Sev finished his sentence.
Harry shivered. When he did run his index finger along the scar on Severus' heart, Sev also shivered.
"Had I given it some thought, I'd have lowered the lights before taking off my shirt."
"What, and deprive me of such a sight?" asked Harry, knowing full that Severus was referring to his scars. Harry himself had a few scars Sev had not yet seen. They had been in a dimly lit room the night previous, and Harry had unintentionally laid right down on his belly, exposing his back for Sev to massage the salve into for him. Later, they had cuddled so close that Sev hadn't had a chance to notice much else. Harry peeled off his tee shirt slowly, exposing a few unexpected scars, nothing too bad. "Tell me," he said with his arms over his head, his body slowly coming into sight as the shirt was pulled over his head. "When you look at me, do you see old injuries marking my flesh, or do you see this lithe body, quivering for you?" His shirt fully off, Harry let it drop to the floor. He stood confidently, his tanned body toned and sexy.
Severus stepped closer, pressing them together, skin-to-skin. "Do you want me to make you shiver?" he purred seductively.
"Yes," gasped Harry, as the heat from their bodies drove him wild. Severus reached his hands around Harry's head, intertwining his fingers in the dark, messy hair, pulling him closer. Harry reached up on tiptoes to press his lips to Sev's. The kiss was slow and gentle, their tongues mingling blissfully. As the kiss progressed, increasing their passion, Harry could feel himself going weak in the knees. It could have just been his calves on fire from being on tiptoes for such a long time. Severus could feel Harry slipping from his lips, and wrapped his arms around him, his hands fastening around Harry's arse.
Harry did indeed shiver as Severus held him up, his tongue never missing a beat. They stayed in the position for longer than Harry thought possible, until Sev broke the kiss, leaving Harry panting. Sev needed to break the kiss, to allow him to see where he was now walking, with Harry's arse cradled in his hands. He stepped over to the bed, gently laying them both down. Harry shivered again as Sev latched onto his neck.
Severus pulled his wand from the back of his trousers, muttering a quick spell. Harry gasped as he realized the clothes they had been wearing were gone. He shivered again at the feeling of their bodies pressed together.
"It would seem, the challenge of making you shiver has been met," said Severus, still feasting on Harry's neck. Harry moaned appreciatively when Sev reached his earlobe. "I'm going to make you scream," he growled with confidence. Harry whimpered at the sound of his voice, and nibbled on what flesh he could reach, as Sev ravished him.
Taking a chance, Severus said "Accio lubricant." To his pleasure, a small tube flew to his hand from somewhere in the room. He examined the new, unopened tube, deciding it was adequate. Harry soon became aware that his lover was now many more years experienced than the first time he'd taken Harry to bed. Severus wasn't exaggerating when he said that without the use of a pain-numbing potion, Harry's every nerve would be receptive to the experience. Harry bucked and arched his back, writhing under the careful preparation by this very confident, sexy man. Harry latched onto Sev's neck, sucking and kissing to keep from begging to be fucked. He knew to be patient, even the man's fingers were bigger than when he had been a teen. Harry could only imagine what it would feel like to have Sev's hard member sliding into him. He nearly came at the thought, accompanied by Severus stroking his prostate, sending him into a sexual frenzy.
"Please," Harry surrendered and let out a strangled cry, as Sev continued his ministrations, repeatedly hitting that very sensitive spot. "I need you! Please, fuck me," he moaned loudly. "I can't take anymore," he panted.
Severus kept his fingers inside as his free hand lubricated his shaft. Harry would have been impressed that with one hand, Sev'd managed to open the tube and lubricate his erection, but Harry was in no condition for rational thought. The slick fingers slid out, only to be instantly replaced by the blunt head of Severus' massive cock. Deep, dark eyes met vibrant green; their eyes stayed locked on each other's. Harry knew Severus would never hurt him intentionally, but realistically; there could be some pain involved. It was like their first time together, all over again.
Though determined not to flinch, Harry couldn't hold back his sharp intake of breath as the head passed the first ring of muscles. Severus murmured encouraging words in his ear, and continued to do so when he saw the effect his voice had on Harry. Sev could feel Harry's erection jerk between them. When Sev was fully sheathed, he remained still, allowing Harry to adjust to the intrusion. His breathing ragged, trying his best to relax, Harry concentrated on the lovely things Severus was doing with his tongue and Harry's ear. Sev expertly diverted his thoughts away from any lingering discomfort.
"You feel incredible," he whispered into Harry's ear. "So tight," he said, before pulling an earlobe between his teeth, causing Harry to moan again. Just as Harry could no longer stand it, Sev sucked on his nipple, causing Harry to cry out and buck his hips. Severus hissed from the sensation, and slowly began to move, withdrawing slightly before sliding back into his lover. Any and all pain eased away, replaced with pure ecstasy.
"God. Yes," Harry panted, and gasped out words of encouragement as he relished every sensation he experienced. Harry was nearly howling from the onslaught of pleasure, as every nerve in his body tingled while Sev made love to him, passionately. "OH!" Harry cried out breathily, when Severus adjusted his position, causing him to thrust against the sensitive spot. Severus found Harry's words excited him even more; he wanted to make this a most incredible experience. Before long, Harry was unable to make coherent words, only sounds of ecstasy. The building could have fallen around him, and he'd not care, or notice. Severus was also at the edge of completion, as his thrusts became more urgent. He plunged into Harry with enthusiasm, reaching in between their sweat-covered bodies, grasping Harry's leaking erection. Within only a few strokes, Harry screamed, bucking his hips, and then pouring his seed onto Sev's hand. Severus squeezed his eyes shut, shuddering, his hips pressed hard against Harry's arse as he spilt his own orgasm deep inside his lover, letting out a deep, throaty sound as release overtook him.
A few moments, or maybe an eternity later, Severus summoned two glasses of water and a towel. After they drank one glass, Severus spelled the other glass warm, and used it to soak the towel, cleaning them both before they dropped off to sleep in each other's arms.
An unmarked amount of time later that morning, Severus awoke. He trailed a slow hand down Harry's back, learning every line and curve. "Hmm," Harry hummed. Severus realized Harry was in the same position Kieran had described him in. His arms were over his head, making his lithe form all the more enticing. "What are you doing?" asked a sleepy Harry when he felt the fingers that had been rubbing, were now prodding.
"I'm trying to figure out what could have caused this," Sev said casually, tracing the scar on Harry's lower back.
"Garden tool. Now, stop, that tickles," he reprimanded his lover.
"You need to keep it covered, unless you want Kieran to find out about us," said Severus off-hand.
Harry chose not to answer just yet.
When they could no longer justify staying in bed any longer, the two men decided to get dressed for the day. Severus sat against the headboard, watching Harry dress. Knowing full well he had an audience, Harry leaned all the way down to his toes to put on his pants. Harry reached into his wardrobe for a shirt, and felt his pants sliding down his legs. He turned to Severus, who was sitting on the bed, innocently holding his wand. "Tell me again, which one of us is the grown-up?" Harry asked with a smirk
"Kieran happened to mention a particular article of clothing you had been wearing the day he saw you from the fire. A lot like those, if I'm not mistaken." He raised his brow in question.
Harry turned around wearing a pair of green satin bikinis, his trousers still down around his thighs. "These are the same pair. I believe they were black, but for some reason that I can't understand," he said sarcastically. "I woke up one day in Slytherin pajamas, and my black satins were green." Harry tried to glare, but couldn't manage. It was pretty funny.
Severus laughed out loud, surprising Harry with this rare treat.
"Um, what else did Kieran say?" questioned Harry, hoping to sound casual.
"Lets see, the first time we talked about it, he mentioned a man in my rooms. The second, he saw fit to tell me, said man had been in my bed."
Harry smirked, biting his lip, hoping he wasn't blushing.
"Finally, he saw fit to tell me what you had on. By the way, he wants to know how you can stand to wear something so tight." Severus winked. "Yesterday, he also mentioned that interesting scar you have on your back. Garden tool?" he asked, as if he could hardly believe it. "Would you like to give me an edge, by giving me some insight on what else he may not have told me about you in my bed?"
"There isn't anything else to tell about that morning. But..." Harry managed to smile and worry his lip simultaneously. "He saw my scar yesterday while he was, um... teaching me the merits of punctuality."
"That lesson is typically a painful one," said a knowing Severus. "So, Kieran knows it was you in my bed. I think I'll enjoy having the upper hand on this one, for a change."
"Scary," mused Harry, when he saw the evil grin on Sev's face. It was the very look he used to have when returning an essay covered with a big red F.
DETAH 42 - Dinner Guest
Harry slouched on his sofa, leaning against a warm shoulder as he watched a movie on his new television. He lazily reached for a chocolate covered pretzel from the coffee table that was strewn with munchies. When a spoonful of chocolate-chocolate chip ice cream appeared in front of his lips, he greedily devoured it.
"God, I missed this," moaned Hermione. "We haven't had 'date night' it so long," she complained.
"Yeah, sure. You just couldn't stand your parents smothering you another minute," Harry said humorously.
"Ugh, tell me about it. I love 'em Harry, I do. But you don't know how hard it is to live at school for so long and suddenly have them hovering over you day in and day out. My Mum is driving me nuts," she said before digging into the ice cream tub again. "I do miss you. We've not had any juicy conversations in such a long time."
"Is that all I'm good for? Who do you think I am, the Professor of 'How to Please a Man 101'?" he protested with mock annoyance, and grabbed a small glass on the table containing a warm amber liquid. He winced after taking a sip.
"I can't believe you drink that stuff," she said, taking the glass from his hand, and then taking a sip herself. "Ick," she winced, peered into the glass, taking another sip, "Damn, this stuff is harsh," she rasped.
"I'm out of Butterbeer and this is all that I have left. Severus drinks this sometimes, but I'm finding he's more of a wine connoisseur. It's not bad if you want to get a good buzz. Sev hates when I say that. I think it reminds him of my age," Harry said with a smirk.
"He is hot," she said breathily. Harry almost sputtered out his pretzel. Hermione giggled at her dear friend's shocked expression. "I know, I know, but he kind of grows on you. Ever since I saw you two kiss on holiday, and Ron had said how much he watched over you, while you were in the Infirmary, I started thinking about him differently. You look so happy, so content."
Neither had noticed the flicker in the fire as Severus peeked to see if Harry was alone. They had discussed being more open with Harry's friends, but Severus was a private person, and wasn't too comfortable with it, yet. He did concede that he wouldn't put up the facade while his friends were around as they did for the rest of the public. Conveniently for him, he was never around while Harry was with his friends. He peeked again and they were both gone from the room. They had been lounging so comfortably against each other he doubted she would have left so hastily. Listening carefully he could just make out the voices from the kitchen.
"I think you need another drink," encouraged Hermione.
"You know," Harry sipped from his glass again, this time not wincing. "You think you're going to sway me because I've been drinking?"
"Oh, come on Harry, please," she begged. I just want to see it once. I swear I won't tell a soul."
"Nah, he wouldn't appreciate that, I'm sure." Harry wasn't exactly sounding as confident as he was attempting. She knew the alcohol was working in her favor. Severus, still listening intently, was not worried about his lover's faithfulness, but was still very interested in what the witch wanted from him.
"Please, you can use the spell you learned, the one that makes the picture show up in the air. A projection spell," she said as she sat back down on the sofa with a fresh bowl of popcorn. "Oo, come quick, it's the good part."
Harry returned to find Hermione staring at the TV with her eyes glazed over. "You're such a romantic," he said, as the leading man on the TV screen embraced the heroine, kissing her deeply. She snorted, as if Harry weren't a romantic himself. No sooner had the credits began to roll across the screen when Hermione started in on him again. Not quite listening, Harry heard a distinct sound from the kitchen. Kieran and Sev had been teaching him to be especially aware of his surroundings, and he had practiced listening for various things. He was sure Severus had just Apparated into the kitchen. He waited for his love to walk through the kitchen door, and realized Mr. Spy wasn't making his presence known yet. He would have some fun with Severus, and teach him to be polite and greet Harry and his friend, instead of testing Harry on his ability to be conscious of his surroundings despite the fact that his home probably had better wards then the Ministry of Magic itself.
"I guess, but I'm telling you, I had to wait a long time to see it. I can't see why you deserve to."
Severus had frightening thoughts on what it was she wanted his Harry to show her. He was about to walk into the sitting room and make his presence known, but before he could get past the entryway, Hermione cast the spell on Harry as he'd agreed, causing a scene appear in the air in front of them.
There, bigger than life, was Severus' face. The very short scene repeated itself over and over. He was smiling. It was a full face, eyes-lit-up smile. With almost no background but blue sky, it was apparent Harry's memory was of him flying Hagrid's horse. Severus hadn't known anyone was watching him so far up in the sky. He was now standing right behind the sofa. The other two's faces both gazed up at the repeating scene before them; neither of them appeared to realize he was there. Or so Severus thought.
"Harry, he looks like a completely different person. It's like knowing something exists, but you've never seen it and wonder if it's true. You know what I mean?"
"I know you've had too much to drink," he laughed, but knew it to be true; Severus did look so different with a big smile. "This was from the first day Sev took Hagrid's horse up for a flight around the castle," he said with his eyes still on the larger than life, smiling Severus. "Do you think you could take me for a ride sometime?"
"Me?" asked Hermione, confused. Severus grinned, happy that Harry knew he was there, and had not been taken unaware.
"I believe he was referring to me," Severus purred in her ear, causing the poor girl to jump higher than her ginger cat on magical catnip. Harry chuckled as he watched her leap and spin so quickly she practically landed in his lap. Harry held onto her arm, to brace against the sudden dizziness she was experiencing.
"P-p-professor Snape!" she slurred, and quickly tried to wave her wand to make the enormous image of him smiling disappear. Severus would have laughed at her reaction, if he didn't think the sight of him laughing wouldn't set the poor girl onto her arse. The other reason he wasn't amused was due to the fact that her intoxicated wand waving had caused her swish and flick to nearly take Harry's eye out. Luckily, he wasn't wearing his contacts, and so his glasses took most of the impact.
Hermione was about to sputter a slew of apologies for her poor aim but stopped dead in her tracks, blinking. Severus was leaning over the back of the sofa; he had gently taken off Harry's glasses, his thumb was caressing over a small, pink spot where the glasses had made a mark on his face. His touch on Harry's skin was so tender and caring, she almost whimpered at the sight before her. She really had had too much to drink.
Harry smiled, "I'm fine," he whispered soothingly to Severus.
"Sorry, Harry," she said, finding her voice once again. She stood up to make her excuses to leave.
"Where are you going?" he asked her dejectedly. "Don't leave."
"I'd have to agree," said Severus surprising the other two. "Guessing by how much of that bottle has gone down, if you were to Floo home now, you would no sooner land home before retching on your parents' sitting room carpet."
Hermione was about to protest the fact that her parents didn't have a carpet near the fireplace, when she realized a sober person probably would have let that go. Severus suggested that she limit herself to the consumption of alcohol that wasn't bottled before she was born, and rambled on about having a decent bottle of scotch wasted on their indiscriminate palates.
Harry just laughed because he'd never seen Hermione with that look on her face. The look of being utterly clueless, as she hardly understood a word Severus had said. Harry was sure Severus was throwing in a few extra big words to mess with his inebriated friend's head.
The three unlikely companions made conversation over the next hour. Hermione did her best to act as sober and mature as possible. Harry simply relaxed; enjoying the first time he'd spent time with his lover in the company of one of his friends. He wondered briefly how the evening would have been if Ron were also there. He didn't really think Severus would have come out of the kitchen, had there been anyone else there. It was a slow process that Severus wasn't in any rush to get through, even though there were only a select few people that could safely know about them.
When Hermione did leave, Severus admitted she was bearable to talk to when she wasn't in competition with others to offer information. Harry wanted to protest that Severus had enjoyed her company more than he let on, but for now he had other things in mind. He was in a playful mood, and ran at the unsuspecting Severus, throwing himself into the man's arms. Severus saw him coming but was unprepared for the legs that wrapped around him in mid- air, forcing them to fall back over the arm of the sofa.
Attacking his mouth with vigor, Harry squeezed his legs around his lover's waist, delightfully pressing them together. Harry's aggressive tongue continued to plunder Sev's mouth until an annoying crinkling sound compelled him to pull away.
"Sorry," said Harry, amused, pulling a bag of candies from between the sofa cushions. Severus looked at him, curious, commenting that he rarely saw Harry eat so much junk food in excess. "Mione's parents are dentists. The best snack at her house is fruit juice sweetened oatmeal cookies," explained Harry, pulling a face. "She needed a fix."
"If I were to need a fix, would you also grant my wishes in true Gryffindor style, in excess?" growled Severus.
"That depends on your wishes," he answered, and nibbled along Sev's jaw. "I may be a Gryffindor, but the Slytherin part of me wants to make sure it's something I would enjoy." Harry kissed him hard, dominating the kiss. As quickly as he had fastened himself to Sev's lips, Harry pulled away again. "Hey, do I get a wish like everybody else?"
Severus chuckled. He wasn't used to Harry being tipsy and found him very amusing. "Tell me," Sev purred. "What do you wish?"
"Hmm, what... do... I... wish?" he drawled out slowly, thinking about his answer. He wriggled on top of Sev, grinding their hips together. "I wish to top," he said with an impish grin.
"Is that so? And what, pray tell, led you to believe I would allow such a thing?" Severus said smugly. Harry looked stunned, then indignant. Severus couldn't hold the smirk any longer; it turned into a smile, resulting in his receiving a punch from Harry when he realized Severus was teasing him. "You call that a punch? You forget, I've been training you three days a week since summer began. I know your weaknesses," he said with an evil grin.
"You don't scare me," said Harry. He wriggled his hips again, grinding himself on Severus. "You're just trying to distract me because you don't want me to top." His words slurred slightly.
"You should be scared." Severus unbuttoned Harry's pants, pulled his shirt loose, sliding his fingers beneath the cotton tee. Harry's eyes grew wide as the long, slender fingers that usually gave him much pleasure were lightly wiggling up his sides. He practically screamed.
"No! Don't you dare tickle me!" pleaded Harry. He squirmed to get away, causing Severus to moan from the friction.
"I should make you squirm more often," he growled. Harry caught his breath, thankful the fingers were now gently rubbing his hips. It wouldn't do to be sick on his lover, especially when he was trying to talk him into letting him top.
"Hey, stop distracting me. I want to make you feel as good as you make me feel good." He paused, trying to figure out if that sentence made sense. "I'm not even as big as you, or is that a bad thing?" Harry suddenly looked unsure of himself.
"I'm sure you would feel divine buried deep inside of me. I would just prefer to have a little advance notice so that I can be better prepared. And, you may not want to be drunk your first time."
"Better prepared? I thought that was my job?" Harry said, and slid his hand around to reach Sev's arse.
"That's not what I meant, and you know it."
Harry harrumphed at his words, but didn't argue, thinking Severus had a point, but wouldn't admit it.
"Besides," Severus continued. "You're a horny seventeen-year-old with 1/2 a bottle of scotch in you. I could give you head and you'd probably pass out minutes afterwards."
"I resent that!" Harry said, half-laughing. "Besides, Herminnony drank some too, so that would make it a 1/4 of a bottle. I think." Severus chuckled, and allowed him to go on. "I'm a teen, I've got stanina, stanima, well, I can go a long time." He said haughtily.
"I believe the word your mangling is 'stamina'," Sev said, pulling Harry's shirt up and over his head. "Perhaps an experiment is in order," he said, licking his lips.
"Deal." Harry pulled out his erect member, rubbing a drop of pre-come around the tip. "If you give me head, and I don't pass out, you'll let me top?"
"I didn't exactly say that, but ok, deal." Sev pulled him down for a kiss. "I can't exactly reach, you'll have to let me up."
Harry looked around. It was kind of funny to see Severus laying flat on his back on the sofa, with his knees over the armrest, and Harry propped on top. "I don't want to let you up. I like it on top," he said with a smirk. Severus put his hands around Harry's sides again and lifted him up over his head until he had access to what he desired. "Oh, Merlin," Harry cried out when he was swallowed whole. His pants still around his hips prevented him from putting a leg down for balance. Severus held his hips, as Harry kept his legs straight in the 'push-up' position. This wasn't the topping he'd planned, but he wouldn't complain, and continued to pump into Sev's eager mouth. It was difficult to keep up with that position, but Harry didn't want that sensation to stop for even a second. Even if it meant that his calves were going into spasm from the position, he wasn't going to give in. He was going to get head, and then top with Severus. The thought alone brought him closer to completion.
Harry woke up in his bed. *'Son of a bitch.'* He didn't even remember getting to bed. As he sat up, he deeply regretted doing so. He thought back to the position he was in while Severus was fellating him. It was a strenuous position. Severus wasn't stupid. The ache in his legs was nothing compared to the headache that was about to peak. "Bless you," he said, spotting the vial of hangover cure on his nightstand. Downing the vial, he opened a small note that accompanied the merciful cure.
Dear Harry,
Courteous, respectable men do not point out other's misfortunes, or mistakes made despite warnings they may have received. Since I am neither courteous nor respectable, let me say,
I told you so.
Yours truly,
Severus*
PS: I'm taking the rest of the scotch back home with me.*
"You are such a bastard," said Harry, laughing. He got up and showered, looking forward to his training today. Sev and he had a good prank to play on Kieran.
Kieran had been pestering Severus about his lover. Severus in return had him all but convinced that the body in his bed must have been a prank, since that person hadn't come forward, had most likely finished school that June and wouldn't be bothered with him again. Keeping up appearances, Harry did his best to impress, practically flirting, but received no response from the irritable trainer. They played the game of 'chase and clueless' for weeks, until a few days back when Kieran was at his wit's end and convinced Severus to admit his feelings and get laid already. All the while, Kieran never let on he knew it was Harry.
No sooner had Harry Apparated into the building, than he heard a familiar silky voice. "Sleep well?"
Harry flashed him a grin. "You're such a prick."
"Excuse me? I held up my end of the deal," Sev licked his lips, proving his point. He pulled Harry behind a partial wall of hay bales.
"Yeah, I suppose, but next time, hold up your other end," Harry said, moving his eyebrows suggestively. "Mmm" he sighed happily when Sev's lips met his, pulling them to the hay-covered floor. "How long before Kieran gets here?"
"Not long," Severus spoke the words against his neck. "He always arrives early. He tries to beat me here and catch me unaware; it's an old game he never wins." Severus sucked on Harry's earlobe eliciting a whimper. "Try to be quiet, as if you don't want to get caught."
"Isn't that the point?"
"Yes, but he's very good. Kieran would know if a mouse crept by." Severus gave Harry a stern look when he whimpered again, but couldn't hold back a smile. He loved how responsive Harry was.
When Kieran Apparated in, his first reaction was a satisfied grin, thinking he'd managed to be the first to arrive. But he was instantly on alert when he heard something shuffle in the shadows. He stealthily moved about the room until he had a view of what, or rather who, was in the shadows of the hay barrier. When his eyes adjusted to the light, he could make out the silhouettes of two bodies in a heated kiss. The glint of light against silver showed Severus' ring on a hand squeezing a tight young arse. Kieran walked away humming, relieved that they had finally gotten together. He distinctly heard a silencing charm being placed, and was grateful for it.
"Here, turn it back ten times." Severus whispered in Harry's ear, handing him a time-turner. It wasn't the same as the one Hermione had had, this one only went back a minute for each turn, and was very small. Harry gave Severus a sound kiss, and 'popped' home. Rummaging through his clothes, Harry changed into something completely different. He combed his hair again, and sent Hedwig off with the time-turner, returning it to Albus as promised.
When Harry 'popped' back, he saw Kieran smiling and humming to himself. "Hey, Kieran," he said cheerfully. The Scott startled at the sight of him. Giving the room the once over, Harry asked, "Where's Severus? Isn't he always here first?"
"Guess he got held up," Kieran said vaguely.
Harry scrutinized the wizard's face, narrowing his eyes. "You're lying, he's always first. Is this a test?" Harry said, and began cautiously moving around the large room.
"He was late once, when he had a meeting with Albus," Kieran rationalized.
"Yes, but you knew where he was then. Is he going to pop out from somewhere and attack me?" said Harry, on the alert. Kieran looked agitated. "You know, all that harassing him about getting laid? I think you finally wore him down. I think he's gonna' ask me out," Harry said confidently, and continued his search for the 'missing' Severus. Just as he was about to jump into Severus' hiding spot, he was abruptly stopped by a spell that just missed his head, sending red sparks past him into the shadows. Harry turned around to see Kieran with his wand out, but was startled when an arm quickly made its way around his neck, a second arm holding a wand to his head.
"Don't allow yourself to be distracted," purred Severus in his ear. "You should have ignored the spell Kieran sent past you, and continued your investigation." Severus chastised Harry, grinning at Kieran.
"I know, but I didn't want to miss the look on Kieran's face when I found you rolling in the hay with another man. And to think, I had this shocked, hurt look all practiced," said Harry with a pout. By now Kieran realized he'd been had. Severus turned Harry around in his arms and leaned down to claim his sweet lips. As they kissed, Kieran yelled obscenities at them.
Harry noticed during the training that Kieran was trying a lot harder to curse Severus than usual. He also noticed that Severus had to add a few pages to the book where they marked his progress. Harry looked over Sev's shoulder and noticed the name Fawkes, but Severus wouldn't elaborate on why they chose that name for him in the book. Kieran, who was still being a poor sport about the joke, told him they named him after a phoenix because he didn't die, but Harry could tell he was being sarcastic. In the end, Kieran conceded that it had been one of Severus' better pranks, and he was glad they were together.
A week or so later, Harry got a chance to visit with the real Fawkes on a trip to Hogwarts. He arrived at the top of the steps, but didn't hear the familiar voice asking him to enter. He knocked, receiving no response. "Guess he's out," Harry said to no one in particular, then gave his private password, allowing him access through the Headmaster's office to his own room. Harry checked his watch with a smile, and rummaged through a box of papers to find what he was looking for.
Harry sat back comfortably on his old bed, reading through a document. This is how Albus found him. Harry checked his watch again and raised an eyebrow. "You're getting slow Albus; you're not getting old, are you?" teased Harry, as he stood to greet the wizard properly. Albus wrapped his arms around Harry as he always did when greeting Harry in their home in Albus' tower.
"You are not above punishment from me, young man," chided the elder Wizard. "As for my getting slow, I had already heard from Hagrid that you were on the grounds, and looking well," he said, a smile right up to his blue eyes. He took a seat on the bed as Harry gestured to him, "How are you finding living alone?"
"Who's alone?" laughed Harry. "Ron visits when he can, Hermione and I hang out on Thursdays, and the twins are there brewing potions for products that Mrs. Weasley wouldn't let them do at home. With good reason, I might add."
Albus chuckled. "I have heard you're on your third pair of drapes in the living room."
"How did you know about that? You freak me out sometimes," said Harry with a look of disbelief. Albus enjoyed how comfortable Harry had gotten with him, although Harry did occasionally forget himself and speak to Albus as he would with Ron, getting into trouble for foul language.
"I assure you, there is nothing mystical going on. A certain Potions Master was ranting about your safety since you allowed the Weasley twins to use your place for research."
Harry bit his lip, hiding a small smile. He loved that Sev cared about him. "He isn't very happy about them being there. I um, leave out their brewing log in an easy to see location, and usually there are notes and changes in red the next day. I think Severus' checking it over has prevented a lot of accidents. I'm pretty sure he's added an extra ward to the building, too." Harry said sheepishly. Albus looked impressed that Harry had noticed.
"So you know about that? Does it bother you that he has added his personal ward to your home, without your permission?"
"Oh, no. I was surprised when we covered Wardings in my Wizarding Customs for Muggles class. I didn't know it was such a big deal, and that he could get in a lot of trouble for that, if I were to complain. I just thought it was nice he cared enough to do it," explained Harry. "I noticed right away. It's like feeling a light buzz of magic that wasn't there before. I could feel that it was his, you know?" Harry felt silly and didn't know if he was making sense. Albus smiled and Harry didn't worry about it so much. He wasn't going to admit that it had felt like he was getting a magical hug from Sev.
"Most wizards aren't sufficiently aware of the magic around them to recognize another wizard's magical signature until they are older, or perhaps trained to do so. You will one day be a very powerful wizard, Harry. That is not to imply that you are not already a most impressive wizard for your age."
"Thank you, Albus," Harry said sincerely. Albus gave him a knowing look. Harry wasn't just thanking him for the compliment, but for being straightforward. With all that Harry had been though in his life, he didn't need his guardian speaking in riddles. Albus was Albus and still occasionally gave vague answers, but he tried not to be overly cryptic, and in return Harry was more forthcoming. He had long since learned it was best to tell the truth when Albus asked if there was something he wanted to tell him. All the years he had answered 'no', he had paid for it every time.
"I see you've been reading the deed to Godric's Hollow," Albus said, seeing the document Harry had been reading when he came in.
Albus and Harry continued their conversation over tea, when Harry learned about the property and what he needed to do before building again. Albus recommended a wizard he could contact for information regarding building details and local codes, and even mentioned that Harry should talk to Filius Flitwick, but didn't mention why. What was initially a stop-in for picking up papers, and tea with Albus; ended up turning into dinner in the Great Hall with the remaining staff at the school.
Harry sat next to Albus, since McGonagall was dining elsewhere that night. Everyone had been surprised to see Harry joining them for dinner and asked him many questions about his new home and what he was doing with himself. Moments before the food arrived, Harry caught sight of a familiar black flowing robe that swept into the room. He continued his conversation with Filius, waiting for Sev to notice him. The tall, dark wizard walked purposefully to his spot at the table, scowl in place. Harry thought for a moment he was having a flashback to his school days.
A few professors greeted the Potions Master, getting a short "Evening" with a nod in response. He never actually looked at anyone when he greeted them; he was lost in thought and stared into his teacup, looking for answers to a question that had been plaguing him. Harry noticed that Sev's hair looked especially greasy that evening. He hadn't realized until that moment that Severus must have been making a real effort to look nice for him, since he looked very good most of the time. Harry had only been seeing the man while training and when they were alone at Harry's place, so he hadn't seen Severus in this setting since he'd finished school. Harry happened to say 'hello' at the same time as Hagrid; he may as well have been mute for all Severus would have heard beyond Hagrid's booming voice. Harry felt like a fly on the wall, so to speak. It was interesting to see how Severus acted when there were no students around and he obviously hadn't realized Harry was there.
"Severus has been brewing a particularly difficult potion since yesterday evening," offered Albus. Harry nodded, his mouth full at the moment. He listened intently as Severus spoke to Professor Sprout regarding a plant he needed for the potion he was brewing. Severus placed his pocket watch open on the table, and continued to glance at it between bites. Harry watched him eat quickly, and wondered how one could eat and scowl at the same time. Soon Severus was picking up his watch and getting up from the table, though the others were barely half done.
"If you'll excuse me, I have a potion to return to. Goodnight," said Severus to no one in particular, but had said it for Albus' benefit. After murmurings of 'Good evening' and other such regards from a scattering of staff, Harry waited until he was sure Sev would hear him.
"Goodnight Professor," Harry said genially, and smiled warmly when Severus snapped his head around, quick as a flash, having immediately recognized the voice. Severus looked utterly shocked. He hadn't even realized Harry was sitting at the table during dinner, and was now torn between wanting to say something, and the need to get back to his potion that could not wait. There was nothing he could say in front of mixed company anyway, thus the potion won out. Keeping eye contact with the unexpected dinner guest, Severus saw that Harry had found the whole thing amusing, and then had turned to speak to Hagrid, giving the Potions Master an out.
Severus stormed down to the dungeons, angry with himself, though he wasn't sure why. He scowled at his robes; they were a stained, coarse fabric woven to keep him safe from stray noxious ingredients. He had taken off the detachable front, (which he refused to call an apron). It was still not acceptable dinner wear, but he had expected that only the staff would be at dinner. He had lived with them in the castle for over 15 years, and didn't put much thought into grabbing a quick bite to eat while a potion was at a point it was safe to leave to simmer, unwatched. The staff had long since gotten accustomed to the wizard ignoring them in favor of contemplating his brewing results.
As the doors to the Great Hall closed behind Severus, most of the staff had already returned to their conversations and dinner. Harry and Albus turned to each other, with no need for words, and laughed. "A bit distracted today?" asked Harry, chucking.
"It happens when one is engrossed in work," Albus said, and paused as he buttered a roll. "Severus is passionate about his life's work. Potions are a big part of who he is."
Harry could see this was going somewhere, but wasn't sure where.
"Summer will be over before we know it, and you won't be in training three days a week. Severus will be teaching again. What will you do with all your spare time?"
Ah, the 'What are you going to be when you grow up' question. "I don't know. Maybe I'll work on my tan a little longer, and I'll have free time to organize my Wizards Cards collection. I've got about twenty of you now, did you know?" asked Harry casually. Albus smiled at his kidding, and let the topic go. Harry knew Albus wasn't expecting a real answer, or he wouldn't have asked at the dinner table. It was his way of getting Harry to think in that direction. A week or so later when he brought up the topic again, Harry would discuss the subject seriously with him, having given it some thought ahead of time.
"Albus? May students use the quidditch pitch to practice while school is out of session?"
"Preparing for your future career?" asked Albus. "It is not widely known, but the grounds at Hogwarts are open to students. However, most students would have to travel a great distance, and it is usually not practical, given the limited travel options to young people. By the time they're old enough to Apparate, most students have other destinations they are eager to reach," he said with a smile.
"Cool," Harry said around a buttered roll. "Ron and me told Ginny we would help her train up before the quidditch tryouts."
"Ah, the last of the Weasley students joins the ranks. Did you know that there was at least one Weasley on the quidditch team for every year a Weasley was at Hogwarts?"
"Ron's mentioned it a few times," Harry mused. "A few dozen times. How is that right? Bill's the oldest and he didn't play."
"Before Charley led the team, Roger Weasley, a nephew of Arthur's, was on the team. He was a chaser, I believe," Albus reminisced.
"How do you remember all this shi...stuff?" Harry quickly recovered from his slip. Albus pursed his lips. "No wonder you need a pensieve," Harry teased, and a chuckle could be heard from behind him, where Madam Hooch was enjoying their conversation.
Down in his lab, Severus spelled away any loose crumbs from dinner that might have fallen into his cauldron and washed his hands thoroughly. As he dried off his hands, Severus caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror above the sink, noticing that his hair was so filthy it was now separated in clumps. He really did need a shower, to peel off the layer of slime that seemed to adhere to him when he stood over a steamy potion for hours or days on end.
When it finally occurred to Severus that he was angry with himself for the way he looked in front of Harry, he became all the more angry. *"I am not a man of fashion, and if that's important to him, he should date Malfoy,"* grumped Severus. His little bout of anger was waylaid by the memory of Harry in the Great Hall. *"He looked entertained by my distraction. The Brat,"* he said, amused by his lover.
To make up for ignoring him at dinner, Severus decided to offer Harry a ride on Hagrid's flying palomino. He refused to think it had anything to do with wanting Harry to see him in tight leather the next time they met up.
DETAH 43 - Evil Bastard at Play, Spy at Work
Ron carried a tray from the bar over to the table. Ginny squawked when he set the tray down so hard that she was splashed with some butterbeer, but forgave him when he proposed a toast to her. "To the next Weasley to make the team; I give you Virginia Weasley," Ron said, and made a cheering sound into his hands. "Rah! And the crowd goes wild, as Weasley takes control of the quaffle. Rah!" Harry added extra cheering sounds to Ron's commentary. Ginny giggled into her butterbeer.
"Harry, do you really think I have a chance?" she asked in anticipation.
"You were great. I'm sure you'll make the team," he said encouragingly. Ron gave her an "I told you so" look and she smiled, nervousness gone now that they'd had a good practice at the quidditch pitch.
"It was so great to get to practice on the real pitch. That was so much better than the marsh behind the Burrow. I can't wait for tomorrow night to do it all over again. I really appreciate you guys helping me like this," she rambled on excitedly.
Harry enjoyed hanging out with Ron and Ginny for a while, and tried to remember what it used to be like to just hang around. He was relaxed, but still managed to be on alert. He had scanned the room, looking to see who was there and who was potentially dangerous. Harry was almost amazed to realize he'd come so far with his training that as he sat there drinking with is friends he had noted every person in the room, getting bits of almost each conversation. A blond couple in a booth had caught his eye. He couldn't see them very well as they were sitting very close to each other, slightly in the shadows, and seemingly paying attention only to each other. Something about them made Harry listen in carefully, but he didn't know why. When he heard they were speaking French, he didn't pay too much attention.
The conversations went from quidditch to Ron's Auror training. Harry told them that he had finished his first class and was already started in the next. He told them all about the wizarding class for building houses. Since most communities were wizard and muggle mixed, the class taught about muggle regulations and how to incorporate magic to build and ward a new home.
"Filius and I were talking about that over a chess game. You remember, that was the night you got my girlfriend drunk," Ron said, laughing. "He said he had lots of spells he could teach you."
"Albus sent me to talk to him. He built his own home years ago." He paused, noticing Ron looking behind him. "What?"
"Malfoy," Ron said so quietly only Harry could hear.
"What?" asked Ginny, confused.
"Potter, Weasel," drawled Draco Malfoy, his arm around an attractive girl with blond hair halfway down her back. Harry watched as Malfoy and Ron verbally sparred briefly. The girl only spoke French to Malfoy, but Harry could tell from her expressions that she understood what they were saying in English.
"No Auror training for you, Potter?" asked the blond.
"Nope," Harry said simply. He was sure Malfoy expected him to say more, but anything Harry had thought of to say may have sounded like being an Auror wasn't good enough for him, and he had no intentions of insulting Ron's career of choice. In the end, the result of saying less had a better impact. There was no way Malfoy could twist his words for a retort. Harry wasn't being any fun.
"No need to chase the bad guys when they keep coming to you, 'eh Potter?" said Draco before he turned to his date, spoke something in French, and headed for the door.
"Creep," said Ginny as they left.
"Forget him, Ginny," said Harry, not allowing Malfoy to ruin their fun. "Tomorrow I'll meet you guys on the pitch, since I'll already be at Hogwarts."
"Is it true that you still have a room at Hogwarts?" asked Ginny. Harry nodded. "Does that mean I might see you there after school starts?"
"Could be. Albus has an anniversary coming up, I may spend the night after that party," said Harry, getting a kick out of the awed look on Ginny's face when he referred to the Headmaster by his first name.
"Speaking of parties," said Ron. "I thought you could come over to our house for dinner, so Mum could see you for your birthday. Then, we could meet everybody here afterwards."
"Sound like a plan," agreed Harry. He was hoping Severus would want to do something with him for his birthday, but he wasn't going to sit around waiting to be asked, and not make other plans in the meantime. Severus hadn't mentioned anything, but his birthday wasn't for a week or so. Harry started daydreaming about tomorrow. Sev had asked if he could take him out for a ride on Hagrid's flying horse. He could tell the Potions Master wanted to make up for ignoring him during dinner at Hogwarts the last time he saw him. He had enjoyed seeing Severus in his own little world, thinking about his work and ignoring all else. It had seemed like the professor he'd known and the man he loved now weren't even the same person. Now, they were always together in very different settings. It had been good to see him as the Potions Master again. Things would be so different when the new school year began.
"I don't think he's with us anymore," chuckled Ginny. Harry suddenly realized he'd been thinking about Sev so much he'd missed what Ron was saying.
"Hm? Was I supposed to be listening?" he teased. "Sorry Ron, what did you say?" asked Harry apologetically.
"See if I tell you now," grumped Ron, and hid his smile behind his tankard of butterbeer. Ginny, on the other hand, never could resist the 'I'm so sorry' puppy-dog look Harry was pulling.
"I overheard my mum saying," Ginny started to say, changing the subject, but Ron interrupted her.
"She said not to repeat that to Harry," protested Ron. Harry looked on curiously.
"Yeah, right," Ginny said as if he didn't understand woman at all. And most likely, he didn't. "Mum sort of mentioned that she hasn't seen your new place yet since you moved in," she said with a grimace.
Harry winced. "I forgot I told your parents I'd have them over for dinner one night once I got settled in. I better send your Mum a note before they think I'm a total prat."
The three continued to talk until they finished their butterbeer, and got up to leave. Ron took Ginny's broom so she could Floo back. He would Apparate, meeting her at home.
Harry made sure to send Hedwig out with an invitation the next morning. It was a busy day for him. Harry was up early for a meeting with a man about building codes, which went fairly well as Harry had only to speak with the man briefly and pick up a booklet of requirements for the area. Then he was off to a meeting with Filius to help him determine the best charms to use.
It was an odd sight to see Harry Potter walking through the halls of Hogwarts carrying his broom and a large piece of wood. He and Filius had separated the wood into five pieces. The Charms Professor taught him spells to strengthen and protect the wood from elements and attack. With the practiced charms in place, they attacked the five pieces of wood with fire, water, hexes, and even termites. They could not test the last charm which protected the wood from things that come with age, like dry rot and decay, but since all the others worked well Filius was convinced that once Harry placed those charms, he would be well on his way to building a home that would stand the test of time.
Harry checked his watch, realizing he was early for his ride with Severus. He debated on a visit to Hagrid, but had had tea with him yesterday, and couldn't resist the pull of the dungeons. He hadn't been down there since he finished school, and thought it couldn't hurt to pop in on Sev a little early, maybe get a chance to see him brewing a potion again. It was strange walking through the quiet corridors with no bustle of students around. Maybe one day after September he would pop in with his father's invisibility cloak and play the silent observer, watching the wizard he loved as he worked.
Harry knocked on the lab door and listened, waiting for permission to enter. Hearing the familiar voice say 'Enter', Harry proceeded in. Severus must have been close to finishing the potion since the workspace was cleaned of all ingredients. Severus gave his brew one last stir, and covered the cauldron before turning toward the door. He had expected to see Albus, but wasn't too surprised by the sight before him. He did have a date to fly with the young wizard.
Severus had seen Harry in quidditch robes for years, but they were always the colors of his rival house, which he found vulgar, and well, just too Gryffindor. But Harry wasn't wearing the school issued red and gold. His layered robes were black, and sleek looking. He wasn't wearing the protective gloves and wrist guards yet, but Severus imagined they matched the brown boots he wore. Severus was reminded of the colors of a Doberman, and like the dog, Harry had a lethal appearance. Sev found it... arousing. Harry was small for a man his age, and for most of the summer he had been wearing casual muggle clothing like jeans or sweats. Occasionally he wore robes to get a feel for fighting in them, but for the most part he never had the outward appearance of a dangerous wizard. Sev would have to suggest his lover wear black more often.
"See something you like?" invited the sexy younger wizard, with a smirk. "If I knew you would be speechless, I'd have worn this during Potions class."
Severus did not give the snarky reply Harry was expecting, but crossed the room in just a few strides. In an instant he was in front of Harry had taken a fist full of quidditch robes, and was kissing him hard. Before Harry could respond to the onslaught of lips, Severus dove his tongue in for exploration of Harry's hot mouth. Harry hadn't expected the attack. Being suddenly, roughly pressed against the wall, he found himself extremely turned on, and his cock sprang to life. Severus continued the domineering kiss for another moment, pulling back only for a second before latching onto his neck. Harry fisted his hand in Sev's hair as he felt the teeth grazing his neck.
Sev pulled up Harry's robes, reaching into his pants to grab his hard cock, growling when he felt the tight satin that encased his lover's sex. In a flash, Severus had out his wand, groaning a spell. Harry watched as the small green satin garment was suddenly in Sev's hand. "Merlin, I've got to learn that spell," muttered Harry. Severus pocketed the bikini, and turned his wand to his lover once again. Where did my pants go ? Harry wondered, but then lost all conscious thought. He'd never heard the second spell, but the results were mind-boggling. He could feel the tip of the wand pass over his entrance, relaxing his muscles and simultaneously lubricating him. What was that, magical preparation ? Sev had never done that before. Coherent thought dissolved. All focus was now concentrated on the intense pleasure he was receiving from his lover.
Severus nibbled and sucked on Harry's neck, trailing along his scar, up to the very sensitive spot behind his ear. Harry frantically grabbed at Sev's robes to release his straining member from behind the many layers of clothing. He wasn't sure how, nor did he care when Sev's trousers were no longer obstructing his path. Now that Severus was fully exposed from the waist down, Harry couldn't reach him, as Severus was lifting him up with strong hands wrapped around his arse. Instinctively, Harry wrapped his legs around Sev's waist, begging to be lowered onto Sev's prodding cock. He bit down hard on Sev's neck as he was entered. In a pleasure-induced stupor, Harry felt only the thrusting and the occasional bite that took him unaware. Oblivious to the hard wall he was pounded against, Harry cried out as Severus mercilessly aimed to hit his prostate, sending pleasure waves through him with every thrust.
Harry had yet to experience love making so wild and raw before, yet Sev still seemed so restrained. He wanted Sev to let loose for a change. "Fuck me. Hard," he panted. It was the only words either of them had spoken during this frenzied encounter. Severus paused, standing upright, bringing Harry with him. He moved from the hard wall, and carried his lover over to his desk. With every step, Harry's breath hitched from the movement inside of him. Soon he felt a cold surface behind him as Severus lowered Harry to his desktop. As Harry readjusted to the new position, he heard a clink, as his hand had knocked over a small metal snake. It was the ink receptacle on Severus' desk.
Severus gazed over his lover's body with an evil look before dipping his index finger in the spilt ink. Harry did his best to keep himself from flinching as he felt the wet finger tickle and slide over his abdomen. He looked down to see a big red F written there. Harry whimpered a sound, protesting the offending grade on his person.
"F," Severus hissed, pulling Harry's hips, bringing him to the edge of the desk. "F, for Fuckable." He punctuated his statement with a thrust back in.
Harry's response was to squeeze around Severus, causing him to gasp. When he felt him begin to thrust in earnest, Harry quickly returned to a mass of shattered nerve endings exploding with excitement, leaving him almost completely lost in the pleasure he was experiencing, but one single thought slid into his mind. He wanted Sev to let go.
"More," he gasped, unsure of what he was asking for, but knowing his wanted it all the same. As he felt Severus' thrusts become slightly erratic, he knew Sev's resolve was beginning to fade. Harry continued to encourage his lover as he felt Sev's hips slamming against him. Long, strong, slender hands grabbed his shoulders for leverage. Harry could tell the thumbs on his collarbone would bruise, but ignored them in favor of his own impending orgasm. Harry's cock was being rubbed between them, as he reached the edge of the most mind-blowing climax he'd had to date. His body shook, clenching down around Severus, deep inside him, also teetering over the edge. Together they reached their climax as Severus pumped in short, shuddering thrusts, screaming Harry's name against his chest.
As he came down from his euphoric state, Harry's hands, which were clenched onto the side of the desk, came up to fist in Sev's hair. Sev, still panting, worshiped Harry's chest, licking the taut nipples as he caught his breath. Severus, being the first to recover, gently rubbed Harry's shoulders where he'd clamped onto them like a vice in the heat of passion. Harry groaned, feeling his lover pull out, and started to wonder if there was a cushioning charm strong enough for his broom, as he was to be flying with Ron and Ginny later.
Harry's mind returned to the present, hearing Sev softly saying a spell. It was one he'd heard Madam Pomfrey say many times. The thumbprint bruise marring his collarbone faded out from sight. "Don't move," whispered Severus, leaving Harry spread out on his desk.
Severus retrieved a small round jar with no label, and returned to his lover. He paused, taking in the view. Harry, looking debauched, lying there with his head lolling to one side with a grin on his face.
"Are you coming back? I'm starting to feel like I should have an apple in my mouth."
"Feeling like the sacrificial lamb, or is this one of your food obsessions?" asked Severus, leaning over his lover for another kiss. Severus opened the jar, dipping his fingers in. Harry had been about to respond, but only gasped when Severus slid two cold fingers inside. "This will expedite your healing."
"Are you always this prepared? You're a regular boy scout," teased Harry. Severus smirked. "Where did you learn such useful spells? It would seem that most of those handy spells are for speed. Was your last lover into high-speed shags?" Harry asked suggestively and pulled himself to a sitting position. He was deeply grateful for the salve Severus applied. He hadn't been looking forward to walking, much less flying.
"You could say that I preferred to keep it simple," answered Severus vaguely. It had been convenient for both parties. There had been no pillow talk between Severus and his bed partners, just fuck and go. Simple. All that had changed. "You, however," he paused to kiss Harry's nose. "are far from simple." He spoke a cleaning spell on Harry, and rose to spell the clothes back.
"Hey, what kind of cleaning spell was that?" asked Harry, pointing to the big red letter F on his abs. Severus smirked and told him the ink had been spelled against students who may try to change their grade, and it could not be removed with magic. He would have to wait a few days until it wore off with several washings. Harry mumbled a complaint, but followed Severus into his private rooms and lounged on the bed while Sev took a shower. Some things did not spell clean enough, including his hair, which had been pretty bad. Harry laughed to himself, thinking about the last time he'd been on the bed and was caught by Kieran. He also thought about what kind of lovers Severus had before him. Did simple mean unattached ? Probably.
Harry didn't realize he'd closed his eyes until he heard the sound of Severus sliding on a pair of leather pants. He groaned at the sight of Severus with a white shirt, still unbuttoned, leaving his well-muscled chest exposed. Severus heard Harry chuckle when he had hopped up and down a few times to get the tight pants all the way up. Harry offered to help, then wrapped his arms around Sev's waist and groped his arse. He kissed the exposed chest, making a path up to and around Sev's neck.
"That was the best we've had so far," Harry said between kisses. "I love it when you don't hold back, and just go wild." He continued to kiss Sev's neck, working up to his jaw line.
Severus pulled him up for another feral kiss. "You look rather enticing in black," purred Severus. "Lethal, and hot. I also like when you leave off your glasses."
"I'll admit I did that to complete the outfit. I can't really fly in them," Harry said, taking a case from his pocket. "I have to put my glasses back on because the wind in my face dries out my eyes too fast to wear contacts. I know it's vain," he said with a shrug and a smile. "But from your reaction today, I'd say it was worth the effort."
Severus finished buttoning his shirt, and was putting on his robe. "Wanting to look good for someone doesn't have to mean that you are vain," Severus said, snapping the front of his robe taut. "Some of us would take the opportunity to look our best, if others didn't show up early, and might I add, looking as delectable as you do is quite a distraction."
Harry reached across and began buttoning Severus' robe, running his hands along his chest. "I have to say I would have jumped at having a chance at you alone, leather clad and all," murmured Harry. "But if I had showed up when you expected, we wouldn't have had time to fool around. That, and my fantasy of you taking me on your desk wouldn't have been the same if you weren't wearing your Potions Master garb." Harry reached up and latched onto Sev's neck. "I was really hoping we'd get to do that before school started," he said against the neck he was nibbling.
"That look has never gotten me laid before," Severus said dryly. He closed his eyes and sighed when Harry continued to work on his neck with fervor. He had wanted to look good the next time he'd seen Harry, especially after the way he'd looked the night Harry surprised him with his presence in the Great Hall for dinner. At least he wasn't as grungy this time. It had felt good to let loose during their frantic lovemaking. Sev wasn't even thinking about what Harry had said, that it was one of his fantasies. For that matter he wasn't thinking about much at all, with the exception of pounding Harry into the desk.
When he felt Sev's neck was thoroughly ravished, Harry looked up to see a slightly dazed Severus with a warm smile on his face. He looked very content. Harry looked at him, questioning, but didn't speak. Sev only smiled bigger and said they should leave to go meet Hagrid.
Severus was thrilled to share this experience with him. He reflected on his feelings for the man wrapped tight around him. He realized Harry already meant a lot to him, and still his feelings were growing stronger. Severus could tell Harry was excited. His arms held tight around Severus waist until they were smoothly up in the air. "When you're a little stronger, Hagrid will probably let you ride alone," Sev said, keeping his voice above the sound of the great wings beside them. They flew around the grounds just missing a large limb from the Whomping Willow.
"I don't think I'd care to ride alone," said Harry, puffing warm air against Sev's neck.
"How could you not? Such a powerful creature beneath you, obeying your commands," Severus said with conviction. Harry snuggled closer.
"I like to ride on the back with you," he said squeezing Severus' thighs.
"Why? Wouldn't you rather be in control? To command where you go and how far, how high?"
"No," he paused. "I enjoy the ride, knowing I don't have to control it. I trust you." Harry looked back at the tree, now way off in the distance. "If you didn't turn fast enough, the Whomping Willow could have hurt him," he said patting the enormous backside of the elephant sized flying horse. "When I fly on my broom, if I don't pull out from a dive, I only endanger myself. I don't want to be solely responsible for others safety, at least not in my leisure time."
Severus understood, and was more than happy to take Harry for rides whenever possible. They had a nice leisurely ride and flew until they could see Ron and Ginny on the pitch in the distance, waiting for Harry. Hagrid waited for them in the stable as they landed. He was glad to see that the friendship the two had formed on holiday, continued still. The half-giant spoke soothing words to the massive Pegasus, giving it a sugar cube treat. Hagrid seemed like a good fit, standing beside the elephant sized palomino.
Harry stole a kiss from Sev as they passed a large tree hiding them from view. Before taking off to fly with Ron and Ginny, Severus helped cast the strongest cushioning spell on Harry's broom that they could come up with. Harry grimaced when he mounted the broom. "I'll be sure to think of you for the rest of the afternoon," groaned Harry humorously. Severus smirked, and reminded him that his friends were waiting. Harry gave a quick wink before kicking off the ground. He was startled suddenly when he didn't lift off. The broom vibrated violently for a moment before he realized Severus had a tight grip on the handle. It was the same thing he'd done to Sev on holiday. Payback. "You evil bastard," snarled Harry, but didn't manage to hide his smile.
"You're just now figuring that out?" said Sev, with a grin.
"I can barely fly now with my battered bum, and you want me to try it with a hard-on too? Why not just jinx the broom to drop me?" Actually, between the healing salve and the cushioning charm he wasn't too uncomfortable, but he did enjoy this banter with Sev.
Severus let go of the broom handle and pulled on the front of Harry's robes so he could whisper into his ear. Harry's eyes grew wide, and his face expressed a look of disgust; Sev was sure he'd taken care of Harry's hard-on problem. Harry muttered something about never being able to look Professor McGonagall in the eye again, and took off, hearing Severus laughing heartily.
The practice for Ginny went well. Ron made no comment on Harry's slight change in flying style. If Ron had noticed anything, he didn't let on. If one were to look up in a book of expressions, 'ignorance is bliss', there would be a picture of Ron; or so Harry had thought. But by the end of practice Ron was in a foul mood. Before heading to the three broomsticks, Harry sent Ginny to go see Hagrid's Pegasus, so he could speak to Ron.
"Ron?" Harry started cautiously. "You want to talk about it?"
"No."
"But you're going to, because I'm your best friend, and we promised," said Harry, remembering the vow Hermione, Ron and he had made.
Before the attack on Privet Drive, Ron and Harry had had a disagreement on the train home. It was over something dumb, and Ron sent an apology to Harry in a letter, but the owl never delivered its message. They never did find out what happened to the Weasley's old owl. Since Harry's mail was being intercepted that summer before the attack, it could be that it had not survived a capture, or that it was mixed up in the actual battle. With Errol's disappearance, Ron had no way of knowing if Harry had received his apology. Ron had been devastated to find out Harry was so near death just after they had argued. It had been a very long wait to see if Harry would survive, and even longer for him to wake. When it was over, the three friends made a pact never to leave disagreements brewing. It wasn't always practical, but Ron would never allow such a thing to happen again. They really never knew when something bad could happen. It was then that Ron became so protective of his friend.
Ron looked at him miserably. He didn't want to offend Harry with what was bothering him. "Er. Can I ask you something private? Well, um, did you and Snape, um, you know? Today?" stammered Ron. Harry bit his lip and nodded slowly. Ron also nodded, seemingly deep in thought. "And you, um," Ron closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "WasSnapeontop?"
Harry deciphered Ron's words. He wasn't ready to discuss their sexual positions. He didn't want Ron to think he never topped, even though it was true he hadn't yet. Thinking Ron would assume Severus wouldn't allow it, Harry didn't want to say he'd never topped. "He was today," answered Harry, thinking it was an honest answer, though it might lead Ron to believe he had at one point. "Ron, why the sudden interest in my sex life?"
Ron looked miserable. "Sorry to ask you private stuff like that Harry. I don't like to think about it really, but remember the bloke I had a poster of in my room?" asked Ron. Harry laughed; Ron had tons of quidditch posters in his room. "The one with the real short red hair. When I was a kid, I used to tell my brothers I wanted to be just like him. They used to tease me about it, but never really explained why." Ron paused, thinking back. "There were pictures of him in my Quidditch Weekly magazine. Every once in a while he'd have a bad game, and in this one picture he flew around kinda' oddly and I never could figure out why Fred teased me about it, at least not until I saw you fly today," Ron said glumly.
Harry finally realized what it was that was bothering his friend. Ron had realized that one of his quidditch idols was gay. Harry bit his lip, successfully keeping back a small laugh. He remembered a magazine he'd been shown by one of his snog partners. Harry had been in awe to see pictures, moving pictures of men kissing, amongst other things. There was a small section in the magazine with interviews with several gay quidditch players. Harry had remembered seeing the familiar redhead from Ron's posters; it was a sexy pose of him with his flying robes open in front. He would never have told Ron and disillusioned him. After all, the man was a great athlete. What did it matter he was gay. Poor homophobic Ron, you just couldn't help but love him.
"You know hardly anything about any of those guys personal lives. You want to be like them because they're good flyers. That doesn't mean you want their whole life, does it? Don't let it bug you. If it weren't for that, your brothers would find something else to tease you about." The words were little comfort to Ron, but he seemed to get over it for now. Harry was just relived the whole thing hadn't been about him personally. He really wanted Ron to be OK with his choices. It was hard enough for him to accept that Harry had fallen for Snape.
Arriving at the three broomsticks, Harry and Ron both grabbed the back of Ginny's robes simultaneously. "What?" she protested when the two didn't allow her into the pub. Both now well-trained men had recognized Crabbe and Goyle walking toward them from the opposite direction. "Too much distance between them, don't you think?" asked Ron, noticing they had an unusual amount of space between them. Ron and Hermione had done that the first time they had gone to Hogsmeade with Harry wearing his invisibility cloak. After that, they realized it could give them away, and Harry had walked beside or behind them.
"Malfoy?" asked Harry. He thought if anyone invisible had been walking between them it would be Draco Malfoy. "I know at least one of them has The Mark. There's no point in asking for trouble. We could fly over to my place and Ginny can Floo from there," Harry said, leading the way. He knew Malfoy wasn't taking The Mark, but that didn't mean he wasn't a supporter of the Dark Lord. They had only managed to get a few feet away when Harry's head started to pound. On first instinct he thought of Voldemort, but soon realized it wasn't his scar, but merely a headache.
Oh shit, he thought suddenly. "I have a headache," he said aloud, remembering what Severus had said, "It wouldn't be hard to give him a headache." If he took the headache cure he had bought from the Death Eater in the apothecary, they and Sev would be alerted and the potion would give him some energy in addition to ridding him of the headache. Damn, Malfoy did a fine job, he thought as his head continued to pound severely.
"Ron, get Gin to Hogwarts now!" Harry and Ron both could easily Apparate out of there, but neither would leave Ginny alone. Ron yanked on his sister's arm, thrusting her broom at her, and they were off. Harry removed the stopper on the vial, and downed the potion in one. He immediately felt the effects of the potion as the throbbing in his head subsided. He also felt more energized, but wasn't entirely sure if it was the potion or the adrenalin in his system. With the best racing broom Sirius' money could buy, Harry sped off, and quickly caught up to the two redheads.
He hadn't caught up for long though; Harry's broom began to slow as he could hear a spell being cast his way. He out maneuvered the hex sent in his direction. Four black figures on brooms were racing up behind him. In an attempt to draw attention away from Ron and Ginny, Harry sped up in the opposite direction. He circled the turrets of the castle, dodging curses, and sent several curses in the direction of the Death Eaters on his tail.
Severus had been peeling off his layers of leather only to replace them with the robes he had on earlier. He had met up with Madam Pomfrey in the corridor, who had made a few requests. Severus had been heading to his lab to brew Poppy's potions when he was alerted to the fact that Harry, or someone, had opened the vial. He ran up the dungeon stairs with great speed. He debated weather or not to stop and tell Albus, loosing precious time, or going straight to Harry. His decision was made when the alarms in the castle began to blare; announcing there was dark magic being performed on the grounds. Severus was glad of it, knowing it meant that Harry was close and he didn't have to go looking for him. Harry could have been anywhere when the vial was opened. Yes, in an odd way, the alarms were good to hear. As he raced to the large oak doors at the castles main entrance Severus was met by Albus, and Minerva, with Filius not far behind.
High in the air, Harry had been dodging hexes rather well, but was tiring fast. He used his shields well and managed to throw a fair amount of curses back at his attackers. On his last look back there were only three chasing him. Harry thought he may have been rid of one dark wizard, but soon was set straight when a hex came at him from the ground. Apparently, he got the man off his broom, but had not by any means incapacitated him. Harry looped around, avoiding curses from the ground, finding he was almost face-to-face, albeit a masked face, and stunned the surprised Death Eater. Harry took off quickly, trying to lose the other two. He wouldn't look back though he knew the man he stunned was falling to his death, as they were flying very high. From such a height Harry didn't see the professors running along the grounds until they started sending hexes at the dark wizards attacking Harry. Either the man on the ground took off, or he had been taken care of by the professors, since he was no longer sending curses at Harry.
Harry tried to fly lower to give Severus and the others a better shot at the men as he flew for his life. He'd been hit by several painful curses, but flew as if they'd not touched him. He continued to ignore all pain, and flew for all he was worth. He briefly hoped Sev had seen how well he was doing, but then his broom jerked hard. Harry was farther above the ground than he had realized and was being herded higher by the two Death Eaters. When the two saw they weren't getting the best of Harry with magic, they decided to try knocking him off the broom from the immense height.
Harry held on for dear life, but he could feel the broom's jerky movements becoming worse, and thought he'd be thrown off any moment. He threw a few more curses over his shoulder and began to look for a place to land. The Astronomy Tower was too far away; he would have to find another good place. Outmaneuvering the two Death Eaters, Harry managed to get lower to the ground, giving Albus and the others a better chance at hitting them. It helped a little, but he was quickly hit by a hex he hadn't successfully avoided. Harry's broom was out of control. Before it knocked him off, it had raised him skyward above the high turrets. He tried to hold on and dodge hexes, but couldn't. The broom bucked him off and he was falling. Despite his predicament, Harry didn't miss the opportunity to hex the bastard who was laughing at Harry as the broom flew off without him, sending the Death Eater plummeting to the ground. With his own peril at hand Harry couldn't spare a second thought for the man whose end now paralleled his own.
Abruptly, Harry slammed onto a steep section of roof. He twisted around in an attempt to find something, anything, to grab onto as he slid down. It was a miracle he hadn't dropped his wand. In an instant, Harry bit down on his wand, both hands now free to reach and grab in a desperate attempt to keep from sliding off the roof. His hands scraped over the rough surface, finding nothing. He slid down very fast, though to Harry it felt like slow motion.
Down on the ground, Severus felt his heart in his throat. He could just barely see Harry up so high. When Harry had hexed one of the dark wizards during his descent after being knocked from his broom, Severus was very impressed. Harry wasn't going down without a fight. He didn't want to think about the fact that it had taken him a few seconds to be sure of who was actually falling. Severus was thankful for the white mask, making it easier to identify who was who. Filius had slowed the falling Death Eater down, allowing Minerva to stupefy him. They would question him later before turning him over to the authorities. Albus managed to keep the remaining Death Eater at bay, but the evil wizard was smart enough to keep his distance, though he never strayed too far. He waited for Harry to fall, so he could give his Lord a confirmation of Potter's death, or take one last shot at the Boy Who Lived. He knew the professors would defiantly slow his descent in an attempt to save him.
"If Harry falls, the three of us should be able to slow him enough to keep him from hitting too hard," cried out McGonagall.
"No!" snapped Severus. "If you slow him down without taking out the other Death Eater first, he'll have an easy shot at Potter."
Severus was frozen in place as he watched Harry dropping down the side of a very steep roof. All he could make out was a whirl of black robes. When his legs were past the edge, Sev thought that Harry would be falling, but was shocked to see Harry's legs swinging in the air, as he held onto the ledge. There was a spiked metal trim all around the rooftop. It was there to prevent large sections of snow and ice from sliding off the roof in the wintertime. It was a very small piece of architecture Harry had never known about, but was grateful for now.
Severus searched the recesses of his brain for an idea, anything that he could do to help Harry. Although he'd protested, Minerva and the others were preparing to slow Harry down. It was the only thing that gave him a chance at surviving a fall from such a height. With an inspiration, Severus turned to the other two professors and Albus, cursing them with a mild stun. It was merely a weak form of Petrificus. Severus knew Albus could shake off that spell quickly, but it would get his point across.
The last remaining Death Eater flew closer when he saw that Severus had taken out the other defenders of the Light. "You're going to blow your position here," the man whispered harshly, but was relieved to have a good chance at Potter and a good report to give when he returned to his Master. Harry was still dangling from the castle's roof ledge high above them. His hands were bloody, making his grip hard to hold. He now saw the purpose for the awful chin-ups Sev and Kieran made him do each week in training. The black robed figure was back, and now sending hexes his way. He desperately tried to hold on. Oddly enough, he thought about Severus being disappointed in him, before thinking of his own death if he were to lose his grip. With another well-aimed curse, Harry saw the ledge of the roof getting further away as he lost his grip, and began falling.
Severus held his wand tight keeping his aim at Harry as he watched him plummet. He was not even slightly distracted when Albus blasted the remaining Death Eater from the sky.
"Severus! What are you doing?" asked the Headmaster firmly. "We can slow him down."
"It won't be enough," Severus said just loud enough for Albus to hear. "Not from that high." Severus trained his wand at Harry, counting in his head. Albus watched his lips moving as he was making calculations. "Expelliarmus!" shouted Severus with careful timing and his entire might. As the spell hit Harry, he was thrown back ten feet in the air, blasting him through a classroom window.
Filius and Minerva, who were both now free from the spell cast on them by Severus, began running to the castle to help Harry. Albus turned to Severus. "We'll talk about this in my office. This is not how we go about handling such situations."
"He'll live," Severus said flatly.
"That is hardly the point!" grumbled Albus, seemingly very angry, but Severus knew better. The first Death Eater Harry had knocked off his broom was not gone. Severus had saved him from hitting the ground at too great a speed, and left him in the nearby bushes in a full body bind. If things went well, he would report back to Voldemort what had happened, if not, the dark wizard would be conveniently found and taken away with the other captured Death Eater. Severus hoped he'd done enough to keep up appearances. Only time and the next meeting would tell. He couldn't wait to see what kind of shape Harry was in.
Albus knew all along the Death Eater was in the bushes. He hoped Severus' position as a spy had not been compromised. They took the stunned wizard, enervated him and questioned him thoroughly before casting Obliviate and sending him along to the Ministry. When Severus was finally able to leave to check on Harry, he wasn't sure where to look first. He was probably in the Infirmary, but if he was in very bad shape, they could still be in the classroom, stabilizing him up to be moved. Seeing as he was much closer to the classroom, he checked there first. Lights and lots of movement were the first indication Harry was still there, but Severus was mistaken. He opened the door to find a group of house elves cleaning a large mess of glass and blood. From the looks of things, a great deal of blood.
Oh Harry Severus thought when he saw the mess. From the reaction of the few closest elves, Sev realized he'd said that aloud.
"Mister Harry Potter is in the Infirmary, sir," said a timid creature.
Looking down, he saw the lashes of big wide eyes batting up at him, and remembered that looked like the female he had met before. "Effie?" asked Severus, shocking not only himself, but also the shy elf. Her eyes grew impossibly bigger and she smiled wide.
"Yes sir, I is Effie. Dobby comes to tell us Mr. Harry Potter he is going to be okay, if that is what you were wanting to know," Effie said with a bow.
Severus wasted no time getting to the Infirmary. Madam Pomfrey had stopped any bleeding and was checking a file before continuing to heal him further. Harry lay still on the bed, the only noise he made was his ragged breathing, and Severus thought him to be drugged or losing consciousness. Poppy returned with a list of names from Harry's chart that shared his blood type. She rambled off a quick list of names of people for Professor McGonagall to contact.
"Why not Ron?" asked Harry weakly. "What happened to Ron?" his voice sounded desperate now. All he could think of, was that if they weren't taking blood from Ron for him, he must have been injured too, or worse. Severus had been shocked to hear Harry speak so clearly. He'd been pacing and hadn't realized Harry was so coherent, though it didn't surprise him, since Kieran had been teaching Harry what to do when severely injured, but in a place where he could expect to be helped. Harry was to be completely still in an almost meditative state, keeping his breathing even. It took a lot of reserve and trust on Harry's part, to assume those around him were going to take care of him. It was an almost impossible task for someone like Severus, who could not assume there was anyone readily available or willing to care for him. For that same reason, Severus had assumed Harry not to be as conscious as he was.
"Mr. Weasley was the first we thought to contact, Harry, but he was not at home when we called," said Minerva, soothingly.
Harry's reply in protest was interrupted by a hiss from Severus. Voldemort was calling.
Severus had just exited the main doors, hurrying to reach the Apparition point, when he saw a massive figure heading toward the castle. Hagrid was carrying a small bundle, a bundle with red hair. "Ay, professor, I was just walking back from the pub when I see the palomino acting strange. Seems Miss Weasley was tucked into the back of the stable. She's breathin', but I couldna' wake 'er up."
Severus sent Hagrid inside and continued in haste to answer the summons.
DETAH 44 - Effective Subterfuge, Death Eater Style
Chapter Notes
A/N: Hi everyone. Here is a link for a picture drawn by Dav Enrood. "Seeing Past the Scars" (chapter 411/2) I think Dav did an excellent job. I hope you check it out. Perhaps if you review this chapter, you can let me know what you think of the pic. too.
Severus entered the room where he knew the Dark Lord to be. He had to clear his mind since he'd been thinking so much about Harry and his friends. He had kept an eye out for Ron on the school grounds on his trek to the edge of the Apparation point. There had been no signs of him, but he could have been hiding away as his sister had been. He knew the others would realize Ron was also missing, and scour the grounds for the boy when Hagrid brought in the youngest Weasley.
Severus bowed before the red-eyed creature sitting in the center of the room. The meeting was small, only a select few attending. None of them were masked. "At your service, my Lord," Severus said dutifully.
"Severus," said Voldemort, but didn't continue. He rose from his chair, walking around his Potions Master. Severus remained prostrate, with his nose to the floor waiting for what was to come, as it was hard to judge the Snake man's mood when he was silent. Severus prepared himself in case the next word he heard was Crucio. Out of his peripheral vision, he could see the Death Eater that he'd left in the bushes, ensuring Voldemort would get word of what had gone down at Hogwarts that evening. The man wasn't looking too well; he'd obviously been punished for his failure to capture, or kill, Potter. Severus could only hope the other wizard's version of the story was told in his favor. It had been a pathetic attempt to get the 'Savior' at best, and Severus hadn't even been informed it was going to happen. He couldn't truly be blamed for its failure, but when Voldemort was in a bad mood, nothing else mattered. His thoughts were soon interrupted as the vile wizard began to speak again.
"Occasionally, someone comes up with a plan to capture Potter. They are not always the best of plans, but I will listen if one of my followers puts forth the effort to further our cause. I do, after all, have an open mind. In fact, I have several small plans in place. You never know when one will come to fruition." Voldemort paused and instructed Severus to rise. Severus could see his Potions Apprentice was also present, which was not usually a good thing. He really hated that wizard; he had once been one of his better students. So much potential, gone to this.
"This afternoon, I was very pleased and surprised to see one plan working out better than I'd expected." Voldemort took a few small bags from his robe pocket. They were small money satchels. He tossed one to Malfoy. "Lucius, you will express my gratitude to your son for his assistance today," said Voldemort. Lucius bowed his head; thankful he wasn't still paying for his son's decision to assist the Dark Lord from an outside position. It had been a very long four weeks, bearing the Cruciatus curse at least five times a week, paying for his Lord's loss, due to his son's choice. Lucius was quick to find a deed his son could volunteer to do in an attempt to appease the Dark Lord.
Tossing the second bag of galleons to the Potions Apprentice, Voldemort said, "I must admit I did not expect this to work out as well as it did. Potter could have given the headache cure to another, or had taken it himself in the safety of the wards surrounding his home." As Voldie praised the apprentice, the young man grinned smugly at Severus. He'd brewed a potion that worked perfectly, pleasing his master, and had been rewarded with gold. Severus remained impassive. The young fool had no clue. It was common practice for the Dark Lord to give high praise to very new followers. They were very motivated individuals who could bring in other new recruits with promises of power and riches, bearing gold in their hot little hands to prove it. The boy would never see another knut from his master. Severus knew the potion wasn't that difficult, and the plan probably wouldn't have worked if he hadn't instructed Harry to keep the potion on him at all times.
"What disappointed me, was..." Voldemort began again, "the least plausible segment of this plan was not the part that failed! How is it that five Death Eaters against one teenager managed to do so pitifully?"
Severus considered this for a moment. Did he say five? He had only counted four. Where was the other, and why had he never seen him during the attack?
The surrounding followers remained quiet during their Lord's rant, although many were thinking back to the fact that the teen in question had bested their Lord on more than one occasion; they weren't too shocked by the outcome of this afternoon. Most were quiet. One ignorant wizard felt it necessary to speak up. The fool.
"But Lord, Dumbledore ..." It was the wizard who had gotten away from Hogwarts that afternoon. He was quickly silenced.
"Crucio!" Voldemort held the curse as he spoke. "Dumbledore struck down one out of the four. That leaves three other sorry excuses for wizards that were taken down by Potter. Hmm..." he pondered. "Potter killed today. We are no longer discussing a child here."
This was an understatement if Severus ever heard one. He'd wondered when this conversion was going to turn in his direction. Voldemort realized he was still casting the Unforgivable when the screaming stopped and the lowly wizard began to make gurgling sounds. It was debatable if the man would retain full mental function at this point.
"Sseveruss," he hissed with more sibilance than necessary. "Why did you bind this pathetic fool, leaving him unable to assist with the fight to get Potter?"
"My Lord, he had been cast from his broom and could not Apparate due to the wards at Hogwarts. Potter flew too high to be reached from the ground. Only those on brooms had a chance to keep their distance from Dumbledore as long as they had. I felt it was the only way to save at least one of our own without raising suspicion. I cast no other spells on the others, my Lord," Severus said with his head lowered in a show of reverence. Oddly enough, it had been true, but not with the intentions that were expected of Severus, the Death Eater. He still wasn't sure if he was to be punished or not.
"Is it true you disarmed Potter whilst he fell from a great height? Why did you not allow him to fall?"
"The others would never have allowed him to fall at a rapid enough speed to do any great damage. But this... harmed him while I claimed it was only to save him. The Matron was in search of blood for Potter as I left. I assure you, Potter will suffer exceedingly tonight."
"Crucio! I suffer tonight! I suffer from displeasure at your failures!" Voldemort shouted. "This, my dear Severus, is for chancing your position at Hogwarts. You know I need you close to Dumbledore, yet you act unwisely by risking your exposure to the old coot." He lifted the curse, to Severus' relief. "Kneel before me Severus," he said sweetly, as one would speak to a lover. "I'm not completely dissatisfied by your actions. You did ensure the safety of one of my followers. I'm sure, if he lives to see tomorrow, he too will appreciate your efforts."
By the quick mood change, Severus wondered if the evil bastard was rational at all. No, the man was utterly insane.
"Since you did the most amount of damage to Potter, and managed to send this back to my service," he kicked the Death Eater still lying by his feet, "kept one out of Dumbledore's hands, I have a reward for you." Voldemort began to walk over to a door just off to the side. "You haven't gotten a chance at play in a long time, Sseverusss," said Voldemort with a gleam in his eye. "I realize you have certain inabilities. At first I thought, perhaps it was your sexual preferences that kept you from partaking in the fun, but not to worry. Your apprentice has assured me this will take care of the problem." He held up a vial, which Severus took in his hand. Somehow he managed to look grateful. He suddenly realized, in all the excitement, he hadn't even taken the potion that prevented him from getting an erection.
Severus had had a bad feeling as soon as he heard the word 'reward'. He was feeling murderous when the Dark Lord had mentioned sexual preferences, and his Potions Apprentice's jaw dropped open. It's not every day one finds out his professor is gay. Nor has the chance of helping said professor get over his impotency problem by brewing a potion that would force an erection with resulting pain if the person ingesting the potion doesn't ejaculate within a specific time period.
The question about what the fifth Death Eater was doing was now answered, as the fear that had been prodding at the recesses of Severus' mind was now in the forefront. Severus entered the side room as the door was opened, revealing one badly beaten Ronald Weasley. This was his reward. Ron lay on the floor, his robe torn and filthy. He had many bruises marring his body, and a gash somewhere on his head, that had caused his hair to be matted down from the sticky blood that had caked there. This, all in addition to the countless hexes he'd endured during his stay. The wizard who had been guarding the door also entered, which meant he was to stay and witness the fun. As bad as it was to have a witness so close, it was a lot better than Severus having to perform in the main room in front off all. Though it was a small group; that would nave left no options. He was also relieved to see that the man who had been guarding the door was one of the most hateful, prejudiced wizards Severus had ever had the misfortune to meet. While he usually despised being in the same vicinity as the bigot, it was better to have this man as witness, who would be disgusted by the act, rather than someone like Lucius, who would want the best view. He now had a plan.
Severus thanked his master for his prize, and drank down the potion before putting on his mask. He noted the door remained only slightly ajar, leaving very little room for those outside to see, but certainly enough for sounds to carry. The guard, as Severus expected, was standing against the wall, arms crossed, and looked almost everywhere but directly at Snape and his reward.
His gate was smooth, and his robes flowed around him like wind whisking around the fall leaves. The man knew how to make an entrance. "Snape," growled Ron, as he realized who had entered the room. Old feelings were hard to get past. Ron's first reaction was not to trust him. By the time Ron had control of his senses, he thought maybe Snape would help him, but wasn't going to let on in front of the Death Eater that had helped beat him to a pulp, and who was currently studying the floor. Severus said not a word. He held his wand close to Ron's face, and then raised it, pointing above his head before saying a binding spell that brought and restrained Ron's hands over his head. "What are you going to do?" asked Ron, wishing his panicked voice hadn't given away is emotions as they did.
With an almost silent spell, Ron's pants were in Snape's hands. "What the fuck!" shouted Ron. Severus threw the white boxers onto the floor, making sure they fell into view of the 'witness'. The other wizard now stared, wide-eyed, at the floor, all the more keeping his eyes averted from the disgusting display that was two men.
Ron was breathing heavily and did his best to stay calm. It slowly occurred to him that Snape had not yet even laid a hand on him, but he was in bad shape from his previous torture, and would lose his cool quickly if things took a turn for the worst. Severus knew Ron would freak, and was counting on it. He muttered yet another spell, shocking Ron when he felt his knees spreading and getting closer to his chest, exposing himself. "No, you're not!" yelled Ron. The look of panic was showing on his face. "Don't you even think about it, you bastard!"
Severus positioned himself in such a way that his robe blocked most of the view, should anyone be looking. He was mostly counting on Ron's vociferousness, and he was doing well so far. Severus prayed to any deity out there, that Ron would not mention Harry in any way during this. It was critical that none here would learn of their relationship. The potion was working, leaving Severus aching from need. As things were quiet, the guard dared to look up. Seeing Snape pull up his robes and unbutton his trousers, he quickly averted his eyes again.
Loosening his trousers had slightly helped the ache he was feeling, but Severus knew his time was short. He pointed his wand down between Ron's legs, and cast a spell almost silently. Ron cried out as he felt the effects of the curse begin. It was an itch at first, which soon intensified. "What are you doing? What kind of sick... OW!" Ron screamed as hemorrhoids formed and inflamed to three times any normal size. "Stop! You sick fuck! Get the hell away from me!" Ron continued to yell and scream until his words were about gone, and he only made noises of complaint. Severus had redoubled the spell, intensifying Ron's pain. The more noise Ron made, the more the guard did his best not to look. Severus had not actually touched Ron with any part of his own body. Yet. Ron looked like quite the victim. Blood from his now bursting hemorrhoids was flowing down his legs.
When the pain in Severus' groin became too much for him, he knew he had to get release soon. He leaned very close to Ron, close enough to whisper in his ear. "Sorry about this," he said, and punched Ron in the jaw, knocking him unconscious.
The man, who still continued watching the floor, looked up briefly when he heard the sound of a fist connecting soundly. He caught sight of Ron's head, now slumping, and Severus, supposedly thrusting into him. The man looked away again as fast as humanly possible.
Severus made sure the robes continued to block the view as he thrust into his own hand, fisting his cock, trying to get it over with as quickly as possible. The pain began to subside as he felt himself getting closer to completion. Severus grunted as he came, mixing the semen with the blood draining from the redhead. He really wanted to strangle that damned apprentice for 'helping' him with his 'problem'.
He noticed Ron was starting to come around, so he leaned over him again to whisper in his ear. "I'll find a way to get you out. Just try to hold on," he said, hoping it sounded encouraging. He wasn't sure how the Hell he was going to do this without blowing his cover. Severus continued the thrusting movements, in case the guard turned around again.
"I have a portkey," whispered Ron. Severus knew he must have looked downright shocked. Ron had almost looked pleased with the reaction, but it was hard to tell. It could have been a grimace, as he was still in a lot of pain. "They have Harry in here somewhere, and I'm not going unless he's leaving with me," Ron said indignantly. He was determined not to let Harry down, even if he wasn't sure how he was going to get past the many dark wizards in his way, not to mention he was in pretty bad shape. Severus startled for a moment, thinking the worst, but he knew Harry was safe. Ron had been duped into believing Harry was also there. Though Severus wasn't sure why. It could simply have been something said in an attempt to add mental anguish during his physical torture.
Severus shook his head. He grunted a few more times knowing that it had gotten too quiet, before whispering in Ron's ear again. "He's at Hogwarts, I promise you."
Ron sagged beneath him in relief. He nodded, and then suddenly looked at Severus in disgust when he realized that his ex-Potions Professor was hovering over him and thrusting in his direction. With the visual, and the pain he had, it was all too much for Ron, and he freaked. He had figured out what Snape was doing earlier, but had also been very dazed by the beating he'd withstood. Now that he was becoming more alert, he could no longer take the sight of Snape thrusting above him. "Get the Hell off me!" he cried in protest, but sounded very weak.
"With pleasure," retorted Severus, using a deep, silky tone, and stood, buttoning his trousers as he did so. He had been expecting Ron's usual flare for dramatics to make it work, but he never dreamed Ron would have a port-key the whole time. The youngest Weasley man had endured beatings, hexes, and a painful though mock, rape, all for the chance at finding his friend and getting him out. Severus was hard pressed, but had to admit being impressed by him. As he moved to re-enter the main chamber, a small grin on his face was quickly masked over by his usual impassiveness, though he hadn't really been trying to hide it, knowing he had a part to play. He heard the guard remove the binding spell on his prisoner before leaving the room behind Severus.
Lucius was standing in close proximity, giving him a small view into the room as Severus exited. He would have liked to have had the honor of taking the brat himself. Missing out on the chance to break a Weasley had sorely disappointed the blonde.
The Dark Lord may have called it a reward, but Severus knew when he was being tested. He was pushing his luck by not truly performing in an effort to spare his lover's friend the indignity of such a torture. While a part of his mind was reprimanding him for going soft, the other part of his mind had realized that the redhead would have port-keyed out of there if he'd actually tried to rape him, and he would have been the one holding the bag with a hostage escaping from within his grasp. He looked forward to finding out when, and how, the boy would get back home. Ron had been a surprise, and though he loathed admitting it, Severus knew he would have to voice his opinion eventually to at least Harry. He really hated giving praise.
Cold, and motionless, Harry lay still in the Infirmary. His now nearly unconscious state was due more to exhaustion than injury. Before succumbing to the darkness, Harry thought to himself that it would be best in the future that he not take on Death Eaters after a truly great shag and a few hours of flying. His body had been placed in a sort of stasis, to keep his health from declining while Madam Pomfrey continued her search for a blood donor. Harry's type was not all that rare, but they did have to ensure the donor was someone trustworthy, since they needed to be so close while Harry was in such a vulnerable state.
As Poppy waited for Albus to return with a donor, she tended to Ginny Weasley, who had been brought in by Hagrid only moments before. She was relatively unharmed, but was in shock and needed to be kept warm and given a healthy dose of Dreamless Sleep potion. She hadn't spoken a word, but the other wizards were now aware that Ron had been with them. Harry had a fit, making his concern very clear just after Severus was summoned. Albus had placed a warm hand on Harry's forehead, speaking softly, calming him down. Poppy herself wasn't sure what Albus had done, but Harry was immediately calmed and no longer appeared upset about Ron, instead dropping into a sort of sleep. A short time later, with Ginny settled in and several professors combing the grounds for Ron, Madam Pomfrey began her thorough examination of the battered and cut up young man.
Poppy began carefully. She knew it was likely Harry had more cut areas on his body, but she also was keeping an eye on the clock, knowing it was best to finish her examination in peace, before the Aurors and other Ministry members arrived. Molly was also being alerted, and Poppy would like to hold her off a bit longer.
She used magic in addition to her delicate hands to peel back the strips of fabric that made up the quidditch robe Harry had been wearing. The spell used to stop Harry's bleeding had worked for the most part, but pulling the remains of his clothing off prompted a few wounds to bleed once again. With all the fabric removed and discarded into a bloody pile, Harry shivered from the cold. It was still a warm summer day, but with such a great loss of blood, he would feel cool regardless of the spell she used to warm the area for him.
With a warm, wet cloth, the medi-witch carefully washed away the blood and removed any remaining traces of glass. A spell would later confirm that no glass had been overlooked. As Poppy finished Harry's upper extremities, she began on his torso. Occasionally, a patch of blood that had dried, pulled from his skin, causing Harry to groan sleepily. Poppy scowled when she was having some trouble. Albus entered the room with a man, and asked him to take a seat in the Infirmary office for a moment. The man winced at the sight of the mess that was Harry Potter, all a sliced up, being tended to on the bed.
"What is it, Poppy?" inquired Albus, seeing the scowl on the witch's face. The woman furrowed her brow, looking intently at Harry, wiping at his wounds again.
"I thought this was blood, but I can't seem to get it off," she said in frustration. Albus stepped closer, examining the area, sighing at the sight of the man. Harry was a man now, but Albus, having been his guardian, still thought of him as a child, much as he did Severus. He would be healed, and with so little time having passed, they would be sure that not a single scar remained from the event, but Albus hated to see Harry is such a state. He took a closer look, to see what was bothering the woman, then looked closer still. He pointed his wand, using a revealer spell. Curious, he repeated the spell, getting the same answer.
Albus took the still warm cloth from Poppy, and continued where she had left off. He smiled when the medi-witch took in an audible breath. "It appears to be red ink," Albus said calmly, and if anyone had looked close, they might have seen a smile. Poppy, on the other hand, couldn't figure out how such a thing could happen, and wondered if it was some sort of curse mark, but was reassured by Albus that it was not. When Harry was cleaned up, Poppy covered him with a warm blanket, coving up the big red 'F' on Harry's abdomen. It may seem to the layperson that she was way off base, but it was possible to hex a liquid and spray a person with it. It wasn't unheard of, but Albus had used a spell to show any magical residue that may have been used, and wasn't too surprised to see the familiar magical signature of Severus Snape. He didn't mention that part to the matron.
Poppy didn't know the man Albus had brought in, but was happy to have a donor to give Harry the much needed blood. She had healed the many cuts on his body, but needed to wait for the blood before she could continue with the rest. Nothing life threatening, but Harry did have a few sprains. One of which, could very well be a broken bone. No matter, she would heal it all soon enough. Once taken out of stasis, Harry became more coherent, and looked intently at the man in the bed next to him. He didn't know why the man looked familiar, and was too tired to think all that hard.
"I can't express enough how deeply I appreciate your helping us out today," expressed Albus sincerely. "Harry, this is Mr. Finnigan. Mr. Finnigan, Harry Potter." 'Now it made sense', thought Harry. The man was Seamus' father. They bore a striking resemblance to each other. "Harry," began Albus. "When we contacted your former dorm mate, he was unavailable, but his father was gracious enough to volunteer. He has the same blood type as his son, therefore, yours also."
"Thank you," Harry managed to say weakly, with a warm smile. While the cuts and larger slashes were healed, Harry was still very bruised and looked rather beaten up. Mr. Finnigan made a motion to speak, but stopped when Madam Pomfrey came over and began explaining how things were going to go during his donation. Seamus' dad was a muggle. He had been married to a witch for twenty years, and was accustomed to magic, but was still fascinated by what he was seeing, as muggle healing differed in many ways. Transfusing blood wasn't much different from the muggle method, with the exception of spells used to prevent infection and to purify the blood before Harry received it. Once the process was started, Poppy returned to check on Ginny and speak to Albus.
"Seamus speaks very highly of you," Mr. Finnigan said softly. Harry opened his eyes, unaware he had closed them. Mr. Finnigan seemed to be struggling with an internal battle. Harry smiled, hoping the man would feel comfortable speaking his mind. Seamus was a good friend. "You're a hero to him," the man continued. "Not like most people think of you, I mean... Well, when Seamus first started school he'd written and told us all about you and how excited he was that you were his dorm mate, but later he spoke not about the things that made you famous in the first place, but of your actions throughout your life, the things that really count. I don't need my own magic to know how important you are to the wizarding world." He paused, again the turmoil showed on his features. "I suppose I can see why he would experiment some. I wish I had reacted better when I read the article in the paper regarding your relationship with my son."
Harry kept his face impassive. 'Sev would be proud', he told himself. He wasn't even remotely thinking about when Seamus had come to his rescue when he was outed. Here, his friend's father was thinking Harry was his son's ex-lover. Harry hadn't expected any of what the man had said. Boys, or men for that matter, seldom shared their feelings, but the sentiments were still nice to hear. Mr. Finnigan had read about Seamus in the paper. What a way to hear about your son's sexuality, and it hadn't even been true. He remembered the paper had said Harry was devastated by the break-up. 'How embarrassing.'
"I'm sorry something so personal was in the paper. I hope it didn't cause much problem at home," Harry said, feeling awful about what he caused between Seamus and his parents. Mr. Finnigan had been looking Harry in the eye, but then found the tube in his arm fascinating.
"I hadn't expected it. I was sure the paper was referring to someone else, and told Seamus as much. He was put out by my reaction when I expressed how glad I was that it wasn't him. I was kidding myself. How many of the five boys in your old dorm were Irish? I'm afraid I wasn't very supportive. It was a big row," the man said sadly. He was ashamed of how badly he took the news of his son being gay. "Me and Seamus haven't been on the best of terms, and I've been wanting to apologize to him for my behavior. I guess that's why I volunteered to come today, kind of a peace offering. I hope that doesn't offend you."
Harry wanted to come right out and tell the man his son wasn't gay, and had probably just been mad about his father's reaction, but he knew to mind his own business. The man was sorry and wanted to make good. When they made peace and got over their grievances, Seamus would have the chance to tell his father he's not gay.
"Seamus and I are good friends. I'm sure he'll come around when he sees you making an effort," said Harry.
Just then, the doors slammed open and a group of wizards came through, causing a ruckus. They were Aurors. Harry wasn't sure at first, but then got a glance between the chaos and recognized his best friend. He felt something inside him clench up at the sight of Ron in such bad shape. He was bloodied, and actually not far from the same shape he was in, but worse for sure. He also had a splash of some silver liquid on him, which seemed to be the topic of discussion in the crowd of Aurors. Adding to the excitement, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley rushed in. Harry was so relieved to see his friend. It felt like a weight had been lifted that he hadn't known was there before, and he closed his eyes. He wasn't sure why he'd not been consciously worrying about Ron, and figured Albus had something to do with it. It was too much all at once, and he just wanted to go back to sleep, or unconsciousness. He wasn't picky.
Molly slowed down for a moment at the sight of Harry in the bed connected to another man by a tube in their arms. Seeing that Harry was at least tended to, she followed the fray that brought in her youngest son. Albus, showing impressive speed, cut them off at the pass and ushered Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to go see Ginny first, as they hadn't even started to attend to Ronald yet. Harry's bed and Mr. Finnigan's bed, which was to his left, were both very close to Madam Pomfrey's office. Ginny had been taken to the far end of the room, keeping her in a more quiet area. Her parents were now sitting by her side. Arthur looked back to see them placing Ron in a bed across from Harry's, but his view was cut off by a curtain being placed around Ginny's bed.
"Weasley told us it was for a message 'He' was sending to Harry Potter. He didn't want it shown," argued one man. 'He' meaning Voldemort.
"It could lead to valuable information, and should be viewed by the appropriate personnel, regardless of Weasley's opinion of its importance!" came the response from another Auror, arguing over the substance on Ron's person. Harry now realized it was Pensieve liquid that had been splashed on his friend. They would have to view it quickly before it dried on Ron's clothes, or not at all. The first man continued to argue again, saying they had the Death Eater in custody whom Ron had returned with while using the portkey, and could find out whatever they wanted from him.
The room was suddenly silent. Harry opened his eyes again, looking to see what would silence the obnoxious group. As soon as he looked up, someone had rushed over, putting a privacy screen around his bed, obstructing his view. Harry's head fell back against the pillow, his mouth hung open. He'd only gotten a brief glimpse of the scene from the pensieve solution, but it was enough to see a badly beaten Ron, splayed out on a stone floor. His legs were spread out, with blood coming from his entrance, mixing with a splattering of semen, running down his thighs. His view of Ron was blocked for a moment by that of a wizard stepping away, buttoning up his trousers. He gasped. He recognized the hands, the quick, agile movements. The catlike, gliding strides, the swirl of the robes. It was Severus, without a doubt. Harry didn't miss the fact that, through the bit of his face that could be seen through the mask, Severus had a very smug look on his face.
The commotion had started again, so no one noticed when Harry threw up.
DETAH 45 - Misunderstanding
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Albus Dumbledore sat quietly, reviewing the examination reports from Madam Pomfrey. Arthur Weasley and the Auror in charge were seated across from the Headmaster. It was decided the scene from the small portion viewable from the spilt Pensieve liquid found on Ron's person would not be collected and stored for Ministry documentation. As the scene in question was mostly distorted and in small sections, it gave no information the Ministry could use in the fight against Voldemort. The small splattering of silver liquid was allowed to dry and the clothing was destroyed. The medical reports confirmed Ron's accounts that he had been physically beaten in addition to being tortured with magic. Albus confirmed that a spy they have high in the Dark Lord's ranks administered at least part of Ron's 'torture'. Regardless of what had been seen, Pomfrey had confirmed that no penetration occurred.
One of the small group of Aurors that had come along to Hogwarts was an Order member. Two of the Aurors were personal friends of Arthur Weasley, both of whom were trusted implicitly. The others had been separately interviewed. Only one of the remaining Aurors had expressed he could confidently identify the masked wizard as Professor Snape.
It was now the decision of the three wizards in the Headmaster's office to choose who kept their memories. On one hand, it would be easiest to Obliviate all of those who were not familiar with the Order and its members. Yet, there were benefits to certain people believing Snape to be an active Death Eater. It was a difficult choice to make, and wouldn't be made lightly.
While the others were at their meeting, Harry was in the Infirmary, where he remained unmoving and silent. His mind was spinning with the events of the last hour or so. The commotion the Aurors made was short-lived, as Poppy had ushered them out to the hall, allowing her to examine Ron in private and undisturbed.
After he had given all the blood that could be safely donated, Mr. Finnegan had been thanked and was escorted home. It was then that the Matron had come to the other side of Harry's bed to find the mess from when he'd been sick earlier. She bustled around, mumbling her complaints that he hadn't called for anyone when he'd been sick. Harry continued to ignore her, keeping his eyes closed. She wasn't sure if Harry was in a state of shock, or simply in a great deal of pain. For that matter, it could have been both. She decided Harry would be reassessed when she finished healing the many injuries she could not earlier, while his blood supply was so depleted. There had been a second donor, but the blood was taken and bagged in a separate room, minimizing security risks.
When the door to the Infirmary opened, Harry remained still. He didn't know if Severus would show up now that Ron was in the same room. He had too much to think about, and was not ready to see the man. Listening intently, Harry heard footsteps coming closer to his bed. Madam Pomfrey had paused momentarily, which indicated to Harry that she knew the person was there, but hadn't spoken to whomever had entered her Infirmary. With at least three Weasleys in the room, Severus would have to watch his step. Harry had planned on telling the Weasleys about their relationship very soon, but what was going to happen now? Harry's mind continued to reel with the many questions that plagued him. No one else would have a reason to stay so quiet. It had to be Snape, to have made it so near, walking almost silently.
Severus had come in cautiously. He'd seen McGonagall in the corridor, and she had confirmed that Poppy had reported Ron's outward appearances to be misleading, so Severus was in the clear. But that didn't mean the young Weasley would want to see him yet. It was with a sigh of relief when Minerva told him that Harry hadn't been told of the incident involving the mock rape against his friend. They could deal with that later, when Harry was healed and in the privacy of his home. Luckily, Ron's bed was behind a privacy curtain. Through a small opening between the curtains, he saw several redheads moving about. It was most likely a few Weasley siblings visiting their brother. Severus would be able to slip in on the pretence of delivering potions, and could take a look at his love. He had expected Harry to already be healed. This concerned the Potions Master. It either meant Harry was more seriously hurt than he originally thought, or that he needed a great deal of blood before he could be healed. Gratefully, Poppy noticed he wasn't going to speak, and she in turn handed him Harry's chart.
One thing Harry hadn't planned, was that faking sleep was one of the best ways to fall asleep. Especially when his body had been so injured. Poppy had given him a potion to help sooth sore muscles, and it was working as a general relaxant as well, resulting in his drifting in and out of wakefulness. Harry's mind had gone from thinking about where Severus was in the room, to sudden memories of the view of Ron's beaten body. He flinched at the memory and continued to drift between states of awareness. Severus watched on in concern.
Deep in Harry's mind, the view of Ron flickered back and forth to a familiar dream. The 'Sara' dream. This time, in Harry's dream, Severus had not worn a mask of indifference as he had in the vision. Instead, as he raped the woman, he had that smug look on his face that he had seen in the incident with Ron. Severus, in real life, watched on as Harry's nightmare took over. Poppy instructed him to help calm and hold Harry still. She was almost finished healing him and could then give him some Dreamless Sleep potion.
Suddenly there was a commotion. Someone who was visiting Ron had dropped a metal tray. It clattered to the floor with a resounding crash.
"Will you keep down that infernal racket!" growled Snape with a frightening tone. Harry froze for an instant, and quickly pulled from Severus' grasp, then curled up in a ball, shifting his body until it was pressed up against the headboard of the bed. He made his entire body so small; Severus hadn't known the position to be possible.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it! Sh-sh-shush Hedwig, you'll make him mad," Harry cried out, thinking the sound was his owl's cage rattling for her to be let out as she had done in the past.
Wanting to calm his lover down, Severus attempted to hold him, and coaxed Harry to relax and lay down in the bed again. It seemed though, that touching him had only caused the situation to get worse.
"No, no, please, please don't!" he cried out, trying to move far away from the hands on him. "Uncle Vernon, I won't do it again, I promise. Please," he was now murmuring the last phrase over and over again. The whole time he kept his arms wrapped tight around his head, protecting himself from the incoming blows he was sure were coming.
Severus had been shocked by the display. He was even more shocked when the privacy curtain around Weasley's bed flew aside, revealing Ron, who had sprung at them, yelling.
"Don't touch him!" yelled Ron. "Get off!" he roared at Severus, yanking him away from Harry. Ron held up a hand, keeping Severus at bay, and got as close to Harry as he could without touching him. Harry had continued to back as far away as possible. When he had retreated back as far as he could, Harry had expected to hit the wall in the corner of his room at the Dursley's, but instead, he fell on the Infirmary floor. Ron pulled Harry's head onto his lap, causing a commotion, but drew his hands away as fast as possible once his friend's head was off the hard floor. "Shhh," began Ron, rocking slightly back and forth. "Listen for it. Can you hear it?" he asked.
"Hear what?" asked someone in the room, earning a glare from Ron.
"Can you hear it?" he began again. "Listen hard, you'll hear the wings," cooed Ron. "Alicia has the quaffle, Gryffindor is up 60 points..."
Finally, after several minutes, it occurred to Severus that Ron was commentating an imaginary quidditch game. He continued to give play-by-play descriptions of the game until Harry had calmed and apparently fell asleep. No one had said a word while Ron gave all the detail of a game as if he had been watching it right then and there. He had not once paused. It was as if Ron had seen this game over and over and knew every single play by heart.
"What in Merlin's named just happened?" Severus asked, keeping his voice as low as possible. It also served to sound scary as hell.
"A flashback," came the calm response from behind Severus. Albus had entered the Infirmary in the middle of Ron's play-by-play. The elder wizard looked sadly at Harry, curled up on the floor. He motioned to Poppy and magically lifted Harry from the floor. Harry was covered with a blanket when he was safely in the bed. "Come, let us take a walk," said Albus. Severus looked as if he were going to protest leaving Harry, but knew better when Albus began for the exit without looking back to see if his Potions Master was following.
Madam Pomfrey insisted the twins wait in the hall, and attempted to get Ron to return to his bed. She had to settle for wrapping Ron in a blanket, allowing him to sit in the chair next to the slumbering Harry. She decided to release Ginny to her mother's loving care, and sent them home along with the twins. Poppy had been most grateful that through all the commotion, the young Miss Weasley had been asleep behind her own privacy curtains. Knowing her sons as well as she did, Molly had placed a silencing charm around her daughter's bed. They had both been unknowingly spared from the incident that had played out not far from them.
"Harry has flashbacks from his time with his family?" asked Severus, as soon as the two wizards had reached the grounds just outside the main doors. Albus sighed.
"It's been a long time since last he had one."
"Why didn't I know? I thought he told me everything there is to know," Severus couldn't believe what he had seen. He was trying his damnedest not to get annoyed, as he tried to keep his pace slow enough to match the elder wizard, who was walking at a leisurely pace by his side.
"Why would you assume to know everything there is to know about him? Have you told him everything that has made up your life?" asked Albus. He was quite saddened to see Harry in such a bad state.
"No, of course not, it's just that Harry has shared so much about his life with me. Some of which, I was very surprised he was willing to share. He's been very forthcoming about many things. I would think that something of this magnitude would be important to mention. How would I know how to react if it were to happen when we were alone? I surely would have tried to comfort him physically." It occurred to Severus that Harry never did give him details of what had happened when he lived with his family. He understood what it was like to have things he'd rather not think about, much less talk about. He never pushed Harry to tell him about his life, and he certainly hadn't expected flashbacks to be an issue.
"I didn't think he had them any longer," said Albus. It had been a long time since Harry had an episode. "It is a very personal thing. I don't think he was being negligent; I believe he honestly thought you wouldn't experience it firsthand, nor have a need to know how to comfort him." Albus stopped in front of the lake, and gazed across the water for a moment. "It was a difficult summer for Harry when he stayed with me in the tower."
"Somehow you don't strike me as the quidditch announcer type," Severus said dryly.
"No, that was Ronald's technique. He knew quidditch was something that would only be thought of as magical. It was a way of helping Harry realize he was in our world, away from those awful people. Me, I used to sing," Albus said matter-of-factly.
"Muggles have music. Most of it's atrocious, but they have it," stated Severus, confused how singing could be thought of solely as a wizarding thing.
"Singing to calm a child, is sadly something Harry would never associate with his time living with his muggle relatives. Song was comforting, but touch was altogether different. After Harry's last vision here at school, I can't tell you how pleased I was to see him finding comfort in your arms. He has come a long way to be the confidant man you know today."
A comfortable silence grew as the two wizards contemplated all that had happened. Albus remembered back when Harry was more directly in his care. There had been many hard nights and unexpected days when something would trigger a bad memory for Harry. Dr. Harkin had said that although Harry hardly ever had episodes anymore, there would always be a chance of something triggering a memory for him. Albus knew it was most likely the added stress of the attack that would put Harry in such a state that he would be susceptible to a flashback; Harry would probably be back to his usual self again soon. But all the same, it was hard to see. None of them knew Harry had also seen the view from Ron's captivity.
Severus was sure that the stress of the attack was the reason Harry was having such a hard time. He cursed himself inwardly for taking Harry so roughly, knowing he was going flying with his friends. Thinking back to the attack, he knew that wasn't really true. Harry had done so well. Severus had seen Harry out maneuver the Death Eaters on his broom, and beat them at their own game. All the training had prepared him well. Harry acted without hesitation, making Severus proud indeed.
But...this was also the first time Harry had ever intentionally killed a person. Sure, as a younger Gryffindor he had believed Quirrell to be his first kill, so to speak. But truthfully, Harry hadn't the intent to take another's life, until now.
Severus returned to the Infirmary, once again in hope of seeing Harry. There had been several times in the last day or so that he'd been there, but Harry was always asleep or sedated. It was getting so he started to think Harry was avoiding him. Severus decided to prove his theory by slipping into the shadows to see when Harry was most alert. His suspicions were confirmed when he heard Ron and Harry talking. Ron hadn't given any details, but had told Harry that Severus had inadvertently been the trigger to his flashback. It was obvious that Harry was embarrassed that it had happened. He looked disappointed with himself, as if it he had failed at something.
Severus wondered what he had done to trigger such a thing? Thinking back, Sev remembered that when the tray had fallen, he had yelled. *'Maybe sending Harry through the window made him think I really wanted to hurt him, and hearing my angry voice made him frightened that I'd hurt him again,'* thought Severus. It wasn't the first time Severus had been completely wrong about his assumptions regarding Harry.
Waiting until the time was right, Severus appeared to enter the Infirmary just after Ron had left his bed to take a shower. Since it was the first shower since he'd arrived, it would most likely take him a while. Harry had been smiling at something Ron said, but his expression soon changed when he saw Severus walking over.
"You've been avoiding me," Severus said without malice.
"Funny, I don't remember going anywhere," Harry said, without emotion. He had been devastated to think his lover could rape his best friend. He was also confused by the fact that Ron didn't seem that upset about the attack. Originally, he was clearly shaken, but his mood had soon recovered. He had even retold the event of his capture with relish. Harry had been proud of Ron for handling himself so well. He not only didn't panic, but he managed to take a Death Eater back with him when he portkeyed away from his abductors. Harry didn't question Ron when he didn't mention Severus. He could tell Ron was keeping something from him. Harry had remembered what he felt like when Alex Nott touched him. He couldn't even fathom what it would be like to have been raped. Now, here he was, faced with the man he loved, but was so unsure of how he felt.
Severus remained silent as he watched Harry's inexperienced mask of indifference fold, followed by a myriad of emotions. He was sure now that it was true; Harry was obviously distressed from seeing him. It hurt. Severus never wanted to be the cause of Harry's anguish.
"How could you?" asked Harry, his voice just above a whisper.
"There was little choice. I did what I thought was best." Severus had no idea they weren't even remotely talking about the same thing.
"I don't see how it was even an option." Harry thought Sev couldn't get an erection due to the potion he took to prevent it from happening at those meetings.
"What do you suggest I should have done?"
Harry didn't answer. Truth was, he hadn't thought about it. He didn't know which he'd rather have; Ron having to go through such a horrible experience, or Severus getting caught as a spy, and most likely killed. Yet, this way, Sev was alive and Ron would one day get past it. *'He doesn't even seem that upset now', thought Harry. He had lost too much in his life, and to lose Severus now that he'd found love, would be devastating. The real question now was, is rape forgivable? Could he be intimate with Severus again? And there was that other thing nagging at him, the smug look on Severus' face. Really, that look was what made this whole thing unbearable. Was Severus as bad as Lucius? He couldn't be. But still...
Severus had been getting annoyed. It wasn't like there were many options. Harry was alive; he'd been through worse, what was the big deal? But the green eyes in front of him were so full of mixed emotions and hurt. He hated that look on Harry. Severus sighed and calmed himself. "I understand that you were hurt by your family, the people who should have loved you," Severus began.
"What does that have anything to do with? They never did anything like that." Harry swallowed hard, thinking how much worse his life could have been if his uncle had ever hurt him sexually. It had been bad enough as it was. He shuddered at the thought. "But you had the same smug look on your face as my uncle did. That smug look, like you were dealing out a much deserved punishment." Harry fought it back, but a single tear threatened to fall.
Severus was suddenly very confused. "What smug look? How could you possibly see any expressions from over 300 feet in the air, dangling from the castle roof?"
"The roof? What does that have to do with you raping my best friend?!" cried Harry, much louder than he had intended. The threatening tear spilled over. He bit the inside of his cheek hard, in an attempt to prevent any more tears from falling. He would not fall apart.
Madam Pomfrey stepped out from her office when she heard Harry raise his voice. Severus needed time to wrap his mind around what Harry had just said, and it took him almost three whole seconds to close his gaping mouth. Ron chose that time to step out from the bathroom.
"Who told you?" growled Ron. "They told me you didn't see the pensieve view!" Ron was incensed. His face was becoming as red as his hair. He knew this conversation was inevitable, but he wasn't ready for it yet.
"What view?" barked Severus.
Before Ron could answer, Harry had already begun. "The view of my best friend sprawled on the floor, bleeding. The very same view that showed a masked man leaving the room!"
Severus looked as if a blood vessel was about to burst on his temple. Ron had run over, starting to explain, but Harry was still talking, and was too emotionally charged to pay much attention to his frazzled friend.
"You wore a mask, but I could see a glimpse of you. Maybe not a good enough view for most, but I know every single line on that face, and I know your moves," Harry's voice was just above a whisper, and rising. "You looked rather pleased with yourself!" sobbed Harry. He was practically hyperventilating, and was sobbing in between gulps of air. Severus had started to speak, but his words were lost on Harry as he finally gulped hard, got his breath and vomited on Severus' shoes.
Madam Pomfrey placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, and pulled him back up to the pillow. Before his head even touched the linens, she had a calming drought down his throat. Even without the view of the familiar label, Severus recognized the symptoms of the strongest calming potion Poppy kept in her stores. She reached into her large patch pocket and uncorked a vial of anti-nausea cure and gave him that as well, quick as a whip. She dropped the empty vials in her pocket and wiped his face, drying his tears and cleaning up where he'd been sick. Ron was rambling on and on, explaining what Severus had done. Harry tried to make sense of Ron's words, but he was hardly coherent, and Ron had mentioned a slur of words like 'pain' and something about 'a spell'' and 'only touched..." "only when punched out". Harry pulled his head back as far as the pillow would allow. Ron was overwhelming him with his incessant ramblings. The potion had been very strong. Harry wiped hands across his face, trying to remove the tears he remembered crying, but for some reason they were now gone. His wide eyes darted from Ron to Severus. He looked confused, and continued to wipe away at nonexistent tears. He startled when a strong hand grabbed his jaw, pulling his attention to a pale face.
"Do. I. lie. to you?" asked Severus. He spoke each word very clearly and distinctly. Harry shook his head 'No' as best he could with the tight grip holding him in place. Sev's big hand practically wrapped around his whole face. Severus waited a moment for Harry to refocus on him once again. "I. did. Not. rape. Ron."
Harry stared at the face of his lover, searchingly. The wheels were turning, albeit slowly. As the grasp on his face lightened, he turned to Ron again. Ron was shaking his head in agreement with Severus. Harry looked upset again, and felt the hand again pull him toward Severus.
"No one raped your friend," confirmed Severus, as if sensing the thoughts Harry was having. He still looked confused, but a small hint of hope was there. Severus would have explained further, but he could see Harry was fighting to keep his eyes open. The calming potion was so potent; it was nearly classified as a sleep aid. Severus gently wiped a single tear from Harry's face, keeping eye contact until the green eyes fluttered and shut. He held a hand on the flushed cheek until he felt the loll of Harry's head against his palm, confirming he was asleep.
Ron found himself staring. He'd seen it before, but still found himself slack jawed when he witnessed Snape caring for Harry. He, too, had been hoping not to face his former professor. Ron knew Snape had done what he did to save him from much worse. He knew that the Death Eater/spy had taken a big risk by not raping him, but that didn't make it any less embarrassing to face the man. Ron held on to the notion that he'd not been totally starkers in front of Snape, and took solace in what little dignity he could grasp onto. That helped for about two minutes, until Ron admitted to himself that he had been completely exposed to the man, while Snape had made thrusting movements above him. He could feel the heat forming on his face in embarrassment from the memory.
"Weasley, maybe you should lie down, you look flushed. This is your first time out of bed, isn't it?"
Ron had been startled from his thoughts, not expecting Snape to be talking to him. Before he could answer, Madam Pomfrey was ushering him back into bed. Ron had been relieved to be taken away from Snape, and a conversation he didn't want to have. But Ron was not so lucky as to avoid the inevitable. He saw Snape tucking Harry into bed, and then move in his direction instead of to the door. He had been wondering for the last few weeks, what it would be like to be with Harry and in the company of Snape, too. He'd talked to Hermione, and was surprised to hear that she had enjoyed the time she spent with the couple. He wasn't sure if that counted, since she'd been drunk at the time.
"I've heard that the Ministry recognized your actions during captivity. Your father said you have advanced your status as an Auror further than any candidate your age. Congratulations, Mr. Weasley," said Severus sincerely. "Of the wizards you could have taken in to the Ministry, you made a good choice."
Ron hadn't believed his ears. Had Snape congratulated him, and paid him a compliment? *'No, it must have been sarcasm'* thought Ron, since the Death Eater he grabbed when Porkeying out had not been one of the more important wizards of Voldemort's followers. " I hardly had a choice," Ron said dejectedly. "I was hoping for Malfoy or one of the other real important ones," explained Ron, not making eye contact with Snape. Ron looked up indignantly, then felt shock when he heard Severus chuckle.
"Do close your mouth, Weasley." Severus knew it was unsafe to laugh in Ron's company. He didn't want to put the young man in a state of shock. "You may be doing well in your Auror training, but let me give you a lesson in politics," Severus began with a smirk. "If you were to do something as miraculous as bring in Lucius Malfoy, you'd get a big pat on the back, and be the man of the hour. But rest assured, that by the time your hour was done, Malfoy would be out on a technicality, or have paid off enough people who'd prove he'd been acting under Imperious, or any number of other ways. Lucius knows how to keep his nose clean. When all is said and done, you and the Ministry would have had nothing to show for it."
Ron looked like he was about to protest, but remained silent. It was an impressive achievement for Ron.
"The wizard you brought in was very loyal, and strived to be in the Dark Lord's Inner Circle. Much information will be extracted from him." Severus said with an evil grin. Ron didn't want to think about the ways Snape would extract information. Sure, the man would use Veritaserum, being a Potions Master and all, but Ron had the felling that he knew a lot of other ways, too. It was the evil grin that was so intimidating. It made Ron think about what Harry must have seen in the pensieve view.
"Do you think Harry believed you?"
Severus was taken off guard by the subject change, though his mask of indifference never betrayed him.
"When we were first years, Harry and me um... Harry and I used to think that one day we'd go too far, and you would torture us for breaking the rules." Ron pulled at a loose thread on his blanket.
Severus' lip began to curl, but he didn't respond. He thought Ron hadn't finished, and was giving him a moment to get his thoughts in order.
"I don't think any of the punishments we imagined came close to what really happens. Especially when someone who knows what they're doing sets their mind to torturing another." He paused again, and made eye contact with Severus for a few seconds. "I never thought that I might even be grateful for what you did, once I was thinking straight again," he said so softly it was almost a whisper.
Looking back, Severus was sure it was one of the oddest days of his life. Later that same afternoon, Arthur Weasley had also thanked him for torturing the youngest Weasley man. Of course they were actually thankful for his resourcefulness, not the excruciating pain he'd put Ron through. Nonetheless, it was odd. Severus couldn't help but think back to the days, not as far back as one might think, when he'd fanaticized about finally getting a chance to punish Potter and his faithful sidekick for the years of aggravation they had caused him. In the time it took two seasons to pass, his life had taken a great turn.
Harry woke to familiar voices. Hermione and Ron were talking. There was a privacy curtain around Ron's bed, so they hadn't noticed Harry had woken. Harry wouldn't usually listen in on his friends' private conversation, but he was sure he had heard Severus' name mentioned.
"I'm glad you finally had a chance to talk to him," Hermione said so softly that Harry could just make out what had she was saying. He was feeling like a heel, eavesdropping, but he had too many questions and he was confused. He wanted just to listen right now, without others knowing and expecting a reply.
"Didn't think I could look him in the face again. Too embarrassing, but really, it wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be. Just, the thought of the git having seen my bits is unnerving," said Ron.
"I don't think you should be calling Snape a git, Ron," chided Hermione. "He risked his life doing what he did for you."
'I know," replied Ron, sounding properly cowed. "I told him I appreciated it, sort of. I still can't get used to him not being an evil git. Uh... you know what I mean. Mione, it was so unreal, I knew what he was trying to do, but I wanted to kill him for it anyway, and then I heard him talking in my ear. He said he was going to get me out of there. He didn't know yet that I had a portkey. And, you know," Ron paused. "I believed him. I believed he was somehow going to find a way to get me out of there. I can't for the life of me figure out how he would have done that without blowing his cover, but I was sure he really meant it." Ron snorted. "Alright, as sure as one can feel when your Potions Professor has blasted your arse out with a nasty spell."
Hermione made a sound as if disgusted by her boyfriend's choice of words.
Harry rolled over in bed, thinking about what Ron had said. A 'nasty spell'? It looked so real... wasn't it? thought Harry. Due to his visions over the years, Harry, unfortunately, had a pretty good idea of what a rape victim would look like. It occurred to him that Severus would also know. He wondered if Severus had not had the chance to take the potion that prevented an erection before the meeting. Since there had been so much commotion, he could have forgotten, or something, he rationalized. Harry groaned. His head was flooded with questions.
Hearing the groan, Ron and Hermione were aware that Harry was waking, and were by his side before he could register that he'd made a sound. Ron gave a nod, and Hermione, on cue, left to speak with Madam Pomfrey in her office.
"Hey, Harry," Ron said timidly, hoping Harry was not about to freak. "I wasn't plannin' on telling anyone, but... you know," he said, referring to the pensieve view. Ron looked over to see if Hermione was coming back yet, and continued when she wasn't. "I know now why you didn't want to tell us about Nott. I was mad at you, back then, thinking you could tell us anything, and questioned why you had kept it from us. But now," Ron rolled his eyes and gave a weak laugh. "I'm sorry you saw me like that, Harry. Especially not knowing the truth. When I realized they were using some kinda' brain box, you know, the pensieve thingie?" Ron continued with a nod from Harry. "I knew they were going to use it to lure you into coming to help me, or something like that. I couldn't let them show that to anyone. I thought when I spilled over the liquid and activated the portkey, I was home free."
"What did he do?" asked Harry, his voice void of expression. Ron knew Harry was referring to Snape.
"He didn't do 'that' Harry," Ron said quickly, and suddenly realizing that should have been the first thing out of his mouth when Harry awoke. "The evil bastard--no, not Snape," corrected Ron hastily. "You know, Voldemort," he winced, as it was a strain to say the name aloud, "He told Snape he had a reward for him. At first I thought the reward was some kind of potion I heard him talking about, then I realized I was the reward." Ron shivered at the thought. So did Harry.
"What did he do?" repeated Harry, as if Ron hadn't spoken yet.
"He um, he hexed me." Ron sighed, knowing he would have to elaborate. "He did some evil dark spell that made my arse explode."
"Oh, honestly Ron," huffed Hermione. She had walked over to the bed in time to hear the last line Ron had said. She looked apologetically at Harry and made a face at Ron. The one she usually made when Ron said something dumb. "It was a simple spell, actually. It was an inflammation spell, that when aimed right at a person's hemorrhoidal tissue, would cause it to itch, then swell with blood. If the spell were held long enough, it would cause the hemorrhoids to protrude and bleed. Quite painful." she finished her narrative as she typically would have answered a question in class. Ron and Harry both were shifting uncomfortably on the bed, as if just hearing the words made them wince with pain. Hermione handed over the file in her hand. Harry took the offered documents, reading where her finger was pointing. It was Ron's medical chart, with a list of all his injuries and treatments for each.
It was true. Severus had managed to find a way to fake a rape, and from Ron's continued explanation, he seemed to have managed it with an audience. Harry remembered the look he'd seen on Sev's face, the one that had upset him so much. Given the circumstances, Harry had to admit, had he pulled that off, he'd be looking smug himself.
Harry knocked on the door to the Potions Lab. His hands were shaking, not knowing what to expect when he saw Severus. The sight of Ron had made him think the worst. He trusted Sev, but knew that posing as a Death Eater meant he would have to do undesirable things. Was it a double standard that Harry was accepting as long as things weren't done to his own friends? Did he have the right to question anything Severus did while spying? If he accepted Severus, knowing full well of 'The Sara Meeting', then what made this different? Perhaps he'd been fooling himself, thinking it didn't matter when clearly it did. Didn't it?
Going over the facts in his head, Harry recalled the feeling of relief that Severus hadn't been found out as a spy. He felt horrible when he thought Ron had suffered, but the truth was, if he'd been given a choice he would have chosen Severus' life over Ron's pain. Did that make him a bad friend, or a good partner? Both?
The door to the Potions Lab flew open. Apparently Severus had said "Enter" several times, but Harry had been so caught up in his thoughts, he hadn't heard. Harry startled when the door opened. Severus stood there, the imposing figure that he was. He had been about to bark a scathing remark to whoever was at his door, but held his tongue when he saw Harry standing there, deep in thought.
Harry stepped into the lab when Severus moved aside, gesturing him in. They were both silent for a moment as Severus locked the door with a charm. Harry looked for any sign of emotion on Sev's face, but found none. Harry had once told Sev that it didn't matter that he had to do things as a spy, and that he wanted him anyway.
Severus froze stiff for a moment when Harry launched himself into his arms. "Sev, please forgive me!" Harry clutched at his robes. "I told you I trusted you, but then I saw Ron and I thought... I thought... then I thought, thank Merlin you're safe, but Ron had looked so wretched."
Realizing Harry would continue for as long as he allowed, Severus hushed his lover. Harry continued to cling to his robes as they stood silently holding one another, neither ready to say more.
Severus wouldn't say it, but he too had spent the last several hours thinking the same thing. Harry had convinced him that he trusted him and Severus allowed himself for the first time in a very long time to get involved in a relationship. Harry had become such a big part of him that it scared him. And now, Harry had thought the worst and probably couldn't stand to be with him anymore. Having thought a lot about when Ron was in captivity, Sev realized he had been ready to take on great risks for Ron, risks that he never would have taken before. He didn't like thinking that his judgment might be clouded when he most needed it to be clear. He couldn't let his feelings for Harry jeopardize his spying for the Light. If Harry didn't want to be with him, he would let him go without a fight. Perhaps it was for the best. Or so he'd thought, until he had found himself with his arms full of Harry clinging to his robe.
No. He wouldn't let go.
Chapter End Notes
A/N: Things will lighten up again. I don't like that this chapter is so full of angst, but hey, it seemed to write itself that way. Lee~
DETAH 46 - Meet Joe Black
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
In a warm, comfortable office, Harry shifted in the chair he had been sitting in for the last forty-five minutes. Across from him, sat Dr. Erin Harkin, his shrink. Despite the relatively brief time, it had felt like a long session; they had discussed many topics. Dr. Harkin listened patiently as they moved from topic to topic, hoping Harry would find the strength to say why he was really there. She would wait just a little longer before pushing her patient.
"I killed a man," said Harry flatly. He did not show emotion, nor did he seem to be hiding his feelings.
"How did you feel afterwards?"
"Guilty, I guess."
"Do you?" she asked in surprised curiosity. Guilt wasn't the impression she was getting from him.
"No, actually. That's just it. I don't feel bad about it, and I guess I thought I should."
"What you're saying is, you feel guilty for not feeling guilty."
"Yeah. I feel bad. I don't have the right to take a life, even though all this will eventually lead to killing 'him'... we hope," he added, referring to Voldemort.
"If you could do it all over, would you have done things differently?"
"No."
"No guilt?" she asked, making no judgment.
"Not really. One less Death Eater might mean one or more fewer victims later. I can't save everybody, and I've learned not to feel guilty when bad things happen. I know I can't blame myself for things Death Eaters do, but I would blame myself for letting one get away when I could have done something to prevent it." Harry paused for a moment to think it through. "My intent wasn't to kill, but as high up off the ground as we were, any spell stopping the Death Eater would have resulted in his death."
Around this time, Harry remembered that he'd been told later that one of the Death Eaters he'd gotten off his broom didn't fall to his death, but that Albus had prevented it and had taken the dark wizard in for interrogation. Did that mean they only needed one DE for questioning and didn't bother to save the other from falling? It could have been they were too worried about Harry falling from the roof to bother with the other at the time. Harry decided it wasn't worth the effort to figure it out.
No, he didn't really feel that guilty.
"Harry?"
Harry realized he'd been distracted, thinking about the attack. "Sorry, fogging," he said apologetically.
"It's been a long session. Would it be OK if I recap?" she asked, receiving a nod from her patient.
"Your summer is almost over, and you're not sure what impact that will have on your relationship with Severus." After a nod from Harry, she continued, "As you said earlier, you have plans that will be keeping you busier during the day, and while summer was a great way to warm up to being in a relationship, you have a healthy attitude for the inevitable changes ahead once Severus is teaching again."
Erin looked up from her notes to see if Harry was still agreeing with her assessments from this meeting. "You've hit your first obstacle in dealing with your partner's responsibilities, and while you still have to work some of it out, I think you're on the right track. All in all, it seems to me that you are managing quite well. May I ask you a question?"
"Of course," said Harry amiably.
"Did Albus push you into this appointment?"
"No, I didn't mention to anyone that I was coming to see you today."
Erin smiled warmly. "What say you tell me why you're really here today? Hm? What's bothering you, Harry?"
Harry pursed his lips, mad at himself. He took a deep breath, letting it out with a defeated sigh. "I had a flashback," he admitted.
Dr. Erin gave him a warm, understanding smile.
"It was in the Infirmary, right in front of Sev," he said miserably. "One day he's going to realize I'm a nutcase, and he's going to figure I'm not worth all this."
"You don't really believe that, do you," said Erin, more of a comment than a question.
He shrugged. "No, I don't really, but even though I know it's not true, I still think about it sometimes. He hasn't brought it up. I guess he's waiting for me to say something. I like that about our relationship, neither one of us pushes the other to share things that we'd rather were left alone. I don't think he's going to let this one go, though. If I don't talk to him soon, he'll probably bring it up. Ron said I scared him.
"Do you understand that it hasn't really been that long since the attack on Privet Drive, and it's perfectly normal for you to occasionally have a flashback?"
Harry merely nodded, not looking up at her. Back when he was first getting better, and having flashbacks less and less, Harry used to judge his mental stability by how often he was having them. If he were going through a particularly bad time, they would happen more frequently. But now it had been so long that he'd believed he was past them, despite that he'd been told it was normal to have flashbacks sporadically, especially if there was a significant trigger.
"I know you look at this as a failure of some kind, but let me reassure you. By most standards you are way ahead of what any doctor would expect of you, in terms of metal health. You're a strong-willed individual, and in my opinion, dealing quite well with the issues at hand." Erin paused, waiting for his eyes to meet hers. "Stop beating yourself up," she said with a smile.
Harry bit his lip and gave her a weak smile that grew when he saw Erin grinning at him. "Thank you," he said, resigned to the fact that he was being a prat and couldn't expect that his past would never haunt him a little.
"You're welcome. Now I would tell you to get going so I could see patients that actually need my help, but I don't want to discourage you from coming to see me when you need to talk," she said with a smirk. Harry laughed, and said his goodbyes.
Down in the dungeons, one Severus Snape cleaned up his workstation, having completed a fresh batch of pain relieving potion. Harry had had good intentions of brewing it himself, but more often than not he found that when he had a few extra hours to brew it, Severus would distract him for more pleasurable activities.
Satisfied, his work done, Sev headed to his private rooms for a shower. Once in the offensively well-lit bathroom, Sev stopped to scrutinize his reflection. He prodded his hair, making a big clump separate into two greasy sections. His lips thinned with disgust, then turned his attention to his robes. Albus had given him new work robes last year, but this one was worn and comfortable, with pockets in just the right places. Mostly it was the one he used when he was experimenting, or for days when he was alone and could brew all day on a project or many little ones such as replacing the stores for the Infirmary. It was the same horrid robe Harry had seen him wear in the Great Hall, that evening when he'd shown up for dinner and caught him unaware.
After having spelled the robe clean for three or more days, he conceded that it was time to allow the house elves to take it with the other laundry to be washed. Severus cast a spell to remove any dangerous ingredients that may have stuck on the fabric. Lord knows he didn't want a reoccurrence of the last time when a house elf turned green from contamination. Apparently a painful experience, if the squealing was anything to go by. He chortled at the memory. A wizard has to have some fun. And Dumbledore hadn't thought it funny at all. No twinkle in those blue eyes, that time. Severus' evil grin turned to surprise as he checked his pockets and found a pair of green satin bikinis. He had totally forgotten about them.
Severus' mind wandered to that afternoon he'd seen Harry in his black quidditch robes for the first time. He'd been concerned for a moment that he'd been too rough when he slammed Harry against the wall for a bruising kiss, but was spurred on by the feeling of Harry's cock springing to life during the onslaught. Severus rubbed the satin fabric between his fingers, remembering when he'd spelled them from Harry's body and had pocketed them. He could hardly believe they'd been in his pocket ever since.
Having stripped, Severus took a long, hot shower. After scrubbing his hair several times, he washed out the green bikinis and hung them over the shower door and began to lather up his nearly hairless body. Unconsciously, he found himself gazing up at the green satins, water dripping out of them down the side of the glass door. His strong hand with long fingers leisurely stroked his rising member. A memory of Harry splayed out across his desk as he pounded into him replayed in Sev's mind and the leisurely pace he had set was no longer enough as his need for release increased. Panting, and now fisting his cock feverishly, Severus didn't even register the feeling of cold tile against is skin as he leaned against the wall for support. With a shudder he released his seed; then watched thoughtfully as it mixed with the water flowing down the drain.
His hair, once again clean, now had a healthy shine. Dressed in fresh robes, Severus headed into town where he would buy Harry a gift for his birthday. Coincidentally, Ron and Hermione had a similar idea and were roaming about town, trying to think up a good gift for their friend. It was Hermione that spotted Severus leaving the apothecary. She tugged on Ron's sleeve to look over.
"He looks good," she remarked. Ron refused to respond on the grounds that he did not check out men. Hermione ignored the derogatory sound Ron had made and continued to give her opinion aloud, if for nothing else than to tease Ron. "His hair must be freshly washed, it flows around his head like his robes do when he walks in that commanding way that he does."
Ron made a point of looking into the window of the store they were passing. He wouldn't give his girlfriend the satisfaction of getting insulted. Not much, anyway.
"Very nice, is that a new shirt?" she asked. Ron was about to spout off at her 'why the hell should he know if Snape got a new shirt' when he was shocked to hear an answer in a deep voice not far from where he was standing.
"Thank you, it is," answered Severus, and kept himself from smirking at the startled look on Weasley's face. Ron had been so busy ignoring Hermione that he'd not realized Snape had walked in their direction.
"Hi," Ron said, acknowledging Snape, and feeling like a prat for not managing something a little more intelligent to say.
"Mr. Weasley," Severus greeted Ron with a nod and what could be construed as a pleasant expression. He wasn't scowling, anyway.
"We're shopping for Harry's birthday present," Hermione said, hoping to ease the tension between Ron and, well, mostly just Ron. He was still a little distressed, knowing that Snape had seen his naked bits. Thankfully for all involved, things lightened up. Ron realized as his girlfriend and Snape continued their conversation, they had been using each other's first names. It was the first time he'd wished he had been around that night Harry had Hermione over for a movie and snack fest. It was strange to see Hermione conversing with this man so comfortably, but he decided he would try to get over his embarrassment and wasn't about to be left out. Harry was still his best friend after all. It occurred to Ron that his own thoughts had distracted him to the point that he wasn't sure where the conversation had gotten.
During his brief chat with Hermione, Severus checked out the surrounding area to be sure there was no one of consequence to see him speaking with 'Harry Potter's best friends'. He then noticed a snake in the pet store window where Ron's attention had been earlier when he'd first approached them. "Were you thinking about getting him a snake?" asked Severus.
"No," laughed Ron. "Harry's already been given at least three snakes over the years," he explained. "He keeps them for about a week or two, then they always talk him into letting them go." Ron snorted at the memory. "I think one is still terrorizing Privet Drive."
Severus couldn't hold back the small laugh, shocking both Ron and himself.
"We, um, we're having a small party for Harry on Saturday, maybe you'd like to come?" Ron said, hardly believing he'd just invited Severus Snape to the Burrow.
"Mr. & Mrs. Weasley were going to have Harry over for dinner, and then later we were all going to meet at the Three Broomsticks with our friends, but considering the recent events, we cancelled the party at the pub," explained Hermione.
Severus accepted the invitation politely, and continued on his shopping. He didn't want to speak to them for too long. It would risk them being seen, and more importantly, risk he and Ron being together too long for comfort's sake. He had to give the redhead a little credit; he'd been polite, and appeared to be making an effort, and was gracious enough to invite him to Harry's party. It did make sense, given that Harry had matured as much as he did. Surely Ron couldn't spend most his waking minutes with Harry while in school and not grow up a bit himself.
An hour later Severus stepped out of Quality Quidditch Supplies with a new set of black quidditch robes to replace the ones he'd shredded by sending Harry through the window. With a brisk pace he left with his packages to go and meet Kieran. He had a kidnapping to do.
Harry sat on his sofa, relaxing in front of the TV. He'd refused Fred's offer to test out their latest work for the third time in the last hour. He guarded his butterbeer with his life, preventing anything from being placed into it.
"You would think that by my allowing you this lab," Harry said gesturing to his living room. "That you would exclude me from the torture of being a test subject."
"Now Harry, what would be the fun in that?" asked George with a conniving grin. "Looks like you've got some mail, mate," he said, noticing a black bird at the window. It didn't look like a crow, but was too small to be a hawk. Harry carefully took the letter, and watched the bird take off instantly. With a quick revealer, Harry disarmed the letter. It had been a trap of sorts with a potion that would spray out and cause him to fall unconscious. With the parchment disarmed, Harry looked to see if there was a message inside.
Our Dearest Fawkes,
The letter began. Harry knew instantly it was from Severus and Kieran. Fawkes was the name they used for him in the training book, and also when they were out and wanted to refer to Harry without using his name.
Fred and George looked on, anxiously waiting to see what was going on. "Do you want us to get help or something?" asked George when he realized Harry had taken a spell off the letter.
"No, it's alright, but you had better leave. I think I'm about to make up for the classes I missed with Snape."
Fred and George had been told of Harry's training; they wasted no time clearing out. They doused the fire under the cauldron and flooed home. Harry quickly read the rest of the note.
Did you think you would skip out of a few training sessions lounging around the Infirmary and not have to make them up? We think not.
CONSTANT VIGILANCE!!
Harry wasted no time. He quickly spelled closed the curtains, preventing any view into the apartment. He sped to the bedroom to check on Hedwig, and as luck was with him, she was already out. Thinking only Sev could apparate in, and he would probably do so near a window or door to let Kieran in right away, Harry hid near the door, waiting for his opportunity. He leapt out at the man when he heard the telltale sound of Severus apparating in. Sev shielded the hex Harry sent to him and went for the door handle, only to be zapped by the knob. Harry laughed as he darted away when he saw Sev get the shock he'd put on the door.
Zap or not, Severus gripped the knob and opened the door, and now it was two against one. The three battled, using a myriad of spells, hexes, curses and physical attacks. Harry launched himself from the sofa, avoiding a curse from Kieran, only to land in the waiting arms of Severus. Harry panted, catching his breath as Sev pinned him against the wall. Above Harry's head was the clock from Albus. Kieran walked over next to the other two and looked up at the clock. At that moment some clicking could be heard, and as one of the hands moved up to the top, a chime sounded. Kieran let out a triumphant roar. Sev released Harry, and saw that the clock had declared it was 'Time To Party'.
"Let me get this straight. You two want to take me out for my birthday, and I have to drink that vile substance, why?" asked Harry looking down at a glass full of glutinous sage green fluid that was currently bubbling, making him nauseous just to look at.
"Neither of us can be seen out with you. We have reputations to uphold, you know," mocked Kieran. "Come on, drink up, this will make you look like someone else, and we can all celebrate your birthday proper."
"Who am I supposed to look like?" asked Harry, looking disdainfully at the Polyjuice potion in Severus' hand.
"Joe," was Kieran's vague answer. "Joe's an old friend of mine who promised not to go out tonight."
"What does Joe look like?" Harry asked hesitantly, not trusting the man at the moment. He had a look in his eye Harry didn't like. He knew he could trust Sev, but was at least going to ask all the questions he could.
"Hm. Joe's a bit taller than you, dark hair, shoulder length, bit of a moustache," explained Kieran. At this point Severus snorted and Harry was about to protest, when Kieran was holding up the potion. "Come on, we're going out and you're coming with us. Besides, this isn't so bad," he said attempting to sound convincing.
"Doesn't taste bad?" laughed Harry. "Who are you kidding? Polyjuice has to be the vilest potion I've ever tasted." Harry closed his mouth with a snap when he realized what he'd said. Severus looked at him, amused. Giving up, Harry took the offensive potion and drank it down. He closed his eyes, and swallowed hard, in attempt to quell the urge to vomit.
Kieran handed Harry a black bag he'd brought in. "You'll need to change. I borrowed these clothes that will fit you." Harry took the bag and ran for the loo, unsure if he'd manage to keep the disgusting potion down. A loud scream was heard, and Severus and Kieran burst out in gales of laughter.
Harry stormed out in a rage. "JOE!?" bellowed Harry.
"Joanne, actually," replied Kieran with a grin. "And cover them up; she'd kill me if she thought I'd seen 'er breasts."
When Severus gained reasonable control and stopped laughing, he convinced Harry it wasn't too bad a way for them to go out, explaining no one would pick a fight with him as 'Joanne', and others would pay little attention to them.
Harry resigned himself as Joanne and went to get dressed. He was grateful the robes weren't too frilly and could pass as wizard's robes, considering robes looked a lot like dresses anyway. Harry really did prefer muggle clothes. He just wished Joanne didn't have the slight mustache, and 'what was she, 40 years old?' Adjusting his bra with a grimace, Harry was ready to go.
Just outside the pub, Kieran raised his wand at Harry. Harry recognized the spell as a Glamoure, but wasn't exactly sure what he'd done. Harry reached into his pocket for a silver flask of Polyjuice potion and checked his reflection. "Do you think red's my color?" he asked, noting the lipstick he now wore. "Don't worry Sev, I'll try not to get any on your collar," he teased.
Severus scowled at him, mumbling that 'Joanne' would not have been his first choice. Harry decided he would have some fun with Kieran for sure. Can you say 'payback'?
Harry allowed the two wizards to lead him to a table not far from the rear of the pub. It was then that Harry noticed Severus' attire for the first time. He had not noticed what the man was wearing while he was under attack. Severus had on a loose fitting robe; it was unlike the ones he wore when teaching. His shirt was purple, but looked almost black it was so deep in color.
"Nice shirt," Harry complimented.
"Hermione thought so," said Sev without explanation, and then sipped his drink. Harry smirked, he'd find out eventually.
Kieran held up his glass. "To Fawkes," he toasted with a clank of his glass against the other two. "What is he 16? 17?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "18, thank you very much, though I don't look a day over forty," said Harry, again looking at his/her reflection in the flask, and rubbed lipstick off his teeth. "Speaking of Fawkes, how many more pages does he have left in that book of yours?" Harry was essentially asking how much more training he had left. Sessions had been during hours when Sev would soon be teaching.
"The book is fine for the others, but Fawkes, while far exceeding the ability of others before him, will continue to add pages to his book until there is no longer a need." Severus locked eyes with Harry. He understood that Sev meant they would keep training him until Voldemort was defeated.
"You mean until he can no longer be kidnapped by two crazed wizards," teased Harry. After that they stayed away from any conversation regarding Harry, Fawkes or otherwise. Kieran and Severus laughed about things Harry didn't understand and occasionally they would let him in on the joke. Most of which apparently were funnier had you actually been there the first time. It was harder than Harry expected when he realized that a forty-ish or so woman didn't usually talk about the same things an eighteen-year-old male would.
At one point Kieran teased him on his inability to sit like a lady, and Harry retaliated by flirting with him for the next hour, successfully sending away any real women Kieran had tried to talk to. He knew he wasn't managing the female thing very well, but didn't realize how bad he'd been at it until he tried to use the loo. He'd paused just long enough at the two doors for the barmaid to pull him aside.
"What's your name, sweetie?" she asked in a nice, but commanding voice.
"Joe," he answered quickly, and proud he remembered the name, but then realized what he said. "Anne, Jo-Anne," he stuttered, blaming the drink for his error.
"Nice try, Joe," she said with a raised brow. "First time cross-dressing? Or is it a prank?"
"Neither, really," he wasn't sure what to say. The barmaid watched two women leave the ladies' room and poked her head in, checking to see if it was clear.
"OK, it's empty. I'll watch the door, but only this once," she said with a wink.
When Harry finished, he made sure to drink more Polyjuice from his flask before opening the door to leave. Before he managed to reenter the pub, the barmaid guided him back in the ladies' room and locked the door. Harry had a hand on his wand before she finished the spell. He realized he could have spelled the door himself; why was she there?
"Look sweetie, if you're going to pull this off, you really need to sit like a lady, and fix up a bit," she said with a smile. "What, did you pull this robe out of the laundry bag before you put it on?" she asked. Harry laughed. Kieran had the robe in a rucksack before throwing it at him.
She rolled her eyes and spelled the robes into smooth lines with a flare at the bottom, wrinkles gone. Harry flinched away for only a moment when she reached under the collar of the robe, pulling out the strap of his bra, adjusting it. That was when Harry realized one breast had been higher than the other. "Um, thanks."
"May I?" she asked, pointing her wand at his lips. Harry hesitated for a second, but felt that he trusted her, and gave her a slow nod of approval. She'd asked about the lips, but didn't stop there. Harry looked in the mirror and was startled to see his face was no longer a frumpy looking woman's, but was now an attractive lady. Getting rid of the moustache made a big difference. "Glamoure is a wonderful thing," she said, and changed 'Joe's' lips a shade darker. She stepped back giving him the once over. Her lips twitched slightly as she tried to figure out what was missing. The hair had been good; the robe was nice now, as was the face. Harry had been surprised when he saw the woman's eyes stop directly at his breasts. He began to understand why Hermione hated when guys didn't look her in the eye when speaking to her. He'd have to mention that to Ron.
Before he knew it, Harry was following directions and was leaning way over, his long flowing hair almost touching the floor. "Shake them," she directed him, and he obeyed though he thought she was pulling his leg, as he shook his breasts. "Now, hold the bra up tight as you stand back up." Harry did as he was told, swinging his hair back over his head and was taken back by the cleavage he now had.
"It'll hold for a while, but they eventually settle back down," she explained helpfully. Harry couldn't help but look and noticed the barmaid also had more cleavage as she had just demonstrated for him. Thinking that was a neat trick, he'd have to mention it to Hermione, but then she probably already knew.
When Harry arrived back at the table, the two wizards took a double take at 'Joanne's' new look. Harry held back a laugh as Kieran almost spilled his drink. And as Sev pointed out, Kieran Donnelly never wasted alcohol.
"Joe never looked so good," said Kieran, dumbstruck. He then turned to Severus. "Snape, you tell Joe I said that, I'll hex ya."
"I didn't know you had such talent," teased Sev. "That explains why you were gone so long."
"Worried about me?" he said with a sly smile. "The barmaid helped me out. I'm not sure why," explained Harry. Kieran turned around looking for a familiar face, buy not finding one. Then the barmaid gave him a wink.
"I think I know why," Kieran began. "I got word one of the gals here has a sick mum, but can't afford a good Healer," he said before checking her out again. "I'm not against being used by a lass as attractive as that one," he said into his drink. "Now that she's made my date look presentable, it couldn't hurt to pay a visit to her mum."
"Oh, I'm your date now am I? Do you get all your dates by kidnapping?" laughed Harry. Sev grinned.
"Only the difficult ones." Kieran finished his drink. "I've got the next round," he said, his excuse to talk to the barmaid.
"It seems I've just lost my date. What are you doing for the rest of the night?" Harry asked Sev in a seductive voice.
"What makes you think I go for the sort of woman that jumps from one man to the next?"
"Why don't you take me for a walk, and we'll see what kind of woman I am. I think Kieran might be a while." Harry held out his hand for Severus to help him up, being the gentleman that he was.
It was a nice night, the moon was almost full, giving off some light to the otherwise dimly lit street. It was late, and there were only an occasional sighting of other people around. They had only walked a few paces from the door. The shop right next door had been closed earlier in the day and now offered a dark little niche for Harry to pull Sev into. They weren't completely hidden from view, but that was what Harry found exciting. He loved being out like this without worry about being recognized, or having to deal with the whole gay issue. Harry put his arms around Sev's neck, pulling him down for a kiss.
Sev's kiss was all too brief for Harry's comfort. Sev explained that even thought he knew it was Harry; he had a hard time kissing a woman. Harry suggested he close his eyes and just enjoy. Harry climbed up the next step, making him an inch or so taller than Severus. He went to work licking and nibbling on Sev's neck.
Severus moaned, remembering Harry doing this the night of the formal when he still had long hair. It was easy for Sev to get lost in the sensations of his lover feasting on his neck.
Harry paused his ministrations when he heard a small gasp followed by a stifled giggle. A young couple had been passing them by. If the look on Severus' glaring face was anything to go by, they were students. The two Slytherin students quickly crossed the street, meeting up with some friends on the other side. They were still fairly close and apparently telling their friends they'd seen Professor Snape of all people snogging with a pretty woman.
Harry chuckled, but silenced quickly when he realized Severus was angry. "What's the matter?" asked Harry hesitantly.
"I am being snogged to distraction and getting caught by students," he growled. "What do you think?" he hissed.
"So what? It couldn't hurt to be seen kissing a woman could it?"
"I constantly reinforce to my students the importance of not exposing themselves."
"Who's exposed? I don't see what the big deal is," said Harry clearly not seeing a problem.
"If I'm kissable, I'm approachable. This does nothing for the persona I've built up for myself. I demand respect from my students and this only undermines my authority. Being caught in bliss, is being caught unaware, and shows nothing but weakness."
Harry wanted to argue that it showed Sev was found attractive, not weak, but was so caught up in the thought that Sev had said he had been in bliss that he didn't argue with the sexy man. Just then Kieran burst out from the pub, staggering slightly. "There's my girl!" he called out spotting Harry and Severus. Kieran put his arm around Harry. "Sorry, I had some business to attend to," he said with a wink. "I hope Snape here kept you safe from harm 'till my return." Kieran hushed when he heard a commotion across the street and noticed the small group of students had taken off at a fast pace.
Harry laughed. "Well Sev, now that you've been caught snogging your best friend's girl, your 'evil git' status will far outweigh any other opinion they may have had of you."
Severus continued to frown until he realized Harry had been right. He may have been caught, but at least he was caught being a bastard, and that made it all right. He couldn't help his evil grin as Kieran spouted off about him making advances on his date. "You've got lipstick on your collar. How dare you!" Kieran continued to rant. "My best friend, and my best girl!" Kieran turned to Harry. "You floozy, I trusted you," he said and nearly tripped on the curb as they walked down the street.
Harry laughed so hard he was crying. Tears were streaming down his face as he gasped for breath. Going along with the gag, he said, "Please forgive me Sweetums, I promise I'll never stray again," Harry pleaded, and then burst into gales of laughter. "And Sevvie promises never to allow a woman to come between your friendship again."
"I'm not above hitting a woman who calls me 'Sevvie'," Severus said with a glare. Harry just continued to giggle, and hooked arms with the other two as they walked. Harry realized his hair was getting shorter and took another sip of Polyjuice. It wouldn't do to turn back into himself on the street dressed as Joe, and in Glamoure.
The three wizards walked to Harry's place. Severus didn't think Harry had his license long enough to try apparating while intoxicated, although Harry hadn't actually drank that much. He enjoyed walking down the street out in the open with Sev, and wouldn't dare argue that he'd been able to apparate fine. They all went in so Harry could change and give Kieran the clothing back that belonged to his friend Joe.
Kieran asked if he could light a fire to call Joe and tell her they were back, safe and sound, and hadn't done anything horrible while impersonating her. The real Joe flirted with Kieran, but gave Harry a nasty glare when she saw how good he looked in her body. Harry was glad that she didn't know exactly who it was that drank the Polyjuice potion. Kieran cut the conversation short as he saw the real Joe getting uptight.
Harry realized he wouldn't fit into his own clothes until he was himself again, so decided to stay in Joe's clothes until he changed back. He showed Kieran around his home and offered him a drink as they waited for the potion to wear off.
"Oi, Harry! We thought you'd never light your fire. Did Snape..." Fred's voice trailed off when he saw it wasn't Harry's face staring back at him.
Kieran enjoyed the gob smacked looks on the identical faces in the fire, faces that could only be Weasleys. Harry (as Joe) came into view, handing a glass to Kieran. The twins looked from one unfamiliar face to the other, unsure what to do. Harry quietly pleaded with Kieran to help him. He didn't want to tell the twins he was dressed as a woman. Before Kieran had a chance to speak up, Severus entered the room with a scowl on his face. He stayed out of the view from the fire, giving Kieran and Harry a pained look. They immediately saw him clutching his arm, and gave a nod that they understood he was being summoned to a meeting.
With his mask of indifference securely back in place, Severus stepped into view. Fred and George trusted Snape, but knew the man was a spy, so didn't assume the strange couple in Harry's living room were not dangerous. Severus handed a small note to Kieran.
"I won't have time to return to the castle. I need you to bring a message to Albus," said Severus to Kieran. The Scot left swiftly. The twin's still gaping expressions relaxed some when they heard Snape mention Dumbledore, and traveled the Floo in on his request. "Fred, George, this is Joanne. I need to run an errand, and I would be extremely grateful if you could stay with Joe until you know it's safe to leave," Snape said seriously. He also mentioned they would 'see' Harry later. Severus could see Harry wanted to argue, and pulled him aside. "I won't allow you to stay alone. Your wards will keep you safe, but if something were to come up, the muscles in Joe's body will not react the way yours do. I don't have time to argue," he said with finality. Harry knew it was pointless to press the issue.
"How will we know it's safe to leave?" asked George.
"You'll know," grinned Snape, checking the time. He turned to Harry before he apparated out. Again he spoke soft enough so as not to be overheard. "I know a very large order was picked up at the apothecary today. I will likely be brewing potions. Try not to worry," he said, knowing Harry would worry anyway. "Save yourself a lot of trouble and tell them who you are," Severus said with a laugh, knowing Harry would do things the hard way. Harry shook his head with a smile, and Severus was glad he'd so easily distracted Harry from thoughts of his going to a meeting.
Harry found himself alone with the twins and wondered what they would be like when faced with a stranger. Would they make him the latest victim of many pranks, thinking Joe didn't know of their many joke products? Harry was surprised to say the least when the twins respectfully introduced themselves. Harry explained that Joe was an old friend of Kieran's. If the twins thought it odd that Joe referred to herself in the third person, they were polite enough not to mention it.
"Is Kieran a friend of Professor Snape's?" asked George, trying to figure out the puzzle.
"Yes, they're old friends. They are working together on a few projects," she said vaguely. "They've taken to abducting people for birthday celebrations," said Harry with a laugh. Fred and George laughed along. They had their own ideas where Harry was, but certainly didn't think he was Joanne.
Harry had suggested they watch television. He wanted to avoid having too much conversation with them. He hadn't lied to them so far, but it was getting harder. He knew he should just tell them the truth, but he wasn't sure what kind of reaction he would get, and it wasn't as if he enjoyed dressing like a girl. When no one was looking, Harry took another sip of the potion. He would find a way to get out of telling them, but hadn't yet.
It was easy for a while; they watched a hilarious movie and laughed and laughed. Fred noticed how at ease Joe was around them and gave George a look. Harry didn't see the glint in their eyes, but noticed right away when an arm casually made its way around his shoulders.
Harry's first thought was, 'what were these two thinking?' Joanne was like forty years old. Then he realized the twins were a few years older than him, and Severus was probably only a few years younger than Joe. 'Oh Merlin', he thought to himself.
Harry relaxed into the sofa. The twins had never been that tactile with him, unless you count torturous tickling attacks as they force-fed him one of their prank candies. He knew they would be embarrassed later, but then he wouldn't feel that bad about them finding out he had gone out as a woman. Oddly enough, he was very comfortable with them. Hermione sat close with him while watching movies too, but Ron of course had kept his distance, as most guys would.
Fred and George had grown very close to Harry over the years. They treated him like they would their own brother, which usually meant harassing him and playing pranks. But on the other side of the coin, Harry always felt safe with them. He guessed that was why Mr. Weasley had convinced Charlie to leave him alone. Arthur wanted him to feel safe at the Burrow, and didn't want a failed relationship to lose him a place to go where he was with family. Looking back, Harry was glad he and Charlie had never gone any further. Still, he liked when the man flirted with him. Charlie was the first to ever make Harry feel he was worthy of such attention. Harry let out a contented sigh remembering his kiss with Charlie. His mind immediately trailed off to the time Sev saw that memory, and when they fooled around for the first time since Severus was in his adult body.
Harry didn't realize he was drifting off to sleep, nor did he notice a hand holding one of his own. A soft voice in his ear replaced the beginning of a dream. "Joanne?" the quiet voice checked to see if she was awake. "Are you sleeping?" inquired a voice with a slightly different inflection. The hand holding his moved a little as the young man's thumb brushed against the back of the soft hand with manicured nails.
"A little," was Harry's sleepy reply. He became slightly more alert as the feel of warm breath swept past his ear. "Tell me," Harry began, but didn't bother to open his eyes. "Do many girls go for you guys at the same time?" he asked, curious.
"Some," answered a voice so close to his ear he felt the answer more than heard. It was the same person that had his arm around Harry's shoulder. The other, Fred maybe, was the one holding and caressing his hand.
"Hm," Harry sighed in his sleepy voice, but still coherent. "How would you even ask a girl to do something like that, you know, both of you?"
"You start out by asking for something small, like a kiss," whispered George in his ear. Harry could feel lips graze his chin. Fred was placing small kisses over the top of his fingers on his hand. "Joanne," he said sweetly, "Can I kiss you?"
"No," came the sleepy reply. Fred seemed almost startled by the answer.
"Not even a small kiss?"
"No." he paused. "My kisses are for another," Harry said and almost chuckled as he remembered that silly line from the chick flick he'd watched with Hermione. He was much more awake now, and had heard Severus apparate into the kitchen, but chose to let the twins think he was still drifting off. He told himself it was to play up the prank, but there we so few times in his life that someone had come on to him, that he loved the ego boost it gave him.
"The guy we saw here earlier?" asked Fred. He had stopped kissing the fingers, but continued to hold the soft hand.
"Kieran? Nah." Harry leaned his head on George's shoulder.
"Good, I wouldn't want a guy like that mad at me," he said, slowly moving his arm ever so slightly off Harry's shoulder, but still on the back of the couch, trying not to look as if he was retreating. Much.
"Severus."
Fred abruptly dropped the hand he was holding. George froze, but didn't want to pull away. The girl's head was on his shoulder, and she'd probably fall in his lap if he'd done so, or so he thought. "Severus? As in Snape?" came the nervous question.
"Mm-hm," came the dreamy reply. "I love him."
Startled blue eyes looked into an identical pair. Both pairs turned to the kitchen door as the telltale creaking sound announced its opening. Adams apples on two thin necks bobbed up then down once with the hard swallow both took at precisely the same time. Severus' tall, majestic figure stood silently in the doorway. It was the content look on his face that the boys found to be the scariest expression the man had worn in the ten or so years they'd known him. They'd never seen that look on the intimidating man's face before. As he glided into the living room, Fred and George instinctively moved away from the lovely figure on the sofa between them. Harry held his head from falling. A sleepy smile graced his lips.
"As Weasleys, I expect you were both proper gentlemen?" asked Severus, but it was more a statement then question. They stared back at him vacantly for a second, and then closed their mouths that they hadn't realized 'till then were open, and that Snape had in a round about way complimented their family. "I'm grateful for your assistance this evening," He then turned his attention to Harry, wondering why he was still a girl. "Did you have any problems while I was gone?"
"No. I felt very safe with them by my side," he said grasping each by the hand. Harry could sense the sigh of relief from either side of him, and didn't hold back the giggle.
"I believe I said you would know when it was safe to leave," Severus said pointedly. The twins attempted to stand immediately, but were still held by Joanne. Fred startled first, quickly followed by George when Joanne's hair began shortening. The hands holding them were suddenly more callused and strong. Both were taken aback as the ample breasts seemed to deflate, and were replaced by a man's well-muscled chest.
"Harry?" they chorused, receiving a nod of confirmation from their friend. Realizing his name was the only word they'd managed to form, Harry explained.
"Kieran and Sev wanted to take me out, but I can't be seen in a pub with them, so they juiced me," he said hoping that explained it. "They didn't plan on leaving me like this; it isn't safe since Joe's body isn't very strong, but something came up. They had to leave and, well...you're not mad, are you?" he asked, batting his eyes.
"Um." Fred seemed to gain composure once again and added. "I tell you what, you don't mention Joanne to anyone, and we...did you call him Sev?" he asked with wide eyes, as if it just occurred to him that, 'Oh Merlin, they're a couple'.
As Fred was making the connection, George piped in, "We've never heard of any Joanne, or Sev for that matter. Good night," he said, heading briskly for the fireplace and opened the Floo powder box on the mantle. With a flash they were gone. Harry waved his wand at the fire, putting it out for the night.
Harry looked up at the imposing figure before him. Severus had a brow raised. "You teased them," he said without malice. Harry smiled at him and thought for a second that Sev was jealous. Good.
"No, I didn't. They came on to me," he said innocently.
"I see." Severus walked over the mantle, looking at the Floo powder box, but not really seeing it. When he turned back to face Harry he made sure to turn just fast enough to cause his robes to billow around and wrap his legs as they settled. "So, it wouldn't bother you, if someone like, oh let's say Lucius Malfoy, were to try to persuade me to make an illegal potion he needed?" he asked with a questioning shrug, keeping his voice calm and even.
Harry's innocent, yet smug expression changed abruptly.
"You knew I was in the kitchen, and that if for some reason you couldn't handle the situation, I would help you, but Fred and George didn't know that. Personally, I was shocked they acted as well as they did. They had an attractive and nearly unconscious woman pressed between them, yet they behaved like gentlemen, for the most part," he said the last part with a roll of his eyes. Severus thought that if 'Joe' hadn't been as old, and the circumstances different, the twins might have moved in faster. Not that he thought Harry would have allowed it, but he needed to understand the difference between harmless flirting and allowing people to think you're available when you're not. Severus frowned at the last thought.
"It didn't bother you when I mentioned that Charlie flirts with me." Harry argued.
"Do you flirt back?"
"A little," he admitted.
"How will you react when he makes advances on you?" Severus asked, sounding as if the answer wouldn't be that interesting when he heard it.
"He wouldn't! It's just harmless flirting. Charlie wouldn't really come on to me, he doesn't really mean it," Harry said with conviction.
"Exactly," he said smoothly. "You know Charlie doesn't mean it. Did the twins mean it?"
Harry looked down at the floor. He didn't know what to say. He knew Sev was in the kitchen, but didn't think about how he would feel about the situation. He could argue it was a prank, but that wouldn't change how hurt he felt when he thought about Severus being seduced onto making a potion.
"Lucius is gay?" the words came out unexpectedly. Harry didn't manage the same unconcerned tone Severus did.
Severus was sure now that his point was taken and let the issue go. He saw no reason not to be reassuring. "Lucius is not gay," he said, slowly getting comfortable on the sofa next to Harry. "But he is ruthless and would get what he wants, by any means," Severus tucked Harry's hair behind his ear exposing the tender flesh. "Not to worry; it has been many years since anyone thought I could be persuaded in such a way."
"Many years?" Harry asked slyly.
"At least not in this century," Severus said with a grin. Harry tried not to think about the fact that before this century he had yet to reach puberty.
All thoughts of his age flitted from his mind as a mesmerizing tongue made an enticing path up to his ear. When said tongue reached its destination behind Harry's ear, he shivered, catching his breath. Severus pulled back enough to see Harry's neck. He noticed a large portion of the scar was gone. It began again up close to the back of Harry's ear where it was most sensitive. "How?" asked Severus, trailing his index finger down where the scar used to be.
"Poppy, she gave me something to regrow skin. She explained that it would grow back as the same skin my body would produce, but not an exact replica of what was there before. So, no scars, at least not where I'd been hurt. I still have a bunch. Maybe you should do a thorough examination to see if you can spot the changes," said Harry suggestively.
Severus frowned. "It was a very big area your scar covered." He lifted Harry's hair to see around the back of his neck. "I had no idea I'd hurt you so much," said Sev softly. Harry closed his eyes as he felt a line of kisses follow along where his scar had wrapped around his neck.
Harry moaned enjoying the attention. "You kept me from falling. Most of my injuries were external. Merlin knows what would have happened if I'd hit the ground too hard. Plus, I'd still have the scars. I wouldn't trade." Harry groaned when Severus pulled an earlobe between his lips. "I wouldn't let her fix that part," Harry said breathily. "The scar behind my ear is supersensitive. I didn't want to lose that." Harry whimpered when he was rewarded with extra attention to the small patch of skin that remained marred.
"Why did Poppy not offer to do this years ago?" asked Severus. Harry didn't want to answer and make him upset. When he realized he wasn't being kissed, but that Sev was waiting for an answer, he let out his breath with a huff and explained.
"To regrow skin, you have to lose it first. The risk of infection alone is usually too big of a chance to take."
"And...?" prompted Severus, knowing there was probably more, considering how hesitant Harry was to tell him.
"Most wizards can't deal with the amount of pain involved during the process." Harry felt him stiffen beside him. Severus had the same self-loathing expression he wore when he found out that Harry and he shared the same 'Sara' dream.
Harry got up from the sofa and straddled Sev's lap. "You did not do that to me, it was my choice," Harry said adamantly, and continued to explain. "Poppy could have healed the cuts and I'd have no new scars. That's where your involvement ends. Since I'm an adult, and no longer a student, Poppy was obligated to give me all the options available. Apparently, when a second blood donor became available, I had more options. She told me about the procedure to regrow the damaged skin. Since I already ran the risks involved from my injuries, I had only the added discomfort to consider." Harry shifted his weight as Sev's knees were digging into him.
"Discomfort?" Severus said incredulously, knowing the pain must have been near intolerable if 'most' wizards couldn't cope with it. "Did it bother you that much, having the scar?" he wondered aloud about how much Harry had been affected by his scar being exposed to the world after he'd been concealing it for so long. Harry hadn't seemed too disturbed by Severus' own scars, and he had quite a selection.
"For a few of them, it helps not to have a reminder of where they came from. I promise to talk to you more about them, and the flashback. But not tonight, okay?" Severus agreed he would wait to have that talk with Harry. He let him continue.
"It used to be that on the rare occasions when I was lucky enough not to be recognized, I could browse through the shops without trouble. But then," he gestured to his neck. "People would gawk at the mangled flesh, uncaring how I felt, as if I were on display at the freak show. It was worse if after spending ten minutes in line staring at my nape, they recognized who I was. The look of pity that inevitably followed was enough to make a man scream. One day a few weeks ago, I got so fed up that I used the concealment charm, just long enough to hit a few shops. The ditzy girl at the liquor store, you know the one with blue hair? She just stood there, not ringing up my order, and stared at where she thought the scar should be. I left the wine on the counter and haven't been back since." Harry let out a tired laugh at the absurdity of some people.
"Is that why there's nothing decent to drink around here?" asked Sev humorously.
"We drink too much anyway," Harry said with a smirk. "Why don't we go to bed and you can check out which scars are missing while you fuck me into the mattress." he said while wriggling on Sev's lap.
"While that is the best offer I've had all day, I'll have to take a rain check," Severus said sadly. He had taken the potion to prevent erections when he answered Voldemort's earlier call. He would have to reconsider that potion.
"Damn," Harry muttered in defeat, but then suddenly perked up with a gleam in his eye. "How 'bout you teach me to spell clothes off, and tomorrow morning I'll fuck you into the mattress?" he ran his tongue along the edge of his teeth suggestively.
Severus wrapped his hands around Harry's perfect arse, stood up, and carried him into the bedroom.
Chapter End Notes
Author's note: *
Did anyone notice the chapter titles correlation with the story title? The movie Meet Joe Black w/Brad Pitt (Hunk) is a remake of the original 1934 movie Death Takes a Holiday, from where I borrowed the title.
DETAH 47 - Past Times at Privet Drive
Harry woke early on his birthday. It had not been a good night's sleep. He was just glad it was morning so the onslaught of nightmares he'd had would be over. Even though he'd awakened from the horrors in his dreams, Harry was startled at the unfamiliar sight of his bedroom. Waking to any room that wasn't his dorm room or Ron's room papered in orange quidditch posters would be scary. The only other place he'd ever slept was Privet Drive. Harry had stopped waking from nightmares in a panic at the sight of his new bedroom after the first few weeks in his own home, until last night. He blamed the flashback. He'd not wanted to deal with that just yet with Sev, but damn, fate had its own plan.
_
Severus had been teaching him to remove clothes with the spell he'd used on Harry. It was fun to practice and Harry had done a fair job of it. The problem came when Harry attempted to try the reverse of the spell, putting the clothes back on. As Harry now lay in bed next to his sleeping lover, he cringed of the memory of last night.
~ ~ ~ Flashback ~ ~ ~
Harry had been standing by the foot of his bed, laughing at the silliness of he and Severus taking each other's clothes off with the spell. No matter how many times Sev had done it, Harry would still have a priceless shocked look when an article was removed without warning. Severus had told him he wouldn't ever tire of seeing that look. When asked how and where he had become so good at such helpful magic, Sev confessed that before he and Harry had gotten together, most his time spent with other men had been quick and to the point. They would meet up, satisfy one another, and be on their way. Harry didn't manage to hide a giggle when Sev told him about a few of his exploits that had led him to learning a quick-dress spell.
"So, tell me, did you break hearts all over London when we got together?" asked Harry teasingly. Teasing or not, Severus knew what Harry was asking.
"I just stopped showing up at places where I would meet up with certain 'acquaintances'," he said reassuringly. "I'm sure no one has noticed I haven't been around," he said with a kiss to Harry's nose.
"I would," Harry said against Severus' neck.
"You only say that because you want to top in the morning," Severus waved his wand and his trousers were back on in a flash. "Your turn," he said, holding up Harry's tee shirt. "Oh, and be careful not to try this with clothes that don't fit. For most wizards the spell wouldn't work if the item was too small, but you are a powerful wizard, and the spell would work for you. Painful, but it would work," he said with a smirk. Severus chose not to say why he knew that fact. Some things were too embarrassing to share.
"Okay, I'll be sure not to dress you with my clothes by mistake." Harry tried the spell to put on the tee, but had been laughing and wasn't concentrating. At first it had been amusing to see the shirt was on wrong, with one arm coming out of the opening for his head, but Harry soon realized the armhole wrapped tight around his neck was constricting his breathing.
Even with both their clothing strewn all over the floor, it only took Sev a moment to find his wand. Harry had reeled his head back, trying to take a breath, and had fallen back slightly. The tee shirt snared on Hedwig's perch, making things worse. Harry hung there, urgently trying to tear at his neck to escape, but one arm was pinned and the other was restricted by his position.
Severus spoke soothing words, but Harry didn't seem to notice the tee was suddenly gone. He gasped and struggled as he continued to scrape his nails into his neck in a desperate attempt to get free. Severus suddenly remembered back when he was on holiday as a teen. He'd found Harry, midway through a bad dream, thrashing around in bed making the very same gestures. He didn't know about Harry's burn scar at the time, but it all make a lot more sense now. Harry had explained how he'd gotten the scar, but Severus hadn't made the correlation with the dream he'd witnessed until now.
Nothing Severus was doing was helping. He didn't think he could do the quidditch commentating thing Ron did. He cursed under his breath as he tried to think of another way, but couldn't. So, with no other options, Severus Snape began to sing. He sang a song almost long forgotten. It was a song his mother sang to him when he was a very young child. He felt very foolish singing a lullaby, even if Harry didn't understand the French words to know what he'd been singing. Luckily for him, Harry calmed and dropped into a dazed sort of sleep. He hadn't been coherent enough to really know what Severus had done. He hoped.
Now, with the morning sun peaking through the edges of the window coverings, Harry watched Severus sleep. Harry felt bad he'd awakened the man several times in the night with his tossing, turning, and mumbling from nightmares. Harry remembered Severus saying they would talk. He wasn't going to put it off any longer. Sev wouldn't allow it. Harry blushed at the absurdity of having to be rescued from his own shirt. He wasn't sure if last night had qualified as a full-fledged flashback, or a panic attack. But really, it didn't matter. He was just distracting himself from the issue.
Thinking back to last night once again, Harry had enjoyed having long arms wrapped around him comfortingly. Severus had been very soothing to Harry when he awoke from his nightmares. Sure, it had taken Harry a few seconds to be sure of where he was, but once he knew, he never wanted to leave Sev's arms. He would keep his promise to talk to Severus when they got up. Harry grinned an evil grin, thinking, technically, Severus wasn't awake yet, and if the man were temporarily distracted from conversation, it wouldn't mean he wasn't going to keep his promise.
Sev was a sight to see, sleeping peacefully. He was on his side a little, but mostly on his stomach. His dark hair spilled over his face, hiding it from view. He slept with one hand under his pillow, and Harry wondered if the man's wand was under there. The long legs, mostly exposed, were in full view once Harry had slowly slid the sheet from his lover's body.
Harry lay back down beside Sev, caressing over his back with a touch so light he was barely grazing over his skin. The feather light touch continued down to Sev's low back, and over his hips. Harry smiled when Sev hummed an appreciative sound in his sleep. Having reached as far as he could while lying down, Harry sat up and continued to caress Sev, his barely-there touches stroking down the long, lean legs. As he did this, Harry crawled around to the bottom of the bed, allowing himself better access. The caressing was replaced with a firmer touch, then followed up with a warm tongue and many kisses.
When Harry's mouth had kissed and licked its way up to the back of Sev's knees, he remembered Severus had been adamant about having time to prepare before Harry had topped. Apparently, cleanliness was a pet peeve of his. Harry was now glad Sev was asleep as he attempted to reach his wand and almost fell out of bed doing so. With a great stretch, and some goofy looking awkward reaches, he managed to reach his wand where he'd left it. One thorough cleaning spell later and a grinning Harry returned to feast on the undoubtedly now awake Severus. The sleepy man made appreciative sounds as he had earlier, encouraging Harry all the more. Though they weren't words, they were more coherent sounds than before. Harry grinned and nibbled his way up to a firm arse, biting a cheek lightly.
"Ow," muttered Sev. So, maybe it wasn't so light a bite? Harry made up for his transgression by licking the now red teeth marks on Sev's left cheek. Any pain Harry had caused was soon forgotten as his ministrations continued. He began probing with tongue and then oiled fingers. He was making sure his lover was well prepared, not wanting to cause any discomfort, but was cut short when Sev made it clear he was ready.
"That's enough," said Sev breathily.
Harry's wanted to argue that fact, he'd been enjoying himself, but Sev's commanding tone spoke volumes. Harry wondered if he ignored the man and kept up the preparations, would Sev beg, or hex him? Harry grinned as he'd heard the hitch in Sev's breathing that he'd caused. He was really enjoying this.
Harry attempted to position himself, and was relieved when Severus pulled a pillow under himself, rising up his hips to a more comfortable height. Thoughts of this counting as actually being the final part of losing his virginity were suddenly whisked from Harry's mind as Severus pressed back. Harry gasped for breath as if the room were suddenly void of oxygen. Nothing had prepared him for the overwhelming sensation he experienced as he entered Severus. Harry's mouth had opened and closed twice; both times, no sound came out. His lips formed an 'O' shape as he continued to breath in short gasps.
When Harry felt a squeeze of muscle remind him he could move, he realized there was more to come of this awe-inspiring experience; he hadn't lost it, and he began to slowly move and eventually find a pace they both were comfortable with.
"Sev," he panted. "You feel so good," he said breathily against Sev's shoulder.
It had taken a while for him to find just the right angle so that he'd brush against Sev's prostate, but was confidant he'd managed to do so when Severus let out a strangled cry, bucking his hips. Harry held Sev's hips as he made love to him, and through his own haze tried to remember things he'd enjoyed when Sev had topped. When he'd gotten close to climax in the past, Sev had stroked him to completion. Harry wanted to reach around to ensure Severus' pleasure, but didn't think he'd manage to keep the satisfying rhythm, and his balance, too.
"Touch yourself," he said breathily
As his climax approached, Harry thought nothing could feel better. But just as he spilled his seed, Severus too had climaxed, tightening around him. Oo! He'd been wrong; he could feed better. He shuddered as the wave of pleasure swept over him. Once he'd caught his breath, Harry placed a kiss between Sev's shoulder blades, and collapsed on him.
In the stillness, Harry could feel himself rising with each shallow breath Sev took. "Am I too heavy?" he asked. His words puffed a warm breath on Sev's back.
"Yes," he answered simply.
Harry slid off Sev's back to lie by his side. "Why didn't you say so?"
Severus pulled him close for a slow kiss. It'd been a very long time since he'd allowed someone to top, who had then actually stayed and laid down with him, in no hurry to leave. He didn't want to disturb that moment, even if it wasn't the most comfortable position.
When their kiss broke, Harry just looked intently at Severus. He saw a new expression he'd seen only a few times before. He didn't really know what it was, but continued to watch Severus just the same. He seemed to not only be looking at Harry, but through him. Severus traced a finger along Harry's face. He'd trailed a path along the famed scar, and the other, not so well known marks he'd found. When the long finger had passed over his lips, Harry smiled against it.
"You have that look again," Harry said, finally finding the courage to do so. "You look sad, like you're debating to tell me something, and I worry it's going to be some horrible news."
"You're joking," Severus said with a smirk. Harry felt a little silly now.
"The first time I saw that look, you appeared somewhat startled, like you just remembered leaving a cauldron burning. In fact, you left shortly afterwards. I've seen it a few times since. I'm always waiting to see if you're going to leave when you look at me like that." Harry bit his lip. "We're still spending the day together for my birthday, right?"
"I shouldn't have taken so much time to tell you," Severus looked sad for a moment. He hated the insecurity he could see in Harry's eyes. He wanted to be the one to make him feel safe.
"Harry, I love you," he said tenderly.
Harry took in a slow, steady breath. He could get used to that voice declaring love for him.
"How is it I can confuse a look of love for a neglected potion?" he asked with a grin.
"It's not every day a nasty Potions Master falls in love. I had to confirm I was in my right mind before saying such a thing."
"Is there a potion for that?" Harry was practically lying on top of Sev again, nipping at his ear.
"There is always a potion," he replied arrogantly. "If one does not already exist to suit the need, I can rectify that."
Harry nodded as if he was thinking of a problem he needed solved. "I don't have any needs at the moment, but if I do, I'll be sure to let you know. This means you're staying, right?"
"Yes. I'm going to make you breakfast. Then we are going to sit down and have a long talk. Don't even look at me like that. If you hadn't put it off this long, we wouldn't have to do this on your birthday. Besides, then it will be done, and you can enjoy the rest of the day. Later this afternoon I will go out to pick up a few things I need to make your 'birthday dinner' tonight."
"I love when you cook for me. I'm starving."
_
One satisfying breakfast later, Harry and Severus sat on the sofa with a large bowl of grapes. They had two important topics to touch on today, and Harry had chosen the lesser of two evils (in his opinion) to start off with. He didn't really think there was all that much to talk about in regards to Sev's spying.
"I was very unfair to you when I freaked out about Ron. I saw you looking so smug, and all I could think of was how much you reminded me of Lucius enjoying a good torture/rape session. When I found out later that you had figured out a way to fake the rape, and had just found out that Ron had a way out without you having to get involved, my heart ached. I can't really promise not to react badly when things happen, but I'll try not to jump to conclusions before talking to you."
"I appreciate that Harry, but what concerns me isn't the times you may misunderstand. What if I did rape Ron? Can you tell me our relationship could stand such a strain? I am a spy. I do what I must to gain information for the Order. There have been times when I had to make a crucial decision to either blow my cover or save an individual. I had to decide if I felt their life was more important than the information I could retrieve, over time, as a spy. On the rare few occasions I've chosen to save a life, I've managed to keep myself out of trouble. I can't promise that will always be the case."
"You mean like when you sent me through the window?" asked Harry as he popped a grape into his mouth.
"Yes. In fact the room you landed in is still under repair. When I first saw the shattered windows and the large amount of blood, I began to second-guess my decision to use that method to keep you from falling. These are the reasons I hadn't allowed myself to get close to anyone in a long time. When Ron had been captured, all I could think about was ways to help him escape. I'd gotten angry that my judgment had changed because I'd fallen for you. It didn't occur to me until much later, that Ron had the ability to get away any time he wanted, but he chose to stay to help you. You're both very resourceful, and I have to remember that you don't always need me to rescue you."
"No need to rescue me? Like the time you gave me the extra potion I needed after the vision, or when I choked in the kitchen on holiday, or maybe when I was being strangled by my own tee shirt?" Harry said with a depreciative laugh.
"None of those things would have happened if you and I weren't involved. It was our having sex that caused you to run low on potions in the first place. It was Filius mentioning me having sex that made you choke. We need not even discus the tee shirt." At this point Severus couldn't help but snicker. "Perhaps we should cut the grapes in half for you?"
"You're such a git."
Severus smiled with a grape between his teeth, and pulled Harry in for a quick kiss. Harry broke the kiss with a grin, chewing on the half grape he took from Sev's teeth. "My git," he added, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
"This is the best birthday I've ever had, you know," Harry said seriously. "I've never eaten so much on my birthday, either," he said, popping in way too many grapes at one time. He knew the conversation about his family had to happen. This was his way of easing into it.
"I was under the impression Albus celebrated your birthday last year when you were in his care," said Severus.
"He did," Harry said, now staring down at his lap. "It took a while before I could eat a decent amount of food at one sitting. By the time my birthday rolled around, I was able to eat small portions of most of the food served, and even a small slice of cake. It was enough so most people didn't think much of it. Unless you were near Ron who ate so much, my portions seemed very small in comparison." Harry smiled, thinking of his friend's ferocious appetite.
"What happened, Harry? Why was it no one knew what was going on?" asked Severus thoughtfully.
"For a long time I thought some people did know. There were clues like my Hogwarts letter was addressed to 'the Cupboard Under the Stairs'. I didn't think they really cared. Then again, no one at my muggle schools managed to notice I was underfed, or overworked. Why would the wizarding world be any different? By the time I knew better, I was afraid to say anything from fear of not having a better place to go; I was afraid of going to an orphanage. Sirius was on the run. I didn't think I could take having one more thing in common with Riddle. Did you know he had begged to be allowed to spend summers at Hogwarts, so he could stay out of the orphanage he'd grown up in?"
Severus shook his head. He hadn't known that, or that Harry had ever feared the possibility of being sent to an orphanage.
Harry paused, thinking about the past several years, getting his thoughts in order. "Nearly every year the summer would end with a bang. It was always a fiasco. Every year some part of the Dursley's house was destroyed, or some bad thing would happen to a family member due to magic, just before I'd leave. Each year it made it harder for when I'd return for the following summer."
Severus recalled that he'd heard of the bars on the bedroom windows, the flying car, the cousin's enlarged tongue, or in the aunt's case, enlarged completely. Harry did have a colorful file to read if anyone ever cared to do so. Severus had recently given the file a going over, along with the medical records and photos in the envelope marked 'Evidence'. Bless Albus' meddling heart for leaving Harry's file out on his desk the very day he made Severus wait for him in his office for over an hour before a meeting. That file made for interesting reading.
"The summer following my fourth year was difficult. I'd blamed myself for everything that had happened at the Tri-Wizard Tournament. It didn't help my peace of mind that my relatives always had blamed me for most things. I was miserable, and if they wanted to blame me for the dry season burning their grass, I was in no position to argue. The nightmares increased tenfold that summer. Vernon is not a happy man when he loses sleep. I should have told someone things were bad then, but I thought I deserved it and kept quiet."
"What about Black?" asked Severus. "Did you have any contact with him?"
"Vernon was careful not to leave marks that would show. Near the end of summer, Sirius met me in the park and I'd told him things were getting harder. He'd threatened Vernon, and that helped with my uncle, but they found a loophole. My cousin Dudley was underage, the same age I was. It didn't count as child abuse if it was just two teens fighting. Or 'roughhousing' as my aunt referred to it, when questioned by the neighbors when my bruises were starting to show up. Dudley wasn't smart enough to hit me where it wouldn't show. I stopped telling Sirius; I didn't trust him not to do something impulsive and get caught. I didn't think I could bear it if he were sent back to prison because of me."
Harry unconsciously rubbed the scar on his neck, though most of it was gone now. "After the incident when I was burned, Vernon was scared. He'd thought for sure someone was going to turn him into a toad for what he'd done to me. For a while, they left me to my own devices. Maybe they thought if they ignored me, I'd go away," Harry laughed mirthlessly. "Ignoring me meant less food, too." Harry popped a few more grapes into his mouth. "'Round that time, an owl came by with a letter addressed to Vernon, of all people." Harry shook his head at the memory. "A nice letter from my Head of House telling them what good marks I'd gotten that year and how proud she was. And get this," Harry mused. "McGonagall suggested that they should probably discuss my options of future career choices with me as I'd have to take O.W.L.'s that year."
Harry put on his best Vernon voice, imitating the muggle fool. "What does that woman mean 'taking owls'? If you think for one minute you're bringing more birds into this house, YOU'VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING!!!"
Severus grunted around a large grape. His hatred for the man was getting palpable.
"The nerve of me getting good marks. Not only was I still a wizard, but I was trying to be good at it," Harry laughed.
Severus didn't laugh at the joke. He knew it was hard for Harry to tell him about his home life, and he'd obviously been leaving out more than a few things. People don't have flashbacks from lack of food and getting beat up by their obese cousins.
"They got two letters that week. It seems Dudders wasn't doing very well in his classes. That didn't go over too well. They accused me of having had the letter sent from my Head of House in order to make my cousin look bad. Vernon had devised a plan. He came up with some excuse he could give as to how I'd gotten burned, apparently some kind of accident." Harry rolled his eyes. "The rest could still be considered 'sibling rivalry'. Just two boys that got into a scuff on occasions." Harry picked up his cold drink, gulped down half the glass, and then sent an ice cube back into the glass. "Not that it mattered if he had a plan. No one asked. No one pounded down the door demanding answers. That year, the twins came and picked me up. They had 'borrowed' a flying carpet their father had confiscated and left in his office overnight. I think they intended on a joyride, and didn't actually plan on picking me up, but once they showed up, there was no going back, I s'pose."
Harry swallowed the rest of his drink, this time crunching up the ice cube he'd sucked in with his drink.
"We made a deal, the twins and I. They would help me conceal the scars before the start of school, and not tell their mum, and I wouldn't tell their mum what I'd overheard them doing the last time I slept over their house." Harry smirked.
"Excuse me?" asked Severus. "What could be so bad they'd be willing to help you hide such a thing?"
"Ron and I tried to figure that out, too," admitted Harry. He told Sev how he hadn't ever really overheard the twins doing anything. It was a desperate attempt to keep them quiet. Harry had been shocked it worked out so well. After a while, Harry decided he didn't want to know what the twins would consider so bad they'd helped him cover up his awful scars.
"That was very Slytherin of you, Harry," commented Severus. "Once you were safely back at school for the year, why didn't you tell anyone about what had been going on? Did you still think you deserved to be treated like that?"
Harry shrugged. "I lived that life for so long. Sure, things had gotten bad, but I'd managed. I was close to telling a few times. I thought for sure Albus would figure it out, or someone would know I had been using glamoures, but I hadn't counted on my getting more powerful, which allowed me to hide it as well as I did. By the time the school year ended, I figured, 'Hell, I made it through so far, why tell anyone? Why ask for trouble?' I knew that if I told, the story would get out somehow; it always does. I'd be in all the papers. 'Boy Who Lived, scrubs floors and does yard work between beatings, Wizarding community shocked at his inability to defend himself from muggles with meaty fists,'" mocked Harry. "It was my last summer. I only had to get through one last summer, and no one would ever have to know my secret," he said sardonically.
"But you didn't make it though the whole summer," stated Sev. "What changed?"
"Nothing changed, unfortunately." Harry sighed. "My uncle realized that he'd gotten away with searing the skin off my neck and parts of my skull. I was the proud idiot who had managed to keep my secret. My uncle thought the all-powerful wizarding world knew, but didn't seem to care, and since the glamoure held for a while, they'd assumed I'd been healed. There was no reason to hold back at that point."
"Funny thing is," Harry began. "At first I didn't think things were too bad. It didn't occur to me why Vernon had me doing all the big outside stuff the first week. Once the weeding and planting had been done, and the fresh coat of paint wherever needed was finished, I hardly had a reason to go outside. It made it hard to find ways to meet up with Sirius. I think he had been watching 'cause my third day in, I was tilling a new flower bed when a snake I knew came by to tell me there was something in the front yard bushes, left there by a big black dog."
Severus almost snorted. Almost. "A snake you knew?" he asked incredulously.
"He was a friend of a friend." Harry mused. "I let a snake loose in the yard the year before. I taught it which yards to stay out of and how to recognize poisons. From what I hear, my aunt's not enjoyed her backyard for a long time."
"What was in the bushes?" Sev asked, realizing the conversation had gotten off track. He wasn't sure if Harry was doing it on purpose or not.
"A sandwich and a bottle of water. The water was so cold it had started to freeze around the edges."
Severus watched as Harry spoke as if he found a treasure.
"I tried to hide it, I really tried." Harry was speaking quietly, as if telling a secret. He was now looking far away, not focusing on anything in particular. "Dudley saw me eating it. That was the end. By the time he had knocked it into the dirt, he was off and running to tell Vernon. It was the last food I saw until...I guess whenever it was I woke up in Hogwarts." Harry once again put on his best Vernon Dursley voice. "How dare you tell your freaky friends we don't feed you proper! Well you can just let them keep feeding you. I won't allow you to be a burden on this family any longer!" he reached into the bowl, placing way too many grapes into his mouth at one time. After swallowing the handful, he reached into the bowl again, but bumped hands with Sev and pulled his hand back quickly. "As if the bastard would've let me out of the house again to get any food that may have been left for me."
Severus didn't speak, but placed a grape in Harry's mouth and waited for him to continue his story.
"Vernon was easily provoked for some reason. I don't know if it was because I was soon to be a fully trained wizard, with a future in my 'freak' world, or because his own son was doing so poorly. One night, while they were eating dinner, I was pouring my cousin some soda, and listening to Vernon complain about how Dudley would be pulled from the boxing team if he couldn't keep his grades up. Then, a huge owl tapped at the window. When I gained consciousness, I was locked in my room. I found out later that I'd been offered the position to fly 'seeker' for England."
"They blamed me, deciding that poor Duderkins had been too frightened of magic to be able to concentrate on his studies at school. They blamed me for the grass drying up in the drought; I must have done that to keep from mowing the lawn. They blamed me for the snakes. With each infraction, came more punishment." Harry looked thoughtful for a moment.
"OK, the snakes were worth it," he said with a grin. "I started to get worried when the punishments got more severe. I sent Sirius a letter. I didn't say much, but I made it a point to mention that I would be sending him a letter again the next week. He knew there was something I wasn't saying, and I knew he would act if he didn't get the letter I'd promised to send.
"I was getting really hungry. I was already getting punished for stealing the food my cousin had in fact been sneaking and blaming me for. He came into my room late one night. I thought he was in his room on his computer. I'd taken a knife from the kitchen, so I could use it to chop up some of Hagrid's old rock cakes into small pieces. He'd rushed in so quickly I instinctively put up my hands to protect my head. I didn't mean to cut him," Harry said softly. Severus put a comforting hand on Harry's hand, encouraging him on.
"The previous punishments seemed like a mere slap on the wrist compared to that night. When Dudley saw the cut on his hand, he wailed as if I had hacked his arm off. By the time Vernon managed to get up the flight of stairs, Dudley had managed to take the knife and cut me back in several places. When Vernon was finished defending his 'poor child', and teaching me a 'proper' lesson, I didn't think I'd make it to the next week to write Sirius. It took me several days to manage to move enough to do so. Even then, I didn't actually manage getting up, but Hedwig, bless her soul, brought me a piece of paper and a pencil from the desk."
"I could hardly see, and had to write with my left hand. I'm not really sure what I wrote. I think I must have told him I loved him, 'cuz at some point when he showed up in my room, I remember hearing Siri say he loved me, too. You kinda' know the rest. He went off into the house for a bit, I guess to see my 'family', and then came back to carry me out. That was when we realized the house was under attack, and he placed me in the basement to be safe." Harry caressed Sev's cheek. "Yours was the next face I saw."
"Thus the nightmare continued?"
"How could I possibly think seeing your face was a nightmare? After you treated me so kindly all those years in class?" he said sarcastically, allowing the mood to lighten, if only a bit.
Severus laughed, but was curious to know what Harry had actually thought. Ron wasn't too sure Severus wasn't a true Death Eater when he was captured. What did Harry think after the attack on his home that day? He needn't ask, as Harry answered the question for him.
"When I recognized you, my first reaction was to thank Merlin I was free from that place. I wasn't aware the attack was over, but I knew you would do whatever you could to get me out. When you carried me effortlessly up the steps, all I could think of was how pathetic I was and what you must think of me. However, all thoughts of you mocking me with such information went right out the window when I realized Sirius would never have allowed you to go and get me, not if he was able to do so himself. I don't remember much after that. I don't remember much past the steps."
"You lapsed into a coma before I reached the front door. Had I not been so caught up with having to fulfill Black's last request, I might have paid more attention and realized your injuries were unrelated to the Death Eater attack."
"In all the years I'd known him, I had never seen Albus in such a state. Between Minerva and the Weasleys I don't recall ever having made so many calming potions. They practically camped out at Hogwarts. Redheads everywhere," Severus mumbled the last few words.
Harry smirked. "When I was more awake than out of it, Ron never left my side. Every morning, Poppy would move his bed back over so she could fit between them."
"And you're sure he's straight?" teased Sev.
Harry huffed in amusement. While he thought Ron and he were closer than most friends; he was sure Ron was straight. "I was having a lot of flashbacks then, sometimes more often than not. It helped me to wake up to Ron on the bed beside mine, as if we were up in our dorm room. He was the best at calming me down."
"He certainly jumped into action in the Infirmary. I thought he'd take my arm off if I didn't unhand you."
Harry smiled big, as he bit into a grape. "Careful Sev, your job as my hero may be at jeopardy," he said while climbing on Sev's lap.
"If I must, I'll settle for being your lover." Sev pulled him in for a passionate kiss.
"You really love me?" asked Harry with a silly grin.
Severus scowled, but Harry could see he was being humorous. "Do you want me to write it down for you to keep, along with that infernal note you have that declares I won't kill you?"
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble," teased Harry.
_
Harry buzzed around his little home, making sure everything was clean and nice for his romantic dinner with Severus. He was delayed several times as well-wishers fire called, wishing Harry a 'Happy Birthday'. Being his first time living alone on his birthday, Harry hadn't thought to light the fire, but Severus suggested he do so as he was leaving for the market. At least three calls came in back to back the second the fire was lit. First Hermione, Neville, and Ron called. The other calls that came in were from disappointed friends who would miss out on the celebration, since the party at the Three Broomsticks had been cancelled due to safety issues since the recent attack.
Harry was snapping a fresh sheet in the air to make his bed when he heard another call. "Hellooooo. Any Birthday Boys home?" he heard Mrs. Weasley's voice coming from the sitting room fire. He was thankful Severus wasn't there, as he might not have lived that down.
"Hello", Harry replied cheerfully, as he stepped into Molly's view, with Arthur at her left shoulder.
"Happy Birthday, dear," she said so cheerfully she practically sang. "Arthur and I were out and we found a stand that had fresh berries. I know you love them. Since we're here in town, I thought we could give you a call."
Harry realized finally what she was getting at, and invited them in. Molly fussed about, checking over the place to see what Harry had added to the decor. Arthur smiled proudly to see the Floo box he'd given Harry at the Warding. It was in good company; the only other thing on the mantel was the Order of Merlin awarded to Sirius.
As she walked behind the sofa, Molly brushed her hand across the blanket she had hand knitted for Harry. It had been covering the back of the sofa. It was still too warm to sleep with it on the bed. "Come take a look at this, isn't that a beauty?" Arthur said to his wife, as he admired the clock on the wall. "A gift from Albus. Isn't that right Harry?"
"Yes, A Warding gift," Harry answered. "Can you guess which hands Fred and George added?" he asked with a chuckle.
"I can guess," Molly said huffily, but Harry could see she was playing it up. "Dinner tomorrow is at six. I expect that hand will be moving along soon," she said pointing to the 'Time to Party' hand on the clock face.
"I think it's moving along now," commented Arthur.
"No dear, that's not the party hand, it's another hand behind it moving up," she said looking carefully. "Oh!" Molly gave Harry a smile when he blushed. "It says 'Time for Your Date'. Why didn't you tell us you were going on a date, and here we are barging in," she said quickly, almost pushing Arthur to the fire.
"Don't be silly," Harry assured her. "The hand hasn't even gotten close to the mark, I've got a while yet." He pulled them into the kitchen where the sun was still shining in, and poured them each a cold glass of lemonade. Molly excitedly looked all over the kitchen. She was surprised to see it so well stocked, and having a large variety of spices and herbs on hand. Harry showed her the window box where he had planted only a few herbs.
"There's a whole untended garden down there," he pointed to the small yard. "I meant to ask Mr. Jennings, my landlord, if I could do some planting. But I never got around to it."
"I hear Severus Snape and Kieran Donnelley kept you training hard all summer," commented Arthur. "You missed the last Order meeting while you were recuperating, and of course the topic of your training came up. Albus told of your actions during the attack. He was very pleased with how far you've come in your training. When asked to give an account, Severus reported that you had surpassed any other they had trained so far. That's quite a compliment, coming from him," praised Arthur.
"They keep me on my toes," said Harry modestly. "They're an interesting team. A lot of hard work, but some good times, too. In fact just last night they attacked me here in my own home, kidnapped me, and forced me to go out and ingest alcohol for my birthday," laughed Harry.
"When you were last at the Burrow, I noticed you two seemed to be getting along much better," said Molly. Harry wasn't sure how to tell them he and Severus were a couple.
"We do have a much better relationship now that I'm no longer a student, at Hogwarts at least," Harry said, taking a large sip of lemonade. He knew he was being vague, but didn't know how to breach the subject. They meant a lot to him, and he wasn't sure what their reactions would be.
"I imagine you must have. Ronald told me this morning that he invited Severus to the Burrow for your birthday celebration. I was taken aback to say the least." Molly put her empty glass in the sink. She had started washing it too, when Harry stopped her. Molly knew her son was opinionated and overdramatic. For him to invite his long hated Potions Professor, something had to have changed. When she questioned Ron, he had passed it off, saying they had all gotten along during holiday when Snape was younger, and that Harry and Severus also had formed a friendship during the holiday and training. She had thought there was more to it, but wasn't going to push Ron; she was glad he'd shown such maturity with his acceptance.
After setting a date for the Weasleys to come for dinner, they said their goodbyes and birthday wishes once again. Arthur had politely held up the box of Floo powder for his wife, when Severus Apparated in, only a few feet from them. He had a few small square objects in one hand and a large package from the market in the other.
"Good heavens, you startled me! How are you, Severus?" asked Molly.
"Fine, thank you Molly, Arthur," Severus greeted them with a polite bow. "For you, from Albus," Severus said, handing a few brain-boxes to Harry. "He asked me to remind you, lunch is at noon tomorrow."
Harry went to drop the boxes in the drawer of his bedside table, and returned in time to hear Arthur warning Severus.
"We'll be going now. Severus, don't keep him too long, Harry has a date," Arthur said, grinning, and gestured over to the clock. The hand that announced it was time for his date was now on the mark.
"So he does," purred Severus, handing Harry the package.
Harry reached into the bag, pulling out a long green bottle with a grape leaf on the label. "Great! You got my favorite wine," he said with excitement.
It was Molly who first put two and two together. Severus was impressed; she managed not to look shocked. Though, maybe she wasn't all that shocked. The woman did have seven children, after all. Keeping a few steps ahead was crucial as a mum. She gave Harry a big hug, before turning to leave.
"We'll see you both tomorrow. Enjoy your date," she directed the last line to Severus. As she nudged her husband to the Floo, Arthur could be heard asking. "Wasn't it Harry who had the date?"
Molly followed close behind. She would explain it to him when they got home.
DETAH 48 - Dinner with the Family
Harry sat lazily in a lawn chair at the burrow. He had eaten a great lunch with Albus, and an hour later was still feeling full. He was now using magic to launch garden gnomes over the hedge into the neighboring property.
"It should have been that easy when we were kids," laughed Ron as he levitated a table out on to the grass. They would be having Harry's birthday dinner outside to accommodate seating for everyone. The whole family would be there for dinner, with the exception of Percy. Back a while ago, Percy Weasley gave his entire family an ultimatum. Making them chose between him, and associating with a mentally challenged Harry Potter who would likely get them all killed. They hadn't seen Percy since that day. Ron was pretty sure his Mum still sent him Christmas jumpers, and birthday gifts each year, but no one else had had any contact with him.
"Tell us about your birthday date," cooed Hermione. She and Ginny were sitting out in the sun folding napkins to look like various shapes. "I was here for dinner last night, and I thought Mrs. Weasley was going to bust. Ron had told her if she wanted information she would have to ask you herself, and vowed not to divulge private information," said Hermione holding up a napkin resembling a swan.
"Dad said Ron was being mature, but Charlie said he was just showing off 'cause Ron just finished the part of training where you learn interrogation," said Ginny, who looked angrily at her own napkin that vaguely looked like a boat. "No fair, you're all using magic all the time, and I still have to wait 'till September to dust off my wand," complained Ginny.
Harry laughed. Hermione looked at Ginny sympathetically. "I know how you feel Ginny, these guys are constantly apparating places and I have to Floo and catch up."
"Harry, you had a date last night?" asked Ginny, realizing he had never answered Hermione. "The twins were freaking out about something the other night, but as soon as they noticed me listening they shut up again. Mum and Dad do the same," she grumbled about being kept in the dark about everything.
"I had a very nice date last night," confessed Harry. "He'll be here for dinner," Harry said before Ginny had a chance to ask who his date was. "Were Fred and George really freaking out?" he asked apprehensively. Ginny shrugged, not really knowing. Harry thought he had better talk to them.
"Speak of the devils," muttered Hermione as the twins apparated into the yard. Seeing Harry, Fred quickly hid what was in his hand, and they hurried into the house. Harry had been distracted by the twin's appearance and accidentally dropped the gnome he was levitating over the hedge. The creature was making quite a racket as it had fallen through the bush, getting tangled in the small prickly branches. Hermione tried to help it out by levitating the gnome again, but only managed to get it scratched up more.
Deciding he should avoid being reprimanded by Hermione, Harry went into the house to speak with the twins. But he didn't manage to make it past the kitchen before Molly waylaid him.
"Just the young man I wanted to talk to," she said, and he could tell she had a slew of questions ready for him. Harry sat down as she put a glass of ice-cold water down for him. "You have a lovely home, dear," she said kindly.
"Thanks, I'm sorry I didn't have you over before..." he began, but she waved off his excuses.
"Don't think on it. I'm sure a young man like yourself has other things on his mind than entertaining his friends' folks."
"You know you're not just my best friend's Mum," he said with sly grin. She did know, and beamed at him.
"Then don't you think it's about time you told me of this relationship you're in?" she said reprovingly. "Severus seemed very comfortable apparating into your home without announcement. Is it safe to say that wasn't your first date?"
Harry tried to look properly cowed, and blushed. "We've been together for a while. I guess since just after I finished Hogwarts."
"I should hope so, Albus would never allow such a relationship between student and Professor."
" Albus, " Harry said his name with emphasis. "should have thought about that before he sent Severus on holiday as a teen with no memory of who I was," said Harry, enjoying the stunned look on Molly's face.
"W-wasn't that long before you finished school?" she asked, doing some quick calculations in her head.
"Yeah, but it took me a while to wear him down after he 'returned' and realized he had been buddies with a couple of Gryffindors while on holiday." Harry smirked.
"Severus has a lot of past behind him," she said referring more to his experience and not his age. She wasn't too hung up on the age issue as her own parents had a fifteen-year span between them. Wizards & witches live very long lives.
"Yes, he has," said Harry softly. "To a lesser extent, so have I. We have a lot of things in common."
Molly frowned. She hated that Harry had had such a difficult life. "Can you choose Severus after the history of hostility the two of you have had?" she wasn't trying to talk him out of the relationship, but wanted to be sure he thought it through.
"We had the week together on holiday to get a chance to know each other without the past hanging over our heads. We enjoy each other's company," he explained.
"I have to say, the two of you looked very much at ease with each other yesterday." She conceded.
"He makes me feel safe," he said, head tilted to the side and supported by one hand as he leaned an elbow on the table.
"The same could be said for a father figure, the way Sirius was for you," she pointed out. Harry decided it was wise not to mention he'd had a crush on his Godfather.
"Severus makes me feel loved," he said dreamily. Molly smiled, seeing Harry's faraway look as he thought of his lover.
"Then I'm happy for you both," she said sincerely.
"Thanks, that means a lot to me," he said genuinely, before swiping his finger into the icing on the cake she was frosting. She smacked him on the hand with the spatula, and he ran out of the kitchen before she started to yell at him. When he reached the top of the stairs she was still yelling about men acting like children.
"What did we do now?" Fred asked George, hearing his mum rant. Harry stood in the open doorway of the twin's room and chuckled.
"It's me she's yelling at," explained Harry, licking the icing off his finger. "Strawberry," he hummed around his finger.
George quickly hid what was on the desk where they were sitting. It looked suspiciously like birthday candles. "Hey Harry," they said in unison. "How was your first liberated birthday?" asked Fred.
"Great," he wanted to say it was great having sex in every room with Severus, but left it at 'great'. "I'm sorry about the other night, guys. I should have told you who I was." He nervously toed the hardwood floor.
"What kind of pranksters would we be if we couldn't take a prank dished out to us once in while?" George asked good-naturedly.
"It wasn't a prank," he began softly. "I didn't want you to see me in a dress and I was hoping to get out of it. Um, not out of the dress," he sputtered quickly realizing what that sounded like, and blushed. "I should have put a stop to things earlier, but I didn't. If the shoe was on the other foot, and someone was coming on to Severus, I'd want him to say he wasn't available."
To say that the twins were surprised was an understatement. When Harry had began to apologize, they thought for sure he was going to say sorry for pulling one over on them. Fred gave Harry a light shove. "S'ok mate, we know we're irresistible," he teased.
"So, we're OK?" he said, making sure he hadn't damaged their friendship.
"I s'pose we're ok," Fred said with a sly grin. "Any chance you can introduce us to the real Joanne?"
"You may be stepping on Kieran's toes there." Harry laughed when they looked suitably frightened. They had only met Kieran for a few minutes, but recognized that he was not a man to cross. Harry proceeded to tell them about the barmaid that helped him out with his appearance. Then he had to convince them, that 'no', the barmaid had not touched his breasts.
When Fred kept glancing over to the desk drawer, Harry asked if he had interrupted something important.
"We were just finishing up on a few things. I can work on it myself if you and George want to go help Ron bring out the chairs." Fred gave George a look that clearly said 'Get Harry out of here'. Harry, amused by Fred's obvious eye gestures, left quietly. He would certainly find out whatever it was they were planning, especially if it involved candles that would end up on his birthday cake.
As they neared the back door, Harry stopped, blocking George's exit. "When I asked if we're OK, you didn't say anything," Harry said hesitantly to his friend.
"Fred said we're OK; we are," George confirmed.
"I know, but just because everyone assumes when one twin speaks he's speaking for both, doesn't mean you don't feel differently from your brother."
George smiled. Very few people treated them as individuals. For the most part, the twins liked being half of the other, but that didn't mean George didn't appreciate Harry considering his feelings personally. He looked to be debating on saying something before he continued.
"One time when Fred was starting to date Angelina, she came on to me. I had fallen asleep on Fred's bed. Well actually, I'd accidentally set fire to my own bed...well that's another story. Anyway, when I woke up I had a beautiful girl standing by the bed. She sat down; I guess she said she wanted to talk about the quidditch schedule. I knew she thought I was Fred, but it was kind of nice having her say sweet things. I wouldn't have let it go far."
"Did you tell her or did she figure it out?"
"I had just started to tell her when Fred came in a yelled at me for laying in his bed. She slapped me and walked out," he said with a laugh. "What about Snape?" George suddenly remembered that while on the sofa, Harry/Joanne had said he loved Severus. "You two really...?"
"Yeah, we're a couple," Harry said with a nod.
"We knew he was making notes in our experiment log, but we just thought he was there for your training or something," George shook his head, trying to get around the fact that Snape was dating anyone, much less Harry.
"I have to say, I didn't expect so many people to be so good about it. Your mum and I talked and she pointed out a few things, but I guess I expected somebody to freak out," Harry said when he realized it had all been going very easily so far.
"To be honest, I don't think our reaction to Snape would have been so good at first if it wasn't for Ron. He told us about the holiday with the teachers, and then how Snape took a chance in front of Death Eaters to keep you from falling." George didn't mention what had happened when Ron was in captivity. It was still a touchy subject, but it was understood Severus had taken a great risk to keep Ron safe. "Now, I think Ron may have told us all that stuff to warm us up to the idea of you two together. At the time, we just thought Ron was going mad." George chuckled, and went looking for Ron, now that they were finally out in the yard.
When Harry arrived, the girls were also discussing his love life. Harry was relieved to hear Hermione telling Ginny how important it was not to tell anyone whom Harry was dating. The youngest Weasley understood that whomever Harry dated would be a target, and it was best to keep it a secret. She wouldn't fully understand the magnitude of that statement until she found out it was Severus Snape. The conversation came to an abrupt halt as the sight in front of them startled them.
Harry laughed when he saw Ron levitating a chair with George sitting on top of it. The ruckus only continued when Fred came out and started putting on the 'party hats'. Ginny swatted at him, yelling for him to get the napkin off his head.
"You never made fancy napkins for my birthday," complained Fred with a mock pout. "I'm not special like Harry," he continued while levitating one of Hermione's napkins, making the 'swan' fly around.
"Yeah, Harry's reeaaal special," George said comically, making his eye twitch. It was a dig at his mental stability. They often teased him about his sanity since the Percy debacle. Harry was about to defend his state of mind, but laughed instead as the flying napkin-swan flew into George's head startling him so much he was knocked off the levitated chair.
"You see, the boy's hysterical," Fred said when Harry was laughing so hard tears were coming down his face. "Sad really."
"Now I remember why I never bring a date to this house," said Bill, who had just arrived. Several chairs were toppled on the grass, George was half stuck in the one he'd fallen onto, still making a stupid face, as his eye continued to twitch. Fred was playing tug of war for a napkin against Ginny. Harry was beginning to recover from the fits of laughter. Ron came around the corner levitating yet another chair. "What happened Ron? When did you become the mature one?" asked Bill humorously.
"Maybe that's the reason, I'm the only one with a girl here," retorted Ron, making a face at the twins who were yet to actually help. Ignoring Ron, the twins greeted their oldest brother, as did the rest of the group, though none as enthusiastically as Ginny, who practically launched herself at Bill.
"Please tell me you're going to let me stay at your place a few days before I go back to school," she begged. Harry assumed it was getting hard to live with the twins, that and Bill was certainly the coolest of big brothers, for sure. Harry then turned his attention to Hermione once again. She had summoned the napkins back to her lap, and began folding them into interesting things again after a quick cleaning spell.
"When did you become so domestic?" Harry asked curiously.
"Don't start," she said in defense, thinking he was teasing her. She apologized when she saw his expression said otherwise. "Sorry, the boys have been giving me a lot of ribbing. Ron's mum has been teaching me domestic spells," she said, handing Harry a swan to hold along with the other napkins she'd refolded for dinner.
Harry chuckled. "She doesn't think you're going to sit around being 'happy homemaker', does she?" asked Harry. Hermione handed him another napkin. He didn't dare tell her he didn't know what that shape was. It wasn't a swan; that was for sure.
"No, Molly knows I'm going to be working after university, but as she says, 'Even if you don't plan on making clothes, it will never hurt to know how to darn a sock.' My own mother loves it. The other night I used a charm to peel the potatoes and you'd think I'd spun straw into gold for as excited as she was. I guess I never thought about it, but since we couldn't do magic in the summers, my Mum hasn't seen me do much magic before." Hermione went on to tell Harry all about the night her parents went to the Burrow for dinner.
Severus picked up a hot cup of tea Albus had served a moment earlier. "I see Harry was here today," Severus said casually as he noted there were colorful scraps of wrapping papers scattered along the floor.
Albus smiled, and then looked surprised as if he didn't know the bright colors littering the floor were still there. Though Harry was an adult, Albus continued to wrap his gifts with magical paper that exploded into small strips, and rained over the gift's recipient. It made a big mess, and was usually well appreciated by the average five year old. Harry had never experienced the typical childhood traditions from the wizarding world. So, when Albus was made guardian, he took advantage of the few things he could still do. Harry had yet to voice his being too mature for what in Albus' opinion was such a delightful way to open a gift. The Headmaster made no indication that he'd heard the snort of amusement that came from Severus.
"Harry and I had a lovely lunch together. I was rather surprised when he mentioned you decided to not to give him his gift until tonight." There was the twinkle. Severus sipped his tea before answering.
"Surprisingly enough, Ronald Weasley invited me to a celebration for Harry tonight. I didn't want to show up without a gift. It was hard enough to decide on one gift for him, much less two." Truth was Severus saw loads of things he wanted to shower Harry with, but he decided to stay sensible for now. Their relationship was still new. He would have many more opportunities to give Harry gifts. Severus suddenly realized that he assumed they would be together for a very long time. He wasn't used to thinking about long term when it involved Harry. 'Merlin, I am in love', he thought to himself.
Albus quietly sipped his tea; the damn twinkle seemed to be intensifying. "Perfectly understandable, but it's always nice to have something to open on the actual day," said Albus nonchalantly.
'I seem to recall waking to him opening me', thought Severus. "He'll manage," he said flatly, as he recalled the pleasurable method Harry had used to wake him. It was almost as good as the sex they'd had later, on the kitchen table after dinner. Had he created a monster, letting Harry top? Thought Sev amusedly, feeling the heat that was stirring within him. He absolutely refused to have an erection sitting across from Albus. Seeing the darn twinkle was enough for his 'problem' to go away. The twinkle didn't usually mean anything good as far as he was concerned. He wondered if during their lunch, Harry had told the elder wizard that Severus had professed his love.
"I must say that I'm impressed you agreed to attend the party. I thought since your last visit you had sworn off the Burrow for a while." Albus bit into a biscuit, and a sprinkling of crumbs spread down onto his beard.
"If I could consort with The Dark Lord for you, I can certainly socialize with a horde of Weasleys for Harry," he said with a smirk.
"Very impressive words coming from a wizard who drank two celebratory bottles of wine the last day the twins attended school here."
"Perhaps, but I no longer fear the wrath of Molly Weasley."
"No?" asked a bemused Albus.
"From what Harry tells me, she's so fed up with them, she'd probably thank me if I were to turn them to something harmless for a few days." He was going to say rabbits, but Albus had recently warned him against making derogatory comments regarding the number of children the Weasley family had. Severus picked up a biscuit; ignoring the delighted look Albus wore when he helped himself to the treat.
"Harry's been good for you," said Albus, quite pleased.
Severus sneered, making a noncommittal sound. He almost said 'Good for my bed,' but chose not to. Albus would easily see through it for what it was.
"I think you are good for him too, Severus." Albus waited for him to stop rolling his eyes. "I can't tell you how happy I am the two of you had a chance to spend a fair amount of time together during the summer break. I don't suspect you would've been able to come so far on the weekends alone."
"We'll hardly have time together once classes begin. I can't simply vanish every weekend, and his training will take up some of our time together. Honestly Albus, I don't know what he's going to do with himself all week as it is." Severus was concerned for Harry's lack of employment. By the time the weekend came he would most likely be starved for something to do, and at times, Severus may not be there to entertain him.
"Harry didn't mention his classes to you?" asked Albus curiously. Severus snorted.
"One class on Thursdays and that's supposed to be enough to keep him busy? I never expected his class on Wizarding Culture to even last this long."
Albus didn't reply, but sipped his tea, wondering why Harry had not yet told Severus about the class he was taking now. Harry had planned on spending his weeks building a house at Godric's Hollow while Severus taught at Hogwarts. Perhaps he was saving such information as a surprise for Severus. Harry had once mentioned that he liked to keep a little information to himself, as Severus already knew almost everything about his life. Albus suspected it was difficult growing up with most of the wizarding public knowing more about his past than he did. His name hadn't stopped selling papers since he started Hogwarts.
"Is Harry physically ready to begin training again?" asked Albus. Harry hadn't trained since the week of the DE attack. Severus noticed, but didn't comment on the change of subject.
"Yes, we don't want to lose any time. Before you know, the school will be filled with obnoxious brats again, leaving me little time to work with Harry."
"Perhaps Kieran would still train Harry a few days a week," suggested Albus.
Severus' eyes narrowed; his mask hid a frown that was threatening to creep onto his face. He couldn't say why he didn't like the idea. It could be a control issue that he wouldn't necessarily be calling the shots if he weren't there for Harry. But then, he and Kieran had always worked well as a team before, and followed the outline in the book they had developed together. No, it wasn't a control issue. Perhaps possessiveness? Severus didn't want to examine it too closely as he realized the options were either he was jealous of Kieran spending time with his Harry, or that Harry would be spending more time with Kieran, his friend.
Severus practically shook his head to rid the absurd thoughts. Harry was his. Kieran liked women. And it didn't matter that Kieran was his friend first.Not to mention most of his life since then had been in the papers. Whether the information was flattering or not, never mattered. Harry's name continued to sell papers. The thought of it being the other way around and Harry worrying about Ron being better friends with Sev than him made him laugh. Ok, it wasn't a laugh, more like an amused sort of sound. Whatever it was, Albus raised his eyes past his teacup, hoping to find out what had amused his Potions Master and friend.
"Something funny you'd like to share?" inquired Albus.
Severus smirked and shook his head 'no'. "I had better go and get ready for dinner at the Burrow." Severus replaced his teacup on the tray. "Thank you for tea, Albus."
"Anytime, dear boy. I must be going myself, actually. I promised Poppy I would bring Harry's file back to her. He filled out a questionnaire for her while he was here for lunch. I think she's most eager to take a look at it."
"Does she think something is wrong?" asked Severus, concern in his voice. Albus paused before answering, causing Severus alarm.
"It's nothing to worry about," Albus said soothingly, but Severus was having none of that.
"Albus," he warned, his voice starting quiet, but rising steadily, "Tell me now, or I'll show up at the Burrow and demand Harry tell me. We don't need to ruin his party if You Would Just TELL ME!" he'd finished up rather loudly and calmed himself, waiting for an answer.
"He doesn't know. Now will you please calm down?" Albus had a way of wording commands as if the person had a choice. Severus took a deep breath to calm himself, but realized that Albus was breaking a pact he and Harry had. Albus had promised not to keep important secrets from Harry. The damn twinkle in the aging blue eyes was back. "I assure you there is nothing that I'm keeping from Harry. Poppy was simply concerned that Harry had been cursed during the attack. I explained to her that I was confident he was fine, but she's taken this on as a pet project as she has little else to do right now."
"Were you under the misimpression that what you just said would help calm me down? You hardly explained a thing," stated an annoyed Severus.
"A substance found on Harry had a magical residue. Naturally, Poppy was concerned. Since I happened to be there when it was discovered, I personally performed the spells to confirm he was fine. But you know Poppy. She really should get a cat or something." As Albus trailed from the topic at hand Severus fumed. Seeing his discomfort, the Headmaster continued. "You see she probably would have let it go since Harry wasn't around to examine, but she did have one of the tissues that contained residues of the substance, giving her ample time to test it."
"Why in Merlin's name would Poppy have pieces of Harry in her office?" It really was a disturbing thought.
"Whenever Harry is injured, we are very careful of how any blood soaked materials or anything with any of his bodily tissues are disposed. It would be dangerous if that were to fall into the wrong hands."
As a potions brewer, Severus knew that better than anyone.
"Harry's recent injuries alone left much to be cataloged before I disposed of blood-soaked clothing, but since Harry had new skin grown, it meant he had to lose a great of damaged skin first."
"He did mention that," said Severus, wishing he'd been there for Harry during a very painful procedure.
"Well, as you can imagine, Poppy now had a sample to work with. She was concerned when the magical signature on the substance showed trace elements of dark magic, as it would if the witch or wizard bore the Dark Mark." Albus paused, his smile intensified. "If you would like to save her a lot of trouble and research, you could simply explain how Harry would get a big letter "F" in red ink smeared on his stomach?"
Severus eyes widened for a moment before his mask was back in place. He'd not imagined anyone would have seen his artistic handiwork, nor had he remembered with all the commotion. "She can just keep on researching without my help. Good day, Albus." Severus stormed out of the office. Albus had kept him hanging, worried about Harry for nothing. He walked briskly down to his dungeons. He was aggravated, but set it aside and changed his focus to what he should wear to the party. He also thought about the day he put that 'F' on Harry. The first and last day he'd seen Harry in the black quidditch robes. He looked so hot in them. Severus was pleased with his choice of getting Harry a replacement set.
Severus apparated to an area not far from the Burrow. As he walked up the drive, getting a glimpse of the many people out in the yard, he was pleased with his choice of attire for the night. Admittedly, he didn't often get invited to parties, and when he did, they were likely to be at Malfoy's whenever the guest list included the Inner Circle of Death Eaters. Those gatherings were often formal affairs. This night called for a more casual attire.
Knocking on the door politely, Severus was greeted by one cheerful Arthur Weasley. "Ah, Severus, so good to once again have you in our home," he said cordially.
"Thank you. I'll admit Ron's invitation was unexpected, but appreciated, nonetheless." Severus handed Molly a large bouquet of fresh flowers as a hostess gift. She fussed over the lovely arrangement and summoned a large vase from a nearby shelf. No sooner had the water been added, than an exuberant Ginny came bounding into the room, looking to refill an empty drink glass.
"Mum," she began, and then set eyes on Severus. To everyone's surprise her bright face instantly scowled. Severus raised a brow in question.
"Virginia," Molly used her full name with a warning tone.
"But Mum, it's a party. A family party," said Ginny indignantly. Arthur looked apologetically to Severus before turning back to his daughter, the daughter who was dangerously close to spending the party in her room.
"That is no way to act toward Mr. Snape, young lady," Arthur reprimanded.
"But Dad," she whined. "You promised you wouldn't have to do any work today during Harry's party. Not even Order work." Ginny pouted. Molly visibly relaxed some. Severus' face remained indifferent.
"Mr. Snape was invited into our home to help celebrate Harry's birthday," her father stated calmly. His daughter's mouth formed an 'O' and remained open for several seconds. No one noticed when she closed it, as by then she was bright red with embarrassment.
"That's not paperwork?" she asked, hesitantly pointing to a large but plain looking package Severus carried. Molly escorted the scarlet faced girl from the room on the premise they would go to put Mr. Snape's gift with the other gifts. She called over her shoulder, asking her husband to show Severus where the refreshments were.
"I'm sorry about that, Severus," said Arthur apologetically. "I've been working a lot you see..."
"Quite all right," said Severus, effectively cutting him off. He could hardly believe the young Weasley girl was only a year younger than Harry; she seemed to be much younger. Admittedly, he did have a hard time relating to teenage girls, always had. It was for that reason Hermione Granger had surprised him, being as tolerable as she was on a personal level. It was as close to a compliment as he cared to make, even it if was only in his own thoughts.
Arthur and Severus stepped outside to the yard. Seeing his Dad, George immediately stopped juggling the dinner plates. Ron and Hermione were setting the table, while Bill, Harry, and Fred tossed a quaffle around, aiming for an old tire hovering in mid air. Severus watched the three running about the yard, stealing the quaffle from one another. Harry threw a long pass only for it to be intercepted by Bill, who was instantly tackled by Fred. Harry stood there laughing at his friends' antics. He wore a pair of dark blue jeans and a tee with words printed on the front, but they were too small to read from such a distance. Harry suddenly noticed Severus by the door with Mr. Weasley. His eyes lit up to see his lover had arrived. Severus smirked when he saw Harry checking him out. He wore a simple cream color button down shirt and a pair of black slacks. The slacks were a comfort fit, not too tight, but the shirt was fitted, showing Sev's well-defined pecks and shoulders. A pink tongue darted out licking his lips, clearly showing Harry's approval of his choice of clothes. Severus almost groaned at the sight of that tongue.
Get a grip Severus, it's not as if you didn't spend half of yesterday shagging with the man. He told himself before taking a large sip of his drink.
"Hello, Severus," greeted Hermione. His first name still felt foreign on her tongue. At this point the others also noticed his arrival and greeted him politely. Severus shook his head in disbelief now that he was close enough to read Harry's tee. There in large black letters read: 'Fully Trained Wizard', and just below, in smaller print: 'Want to see my wand?'
"It was a gift from Ron," Harry said happily. Severus looked at Ron with a raised brow. Ron's grin faded ever so slightly, but recovered quickly when Harry laughed at him.
Harry and Severus never actually discussed it, but Severus was thankful that Harry instinctively knew he wasn't the type for physical displays in front of others, at least not in a social setting such as this one. He felt it very inconsiderate of couples to hang all over each other, as most people don't want to watch such a thing. Unless of course, you were a hormonal teen, he thought.
Severus smirked and watched his lover conversing with his friends. Truth was, Harry was a hormonal teen with an insatiable sexual appetite. But luckily for Severus, Harry was also a man who liked his privacy. Too much unwanted time in the public's eye will do that to anyone. Despite all that, Severus wondered if he should have greeted his lover a bit more personally than he had the rest of the group. Harry didn't seem to care; he was laughing with his friends. Every so often he would catch Sev's eye, giving him a bright smile. Harry was happy and that was all that mattered today.
He held up his empty drink glass in Harry's direction, in question. Seeing a grateful nod, Severus went to the refreshment table to refill his glass and get one for Harry, too. As he dropped a few ice cubes into a glass, he was perusing the various pitchers, wondering what Harry might like to drink, when a quiet voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Professor?" the shy voice of Ginny spoke.
Severus looked up to see the nervous girl. He gave a small smile with the intent of making her feel more comfortable, but it didn't seem to have the affect he was going for. The girl went from blushing to pale.
"I, uh, thought you were here to take my dad from the party for some work, and I didn't think about how it would sound." She shifted her feet as she nervously spoke. "When I said it was a family party I didn't mean you shouldn't be here. Mum told me that you had been the one training Harry all summer, and you were here for his birthday as a guest. I er..." she trailed off, realizing she had said way more than she had intended to, and had said it all in one breath. "Sorry," she said quickly and took off with her face red once again.
Severus kept his mask of indifference up for the moment to keep from laughing out loud. He was sure Molly had demanded the girl apologize to him.
"Mm, thanks," hummed Harry taking a sip of the drink Sev brought to him. "What's up with Ginny? You're here ten minutes and my friends are running from you already," he teased.
"I assure you, I did nothing but show up." Severus then explained what had happened. Harry shrugged.
"I guess you just have that effect on some people," Harry said clinking his glass against Sev's.
"Brat."
Molly stuck her head out the kitchen window to announce dinner would be ready momentarily. As people began to sit, Ginny remained standing, looking at the back door, thinking Harry's date hadn't shown up yet. It hadn't occurred to her that Professor Snape was his date.
Arthur sat at the head of the table. To his right was a seat waiting for Molly and then Ron and Hermione, then the twins on the end. Severus chose wisely, sitting in the seat furthest from the twins and closest to Arthur and Molly. Bill sat at the end of the table opposite his father, just as Charlie apparated into the yard.
"Hey everyone, sorry I'm late." Charlie stood by Harry's side with a hand on his shoulder. His thumb and index finger were slightly over the edge of Harry's tee, brushing against his neck. "Happy Birthday, Harry," Charlie said cheerfully. He handed Harry a small wrapped package, and then kissed him on the cheek. Severus held back the glare he wanted to send Charlie. He knew from Order meetings that Charlie was a good man, and Severus liked him. Until he was sure Charlie knew Harry was his, he'd resist the urge to glare or perhaps stab him with a fork.
As dinner went on, they all talked between mouthfuls of great food. Molly had outdone herself. Bill asked Ron and Harry about their various training. Arthur opened a bottle of wine, pouring glasses for his wife, Bill, Severus and the birthday boy. Charlie passed on the wine, as did the others. Hermione asked Severus if he knew if Gwen Jennings had gotten her apprenticeship or not. Ginny looked wide-eyed at Hermione, not expecting her to be so comfortable engaging the professor in conversation, and using his first name, too. It made sense if after all this time Harry had gotten closer to the man with all the training and Order meetings, but not Hermione.
She was easily distracted from that thought as a basket of hot rolls made its way around the table. Severus helped himself to a roll passing the basket to Arthur. Glancing over at Harry, Severus discreetly watched his lover spread butter on his roll. Harry was meticulously covering both sides of the steaming bread. He was surprised Harry only took one roll. He usually ate two or three at a meal, but was apparently being polite. Severus wondered how it was Molly managed to feed such a large crew everyday. That would explain Arthur working so much. As the twins excitedly explained a product they had recently perfected, Severus subtly placed his roll on Harry's plate, trading it off for Harry's untouched glass of wine.
When the cake came, it was almost unwelcome, as everyone had eaten so much dinner. The key word of course was almost. It was a magnificent three-layer cake complete with loads of icing and strawberries on top. Severus watched as Harry nervously blew out the candles when the singing had ended. Everyone cheered as all 18 (plus one to grow on) candles were blown out. Harry looked relieved as nothing happened. He looked suspiciously at the twins who were feigning innocence with upturned palms, and questioning looks as to why Harry would distrust them.
"First choice always goes to the birthday boy," Molly said cheerfully holding up two slices. "Which one do you want, dear?" she asked. Harry considered his choices. One had lots of frosting, and the other had a large ripe strawberry on top.
"Mm," he reached for the slice with the berry first, but said, "I'll take the one with the most frosting." Taking that piece too. Harry placed the cake with the huge strawberry in front of Severus and helped himself to the other. Had anyone been watching they would have seen the horror on the twin's faces as Harry took the first piece, but then gave it to Snape. Instead, most had their attention on the opposite end of the table where the first piece of cake had exploded in Severus' face.
At least it looked like the icing was on his face until he took a step back and the icing stayed where it was seemingly in the air as Severus had put up a shield. He had been checking the food all night as he always had, and wasn't too surprised when he saw Harry looking nervously at the cake. He had silently checked the cake for spells, and could have easily disarmed the cake, but thought that he would wait to see what would happen. Especially when the Fred and George both looked downright panicked when Harry passed on the first slice. 'This should prove interesting', he thought to himself.
Harry had also been checking his food, but he hadn't checked the whole cake, only the piece he was going to eat. He was, therefore, wearing some of the icing from Sev's cake. Mr. Weasley was also splattered with the strawberry cream. Arthur looked furious, wiped the cream from his face and took a deep calming breath.
"I'm terribly sorry for my sons' behavior. We can punish them of course, but as they are both adults, I will leave it up to you if you wish to confront them as such." The twins looked shocked. Their father, who had final say in the home, had all but given Severus permission to do what he pleased. They were suddenly very concerned about the consequences of their actions.
Severus took another step back allowing the icing to fall from the air. He looked at the twins and back at Arthur. Molly looked like she was about to explode with rage.
"Thank you Arthur," Severus said calmly and decided to let Molly have at them. It was a childish act; let them be punished as such. Molly had been seething, and Severus decided it best to throw them to the lions (their mum) than to take his own revenge. It was, after all, the first time he'd been in a social situation with Harry, and while he wasn't accustomed to these things, Sev was sure hexing Harry's friends wasn't one of the planned activities for the party.
Everyone was pleasantly surprised when Molly didn't blow her stack; everyone that is, except the twins. Molly held her hand out, requesting their wands, and handed them her apron in exchange. They were now playing hosts, as she would relax for the duration of the party. They were required to clear the table and clean the dishes and the entire kitchen, sans magic, in addition to apologizing. Severus wondered how many redheads would apologize to him at one party. The current count was five, Molly, Arthur, Ginny, and now Fred and George.
Later that evening~
Bill, Harry and Ron were discussing he various techniques in which they'd been trained. Ron especially liked fighting with a staff and had challenged Harry to spar with him. As they danced around a bit, Ron was disappointed Harry wasn't more of a challenge for him.
"I thought you said that you had finished training with a staff?" asked Ron, trying not to make it sound as if Harry should be better, but failed.
"I have, but I was trained with a different style than you. I'm not built for using a staff as well as you are."
"That's ridiculous. Ginny could wield a staff, if properly trained." Ron froze for a moment realizing he'd insulted Snape's teaching style.
Severus looked up as if considering Ron's opinion. "Tell me Ron, where is your staff when you're not using it?"
"When I have on my full Auror robe, it attaches to my back, and I can pull it out like this," said Ron demonstrating the move in a fluid motion.
"I see." Severus put his hand out, and Ron handed him the staff. He held the staff up behind Ron where it would be, and then walked over to Harry where the staff seemed five inches longer as Harry was nowhere near Ron's height. "As an Auror, you will be prepared for battle with the proper dress and weapons. Harry may not have the convenience of knowing in advance when he will be attacked. The chances of him having a staff on him are slim. His training is adjusted accordingly."
"Then why did you train him to use a staff if you weren't going to teach him how to use it well?" asked Ron sincerely. He hoped Snape understood he wasn't being malicious.
"I didn't. Harry only used the staff goofing around with Kieran, after sessions," said Severus with a smirk. Ron looked confused. "If Harry is so inclined, he could show you what he learned." Ron was still confused, but took his staff back and faced Harry.
"You wanna go again?" Ron held his staff at the ready. Harry nodded with a big grin.
"You ready?" asked Harry, looking both at Ron and Severus.
"Ready." Ron toed the ground slightly getting in position. Harry threw his staff at Severus, never taking his eyes off of his opponent.
"Now, I'm ready," said Harry in a slightly crouched stance. Ron hesitated only for moment. He knew the look of determination on Harry's face.
Harry leaped in the air avoiding the first attack, and ducked the next. By the time Ron had lunged once again Harry had used Ron's momentum to his own advantage, grabbing the staff, and flipping him over. Harry landed on Ron's chest, with his wand drawn and prodding his neck.
"Now you go for he kill!" Fred yelled from the kitchen window. "Do your worst, Harry," said George who was wearing a flowered apron, carrying a tray of dirty dishes from the table.
Bill crouched down close the Harry and Ron's face. "Ok Har, he's one of the bad guys and you want to hurt him bad, but you need to take him into custody for questioning. What do you do?" Bill said laughingly, explaining the situation of their mock battle. Ron rolled his eyes.
"Well..."Harry said poking the wand at Ron's neck some more. "I'd have to hit him with something that would have the appropriate effect. It pays to know your enemy well. I'd have to pick something that would have the greatest effect and still leave him coherent. I know!" he said as if he'd had an epiphany. He removed his wand from Ron's neck, and held it off to the side. As Ron kept his eyes on the holly wand, Harry leaned in and kissed him full on the mouth, then jumped up and ran like hell. Laughter ensued, and Harry continued to elude Ron for the next ten minutes.
Severus watched Molly and Arthur as they spoke to Ron and Hermione. He guessed the two would be engaged by the end of the year.
"How long have you been a couple?" asked Charlie casually. Severus had seen him approach, but hadn't let on.
"What gave us away?" he answered a question with a question. Severus didn't think Molly'd had a chance to mention his dating Harry to Charlie, since he'd arrived late for dinner.
"A few things, things I might not have noticed if it weren't for the reaction to my kissing him hello."
"I don't recall reacting at all," Severus said vaguely, remembering he hadn't glared, though he'd wanted to.
"I was referring to Harry." Charlie paused to sip his drink. "He used to kiss me back."
Severus appeared uninterested, but inside he was pleased. "He mentioned you and he had a flirtatious relationship." Severus looked at Charlie challengingly, wondering if he'd deny it.
"That we do, but Harry knows not to take me seriously."
"Yes, he mentioned that too." Severus didn't want Charlie to think he was the jealous boyfriend, and he wasn't going to mess with Harry's friendships. Harry had a limited number of friends he could trust implicitly. He would need them all if he continued on as he had the last seven years, surviving and hopefully defeating the Dark Lord. "Tell me," Severus paused and leaned close, speaking in a whisper. "Is it true, you're a man who can get fresh dragon scales?"
Charlie sipped his drink, but the cup didn't hide his grin. "You know it's illegal to import some dragon parts. Fresh dragon scales are so hard to come by one might have to resort to the black market to acquire them."
"One might," agreed Severus. Some potion ingredients were very hard to come by. Harry glanced over to see Severus stepping closer to speak with Charlie.
"A decent connection with an experienced dragon handler could prove useful." Charlie noticed Severus stealing glances at Harry, and he continued to speak very quietly. "I can get you these items legally. Is there any particular reason we're being so discreet?" he had to ask since Severus was obviously trying to keep their conversation from being overheard.
"No, but if you knew the effect this conversation is having on my lover, ..." laughed Severus. Harry, as if on cue, was suddenly coming over to see what was so fascinating on that side of the yard.
"Hi," Harry said innocently.
"Did you want something?" asked Severus as if Harry had interrupted a vital meeting. Charlie kept from smiling as they continued their banter.
"I wanted to make sure you weren't flirting with Charlie, since that's the way it looked from where I was standing." Harry tried to look at them disapprovingly. "That would be my job," he said with a smirk.
"That's comforting," said Severus dryly. "I was beginning to think you'd never get a job." Severus slid his arm around Harry's waist, possessively pulling him close to his side.
DETAH 49 - Heightened Senses
Hermione sat leaning comfortably on Ron as they talked to Ron's parents about where Hermione's school was located and her course load. Molly took the opportunity to point out they each would need to spend a lot of time and attention on their schooling/training, and that in order to keep their relationship strong, they would do well to appreciate the time they did have together.
Hermione glanced over to where Harry and Severus were talking with Charlie. She smiled, seeing them laughing together and how Harry stood close to Severus' side. Ginny returned from talking Bill into letting her stay a few days and took the opportunity to plop down on the grass. She leaned against Ron's long legs and harrumphed.
"What's wrong now?" asked Ron, nudging his little sister with his knee. "You're a right crab today," he said sounding a little annoyed that his sister had such an attitude at a party. Hermione gently nudged him in the ribs with her elbow.
"I'm not crabby," Ginny snapped in her own defense. "I kind of feel sorry for Harry. I can't figure out how he could be acting so happy. Is he still seeing a counselor?" she asked as if it were no big deal. "I'd be pretty disappointed if it were my birthday and my date..."
"That's quite enough from you, young lady," said Arthur sternly. "Severus Snape is an honorable man who..."
"What the heck does Professor Snape have to do with Harry's date not showing up?" Before she actually finished the question, the puzzle pieces were fitting together. Arthur was about to explain it to her when Molly put a hand on his arm, stopping him. Molly recognized the look of sudden awareness on Ginny's face and nodded in confirmation. "Harry and Snape?" she asked, desperately not wanting to come to the wrong conclusion once again. "But he's ...I don't know, he's just so..." she didn't quite know how to finish that sentence without saying something that would get her in trouble.
"He's laughing," said Hermione finishing her sentence. "I don't know if I've seen that before," she said the last part quietly, almost to herself. Ginny turned around to see Harry and Severus with their backs turned to them as they talked to Charlie. Severus' arm was wrapped around Harry's waist, holding him close. All three men were laughing about something the four couldn't hear from across the lawn.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Ginny practically yelled as she punched Ron in the chest. "All this time, I've made a fool of myself. When he showed up, I practically told him he wasn't welcome to our party. Then like a jerk, I've been looking at the gate waiting for some guy to show up," she ranted.
"I thought Hermione told you," said Ron, rubbing the spot where she punched him. "I would think it was obvious at dinner when they were practically eating from each others plates," spouted Ron, and mumbled something about happy little housewives serving food.
"Really Ron," drawled Hermione. "He gave him a piece of cake. You conveniently didn't notice Severus poured Harry his drinks all afternoon. I think it's very sweet," she said fondly. "
Ginny, I wasn't sure if you knew; then when I realized you didn't, there never seemed to be the right opportunity to bring it up. I'd hoped you'd have worked it out. Sorry."
Ginny didn't respond. She kept staring at the couple, wishing she had known earlier so she could have watched out for all those things Hermione had mentioned. Subtle little gestures are harder to notice when you don't know to look for them. She had missed the chance and the party was mostly over.
Ron took the quiet opportunity to sneak away from the girls. Ginny climbed onto the garden bench where her brother was sitting, so she could watch the couple with Hermione. She listened to her opinions and sort of understood her points, but Ginny still was unsure how Harry could be attracted to Snape.
"Have you checked out his arse?" asked Hermione. Ginny scoffed, but then had to admit Severus had more hiding under his robes than she expected. "Don't even get me started on his voice. You'll understand once you can imagine hearing it with out thinking of him taking house points."
"It's hard to not just see an older man. I don't know that I can find anyone over 25 attractive."
"What about Bill, or Charlie? Both are past their twenties," asked Hermione.
"Only just past," said Ginny. "Bill does have my vote for the 'hottest brother' award," she said with a giggle. "He said he and his girlfriend would take me out next weekend."
"Severus isn't that old. I'm pretty sure he was in Hogwarts the same time as Bill. Maybe only during Bill's first few years, but they're not that far apart in age."
"I guess, but he's not dating Bill, he's dating Harry. Its kind a creepy."
"You should have seen him on holiday," crooned Hermione. "He was so hot. Besides, Harry can't relate to guys our age. We're aware of what's really going on in the world because your parents are in the Order. Most guys don't have a clue, and they're just looking for a good time. Harry deserves to be happy. I would hate for him to have to wait until he's older to find someone who is finally mature enough for him."
"Sometimes," whispered Ginny, "I have a hard time imagining Harry a lot older. I get scared he won't survive long enough to get old," she said somberly.
Hermione bit her lip. She didn't like to think such things. "Then, don't you think he should have every chance to be happy?" She stopped watching the couple to see Ginny nodding. "Good. Then when they grow older together, you'll see how handsome Harry is when he's thirty, and by then you'll appreciate Severus and his attributes."
"Attributes? Get that off your big word of the day calendar?" teased Ginny. "What does that mean? Sexy bits?"
"Bitch."
"Prude," she retorted kidding Hermione right back. "Oh, now Ron's gone over there. Do you think he'll tell them I just found out? I feel like such an arse. I wish I could hear what they were saying," complained Ginny. Hermione of course knew a spell so they could hear, but wouldn't invade their privacy. Her morals wouldn't allow it. Besides, Severus was a spy and would probably know.
Meanwhile, across the lawn...
"Al'right Ron," said Charlie. "Do you happen to know why the girls have been bug-eyed in this direction for the last five minutes?"
"Ginny finally got a clue and now she's watching the new couple," said Ron in disgust. "Harry, you want to open gifts inside or out?" Receiving a shrug, Ron decided outside was best and not so crowded. "Out it is. Come on Charlie, you can help me bring them out. Bill's busy talking to Mum and Dad about Ginny.
Harry and Severus suddenly found themselves alone for the first time since the party started. "Are you enjoying your party?" asked Severus, keeping his arm snugly around his lover.
"Yeah, I'm glad you came. I feel like I'm bringing you home to meet my family, only they already know you," laughed Harry. "Can I have a kiss?" he asked coyly.
Severus glanced around the yard discreetly. Only the girls were anywhere near them, but they were watching every move. "Do you really wish to put on a show?" asked Severus hoping Harry would say no.
"No, I wouldn't want to do anything to make you feel uncomfortable," said Harry, a little too cordially.
Severus was about to thank him for his maturity and understanding, when he felt a strong hand grab his arse. He pulled Harry's hand back up to his waist as he heard the shriek that came from the bench where the girls were watching avidly. They squealed from the sight of Harry groping Sev. The fit of giggles was drowned out by Molly's announcement that it was time to open gifts.
Harry sat in a chair in the center of the group. His cool demeanor couldn't hide the excitement in his eyes. He was surrounded by his friends and lover, he wasn't on death's door, and everyone was enjoying themselves. "I want to thank you all. This means a lot to me," said Harry, hoping he didn't sound corny. "This has been a lot of fun. I know I had my first party last year, but it took three pain potions and a Pepper-up to make it to the cake part. I felt like instead of celebrating my birth, we were celebrating my still living. This is as normal as I've ever felt in my life. Thanks." Harry felt Sev's hand on his shoulder giving him a squeeze. Molly looked like she would cry. Then a voice from the back of the group broke the silence.
"That's great Harry. I know this is new to you, but normally we open gifts first, and then thank everyone. By next year you'll get it right," teased George.
No one heard the spell, but moments later a slice of cake floated from the kitchen and dropped on George's head. Arthur, who was sitting next to George, was splattered with icing for the second time that night. "Was that really called for?" asked the patriarch, plucking a strawberry from his shirt. Harry tried not to laugh. He was fairly sure it was Sev who delivered the cake. Ah, chivalry.
As Harry opened his gifts, Severus was beginning to see why Albus insisted on using the juvenile spell he did on Harry's gifts. It was hard not to enjoy watching him unwrap each package with enthusiasm. He would never do anything so gaudy himself, but now understood Albus' motives. Harry thanked Molly profusely for the rag rug she made for his kitchen floor.
"I know you're always running around barefoot, so now when your making breakfast you won't have cold feet," said Molly proudly as she pointed out the colors she used and why. Harry placed the rug aside reverently before opening the next gift. Charlie gave him a snitch autographed by a seeker that Severus had never heard of. If Ron's reaction was anything to go by, it was indeed a grand gift for a quidditch buff.
Harry held the last gift on his lap for a few minutes before opening it. He was savoring the moment for a little longer as Ron explained in great detail the game the snitch had been used in and what condition it was currently in. Before Ron could show Harry the damage to the feathering on the wings from the catch, Hermione prodded Harry to open his gift from Severus.
Harry looked over his shoulder to Sev, a big grin spread across his face. Harry thought he heard Fred grumble something that sounded like 'while were still young'. At first glimpse the gift-wrap appeared nondescript, but Harry noticed there were shadows of phoenixes on the surface. It was as if the birds were flying overhead causing faint shadows on the paper. The tag read, 'Happy Birthday Fawkes'. Harry gasped as he opened the box to reveal a new set of black quidditch robes. Beneath the robes was a set of wrist and shin guards in the brown color Severus liked in contrast with the black flowing robes.
"Don't you have a set of quidditch robes just like that? Ow, what?" complained a twin that had just been pinched for being rude.
"If you can find the remains, you can use it to make a black rag rug," laughed Harry. "I was wearing them when Severus sent me through the window at Hogwarts," he explained before turning to face Sev. "Thank you, they're perfect." Harry held the robes up to his chest to show how they looked. Severus explained the robes were heavier due to a removable inner liner for warmth. Harry liked the idea of the extra liner instead of adding cumbersome clothing during cold weather. He had the feeling Severus did it so he wouldn't wear too much under them. He planned on modeling for Sev later. Harry once again thanked his friends for the party and gifts.
Arthur looked over the pile of gifts, then said helpfully, "That's too much to apparate at one time, maybe someone should give you a hand getting home." He was looking around the group for someone whose assistance he could volunteer.
"I'm sure Severus wouldn't mind seeing Harry home," suggested Molly. Arthur's eyes lit up as if he'd suddenly remembered they were a couple.
"Ah yes, fine idea dear," he agreed. Molly fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Severus?"
"It would be my pleasure," said Severus graciously.
"Yes, it will be," whispered Harry. Unfortunately he didn't whisper quietly enough, causing a fit of giggles to burst forth from Ginny and Hermione. When the others looked to the girls for explanation of their outburst, they simply laughed harder.
Having said his final goodbyes and thank yous, Harry apparated back home. He knew Sev would be a few minutes behind him as Arthur had asked him a question about the Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. Harry had left him to answer Arthur's questions so he could change into his new quidditch robe.
Posed in the center of the room, Harry waited for Sev. The boots he wore gave him some added height, and matched the hard leather wrist and shin guards he wore to complete the outfit. His eyes shined bright with anticipation; his cheeks tinged red from how quickly he had changed his robes.
Severus apparated into the sitting room, carrying a rag rug and several other boxes. Whatever it was that plagued his mind moments earlier was quickly forgotten as Harry stood before him in his black flowing robes. A lustful, predatory gaze instantly replaced his thoughtful, distant expression. Severus licked his lips as he took in the view. Harry looked as if he'd just touched down after winning the Quidditch World Cup. His cheeks were flushed, his hair messy. It was always messy, but could be mistaken as windblown. Harry remained silent, bringing a leather-clad hand up to his mouth. Severus watched intently as Harry tasted the tip of his own middle finger before spreading the moisture across his bottom lip seductively. Definitely, the half finger gloves were a good idea.
Severus circled around him before stopping just inches from Harry's face, making him feel like hunted prey. "Accio broom," said Severus, and Harry's recovered broom flew from the front cloak closet. "Perfect," he whispered as Harry stood holding the broom close. Severus instructed him to mount his broom, but sit high up on the handle allowing Severus to sit behind.
Harry soon found it was in fact possible to have sex on a broom. That, and if one person has his foot wedged under the sofa for balance the broom will vibrate and buck as the 'rider' pulls the broom to fly up, but is prevented from doing so. Harry practically screamed out his release when Sev wrapped his hand around his pulsing cock and the broom handle as one, intensifying the sensations.
Harry walked past the Great Hall taking in the view of the castle. It was still very quiet. The distant rumbling of the changing staircases was the only sound for a few minutes. Then as Harry gave his password to enter Albus' staircase, it was as if someone had turned up the volume full blast. "I am putting my foot down!" yelled a voice Harry knew was Severus. "If you think I'm going to spend what little time I have to spare making his potion, then I demand a say in this matter!"
Harry debated if he should turn back around, not wanting to interrupt what was obviously an important issue for Severus. Albus would surely know he was there. Harry didn't even bother lifting his hand to knock half the time. Deciding he would respect their privacy, Harry started back down the stairs, but froze mid way hearing the next question from Severus.
"What did Harry say when you told him his Godmutt's lover was back in town? Or had you left out that detail during your last visit?"
Harry frowned, he didn't care for the reference Sev used in regards to Sirius. Hold on... Sirius had a lover? How could he not know that? Harry was so lost in thought; he didn't hear Albus' reply to the questions. The spiral stairs had come to a stop depositing him by the gargoyle. He didn't know what to do now. His plan had been to stop by and say hello to Albus since he was on the grounds visiting Hagrid, but now he had a thousand questions.
Albus and he had an agreement to be more straightforward with each other, but the Headmaster could still be vague at times. Harry wanted answers, and while Sev and Albus would both be honest he wasn't sure if Albus was the right person to speak with. It wasn't really his business if Sirius had a lover, and Albus wouldn't bring up such a personal thing unless it was necessary.
Deciding to wait for Severus in his office, it occurred to Harry he didn't know the password. For that matter, he realized that whenever he saw Sev open the door, no words were spoken. He would have to ask about that. Backtracking, Harry used the fireplace in Hagrid's hut to Floo into Sev's rooms. Thankfully, Severus had included him in the small list of persons who could use his private fire in his bedroom.
Sitting at his lover's desk, Harry held a large quill in his hand. Dried red ink stained the tip of the quill. The same ink Harry wore on his belly when Sev made wild love to him on that very desk. The thoughts making him swell in his pants were disrupted as the door opened abruptly, crashed against the wall with such force it came back around and slammed shut.
"Bad day at the office, dear?" is what Harry meant to say, but only got out "Bad..." when the 'stupefy' hit him. Harry flew back, out of Sev's desk chair and hit the wall behind him with a sickening crack.
Severus had been fuming. He won the argument with Albus, but was still furious that he'd had to put up such a fight over something that in his opinion was not up for debate. If Albus insisted upon rehiring Remus Lupin, than arrangements would have to be made for the full moon. The past spoke for itself. It was not safe for him to stay at Hogwarts during the change. When he arrived at his door, the portrait made no comment that anyone had entered, so when Severus set eyes on someone sitting at his desk, he subdued the intruder on instinct.
"Ah, hell," he said in defeat, seeing Harry's limp body slide down the wall. A small trail of blood on the wall marked the path of his descent to the floor.
Severus healed the split skin on Harry's head where it connected with the wall before enervating him. "Enervate," He said, getting no response. Harry didn't appear to have revived, worrying Severus, but he was soon relieved when Harry made a grab for his wand. Kieran had been teaching Harry to wake without moving, giving him the advantage of surprise should he be held captive.
"It's me, love," said Sev soothingly as he fought for possession of his wand. "Just me."
"You're a man that knows how to make an entrance Sev," groaned Harry once he'd calmed down. Severus took out a small blue vial of pain reliever and smirked to see Harry already had his hand out waiting for it. "Now I know never to give you a surprise party."
"Good. Being the center of attention has never been a good thing for me," commented Severus, and checked to see if Harry's eyes were dilated, and whether they were equal.
"That's because it usually involves the Cruciatus curse." Harry said, thinking about Voldie and his favorite pastime when singling out his followers.
"That, and birthday cake," Sev said dryly. Harry laughed, and then groaned. His head was still too achy to be laughing hard. "Tell me, what are you doing here besides making a target of yourself?" Severus helped him up off the floor. Harry sat on the edge of Sev's desk.
"I was dropping in to say hello to my dear guardian. But when I found my lover shouting at him, I decided to leave them their privacy and wait here for a few answers."
"So much for privacy, if you now want answers," said Severus without malice. "I know that you had feelings for Black. I figured, since you never brought it up in conversation, Lupin was one of those subjects we left alone."
"No, that would be one of those subjects I never knew about. Remus was Sirius' lover?" asked Harry incredulously. He then stood up and paced the room. "When did Remus take the job?"
"A week or so ago," said Sev with a shrug.
"You didn't think to mention it?" Harry said, getting annoyed.
"One of the reasons I was so reluctant to get into a relationship with you was my past history. You were very open with me and offered a lot of personal information. I however, am not so willing to discus my past. This is not to say that I will never share information with you, but you must understand how much I appreciate the fact that you don't hound me for more details. In return, I too respect the boundaries that we've set for each other, and don't pry into subjects that you may find distressing." Severus was looking very severe in his black robes standing behind his desk. "I won't lie to you and tell you I assumed you knew. But I avoid discussing Lupin if possible."
"Are you still holding a grudge because of what happened at the Shrieking Shack?"
"Which time, you're third year, or my seventh?" he asked snidely.
"Sirius' stupidity shouldn't be held against Remus," said Harry calmly as he ignored Sev's attitude, knowing Sev was mad at himself for stupefying him, and would rather stay annoyed at the other issue than admit he reacted harshly without fully assessing the situation.
"No, he needn't borrow from Black where stupidly flowed in abundance. Lupin has enough of his own." Severus sneered. He knew he was crossing the line but didn't care at the moment. Though he would most likely leave Black out of the rest of the conversation as he noted Harry's brows furrowing. "If you think one incident in my seventh year is the only reason I used to form my opinion of Lupin, you're mistaken."
"Then enlighten me." Harry sat back down again across from Sev's desk.
"He willingly puts others at risk. He knows first hand how difficult it is to live with Lycanthropy, yet he still doesn't take all the precautions available to him to keep others safe. Dumbledore insisted on building the shack to house him during the full moon. They took months to dig a tunnel and then planted the Whomping Willow all for one student to be able to attend Hogwarts. All of these safety measures and more, to protect the wolf."
Harry practiced his mask of indifference as Severus continued to rant. He was getting better at it.
"Leave it to a bunch of Gryffindors to find a way to make the full moon a fun night out."
"They became animagi to help out a friend. I think that shows a lot of dedication to go through so much to make sure one of their own wasn't left alone," said Harry in defense of his father and friends. "You make it sound reckless. It took a lot of skill and perseverance to achieve what they did. Merlin knows how Pettigrew managed it."
"How long do you think it would take for them to get bored? Do you think Black would spend a year studying to then spend the one night a month cooped up in a shack?" Severus could see Harry's mask faltering. It was hard to stay indifferent when your lover was on a topic such as this one. Sev lifted up Harry's chin, checking his pupils again. He was fine, but Severus did feel bad for stupefying him and this was his way of showing it. "There were a lot of stories about a small pack of dogs sighted around the school grounds and Hogsmeade alike."
"You're sure the stories were about them? My Dad was a buck. You would think people would know the difference."
"Your father, the fastest, usually ran in front. By the time most people would notice them, all they got a glance of was the tail end of two canines running past."
Harry wondered where Peter would have been in all of this. He cringed at the thought of his father running through the forest with a rat hanging on to his antlers. It also occurred to him that Sev spoke with certainty. "How is it you know so much about how they did all this?"
"It pays to know what your enemies are up to," said Severus slyly.
"And?" Harry knew there had to be more. "If they were off running, even if you had heard the stories and maybe spotted them one night on the grounds, how would you know that Prongs usually ran in front?"
"Prongs? It's logical. The faster animal would take the lead, guiding them away from potential hazards as the mutts brought up the rear." Severus ignored Harry's glare.
For now Harry gave up on finding out why Severus knew all this information with such certainty. There were more important issues going on. "You don't think that after all these years Remus is more responsible than he was back in school over twenty years ago?"
"Your not referring to the night in your third year when he neglected to take his potion and transformed into the werewolf while chained to your best friend? I believe that was when the rat scurried away," Severus said sarcastically. "Do you feel the need to defend him because he was a friend of your parents, or is it something else?"
Harry had to admit it was Remus' transformation that prevented them from bringing Pettigrew into the castle that night, but lots of things went wrong that night including Severus thinking Black was there to kill him (Harry) so he never really did blame Remus for that evening. Far too many things went wrong to pin it down to one thing. Why was it he felt the need to defend Remus now? Harry felt a little guilty for not even thinking about Remus for years. They had a good Mentor/Student relationship back in his third year, and he remembered Sirius had been sent to live with Remus, but he'd seen very little of the man since then. "Maybe I should go talk to him," Harry said, not necessarily directing his comment to Severus.
"I wouldn't suggest it," said Sev seriously. "It was the window of his new classroom you flew through. His ability to still smell the blood was apparently very upsetting to him, though I've no idea why. I would not recommend you visit him until your head is healed and you've had a shower."
"You could use one yourself," commented Harry seeing some blood on Sev's sleeve and hands. "You could just spell it off."
"No, there is a staff meeting later and I must wash this off properly lest I antagonize the wolf."
"I can't believe Sirius never told me about Remus," said Harry distracted.
"Tomorrow night?" asked Severus confirming their plans to get together.
"Hm? Oh, yeah I'll see you tomorrow," Harry said absentmindedly. "I know you're busy. I'll head out." Harry leaned over to give Sev a peck on the cheek, but was pulled into a warm embrace.
"I'm sure Black had his reasons for not informing you," said Sev as comfortingly as he could be when he used Black's name in a sentence. He leaned down to meet soft lips for a slow languid kiss.
A short time later Harry found himself walking the corridors of Hogwarts on his way out. He seemed to be in a daze as his mind was filled with questions about his Godfather having a lover. It was confusing as these thoughts were hazed over by the feeling of contentment that washed over him from the warm loving kiss Severus had graced him with.
Passing through the main doors, Harry nodded to a teacher he didn't know so well. He thought she might be the Muggle Studies professor from last term. She smiled at him warmly and continued her conversation with someone Harry assumed was another professor.
The bright sunshine made him squint his eyes as the doors closed behind him. On days when Harry wore contact lenses, he noticed the sun was harder on his eyes than with glasses. Eyes adjusted, Harry strode across the grounds. He felt very much at home here. He was no longer a student, in fact that seemed like a world ago now, yet he still felt like he belonged there. His confident gait slowed when he thought he heard his name called.
"Harry, is that you?" asked a voice from behind him. Harry had turned to face the person. His stance was guarded, one hand by his side, the pad of his middle finger grazed over the wand, assuring its presence.
Remus Lupin stood astounded by the sight of Harry Potter every bit as tall as he was now. He stood confidently. His dark hair was short but still managed to look messy. In black jeans and a tee under a wizard robe worn open, Harry's well-built physique was unmistakable. He knew Sirius had taught Harry to fight without magic, and that he'd been training for the Order all summer, but he'd not expected to see the transformation in front of him.
"The last time I saw you, you were a scrawny child lying in a hospital bed clinging to life."
"I'm better now," said Harry with little emotion. "Is it true you and Sirius were lovers?"
Remus couldn't hide the surprise the statement caused. He had been dreading talking to Harry, yet hated that he had put off contacting him for so long. He'd been at the school for almost a week now. "Perhaps we should go somewhere where we could talk," said Remus.
The two men walked closer to the lake where they could be on neutral ground and have a quiet place to talk. Remus gestured to a patch of grass where Harry remembered hanging out a lot with his friends. Harry suggested an alternate stop just a few yards further. When Remus raised a questioning brow, Harry explained his choice.
"Over here is a better view of the castle, where we would see someone approaching before they could get close."
"What about the fact that you're now much closer to the forest and more susceptible from that side?" countered Remus.
"More so by beast than wizards. I would expect you would hear or smell anything that was near before we were in any danger. We're upwind here." Explained Harry. Remus was impressed with his logic and confidence. He removed his outer robe, transfigured it into a blanket and offered for Harry to join him.
"It seems we are both better dressed these days," commented Harry. The robe Remus transfigured was a simple, but nice, soft light brown robe. His shoes were also decent. They were comfortable looking like a favorite pair, but a far cry from the worn out, battered shoes Harry remembered Remus wearing with his tattered, mended robes.
Remus nodded with a week smile. "I was lucky enough to be on a mission that involved a paying job."
"I hear you're going to be working here again. Sorry about your window," said Harry and he noted Remus flinched slightly. "Remus?" he said hesitantly.
"I never expected it," said Remus vaguely. "The room must have been bathed in your blood. It was right after the full moon. A few days before and after I change the wolf has a strong pull. The nature of the beast is strong on those days. I walked into my new classroom and I felt overcome." Remus was looking very tired.
"Why is it that bothered you so much?" asked Harry. "I mean the blood, does it always have that effect?"
"Sirius and I were discussing why he'd not told you of our relationship." Remus began, and Harry wondered what this had to do with his blood. "At first, when things were new we didn't tell anyone we were together. You know how it is when something's new, you want to make sure it's going to work out before sharing," Remus said. Harry nodded in understanding.
"Your Godfather was afraid you might not understand at first. He didn't know how you felt about homosexuality. Then when you weren't doing too well in the relationship department, he didn't think he should mention it. He was making excuses despite my pushing him to tell you."
"Why? What was the point in not telling me? I would have been happy for him. He knew I looked up to him," said Harry, the stress showing in his eyes.
"Yes, you looked up to him, worshiped him at times. You have to understand Harry, when Sirius escaped from prison he was a shell of the man he used to be. Never a day we were in Hogwarts went by when Sirius didn't have a girl, or boy falling over him. With a wink he could have anyone he wanted. Then after twelve years in Azkaban and the only time others laid eyes on him he was in dog form, or looked at in disgust as a vagrant. You were young and bright eyed. He knew you had a crush on him. When he was with you it made him feel like his old self again, even for a little while." Remus sighed. "It was an old argument for us."
Harry was reminded of Severus and how he explained to Harry the difference between harmless flirting and not telling someone you're not available. He felt bad for Remus. Sirius hadn't acknowledged their relationship to Harry, thus leading him on in a way. "If I knew..." Harry began, but was cut off.
"You didn't know. I trusted Sirius so much that it wasn't an issue. I knew he loved me, but I couldn't give him the feeling one gets when a young vibrant soul is enthralled with you. Even if we weren't together, he never would have pursued a relationship with you; he wanted to be the parental figure. During the days close to the full moon I was starting to get possessive and started giving him ultimatums. He was going to tell you when you returned to Hogwarts. He promised he wouldn't let you be the wedge between us and he would tell you. Right after that your letters started to change. The words were the same, but I could sense the strain. We knew something wasn't right. But then your final letter came. It read more like a will then a call for help. You wrote how sorry you were for not telling him sooner that you loved him and if you'd had the chance you would've done things differently. The letter reeked with blood. He was devastated that his selfishness may have been the reason you didn't look elsewhere for love and maybe had missed the chance."
"I was the strain in your relationship, and with my last letter I took him from you," Harry said desolately.
With a defeated nod Remus closed his eyes for an extended blink. He couldn't deny feeling that way when it had happened. The pull of the wolf had been strong that day and his mate ran off in haste leaving him alone with a blood stained letter of professed love, never to return again. Sirius' body had been returned covered with Harry's blood.
"I could blame him for not taking my feelings into consideration. I could blame myself for always indulging him, making up for his wasted years in Azkaban. But I could never blame you for having a schoolboy crush. I was always regretting not having played a bigger part to play in your life growing up. I can't help what the wolf feels, but don't ever think I harbor any resentment toward you. I'm sorry I didn't have the strength to be there for you after he died. Albus gave me a chance to escape and take a long-term mission and I jumped at the chance."
"I can't imagine what it was like to enter your new classroom to find it smelling of me."
Remus snorted. "Nothing a few calming droughts couldn't handle." He made light, but the experience had been overwhelming since it had only been two days since the full moon. "Do you know you smell of blood now?" he asked curiously, and was grateful it was a week later in the month.
"Oh, a yeah," Harry said touching the back of his head. "A little accident, it's nothing. Can you usually sense a lot from people?"
"Yes. I don't usually try. It would be overwhelming at times. Also it can make people uncomfortable if they know I'm doing it. An invasion of privacy of sorts," he said with a smile. "It has its advantages in the field," he added.
"It doesn't hurt as a professor. Can't lie about sneaking into the kitchens if you smell like creampuffs." Harry laughed.
"Or if you smell like Severus Snape," Remus said with a wink. Harry stopped laughing. "Albus mentioned you were in a relationship."
"Funny Albus never saw it fit to mention you and Sirius," Harry tried not to sound miffed.
"He didn't have to tell me who. You were in hospital during the last Order meeting when I arrived. I don't ever remember Severus revealing so much. Don't get me wrong, his mask was firmly in place, but I could sense the concern radiating from him. Later in the evening as he answered questions about your training, I could tell how proud he was of you."
"You're not upset that it's Severus?"
"Actually, I think that made it easier in a way. Sirius would have had kittens," he added with a chuckle. "You don't know this, but he was always concerned when he didn't know the boys you spent time with." Remus looked up to the sky and chuckled once again as he remembered something from the past. "He threatened Charlie Weasley to stay away from you," said Remus biting his lip as he smiled, waiting for Harry's reaction.
"You're kidding?" said Harry torn between amused and shocked. "I always thought it was Mr. Weasley that made him keep his distance."
"No, it was one thing for you to have a crush on him, but Sirius thought Charley was too old for you and didn't want you to lose your innocence to someone so much older than yourself."
"By all means, save my virginity for Severus." Harry kept from slapping his hand over his mouth, but couldn't hide that he hadn't meant to say that. Remus looked equally shocked, and both stayed silent for a few seconds before bursting out laughing.
When the laughter died, the two men sat in a comfortable silence. Harry watched as the giant squid reached for his leg with a slimy tentacle. He reached into his pocket pulling out a hunk of bread and tossed it into the water. The tentacle reaching for his leg turned and twined around the bread and disappeared leaving only a ripple in the water.
"Do you often keep food in your pockets?" asked an amused Remus.
"Only when I come to visit Hagrid. You never know when you're going to need a peace offering. I had an apple too, but I fed it to the Pegasus." Harry got up to leave. "I have to be going. I promised the twins I'd let them brew potions tonight at my place."
"You do live dangerously," Remus said with a smirk. "It was good to finally talk to you Harry. I wish I'd done it sooner."
"No regrets, Mooney," Harry said startling him. It was something Sirius used to say.
Remus watched the man Harry had become walk across the grounds heading home. He couldn't help but think Sirius would be proud of him. He may be rolling in his grave regarding Snape, but otherwise proud.
"No. No regrets."
DETAH 50 - Pleasures of the Flesh
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Severus moaned loudly as Harry sat across the back of his thighs and massaged his back. Harry kneaded the muscles along his spine and back down again. As the strokes roamed precariously closer to Sev's cleft, he reminded himself that it was not the time for his pleasure, but his lover's. "I missed you so much this week," sighed Harry.
"It's very strange not to see the Golden Trio at the Gryffindor table for meals," commented Severus. He missed seeing Harry at school. "Last night I wandered the halls, looking for miscreants out of bed past curfew, and found myself listening for footsteps in case a certain Gryffindor was out under his invisibility cloak."
"I may surprise you one day," said Harry, very close to his ear. His warm body was pressed against Sev's back.
"No lying down on the job," groaned Severus.
"Tell me again why you're getting a massage? You haven't worked that hard yet." Harry worked his thumbs in deeper, drawing more contented sounds from Severus.
"I believe it was you that said, and I quote; 'Sev please let me make love to you one more time before school starts, and I promise we'll do whatever you want next time.' So get rubbing."
"I don't sound like that," complained Harry. "You make me sound all desperate, like some sex-starved maniac." Harry was now lying completely over Sev's back, massaging his scalp, breathing warm breaths across his neck.
"You have the sexual appetite of a teen. It's a wonder I don't have to take a vitality potion." Severus smirked, not admitting to his current erection.
"Yeah, and last week when I helped you get your classroom ready, I suppose it was me who wanted a blowjob in the storage room?" Harry hooked his arms around Sev's right arm and leg, then leaned over, effectively rolling Sev onto his back. "Do potions ingredients always turn you on?" teased Harry.
"Shut up, brat. If you insist on moving that mouth incessantly, then kiss me," Sev pulled Harry atop him, pressing his lips hard against Harry's. Once again Sev made contented sounds as Harry passionately returned the kiss, raking his hands through Sev's dark locks.
Harry sat at his kitchen table, going over some mail that had piled up. He paid no attention to Hedwig nibbling on the scone in his hand as he read through a receipt for a lumber order. "I start building our new home soon," he said to his feathered companion. "Save me some, will you." Harry took one last bite of his scone and left it on the plate for Hedwig to finish. "And stop drinking from my juice glass. Severus would pitch a fit if he saw that." But the owl ignored him and flew to the top of the 'fridge with the scone in his talons, dropping crumbs along the way. Harry mumbled about spoilt rotten birds and left for his training with Kieran.
"How's it going, Fawkes? You look like shit," greeted Kieran with a bright smile, too bright in Harry's opinion. He wondered why it was the man seemed to have an eternal three-day beard. Did he ever shave? Did he spell it to stay that scruffy length?
"I didn't sleep very well last night," groaned Harry, thankful Kieran hadn't started attacking him the second he apparated in.
"What's the matter, yer bed cold?" teased Kieran, knowing Severus had begun teaching again. Harry made a non-committal sound.
"Family problems," said Harry despondently. Whenever Harry thought too much about his 'family', he was guaranteed bad dreams that night. Since the school term had begun, Severus was at Hogwarts during the week, not in Harry's bed to distract him.
"You mean the muggles that gave you more scars than the Dark Lord?" asked Kieran, antagonizing Harry. "Good, you need to know how to fight while your head's not ready for it. People get killed, and if you can't concentrate after seeing someone you know get offed during a battle, then you're done for."
"I managed when Cedric was killed," Harry said moodily.
"Who's Cedric?" Kieran threw a hex at Harry, who dodged it.
"He took the Tri-Wizard Cup with me. Turned out it was a portkey to Voldemort." Harry cursed Kieran, then followed up by skimming a quick hex just past his head.
"When you think about Cedric, do you just think about him getting killed, or all the good times you used to have together?"
Harry didn't expect the question and was hit full force. The spell sent him flying on his arse. Now that he thought about it, the times he did know Cedric from were quidditch games at school, and the time he saw him and his dad at the Quidditch World Cup. "We didn't really hang out. We both played seeker for our house team."
"Thought so. He don't count," Kieran said flatly. "I'm talking about someone like a Weasley gettin' blasted. The moment you stop and grieve over your dead friend is the moment before you join 'im."
Harry chose not to respond. He didn't think he could see his friends die without pausing or something. He didn't want to think about that. Instead he chose not to think, just fight, which was essentially Kieran's point. The two men battled for twenty minutes; each had opportunities to take out the other several times. During lunch, as Kieran made notes in the training log, Harry tried not to think about his meeting with Albus the day before.
"Fawkes, you want to talk about it?" asked Kieran.
"I'm fine," answered Harry automatically, as he tended to do with his friends when he was deep in thought.
"You're so fine, you haven't even been checking your food for hexes," Kieran said nonchalantly.
Harry stopped chewing his sandwich abruptly.
"Your face has been orange for a least five minutes," Kieran counted the sandwiches on the platter. "Not sure which is which. You're conscious, so that one didn't get you," he said more to himself than Harry, as he took a mental inventory of the spells he cast on the food. "Finite Incantatum," he said quickly. "Oops, sorry, too late," he said as Harry felt the hair on his head fall out and drop behind his back, onto the floor.
Harry stood up, cursing his stupidity and starting to scratch all over. "What the Hell did you do?" asked Harry when he felt an itch come over his whole body. Kieran walked over to him, eyeing him for a moment before reaching over to Harry's tee shirt and tugging on the front. As it snapped back, thousands of small hairs fell from the shirt. Harry now realized he wasn't just bald on his head, but all his body hair was now gone, too. Actually it wasn't gone; most of it was in his clothes, making him itch like crazy.
"No worries, it'll grow back by tomorrow, noon the latest."
Harry threw his lunch in the bin, hair and all. "What's next?" he said in defeat, readying for the rest of the training session.
For the remainder of the time, Harry worked on waking without detection. Kieran spelled him asleep, and moved him to various places around the room. Harry woke and began counting to himself. He was spread across a few hay bales. Straw was sticking him in the face, and his legs were twisted in an awkward position.
"Your up," declared Kieran. "How many?" he said, meaning how high did Harry count up to.
"Twenty-five."
Again Harry woke. He could feel his shirt had been removed, and a feather was moving across his ribs.
"How many?"
"Four," giggled Harry. "I'll have work on that." He hoped Death Eaters didn't typically check for consciousness with feathers.
This time Harry woke to Kieran screaming at the top of his voice. He ranted and raved about nothing in particular until he saw signs that Harry had woken.
"How long?"
"Seventy two,"
"Seventy two?" repeated Kieran incredulously.
Harry didn't explain that he'd had much practice at this. It was always best if Uncle Vernon thought you were still unconscious until he had a chance to calm down.
"Ready for he last one?" he warned. They always saved pain for last.
Harry nodded, and slumped to the ground as the sleep spell was cast. Kieran started out with simple pain spells. Nothing was actually injured, but Harry would feel pain as he awoke. When Harry showed no signs of waking, Kieran increased the painful spell.
"Oh, yeah this is going to hurt," Kieran said to himself, unsure if Harry was awake, as the spells were set with varying times so he couldn't be sure when Harry would wake. A small knife taken from his boot was now tracing lines on Harry's chest. The cuts were not deep, but painful nonetheless.
When Kieran was distracted by the pattern he was cutting, Harry flipped them both over, pinning Kieran at the wrist. Harry let him up when he realized he was dripping blood down on his trainer.
"Fuck! How long?" asked a surprised Kieran.
"You didn't put me to sleep on the last one," said Harry, out of breath. "Severus taught me a wandless shield I wanted to try." Still panting, he looked at the pattern cut into his skin with morbid curiosity, and watched in fascination when Kieran healed him.
When Harry apparated back home, he was thankful Kieran had turned his skin back to its normal color, even if he did have to wait a day for his hair to grow back.
Trying to distract himself from the latest 'issue', Harry was sitting on his sofa reading over plans for the house he wanted to build, when a large owl appeared at his window. He laughed when he read the note from his friend.
Hi Harry,Open your Floo so I can come over later for date night. I know we agreed on 6:30, but open it now, so when you lose track of time later, we don't miss out on an hour of fun while my owl flies over with a nasty note from me. Like the last two times.Open It Now!!!Love ya, HermioneP.S. Let me know if I should bring drinks. I can't do scotch again, I have classes tomorrow.Hey, Harry R
Harry checked his watch and opened the Floo. He had lost track time on several occasions, leaving Hermione waiting. He fed her owl a treat and sent him back with a reply for her and another to Ron's 'hello' on the back of her note.
My dearest Mi, whom I would never forget (again) Floo's open. Butterbeer's on ice.Hey Ron, say hi to Filius. H
Harry couldn't help but chuckle. Ron had been playing chess with Filius Flitwick almost every Thursday and hadn't beaten him yet.
Getting back to his house plans, Harry tried to envision where each room would be. He'd checked the muggle town records to see if there was a layout of his parent's original home, but since the house didn't exist any more, the records were no longer on file. It was curiosity more than anything that made him want to see them, but part of him was glad they no longer existed. He wanted to build a home for himself, and one day, he hoped Severus would share it with him. He wanted to make it 'all his own', not a rebuild of his parents' place. He still hadn't told Severus how close he was to starting the actual building; he wanted to surprise Sev when it was further along. His plan was to have the foundation and framework done before revealing it to his lover.
Severus occasionally pointed out Harry's lack of employment. Harry knew he was just kidding him, but still he wanted to show Sev he could accomplish something great that didn't involve a Dark Lord. Besides, he didn't need money, and wanted to concentrate his efforts on training, amongst other things. Speaking of other things... Damn his bed felt empty while Sev was gone.
An hour later, the house plans were forgotten as Harry was going insane trying to scratch his entire body. It hadn't occurred to him that if his hair grew back in one day, the rapid growth would be irritating as Hell. Kieran neglected to tell him that little detail. Since the hair on his head was the longest, it grew the fastest. As the peachfuzz on is scalp grew into what looked like a very short crew cut, Harry scratched his head raw from the itch.
Rummaging through a box in his closet, Harry found a book Poppy Pomfrey gave him when he finished school. It was a book on general household remedies for mild illnesses and injuries. It had a cross reference for symptoms and ailments, and it even listed muggle treatments if they were considered noteworthy.
He found his answer in the chapter on Chicken Pox, since itching was the chief complaint. An hour after finding what he needed, Hermione flooed in to the sitting room.
"Harry, it's me," she called out, expecting Harry to greet her. "Harry!?" she called out louder when she didn't get a response.
"That you, 'Mione?"
"My name is not 'Mione," she griped.
Harry smirked; he knew she liked it. "It's your fault for having so many syllables. At least we stopped calling you Herm. Grab a Butterbeer from the 'fridge, and bring me one, too!" he yelled from the other room.
"Bring you one where?" she asked, not sure where he was. She put her bag down on the sofa and headed for he kitchen, popping the tops off two bottles. Hermione knocked on the bedroom doorframe, thinking Harry was in there, but only received an indignant hoot from Hedwig, who startled from her sleep. "Harry, where are you?" she asked again when he didn't answer.
"The bath," was a garbled reply, as if he'd had his head underwater before he answered. Hermione took a sip of her butterbeer and stared at the closed door to the bathroom.
"Um, Har, I know we have a close relationship, and Ron doesn't even mind that we talk about sex all the time, but I'm pretty sure this is where he'd draw the line." Me too, for that matter.
"It's ok, trust me," he said with a small laugh.
"Need I remind you that it was you who told me never to trust a man who says, 'trust me'?"
"Alohamora," he said and the door opened wide. Hermione couldn't help but look. It wasn't her fault the door opened abruptly. "See, told ya," said Harry from the bathtub filled to the brim with oatmeal.
Hermione looked incredulously at the sight of Harry in a huge claw-foot tub, up to his eyeballs in oatmeal. Correction, past his eyeballs, as the top of his head was caked up with drying cereal. She could only make out his eyes, nose and lips.
"You look like a quicksand victim. Should I hand you a vine and save you?" she teased, and gave him his butterbeer. After a moment she peeled the label off her bottle and transfigured it to a straw so Harry could drink without oatmeal sliding down his face. He explained what Kieran had done, and how he had been suffering from the itch and resorted to an oatmeal bath. Hermione just laughed at him.
"When they say 'oatmeal bath', they mean a bath of water with a cup or two of oatmeal added, not an entire tub of prepared hot cereal," she explained, gasping with laughter. Harry just shrugged, not caring in the least as long as the itch subsided.
"It worked; that's all I care about. I knew the book was probably referring to the plain stuff, but I only had the cinnamon kind," he said lifting his foot to the surface showing the raisins between his toes.
'There's nothing more amusing than making Butterbeer come out of Hermione's nose'. He thought to himself as she sputtered.
Later...
Hermione sat in the kitchen and perused Harry's house plans while she waited for him to dress. "Feeling better?" she asked when he came out in his most comfy sweatpants and tee.
"Yeah, still itchy, but not unbearable." He handed her a fresh butterbeer and sat down.
"You know, moisturizer always helps when I'm itchy from dry skin. It couldn't hurt," she said, reaching into her bag, and pulled out a small tube. "Try this," she poured a small portion into his hands. She murmured a small engorgement spell, and he had a large glob of lotion on his hands. "Close your eyes. Circumtero'," she said with a flick of her wand, and the lotion spread itself evenly over his skin. "Feels good, right? Don't even have to take your clothes off. My mum gets dry skin and she loves when I do that spell for her," she rambled on, and Harry chuckled.
"Does Ron like that spell too? Can you do it with oil?" he asked with his eyebrows raised suggestively.
"Harry Potter, you're such a pig," she declared indignantly. "I'll have to try that," she added with a gleam in her eye.
One chick-flick later, Harry poked through a half-finished carton of Chinese take-out to see if there was any shrimp left. "It was OK, but too sappy I think," Harry said about the movie as he fumbled his chopsticks, dropping a shrimp on the front of his tee. "Damn," he said, wiping up the sauce with his fingers, and popping the shrimp into his mouth.
"Nice," Hermione remarked on his manners, as Harry licked his fingers. "You're as big a pig as Ron, and that's saying something." She picked up the remote control and flipped through the channels. "I thought it was a great movie. Very romantic," she said with a sigh.
Harry picked up his napkin and wiped the corners of his mouth with his pinky finger out. "Better?" he asked, getting a prissy look in return. "The girl was naked for half the film, and the blonde guy, what was his name? He hardly showed his arse, only in that one shower scene," Harry protested. "It's a jip."
"True; mmm...he did have a nice bum." Hermione looked down at her blouse, comparing her breasts to the woman in the film. "Hmph," she sighed, and made no further comment. Harry made himself busy looking for another shrimp, not wanting to get into a conversation about inadequacies with a girl. He knew it was never a safe subject, and left it alone. He compared himself to Sev, who was much more filled out. Still, Harry was very content with his fit body, even if he wasn't as broad-shouldered as he would be someday. He hoped.
"I almost forgot, didn't you say you wanted to talk to me about the meeting you had with Professor Dumbledore?" asked Hermione as she tucked her feet up under her, getting cozy on the sofa.
"I've tried not to think about it all day, but it keeps slipping back into my head," Harry said, aggravated. "Want another one?" he asked, getting up for a butterbeer.
"No, thanks. Can you give me a hint, a subject? I'm dying to know," she said, desperately wanting to know the latest news, though it didn't sound like it was going to be good.
"My 'family'," he said disdainfully. He plopped down on the sofa and tore open a package of crunchy Chinese noodles. "Albus said the wards have to be reset, and they're not giving permission to do it."
"Oh," she said biting her lip. "Don't they realize they're at risk?"
"They're too stupid. Vernon hates magic so much he won't allow the wards, even for their own protection. It's not like the magic hadn't been there all these years. I hate them, and I hate that I've been stressed out over them-- their safety. It puts me in such a twisted bind. I thought when I left, I was done with all that crap."
"They probably feel the same way," she said, always the voice of reason. "I guess, once you left they thought they didn't have to worry about magic any more, and don't want to think about this stuff either."
"Well, we don't always get what we want," he said sharply. "They're not responding to mail, and now Albus wants me to go with him to try to talk some sense into them." he jabbed one of the noodles into the duck sauce and crunched harder than necessary.
"Is he out of his gourd? Dumbledore actually expects you to see them in person? Harry, they almost killed you. How can he ask such a thing?"
"You know Albus, I always have a 'choice'," Harry said with a snort as if anyone ever really had any choice with Albus. "I don't think he really cares about them, but he's worried about what it will do to me if they get harmed. He thinks if they're attacked, I'll blame myself, and that's his main concern. Maybe he thinks I'll be able to talk them into it. They're as much a target as you and Ron, since most of the wizarding world doesn't know about my 'home life'," he said scornfully.
"Why now, after all this time? Hasn't it been more than a year since the wards went down?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah. It must've been a temporary breach. They don't boost the wards every year like at Hogwarts, the fortress that it is. The wards on Privet Drive were reworked every four years," He said doing the math in his head. "Albus said the wards were put on the house the night Voldemort killed my parents. Since I was placed there just after Halloween, I guess it's time."
"Are you going to do it?" she asked, nervous for him.
"I guess." He shrugged. "Honestly, I was thinking about saying no, but if something happens, and I didn't at least try, I probably would feel bad. I can't imagine I'm going to convince them, but I think any 'obligation' to them that I may feel at some level, will be more than met. By going to warn them to protect themselves, despite all they've done to me, I think I'll feel I truly have acted in a more caring and responsible way than they ever did for me. I've come a long way since I left their house. The counseling helped me learn to release both my anger at them, and any sense of responsibility for whatever it is Voldie may get into his head to do. They make their own choices, and bear the responsibility for them. Facing them is actually the hardest part for me, though I don't think I'll have any real problem with that. Besides, I'll have Albus Dumbledore by my side. I couldn't ask for more if I were facing Voldemort himself," he said, trying to make light of the situation. Hermione still looked concerned.
"I don't know that I'd be too willing to go back, but they are at risk. It would be the right thing to do," she said, unsure who she was trying to convince, Harry or herself.
"Remus offered to go also, but I think any more wizards in the house would freak them out more. I can only imagine how they're going to react to Albus, in all his glory," smirked Harry.
"I hadn't thought of that," said Hermione, remembering he had once told her that Albus never wore muggle clothes. "With his long hair and beard, he wouldn't look like a muggle, no matter what he wore," said an amused Hermione. "What about Severus?"
"He's livid about the whole thing. He told McGonagall that he thought Albus never should have involved me."
Hermione's eyes grew wide. "He told you that?"
"No, I overheard her telling Albus." Harry paused when he saw the incriminating look on his friend's face. "Don't even start. I was in my room at Hogwarts, looking for something, when they started talking a few doors down. McGonagall didn't now I was there, but Albus did, and he doesn't ' accidentally' let you overhear things he doesn't want you to know."
"Do you and Severus talk about stuff?" asked Hermione, hoping it wasn't just a lot of sex between them. "Does he know about um... you know? Did you tell him about the Dursleys?"
"Yeah, we talk about things. I told him about my past, and more specifically, I told him about what led to my having Albus as guardian. We communicate pretty well, I think. We don't always agree, but at least we can discus issues and our opinions without hexing each other," he said the last part lightheartedly.
"Have you had a fight yet? I mean, since you got together?" she held her butterbeer between her hands, fumbling with the label. She knew she was getting personal, but also knew Harry wouldn't get offended and wouldn't have any problem telling her if something was too private.
"We don't agree on Remus being a professor, but no, we haven't had a fight, I guess."
"Does he still want the DADA job?"
"If you recall, it was Percy who told us he wanted the job," he said, thinking that should be enough, but added. "No, he officially isn't interested in the position. Maybe at one point he was, but not now. He has issues with Remus staying in the castle during the full moon. Personally, I don't think it's a real problem. I argued that the night of our third year was an extenuating circumstance and should be excused. He doesn't buy that. As he said, and I quote, "I recall a certain Gryffindor having some form of extenuating circumstances at least once a year. Not good odds, in my opinion."
"Luckily, it's not his decision to make," commented Hermione, miffed by what Sev had said.
"Not exactly, but he could make demands in exchange for brewing a complex and time consuming potion once a month."
"That's extortion! He's the only one that can make that potion." Her voice grew louder with each word.
"He can't be the only one. Wouldn't the apothecary sell it?"
"They sell one of the original versions that barely meets Ministry standards. I researched it when we had to do the essay on werewolves. It's the only potion on the market, and isn't half as good without the advancements Severus has made. If he wanted to make it available to the open market, he'd make a fortune."
"It's scary how thorough you are when researching. Can we not argue about this? I'll see if I can talk some sense into him. I still have a headache thinking about the Dursleys. I don't need to argue with you over Remus, especially since I agree with you." Harry had been sitting on the edge of the sofa, and now slumped back down with a sigh.
"I get a little riled up when it comes to people's rights. You know, like the whole house elf thing. Sorry," she said, not wanting to upset Harry when he already had to deal with the prospect of seeing his relatives again. She put a comforting hand on his shoulder, but then couldn't resist the temptation to rub her fingers in his short, soft, freshly grown head of hair. "Do you know when you'll go?"
"Albus said the end of the week is best, that way if we talk them into it, we can do the wards immediately and afterwards have the weekend to relax. I guess he has a few people on standby, should we pull it off," he said dejectedly. "To be honest with you, I don't see it happening. The whole thing is a waste of time, and stressful to boot."
"I tend to agree, but like you said, you have to try." She was still lazily rubbing his head. "Sorry," she said, realizing her hand was still on his head. "Have you ever cut your hair? You know, there?" she said glancing down
"I don't have any hair there now," he said with a laugh. "Hell, I don't even have eyebrows." He laughed harder with a snort, and she slapped him in the arm.
"You know what I mean!" she said blushing. "Do you think Ron would like it if I did?"
"He might. It would be different. It's fun when you can surprise him with something new," Harry said, remembering the night he'd opened Sev's trousers with his teeth. He'd seen it in a movie and thought it was a turn-on. It wasn't as easy as it looked on TV. "Maybe if he likes it shorter, or shaven, he'll spend more time down there, but you'd best figure something for the itching when it grows back," Harry said, waggling his non-existent eyebrows.
"You look ridiculous, like your forehead is trying, but it's not working," said an amused Hermione. "I remember what I wanted to ask you about. Ginny said that if you hum while giving head, it feels good, but when I tried it I don't think Ron thought it made much difference. What do you think?"
"I think I don't want to think about Ginny giving someone head," he said rolling his eyes. "Does Ron know she does that?"
"You're as big a hypocrite as Ron. And he didn't complain when I was Ginny's age doing the same thing."
"Rule of thumb, most men don't complain when their cock is in your mouth. Unless there's a teeth issue," he said casually, making her laugh. "Good thing you had your teeth shortened way back when. Ouch," he added, having gotten another smack to the arm for his comments. They spent the rest of the evening talking about sex and other various pleasures.
Severus stood in front of Albus' desk with his arms crossed over his chest. The scowl on his face was getting him nowhere.
"I can appreciate your concern Severus, but the presence of another wizard is not likely to help our cause," said Albus, explaining it would be best if he didn't go with them to discuss wards with Harry's family.
"They freaked at the sight of Arthur Weasley. How do you think they'd react to your imposing self?" asked Harry almost comically. He could just see Sev looking very intimidating at the Dursleys. "It's not like you've introduced me to your family is it?" he asked, knowing Sev had no living relatives.
"I'll show you their graves if you'd like. I even have a few portraits in storage if you wish to have a word with them," he said dryly.
"Well, some of them must have at least liked you," Harry retorted.
"Doubtful," Severus said, but Harry didn't think he was being totally honest.
While Harry argued he didn't think it mattered, since he was sure Vernon would say no, Albus, the optimist, thought they should give it their best shot. He did concede to allowing Severus come along without being seen by the muggles. Harry offered his invisibility cloak, but Severus conveniently had a potion to do the same job. Harry laughed, knowing Severus had known all along he was joining them, one way or the other.
Harry and Albus could apparate directly onto the property. Severus quickly caught up to them from another place he knew of where he was able to arrive safely without detection. The first thing Harry noticed upon arrival in the Dursley's back yard was the unkempt flowerbed that used to thrive with blossoms. He smiled, knowing his friends were keeping Petunia out of her own garden. He hissed out a greeting, but there were no snakes in the area at the moment. Albus smiled encouragingly, and gestured to the door. It was time. Harry took a moment to make sure his shirt was tucked in. He wore the tightest jeans he had, and smiled when he realized he stood taller, as he could now see better over the fence. He looked good; he felt good. Unconsciously Harry began to tame his hair, but caught himself and stopped, knowing how much Vernon hated it messy. He wanted them to see him in fitting clothes. The messy hair was a bonus.
Albus reached over and mussed it further before knocking on the screen door. Harry had been glad when he heard his cousin wouldn't be home during their meeting with his aunt and uncle. Harry let out a minute gasp, hoping it'd gone unnoticed, but no luck. Albus turned his head with a smile.
"Oh good, Severus is here, right on time," commented the older wizard. Harry held his face calm, ignoring the invisible hand that had found his arse.
"You know the argument you had about wanting to be a calming presence for me?" asked Harry quietly through gritted teeth, turning his head around to where he knew Sev to be. "I'd appear calmer if groping hands weren't startling me."
The door opened as Harry finished his sentence. He could hear Vernon in the kitchen, instructing his wife to let them in before the neighbors caught sight of them. Harry couldn't blame him, as Albus chose to wear a most colorful robe of yellow and blue with... interesting designs.
Severus slipped in behind Harry, working his way around the kitchen, keeping a distance from the others. Albus was his usual cordial self. Severus kept is eyes on his lover. Harry stood tall, his hands at his side, not fidgeting. To most, he would look calm and proud, but Sev knew the mask. He'd taught him how to do it. He could see it took everything his lover possessed to sit at the table discussing the wards' necessity. Severus also watched the big oaf. He held his place as he watched the man make exaggerated gestures trying to provoke a reaction from his nephew. Harry remained his calm self, not flinching in the least when a beefy hand looked to be lunging toward him, only to change direction at the last minute as Vernon seemingly adjusted the blinds on the window behind Harry, explaining it off as not wanting the busybody neighbors to see them.
Ignoring the negotiations for a moment, Severus looked around. It was an ordinary looking home, very clean. Standing in the doorway he glanced into the sitting room, nothing out of the ordinary there other than the television being bigger than he'd seen. He'd almost not noticed, but something caught his eye. A small door under the stairs. The Cupboard. It was given away by the little slotted holes he remembered seeing in Harry's pensive project of his tenth birthday. It looked so much bigger in Harry's memory, but then Harry had been much smaller at the time. No one in the kitchen noticed when the cupboard door silently opened just a bit. Inside was a broom, vacuum and various cleaning supplies on shelves he was sure weren't there in the memory. He wouldn't have guessed a cot could have fit in such a small place. The door closed as quietly as it opened.
Severus was seething. It took all his self control not to strangle the man with the string from the blinds he'd adjusted several times while trying to spark fear into his nephew. Harry held his composure, making Sev proud. He didn't miss the fact that Petunia had flinched on the second wave of the fat fist in the air. Seeing the horse-faced woman, he wondered how it was this woman could be a relation to his lover's mother. Lily Evans had red hair and was very attractive. There didn't appear to be any similarity between the sisters.
Severus was brought back to the present by the sound of a chair scraping the floor. Harry was standing up. He looked around miserably. "I left a few things here. I wouldn't have bothered you for them, but since I'm here..." he trailed off, and began for the steps.
"You'll not be traipsing through my house!" Vernon protested loudly. "Someone came and retrieved your rubbish after you left."
Harry paid him no regard and continued up the steps with Vernon in his wake. Severus desperately wanted to follow, but he'd moved back into the kitchen and now the bitch-whatever her name was...some damn flower, was blocking his path. Anger radiated off of him as glared at the woman.
Harry reached the top of the stairs to see the old door had been replaced. There were no big locks keeping anyone in. No cat flap for delivering food. Harry entered the room, still ignoring his uncle's protest. Dudley certainly had his second bedroom back, if you could call it that. The bed was gone. A large television was in one corner, with several chairs and a loveseat. A shelf on the wall proudly displayed boxing trophies next to a sickening photo of Dudley with his gloved hand held up high, declaring him the winner of the match.
Harry pulled out his wand, hardly noticing Vernon suddenly get quiet. He levitated a big reclining chair away from the corner, then the rug.
"What do you think you're doing?" Vernon bellowed as Harry continued, looking for the loose floorboard.
"Relax, I'm just getting something I left here." Harry pried open the board and smiled, seeing that his few possessions were still there. Not much, and certainly nothing worth going back for, but since he was there he wasn't going to leave without them. Pocketing the items, Harry replaced the rug and moved the chair back, then put his wand away. He didn't trust himself.
Seeing the wand return to Harry's pocket, Vernon was once again in his face.
"I don't want you in my house," he growled, the color of his face darkening.
"I don't want to be in your house. Just let them do the wards so no one gets hurt," said Harry evenly through gritted teeth.
"Are you threatening my family? I'm not afraid of you!"
"Maybe you should be," said Harry in an ominous tone. "I'm fully trained now, you know," said Harry rubbing his wand through the fabric of his clothes. "You're so busy fighting the magic, you don't realize it might be saving your life. There are evil people out there who would hurt you to get to me. People that are under the impression that I would feel bad if anything were to happen to you." Harry was proud of himself for keeping calm as he tried to explain. But his words fell on deaf ears. Vernon only heard what he wanted to, which at the moment was nothing Harry had to say.
"Magic or not, you're nothing but a worthless freak," his voice was threatening, as he spoke his hand suddenly came up quick with a punch to Harry's face. To his credit, Harry didn't even flinch. He looked unfazed, bored even.
"I'm out of here," he said flatly.
"Good! Now get out of my home! You're not welcome here! You never were!" Vernon yelled waving is fist in the air from the top of the stairs. Harry took out his wand, and casually passed it over his face concealing the black eye that was forming.
"I did my best. It's his home, if he chooses not to accept our help in protecting his family, that's his decision," Harry said flatly as he entered the kitchen. "Let's go," he added before turning to the door.
"Harry, perhaps I can convince your aunt," Albus said in a last attempt, but Harry already had the door open.
"You do that. I'm leaving," he said without emotion.
Albus didn't stop him, nor did he try to convince Petunia they needed the wards. Harry needed to be there while the wards were reset. With a heavy sigh, Albus thanked her for her time, and departed.
Severus had followed right behind Harry. The door had almost slammed in his face, but he caught it in time and smirked when Petunia gasped at the door opening by itself. He was sure to slam it on his way out.
Harry was in the yard kicking a stone around. With a final kick the stone launched in the dried up garden. A snake had hissed in protest when it was nearly bludgeoned by a rock. Severus hadn't noticed this, but did hear his lover hissing.
"~ Sorry, I didn't see you there,~" hissed Harry apologetically. "~You may want to stay clear of this place for a few days, they are very angry,~" Harry warned his cold-blooded friend.
"~ Thank you for the warning.~" the snake flicked his tongue tasting the air. "~I cannot see him, but someone draws very near to you,~" warned the snake in return.
"~He is a friend. He cannot be seen now, but he can be trusted,~" Harry wanted to keep Severus safe from any misguided snake trying to defend him. Harry shivered when he felt the comforting arms close around him.
Albus found Harry with his arms wrapped tight around himself. He swayed as he stood with his head down. If anyone looked close enough they might see his earlobe pulling out to the side before disappearing into a warm invisible mouth.
"Gentlemen? I believe there is an eager house-elf waiting to feed you copious amounts of food," said Albus with a small smile, but the twinkle had long since diminished. "We may not have the appetites we would've after a warding, but I believe a quiet meal will do us good. I've not sat down to a private meal with my two favorite young men in far too long." Albus resisted calling them children. He merely chuckled when Severus reminded him they had never had a quiet meal with only the three of them. Albus was glad Harry looked eager to go.
Severus knew something wasn't right, but he wasn't sure what. He would continue to watch Harry until he figured out what it was.
Chapter End Notes
circumtero -terere (Latin)[to rub against on all sides].
Review?
DETAH 51 - Dinner with Albus, Breakfast with Jessica Or Three square meals and a Severus snack
Chapter Notes
Warning: There is a very small Het scene here, but only a small paragraph. You'll live. *smirk*
Harry walked up to the castle in silence, Albus striding beside him. Severus was on Harry's other side, holding his hand. Harry wished they could do that in public without an invisibility potion, but he would take what he could get. All too soon the three wizards entered the main entrance. Harry felt Sev's hand slip from his grasp. Students were mulling around, as it was almost time for supper. Harry's 'walking tall and proud' mask faltered when he saw a familiar face. A pretty redhead was guiding a few lost first years to the Great Hall. She waved and called his name, flashing her shiny new Prefect badge.
"Harry!" she called out.
"Ginny!" He smiled to his honorary little sister.
Harry could hear a gasp from one of the lost first year students. 'You know Harry Potter?' he heard the astonished girl as he pulled Ginny in for a hug.
"I really needed a friendly face tonight. Good to see you." He spoke quietly in her ear.
"Are you staying for dinner?" she asked hopefully.
"Yes, but not in the Great Hall. I'll join you next time, OK?" he murmured and left to catch up with Albus and Sev. As he waved good-bye, he noticed the two first years hadn't left Ginny's side; they giggled when he waved to them, too.
Harry gave his own private password to the gargoyle and stepped onto the revolving stairs. He was about to take out his wand to heal his black eye when he sensed someone close.
"Building up a new fan base with the first years?" came a silky voice in Harry's ear. He didn't reply, but wrapped his arms around the body he couldn't see beside him, and rested his head on a broad shoulder. The brief comfort came to an end all too soon as the steps came to a stop.
Albus stood by a table set for three. He was having a word with a house elf, and waved them in. "Why don't you both come and sit down. Severus, you have the antidote with you, correct? I'm sure Harry would like to see both his dinner companions." Harry thought about what Albus had said, and realized Albus could see Sev. Severus was watching Harry to see if he had figured it out.
"He doesn't need a cloak or a potion to be invisible, either." Severus, who could once again be seen, noted aside to his partner. Harry had known Albus could be invisible, but didn't know he could see others. He took a mental inventory of the times he'd run around Hogwarts with Ron, trying to remember if they'd ever tried getting past Albus. He blushed, thinking about Sev's hand on his arse when he arrived at Privet Drive. He was going to comment on Severus' apparent hidden desires of exhibitionism, but thoughts of Privet Drive were now filling his head.
His aunt had at least listened to what they had to say. She had looked hesitant to speak, as if she was waiting for permission from her husband. Vernon had been an absolute imbecile from the moment they arrived to the last wave of his fist as Harry departed down the stairs, determined never to set eyes on Vernon again.
"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Albus kindly when he saw the turmoil in Harry's expression.
"Does it matter what I want?" snipped Harry, instantly regretting his tone. "That was rude. I apologize," he said looking down at the floor.
"Quite all right, Harry. I know you may not have seen the point of tonight's visit, but one day you'll be able to look back at the past and know you did the right thing, even if they chose not to accept your protection. Ironically, the protection the house offered you all those years should now work for them. But alas, you were placed there for your own protection, and that didn't work out as I'd hoped either. You will one day realize that while things don't always work out as you intend, sometimes it is your intention that matters the most."
Harry wasn't sure how to respond to this, but was luckily interrupted by the arrival of a house elf with a tray of food so large it should have been impossible for the creature to carry. He noticed all his favorites were included.
Severus continued to look closely at Harry; still unsure of what was different.
"We overheard your argument with your uncle. Did you retrieve the items you wanted?" asked Albus, getting a nod in return.
"Yes." He pulled the items out of his pockets, having just remembered they were there. "They're just a few things I'd wanted to have, nothing too important." He looked at the items, holding out his hand for them both to see. Albus picked up a photo from beneath a few trinkets and smiled at the three bright faces beaming back at him. Harry, Ron and Hermione in Hogsmeade, side by side, laughing about something. They were walking happily down the street through the throngs of many other students all enjoying a Hogsmeade weekend.
"Colin Creevey sent that to me over the summer my last year at Privet Drive. It came with an invitation to his birthday party," Harry snorted at the memory, thinking how pathetic it was, that it was the first time he'd been invited to a birthday party. "Luckily it came with muggle mail and didn't cause too much trouble." The photo was creased and wrinkled from where his cousin had crushed the envelope before handing it over to his father for inspection.
Albus waved his hand, casually removing the creases from the photo to make it like new. Producing a wand, he finished off with a preservation charm before handing it back to Harry. "It's a very nice photo, Harry." Albus knew why the photo was special. It was taken before Harry's life had started getting truly difficult. Sometime early in his fourth year, probably before the selection of the Champions by the Goblet of Fire. "Worth the trip upstairs?" asked Albus cryptically.
Harry wasn't sure if it was a statement or a question. He was sure he saw his guardian glance up at his bruised eye when he said it. Harry unconsciously tucked his hair behind his hair. "Yes," he answered with certainty. "From time to time, I'd think about what I'd left behind. I wasn't totally sure what was there, and for some reason it bothered me not knowing. Worth the trip upstairs," he confirmed the last part more to himself than Albus.
"Take it off," Severus said firmly, startling Harry, who turned to look at his lover's scowling face, unsure what he was talking about. "The glamoure, take it off!" Severus growled. "I couldn't figure it out until I saw that thing you do with your hair when you're checking to see if your scar is hidden." That was when Severus had realized what was different. The small bit of scar Harry still had near his ear was concealed.
"It's not important," Harry said without emotion.
"You are important!" yelled Severus, slamming his hand on the table, upsetting a glass of wine. In an attempt to calm himself, Severus picked up Harry's hand and gave it a squeeze. "He doesn't deserve to breathe the same air you do. You will never have to be in the same room with that man for the rest of your life. If I had my way, you wouldn't be in the same realm." Severus rubbed his thumb over the back of Harry's hand. "Please take off the glamoure," he asked as calmly as he could manage.
Harry closed his eyes for a long moment. When he opened them, a dark purple ring appeared around his left eye. Had it not been a serious moment, Severus would have thought to be proud of the wandless magic. Harry felt the hand holding his tense, and he looked up into onyx eyes, seeing sadness in their depths.
"Why would you hide this from me?"
"If I told you, things would have..." his voice trailed off. "I just wanted to be out of that house as fast as possible."
"Were you afraid I'd kill the bastard?"
Harry didn't want to admit to them or himself that he would love to have his lover defending him from the evil bastard. He'd love to see Severus lose his temper and punch Vernon right back. "If you were to kill him, it would have defeated the purpose of me being there to replenish the wards," Harry hoped his tone sounded as if he didn't care in the least.
Severus didn't appreciate him trying to make light of the situation, though he didn't miss the fact that Harry didn't answer the question.
" I was impressed by how you handled yourself. I think your restraint should be commended. You never let him get the best of you, even when you had every right to hex him into oblivion." Severus surprised Harry with such an open compliment. He put a hand on Harry's chin, holding up his face to get a closer look at the damage. "May I," asked Sev softly, wanting to heal his lover.
"Please," answered Harry in an equally soft tone, almost a whisper. As the angry color faded from his skin, he felt the gentle touch of Sev's thumb brush under his eye where the bruising had been the darkest.
"I'm sorry, Harry," said Albus, bringing the two younger wizards from their trance. "I will not ask this of you again."
"I wouldn't allow it," interrupted Severus.
"While I appreciate you both looking after me, I'm a grown man who makes his own decisions. If there is something concerning my relatives, I should know about it." He knew Severus felt Albus shouldn't have bothered him with it in the first place. "I could have said no, and I came very close to it. But all things considered, I had to at least try. I don't plan on ever seeing them again."
"It's deplorable that muggle wasn't held accountable for his prior transgressions!"
Harry made a mental note that Severus still uses many big words when he's extremely angry. He took a deep breath, knowing this conversation would happen whether he wanted to do it now or not. He was impressed Severus hadn't caused bodily harm to Vernon on the spot, and with this additional revelation... he deserved answers for his restraint alone.
"Harry, you know I saw the envelope marked 'Evidence'. Why was he not held liable for his actions?" Severus asked in a much milder tone than earlier.
"I was pressing charges, I was going to make him see that he'd been miserable and I wanted ...I don't know what I wanted but I wasn't about to let him get away with it. People were dying because of me, and it took a long time to learn that it wasn't me that killed Cedric, but Voldemort. But Sirius, he was different. Sure, it was a Death Eater that killed him, and ultimately that would mean Voldemort again. But really, it was Vernon. Vernon was the reason I wrote to Sirius. I knew it wasn't safe to keep sending him letters, but he was worried about me. When things got to the point I knew I needed help, I wrote to Siri. Voldemort didn't kill Sirius, Vernon did."
"What changed?" Severus held his calm. "Why didn't you press charges?"
"I had no guarantee Vernon would be found guilty. I could have gone through the whole procedure, creating a media circus in the process. I would be labeled as a head case, and have nothing to show for it. On the other hand, I could have won. But what would I have? Make them pay restitution? I don't need money. It wouldn't change what they'd done to me. My Godfather was dead and nothing could ever bring Sirius back. There was nothing that could make up for the loss of my last direct family tie to my parents. Could you imagine what the public would be like?"
He left out the part about overhearing Albus and Minerva discussing the possibilities. Minerva predicted the Dursleys would be killed within a month of word getting out of how Harry had been near death when found, and his overall mistreatment. Severus had scary look in his eyes; Harry didn't want to broach that subject.
"In the end, I dropped all charges before they could be processed at the Ministry. I want nothing more to do with the Dursleys."
Severus nodded in understanding. He had many things to think about now.
The meal continued on a calmer note; they stayed on lighter subjects and discussed Harry's training with Kieran. Harry blushed, but told them of his recent orange skin and lack of hair. Albus mentioned to Harry that he may want to visit with Remus sometime, as he'd given him the same list of available flats to help find a place to stay during the full moon, as he'd given Harry when he went apartment hunting. Harry was relieved to see Severus' mood hadn't soured while they discussed Remus. When the evening came to a close, Albus offered Harry to stay in his room there in Albus' tower. He'd suggested that perhaps Harry shouldn't apparate after such a trying evening.
Harry accepted, recognizing the invitation for what it was. He was perfectly capable of apparating wherever he wanted, but Albus needed to offer him the protection he could give as Harry's guardian, to be there for him as he relatives were not.
Severus thanked his host and said goodnight. Harry felt bereft when he realized Sev was leaving, but no sooner had he stepped through the door to leave, he turned to ask if perhaps Harry would like him to bring up a sleeping drought. He remembered Harry had once said he'd had nightmares on the nights he'd thought of his 'family' too close to bedtime. Harry smiled, and thanked him for his thoughtfulness.
Harry exited the bathroom with toothbrush in hand. He couldn't help but smirk at Albus when he passed him in the hall. Albus wore a light blue nightshirt with the constellations sewn in, and matching hat. Harry was sure he saw a shooting star fly over the wizard's shoulder. "Get a good night's rest, my boy," Albus said genially.
"Good night, Albus," Harry replied, and paused when he saw the moon on Albus' hat eclipse the sun, causing the hat to turn a darker shade of blue. "Where do you buy your clothes?" asked Harry comically, knowing most of his guardian's clothes were custom made. Certainly, Madam Malkin's wasn't carrying a variety of 'eccentric wizard' wear.
Returning to his room, Harry sat at a small desk in the corner. He penned a quick note to Hermione, telling her things had gone as expected and he was back at Hogwarts for the night. He knew she was concerned and would be waiting for him to open his floo so she could fire call and make sure he was okay. He sealed the parchment, and turned around upon hearing a silky voice coming from the fire.
"Writing love letters, or replying to fan mail? Would you like me to summon an owl for you?" Sev commented, seeing the letter Harry had just finished.
"No, I'll probably go for a walk up to the owlry later. I'm not very tired." Ignoring the insinuations, Harry watched Severus step through the fire, and wished he had as much grace when he traveled that way.
"I believe that was the purpose of my visit," Severus pulled a vial of Dreamless Sleep from his robe pocket. "You certainly aren't dressed for a trip to the owlry," he noted Harry's state of undress. His hand slid down the side of Harry's tee until he caught his thumb in the silky pants Harry wore. "Quite the scandal if you were seen," he teased.
"You know I live for the headlines," said Harry, doing a good job of keeping his tone neutral despite his urge to laugh. "I'm no one without my public." The back of his hand pressed against his forehead theatrically.
"I can see the headlines now. 'Golden Boy Flipped His Lid'." Severus sat on the bed smirking at his seemingly insane lover.
"No, we were talking scandal remember?" Harry sat beside him, putting one leg over Sev's. "The headline could read, 'Wizarding World's Savoir in Torrid Affair with his Ex-Potions Professor. Rumors are, a heavily drugged Severus Snape has recently been found chained to Potter's bed, where he'd been kept as a sex slave all summer'."
"You swore you wouldn't tell a soul about the chains," Severus intoned, very serious. Harry couldn't contain his laughter.
"Have you enjoyed being chained up in the past?" he smirked at Sev. "People do kinky stuff when they get bored with the usual sex?"
"You have no idea," said Severus dryly. He couldn't help but think that it wasn't all that many months earlier that Harry had been a virgin. He probably didn't know about many kinks. Yet. "You didn't find being buggered on a broom that unusual?"
Harry sighed at the memory. "That was something," he said with a moan. "I may not even need a potion for dreamlessness. I'm looking forward to hot, lusty dreams about you. Do you brew a potion for that?" he added as an afterthought, but then remembered the 'Sweet Dreams' powder.
"I'll leave this with you in case you change your mind," Severus placed the vial on the bedside table. "I'll leave my private fire lit, so you can warn me if you need to floo in." He wrapped his arms around Harry before brushing his lips against his lover's temple, and Harry climbed into his lap.
"You've always been there for me, Severus." Harry wrapped his arms around Sev's waist, resting his head on his chest. "Don't ever change," he said, very content to be in Sev's arms.
Harry's words meant a lot to Severus. He was used to having his faults pointed out. He wasn't a well-liked professor, and he didn't always get along with the other staff or Order members due to differences of opinion and general snarkiness. Knowing Harry loved him 'as is' warmed his heart. The head resting comfortably against his chest shifted, looking up. Severus gazed into Harry's beautiful green eyes, seeing love and contentment. He hoped his own expression relayed the same sentiments.
Severus brushed his lips across Harry's, and then leaned back to look into his eyes once more before kissing him tenderly. It was a slow, gentle kiss. There was no battling for dominance as their tongues entwined, only a gentle exploration, tasting one another.
Harry could feel Severus lifting him up while nuzzling his neck in a catlike manner. He sighed, enjoying the sensation as Severus placed little kisses the length of his neck and jaw line. Enjoying himself as much as he was, he didn't realize his lover had put him back down.
Severus continued to nuzzle and taste his love's neck as he placed him in the bed, pulling the covers up and lying down beside him above the sheets. He lightly massaged Harry's scalp, soothing his young lover until Harry was on the edge of slumber. The younger wizard smiled in his sleep as Sev continued his ministrations, their noses brushing against one another. When he could get no more response from Harry, and was confidant he was soundly asleep, Severus picked up the forgotten letter on the desk and stepped back through the floo to his own chambers.
After summoning an owl to send out the letter addressed to Hermione, Severus took a long, hot shower. As the steamy water cascaded over his head, Severus thought about the man he loved. It was hard to imagine that man had been the abused child who once lived with that poor excuse for a family. Though he intended to have a relaxing shower, it only proved to have the opposite effect as he thought back to the tiny cupboard under the stairs. Those horrid people had treated Harry badly for years. Not only had they provided only the bare minimum of living essentials for their nephew, they had put him through mental and physical anguish as well. What would years of neglect and abuse do to a person's psychological well-being? He didn't want to think about where Harry would be had he not had the benefit of Erin Kirkland as a counselor. His Harry.
In a health food restaurant a few towns away from home, Mr. and Mrs. Granger enjoyed an evening out to celebrate their anniversary. "We should have insisted she come along. You know how she is dear, she may not put her book down long enough to eat a decent meal," said Mrs. Granger adamantly. Pouring his wife another glass of wine, Mr. Granger consoled his wife, saying he was sure his little girl would know enough to put her needs before some book.
Back home, in the Granger's sitting room, a large tome with five different bookmarks lay discarded on the floor. Lying on the sofa, with her blouse off, Hermione clenched her hand around a fistful of red hair, pressing Ron's freckled face against her breast. Ron sucked and nibbled the tender skin, marveling at the silken softness, teasing the areola and watching it crinkle, then kissed a path down to Hermione's navel while tugging her jeans slowly down past her hips, and gasped. "Wow, you shaved your hair!" Ron was interrupted from his investigation when a large black owl flew into the open window, startling them both.
"It's a school owl," Hermione noted as she untied the letter from the proud bird bearing a leg tag with the Hogwarts crest. "It's from Harry." Ron read the letter over her shoulder. Hermione was relieved Harry was back home, or at least at Hogwarts. She would get the full story from him in person. Ron, on the other hand, was forming a plan.
Albus Dumbledore sat up in his bed with a good book that he hadn't started reading yet. He had been quite amused by Harry's reaction to his choice of nightshirts. He usually tried to wear the most ostentatious bedclothes when either Harry or Severus spent the night in their rooms in Albus' tower. It would guarantee him a comment from Harry, or a roll of the eyes from Severus.
Albus sensed the magic of the floo in Harry's room, alerting him that Severus had retired for the night. Albus was disappointed in the way the evening had turned out. He could tell by the direction the conversation had taken that he would not convince the Dursley family to agree to the wards. It was with a sad heart that Albus set eyes on Harry as he entered the kitchen again with an angry bruise forming around his eye. Had it not been for his concern for Harry, Albus would have stayed to convince Petunia to take the necessary precautions for their safety.
Albus knew how protective Severus was of Harry. When no protest came from Severus regarding repercussions for Vernon's actions, Albus knew Severus wasn't going to wait for the 'proper channels' to insure justice was done. Severus had gotten the short end of the stick in the 'justice' department a few too many times. Albus himself was guilty of it. He pondered over his guiding Harry not to press charges the year or so back when he nearly died at the hands of his relatives. He'd thought the attention in the press and release of information regarding Harry's private life growing up was not worth what little punishment the Dursleys would have had to endure. Albus still felt it was best that Harry didn't go through the stress of a court case and reliving the entire ordeal in front of spectators. He reflected he'd also been confident when he'd originally placed the child that the Dursleys were Harry's best choice, and sadly, that had proven a large error in judgment.
Albus' musing was interrupted by sounds of a disturbed sleep in the next room. He entered the hall to listen at Harry's door. Back when Harry spent every night in the room next door, Albus would rush in to begin his soothing song to help quiet the healing boy. Now a year later, the old wizard knew he had to allow Harry to deal with his demons. Though he wanted to go right in and help, he knew that Harry no longer needed him for this. It pained him to hear Harry's whimpers and muffled words of protest against the invader in his sleep. His hand held the doorknob in hesitation as the distressing sounds increased. Harry's body tossed and turned on the bed, his breaths increased to short panicked gasps, and then suddenly there was no sound coming from the room. Sensing a floo connection, Albus went back to bed, knowing Harry was in good hands.
Harry had woken as quietly as he could manage. Kieran would be impressed, had his silent wakening not given him away, considering the amount of noise he'd made while sleeping. It took a few moments for him to get his bearings. Harry reached for his glasses, but realized he was wearing his contact lenses. Harry unsteadily walked to the fireplace, throwing in the powder to speak to Severus.
"Sev?" Harry called warily, attempting to keep his face impassive, not wanting Severus to think him weak.
Severus turned his head to look towards the fire. He couldn't see very well through the curtain of hair in his face, but the voice was Harry's. Without a word, he held up the sheet next to him in invitation. Harry stumbled through to the bedroom, his feet still a little unsteady. Without comment regarding Harry's grace, or lack thereof, Severus continued to hold up the sheet, allowing Harry to scoot into the cozy bed. Harry backed up under the covers until he could feel Sev's warm body pressed up against his own. Before his head hit the pillow, a long arm wrapped around him protectively, pulling him closer still.
Some several hours later, Severus woke right on time. Despite the warm weather, the dungeons remained a cool temperature. He had no desire to leave a warm bed with Harry to go brew potions and watch the imbeciles who had detention. But as desires and responsibilities seldom go hand in hand, Severus pulled off the sheet to get up. He then realized he had the entire sheet, leaving Harry with none. He smirked, knowing it was usually the other way around, but then they usually slept together in Harry's bed. He wasn't too happy with the circumstances that drew Harry to his bed in the wee hours of last night.
Before heading for the shower, Severus pulled up the sheet, but paused before draping it over Harry's prone form. The young man was sexy as Hell. His toned arms wrapped around his pillow, where his head rested on top, hair slightly in his face. Harry's face, looking far more peaceful than the last time he checked, was exquisite. The tee mostly covered his torso, and the vision of a firm arse teased through a pair of red silk pants. Severus dropped the sheet; covering up that fine arse before he started something he didn't have time to finish.
Stepping into the hot shower, Severus chuckled, thinking about how Harry would react to being awakened by a bite on the arse. It had been tempting indeed. Even in a kind way, he didn't want to wake Harry; he knew his lover had had a disturbing night before he'd come to Sev's bed. Still, he would have to wake him; Harry couldn't stay while he was gone. It wasn't safe for Harry to be half naked only a door away from his office where he often spoke to students. Some of whom bore the Dark Mark.
"Time to wake up, I'm afraid," said Severus as he exited the bathroom, wearing a large towel that nearly reached the floor. Harry hadn't budged, or shown any signs of waking. "I want you out of here before I leave for breakfast," he gave Harry a shake. "I spoke to Kieran, so don't think for a minute I don't know you're awake." Severus kissed the top of Harry's head and walked over to his wardrobe, picking out his things for the day.
"Wear something sexy under your robes today," Harry eyed him through half-lidded eyes. Sev dropped the towel that had been wrapped around his waist. "Or not. Care to have the breeze flowing around you? That would be equally hot, knowing you've gone traditional for the day."
"Why, pray tell, would I wear something sexy, or not, under my robe", he paused. "when I will come home after a long day to an empty bed?" he purposely took a long time picking out socks, knowing Harry was still gazing at him since the towel dropped.
"So you can think of me in your bed, while you're working," Harry said keenly. Severus snorted, very undignified. Harry smiled when he saw Sev putting on silk boxers. "I'll lie here all morning with nothing to do but touch myself, while you're gone at class. You could skip lunch and come," he paused "see me," Harry teased, but in truth he had a busy day planned.
Severus made as if he were ignoring his teasing lover. He stood facing the wardrobe, buttoning up a long line of small buttons. Harry hadn't thought Sev actually buttoned each one without magic, and wondered if he was doing it to bug him, or perhaps give himself a reason to be in the room with him for a moment more before he had to leave. He just grinned and watched as Sev opened up his trousers to tuck in his shirt. Harry was tempted to put his own hands down Sev's pants, with the pretext of assisting, of course.
"Nice try, but you're flooing out of here in five minutes," said Severus in a tone that brooked no argument. Harry couldn't see him smiling.
"Would you find it too difficult to work, knowing you had a naked eighteen-year-old in your bed, just waiting for you to take him?"
Severus finished the final button, and smoothed out his robe. "Don't flatter yourself," he said with an evil grin, but barely stifled a whimper as he turned around to see Harry with one hand pulling up the tee, trailing fingers up through the sparse hair on his abdomen, while the other hand had rested low on his hip, his thumb hooked in his red silk pants, exposing a most suckable area.
"You're tempted, I can tell," said Harry, fingers trailing up his front, reaching into his mouth, tasting the tips seductively.
"Tempted or not, I don't have time to ravage you. I've got several matters that need attending to before breakfast." Severus walked over to the bed, buttoning the cuff on his sleeve; all the while his eyes never left Harry's body, tempting sight that he was.
"I can see you have something right here that needs attending to," purred Harry, pressing his palm against Sev's hardness.
"Those of us with jobs and responsibilities beyond battling Dark Lords must be to work on time," Severus said firmly, but didn't move from the warm hand fondling him through his many layers of fabric.
"Then I'd better get to work," Harry said as he opened enough buttons on Sev's robes to get to the trousers beneath.
"We can't..." Severus lost what little resolve he had.
" We won't. I will." Harry had already opened Sev's trousers and pulled up the front of his shirt. Severus let out a shuddering breath when Harry engulfed him as soon as he'd released Sev's hard prick from its confines. Harry liked giving head. He was good at it, and loved it when he got Sev's freshly showered cock in his mouth. Harry kept one hand on Sev's hip for balance and the other held the base of his cock, giving his lips a place to stop at, preventing him from gagging. He swirled his tongue around before sucking hard on the stiff shaft pulsing against his talented tongue.
Severus stood fully dressed; his locked legs keeping him balanced as Harry's head bobbed vigorously, sucking hard, taking in every inch he had to offer. His hand on Harry's shoulder would occasionally move up to grasp his hair, but would hesitate and return to his shoulder.
Harry could feel Sev was getting close. He also felt the hesitant hand moving from his head to shoulder again. "I know you want to fuck me. Go on Sev, let go," Harry encouraged. He was pleased Severus did allow himself to go with his desires. Strong, now confidant hands came up to grab his dark locks, holding him in place. Severus began to move his hips slowly at first, but increased his speed as Harry moaned and hummed against his dripping cock.
Severus' heaving breaths increased, mixed with an occasional grunt as he fucked Harry's welcoming mouth. He pumped his cock with ferocity as Harry continued to keep suction strong, pulling him ever closer to climax. With a guttural sound somewhere between a loud groan and a grunt, Severus released his seed with one last forceful thrust. Harry kept the suction strong until he was sure every last drop was released, swallowing hungrily, licking and sucking on the tip of Sev's softening cock until it was too tender to tolerate the sensation.
Harry leaned back on the bed again, content. "They say always taking time for breakfast makes a body healthy," Harry said with a silly grin, licking his lips. He was very pleased to be able to send Sev off to work in such a manner. He was all the more pleased when Severus stopped at the door and came back in for one last quick kiss, and was sure he heard a declaration of love whispered in his ear before Severus told him he had five minutes to get out, then strode back out the door again.
Harry laid back down with a silly grin.
To the untrained eye, Severus briskly walked the corridors with his usual scorn for all those around him. Only a select few would recognize the contentment in the man's features. He met with McGonagall in the hall, and placed his bet for the first quidditch match. She in turn gave him a copy of the schedule for the next ten games. They fell back into their usual friendly banter about which team didn't have a chance.
Harry stepped through the floo wearing one of Sev's shirts. He opted for using Sev's shower over the one he shared with Albus. The elder wizard knew a little too much for Harry's comfort. He never could release any pent up energy in that shower, knowing Albus was so close by. Silencing charms were so obvious when all sounds of running water could no longer be heard. Harry put on the jeans he wore the previous day, and laughed when he remembered he'd left his tee and silk pants on the floor in Sev's bathroom. The pants were tight and so small they could almost be called a thong. He laughed again, knowing the house elves wouldn't go near any clothes not in the hamper, since Sev's potion-splattered clothing were a health hazard.
Entering the Great Hall, Harry gave Albus a wave, and checked to see if Sev had seen him enter. Harry chuckled when Severus eyed the shirt Harry had borrowed from him. The look he gave was one of 'get food on my white shirt, you'll pay'. He also noted Harry looked very fine. It was one of his more fitted shirts, and it fit Harry loosely with the sleeves rolled half way up to his elbow.
"May I sit here?" asked Harry politely. Ginny, busy talking to a friend said 'yeah sure,' without turning to look in his direction. A small girl Harry recognized as the first year he met with Ginny the night before gave him a smile and blushed.
"He's going to take me to lunch next weekend," Ginny told her friend. She still hadn't noticed Harry.
"Could you pass the croissants?" Harry leaned particularly close to Ginny. She huffed and shoved the basket in his direction, and scooted closer to her friend. Harry tilted his head toward Ginny, rolling his eyes, making the first year laugh. He picked up a goblet of pumpkin juice, looked down at the white shirt and put the goblet back down. "Better safe than sorry," he said before casting a repellant spell on the shirt.
"Tell me about it," said the girl, looking down at her school robe with crumbs on it. "Thanks!" she exclaimed when the crumbs were whisked away as he repeated the spell for her.
Deciding not to wait for Ginny to notice him, Harry nicked a slice of bacon off her plate. With impressive reflexes and much experience with six brothers, Ginny slapped his hand away from her breakfast.
"What the..." she started indignantly and then realized who was sitting beside her. "Harry, you idiot, why didn't you say something?" she laughed.
"I was busy having breakfast with..." he gestured to the girl across the table.
"Jessica," the first year filled in helpfully.
"Yes, with Jessica, since you wouldn't give me the time of day." He held up his hand to prevent Ginny from interrupting. "Do you always treat guys like this? How do expect anyone to ask you out?" asked an amused Harry.
"I don't," she said confidently. "I have no need to encourage boys. Neville and I are dating exclusively now," Ginny proudly glowed.
"Congratulations," he said sincerely, and took her bacon. "You're really quick, by the way. No wonder you're seeker now," he said through a mouthful.
"Thanks," she beamed. "Did you stay here last night, or are you back early?"
"Stayed," he answered without explanation. "Not for much longer, though. I've got an appointment this afternoon, and I want to stop home first," he said and began to get up.
"Oh, you can't leave, I just now realized your were here. I'm such a prat. Sorry," she apologized.
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure to be back again. If you're done, you could walk me out," he suggested.
Before they reached the door to exit the Great Hall, the morning mail came. To Harry's surprise, Hermione's owl approached and flew over his head until Harry put out his arm, offering the large bird a place to land. Ginny held open the door so Harry, with owl in tow, could head outside. Once the letter was removed, the owl left, not waiting for a reply.
It was then that Harry remembered the letter he wrote to Hermione the previous night. He'd forgotten about it, having fallen asleep with Severus. Since Hermione thanked him in her letter for so quickly sending word he was OK, he figured Severus had sent it along for him. Good thing, since Hermione would have been a wreck waiting.
Harry saw that Ginny was looking at him expectantly. "The wards at the Dursley's are due for an overhaul. Hermione wanted to make sure things went all right," he explained. Ginny had the expected reaction and was overly concerned for Harry having to step foot in that house again. She grabbed one of his hands as she spoke.
"Was it awful to see them again?" she asked tentatively, and gave his hand a squeeze of support.
"I thought it was going to be difficult, but really it wasn't that big a deal. They are as miserable as I remember them. Funny, I used to think they were like that because of me, but now I see they would be miserable with or without me. I'm fine, I promise," he reassured her. Ginny looked relieved, and then blushed when she realized she was still holding his hand.
"Sorry," she said and let go of his hand. "What would Professor Snape think?" Harry couldn't tell if she was serious or not, but reminded her not to speak of him aloud, should anyone be listening.
"He's secure in our relationship. Besides, he knows I don't go for girls. No offence," he added humorously.
"Don't be too sure," she countered in a singsong voice. "I read last week in the Daily Prophet, that it was very common for teens to experiment, and for concerned witches not to fret because the Great Harry Potter was most likely still interested in girls. They didn't rule out the possibility of you being bisexual."
"And I'm sure they get their information only from reliable sources." Harry smirked, rolling his eyes.
They continued to walk to the edge of Hogwarts where Harry could apparate home. To their surprise, Remus Lupin was walking from the opposite direction toward them. When it was clear the two men were not going to say a quick hello and go on their way, Ginny said her goodbyes and left to get to quidditch practice on time.
"Albus mentioned I should talk to you. I hear you were given the same limited list of places to rent that I was," Harry said wryly.
"It appears so. Perhaps you could shed some light on a few of these. Maybe help weed a few out before I spend all my free time looking."
"Sure. If you're not busy, we could right now. I have to be somewhere, but if you want to come along, we could go over your list."
"I am free now, but I don't want to keep you from your appointments," he started, but Harry insisted he come along.
"No, I want you to come. I've been keeping this a secret from Sev so I can surprise him, but I'd love to get your opinion," Harry exclaimed. When Remus agreed, Harry told him he wanted to stop home first, and gave Remus directions to where his place was, over Mr. Jenning's antique shop.
"You have a very nice place here," Remus observed as he looked around Harry's home.
"Thanks. Remus, could I ask you a personal question?"
"You may," he left out the unspoken, 'I may not answer'.
"I was under the impression you already had a place of your own. Why are you looking for a place to stay for the full moon?"
"I do have a home that I've lived in for some time now, but I'm afraid it's not very close to here. Usually I can apparate great distances, but not right after the full moon, when I'm weak from the change. If I'm to leave Hogwarts, it must be someplace close by. Hence the list," he pulled the list from his pocket.
Harry looked over the list, remembering most of the places. He felt bad Remus had to spend money on rent when he already had a home. It infuriated him that Severus was forcing the issue and using the Wolfsbane Potion to get his way. "I'm sorry you've been forced into this. I don't think it's fair that Severus can hold this over you. I've been so spoiled with the Weasleys being understanding and accepting of Sev, that it's hard for me, knowing he gets along so poorly with you."
"What makes you so sure Severus and I get along badly? Mind, I wouldn't call us friends, but we've been on missions and worked well together. We manage to sit down and review the effects of the potion and how I feel so he can make appropriate changes. He works very hard to brew the Wolfsbane Potion for me, and also spends hours researching ways to improve it. There are numerous other potions he could be researching instead, though I'm sure it's to his benefit to have me as a test subject," mused Remus. "I haven't had his potion available to me in some time. It's very hard to go without, after knowing the benefits for so long. I used the basic potion available at the apothecary while I was away. I'm happy to give in to his one request, for all he's doing to make my life easier."
"Request? It hardly sounded like a request to me." Harry didn't know how Remus managed to remain the calm, cool and collected person he always seemed to be.
"Harry, you may not be aware, but Professors at Hogwarts sign a contract. Most have duties in addition to teaching. For example, Filius Flitwick is required by contract to assist with the warding of Hogwarts. I'm sure he would happily help with or without his contract. The same goes for Madam Hooch. In addition to teaching, she heads the quidditch department and referees games."
Harry looked to be following him, but unsure what the point was.
"Severus is bound by his contract to not only teach Potions class, but prepare all potions required by the Infirmary and staff alike. That includes the Wolfsbane Potion," explained Remus.
"I don't understand. If he doesn't have a choice, then how can he demand you leave the castle?"
"Imagine if you will, that you are Severus, I am Draco Malfoy. You have a request. Do you ask Draco nicely to do this thing for you that you feel strongly about, or do you go to Albus and demand satisfaction in exchange for all the work required of you, since the work is for Draco's benefit? Severus is a proud man. He has to make the potion. He knows that, and knows that I know as well. And while we work together civilly, that doesn't mean he'd ask me to oblige him his request.
Harry couldn't imagine asking Malfoy for a favor, nor could he see Severus asking a favor of anyone, much less Remus. He felt bad, knowing Remus never seemed to have much money in the past. Although he was better dressed these days, this would be an extra expense he hadn't counted on when taking the position as Defense Professor. Harry suddenly realized something, as if a light appeared over his head.
"You were Sirius' lover."
"Yes," answered Remus unsure of where this was going.
"You were his partner, but I was left all his money. You should have that," Harry said quickly.
"No, Harry, Siri wanted you to have that money. I have plenty of money," he insisted.
"How much is 'plenty'?" asked Harry incredulously. "He left me loads of gold. I've hardly touched it, what with the vault my parents left. Surely you have more of a right to it than I do."
"Thank you for your concern Harry, but Sirius made sure I was well taken care of. After he inherited some money from a distant family member, he decided to make up a will. Not all of Sirius' family members are good people, and he wanted to make sure his money went where he intended. If the will were contested, the Ministry would never side with a werewolf. Siri knew this, so he placed a large sum of his money in a vault in my name. To anyone who checked, it would appear that all of his money was left solely to you, but I, too, have a full vault. Your Godfather was a smart man, even if he often acted with his heart and not his head.
Harry and Remus sat on two large rocks at Godric's Hollow. They talked as a large truck dropped a load of lumber at the building site. Harry gave his opinions of the various places he'd checked out to live, and Remus looked over the house plans, telling Harry what the house was like when his parents had lived there. Together they spelled the lumber and other supplies to go unnoticed by passersby or would be thieves.
Harry spent the better part of the morning with Remus before heading home to shower so he could meet up with Severus in the afternoon. Looking back on the day, he'd enjoyed his time with Remus. Harry couldn't help but see him as fatherly. It was hard to imagine Remus and Severus were the same age. Remus often spoke of the times he spent with the Potters. The stressful years living as a lycanthrope had aged him, leaving his hair liberally mixed with grey, while Sev still had a head of ebony hair.
Severus wasn't as busy at potions work as Harry thought. No, his lover had many other irons in the fire. Sitting at his desk, Severus ignored the students as they scrubbed cauldrons while serving their detention. Instead, he was focused, devising a plan. A certain muggle had gotten away with making his lover's life miserable. Now that Dursley's recent infractions had drawn Severus' attention, the wizard decided it was time the man understood. No one messed with what was his. It had been so tempting to go right back to Privet Drive and beat the man within an inch of his life, but Severus didn't act impulsively. He thought things through completely, designing a much more satisfying plan to make the disgusting muggle accountable for his actions.
A tawny owl bearing the Hogwarts crest approached a large manor, carrying a letter addressed to Lucius Malfoy. Lucius placed his teacup on the saucer to receive the unexpected letter. Not bothering to offer the owl food or drink, Lucius sent it on its way before unrolling the scroll.
"Severus, what a surprise," Lucius drawled aloud, though no one else was present to hear. "What are you up to now?" he wondered, reading the letter in which Severus told of a new potion that may be of interest to him. It was code, requesting an audience with the Dark Lord.
The Potions Master sat in his office with his fireplace blazing, knowing he was likely to get a fire call very soon. He acted slightly interested when Lucius appeared.
"What a surprise it was to hear from you, Severus," said Lucius dryly. "You say you have a ' potion' in which I may be interested?"
"Yes, something new I've been working on," he spoke vaguely. It wasn't safe to speak freely in the public fire.
"Is this something perishable that needs immediate attention?" Lucius asked, trying to establish if Severus needed to see their Lord without delay, or if it could wait until the next meeting.
"No, in fact I have yet to obtain all the necessary ingredients. I merely wish to give you first chance when I do make a breakthrough with my recent discoveries."
Lucius understood; Severus still needed time to gather information. "Do let me know when your research is complete. As you know, I appreciate being let in on your discoveries first hand. I'll be in touch." Lucius was gone before Severus could respond.
His plan was in motion. No one hurt his Harry and got away with it.
DETAH 52 - Potion Masters Brew the Best Coffee
Severus stood in Harry's kitchen, chopping produce for their salad. He tasted a small cherry tomato, noting it had better flavor than the last bunch they'd picked up. Harry had just placed the ravioli into a pot of boiling water and opened his mouth for whatever it was Sev was offering.
Mmm, good," moaned Harry. He quickly wiped the juice that had dribbled down his chin when he bit into the tasty tomato. Rummaging through the icebox, Harry pulled out salad dressing and other numerous condiments, dropping them on the table. He began grating aged Romano, and dropped a bombshell. "I invited Remus to stay here during the full moon."
"You what?!" Severus was shocked, to say the least.
"He needed a place to stay, and the prejudice out there is unbelievable. Even the more open-minded landlords don't want to risk the damage to their property. Most aren't aware of the benefits of the Wolfsbane Potion."
"I wanted him out of Hogwarts to protect the students, not to put you in harm's way!" yelled Severus.
"I think you're overreacting. I'm not in danger. Have you no confidence in your potion to keep Remus' sanity during the change?" Harry asked smugly, though it wasn't the best way to win an argument with Severus.
"Are you forgetting his reaction when he smells your blood? Are you willing to take that chance? I would like to think you are not so foolish. Don't prove me wrong," Severus replied very seriously.
"You are the reason he's forced into this situation. The number of places so close to Hogwarts is limited as it is. Where did you think he would go?" asked Harry calmly. He hoped Severus would be reasonable.
"I would have thought he would go home. He does have one, you know," Severus said sharply.
"It's too far away. He can't manage apparating after the full moon. It takes too much out of him."
Severus looked genuinely surprised. He wasn't used to people admitting weaknesses, and Harry hadn't been that close to Lupin before a few weeks earlier.
"I thought you knew what he went through. He said you discuss the effects of the potion and the results of any changes made to it."
"Yes, we discuss the potion and how it effects his change. We seldom delve into aspects that don't pertain directly to the potion and its effects," explained Severus.
"Maybe he should take a follow-up potion to increase his energy. A muscle relaxant wouldn't go amiss, either," suggested Harry.
"Don't think for a minute I've not noticed you steering this conversation away from the point at hand," said Severus haughtily.
"No?" asked Harry casually, and tested the ravioli to see if it was done.
"It's not your job to rescue everyone. He can find his own place." Severus stood to his full height, but that no longer intimidated Harry as it had in the past. He did, however, earn a glare for the rescue comment.
"At first, Remus thought as you do; he said he could find a place and didn't want to put me out. But then, after searching, he realized it was true. He has nowhere else to go, unless he puts up a huge deposit. I hardly think it's fair he should spend his money on a place he will only stay in for the full moon. It's one or two nights a month, at the most."
Severus continued to chop vegetables, but with more vigor than before.
"You never cared when Ron crashed here for days at time. Hell, even Hermione's stayed the night on my couch. The twins brewed potions 'till they fell asleep the floor, almost burning the place down on more than one occasion. Those are the houseguests you need to worry about, not a grown man that spends his night curled up in front of the fire."
"That's the difference between you and I. My friends don't trash my place. It's called maturity, maybe you've heard about it?" drawled Severus with a grin.
"No, your friends spy from the fire, and then blackmail you for weeks, after having seen a naked man in your bed. I believe that's the same friend who left me hairless and Orange. Very mature," said Harry, before popping another cherry tomato into his mouth.
"Touche."
Harry grinned, giving Severus a peck on the cheek, and sat down with the serving bowl. One point to Potter.
During dinner they let the 'Remus' conversation go. They would continue that later. Severus told Harry about his classes, including the troublemakers and the inept. Harry knew Severus was restraining himself by not comparing the problem students to Neville, or Harry, for that matter.
"One of the Gryffindor first years is so small; I don't think she can reach for a proper stir. I'd get her a box to stand on if I wasn't afraid she'd fall into the cauldron," Severus said, amused.
"You're mean." Harry sipped from his wine glass, smirking at his lover's narrative. He suddenly thought about the few first years he'd met. One of them was very small. She looked as if she were nine instead of eleven. "Jessica?"
Severus narrowed his eyes, but then remembered watching Harry at breakfast the morning after he'd slept in the castle. "The newest member of your fan club?" teased Severus. He was sure he heard 'git' when Harry took a sip of his wine.
When dinner was finished, Harry cleaned the kitchen while Severus brought pudding to the sitting room. No sooner had Severus stepped out of the kitchen, than Hedwig flew in, looking for leftovers. Harry collected plates and bowls, and slid all the silverware into an empty water glass. He could hear his aunt's voice in his head. She insisted that he would break the glass doing that, but now he was in his own home and could do whatever the Hell he wanted to.
In the sitting room, Severus put down the small plates with care. He loved the presentation as much as the cooking. He placed small cordial glasses down next to the bottle of a sweet ginger after-dinner liqueur. He had opened the bottle and was about to pour when he heard a stream of expletives from Harry. Within seconds, Severus was in the kitchen. Harry looked frightened of him for a moment, then angry.
Severus looked down to see a broken glass in the sink. Harry was squeezing his sliced hand as it trickled blood into the sink and diluted into the flow of water emptying down the drain. A myriad of emotions were expressed on his face. Severus saw him wince with pain and fury. Harry looked to be in turmoil as he watched the pink-tinged water flow across his white porcelain sink.
"Is it bad?" asked Severus with concern. He'd seen Harry hurt many times during training, and he'd always handled pain well.
"I'm fine!" Harry shouted and stormed out of the room irritably.
Severus could hear him cursing in the other room, and wondered if having developed such a filthy mouth was a sign Harry had been spending too much time with Kieran.
"Miserable bitch," muttered Harry as he stopped the bleeding and used magic to heal the wound. He knew it was his own fault, but part of him was blaming the beast he'd called Aunt all those years. "They continue to make my life miserable." He continued to rant to no one in particular, unaware of his audience. He was angry that he'd done something stupid just to spite his aunt, who would never even know he'd been breaking the 'no sliver in a drinking glass' rule. He was also annoyed at his reaction to Sev's entrance. He knew he'd looked like a frightened child who thought he would be punished for his incompetence. Slipping back into that old skin upset him to no end. He knew he wasn't being rational, but right at that moment, he didn't care. He blamed the Dursleys.
Severus cleared his throat, causing Harry to turn around. "Harry I..." Severus paused. Harry saw the mask of indifference fall over his lover's face. "I'm being summoned," said Severus evenly. "Are you going to be okay?"
"Yes, I'm just mad at myself. I'll be okay," said Harry, his anger forgotten.
"Listen before I go; I know you don't want to hear it right now, but please don't have Lupin stay here," plead Severus.
"I've already asked him; I'm not taking back my offer."
"And this?" Severus picked up Harry's hand and ran a finger along the place where he'd cut himself on the broken glass. "How do you suppose the wolf would react to this? I can't allow you to be in danger if I can help it. It's your fault I've grown accustomed to you being around. I'd like it to stay that way."
Harry smiled. "I think you'd miss me," said Harry sweetly, and then frowned. "You'd better go. I like having you around, too."
"It takes seven minutes to walk from the deepest part of the castle to the edge of the wards at Hogwarts. I have a few minutes," Severus said, pulling Harry close. "I understand you don't want to go back on your word. I would expect no less from you." He kissed Harry briefly. "How about a compromise? You sleep in your room at Hogwarts while Lupin stays here." Severus waited for Harry's reaction.
"Alright," replied Harry softly. "I promise," he added and caught sight of relief in Sev's eyes.
"Send Hedwig to Albus, I'll send her back when I return." Severus kissed Harry firmly, and apparated away with a nod.
Harry sighed and dragged himself into the kitchen to finish cleaning up. He let out a mirthless laugh when he realized he'd unintentionally gotten what he wanted. He was afraid Severus would object to him spending too much time in the castle, possibly putting them at risk, should they be found out. But with it now being Sev's idea to have Harry stay, there was no longer an issue. Perhaps his subconscious Slytherin tendencies were at work? The Hat would be gratified.
One of Remus' main conflicts with staying at Harry's was having someone there the next day. Sure, it had been nice to have his lover there to take care of him, but anyone else was uncomfortable. To wake nude and vulnerable was not something Remus wanted to do in front of Harry-- or anyone else for that matter. He'd explained that when he declined Harry's offer, but Harry insisted he would leave for the night. Remus refused to put Harry out of his own home, but was relieved to hear Harry had his own room at Hogwarts. It helped that Harry had stayed there recently, showing Remus it wasn't an odd occurrence and he didn't mind in the least.
With the kitchen clean and Hedwig on her way to Albus, Harry settled onto the sofa. It was then that he noticed the fancy sweets Severus had placed on the table. He'd not let Harry peek into the box he had arrived with earlier. Two small plates were decorated with fancy gourmet chocolates. From the foreign language on the box, Harry knew Severus had apparated someplace special to pick up the delicacies. He wasn't about to admit he didn't recognize the language.
With a long drawn-out sigh, Harry headed for the fire, throwing in some Floo powder. "The Burrow," he called, but didn't step through.
"Hello, Harry," Molly greeted him warmly. She was sitting at the scrubbed table, penning a letter. "Did you want Ron, dear?"
"Yeah, is he home?" asked Harry, trying not to look too dismal. In no time at all, a bright, freckled face appeared closer to the fire than Molly had been.
"Alright, Harry?" asked Ron, getting a shrug in return.
"Want to come over for pudding?"
"You bet." Harry smiled. When it came to sweets, you didn't have to ask Ron twice. Harry could hear Molly commenting on Ron's already having seconds at dinner. Ron stepped through the fire with ease, and dusted himself off. Harry explained that Severus had been summoned. Ron gave him a sympathetic look. He had learned over the years what it was like to wait for his father to come home from raids, and that was a cakewalk compared to what Ron was trained for as an auror. He didn't want to even think about what Snape was doing as a spy. Ron couldn't quite figure out the changed feelings he had for Snape. Maybe it was because Severus was someone Harry cared so much about, or the fact that he had put himself at great risk for Ron when he'd been captured. He could at least admit to having a lot more respect for the man than he'd had in previous years.
"Fancy," exclaimed Ron as he headed straight for the plate of chocolates. He wiped his finger through the powdered sugar that decorated the plate beneath the hand-made delicacies.
Ron held up a cordial glass, pulling a face. "Is this a gay thing?"
"No, you prat. It's a sophisticated thing. I think." Harry muttered the last few words. Ron's nose wrinkled up as he sniffed in the bottle. "It's an after dinner liqueur. Kind of sweet, not bad," explained Harry. Ron was now reading the label, still holding the small glass. It looked odd in Ron's big hands.
"Snape trying to make you into some kind of sissy snob with drinks that go in these cute little things? Someone like Ginny would probably love it. Hermione too, now that I think of it."
Harry sighed and left the room, returning with two bottles of butterbeer. "Better?" he asked Ron with an exaggerated fake smile. "For your information, I first had liqueurs at Albus' niece's home."
"Don't get your knickers in a twist. I'm just winding you up," Ron said defensively, but then realized Harry was probably worried. "Snape doesn't seem like the sissy type, I guess." Ron held a cordial in one hand and his butterbeer in the other, sipping from each in turn. "Wow, they're both sweet, but the liqueur one has more of a kick to it. Not bad," Ron said approvingly, and poured another glass. Harry resisted the urge to comment on Ron's taste, alternating sips of butterbeer and liquor; it wasn't worth it.
Ron turned on the TV. Initially, he had scoffed at muggle television, but less then a week later he'd been hooked on the shows and movies. He chuckled when he'd noticed Harry falling asleep next to him.
"How could you sleep now? I thought you were worried." Ron realized that probably wasn't what he should have said. "I mean, look at that?" Ron pointed to the screen. "What was it you once said...'you don't have to be straight to appreciate a woman's body'? Or something like that," was Ron's poor attempt to quote Harry. "They're hot!" A girl with large breasts and even larger hair bounced across the screen.
Harry lifted his head enough to see the television, and the bleach blonde with big um...hair. "Appreciating a nice body is one thing. Watching hours of 'Tits & Arse' on TV is another." Harry then changed the subject altogether. "I can sleep now because it's so early. Sev hasn't been gone that long. Nothing bad would have happened this early. I'll wake up, and by ten I'll be nervous, by midnight, worried, and by sunup, I'll be frantic. Trust me, I need to catch the few minutes I can manage now." explained Harry. He was getting used to his own reactions. "Maybe tonight won't be so bad, and he'll be home before one." Harry slumped back down in his chair, not waiting for or expecting a response from Ron. His supportive friend was good for hanging out and not asking too many questions. Ron would never ask; 'How does that make you feel?'
Severus apparated into a dimly lit room he recognized as a small meeting room in Malfoy Manor. Lucius stood in the doorway, appraising him. "Good evening, Severus."
"Lucius."
"Imagine my surprise to receive your letter. It's been a long time since you readily offered information," his tone almost accusing. "Admittedly, you do offer tidbits when our Lord inquires, but seldom do you come forward on your own accord."
Severus was not about to rise to any bait, nor was he going to defend himself to Lucius. "Will I be given audience with our Lord?"
"Perhaps," Lucius answered vaguely. "Tell me what interesting news you have, and if..." Lucius began, but was cut off my Severus.
"As you so graciously pointed out, I seldom get a chance to offer worthwhile information to help our Lord's cause. If you think I'm going to allow you to take the credit, you're sadly mistaken."
"I'm wounded that you would think so little of me, Severus," replied a grinning Lucius, not looking the slightest bit insulted.
"Is he here or not, Malfoy? I have better things to do with my weekends," demanded Severus.
"I'll bet you do. Still keeping fuckmates on hand?" asked Lucius, getting an evil grin in return. Severus hadn't actually seen any of them since before Easter break, but that was irrelevant.
"Do you have information for me, or did you come here to discuss your sex life?" Voldemort entered the room, and watched approvingly as Malfoy and Snape alike prostrated themselves at his feet.
"My information is in regards to Potter, my Lord." Severus thought oddly that Harry Potter would have been the answer in regards to both subjects, but he wasn't about to offer that information.
"You may rise," instructed Voldemort. He gestured to a small group of chairs and the three wizards sat in the ornate chairs covered in rich brocade fabrics. While the room was fairly dark, Severus could make out the faces in the portraits on the walls. Lucius gave instructions to a timid house elf to bring drinks to his guests. There was no point in asking what Severus wanted to drink; they always drank whatever Voldemort was having. After drinks arrived, Voldemort swirled the amber liquid in his glass before taking a sip. He then gave Severus a nod, his cue that he was now ready to listen to what Severus had to offer.
"My Lord, I have recently uncovered information that may be of some value to you." Severus began. "It seems, the wards protecting Harry Potter's relatives' home are weakening, and will soon be easily breached. His family will no longer be as well protected as they were while Potter lived with them." Severus took a tentative sip of his drink, waiting to see what the Dark Lord's response would be.
"I see," he gave nothing away. Severus couldn't tell if he was pleased or not. "Why do you suppose that is?"
"My Lord?"
"Why do you suppose the wards will not be replenished to keep Potter's family safe? Wouldn't you think Potter would want to protect his ' loving' family?" he asked wryly. Severus was concerned. His Master seemed to be in a good mood, but that didn't necessarily mean Severus had no worries.
"They're muggle fools, my Lord. I don't think they fully understand the repercussions of not allowing the wards to be replenished. Dumbledore attempted to influence them, to no avail. Perhaps we could lure Potter out. He will surely attempt to save his family." Of course, Severus didn't plan on the mission going well. Unforeseeable things could happen to the Dursley patriarch during the attempt to kidnap him.
"I do value you coming to me with this information, Severus. I will not go so far as to say I was losing faith in you, but I will say my confidence in your loyalty is faring better now that I see you making a positive contribution to our cause. It also shows me that Dumbledore is trusting you, Severus."
Severus breathed a silent sigh of relief. It had been a while since he was trusted with more than brewing potions. What was the point of spying if he wasn't gathering information for Dumbledore? Severus never would have handed over Vernon just for the sake of saving his place as a spy; he did it because Vernon deserved what was coming, and he wanted the pleasure of participating. This was a convenient bonus.
"I will give you a little insight on Potter and his family, since you've shown your loyalty to me with this information regarding Potter's relatives."
"You're too kind," Severus murmured reverently, with a bow.
"Do you recall the attack on Potter's family home?"
Severus knew it was a rhetorical question and remained silent.
"Of course you do. Tell me, are you aware of the source of our information prior to that attack?"
"I believe Potter's mail was intercepted, my Lord." Severus didn't say more as it was sometimes hard to remember what information was gained from fellow Death Eaters and what was told to him my Order members. It had been a hectic time before and after the biggest attack in years.
"That is correct. While reading Harry Potter's mail, I found out some interesting things." Voldemort grinned as he took another sip of his drink. It was odd to see a wizard with only an opening for a mouth manage a beverage. "As it turns out, Harry Potter did not grow up in the cherished lifestyle some may have assumed. The muggle fools didn't know the valuable commodity they had in their hot little hands. I would wager they would have sold the boy to me had I offered the right price. Shame no one took a closer look.
"After the attack on his home, I checked, wanting to commend the loyal follower that may have killed Potter. Imagine how surprised I was to find not one Death Eater could lay claim to Potter's near destruction. I had foolishly assumed the boy's complaints in his letters were of a simple nature. I'd thought perhaps he was bored, or that he missed being in the wizarding world. Never trust a muggle!"
Severus allowed a surprised look on his face. It would please the Dark Lord.
"Potter's relatives are not shut-ins. I could easily have had someone grab them while out of their home. But to what end? If I were to attempt to bring out Potter with a kidnapping, would it not be better to use one of his friends?"
"You are right as always, my Lord. I wish to point out his closer friends have all had their wards increased since leaving school. Only his family has refused the increased protection offered to them."
"Tell me why you think he would go to the trouble to protect muggles who were so despicable they nearly ended his life?"
"My lord, Potter has terrible guilt. He blames himself for the deaths of his parents and of his Godfather, even of that boy who accompanied him taking the trophy at the Tri-Wizard Tournament. He made the effort to visit his family with Albus in an attempt to convince them the wards were necessary. Two wizards were needed to replenish the wards, and he meant to be one of them. Certainly, he must care to do such a thing, if for no other reason than to keep his own sanity, to satisfy his 'conscience'. Potter won't fare well if he thinks his last relatives have died for their association with him."
Severus knew he was pushing the issue. Part of him wondered if he shouldn't have just taken care of Vernon himself. No, he knew why he'd done this. If he were to do it as part of a mission, there would be no turning back. There had been many times he'd almost gone to Privet Drive to avenge his lover, but he had always stopped himself. Every story told, every nightmare or flashback made him want to wring the man's neck. But now, after seeing Harry with the glaring bruise and a defeated look in his eyes, it was too much. He wasn't stupid. He knew there was much more than what Harry had told him. Chances were, even Albus didn't know the full extent of what Harry's family had done. Beatings do not just get very bad in one summer. He was sure Harry had lived through years of abuse, far worse than he'd let on. Severus didn't want this man to ever have another chance at hurting his Harry again.
Back at Harry's place Ron lay spayed out on the couch. A bottle of butterbeer balanced precariously in his hand as he slept. Harry, on the other hand, was wide awake and staring out the front window. The windows were spelled so passersby wouldn't be able to look up and see in. He watched the night sky for signs of Hedwig, to no avail. After another ten minutes of watching the sky, Harry fluttered around the place, nervously cleaning up. The table had been messy with bottles and the remains of the sweets Severus had put out for the two of them. Harry picked up the plates marked with fingerprints where the powdered sugar had been. One lone chocolate remained on a plate. Harry liked leaving the best for last as food went. He'd left that largest chocolate with a drizzle of white chocolate on top for Sev. It was different from all the rest. He did feel a little bad, having left only one for Severus. At least the one he did save was much more elaborate then the rest.
An hour later Ron woke, just catching the bottle before it dropped to the floor. "Don't waste alcohol," he mumbled. Harry was pacing the room and glancing at his watch every five minutes. "He'll be alrigh' mate, you'll see." As Ron became more coherent he saw how clean the place was. "Wow, next time you're worried, come by the Burrow. Mum will love it," teased Ron, in an attempt to cheer him up.
"I hate this. He could be anywhere, doing anything. I could very well spend the whole night flipping out, only to find out he spend the night stirring potions for the bastard."
"You'll know soon enough. He'll come back and you'll know," Ron said as if it was that simple.
"No, I won't. He doesn't tell me and I don't ask. It's like an unspoken rule with us. Sometimes he'll bring up something the next day, but never the same night, and even that is rare," explained Harry.
"Why? He could at least tell you if the only thing he did all night was brew potions."
"If he did that, then I would know on the other nights that he did more. He's a spy, and I won't fuck with his head by making him tell me everything he does and have him think I'm judging him. It's bad enough he has to do some things and then relive them, reporting to Albus. If I see what happened in a vision, I mention it to him. That way, if he wants to talk about it, I already know most of the details and he could vent if he needed to, or not. I think he likes knowing that when he comes here, I'm just going to wrap my arms around him, regardless of how he spent his evening, no questions asked."
Ron gave Harry an understanding smile. He could already tell Hermione was going to question him about his missions, expecting details. She had a thirst for information, and he understood about wanting to be left to be, just be. He'd not been on a big Auror mission yet, just a few training runs with simulated situations. He'd been excited to tell Hermione all about them for the most part. But one day he'd had a hard time of it during training; he hadn't felt like rehashing it with her and they'd had a row.
"Maybe you should explain that to Mione," mumbled Ron.
"I didn't say it was easy. Some days I want to scream at him to tell me why he's in a mood, or being distant." Harry sighed, thinking back on a few hard nights. "It works both ways. If I wake up screaming, he doesn't need to know the details-- like Seamus used to ask for before we learned silencing charms. He did make me tell him about the flashbacks after I freaked in the Infirmary." Harry rolled his eyes. "I thought I'd gotten away with not having to tell him those lovely details." Harry laughed before he spoke again. "He was really impressed with you and how you handled things in the Infirmary. Sev said that he thought you were going to take his arm off," he smirked.
"No kidding?"
"Yeah," Harry nodded. "He was worried he couldn't do the quidditch thing you do, but then Albus told him he didn't do it, either."
"Well, at least he doesn't have to worry about it. It's not like you really have flashbacks anymore." Ron noticed Harry was no longer making eye contact. "Oh! When? Lately?" asked Ron, concerned for Harry. "Sorry, you don't have to tell." He quickly rectified.
Harry shrugged. "It was just once, soon after the time in the Infirmary," he admitted. "Sev's only had the one time to deal with. It wasn't bad."
Ron pursed his lips, thinking Harry hadn't passed that hurdle yet, and worried since his friend lived all alone. But Harry hadn't been alone. Ron smiled. "Did he give the quidditch commentary?" asked Ron with a big grin, thinking about what Snape would look like trying. Harry chuckled, that was all Ron needed to laugh out loud. "Did he?"
Harry bit his lip trying not to say. He settled on shaking his head no, still trying to contain himself, which only made Ron want to bust.
"What? You have to tell me now," demanded Ron. Harry just sat there, now with a goofy grin on is face. "Wait, what was it that Dumbledore used to do?" mumbled Ron, trying to figure it out. "No!" blurted Ron when he remembered. "Did he sing?"
Harry looked like he was going to blow a gasket holding in his laugh, but nodded his head, much to Ron's delight.
"Oh my God. I can not imagine Snape singing. What did he sing? Do you remember?" Ron asked exuberantly. Harry continued to chew his lip, and finally relented.
"I don't really know what it was he sang. It was in French," admitted Harry. "It sounded like a children's song, like you'd sing a baby. Kind of embarrassing to be telling you, actually."
"He sang you a French lullaby?" asked Ron in disbelief.
"It was kind of sweet, really," Harry said with a blush. "I fell asleep." At this point Ron fell off the sofa laughing.
"Shut up, you prat. I used to fall asleep in your arms by the time the Cannons scored their fifth goal," Harry said indignantly. Ron at this point settled down when he remembered they were talking about Harry having a flashback, though he continued to quake with silent laughter-- and then spoke with a French accent for the next half-hour. Harry tried to scowl, but there were several times Ron would have him cracking a smile as he used the French accent to yell at the TV.
Harry continued to call Ron a prat and pretended to watch the program. He thought about Severus singing the song to him. He could hardly remember it, but the silky smooth voice had a way of immersing itself into his very soul. He'd never even told Sev that he had heard him. He figured Severus would have been embarrassed. He hadn't planned on telling Ron, but he'd not regretted doing so. It had been a long time since he and Ron had laughed so hard. The last time he managed to make Ron fall over laughing, he'd been drunk. It was good to be able to get there sober. Mostly sober.
Some hours later, Severus apparated into Harry's sitting room. His eyes instantly went to the television, as it was the only light source in the room. At first he wasn't sure what he was seeing, but then he recognized it was mostly flesh, soft, round and curvy flesh. Severus winced at the sight. He much preferred watching two men. At that moment there was only one man he wanted to see, and the redhead slumbering on the sofa didn't fit the bill. He shut off the television and left to find his Harry.
"Har?" mumbled Ron in the dark. "That you?" a glowing light emerged from his wand with a muttered 'Lumos'.
"It's Severus," he answered quietly. "Go back to sleep." He didn't expect to see the relief that appeared on Ron's face.
"He's worried about you. Sorry he's sleeping now. I slipped him half a potion about an hour ago," said Ron, not wanting Snape to think Harry didn't wait up. "You OK?" asked Ron before his head fell back down on the arm of the sofa.
"Yes, thank you," Severus answered simply and left Ron to go back to sleep.
Some several hours later, and not nearly long enough by Severus' standards, Harry awoke. At first his brain was a little hazy, the sleeping potion still not quite gone from his system, but it didn't take him long to realize he was not alone in his bed. Severus was roused abruptly when a thoroughly relieved Harry pounced on him. "You're back!" he exclaimed, kissing every inch of Sev's face.
"Very perceptive of you. Yes, I'm back, and I was sleeping." Severus rolled over away from Harry, knowing it was pointless, and grinned when Harry jumped atop him and continued trailing kisses down Sev's neck. His mapping out of where Sev's shoulder joined his neck was suddenly halted when a noise came from the other room.
"What was that?" Harry started up and listened carefully. Severus also lifted his head to allow both ears to hear.
"It's Weasley, snoring. Now go back to sleep before I have you drugged again," insisted Severus, rolling back to pull Harry into a tight embrace. Harry snuggled in close and relaxed back to sleep again.
Severus reawakened at a more reasonable hour, but in the same manner, with Harry showering him with kisses. He of course didn't protest, until a talented hand reached into his boxers.
Harry growled when Sev put his hand over Harry's, impeding progress. "Why not?" He tried not to sound whiny.
"Weasley is still here. He's been far more mature about our relationship than I ever would have bet. In fact, I've already lost several sickles due to his behavior. Do you really wish to change that? He will certainly be uncomfortable hearing us fooling around."
"Two words, 'silencing charms'," huffed Harry. Severus gave him an evil grin.
"I suppose a silencing charm will take away the goofy grin you usually have for the next hour afterwards?"
Harry looked affronted. "I do not get a goofy grin!"
Severus looked at him incredulously.
"I don't!" insisted Harry, thinking even Severus had a nice glow about him after getting head.
"Must I prove my point?" asked Sev sardonically. Harry thought he had changed his mind about fooling around, but he wasn't so lucky. "Face the mirror," Severus covered his eyes. "When I let go, look in the mirror. Now, think about our first kiss," he paused a bit, "and the kiss we shared sitting at my desk, when you helped me set up the classroom." Severus paused again, then whispered close to Harry's ear. "Think about the sex we had later that night, when you pounded me into the mattress."
"You mean the night you screamed?" Harry's breath hitched as Severus began sucking on his neck.
"Yes, that night. No one's ever made me scream like that," whispered Severus seductively, and removed his hands from Harry's eyes. Harry immediately opened his eyes to see a blissfully happy, and admittedly goofy grin on his face.
"Oh, Christ," he groaned. "How pathetic."
"Not pathetic, endearing," Severus said softly in his ear. Harry refused to look in the mirror again, knowing he was grinning again when he felt Sev sucking on his earlobe. "Get up, I'll make coffee."
In the kitchen, Harry got out three large mugs while Severus brewed coffee. "Gryffindor mug's for Ron," stated Harry as he put three sugars into the tall red mug bearing a gold lion. "You look hot," stated Harry. Severus was wearing his black pleated trousers with one of Harry's tee shirts. He'd not bothered to spell his robe clean yet. Must have caffeine first.
"Your shirt is too tight on me, but I refuse to go shirtless with a guest here." The black (of course) tee was very tight on Sev. Harry had no complaints. Every muscle showed through very nicely. Before leaving to use the loo, he tweaked Sev's nipples to make them hard and show through the thin fabric.
Severus carried two mugs into the sitting room. Ron sat on a footstool, fire-talking to Hermione. He looked like he may have regretted a few of the drinks from last night. Severus handed Ron his coffee wordlessly, not wanting to interrupt their private conversation.
"Thanks," Ron gratefully accepted the coffee. Severus gave him a nod and returned to the kitchen to take a seat. Ron took a deep breath and looked like he would bathe in the aromatic blend if he could. After finally taking a sip he noticed Hermione staring with her mouth open and watching Snape's retreating form. "What?"
"N-nothing. Just unexpected, I guess," she stuttered and swallowed hard.
"I can't figure you out," complained Ron. "You're always calling me a prat 'cause I have a hard time imagining Snape being nice, and then you look shocked when he gives me a cup of coffee. It's really good, by the way." He didn't pick up on the fact that her stunned reaction was at the sight of Severus' muscled body. Hermione didn't notice Severus kept his left arm close to his side, concealing the Mark; her attention was quite focused on the well-formed muscles of his broad shoulders and chest leading down to tight abs, and then that nice rear view, muscled back and tight arse.
Hermione came out of her daze when she realized Ron was trying to get her attention. "Oh, sorry, just distracted I guess," she said, feeling guilty. She would make it up to him later, even if Ron didn't know what it was he was going to be rewarded for. "See you later," she added sweetly.
Ron got up, deciding he needed another cuppa' when he heard the voice he'd known from Potions class all those years.
"That was my scone, you spoiled, rotten, good for nothing...get back here!" Severus didn't sound like he was kidding around and that worried Ron. He opened the kitchen door slowly, unsure of what he would see. He certainly didn't expect Severus shaking a finger up at the top of the icebox, where Hedwig perched, firmly clutching a raisin scone in her talons, clicking her beak at the irate wizard. "It's your fault for spoiling her!" yelled Severus at the closed door where Harry was brushing his teeth.
Ron stood, shocked by the scene in front of him. He bit his lip to keep from laughing at the absurdity of it all.
"Ron, you there?" came Harry's voice from behind the door, knowing Ron would have come to investigate.
"Yeah, mate?"
"It's OK to laugh," Harry said, poking his head through the now open door. He watched Ron worrying his lip; looking somewhat torn between nervous and amused. Severus glared, daring him to chuckle. Taking he safe approach, Ron poured himself more coffee and sat down across from Severus.
"This is the best coffee I've ever had. You should show Harry how to make this."
"What makes you think I didn't make it?" interrupted Harry.
"Sorry mate, I've had your coffee."
Severus made no comment, but Harry could tell there was a grin behind his cup. Harry made a rude gesture to Ron before closing the bathroom door again.
"Glad he's in a better mood," commented Ron. "I guess I'd better go. I promised to take Hermione out to lunch, give her a break from studying. Big test on Monday. Thanks for the coffee by the way, great stuff." Ron knocked back the last mouthful and put his cup in the sink. Severus followed Ron over to the fireplace.
"If I can have a word?" asked Severus, getting a quick nod from Ron. "Have you any plans for Wednesday evening?"
Ron looked startled for a moment, but swiftly covered it up. "Yeah, I'm meet - um got something I have to do Wednesday."
Severus nodded slowly, obviously thinking through his next move. "No problem, forget I asked," said Severus casually.
Wednesday evening, eight sharp, Harry arrived at the Granger family home to pick up Hermione. She and Ron had tickets to a show, but something had come up and Ron suggested Harry take her. Severus, too, was very busy that day. But as it was mid-week, Harry gave it no thought.
In another town, far from the theater, was the quiet Privet Drive. Behind a garden fence at Number Six, two cloaked figures scanned the neighborhood, making sure the muggles were all in for the night.
"Are you sure this is the place? This looks nice, to me."
"No, I didn't want to chance apparating directly there in case the wards were still intact. Number Four is that house," pointed the taller of the two wizards. Faces covered with hoods, the two skulked through the gardens, stepping on plants and flowers, getting into position.
Unbeknownst to the taller wizard, a deadly snake paused, ready to strike. With a tiny black tongue tasting he air, the snake recognized the human as a friend of the one who set him free, and slithered on his way to leave him in peace. It was the other wizard that had finally spotted the serpent retreating in the grass.
"Oh my God! Ron, did you see that snake?" asked a startled Seamus Finnigan.
"Shut up before the Dursleys hear us. We want to surprise them, remember?" reprimanded Ron, who was now second-guessing his decision to bring Seamus on the mission to scare Harry's family. Ron had Auror training, while Seamus had relaxed the summer after having survived taking his N.E.W.T.s and finishing Hogwarts.
"I could be wrong, but don't they already look really scared?" asked Seamus, spotting Petunia and Dudley Dursley through the kitchen window. Ron held his hand up for Seamus to be quiet as he moved stealthily to the back door for a closer look. Harry's aunt and his cousin stood side my side, frozen with terrified looks on their faces. The cause of their fear appeared at the doorway from the other room. A Death Eater, a real one. He'd said a few words and left again with a wicked laugh. Looking back at the two Dursleys, Ron realized they must have been in some sort of body bind, as they were unnaturally still.
Returning back to Seamus, Ron waved his wand in a large arc over the two of them. "We don't need these robes, the real thing is already here," said Ron, transfiguring their fake Death Eater robes back into their own clothes. "Here, take this." Ron pulled a small object from his mouth. It had been affixed to one of his teeth.
"Ew, what is it?" asked Seamus in disgust.
Frustrated, Ron spelled the portkey clean and gave it to Seamus. "This will take you to a safe room at the Ministry of Magic, Auror Division. I'll go in first and make sure it's safe. When I give the signal, you come in quickly, and make sure you get a hold of both of them before biting down to activate the portkey. Okay?" Ron wasn't completely sure about Seamus, watching him nod nervously in answer to his questions. "I'm going in," whispered Ron.
Tiptoeing into the kitchen, Ron was grateful Petunia and Dudley had been placed in full body binds. He could tell by the looks in their eyes they would have started to scream at the first sight of him. "It's ok, I'm here to get you out," said Ron, as encouraging as possible. "I'm Harry's friend; I'm here to help." Ron wasn't sure if telling them he was a friend of Harry's actually made them feel calmer or not. After checking the next room to be sure the Death Eater he saw wasn't about to come back in, Ron signaled to Seamus.
Seamus did as he was told, and was quickly in the kitchen grabbing hold of the two frightened muggles. It was almost amusing when Seamus wrapped his arms around them in a large hug. He'd only traveled once by portkey and it was known that each person traveling had to touch the portkey, so he wasn't sure how it would work since the activated device was in his mouth. Ron's portkey was specially designed for Auror use. It was developed not only to get agents safely away, but also to take in prisoners, just as Ron had managed after he'd been captured.
Ron, while amused, did not allow himself to be off guard. Unfortunately, Seamus had made a lot of noise entering the kitchen at great speed, allowing the screen door to slam. Ron had hoped to assess the situation before going for help, but it was too late. The other Death Eaters in the house were already aware of his presence, leaving him no time to look for the remaining Dursley. Once back out in the yard again, Ron attempted to apparate away, but the wards were still strong enough to prevent him from doing so. At a run, he hurdled the fence to get away from the Death Eater who was close on his tail. Sparks flew past Ron's head as he ran the last few steps needed to get past the boundary. With a pop, he was safely gone. He'd not looked back to see the Death Eater cursing at his retreating form, nor had he seen the same wizard drop to his knees, having just received a fatal snakebite.
Knowing the Ministry would be alerted of the situation by Seamus' arrival, but that it would take them a long time to sort it out and take action, Ron headed directly to Hogwarts.
Up in the tower, Albus sat at his desk, going over some of the paperwork requiring the Headmaster's attention, when he heard someone banging on the door by the gargoyle guarding the entrance. He was most disturbed to hear Ronald's tale about the Death Eaters at Privet Drive. After calming the young wizard, Albus gave Ron a small list of items he wanted Ron to obtain before returning for more instructions.
Bewildered, Ron left with a list of seemingly inconsequential items. He felt as if the Headmaster had sent him on a meaningless mission, but didn't question it, as the elder wizard usually knew what he was doing.
With Ron gone with a busy list, Albus sat back down in his chair. He'd known Severus wasn't going to let sleeping dogs lie, especially if the dog in question had continued to hurt Harry. Severus, of course, had never let on there had been a plan to take his revenge on Vernon. Albus never would have allowed it, but Albus also knew it was only a matter of time before Severus learned enough about Harry's past to take action. He could honestly say he was surprised it took this long after the previous week's visit to Privet Drive.
Albus again sipped he tea, gazing at a picture of Harry at their Guardianship Signing. In the photo, Harry's smile was off as the temporary paralysis hadn't yet healed, and an arm could be seen from out of the frame, holding him up for the picture. Harry looked pathetically happy as he looked up at Dumbledore in admiration. In the photo, Albus looked at Harry with a smile for how far his charge had progressed in his healing. Poppy had confirmed Harry was out of the woods and would live. The Guardianship was processed immediately. Looking down at the photo, knowing how far Harry had come in real life, Albus could hardly believe how fragile the boy in the photo looked back then.
As the older wizard sipped another cup of tea, he stared into the fire, contemplating the decisions he'd had to make over the course of the last twenty-five years. Some things he would do again, while others he deeply regretted. Sure, he could have had a team at Privet Drive immediately, but the chances of blowing Severus' cover were greater than the chances of saving Vernon from whatever fate had been decided for him. Albus would not put Dursley above Severus.
After several cups of tea and a handful of lemon candies, the tired looking wizard stood up and approached the mantel. With a heavy sigh, he threw a handful of powder into the flames.
"Minerva McGonagall," he called out. Within seconds, a concerned Deputy Headmistress appeared to speak to the floating head in her fire. "Call an emergency meeting of the Order. Privet Drive has been attacked."
DETAH 53 - Shocks and Misrepresentations
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Shortly after Seamus arrived with the two Dursleys, all the information was related regarding the attack.
The top psychiatrist in the ministry was a personal friend of Albus Dumbledore. He was the same wizard who had lunch with Arthur Weasley every Wednesday when Molly sent in her prize meatloaf and apple crumb pudding. So, it was no surprise when the doctor was willing to go in with an added selection of questions for an appointment with Petunia Dursley.
"Now Mrs. Dursley, I won't take up too much of your time," explained the doctor. She eyed him with distaste. He began on a line of questions and they discussed Vernon and their son. This calmed her nerves... in addition to the calming potion with which they had spiked her tea. "We, here at the Ministry, consider the care of children very important. It's imperative that we ensure your son is in a safe environment."
After the questioning went on for a while the Ministry had all the answers they needed. The doctor then began with a few of the questions that were on his special list from Albus, adding several of his own as he went along. When it was clear Mrs. Dursley was uncooperative, even blatantly lying, they took a small break and had a second cup of tea. The doctor subtly checked Petunia's eyes, confirming the mild truth serum had taken full effect. She wouldn't notice anything amiss.
"Tell me a little about your nephew, Harry. What was he like as a small child?"
"He ruined everything."
"How is that? Was he a difficult child? Did he cry a lot?"
"No, he learned soon enough that crying didn't get him anywhere." She continued to go on, explaining what Harry was like at different stages during his very young years. Once that particular line of questions was finished, it became clear to the doctor that what made Harry difficult was his cousin's behavior. While praising their son but not Harry, they had taught a young Dudley that poor behavior gained reward, while hard work and keeping your mouth shut did little more than keeping the switch off your backside.
"We needed Didums to know we loved him more. We gave him more attention, more things; let a few incidents slide when he misbehaved, praised him whenever possible. If I couldn't think of something to praise, I could always demoralize Potter, and that would make my Didums feel good about himself."
"And later, after Harry got his Hogwarts letter?" coaxed the doctor."
She sighed. "The school years were quiet, just Vernon and myself. I would do my best to be the happy housewife, and made sure to get the post first, in case there was something that would upset him. Summers were horrible. I couldn't wait to be rid of him. Then those horrible people came to our home. It's over a year and I still can't get the lawn back to how it was before."
"The Death Eaters?"
"Magical people!" She said in disgust. "Wizards! They came and practically destroyed my home, fighting right in my own yard! My poor Dudikins was so upset. Then they took 'him'. One of those horrible men from the school, he came and dragged out the 'trash', and I never had to set eyes on Potter again. Well, not until he had the nerve to come to our home and speak to us the way he did. Threatening us with magic if we didn't do what he wanted. Wards indeed! We said no, and just like he said it would, it happened. They came and took my Vernon from me!" She sobbed. "It's HIS fault!! Harry Potter is the one to blame. He should be dead, not my Vernon!" She screamed and collapsed on the floor.
A sedative and some food later (after the potions, the muggle's stomach would need a buffer) the questioning continued, this time with a stronger does of truth serum. She could no longer distort the truth for her own comfort. She may have convinced herself of what she'd said earlier, but now, only truth would pass her lips. They needed to find out if the Dursleys had sold out Harry back when Privet Drive was attacked over a year ago. They were also concerned she was angry enough to get revenge on her nephew. Harry had once joked that if it meant getting rid of him and they were offered the right amount of cash, the Dursley's would gladly hand him over, or at least help his enemies in any way they could.
"Do you believe Harry Potter should be dead?"
"Yes! He destroyed my family."
"How did he do that?"
"He left."
Bewildered, the doctor asked. "You said you wanted Potter out of your house, out of your life, is that true?"
"Yes."
"Then how did his leaving destroy your family?"
"I thought it was his fault the summers were so horrible after he started at that freak school. Then he left for good, but the summer didn't get any better. It was my own godforsaken son that made my life hell. We spoilt the brat so he would know we loved him better, but he didn't turn out so well. He's a spoilt rotten bully, just like his father," she sobbed.
"Was your husband abusive?"
"Yes. He beat the freak constantly. I don't know what Vernon did before they took Potter away the day of the attack. Vernon didn't allow me in the boy's room the last few weeks. Vernon had said the freak had magic food and I needn't worry about feeding him."
"Magic food? Did that sound like a possibility to you?"
"You freaks can magic anything. I think he was getting food from his friends with those godforsaken birds."
"Was Vernon abusive to you or your son?"
"No! He would never hurt his son. He ...he." She paused. "It's Potter's fault. If he were there, Vernon would have a way to get out his aggressions. Then, the freak stopped coming home. Vernon had no one else when he got upset. He would never have hit me if Potter had been there for him. I hear he doesn't even have a job. The good for nothing bum, just like his father."
The doctor, a onetime Auror that had known the Potters through Albus, did all he could to refrain from cursing the woman.
Severus knelt on the floor, waiting for the Dark Lord to address him personally. He rehashed the evening's events in his head. So many things had gone wrong. Vernon should have been home alone. It was a total shock when Petunia Dursley and her son arrived home moments after they stormed the house. They were supposed to have been out for hours. Originally, the plan was to torture dear Vernon and bring him back to the Dark Lord for some real fun. Voldemort had wanted Vernon to be one of Harry Potter's latest visions. Severus had every intention of altering the plan. He was going to make sure Dursley didn't live through the torture. If he didn't make it back to Voldemort, it would keep the whole thing out of Harry's nighttime visions and give Severus the honor of personally taking Vernon's life in retaliation for the years of abuse to Harry.
The problem was that he was getting worried about Harry's reaction. Harry had been angry and upset with his family just before Severus left to see Voldemort. But Severus wasn't too sure whether later, when time had passed and the dust settled, so to speak, Harry would forgive him for taking the life of his despicable Uncle.
Prepared to change the plans once again, Severus was going to make sure Dursley paid for his appalling treatment of Harry. He would administer the Drought of the Living Death, in order to convince the others he'd died from the torture and leave him there. Voldemort would be furious, but Severus had expected that would be the reaction regardless of which plan he acted on. Any time the Dark Lord didn't get precisely what he wanted, there was Hell to pay.
New plan in place, Problem Number Two had been the arrival of Dursley's wife and son. They were subdued easily enough, but Severus couldn't simply give them all a potion to look dead. Problem Number Three was the arrival of two unexpected wizards. Oddly enough, they did take care of Problem Number Two. The wife and kid were out of the way. The only thing that had gone right so far was that Harry was occupied for the night. Severus was hoping Ron would keep him busy, but the redhead had plans. Ron had seemed rather nervous when he mentioned Wednesday. Maybe Ron thought I was hitting on him? Severus almost laughed. It had all worked out in the end. He had Kieran ask Harry to go out, but the young man was already going to some kind of show at Granger's University. If only everything else had gone as planned.
Severus was pulled from his thoughts when the Dark Lord approached. He stopped at Goyle, Sr. who was kneeling beside Severus.
"Goyle." Voldemort's accusatory tone was unnerving. Goyle looked stricken and pale from the night's events. Not waiting to for him to get his bearings, the Dark Lord cast a memory projection spell. The room, while already dim, darkened further, bringing them into total darkness for a few seconds before the scene played out in front of them. Five figures in black robes and masks entered the Dursley home. Voldemort held his wand tip to Goyle's head, causing him to spasm in pain as the scene advanced quickly to the more interesting parts.
In the scene, Severus sidled up to Walden Macnair and spoke quietly into his ear. Macnair looked over at the enormous, quivering muggle, and a twisted smile slid across his face. "Why Severus, I never knew. How creative... Yes, ah... delightful." Macnair looked to be on the verge of climax. "You would allow me this pleasure? I now see how the more common methods would bore you. We are connoisseurs, you and I."
Lucius Malfoy watched silently for a moment. He hadn't seen Severus at work in quite a while. He was curious to see if the Potions Master had gone soft, since he'd managed to avoid the torture scene in lieu of brewing potions. Lucius was aware this could be an act on Snape's part to keep in the Dark Lord's good graces.
The masked Death Eater next to Lucius drifted away. He was familiar with Macnair's methods, and if this were something that one considered 'special', he didn't care to watch. He was only too happy to volunteer to investigate the sudden noise heard from the kitchen. No one paid much attention that he'd not returned right away. Most assumed he'd gone off to 'play' with the two muggles.
Severus declined Lucius' offer to bind the fat flubberworm that squirmed as if having a seizure. He inwardly chuckled at Lucius' description of the contemptible muggle. Severus waved his wand at the hot water pipe. A strip of metal supporting it from the ceiling lowered and wrapped itself around Vernon's massive neck.
"I believe this will hold him in place." Severus slid his finger beneath the metal against the red skin, making eye contact with Vernon. "I thought we'd begin with some muggle techniques, then we could show him how wizards do pain," Severus smirked with an evil grin.
Lucius was so far disappointed in the way things were going, and felt the need to speak up. "A body bind would keep 'it' from wriggling all around. I hope you at least made that sharp," complained Lucius, sliding his hands around Vernon's neck in examination, disappointed by the lack of blood. Vernon, who had long been silenced, could only glare at Lucius for daring to touch him. "Interesting, Severus, it's warm, hot even, near the top. I'd imagine as more hot water went through this pipe, it would scorch him nicely." Lucius gleamed at Severus approvingly. " You're a sick fuck, Snape. Now I remember what I liked about you. Let's see some action."
Severus pointed to the hot water pipe with his wand, giving Vernon a pointed look. "Only a sick fuck would think of something like this," he whispered silkily into Vernon's ear, and cast a spell on the pipe, increasing the temperature. Vernon's eyes grew wide, both at Severus' words and the increased heat coming through the strip of metal wrapped around his neck. As he moved his head, the rolls of fat wrapped over the strip, burning even more of his neck.
Severus stepped back, allowing the other three to have a go at Vernon. It had been a while since he'd taken part in such torture, and even longer since he enjoyed it. He assessed the session with a critical eye. Lucius was particularly brutal, though not that creative. He only enjoyed it for a little while, watching Vernon go from angry to panicked and then terrified to the point of wetting himself. After that, Severus didn't enjoy the look of terror on the man's face. There was a sense of detachment, and a vague awareness of other feelings he did not care to investigate. He could only think of his Harry enduring so many similar punishments from the man. Severus may have stopped enjoying himself, but that didn't stop him from taking out his wrath on the despicable man when it was his turn again. When he wasn't participating, Severus quietly cast 'Legilimens', moving easily through Vernon's thoughts and memories. It was interesting to look through Vernon's mind during the torture, before Lucius cast the third Cruciatus curse on him.
It wasn't hard to find memories of Harry, as the man was blaming his nephew for his current predicament. Seeing the memories of Vernon abusing Harry enraged Severus. He was seeing first-hand where some of Harry's scars came from. Harry may have endured the very painful procedure to remove most of his scars while he recovered from the window incident, but Severus remembered each and every one of them. Although he and Harry didn't speak of each other's scars, he'd mapped out each of them during his exploration of his lover's body. By the end of the evening, Severus had inflicted many of the same injuries on Vernon. Severus grinned an evil grin as he recognized the exact moment the pattern in Severus' torture occurred to Vernon.
As the scene proceeded, Voldemort grew angrier as he saw where his followers went wrong. Macnair had over-indulged himself, pushing Vernon too far. The muggle had started having convulsions, and would have collapsed from heart failure if they'd continued. Severus had forced a potion down Vernon's throat. Within seconds his heart rate leveled out, and Severus criticized Macnair for almost costing the Dark Lord his opportunity to personally see to the man's torture and death.
Severus had been about to slip Vernon the Draught of the Living Death when they heard a commotion. The Death Eaters quickly apparated away from Privet Drive; there had been no time to activate a portkey for Vernon Dursley. The projected scene faded from view when Voldemort barked 'Crucio' at Goyle, Sr. He continued to cast the Cruciatus curse on each of them. He held Macnair under the painful curse the longest, and 'rewarded' Severus by cursing him only half the time as the rest.
When Goyle had recovered somewhat, Voldemort sent him to look for the fifth Death Eater who had disappeared during the evening. Macnair had yet to stop shaking enough to listen coherently, so for the time being he was given no further instructions. Severus, who was suffering from the same curse, still managed to enjoy the sight of Lucius Malfoy sprawled on the floor. The blonde man usually oozed refinement, breeding, and sex appeal, but when thrashing about on the floor, screaming, he was no better than Severus himself.
Having finished his errand for Albus Dumbledore, Ron quickly apparated to the Ministry of Magic to see how Seamus was doing, and to give explanation, as he was sure they'd have a lot of questions in regards to the night's events and how Mrs. Dursley and her son arrived with Seamus at a safe room with Ron's emergency portkey.
Ron convinced a fellow Auror he had met in training to bring word to Harry and escort him to the Ministry building. His Auror friend protested, having no firsthand experience with such a situation. Counselors knew how to broach the subject tactfully and handle emotional breakdowns; they were the ones who dealt with this kind of thing, not nervous Aurors just out of training. Ron, on the other hand, knew the best psych guys were currently with his dad, Arthur Weasley, talking with the Dursleys. He didn't think Harry would be terribly devastated about his uncle's death, in his mind negating the need for immediate counsel. If he could have, he'd've gone to bring Harry himself, but he knew he needed to stay and give report, since he'd in a sense, started the whole thing.
Harry was startled slightly by the sudden appearance of Albus' head in the fire. He explained that something had happened, and that Remus was on his way over to speak with him in person.
"Albus, what is it? It's bad isn't it?" asked Harry with a slight panic in his voice.
"Harry, I am not going to give you this information across the floo. Remus has asked to speak with you, and while I'd like to speak with you personally, I'm afraid I have my hands full at the moment. I am waiting for a report from Severus." He added the last line to reassure Harry his lover was safe, or at least as safe as usual.
Harry had only paced the room a few times when there was a knock at the door. With a flash he was at the door, but his greeting for Remus died on his lips when he saw a stranger there.
"Mr. Harry J. Potter?" confirmed the man no older then Harry himself. Harry immediately recognized the black envelope the man was reading from. In the wizarding world, the only thing worse than a man in a Ministry robe carrying a black envelope was coming home to the Dark Mark hovering in the sky over your house. Both meant horribly bad news. He'd seen a wizard deliver a black envelope to a professor at Hogwarts; she was being informed of a death. When the official arrived, a hush had fallen over the Great Hall. When the Ministry official stopped in front of the Astronomy Professor, she had all but collapsed on the floor, and was quickly escorted out by Albus and Minerva. It was then that Ron explained what had happened. Harry had always assumed that since he had no magical relatives, he wouldn't be on the receiving end of that kind of news.
Harry nodded wordlessly when he realized the man was waiting for an answer.
"Oh, um, of course you are Mr. Potter," stammered the Auror. "I am here, regretfully, to inform you that earlier this evening, there was an attack at your family's residence." He then proceeded to recite the address in an attempt to sound as official as possible. The Ministry wizard had begun to sweat.
"What?" Harry interrupted the wizard from his prepared speech. The man continued to read his long wordy speech from a parchment in his hand, until Harry got aggravated and took it from the man, wrinkling it up. "Just tell me in real words what happened!"
In an attempt to start with the good news, the good news being that his aunt and cousin were OK, the nervous wizard began to explain. "In a great show of bravery, our mutual friend Ron Weasley has saved the lives of your aunt, Petunia Dursley and your cousin, Dudley Dursley."
"Ron? What was Ron doing at Privet Drive?"
"I'm not sure, I saw him tonight in the Critical Care Medical Unit when he asked me to come get you," he explained, before remembering why he was there, and again putting on his practiced voice. "But um, you see I'm afraid that despite his best efforts, Ron was unable to go back in for your uncle, Vernon Dursley," he read the name off the envelope.
"The Critical Care what? What happened to him?" Harry was panicking. He hardly heard the words to understand Vernon could be in trouble. All he could think about was Ron's safety. It didn't occur to the Auror to explain Ron hadn't been one of the patients in the CCMU, but was delivering a message to a doctor there. "Sir, I think you should come with me to the Ministry of Magic, where you can speak to someone who can better answer your questions."
"No, just tell me what happened to him," demanded Harry. He was keeping his face somewhat impassive, but clearly he was getting unnerved.
Taking a deep breath, the Auror explained what had happened. "An Auror teem arrived on site at Privet Drive where Death Eaters had attacked. He was still alive at arrival to the CCMU, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward. I'm very sorry, Mr. Potter," he sighed. Harry was frozen by the misunderstood words. The Auror hadn't actually said it was Vernon that had died; he had assumed that Potter was asking after his family. Harry had been asking about Ron's well being. Unable to get the words resorted in his head, Harry decided he wouldn't panic until he was sure.
"You should come with me to the Ministry of Magic. Now, sir." The young Auror cringed when he realized Harry was in distress. He recognized that Harry was about his own age, and he really wasn't prepared to deal with telling him that he had dead and injured family members.
"The Ministry?" asked a dazed Harry.
"Yes sir, it is um, you may um, visit with the deceased before..." he trailed off. "I really shouldn't be the one explaining this stuff to you, sir. It's just that all the best psychologists on staff are currently working with Arthur Weasley and your family."
Harry froze. The counselor was with Arthur Weasley. His hope for Ron was fading. It made sense they'd run out of counselors, considering how big the Weasley family was. It never even occurred to Harry that the wizard was referring to the Dursley family. The Weasleys were the only people he referred to as such these days. Without a further thought he locked up his home. He hardly paid any attention when the Auror placed the black envelope in his hand and it portkeyed them both to a receptionist at the Ministry of Magic building.
"This is Mr. Potter," said the Auror, looking at the woman and gesturing to the black envelope in his hand. The woman looked up and stood to greet them.
"Mr. Potter, I know this is a difficult time for you and we will do everything in our power to make this process go as smoothly as possible." She was a pleasant looking witch, who spoke with authority, while still seeming kind.
"Thank you," Harry said with his impassive mask only faltering slightly. "He said I could see Ron," his words come out monotone, matching his expression. Harry wouldn't allow himself to think Ron was dead, but he the dread was threatening to overcome him.
"Ronald Weasley?" she asked. Harry nodded dumbly, and the witch checked a chart on her desk. She wrote the name Ronald Weasley on the top of the chart, and waited a moment. Harry leaned over the desk to watch the words form below his name. It was a complete listing of where Ron had been in the building and where he was now. His eyes gazed over the various words, stopping at the last few on the list. Critical Care Medical Unit, the morgue, and then the last place listed was 'Viewing room'. Harry closed his eyes tight, determined to keep his composure in front of these people. He didn't see there were additional words forming, as Ron walked from room to room in the building. Ron was, in reality, at that moment being chastised for sending an inexperienced Auror to pick up Harry.
The witch behind the desk came around and took Harry's arm, leading him to another area. She asked if he wanted to wait for his aunt and cousin, or did he wish to have a private viewing first. Harry was only vaguely aware of the question. When she repeated the question about seeing his aunt and cousin, he shook his head and mumbled he wasn't ready to see them yet. She led him to a room with a small sign that read, 'Vernon Dursley (non-magical)'.
"I will give you some privacy, but feel free to call if you have need for anything. Someone will be right outside the door," she gestured to a small bell on the wall. "I'll go check to see where Ronald is now," she left, gently closing the door.
Harry entered a small room. It was softly lit, with cream-colored walls and glowing sconces giving the room an ethereal feel. There were several chairs and small tables with tissue boxes on them. Finally, there was Vernon Dursley laid out on an odd piece of furniture Harry had never seen the likes of before. What had the young Auror said? Harry asked himself. Ron had saved his aunt and cousin, but couldn't help Vernon? Did Ron die trying to save that bastard? Harry rounded the soft table-like structure his uncle was on. The large man was dressed in his best suit, looking a little too peaceful. Harry was seeing something, but wasn't sure what. He thought perhaps it was glamour of some sort he could detect, but didn't care enough to see what it was they were hiding about his uncle's appearance. His angry thoughts of Ron dying for this man were building at a frightening rate. In front of others, Harry had held his emotions in, but now, alone...
"See what you did!" demanded Harry, yelling at the deceased Vernon. "You had to be so bloody thick-headed! No, you didn't want 'magic' on your house to protect you from this. You lousy, rotten bastard!" Harry had gripped the lapels of Vernon's jacket and was shaking him. His lifeless body merely jostled, it could give no protest. Defeated, Harry paced the floor, thoughts of Ron flooding his mind. Ron, his best friend, who had so much life ahead of him. Thoughts of the Weasley family and how they would react to the loss came to mind. Thoughts of Hermione, how he was sure Ron and she would have gotten engaged this year, and had a bunch of their own little redheads running around in a few years' time. Harry was near hyperventilating, but refused to allow his emotions to get the better of him. What had Severus and Kieran taught him? 'Maintain his cool until he knew for sure what was going on.' Harry could feel his emotions boiling close to the surface. He gulped, an intake of breath that sounded suspiciously like a sob. Harry was determined he would keep his cool, knowing the witch would return soon, but thoughts of Ron returned tenfold.
Outside of the soundproofed viewing room, a few wizards were casting containment spells on the room. "Isn't this room already secured for a magical release?" asked one wizard.
"Yes, but I hear Potter was in bad shape when he got in, and his powers are rumored to be in the same league as Albus Dumbledore, when he was that age."
"He's not as powerful as Dumbledore," argued the first wizard.
"Not yet," the other replied simply, and continued to cast the containment spell.
Before the first wizard could respond, he shuddered as he felt a wave of magic slam into the barrier they'd been constructing. The door into the room where Harry was vibrated then split, a large crack appearing right through the thick wood. Their hair blew up and back as the two wizards felt the backlash of magic, as if a great storm had blown through the building.
One irate psychiatrist was currently berating Ronald Weasley. "What were you thinking, sending in a first year Auror to deliver an official 'Black Envelope'?" he demanded. He had been informing Arthur Weasley about Mrs. Dursley's state of mind when he'd heard what Ron had done. "To Harry Potter, no less!"
"You spoke to his aunt, you know how they are. I didn't think he'd be that upset and I didn't want to pull you away from what you were doing," explained Ron. "How did he react when you told him?" asked Ron, turning to the wizard who had run the errand, fetching Harry for him. The young Auror winced and looked down at his shoes. Seeing his reaction, Ron grimaced
The psychiatrist let out a sigh. "I would like to know what to expect before I speak with Mr. Potter. If you don't mind?" he asked the Auror, aiming a wand toward his head. He then explained that he would like to view the scene, either in a pensieve or using a projection spell. Of course, he was giving the wizard the choice only to be respectful, both knew there were no pensieves available to them on such short notice. Ron, his father, and the other two wizards were silent as they watched the scene at Harry's doorstep from earlier that evening.
"He was more upset about his uncle than you expected," stated the young Auror as the scene came to a close. But Ron, knowing Harry as well as he did, realized what had happened.
"No, you idiot! He thinks I'm dead!" roared Ron, and was out the door before the others had a chance to register what Ron had said. Ron ran full speed on his way to the viewing room. He only faltered for a moment when he passed by the witch who had been looking for him on Harry's behalf.
As Ron rounded the last corner, he felt the wave of magic as it surged though air like a current. Ron tried to open the door to the viewing room, only to cause the crack to deepen, almost causing the door to split in two. When he did manage to open it, Harry was standing in the far corner of the room with his arms folded across his chest. He was looking as if he was in total control. His face was impassive, but his red-rimmed eyes betrayed his emotions.
Harry watched the door open and saw several people in the hall, and then a familiar redhead approached him. "Ron?" he questioned uncertainty, cursing his cracking voice.
"Yeah, Har' it's me," replied Ron, his own voice cracked. It occurred to Ron that Harry had been upset enough to do a substantial amount of damage to the room with the uncontrolled magical release, in addition to breaking through some very powerful containment charms, and yet he seemed to be doing his level best to control himself. Despite his friend's distress, Ron couldn't help but feel a little honored by Harry's reaction to his supposed death.
Harry looked Ron over several times, convincing himself that his best friend was in fact standing there and looking as healthy as usual, or at the very least, not dead. Harry didn't remember moving, but the next moment he was standing in front of Ron, firmly grasping his shoulders, confirming to his frazzled brain that his friend was really there, safe and sound.
"God, Ron," sobbed Harry. He kept the tears at bay, but in a great hug, nearly squeezed the breath out of his friend. A wave of relief came over him as he shook with emotion.
"Har, I'm sorry. I never should have sent that guy. I didn't think you'd be real freaked about your uncle, and I didn't have the patience to wait for the official head shrink." click
Harry gave Ron's shoulders one more squeeze before backing up a step, facing him. "It's alright, mate." Harry looked over at Vernon's body. "He's really dead? I can hardly believe it." They stepped closer to the body to take a look. Ron closed the door to the viewing room, giving them privacy from the others in the hall.
"How do you feel? I mean, are you upset, relieved..." asked Ron tentatively.
"I think I'm still in shock. I don't know what I feel," he admitted. "Did you hear a click earlier?"
"Yeah, but I didn't want to ruin the moment."
Harry rolled his eyes at his obnoxious friend whom he loved dearly; still relieved he was living.
Ron snorted. "Should we track it down? Do you care?" asked Ron. They were familiar with the 'click' sound of a camera.
Harry shook his head 'no'. "Let 'em make their money selling my picture. I don't care," he said honestly. He'd stopped worrying about his lack of privacy a long time ago. Though he would rather Sev didn't see him looking so pathetic. "What happened tonight?" he asked, referring to the attack on his 'family'.
"Well, Seamus and me..." Ron began, and explained it all to Harry.
After hearing all the details Ron could remember of the story, Harry thanked his friend for going on the inane mission to scare the Dursley family, and for the heroism he showed by saving who he could. He was still in a state of shock, unsure of how he felt about Vernon. He couldn't help but feel for Dudley. He could barely stand his cousin, but losing a parent, he understood. Having Sirius die, Harry knew what his cousin would be feeling. Harry had yet to give thought to his aunt. One thing Harry was sure of, he wanted out of that room.
"Ready?" asked Ron before he opened the door. Harry took a deep breath and nodded. He knew there would be a group of people on the other side of the door and he didn't want to deal with any of this. When the door did open, Harry was relieved to see Remus Lupin standing there. Ignoring the Ministry employees, Harry greeted Remus.
"I totally forgot you were on your way to my place when I got word," explained Harry. Remus waved him off.
"That's not important," Remus said with outstretched arms. He gave Harry a brief hug and continued to hold one shoulder with a firm, supportive grip. Harry found the gesture surprisingly comforting. "Mr. Weasley has secured a room for us where we can speak freely," explained Remus as he ushered Harry in the direction of Arthur Weasley.
Once seated in a room deemed secure and soundproof, Remus spoke.
"Harry, before I begin, I need to know where to start. I hate to have to ask, but I must. Did you know about the attack before you were approached by the Ministry agent?" he asked formally.
"No," Harry answered honestly. He quickly registered why Remus would ask such a thing. "Severus," he said aloud, not necessarily meaning to do so. "Is he, did he..." Harry trailed off, not sure which question he was asking.
Fortunately, Remus understood, and continued, "I didn't think you knew, but I had to ask, you understand." He continued when Harry gave an understanding nod. "Severus was summoned just after the day's classes ended. He hasn't returned as of yet." Remus raised a hand to stall Harry's outburst. "We have information from another spy. He's not very high ranking, but was able to gather a small amount of intelligence. He confirms one fatality. Our spy could not discover the identity of the Death Eater, but was told his body had been delivered to his wife and family." Remus handed Harry a cup of tea and continued. "A potion vial containing 'Draught of the Living Death' was found at the scene. It bears the markings of Snape's personal stores. It would be safe to assume Severus was indeed part of a group that went to Privet Drive earlier this evening. We don't know if he intended to use the potion on your uncle as a way of keeping him alive or not. We have no way of knowing anything for sure until we speak with him."
"Ron said the Death Eaters had left before they could be apprehended. So how was one of them killed? I can't imagine Vernon could give much of a fight against a group of wizards. He gets winded after throwing a couple punches." Harry had looked up to Ron and missed the sad expressions on Arthur and Remus' faces. They hated that Harry had first-hand experiences with Vernon's violence. "Do you think they fought amongst themselves? What if they found out Sev's a spy?"
"Don't get too worked up, Harry. If Snape were found out, our other spy would have heard more. Right now, the biggest news from them is the one death."
Ron sat quietly. He remembered Snape having asked him what he was doing Wednesday night. He'd mentioned something about keeping Harry busy, but nothing else. He decided not to share this with the others. He would talk to Snape if he could manage it, but he wasn't sure he wanted to tell them Snape had known it was going to happen and didn't warn anyone. Ron couldn't help but think Snape had done what everyone else had always talked about in jest. Revenge on Vernon, Death Eater style.
Severus stirred his potion under the watchful eye of his hated apprentice. He knew Voldemort was keeping him there doing potions to keep him out of Dumbledore's hands as long as possible. Severus continued with is the potion, not bothering to look up when his apprentice startled as the door slammed open.
"It appears I may have underestimated your evaluation of the Potter brat, Sseverusss," hissed Voldemort. "Big news today. The Daily Prophet has even sent out a second edition."
Severus took the proffered paper. The headlines in bold text read; "The Boy Who Lived" now dubbed "The Boy who outlived more of his family". Snape ignored the text in favor of the large photograph. He was utterly shocked to see Harry wrapped in Weasley's arms, quaking with emotion. The caption beneath the photo read, 'Potter, grieving the loss of his uncle, is comforted by his friend and lover, Ronald Weasley'.
Had Snape not been so concerned for Harry, he would have laughed at what a hard time his lover was going to have calming Ron down after seeing the caption under the photo. Ron was starting to grow on him. He couldn't help but watch the picture again. His shoulders shaking, Harry looked absolutely grief-stricken as he held Ron tightly. Oh hell.
" Sseverusss, I have to admit it, Potter's a lot more mentally disturbed than I gave him credit for. This man nearly killed him, yet he mourns for the filthy muggle. Potter's more guilt riddled than I could have guessed. It shouldn't surprise me the same muggle-loving fool that kept him in that house all those years wouldn't think to get the brat therapy. This is all very good, Sseverusss. Now that the boy's got his mind occupied, he should be an easy target. Shame I didn't get to use the uncle for a few visions, but we wouldn't want to send the boy over the edge just yet, now would we? My, this may make him even more entertaining than I'd guessed." The evil laugh was enough for Severus to close his eyes from the headache he was about to get.
Albus Dumbledore took a short break from his many meetings to apparate into Harry's home. He opened the floo, allowing Molly and her family access. She had begun to prepare the meal for when Harry returned with Ron and Arthur. She'd already made several dishes for Harry's freezer for the next few days. Ginny and Hermione tidied up the apartment, while Fred and George were on owl duty. They sat by open windows, inspecting the many pieces of mail that were pouring in from friends and strangers alike, all sending their condolences for Harry's loss. Occasionally a suspicious piece of mail was banished. Then the newspaper arrived. The twins thought it rather late in the day to get a paper.
"I don't know, Mum. Are you sure Dad told you Harry was taking things rather well?" asked Fred
"It doesn't look that way in this picture," George added.
Hermione quickly read over the headlines, and covered her mouth at the sight of her distraught friend. None of them noticed the other, small headline in the lower right-hand corner with a picture of Vincent Crabbe, Sr.
The Patriarch of the Crabbe family was found dead in his garden earlier today, after succumbing to a fatal snakebite. Many will mourn Vincent Crabbe, Sr., a proud father from a long line of pureblood wizards.
Chapter End Notes
Thanks for your patients and occasional death threats.
DETAH 54 - Guess Whos Coming to Dinner
Chapter Notes
Most HP facts checked at Lexicon
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Fantastic beta by Xikum
In a staff room, Arthur Weasley and his friend the psychiatrist waited for word from higher authority on what to do next with the Dursleys.
"I tell you, Arthur, I have never met a more disagreeable person in my life. It's really saying something that I, a doctor, want to hex an unarmed woman."
Arthur Weasley nodded, sipping his tea. "A few of the boys and I picked up Harry at his home some three or four years ago." He shook his head at the memory of bursting through the Dursley's boarded up fireplace. "Didn't go very well," he added.
"Not surprising, with her aversion to magic." The door suddenly opened with great force. Arthur immediately recognized the Muggle Relations specialist, who bore a look of panic.
"We have a problem!" she yelled even before the door was fully open.
It didn't take long to figure out which direction to go. Dudley's voice could be heard bawling throughout the whole place.
"What did you freaks do to my mum?!" he bellowed with enough force to have made Vernon proud. Petunia was on the floor twitching. From the corner of her mouth, fizzing blue foam oozed down the side of her face. The doctor was quickly given a chart to read through.
"What did you use to check for magical ability?" he asked the assistant who had administered the calming potions and truth serums.
"Mrs. Dursley filled out all the forms and had checked off the box stating she and her son were muggles. Before giving the potion I did a quick scan for magical signature, and found none."
"She's a squib," said a voice behind them. Albus Dumbledore had arrived moments earlier. "If you'd done a simple Hengist visual test, you would have seen that." The assistant paled when he realized he'd given a potion that was specially formulated for muggles to Petunia Dursley, and had caused a severe reaction. Immediately, they gave Petunia the necessary potions to counter her reaction to the previous ones, then sent her to St. Mungo's for further treatment and observation.
"Hengist?" asked the young assistant, "I know I've heard that name before..." he muttered, scratching his head.
"He's got his name on a wizard card," Albus offered helpfully. The assistant's face lit up as he suddenly remembered.
Albus pulled a wrapped lemon drop from his pocket and waved his wand over it, but the move apparently had no effect. "Tell me, Dudley," Albus asked in a tone that had a bit of magic behind it and calmed Dudley considerably, "what do you see in my hand?"
Dudley looked around the room, seeing all eyes were on him, blinked a few times and said, "an old candy wrapper." A few people recognized what he'd done. Everyone else in the room saw the candy, but Dudley, who had no magic, could only see what Albus wanted him to. It was the same spell that made Hogwarts look like a mouldering ruin to any muggle.
Harry had just finished signing his name to what seemed like a myriad of forms and documents when Albus joined him. He soon found himself being lead right back into the secure room where he'd spoken to Remus. Now he, Remus and Albus were waiting silently for the clerk who escorted them to leave the room. Harry wasted no time to question the new development.
"Remus said when I finished with the forms, we would wait for you back at my place. Can we go now?" He desperately wanted out of there; he did not care in the least that he sounded like an impatient child while speaking to Albus.
"Something has come up that we need to discuss," Albus began slowly. Harry recognized the serious tone and the apologetic expression on the elder wizard's face. "Your aunt has taken ill and was taken to St. Mungo's. She will be fine in a few days time."
"and..." Harry knew there had to be an 'and' or Albus wouldn't look so grave.
"Your cousin cannot return home alone, having just lost one parent and the other now in an unfamiliar wizarding facility."
"No," Harry said quietly, but firmly. "I will not step foot into that house again." He was hurt that Albus would even mention such a thing.
"I would not ask that of you Harry," nor would Severus allow it, thought Albus. "I'm sure he will spend most his time with his mother, but he cannot stay there overnight. With the exception of a select few, most people here think the Dursleys are your loving family, and assume that you will take your cousin in for this time. I merely wanted you to know that I will have Minerva bring him to and from St. Mungo's to see his mother, and that he will be staying with her for the next two days."
Harry shook his head 'no' before voicing it, needing to have some control over this situation. School was in session; staying with Minerva meant staying at Hogwarts. "Do I have a say in this?"
"Of course," assured Albus, sincerely.
"He can stay with me," said Harry, expressing little to no emotion.
"Harry, I don't want you to think I'm manipulating you into something you don't want to do. We both know the press will be all over this, but there is no reason for you to put yourself into a situation you are not comfortable with. I only mention it because I know how you feel about knowing what is going on with your family when it may effect you."
"What I'm not comfortable with, is that ..." Harry bit his lip to keep from saying the chosen adjective to describe is cousin. "I don't want him staying at Hogwarts," in my home. Hogwarts was his first real home that he could remember. It was a place he could go when he needed to feel safe. He tried to sort his confusion. The new flat was his home, too, but it didn't feel the same. And while Dudley would be staying with Minerva in a different part of the castle, it would still be too close.
Albus understood, knowing full well Harry would take in his cousin, but also that Harry needed to make that decision himself.
Harry was grateful when, while preparing to return to his flat with his cousin, Remus offered to join them. An additional person would help keep the peace. Harry wasn't sure if Dudley was given a potion or spelled to be calm, or maybe he was still in a state of shock. Harry himself was still acting on autopilot to some extent.
Remus, Harry and Dudley arrived in front of 'Jennings Antique Shoppe', Harry sighed just thinking about his cousin invading his space.
"What are we doing here?" asked Dudley
"This is where I live," Harry was about to lead them around back to where the steps were when Dudley pressed his face against the glass window to have a look inside the shop.
"In a store?" he snarled incredulously. Harry was sure he heard his cousin mutter 'freak'.
"No," Harry began with an even tone. "I live above the store. Look, Dudley, I know this has pretty much been your worst day ever, and I'll make sure you're safe, but..." Harry paused to make sure he was looking his cousin in the eye before he continued with a stern tone. "While you are in my home, you will be respectful to me and my friends."
Harry had matured a lot since Dudley saw him last. He wasn't used to Harry's calm, no-nonsense tone of voice. The only people that spoke to him like that were his professors at Smeltings. He cared for them about as much as he did his 'freak' cousin. He was grumbling and moaning about the long flight of stairs when they reached the top and stopped again. Dudley looked up in exasperation to see Harry's hand paused on the doorknob.
"You will be polite and respectful, or you will be... asleep," Harry had to refrain from using his original choice of words. Before Dudley could reply, Harry held up a hand to silence him. "Do you hear something?" he directed his whispered question to Remus.
"Albus opened your floo for Molly," explained Remus. On opening the door, Harry found it very comforting to come home to find the air permeated with the scent of fresh baked bread. It was heartwarming to find his friends had come, cooked food, and cleaned up. Harry had no experience with this sort of thing, but he'd read something about it in his Wizarding Culture class, yet a book could never truly explain some things.
They'd been at the Ministry building for so long and never once thought about food, but now that he was home, suddenly surrounded by comforting friends and great smells, his appetite returned tenfold.
When Harry finally made it through to the kitchen in a daze, hardly remembering what he said to whom, Molly wrapped her arms around him. After a great squeeze she released him, only to look him over critically.
"Harry, you look positively exhausted," she exclaimed.
Feeling about as good as he looked, Harry plopped down in a kitchen chair, gladly accepting a large glass of pumpkin juice. Introductions were made, and Molly quickly had Dudley sitting down to a huge plate of food. He wondered if she would have treated his cousin so kindly had he not just lost his father. Probably not. Once they explained to Dudley there was no Coke to drink in the house, and the orange colored juice was safe, he settled down and tucked in.
Once fully fed, and having not been hexed, Dudley was more comfortable with his surroundings. "So, this is where you live," he looked around disdainfully. "Is it true what Mum says? You don't have a job?"
Tired, and not in the mood, Harry didn't feel the need to explain training and building a house to his cousin. Instead he took a sip of his pumpkin juice, glancing back at Dudley with an expression of disgust. He could point out that Dudley hadn't a job either, but then he was still in school, having to repeat the last year. No, Harry was too mature for verbal sparring with Dudley, who was in over his head even if he was too ignorant to realize it.
"Maybe if you had a job, you wouldn't have to live in a dump like this." The spell hit him before the smug look crossed his face. The reverberation of the massive body hitting the floor quickly got everyone's attention from the other room.
"What the bloody Hell was that?" shouted Fred as he flew into the room. Their mother was drying a dish as if nothing had happened. If anyone were to take a closer look at her seemingly passive face, one could see a small smile curling her lips. Harry stepped over the huge mass on his floor and exited the kitchen. When he heard Molly asking the twins to levitate the sleeping muggle to another room, Harry called out, "anywhere, but Not on my bed." With a sigh, he sank into the sofa and wondered where Ron had gone.
As if on cue, Ron and Hermione arrived by floo, entering the room. Harry stood up to greet them, almost falling back down when Hermione hugged him fiercely the moment she entered. "I'm so sorry," he heard her say softly. "Are you holding up all right?"
Harry shrugged. "It was nice to come home to a house full of friendly faces. I wanted to just chill out, but I don't think that would have been too easy with just my cousin here. I'm happy to have people around to help me keep my head."
"Dudley? Here?" stammered Hermione. Ron looked equally shocked.
"Yeah, it seems my aunt has been keeping her own dirty little secret all these years. She had a violent reaction to the potions that were made especially for muggles." Harry grinned as he watched Hermione working through this new information. "She's a squib," he added helpfully.
"You're having us on," said an amused Ron. "That's rich, and to think she always called you the freak," he laughed heartily.
"She'll spend a few days at St. Mungo's getting sorted out. Meanwhile, I got Dudley Dearest," said Harry sarcastically.
The twins wandered over from where they'd been speaking with Remus a moment earlier. "Harry, Remus told us about what happened at the Ministry," Fred began.
"We'd be right devastated if anything happened to ickle Ronnie here. We're just glad you had your lover there to comfort you," mused George. Harry looked at them curiously as Fred held up the newspaper he'd hid behind his back.
Hermione watched on as Harry and Ron read the headline and the caption beneath the photo of the two of them in an emotional embrace. "What?" she pleaded, wanting to know what was in the newspaper. "Ron, are you OK?" she questioned when his ears turned red and the paper began to shake in his hands.
"Bloody Hell!" Ron crumpled the paper and tossed it into the fire, but it bounced back into the room, leaving a soot trail on the floor, when Mr. Weasley suddenly arrived by floo. Hermione quickly snatched it up to read, a giggle breaking out despite herself. "We should've chased 'im down, the bastard!" Ron angrily ranted about the photographer who took their picture. "No one could have gotten in there, so it had to be an employee making an extra galleon," Ron continued to rant about the comments he would have to endure when he got back to work. The twins were laughing so hard they were leaning on each other for support.
Hermione took the opportunity to sit down with Harry so they could talk.
"Looks like the next couple of days are going to be difficult," Hermione said softly.
"Yeah," Harry sighed. "It'll take at least three days before Ron calms down, and the twins will be relentless," he said casually.
Hermione scowled. "You know I wasn't talking about Ron," she chided. "How are you holding up?"
"I feel like I'm at the movies watching all this and it's not real," he said honestly. "I still can't get my mind around the fact that Vernon is dead. I was so wrecked when I thought it was Ron. After that, I was just so relieved I couldn't manage to feel much else. Plus, I was so mad at Vernon for having caused Ron's death that now I can hardly feel bad for him."
He wanted to see Severus, but wasn't going to say so. He noticed his lover's name had not come up and didn't want to breach that conversation. He'd promised Severus in the past that he would not jump to conclusions before talking to him. He didn't want to repeat what happened when he thought Severus had raped Ron. A voice in his head was insisting that no matter what Severus had to say, Vernon would still be dead. He still wasn't too sure how he felt about that. While Harry pondered Severus, Hermione was thinking about what Harry said about getting stuck with Dudley.
"Where is he?"
"Who, Sev?"
"No, your cousin. Is he here?"
Harry nodded. "I'm not sure where they put him." Harry glanced at the twins, who were running from an irate Ron. "I guess I should go see," he gestured for her to follow as he walked into his bedroom. "There he is." He pointed to Dudley, having found him easily enough. He was asleep, propped up against the wall in the corner of the bedroom. "Hermione, meet Dudley Dursley." Harry was amused to see what the twins had done. It looked as if they had hit him with a 'Petrificus Totalus' and set him aside like an old broom.
Grateful she didn't have to meet Dudley awake just yet, Hermione frowned at the sight of Harry's long time tormentor. "I suppose I wouldn't have wanted him on my bed, either." She commented regarding his position, "Dare I ask why he's been hexed?"
"Not hexed, just um... sort of sleeping," grinned Harry. "He was being an ass." Harry offered no further explanation.
Hermione held up a hand when she saw Harry had raised his wand. "I don't think you should wake him standing up. He'd probably freak, and then you'd have to help him when he lost his balance and fell, not to mention he'd probably break something, considering how big he is," she contemplated. Harry was going to protest the lack of breakable items nearby, but realized she was probably referring to Dudley himself.
"OK, but not on my bed," he replied adamantly.
As Harry went about waking his cousin, Severus, miles away, went about getting the Hell out of Death Eater Central.
"Severus," spoke a silky voice that could only be a Malfoy. "It's been quite a while since you came by Malfoy Manor, and Narcissa has been asking after you. Do come by for a drink; I've recently come across a special vintage I'm sure you'll enjoy."
Severus wanted nothing more than to fall onto his bed and sleep for a week. "Lucius, you've been here as long as I have," he looked at his watch. "I wish to be sociable about as much as you likely wish to be entertaining right about now. Call me tomorrow," He finished and turned to walk away, but didn't get far before Lucius again insisted he join him for a drink. There was a distressed look in Lucius' eyes that both surprised him and told Severus their conversation had to be continued someplace private. With a defeated sigh, Severus followed Lucius to Malfoy Manor.
Two hours later, an exhausted Severus emptied his third glass. "I'll do this for you Lucius, but when the time comes for you to return the favor, you will do so without hesitation." Severus stated firmly. Lucius gave a compliant nod, and saw Severus to the door.
It was quite late, and despite the fact Severus was sure Harry would be asleep, he had to go see his lover. If for nothing else than to acknowledge the situation with a promise of them sitting to talk as soon as they were well rested. Thinking back to the picture in the paper, Severus couldn't help but notice Harry had been holding his friend desperately. The same way Harry held him after returning from a Death Eater meeting. Harry would squeeze him tight to keep him there, as if letting go would mean losing him. He trusted Harry enough not to be concerned, but couldn't help the pang of jealousy for not being the one to comfort his love.
Harry sat at his kitchen table with a headache. Everyone had gone home, with the obvious exception of Dudley. Even if he wanted to, Harry didn't think he could sleep with the snoring his cousin was doing. Hagrid didn't snore that loud. He wanted nothing else but to go flying and release some stress, but Harry knew he couldn't leave Dudders alone. Instead, he climbed into a hot shower. The water stream was noisy as Harry had spelled the water to pulse harder, but he could still hear the great snores emanating from the sitting room. He considered a silencing charm, and then decided not only didn't he want to hear or be heard; he didn't want to be disturbed in the least. Concentrating hard, Harry spelled a protective sphere around the shower. It was excessive, he knew that, but was feeling he desperately needed some personal space. Only a disruption in the wards would alert him.
Since Severus had been included in the warding, there had been no disturbance when he Apparated into the bedroom. Hearing the sound of cutting wood, he stealthily moved into the doorway to see who was sleeping in the sitting room. Severus hadn't remembered any of Harry's friends snoring so loudly in the past. It did, however, disturb him to realize that he actually knew that information. Had he really gotten that close to Harry's friends to know who snored and who did not? His lips curled at the memory of Hermione coming back to Hogwarts early to find him sleeping in her bed during 'the holiday' as he referred to the time when he was a teen with Harry.
In his investigation, Severus noticed that while there were no sounds coming from the bathroom, the steam escaping from beneath the gap under the door gave away Harry's location. Severus wasn't sure if Harry knew he'd come in. He'd been getting a bit lax in his home since the wards were so incredibly strong, but still, Harry usually recognized the shift in magic when Severus Apparated in.
When a tap on the door earned no response, Severus slowly opened the door. A wall of mist washed over him as the steam escaped through the partially open door. Harry stood under the hot stream of water. His forearms were on the wall, his crossed wrists serving as a cushion on which he rested his head, remaining motionless.
Severus continued to watch, wondering how long Harry had been in there. He knew he should have made his presence known, but feared the problems that were sure to arise in their relationship. If Harry didn't forgive him, he would at least have these few minutes to watch his love, even if it was something as mundane as taking a shower.
Harry eventually peeled himself off the shower wall with a sigh, and began to wash his hair. His mind replayed the latest events over and over. Exhausted, he just wanted to be in his bed, wrapped in Sev's arms. He didn't want to think about he possibility that Severus may not have been only playing the part of Death Eater spy, but had intentionally killed his uncle in retaliation. No, he would think about that later. He desperately wished he could wake up from all this and have it just be another of many bad dreams. In his mind, Harry imagined he was showering to get ready to see his love. Or better yet, that his love was in there with him.
Severus watched, he eyes widening slightly as the simple washing seemed to take a sensual turn. Harry's soapy hand lingered longer than necessary washing his nipples. Slowly, the other hand slid languidly down his sides, pausing at the hip to slide along the well-developed muscle that angled in to seemingly disappear beneath the mass of curly dark hair surrounding his semi-erect member.
In the steam-filled room, Harry didn't see the tall, dark form of Severus leaning against the doorframe, enjoying the scene before him. Harry's mind raced through one memory to the next as he fantasized about his lover. His cock sprang to life at the memory of Severus slamming him against the wall in the Potions room. The scene quickly changed to the night they'd had sex on his broom in the sitting room.
It had been Harry's birthday party when Severus had glided over to him, standing so close he could feel the word as Sev spoke. "Exquisite," his voice, a warm breath on his neck, lips brushed against his earlobe, causing Harry to shiver.
In the shower, Harry shivered at the memory. He slowly stoked his soapy member, thinking about how shocked and excited he'd been when Severus had summoned his broom that night.
"Accio broom," purred Sev with a gleam in his eye. Harry held the broom when it was placed in his hands. He was instructed to call the broom 'up', but only to lean over the long, polished shaft for now. Standing beside him, Severus held him in place with one hand on his hip, while the other pulled up the sleek black robes until a nice firm arse was slightly exposed. He'd changed into his new black quidditch robes, choosing not to wear anything else beneath the silk lined layers.
Harry had stood breathless, leaning over the broom, clasping the handle tight as Sev prepared him. For only a brief moment did he wonder where it was that Severus got the lubricant? The thought was quickly lost when a second finger was added. "Mount your broom," said Severus breathily. Harry did so, obediently.
Back in reality, Harry increased his speed from the leisurely pace he'd been stoking himself. The shower continued to fill with steam as his memory of the great night of sex jumped past the part when Sev stripped and stepped a long leg over the broom to join him. Severus had to keep from moaning as he watched the delicious scene. He thought he heard Harry mutter 'mount me'.
Harry moaned as he remembered the feeling of magic pulsing from the broom pressing against his hardness as Severus thrust into him with one swift motion. He'd have wriggled, but was afraid of falling off the broom. Severus had then placed his hands firmly on Harry's hips, keeping his balance for him. Taking advantage of the new, secure position, he had wriggled and squeezed, attempting to get the man to move. When Sev did finally begin, it was with slow and steady stokes, while they adjusted to the balance.
Severus then hooked one foot under the sofa, securing him to the floor. "Fly higher," he instructed while continuing the steady pace. Harry pulled up on the handle, causing the broom to raise only a bit before it met the resistance and angled up in front from Severus holding them down in back. Harry groaned as the broom started to shimmy. "Higher," he heard Severus growl in his ear.
The broom vibrated in protest as he pulled up on the handle. Harry let out a yell from the sensation in addition to Severus quickening the pace, pounding into him mercilessly. Harry could feel Sev's hand fumbling through the folds of his robe. At first he thought Sev was going to stoke him to completion as he'd done so many times in the past. To his surprise, a long, slender hand wrapped around both his dripping cock and the broom handle. Harry let out a shout as Severus' other hand pulled the handle up further, causing the vibration to intensify. Only the arms wrapped around him kept Harry from tumbling off the broom as every fiber of his being was overwhelmed by the sensations. He screamed with the intensity of his orgasm, squeezing Sev inside him so hard Sev couldn't hold out a moment longer himself.
In Harry's steamy shower, he came with far less enthusiasm than he did in his thoughts of that night, but was sated nonetheless. He wished he could cuddle with his Sev like he did after the sex they'd had on the broom. With a sigh, he turned off the water, wishing he had long arms wrapped around him. He didn't know how close he came to having his wish, since Severus was about to let his presence be known, but unfortunately someone else discovered Sev's presence first.
With the protective sphere Harry had put up, he didn't hear his cousin scream, but was immediately made aware of an unsettling of the wards. Apparently, Dudders was attempting to leave. Harry sprang from the shower, towel low around his hips, wand held firmly in hand. There stood Severus trying his best not to hex the crazed boy who was desperately pulling on the door handle to get out. With the sounds back, Harry winced at the loud whine his cousin managed to voice.
"Potter! He's one of them! Save us!" screamed Dudley.
Harry did his best to calm his cousin, but there was no speaking with him, he was too hysterical. Exasperated, Harry turned in Severus' direction, shouting, "Don't come any closer!" he concentrated on a spell with all his might. Severus recognized the spell Harry shouted and decided to play along. He gasped as if in pain and crumbled to the floor before disappearing with a pop.
Dudley calmed down enough for Harry to convince him to return to the sofa and relax, never noticing the calming spell Harry cast on him. As Harry explained he'd banished the bad man away, Severus kept from laughing while waiting in the bedroom where Harry had sent him.
"Where did you learn that spell?" asked an amused Severus when Harry came into the bedroom. It was an impressive spell, a show of power to actually force a person to Apparate, even a short distance.
Harry grinned at his lover. "Remember 'the holiday' when you, me and Ron were having a water fight?" asked Harry, chuckling. "When the holiday was over, I begged Albus to teach me the spell he'd used to dump you into the lake." Harry sighed when he found himself held tight in Sev's strong arms.
"I never meant to cause you so much grief," Severus said softly in his ear. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you needed comfort."
"What do you mean?" the words were muffled from Sev's robes.
"I saw the picture of you in the paper. The one with your 'lover' comforting you in your time of sorrow," the words were slightly sarcastic, to show he didn't actually think for a minute Harry and Ron Weasley were lovers.
"Saw that, did you?" he asked sheepishly. "Long story, one I'm not getting into now. I need sleep. I can't even tell you how many hours I've been up." It occurred to Harry the same was true for Severus, and he didn't want to think about all of Severus' activities right then. He looked up from his lover's chest, not wanting to move, knowing he was avoiding big issues, but not wanting things to change. "We really need to talk," he said sadly.
"I know," admitted Severus. "I knew it was very late, and you wouldn't be up for a serious conversation, but I had to at least come by with a promise of speaking with you as soon as you're ready and available. I wasn't sure if you'd want me here or not. I couldn't stay away any longer, leaving you to wonder."
Harry tensed in his arms. He'd been trying not to think the worst, but Severus was sounding guiltier by the minute. He knew he was far too exhausted to rationally have the talk they needed to have. His thoughts about the possibilities of what Severus had actually done and the feeling of being comforted in the man's arms and feeling aroused by the man's breath on the top of his head, were conflicting to say the least.
"So, you didn't come here to talk yet, just to sort of, check in?"
"Yes," he answered softly.
"And you weren't being at all selfish, getting to spend time with me now, knowing I may be upset with you later." Harry spoke as if it were a matter of fact, an ever so slight note of sarcasm in his tone.
Severus was impressed; Harry didn't usually read him so well when he was upset. He tensed, allowing some space between them.
"You're not going to leave, are you?" whispered Harry. Severus relaxed and exhaled the breath he'd not noticed he was holding.
"No, not if you don't wish it," he replied, holding Harry closer.
Harry snuggled close to the warm body spooning him. He, too, could be selfish, accepting the comfort Severus bestowed him, knowing they still had to get through some big issues.
No one would begrudge him a good night's sleep. He drifted off, convincing himself he wasn't avoiding the issue.
The spell on Dudley wore off after a few hours, but he continued to sleep soundly on the sofa-transfigured bed. Harry had not slept so well as his earlier relaxed form would have indicated. It wasn't long before his thoughts invaded his dreams.
When Harry stopped tossing and turning for a while, Severus disentangled himself, and headed for the loo. At the sight of the now dry shower, Severus felt his cock twitch at the memory of Harry pleasuring himself, disappointed the oaf of a muggle interrupted just as he was going to join his lover in the shower. Leaning one hand against the wall for balance as he relieved his bladder, Severus thought back to a recent conversation with Harry. It seemed that due to all the time they must spend apart since school was in session, Harry had been thinking up intriguing fantasies while pleasuring himself. Severus was seriously considering waking his lover and having his wicked way with him when his thoughts were interrupted by Harry's screams.
A quick check on Dudley confirmed he was still asleep, mostly.
"Dad, the freak is screamin' in his sleep again!" muttered Dudley, and pulled his pillow over his head.
Harry's sleep had been riddled with bits and pieces of the recent events. He found himself on Privet Drive, aiming his wand at Vernon. But when the man fell, surrounded by a green haze, it was Ron's body that lay lifeless on the ground. Waking, he hadn't realized he'd made any noise, but knew he must have when Severus rushed in.
"I'm fine, just a dream," Harry said, but his shaking belied his confident tone. "What time is it?" he looked to the window to see the sun just coming over the horizon, or at least over the rooftop a few stores down, as the flat's view wasn't all that great. "God, it's way too early to be up," he groaned, having caught sight of the clock. "You couldn't sleep?" he asked, remembering that Sev had come in from the other room. Severus gave a noncommittal shrug.
"Do you want something to calm you down?" Severus adjusted himself. His now fading erection was undeniably inappropriate.
"No, no potions. I can cope," Harry assured him. "Sev," he paused. "Can I ask you a few things?"
"Are you sure you want to do this at this hour?"
"When then, if not now? I can't sleep, and you've got to be out of here when my cousin wakes up. I just want to clear up a few things," he said, thinking the next few days would be near impossible for him to sit down with Severus.
Severus let out a resigned sigh. He wanted to be back in bed, not at the kitchen table with a strong cup of black tea and a silencing charm on the room. But so be it. They relocated, and used the few minutes preparing the tea to collect themselves. "Tell me what you already know, and we'll go from there. I must admit, I'm impressed you didn't immediately assume the reports to be true. I half expected you to hex me on sight." Not that you don't have a right to.
"They found a potion that would have made Vernon look to be dead. Were you trying to save him, or just make it look that way?"
Severus pondered the question for a moment. Should he tell Harry that he'd fully intended to kill his uncle until he started to think Harry might freak and not forgive him?
"The plans did change several times," he answered vaguely. He could see Harry was frustrated by this answer and wanted to know the truth, and so explained further. "Had we not been interrupted, I would have given him the vial that was found, faking his death. Also, your aunt and cousin were unexpectedly home," he paused, and continued with a sigh. "But I won't lie to you; if I had been forced to take Vernon to the Dark Lord, I would have killed him to prevent you witnessing his torture and eventual death in a vision."
"The plans changed? Did you originally plan on killing him?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Yes," he said plainly.
Harry's mouth opened and closed again, clearly surprised.
"Did you expect me to lie?"
"No, of course not, but I expected you to say something else," explained Harry.
"I refused to allow that man to cause you any more harm or distress." Severus watched Harry bite his lip to keep from yelling the first thing that had come to his mind.
"So it was for my benefit that you killed my uncle."
"Your uncle? You've called him Vernon for as long as I can remember, because you didn't like being reminded that the bastard was related to you!" shouted Severus. Harry lowered his head in his hands. His head was starting to pound.
"I just can't wrap my mind around the fact that he's dead."
"Maybe you don't want to think of him as dead because you may have to admit to yourself that you're glad he's gone." Severus sipped his tea. He realized that Harry might have been blaming himself for Vernon's death as he'd done in the past when others he'd been close to had died.
"Vernon Dursley had had a devastating effect on your life. When I found out how he had treated you in the past, I was angry. I wanted to make him pay, but you had made your decision and I had to accept that. It was in the past and I didn't blame you for not wanting to drudge up horrible memories, risk a public spectacle to bring the man to trial and convict him, though he rightly deserved it."
"When did my decision to keep him in the past no longer count for anything?"
"When he was no longer in the past, and continued to make your life miserable. I have done everything in my power to keep the Dark Lord from harming you. Do you think I would do any less when you are threatened by a muggle fool who treated you despicably as a child and almost managed to take your life?"
How could he argue that? Harry had a hard time with Severus having caused his uncle's death. Did he want Severus to kill for him? Was he worth it? Harry shook his head from the thought. It had been quite some time since he'd questioned his value. He'd grown into a confidant young man with the help of counseling. The man Severus met on holiday seemed to have gotten a bit lost. Harry took a deep breath and internally berated himself for questioning his self worth.
Severus watched the disturbed look on Harry's face morph into deep contemplation and then anger all in a matter of a few minutes. Harry's feelings at that moment however, were directed at himself and not Severus. But regardless of who he was thinking about, Harry would have some serious thinking to do.
The time was getting away from them and Severus needed to return to the castle.
"I found out something unexpected of which you should be aware. The Dark Lord knows about your family's treatment of you."
"How? Did Vernon brag about it during the attack?"
Severus shook his head 'no'. "Last year, after the attack, The Dark Lord couldn't find anyone who'd claim the reward for having done so much damage to his nemesis. Not one of his followers came forward to take credit for nearly killing the Boy Who Still Lived." Severus face wrinkled at the title. "There was a great deal of publicity regarding the biggest Death Eater attack in more than a century. The Ministry was only too proud to show off after such an impressive victory. Considering the press you usually get, I'm surprised no one else noticed how little official information was given about you and your injuries. Most information going around about that was rumors and speculation." Severus let out another big sigh.
"It abhors me to admit that I, too, hadn't looked into it. I was only too happy to revel in you not being the center of attention when the attack was on your very home. It didn't occur to many 'in the know' that your condition and near death was revealed only to a select few, much less to wonder why."
"We've gone over this before Sev; I'm not in the mood for watching you beat yourself up over a long past issue. Though I have to admit, I wouldn't expect Voldemort to know about it this long and not have used the information against me. It's been over a year."
"He could better use it against you in ways less public. He thinks you're riddled with guilt. He will try to use this information to mess with your head. Having seen the newspaper with you and Weasley on the cover, he thinks you're distraught over your uncle's death, despite the abuse." Severus tried not to look as if he wanted to know how Harry really felt about his uncle's death.
Harry swallowed hard, and closed his eyes at the memory of the picture. In the photo, he had been shaking with emotion at finding Ron alive, and continued to convince himself that shaking with emotion was not the same as crying. He didn't cry. The sobs were merely a way to catch his breath. Harry dropped his face in his hands, wanting to hide his weakness from Severus. 'Damn paper, I can't let Sev see me like that,' Harry thought.
"What a prat you must think I am," Harry muttered from behind his hands. "Did Albus tell you it was Ron's friend that led me to believe he was dead?"
Severus was completely bewildered, but Harry still wasn't looking past his hands and missed the rare look on Severus' face.
"I was so relieved to see Ron alive I didn't care when I heard someone take a picture. Later, I figured people would think I was upset about my uncle and since they're supposed to be my 'loving' family, I figured it couldn't hurt to let people believe what they wanted," explained Harry, never knowing Severus, too, had thought he was upset about his uncle. For that matter, Severus hadn't seen Albus yet, and so had no idea about Harry thinking Ron was dead. To say Severus was relieved was an understatement.
"The picture will work to your advantage. As you say, you will be the grieving nephew and the Dark Lord will underestimate your mental stability." Severus was glad to see Harry come out from behind his hands. He'd been scared that Harry really was that upset about his uncle's death. Not that he would mention that to Harry.
"Everyone was here when I got home," he said with a weak smile. "That was nice." He looked up at Severus for a moment. "Most of them wouldn't mention it, but Hermione did ask how I felt about my uncle's death." He looked around the room avoiding eye contact.
"And?"
"I don't know." He shrugged, "I didn't think it would be like this. I always thought I would feel strongly one way or another, and that was it. Back before I got counseling I was sure that if my family died because of me, I would fall apart, knowing it wasn't safe for anyone to be so close to me. Later, when I was doing well, seeing Dr. Erin, I thought I'd probably have a party if Vernon were to kick the bucket. Now that it's real, I don't know what I feel. It's stupid, I know," he finished quietly; hating his inability to just be openly glad Vernon was dead.
"No, not stupid. We never know how we're going to feel about something like this until it happens. We can only speculate. I once was very sure about how I would feel when my father died. I assure you, it was not what I expected." Severus was glad that Harry didn't ask any questions about that at the moment. "Perhaps you could tell me why your cousin is here?" his lips thinned, thinking about the oaf.
Harry explained all about Petunia being a squib, and having to spend a few days at St. Mungo's. He wondered if she knew and lied, or wasn't aware of being a witch. "Sorry," Harry apologized for a big yawn, "I was beginning to think I'd never get out of the Ministry of Magic building. I thought when I finished signing the last of many forms, I'd be home free. That's when Albus came by to tell me about Petunia, and Dudley being kind of stranded as a result. No, he didn't ask," Harry added quickly, seeing Sev's look of indignation. "Albus was going to let him stay with Professor McGonagall, but I refused to let Dudley that close to my home."
"Is he not in your home, presently?" raised eyebrows were all Severus needed to add sarcasm to a comment.
Harry ignored the glower, and shrugged, "I'm just staying here for a while. Hogwarts is where I think of as home. At least until I'm settled someplace for real, but Hogwarts will always be my home. I'm not sharing that with Dudley. You can make that face all you want, I don't care if that's childish," said Harry, crossing his arms.
Severus smirked, but then tensed, remembering something Harry had said. "Why did you have to sign papers at the Ministry of Magic? Squib or not, your aunt is a witch; she should be responsible for that, not you," Severus wanted to scream. Harry signing papers meant that he was financially responsible. He scowled, infuriated at himself for being the cause if it all.
Harry explained that he had already signed all the papers before anyone knew Petunia was a squib. For that matter, it wasn't as if she had anything to do with the magical community. Vernon's life insurance surely wasn't going to cover things like a portkey for deceased muggle transport.
When Harry let out his third huge yawn, they realized Harry asking 'a few questions' had turned into an hour and a half conversation. Severus stood, handed Harry a small potion and put his cup in the sink. "It's so you can get back to sleep," he explained the potion.
"You know I don't like to take potions for sleep," Harry said, surprised Severus would offer after knowing him so well.
"It counters the effects of the caffeine from the tea. It doesn't guarantee sleep. Shall I open the floo before you retire? I'm sure you'll have a house full of well intended friends making this place a fiasco in no time."
Harry couldn't help but smirk. Severus was right, someone would be along probably earlier than he would want to get up and respond to owls asking him to open the floo. It was times like this that he was extremely grateful for a private floo line that only allowed in those whom he deemed worthy of calling.
When Dudley awoke, he startled for a moment before remembering where he was. After a quick trip to the loo, he saw that Harry was still asleep and decided to get in a few more z's himself. Much to his dismay, the magically transfigured bed had turned back into a sofa when he got up. With little else to do, he snooped around but didn't find anything too interesting. At least nothing he could identify. Getting bored, he settled to watch TV.
DETAH 55 - Values Put Into Practice
Albus' face appeared in the fire, scaring the daylights out of Dudley. He leaped behind the sofa, which was an impressive move for the rotund boy.
"Ah, Dudley, there you are." Albus smiled warmly, acting as if he hadn't just made the boy dampen the front of his pants a bit. But then it could have been the exertion of jumping the sofa that caused him to leak. "Do calm down. You remember me from yesterday, do you not?" Albus questioned him sweetly. Remus, who was behind him, was sure there was a spell somewhere entwined in the Headmaster's words as Dudley visibly calmed.
Since Harry was so grateful for Remus' presence escorting them home the previous night, Albus and Remus had agreed Dudley would be better behaved with an authority figure present. Not that they didn't consider Harry an adult, but Dudley, while the same age, was far less mature. Once he recovered from the sight of Remus stepping through the fire, the wizard easily convinced Dudley they should have some breakfast. Albus had confirmed Harry was still asleep, but Remus had still insisted he arrive early, as he had no intention of letting Harry cook for and serve his cousin as he'd been forced to do in the past.
"You find us some plates and I'll start the cooking," suggested Remus, effectively coaxing Dudley to set the table as he fried up some bacon.
"You're not allowed in the kitchen!" the miserable boy reprimanded the snowy owl as she came to investigate the smell of bacon in the pan. She gave an irritated hoot; Hedwig had expected Severus, who always tossed her some scraps as he cooked.
Remus sighed, put the now cooked bacon on some paper to drain, and left to wake Harry for breakfast. He knocked on the doorframe, since thanks to Hedwig, the door to Harry's bedroom was wide open. That owl always could manage to pull open an unlocked door when there was bacon involved.
"You up? I've got breakfast ready," Remus peered in. Harry had already staggered out of bed groggily.
"I'm up. Who could sleep with him yelling like that?" said Harry as he rubbed his face with his hands, trying to wake up fully. "I could feel Albus' magic as he let you through from his fire. Did you come to keep the peace?" Harry asked, amused. Grabbing a pair of jeans, Harry hopped up and down to pull on the tight denim. He hadn't noticed Remus didn't answer his earlier question. "Breakfast smells great, I'm starved," Harry continued happily, grabbed his glasses and looked up to see the stunned man in a bit of a daze.
"What?" he asked, but quickly realized Remus hadn't expected him to be starkers since his door had been wide open. Was Remus checking him out? Remus had suddenly looked terribly embarrassed and turned away when he realized Harry had seen his stunned expression.
"I'm sorry. I guess after living in the dorm all those years, I've no modesty left," apologized Harry, hoping his tone was relaxed and unconcerned. Harry'd held back his smirk when he saw how gobsmacked Remus had been.
"You have no need to apologize; it's your home. I remember how it was in Hogwarts," Remus explained conversationally, his cheeks still pink. He'd heard Order members comment on just how much Harry had filled out, when they discussed his training. But knowing and seeing were altogether different things. Standing there before him was an eighteen-year old body; sleek, tan and more fit than a body had a right to be. Harry's sleep- tussled hair only added to his shagable persona. Shaking that thought from his head, Remus tore his eyes off of Harry's firm chest, quickly returning to serve breakfast.
Breakfast was a strained affair. Dudley scowled from the moment he set eyes on Harry, who had walked in shirtless. Harry pondered whether his cousin's attitude was because of him not being the scrawny kid to push around, or if it was because he made Dudley look even worse by comparison.
Remus never took his eyes off his eggs. What had started out as amusing was suddenly not so funny. Harry was starting to wish he'd worn a shirt. He berated himself inwardly. Oddly enough, his internal voice sounded a lot like Severus. He'd told Harry in the past that his flirtatious nature should be toned down a bit. In no time, Dudley was back in front of the tube. Remus was relieved to see that Harry had quickly run into his room and put on a tee; then he and Remus cleared the table.
"I'm sorry I made you feel uncomfortable, Remus," said Harry as he placed the dishes in the sink. Remus was about to protest when Harry continued. "Everything was a little easier, knowing you were around helping out." Harry sighed. "I hadn't even thought about having to serve Dudley this morning. I should be doing everything to make you comfortable in my home, and instead I was a prat."
Remus smiled warmly. "We haven't had too much time together, considering the years I've known you, but I've always thought of you as the son of a dear friend. Sirius always referred to you as his Godson; he was proud of his title," Remus grinned. "When you were thirteen, I saw the spitting image of my friend and thought how lucky I was to be a part of your life again. I was proud for them."
"And now I'm acting like a jerk. I'm sure you're very proud," laughed Harry.
Grinning, "At eighteen, you're expected to be a prat once in a while. At thirty-seven I'm not expected to be gawking at my friend's son. Naked son," he amended. He ran his hand through his hair, a look of disbelief on his face. They were both laughing off the situation, but there was a palpable undercurrent of tension.
"Sorry," Harry said with a nervous grin.
"When I do get to see my mum?" interrupted Dudley from the other room.
"Prat," Harry and Remus exclaimed simultaneously.
Remus told Harry the Weasleys would probably be around soon. It would be like that for a few days until the funeral services, friends and family coming by to comfort the grieving.
"I hadn't even thought about the funeral. Do you think I have to go?"
"That's something you have to think about. Forget about the press for a moment and think about your own needs." Remus was a comforting presence.
"He was a bastard. I want as little to do with him as possible." Harry's teeth clenched as he spoke.
"Bastard, true, but he was still a very big part of your life, miserable as it was. Closure is important Harry, not just for the people we love, but for the others, too. It may help you to see him truly gone, that's something to think about. I'm sure when the day comes, you'll want to see Voldemort's body destroyed, proof of his defeat."
Harry raised his eyebrows, surprised Remus had used the name. Frowning, "I couldn't attend services for Sirius. I've always regretted that."
Remus had been glad of it; of course he would never say it. He was mourning the loss of his mate and that made him the surviving widower of sorts. Harry would have overshadowed all that, leaving Remus on the sidelines.
"Well?" demanded Dudley, who had just entered the kitchen. Remus promised him they would go to St. Mungo's as soon as visiting hours were open. In no time, redheads began to emerge from the fire. Molly arrived with Ron and the twins.
"Hey Harry, Remus," greeted Ron, going straight for the fridge. "You're out of pumpkin juice, mate."
"Not any more," sang Molly, who had entered the kitchen and began enlarging an already large package from the grocers.
"You really shouldn't go through so much trouble," protested Harry. "It's not like I'm in mourning or anything; well not really," he added hesitantly.
"I'll hear none of that," spouted Molly. "All this business is a stressful affair. You may not be fraught with grief, but it'll take it out of you, nevertheless," insisted Molly. He was in no shape to argue, as he couldn't hold back a yawn, but managed to blame it on the huge breakfast Remus made. Molly smiled approvingly at Remus, and took the dish he was washing right from his hand. Remus happily relinquished the kitchen, leaving to fire call St. Mungo's to check visiting hours.
Dudley nervously glanced over at Remus while he spoke into the flames. Not far from the sofa were identical troublemakers. Fred and George had a private conversation regarding Harry's lover, knowing full well Dudley was listening in. Sharing evil grins they continued to mention small tidbits of information they hoped would scare the muggle. Fred spotted Remus who was on his way over and suddenly remembered a promise they made to help their mum.
Remus eyed the twins suspiciously as he approached with a glass of pumpkin juice. Dudley looked at the strange orange liquid he was offered, debating if it was palatable.
"Is it true what they said?" he glanced at the twins. "Does Harry have a b-boyfriend, an old one?" he asked timidly, feeling he could trust this soft-spoken man.
"In our world, the average wizard lives well past one hundred and fifty years old. What looks to be a tremendous age difference now, will hardly seem like much in a few years, when Harry is a little older. It is hard even for wizards to see Harry with someone my age." He saw the wheels turning for Dudley, and quickly added, "No, I'm not Harry's boyfriend."
"Well, they did say he was scary, and you don't look like someone I could be afraid of, nothing personal," he explained, thinking he could snap this guy in two if he had to. Dudley didn't know enough to recognize the significant smile on Remus' face.
"Don't judge a book by its cover," Remus grinned.
"You mean 'cause you've got a wand?"
"Magic isn't all there is to be feared. Harry for example, is one of the most powerful wizards of his age, but he's also an impressive opponent without his wand."
"Yeah, like the last time he went to see my dad last week? I wish I'd been there to see him blacken Harry's eye," laughed Dudley.
Remus considered him shrewdly, contemplating his next move. He'd felt sorry for the muggle, considering the circumstances, but the more time he spent with the oaf, the more he wanted to hex him. "That can be arranged if you like," Remus whispered conspiratorially. Dudley furrowed his brows, not sure of trusting the kind looking man. Remus slowly pulled out his wand, so as not to startle the boy. "I can fix it so you can see your dad blacken his eye. It's sort of like watching the telly, but in your head. It's safe," guaranteed Remus.
Dudley thought about it for a long moment and asked several questions before agreeing to the spell. He flinched when Remus raised his wand to the boy. At first it didn't seem like anything had happened, but when instructed to close his eyes, Dudley grinned at the sight of his father in all his glory, purple-faced and raging, punching his cousin square in the eye. He laughed out load and beamed at Remus for such a gift. "This is brilliant!" Dudley was thrilled. He could have a look at his dad whenever he wanted, and see Harry get clobbered, too. "All I have to do is close my eyes?"
Remus nodded. "Enjoy. It might be a distraction while you're out, so I've spelled it only to work while you're sitting here on the sofa. I'll leave you to it," Remus grit his teeth as he smiled.
Dudley wondered if there was a cat or dog around, he'd sworn he heard a growl. Shrugging it off, he happily closed his eyes and was thrilled to find that he didn't just get to see the one punch, but every time his father had hit Harry. It was like watching little bits of Harry's abused life in reverse order. What a grand gift he thought as he lay down to enjoy the show.
"I can't believe I finally get to see your house," exclaimed Ron as he grabbed a handful of floo powder. "What's the floo code again?"
"Godric 1512," said Harry before he disappeared in a flash of green flame. Ron followed quickly behind, landing in a patch of grass.
"Wicked! I've never traveled to a freestanding floo." Ron marveled at the brickwork seemingly in the middle of a patch of grass.
"I've only got the Builder's Floo Permit for ten months. When the time's up I'll get an extension, or if by some miracle the house is finished, I'll register it with the house name. Only thing is, I can't for the life of me come up with a name."
"I thought you'd call it Godric's Hollow like your parents did," Ron said casually, as he checked out the foundation.
Harry stood in the middle of the area surrounded by the concrete foundation and the framework that outlined the shape of the house. "I don't want to think of this as my parents' place. I only have the one memory of living here," Harry managed a weak smile.
"Makes sense," admitted Ron. "Wow, you've got some serious wards up," grinned Ron. "Who helped you put them up?"
Harry narrowed his eyes. "No one helped. You're the first person to see the place. I've not had a chance to tell Sev about it; things keep coming up." Suddenly it struck him that Ron had sensed his magic. "You can feel my wards?" his eyes lit up.
Ron smirked "Don't be too impressed. I was all excited when I was able to sense my dad's magic when I was in his office this year, but then I found out that most fully trained wizards can sense their own family, especially since there are so many of us Weasleys, and our magic feels similar. Dad said that I could probably sense you 'cause we've been so close and... well, your magic is so strong. I can't sense Mione's magic; well, not yet," he added as he hoped that would change. It didn't help that the guys at work were still teasing him about his 'lover' since the picture of Harry and him in the paper.
"When are you going to buy that girl a ring?" taunted Harry.
"You sound like Mum. I've almost got enough saved. Wait 'till you see, it's a beaut'," Ron beamed, thinking about the ring being held for him at the jewelers. Harry mumbled about Ron not being able to save up for a ring if he keeps taking time off work for his friend's problems. "Don't be a prat. Besides, I've saved up for the ring mostly, only the engraving fee is left. I wasn't supposed to tell you, but I'm getting paid."
"Paid for what, engraving?" teased Harry.
"No, prat, when I asked for some time off, my superior gave me an assignment I didn't want to turn down." Ron polished his nails on his shirt. "It seems that since you're such big news, and the rumors are flying about your uncle's death and your aunt's hospitalization, the Ministry doesn't want to make themselves look bad. So, they're covering their arse. In your best interest, of course," Ron said mockingly. "'One trained auror, of high standing in the Ministry, has been given the assignment of protecting our 'hero in mourning', Harry J. Potter'. At least until your aunt is better, in hopes you don't sue them for damages after they gave her the wrong potion," grinned Ron, looking at the back of his hand as if checking his manicure.
"So, basically, nothing's changed. You've always watched out for me," smiled Harry as he pointed out some of the features he'd planned for his home.
"Yes, but now I'm getting paid for it," replied Ron happily. "Which one of these rooms is the guest room? I want to know where I'll be staying when I come over," asked Ron as he walked between beams.
"I gave up one of the bedrooms in lieu of a lab, but now I'm not so sure." Harry looked at the layout miserably. He was still very confused about how he felt about Sev plotting Vernon's death; his thought immediately went back to Sev when they discussed the rooms.
"Don't even tell me you're going to let Vernon come between you," scowled Ron. They both stilled quickly, having heard a sound not far off in the distance. Turning with their backs pressed together, they scanned the grounds. Ron heard the small crack of a twig around the same time Harry saw a depression in the grass. He watched the footprints depress from invisible feet for a few steps before sending a stunning spell. Spells and hexes were sent back to them, but none of them hit their mark.
"Is it just me, or is this a little too easy?" whispered Harry. He was sure he'd hit the invisible target, but there were at least two others sending hexes and curses at them, yet not hitting them, or just grazing.
"Mm-hmm," agreed Ron as his Stupefy hit its mark, sending yet another invisible foe to the ground. 'Is it done?' they heard a voice asking in the distance.
"Finished," answered someone from behind Harry. All at once their opponents were visible. A wizard in a black robe, his face covered in white, leapt over to where his fallen comrades were. He and the unconscious victims disappeared with a pop.
Harry was the first to notice the one remaining wizard, or the only one visible. Harry grabbed the back of Ron's collar, pulling him away from a falling piece of lumber just in time before it could strike his friend. Turning to send off a hex at their attacker, Harry spun around just as a large portion of framework collapsed. Before he could register the fact that much of his hard work had been destroyed, a thick beam of wood sent him to the concrete with great force. Ron went down along with him, as Harry hadn't let go of his collar.
"Harry!" yelled Ron, concerned, but still having the foresight to check their surroundings. Harry's wand had clattered just out of reach. Ron was pinned between Harry and a very large piece of wood. "Accio!" shouted both Ron and the Death Eater simultaneously. The eleven inches of holly turned like a needle on a compass, but did not move closer to either wizard. Ron stretched his arm hoping it would help, but Harry's wand remained still. Neither wizard was going to relent. Whoever held out longest would have the wand that was destined to be a crucial part of Voldemort's demise. Even if they hadn't figured out how that was going to happen.
Sweat began to bead on Ron's brow, but he held his trembling wand for the longest eight minutes of his life. Harry regained consciousness without detection as he'd learned to do with Kieran. Following Ron's line of sight, he could see his wand and the silent battle between the two equally matched wizards. "Accio," the sound of Harry's voice was barely heard by Ron, but the effects were obvious as Harry's wand whistled through the air into its owner's hand.
Ron was quick to send off a hex, but not quick enough to stop another section of timber from falling over them. Ron's face contorted as he used his tongue to dislodge the portkey behind his last tooth. With a clench of his teeth he and Harry were pulled into the vortex of portkey travel and arrived into the 'safe' room at Auror Headquarters deep in the Ministry building. His breathing labored, Ron attempted to catch his breath, putting one hand on Harry's neck, checking for a pulse as the other frantically pushed his sweat-slicked hair away from his face. "Wake up, Harry," he pleaded.
The barely audible name hissed out with Harry's exhalation. "Ron,"
"Yeah, Har, I'm here," Ron assured him, still brushing his hair back, never noticing the pile of lumber was no longer keeping him pinned atop his bruised friend.
"Are we gonna' cuddle every time I show up here at your job?" Harry managed a weak smirk. Ron's eyes widened as he deciphered the words.
"Bloody Prat!" he accentuated his words with a thump to Harry's head, unwittingly knocking him out cold. "Damn."
Dudley sat next to his mother, bored out of his mind. He couldn't believe that the nurse didn't know what a TV was. Didn't all hospital rooms have them? A friendly witch had come by with a trolley of sandwiches, but Dudley didn't think he should eat anything from the odd looking lady with a multi-colored patchwork robe and orange shoes. Each time she passed by the woman smiled warmly at Dudley. He winced, seeing her grin was a few teeth short of a full set. After three excruciating hours, the witch announced it was her last round for several hours when she would return with the dinner cart. His stomach won over and he selected a sandwich that looked edible.
"How many, dear?" she asked, holding up four sandwiches. His eyes bugged out, then narrowed as he pulled out the handful of the odd-looking coins Harry had handed him before leaving.
"How much for those?" he said pointing to the four in her hand and holding out the pile of coins.
"Fifteen Sickles and twenty-three Knuts," she said kindly. Dudley's mouth dropped as he only had about ten coins in his hand. "Do you need help, dear? Not to worry," she said at his dumbfounded expression, and took two of the coins. Here's your change." She smiled, encouragingly holding up a bottle dripping with condensation it was so cold, "You may want to give me two more of the silver coins for some juice." He handed her six coins and took three bottles. To his credit, he held back the flinch when she smiled brightly.
Sitting in a chair across from Ron, Harry held an ice pack on his head. No one wanted to chance using magic on either he or Ron until they found out what spell the wizard at Godric's Hollow had cast. It was apparent the Death Eaters weren't there to attack them but to cast some kind of spell, either on Harry, or perhaps the floo. Several people were called in to confirm that Harry and Ron were under no spell or curse, but Arthur Weasley asked them to stay put until Bill could get there. It didn't hurt, having a curse breaker in the family. While waiting for Bill, they talked about the attack. Ron filled in his father with the details. Harry noted Ron's account of the story was told with great accuracy. Something he definitely learned in Auror training. In the past, Ron's stories had usually gotten more exciting with each telling.
Harry noted Bill Weasley was still a very cool wizard. He'd dropped everything to come check his brother Ron and nearly-brother Harry for curses. At the point when most others checking them over were confident the young wizards were safe, Bill continued, trying every diagnostic and counter he knew to ensure their safety. After a while, Ron, who was used to the protective nature of his family, had gotten fidgety and begun paying more attention to his growling stomach than his brother, Bill. The sheer volume of spells Bill used had fascinated Harry. He had become a formidable wizard, but his training with Kieran and Sev had primarily been for his eventual defeat of the Dark Lord. Harry stomped down the momentary question of his usefulness after the final battle, or lack thereof. Instead he concentrated on the last series of spells used by the curse breaker.
Satisfied neither Harry nor Ron had any remaining curse on them, Bill began to fill out a standard Ministry form stating his findings.
"I need lunch. Want to join us back at Harry's for a bite?"
Bill chuckled at Ron, and turned to Harry, asking in an amused tone, "Is my brother usually so rude as to invite people to your home? I'll pass. No offence, Harry."
"You sure?" Harry pushed. "We were going back to eat anyway, and we have loads of food."
"Oh, that's right, Mum's been cooking it up at your place. Sorry for doubting you, Har, but I've got loads of single friends, and it's rarely safe to eat what little food they have around."
"That's where you're wrong, bro', Harry's a great cook, and Severus, too, I hear," complimented Ron.
With these words of praise from the Weasley Eating Machine, Bill was convinced. In very little time they were back at Harry's, taking out what seemed like an endless supply of food from the fridge.
Severus sat at the Head Table, watching the student populace file in for lunch. He nodded, acknowledging a Slytherin Prefect that had greeted him before taking a seat. Everything seemed to indicate it would be one of thousands of uneventful lunches in the Great Hall. No sooner had Severus spelled his food, deeming it safe to eat, than he noticed the students clearing a path. A Ministry wizard entered the hall, causing a stir. The students whispered and pointed as he walked intently towards Albus. Severus recognized him immediately as an Order member. With a quick bow, he gave Albus an envelope with the Ministry seal, but did not move to leave the hall.
Severus studied the Headmaster's face as he read the enclosed parchment. The old wizard always had a 'look' about him, like everything that happened was fully expected, but Severus knew the small signs to watch for. Today however, anyone seated nearby could see the surprise and outrage as his eyes flashed with anger. Albus stood abruptly, thanked the messenger, and dismissed him.
Minerva glanced over at Severus. She'd been able to see the letter from Arthur Weasley from where she sat, and desperately wanted to follow Albus from the hall. However as Deputy Headmistress, she was required to remain at the Head Table in his absence. Severus was not bound by any such rules. He managed to clear a path with his usual glare, but fate was cruel to Severus as he hastily made his way to Albus' office. Practically growling the password, Severus waited furiously for the passage to open. He'd been detained when a fight broke out in the corridor. Also, some poor startled Hufflepuff was now down fifty points for dropping a book in Snape's path, which had caused him to skid in an undignified manner.
"...goodness they're safe. Thank you for contacting me, Arthur, and please tell Harry to fire call me this evening." Albus' voice could be heard from the top of the steps. Arthur's head was already gone from the flames before Severus walked in, not bothering to knock. Albus walked around his desk. With a wave of his wand a tea service appeared. Tapping the pot, steam erupted instantly.
Severus waved off the silently offered cup, having recognized the steeped tea was laced with a calming drought. "I have no wish to be drugged. What has happened?" snapped Severus. The Headmaster was looking rather tired. It was then Severus realized the calming tea hadn't been brewed for him. A second pot appeared with Sev's favorite and unadulterated tea.
"Death Eaters attacked Harry and Ronald at Godric's Hollow just an hour ago. They appear to be fine and are being checked for residual hexes," he explained briefly.
"I'm in the Dark Lord's favor at the moment, and I've heard of no plans for such an attack. Are you certain they're all right?" his concern was barely concealed.
"Arthur is convinced the objective was something other than a straightforward attack. It could be anything from a tracking spell to a time-release hex placed on a piece of lumber... or even a single nail." Albus emptied his cup and poured another of the calming blend. "I know I can't ask Harry not to go out and live his life, but he has to be more careful about settling into a routine. He shouldn't be predictable; they must have known where he was spending his free time.
It occurred to Severus that he didn't know what Harry was doing with his free time. Once school had started, their time together was restricted to the weekends and the nights Harry would spend at Hogwarts during the full moon. Other than the continued training with Kieran, he didn't know what Harry's daily activities consisted of. The only routine he'd grown accustomed to was waking to find Harry's mouth around his cock the morning after the full moon. Very few points were taken from his first class of that day. He had to stomp down that mental image and concentrate. "Why was Harry at Godric's Hollow, and why would that be predictable?"
"He's been trying to tell you for ages, but something would inevitably come up and put him off again. I think he's waiting for just the right time, which..."
"I think you've had enough of that tea," scowled Severus. "Tell me and save him the anguish of finding 'just the right time'." Glaring at the teapot did nothing to calm his nerves. "And spare me the cryptic words of wisdom you bestow upon anyone idiotic enough to ask you a direct question."
"He's building a house," Albus smiled merrily.
"A house?" Severus said distantly, forgetting to be shocked by straight answer from Albus.
"Yes. According to Filius, Harry's drawn up quite a fine looking plan."
Gritting his teeth at the thought of the Charms Professor being better informed of his lover's day-to-day activities than himself, Severus wondered why it would be a big deal to tell him about building a house. Harry certainly wasn't going to rent a flat forever. With the many questions now swimming in his mind, Severus shocked himself with the one question that spilled from his mouth before he could stop it. "He told Filius?"
"Oh, yes, Filius taught him spells and charms for preserving building materials. It was most helpful in the class he took on Wizarding and Muggle Building Requirements and such. With the binding and protection spells he used in the concrete, it took him a very long time to get the foundation poured. I believe he was waiting for the framework to be finished so he could show you where the rooms would be when you saw it for the first time. He was especially excited about having the greenhouse attached to the potion lab, to allow better access to freshly grown ingredients." Albus prattled on. He'd definitely had too much calming tea.
A potion lab? Harry had been building them a house? "You say he's been meaning to tell me, does that mean the framework is done?"
"I'm afraid not, at least, not anymore. I think that for all his efforts, the foundation could withstand an earthquake, but the wood structure was destroyed this afternoon. Arthur said it had collapsed on top of them. He'll have to start all over again," sighed Albus.
Harry emptied his glass, thinking about his recent visit to the Ministry. If he never went back, it would still be too soon. He was, however, very impressed with the eldest Weasley brother who'd checked them over.
"I was able to figure out how some of your spells worked by the Latin words, but often enough I had no idea what you were saying. I tried to pay attention, but there were several times I couldn't even tell if you had spoke a string of many small spells, or a few long incantations," Harry was in awe of his ability. Bill could use his talents in several professions if he didn't want to stay with Gringotts forever.
Bill nodded in appreciation. It had been a long while since any of his brothers had been impressed with his aptitude in the field. Not unlike getting used to Charley managing dragons. What was frightfully fascinating to most was old hat to his siblings. "I added a few pages to my book while working in Egypt." Bill was looking forward to returning there on holiday.
"It is kind of cool listening to you using Egyptian spells," Ron spoke through a mouthful of food. "Wish I knew what they were doing at your house, or what's left of it... sorry Harry. You know I've gotten more field experience with Death Eaters than some of the guys that went though Auror training two years ago?"
"Hell, you had more experience than some before you even left Hogwarts," Harry pointed out. "Those bastards! It took me weeks to build that much," he scowled. "I was going to show it to Severus this weekend." Harry turned his head away in thought.
"You'll have to start over, but nothing's changed, has it?" questioned Ron. "You and Severus, I mean."
Harry shrugged, still not meeting Ron's eyes.
"You've got to be kidding me!"
"He killed Vernon because of me."
"That son of a bitch died of a heart attack in the Ministry building," Stated Ron firmly.
"A technicality, and you know it," Harry stood from the table and leaned back on the kitchen counter. "He got furious and went on a tirade. He went to Voldemort with information and made sure he was part of it,"
"You don't know that for sure though, Harry," said Bill in a soothing voice.
"Yeah Bill, I do. He showed up here last night. I don't think he planned on telling me. Severus will leave things unsaid, but he won't lie to me. I asked him if he planned on killing Vernon and he said yes, plan and simple." Harry stared down at the table full of dirty dishes and half empty bowls of food. "Add him to the list," mumbled Harry.
Hearing the quiet words, Ron stood up. "Oh, no, you don't," he started calmly but his voice continued to get louder as he went along. "Vernon Dursley Doesn't Go On THE 'LIST'!" Ron was referring to the 'list' that he and Harry had made of people they knew who had died or suffered great loss because of Voldemort. "Vernon didn't die because he was related to you, he died for the way he mistreated you. He had no right, and he needed to pay for what he'd done. Severus loves you. He didn't run right off when he found out about your past. He let it go because that was what you wanted. But then he saw that Vernon was still fucking with your life."
Harry pursed his lips. He regretted not telling anyone what his home life was like until it was almost too late. Ron continued his rant, as Harry wasn't interrupting. Bill watched his little brother in shock, but agreed with him.
"Hell, Harry, even after you were at school again I still saw him hurting you. Every time you woke up from a nightmare. I was the one in the bed next to yours. I heard the screams. Don't get me wrong; I wouldn't have it any other way. But let me tell you, the Vernon dreams outnumbered He Who... Voldemort's... for a while. With the exception of your parents' deaths, I'd say, blow for blow, Vernon did the most damage. Do you know how many times I wanted to kill the man myself? And the game..."
"Ron!" shouted Bill. "We don't talk about that!"
"What?" Harry looked on curiously. Bill was glaring at Ron. Ron was so irate his eyes were glazed over.
"The game we play when we're particularly angry," said Ron punctuating 'angry'. He ignored Bill's protest, continuing on. "It started out as a simple discussion between me and the twins. 'What we'd do to Vernon if we had the chance' kind of conversation. Fred had some interesting suggestions," Ron raised his eyebrow, nodding as if agreeing with them himself. "It didn't really turn into a game until the summer after our fourth year."
Bill shook his head in disbelief. They all had agreed they wouldn't tell Harry about this.
"Ginny had heard us talking and joined in. After a spectacular suggestion of castration by way of Fluffy the three-headed dog, we started awarding points to the person with the best idea. By the time you were in the Infirmary fighting for your life, the Weasleys had three separate games. One was a drinking game, one was a board game, but Mum found it and tossed it in the fire."
"And the last?" coaxed Harry.
"Mostly a verbal game. The one with the most outlandish punishment won a bag of chocolate frogs."
Harry managed a weak smile. "A board game?" he said shaking his head. "There's a big difference between talking about it and actually doing it. Did any of you go to Voldemort with a plan?"
"Harry," Bill said softly in contrast to Ron. "You know us; the Weasley family is a very old wizarding family. We've worked for the Ministry, the wizarding bank, I was Head Boy, and a great many of us are in the Order to fight against the darkest wizard of our kind. We are known to be nice people. And yet, we also spent time to devise newer and better ways we would like to make your uncle suffer. After one particularly rowdy game, the drinking version, Charlie had to hex me with Petrificus Totalus to keep me from following through with the best plan."
Harry looked up, surprised by his words.
"You would have?" asked Ron incredulously.
"You weren't there that night," he told Ron. "The point is, I'm sure we would never actually follow through with it. It was a healthy way to vent out our frustrations about something bad over which we had no control." Bill sighed after taking a big gulp from his glass. "Severus, on the other hand, is only just now getting to know the details of your past. We've had you around growing up, and got it all in bits and pieces over the course of years, and we still wanted to feed the man to Fluffy. Severus has seen and done a great many things we'd rather not think about. He continues to lead the life of a dark wizard as he spies on Voldemort. If it hadn't been Ron that was given over to Severus, do you think he would have risked it all and not raped some man he didn't know?"
"We don't talk about that," rasped Ron in a strangled voice.
"Like we don't talk about the game?" yelled Bill, accentuating his sentence with a punch to Ron's shoulder. "I'm a curse breaker, today was my chance to contribute. Ron's on his way to being a top Auror someday, and he's here by your side."
Ron stopped glaring finally.
"Besides making potions, Severus has had to torture and kill muggles. He would do everything in his power to keep you safe. Is what he did that big a stretch from what we do?"
"He's just having conflicting feelings because he's glad Vernon's dead while the rest of the clueless wizarding world mourns for Harry's loss. Harry, tell me you didn't want Snape to come to your rescue, take him out of your life for good," Ron asked his friend haughtily. Bill was totally taken aback by his brother's words, while Harry was surprised by Ron's insight.
Ron never did know when to quit while he was ahead. "Even dead, the man makes you miserable. If you let Vernon come between you and Severus, then you need to have your head examined! Well..." he faltered, "examined again. Don't you see, Harry, if you let him get between you and Severus, you'll have let Vernon win. He'd have beaten you from the grave, and as badly or worse than ever before!" He finished with a little less conviction.
Harry knew he was right. He couldn't let Vernon win and ruin the one great thing he had. He loved Severus too much for that.
"You really had a board game?" asked Harry with a depreciating laugh. Ron nodded with a mischievous grin.
"We even had charmed pieces. Hermione gave me a book on the history of chess and the spells used to animate a wizard's chess set. There was a big Vernon, his eyes would bug out, and he'd shake his fist. Fred and George's favorite piece was Dudley. He would suffer most of the gags the twins had come up with. They especially liked the gigantic tongue that grew from his mouth. Ginny made up cards, too."
"Ginny... cards?"
"Yeah, one said..." Ron was once again stuffing his face, so Bill interjected to save himself from having to see Ron's lunch as he explained.
"They were fun," he admitted. "One card read, 'For pulling bars off window, move ahead four spaces.' Another was 'Prank call to Vernon, move ahead one space.' Then there was the one that Ron always seemed to get stuck with, 'Trip over Invisibility Cloak, go back three spaces.' The first person to find your hidden school trunk won and got to stick the Vernon piece in the cupboard 'till the next game."
"Yeah," Ron interrupted, having swallowed his mouthful of cake. "Whenever you and Charlie were around, I'd get last pick and get stuck with the McGonagall piece," complained Ron.
Harry laughed, "What did she do?" He had to know.
Ron tilted his head aside, making a face. "She was in cat form. Mostly she would terrorize the Petunia piece by coughing up hairballs and shedding on the sofa. Oh, and she sharpened her claws on the furniture, and knocked things off the countertops and such." Ron made his best-disgusted face. "I think the twins still have some of the charmed pieces.
Severus knocked on the door to Remus Lupin's office, getting no response. He scowled at the students who dared look curiously at him while he waited for the wolf to answer. With a brisk about face, he was leaving to return to the dungeons when a voice called his attention.
"Were you looking for me, Professor Snape?" Remus unlocked his door, inviting him in.
"Yes, I wanted to have a word with you," he said, glaring at one of his students who was walking by very slowly. Severus slammed the door shut to deter the nosy Slytherin.
"What can I do for you, Severus?" Remus asked. Severus didn't like the way he looked. He was unusually fidgety and anxious.
"The situation being what it is, I must keep my distance until the muggle returns to his home." He looked as if his next words were a struggle to get out. "I wanted to thank you for everything you've been doing for Harry," he finally managed to say.
"It's not a problem. I would do anything for Harry, and the students are used to having someone to fill in for me at least once a month, so a few extra classes isn't much of a disruption," he explained. "I dropped off Dudley and I'll head back later after I grade a few papers."
Remus wasn't meeting his eyes, but Severus was too worried about Harry to notice that just yet.
"You were at Harry's? Albus said he was fine after the Death Eater encounter today, but I would have liked to see for myself. Did he look all right?"
"He l-looked fine, no problems," Remus smoothed out a few papers on his desk. Severus' eyes narrowed.
"What aren't you telling me? Is he hurt?" Severus was only partially relieved when Remus shook his head. "Is he very upset that I took matters into my own hands regarding his Uncle?"
"I had a talk with Bill, and he seems to think things between you and Harry are going to be fine."
Severus tried to figure out what wasn't being said. "You're on edge; I can see it," stated Severus waiting to see his reaction.
"Full moon's only four days away," Remus said as if that explained everything. But Severus had done a lot of extra reading when he heard the werewolf was returning to Hogwarts.
"Lupin," Severus' dangerous tone got his attention off the papers. "You're acting very nervous, like you did for a week after arriving to find your new office reeking of Harry's blood. Now, since you are spending a lot of time in his home, I think I have the right to know what the wolf in you is worked up about," his eyes glared, watching for a reaction.
Remus gestured for Severus to take a seat across from his desk. He rubbed his hands over his face, looking for the words.
"I arrived at Harry's very early this morning. I wanted to be there before Harry had a chance to get up. I couldn't stand the thought of him having to make his cousin's breakfast as he'd had to do for so many years."
Severus nodded in understanding. He hadn't thought of that, and was grateful the other wizard had.
"What with him having a house guest, and his bedroom door wide open, I thought it safe to wake him for breakfast." Remus began straightening papers again, keeping their eyes from meeting. "Harry's very comfortable in his skin."
"He was naked," Severus said flatly, seeing Remus flinch. He understood exactly what the problem was, but didn't think Remus would appreciate him saying, 'the wolf is horny and overcome by guilt'.
"It's like something dormant I thought was long dead has reemerged," Remus said into his hands. "He's like family, for gods' sake. It's very disturbing."
Severus understood that it wasn't Harry personally that triggered this. Any gorgeous naked man would have had this effect so close to the full moon. It wasn't as if Remus had no control. But Harry was the trigger. Remus would continue to be uncomfortable around him, unless... "You need to redirect that," said Severus firmly.
"You know what that entails!" shrieked Remus.
"As do you. Take care of it," he said flatly.
"You make it sound as if it's a cure I can just take like a potion," complained Remus. He hadn't tried to get a date in years.
"Can't you?" he smirked.
"I won't pay for it, if that's what you're insinuating."
"Honestly, wolf, are you that inept? The gay population isn't that small. Surely, even you can find someone. You're not horribly unattractive." Severus scowled, disgusted at having complimented the wolf, and sneered when he could see Remus had almost smiled. "You've managed before. What did you do to get the last bloke you were with?
"I offered him a place to stay when he escaped prison." Remus replied flatly.
Severus squeezed his eyes shut. It had obviously been a long time for Remus. "Loath as I am to share this information with you, but seeing as I no longer..." he paused, "frequent the place, I will share some valuable information." Severus wrote down an address. "Go here," he handed him the parchment. "Have a drink, sit in the far right hand corner, and tell them you're a friend of mine." He cringed saying 'friend' as if it pained him to do so. "When you're comfortable, explain to them that I want you to meet Seth."
"How can you be so sure Seth wants to meet me?" he was very skeptical.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering about stupid wolves that don't know a gift when it's been dropped in their lap. Little did Remus know 'Seth' was code for 'Be nice to me, I'm new and in need of a good shag.' Severus' old fuck buddies would make sure Remus got what he needed.
"Don't question me on this. It's painful enough to have to give you this much." He paused, having remembered something amusing. Severus opened his money pouch, handing Remus a gold Galleon. "When they ask where I've been, give this to Carl. He'll understand."
Remus' brows furrowed, thinking he was paying someone to be with him. Seemingly reading his thoughts, Severus scowled.
"I made him a bet and lost. Ask Carl if he's there, he'll tell you about it." Severus stormed off. He didn't like giving this information. It wasn't as if he ever planned to go there again, but that didn't mean he wanted to hand it over to Remus.
Stunned, Remus remained silent as he watched the man leave. He and Sirius had a friend who used to haunt the same places as Severus. He was suddenly very excited about finding out if some of the things he'd heard were true. Casual sex had never really interested him before, but in his current state, the idea was growing more and more appealing.
DETAH 56 - A Wolf in Wolfs Clothing.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Severus Snape was conveniently stationed near the entrance hall, conversing with Argus regarding the finer points of productive detentions. Argus recounted the good ol' days when a proper detention involved shackles. After forty minutes he wanted to be anywhere else. Severus was no longer sure his purpose in being in the entrance hall justified the means. He was extremely grateful to see Remus Lupin walking down the steps to the entrance hall finally.
"Excuse me, Argus," Severus politely smiled, turning to Remus, giving him the once over. "If I can have a word with you, Professor?" he addressed Remus.
"I was just on my way out," Remus attempted to get by without making eye contact with the Potions Master. He was embarrassed enough without having to discuss the matter.
"It will only take a few moments of your time," he replied silkily. "Perhaps we could go somewhere private?"
Remus nodded, and started for the stairs but then realized Severus had walked briskly past him, proceeding to the dungeons, not Remus' office. Severus spoke not another word until he had steered Remus into his office.
"Is that the best you can do?" Severus eyed his outfit in distain. "I'd hoped, since you'd given up wearing rags last year, that you might have something fitting to go out in. Apparently, I was mistaken." He gestured for his coworker to follow him.
"What's wrong with what I have on?" complained Remus, clearly insulted.
"Absolutely nothing if you're going on a dinner date," Severus held up the pair of brown leather pants he usually wore when riding, scowling when the length was four inches too long. Next was a black pair that was much shorter to accommodate tucking into boots. He tossed them to Remus, who huffily changed while Severus conjured a full-length mirror.
While they were similar in waist size, Severus had a longer torso and higher hipbones. "No, that won't do," Severus spelled the pants off Remus, taking him totally by surprise.
"Was that necessary?" griped Remus, feeling ill at ease standing in only his shirt and boxers.
Severus ignored the question, taking a long look at Remus' figure. Rubbing his chin in thought, Severus contemplated a solution. With unexpected speed, Severus grabbed Remus' shirt collar and gripped his hip. With a turn and an easy shift in balance, Severus flipped his unsuspecting victim over his back, landing him sprawled out on Severus' large bed. "Just as I thought, they're about the same size," a pleased Severus turned to the fireplace, ignoring his traumatized guest. Throwing in a handful of Floo powder, Severus called out his good friend's name. An unshaven man with brown, wiry hair appeared.
"Snape, you unsociable bastard!" Kieran shouted merrily. "How many times am I going to find strange men in your bed? You know he's pointing a wand at you, right?"
Severus didn't bother to turn to see if Remus was about to hex him. "I need some clothes. Whatever you wear when you go out drinking with Jo will do."
A moment or so later, Kieran stepped through the fire with an armful of clothes. "Is there something I should know about Fawkes?" Kieran liked Harry and hoped he and Severus hadn't broken up.
"Remus Lupin, meet Kieran Donnelly. Remus is a friend of Fawkes, he knew his family from way back," explained Severus. Kieran offered a hand to Remus, helping him off the bed. Remus had to admit he and this man did seem to be the same size, even if he didn't appreciate the way Severus 'sized him up'.
"I've heard your name before," smiled Kieran. "You're in the Order, right? Me, too," he said, surprising Remus.
"Are you new to the Order?" he asked, confused, though the name sounded familiar.
Severus looked over the various clothing that his friend had offered. "Kieran is what you would call a 'behind the scenes' member," Severus offered no further information.
"Almost ten years now with the Order," said Kieran, counting on his fingers. "I don't 'do' meetings," he added with a grin. Severus snorted.
Kieran and Severus discussed a few trivial things while Remus got dressed. Severus had glanced over when Remus pulled off his shirt. He hadn't expected Remus to be out of shape, but was surprised to find the wizard had a decent body. Personally, he didn't care for a full chest of hair, but some people found it appealing.
"Perhaps you should work with the assets you have," suggested Severus, handing Remus a tighter shirt with a V-neck, exposing his brown chest hair sprinkled with grey. He saw surprise in the wolf's eyes, but he wasn't sure if it was caused by the flattering remark, or the transformation in his own appearance.
Remus was put off-balance by a laid back Snape, and could better understand what Harry meant when he'd said that Remus didn't know Severus as well as he thought. He then remembered a comment Kieran had made. "Found many strange men in his bed?" he asked Kieran, but kept his eyes on Severus.
"Don't get your knickers in a twist. It was just the one. Two now, counting you," grinned Kieran.
"He means Harry," added Severus.
Kieran gathered the rest of his clothes and chuckled at the memory. "I didn't even recognize him. He'd spelled his hair long for some dance, and I only saw him from the back."
Severus squeezed his eyes shut, waiting for the inevitable.
"YOU HAD HARRY IN YOUR BED BEFORE HE FINISHED SCHOOL?" shouted a furious Remus.
"Sorry about that, mate," Kieran laughed, not looking very apologetic at all and quickly taking the floo out, leaving Severus to explain.
Hermione curiously watched a contented Dudley sitting on Harry's sofa with his eyes closed. "What's he doing?" She asked no one in particular. Ron shrugged, not taking his eyes off the chessboard as he contemplated his next move. Harry knew, but wasn't in the mood to explain. Bill was leaning on the kitchen wall, quietly speaking into his girlfriend's ear. He replied when no one else spoke up.
"Remus spelled the sofa so that whenever the Dud closed his eyes, he'd see memories of his father."
"Remus did that?" Hermione knew Remus was a sweet guy, but didn't think he'd go out of his way to do something like that for the slime who'd helped make Harry's life miserable. "He doesn't seem too upset by the memories. I'd be in tears watching it if my dad had just died."
Harry watched his defeated king fall from the throne, ignoring Ron's snickers. "He's watching memories of his father hitting, yelling or otherwise being an all around arse to his favorite nephew," Harry said flatly.
"What?" flabbergasted, Hermione waited for additional explanation. "I thought Remus offered to came here to help keep the peace, not encourage a war." She frowned when Dudley's face lit up at a particularly vivid memory. "That's despicable." She was tempted to shove the intruder off the sofa, had he not been triple her weight.
Harry grimaced. "He said everything happens for a purpose. I guess if nothing else, he's easier to deal with like this. Whenever he gets annoyed, instead of threatening me, he sits back down on the sofa with a vicious smile." Harry glanced over at his cousin. "I don't even know how the spell is possible. Dark magic, maybe?" then shrugged. Harry still felt a little bad for making Remus uncomfortable and didn't want to question his motives...or method.
Hermione continued to surreptitiously watch Dudley. She had her suspicions, but wasn't completely sure until some time later in the evening when she spotted a minute clue. He had flinched several times prior to getting up for a snack. Returning with a bowl of ice cream, Dudley closed his eyes between spoonfuls. The smile had left his face, but a morbid curiosity kept him watching. While studying him like a documentary, Hermione guessed he would keep at it for another thirty minutes.
A welcome distraction came when Fred came in by floo, shortly followed by George. They came bearing packages, which was never a good sign. Bill quickly explained to his girlfriend, Ursula, that it was now officially unsafe to eat anything. "That explains why you're all so skinny," she teased.
"Yeah, except Mum," George received a smack from Bill for his comment.
"Watch it, Gred," warned Ron.
"What?" he asked innocently. "I only meant that we don't prank Mum."
"Sorry, Ursula, I can no longer guarantee your safety," said Harry ruefully, throwing his hands up in a defeated gesture, trying not to laugh. The witch giggled and cuddled up closer to Bill for protection. She was a pretty girl with strawberry blond hair and wore a robe of pastel pink as well as a matching hat with the point folded down fashionably to one side.
"Have a biscuit, Harry, they're ginger, you'll love 'em," offered George with a winning smile.
"That's our cue to leave. Harry, good to see you again." Bill bowed to them all.
"You're no fun. Where's your sense of adventure?" teased Harry.
Bill's response was cut off abruptly by Dudley, who had stood up and run to the loo.
"Twenty-eight minutes!" shouted a triumphant Hermione. "I knew it," she smiled, watching Dudley bolt from the room. She was the first to realize what it was Remus had intended when spelling the visions for Dudley. She'd watched as he had become more and more fidgety on the sofa. After several winces and his third flinch, she knew it was only a matter of time before Dudley's gift from Remus would stop being entertaining. Ron and Harry looked confused as they heard the door to the bathroom slam. The grin on Hermione's face only grew.
"Something he ate?" ventured Ron, not seeming to care one way or the other about Harry's cousin.
"Think about it Ron. How long..." Hermione started, but was cut off.
"It's never a good sign when she starts like that," Ron interrupted, earning him a smack.
She held back a sarcastic comment, and continued where she'd left off. "How long do you think he could watch his father brutalizing Harry? Sure, it would be entertaining for a while, but even his hatred for Harry would eventually not be enough to excuse the unjust treatment. Less then half of what Harry's told us would be enough to freak out most people." Hermione locked eyes with Harry. "And most likely we weren't told the quarter of it."
It took Ron a moment to sort through the words she'd shifted around, but Harry knew. There was no reason to tell them everything about his life with the Dursleys. What he had told was enough. Any more would be redundant and only earn him more pity. Hermione was a clever enough witch to figure that out, and he was grateful for her compassion and that she understood she didn't need every detail of his life. She looked into his bright green eyes, not with pity, but proud of her friend's resilience.
Harry winked at her. "Aren't you the clever one?" he teased.
The fireplace flashed green, announcing Arthur and Molly. Harry stood up to greet them, holding his arms out for the inevitable hug from Molly. He could feel Arthur's hand smack him on the back in greeting.
"You're not leaving already, are you, Bill?" asked a disappointed Molly, seeing him reaching for the Floo powder box.
"I'm sure we can stay a few more minutes," Ursula said sweetly to Bill's mum. Molly gave her a hug, and glared at Ron who seemed to have a coughing fit that sounded suspiciously like 'kiss-up'.
"Oh, sure we can stay longer," Bill replied sarcastically to his girlfriend. "You've only been here for 45 minutes. I spent all morning with Uric and Albert here."
The joke went right over the heads of Harry and Hermione, the two muggle-raised. They'd yet to hear of the wizarding duo Uric and Albert, whose misadventures were told in many a bedtime story at the Burrow.
"I had the Albert action figure until Forge here," Ron pointed to the twin. "figured out how to spell it to do obscene things to my Joscelind Wadcock figure.* Only the greatest Chaser Puddlemore United ever had. Joscelind's broom wasn't supposed to go there!" protested Ron while the twins went on about mature wizards that need to get over pranks that happened a decade ago.
Molly and Ursula entered the kitchen chatting, followed closely by the twins, who were hoping to get some of the pudding Molly had brought.
Arthur had questions for Hermione regarding an odd little muggle item called a pencil sharpener. Harry and Ron had sat back on the sofa, watching the lively conversation about muggle writing instruments. Ron loved that after all these years, Hermione would still happily sit with his father to discuss mundane muggle things. Ron sighed happily, watching the way the light glowed across her face. He'd hardly heard Harry's question.
"Which one am I, Uric or Albert?" Harry asked, still thinking about the wizarding stories Ron was so familiar with.
"Uric, of course," Ron stated boldly. "I'm Albert, he's the witty one. Uric is the one who gets them in all the trouble."
Two drinks later, Remus left his seat up at the bar, and walked bravely to the table near the corner of the room. There had been five men at the table when he arrived, but only three remained. He hoped Seth wasn't one of the two that had left together. A brawny wizard on the far left was scanning the room, checking out the leather clad patrons with taste similar to his own. While he was well built and attractive, Remus secretly hoped it wasn't the man Severus wanted him to meet. That close to the full moon, he needed to be with someone who would be comfortable when the wolf came out and he took control. While he was out of practice with the night scene, he was confident of his skills, otherwise. The other two wizards seated there were talking animatedly amongst themselves. They both seemed more approachable, at least for tonight. He caught himself and wondered when it was he'd decided tonight was not a one-time visit.
The wizard sitting in the middle wore a robe cut unlike any Remus had seen recently. It was clingy, and open low in front, revealing much of his dark skin. Remus thought for sure if the man stood up, he'd see every line and curve. It was the third wizard that first noticed Remus approaching. He had long brown hair with red highlights and fair skin, but with pink cheeks and nose like he'd been in the sun too long earlier that day, or perhaps windblown. He smiled at Remus, patting the seat beside him. The wizard in the clingy robe introduced himself, reaching across his friend to shake Remus' hand.
"I'm Basil, and you are?" he flashed a dazzling smile.
"Scrumptious," the other wizard answered the same time Remus gave his name.
"Very nice to meet you, Remus," Basil said with a hungry look. "This is my dear friend, Willie."
"The name's Will, don't listen to this tosser." Will said humorously. "Don't think I've seen you here before. What brings you around?"
"A friend," Remus began nervously and reprimanded himself for it. "Severus suggested I come by here," he prayed that he'd not been steered wrong by his reluctant coworker.
The leather-clad wizard hadn't been paying much mind, but hearing the name Severus got his attention right quick. Basil moved to sit on the other side, putting Remus between him and Will.
"It's far too long since we've seen Severus," his comment accentuated with a squeeze to Remus' leg. Will nodded in agreement, surprising Remus with his next remark.
"So, you're a friend of Severus? Doesn't he have a glorious cock?"
Remus choked on his drink, sputtering his apologies.
"Not that kind of friend, 'eh?" Will handed him a napkin, smirking.
"No, we're not all that close," he admitted.
Basil took a long sip of his drink while considering Remus. "Still, you must be special. Severus has never sent in a friend or otherwise."
"We go way back," too far back, thought Remus. "You say it's been a while since he was here?" Remus thought there was no point in missing the opportunity to check and make sure. He was relieved when the others confirmed their disappointment that summer had come and gone without a word from him. "He mentioned I might meet up with Seth. Do you know him?"
Basil and Will's faces lit up with renewed interest, while the still nameless leather-clad wizard suddenly lost interest in what Remus was saying.
Mr. Weasley confirmed that Petunia's release from St. Mungo's would be the following day. Harry was relieved to be getting rid of his cousin soon. Dudley was abnormally quiet for a while after his sudden flight to the loo, but soon fell back into his usual annoying self. Harry didn't bother to intervene when he saw the twins chatting him up. He was happy to go to a different room. In his little home, that meant the kitchen.
"Mum, you outdid yourself, everything was great," praised Bill. Molly was delighted to see Ron, Harry, and Bill had made a big dent in the food she'd left. "The blueberry cheesecake was the best you've ever made," Bill said with his head in the icebox.
"I didn't make cheesecake, dear," Molly eyed the impressive dessert Bill had taken out for seconds. "Don't make that face," she said, seeing him cringe with regret. "I'm not so thin-skinned as to be insulted over a thing like that." She smiled approvingly at Harry, "You'll have to give me the recipe. I didn't know you were so skilled in the kitchen."
"Actually," Harry checked to see that Ursula had left the kitchen. "Severus made it."
Ron snickered. "Like you always said, Mum, if you can find someone that cooks better then you, put a ring on her...um, his finger."
"It's a good thing Dudley will be leaving, Ronald. It looks as if you'll be needing a place to stay," Molly threatened her son, a wooden spoon waving in his face. Ron laughed and tried to lick the pudding off the spoon, but she was too fast for him.
Sometime later in the evening, Molly and Arthur said their goodbyes. Bill and his girlfriend had gone an hour before, leaving Harry with Ron, the twins, Hermione and his dear cousin Dudders. Molly had looked around to say goodbye to Dudley, but found him passed out on the sofa. She eyed the twins, but made no comment before leaving.
"What did you do to him?" asked Harry nonchalantly. He didn't really care in the least, but was making conversation. The twins quickly claimed innocence. However, a bowl of Ginger Naps on the coffee table explained a lot. Harry had allowed the twins to use the kitchen to cook up a few products. The houseguest had put their production behind schedule. "I thought you figured out how to make them so the victim only slept for a few minutes."
"We did, but the pig grabbed a whole handful and shoved 'em in his mouth at once. Don't really know how long he'll be out. He makes a great test subject." The twins never elaborated what other products they may have tested on him.
The trio transfigured a chair into a small sofa and relaxed. They filled Hermione in on any details she'd not heard about the attack at Harry's construction site, and talked about setting up a warding at the Granger home. Harry's friends had always been targets, but now that Ron was an Auror and often involved in the attacks on Harry, they were concerned for her safety.
Hermione was suddenly interrupted by a groan from the larger sofa. Dudley appeared to be having a bad dream. They'd each tried their hand at waking him, to no avail. Harry was more than happy to try a bucket of ice water over his cousin, but even that hadn't been enough to break though the spell of a huge handful of Ginger Naps.
Having tried everything they could think of, Harry and Ron were about to give up and put a silencing spell over the noisy sleeper when Hermione had an idea.
"Ron, move the coffee table out of the way. Harry, can you levitate the sofa up for me?" Having long since learned to just trust Hermione, they did what she asked. When she was satisfied that the sofa was up high enough, Hermione, standing at the end, pushed up on one of the back legs of the sofa, tilting it forward. Dudley dropped to the floor with a satisfying thud. After a loud grunt and whimper, Dudley settled down and slept quietly.
"What did you do, knock him out?" laughed Ron. Hermione smiled, having enjoyed both seeing Dudley drop, and having been right in her assumptions.
"The spell for Dudley to see Harry not being treated so kindly is activated by closing his eyes, but only works while he is on the sofa. I guess it works in his sleep, too. I can imagine the few hours of viewing he got was a bit of an eye opener for him."
"Maybe we should make sure?" asked Harry with a gleam in his eye. Ron's grin widened. He was up for an experiment. Harry, grateful for magic, used Wingardium Leviosa to spell the rotund boy back onto the sofa. It took a few minutes, but it became clear he was definitely having disturbing dreams, or whatever you want to call the visions of Harry's abuse.
Hermione felt a little guilty for enjoying tipping Dudley onto the floor again, but wouldn't give Ron the chance to do it. She hadn't had this kind of fun since she slapped Malfoy in the face. Satisfied with the results of their experiment, the trio continued their previous conversation regarding wards for the Granger home.
Having eventually exhausted their conversation, Ron and Hermione sat quietly cuddling on sofa and not paying any attention to the program that was on. Ron rested his feet on the coffee table by Dudley's body, but Hermione's legs were too short so she opted to use the unconscious beast as a footrest.
Harry sat, fidgeting. Not that he was uncomfortable while his friends cuddled, but he couldn't get his mind off Severus and the overdue talk they needed to have. Hell, he just wanted to be in the man's arms. Ron and Hermione noticed his restlessness, and were only too happy to hang out and watch over Dudley. Ron gave Harry a wink and suggested he have a quiet night's sleep in his room up in Albus' tower. Harry smirked, knowing his friends wanted to have Harry's place all to themselves. Dudley certainly wasn't going to be a bother.
"Ten points each for being out after curfew," reprimanded Snape. "An additional fifteen for my having had to witness such a deplorable display." His lips curled up at the sight of two fifth years scurrying away whilst still buttoning up disheveled robes.
His keen senses made him aware of the sound of footsteps, not of the fleeing Hufflepuffs, but someone else. He wasn't expecting the wolf back so soon, and was surprised to see Harry in the distance walking down the corridor.
"Mr. Potter, respectable wizards don't make social calls at such an hour. What, pray tell, brings you to Hogwarts?" he asked, knowing that it was never safe to assume there wasn't someone listening.
"I didn't know you considered me a respectable wizard, Professor Snape," smiled Harry. "I'm just going up to my room in the tower."
"Do you have need to speak with the Headmaster?" he thought maybe Harry had had a vision, though he didn't appear to be distressed. "I can escort you there myself, if need be. I don't want to see you wandering the halls. You may not be a student here, but you set an example to the others, nonetheless." He'd missed this. It was hard to explain, but it was still fun to bait Harry Potter when catching him out after curfew, even if it was a moot point.
Harry shook his head. "I think I can find my way. Tell me, Professor," Harry smirked. "Does it bug you, knowing you can't take points off?"
"It's more than made up for by the fact that I know, this year you will not get into some harebrained adventure prompting last minute points from Albus Dumbledore. Slytherin may actually have a chance at the cup."
"It's still early in the year, Professor. I wouldn't be too sure," teased Harry.
Harry was not surprised to find Albus in his office, waiting to greet him. "You're not going to tell me how you know who's at the door, are you?" His guardian smiled innocently. Harry would continue to try for the answer, though not expecting one.
"How are you holding up with your houseguest, Harry?" Albus didn't expect him to leave his cousin alone.
"Fine. He's still a prat, but fortunately his need for sleep has alleviated the stress of his visit." He smiled wryly, not explaining his comment.
Albus eyed him critically.
"What?" Harry asked defensively, trying not to smile. "Anyone spending time in my home is a possible target for Weasley pranks. I can't help it if he overdosed on the not yet patented 'Ginger Naps'. That's what he gets for being a glutton." He was amused that he felt like a child explaining himself to Albus.
Albus made his best attempt to look reprovingly at Harry, but it wasn't easy. "Then you didn't hex him with a sleep spell?"
"Well...not today. Before you ask, I didn't leave him alone; Ron and Hermione are there. They're playing house," he smiled thinking about his friends.
He and Albus discussed Ron's impending proposal to Hermione, and then, the possibility of Harry attending the funeral for his uncle. After much debate and considering the pros and cons, Harry decided he would not go to the church service, as his family had never included him in their Sunday rituals, and he'd no plans to pray for the departed Vernon. Harry would go to the cemetery for the burial, and that was it. Any press would choose the cemetery to get a story. Most were not so rude as to go to a house of worship during services. That, and the scene at the cemetery made for a photograph that would sell more copy.
Ordinarily, Harry could care less what story was done on him, but he didn't want to chance someone looking into why Harry wouldn't attend his uncle's funeral. It wasn't impossible for someone to find out he had been abused; difficult, but not impossible. In addition, Harry hadn't forgotten what Remus said about closure. He would be glad to know that part of his live was truly over.
When Harry arrived in his room, the first thing he did was open the floo. After kicking off his shoes and socks, he threw a pinch of Floo powder into the fire. "Severus." Harry peered through the fire looking for Sev.
"What a surprise," Severus deadpanned.
"Busy?" his tentative tone hopeful.
"Yes, I have a huge stack of grading to do, but I suppose it could wait," he answered vaguely.
Harry was about to point out that he'd spent many weekends with him, and papers to grade had not been a problem then, but then he remembered Severus had been busy this past week, if you counted Wednesday night's Death Eater escapade. "Do you need to be available for your students or would you like to join me in my room?" Harry hated the expression 'your place or mine'.
Severus took a step back invitingly, allowing Harry in. He liked the privacy his own rooms provided.
"I've missed you," Harry stated in a tired voice, and noticed the small show of relief Severus allowed on his face. "There's so much going on; I hate that we're so far apart when all I want to do is feel you close to me." He closed his eyes when he was awarded that very feeling as Severus' strong arms wrapped around him tightly.
"I know I've overreacted about everything going on. It seems like everyone else around me is relieved to have Vernon out of the picture. Some, more than others," he added, thinking about Ron and Bill's conversation with him. Bless the Weasley family.
"It was your possible reaction that kept me from killing him outright," admitted Severus. "I didn't want to lose you; I thought I might have," he said these words into Harry's hair, and then rested his chin there. He didn't recall the extra height, and looked down to see Harry was barefoot, toes curling over the edge of his boots.
"I would be a fool to let you go over Vernon," Harry's words were muffled in Severus' robe, but he heard the words.
"Yet, it wouldn't be the first time I attempted to convince you of your foolishness."
Harry could almost feel the smirk against his head. "Yes, yes, a fool, you've mentioned it once or twice in my years here at Hogwarts. But it's been months since you called me an Insufferable Brat."
"That you were listening," murmured Severus, and Harry realized there were many times he'd not really been listening to Sev's words when the silk of that voice sent him off into oblivion. He realized he should probably be listening now, when the deep, sexy sound resonated through him. "Why, after his treatment of you, and your near death, would you be upset over his demise?"
"I scared myself. My first reaction to Vernon's death was indifference. I had been too worried about Ron. I was so relieved when I saw the man, and knew it wasn't Ron, I didn't care that Vernon was lying dead, right there. It's not that I expected to feel sad, it was that I tried not to think too much about the relief I felt, what that meant about me; I guess I felt a bit guilty about my reaction. One of the reasons I never told anyone about Vernon was because I was afraid of having to go to an orphanage, like Tom. His family hated magic and sent him away. He killed them for it," Harry softly explained. "I was afraid to admit to myself that I was glad Vernon died, after he'd treated me that way."
"You wouldn't have been sent away," Severus said evenly, "and shouldn't compare yourself to the Dark Lord."
"Tell that to a twelve year old," he muttered. "We have too much in common for my comfort. I wanted you to see the real me, so I told you a lot of stuff I don't usually tell people. Maybe, subconsciously, I was letting you find out about things like my tenth birthday because I wanted you to protect me from them."
"It's official; you've had too much counseling. You're over-analyzing things," Severus said lightheartedly. Realizing what Harry had said about his tenth birthday, he added, " Letting me find out about your tenth birthday? I think I've been had," he feigned resentment. "Did you set up that whole thing, me seeing your birthday in the cupboard, in your pensive project?"
"I couldn't let you go on thinking I was a spoiled brat, could I?" Harry laughed, and then heard Severus comment about Slytherin tendencies.
"Does this mean we're okay now?" Severus asked, knowing the answer. Harry nodded, but despite the lightheartedness of their words Severus could see Harry was still thinking about it. "Do you remember when we were on holiday and I asked you if you thought you would change so much that you would be a different person altogether in twenty years?"
"Yeah, that was when you were trying to convince me that Sev was Severus Snape even if I couldn't see it yet. But you have to admit; you are much more complex than your temporarily younger self thought you would become."
"Yes, I was clueless to say the least, but my point is: you will grow and there will be changes, but you will still be the man I know and love. You may see a lot of similarities between you and 'Tom'," Severus couldn't believe he'd referred to the Dark Lord as Tom, "Trust me when I say, there are many, many more differences than similarities." Severus looked deeply into Harry's eyes, and added one more thing to bring their conversation to a close. "Throughout his years in Hogwarts he secretly studied the Dark Arts, and in his sixth year, proceeded to set a basilisk on the school to kill muggleborn students. Am I making my point?" Severus sounded like he was in the classroom. Harry nodded; his weak smile grew brighter before pulling Sev down for a kiss.
Remus finished off another drink. He was feeling no pain, but he wasn't drunk. The werewolf metabolism worked to his advantage.
"You're a friend of Severus? Where's he been, hooked up with a steady shag?" asked the wizard who had been basically ignoring him since he asked about Seth.
"Are you Carl?" Remus grinned, the man nodded. "If I'm guessing right, I think this explains where he is. Severus said to give this to you. Something about a bet?"
Carl's shocked expression didn't go at all with the tough persona he portrayed. He took the gold coin from Remus, and, staring at it, placed it on the table before downing his drink in one.
"No way!" Basil exclaimed in a stage whisper. "Carl, that is not a bet I thought you'd win," he added incredulously.
"I assume you're talking about him being in a steady relationship." Remus wanted to confirm his guess. It was Basil who answered.
"Carl told him that there was someone for everyone. Severus insisted that if he were so inclined, though he wasn't, that he could probably find someone worth having a relationship with, but that love was for the suckers who were foolish enough to believe it existed."
"I only made the bet to annoy him. He's more fun when he's provoked," Carl explained suggestively
"Carl likes it rough," Will added, but Remus didn't hear it as he was still getting over what Basil had said. Severus would never come right out and say to Remus that he loved Harry, but had revealed himself by giving him the coin for Carl, knowing it would be explained.
His mind wrapped around that for a while, but was soon distracted by Basil and Will trying to decide who would introduce him to 'Seth'. Apparently he had a room across the street.
"This is a great set of quidditch robes Snape got Harry," commented Ron, checking out the black outfit in Harry's wardrobe. Hermione spelled fresh sheets on the bed, and sat in what she hoped would be a sensual pose.
"Best friends or not, you shouldn't be snooping though Harry's stuff," huffed Hermione when Ron hadn't yet noticed her pose.
"What the...Oh! Eww, that's just gross," Ron squished up his face, quickly closing the bedside table drawer.
"That's what you get for being nosy," chastised Hermione, but then she couldn't resist peeking and decided she had to find out where Harry bought his toys.
Remus' expression was priceless when Will told him 'Seth' was code for 'get me laid', though he said he may be paraphrasing a bit. Remus was equally embarrassed when Will offered to spell him, and he had no clue as to what he was talking about. Remus had been monogamous with Sirius, and it'd been a long time before that since he'd dated. Will grinned and cast the spell to protect them from diseases.
"This explains why you were so eager for me to meet Seth," Remus' voice was muffled as his shirt was pulled over his head. Will nibbled on his shoulder.
"Oh, yes," purred Will against his neck. A hummed sound of agreement came from Basil, whose mouth was wrapped around Remus' eager cock.
Chapter End Notes
A/N: Wadcock? Only JKR can make this up. *snicker*
*Joscelind Wadcock, Chaser for Puddlemere United can be found in 'Quidditch Through the Ages'. )
DETAH 57 - Spontaneity and Consequences
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
"Aw, come on Sev. You know you want to," Harry lay naked on the bed, hoping to coax his lover. Severus straightened his collar, keeping his eyes averted. He was very tempted.
"I'm dressed, and I've things I need to attend before breakfast, and a meeting with Albus," Severus stated firmly. "You should have thought to wake me a little earlier; I would have happily complied."
Harry rolled his eyes. "A quickie. I swear you'll not be late at all," he pleaded while slowly rubbing his cock, spreading his legs wantonly. Severus reached into his wardrobe for a big jar Harry didn't recognize, but hoped was lube. Severus dipped his fingers into the viscous liquid before putting the jar back. Harry was licking his lips with anticipation.
Severus smirked; rubbing his hands together as Harry watched his every move. He tried not to laugh at Harry's utter disappointment when he applied the hair product into his dark locks, making him far less appealing than he had been a moment earlier.
"Fine," huffed Harry. "See if I care," he pouted, sounding like a child who'd been denied a treat. Severus did laugh at this. As far as he was concerned, Harry was just that, and he was the treat.
Harry walked up to Severus, pressing his nakedness against the teaching robes. "Greasy Git," he kissed Severus hard before turning around, storming away. It was all Severus could do not to throw him onto the bed and fuck him through the mattress.
"I'm going to take a shower and toss off," announced Harry. "And I'm going to be thinking about somebody else!" he added before slamming the bathroom door. If either of them could see through the door, they would see the other laughing. Severus shook his head at his lover's antics and left for his office.
"I'll be right back, I have some potion refills for you," he called out.
"Good," Harry slobbered past a toothbrush as he poked his head out of the loo. "If I'm not going to get laid, I may as well use you for potions."
"Indeed." Severus' smile faded slightly when he realized that was his toothbrush Harry was using.
The contented smile that had reappeared while stocking a box of potions for Harry was instantly replaced by a mask of indifference when Severus heard a knock on his office door. "Enter," he said, after quickly spelling the door to his private chambers closed, locked and warded.
"Professor?"
"Yes, Mr. Flynn, " his dislike for the student evident. He was a Ravenclaw, but in Severus' opinion, should have been a Slytherin.
The boy's eyes darted to the box on the desk. Severus quickly closed it, reprimanding Flynn for not minding his own business. Since painkillers and muscle relaxants were so common, any upper-level Potion student could easily recognize them.
"Sir, I thought I should be excused from class this coming Monday. I was looking over the schedule for this term and I saw that day the class is brewing memory potions. Since I'm allergic to Jobberknoll feathers..."
"That particular potion is usually done in pairs. Surely, your lab partner can handle the ingredients," his evil grin in place; he did so enjoy this. It was a beautiful weekend, and students found Monday morning Potions class particularly brutal after Hogsmeade weekends. "But, considering the nature of allergies, I do see how you may consider that to be appropriate, Mr. Flynn. Certainly, a student's safety and well-being is of the utmost importance."
The boy smiled, grateful he'd gotten his way. "Thank you sir, I'll be sure to get the homework assignment so as to be properly prepared for Wednesday's class." Taking a parchment roll from his pocket, he added, "I've finished Monday's homework assignment. Would you like that now?" the boy asked eagerly. Severus smiled, glancing perfunctorily over the parchment. He picked up a quill and flipped open the mouth of the metal snake inkwell on his desk. He corrected an error, and then rolled up the essay.
"Five points to Ravenclaw for thinking ahead."
Flynn's smile widened.
"I'll expect you fifteen minutes prior to class on Monday, so that I may cast a containment sphere to protect you from the ill effects of the day's ingredients."
Flynn's smile died. "Yes sir," his shoulders slumped in defeat.
"Here," Severus handed the parchment back to the student. "There's no need for you to lose points for a mistake on homework not due until Monday," he said silkily. The boy skulked from the office. Not only hadn't he gotten out of class, now he had to show up early and he also had to review and correct his homework. After all, if the professor was able to find a spelling error with such a cursory viewing, certainly the whole assignment needed to be checked again.
If I have to be here early Monday morning, so do you. Severus sat at his desk, sizing up the stack of papers he hadn't finished grading the night before. With a defeated sigh, he picked up the first paper. Three lines in, he couldn't read another word of the drivel his second years passed off as homework. He would have all day Sunday open for grading, since Harry would be busy.
What the Hell am I doing here while there is a horny, naked, eighteen year old in my shower? With a quick lock on the door, Severus sped back into his private quarters. One fluid motion later several spells had been cast, among them a silencing spell.
Harry was leaning back against the wall of the shower, seeing to his own pleasure. With a start, he yelped and arched his back, feeling the preparation spell loosening is muscles. His breath hitched with the tingling sensation the spell caused. He came on the spot.
Severus stood at the doorway, wand in hand. He growled, licking his lips at the sight of Harry's reaction to the spell, watching him climax. Harry turned to see his lover; he groaned, watching Sev spell his clothes off and approach him in a flash.
"Lubricous!" he shouted, putting his wand down before hopping into the shower. Harry gasped, feeling his arse suddenly slicked up as well as magically prepared. Severus took advantage, plundering the gaping mouth. After several long moments, he left the panting mouth in favor of biting a line down Harry's smooth neck, then turned him around abruptly.
"Oh. My. God," gasped Harry breathlessly, feeling every inch of Severus enter deep inside him. "Yes," he groaned encouragingly. His cock pressed against the wall, pulsing with renewed interest as he was pounded mercilessly.
Severus leaned one elbow on the wall to Harry's side while the other arm wrapped around his waist, pulling Harry's eager body against him with each driving thrust. Harry howled and quaked with pleasure as Sev bit his shoulder hard and at the same time managed to graze his prostate.
Feeling he was getting close, Severus reached for Harry's cock, only to be brushed away. Harry wanted to do it himself, allowing Severus to concentrate solely on pounding, fucking Harry with all his might. "Harder," panted Harry, his forehead pressed against the wall.
Hearing his lover's plea, or perhaps demand, Sev complied with vigor. Abandoning himself totally to sensation, Severus grunted with each forceful stroke. Harry was lost in ecstasy, feeling his lover let go. The guttural sounds turned him on more and more. It was all he could do to stroke himself with so little room between himself and the wall.
"I want you to come," ordered Severus.
A gasped 'yes' was all Harry could manage, panting. He cried out when his head tilted to the side as Sev fisted his hair, pulling and exposing Harry's neck and then sucking on Harry's oh-so-sensitive spot behind his ear; the small remnant of scar that Harry had left for just that purpose. The pace switched from a long hard driving force to a short quickened rhythm as they reached an explosive climax.
Harry continued to pant, pressed against the cool stone of the shower wall. His body continued to convulse as he came back down from what was, in his opinion, the most truly phenomenal sex he'd ever had. He began to slide down to the floor, but he was held up and turned around. Harry allowed himself to be moved and manipulated; he was happy to be supported by Sev's strong arms, leaning against his chest, feeling his lover's heartbeat through his cheek. The water from the shower was spraying one side of his face, but he didn't care in the least.
"I may never walk again," he said happily against Sev's chest.
His contented sigh was interrupted by a wandless charm cleaning him out in more ways than Harry cared to think about. Initially, he wanted to complain, but then, with his focus returning, thought 'what's good for the goose is good for the gander'. With loads of shampoo and massaging fingers, Harry scrubbed Severus' hair free of goop. He placed his lips against Sev's, pressing him back so the water would rinse over his head, rinsing away the horrid hair product and shampoo bubbles. Severus said something, but his words were garbled. Harry continued to kiss him through the water cascading over their heads.
"Who were you thinking about before I got here?" purred Severus, his arms tightening around Harry.
"I was thinking about my own hands," answered Harry impassively. Severus raised a questioning brow.
"I thought you said you would think about someone else," he said teasingly, trying to goad Harry into telling him.
"Hmm, thought so, and I had planned on moaning someone else's name too, but when I realized you really weren't joining me, I decided to think of myself," Harry let out a chuckle. "I was thinking of jerking off in front of your desk and coming on the papers you were grading."
Severus could feel the smirk against his chest. "Just as well you did not. I had a student come by this morning. I suggest you keep your potions well hidden until you're back home." Severus didn't bother to explain further, Harry would know to trust him on that.
Having left himself very little time to get to his meeting with Albus, Severus quickly dried and dressed. Harry took the floo back to his own room to retrieve his shoes.
After a peek into his living room, Harry could see Dudley through the fire. He was still asleep on the floor where they'd left him. Hearing no noise other than Dudley's snores, Harry figured there was no point in heading home too soon. He closed off the floo connection and headed for a bite to eat.
"Morning," Harry greeted Albus brightly as he passed through his office on the way down for breakfast. Albus' smile widened; it was good to see Harry looking so content.
"And a Good Morning to you, my boy," replied Albus. "Staying for breakfast? Should I set an extra chair for you at the Head Table?"
"I'm starved," Harry dipped into the bowl on Albus' desk, popping four lemon drops into his mouth at once. "Um, thanks for the offer, but I'm going to see if Ginny's around. It's too weird sitting at the Head Table. Last time I did that, they thought I was the next DADA Professor," he snorted at the thought. "See you at breakfast."
Having closed the door behind him, Harry stepped out to ride the staircase when he realized they were going the wrong way. Severus was on his way up. "Fancy meeting you here," he lilted with a wink. Harry pulled him down for a kiss before Severus could reply. "You were so amazing," Harry whispered into his ear.
"Of course you think so, you have none against whom to compare me," smirked Severus, knowing he was the only one to have had the pleasure of the wizarding world's hero.
"Are you suggesting I should explore my options? That I couldn't really be sure of how great you are without shagging a few more blokes, for a proper comparison?" he teased cheekily. "You know...I think Colin Creevey would give me a go. He's always followed me around," Harry looked up as if considering it.
Having reached the top of the steps, Severus continued to walk, forcing Harry to step back. Severus watched Harry keep his footing as he was pushed back, and then pressed him against Albus' office door. "Your options are not as vast as you may think," he growled possessively. "1. You may continue only knowing my touch, and trusting you are in the most capable hands, or..." he grinned evilly, "2. You can think about other men while chained to my bed for the rest of your days."
"That's not an easy choice. Both are appealing in their own way. Can I get back to you on that?" Harry accentuated each sentence with kisses just below Sev's jaw line.
"Do inform me of your decision," Severus said dryly.
"You know, you seem to have some attraction to exhibitionism or whatever you call it, when you do stuff in front of people without them noticing. With me chained to your bed, you'd lose your opportunities for that. Now that I think about it, it's been a while since you did anything like that," Harry wrapped his arms around Severus' waist.
"I wouldn't be too sure," Severus placed a gentle kiss on his lips. "I suspect Albus can see through this door."
Severus allowed himself a hearty laugh when Harry's eyes bugged out. He spun on his heels to face the door as if expecting to see Albus standing behind him, and then bolted down the steps.
Harry arrived in the Great Hall in no time flat. He'd made good time while trying not to think about his guardian watching him kiss Severus. He shook his head, clearing away his thoughts of Albus watching them with interest. With a shudder, he settled down to looking over the Great Hall.
Ginny had yet to come down for breakfast. The nice little first year, Jessica, was there, but Harry couldn't imagine making conversation with her while his mind was back being chained to Severus' bed. A walk up to the Gryffindor tower would do him some good.
Arriving at the entrance to the common room, Harry greeted the Fat Lady courteously. He wasn't too concerned about the password; someone would most likely leave for breakfast soon. Sure enough, the portrait opened up, revealing of all people, Colin Creevey. Harry kept a straight face, wishing the seventh year a good morning. Colin smiled wide with an overly cheerful 'Hi Harry!' It was obvious he wanted desperately to follow Harry back in, but wasn't fast enough to think up an excuse to return to his common room.
Harry leaned up against the back of a sofa, waiting for Ginny to come down from her dorm. When she arrived, she was behind another girl, chatting away about something or other. "Hi, Harry," she greeting him happily and continued to walk with her friend for about two steps before remembering Harry had finished school and didn't belong there. She slapped her hand over her mouth in embarrassment before laughing at herself and wrapping him in a big hug.
"What are you doing here?"
"Looking for a breakfast date. No luck yet. What are you doing?" he teased. Ginny giggled and turned sharply, feeling her friend pinching her discreetly.
"Oh, sorry. Harry, this is my friend Maggie. Maggie, Harry," she introduced, and they bowed to each other politely as Maggie's cheeks pinked.
The three of them walked down to breakfast, talking about inconsequential things. About halfway down, the flight of stairs they were on began to move. Conveniently, it was going where they needed to be. Before the stairs came to a stop, Harry noticed a boy waiting for them. He was tall and had short brown hair, very attractive in Harry's opinion. The boy looked nervous, his eyes darting from Harry to the two girls, sizing them up. Harry continued to speak with the girls as if he'd not noticed the boy. Harry tried not to make eye contact. He hated that his relationship with Sev had to be a secret. It left him to have to come up with excuses when people approached him. If the look on this boy's face was anything to go by, he'd been stealing up some nerve for when the steps arrived.
"Um, ah, hi," he said with a smile, as if the three short words made up a sentence.
"Hi, Carl," chirped Ginny, grinning bigger than Harry had seen her smile in quite some time.
"Hi, Gin, Maggie, um..." he trailed off while his eyes continued to dart from person to person nervously.
"Carl, this is my friend, Harry," Ginny added helpfully. Harry did appreciate that she never used his last name when introducing him to someone. They all recognized him, but it helped somehow, not hearing it.
Carl shook his hand and started to blush. Ginny gave him a smile with a slight nod of encouragement. Harry didn't miss the small gesture. He knew Ginny didn't understand his attraction to Severus, but still...
The young wizard suddenly took a deep breath through his nose. Though his lips were closed, Harry could tell by his tightened jaw muscles that Carl was clenching his teeth. This was it.
"Maggie, would you um, like to go to Hogsmeade today? I thought I'd take you to lunch," Carl exhaled, looking relieved the words had come out like he'd hoped, or close.
"Why don't you two work out the details, and we'll save a seat for you at breakfast," Ginny said before Maggie had a chance to give her answer. Pulling Harry along, she wrapped her arm around his waist so she could speak quietly to him. "Merlin, you have no idea how long it's taken him to ask her out. He chickened out the first three times," she continued to ramble on about her friends' blooming romance while Harry mentally kicked himself. The voice in his head sounded suspiciously like Severus.
Despite what you may think, the world does not revolve around you, Mr. Potter.
Severus sat in front of Albus' desk, waiting to see if his scene outside the door would be mentioned.
"Thank you for coming, Severus. I need you to run an errand for me."
Severus nodded, waiting to see what he needed to do.
"I'll get right to the point, in hope that you may return before breakfast is over. Remus is being held at the Ministry of Magic, and I need you to pay his fine and pick him up."
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. "And you felt it was best to send me, why?"
"I didn't. I told him I'd send Minerva down straight away, but he requested you instead," Albus smiled.
"Of course he did," Severus said through clenched teeth. No good deed goes unpunished. I'm never doing anyone a favor again!
"He'll need these," Albus handed him a bag with a change of clothes. Severus wondered if he were to spill the lemon drops and stomp, crushing them to yellow candy dust, would that diminish the twinkle in Albus' eye? Probably not.
Severus stood in front of a holding cell in the deepest part of the Ministry of Magic building. Remus sat miserably on a very uncomfortable cot where he had apparently spent the night. "Albus sent these along," Severus said flatly. "Change quickly so I don't miss breakfast."
Severus took out his wand; Remus dressed more quickly. "Don't you dare pull that spell on me again!" yelled Remus. "Ever!" He was still fuming about having been magically stripped by Snape.
"What the Hell did you do? I gave you simple instructions any fool could have managed."
"I did that," protested Remus. "It was after that I had a problem with..." Remus went on to explain that he'd offered to walk Will back to the pub where he'd left his broom. But when they returned to find it already closed, Remus offered to do an assisted Apparation.
"What, did you Apparate drunk and splinch him?" Severus commented, smirk in place. "You went with Will? Basil wasn't there? Too bad, Basil gets very excited when he hears the name Seth," he added, speaking more to himself then Remus. The embarrassment that crossed the wolf's face told him he should look into that further when he had more time, and wasn't famished.
Remus growled resentfully. "I'm perfectly capable. Your friend, Will, failed to mention that he'd been riding a broom because his Apparation license was revoked after he'd gotten drunk and Apparated into the wrong house and fell asleep." Remus stuffed his clothes into the bag and waited to be released.
Once Remus' wand was returned, they set off to leave. "Remmy!" called Will from a cell they were passing. "I didn't know you'd get into trouble," pleaded Will for forgiveness. "Severus!" Will tried to press a hand to Snape's chest, but the ward on the cell's bars didn't allow it. "In all the time I've known you, you never sent anyone around. Now, the one time you did, I screwed it up." Seemingly abashed, he abruptly changed, "Oh, I almost forgot! Carl won the bet?!" asked an astonished Will, apparently forgetting the previous topic. "Remus was very vague and would hardly tell me a thing. I know there's an age gap, but not how much. Is he younger than Troy?"
Severus grinned. Will's eyes bugged.
"Ha! Then you owe me a Galleon, too!" Will shimmied his shoulders, getting his face as close as the cell would allow. "Troy will be thirty next month, and you said that you would never take on a steady shag in his twenties. Too young and inexperienced for your blood, or some rubbish like that. Pay up," Will smiled wide.
"I owe you nothing." Severus offered no further information.
"Maybe not now, but you'll have to pay up when he turns twenty," Remus added helpfully, giving Will a wink.
Severus glared, but it was obvious he enjoyed watching Will's jaw hit the cell floor. As they were almost out of the corridor, Will recovered and shouted, "No hard feelings, Remus? Come by the pub again and Basil and me'll turn that sandwich over!"
In his embarrassment, Remus' eyes remained on the floor until they reached the exit to the building.
"Sandwich?" You don't just test the waters wolf, you jump right in. "Perhaps worth a night here," he gestured to the cells around him. His subtle voice could hardly be heard, but Severus knew the wolf's ears wouldn't miss a syllable. They Apparated, then continued their walk from the edge of Hogwarts' wards in silence. The smirk never left Severus' face.
As they entered the Great Hall together with ten minutes left of breakfast, one Ravenclaw student in particular noticed the Potions Professor was looking particularly smug, and his hair was not nearly as greasy as it had looked earlier that very morning. .
"Good Morning!" shouted Harry as he Apparated into the living room, and grinned maniacally when Dudley yelled with fright.
Dudley had been sitting on the floor in front of the TV. Startled, he leapt back, landing on the sofa. He then jumped off the sofa as if it were red hot.
"Morning," replied Dudley eventually. Harry decided he'd have to thank Remus the next time he saw him.
"Hey Harry," Hermione greeted him from the kitchen. She was going through the cupboards, looking for plates and things for breakfast. "Hey, mate," added Ron, but didn't move from his place, wrapped around Hermione, as she tried to move about the kitchen. She didn't seem to mind.
"Have a good night?" he asked them, and took out four mugs from the shelf. Ron answered by making sounds as he moved a lot of hair and buried his face at the base of Hermione's neck.
"Stop. How am I supposed to make breakfast with you doing that?" she giggled.
Harry insisted they sit and allow him to make breakfast as a 'thank you' for Dudleysitting. They agreed, but Hermione continued to set the table, using her wand since she was being held firmly on Ron's lap. Harry put the bacon on to fry and opened a cupboard door. He gathered a few items, closed it again, and began to make coffee. As Harry efficiently scrambled around his kitchen whipping up breakfast, he opened the same little door once again. "What are you doing?" asked Hermione, watching him.
"Cooking. What are you doing?" Harry raised a brow. The last fork had dropped on the table abruptly at the same time she gasped. Harry assumed Ron's hands were a distraction. Harry gave them coffee and began cracking eggs.
"Hmmm?" Ron's content sound from behind his cup was a mix of bliss and surprise. "That's not your coffee," Ron insisted. Hermione disentangled herself and walked over to where Harry stood, leaning across him with a smile.
"What do you keep looking at in here?" she asked comically while opening the cabinet to see for herself. "Is that a recipe for coffee?" asked a very amused Hermione, seeing a paper with notes taped to the inside of the door.
"Mmm" hummed Ron. "I asked him to teach you to make coffee. I'm liking him more and more, mate," Ron mumbled his words into his cup, finishing it off and holding it out for more. "Aw, don't pout, a few more times and it may just get as good as his." added Ron, whose comment only managed to turn Harry's fake pout to a fake scowl. "Wow. Did he teach you that, too?" laughed Ron, seeing the scowl.
"You get the broken yolks for that comment. It's just not right to insult the cook." Harry said shortly. His cooking got louder, too. The pans were clanked about twice as hard to show he'd been affronted. He continued to storm around the kitchen, knowing it had little effect. They all knew Ron liked his yolks broken. Hermione called them both children and left to make up the bed.
"Can you see the window in the loo from there?" asked Harry, pouring Ron another cup of coffee. "Is it open?"
"Only a little,"
"You better open it up wide; I've got bacon on."
No sooner had Ron opened the window and sat back down, asking if Harry planned on smoking them out, than a large white owl swooped over Ron's head and perched on the icebox, waiting for the bacon.
"Need I say more?"
Ron was glad to see Harry so happy this morning. He'd been preoccupied, thinking about Severus and the talk they needed. It appeared things had gone well. "Everything all right with the two of you?" Ron wrapped his hand around the warm, red mug with the Gryffindor crest. It was his favorite.
"Things are just fine," Harry answered with a mischievous grin. Ron was sporting his own evil grin.
"So, d'you top? What do you use for lube?" Ron tilted his head with a curious smile. "What?" he asked a huffy looking Hermione in the doorway. "You told me I should be more open-minded. I'm just doing what you suggested," Ron said innocently, knowing full well he was annoying her. Once again addressing Harry, he continued, "Hermione's right, I should show more interest and keep an open and unbiased mind," Ron said airily. "D'you top?" he repeated.
"I did last night," Harry answered. He'd figured out what Ron was up to recently and started answering the personal, and sometimes embarrassing questions. He didn't always answer with the truth, but that was OK if he could make Ron's ears turn red. Harry sat down for a minute, wincing as he did so. He could handle pain imperceptibly, but this had its desired effect. Ron's eyes widened with understanding, pulling a face.
"But...but you said you topped," stammered Ron.
"Yeah, last night. You didn't ask about this morning," Harry nonchalantly continued to butter toast.
"That's what you get," chided Hermione, handing Ron a flannel to wipe the hot, sputtered coffee off his hand. Harry hoped this would cure Ron of his recently acquired prurient curiosity.
"Oh, that reminds me, I had breakfast with Ginny and she wants us to go see her game today. You up for it?"
"You bet. Be the first time you and me would be sitting together in the stands for a Gryffindor game," remarked Ron. "How did, um, that...you know, topping, remind you of quidditch?"
"I'll explain it to you later." Harry smirked, thinking of him and Sev having sex on his broom.
Ron wasn't sure if he was more curious or scared.
"Harry?" Dudley called into the kitchen hesitantly. "The Headmaster of your school is on fire. I mean he's in the fire looking for you," stammered the muggle.
"Want me to take over?" offered Hermione from the doorway, taking the spatula from his hand.
"Yeah, thanks, Herm. It's almost done. Dudley, why don't you sit down and eat while I go talk to Albus."
"Hi, Albus, something wrong?" Harry quickly recognized by the wizard's warm smile there was no concern. "You don't miss me already, do you? I'll be back for the quidditch match today," he teased.
"I wanted to inform you that your Aunt Petunia is doing well and will be released as planned later today."
Harry nodded.
"When Remus comes to pick up Dudley, your cousin should have all his belongings with him. He'll be returning home directly from St. Mungo's with his mother."
"Good, then this place will get back to normal." Harry rubbed his hand over the back of his neck tiredly. "I'll make sure he's ready when Remus gets here." Harry decided that the following weekend he would lock his doors, close his floo and spend the whole weekend with no outside contact... with the exception of Severus. He chuckled with a sudden image of Severus chained to his bed for the weekend.
Albus didn't ask what had been funny. Harry wondered if the knowing smile was simply for throwing people off balance, or if he knew as much as he hinted. No matter, it wasn't as if he didn't know Harry spent the night in Severus' chambers. The Headmaster could feel the magic of the floo and knew when Harry was coming and going from his room in the tower.
'Weasley throws the quaffle to Clark. Oh! That was a close one! Clark scores, putting Gryffindor ahead by forty points!' shouted the announcer.
Harry and Ron cheered for Ginny and the Gryffindor team. Watching Ginny nearly getting clobbered by a bludger made them wince. It had been exciting to see Ginny pull off some impressive flying maneuvers, but the occasional close call made Harry realize what Hermione had been going on about all those years. No wonder the girl chewed off all her nails at every game!
They had a blast shouting 'Weasley Rules' and heckled the opposing team, Ron, of course, being the loudest. When the snitch was caught Ron and Harry barely kept their balance as a barrage of Gryffindor students ran from the bleachers past them to congratulate their team's victory.
"Feeling old?" Harry asked as a boy who barely reached Ron's elbow pushed past. Ron shook his head.
"Nah, just tall. Oh, sorry, you wouldn't understand what that's like," teased Ron. Seeing Harry looking behind him in curiosity, Ron spun around to see what could be behind him up so far in the stands. "You had me nervous there," he said, seeing a Snowy owl flying overhead.
"Hello, handsome," cooed Harry, smoothing white feathers.
"Handsome? Isn't Hedwig a girl?"
"She is. Girls can be handsome, I guess, but this isn't Hedwig. This one's a boy. See, there are only two tail bands. Girls have four to six, I think." The owl hooted at Ron as if it were insulted by the mistaken identity. Harry couldn't wait to tell Hermione that not only had he read the 'Owl Facts' book she gave him, but that he'd actually made use of the information. He reached for the miniature parchment tied to the owl's leg. As soon as he untied the letter, it expanded to its full size. St. Mungo's always sent private patient information with parchments spelled only to expand for the intended recipient. Harry's eyes narrowed as he read on.
Dear Mr. Potter,I would like to start out by confirming that your aunt, Petunia Dursley, is doing very well and will be released later this afternoon. We thank you for the confidence you placed in our facility by sending your family to us for their medical needs.
Harry snorted. As if he were the one who decided where she went. For that matter, he wasn't even aware of another facility available to them. Who were they kidding, the suck ups.
It is with great dismay that I must ask you to come to St. Mungo's to retrieve Dudley Dursley. We understand that it is most difficult for a muggle to understand our ways, and I'm sure he is under terrible stress, having lost his father in the same incident that hospitalized his mother, but his recent outbursts have forced us to make a difficult decision. The staff caring for your aunt feel it would be best if Mr. Dursley spent the day elsewhere. I concur with their request and as the Administrator, I ask that you remove your cousin as soon as possible.Thank you for your attention to this matter,Mr. Randolph Consworth
"What's wrong?" Ron leaned over but had a hard time reading upside-down.
"Want to go to St. Mungo's with me? Dudders has outstayed his welcome." Harry sighed.
"Sure, mate. Don't' forget I'm still getting paid to hang out with you until after the services for your uncle," Ron said lightheartedly.
Exhaling forcefully in resignation, Harry began down the stairs from the quidditch stands. They made it through the throng of students to congratulate Ginny. Ron told her of moves she should have done (in his opinion), and which passes she performed really well, all the while straightening twigs on her broom. "That chaser, him," Ron pointed to Ginny's teammate. "He's good, but weak on his left side. Try to pass to him on the right if you can, or pass to someone else when he's rounding..."
"Thanks, Ron, I gotta go take a shower now," Ginny cut him off. She hugged him and Harry, thanking them for coming to the game. "Now you know why I didn't try out last year with you around," she teased her brother.
"Yeah, well...I guess you're doing fine without my valuable suggestions, but you had better start taking better care of that broom. Harry and I always had our brooms well manicured, and polished so you could see your reflection."
"I'm sure the two of you spent hours polishing your brooms," she made a crude gesture. " I actually spend some time studying," she laughed at the appalled look on her brother's face.
Harry plastered on his faux friendly smile to greet the obnoxious administrator as Ron went to the room designated for children of patients. Dudley looked ridiculous among the small children that played in the room. He sat in the corner, reading a magazine. Ron thought it was odd to see Dudley reading. It was like seeing Crabbe or Goyle in the library.
"Don't believe everything you read," commented Ron, seeing the picture of himself and Harry embracing. "I'm not his boyfriend," he added while looking at the picture. Though it had all been a misunderstanding, Ron found it difficult to look at the picture of Harry so distraught over his supposed death, and not feel awful.
"Is the other stuff they said about Harry true?" Dudley startled when a toy flew past rapidly, only to land gently onto the outstretched hand of a little boy playing nearby.
"Probably not," shrugged Ron. "Anything specific?" he asked.
"There's a biography on Harry in here. Is he really that big a deal around here? And this," he pointed to the paper, "are dragons actually real? 'Cause it said he had to battle with one when he was only fourteen. I wasn't born yesterday. I remember he was pretty scrawny back then."
"Maybe he wouldn't have been if you'd shared some of the food," snapped Ron, pointing at Dudley's belly. Ron sighed; he'd been restraining his temper for days. After a few long, deep breaths he began again. "Those rags always build up the stories to make for better reading. Harry was in a tournament and had to outsmart a dragon and steal one of its eggs. He took top marks, I think. I don't know if I'd call that 'battling' since he wasn't supposed to hurt the dragon."
Dudley sat silently. He wasn't sure if he believed the whole ridiculous story. Ron took the magazine when he realized Dudley was lost in thought.
"Let's see," Ron said more to himself than Dudley. "All right, well this one isn't as bad as some of the others," he said distractedly while reading the biography. Ron said a few words that caused his wand tip to glow, and started marking sentences on the pages. "True, false, false, true, false - totally made up that one, they did. True, partially true, and ha, I forgot about that one, it's sorta true, and the last one is false," said Ron with a laugh, having highlighted all the true statements made about Harry and his illustrious years at Hogwarts.
Meanwhile...
Harry took a deep, calming breath, having listened to the travel options available to him and his muggle cousin. None of them were particularly appealing. "Are you sure there isn't another way?" Harry could feel a headache building.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Potter. If you like, I can check with our muggle-relations specialist, but I'm sure she isn't' going to tell you anything I haven't already," said the administrator. He was starting to lose his composure. "Julia, if you could please help us with a list of travel methods available for non-magical guests?" he sounded exasperated, and Harry couldn't miss the agitated tone.
"I'll be right with you," said a woman Harry assumed was Julia. She had her nose in a file and was making notes in a chart.
"Couldn't I do an assisted Apparation?" Harry had asked the man, but Julia answered without taking her eyes from the file.
"It's called 'assisted' for a reason. You would be guiding more for direction than the actual travel itself. It doesn't work on muggles; they don't have inherent magic," she glanced up, but not long enough to have recognized Harry.
"I understand that, but a forced Apparation doesn't use the traveler's magic. Wouldn't that work on muggles as well?" Harry's lips thinned when the woman rolled her eyes. She started to put her forms down to give him her full attention.
"You would have to be an extremely powerful wizard. What are you in, sixth, seventh year at Hogwarts?" she said condescendingly and then froze, having finally looked up to see who was at the counter.
"Let me guess, you're the muggle-relations specialist because you don't do wizard relations very well?"
Julia's mouth gaped further than when she had recognized him.
"Now that we've covered my inadequate height, would you like to discuss my unmanageable hair as well?"
Before she could respond the administrator nudged her aside. "I'm very sorry, Mr. Potter. I'm quite sure Julia meant no disrespect. She's been, um very busy, preoccupied as it were," he groveled. Harry was waiting to see if the man would prostrate himself and kiss his boots. "We here at St. Mungo's pride ourselves on providing the very best service and care. I hope that you'll not consider this incident to be typical of the care and support one receives from our facility."
"Yeah, right," Harry turned to walk away. He didn't want to be rude, but didn't trust that his next words would be kind. He'd already said more than he planned to that Julia woman. He mused, perhaps hanging out with Severus was having an influence on him.
"If there is anything at all we can do for you, Mr. Potter, please don't hesitate to ask," the man said silkily. Harry was grateful Ron and Dudley had finally entered the office.
"Hey mate, you all set to leave?" asked Ron cheerfully.
"You bet," Harry turned to leave and was held up by the desperate man.
"Please, Mr. Potter, if I could..." the man stammered, frantically trying to save face and not allow the celebrity to leave on bad terms, but Harry cut him off.
"Let me make this easy for both of us," he paused, and the man nodded eagerly. "If anyone asks, I'll be sure to tell them my family has received the very best care available. You, in return, will not tell the press I had to remove my obnoxious cousin from your hospital."
"Oh, I assure you, Mr. Potter, our patient records are private. The press will not be getting a story from us," he stated confidently.
"Trust me, Mr. Consworth, the press has never missed a chance at a story. If they can't find one, they'll make it up. It's in your best interest to make sure the story they print is a flattering one."
"Yes, of course. I see your point, but once again, I assure you, none of the staff would betray your privacy."
"Look, Mummy," called a little boy from the corridor. "See him, that's Dudley and he was in the play room with me an' he used to live with Harry Potter," the child exclaimed at the top of his lungs. Looking past Dudley, the little boy spotted Harry and shrieked, "Mum! Can I get Harry Potter's autograph? No! I don't wanna leave..." the boy's increasingly loud protests could be heard all the way down the hall while his embarrassed mother dragged him away.
Harry couldn't help his smug look, and started to laugh softly. "I rest my case. I would strongly suggest you make a phone call. Someone's going to, it may as well be you. That way, you control the story that is printed. Ron," Harry turned to his friend. "What's the going rate for an exclusive?"
"Twenty-five Galleons?" Ron suggested with a shrug.
"Good day, Mr. Consworth. Where did you say the Apparation room is?"
"Right this way, Mr. Potter," Julia answered, leading them to the secure area that wasn't warded against Apparation. Normally she would lead travelers to the room and leave, but she wanted to see this for herself. It was a rare enough occurrence that she hadn't personally witnessed one, and she certainly hadn't ever before heard of moving a muggle that way.
"You sure about this, mate?" asked Ron nervously, his eye straying to the large Dudley. "It couldn't hurt if I helped out."
"Couldn't hurt," Harry agreed. He instructed Dudley to cross his arms over his own chest, while Harry and Ron each grabbed a hand. Harry saw Ron smirk, his fingers went all the way around Dudley's wrist, and Harry's fingers didn't quite meet. "Shut up."
"I didn't say anything," complained Dudley, and Ron snickered.
"Bye, Jules," Harry said humorously. She looked surprised and wasn't sure if she was insulted or not.
"On three?" asked Ron
"On three," confirmed Harry, knowing full well that meant two. "One."
"What happens on three?" squealed a panic-stricken Dudley.
"Two..."
They were gone.
Severus Snape sat across from Albus' desk, refusing a lemon drop.
"If you're sure," Albus put the candy dish down and took one of the confections for himself. "Did you enjoy the game today?"
"It was mildly entertaining," Severus shrugged.
"You don't often go to games Slytherin isn't competing in. Tea?"
"Please," Severus replied, taking the proffered cup. "On your way to making a point, Albus?" He raised a brow, sipping his tea. It was steaming hot. Perfect.
"I'm merely making conversation, Severus," Albus said casually, but the twinkle in his eye said otherwise. "I thought possibly it was because Harry was in attendance, but you did seem quite engrossed in the game, more so than usual." Albus smiled and helped himself to a biscuit.
"Like a dog on a bone, you just keep at it until you get to the good marrow, right in the middle of it," Severus didn't want to explain his recent interest in the sport. He knew it was fruitless to go up against Albus, but he would put up a good fight to maintain what dignity he could.
"If you feel that way, perhaps you shouldn't resist?" Albus kidded him. "Humor an old man. It was so much easier to watch the two of you at meals in the Great Hall. Now, with Harry out of the castle, I don't get to see you both together. Even before you got together, you were entertaining, to say the least. Always pushing each other's buttons, annoying each other," Albus reminisced."Now, all I get is the sense of Harry's magic passing through the floo."
"Break out the violins for the poor Headmaster with empty nest syndrome," he said with a grin. Severus hadn't forgotten how he kissed Harry against Albus' door that morning. "I thought this morning would have been quite entertaining for you. I, myself, found it hilarious." Severus shocked Albus by helping himself to a biscuit from the tray.
"I haven't the foggiest idea what you're going on about," Albus hid behind his teacup and denied any knowledge of the couple's morning antics behind his door, but Severus didn't miss the way the elder wizard's cheeks rose up to his eyes; he was smiling so wide behind the fine bone china. " If I were to admit that I had seen you making a spectacle at my door, would you explain your fascination with today's game?"
"Hardly," laughed Severus. "I already knew that. I want something better if I'm to embarrass myself." The challenge was made.
"Oh?"
"Yes, the answer to a simple question, actually." Severus returned his empty teacup to the tray, leaned back and crossed his legs. "Dippit's holiday, what happened?" He elaborated, seeing Albus' confusion; or was he frozen in place? "When you explained your idea for the 'holiday as teens' to the staff, Minerva had made a comment about the time Headmaster Dippet had tried it. Something had happened. What was it?" Severus smiled in satisfaction when Albus' biscuit crumbled in his tight grasp and sprayed crumbs over the tea service.
"I have no personal problem telling you about my holiday, but I don't think it right to air someone else's dirty laundry, do you?"
"I certainly agree. I wouldn't want you to reveal the secrets of another staff member, former or otherwise," said an amused Severus, knowing perfectly well they were speaking of Minerva. "Why don't you tell me about your own holiday as a teen. There is no need to mention anyone else by name." Severus had seen Albus' cheeks tinge pink when Minerva made the comment, way back in spring. There were rewards as well as pitfalls to having an exceptional memory. He so enjoyed having Albus backed into a corner. If the old wizard wanted to know about his quidditch interest, he would have to pay dearly. Deciding it was time to enjoy himself, Severus helped himself to a small plate of biscuits and sat back, again crossing his legs, getting comfortable for a long story.
Dumbledore smiled as if it were his idea to tell this story all along. But nothing was going to take the self-satisfied, superior expression off of Snape's face.
"Headmaster Dippet," Albus paused to glance up at Dippet's painting, which was currently feigning sleep. "Since it had not been done before, so far as was known, there was little thought given to the consequences of giving the group free rein. It was two weeks during summer break; no students were present. It seems that it never occurred to Armando to keep close tabs on any of us."
Albus paused to fix more tea. He was sure he'd heard Severus mumble 'stalling' into his steaming cup of tea.
"Just like Harry and you discovering each other, I met up with a lovely young woman who caught my fancy." Leave it to Albus to bring him and Harry into it. "Unfortunately, the young lady came down with a touch of the flu. Actually, we didn't know it was the flu; the poor gal was feeling ill only in the mornings. It wasn't until after she had taken the flu potion and was still suffering symptoms that we thought she might actually be carrying a child."
Severus couldn't keep his eyes from widening. This was better then he thought. He did bite his lip to keep from barking out in laughter at the thought of Albus impregnating a fellow professor while in the mental haze of 'The Holiday', as he termed it.
"With the complications of influenza and having already been medicated, taking an additional potion to determine pregnancy was out of the question. The conception detection spell was giving off odd results as a side effect of the potion we had taken to become teenagers."
Severus could no longer hold back his laughter. "Merlin, Albus," he shook. "Please don't tell me you've got a middle-aged love child running around here somewhere," choked Severus. He had to put his tea down to keep from spilling.
"If you're quite finished," chided Albus, trying not to show his own amusement. "It was decided the safest thing to do was for the young lady to remain a teen until such time her condition could be established. She was given back her memories with the rest of the professors, but had to remain in her younger body for another three weeks, when her cycle confirmed it safe for her to age up."
"So, there never was a baby?" asked Severus. Albus shook his head no. "Was it early in the summer?" again he shook his head. "Well, then, please continue with your story," Severus said gleefully.
"The 'holiday' was very close to summer's end." Albus paused, eyes closed. "She was forced to teach the first two weeks as a teen," he chuckled at the memory. "To her credit, she took it all in stride, and had a few good laughs at the expense of several older students who had come on to her during that time. Some of them were rather tasteless. I believe Gryffindor was dead last in points that year. If memory serves, it took them several months to get out of the negative numbers."
"You were how old then?" enquired Severus amusedly.
"Hmm, let's see," he began as if it wasn't burned into his memory. "I'd not yet had my birthday... that would have made me hundred-five in 1946."
"You were the Transfiguration Professor in 1946 weren't you?"
Albus was impressed Severus knew his dates so well, and decided to come clean. "She wasn't a professor; she had spent the summer at Hogwarts as a candidate for apprenticeship and had only aged back five or six years." Albus remembered that was when her parents had decided she needed to take a very long trip to celebrate her achievement of top marks in Uni and her recent registration as an Animagi.
As if summoned by the story, Minerva knocked on Albus' door.
"Excuse me, Severus. Albus, you asked me to inform you when Harry and his cousin arrived. They are on the grounds."
"Thank you," Albus replied simply. He turned to address Severus.
Harry and Ron each wore satisfied grins, having successfully completed such a challenging task. "We did it!"
"Wow, mate, I could feel your magic flowing through me," Ron shivered. "That doesn't make me gay, does it?"
"Yes, it does."
"Think I'll have a chance at Malfoy?"
"I sincerely hope not."
"Guess you're right. I'll just have to stick with Hermione."
"You do that," Harry said flatly. "Enervate," He woke the fainted Dudley, offered a hand to help him up, and continued his banter with Ron. "When are you going to get off your arse and ask her to marry you?"
"I told you the engraving is almost paid for," Ron defended.
"What does it take to scratch your names in gold? A Galleon, maybe two?"
"Lot you know," huffed Ron. "The engraving is a series of ancient runes etched into the bands to protect the couple from misfortune and promote family harmony, stuff like that. Didn't they teach you that in your wizard culture class?" Ron finished sarcastically.
"I must have missed that day," Harry paused to allow Dudley to catch up. "I guess your parents had the runes that promote fertility."
"Prat,"
"Where are you taking me?" interrupted Dudley. "This place is a dump!" his comments reminded Harry he needed to cast a spell so his cousin would see Hogwarts as magical people did. Dudley was seeing an old ruin and rambling on about what a fine place Smeltings was when Harry hit him with the spell. He stopped talking in favor of dropping his jaw at the view of Hogwarts castle in all its glory. "Th-this is your school?" his eyes continued to travel up to the turrets, gargoyles, and statues decorating the castle's exterior.
Harry remained silent with a very satisfied expression while Ron took on the job of tour guide.
"On your right is the quidditch pitch, where my sister's team kicked butt earlier today." Ron pointed. "Up on this side, the tower over there is the Gryffindor dorms, where we lived for seven years. My dorm mate, Harry," Ron hugged Harry's shoulders. "The Astronomy Tower is that one. That's where we..."
"Learn Astronomy?" Dudley finished, rolling his eyes.
"I was going to say snog, but yeah, we had classes there, too. Up there in the highest tower," pointed Ron dramatically with both hands, "Is where Headmaster Dumbledore, the most powerful living wizard of our time, has his office and living quarters. Harry has a room there, too," he added.
Harry elbowed his friend in the gut. "You say Rapunzel, and you've had it," warned Harry. Ron snickered.
"Severus, I'm afraid you're going to have to make yourself scarce for the next few hours. I'll have dinner sent down to you," Albus explained to Severus that Dudley would be in Hogwarts for an hour or so. The Headmaster began apologizing when Severus waved him off, appeasing any guilt.
"Don't think on it. I have some research to do and I'm glad for the excuse. Furthermore, Mr. Flynn's been nosing around. I need to keep public contact with Harry to an absolute minimum."
"I see," Albus hoped his dear boys could one day have a public relationship. "Does Harry have anything to do with your increased attraction to quidditch?" Albus questioned as if he were asking after the weather and not making Severus 'fess up to something. Quid pro quo.
Severus sighed as one does when suddenly remembering an unpleasant chore they'd been putting off. "I assure you it is trivial issue, hardy worth the exchange of such a scandalous tale," murmured Severus, obviously pleased about having gotten the better of the bargain. The thought of Minerva ever being so irresponsible was mind-boggling. Unfortunately, it was difficult to gloat as the twinkle in Albus' eyes intensified.
"Fine. I agreed to be present while Harry, Ron and Hermione prepare for a warding on the Granger home."
"Very kind of you to help. I'm sure they'll appreciate your experience in the matter," Albus said, not mentioning this had nothing to do with quidditch.
"Deciding what spells to use should take all of thirty-five minutes. Ninety if you count the inevitable twenty questions from Granger. That leaves the rest of the evening to be..." he paused, eyes shut. "Sociable." Severus grumbled. "Having just seen a game together, Harry and Ron will jump right into a quidditch discussion, leaving Granger and I to fend for ourselves." Severus continued to tell himself he did not sound like an old housewife.
"Harry's been making an attempt to share some of my interests; it's the least I can do to reciprocate." He'd recently found one of his monthly potion journals tucked into a Quidditch Weekly. "I think Ron enjoys knowing there is at least one topic about which he'll always be better informed than I."
Albus chuckled and noted Severus was no longer referring to Harry's friend as Weasley. "Wouldn't that make three of you talking about quidditch, and Hermione left out?" Albus asked humorously.
"It is no concern of mine if Miss Granger chooses not to participate." This wasn't to say he thought it was possible for there to be a subject Hermione hadn't painstakingly researched, not the least one both widely popular, and so dear to her Ron.
Chapter End Notes
Owl facts taken from:
Timeline from
DETAH 58 - Relative Revelations
Chapter Notes
Thanks so much for the reviews. They always make me smile.
Are we due for a cliffhanger? I haven't gotten a death threat in a while.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Severus Snape barely looked up from his research when a timid house elf edged closer to his desk with a tray of food.
"Professor Snape sir, Professor Dumbledore is asking Tizzy to bring you dinner," the elf said with only a little stutter. House elves seemed more confident when entering on the Headmaster's authority. "Does Professor Snape sir, want the tray here or by the fire, sir?"
"Here is fine," replied Snape distantly as he jotted down notes.
An hour later Severus put away his work, locking the desk drawer. When lifting the large dome cover off the food, he noticed it felt cold under his left hand, but hot under the right. The fruit and salad greens were chilled, the soup and entree hot. All his favorites were there. He had the feeling Albus had a hand in the menu for the evening. Severus didn't mind not eating in the Great Hall in the least, but it never hurt to have Albus feeling guilty on your behalf.
Lucky for him, Harry and Dudley weren't the only two Severus had been kept from inadvertently running into.
Neville Longbottom waited anxiously for his date to meet him in the Entrance Hall. He'd been almost happy for the distraction when Colin Creevey bombarded him with a barrage of questions. Having been close to the Great Harry Potter for seven years meant Neville was subject to the 'Creevey inquisition' when cornered. Feeling much harassed, with a strained smile, Neville politely answered yes, he'd seen Harry at the Weasley house over the summer and no; he hadn't been to Harry's home. Usually Neville would avoid taking part in Colin's unhealthy obsession, but truth be told, it did help take his mind off his earlier concerns, worrying if he was dressed nice enough for his dinner date. When Harry, Ron and Dudley arrived through the big oak doors, Neville smiled with relief. Colin Creevey turned his attention quickly to the door. Luckily for Harry and Ron, it was only a matter of seconds and an exuberant 'Hiya' Harry!' later when a striking Miss Weasley arrived.
Ron gaped like a hooked haddock in shock at the sight of his little sister. Neville and Harry alike gave her big smiles.
Neville complimented her outfit and they left for dinner. They quickly made it out the door, avoiding Ron questioning Neville's intentions and their plans for the evening. Feeling the nudge to his side, Ron closed his open mouth. He was still dumbstruck by the thought of his sister having breasts. He knew she had them, but hadn't ever remembered noticing them being up there so high. Hermione had one of those 'push them up bras', but certainly his little sister wouldn't have one, regardless of her only being eleven months younger than Hermione. The idea that his sister was a woman who had sexual interests was not something he could think about.
Harry pulled Ron into the Great Hall for dinner. Food was always a good distraction for Ron, or any teen for that matter. Colin was only too eager to stay at Hogwarts, regardless of the Hogsmeade weekend, if it meant he could dine with the Great Harry Potter.
Dudley startled when he saw the enchanted ceiling above his head. They sat close to the door, calling little attention to themselves. Dinner had already begun, which spared Dudley the shock of food magically arriving on the table. Harry was counting down the minutes until Dudley would be gone. He and Ron rolled their eyes at Colin. Harry's younger fan was positively giddy and jumped at the opportunity to make conversation with Dudley.
Dudley, for the most part, disregarded the seventh year in favor of the variety of food before him, amazed that there was a seemingly never-ending supply of it. Harry poured the last drops of pumpkin juice into his goblet, ignoring the annoyed growl sent to him by his cousin, who thought Harry'd not been polite enough to offer anyone else the last of the juice.
"Can you pass the juice, Harry?" Colin asked politely.
"Its empty..." Dudley began, but shut up when Harry passed the seemingly full pitcher.
Harry snorted. Ron and he had noticed the previous year that Colin used any excuse to make conversation with him. He 'coincidently' needed Harry to pass something for each course. Ron rolled is eyes, though he wasn't sure if Harry's snort was regarding Colin the devotee, or Dudley the annoyed.
Just to wind up Harry, Ron took to asking him for anything and everything Harry could reach. Within five minutes there was nothing at all Harry had not passed with the exception of one lone bottle. Harry snickered as he recognized the bottle was a condiment seldom found on the table at Hogwarts.
The meal continued in relative silence, at least on Harry and Ron's end. Dudley continued to eat as Colin regaled him with tales of exciting moments in Harry's Hogwarts Years: a History. It was the possible book title for his most recent unauthorized biography currently in progress, complete with full photo layout.
"Do the pictures in your muggle house move?" Colin waited for Dudley's response, so did Harry.
"Yeah, they get moved every time my mum dusts," answered Dudley.
"I meant the pictures of Harry, are they magical and move about, or are they still-shots?" Colin reloaded his camera as he spoke.
"Why would there be pictures of him?" Dudley's comment was taken as a joke and laughed off.
"Only muggle pictures," Harry quickly cut in. "No magic on summer hols, so no one to spell them motionless when visitors came over." Harry hoped it was enough, but unfortunately, Colin had been relentless as always, and was beginning to annoy them all. Harry could see Dudley's hands clench into fists.
"Great game today, did you see Ginny's double loop?" Ron asked Colin, steering the conversation in a new direction. That worked for a few minutes, but when Harry's quidditch days came into play, Harry decided to do something.
"I sure wish I knew when Slytherin was going up against Gryffindor. Do you think McGonagall would know?" He said to no one in particular, but it had the desired result. Harry turned to Dudley after Colin went to ask their Head of House about the game schedule.
"I know he's annoying, but he's a good guy, and you're almost out of here," Harry checked his watch. The hands seem to move much slower than usual.
"If I have to hear one more word about you and how they all think you're some kind of God around here, I'm going to punch the prat in the mouth," threatened Dudley.
Harry's lips thinned. "You don't want to do that," he warned.
Thankfully, when Colin returned, dinner was about done. Remus Lupin approached the table.
"Hello Harry, Ron," greeted Remus sending a friendly nod to Colin. "Dudley, I'm going now to pick up your mother. Harry, can you have Dudley in Albus' office when I return?"
Harry jerked his head in Remus' direction. "You aren't taking him with you?" Harry questioned as he pointed to his cousin.
"No, it will only take me five minutes to walk to the school gate and Apparate to St. Mungo's. To travel there with a muggle would take an extra forty minutes. The Ministry is still trying to make up for their mistake, and has at least approved a portkey for the return trip from St. Mungo's. I won't be long," he added with a glance at his watch. Harry wanted to complain, but he appreciated all Remus was doing for him. Realizing how close he had come to having to spend a few hours on a train with his aunt and cousin, Harry was grateful to only have Dudley for less than an hour more.
"We'll walk you out," offered Harry, on their way thanking Remus profusely for all his help. He could hardly believe it was only three days ago Vernon was killed. It felt like weeks. Harry was only too glad to have an excuse to get out of the Great Hall. Remus waved him off, telling him not to bother, but Harry convinced him he wanted the chance to walk around outside in the evening. "No front yard at my house," he joked about the antique shop he lived above. Ron, Harry and Remus talked about the planned funeral service as they walked Remus to the gate. They hadn't noticed the change in Dudley as he'd fallen behind.
Everything had happened so fast, and having stayed with Harry, surrounded by freaks and such, Dudley's past few days had been a blur. It was like an alternate reality and he hadn't allowed himself to think about the fact that his father would not be there when he returned home again. Since his father's death, he had only allowed himself to be overcome with grief one time, while in the shower. He'd quickly composed himself, not wanting to show such vulnerability in front of his cousin. Father had always said, 'Real men don't go crying and carrying on.' Dudley remembered his father would often say that when Harry had been carrying on over being beaten. The charmed sofa was the best way for Dudley to keep his mind off his loss. Having caught a few words of the conversation ahead of him, Dudley knew they were talking about the funeral.
His parents had always felt that poor Dudley was too young and innocent to have to experience a funeral and he'd been allowed to stay home when Great Uncle Felix had passed. It seemed that watching his uncle abusing a freak wasn't too disturbing for him to observe, and that on a regular basis. Dudley was torn from his thoughts, as some annoying sound wouldn't stop.
"Did they show you the quidditch pitch? Gryffindor won the match today and the next game's against Slytherin; that should be a good match. Of course, the seeker that replaced Harry isn't nearly as good, but Slytherin had to start the season with a new seeker, too. I couldn't wait to see a real quidditch match after seeing my first game here. Mum thinks they're too violent. Too bad Harry isn't playing for England. I thought for sure he would be flying his way to the World Cup by now. Do you have a trophy shelf at home where Harry keeps his..."
Harry said goodbye to Remus and turned back just in time to see Dudley swing his meaty fist at Colin Creevey's face. Apparently the seventh year was accustomed to annoying people to the point of violence and swiftly ducked away from the punch.
In a flash, Harry grabbed Dudley's hand, preventing the second punch from hitting its mark. With a turn of his wrist and the right amount of pressure, Harry had his cousin on his knees in a blink of an eye.
"What the hell is the matter with you?" screamed Harry, releasing Dudley and stepping back.
"You freaks are the matter with me!" yelled Dudley. He had been surprised by the sudden pain, but was angered even more that Harry would dare touch him. He lurched up toward Harry to take a swing with his other hand. With a swift shift to one side, Harry easily avoided getting hit. Catching the hand, he applied another twist to the wrist, forcing Dudley back to his knees, then turning the arm swiftly and stepping further to the side and behind, he let Dudley's own weight slam himself face down to the ground. Harry was now holding the twisted arm up behind his cousin, with the wrist bent at a sharp angle, effectively immobilizing him.
"You can't just hit people that annoy you!" demanded Harry, missing the sheer awe on Creevey's face, having been 'saved' by Harry personally. He did, however, see the attention he was getting from a small group returning from Hogsmeade.
"Get over here," growled Harry, releasing his hold and rolling Dudley, then bringing his cousin to his feet in a surprisingly quick maneuver and pulling him behind Hagrid's hut for privacy. "Ron?" he called, getting his friend's assistance.
"I'm on it," was all Ron had to say and Harry knew his best friend would keep onlookers at bay. "Come on, Colin, you can help," said Ron, knowing it was better to give the boy a task on Harry's behalf than to try to keep him from interfering in a 'family' matter. Ron taught him a quick disinterest spell, preventing more students from paying them any mind. The few that had seen the brief skirmish lost interest with nothing more to see.
Harry pushed Dudley behind Hagrid's hut, causing him to trip over a huge pumpkin. "What the Hell is the matter with you?" he repeated his question. "You would have had to stay here the whole time if I hadn't taken you in! You think you can come into my world, act like an arse, and I'm going to put up with your shit?!" Harry took a step back, his heart racing. He hated that Dudley was there. Here he was at Hagrid's, where Harry usually felt so safe and welcome, and now it was sullied by the likes of his muggle cousin.
"This is all your fault!" screamed Dudley. "If you didn't have psycho wizards trying to kill you they never would have come to my house!" spit sprayed from his mouth as he roared. "You should have died that day they took you out from the house! They would have left us alone and Dad would still be alive!" He lunged and struck at Harry, "He's dead and it's all your fault, you damn freak! You should be dead, not him!"
"It's not for lack of trying on your part!" Harry blocked Dudley's strike, while punching his cousin in the gut. "I'm a freak? Do you think it's normal to beat the living shit out of people you live with? You need some fucking counseling! Your father was a monster who got what he deserved," growled Harry.
"It didn't matter what you think; he's dead because those guys in masks wanted to hurt you by getting at your family. But your ' real' family is all dead, like you should be!"
"They did the world a favor, ridding it of Vernon," snarled Harry.
The two of them tumbled around the pumpkin patch brawling, but neither getting a good shot. Dudley hadn't a chance. Harry was combat trained, and the likes of a big oaf, who despite his school trophies, relied on his size to overpower an opponent as much as any real skill with wrestling and boxing, was no match for him. Harry quickly caught himself. For his part, he really didn't want to use any moves that would cause damage and possibly result in Dudley staying any longer for treatment of injuries. Harry kept himself from losing control. He was angry, but did not take the offensive to strike his cousin. He would not be like his relatives. Instead, he used many of the more passive techniques taught to him by Kieran and Severus to subdue an attacker. Being forced into submission by what appeared to be the slightest hold was infuriating to Dudley. Harry continued to dodge punches and retaliate without injury. He was surprised at the depth of Dudley's irrational anger, and apparent stupidity. He knew the holds he was using only redirected the attacker's own force, and he released when Dudley stopped, but his cousin seemed unable to accept the change in circumstance, and each time Harry hoped Dudley was done, after a brief pause, his cousin attacked again. Dudley hadn't come into contact with the ground so much in his whole life. The garden was beginning to look like one big orange battleground.
Abruptly, Dudley realized he was rising off the ground, though Harry wasn't touching him. He feared magic, but then felt the squeeze of a huge hand gripping his shoulder. He saw who had a hold of him and froze in fear.
"What's goin' on 'ere, 'arry?" asked Hagrid.
"Nothing I can't control," he replied smugly, which irritated Dudley, who twisted but couldn't break free from the half-giant's grasp.
"This lout tried to flatten poor Colin, here," offered Ron, having come around the corner a few moments earlier. Harry almost laughed, hearing his friend's defence. Never in all their years had Ron said a word on Colin's behalf. Nor had he, for that matter. It was funny all the same.
"We don't put up with tha' sort o' behavior at 'ogwarts Mr. Dursley," Hagrid lowered him to the ground, but kept a grip on Dudley's shoulder. "Ya need ta see the Headmaster 'bout this."
Albus sipped his tea as Severus argued his point.
"How could you agree to those terms? With only two wizards at the services, Harry would hardly be protected from a full-scale attack, if one occurred. The time and date of services are public information."
"Do give me some credit, Severus," Albus smiled, a gleam in his eye. "I gave my word to Mrs. Dursley that Harry would have two magical people attend the services for his support. Certainly, Harry would be expected to travel as a muggle. He has no valid driving license. So, naturally, he would require a chauffer. I believe Ronald Weasley is familiar with automobiles," Albus enjoyed Severus' reaction. Reminding him of Harry's previous exploits always riled the Potions Master.
"That's three," scowled Severus.
"Any mourners from Vernon's place of employ couldn't possibly be counted as Harry's two. I seriously doubt his wife had full knowledge of all of Grunnings' employees."
This settled Severus down. They could put in any number of people posing as coworkers, and that hadn't even included those who could pose as staff from the funeral home. The only thing left was to figure out where he, Severus, would place himself.
"If this is settled, I'm afraid I have a few unexpected visitors," Albus gestured to the floo. No sooner had Albus spoke the words but Severus could sense Harry's magic as he passed the gargoyle with the others.
"I thought we were rid of him," Severus said, referring to Dudley Dursley. Albus checked a contraption on his desk that must have given some reference of time.
"Remus should be here very soon, and both mother and son will be on their way back to the muggle world," Albus' tone spoke of a relief that couldn't come soon enough.
Severus gave a nod and stepped into the flame, retuning to his quarters.
"Come in..." Albus pacified an angry Hagrid and served tea and biscuits. Harry happily helped himself to tea, knowing full well it would be tainted with a calming drought, and figuring it might help. Ron stood behind Harry's chair with Colin between him and Hagrid. Albus smiled warmly at Dudley, handing him a small plate of biscuits. Harry chuckled, knowing Dudley was in for one big dose of 'calm' if he ate his usual fill of biscuits.
"What seems to be the problem?"
Hagrid immediately went into a tirade, explaining how he found Harry and Dudley wrecking his pumpkin patch. Ron joined in the fray, explaining how Dudley had hauled off and tried to punch Colin. Harry sipped more tea, thinking he couldn't drink enough to get calm. He checked his watch every minute, hoping Remus would return and make the whole annoying scene just end. Colin remained silent, but looked like an overjoyed spectator in a tennis match as Ron, Hagrid and Dudley all spoke at once.
"The only way you know is violence," shouted Ron. "No wonder you spent so many hours on that sofa." ' Like father, like son. ' Ron said under his breath.
"I wish I was still on that sofa! Best thing that happened to me all weekend," Dudley added smugly.
"Ya can't go aroun' hittin' people. It ain't right," added Hagrid. He didn't have a clue what the sofa thing was about.
"It doesn't matter if I hit him," he said dismissively in Colin's direction. "He's a freak, he'd heal like Harry does."
Everyone was suddenly quiet.
"Tell me, how is it Harry heals any different from you and I?" asked Albus.
"Not me, I'm not a freak. You can fix yourselves. I'm not stupid; I know you can do it with magic." Dudley narrowed his eyes at Harry who seemed to be choking something back.
"Did you witness anyone heal themselves this weekend?" Albus was concerned about where he thought this was going.
"No, back when he used to live in my house."
"Ronald," Albus said evenly, getting Ron's attention. "Would you mind delivering a message? It goes to the kitchens. Perhaps Mr. Creevey would appreciate you showing him how to get in?" mused Albus.
Colin looked up excitedly. Only a few cool upperclassmen had managed to get food up to the dorms. He remembered how popular the twins had been when they arrived with a feast for one celebration or another. And Harry and Ron used to do it, too. It would give him something in common with Harry Potter!
"Yes, sir." Ron knew he was being dismissed, or at least given the job of getting rid of Colin from what was turning into a private meeting. Hagrid, smarter than people gave him credit for, asked if he was needed any longer. It was better to be asked to stay than be sent on a menial task in lieu of a dismissal. Harry gave Hagrid a smile, reassuring his friend that he was fine, and a promise to help clean up the pumpkin patch.
"You say Harry healed himself while living at Privet Drive?" asked Albus conversationally. Dudley eyed the old man suspiciously. "What kind of illness or injury did he heal himself from?" Albus sipped his tea as if the answer was of little consequence.
"I know what you're trying to do. You think I'm going to tell you he was hurt, and then you'll blame me for it."
"Not in the least, Mr. Dursley," Albus said, while handing Harry a new teacup. Harry wasn't sure why he was getting a new cup, but then saw the tea leaves in his cup began to form words. 'Play along.'
Harry gave a slight nod, wondering what it was he was playing along with.
"By wizarding law, you were too young at the time of Harry's stay in your home to be accountable for your actions," lied Albus. "What I'd like to know, is what Mr. Potter did, and if he used his wand at any time to heal himself. I'm sure you recall the incident with your Aunt Marge. The Ministry frowns against underage wizards performing magic while not in school."
Dudley, while still wary, looked overjoyed to have the opportunity to get Harry into trouble. He knew that by muggle laws he wouldn't get into much trouble, though his father would have. In his father's honor, he would do his best to prove Harry had done his fair share of magic over the years.
"He didn't use his wand. My father kept his stuff locked up most the time."
"I see, this does look grievous," tutted Albus, shaking his head at Harry with a look of disappointment. Harry kept his eyes on his shoes, biting his lip to keep from smiling. Albus was making the same face he made when Harry had insisted he try a Bertie Bott's bean again, and he had gotten Brussels sprout.
"When did you find out he had been healing himself?" Albus continued to ask questions and Dudley filled him in on various injuries Harry had had over the years.
"...I knew for sure his bone was broke, and Dad said he'd have to take him to the hospital come morning, but when he woke up, Harry was fine. Maybe not fine, but the break was gone."
"I think I would have remembered fixing a broken bone," complained Harry. "If I was healing myself, then why did I have to hide bruises to keep the neighbors from seeing?"
Dudley explained it was only the really big stuff Harry would heal, and he'd do it while he was sleeping. Harry complained he'd not even known about some of the serious injuries his cousin had described, but Dudley said he'd always gone to sleep first, or more often went unconscious.
"We used to think he was blacked out, but the next morning he'd be fixed and we knew what he'd done. He'd be out for days, sometimes. I think sometimes he did it to miss school longer then he really needed to."
"So this began back before Harry had gotten his Hogwarts letter, and continued? How did your mother explain his missing school?"
"She told them he had a fever and had to stay in bed."
Harry began thinking back to the times he'd missed school or something because of a bad fever. He'd always thought it to be true. Although he didn't actually remember having them, his aunt had said he did. Since his family tended to leave him alone when he had a fever, he never really questioned it. It made sense now, since he hadn't been sick so often after he started Hogwarts, and had hardly ever been ill while at school.
"If I have this great ability to fix some huge injuries, why didn't I heal the little stuff?"
"Mum said you used to leave the marks to get out of doing yard work, that you knew if the neighbors saw, they'd call Children's Services again."
Albus was saddened to hear of the things Harry endured over the years, and it looked as if Harry himself didn't know of the more severe injuries. Albus, being a powerful wizard, could easily sense Harry's magic. He thought if Harry was a Healer, he would have known of it years ago. Something wasn't right.
Albus knew when someone was lying. It appeared Dudley believed Harry had miraculously cured himself of a number of known injuries and a few of which the extent of damage was unknown. Dudley could only explain symptoms, like bleeding from the ear, or a gurgling sound during breathing after Dudley fell on Harry and they'd heard a crunch of bones, possibly puncturing a lung.
Harry sat, looking incredulously at his cousin as he listened to the conversation. "Wait," Harry interrupted. "The time with the gurgling sound, was that when I fell on the garden tool?" Dudley shrugged, but then remembered and nodded. His mother had made him pull out the offending tool from his cousin's back. Harry recalled the incident that had caused the odd scar on his lower back. He'd always thought the crack sound was the tool breaking, not his ribs. He'd blacked out, and when he awoke, he'd found out it was several days later.
When the conversation moved to Vernon, Dudley's demeanor changed. It was the first time Harry noticed his cousin showing signs of his father's loss. He was thankfully saved from the situation when Remus arrived with Petunia.
Final plans for the services were discussed. Many of the preparations were taken care of by the Ministry with Petunia's consent, but as she was not entirely on the ball, she was currently fighting some of the final plans. It seemed more than anything else that she just wanted to gripe about something for the sake of being difficult. In the end, it was evident she had been relieved to not have to tend to some of the details first hand.
Harry found it very amusing that Vernon, the hater of all things magic, was embalmed and had most other final preparations all done magically before his body was sent to a local funeral home in Surrey. Harry got a glimpse of the description of services. There had been extensive work done to make Vernon look presentable without the use of Glamour spells and such. It made Harry wonder what his uncle's last hour must have been like with the Death Eaters. Severus may have planned to keep Harry's tormentor alive, but that didn't mean he wasn't willing to make him pay for his crimes. Harry couldn't find it in himself to feel bad for his deceased uncle. He just wanted it to end, and was grateful to see the surviving Dursleys leave once and for all. There was a slight commotion with a scuffling of feet. Harry thought it might have been Dudley trying to get in one last shot at him, but Harry paid no attention, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Petunia said no parting words, and Harry hadn't bothered to look up when they left.
Harry pushed aside a dish of lemon drops, and propped his elbows on the desk, face in palms. Albus closed the floo after seeing the last guest leave and poured a few fresh cups of tea. Harry didn't have to open his eyes to know there was a teacup between his elbows on the desk.
"Albus?" Harry sounded very tired.
"Yes."
"If I stay just like this, will the steam from a calming tea have the same effect, or do I have to drink it?"
"You have to drink it for full strength, but I imagine the steam will have some residual effects," he answered, amused.
"I used to think that if I said yes to tea to stop you from offering, but didn't drink it, then I was ahead of the game. Now I know why Sev always refused," mused Harry.
"You know perfectly well I have regular teas for the both of you. Tonight I thought we could all use a little something to take the edge off."
Harry didn't have to look up to know Albus wore a sad smile. "Do you want to tell me what all that was about? What was the point in having Dudley tell you all that stuff about my past? Was he lying about the healing thing?" Harry knew Albus would know if he'd lied and he truly hadn't remembered some of the serious injuries his cousin had described.
"Yes, he was telling the truth," Albus said with a sigh. "After you told me the reality of your family life, I could never understand how you managed to go so many years without more accidental magic."
Harry looked up from his palms questioningly.
"Do you remember the times you did magic unintentionally when you were young?"
"You mean like ending up on the roof of the school when Dudley and his gang were chasing me? Yeah, I remember. It happened when I was really scared of getting hurt, or mad enough."
"I assumed that since there were no reports of more of such episodes, you were rather safe. You having the ability to heal yourself explains a lot. Unfortunately, it also kept us from finding out the truth sooner."
"OK, that explains some things from the past, but what does this mean for right now? And, how did I heal myself and not even know it? If I can heal myself, why did I almost die after the attack on Privet Drive, or a bunch of other times for that matter? There are plenty of times something like that would have come in handy."
"I'm afraid I don't have the answers, or at least, I don't know which apply in your case. There are a few possibilities to look into. We'll have to talk to someone who may know. We'll start with Poppy, and go on from there."
Harry nodded, but continued to lean into his palms. Albus offered him a straw so he could slump and have his tea, too. Harry didn't look up, but his shoulders bobbed with a chuckle at the joke.
"Don't look so down, this could turn out to be a good thing." Albus waved his hand, magically causing one of Harry's elbows to fall from the edge of the desk. Harry just caught himself from winding up with a faceful of tea, then sat up and paid attention. Albus happily explained that yes, the situation does add to the list of things that make Harry different. But without these oddities in Harry's life, he, Albus, wouldn't have had the chance to have Harry be a special part of his life, instead of just one of the many students that pass through Hogwarts.
"Are you done with the pep talk?" Harry asked flatly, but didn't hide his grin.
"Only if you're done moping. It's still early enough to go have a talk with Poppy," Albus cheerfully spelled away the tea service from his desk.
The Infirmary doors were open when they approached Madam Pomfrey's office. Harry could hear a voice he knew and loved.
"Give him this potion twice a day, decreasing his medication daily. When he's at the point where he takes half the dose he takes now, let me know and I'll bring the next potion for that stage. If it works on this schedule, his liver and kidney functions will be normal in three months time."
"You can cure illness?" Harry couldn't stop himself from interrupting.
"Me? No. Madam Pomfrey can cure illnesses. I make the potions that ensure the body doesn't go into a state of shock by such a drastic change. I create temporary results gradually; going at a pace the body accepts comfortably. When the series of potions are complete, Madam Pomfrey works her own magic." Severus explained, then stopped to look over Harry, whose clothes were still rather messy from his fight with Dudley. "What happened? Are you hurt?"
"What kind of defensive trainer would you be if I allowed an oaf like that hurt me?" laughed Harry.
"I can't tell you how happy I am to see the two of you have remained friendly after the holiday back in the spring. It would have been a shame if you hadn't," Poppy smiled at them, and then tutted over Harry's appearance. "What can I do for you?" she asked with a professional tone once again.
Albus explained the conversation with Dudley. He kept the topic of conversation centered around Harry's apparent healing abilities, but it all had to be said, and the extent of injuries Harry had endured over the years was a frightening eye opener for them.
Poppy took it personally that she would have missed any signs of major trauma. Severus' mask of indifference was firmly in place. The pleasure from the memory of Vernon Dursley's pain and suffering wasn't enough, in his opinion. He'd wished the vermin had lived, so Harry wouldn't have had to put up with the past few days. That, and the opportunity for further punishment would have been left open.
Lying on a bed in nothing but an institutional style gown, Harry wished he could think fast enough to mess with Sev somehow, but his mind was too busy with the latest fiasco that was his life. Though he found no way to tease his lover, he was rewarded when Poppy commented on how relieved she was to see the red letter 'F' had faded from his abdomen. It had been quite a while since she'd seen it and Harry wondered if maybe she was teasing him as a way of making light of the situation. Little did she know it wasn't Harry that was hiding his embarrassment. Albus stood by Severus' side silently, but the twinkle in his eye was plain to see. The old coot really did enjoy himself.
"I hope I enjoy myself half as much as you do when I'm your age," Harry commented to Albus.
"You should just hope to live that long," deadpanned Severus. Poppy scowled and fussed at their banter. Harry laughed, startling her and making her have to begin a spell again.
"My contract states my requirement for the healing and well-being of students, professors, and staff alike. You, Mr. Potter, fall under none of those categories. Be quiet and still or you can find some hack at St. Mungo's to help you," she stated firmly. Albus and Severus quieted immediately, but she had to wait another moment for Harry to stop chuckling. "Biting your lip only gives me more to heal. Kindly get the giggles out of your system and settle down," firm tone or not, Harry could see the corners of her lips begin to curl.
Poppy was not fully a true Healer. Although she did have some healing ability, she was more someone who had the knowledge of spells and potions to heal the body. Most doctors and nurses did have some healing ability, albeit small. It was usually the reason they were drawn to the field. It's possible for a Healer to sense the magical signature of another Healer, if only slightly. Using what talent she had, she ran a few other preliminary tests, to no avail.
"Nothing. I certainly didn't expect to find anything, either. There are few people's bodies that I am more familiar with than Harry's. If he had this ability, I would have sensed it, in the last few years at the very least," she said confidently.
Harry soon found himself back in Albus' office with a fresh cup of tea. Only this time, Severus joined them, and the tea wasn't tainted.
"What now?" Harry spoke into his teacup. "Why does it really matter? Isn't it just some form of accidental magic?"
"To put it simply, yes. Why it's a big deal is a little more complicated. If you had a natural ability to heal, you may want to train in that area of expertise, much like Severus' friend Kieran."
"But Madam Pomfrey didn't think so," Harry didn't think he wanted to deal with sick people as a full time job.
"Perhaps you do not. I usually tend to lean in Poppy's direction. I trust her abilities and instincts. Now, the question is...if you are, or had been healing yourself unconsciously, how much of your magic was drained to do so?" pondered Albus.
"He could be storing magical reserves as a defense mechanism," Severus suggested.
"That's exactly what I want to find out," Albus seemed excited about the challenge of solving the puzzle. "Harry, when do you meet up with Kieran again?"
And so the conversation continued. They would have a meeting with Kieran to get his professional opinion and examine Harry in an effort to detect what Harry had done, compared to the care he received from Poppy.
"I've never owned a suit in my life. I feel ridiculous," complained Harry.
"Nonsense, you look wonderful. It's a good fit," Hermione tugged on the back of Harry's black jacket, running her hands over his shoulders.
"Is that what muggles wear when they go formal?" Ron splayed across Harry's bed while thumbing through a quidditch magazine.
"No, formal would be a tuxedo. This is a suit, usually worn for things like business, or a nice dinner out. Black is the preferred color for funeral services," Hermione explained. "You've not once had an occasion to wear a suit? What about holidays, what did you wear to church on Easter and Christmas? Any weddings, or funerals?" she added, getting the same negative headshake for each one.
"When I was very young, I think they took me to church, but after a while all the clothes I wore were too big to look anything but sloppy. There were older jumpers of Dudley's that fit, but they had pictures of ducks and bears from when he was a toddler." Harry laughed at how ridiculous he looked when they made him try them on. Luckily, his relatives didn't want to be embarrassed by being seen with him anymore than he wanted to be seen. "They gave up on me going with them as soon as I was old enough to have breakfast on the table for when they got back. They were invited to a wedding once. I spent the day at Mrs. Figg's."
"Oh, Harry," Hermione began pitifully.
"Oh, stop it!" Annoyed, Harry cut her off, "How many boys did you know growing up, who wanted to get dressed up and go to any of that stuff in the first place? Dudley hated it and I got to wave from the window as they drove off. It drove him crazy," he laughed at the memory. "Besides, after a bunch of years, Dudley put up such a fuss they stopped going to church altogether. I could always attend your wedding... if he ever asks!" Harry threw a pillow at Ron.
"I don't know..." Ron said, waving his hand with a flourish. "I wanted to get married to a smart witch, and 'Mione only got 100% on her last exam," he teased. Hermione pouted and whinged about missing the bonus question.
"Don't start, you," huffed Hermione. "University is a lot harder than Hogwarts," she said while performing a shoe-polishing spell. "Harry, I wish I could be there for moral support."
"You're here now, and this is when it matters the most," he gave her a hug. "Now, what can you tell me about muggle funerals?"
"I went to one, but it wasn't a local service, so things may be different around here," she explained. "After the church part they put the coffin in a hearse, and the mourners attending got in their cars and followed in a line to the cemetery. There was a priest there who said a few words and some people spoke, then mostly they just said a few prayers and put flowers on the casket before it got lowered into the ground. Mum said not all places lower the casket while the people are there. It's very emotional to watch a loved one be put in the ground."
"Would it be disrespectful to ask how long all of that takes?" asked Harry a little nervously. He didn't want her to think he didn't appreciate her talking about her own experiences.
Hermione shrugged. "I guess it depends on if the family and friends attending have had a chance to speak at the church or if they're going to do it at the cemetery, or even at all. From what I've learned, except for the minister or priest, sometimes only the immediate family speaks. My guess is anywhere between fifteen minutes to an hour."
"I hope it's closer to fifteen minutes," Harry said, running a brush through his hair.
"Mum put up a fuss about not bein' able to attend. You know how she is," Ron was looking forward to driving a car again. He'd even been given a few quick lessons at work to make sure everything went smoothly. "The funeral services mark the end of my service to you," remarked Ron sadly. "I'll have to go back to my real job, and hang out with you for free again."
"What do you want, an allowance?" asked Harry, throwing a Knut at Ron with a chuckle.
Ron held up the coin, looking at both sides before putting it in his pocket. "I might as well start saving for a ring," he said, nodding his head, agreeing with himself. Hermione walked out of the bedroom with her eyes on the ceiling. Both guys could hear the muttered 'jerk' as she left.
"Good one, mate," complimented Harry. "Funny as Hell. She may not talk to you all day, but funny as Hell," he said, laughing.
Harry laughed when Ron opened the back door to the black car for him. Ron was wearing a chauffeur's outfit complete with hat. He was about to climb in when someone stepped out. "May I present your travel companion sir," Ron said formally, receiving a glare from said companion.
"How you doing, Harry?"
"Charlie! What are you doing here?" Harry gave him a squeeze and a quick kiss on the cheek.
"I thought that was obvious. I'm attending dear, departed Vernon's services."
"Thanks. Albus didn't tell me who the second person would be. He's going to meet us there, right?"
"Correct," Charlie gestured to the car door, and they were off.
Harry thought Charlie sounded more formal then his usual self, but figured given the situation, it made sense. Charlie wouldn't be kidding around. Ron didn't act like anything was amiss, so he ignored it.
"Alright there, Ron?" Harry asked, hearing a car horn blaring.
"Yeah, I just forgot the stop signs don't turn off like the red lights do," answered Ron sheepishly.
Harry turned back around, looking next to him, "It's good to see you, Charlie. I haven't seen you since the party."
"No, Albus has kept me rather busy with the Order. Godric's Hollow has been gone over with a fine-toothed comb, looking for the spell that was cast there. Now that they know it's a trigger announcing when you arrive, Albus will have to decide what will happen next. They haven't removed it. It may come in handy later," he explained stiffly.
"Relax, Charlie," Harry could see his shoulders settle at his words. "I've never been to anything like this before. I hadn't come out of the coma yet when they buried Sirius," he said sadly. "You've been to these things; you'll need to tell me if I'm supposed to do something," Harry said lightheartedly.
"I'm glad I can be here for you," Charlie said with a warm smile. "How are things with you and Severus? It must be hard at times like this when you can't be together."
"We're good," Harry's content smile confirmed his words. "What makes you think we're not together?" Harry said comically. "I guarantee you he'll be there. I know him, and even if he couldn't be there to hold my hand, he will be nearby," Harry said confidently, but he looked a little sad just the same. "Did you see Albus this morning?" Harry asked, changing the subject. "He wouldn't tell me what he was wearing. I've never seen him in muggle clothes before."
"He doesn't wear muggle clothes," Charlie said simply. "He'll use a charm that will make him appear normal to muggles. Normally, I wouldn't put it past him to wear something outrageous, but he knows there will be Press sneaking pictures."
When the car stopped, Harry could see all the people getting out of their cars. "I guess this is it," Harry said resignedly. But before he could step out of the car, a strong hand clasped his own, offering comfort.
"You'll do fine. We're here for you, and it will all be over in no time," the reassuring words seemed to wash over Harry like a warm blanket. When he stood up, he immediately noticed a woman in the crowd. Her eyes widened, but she then quickly schooled her features. He'd spotted his first reporter.
"I'll be right here by the car, ready to go. Okay?" Ron too had scanned the crowd. "Blonde woman, navy blue dress," he said the last part almost mechanically.
"I saw her. I think that one's from 'Witch Weekly', leeches, all of them," the last part was a direct quote from Ron a few days earlier, earning a chuckle from Ron. "Does Charlie seem a bit off today?" asked Harry, serious again. He couldn't figure out why Ron looked pleased.
"A little off, but he's okay, I promise," assured Ron equivocally.
When Harry turned again, Charlie was speaking with Albus.
"So this is what you look like in black." Harry thought the wizard looked a lot like a priest. A much older priest. "You don't even need a concealing charm. A rosary would complete the look, though." Harry almost choked when Albus pulled a string of black beads from his pocket. Albus held the rosary respectfully.
Harry stood on the side, a bit away from his relatives. His Aunt Petunia scowled at him, but went back to coddling Dudley, who was on her other side. Dudley, for his part, was relatively passive. His eyes were red rimmed and puffy. Luckily, his attention was on the casket. Unfortunately, no one needed a view to know Aunt Marge was there. Her cries could be heard in the next county. She bawled for her departed brother. Harry had the sinking feeling this was going to be one of those times when people were going to speak. Marge looked like she had lots to say.
Harry watched the group, trying to pick out the people he thought were there to pay their respects and who were not. He'd spotted three reporters and two cleverly hidden cameramen. What was most fascinating to watch was Albus. As the wizard stood there benignly, he worried the beads in his hands. One might even think he was reciting the rosary in his head. Harry's keen eye hadn't missed the fact that every time Albus turned a certain bead, a different 'mourner' would move positions. His guardian was surreptitiously coordinating the whole operation, identifying any witch or wizard who may pose a threat or cause a disruption in the services and moving Order members into place.
Harry felt oddly out of place, not knowing any of the prayers the priest had led. He didn't want to look disrespectful, but thought he'd look foolish moving his lips to the prayers as he noticed a few people had done. Charlie and Albus also remained silent, making him feel more comfortable.
When it came her time to speak, Marge Dursley gave a long-winded speech, filled with adoration for her kind, big-hearted brother. Harry mostly ignored her. But he couldn't help but pay attention when Charlie stiffened next to him.
"...the patience of a saint, he had." She rambled on "And Vernon was generous to a fault, I'll tell you!" Harry could almost smell the booze on her breath, even from the distance. He was grateful she didn't recognize him yet. "...so generous he was, that he took in the misbegotten derelict son of distant relatives, offering a better place to live for the less fortunate, but none too grateful," she spat, spraying an arrangement of flowers with spittle.
"Distant? His wife's sister is a distant relative?" Harry whispered incredulously, and went back to ignoring the beast, thinking the distance now between Harry's true family and Vernon was the distance between Heaven and Hell. Turning his attention back to the rest of the group, he spotted Dudley again. He stood stoically by his mum's side, tears streaming down his cheeks. A woman he vaguely remembered as a cousin of Vernon's was comforting Petunia.
In his mind, Harry imagined the faces were more familiar. He wondered what it was Remus had said in tribute to his Godfather. He didn't imagine Sirius would have a big shiny black coffin like Vernon. Maybe something subtler, like mahogany? It was closer to nature, like in the days when he and Remus ran free through the woods during the full moon. Harry missed his Godfather dearly. Had Cedric's parents maintained a relative calm at his services, or had they fallen apart in grief, Harry wondered. After many a sessions with Dr. Erin, Harry no longer blamed himself for those the Death Eaters and Voldemort killed, but that didn't mean he didn't feel for them and their surviving families.
Charlie had been watching Harry closely, and rested a hand on his shoulder when he saw a tear fall. Before he realized what was happening, the group had begun moving around. Harry almost startled when an employee from the funeral home thrust a flower into his hand. Harry had no choice but to follow along, and place the flower atop the casket with the others. He nodded respectfully to Petunia and Dudley. Only his aunt noticed, but she said not a word. Instead, she merely pursed her lips and turned to speak with one of the many vying for her attention to express their condolences.
Having been momentarily separated from Albus and Charlie, Harry wasn't sure of what to do. People weren't exactly leaving; they were just sort of milling around, speaking kind words of the departed, and promises of future visits they'd hope to have before the next funeral or wedding.
He thought someone was speaking to him for a moment but then Charlie got his attention again.
"Holding up OK?" he asked before pulling him into an embrace, effectively maneuvering them away from the reporter who had started questioning Harry.
"Thank you so much. I don't know what the Hell I'm doing," Harry's words muffled into Charlie's broad shoulder.
"You did fine. Ron has the car all started and ready to go," Charlie said encouragingly.
Harry could feel an additional warm hand on his back. His guardian, Albus, offered his arm as if it were Harry escorting him to the car and not the other way around. Harry stepped back from Charlie's embrace with an appreciative smile.
"Did you spot the reporters?"
"Yeah, I counted three visible and saw signs of others," answered Harry.
"And Order members?" he said, coaxing answers from Harry.
"I think I spotted them all," Harry was fairly sure. Charlie smiled and gave him another squeeze. He could hear the clicking of cameras though they were nowhere to be seen.
"I can see it now. Charlie Weasley will be named the latest lover of the Famous Harry Potter," he teased, his arm still holding Harry's shoulder.
"You never know. It could be me," said Albus casually. Harry tucked his face back into Charlie's shoulder so he could laugh unseen. Charlie wrapped his arm tighter around his shoulder, leading him to the car.
With the two of them safely in the car, Albus leaned into the window. "As we discussed, not everyone who cares for you knows of your past with Vernon," Albus began. Harry nodded. "To circumvent the security issues at your place, Molly kindly offered her home for you to receive friends wishing to offer their condolences. Now, don't look like that Harry." Albus said seeing Harry's frustration. "Most of the time these things are like any other get-together, only a bit more solemn. Not to worry." He waved them away. Before Ron had put the car in drive, Albus Apparated away.
"Alright there, Harry?" asked Ron.
"Glad it's over," he said with a sigh. Ron nodded and closed the little window between the driver and passengers, leaving Harry curious. He peered out the window, looking to see why they weren't moving. "Oh, Merlin, it's last in, last out. We'll be here forever," groaned Harry.
"Then all the longer before you have to deal with well wishers looking apologetic." Charlie said, pulling Harry closer.
"Thanks for everything," Harry said with a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you could come." Harry could feel a hum of agreement against his hair.
"Where else would I be?" he asked softly, nuzzling Harry's ear, and began placing little kisses down his neck. Harry froze, and quickly put as much space between them as possible.
"No." The one word was as much a declaration as it was a bewildered statement of insecurity. When a hand reached out, Harry pressed himself further back against the door. "Charlie, no," Harry said again, his tone clearly hurt and confused.
"Charlie?" he said in disbelief. "You still think I'm Charlie? Did I not ask you if you had all the Order members figured out?" he received a nod from Harry. "And did you not say yes?" he stated and watched the face of comprehension creep across Harry's features.
"The first thing I said when we got out of the car was that Charlie seemed off. Ron agreed, and promised it was OK," Harry said defensively, his voice rising. "Ron almost never promises!" Harry suddenly looked startled. "He is Ron, isn't he?"
"I didn't mean to upset you," Severus said calmly. "I never expected you still thought I was Charlie." He sighed, looking at his watch. "Harry...Fawkes," he said hoping the nickname was reassuring. "Give it two more minutes; the hour is almost up."
Harry nodded, his eyes looking out the window. He was thankful for the tinted glass, keeping his privacy. "Nobody's acting like their selves today," Harry looked up to see if the Polyjuice changes had started. "Hermione was edgy; Ron, well Ron is Ron, but still his chauffer act is quite professional. That's very mature for Ron. And Charlie is never affectionate in public. Neither are you," he added.
"Come here,"
Even if Harry hadn't noticed the long slender fingers reaching for him, he couldn't miss the 'voice'. He allowed himself to be pulled closer, but remained stiff.
"I'm always testing you. Usually we have fun with it, but perhaps today I should have been more forthright," Severus kissed the top of his head. "We'll forgo any further alertness tests for the day," he added.
"Does that mean I don't have to un-hex my food today?" asked Harry sarcastically.
"Not today," he'd meant for it to come out with more bite and sarcasm, but somehow his voice sounded gentle and soothing. Harry snuggled in closer, happier for the traffic delay.
Chapter End Notes
Sorry. Did you want a cliffhanger? Nah, not today.
Notes: To answer a few questions I've received.
As the story gets closer to the end (not that close) there are a few points I didn't forget that will come up again and be resolved.
1. What was Snape's favor for Lucius Malfoy?
2. During attack, what spell was placed where Harry is building his house?
3. Whose manor is that, at the place where they train?
4. Who was the second person that gave blood so Harry could have his scars removed after he went through the window at Hogwarts? (Forgot about that one didn't you?)
This epic has gone on for over a year and I forget some things. Feel free to remind me of something you've been wondering about.
DETAH 59 - Home
Chapter Notes
Hi, Lee Lee here, *waves* I don't add notes too often, please read.
There is a picture you may have seen before called 'slow shag' by the talented undun.
It sends a shiver down to my toes.
I just had to write a scene for it. Hope you like it and tell me so. I'll forward all kind words to undun.
Thanks, Lee.
xikum pipes in: OMG! Yes!!!! Not only Hot!(NC-17) but actually high-quality artwork, of the adult persuasion. I only wish I had the talent to draw the human form that well. ;)
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Harry hung up his suit like he'd promised Hermione he would do when he got home. Severus made a comment about what it would be like for Ron once those two were married.
"What do you think you're doing?" asked Severus accusingly, his lover grinning mischievously.
Harry snorted. "Sorry, but that one's worth saving. I want to look at it again later," chuckled Harry touching his head with his wand, pulling a memory and placing it in the mini travel Pensieve he referred to as a brain box.
"I hardly think it appropriate for you to use those for your personal amusement. Albus acquired them for the use of reporting your visions and nothing more," huffed Severus,
"Oh, hush. At least you were still Polyjuiced as Charlie," Harry tried consoling his lover.
"It was very liberating," admitted Severus. "I've used that potion many a time, but never in a situation where half the group knew my true identity."
The gathering at the Burrow was a long day, but went well. It was far easier for the Weasleys to relax around Severus while he looked liked a sibling. Severus, too, had relaxed more than usual. Since most of the guests who'd come to offer their condolences hadn't met the two eldest Weasley brothers, Severus didn't have to worry about trying to act like Charlie while looking like him.
It had been an interesting experience being introduced to people he'd been teaching only five months earlier, even a few who were still students. Some had begun friendly conversations with Severus, while many had stayed nearby their friends. One person in particular had caught Severus off guard. It was one of his seventh year Gryffindor students, a close friend of Ginny. He'd been particularly excited about meeting Charlie.
~Flashback~
Ginny had introduced them with pink cheeks and an apologetic expression.
"I'm so psyched to be meeting Charlie 'The quidditch legend' Weasley in person," the boy shook Severus' hand vigorously.
Severus smiled, knowing how horrified his admirer would be if he knew it was his Potions professor he was gushing over.
"Keeping on the broom? How often do you fly?"
"Not nearly as much," he answered vaguely, and suddenly remembered the exceptional broom maneuvers he and Harry performed together. "I try not to get too rusty," he added. Harry, who must have been reminded of the same memory, made a choked cough. Severus grinned evilly.
"Did you go to Ginny's game this weekend? She mentioned one of her brothers had been at Hogwarts for the game,"
"I was there, yes. It was an impressive game. I hear it was one of Ginny's better games, though I've not gotten to many of them," he said, taking Ginny by surprise.
"We've got great beaters this year, allowing the chasers good time to score without as much interference," the youth said excitedly, referring to Gryffindor, then paused, waiting for Charlie's assessment.
"Gryffindor kept the score in their favor, but it was Ravenclaw's pathetic attempt at the Wronski Feint that lost them the game." Severus' knowledgeable answer shocked a few listeners in the room. Harry hadn't realized his mouth was hanging open until he felt a finger beneath his chin, closing it. Harry shook his head to clear it.
"Charlie? Can I have a word with you? In private," he added. Harry pulled Severus around the corner to a little out of the way nook behind the stairs. Harry enjoyed the extra height he seemed to have, since Charlie was a few inches shorter then Sev. "When did you become so well versed in the world of quidditch?"
"I've attended the Slytherin games since before you were born. Did you not think I'd pick up a few things?"
"Odd I didn't notice before now how knowledgeable you were on the sport," said Harry offhandedly.
"Not very observant, are you?" Severus was about to comment on Harry's increased potions knowledge, but was distracted by a warm body pressed against his own.
"Hmm," Harry sighed against his neck. "Thank you," he murmured in between kisses up to Sev's chin. "You went to a lot of trouble being Charlie, and spending the day by my side today. I love you so much." Severus replied with a deep, passionate kiss. It had been a long, stressful day. Harry whimpered, happy to lose himself in the kiss. Severus leisurely tasted his lips, dipping his tongue in to languidly explore Harry's mouth.
"I'll just leave it back here," Molly said as she reached into the nook to store a broom. Her audible shock was almost laughable. She gasped with a choking sound like she'd just caught a snitch with her tonsils. "Excuse me, Harry... Severus?" she added the second name with a questioning tone, looking to them desperately for confirmation she'd not caught her son snogging Harry twice in one lifetime.
"Sorry," Harry pulled the corner of his lower lip in his teeth and ducked past her.
Severus remained. "I am not your son," he assured her. "Molly," Severus began again before she had a chance to deny her thoughts. "I wanted to express my appreciation for your graciously offering your home once again. I know it means a great deal to Harry to be a part of your family."
"Now I know you're not my son," she chortled. "It was very kind of you to say, Severus." Molly handed him a jug off the floor and stepped out from behind the stairs; Severus followed like a good son. "Charlie, be a dear and bring this to your father in the kitchen," she said, beaming.
"Yes, Mum," he said obediently, and wondered if she'd die of shock if he kissed her on the cheek as he'd seen the real Charlie do before leaving Order meetings. Realizing his thoughts, Severus scowled inwardly. He didn't know what was more appalling, the fact that he'd actually thought of kissing Molly for a joke, or how pleased he'd been pulling off the quidditch conversation earlier. Harry was certainly rubbing off on him. He took comfort in knowing that after he returned to Hogwarts, he could give out a few detentions and a pop quiz and be back to feeling like his old nasty self again.
"Dad," Severus handed over the jug with a smirk. Arthur did a double take before going back to his dessert.
"This is the best cheesecake I've ever had. I prefer blueberries on top, nevertheless, this is a treat." Arthur glanced around to be sure they were alone. "How are things with you and Harry?" he asked between bites.
"Getting back to normal," Severus said, releasing a sigh. Though he was used to spending time with Arthur and Molly in the Order, it was still a little odd to be at their home with no business to attend to.
"I think I surprised poor Severus, asking for the recipe," Molly said as she entered the room to put on tea. Severus had been expecting her to contact him with Charlie's answer regarding the day's arrangement, not to discuss recipes.
"But did he look surprised?"
"Just ignore Arthur. We recently discussed how well you maintain an unemotional expression on your face. Of course, you would have to, with the work that you do," she added, hoping he wouldn't be offended.
Severus scrutinized her for a moment, and then smirked. "What you mean is, the two of you debated over what it would take to make the git show emotion unintentionally?" Severus sipped his tea, and enjoyed watching Molly try not to reveal that was indeed how it went. "Was there a bet, too?" Severus asked into his teacup.
"Certainly not," Molly flustered.
"Five sickles," said Arthur simultaneously. Severus chuckled, and Arthur looked up from his dessert. Severus wondered if trying to shock him would become Arthur's new pastime. Perhaps if it actually happened, sooner than later, he'd forget all about it. Arthur was more entertaining when he wasn't trying to be.
"I didn't really have the time to try out a new recipe today. I do appreciate you bringing the cheesecake," said Molly, clearly changing the subject.
"It was my pleasure. I seldom have the occasion bake it for anyone, but that makes twice now, in one week."
Arthur hummed his approval around his fork. "If I'd have known you were such a good cook, and things were going to turn out the way they did, I'd have asked you to kill Dursley long ago," Arthur said offhandedly.
Though he would probably never know if it was expressed intentionally, Arthur would continue to rejoice in knowing he'd caused Severus to appear shocked, if only for a moment.
~ ~End of long flashback~ ~ ;)
Severus realized the two noteworthy moments of the day for them had both involved Molly and Arthur. "Merlin, it's true. I've got in-laws," groaned Severus.
"It could have been worse," Harry added comically. He didn't have to say 'James' aloud for Severus to know to whom he was referring. "OK. We're home, the sofa has all spells removed, and the Floo is closed." Harry declared happily. Severus' heart warmed when Harry included him with 'We're home'.
"We don't have to use a silencing charm, either," green eyes sparkled with mischief and enthusiasm.
"Shall I continue as Charlie for the night?" asked Severus, knowing the answer.
"Don't you dare," Harry growled seductively. "I've missed you," he purred, pulling Severus atop him.
"You had me all day," he said, perfectly aware of what Harry meant. "It's all the same in the dark," he teased.
"I did like feeling not so short," he referred to the fact that Charlie was shorter then Sev, making him seem taller by default.
"I'll get you a box to stand on," growled Severus.
"You were the one pointing out it was all the same in the dark," Harry enjoyed seeing him change his tune when it wasn't in his favor. "That's OK Sev, you keep the box. And you know it's not the same with the lights out. I missed feeling your nose against my face when we kissed."
"Now you're just being unkind. You don't see me pointing out your shortcomings." Severus raised said nose in the air.
Harry knew he wasn't hurt, but would make it up to him regardless.
"When you press your lips to mine, your nose presses into my cheek. When you trail kisses along my neck, I feel it caress my sensitive skin," he accentuated his words by doing all he described. "See, I feel you shiver when I nuzzle my nose in your ear. Wouldn't I feel the same?" Still nuzzling, Harry pulled him close, whispering into his hair, "When I awake with a cry and you hold me close, I can hear you behind me, taking in my scent while your lips press comforting kisses to the top of my head."
Severus rolled them over and kissed him hard. His hair fell forward, creating a black curtain framing both their faces.
Harry held his lover's cheeks, catching is breath from the intense kiss. "I love you. I love the whole package, including your nose."
"You're just saying that so I'll make passionate love to you," purred Severus, nipping his earlobe.
"True," Harry thrust his hips up.
"Did you think flattery would get you somewhere?" he asked accusingly, with one brow raised.
Harry whimpered as Sev's mouth continued to trail lower, and lingered around the curve of his hip. "Yes," he hissed, though Severus didn't think Harry was answering the question. Panting, Harry lifted his head to see why the mouth had stopped moving, but he could feel teeth. The bastard was grinning.
"Please, Sev," he begged. "Would it help if I said the reason I love your nose is because it reminds me how big your cock is? ... Oh, God. Yes!" he yelped with a startled gasp.
Severus continued to grin, his teeth purposely scraping lightly as he took Harry into his mouth. Eventually, when Harry began to beg again, Severus turned him over to continue his ministrations.
Harry was happy to just lie on his bed and enjoy. Severus prepared him thoroughly, leisurely massaging Harry's firm cheeks with his free hand. It was not a rushed sexual frenzy like they'd recently had in the shower at Hogwarts. Normally, Harry would have been begging when Severus took his time, but sometimes slow was good.
Harry whimpered, feeling Severus fill him so completely. He was content to lie there letting Sev do all the work, but only for a little while. Soon, he pushed away the pillow beneath his hips, and with Sev's assistance he was on his hands and knees. Harry liked to help set the pace, rocking along in synch with him. He felt Sev's hot breath on his back, softly whispering words of promise and love.
They made love at a leisurely pace. Harry managed to actually hear Sev's words and not just the mesmerizing voice that insinuated itself deep into his core. Severus knew his young lover's body well, knew just the right angle to make Harry shiver and cause him to curl his toes. Harry's hand reached up blindly behind his head to touch his lover, to feel the longer black hair between his fingers. Words that had been on the tip of his tongue were lost along with all conscious thought when Severus wrapped a steady hand around Harry's stiff shaft. His fingers clenched the sheet beneath him as Severus brought him nearer to completion. Not until the last several strokes did they urgently increase the pace, brining their slow shag to a satisfying finish.
Severus awoke when his wand began to vibrate beneath his pillow. Harry groaned and rolled over, and wrapped his leg over Sev's. Severus leaned over and kissed him before he untangled himself.
"Leaving?" asked a sleepy voice. "Good night, love."
"Good morning," Severus nuzzled his neck. "I'll see you tonight?"
"Hmm? Oh, yeah, full moon. See you 'nite," mumbled Harry. Severus smiled, amused by his sleepy lover. Looking out the window he could see it was beginning to get a little light. That tranquil time just before the sun rises. The quiet ended with a snort, or possibly a snore from Harry before he rolled over, grabbed Sev's pillow, and settled in again. Severus shook his head, smiling again. Those insufferable brats had better learn a great deal, since they were the reason he was made to leave Harry's warm bed to return to Hogwarts.
Severus Apparated to the gate at Hogwarts, and as he began to walk, pondered Albus' reaction if he were to call in 'horny'. 'Sorry Albus, I can't come to work today. It can't be helped; Harry is lying there so very seductively. It was all I could do to tear my eyes off of him just to make this call. No, I'm afraid this afternoon is out of the question too, since I've taken a vitality potion and plan on pounding him for hours.' He snorted, laughing at his own joke when abruptly, a distinct 'Pop' was heard. Someone else had Apparated to the gate just moments after Severus.
In a second, he'd darted into the shadows, trying to get a look at who was coming up behind him. Severus cringed when a mouse squeaked and scurried out from its bed where he'd stepped. The approaching footsteps stilled. Knowing it could be anything from an attack to simply a student having snuck out, he did the only safe thing he could do.
"Stupefy." He heard a crash in the bushes as he quickly ducked in anticipation.
"Stupefy."
He heard the same spell repeated shortly after his. If it had been an attack, they wouldn't have used that spell.
"Severus, it's me, Remus," called a gravelly voice. Severus wasn't sure if the wolf's voice sounded like that due to the upcoming full moon, or perhaps over use.
"What the Hell are you doing Lupin, trying to get yourself killed?" he settled for berating the wizard instead of pondering the question of Remus being a screamer in bed.
"Mine wasn't the only Stupefy that missed its mark," Remus said in defense. He was glad Snape had yet to comment about where he'd been. "I needed to speak with you anyway, Severus. Mr. Flynn came to see me earlier today, and had some very interesting things to say."
"What gave you the impression I would care what that wretched boy had to say?" asked Severus snidely.
"I suppose you may not care but..." Remus' spoke casually, not allowing Severus to ruffle his feathers, "as per his demands, if I don't give him highest marks, he will tell our little secret." Remus winked to annoy him.
"What are you going on about, Lupin?"
"He's blackmailing me. Technically us, since he's convinced you're the one I'm shagging." Remus smiled. Severus hadn't shown any reaction, but his silence spoke volumes. "He came to me asking some general questions about Lycanthropy. I may have said a few things that could be misconstrued, though I think he'd already made his assumptions."
"Dare I ask?"
"Mostly general questions, one in particular regarding the wolf instincts and how much they affect me throughout the lunar cycle. His words were careful, but it was clear he was asking about sexual urges and how much control I had over them, or not. I assured him I was in complete control of all aspects as a Lycanthrope and was no threat to the student population."
"Indeed," Snape deadpanned. "While it may be perfectly obvious to the general public that you've rediscovered the joys of sex..." his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How, pray tell, did he get the impression that I would be intimate with the likes of you?"
"You wound me, Severus," Remus' comment equally sarcastic. "Flynn asked what it was you got in return for making the Wolfsbane potion for me. He was sure you wouldn't do such a thing without getting some sort of benefit. He also noted you aren't as grouchy on the morning after the full moon."
Severus had to admit that waking up with Harry's mouth around his cock did seem to put him in a good mood. But did taking a few less points in one class, one day a month, mean he was shagging a werewolf?
"Flynn recalls one morning in particular when we arrived at breakfast together. He said you were looking very smug and had washed your hair in the short time since he'd seen you earlier in your office."
"You and I don't walk in together..." he began, but realized they were doing just that. "The morning Albus had me retrieve you from the Ministry. We came in at the end of breakfast." He remembered.
"Was there a potion accident? Why else would you shower after..." he paused, remembering Harry had been at breakfast that morning. Severus' smug expression confirmed it. "What do we do about Flynn?" Remus wanted to claw that smug look off Snape's face.
"I'll speak with him. It may be wise to let him think he's figured us out."
"Are you suggesting I allow him to blackmail me? Why would I want him to think I would be intimate with the likes of you?" Remus used Snape's own words, grinning.
"If we don't deny it, Flynn will have no need to look for any further clues. But if he feels the need to prove his theory, he may try to follow you the next time you decide to have a sandwich," commented Severus, referring Remus' threesome with Will and Basil. "I don't want him or anyone else looking too deeply into my private life. I will not risk Harry's safety if I can help it," he said seriously.
Fred and George, the entrepreneurs of the Weasley family, stood over a large cauldron, stirring up another batch of Canary Creams.
"We've spent a long time thinking up new products while Harry's place was unavailable, but sometimes it's the classics that keep you in business," remarked Fred.
"FORGE!" roared Harry. Hedwig took flight, escaping the kitchen and her annoyed owner. As she flew, a flurry of yellow feathers followed in her wake. Flinching, the twins tried to feign innocence, but didn't manage it as well as they had in the past. In fact, Harry thought they looked oddly nervous. "I have to meet Kieran in fifteen minutes for training," growled Harry. He knew they were doing something different from their usual training. He had been warned not to be late, and he still had an errand to run. "Pluck, if you don't mind!" Harry turned around abruptly, so they could help remove any stray feathers stuck in his hair and clothes.
"Just two more," George said in a calming tone, picking downy fluff from his hair. "Alright there, Harry? You don't usually get yer knickers in a twist over a prank." George thought it was a real disappointment Harry wasn't in the room with them when he'd turned into a canary.
Harry sighed, shaking out his head. "My mind is on the training. It feels like it's been forever since I had a decent training session. That, and Dudley said something that got Albus started on a new mystery," Harry didn't want to say more on the 'healing' subject until he knew what it was they were dealing with. He knew he was out of sorts, but the twins also seemed to be a little off.
"You know we would never do something to put you in danger, right?" said Fred sincerely.
"Not on purpose, anyway," added George thinking about the many cauldron explosions.
"Of course. We're not family," laughed Harry. They had once joked about how the Weasleys had been like family to him, but in a good way. "Even better than family," he added, knowing the twins siblings had often taken the brunt of their experimentation. Still... he eyed the twins with a tilt of his head. "What's up?" he asked cautiously.
"Nothing," they chorused. "We appreciate the use of the 'lab' here," added George.
Harry left through the back door with a chuckle, realizing Severus must have threatened them again. Why else would the twins act so strangely? He stepped into the antique shop downstairs to pay his landlord a quick visit, along with the rent. Mr. Jennings gave him an update on his niece Gwen and then started nattering on about an antique he'd acquired. Harry was trying to politely say he was late for a meeting when a large barn owl flew in through the transom over the door.
"Looks like you have some mail. I'll just go while you take care of business," Harry edged nearer the door. Having learned his lesson the hard way several times, he would not be late for Kieran if he could help it.
"Looks like she's looking for you, Mr. Potter," smiled Mr. Jennings, watching the owl circle the shop and land on a high-back chair next to Harry. "Don't keep her waiting; those talons aren't doing the leather on the chair any good."
Harry took the letter cautiously, but didn't open it right away. He could sense magic coursing through it, but the magical signature was vaguely familiar.
"Something wrong?" asked Jennings, peering over a logbook. Harry shook his head. The magical signature was not quite Ron's, but different, Ginny's maybe. The twins each had their own magical signature, but occasionally when they performed magic simultaneously it was hard to tell them from another Weasley.
Harry quickly excused himself, leaving the antique shop. If it was a prank, he didn't want to open it inside the store. Mr. Jennings was already giving him a hard time about having to clean extra dust off the furniture after a few explosions that had been felt below, even through the protections on his upstairs flat. It seemed the wards that encompassed his flat kept everything contained, but a big enough blast would shake the building enough to cause bits of plaster to rain from the ceiling all over the fine furniture and glassware below.
He still hadn't deciphered whether the letter was from the twins or not. It felt familiar, showed no sign of dark magic, and was most likely safe to open. Ready to shield himself from whatever magic he could feel flowing through the parchment, Harry readied himself for a possible prank. With a crack, the wax seal was broken.
Everything went black.
...ate." Harry showed no signs of waking when he came to. Thinking he heard the last syllable of 'enervate' he thought it might be pointless to act like he was still out.
"He's up." A pointed boot pushed his head aside, making Harry painfully aware of a recent head injury or an excruciating headache; he wasn't clear which. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" a man's boot connected with Harry's ribs.
Harry said nothing. He raised his head just enough to see around the small room, but not his captor's face. A thousand thoughts ran through his mind. Was the letter a Portkey? Was it from a Weasley? He'd been hoping the wizard would morph into Kieran, but an hour had come and gone, eliminating the possibility of Polyjuice. A second wizard entered, gestured for the other to move aside, and raised Harry's head up by his hair.
The wizard dropped Harry's head back down again as he spoke. "I expect you to be cooperative, Potter!"
"How, by dying?" Harry's snarky tone lost something when his head hit the stone. The headache was agonizing, but not in one place like an injury; instead, it had an odd quality, making him think it was magically induced.
"Your attitude will change very soon," the strange wizard warned. Harry didn't recognize either of his captors. He'd seen a third figure walk by the doorway, but he could only make out the shape of a Death Eater robe. Harry was left on the floor for another hour with only one wizard watching from the door. He got a better look at his face, but didn't recognize him. He could sense some minor concealing charms, but that didn't help his situation.
When the second wizard returned, he asked several questions about Dumbledore's group. When Harry remained quiet, the interrogation was intensified with various forms of torture. Harry wondered if the man was muggle born, as he seemed to enjoy beating him up more than the magical forms of punishment. When it was clear Harry wouldn't tell them much more then the name of the Order, they stopped asking questions. The beating continued until they were disappointed with his reaction to physical abuse. The standard punishments using magic were far more satisfying as far as Harry's reaction was concerned, but he still hadn't answered any questions. Harry wasn't even sure he understood all of what they were asking, or if he was simply there for entertainment value until they found a better use for him.
He came to once again with the help of an ice-cold bucket of water. Harry gasped to catch his breath. The water was so cold it caused his chest to constrict.
"You could have delayed your death by answering a few questions. Bring in the potion!" he called out the last part. "My Lord is ready to see you now."
A tall, masked wizard entered, carrying a steaming potion vial. "Be quick about it. He will not be kept waiting," the wizard scowled before leaving Harry alone with the tall one.
With a flash of a wand the door was closed and locked, and a silencing spell cast. Harry's eyes widened when the mask came off. Severus' face looked pale and anxious.
"You bastard!" Harry shouted, and spat in his face. "How dare you live under Albus' protection all these years?! Fucking Death Eater!" he shouted, and took a swing at him. The punch landed squarely to blacken his eye nicely. Harry didn't like the anxious look on the man's face. It either wasn't his Sev, or they were being watched, testing if he was the spy. Harry winced as a runnel of blood spilled from a split over the cheekbone near the blackened eye, but knew it was better safe then sorry.
"Very nice!" came an exuberant voice from behind him. Harry looked to see where the voice came from, and the walls dissolved. Kieran strode over with a huge grin. "Ah, get over it John," Kieran said to the whimpering 'Snape' who was on the floor holding a hand over his black eye.
Harry pressed himself against the wall behind him only to find that it, too, had dissolved. He stumbled and he toppled over. Kieran held out a hand, helping Harry up. Harry looked around, dumfounded, his heart still racing. "Merlin, I'm glad that's over," he held his hand over his ribs.
"You did good, Fawkes! Did you know it was us? Ya weren't sure, were 'ya?" he asked with a laugh. Harry shook his head.
"I wasn't sure. I thought so at first, but then I - I wasn't sure," he stammered, with a wince.
I'll fix you right up," Kieran promised. Harry wasn't even sure when the others had left, just that only he and his trainer remained. He happily sat down while Kieran serenely held his hands over Harry. "They really did a number on you," he said with a shake of his head. "A lot of people have trouble getting through this test," he explained. Kieran transfigured the chair into a table for Harry to lie down on while he healed the young wizard's injuries. Harry saw him wince once or twice, and wondered if that meant he'd been more injured then expected. "Stay here for a minute, Fawkes," he said gently.
Harry watched him start a fire in a grate. He heard Kieran singing his praises. He hadn't given any details, only that Harry had come through with flying colors.
"You're done," he proclaimed. "I'm going to catch up with you in awhile for that meeting Albus wants us to have. Snape's pretty anxious to see you. Couldn't tell him ahead of time what we'd do to 'ya. He only knew the test was today. Albus figures you're exhausted, and suggests you use the stone to get to his office." Harry nodded. "What stone was Albus talking about?" Kieran asked curiously.
"This one," Harry said with a smile, pulling a tissue from his pocket. The stone fell from the tissue into his hand and Harry was gone.
The trip was much longer than the time he traveled with Nott from the team showers to the safe room in Albus' tower. He'd been impressed with himself for staying standing when he landed, but then remembered the spell on the room guaranteed you to be in the same position as when you left, in case of injury. He could feel his heart beating against his chest, and could hear it loud in his ears along with his breathing, which still hadn't leveled out. Only five or six minutes earlier he was hurt all over, punching a stranger that looked like his lover. He hadn't been positive, but either way he wasn't going to blow Sev's cover as a spy.
"Harry?" Severus said softly, not wanting to startle him. He wasn't sure how long Harry was going to stand there, seemingly lost in thought. He knew Harry would have been healed, but that didn't stop him from wanting to run his hands all over his lover's body checking for injuries. "I hear it went well," he added when Harry just stared at him, his eyes scanning over every inch of him as if he wanted to make sure it was really Sev. Harry finally nodded.
"Yes, it went well," he answered proudly. "I can't tell you how glad I am that's over," he felt so relieved. He began to settle, his heart no longer pounding in his ears. Severus was just about to suggest they go talk to Albus before returning to his room for dinner when he was almost barreled over by Harry wrapping his arms around him tightly.
Severus was still in his teaching robes as he'd had a full day of classes. Harry could care less. The smell of potions ingredients only served as a comfort, confirming this was his Sev. Long, strong arms wrapped around him, holding him close. "I'm home." 'I'mhomeI'mhomeI'mhomeI'mhome' continued racing through his mind.
"You're home," Severus murmured into his hair, feeling Harry wrap his arms tighter. He was trembling. Severus wanted to hold him for the rest of his life. Harry stirred, holding his head up for a better look. Severus gazed down at him curiously when Harry tenderly ran a hand over his left eye. A gentle finger slid along his brow tentatively, before pressing his palm on his high cheekbone, confirming it was somebody else's eye he had blackened.
"Not you," Harry said with a contented sigh of relief, once again pressing his cheek against Sev's chest.
"Come, you can eat a bit and get some rest before the meeting," Sev placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. He'd meant it to be comforting, but Harry had tensed and flinched away from the touch. "Donnelley, you Bastard," growled Severus under his breath. "He promised they wouldn't use me to hurt you," he was seething.
"Donnelley?" Harry looked confused.
"Kieran's surname," hissed Severus.
"You, I mean he, the guy that looked like you didn't hurt me." Harry stammered to interrupt his tirade. "It's just that I was cut there for so long," he looked to his shoulder where the clothes were slashed, but the shoulder was healed perfectly. "I'm still trying to get my bearings and I was expecting that to hurt," Harry explained. The adrenalin rush had passed, and he looked like he was about to drop; yet his fervent hold on Severus hadn't let up.
Severus had lead others in similar tests, but had always sent those being assessed off while their adrenalin was still running high, to get them home or someplace safe before they crashed. He had never given much thought to what it would be like on the other end. Kieran had made it clear that Harry had done well, and held up fine. No less than he'd expected.
Harry was mature beyond his years. It was a maturity to which he had become accustomed, and occasionally took for granted. Yet, there were times, however few, that it was painfully obvious to him how very young Harry really was. He held on tight, trying to squeeze the tremors out of his Harry.
"I regret that you must endure events like this," Severus sighed into his hair.
"It's what we've been training for, to make sure I'm ready," Harry said with no regret, and snuggled closer. "Hmm, you always make me feel safe," he mumbled into Sev's robe. Now that he'd calmed down substantially, he wished Severus had thought to perform a cleaning spell in his clothes after class.
"You're too young for all of this," Sev said with a sigh. "Kids your age usually think themselves invincible and don't worry about such things."
"Only I'm not a kid, and when you talk like this I get nervous you're going tell me you don't want to be dating a child," Harry said quietly, and Severus noticed the trembling hadn't completely stopped. As resilient as Harry had appeared earlier, he was still clearly shaken.
"No, you're not a kid. I may regret that you didn't have a chance at a normal childhood, but that doesn't mean I wish for you to be different. Also, I'm far too selfish to ever let you go," Severus held him possessively.
"Even when I'm acting like an insecure prat?" asked Harry coyly.
"It is an honor that you feel safe enough with me and our relationship to be so open with your feelings. I know that I seldom show a vulnerable side of myself; that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Don't let my hang-ups about expressing myself make you think it's wrong to exhibit your own feelings, or to allow me to comfort you.
"You can, you know, express yourself, I mean. Maybe not today," Harry said ruefully, but smiled. "You don't always have to be the strong one," he said. He hoped one day Severus would allow him to be there for him emotionally, and not only when he awoke from a bad dream. He wasn't expecting that to happen any time soon.
Harry awoke in Sev's arms, an empty tray of food nearby. Severus told him Kieran was to meet them in the Infirmary with Madam Pomfrey. Since dinner in the Great Hall was over, there would be students roaming about. Harry walked with Albus, knowing Severus would take a different route and meet them there. They agreed the information should be kept quiet. For now, only Poppy, Kieran, Albus and Severus would know what was going on. Harry had to laugh to himself. He wished he knew what it was he wasn't telling anyone.
As they neared the Infirmary, Albus waved his hand. The doors opened for them.
"Show off," Harry whispered with a wink. Madam Pomfrey led them to a private room. Severus had already arrived and was speaking with someone. A man in white robes similar to those he saw the staff at St. Mungo's wear, but who didn't have the sterile, stringent look about him like the doctors he'd seen. "Who's that?" Harry stopped at the doorway, further observing the stranger. He felt Albus' hand on his shoulder, urging him into the room.
"Alright, Fawkes? I was just tellin' Snape about your test today," Kieran said before turning to Albus and Poppy with a respectful bow. Harry couldn't believe it was the same wizard he'd been training with all that time. He'd really cleaned up for this meeting. Kieran's hair wasn't so wiry, and not only was he clean, fingernails included, but his three-day-old beard was gone, too. He looked almost angelic. Almost.
"Do I know you?" Harry asked comically.
Before a witty retort could be made, Poppy gave Harry a gown and led him to a bed where he was to lie down after he changed. Harry raised a brow, asking if it was really necessary for him to wear a long silk robe that looked like a woman's negligee. What was going on, anyway? This was definitely not typical hospital garb.
"This will not be a superficial scan for bumps and bruises. Other fabrics would impede my work. Many Healers would insist you be completely free of barriers. I, however, can do without seeing your scrawny arse," Kieran whispered the last line with a smile, redirecting Harry to the slinky gown.
"Wouldn't be the first time you got me into a dress now, would it?" muttered Harry.
Kieran snorted and winked, remembering Harry in Jo's dress when they went out for his birthday.
"You know you won't get your wings with this attitude," Harry ducked into the loo to change before he got hexed for the angel comment. Standing in front of the mirror, Harry smoothed his hands over the white silk. "I look like a bride on her wedding night," he said, not caring if they heard him. He had to admit it felt good against his skin, and made a mental note to buy a few pairs of silk boxers.
Albus chuckled when the door to the loo flew open and Harry pranced out singing 'I feel pretty'.
"Now we know which one is the girl in the relationship," muttered Kieran, knowing better but wanting to antagonize his friend. He hadn't realized Poppy didn't know about them being a couple, but the jab of Snape's wand in the small of his back confirmed he had better not continue on that topic.
Kieran, once again serious, stepped up to the bed and placed his hands above Harry's head and abdomen. His breathing remained even as he moved his hands along. Harry could see the hands weren't touching, but he could feel warmth and the tingle of energy flow between them.
"You're not a Healer," Kieran said simply. He shook off the excess energy from his hands as if he were shaking water off after washing up. "Harry, when I do this, I can sense old injuries. It's like searching out scar tissue. If you were a true Healer, there would be no scarring. With your permission, I'd like to get a closer look at a few things," Kieran spoke professionally, surprising Harry.
"Closer how?" he asked nervously.
"Nothing painful. It just means that I'll be placing my hands on you instead of above you. Don't worry, you get to keep the dress on," Kieran added with a wink.
Serious again, he held his palms up and took a deep cleansing breath before placing his hands over Harry once more. He moved his hands over Harry's abdomen slowly, and paused before gently laying his hands on the silken barrier.
Feeling a hand on his side, Harry thought Kieran might have found where Dudley claimed he'd broken a rib. The exam continued similarly for quite some time. When Harry was asked to roll over, he felt fingers prodding, and assumed Kieran was looking for the tell-tail 'garden tool' scar he knew was on Harry's back.
Harry hadn't realized he'd fallen asleep until he heard Poppy tell him he could get dressed and head up to Albus' office to hear what Kieran had found.
Chapter End Notes
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Kim~Calanor * Mel * Kim * Gina * Chyna * Gem * Mavencree * Pombagira * Maggie * emmaedwards * Bella The Dark * rhiandra * Sorry if I missed anyone.
A big thanks to my beta xikum
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http/undun./imagery/slowshag.html
DETAH 60 - Haven of Healers
Chapter Notes
This is where I pay homage to my beta xikum. *Bow*
Severus took the seat furthest away, as usual. Harry stifled a laugh when Albus offered tea but didn't get any takers.
"Poppy needed to tend to a student with a minor injury. She'll be up with Harry's chart soon enough," Albus poured himself a cup of tea, ignoring the looks Kieran and Severus gave each other, as if each were daring the other to have tea. "Perhaps while we wait, Kieran could tell us more about Harry's Order evaluation results?" Albus looked over to the white-robed Healer expectantly. "How long did you say it took?" he asked, knowing Kieran hadn't said.
Kieran counted off on his fingers for a moment before answering. "I'd say from portkey to Snape's bloodshed, about seven hours, give or take," he grinned at his friend. "He did well, took a lot of punishment before he eventually gave an acceptable bit of information to establish their reaction. Just like we discussed last week," he added the last bit in Harry's direction with a pleased nod.
"And what was their reaction?" Albus directed his question to Harry, who'd remained modestly quiet thus far.
"They didn't seem to care that after hours of torture, I'd finally told them something. For that matter, most the time I wasn't even sure what they were asking. The questions were vague, and even when I answered the one time, the hexes didn't slow down any. At that point I figured they were just wearing me down before handing me over to the Dark Lord," Harry ran a hand over his shoulder thinking about the wizard that had expertly wielded a knife. He was grateful for the fresh clothes he'd kept in his room in the tower.
"He didn't give up a spy, either," beamed Kieran. "I thought for sure when Snape was left alone with you and he'd put up the silencing charms and warded the door, you'd blow his cover. Ah, Snape." Kieran turned to his friend. "It was beautiful. When our Snape took off his mask, Harry looked shocked and swore at you up and down for betraying Dumbledore. I was already getting up to call it a day when he belted you," Kieran laughed, slapping his hand down on the arm of Snape's chair.
Severus was not amused by Kieran's merriment at his expense, but was proud of his trainee/lover. He hadn't realized Harry had been 'tested' for so many hours before he'd arrived at Albus' chambers. It explained why Harry had been jumpy to his touch.
The four wizards stood when Poppy entered the office. She smiled appreciatively at the gesture. "Ah, Poppy, a cup of tea perhaps?" Albus asked cordially, and immediately began to pour. Poppy looked askance. "What have you got for us?" he asked, seeing she'd brought more than Harry's chart.
"I have charts of past students who had either shown signs of healing capabilities or unexplained resistance to illnesses."
"May I?" Kieran took the offered charts, giving them a once over. The browning folders held records of various students with similar situations. Kieran shuffled through them again, looking for Harry's name. "Did you bring Harry's records?" he asked, seeing no other large folders, and noting that those he held were mostly very old.
"Ah, yes, here it is," she said with a cheeky smile, stepping aside to reveal a box that had been levitated along behind her, and dropping it on his lap. The box was originally labeled by the manufacturer as Ministry Issued paper supplies, '200 count, three sided, heavy weight file envelopes'. The words had been crossed off and 'Harry Potter' had been written in a tidy scrawl below. It also included a standard hex warning label should anyone unauthorized open the documents.
"Been busy with this one?" Kieran gestured to the embarrassed Harry beside him.
"You have no idea," her tone droll as she daintily stirred her tea, not sipping.
"With your permission?" Kieran said in Harry's direction before opening the box, his tone once again professional.
"It's why we're here," replied Harry off-handedly. Kieran held the lid over the box, eyeing Harry attentively.
"That doesn't mean you don't have a choice. If you don't wish it, I don't have to look through here to make a reasonable assessment. I won't kid you, it would help a great deal, but it's not entirely necessary should you chose to keep it private,"
Harry sighed. "It's fine, I'm just exhausted. Why would you pick tonight after my assessment to do this?" Harry's asked, hoping he wasn't being too rude, but not caring much either. Despite the nap he'd had after dinner with Severus, he was ready to drop.
"Earlier when I tried to sense your old injuries and looked for scar tissue, I found it was a lot easier to do while you were relaxed and surrounded by people you trusted. If you hadn't been so exhausted, you may have tensed up when you felt me probing around, looking at your insides. Trust me, it was better this way," Kieran opened the box and flipped over the stack to take a look at the oldest records first. He compared notes in September to late in the school year. When he asked to see the copy of Harry's muggle doctor records, Poppy cleared her throat.
"There aren't any," Harry answered but offered nothing else. Kieran hadn't been told many details of Harry's life before Hogwarts. Since he was looking for signs of self-healing, it wasn't a total surprise there weren't any records. He'd also heard Snape grumbling on about Harry paying for his uncle's services and assumed them to be poor, hence one more reason behind not seeing a doctor for regular checkups. But then, Kieran was smart enough to know Harry had to have healed himself from something and there must have been a substantial healing to merit a call upon his expertise. But if he had learned anything from healing the wounds of Death Eaters and other equally dark wizards, it was not to pry too deeply when information wasn't offered.
"Kieran, I have a list of possible injuries reported to us. It's not from the most reliable source, but still, a place to start nonetheless." Albus handed over the list he made when Dudley explained the things he'd thought his cousin had healed. Kieran compared the list to the one he'd made while scanning over Harry's body. He made a few notes and checked a few more things in Harry's chart.
"Some of the items on your list were exaggerated, while other, far more serious injuries, weren't even mentioned. This one here," Kieran pointed to the list, "It says that your arm was broken, yet I see no signs of serious damage."
"Right arm?" interrupted Poppy. She got up and shuffled through Harry's chart. "Here you go, 1992, winter, I believe," she said, proud of knowing his medical history as well as she did. Finding the correct page, she announced, "Yes. November, 1992, right arm bones re-grown via Skele-Gro after an incompetent wizard attempted to heal what is suspected to have been a fracture of the humerus, near the elbow, which instead resulted in the removal of every bone in the right arm, from the humerus down to and including the distal phalanges," she harrumphed, obviously still annoyed that Lockhart had taken it upon himself to attempt to do her job.
Kieran nodded; it made sense there would be no signs of the causal injury or any previous ones if the bone had been re-grown. "How about this one? It's not mentioned on Albus' list." Kieran pointed to his own back indicating the area. "The spots on your back; you said that was from a tool?"
"A garden tool, it only broke the skin. Hurt like hell, but not much else. That happened the same day as this," Harry pointed to the Dudley list where it noted a broken rib.
"That did not only break the skin; it lacerated your left kidney with two of the prongs. I didn't think it could be possible. There should have been too much mass for that to happen, but if like you had said, your cousin fell on top of you, it's possible. But you'd have to have been extremely thin at the time," he mused.
"I've put on some weight over the years," Harry said without offering any numbers. Kieran need only to read the chart if he wanted details.
"I'd like some time to go over these records more thoroughly. If I had to make a guess now, I'd say Harry has healed himself with intrinsic magic. It's crude, but effective." Kieran explained further, seeing Harry's confused expression. "Every witch and wizard has intrinsic magic. Using it's an involuntary action, like breathing and your heart beating. It's why we live so long. Our magic typically fends off most internal disorders like cancer and heart disease. Tell me, Harry, after these incidences when you healed yourself, did you wake feeling exhausted or drained?"
"I don't think so. The times they said I'd done it, I had slept for days, so I wouldn't be tired." Harry explained. Kieran made a few more notes on his chart.
"Even with a week of sleep, if you depleted your magic to heal something this big, you would have woken up exhausted. If you woke up feeling well, then you must have tapped into a magical reserve."
"I think that's what Severus told me, but I still don't understand." Harry was sure he would have been more lucid if he'd had a few more hours sleep.
"Let's say you suddenly aren't eating regularly, and this is something that has happened a few times. Wizard bodies, even muggle bodies, have a starvation mechanism. It will hold onto reserves if it doesn't know if you're going to eat again soon."
"But I haven't been starved for..." Harry paused, realizing what he had almost said. "You were just using food as a comparison, right?" Harry's cheeks reddened. Severus turned his chair in Harry's direction.
"He thinks you have stored away magic as a way to assure your survival. Magic that you should have access to on a regular basis, but don't."
"How? And why haven't I healed other stuff over the years?" he put his question to Kieran, but looked over to Poppy also.
"Now that you've been in the wizarding world for as long as you have, you no longer depend on the reserve of magic to keep you safe. Most likely, you haven't for years. Poppy has always been here for you, and you've not lived in the muggle world for some time. As these things tend to go, at some point, your body would slowly release its hold on the reserves and access to the added magic would gradually make you become more powerful. I'm going to speak with a colleague and get a second opinion. She will probably want to meet with you."
"Do you have any questions?" asked Poppy, seeing Kieran had finished. Harry pondered that for a minute.
"Nothing at the moment, but I'm sure as soon as you leave I'll think up a dozen," Harry paused. "You said that if I were a true Healer, there wouldn't have been scar tissue, right?"
"Correct," Poppy and Kieran answered simultaneously. Poppy flushed and gave Kieran a nod to continue. Harry thought it odd to see her act this way. Maybe it was a Healer thing.
"If Healers do such a great job, then why doesn't everyone use Healers? No offence, Madam Pomfrey," he added quickly.
"None taken. There aren't all that many Healers in the wizarding world as you may think. There are Healers in almost all cultures, though not all of them are recognized as such. Some of the religious leaders in the muggle world were Healers. It's common for muggle Healers to credit their faith, or their gods for their abilities. I am fortunate to have a chance to work with Healer Kieran on these occasions."
"You're one in a million," deadpanned Snape.
"If you have no other questions, Harry, I'm sure we can call this meeting closed and allow you some rest," said Albus with a smile, happy to have cut off Kieran's response to his old friend's comment. There was a lady present, after all. He could only expect Kieran to play the gentleman for so long.
Harry stepped out of Sev's fireplace and made a beeline for the sofa, where he promptly plopped down.
"Drink?" Severus held up a short glass.
"Got the good stuff?" asked Kieran.
"What else is there?" grinned Severus. "Better yet, you pour for the two of us while I get out of this horrid robe," he had started for his bedroom when Kieran stopped him.
"Two? Not three?" Kieran asked, gesturing toward Harry who was sitting on the sofa, skimming through a potions journal. Severus simply shook his head 'no' and went off to change into a clean, potion-free robe.
Deciding he couldn't be bothered to do much else, Severus removed his soiled robes, turned down the bed and returned to the sitting room in his white shirt and trousers. Kieran was still standing where he'd left him, reading the label on the bottle from which he'd just poured.
"Good stuff, Snape," he took a sip while handing over the second glass. "Doesn't Harry drink?"
"Not tonight," he answered with a smirk, gesturing to the sofa where Harry was already sound asleep. "I'm surprised he even made it past the bed into this room." Severus picked up Harry and began for the bedroom. "Times like this, I feel old."
"Nah, remember Rosie? She liked to be tucked in. She said I made her feel safe. I wouldn't worry about it," Kieran held open the bedroom door as Severus carefully maneuvered through the doorway without banging Harry's head.
He laid Harry down easily, spelled off his clothes, and pressed his lips to Harry's."Go to sleep," he said gently when Harry began to return the kiss. "I'll be in later," he added, pulling up the duvet. Before he closed the door, Severus looked back to see Harry rolling over and claiming Sev's favorite pillow.
Back out in the sitting room, Kieran handed him his glass for the second time. Severus sat in 'his' chair near the sofa, thinking that tucking in Harry didn't really bother him. Maybe it was the fact that he liked doing it.
"Don't stress over this shit. Next time you get captured and tortured for hours, Harry will tuck you in," he took a swig of his drink. "It could be arranged, if you like."
"I'll pass," Severus sounded tired. He wanted to protect Harry and didn't like knowing his likeness had been used during the test. "How long do you think it will take for him to remember the portkey that captured him was sent by a Weasley? Two Weasleys, to be precise."
"Too distracted with tonight's meeting. You couldn't get me to sit for all that crap after a day like today. Then again, he did sleep through three-quarters of the scan." Kieran emptied his drink. "You get an eyeful of the pictures in his chart?"
Severus nodded, and narrowed his eyes. Kieran sat up, watching Snape's brow crease in concentration. The bottle from which they'd poured rattled on the tray for a second before hurling past Kieran into Snape's outstretched hand. He had a raw power that was hard not to be in awe of sometimes.
"You make good work of it, of him?" asked Kieran, referring to Vernon Dursley's torture and death.
"I do nothing half way," Severus stared across the room at nothing in particular. "I would have liked more time, but..." he trailed off.
"Never enough," Kieran agreed. "Can I use your Floo? I want to contact a Healer whom Harry should meet. I might have more pull if I'm calling from Hogwarts.
"Use the private Floo. I can't chance Lucius calling in while Harry's asleep in the next room." Severus checked on Harry and cast a spell to keep the noise level down around him. He knew his friend also wanted to call while wearing the white robes. No point in wasting a good scrub.
Kieran spoke to a woman, explaining that he'd been called to Hogwarts by Albus Dumbledore to look over someone special. When she questioned his wanting a second opinion, he had to do a bit of groveling, as he'd not asked before and he was sort of an outcast among fellow Healers.
"No, I'm not up to something," he defended. "I'm at Hogwarts now... I know I'm calling from a bedroom; will you give a guy a break? I can't discuss who it is on the public Floo network, even though this is a secure connection here at this end. I did an extensive internal scan on the patient, but I need you to confirm a few things." The woman speaking with him actually liked Kieran but didn't put up with nonsense. She wasn't impressed with his usual lack of respectable clientele. As luck was with the Scott, Harry chose that moment to toss and turn, putting his pretty face in full view.
"Is that...?"
"My patient," Kieran quickly cut her off.
"Is he?" she asked, wanting confirmation. Kieran reached around and grabbed the fringe, lifting it away from Harry's forehead, exposing the famous scar.
"The one and only. Do you suppose you can fit us in?" he asked sweetly.
When Harry finally awoke, Severus was already teaching his third class. He read Sev's note telling Harry he'd stop back in when he had a break in his schedule. Checking the time, he noted he had an hour yet before then. Harry rolled back over, enjoying Sev's luxuriously soft bed sheets. He'd been tempted to conjure a duplicate of Sev's pillow so they could both have 'the good one', but he doubted it would be the same. The copy wouldn't have his lover's scent permeating the fabric, and Sev would undoubtedly want the original.
Severus arrived in his rooms to find Harry showered, dressed and sitting on the side of his bed, talking to Ron in the fire. Ron was begging Harry to Floo over quickly so he could show something to Harry before Hermione came back in.
"If you go, you can't come back, private Floo," Severus reminded Harry.
"Harry, she's going to be out of the shower in ten minutes. Please, it'll only take two minutes," begged Ron.
"If you come with me, I can get back," Harry said to Severus is a hopeful tone. Hermione's parents had gone out of town for a dental convention. Ron and Hermione were taking advantage of Ron's day off and were 'playing house'.
"Two minutes," Severus said with a sigh, agreeing to see what Ron was so insistent about, but having a good idea what it was.
They stepped into the Granger's muggle home. Before they had a chance to dust off the soot, Ron was practically bouncing on the balls of his bare feet.
"Got it yesterday, but I couldn't find you anywhere," Ron held out a small diamond ring.
"Brilliant," exclaimed Harry. "When are you going to ask her?" The 'her' in question happened to choose that moment to waltz into the room carrying a quidditch magazine, wearing an oversized tee and boxers, with her hair up in a towel.
"Jesus, could you give a girl some warning?" she shouted, seeing the two extra men in the room.
"Mi-Sweetie," Ron called out as she darted from the room.
"We'll let you take care of that while we let ourselves out," offered Severus. "It's a very fine engagement ring," he added politely. Ron thanked him and dashed out of the room, apologizing to Hermione mid-stride. Harry turned to his lover with a grin.
"I swear, sometimes I believe you're very polite to Ron just so you can see that shocked look on his face."
"Always make the most of any situation," Severus said, wiping at a smudge of soot on Harry's nose.
"Slytherin," Harry called out as they Flooed back.
Harry spelled off the soot after stepping back into Sev's rooms. "Thanks for letting me sleep this morning," he said with a sigh. "You usually make me get out before you leave for class."
"Yes, well," he wrapped his arms around Harry's waist, pulling him close. "It had been a long day. I placed extra wards on my office so you could sleep in here safely," he kissed Harry's temple, and continued to gently kiss along Harry's cheek until he met soft lips. Harry whimpered against his lips, and nuzzled Sev's nose as they leaned their heads in opposite directions. Sev pulled back, drawing out Harry's lower lip with his teeth.
"I can never get enough of you," Harry said against his neck. "I missed you when I woke up," he pressed his lips against Sev's once again, then paused. "Come to think of it, I don't remember going to bed." Harry tried to remember the previous night. They took the Floo from Albus' with Kieran. He vaguely remembered picking up a magazine but being disappointed there were no pictures, since it seemed the blurry letters on the page weren't forming words. Severus smirked when Harry groaned.
"Don't worry about it," Severus kissed Harry's nose. "As I said earlier, it had been a long day. But next time, you'll have to get up in the morning and leave when I do."
"I was thinking more about Kieran. He didn't turn my hair green or anything while I was sleeping, did he?"
"You'll find that Kieran is serious when he needs to be," Severus watched as Harry's unguarded expression became more concerned.
"How serious does he need to be? Does he think there's something really wrong with me?" Harry remembered seeing a look on the Healer's face, as if he'd found something unexpected.
"He contacted a colleague last night. After she consults with him, you'll get more information. This doesn't mean there is something wrong with you," Severus said while holding Harry reassuringly. He didn't want to explain that Kieran's reaction was not from his condition, but from the knowledge of how much abuse it would take for Harry to get to the point of conserving innate magic.
"He already called, last night?" Harry was surprised he'd gotten on it so quickly. "Um, what fire did he use?"
Severus wondered why that would matter, and pointed to the private Floo they'd just returned in. He could see the relief on his lover's face.
"That's good, at least. I'd hate to think he called from the sitting room while I was laying there asleep on the sofa," Harry said with a laugh. Severus smirked, quickly cutting off Harry's laugh.
"Did you think I would leave you on my sofa and have Kieran sit on the floor while we visited? It was just as well," he began with a grin. "He needed the famous Potter name to compensate for the infamous Donnelly name. Moreover, you're beautiful when you sleep."
"You really think so?" Harry asked, batting his eyes comically.
"No, I was quoting Kieran," he teased, earning him a pinch on his arse. Harry had gotten a good grip too. Severus' face remained the same, not revealing how much his backside stung, or the response it caused in front.
All too soon Severus needed to start back for his classroom. "I'll talk to you before the weekend,"
"I'll speak with Kieran, but let me know how things go on Friday. Perhaps you shouldn't eat too much of that trash you and your friend pack away on Thursdays," he added, thinking about the pigging out Harry and Hermione tended to do on 'date night'.
"I know, I know. Too many treats slow you down. I'll be good...mostly," he added with a cheeky smile.
It had been an interesting evening with Hermione. She was relentlessly badgering him about why he and Severus were there to speak with Ron. Harry wasn't sure why it worked so well, but when he said, "Some things are best left alone," she clammed right up and asked no more questions.
Harry was glad he didn't eat too much since he was nervous about going with Kieran to see another Healer. When they arrived, Harry was taken aback by his surroundings. The dividing walls between rooms appeared to be linens, sheer yet somehow opaque. They were not like the tapestries at Hogwarts, more like sheer curtains one would see just over a window, before the drapes facing the room. Harry began to wonder if there were any walls at all. There seemed to be a light source behind all the white walls he'd seen. "Are we in heaven?" whispered Harry, making Kieran chuckle.
" I am," he answered mischievously when a very attractive woman greeted them. She led them down a corridor, introducing them to various people on the way. Harry noticed they were all introduced by their given names. One woman in particular was warm and friendly, but Harry noticed she was very careful not to touch him, reminding him of Quirrell. As she spoke with Kieran, Harry noticed a small child standing near her legs. She smiled up at Harry, and wiggled her fingers up at him in a juvenile wave 'hello'. When it didn't seem like the Healer's conversation was going to end too soon, Harry knelt down to the girl's level. She wore a white gown like the Healers, and her fine blonde hair curled around her shoulders. Harry was sure she should have had wings.
"Are you sick?" she asked curiously.
"I don't think so, are you?" he noticed her little chin went up proudly before answering.
"I am working here today," she beamed. Harry was about to ask what it was a four year old would do for a job when he noticed Kieran was walking again. When they reached their destination a Healer named Frances was waiting for them.
"Welcome, Kieran. Mr. Potter, it is an honor to have you as a guest with us today," she said warmly. Harry got the impression she meant it, and not in a 'you're famous' kind of way. Kieran had explained that the place was composed of various people with special talents that could help diagnose, or guide a Healer in the right direction when presented with more complex cases. Harry noticed Frances wore a white gown much like the one he wore in the Infirmary when Kieran had looked him over. "How did you feel when Kieran examined you? Did you feel at all nervous, tense, vulnerable?" she asked, giving examples so he understood what she was asking.
"No, it was fine. He's healed some small stuff for me before, so it wasn't a big deal," Harry explained. She could see he was in fact very comfortable with Kieran.
"Small stuff?" she inquired, knowing most people don't call Healers for the 'small stuff'. "In other words, he was healing injuries he himself inflicted upon you?" she smiled too sweetly at Kieran, apparently knowing him better then Harry realized. Their guilty expressions didn't deny in her assumption. "Did you forget what we discussed?" she addressed her peer in almost a sarcastic tone.
"Healers heal," he answered as if the point had been drilled into his head in the past. "He slept through most the exam," offered Kieran, getting them back on topic.
"May I call you Harry? It's a very personal thing to have someone look inside, seeing your body's history so to speak. I want to make sure you're comfortable," she seemed very relieved to see Harry was at ease, and had so readily allowed her to use his given name. He initially didn't think too much of it, but then realized how difficult this would be for a rape victim. He had been so exhausted when Kieran looked him over, it didn't occur to him to be concerned about his past being so exposed. When she left them alone, handing Kieran a white gown, Harry narrowed his eyes.
"You said I didn't have to wear one of those again," Harry said, pointing to the silky gown.
"You don't. This is for me," Kieran quirked a smile and slipped behind a curtain to change.
"I thought you were kidding about that," Harry whined when he realized he wasn't getting a gown, or anything else for that matter. He ducked behind the curtain to undress when Kieran came out. He was grateful there was at least a sheet on the bed he could keep over him until they began.
"Did you notice there are no decorations or pictures on the walls? They don't want anything affecting the flow of magic in here," Kieran explained as helped straighten the sheet while Harry climbed under. Harry noted Kieran was once again in that professional mode. He was more serene, his movements smooth, deliberate, and gentle.
Frances returned, and asked questions about past injuries and illnesses. She said she was ready to begin, gave Kieran a nod, and he removed the sheet. Harry may have been used to sharing a room with four guys, but lying there like a specimen in front of a stranger was altogether different. He could feel the heat in his face, and resisted the urge to move his hands to cover himself.
She worked much like Kieran had, beginning with her hands above his body, hovering longer over areas that had been injured. Harry would occasionally watch her expression as she concentrated. At one point she looked frustrated and stopped.
"Harry," she began slowly, keeping eye contact. "If you don't object, I would like to call in an assistant. There are some notes I'd like to make, and magical quills would affect the flow in the room," she motioned for Kieran to replace the sheet over Harry when the young wizard agreed. Leaving for only a moment, Frances returned with another woman. He was relieved to see the other woman who was there to take notes went to sit behind a curtain and would not be watching. He thought maybe the Healer didn't expect to find as much as she had or she would have already had the assistant in the room when they'd begun the scan.
As she continued the exam again she would occasionally say a few words. She spoke so softly Harry wondered how the assistant could even catch what she was saying. He wondered if she saw more than Kieran had, or if she knew what had caused some of his older stuff. When she began to actually place her hands on him, he felt as if she was looking right through him. Technically, she was, but he felt as if she was actually seeing him getting hurt. Harry took a deep breath to calm down, and mentally berated himself for letting his imagination get away from him.
Kieran shifted his position from beside Harry, to standing near his head. Harry could feel the heat of his friend's hands above his head before he felt them press lightly on his forehead. Fingertips pressed points along his eyebrows, and made small circles when they reached his temples. Kieran massaged Harry's face and scalp until he relaxed into a meditative state.
When Frances was finished she explained that she would now bring in someone who could sense other's magic. She would be able to locate and evaluate his core magic and how he used it. Harry was listening, but continued to meditate. He got the impression she was speaking with Kieran anyway. Frances sent the assistant out, asking her to send Phoebe in if she was ready. Harry glanced over to the door when he heard the little girl's voice. She was playing in the corridor with a toy Pegasus, waving it in the air in flight. He was glad to see she was staying in the corridor while another woman came in.
"Harry, this is Phoebe, you met her earlier. She's going to evaluate the source of your magic and it's strength. She will not actually touch your person," Frances explained. Phoebe was small in stature, and wore the same gown as everyone else. As she approached the table her lips pursed slightly.
"Did someone use wand magic in here?" she asked reproachfully. Harry looked around and noticed all eyes were on him.
"Er...nothing much really. I spelled my clothes off," admitted Harry. Apparently that wasn't the right thing to say, if their reactions were anything to go by. Frances' sudden intake of breath was not as bad as Phoebe's 'Oh.' with a hand over her mouth and blushing cheeks. Kieran winced initially, but then grinned while shaking his head in disbelief.
"Shall we begin?" asked Phoebe quickly. "What I'm going to do is check your magic and then you will be asked to do some difficult spells and charms, and I will check again. A 'before and after' as it were," she explained. Harry nodded, afraid to say anything else to embarrass himself. Harry laid down, and another exam began. He noticed that her hands didn't move around as much as Frances'. Phoebe smiled as she worked and kept her eyes closed while sensing his magic. It didn't take very much time for her to finish up. Again Harry noted she was very careful not to touch him.
"You have a great deal of power," she complimented and took a step back when Frances covered Harry with a sheet. "What I would like you to do now is put on a gown and follow Frances to a room where you will expend some of your magical energy. Then you will return, and we start again," she bowed to them and Harry wondered how to return the gesture while lying down. He'd have to ask about that right after he found out why spelling his clothes off was such a big deal.
Kieran went along with Harry while he attempted to use up a fair amount of energy. It reminded him of flying until he was numb. After levitating the same huge stone to various sides of the room, they decided that to save some time they could more quickly 'use up' an appreciable amount of magical energy by having Harry put up additional wards on a portion of the facility, further ensuring no one could Apparate into secure areas.
"That's probably enough," Kieran said, getting no response. He chuckled and took Harry by the arm, leading him back to the examination room. Harry thought vaguely about his own home's Warding and the vial Albus had made him take a sip from to help him restore his energy.
"Who's that little girl?" Harry asked no one in particular as they entered the room.
Frances welcomed him back and suggested he get comfortable while they wait for Phoebe; meanwhile she'd explain the child's presence. "Phoebe is very sensitive. As she senses your magic, her energy and yours flow together somewhat. She is very careful to keep a safe distance, to protect herself. You can imagine she would need to rid herself of any negative energy to keep her from getting loaded down. For her, having contact with a child so young and pure is like a cleansing of the soul."
"More like having your aura scrubbed and polished," laughed Phoebe as she entered. "Clarice's mother is a Healer, and allows her to spend a few hours a week here. She mostly plays, and lets me hold her hand when I need to. Ready now?" Phoebe gave Kieran a nod, and he removed the sheet once more. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment before raising her hands. After repeating everything she'd done earlier, Phoebe returned to one area in particular, concentrating there for some time.
"How old are you?" she asked, not opening her eyes.
"Eighteen."
"What was the first serious injury that occurred after you began at Hogwarts?"
"Um, I don't know," he hadn't had to explain that in years and didn't know how to now. "At the end of my first year, after Vol, um...'You Know Who' was using one of my professors as a host body. I don't know how to say it really. Quirrell died and Voldemort, or maybe his spirit, seemed to emerge like a mist and came at me. I woke up three days later. I don't really know if that counts as an injury."
"Was anyone else present?" she asked calmly, though she had flinched when Harry mistakenly said Voldemort the second time around.
"I think it was just before I passed out when Albus Dumbledore came in."
"Did you get hurt the following year while at Hogwarts?" she asked, knowing some of the answers, but wanting a few details that a chart would not show.
"I broke my arm. Kieran said it didn't show because the bones were removed and grown back. One of my professors tried to fix it, but he wasn't very good at magic. Later that year I was bitten by a basilisk on the same arm." Harry watched Phoebe's face. It seemed she was about to speak, but then thought better of it. "Can you sense an injury healed with Phoenix tears?" he asked curiously.
Phoebe gave Frances a nod before turning to Kieran. "I will give you some time to change into your clothes; then we'll meet in my office and answer some of your questions," she said politely, but Harry didn't think she was answering the Phoenix tears question.
When they arrived in Phoebe's office, Harry had the feeling it was no coincidence the little girl was sitting in her lap.
"I would like to start out by reminding you that all information regarding your magic, you past injuries and any healing done by yourself or others, will remain confidential. You have shown a great deal of trust in Healer Kieran and us by trusting his judgment by coming here and allowing us into very personal aspects of your life."
Harry nodded, not sure of what to say. He guessed he should thank them for seeing him so soon, but she began to speak again.
"Frances and I concur with Kieran's original assessment. Healings achieved by you in the past were done purely as a defensive mechanism. As for my own findings regarding your magic and how it's used, it is clear to me that you still are not using a portion of your magic and may not have accessed it for several years."
"That's the stored magic he mentioned?" Harry asked, looking over to Kieran.
"Yes, that's right. I'm going to explain how this works and give you an estimated timeline of these events. You may find some of what I have to say accusatory in relation to your family, and I mean no disrespect to you, or yours," she said carefully watching for Harry's reaction.
"You don't have to tiptoe around this. I want you to explain what all this means. I'm not going to take offense because you now have to discuss my relatives' lack of offering medical treatment, or for that matter, mistreatment in general," Harry sighed, wanting to present himself as a mature adult, not a vindictive child.
"Thank you," she said with a reassuring smile. "First off, understand that for your body to heal itself, you had to be, or at least feel that you were alone in your care, or that your caregivers were incapable. I'm not going to get into the in-depth psychological aspects of this, but I want you to understand it doesn't happen overnight. At some point your body recognized that you were continually getting hurt with no recourse. There may have been a significant event that caused you to do 'accidental magic'. I'm sure you experienced unexplained magic before you went to Hogwarts; this is the same."
She held up Frances' notes of healings from her examination. "Accidental magic uses up your energy as any spell would, but since you were too young and had no wand, you wouldn't have noticed. After a while, your body recognized an ongoing need, and reacted to make sure there would always be sufficient magical energy readily available for future injuries. This was commonly seen centuries ago in war times. Because you are already a powerful wizard, you've never recognized that you haven't had full access to your magic. Normally, your body would acknowledge that you were indeed getting cared for once you arrived at school, but that didn't happen. That's what makes your case unique."
Harry groaned, thinking this was just one more thing to make him 'special'.
"Looking back at your records from school, it's no surprise why this didn't happen. At a very young age, you were betrayed by a professor, and had to face him and the Dark Lord alone. Also at a young age, you broke a bone and were once again let down by a professor who shouldn't have taken on a task he was unskilled to perform, who instead made the matter worse. Were you alone when bitten by the basilisk?"
"Technically yes, but I had help; I knew Dumbledore was helping though his phoenix," Harry said in defense of his guardian.
"Knowing you were not alone, and being cared for by the bird and later in hospital, you may very well have stopped using your store of magic for injuries at that time. But because you continue to have life-threatening injuries each year, your body, while not using the store of magic, doesn't yet feel it's safe to release it. I will discuss this further with Healer Frances and together with Healer Kieran we'll come up with a suggested treatment plan. Understand that you are in no danger, and are not obligated to any treatment, but you'll most likely want access to all your available magic. And may I say, you are a considerably powerful wizard and will only be more so if this issue is rectified. Do you have any questions?"
"Wow," he said to himself, taking it all in. "You're sure that I'm not using and replacing the magic you speak of?"
"Yes, very sure. In fact you depleted more magical energy then I expected, making it easier to differentiate between active magic available for use, and that which is dormant. I'm confident in my findings."
Apparating back home for some much-needed sleep, Harry startled the twins when he appeared beside them and the bubbling cauldron. "Hey," he said tiredly to Fred and George. They looked him over nervously, unsure of what to say. They had loads of questions.
"Alright there, Harry?" George ventured to ask.
"Um...Ginny said she heard a bell go off while she was in McGonagall's class a few days ago. She thinks maybe it was the same kind of alarm she heard when you used the portkey after you and Ron were attacked in the quidditch locker rooms."
At that point Harry knew what they wanted to know and wasn't letting them off the hook too easily. He knew they had sent the letter that portkeyed him to his fake capture. He pulled off his glasses and rubbed his tired eyes with a sigh. "I spent all day locked in a cell with a few sadistic bastards. I used the stone to get back to Hogwarts, so yeah, I guess Ginny was right." Harry watched them freeze up. He was unsure whether they knew exactly the purpose for the letter they had sent him. A tapping on the window turned all their attention to a small owl outside the window.
With a quiet hoot the owl left again as soon as Harry untied its delivery. Tapping his wand to the seal, confirming he was the intended recipient, Harry unrolled the parchment and expressed a weak smile before rolling it back up again. "I'm going to bed. I don't want to be bothered unless you've set fire to the curtains again, alright?" he told them, getting a quick, short nod from two wide-eyed redheads in return. He stopped in the kitchen to get a glass of water and put the parchment on the table where he knew they would find it.
Dear Mr. Potter,It was a pleasure to meet you today. It is always a compliment when fellow Healers bring in a patient for a chance to combine resources in an effort to offer the best medical attention available. Your Healer and our staff will continue to meet in the following week to come up with a treatment plan that offers optimal results. I look forward to meeting with you again soon.Sincerely,Frances WellingfieldThe Wellingfield Institution of Healing and Wellness.
Harry thought about it again, then resealed the parchment. He wanted to make the twins stew, but he didn't need to freak them out. Also, he wasn't prepared to share this new information just yet. Once sealed, the letter wouldn't open again for anyone else. He warded the bedroom to keep him and Hedwig safe from the twins' work in case of possible explosions, and climbed into bed.
Severus sat on his sofa rolling his eyes as Draco Malfoy complained about his current living accommodations.
"You will not give that woman a hard time. Do you understand?" Severus scowled at the blonde, waiting for a nod. "She isn't there to cook for you. If she is kind enough to invite you to join them to dine, you will be grateful and polite."
"She's a servant!" complained Draco again. "You should put her in her place," he added, but then realized he'd crossed the line by telling Snape what to do.
"You are a guest in that home," Severus hadn't actually said 'my', or 'her' home. "She may be my servant, but she is not your servant! As a favor to your father I am allowing you asylum for this short time. You have a room in which to sleep, access to the recreational wing, and are permitted onto three-quarters of the grounds where it is safe for you to take your broom out. You will behave. You will show respect to everyone living in the manor, or I can easily find a room in Hogwarts' dungeons for you to hide yourself."
"Fine," Draco hissed resignedly, smoothing out his hair.
"A box marked 'potion supplies' will be delivered in a day or so. Inside you will find a parcel to be given to the servant, and also a care package from your mother. I strongly suggest some of the sweets in that box find their way into the pockets of the children in the manor. You need to make amends, or you can cook your own meals. I'll be checking in with her; don't make me regret my hospitality."
Severus closed the Floo before Draco had a chance to respond.
DETAH 61 - Humbling experiences
Harry was in the kitchen preparing dinner while he, Ron and Hermione waited for Severus. Hermione sat on the sofa, going over notes for the Warding of her home. She was rechecking her figures when Severus arrived with a small white box and a bottle of wine.
"Good evening, Hermione," he greeted her with a small, polite bow.
Hermione said hello and thanked Severus profusely for his assistance on the plans for her wards. Harry pushed past the swinging door from the kitchen to welcome his lover, and refrained from kissing him in front of Hermione.
"What did you bring?" Harry bounced like a child waiting for a treat. "Ohhh," he groaned in delicious anticipation. "You brought these chocolates the night we had ravioli..." he trailed off, remembering Severus didn't get a chance to enjoy dessert that evening, since he'd been summoned. Ron entered the sitting room with a butterbeer in hand.
"I love those!" proclaimed Ron, looking in the box over Harry's shoulder. Hermione, not wanting to feel left out, peered over to see what all the fuss was about.
"They look positively sinful. Look how they spelled out the name of the shop in icing sugar on the dish," she pointed out the white letters stenciled on the glass.
"I didn't notice that last time," Harry commented, not realizing last time Ron had swiped his finger through the powdered sugar before he'd taken a good look.
Hermione waited patiently as Severus took off his travel cloak and put the wine to chill, but then couldn't hold back any longer. She was excited about finally doing research that was both important and personal, just for her. "Severus, did you bring the list?" she asked optimistically.
"The list?" he raised a questioning brow, not having a clue what she was asking. Seeing Harry wince gave him a good indication his lover had forgotten to tell him about said list.
"The list of wards that were put up at my family's home a few years ago. I thought it would be helpful while planning the Warding for my home," she didn't think she'd have to explain that to a wizard with Severus' experience. Hermione frowned, knowing why he sounded confused. "Harry told you I asked for it, didn't he?" she sulked. Her friend was very mature in most areas, but when it came to giving messages or remembering to open the Floo for her, Harry was as irresponsible as many eighteen year olds.
"I do have the list," Severus reassured her. Harry tried not to look surprised, and wondered how Severus was going to pull it off, since he'd never mentioned it.
All in all, dinner went well. Severus asked Hermione and Ron about the Warding date and apologized for having to reschedule their meeting to discuss it a few times. He'd expected Hermione to drive him a little crazy with all the questions she'd inevitably have, but once dinner began he was grateful for a good topic to fall back upon. It was the first time the four of them had dinner together. Severus was concerned they'd have nothing to say to each other after the first ten minutes.
Hermione asked Harry about his assessment for the Order. She was very curious about how it was set up and if he'd suspected it was a test or not. Harry wasn't sure how comfortable he was about discussing it; at the time he had believed it to be real. He didn't think Ron was too comfortable with the conversation, either. He remembered when Ron had come back from the mission when he'd been a brief 'guest' of the Death Eaters. He'd not asked Ron detailed questions, but he'd seen him brought into the Infirmary, looking frightful after his capture. Harry was sure the real thing had to be a whole lot worse then his test.
With a slight change of subject, Harry told Ron about the twins spelling the portkey for his capture. He'd convinced Fred and George he wasn't angry, but was happy he'd not found or been victim to a single W.W.W. product since his return. Severus gave them all a laugh, telling them how he'd approached the twins to help him with the spell in the first place. Ron had been convinced Severus used his impressive intimidation skills on his brothers, but Harry had seen Sev's handwriting on some of the twin's product notes, along with an impressive product idea Harry was sure neither George or Fred had come up with. He also had to give his lover credit. He'd fallen for the trap, opening a letter when he'd recognized the magic was from a Weasley, only to be waylaid by the portkey.
Harry put away the leftovers while Hermione returned to the living room to spread out her parchments full of warding spells and everything else she could think of wanting to discuss. Ron followed behind her with a beverage in each hand. Harry took a step back from the icebox to find he'd bumped into a soft wall of robes. He turned around to see his favorite Slytherin scowling at him.
"Was there a message I should have received?"
Harry winced, nodding his head. "I guess it slipped my mind," he admitted apologetically.
Severus continued to look aggravated. He didn't need to remind Harry how disappointed Hermione would be if her plans were held up by his lack of consideration.
"You told her you had the list. How?" Harry paused and then answered his own question. "You also thought to check which wards had been previously placed."
"You're partially correct," Severus left the kitchen before Harry could ask about the other part. He let out an exasperated sigh, mentally berating himself, knowing he deserved it for having forgotten to communicate Hermione's request in the first place.
The Warding discussion didn't take very long. Harry told them a few things about his own Warding, but the conversation was predominantly between Severus and Hermione, with interjections from Ron. Severus complimented them on their decision to ask Ron's father and eldest brother Bill to participate in the Warding along with Ron, Hermione and Harry. There had been some concern about having asked Harry over other family members. After much deliberation, Ron insisted Harry was family too, and no one could argue his magical strength.
One could almost hear the men's sigh of relief when Hermione put the last of her parchments into her bag. Harry served the much-awaited chocolates Severus had brought. Hermione looked at the foreign words on the box.
"I'm going for my Apparition test in a few months, but I can't even imagine popping to the continent to pick up dessert," Hermione had been delighted to hear Apparition improved with practice and not magical strength alone. "The book says the average wizard can Apparate fifty to seventy-five kilometers safely. Do you find that to be accurate?" This question launched a completely new discussion of facts, Ministry regulations, and common sense. Ron had told her that he'd Apparated more than eighty km plenty of times. Harry commented that he and Ron had probably Apparated around the same distance. Severus smirked, knowing Harry had Apparated to the training building regularly, which was a much greater distance then Harry realized. Ron took the opportunity to retell the details of Apparating Dudley out of St. Mungo's.
"Isn't that dangerous for muggles?" asked Hermione. "I read about a researcher who is trying to prove forced Apparition can cause muggles to have a temporary loss of brain function. They believe it to be very brief, and might only cause problems if done repeatedly, but then they don't have much data to prove the theory since not many wizards attempt to do it," Hermione looked at the incredulous expressions on the two younger men. Then Ron and Harry looked at each other, silently agreeing that it appeared she'd hadn't once taken a breath.
"Most people study the booklet given by the Ministry, but my gal learns the entire history and every study available on Apparition before she takes the test," teased Ron. "Harry, do ya' think we killed any of your cousin's brain cells?"
Harry shrugged with a laugh. "Could be, but how would you tell?" he pointed at Ron as if he'd just then remembered something. "He fainted didn't he? No worries, there won't be any repeats, so his brain function is safe, or as safe at it was before," Harry grinned and popped a chocolate into his mouth. When the confectionary goodness reached his taste buds, Harry closed his eyes in chocolate ecstasy. "Hmmm, so good," groaned Harry. Severus appeared unfazed by this; he showed no embarrassment nor revealed any arousal caused when Harry enjoyed his food so enthusiastically. It was an effort, but he managed.
"If you want, we can leave you alone with your dessert," Hermione said to Harry pointedly, her cheeks pinked.
"He's eaten like that for years. Why do you care now? You're blushing!" Ron pointed to her rosy cheeks, laughing. Severus chose not to comment.
"I know, but at the time we weren't eating with someone who actually knows what Harry sounds like in the throes of passion." She surprised herself having said it, but Harry's reaction was worth the extra heat she was feeling on her face.
"Whaa...?" he asked popping his finger from his lips, which a moment ago had been wrapped around the sugarcoated finger, seemingly oblivious to their conversation as he'd sucked and licked the remnants of the confection.
"Ugh, do you have to talk about that?" complained Ron. "I don't want to think about what that sounds like," he muttered, and took a big swing of his drink. Hermione rolled her eyes when Ron overreacted. She was sure he acted like that on purpose sometimes. Harry sat back from the table.
Harry looked at his best mate, "Fine, I'll leave you with the rest," Harry pushed the plate away. "It's not like I don't know what you sound like in the 'throes of passion,' Harry held up his fingers in quotation marks, using Hermione's words. She almost choked, and then looked at Severus, who was wearing a matching expression of curiosity.
"How would you know?" she and Severus questioned together, making them all laugh. Ron had laughed along with the others until the wheels in his head had turned enough for him to process the words. He glared at Harry.
"I can't believe you would tell them that!" Ron actually looked angry. Harry couldn't figure out what the big deal was. Hermione and Severus once again looked to each other in surprise. Severus handed her a chocolate filled with caramel, and sat back with his arms crossed, ready for a show. He hadn't seen Ron mad at Harry since the 'Sweet Dreams' episode, and this promised to be equally entertaining.
"What are you getting your knickers in twist about? Its no big deal," Harry was gesturing with his hands so much, he had to put down his drink to keep it from sloshing on the floor. "You think you're the only bloke in the world who has sex dreams?"
Ron had deliberately drowned Harry's words out. "You were the one who didn't want anyone to know you bawled your eyes out like a baby." Ron's words rang out in the silence. No one spoke; Harry had been frozen to the spot, and looked as if his head was about to explode.
"Can I have a word with you in the kitchen?" Harry ground his teeth together as he spoke, keeping his voice even. No sooner had they stepped into the kitchen, Severus cast a spell on the swinging door.
"What was that?" she asked curiously. "For that matter, what the heck is up with them?"
"A small spell. It renders the next silencing charm useless," Severus quirked a smile, amused she appeared eager to listen in. He'd half expected her to protest the intrusion. Then again, she was the one who didn't think couples should keep secrets from one another.
"These really are very good," she commented casually, and sat back again, waiting for the voices in the kitchen to get louder, and smiled when she heard the word 'Silencio'.
"I can't believe you!" Harry's voice carried nicely. "We agreed no one needed to know about that night! Those nights, whatever. You are such a prat," he continued until Ron jumped back in again.
"I'm a prat? You're the one who brought it all up, telling them you know what I sound like having sex." A chair could be heard as it scrapped along the floor before Harry plopped himself down.
"I wasn't talking about that at all. I meant the sounds you make when you have sex dreams. Did you honestly think I would tell Hermione I'd heard you having sex with her in the next bed?" he asked incredulously.
Severus and Hermione watched the kitchen door as if it were the telly. Her jaw dropped at the last bit of information. Severus refilled his glass, smirking at the melodrama. And to think he had been dreading this evening, having to play Mr. Social with Harry's friends. It was actually turning out to be quite entertaining. Back in the kitchen, Ron also had a jaw-dragging problem.
"I thought that's what you were talking about. What the bloody hell was I supposed to think?"
"You were supposed to trust me, and think I wouldn't betray your confidence. You're such an arse," Harry sounded tired.
"I am an arse," he admitted, surprisingly, and smacked his palm on his forehead repeatedly in a Dobbiesk fashion. "But you talked about the sex sounds and I figured..." Ron trailed off.
"After all those years listening to Seamus, I'd think you'd know what I was talking about," Harry laughed, and laughed harder when he began imitating their former roommate and Ron joined in.
"Oh, baby. Oh, baby. Oh baby. Oh baby. Oh baby. Ohhhhhhh," they chorused.
"You could always count on Seamus for five 'Oh babies' before he woke up sticky and looked around to see if the rest of us in the dorm were sleeping." They laughed, but Ron sobered some.
"About what I said about you bawling like a baby... sorry, mate," winced Ron in shame.
"S'ok. I'd have been more upset if I hadn't already cried on your shoulder while making the front page of the paper, 'Luv'," he added with a pucker, teasing his friend.
"I guess I was scared," shrugged Ron. "I don't want her mad at me. I want her to say yes tomorrow when I give her the ring."
"Oh, fuck," muttered Hermione, shocking Severus with her language. "Hit me," she said, without explanation.
"Does it bother you that much to know Harry overheard a private moment between you and Ron?" asked Severus, not thinking she was that big a prude.
"No," she said, but didn't sound convincing. "How do you think I want to remember getting engaged? I may forever look upon my ring and be reminded of Seamus moaning, 'Oh baby'," she whined, and knew it was an exaggeration of course, but that was beside the point.
"This is the last time," he grumbled under his breath. "Obliviate," Severus spoke clearly, giving her engagement a chance at a happier memory. He spoke the incantation the very moment Harry and Ron walked in. Once again Ron's jaw hung open.
"Bloody Hell!" exclaimed Ron. Severus continued to hold up his wand, while Hermione sat with a glazed look on her face. "What did you do to her?" he demanded fiercely.
"Ron," Harry said calmly placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Think about it for a minute. Come on, think like an Auror. We left a woman and a spy out here while we stormed into the kitchen to argue over me knowing how you sound during sex. Did you actually expect them not to listen in?" Harry noted the moment Ron caught on. Severus grinned, clearly enjoying himself entirely too much.
"Oh, no! I said I was giving her a ring. You heard that?" he asked, directing the last question to Hermione, but realized Severus had continued to hold his wand, leaving her out of the loop for a little longer.
"She didn't want the special moment to be spoiled for her," explained Severus.
"I guess that means she plans on saying yes," Ron beamed with a silly grin.
Harry released the supportive hand from Ron's shoulder and punched him instead. "As if there was ever any doubt, you prat."
Hermione was left under the impression they'd gone to talk about wet dreams and the retelling of Seamus Finnigan's five 'Oh, baby' nights. Soon after, the evening ended. Friends departed, Harry promised himself he'd clean in the morning, and then happily fell into bed. "Are you still mad at me for not giving you Hermione's message?" he asked Sev before dropping half his body weight on top of him.
"I wasn't mad, I was disappointed," Severus trailed his fingers through his lover's hair. Harry noted he'd said 'was', meaning past tense, and relaxed a bid more.
"You didn't seem too surprised or upset that we'd listened in on your conversation," Severus figured now would be the best time to ask, knowing what Harry had meant by his question and taking advantage of the situation. He casually observed his lover's behavior, and wasn't sure if Harry was taking in his scent or sighing more. The quick nuzzle of Harry's nose by his ear put him at ease.
"I don't know if I would have dismissed it that quickly if I hadn't been concerned about defusing Ron. Maybe I would have been more bent out of shape if it were my big secret and not Ron's. Selfish, I know, but there you are," Harry admitted. "If I felt it a crucial secret to keep from you, I could have put up stronger spells. I hadn't expected that Ron would bring either of those up and Hermione would hear."
"It's a general spell to cancel out your silencing charm; it can't decide who listens." Severus rolled onto his side, and Harry turned his head to meet him for a kiss. The kiss ended when Sev abandoned his lips and nibbled and licked down his chin, rounding the collarbone and working his way back up the other side of Harry's neck, making his young lover shudder and moan. He bit harder, pulling a groan from Harry. "I could get a piece of that chocolate and we could compare the sounds of pleasure you make," teased Sev.
"No. I'm not letting go of you long enough to go get it," He ground his hips against his partner, creating a lovely friction between them. Severus smirked and reminded Harry he was a wizard and wouldn't have had to get up at all.
"Did you get off listening to your friends in the next bed?" Sev whispered the question into Harry's ear. He grinned, seeing his lover's cheeks redden.
"Not at first," he said shyly.
"No? How many times did you listen before you changed your opinion?" he continued to grin as Harry's eyes widened.
"I only heard them once," Harry insisted, and made a face, squishing up his nose. "It was weird at first. They're too much like family. After a while, when they got a good rhythm going, it was kind of hot."
"Did Ron know you were listening, or did he find out later and blow up with his usual flare for dramatics?"
"I'm not answering any more questions about that, at least not tonight. Embarrassment isn't good for the libido." Despite Harry's words, Severus shifted, rubbing them together again. He was tempted to say that at eighteen Harry was nothing but libido, but that wasn't true, and he remembered something else to harass his lover with.
"Speaking of embarrassment, Kieran mentioned you made a Healer blush? I didn't think it was possible," Severus said with a laugh, and continued to do so when he felt physical proof that embarrassment didn't do Harry's libido any good.
"Are you happy now?" huffed an indignant, and now flaccid, Harry. "Playing twenty questions isn't going to get you laid, Professor Snape," Harry turned his head away, unable to roll over, as Sev had climbed on top of him and was pressing a semi-hard member into Harry's thigh.
"Did you think I only stayed for the sex?" Severus gave him an evil grin. "I don't need sex to find you entertaining," he teased, but Harry wasn't looking at him. "Are you in a huff because I asked you the questions, or is it this?" he asked pressing against Harry's uninterested cock.
"I can take teasing and the occasional humiliation," he said with a roll of his eyes. "Apparently, you can't have both," he said to his crotch.
Severus laughed, and trailed his finger around Harry's chest, finding each sparse hair. "Our time is so limited during the school year,"
"Which is most the year," interrupted Harry.
"I'm content to spend time with you." Severus paused, and turned his head to look at Harry from the corner of his eye. "But..." he grinned, getting the 'but what?' look from Harry. "Since you're already embarrassed, you may as well answer the question. Questions," he corrected. "Kieran wouldn't tell me what made the Healer blush."
"I haven't actually figured that one out myself. Phoebe was in a tiff when she sensed wand magic, and they all looked at me like I'd broken a Cardinal rule," he said. "When I told her I'd spelled off my clothes, she practically knocked her teeth out slapping her hand over her mouth. It was the same look Molly Weasley had when she found Charley and me kissing. Frances was just as bad, she gasped so hard she choked. "I think she sprayed spit on me," he said absentmindedly, and rubbed a spot on his chest in memory of the event.
Severus had sat up and held Harry's face in his hands. He seemed to be shaking his head 'no'. When he lifted up his head, Severus' hands trailed down his lover's face, eventually coming together as if in prayer. Severus' head began to bob, soon joined by his shoulders. It was then that Harry realized Sev was shaking in quiet laughter. He resisted the urge to pout and waited.
"Do you recall the conversation we had about discussing the Cruciatus curse in polite society?" he asked sweetly, getting a nod from Harry.
"You mean the time the waiter accidentally hit Ron and me with a chair?" he looked to Severus for confirmation. "Ron told the waiter not to worry about it, it hurt less then a bludger, and I agreed and said it was nothing compared to getting hit with the Cruciatus, and the pub went quiet?"
"That would be the one," Severus' tone was rich with sarcasm, and shook his head again in disbelief.
"I know, I know..." Harry sighed. "Respectable people don't find themselves in a situation to be under an Unforgivable. It makes you guilty by association," Harry spoke as if he were reciting his lessons.
"Yes, and those same respectable wizards and witches would never admit to having ever performed a spell only a sexual deviant would be familiar with. You slut," he teased.
"Great," Harry muttered. "Do you suppose in the future, you could mention these things before I make a fool of myself?
"What fun would that be?" he winked. "I wouldn't get too worked up. Years ago, only prostitutes knew such spells, but with the arrival of sex clubs, the especially provocative spells became more widely used. These days they're more commonly used than people tend to admit," Severus noticed Harry didn't look any more at ease.
"The Healer appeared honestly shocked. Maybe Phoebe looked more shocked then Frances, but still, I have to face those women again," Harry said miserably.
"They'll get over it," he assured Harry. "You, on the other hand need some thicker skin if you're going to be in a relationship with an evil, dark wizard bent on teaching you all the unsavory things mums warn their children against," he waggled his brow at Harry, making him laugh.
"Wait," Harry paused. "My mum never had a chance to warn me about the likes of seedy characters trying to corrupt innocent young men. That puts me at a disadvantage," Harry held the bed sheet up to his chin as if protecting his virtue.
"It's the very thing that makes you so delectable. But..." Severus trailed off as if deep in thought, though Harry knew better. "You know what Ron sounds like having sex. You are not sounding so naive, in my opinion. Or was that why you had cried, having to witness a naked Weasley?"
"I suppose you want to know what Ron was talking about?" asked Harry accusingly, but Severus could see his smile.
"Of course," he said offhandedly and leaned on his elbow. Severus casually picked up Harry's hand, tracing the lines with his index finger.
"How's my life line? Short?" Harry couldn't help but think of Trelawney when Sev examined his palm.
"Stop stalling, and tell your story," Severus rubbed his thumbs on the palm, massaging it. "Come on now, you're the one who said we should know more about each other," he teased.
"Only, I'm the one doing the telling," pouted Harry. "Oh, that feels good, keep doing that," he moaned, not knowing a massage on his hands would feel so good. "This goes both ways, you know. You're going to have to think up a good story to tell me. A very good one, as you already owe me," insisted Harry. Severus hummed in agreement of sorts, and listened while Harry told his story.
"Ron's always helped me when he could," Harry began, and liked the way Severus pulled him down, close, spooning behind him, and continued to work magic on Harry's hands. "Eventually we used a silencing spell around both our beds, so Ron could hear if I needed help with potions after a vision, or something," something being a bad dream, but he didn't need to spell it out for Sev. "One night, Ron wanted a little privacy. I don't know if Hermione had snuck in, or if he was right-handing it, but anyway, he spelled his own bed separate from mine. He planned on changing the spell later, but he fell asleep." Harry closed his eyes, for a moment thinking only of the pressure applied to his fingers, as Sev paid attention to each digit.
"Let me guess," the deep voice in his ear caused a shiver. "The one night he can't hear you, you have a vision, he feels like a heel, so the next time around you're stuck listening to two thirds of the trio rutting in the next bed while you feign sleep," narrated Severus. He held up Harry's hand, inspecting it, then conjured a file.
"That's pretty much it in a nutshell," Harry liked Sev's version. It was accurate, and conveniently left out the part where he too thought he had privacy, and was caught crying by Ron. It started out as a pain induced whimper and blossomed from there. After his vision, he'd screamed out of frustration and pounded his pillow, wishing it were Voldemort's face. He'd hollered, ranted and raved at the top of his lungs, releasing his pent up energy as he'd kicked his bed and pounded his pillow like a child having a tantrum. After exhausting himself, he'd collapsed into the fetal position and cried, or as Ron tactlessly put it, 'bawled like a baby'.
Harry let out a tired laugh remembering that night, thinking, ' Ron couldn't find me ranting and raving; he had to wait until later when my face was covered in tears and snot? ' Harry was pulled from his thoughts, hearing a scratching sound and realized that while he'd reminisced, Severus was filing his nails.
"What are you doing?" he asked with a derisive laugh. "Are you going to do my hair next?" Harry thought any comments about Sev acting like an old queen might not go over well. "I just trimmed those," he complained.
"Well, I'm trimming them again. I like them rounded off smoothly like this," he held up Harry's hand, showing his nails.
"It makes my hands look girly, rounded off like that," he grumbled, but wasn't exactly sure why.
"Are you implying my hands look 'girly'?" he said girly as if it were a blasphemy.
"No, but I've got smaller hands than you. I need all the help I can get," Harry held up his hand, noting the nails did look good. Severus climbed atop of him with a grin.
"Being small in stature does not mean you are any less masculine. You may not like the way your nails look, but I like the way they feel," Severus placed Harry's hand on his arse for emphasis. He raised a brow, feeling Harry's body showing interest. Harry pulled him down for a kiss, and moaned when their erections slid sensuously together. With their height difference, Harry could nibble on Sev's neck while still aligning their cocks up nicely. He felt more than heard a happy sigh in his mussed hair.
"Feelsss nice," Harry drew out his words, emphasizing his pleasure. He felt Sev's cock jerk against his own in response. Time for an experiment, he thought. "~ I love your big cock, ~ Severus," he hissed in Parseltongue, but pronounced Severus in English, so his lover could hear his name intermingled seamlessly amid the serpent's words.
Severus puffed out a deep shuddering breath. His cock grew impossibly larger, and he ground his hips hard against Harry's.
"Hmm, like our first time together," Harry lifted his hips; their eyes met. "~ You were so mysterious, and sexy as hell, ~" he saw unmistakable hunger in the dark eyes that watched his red lips enunciate every hissed syllable. His burning desire evident with each thrust, bringing them closer to the edge.
"Fuck," breathed Severus uncharacteristically.
Harry was close, but wanted to hold out, knowing Severus wasn't quite there. Sev losing all restraint was nearly enough for Harry to burst. He bit down on the nearest flesh he could reach.
"Severus! ~ You sexy Slytherin snake, ~" he hissed, licking the bruise he'd made. He repeated the phrase several times, until Severus recognized a pattern. "Severus you sexy Slytherin snake," he said once again in English, drawing out each 's', gasping on the last word as he came. By that point his Slytherin Snake had lost all coherent thought. Hearing his name hissed out while Harry spilled his hot seed was Severus' undoing. He climaxed with a shout.
Harry startled awake, unaware he'd fallen asleep. He was vaguely aware of the tinge of pain his scar gave him. It looked as if Severus had also fallen right off to sleep. He was still on top of Harry's legs, but his upper body had twisted and collapsed alongside him, to keep from suffocating his young lover. Severus looked peaceful in sleep. Many a troubled night Harry could see his worry lines, as Severus could even scowl in his sleep. Tonight, they'd had a nice night together. Harry liked to think he'd given Sev good things to dream about in the night.
Harry watched the peaceful, content face for a moment, and frowned when Sev flinched in his sleep. He didn't want his love to have bad dreams, and tried to coax him into better state of mind with a nuzzle and soft kisses on his thin lips. With a sharp intake of breath, Severus' eyes shot open.
"Just a dream, love," purred Harry, pulling Severus close, but the body beside him remained rigid.
"I wish it were," he answered flatly. "I have to go," he added as he sat up, one hand held over the Dark Mark on his arm.
"Do you want me to send Hedwig to Albus?" Harry's concern was clearly written all over his face. Severus gave a curt nod and left the warm bed, too annoyed to notice the hurt he caused by his callousness. Severus was irritable when the Dark Lord cut into their private time, since it was so limited once school started. Harry knew enough not to take it personally, but knowing didn't avert his emotions. Severus had left abruptly, not even a kiss goodbye.
In a cross mood, Voldemort sat miserably in his high back chair upholstered in thick, blood-red velvet. The lushness of his favorite chair did nothing to relieve his mood. He swallowed down the bile that threatened to rise, and contemplated whom in his Inner Circle he could trust with delicate information. He'd come close to divulging the personal information to Lucius, but his minion's son had suspiciously taken an extended trip just when he was in need of a favor from the boy. He was confident of Lucius' loyalty, but the timing wasn't right to exhibit any weakness to his loyal followers. It wouldn't do to have them question his capabilities or health, mental or otherwise.
It had all started around the time of the attack on Privet Drive. Voldemort had begun to notice emotions that weren't his own. Feelings of desperation, pain, and later, grief flowed through him as if he himself were suffering. It wasn't until a more recent attack when the Weasley brat had been abducted and raped that he put it all together. It was subsequently confirmed when the anguish he felt was followed by the front page story in the Daily Prophet featuring a photograph of the wrenched Potter boy sobbing in his redhead's arms. The revelation had been a surprising, yet satisfactory discovery.
Once he realized the source, he found Potter's pain and anguish to be quite pleasing indeed. He compared it to the rush one could feel after a particularly satisfying session involving a muggle and several Cruciatus curses. The pain, grief, and occasional feeling of betrayal helped keep a bounce in the step of the contented Dark Lord. He would occasionally ponder what it would feel like to lose the connection when he finally killed the menacing child.
It was quite amusing until the discomfort began. It was a small ache at first, but then continued to blossom into something much worse. He'd ordered Snape to brew potions to keep him healthy, preventing him from catching anything going around, but his attempts were futile. Potter had fallen in love. The constant assaults on Potter and his friends helped to keep the boy's sprits down, but the continued attack failures against The Boy Who Lived were making him look bad. Morale plummeted amid the Death Eaters. Losing several followers to Azkaban earlier in the year hadn't helped.
Voldemort pulled on a tasseled sash that had been hanging not far from his reach. Moments later an exhausted servant entered, prostrating himself, trying to keep his balance as he'd been sound asleep only moments before.
"Your arm," the Dark Lord ordered flatly. With a touch of the holly wand, the pitiful servant whimpered when he could feel the burn blackening his Mark as the message was sent to those his Master summoned. The snake-like wizard took a deep breath, exhaling loudly. He could not sense any emotions from Potter at that moment. While he would rather feel Potter's pain and desperation, he settled for the absence of joy and happiness and any other such jarring and revolting emotions the Potter brat had unknowingly sent along their connection.
With a wave of his hand, Voldemort dismissed the pitiful one at his feet. The lowly servant scurried out, passing Lucius Malfoy in the corridor. Malfoy walked proudly through the manor with grace and refinement. His hair and clothing were perfect, as expected. No one would suspect that only moments earlier the aristocrat had been slumbering in a comfortable chair in his den with a half-empty glass of scotch balancing precariously in his hand. A terrified house elf had been silently sitting on the floor, waiting should the glass slip from his owner's hand, which it unfortunately did when the Mark burned. As the house elf watched his master immediately Apparate from the manor, he belatedly remembered he'd forgotten to clean the scotch spilt on his master's robe. 'At least his hair was perfect', thought the creature before he scurried off to punish himself.
Severus Apparated into the manor, landing alongside Lucius. Nether showed surprise at their sudden close proximity. They simply continued to walk at a brisk pace, neither making eye contact as they spoke.
"Severus."
"Lucius."
"You smell like sex," Lucius commented amusedly.
"And you of scotch," Severus replied, is tone equally light.
"I do hate when it spills. I dare say a decent bottle cost more then the strumpet you hired for the night."
' No, but the scotch was probably older,' thought Severus, smirk in place. Their banter ended, having reached the room where Lord Voldemort awaited.
The Dark Lord watched in amusement as the two wizards knelt, kissing his robe. It was like watching a contest to see who could be most graceful. With a disinterested wave of his hand they stood, simultaneously bowing their heads, waiting to be addressed. Lucius' white mane contrasted considerably with Severus' black locks. They were almost complete opposites, yet alike in many ways.
"Tell me Lucius, have you heard word from your son?" Voldemort spoke slowly, causing Lucius to hesitate, unsure if his master was finished speaking.
"No, my Lord. Draco is still on holiday," Lucius was still paying for 'his son's timing', since the Dark Lord had decided he needed a favor and Draco was unavailable. Little did he know it was not Draco who had made the arrangements. Nor, hopefully, would he ever discover that fact.
Severus resisted the urge to smirk and remained silent. Voldemort continued to refer to the boy as Lucius' son. Lucius, on the other hand, continued to refer to his son as Draco, giving him his own identity. None of it truly mattered; if the Dark Lord were angry enough, Lucius would bear the blunt of Unforgivable pain. It didn't seem to be the case tonight, though. Severus wondered why the Dark Lord had called them. Petty issues were seldom the reason for being summoned at such a late hour. Tomorrow was going to be a long day, thought Severus.
"~Severusss~," hissed Voldemort. He enjoyed the startle from his usually impassive follower. Severus, though he couldn't decipher the hissing of the serpent, couldn't help but notice Harry spoke in tones far different from the cold, merciless serpent he was forced to bow down to.
"I've received word that you have taken a lover," Voldemort casually rolled his wand between his fingers. Severus tried not to stare at the nearly perfect match to his lover's wand. For a brief second he feared the worst, but then realized his Master was most likely referring to Lupin, not Harry.
"You know that I wish to make ties with the werewolves, yet you chose not to inform me you've taken one as a lover. Not just any mangy wolf, but one so close to Dumbledore? Do you deny this, Severusss?" he gave no time for a response from the Potion Master before casting the Unforgivable. "Crucio!"
"My Lord," gasped Severus as his body shook from the waves of pain crashing over his every nerve ending. "Not my lover," he managed to blurt out between spasms.
"No?" the Dark Lord let up the curse, but didn't give Snape permission to stand.
Grateful to stay on the floor for a moment, Severus explained. "My Lord, Lupin and I are not lovers. I make the Wolfsbane potion for him in return for sex. I am not in a position to gain his trust; I'm simply taking advantage of an opportunity that arose coincidentally around the same time I was given the potion for potency." Severus kept his face passive as he remembered having to take the potion at the meeting before he was given Ron Weasley as a 'reward'. He hoped his story sounded plausible.
"If I may, my Lord," Lucius bowed, receiving a nod. "As a member of the school Board of Governors, I've had the opportunity to read Severus' contract. It clearly states he, as Potions Master, is required to provide all potions necessary to the student body and staff alike," Malfoy smirked evilly.
Given permission to stand once again, Severus stood with as much dignity as he could muster. "I am required to make potions that would be available for sale in a public apothecary, nothing more. I've made great advancements in the Wolfsbane potion. If Lupin wants the added properties that I have developed, which both makes the transition less painful and incorporates muscle relaxants that do not react badly with the potion, which in turn help make the following day bearable, then he will pay my price."
"Crucio," Voldemort believed Snape, but was feeling much better and needed the entertainment. "I'm all for taking advantage of a good situation, Severussss," he hissed. "However, as my servant, you should always put me before your own desires. If I should require something from the wolf, you will make sure he satisfies my needs." Speaking of servants, Voldemort suddenly remembered something, and pulled on the satin sash once again. A scowl formed on his snakelike face when no one responded. He again pulled the sash with such force the tassel tore from it. The same pitiful servant stumbled in quickly, scurrying to kneel before his Lord. He quivered, waiting for the inevitable.
"Crucio."
Lucius watched on in amusement, glad it wasn't him, while Severus kept his eyes on the floor, praying to any gods that would hear him that Harry hadn't been suffering the third Cruciatus that had been cast in forty minutes. The servant was eventually released from the curse and sent to retrieve some notes his master had made. Lucius was dismissed while Severus was required to stay and review the notes.
An hour later they agreed on a series of potions that would help restore the Dark Lord's facial features. After killing Potter and taking over the Ministry, he planned to declare himself the new Minister of Magic. He was under the impression the masses would more readily accept the Dark Lord as their leader if he were to look at least human. He was very disappointed to discover one of the key ingredients for the first potion was an illegal plant that would take at least a week to procure. A second ingredient needed to be harvested from a rare creature whilst it was still alive. Both items would be difficult for Severus to obtain. It would take some time.
Severus knew that even if all went well, the Dark Lord couldn't accomplish all that he'd planned and be Minister for some time to come. Why the need for these particular potions now, this call in the middle of the night? He was starting to think his Master was thinking up reasons to call him, which was true. He was dismissed, having promised he would immediately begin his search for the rare potion ingredients. After one last 'Crucio' for good measure, Severus crawled to the area from where he could safely Apparate.
With nothing of great importance to report to Albus, Severus considered checking on Harry. He tried to remember if Harry was likely to have fallen back to sleep after he left. They'd been sound asleep when he was called, so it was possible Harry hadn't waited up. It was then he remembered the look on his lover's face when he left. He'd often been short with Harry in those situations, but he couldn't even remember telling Harry he loved him before he left. Harry had held his hand out to him as he popped out. Had he even kissed him goodbye? If he'd been killed, was that how he wanted to be remembered by his lover?
Arriving in Harry's room to find it empty, Severus bolted for the loo, and then the other rooms, to no avail. He checked the bedside table drawer, not a potion in sight. He lifted the bed sheet and looked on the floor and saw several blue and green caps that had once sealed Harry's potion vials.
It was a long walk from the Apparition point to the castle. He briskly made his way up to Albus' office. Surprisingly, the gargoyle sprang out of his way without any need to recite an obnoxious password. That only meant one thing. Albus was waiting for him. Severus opened the office door, expecting to hear Albus telling him to enter, but found the room empty. Fawkes rested on his perch, politely sharing it with Hedwig. The white owl took flight, landing on Severus' shoulder. She gave a small hoot, indicating she was glad he was there. She then bit him on the ear, hard enough to draw blood, and flew back to her previous spot on the large perch.
It was then Severus noticed the door to the safe room was open. Knowing Harry must have used the stone to come to Albus made him all the more nervous. In the empty room, the only sign that Harry had indeed arrived was four empty vials on the floor. There was no mess to be found, but the faint smell lingering in the air indicated he'd been sick.
After checking Harry's room in the tower, Severus was hit with a wall of magic. Albus' magical signature was impossible to miss. It was rare to feel such power. When the hum of magic in the air ceased, Severus needed only to wait a moment before the door to Albus' room opened. Severus tentatively stepped inside. A large bed with white curtains trimmed in gold nearly filled the room. Harry, asleep in the center, looked like a small child. Albus sat beside him; he looked rather tired in his powder blue bedclothes with fuscia swirls and matching nightcap.
"Albus?" Severus spoke softly as not to disturb his lover.
Albus' voice sounded overused, and even more tired then he looked. "Harry took all his potions, and was frightened when the curses continued. I could not stand to see my child suffering a moment longer," Albus brushed the damp hair from Harry's face, exposing his scar. He turned to take a closer look at Severus. The tremors were hard to see if you didn't know to look for them. "Come, child," Albus said, sounding exhausted.
Without giving it a thought, Severus stepped closer to the large bed, and sat beside Albus. He could think of nothing but his Harry. Albus didn't think Severus even noticed when he'd cast a relaxant spell over him. "It makes an old heart ache to see his children suffer so," Albus handed Severus blue and green topped potions to manage the effects of the Unforgivable.
Severus had at first thought Albus was referring to Harry, but realized the plural and was taken aback when he felt one hand on his shoulder and the other helping him to drink the potions. "What did you do for him?" asked Severus, remembering the magic he felt earlier. He fought a great urge to take Harry into his arms.
"I conjured a sensory deprivation sphere," Albus saw Severus startle. "I know it's a very disturbing thought, to have someone cast a spell cutting you off mentally and physically from yourself, but if the caster is trusted implicitly, it need not be an upsetting experience. He merely has to know that I love him, and will keep him safe," Albus knew Severus would understand. He, too, had always felt safe in the tower. It wasn't often he'd slept in his room there, just next to Harry's, but sometimes even knowing it was there for him was a comfort.
Albus also knew Severus was very concerned for Harry. The man had never consciously entered Albus' bedroom before. He'd only once before been carried in, near death. Albus had nursed him back to health and watched over him until he finally awoke, days later. Severus had awakened in his own room across the hall, but later dreamed of a large bed with white hangings trimmed with gold. He'd thought he'd dreamt of his death, but now he recognized the bed upon entering the room, seeing Harry almost lost in a sea of soft pillows. With the thoughts of his past receding along with his worry for Harry, Severus recognized the signs of a relaxant spell.
"What did you hit me with, old man?" his words were harsh, but his tone was not. A soft chuckle was heard. It was the first indication they were not alone. Minerva McGonagall, in her dressing gown, stepped out from the shadows.
"Harry was quite worried about you," she said gently. "He will be fine," she added, hoping to be of some comfort. Albus convinced him that Harry was only sleeping at this point. The sphere had been taken down just before Severus had arrived. Any concerns he had for Harry's health were alleviated when he heard Kieran would be there in the morning for an appointment to discuss a treatment plan for Harry's unavailable reserve of magic. Albus said he would be moving Harry into the young man's own bed before the night was through. Severus could already see that daybreak was not far away. He stepped through Harry's Floo back to his bedroom, and left it open in case Harry had need of him.
Severus woke early. He did not intend to do the math. He didn't need to know he'd slept all of a whole hour and a half. The first sight he had from his bed was through the still open Floo. Harry was sleeping. Albus appeared asleep in a chair by his bed. He had the feeling Albus wasn't actually sleeping. Severus stepped out of his steamy bathroom and checked the Floo again. Harry slept on peacefully. He dressed for the day and checked the Floo. He wrote a letter to a dealer of rare plants, and checked the Floo again. Harry continued to sleep. When Severus could think of no other reasons to stay in his rooms, then his office, he warded his office and was nearly into the corridor when he faintly heard his name called out. By the time he managed to get all the way back to his bedroom, Harry had screamed his name two more times. Albus soon had the situation well in hand. Severus bit his lip to keep from telling Albus to get out of the way so he could Floo in.
"He's hurt," yelped Harry. Albus poured a potion into his mouth.
"Severus is just fine. He's back at Hogwarts. Oh, here he is now, see Harry?" soothed Albus, pointing at Severus in the fire. Harry held out his hand for his lover, desperate to be sure he was safe. He squinted to see the blurry figure in the fire, but it faded into nothingness as the potion took affect.
Severus stepped through the Floo as soon as Albus saw him and backed out of his way. He reached for Harry's outstretched hand, but it fell limp on the bed before he could grasp it.
"I'm sorry, Severus. Had I known you were there a moment sooner, I could have waited on the potion. He needs to sleep if he's going to be in any shape to have a meeting with Kieran and Healer Frances Wellingfield in a few hours," Albus sighed, looking apologetic.
Severus closed his eyes, took a breath and gave a small nod of understanding. He so desperately wanted Harry to know he was there for him.
"He knows," Albus said reassuringly. Severus would have been concerned about Albus reading his thoughts, except that he knew he looked pathetic. Albus convinced him to go down to breakfast by promising to send along word as soon as Harry met with the Healers.
Harry sat comfortably in Albus' office, talking with Kieran. Albus came in, holding the door open for Frances. To Harry's surprise, she didn't have on the traditional white Healer's robes, but muggle clothing. She wore a pair of black slacks with a Slytherin green top finished with white collar and cuffs. She looked very hip, in Harry's opinion.
"Wow, I hardly recognized you with clothes on," Harry said, offering his hand to the smiling Healer. When he realized what he'd said, his jaw dropped and she laughed out loud. "I um... meant muggle clothes, of course," he quickly added, with a blush.
"She could say the same about you Harry," teased Kieran. Frances told them she had plans after their meeting to visit with a fellow Healer who was a muggle.
They continued with the pleasantries and serving of tea. Albus was kind enough to offer them privacy, and was pleased when Harry asked him to stay with him.
Frances explained to them that in the past when wizards were found to have stored magic, they had discovered that the problem took care of itself over time. Knowing that wasn't the answer they wanted to hear, she also explained that to speed the process, it was very important for Harry to be sure he was healed from any and all injuries as soon as possible. His body needed to know that he was taken care of. She instructed him to heal every single injury; even a simple splinter should get an easy cleansing charm.
"While I strongly feel a Healer must ' Do no harm'," she said with emphasis in Kieran's direction. "There may be some merit to the plan Kieran has designed. While I personally would have a problem offering such a suggestion, I admit it will more likely be the quick answer to your problems if it works, than any I would have considered." She gave Kieran a short bow of her head. He gave her a thankful smile. He knew how difficult it was for her to condone unconventional methods.
"We discussed this with Phoebe and she doesn't personally approve of the treatment plan I have laid out for you, Fawkes. She doesn't say it won't work, only that she disapproves."
Harry took a sip of his tea, taking in what they'd explained so far, or rather, hadn't explained yet. He trusted Kieran and wasn't at all surprised to hear some of his methods were a little unorthodox.
"I would advise you do all of the things Healer Frances suggested earlier. In addition to her plan, I propose we re-heal the injuries you've self-healed in the past. If you remember, in one of our other meetings, I explained you wouldn't find scar tissue if you were a true Healer?" he asked, getting a quick 'yes' from Harry. "By fully healing those injuries, it may further convince your body to release its emergency store of magic. It could take some time, but it may be considerably less time than if you were to let it happen naturally."
"What exactly is re-healing?" Harry was almost afraid to ask. "Is that like breaking your arm again because it didn't heal proper the first time?" Harry asked, with some trepidation. Frances winced. Her muggle friend had explained some of the typical muggle medical practices. In her opinion, they were positively barbaric.
"I can probably show you with something small," Kieran held out his hand, reaching for Harry's. "You've had your skin re-grown after the stained glass window incident, right?" he asked, and continued quickly when he saw Harry's eyes widen in alarm.
"It's not going to be that bad. You have to keep in mind there are many nerve endings to contend with when growing new skin. The internal stuff shouldn't be nearly as bad."
Harry remembered to breathe while Kieran held his hand, looking for a good place to demonstrate.
"What's this?" he pointed to a small scratch on Harry's forearm. Harry explained that Hermione's cat had scratched him. Kieran waved his wand over Harry's arm with a short incantation, causing the scratch to be a fresh wound once again. He then spent almost no time healing it completely. "Did that hurt?" he asked, keeping his eyes on Harry's.
Harry wondered if he was trying to avoid eye contact with Frances. He had heard her hiss when his scratch was made new. "I could hardly feel it; you know I have a high pain threshold," Harry picked up his teacup again. "That was only a small scratch. Is everything going to hurt as much as it did the first time?" he didn't want to endure some of his past injuries again.
"Not as bad as the first time, but I won't kid you, it may be difficult at times. If you find it's too much, I can always stop. It's not as if you have to continue once I start. You make the decisions," Kieran looked nervously at Frances and then back at Harry with a reassuring smile.
"There are spells that exist which are designed to stop you from feeling pain," Frances surprised Kieran by sharing that bit of information. "They are not often used, since they are difficult to cast. Healers don't tend to need such spells. There are doctors at St. Mungo's who use the spells on patients who need emergency surgery, but for some reason cannot be put to sleep. Not many can safely use the spells, and it's dangerous if done incorrectly. I'd wouldn't offer such information, but it looks to me that you would probably prefer not to wait for nature to take her course with this," she smiled at Kieran, who wouldn't want to do something completely against the wishes of a renowned Healer, or friend.
"Can you do those spells?" Harry asked Kieran, and then turned to Albus. "If he can't, can you? For the hard stuff, I mean?" he was trying not to sound pathetic, but was afraid he'd failed miserably. Albus reassured him that he would make himself familiar with the spells should Kieran need any assistance.
Frances and Kieran answered a few more questions Harry and Albus had, and set up a schedule that would coincide with Harry's training. Albus invited them all to stay for lunch in the Great Hall. Harry suggested he could sit with Ginny, giving Severus a chance to visit with Kieran at the guest table. That way, Severus would not have to wait any longer to find out how the meeting went.
Harry was hoping to catch Severus before lunch, but Kieran saw a tremor in his hand and insisted he heal any residual side effects Harry still felt from the previous night's round of Cruciatus curses. Later, in the Great Hall, Harry managed to make eye contact with Severus and gave him a smile. He almost thought he saw relief on the usually impassive 'public' face of his lover.
DETAH 62 - Ordinary Life
"I can't tell you how much I appreciate you're helping me out," Hermione pushed a shopping cart through the aisles at the grocers. "So, it turns out there is a good reason to serve all the comfort foods after a Warding," she knew this to be true, as Harry had already answered all her questions three times over, but he did enjoy seeing her so excited. He couldn't imagine what she would be like after Ron popped the question later that night. ' Off the wall', a little voice provided. "Are you sure you don't mind taking care of the food for me? It would make things so much easier, since we still have errands to run," she was practically bouncing at the checkout counter.
"Are you sure your mum knows I'm coming? I don't want to freak her out," Harry remembered the first time Ron Apparated into the Granger home. Poor Mrs. Granger had taken it fairly well, once she came to. Harry took as many sacks as he could pick up himself and stood still as she piled on a few more. "Is that all of them?" he hoped.
"That's all of them. I told her to expect you within the next twenty minutes or so. She promised to stay away from the corner of the kitchen opposite the back door." Hermione had previously drawn Harry a map, and then taken and shown him a photograph, and tried not to take offense when he made fun of her obsessive-compulsive attention to detail. With a 'Pop', Harry arrived in the kitchen and managed not to drop a single package. Crookshanks however, hadn't expected a sudden arrival next to his water dish, and swiped at his ankle.
"That's twice in one week, you mangy..." Harry trailed off when he noticed Mrs. Granger smiling sweetly at him from the next room. She cautiously entered and side-stepped the ginger cat that was darting from the kitchen with a hiss. She fussed over Harry and took some of the sacks he was ready to drop. She fussed over his scratch and offered to dab it with antiseptic. He remembered Hermione once mentioned her mother was feeling a little useless since her daughter could now openly do magic at home and could do most of the chores in no time at all.
Harry didn't have the heart to say no when she pulled out the first aid kit and cleaned up his scratch and applied antibacterial cream and a small bandage to keep it covered. Even Crookshanks made another appearance, rubbing on his leg, looking for forgiveness.
"You better get used to it, pal," Harry picked up the heavy cat. "Very soon, your mummy's going to be popping in and out at odd times," he waggled a finger at his furry face. Addressing Mrs. Granger, he explained, "She's waiting for me. I had better get going. Are you sure you don't need any help with these?" Harry felt a little bad about dumping a bunch of food to be put away. He hated that part of food shopping. Hermione's mum shooed him out, getting an appreciative smile from him in return. He thanked her again for the first aid and Apparated back to Hermione. Remembering Kieran's advice, he used a quick healing spell on his leg.
"Everything go all right?" she asked, resisting the temptation to ask what took so long. He teased her about not mentioning the cat's bowl when she drew him a diagram of the kitchen. It hadn't been there in the picture, either.
"Did you want to run one of your errands while I go to the bank?" he asked, checking his watch.
"Would you mind terribly if I went with you?" she asked timidly. "To your vault," she added quietly.
"I don't care. Let me guess, you like going for the ride in the carts?" he teased.
"I've never actually seen a vault there. My mum and dad have always given me my spending cash. So I've no need to open one of my own, at least not until I get a job. I always thought it would be fascinating to see one, but you know how sensitive Ron is about money," she said with a wince.
Ten minutes later...
With a squeal and a hand over her mouth, Hermione enjoyed her first cart ride to vault number 687. Harry pulled out a small leather pouch from his pocket and filled it up. Hermione didn't think much of it as she'd seen him use the very same pouch for years. It was when he pulled out a much larger pouch that she did take notice.
"Plan to do some shopping?" she asked playfully. "I do hope that's for my Warding gift," she added with a chuckle.
"Nah, bookmarks don't cost all that much," he replied with a wink. "This is to pay my rent," he told her honestly. She almost fell over. It was a substantial amount of gold. In fact, as he continued to pour, she thought it might have been a magically enlarged pouch, if the load of gold he put in was any indication.
Once finished with the bank, they set off to go see Mr. Jennings, Harry's landlord.
"I know it's none of my business, but when you rented this place, you said you had two choices. You could either pay monthly or quarterly. That seems like an awful amount of gold, even if you chose the latter."
"Consider it a WWW tax," he joked, giving no explanation until she was ready to bust. Eventually he relented and explained it to her.
"I was trying out a new set of listening devices the twins invented. I listened from the bedroom as they spoke softly in the other room to see if they worked well enough. Well, they worked better than expected. What I didn't expect, was to hear Mr. Jennings in his shop after hours. Turns out, the spells used to contain explosions work, but during a big blast," Harry rolled his eyes, and continued, "during a big blast, the plaster on the ceiling rains dust down across the antiques downstairs. I overheard him telling his wife he wanted to evict me."
"Those idiots," she scowled.
"The Jennings are nice, but I guess that was one too many explosions," Harry said in their defense.
"I was referring to Fred and George," she said in an annoyed tone.
"No worries, I took care of it. I waited a few days for Jennings to calm down and went in to ask him if he wouldn't mind me paying six months in advance." Harry grinned. "Money talks. The poor man started to sputter and next thing I knew Mrs. Jennings was out of the back room like a shot, telling me they didn't mind at all."
"That's very shrewd of you, Mr. Potter," she tucked her arm under his and enjoyed the walk to the antique shop. The air wasn't too cold yet.
"I also like knowing I'm paid up in advance. If something were to happen to me, no one would be pressed for time to figure out what to do with my things."
"Harry, that's positively morbid! Don't talk of such things," she gave his arm a squeeze as if it would keep him there longer.
"I didn't mean if I was dead," his tone was as exasperated as hers. "I have a will for that sort of stuff. I meant other things. I've spent a substantial amount of time in a healing coma in the past. You never really know what's going to happen. I'm sure if something were to happen, my things would just go to my room at the tower in Hogwarts, but this way no one has to make any hasty decisions. I'd hate to accidentally eat a box of Forge's Ginger Naps(tm) and find out I'd lost my apartment when I woke up a week later," he kidded, trying to lighten the mood.
They continued to run errands, and eventually stopped for butterbeer, where Harry explained he couldn't stay long after the Warding of her parents' home.
"But the wards will already be up," she pressed.
"I know, but they're not like the wards at Hogwarts. You'll understand after the Warding and you're drained. Please trust me on this," Harry took a swig of his drink and hoped she'd get over it soon enough.
"Aren't we doing almost the same Warding for my house?" she asked, wanting to understand.
"Yes, but try dining with Severus, Filius and Albus and tell me you don't feel safe," he said with a wink.
In the end she understood that he couldn't chance leaving himself vulnerable when he was exhausted, and in part he was concerned not to make a target of Hermione's family. She chose to change the subject.
"Ron's taking me out to dinner. He didn't say where we were going. I hate that, since I wont know what to wear," she whined.
"He mentioned he had to get dressed for a meeting today. Something about he Minister for Magic possibly showing up. I guess his boss told him to wear decent robes. You know Ron; he probably wants to take you out since he had to get dressed up anyway. You might want to wear your new dress," he added casually, hoping she wouldn't think much of his suggestion. He was glad now that she didn't know about the ring yet.
"Better to over-dress I suppose. I had fun last night. Please thank him again for me. I feel so much better, having talked to him about the Warding plans," she knew not to say Severus' name.
"Whenever I see him again," said Harry dejectedly, and whispered. "He got called last night. I think something's going on. It was a rough night," he didn't make eye contact with her, and she wondered who it was a rough night for-or maybe both of them? "I'd better get going. Use that new stuff you got for your hair tonight," he said with a wink, and left a few coins on the table for the waitress.
"Is there something you're not telling me?" she asked with narrowed eyes.
"Yes, that I'm jealous I can't go on dates with my significant other and must live vicariously through you," he gave her a kiss and grabbed her packages.
Hermione took the Floo home from the Three Broomsticks and picked up Crookshanks. Harry Apparated into the kitchen once again and handed over her packages.
"Thanks for everything," she gave him a big hug and wished him well with his next meeting with Kieran.
Harry was concerned. He was starting to notice a pattern. He'd been complaining about Voldemort having such bad timing when he realized what might have been happening. Severus and he had been relaxing on the sofa, watching a show on the telly, when Harry turned to find dark eyes gazing over at him. Severus had been watching him with a look that made him want to melt. The programme forgotten, they simply sat quietly gazing into each other's eyes. Harry could see Sev's love for him, and sighed contentedly. It was one of those moments when you realize how truly wonderful your lover is. It was just at that tender moment when a flash of pain struck so hard he almost heaved.
Poor Severus, having a special moment with Harry, and the next thing he knows his lover looks like he's going to be sick. That was when the Dark Lord summoned him to make a strong pain killer.
Thinking back, Harry remembered how happy he was the night before when his friends were over having dinner with them. Later, they'd rutted together like a couple of overeager kids and he'd loved it. He had been thinking back to their time together as teens, along with his new discovery of Sev's hot reaction when he heard Harry speaking Parseltongue. He'd been very happy and horny as well.
He wanted to tell Severus about his suspicions regarding the Dark Lord feeling Harry's own intense feelings, but hadn't had a chance. He knew Severus well enough to know he'd felt bad about the other night. He wanted to tell him it was all right. Sure, he'd felt bad at the time, but something like that is quickly forgotten when you lover is under an Unforgivable and you're forced to watch and feel it through a vision.
Later that evening, Harry chilled out, reading while he watched the telly. He barely paid attention to the show as his mind was on the treatment plan Kieran had explained. It sounded as if they'd managed to take away the pain for the serious parts, but he couldn't help but feel anxious. Every so often he would check the fire to see if Ron and Mione were coming. Ron had told him to leave the fire open just in case. Harry expected they'd go off and shag somewhere, but then again with Hermione flipping out, you never knew exactly what to expect.
A flash of red hair in the fire and he thought he'd seen Ron. Except then he noticed there were two of them, looking too much alike to be anyone but the twins, even if Harry wasn't wearing his glasses.
"Hey, mate!" chorused the duo. "Want some company?"
"You mean do I want to sit alone watching the telly while you stink up the place brewing a potion?" he grinned, and flicked his hand in a welcoming gesture. "You may as well come in," he couldn't help but think he sounded like Severus.
Fred tumbled in, with George following shortly behind. "Tonight's the night," George sang.
"Ron's been walking around for days acting barmy, half the time with a big goofy grin on his face, the rest just jittery as a cat in a roomful of rocking chairs," groaned Fred.
Harry laughed. "They're a pair then. You think Mione's barmy now, planning the Warding? Just wait until she's planning her own wedding. I think I'll be taking a nice long trip, soon," laughed Harry with a snort.
A few butterbeers and half a cake later, the twins were explaining a new idea they had.
"If you're going to brew, you'd best get going. I have to whip up a few things myself," Harry remembered he needed to restock his potions. It wasn't like him to leave Hogwarts without some, but between the night he'd suffered and his meeting with the Healers, he had forgotten.
Harry froze when he heard a knock at the door. He pulled his wand, and spelled a view window. It appeared to be Kieran. "Who is it?" he asked, though he was fairly sure.
"Delivery! Flowers for Mr. Potter," came the announcement.
"No thanks, I'm allergic," replied Harry, and almost jumped when the door was pounded on again. "Who is it?" he sang out once again.
"Fawkes! Open this door before I give you something worth healing! It's not too early to start your treatment!" Kieran threw a hex the moment the door opened, but Harry's shield was already in place.
"Hey, Kieran, you remember Fred and George," Harry hadn't even acknowledged the hex thrown at him.
"Snape didn't get a chance to see you, so I offered to drop these off." Kieran handed over an assortment of potions, much to Harry's relief.
"You offered, or he threatened your life?"
"I may have owed him a favor," Kieran said evasively with a grin and looked over to the twins. "Snape may have mentioned you two once or twice. So, we finally meet," Kieran eyed the redhead on the left who was sporting a hand-knit jumper with a large 'G' on the front. "You must be Fred," Kieran smirked, having guessed right.
"He's got you two pegged. I'd be careful if I were you," Harry laughed all the harder; Fred and George already looked as if they'd be careful around Kieran. "Drink?" he offered.
"I've got someplace I have to be, but I have time for a quick one," Kieran gave the twins an evil grin. He could have fun with these two.
"I don't remember what you drink," Harry doubted Kieran was a big fan of butterbeer.
"A little birdie told me if you were to look behind a certain sack of sugar in the cupboard, there may be something I like," Kieran strolled over to the cauldron, looking to see what was brewing. Harry rolled his eyes and checked behind the sugar to find a small bottle. He poured the contents into a worn, old glass, confidant Kieran would care less if he didn't have fine crystal glassware like Severus had.
"You're a friend of Snape's," George remembered Harry telling him that the night they met Jo Black. He hoped never to see Harry in drag again. He'd never imagined Snape having a friend before. "Were you at Hogwarts for lunch? We heard the founder of the Wellingfield Institute was there today."
"Is that right?" Kieran seemed only vaguely interested. "How did you hear about that?" Kieran thought the news had spread quickly, since it'd only been hours ago.
"Our sister's a seventh year," Fred explained. "I hear Frances Wellingfield herself was there to discuss the use of potions in healing with Professor Snape," George stirred while talking. Harry kept a straight face as best he could.
"Maybe Severus will introduce you to her," Harry said helpfully to Kieran. Kieran had meant to go along with the gag, but remembered something else.
"I can't believe what you said to her." Kieran emptied his glass. "How many Healers can one kid offend in a month's time?" he asked with a laugh. Harry grumbled indistinctly about not being a kid. Kieran only laughed harder. Harry sank onto the sofa and made faces at the Scot's back as he found his way to the loo. Fred and George jumped at the opportunity to have Harry alone for a minute.
"Was she there for you?" George asked quickly. Harry gave a short nod, and turned his head when their eyes widened. "Are you okay?" the twin asked nervously. "Did something bad happen when you um...when you got our letter, the portkey?"
Harry had never seen the twins look so pathetic. They had come close when they thought Harry was out of money, but this was unnerving him. "I'm fine," he said flatly, only causing them to look more worried. "Look, I'm not ready to talk about this one just yet," Harry said in what he hoped was a calm tone.
"Can you tell us if it's something from your test?"
Harry could see they still felt guilty having sent him the portkey, especially with his past experience with them. He sighed before making eye contact as best he could with both of them. "I have no residual problems from the test at all. You know how it is, I can't tell you two something before I get a chance to tell Ron. When I'm ready..." he added, exasperated, "would you guys please not look at me like that?"
"But..." Fred started, but George took it from there. "We saw the letter you got from the Institute. We wouldn't read it of course, we um, just happened to notice the stationery. That's a place for Healers. The only time regular people go there is when..." he trailed off.
Kieran entered the room noticing the sudden silence. "Don't stop on account of me, that is, unless you were talking about me," he grinned at Harry who looked relieved to see him.
"No, we weren't talking about you. We were talking about Healers," Fred supplied nervously.
Kieran smirked. "Is tha' right?" he said with a wink to Harry. Kieran picked up a small cookie from a plate on the table. He pretended not to notice the twin's reaction. He watched them seemingly have an entire dialog without speaking a single word, and wondered if it was a twin thing, or because they'd spent so much time together. At ten years old, he and Severus could easily do the same.
Kieran asked them what they knew about Healers and talked with his hands, waving the cookie around. Never once did he mention he was a Healer himself. Every time he looked as if he'd take a bite, he would suddenly think of something to say and wave it around again. Harry chuckled as cookie crumbs sprinkled the floor.
With all the hand gestures, the twins missed Kieran's quick flick of his wand, making the Ginger Nap ineffective. He finally ate the cookie and dropped to the floor in a heap. Harry didn't think for a minute he was actually asleep. The twins weren't sure if they should be celebrating a good prank or running for their lives.
"Does he have a good sense of humor?" asked George worriedly. He'd forgotten this same man had helped kidnap Harry, turn him into a girl and take him out drinking for his birthday.
"His best friend is Severus Snape," Harry said flatly, letting them take that however they wanted. Pleased with their matching panicked expressions, he did not attempt to alleviate their fears.
"Get him onto the sofa. When he wakes up, we could talk as if he'd been awake the whole time. It worked with Ginny," Fred looked nervously at the intimidating looking wizard on the floor. While they levitated him to the sofa, Harry flicked his wand, using a spell the Scot had taught him.
"What did you do to him?" asked Harry dramatically when he saw his spell take effect. George watched in horror as the face beneath the three-day-old beard turned blue. "Is he choking? You better do mouth-to-mouth," Harry said, trying not to crack up. That was Kieran's breaking point. He quickly announced the next lips on his had better be a woman's or he was going to start hexing anything that moved.
Remus Lupin shuffled through a stack of essays he was dreading to grade when he heard a knock on his office door. Severus came in and they spoke of recent events. Remus reported there had been no indication any students were told of their supposed relationship. Severus confirmed Flynn, the student who blackmailed them, had brought the information to show Voldemort he would be a good follower should he be allowed to take the Mark.
"The Dark Lord was none too happy that I hadn't told him of our arrangement," Severus sat in a chair across from Remus' desk.
"What exactly does the Dark Lord think our 'arrangement' is? Are we lovers, coworkers with benefits?" questioned Remus and not looking at all happy about it.
"A barter of sorts," Severus said vaguely, but Remus saw the smirk. "You get a better Wolfsbane potion, with advancements not available in the apothecary form, in exchange for sex," Severus raised a brow as if to ask what could be wrong with such an arrangement.
"Reports of you being seen with me several times is enough to confirm this with him?" asked Remus skeptically.
"There may have been a few months where I was less than my usual daunting greasy git the morning after the full moon," Severus again answered vaguely.
"Why would that be? Even if I agreed to have sex with you, I'm hardly in any shape for it the morning after a change," Remus hadn't caught on to what he'd actually meant.
"Oddly enough, the Dark Lord asked a similar question. I simply explained that it was a struggle for you to come to terms with having sex with me and it was easier to take you the morning after, when you were too weak to resist my advances," Severus watched for Remus' reaction amusedly.
"Why did he ask in the first place? I didn't think the great spy would slip up and give anything away like that." Remus could give as good as he got. "Was it for my benefit that you looked well shagged the morning after?"
"I have never taught a class looking 'well shagged'!" Severus wasn't having as much fun now. "Perhaps I'm just in a better mood on the mornings I wake with a hot mouth wrapped around my cock," he said crudely, getting the expected response from the wolf, the protective wolf that didn't like to think about his friend's son fellating Snape.
"Are we finished? I have work to do," Remus said shortly. "You realize I only tolerate this for Harry's sake," Remus stood, indicating they were finished. Snape's lips thinned.
"About Harry," Severus' words softer now. He had to learn not to annoy people he needed favors from. Luckily, Remus sat back down. "I was summoned before I had a chance to speak with him about all this. I mentioned it to Albus just in case, Gods forbid he find out some other way. At least someone can confirm the truth, but..." he tailed off, thinking about the last time he'd seen Harry, wanting to hold him and tell him he was sorry.
"I need a favor," Severus spoke evenly. Remus could see what a struggle it was for him to say those four words. "I'm not comfortable with the way things were left. I need to contact him, but I'd never risk sending a letter directly."
"Would you like me to send him one?" Remus offered. Severus was grateful for the offer even if it was only for Harry's sake.
"If you wouldn't mind," Severus thought about what he wanted to say while Remus retrieved the needed items. He then narrated what he wanted to say in the letter. Remus wrote as if the words were coming from him. With a few key words, Harry would know it was actually from Severus.
In the letter he warned Harry to be careful, and avoid exposing himself after his friend's Warding, when he would be vulnerable after doing a great deal of magic. He also mentioned that they had something important to discuss, but if he didn't get a chance, he should go to Albus for the information. After several more lines, Severus paused.
"Should I close it here?" Remus asked helpfully. He could see the turmoil on the Potions Master's face. His lips thinned. He didn't speak, but started to look annoyed or frustrated. Remus watched all this for a moment longer before refilling the quill with ink.
Severus watched intently as Remus scrolled I love you, at the bottom of the page. He gave a quick nod of approval with a terse "Thank you," before leaving.
A wise man recognized the need to continue learning throughout his life. That was a firmly held belief of Albus Dumbledore. But, though he kept up on many things, it had been a number of years since he'd read an advanced class text on theory and practice of modern healing magic. After hours of reading the dry text, Albus took a leisurely walk in the sun, across the grounds of Hogwarts, cheerfully greeting students as he went. With a last look at his pocket watch, Albus reached the edge of the Wards and left with a 'pop'.
An enthusiastic receptionist met Albus at the Apparition entrance of St. Mungo's. She lead him to a quiet room where he would meet the doctor of a friend who had gladly agreed to teach Albus the spells he needed to help Harry with the treatment plan presented by Kieran.
While the doctor was teaching Albus, Harry was far off in a muggle home congratulating his best friends on their engagement. Hermione had screamed his name the moment her mother opened the door to let Harry in.
"Guess you said yes!" Harry grinned from ear to ear. He'd never seen Hermione so happy. She had a similar smile the day the N.E.W.T. results came out; only today her whole face was lit up with joy. "I'm so happy for you guys," Harry grabbed Hermione tight and spun her around, while her mother nervously watched the floor lamp they were dangerously close to knocking over. "Let's see it!" he said, putting her back down.
Hermione proudly held up her left hand, showing her sparkling diamond ring. It had a petite band of yellow gold with a diamond set high in white gold prongs. The diamond was small, slightly yellow and had a few flaws, and in her eyes it was absolutely perfect.
"I would show you all the markings on the inside, but I don't want to take it off," she said excitedly to Harry.
"That's alright, I've seen it before. You remember the day I stopped by with a friend?" he said referring to Severus. "We may have taken you by surprise that day," he teased. He expected her to snarl at him, but she was too excited, already moved on to wanting to begin measuring for the Warding.
"We've got work to do!" she announced energetically. "The Warding is in two hours!"
She continued to bustle around the house, making preparations, checking on the food and measuring to mark the points where the people participating would stand during the actual spell casting. She checked, rechecked, and then wanted to go through it all again. That was when Harry and Ron each grabbed an elbow, and dragged Hermione to the kitchen to eat something. Mrs. Granger had been quite amused to see her daughter carried in, her feet barely touching the floor. She happily set a plate down in front of the frazzled witch.
To Ron's relief, his fiance had calmed, but it was short lived. It was the first time she'd entertained more than Ron's folks, and this was a big deal as wizarding traditions go.
Bill showed up early, complimenting her on the impressive job of preparations, reassuring her the measurements looked spot on. She did believe him, but it was a crucial part of the Warding, still leaving her nervous.
Harry tried to pacify her by making light of it. He should have known better. "If you screw it up, you can always call this a warm up for when you ward your own home," he ducked as a heavy object came spiraling toward his head. Impressively, it was Mrs. Granger that saved him and her favorite stone carving from impact. Hermione continued to stress while the boys were annoyingly acting like boys.
Everyone turned around, eyes widened when Mrs. Granger opened the front door and exclaimed. "Severus! How good it is to see you again!"
They were equally shocked to see the Potions Master kissing her hand.
"That was unexpected," Ron voiced what they'd all been thinking. Hermione hurried to the entryway.
"You two know each other?" Hermione didn't know what to make of it. "Sorry, Hello Professor," she apologized for her rude greeting.
"Of course, dear," her mother said as if he'd been an old friend. "Who did you think put up the first wards with Professor Dumbledore?"
Hermione looked dumbfounded. She had only recently learned there had been wards placed on the house back when she'd been at school. Certainly, that one time wasn't enough for them to seem like old friends.
"I hear congratulations are in order," Severus noted the ring on her finger and couldn't help but think of the Finnigan boy shouting out 'Oh baby.'
"I'd introduce you, but I guess you know the kids from class," Mrs. Granger said, missing the wince on Harry's face. "They grow up so fast. It seems like only yesterday you started coming by to cast the spells on the house. Soon my baby will be married and having her own children. Then we'll feel old," she laughed. Hermione looked pitifully at Severus, his face impassive.
"You'll have to forgive her, Severus. I'm afraid Hermione is a bit overwhelmed," her mother said in excuse for her daughter's odd behavior.
"Quite all right," Severus turned his eyes to Hermione, addressing her, "I stopped by only for a moment. I have something to help calm your nerves. It was Albus' idea," he added the last part. No reason for them to think he was nice, even if he had done it on his own.
"Oh, I don't think I want to take a potion," she stammered. "I hoped to have a glass of wine later." To her surprise, Severus held up a bag too large for potion vials. He carefully opened the leather case and retrieved a large stone with a crystal positioned in the center.
"I trust your measurements are in order," he stated, expecting them to be done properly.
"I've measured several times," she began, and he cut her off before she could continue. He could almost see her shoulders rise with tension.
"We will know soon enough," Severus set down the stone and quickly cast the spell showing the five points. He checked to see if the lights matched the markings Hermione had made. "It would appear your measurements are correct," Severus said offhandedly, glancing up at her. "Better than a potion?" he asked with a smirk.
Hermione' s tension visibly diminished. She glowed with pride, having done a great job, and then realized what he'd done for her. He could have brought the stone earlier, eliminating the need for measurements, but he knew she enjoyed a challenge. With that worry now gone, she could relax a little and enjoy herself.
"Better than a potion," she agreed. "Will you join us for dinner?" she asked, but he refused, having important errands to run before heading back to Hogwarts for some research.
Harry wanted to run over and throw his arms around him, but managed to stay still, hoping his eyes at least expressed his need. Severus had always told him how expressive his eyes were. He wondered if his bright greens could convey 'I need to hold you and kiss your whole body, making sure there are no new scars, and then hold you for another couple hours or weeks at the very least.'
Severus allowed a smile when he saw Harry lost in thought. Mrs. Granger commented on his smile, looking between the two quickly with a quirky smile of her own. Severus left shortly after. Despite interrogations from Hermione, her mum didn't answer any of the questions about the odd exchange.
Ron, being the 'son-in-law to be', by all rights should have lead the Warding of the Granger home, but he bestowed the honor to his father. Ron would experience this, his first Warding, as a participant, so that in the future he would feel more prepared, having already witnessed it when it came time to lead the Warding for his own home with Hermione.
Standing between Hermione and Bill, Harry chanted along, reciting the spells. He looked worriedly to Ron's dad, but relaxed, seeing Arthur's confidant, reassuring smile. When it came time to set the Apparition wards, Harry stepped back with Bill, only to be pulled back in by Hermione.
"Are you sure?" he asked, but should have known better.
"You can't be serious," stated Hermione with an exaggerated sigh. "Who'll help me with my packages?" she teased.
After the Warding was completed, the Grangers and the remaining Weasley family entered for the festivities. Harry noticed Bill and Charlie glance his way while speaking to each other, but he couldn't think about that while something else bothered him.
"Harry?" Arthur watched him, knowing something had been on Harry's mind. "You did very well," he thought Harry had looked unsure earlier on, while reciting the spells.
"Thanks," Harry replied distractedly. "Did everything go all right? It didn't feel the same as mine, I was afraid maybe I made a mistake. I couldn't feel the buzz. You know the um...hum of magic I felt at my Warding. Was it because this is someone else's home and not mine?" Harry couldn't help but feel a little dim. Arthur chuckled, with a warm smile and a knowing grin. He mussed Harry's hair, making him feel all the more clueless, thinking he'd missed something. It didn't help that he was so exhausted he wasn't sure how he was still standing.
"Today was typical of most family Wardings. What you felt at your home, the 'buzz' as you put it, was the collective magic of very powerful wizards. You Know Who fears Albus Dumbledore for a reason. I myself was honored, having been chosen to stand alongside wizards such as Filius Flitwick and Severus Snape. You, my boy, are a very powerful wizard, more so than anyone else here by far. You gave much of yourself for your friend's safety. I could feel it flow through the circle stronger than I could in the shadow of Albus and the others at your home," Arthur chuckled again, seeing Harry sway. "Let's get you something to eat," he led Harry to the table.
Molly was fussing over Ron, while Mrs. Granger refused Hermione's attempt to lend a hand in the kitchen. She'd never seen her daughter so drained. Harry sat for a short time, eating a bite before he left.
Harry noticed Bill didn't look any more tired than Arthur had. He wondered if it was age, him not having reached his full potential yet. In the back of his mind, he thought of the magical reserve he couldn't tap into. Before he could ask, Charlie offered to escort Harry for the trip home. Molly looked like she wanted to protest, but they all knew it wasn't safe for Harry to stay there, nearly defenseless. It didn't help matters that anyone who paid attention would know of the opportunity this day presented.
In the morning paper, amongst the wedding announcements and fiftieth anniversaries, read the announcement of his friends' wedding engagement. The Granger Warding doubles as an engagement party, read the quote. Ginny had excitedly called the paper, wanting to surprise her new sister-to-be. Ron and Hermione had been touched by the gesture, and chose not to mention the added risk caused by her actions.
"Where to?" asked Charlie, knowing he couldn't Apparate into Harry's home. "Back door, top of the steps?"
"The front gates," Harry then clarified "to Hogwarts. I'll be able to sleep like a rock without a worry in the world."
Charlie raised a brow with a tilt of his head. "From what I hear, your place is warded more soundly then Gringotts. You have all the magic that goes into the wards for the entire Hogwarts castle wrapped around your tiny apartment. Don't you feel safe there?" he asked with a chuckle. It was an exaggeration, but still not too far from the truth.
"You know the twins spend a lot of time there," Harry didn't need to elaborate. "It also doesn't have a kitchen full of house elves to bring me a huge platter of food," he emphasized with a lick of his lips.
"Or a sexy wizard waiting in the dungeons," Charlie winked.
"That too," admitted Harry.
"Assisted?" Charlie understood Harry should have help Apparating.
"You're just looking for an excuse to hold me," flirted Harry.
Before the door could open more then a crack, a flash went off. "Your public awaits," Charlie said irritably. Harry sighed, but it only took a minute for Hermione to have plan 'B' in effect.
Mrs. Granger held open the back door. "Out you go," she sang. She continued to hold the door open, ignoring a camera flash. Reporters couldn't get too close, but they managed to yell out questions.
"Can you tell us, was Miss Granger dating Mr. Weasley during his affair with Harry Potter?""It's been rumored the 'Golden Trio' of Hogwarts are closer then socially acceptable. Are you disappointed she didn't choose Potter over Weasley? Will the three share a home after the wedding?""Can you confirm Miss Granger is in fact pregnant with Harry Potter's love child?"
To her credit, Mrs. Granger remained quiet, though her face flared with anger. She continued to hold open the door, waiting for a fat, ginger cat to waltz out for some fresh air. The clever feline eyed Harry and Charlie knowingly as they stepped out the door under the Invisibility cloak. With a bushy tail held high in the air, Crookshanks followed behind, making his debut.
"Thank you," sighed Harry into Charlie's shoulder when they arrived safely at the gates of Hogwarts. They checked around looking for anyone suspicious, finding no one, but remaining under the cloak regardless.
No sooner had they pushed past the large oak doors, Harry called for Dobby. The exuberant house elf bounced with glee, ready to do anything and everything Harry Potter wished.
"Is Harry Potter joining the Headmaster for dinner? Dobby is happy to set a place at the head table," offered the cheerful creature.
"Thanks Dobby, but I'm going up to my room. Can you please get a message to Albus that I'm safe in the castle? I don't want him to get up from dinner when he's alerted I've arrived in the tower."
"Dobby will inform Professor Dumbledore that Harry Potter sir is safe," his head nodded vigorously. "Would Harry Potter be wanting dinner in his room?"
"Watch this," he whispered to Charlie, and then turned back to Dobby again. "Yes please, I'm really hungry," Harry said appreciatively, and tried not to chuckle when Dobby' s face lit up with glee. He was almost trembling with delight, and would no doubt bring up a magnificent feast... for a dozen.
"Go, eat, sleep, in that order," Charlie ordered him kindly before heading back to the Grangers' to join his family again.
The first thing Harry did was light a fire. He called Severus, but figured he'd be at dinner. Sure enough, his fire wasn't lit. Dobby soon arrived with a feast fit for a king and possibly all the king's court. He had seconds of all his favorites, finishing off with the hugest eclair he'd ever seen. Having eaten his fill and then some, Harry lay back on his bed, licking chocolate off his finger. He idly contemplated whether he was truly tired from the use of magic, or falling into a food-induced coma. He laughed at his own joke and closed his eyes, fantasizing about a tall, dark, sexy Slytherin.
~Sexy Slytherin Snake~ he hissed with a groan at the memory of his lover's response to his speaking in Parseltongue. Harry pulled off is clothes and climbed under the covers. He rubbed a hand over his pants where his body began to show signs of interest. Harry didn't actually take them off, but continued to rub himself through the fabric, thinking of what else he'd like to hiss at Severus. His mind replayed scenes of their most recent lovemaking, of Severus losing himself, before totally letting go. Harry felt a shiver down his spine just thinking about having caused Severus to shout.
Sitting at the Head table, Severus watched over the students and barely acknowledged Lupin greeting everyone, having arrived late. Even if Severus hadn't seen the house elf, he knew from the self-assured look Albus gave him, that Harry was safe in the castle. He was tempted to go see his lover immediately, but resisted the urge. He knew Harry would be pigging out after a Warding and would most likely be passed out by the time he could return to his own rooms for the evening.
The Potions Master pushed food around his plate, thinking back to Harry reaching out to him, only to be let down. He wouldn't let that happen again, and considered himself lucky Harry had looked so happy to see him at the Granger home.
Harry woke with his hand in his pants and a need for the loo. Thinking it not worth chancing, he slipped his outer robe on before leaving his room. Harry chuckled at his reflection, his hair sticking out on one side. With a flush and a scratch of his bum, he made his way back to his room, and climbed back into bed. Before he had a chance to fall back to sleep, he heard Albus arrive in his office.
"Smells like food in here," it was Minerva McGonagall Harry heard speak first.
"No doubt there is still a tremendous amount of food in Harry's room," chuckled Albus, knowing Dobby as well as he did. "He must be down in Severus' rooms," Albus hadn't felt Harry's magic when he entered the tower. Harry found it odd, but then remembered that he'd used up a lot of his energy and he hadn't been recovered yet when he accidentally bumped a shelf earlier, knocking over several picture frames and a small statue. He'd repaired them all, using up the magic he'd restored during the small amount of sleep he'd gotten.
In his sleepy state, Harry was vaguely aware the voices were getting closer. He couldn't ever remember anyone else besides Albus, Severus and himself in the private area of the tower.
"Severus didn't eat very much this evening," commented Albus.
"I asked him about that. He told me it was not only none of my business, but perhaps I should use my influence to encourage you to wear robes less detrimental to his appetite," she sounded amused. Harry didn't remember his Head of House ever sounding so playful outside of the holiday they had as teens.
"You have outdone yourself with this one, dear," she added, referring to his peculiar choice in attire.
"I rather thought you liked this robe."
"I prefer you out of this robe."
Harry was suddenly wide-awake, with his eyes large as Dobby's. He pulled the pillow over his head, but it didn't make the image go away. He vowed never to make fun of Ron again when he complained about accidentally hearing his Mum and Dad having sex.
He heard a small sound and chanced looking past his pillow, and was relieved to see his savior's face in the fire. Harry put his finger to his lips, keeping Severus from speaking. With a few ridiculous gestures, Severus finally realized Harry was coming through the fire. He wanted to ask what it was that caused Harry to react this way, but would wait a little longer, first enjoying the warm, nearly naked body pressed against him. He felt Harry shiver, but didn't think it was a good kind of shiver.
"I love you."
Harry looked up abruptly, having forgotten all about the reason he escaped his room. He had little chance to respond with lips pressed hard against his. Strong hands gripped his shoulders, holding him close, as Severus ravaged his mouth. Harry could hardly catch his breath while a dominating tongue invaded.
"Oh, Severus," panted Harry huskily, his mouth given a reprieve while his lover nipped at his neck. He gasped when Sev's hot mouth sucked on just the right spot, marking him possessively. Harry's penis had worked its way past the opening in his pants as it rose to the stimulation. It rubbed almost painfully against the rough material of the teaching robes.
"I'm a bastard, you deserve better," Severus muttered against his skin before latching back onto the forming bruise. It took a moment for Harry to draw words together.
"Yes," he hissed, both in agreement and the desire for more. "I agree... you need to be better," Harry then groaned, feeling a strong hand firmly grab his arse. "That's better," he whispered breathlessly. Harry held Sev's arm still, taking his wand from his sleeve. "You have way too many clothes on," he murmured before attempting to spell off the teaching robe. He watched dismally as the long line of small buttons fell to the floor, but the robe hadn't moved.
"Pitiful," sighed Severus, not hiding his grin, and took his wand back. Harry began to slump in his arms; he needed to be in a bed.
"Not up for that, I guess," he mused groggily, and yelped when Severus grabbed his erection roughly.
"The important parts are," Severus enjoyed the way Harry whimpered when picked up and carried to the bed. He watched Harry's eyes dart around as if he couldn't keep up with the multitude of sensations he was experiencing. Muttering a lubricating charm, he saw a confused expression cross Harry's face. Severus continued his ministrations, grinning against tight abs. Harry would realize what he'd done at some point.
Harry's eyes blurred, feeling his glasses removed. He had thought he heard a spell for lubricant, but felt nothing. He could hardly concentrate on any one thing, until he felt a strong, confident hand once again wrap around his cock. It wasn't until he was hit with an unexpected wave of pleasure that Harry realized he was balls deep in his lover's hot, tight arse. He felt as if he'd been knocked breathless. It was all he could do to keep from coming instantly. Thankfully, Severus also needed time to adjust. Harry tried to wrap his mind around the fact that Severus had not been prepared other than the use of a lubrication charm. He hoped his lover was simply relaxed enough and could manage that without too much discomfort, and wasn't punishing himself.
Harry's concern for his partner ended when Severus began to move. If the sounds he made were anything to judge by, Severus was not suffering. Harry was so caught up in the sensations that several minutes had passed before he realized he hadn't yet moved. Harry gripped the sheets for purchase, unable to do much more. When his haze-filled mind registered that he was close to climax, he began to stroke Severus' cock. Harry's rhythm was pitiful, and he took long pauses, lost in the sight, sound, sensation of the moment, but it must have been somewhat adequate. Severus came forcefully, despite Harry's inabilities. Even through his tired mental haze, Harry decided he'd never seen a hotter sight than Sev bottoming from the top.
He only vaguely remembered Severus sliding off his softening member. Harry wasn't even sure if he was dreaming when a warm, soft flannel wiped him clean, nor had he remembered much more than a few moments in Severus' arms before dropping off to a peaceful night's slumber. He was however, reasonably sure that whatever was now making an irritating buzzing sound needed to die.
"No," he groaned, pulling the pillow and Severus closer.
"Yes," soft lips muttered along the back of his neck. "Come have breakfast with me."
Harry could hear the smile in his words, and was sure Severus was far too refreshed for as early as it felt. "What time is it?"
"Six a.m. I'm taking a shower. Join me, or take a few more minutes to sleep. Your choice," he kissed Harry on the top of his head and briskly got up.
"Too early," he complained, but sat up regardless.
"You slept," Severus checked the clock "for over ten hours. We were in bed by seven thirty," his expression smug.
"In bed, but not sleeping," Harry wriggled at the memory. "That was nice."
"How could I forget? You're correct," Severus said sarcastically. "We didn't actually sleep until seven forty-five."
Harry had to admit it was a very enjoyable fifteen minutes, and contemplated getting up to join Sev in the shower. By the time Harry dragged his arse into the loo, Severus was finishing up.
"You'll find there's an extra toothbrush in the cupboard. As much as I adore your tongue, I'd rather you kept it off my toothbrush," Severus gasped when an unexpected finger slid down his arse.
"Never can tell where it's been," teased Harry, and climbed into the shower. "Aw, you're leaving?" he pouted.
"I'm finished. I'll have breakfast brought up when you get out. We need to talk about a few things."
"Should I be worried?" Harry didn't think Severus sounded angry.
Severus sipped his tea, smiling. He couldn't get over how much food Harry managed to eat, considering the amount of food he probably ate the night before. He took the opportunity to tell Harry about the situation going on regarding Remus. Harry understood that if he were to hear a rumor, not to take it to heart.
"Does that mean you have to act like you're dating?" asked Harry, wishing he sounded more confident.
"No, not on a regular basis, but I may from time to time have to keep up appearances. You understand that would only be for the benefit of one student who is somehow getting word to the Dark Lord. I would never make a public display." Severus also explained that it was believed that he was using Remus' condition to extort him.
"I would say it all seemed too far-fetched, but that would be calling the kettle black," Harry suddenly remembered another unlikely couple. "Did you know about Albus and Minerva?" he asked, making a face.
"No one has mentioned it, but I've lived and worked here a long time, and I too have a room in the tower," Severus hadn't been surprised to find Minerva in Albus' room the night Harry went for help. Thinking back, he realized Harry wouldn't have remembered being there.
"Does it bother you that Albus would have someone special in his life?"
"I guess not," he wasn't sure, reaching for what it was that niggled. "I just thought he was too old, I guess. Isn't she like a hundred years younger?"
"Eighty-five years, I believe."
"But he's..." really old "and she's..." half his age. Harry trailed off in time to realize what he almost said. If Severus' expression was anything to go by, he knew what Harry was thinking.
"You don't need sex to have love. Of course, there are potions to overcome performance issues," he laughed at Harry's appalled face.
"We're so close. Why wouldn't he mention it to me after all this time?" Harry tried to deflect and redirect, also he didn't want to admit he felt somewhat betrayed Albus hadn't confided in him.
"How much do you know about Minerva's personal life?" Severus asked, knowing the answer. "You may be close to Albus, but that doesn't mean he's willing break confidence with her. It's not easy to keep secrets in this castle; I don't blame him for keeping his private life private."
"When Albus took me in, he spent all his free time with me. Madam Pomfrey said he stayed by my side until they were sure I would live. After that, he only left for short periods of time when Ron or someone came by to visit. When I got a little better, he took me on holiday and we spent time with some of his family. It never occurred to me that he would have someone else so close, waiting. I monopolized his time for almost a year." Harry felt bad he'd taken up so much of Albus' time, day and night, and wondered how Minerva felt. "The flashbacks alone must have taken quite a toll."
"Albus was devastated to learn he'd misjudged your situation so badly. Several people put their lives on hold to care for your needs, or the needs of those caring for you." Severus caressed the young man's cheek, seeing Harry looked distressed. "I didn't tell you that to upset you. I want you to understand how much you are loved."
Harry visibly relaxed. "It did seem like Minerva was running Hogwarts for a time. Or maybe that's what I told myself when she was in his office so often," Harry chuckled at his own ignorance. "Speaking of unexpected relationships," Harry grinned mischievously. "What the bloody Hell do you have going on with Mrs. Granger? Should I be jealous?" Harry climbed over to straddle his lap. "Is that why you already knew the spells used for the first wards put up? She seemed to know you pretty well for someone who spent a few hours there once, a few years ago."
"How perceptive of you," Severus sipped his tea again, ignoring the tongue laving his earlobe.
"Keep talking," Harry whispered, and sucked harder, hearing a sigh. "You owe me, Sev," he reminded him.
Severus prefaced his story with a warning." If you repeat this, I guarantee, you will live to regret it,"
"Yeah, yeah, now get on with it. When did you actually meet her? I've never seen you so pleasant to someone you've known for only a few years."
"You were twelve."
That got his attention.
"When it was clear who your close friends were, Albus suggested Arthur strengthen his wards. Since the Grangers were muggles, we didn't want to call attention to them by warding the home, which would defeat the purpose of protecting those around you. Albus sent me to charm the house to alert him if any wizards were in the surrounding area. I needed to adjust the charm each time before Hermione returned home for holidays, be it summer or any week off like Easter or Christmas," explained Severus.
"That makes sense. Is that all? You look annoyed," Harry shifted on his lap to look into his eyes. Severus made an indecipherable noise.
"Considering our recent conversations, I'm compelled to tell you the whole story, despite my better judgment," Severus was not making eye contact.
"Couldn't you have said, 'since I owe you, I'll spill it?" Harry chuckled. "You're not going to distract me," Harry added when Severus pulled him closer.
"Fine, brat. I couldn't very well go around the house casting spells without speaking to the Grangers. We sat for tea while I explained the situation and what we wanted to do to keep their daughter safe. Tea became part of the process. During a debate on the merits of muggle dentistry verses magic..."
"You were very mean to Hermione when Malfoy hit her with the Densaugeo hex," interrupted Harry, recalling Hermione with huge buckteeth.
"When will you learn that I'm not nice? Besides the fact that I'd never be kind to one of your friends, I found Miss Granger to be quite obnoxious," Severus said truthfully.
"Miss Granger?"
"Now that Hermione is older, she is more tolerable," Severus ignored Harry's smirk, or the fact that Hermione wasn't much older.
"My story, before you rudely interrupted, was regarding Mrs. Granger. Apparently, being a dentist, she felt it acceptable to ask why I hadn't fixed my own teeth. While I was tempted to hex her, I admitted that whitening my teeth with the use of a spell would be too noticeable a change. I didn't want anyone to think I was vain, and didn't care enough to find a potion to do it. One day she offered a muggle dental product that would gradually lighten them."
"I never noticed," Harry pushed his lips back to get a closer look. Severus glared at Harry and pulled his head away from inquisitive fingers.
"That was the point, or weren't you listening?"
"If I can be a good sport about my embarrassing moments, so can you," Harry argued, and Severus heard him mutter "At least no one's asking you to get it up while doing so".
"No?" Severus drew him in for a passionate kiss. Harry wriggled on his lap.
"I guess you can do both," conceded Harry, feeling hard evidence beneath him.
DETAH 63 - Tempers Lost
Chapter Notes
Hi, lots of you had questions about the Warding. Thought I'd clear a few things up. Bill and Arthur were not as drained because they've been doing magic for many years longer than Harry, Ron and Hermione who all felt rather wiped out afterwards. Charlie didn't participate, he came later.
Please excuse the excessive use of the word 'goo' in this chapter.
Harry sat at his kitchen table eating breakfast, getting a cold stare from a certain Snowy owl protesting a serious lack of bacon in her diet. "Did I complain last night when you tore into a mouse while I tried to sleep?" asked Harry, getting no response. "The crunching is disturbing, you know," he added, but she didn't appear remorseful. Finishing his eggs, Harry picked up a parchment and quill, scribbling down a quick note. "I know I'm spoiling you, but at least you'll have to work for it." She held out her leg obediently and he tied on the note, sending her off.
While Harry showered and dressed to meet with Kieran, the Great Hall in Hogwarts was abuzz with students. Severus had been concerned that a few seventh years had taken the Mark. He watched over the students, looking for clues. Knowing a shipment of ingredients had arrived at the apothecary, he expected to be summoned again soon. He would keep a close eye. If the Mark were new, it would still ache for a while and eventually itch until completely healed. As well, it was almost impossible for a new, young Death Eater to hide the telltale signs when the Dark Mark burned. Not that he expected all new recruits to be summoned to every meeting.
"Looks like you have mail," Severus spoke softly, knowing only Remus would hear. Severus had once thought Albus was punishing him by seating the Defense Against the Dark Arts professors next to him. However, it had become handy for Remus to open a letter and conveniently place it on the table where Severus could read the notes from Harry.
"What's this about? Is this code?" he asked Severus, placing the note down. Remus worried until he saw the corners of Snape's thin lips curl up while reading the brief note.
Will work for food. "I've seen homeless muggles holding signs like that," Remus said as he watched Severus inconspicuously push a slice of bacon off his plate, muttering all the while about spoiled birds. It was quickly devoured.In a large building that once served as a stable, Kieran stood ready, checking his watch. He cast a hex seconds after Harry Apparated into the training room. The hex should have formed a layer of ice around its victim, but was rebounded before it could hit its mark. Kieran jumped aside to avoid his own curse."Good move, putting up a shield before you left," praised Kieran before casting three more spells consecutively. Harry dove, rolled and returned fire, fending off only two of the three. They sparred for a while, both landing a few good hexes. Harry had always put up an impressive fight, holding his head up high in defiance regardless of how tired or outmatched he felt. So when he fell back with a whimper, struggling to keep his balance and still nearly toppling over, Kieran was immediately taken aback. He held his next spell when he saw Harry stumble. They were supposed to start treatment after the day's training, but he was beginning to reconsider that.Clenching his stomach, writhing amongst the loose hay, Harry shouted "Expelliarmus! Incarcerous!"Kieran's wand flew into Harry's outstretched hand as the magical ropes bound the Scot before he hit a bale of hay against the far wall. Harry smiled triumphantly, enjoying the moment as he saw astonishment in the scruffy face when his opponent realized Harry had pulled one over on him. He would have enjoyed his victory longer, but the feeling soon waned; Kieran hadn't moved since his collision with the hay bale. Harry cast a quick shield before approaching, making sure he didn't fall for his own trick.His trainer was out cold. Harry carefully ran his hand around Kieran's head, finding a bump. He immediately conjured an ice pack to reduce the swelling. "Enervate." Harry took the opportunity to watch and listen to Kieran's breathing to see if he could recognize signs of awareness. To his credit, Kieran's breathing hadn't faltered, but a tiny squint of his eyes told Harry he was awake. He was certain his trainer had awakened when he saw Kieran's whole body jolt when he tried to retaliate but was prevented by the magical ropes restraining him."Bloody Hell," groaned Kieran."You did say not to be predictable," Harry smirked. "Can Healers heal themselves?" he checked Kieran's head again, gently replacing the icepack."Healing drains you, so I can't heal anything too big on myself. That doesn't mean I can't use spells like Madam Pomfrey's." He shifted, trying to pull free. "Harry," he said softly. Harry leaned in closer to hear what his trainer wanted to say. That was when Kieran shouted in his ear, "Unbind Me You Prick!" He carried on, adding a few new words to Harry's ever-growing vocabulary of foul language, which now ranged between several languages, one of which Harry had yet to identify, and Kieran wasn't telling.Kieran taught Harry a spell to heal the bump on his head. Harry had heard Poppy cast it enough times to pick it up rather easily.During lunch, Kieran pointed to various small scars on Harry's person, asking what caused each one. There hadn't been many left after Harry had the skin regrown, so Kieran had to check a list describing where several injuries had occurred and hope Harry remembered them by description. They started with the small stuff, and to no surprise to Harry, Kieran selected injuries that weren't caused by his family for the first day of treatment.For the most part, Harry regarded the situation as another test of pain endurance and didn't notice much difference between 'before' and 'after' the healing, with one exception. In the previous year, he'd cut open his ankle on a mop bucket and didn't want to go to Poppy, since it was way past curfew. He also didn't want to explain why he'd been in a broom closet with Stuart Ackerley. After the healing, Kieran had instructed him to walk around to see how it felt."Wow," Harry said, moving his foot around in various directions. "It's like something I didn't know was tight has loosened up," Harry rocked up on the balls of his feet. He was beginning to see there would be other benefits to the treatments. Kieran explained about scar tissue and adhesions and how they affect muscles and tendons.Severus Snape strolled through his classroom, handing back essays as he examined the potions brewing in each cauldron. Hufflepuffs were too easy to intimidate, not nearly as much fun as his Gryffindor/Slytherin class. It was Snape's belief that if he hadn't heard at least one muttered 'Greasy git' each day, he'd been too easy on them.Oddly enough, the Hufflepuff students did fairly well when paired up with the diligent Ravenclaw. However, not all Ravenclaws were working to their full potential. Snape slapped down a failed essay, startling a few nervous students."See me after class, Mr. Flynn," he scowled. Students held their breath as he walked by, checking cauldrons and taking points. When class was dismissed, Severus sat at his desk, ignoring the rush of students as they struggled to get out before any more House points could be taken from Ravenclaw. He appeared to be reading an essay he was holding in his hand while Flynn sat at his desk, waiting to be addressed."Sir?" he approached the professor's desk after waiting five minutes. After another five minutes, Severus finally glanced up."Potions is not a required course for seventh years, Mr. Flynn. Substandard work will not permit your continued presence in my classroom. If you cannot bring your work up to par, then I suggest you speak to your Head of House for a transfer to Divinations or something else equally practical, like basket weaving.""May I go now?" Flynn's insolent tone would only serve to bury him deeper."You have not been dismissed!" sneered Severus and stood abruptly. ' He damn well better flinch,' he thought, looking down his nose at Flynn. "You will rewrite this essay to meet my standards. You may get away with turning in shoddy work in other classes, but I am not so lenient.""Yes sir," Flynn's choice of words improved, but neither his attitude nor tone."Ten points from Ravenclaw for your impudent tone. You are dismissed," Severus glared when Flynn didn't turn and leave immediately."I'm sorry, sir?" Flynn turned his head as if he'd not heard properly. "Did you say impudent? For a moment I thought I heard you say impotent, but that couldn't be right, could it?" said Flynn with a malicious grin."GET OUT!" shouted Snape at the top of his voice. "Fifty points from Ravenclaw!" he pointed to the door with his wand. It slammed open, hitting the wall with such force it caused the door to vibrate. Obviously, Flynn's cousin the potions assistant had been filling him in on some details of his work for the Dark Lord.Not having a chance to see Harry during the next week didn't improve his mood any. Rumors of Professor Snape's foul mood spread fast. Over the next several days, students were being exceptionally quiet and attentive in an attempt to escape his wrath.The Weasleys had cause to celebrate. Ron was the first of his generation to become engaged. It seemed like every time Harry turned around, they were having a family get together. One night it was the Grangers over for dinner, followed the next night by a big Weasley gathering including aunts, uncles, and cousins alike.Harry was grateful that he was considered family, and he'd had a lot of fun, but was ready for a night to just relax for a change. With a roaring fire and a huge bowl of popcorn, Harry turned on the telly for a night of brainless entertainment. Two programmes later, his bottle of butterbeer was empty and he had nothing but the few buttery kernels at the bottom of the bowl. He couldn't be bothered to get up.An interesting commercial came on. He couldn't figure out what the ad was for, but a half-naked man got his attention. Harry wasn't actually listening to what the announcer said, but he was sure he heard his name being called."Harry!" George called a second time from the fire, finally getting his attention. "Up for some company?" with a bit of luck he would convince his benefactor to let them set up a cauldron."It's like Deja vu," muttered Harry. "I seem to remember turning into a canary the last time you brewed here.""No pranks, promise," George showed his open hands. "We did have one thing we hoped you'd try," said Fred enthusiastically. George stomped his twin's foot."I don't know..." Harry debated. "I just wanted to veg out tonight. I'm not up for a mess in here," he explained tiredly."No messes. Please," George pleaded, "We got an order we have to fill, and there's not enough room for the big cauldron at the Burrow. No experimenting tonight, I swear," he vowed. Harry sighed and waved them in."Where's Fred?" asked Harry, seeing George alone."Can't take the big cauldron through the Floo. He's Apparating with it. That would be him," George said with a big smile, hearing a knock at the door. Harry watched Fred drag in a cauldron so big he was half expecting them to ask him for blood to raise up a new Dark Lord. Harry held up his hand, stopping the two redheads."Brew only the potion you came for. Nothing you haven't brewed a few times successfully," seeing them nod in agreement he continued, "I don't want to find something tomorrow, either. No time-delayed pranks.""We'll just leave this for you, clearly marked so you can try it another time, or prank a friend," George spelled a box he'd taken out of the cauldron so the word 'PRANK' was in large red letters. Harry couldn't help but laugh a bit at the way George spoke to him softly and slowly, as though he were a wild animal ready to strike."There's butterbeer in the kitchen," said Harry, putting them at ease, and went back to the sofa. "I'll take one, while you're in there," he added. Fred went so far as to open the bottle in front of him, so Harry wouldn't worry about anything being added to it. They chewed the fat for a while before Harry went back to the sofa and put his feet up."Smells like popcorn in here," Fred lit a fire under the immense cauldron. "Not for long," he added, knowing the potion wouldn't smell as good."Want some?" asked Harry. He took a small packet out of a box on the table. The twins eyed him curiously as Harry took off the cellophane wrap to reveal a mostly flat paper bag."What is it?" Fred asked, not sure if anything edible could come out of such an odd looking package."Microwave popcorn. I don't have a microwave oven, but this works just as well." Harry pointed his wand at the bag. "Percoquo." The whole bag popped within seconds, puffing up to its full size. Harry opened the bag slowly, allowing the steam to escape. "Just think, the muggles have to wait a whole three to four minutes for this," Harry said dryly.Watching the twins for a while, Harry thought they looked like they knew what they were doing. They worked well together, hardly having to talk much at all, leaving Harry in peace to watch his programmes."This is the biggest order we've had to come up with all at once," mentioned George happily. "Don't worry, Harry, we'll remember you when we're rich and famous," kidded Fred."I didn't realize how well you guys worked with potions," commented Harry on their work. "I'm so used to you blowing things up.""Experimentin' is like that. You never know what's goin' to work out. We've brewed this one loads of times, so no worries." Fred danced around the cauldron comically."Maybe, but you've never made a batch this big," Harry liked to hassle them. "Did you adjust for longer heating times for a larger cauldron?""Naturally," George puffed up his chest. Harry chuckled and went back to ignoring them. He did cast a simple shied, just in case. Eventually, an hour or so later, slouching on the sofa had led to sleeping on the sofa. Harry awoke when a commercial came on much louder than the show he wasn't watching. His glasses were pressed on his nose at an awkward angle.Harry glanced up at the cauldron; everything seemed to be under control. He cast his protective shield once more, and lay back down. He groaned about the inability to put your face on the arm of the sofa while wearing glasses and tossed them onto the coffee table. He scowled when they hit the table's edge and fell to the floor, under the sofa. Glasses were quickly retrieved when the half-naked man was back on the telly. Harry still hadn't figured out what they were selling, but he didn't care. He tossed his glasses back to the table again, hoping for but not succeeding at a better aim this time.Back at Hogwarts, Severus Snape walked across the grounds to the greenhouses for a fresh herb he needed. He noticed several students milling about outside. Some of the seventh years had taken to hanging around that part of the gardens in the evenings. No one had thought anything strange about it since a number of students were known to go behind the statue in the gardens to sneak cigarettes. But Severus knew better. It was only recently that Voldemort had begun marking students in their last year instead of waiting until they'd finished school. If they were summoned, it would be less conspicuous to Apparate to a meeting if they were already outside and simply happened to take a walk to the castle gate.As a member of the Dark Lord's Inner Circle and due to his role as Potions Master, Severus did not always attend the same meetings as new recruits. Especially since his primary objectives were to make potions and spy on Dumbledore, he wasn't involved in every little facet of the Dark Lord's regime, and was grateful of it.Some of his worst memories involved the newest followers. Voldemort referred to it as the molding of young minds to Death Eater ways. Severus called it what it was, 'Go watch inexperienced young wizards torture and kill.' Death Eaters weren't born knowing how to rape and pillage; they had to be taught.Once the Dark Lord began accepting students it was no longer safe for Severus to take part in the 'molding of young minds'. Anyone having second thoughts could easily blow his cover. Voldemort wasn't willing to risk losing his spy.Walking past another small group, Severus froze mid-step. The wand in his sleeve had sent a pulse of magic into him. He unconsciously clenched his hand over his wand; he'd not felt that warning in some time. Severus quickly changed directions and walked briskly to the Apparition point. Something was wrong at Harry's."He must have had a burning desire to leave," smirked a young Death Eater who saw Snape clutch his arm. He'd assumed it was the Dark Mark that caused the Potion Master to depart so hastily.George finished stirring in another ingredient and set the mixing spoon aside. A few seconds later, Fred asked, "Shouldn't we have increased the stirring time too, since there's so much more here and that dragon saliva we just added doesn't react well with the base stock?" George's eyes grew wide. It was an impressive blast that sent the scalding liquid to cover the ceiling, walls, windows, and of course, two redheads.Instantly, Harry startled awake. The room was pitch black, or so he thought, but then he quickly remembered the twins brewing and the shield he'd put up. Goop slid down the shield, and Harry saw Fred and George had taken the brunt of the blast. He immediately took down his shield and cast a cooling charm in their direction, in case they hadn't taken similar precautions, hoping his aim wasn't too far off. He could hardly make out the twins amongst the goop without his glasses. Taking inventory of the damage, Harry found the clean sofa upon which he'd slept to be an odd sight indeed."You two are so lucky there's a wall between you and the clock Albus gave me! Though I may still hex you for this." Harry doubted they even listened as they stripped off their clothes saturated in the still hot, but no longer scalding potion. Harry sighed, looking around at the colossal mess they'd made. He didn't necessarily want a better view, but thought it best to go find his glasses. He'd only taken one step when he put his food down on a beaker. Thankfully it was unbreakable, but that didn't stop Harry from skidding arse over tit, landing in the colorful glop. The substance had cooled, but it still felt disgusting as it seeped through his trousers, the back of his shirt, and into his hair. Looking up at the ceiling from his prone position, he scowled at a large drip forming, waiting to land on him.Severus feared what he would find when he arrived at Harry's. Apparating into the bedroom, he saw no sign of trouble. Hearing the shower running, he quickly opened the door to find Fred and George in the shower. He followed the trail of clothes through the kitchen only to be shocked by the state of the sitting room. His heart plummeted when he found Harry face down on the floor behind the sofa.Harry had just closed his fingers around his glasses when he heard his name called out. He tried to roll back, but found someone was doing it for him. He looked up to see who was gently turning him over. Harry had never seen Severus look so scared. He knew Sev had been worried about him other times, but he had seldom been conscious to see his lover's first reaction."Where does it hurt? Are you burned?" Severus was patting him down, desperately looking him over for injuries."Severus," he finally said, breathlessly. "I'm okay, really." Harry sighed when Severus ran his hands in his hair, exhaling forcibly, pulling him close. He could feel Sev's jaw against his temple, felt his lips place a kiss there where they were pressed together. Harry wanted to tell him he'd only been down there looking for his glasses, but he'd missed feeling Severus hold him close for so long, he didn't want to do anything to make it end.Harry gasped when strong arms picked him up off the floor. "Not the sofa," he begged when he realized where he was going to be put down. Too late. Severus looked over the clean sofa, and his filthy Harry. "I had to climb down there to find my glasses... I didn't get hit with the initial blast," Harry finally thought to say, putting his lover somewhat at ease."Why are those two buffoons in the shower while you're out here covered in their mess?" he growled while pulling off Harry's shirt, looking for burns."They're both in the shower?" Harry asked with a waggle of his brow. "Wish I saw that. Was it hot?""I was too concerned for your safety to notice," he said indignantly. "Answer my question."Harry sat up, but Severus was still kneeling beside him, putting them at eye level. "I didn't get hit with the hot potion like they did. I'd spelled a shield earlier," said Harry smugly, pulling him closer. He enjoyed the look Severus expressed...was it pride, relief?"That explains the sofa," Severus pressed his lips to Harry's, pressing against him regardless of the goo between them. When they parted, Harry remembered why his lover had known to come to his aid."Now we know the extra ward you put up here works," he was about to get another kiss, when Severus held his shoulders, looking at Harry incredulously."You knew? Did Albus..." he trailed off, unsure whether Dumbledore would have mentioned even though he said he wouldn't."He didn't have to. I could feel it," Harry smiled, amused by Severus' shocked expression."Why did you not mention it?" he asked, getting a shrug from Harry."Things were a little strained between us back then. I liked feeling some of your magic protecting me. It showed me how much you cared, even if you were being a prat at the time," Harry grinned, tilting his head.Severus gazed into sparkling green eyes, wondering if Harry would ever cease to amaze him."If you keep looking at me like that, knowing how happy I am feeling right now, Voldy's going to summon someone," Harry ignored the disbelieving look Severus gave him for using the name 'Voldy'. He leaned in, pressing his lips gently to Sev's, sucking his lower lip into his mouth. He loved making kisses last longer. Having kissed his love's lips at every possible angle, Harry slid in his tongue to mingle with Sev's. He'd almost forgotten about the extra ward Severus had put on his place. He realized the wizard had done many things, large and small, to show Harry how much he loved him. When the kiss ended, Harry had the feeling he was sporting that 'goofy grin' Severus had once told him he had after great sex."Every day I love you more. And I keep thinking I finally fully understand what it's like to be loved in return, and you keep proving me wrong," he hoped his words expressed what was in his heart without being too cliche."I've been doing that for over seven years now," smirked Severus."Loving me?""No, proving you wrong," Severus' attempt to look smug was interrupted when a burning pain in his arm told him the Dark Lord called for his immediate attendance. The memory of Harry with his hand outstretched flashed before his eyes. The uncertainty in Harry's eyes brought him back to the moment. "Harry," he began, but was cut off."You have to leave," he said resignedly. "I understand," Harry turned his head away, looking toward the loo, where the twins could be heard arguing over towels."Do you?" Severus stood up, pulling Harry roughly to a standing position. "Do you understand what you mean to me? You've completely turned my life upside-down, and I couldn't possibly show you how grateful I am for it."Harry had been startled initially by Severus' intensity, but after hearing his words, he thought he just might melt into Sev's arms."Did you know, on the days the elves serve chocolate eclairs, I have to watch the Gryffindor table to help keep the scowl on my face? Otherwise, I may accidentally smile, thinking about you." Severus ran his hands through Harry's hair, feeling the sludge between his fingers."Two days ago, I was patrolling the halls, looking for students out of bed. I patrolled right out the front door, then to the gates of Hogwarts and Apparated into your bedroom.""You did?" Harry laughed, delighted and intrigued. "Why didn't you wake me up?""I didn't have much time. I just wanted to see you, watch you sleep," he watched Harry chew his lower lip. "Try to stay awake for a while. I don't know what will happen tonight," Severus kissed him soundly before taking a step back, ready to Apparate to the Death Eater meeting.Harry looked like he would sway on his feet without Severus holding him. He was already feeling the loss where Sev's long fingers had caressed his face."Know that you are the most important part of my life." With a 'pop', Severus had gone.Harry sighed a happy sigh, thinking how much nicer that had been, compared to their last departure."Well, there's something you don't see every day," Fred and George had entered in time to see the impassioned kiss. The twins stood at the doorway, freshly cleaned, wearing crisp white towels around their waists."You're important to us too, Harry, but don't go expecting to get kissed like that anytime soon." The comment finished off with a wolf whistle.Harry turned around abruptly, flashing his teeth with an evil grin. "I seem to recall you both wanting to kiss me, at the same time, I might add. Does 'Jo' ring any bells?""It ain't right, bringing that up. You agreed we wouldn't talk about 'Joanne' or 'Sev'." George couldn't muster up much indignation, considering the circumstances."That was before you redecorated!" Harry's chiding lost the desired effect when he slipped barefoot on the slimy floor and fell once again on his arse. Harry realized it was the same spot as before, and looked up in time to see the large drip on the ceiling finally lose its hold and fall, splatting on his face.Severus had yet to reach the door to where the Dark Lord raged. He could already hear the screams. Voldemort was not a happy psychopath. As he knelt before the shouting wizard, Severus fully expected to be hit with a Cruciatus any moment. He was utterly shocked when it didn't happen right away. It seemed the Dark Lord had been so angry that his personal servant was barely clinging to life, and he still hadn't vented all his frustrations on the suffering follower.It was times like this Voldemort missed Wormtail. The rat, before he was killed, could be hit with "Crucio" a few times and still manage to bow, cower and beg for forgiveness.Severus had yet to be acknowledged, and remained prostrate, taking the opportunity to listen and hopefully not suffer an Unforgivable."My Lord," he heard a new voice in the room. A glance to the side revealed a wizard wearing full Death Eater garb, hood included, dragging a muggle man into the room. No sooner had the muggle been dropped on the floor but the Death Eater backed out of the room as quickly as possible without being disrespectful, which is a fine line when cowering for your life.Severus' knees were starting to ache while he remained perfectly still, listening to Voldemort torture the muggle to his death. He was grateful Harry was awake and not suffering along."Arise, Snape," commanded Voldemort. "Your arm." He held Severus' wrist tightly, sliding is wand along the fabric covering his forearm. The hissed spell sliced open his sleeve to reveal the Dark Mark. Pressing his wand onto the Mark, Voldemort summoned yet another follower.Severus chanced a glance at the serpent-like face and red eyes. He recognized a mix of emotions in the brief slip, before the Dark Lord's expression returned to anger. Severus knew that as powerful as his master was, even he would not show certain feelings; they might be taken as weakness and exploited, even by a loyal follower. He was sure to give no sign of having recognized that the anger was mixed with disappointment and frustration, to name a few.Severus stood silently beside the Dark Lord where he'd been directed to stand. It was the position Lucius Malfoy typically occupied. The door opened to reveal the recently summoned follower who was instructed to remove two bodies, the dead muggle and the quietly rasping assistant."Do not get used to that spot; you are not replacing Malfoy as my right-hand man." Red eyes narrowed, watching for a reaction on Snape's impassive face. As no response was expected, Severus continued to bide his time. Voldemort continued to study his face. He appeared to be involved in a great inner turmoil. After several more tedious minutes, the Dark Lord directed him to a small sitting room.It wasn't the first time Severus had drinks with the Dark Lord, but Lucius had also most always attended in the past. With servants dismissed and a hissed silencing charm, Voldemort began."I'd like to talk to you about Harry Potter," Voldemort paused, taking a sip of his scotch. "I can feel him; did you know that?""You had mentioned his happiness had been a irritation of yours, my Lord," Severus responded, appearing indifferent."Yes, yes," he waved his hand dismissively. "Do you know why I chose to speak with you about this?""No, my Lord. I am at your service." Severus bowed his head, wondering when the Snake-like bastard would make his point."I know why my followers are loyal to me, Severusss. Everyone has something they need, something that would benefit them by serving me, or at least they believe so, with only a few exceptions. There are very few who are truly loyal for the sake of my cause. It's one of the reasons I am trusting you with the information I will be discussing with you this evening." With a flick of his wand, their glasses refilled."After the Killing Curse failed to eliminate Potter, you found a way for a penniless wizard as yourself to make all the potions he desired. You went back to the old fool, who gave you a place to live, food on your plate and a fully stocked lab. When I returned to power, your skills were a benefit to me as well. Lucius, instead..." he trailed off, swirling the amber liquid in his glass."Lucius Malfoy endeavored to secure a firm hold in the Ministry and the Board of Governors for Hogwarts. Malfoy thirsts for power, and I am not ignorant enough to believe he wouldn't try to take my place should the opportunity present itself. You, on the other hand," Voldemort watched Severus over his glass. His red eyes looked like they reflected the fires of Hell itself."I am forever loyal to you, my Lord," Severus again bowed his head slightly."Perhaps... I know you are not happy with the assistant I procured for you. But I also know that I provide you with a location and the necessities that allow you to work with potions the Ministry would never permit you approval to brew and experiment with. Without my influence, you could not acquire some of the ingredients unavailable to most.""I am grateful for the opportunity you provide, my Lord," Severus would let him believe what he would, but knew he could just as easily obtain rare and controlled supplies. It was true he'd started out penniless, but after years at Hogwarts with few expenses, he'd managed to save and invest a tidy sum."I have put in an order for the ingredients to make the potion you ordered, but they have yet to come in. Is there another potion I can serve you with in the meantime?" Severus asked, hoping his master would get to the point while he was still young."No. Though I'm aware of your progress, it is not potions I wish to discuss. I had come to believe Potter can feel more than my own strong emotions."Severus prayed to whichever gods would listen that he hadn't figured out Harry suffered from his curses."I recognized a pattern. At times when I could sense Potter's strong feelings, I summoned you to brew a potion to help me deal with the brat, and I noticed his happiness ended soon after."Oh, shit "If Potter can feel a summons, he can be punished through the same link. At least that's what I thought until recently," Voldemort paused to rub his temple as if he suffered a headache. "Potter is showing no signs of discomfort from my recent summonses.""If I may, my Lord," Severus received a nod to continue. "Is it only strong feelings you can sense from Potter?" he had hoped showing Harry how much he loved him before leaving would kill two birds with one stone, and it seemed to have worked."I sense only strong emotions, unbidden. However, if I concentrate, I can sense what he is feeling at any given moment," Voldemort closed his eyes for a few seconds and Severus knew he was trying to feel Harry's emotions. Severus almost dropped his glass when the Lord Voldemort himself snorted in laughter. An actual snort, immediately followed with fierce anger. Severus held back his own laughter and wondered what it was Harry was enjoying. He was roused from his thoughts when Voldemort slammed his glass down, still angry from his momentary lapse in self-control."Occasional happiness is expected. But what I will not tolerate is what I had to contend with earlier tonight. If it keeps up, I can send out someone to attack him again. Actually, I'm surprised it took him this long," he said the last bit more to himself than Severus."What was that, if I may ask?""Potter is in love," the last word pronounced as a blasphemy. He picked up his drink again. "I want this to end, and you will end it!"Severus willed every muscle in his body to remain in control and not jump to conclusions. He simply nodded and sipped his drink."Use your current relationship to your advantage.""My Lord?" Severus meant to say more, but found himself at a loss for words."You're using the wolf; use him to find out who Potter is in love with and kill whoever it is.""I doubt Lupin trusts me enough to offer such information." Severus lifted his glass again, only to find it empty."Then perhaps you should STOP FUCKING HIM!""Ron, what's wrong?" Hermione shook him, but didn't get a coherent response. Ron had lit a fire to call Harry. She had heard him call out their friend's name in a friendly greeting only to be immediately followed by a screech. Initially, Hermione thought she'd heard a woman scream and ran into the room like a shot only to find Ron making hand gestures and squeaking noises in an attempt to relay what he'd seen that had disturbed him so, but hadn't managed actual words.Ten minutes earlier...Harry hadn't flinched when the globule of the potion landed on his neck. He managed not to cringe when said potion trailed down to the back of his neck as he stared up at his now aqua ceiling. The only sound in the room was the occasional squelch of goo as it oozed to the floor from the mantel or light fixtures.The quiet was broken by Fred's snort of laughter. With that single sound sucked through the long nose of Fred Weasley, the war had begun. While some would expect a war between wizards would focus around magic, those who grew up with siblings in the wizarding world knew better. Spending the better part of ten years with no magic, and none allowed over school hols, young witches and wizards seldom thought of their wand as their first course of action when battling a sibling-foe. Harry, having spent enough time during summers and other holidays at the Burrow, was no exception.With lightening speed, Harry scooped up a handful of greenish-blue goo and flung it at Fred, splattering it across his pale chest. George immediately ran, picking up the large cauldron lid to use as a shield. Harry leapt behind the sofa while Fred used what remained of the cauldron as a barrier."Hey, Harry, did you learn those graceful moves in your training sessions? Did that Kieran guy teach you how to slip and fall on your arse?" Fred taunted him from his hiding space. Harry slung some goo up to the ceiling over his head and waited for it to drip on its victim. He soon learned not to be distracted for so long when George got in a good shot to the side of his head."Maybe it was Snape. After all, he does that cool swish thing with his robes," George provoked him while blocking with his shield rather effectively. Harry managed to duck in time to avoid Fred's attempt and laughed heartily when the blob he threw up on the ceiling finally fell, blending nicely with Fred's red hair."Gross," exclaimed Fred, wiping his brow before it dripped down his face. "Obviously, Snape's been teaching him something else. What I want to know is..." Fred ducked before continuing, "Does he take points for a shabby performance?"Harry chose not defend his sex life; instead he scooped up two handfuls before launching himself across the floor. As he slid on his side, Harry aimed for them both. Disappointingly, George had once again managed to dive out of the way and shield, too. Sliding across the floor had left Harry open, but it hardly mattered as the floor was covered and so was he.Coming to a stop near the cauldron, or what remained of it, Harry was right next to Fred. By then they were laughing hysterically. It was almost the same instant when they both noticed the how alarmingly clean George had managed to stay. Sure, he had a splattering of aqua specks, but for the most part, he'd managed to evade them both.Harry smiled at Fred conspiratorially and for a brief moment knew what it must be like for the twins to understand each other without a single word being spoken. Fred held up three fingers. When the last finger dropped, Harry and Fred rushed the entirely too clean George and took him down.Harry used his impressive skills to get his hold. He sat on the floor behind George's head and used his legs to hold his arms, leaving Harry's hands free to make sticky spikes in the twin's hair."Nice," laughed Fred. "The aqua goop on red hair sort of makes purple. That's a good look for you, bro'," forgetting he too had a headful. Fred took the opportunity to torture his brother drip by drip. When George kicked his legs at his twin, Fred sat down on his sibling's knees, keeping him still.Harry, at that point, was sure they must have used a spell to hold their towels in place. Spells like that were probably a necessity of living at the Burrow.Fred, straddling his brother's knees, began making patterns on George's pale chest, similar to war paint.It was that particular moment when the three bare-chested, aqua goo covered wizards heard a 'Hello, Harry!' followed by a high-pitched scream from Ron in the fire."Embarrassing," groaned Fred."Tell me about it," answered George. "Our own brother screams like a girl.""Surprisingly, since now his voice is lower then ours. Hey, that looks pretty good. I didn't know you had a talent with hair styling," joked Fred, regarding Harry's handiwork."Didn't you know? All us queer guys can do hair," said Harry flippantly."Too bad it isn't working for you in the interior decorating department," laughed George.Severus growled while brewing in the lab within the Dark Lord's lair. He had expected to be released, but was instead instructed to brew a potion before he left. He didn't like to make potions after a few drinks."In a bad mood, are we?" asked his assistant cockily, entering the room with an air of superiority. "Our Master was pleased to hear you were so very quick to order the necessary ingredients for the potion he requires. Odd that, me but a lowly assistant, sent to check up on you. You, being higher in rank; that doesn't bode well for the faith he has in you."'That explains why the Dark Lord said he knew of my progress,' thought Snape, though he would not dignify the young prat's comment with a response. He knew where he stood and had no need to prove himself to this obnoxious pain in his arse."Seems everywhere you go, the walls have ears..." The smug look to go with the last comment was cut off by Snape's strong hands around his throat. The assistant struggled to keep his feet on the ground."If by ears, you mean Flynn, I'd strongly suggest you call off your little dog of a cousin. He is in over his head and my patience is running thin." He remained in control, allowing his assistant only enough air to maintain consciousness."The wolf might put up with blackmail, but I will not allow a two-bit punk to push me around my own dungeons. The Ministry would have me out on my arse if I were to make a threat to his life, but you, however, can tell him for me. If he wants to live to finish his seventh year, he will not provoke me further." Severus punctuated his last words with a firmer grip, raising the upstart a bit higher. The assistant's feet were then off the floor as he gasped for breath. The strong hands on his throat let go abruptly, dropping him to the floor.After a few deep breaths, the color returned to the assistant's face. He stood shakily on his two feet, getting his balance before drawing his wand on the Potions Master. Snape's attention was back on the cauldron, but he was acutely aware of every movement in the small room. He didn't bother to look at his assistant, but was suddenly holding a wand to him. If Severus had looked, he would have seen his wand jabbing against the thumbprint he'd left on the scrawny neck a few minutes earlier."Don't even think about it," drawled Severus, slowly and evenly, continuing to stir the potion with his free hand. "And while I'm thinking about potions again..." Severus continued to speak, not even looking to see if the assistant withdrew his wand. "Do you not recall pledging to our Lord your discretion regarding all potions you make in his service?"The affronted assistant disputed Snape's accusation and hadn't noticed when a shadow darkened the doorway."Enlighten me," Snape said calmly, adding a few newt eyes, unobtrusively pocketing his wand. "One of my own students, your cousin I believe, had the audacity to mention a need I may have had for a potion you made in the Dark Lord's service. Where, pray tell, would you suppose he obtained his information?"The assistant paled. He'd casually mentioned the Potions Master's condition while having a few laughs with his cousin, never expecting him to be stupid enough to repeat it.Severus knew his assistant had been correct. The walls did have ears. For that matter, so did the doorway, where he knew the Dark Lord was standing just out of sight.He continued to calmly brew his potion while Voldemort came in and berated the assistant for sponsoring a candidate ignorant enough to attempt to blackmail the Slytherin Head of House, much less a high-ranking Death Eater. Flynn was welcome to share information when it was appropriate, but he was in no way to interfere with Snape or his mission, which included Lupin. The apprentice would pay the consequence for his indiscretion, and the young candidate would again have to prove his worth to regain favor with the Dark Lord. After a session of Cruciatus, the assistant shakily departed to have a few words with his cousin.
DETAH 64 - Primary and Other Effects
Chapter Notes
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Harry lay in his bed and wondered when his life took such a drastic turn. His head pounded as it had done for the past several days. He could no longer differentiate between a vision and injury induced pain. The pangs of hunger were a distraction, but not enough to forget the broken bone that was currently stabbing into his wounded bicep muscle.
"Don't you want your lunch?" one of his tormentors asked sarcastically. Harry couldn't reach the tray of food. He refused to ask for help, but the truth was he knew he could beg until he was blue in the face; it wouldn't matter, no help would come. He showed little emotion while he watched his lunch being consumed.
"Need water," perhaps he wasn't too proud to plead. He sputtered when a glass was poured over his face. He'd managed to get his mouth wet, and once he was alone again, he found he wasn't above sucking on the fabric below his head to get a few more drops.
A few days later, a meaty fist grabbed hold of his broken arm to prove the freak had been faking. He screamed out in pain, and bolted up to a sitting position on the bed in an attempt to free the arm from Vernon's viselike grip.
Harry grabbed his arm instinctively, his breath coming in short pants. The sun had been shining through his barred window, but now it was suddenly dark. Still panting and holding his uninjured arm, Harry was startled by the flapping of wings. Hedwig landed on his shoulder, and hooted loudly several times before nuzzling her soft feathers against his chin. He let out a soft whimper at the feathery caress on his face.
Harry's breathing began to even out. He tested his pain-free limb by petting his affectionate owl. As if she could sense his pulse while fluttering against his neck, feeling his heart rate returning to normal, Hedwig gave him a soft 'hoot'.
"Only a dream," he told her, but had the feeling she knew.
Harry looked back at his pillow and soft sheets. Usually they were inviting, but the idea of going back to sleep wasn't very appealing. Checking the time, it was only an hour or so before he would have awakened for the day. He decided to use the time well and went for a run.
Five miles later, Harry came to the conclusion only insane people run long distances in cold weather. Thinking back, he couldn't ever remember seeing a runner smile. He'd seen races on the telly and the winners breaking through the finish line ribbons always looked to be in anguish. "This is bloody nuts," Harry thought about the five miles he'd need to run back home. "Screw this," he said, wiping the sweat off his face with his sleeve. After checking for onlookers, he Apparated home.
The day's training half done, Harry sat back on a hay bale in exhaustion. Sweat trickled down is temple and he wondered why he'd bothered to take a shower after running. Kieran handed him a plate of sandwiches and a cold bottle of water. He poured half the water over his head, feeling the cold liquid flow down his chest and back, before drinking the rest.
"I thought Snape was irritable when I continued your lessons without him after the summer was over. That's nothing compared to what he's been like since we started your treatments," said Kieran who checked his sandwich for hexes before inhaling it. Harry knew all too well how much it bothered Severus that his treatments were during school hours and he couldn't be there for him. Today would be the end of his fourth week, with only a few more sessions left before they would have to proceed at Hogwarts where Albus would help with the more difficult treatments.
"He's worried because I've had a few nightmares this week. Between relatives and Voldemort that's nothing new," Harry failed to mention they were a few more nights than usual, and the Vernon dreams were outnumbering Voldemort three to one.
"Do you say his name in front of Snape?" asked Kieran, referring to the Dark Lord.
"Who, Vernon?" Harry asked sarcastically, and then shrugged. He hadn't thought much about it before. "Do you think it a coincidence the villains' names start with a 'V'?" Harry joked, hoping to stay off the subject of how he was handling the treatments. He'd had bad dreams for years, and if a few more meant he would have more magical power when this was done, then it was worth the effort. "Now that I think about it, Sev does roll his eyes when I say Voldy."
Kieran laughed, and stuffed another sandwich in his mouth.
He later explained to Harry that he didn't have to make him suffer through internal injuries again for them to be healed over. He had researched and found a spell that would remove the scar tissue, allowing him to then heal the open area through actual regeneration of new, healthy tissue of whatever type was affected. It would feel similar to the spell that Lockhart used to remove the bones in his arm. It wouldn't be painful, but still a disturbing sensation, to say the least.
Initially, Harry thought it would be great, to not have to suffer through reliving some of his troubling memories, but he soon discovered feeling a void where a scar used to be. It was what he thought splinching yourself would feel like. It made sense, since part of him wasn't there anymore, at least for a moment until Kieran could heal it over. They decided to do three areas for the day. The first had made him wince, by the second he could feel the hot saliva accumulating in his mouth. He continued to swallow and attempted to maintain a meditative state, but by the third time around he'd lost his lunch.
When Harry arrived back home, Hermione' s owl was waiting there. He read her usual note and turned it over to write back, promising the Floo was open for her to arrive for date night. She wouldn't be there for another three or four hours, but knowing his past record as he did, he opened the Floo as soon as he'd sent the owl on its way.
He pulled off his training clothes in favor of a long-sleeve tee and a pair of soft plaid pants, the ones Hermione called 'cozy-lounging pants' but which Ron insisted were boxers that reached his ankles. Clinking glass could be heard as he rummaged through his potion supplies. There were many little vials, and he couldn't help but think of Severus and realized he was smiling. "There you are," he said, finding the anti-nausea potion. Thinking back to the last time he'd taken it, he remembered it also had a calming effect.
"Hoot" Hedwig flew into the kitchen, perched on the back of a chair, and peered into the loo as Harry held various glass vials up to the light. Harry gave her a salute and downed the potion of choice.
"Calming the stomach and the mind," he said to her, getting as little response as he did that morning. "Time for a catnap," he winked at the Snowy owl and drank a glass of water to kill off the nasty flavor of the potion.
Harry spelled his bed warm before climbing in. He thought about Severus and some of their more memorable bedtimes together. He liked to think his fantasies would encourage sexy dreams about his favorite Slytherin. Even if that didn't work, he knew the calming effect of the nausea potion usually kept his anxiety-induced dreams at bay.
He did manage to dream about Severus, but instead of a good hot sex scene he wound up dreaming of a recent Order meeting. It was one of those rare times he needed to be in close contact with Severus, but continue to keep up their 'I don't like you all that much' act. Even if most of the Order knew they'd become friendly over that fateful holiday, better safe then sorry.
~Remembrance Dream~
At a large table, eight or more Order members sat, each holding a 'brain box'. Albus had already viewed them all, but the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the information and give opinions of what Voldemort may be planning. After a quiet session while they each viewed one of Harry's visions, Albus asked them each to point out pertinent facts from the memory viewed. The box in Harry's hand held a very short vision with seemingly no important information, giving him time to watch the others. He tried to guess which vision various people were viewing by their reactions.
Minerva McGonagall began first and told them she had viewed a wizard they knew, but hadn't previously realized was a Death Eater. Mad Eye Moody as well as a few others took notes, bringing up important matters. Harry wondered sometimes why he was even there. He occasionally had information to add, but didn't have the strategic mind some of the others had. He got a kick out of Severus making scathing remarks to various opinions the spy didn't agree with.
"Snarky git," Harry whispered to Remus next to him. He'd said it loud enough to be heard by a few people sitting close, including Severus. He kept his face impassive as if he'd not a care in the world when Severus scowled at him. Harry glanced down at a piece of parchment Remus slid in front of him. You will pay for that, the note read. Harry passed it back with a reply in his own messy scrawl. I look forward to it. Though Harry knew he wouldn't feel that way when he ached for release after an hour of torture. Severus could keep him on the edge of climax until he was a mass of quivering, begging need.
Thoughts of his Sexy Slytherin were interrupted when Albus asked Harry to tell the group what Voldemort had said in the vision. Harry's head snapped up, not realizing he'd been addressed directly until then.
"The vision you're holding, what did Voldemort say?" Albus repeated the question patiently. Severus snorted at his inattention. Harry nodded and looked down at the box again where he briefly reviewed the vision.
"' I know he's a fool, but you can't eat him yet. ' He was speaking about a Death Eater to Nagini, but he hadn't mentioned who it was, so this vision isn't of much help to us," Harry said quickly and looked up to see a few startled faces. Albus was smiling; the ever-present twinkle in his baby blues. Harry thought the lemon drop he popped into his mouth was there to help prevent him from laughing, but he couldn't figure out what was funny. A quick glance down showed he hadn't spilled anything on himself.
"Some of us don't have time to waste while you attempt to impress us with your abilities." Severus glared, but Harry knew him enough to see him repressing a smile. "Repeat that in English please, Mr. Potter," Severus was amused by Harry, who hadn't realized he'd spoken Parseltongue just as the Dark Lord did in the vision.
Harry eventually closed his gaping mouth and repeated his words in English. He also had noticed Severus shift in his chair; Harry knew the effect the serpent language had on his lover.
At that point Harry's dream became far less like the actual meeting, now involving snakes, and giving Severus a hand job under the table while he hissed ~'Severus, my sexy Slytherin snake'~.
While Harry happily slept on, Severus was attending a staff meeting that he would have skipped if he could have. They discussed important information, but it was nothing he and Dumbledore hadn't talked about multiple times. He attempted to make a beeline for the door as soon as possible, but Professor Flitwick had managed to get in a question before he could turn the knob.
"Severus, may I have a word?" asked Filius. Severus turned to a nearby chair and sat back down, so he wasn't speaking to the top of the small wizard's head.
"What can I do for you?"
"I am currently reworking my course schedule to fit in some spells and charms I have recently added to the curriculum. Word came through the grapevine of a few new likely suspects for the OWLs and NEWTs. I will be moving my lesson plans up a few weeks, and I request you adjust your schedule accordingly," Filius handed Severus a sheet of parchment and waited for an answer. Severus seemed to be going over dates in his head.
"This change involves four potions, if I'm not mistaken?" Severus raised a brow. He looked put out by the change, despite the fact it wouldn't be much of a bother.
"That's right, it's the three for the comparison of potions vs. charms week, and the pensive liquid in the following month. I do hope this isn't a terrible inconvenience," Filius knew there wasn't a choice in the matter, but it was nice to ask.
Severus nodded as he ran over the schedule in his head. "I see no problem adjusting the lesson plan, provided the changes do not interfere with the coordinating lessons I have with Professor Sprout," Severus also planned his schedule around the plant growth cycles for various potion ingredients.
"Splendid," chirped Filius. "I'll check with her and let you know if there are any problems."
Severus gave him a nod. "If there is nothing else?" Severus stood to leave when Filius said no and thanked him. Pausing for a moment, Severus turned back around. "Has Weasley beaten you at chess yet?" he asked, knowing it was date night for Harry and Hermione and Ron would likely to be at Hogwarts soon.
"Not yet, but he's come close a few times," Filius then surprised Severus with an offer to join them. Severus declined the game in favor of some research he wanted to spend time on that night. He left with a nod of thanks before making his way back to the potions lab.
~\0/~
"Hey, Harry!" shouted Hermione, but didn't get a response. "I'm coming through," she announced on arrival, and put a bagful of items on the coffee table before entering the kitchen. None of the doors were closed, nor were any lights on, with the exception of the fire in the sitting room. "Lumos."
The wand aimed into the loo showed no one about. A peek into the bedroom was all she needed. Harry lay sprawled across the bed with a duvet half on him, half on the floor. He had one plaid-covered leg hanging off the side of the bed; his arms were wrapped loosely around a pillow.
"It's seven o'clock. What are you doing in bed? Are you sick?" she worried he wasn't feeling well.
"I'm up," Harry groaned.
"You better be, I'm hungry!" she yelled out to him from the kitchen, and proceeded to unpack takeaway Chinese.
"I got the new... quidditch magazine," she began, but her words trailed off when she entered the sitting room again, and took a good look around for the first time. She'd heard all about the twins' recent potion mishap and was under the impression it had been cleaned up, but the aqua-splattered ceiling told another story. When Harry didn't come out, Hermione went to see what was taking him so long, still worried he may be ill.
Harry was up, but still sitting on the side of his bed. His eyes were unfocused and he didn't seem to register being observed. One hand held the bed's headboard for steadiness while the other scratched an itch.
"Are you sure you're not sick? Come on, it's time to eat," she coaxed her sleepy friend.
"Yes, Aunt Petunia," he said quietly.
"No need to be insulting. I'm starving, so get up, I'll pour drinks and stuff." Hermione went back to the kitchen when she saw him pulling himself up. She hummed a tune, piling plates, drinks, and takeout cartons on a big tray. "I thought you had said the sitting room was clean?" she asked curiously and grabbed four chopsticks and then the tray handles.
"I'll clean it again after I make breakfast," Harry said while entering the kitchen.
Hermione eyes widened; hearing his words, she had the sinking feeling Harry wasn't just being sarcastic when he called her Aunt Petunia. She wasn't sure if something was seriously wrong or if he was simply sleep walking. To make matters worse, he didn't seem aware she was holding a large tray and walked straight into the chopsticks she held along with the tray handle.
It was all Hermione could do to put the tray back on the table instead of dropping it where she stood when Harry recoiled, dropping to the floor, clutching his stomach and curling up into a ball. She knew the chopsticks had barely prodded him, but the urge to check for injury was too great.
Harry continued to clamp his hands over the area Kieran had treated earlier in the day. He didn't even look down to see the blood he was sure was spilling from his gut. He knew Petunia got angry when it took a few times to wake him, but she'd never taken a knife to him before. Confused and dazed, he continued to clutch his belly and stayed as small as possible while Hermione tried to convince him everything was fine.
After some time, Hermione had to come to terms with the fact that not only wasn't she helping, but instead appeared to be making things worse. She called for Hedwig to take a note to Ron and cried when Harry begged her not to hurt his owl.
When Ron arrived, Harry was still in the foetal position, but now covered with a blanket. Hermione wasn't in much better shape beside him. She continued to cry and fought the strong urge to hold her friend to comfort him, since he worsened with any touch.
Ron took a deep breath and prepared himself for Harry's reaction when he pulled him up from the floor to sit with his back to Ron's chest. Ron swayed with a gentle rocking motion and began his quidditch commentary, reciting every play in the great Chudley Cannons vs. Puddlemere United game of 1988. As Ron announced every play, Hermione recollected what she'd said to Harry upon her arrival and cringed, thinking of how her words could be misunderstood.
Severus' eyes blurred as he stared at the text of an old tome, reading the same paragraph for what felt like the hundredth time. He needed a good hot cup of tea and perhaps a change of scenery to clear his head. After several flights of stairs and ten points from two Gryffindors loitering in the halls, he made his way to the kitchens. This was where Filius Flitwick found him thirty minutes later, his nose in a book, a large bowl of strawberries at his left and a strong cup of ever-hot tea at his right.
"Good evening, Severus," greeted Filius, getting a quick 'Good evening' with a glance up from the Potions Master. "Charms and Spells? I would have expected that to be a potions text," said Filius, noticing the book title. Severus held his finger on the text to save his spot as he looked up to properly greet his colleague.
"Have you a few minutes? I thought we could discuss a spell I've been researching over a cup of tea."
"A spell? I do know a thing or two on the subject," smiled Flitwick. "Since this evening's chess match was cancelled, I have plenty of time." Filius thanked a house elf, who had brought a cup of tea and a box for the professor to use to climb onto the chair.
"Weasley decided to stay home and work on his strategy?"
"You know young love these days. Hermione sent an owl for something concerning a flashback and he ran off. Is that muggle-speak for, 'I want you back in a flash'?"
"I don't believe so. If you'll excuse me, Filius, I need to check on something."
"If you like I can check over that spell you pointed out," mentioned Filius helpfully. Severus left the tome with the Charms professor and took off for Harry's. He cursed Kieran with every step he took on his way to the Apparition point. He hated that treatments were during school hours. He knew they were taking a toll on his young lover, but Harry had denied anything more than a few nightmares.
Apparating into the corner of the room to avoid any occupants, Severus first set eyes on Ron. He was sitting on the sofa with Hermione on his lap. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, crying. Ron spoke soothing words to calm her down. He hadn't paused when Severus popped in, but pointed to the other room.
Severus knocked lightly on Harry's bedroom door.
"Give me a sec', I'm getting dressed," Harry said flatly, thinking it to be Hermione. He hadn't even sensed Severus Apparate in like he usually did.
"Be that as it may, I would like to enter," Sev's deep voice had a way of insinuating itself into Harry's very being. Hearing it while feeling Severus' magic so close, made him feel whole. The door opened. Harry stood in only a pair of jeans, head down and eyes closed. His wand lay forgotten on the bedside table, indicating Harry had opened the door wandlessly.
"How did you know?" Harry wondered if Ron had called him or if the added ward had somehow informed him of a problem. He hated how weak he sounded.
"Ron missed his chess game," he said simply. Harry understood. "Did you take a calming drought?"
"A bunch of hours ago, one with a potion for nausea. Then I slept like a rock, or at least I think I did," he trailed off.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked gently. Harry shook his head 'no'.
"I'm sorry," whispered Harry and stood flaccidly as Severus wrapped his arms around him.
"Why? Because you don't wish to talk about it?" he didn't want Harry to be sorry for having a flashback.
Harry wanted to yell he was sorry because Severus must think it proved he wasn't being honest about his reactions to the treatments and that he was too weak to handle it. Sorry he woke up in his friend's arms and didn't know how he got there, or what made his friend look at him so very sadly. Sorry he made Hermione cry. His own face felt tight from dried tears; a lick of his salty lips told of the tears they'd wiped away after he dropped off to sleep in exhaustion.
"Harry, why won't you look at me?" Severus tried to pull his face up with a gentle hand under his chin, but Harry turned away. "What are you afraid I'll see?"
"Nothing," Harry answered quickly.
"Then what are you afraid you'll see?" he asked and knew himself to be right when Harry winced. "Do you think so little of me as to believe that I would be disappointed in you?"
"No..." he said, but didn't sound convincing.
"But?" he raised a brow, though Harry couldn't see it.
"How could you not? You've been trying to tell them for weeks that this was harder then I've let on, but I wanted to do this, even though you don't approve."
"I never said I don't approve," Severus stepped back to see Harry's disbelief.
"Isn't that why you've been checking up on me like a kid who can't look after himself?"
"I've been doing that since the day I met you. Did you expect I would stop now that we're lovers?" said Severus evenly, but as he continued to speak his voice got louder. "With the exception of one reckless individual, the entire staff of Healers at the Wellingfield Institute thinks it's a bad idea! I assure you, if I disapproved, you would know beyond a shadow of a doubt!" Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and calmed a bit so he could continue without shouting. "I simply wanted the truth about your treatments so I could be supportive in any way possible."
"I'll never be as strong as you," Harry's voice was just above a whisper, seemingly unaware he changed the subject completely.
"When did this become an issue?" Severus ran the tips of his fingers over Harry's deltoids and then down his sides where his body tapered in nicely. "You're more fit than ever before." While Severus' fingertips were on his sides, his thumbs trailed tantalizingly over solid abs, stopping only when he hit denim, and slid his thumbs to the curve at Harry's hipbones. "You are more fit than I am. Before you know it, your body will fill out and you'll be old like me, wondering why you ever wanted to get there faster," whispered Severus, still holding Harry's hips. He pressed his lips to Harry's temple and enjoyed watching Harry use all his effort not to show any reaction, though he did snap his eyes open when he'd realized they'd closed with the gentle kiss.
"You know I didn't mean physically," Harry said, allowing Severus to inch closer again.
"Ah, this is about your mental instability," Severus said as if he hadn't known all along. "Did you not tell me Dr. Erin said it was perfectly normal for you to still have flashbacks? And wasn't that before you began procedures to relive years of torment in a short period? Perhaps if you would have confided in me what you were going through, I could have helped," Severus couldn't keep his voice from rising again.
"Help how? I know you put up a fuss about the treatments being during school hours. What could you have done anyway? Hold my hand?!"
"Insufferable brat!" shouted Severus, and couldn't suppress a frustrated laugh. He felt like he was yelling at Harry for a potion gone wrong. "If I knew you were having a hard time, I could have helped you meditate beforehand. You could have taken a calming drought before beginning each treatment--and afterward, if need be. At the very least, I would not have sent you home alone, knowing what this was doing to you." Severus could tell by the staggered look on Harry's face that he hadn't thought of those things. More then anything else, he saw that Harry now realized Severus wanted to be there for him, and didn't actually think he was a nutcase.
"Normal people use things like 'Sweetheart' and 'Dear' as pet names, not 'Brat'," Harry tried to say nastily, but couldn't pull it off without a smile.
"That's 'Insufferable Brat' as I recall, and you've never been normal." Sev's next comment of "What fun would that be?" was muffled as he pressed his lips to Harry's. His lover tried to further the kiss, but Severus held him at bay. "Finish getting dressed. I think your friends need to see that you are...better."
"Poor Hermione, I hate having done this to her," Harry looked for a clean shirt. "She's never had to go it alone before."
"In all this time? I find it hard to believe she's not experienced this before," Severus knew Harry used to have flashbacks often.
"She has, but Ron's always been there. At one point I used to wonder about that, but I eventually figured out that when several people were around, the risk of someone triggering a problem was greater. When I was still healing, the few times Hermione was there alone with me, the atmosphere was very different. She was very quiet and soft-spoken. We were comfortable with each other and it was highly unlikely I would link my life in the muggle world with a girl cuddling by my side, reading me a book. I think it's a girl thing. I feel awful, hearing her out there, crying." Harry knew he needed to let her know he was all right.
Severus led him from the bedroom. Hermione was no longer sobbing, but her breathing continued to hitch. She remained on Ron's lap with his long arms wrapped around her, offering comfort. He wanted to say he was sorry, but knew from experience they didn't like him apologizing for something he couldn't control.
Harry lifted Hermione's feet from where they hung over Ron's lap, and sat beside them, putting her feet back down across his knees. Her head rested on Ron's shoulder and when she looked up, her eyes were puffy and red. They were only inches apart, and from the look in her eyes, it was obvious to Harry that she blamed herself for this.
Harry leaned his head on Ron's shoulder, the side of his head pressed on hers. Hermione's breath hitched again. With the unspoken permission it was safe to touch him now, she wrapped her arms around Harry and began to cry, saying how sorry she was for not choosing her words wisely.
"Mi', please don't do this," he begged. "If I'm not allowed to be sorry, then neither are you," Harry wiped her tears with his sleeve. "I would hate to think you were watching what you said around me. What kind of life would that be, if my best friends had to walk on eggshells around me?"
"But I was awful, nagging you, just like your horrid aunt," Hermione was cut off when Harry reminded her that she'd been nagging them for over seven years and he wouldn't expect that to change. Besides, the quality of and reasons for her 'nagging' were much different from Petunia's. She tried to look affronted at having her nagging both confirmed and critiqued, but her breath hitched again and she couldn't help but feel a little better. A throat clearing drew both of their attention.
"If the love-in is finished," Severus put down a tea tray. No one had noticed he'd left the room. Hermione blushed and worked her way off Ron's lap, apologizing for the mess she made of her boyfriend's robe.
"Harry?" Ron finally spoke. "Is there something you wanted to tell us about?" he looked uncomfortable, and glanced up at Severus who apparently was no help, as he had no idea what Ron was asking.
"Yeah, I do," admitted Harry. "I guess you heard Sev and I talking about the treatments." Harry looked grateful to Severus for the tea handed to him.
"You haven't told them of the treatments?" Severus asked incredulously.
Ron and Hermione looked to Harry and back to Severus. "Actually, we didn't hear all that much, it was something else. Fred and George both have been bugging me to spend time with you. They wouldn't tell me why; just that maybe with us getting engaged you would feel left out. That's not true, is it?" asked Ron, though he didn't think it was. Harry shook his head 'no'. Severus was clearly surprised Harry hadn't said a word about all this to his friends.
"The twins were here when I got mail from Frances, a Healer at the Wellingfield Institute," Harry ignored Hermione's gasp and continued. "They were worried and wanted to know what was going on, but I wasn't ready to talk about it yet. I told them I was not hurt or anything and that I wouldn't tell them about it before I told you," Harry had been buying time, but now it had been a month or more.
"But we've been together plenty of times," argued Ron. "Fred's been bugging me for weeks, if not longer, and I couldn't figure out what he was getting at, since we had seen you."
"I know, and I hadn't planned on waiting so long," Harry started from the beginning, back when Dudley had told Albus about Harry healing himself. From there he went on to explain the scans and the Institute, meeting the Healers and eventually the treatment plan.
Hermione didn't look like she thought it was a good idea at all. "If they think you're hoarding magic because you were hurt by the people who are there to protect you but didn't help to make you better, how is it going to help by having this Kieran guy hurting you all over again?" she asked, thinking the whole thing defeated the purpose in the first place.
"He's healing everything he can find. It's as if the injury never occurred. I've been training hard and I feel great. It's just the nightmares are a bit of a problem, and...today," Harry admitted. "It's not that bad, and it'll be worth it in the end. I've been through worse," he mumbled at the end, but didn't sound convincing.
"Would it still work if the Healer is the person hurting you?" Hermione looked to have a ton more questions.
"Who else is going to do it? Besides, he only re-injured the small stuff. Now, Kieran does a painless spell that removes all scaring and any signs of the injury and heals it good as new."
"If the spell removes the scar, wouldn't that leave a space, a hole where the scar had been holding you together?" she winced thinking about it. "What's that like if it doesn't hurt?"
"Yeah, but Kieran heals it right away and then that spot is normal, not damaged. I can even stretch farther and stuff," he showed them how far he could turn his head now that his neck was free of the old scarring caused by the serious burn.
"And how does that feel?" she asked again, not letting him off the hook so easily. Severus, too, wanted to know the answer since he and Harry hardly ever had a chance to discuss the details. He also noticed Harry's breathing had sped up and he drank a lot more of his tea, but in small sips.
"It's, um..." he took another sip of tea. "It's an odd sensation," his friends knew him too well and he too knew this answer needed further explanation. Severus had gotten up and left the room for a quick moment and was back before Harry could clarify.
"It's disturbing," he said to his teacup. Severus handed him a vial Harry recognized as a stomach-settling potion with a calming effect.
"Disturbing how?" asked Ron, getting an elbow in the ribs. "Like when you had your arm bone removed? That was gross," Ron didn't seem too affected by the elbow. Harry nodded and ignored Hermione's apologetic looks.
"It's kind of like some part of you that should be there, suddenly isn't. It's replaced soon enough, but then I just feel nauseous. It's like I think it would feel if I got splinched." They winced.
"Why didn't you tell us about it?" asked Hermione, seeing Harry thankful for the somewhat change of subject.
He explained that when everything happened they had just been engaged. He hadn't wanted to put a damper on their good news, especially since he didn't have a definitive answer yet on how they would proceed. After that, he simply hadn't felt there'd been a good opportunity.
Having answered as many questions as he was up to, Harry offered to try to salvage dinner. It was easy to reheat food, but the crispy chicken would never again be crispy like it had been the first time around. Also, there had only been enough for two. In the end, they packed it up and instead heated up a dish Molly had put in the freezer for him back around the time of the funeral.
When dinner was finished, no one had any inclination to leave. Hermione thought Severus and Harry might have wanted time alone, but found it hard to go. She was still shaken and needed to see that her friend was all right. Severus, too, was thinking along similar lines. He would have loved to have Harry all to himself, wrapping him up safely in his arms and securely cocooning him in warm comfort. But he knew if he had his way, they would have many a night to themselves in the future, and he didn't want to exclude his lover's friends. Ron and Hermione had made the effort to keep Harry in their close circle, not distancing themselves simply because they were now lovers and soon to be spouses.
Severus wouldn't expect Harry to push away his friends in favor of him any more than he would allow Harry to demand all his time, taking him away from his research and the few other interests he had. So it was to Ron's surprise that Severus asked him about his service in the Ministry as an Auror, indicating he didn't expect them to leave shortly. Ron was only too happy to tell tales of rigid taskmasters that kept him on his toes.
"I was going to tell you at dinner tomorrow night, but I might as well tell you now," Ron said eagerly to Hermione. "I have good news and bad news," he grinned and Harry didn't think the bad was going to be all that bad, considering Ron's expression and the way he bounced his knee when he was excited or very nervous.
"What do you think, good or bad news first?" Hermione raised her question to Harry and Severus.
"Bad," Ron answered for them and lead right into his story. "It's not too bad actually, since..."
"Do begin your tale before I'm old enough to retire, Weasley," drawled Severus.
"Ignore him," Harry prompted his friend to go on. Ron snorted, he could have sworn he heard Harry mutter 'git' under his breath, but finally continued.
"I didn't realize it, but whenever an Auror uses emergency measures while not on an actual mission, it goes on record somewhere. Apparently, there are guys who've gone ten years without having to use the portkey we 'ave," he finished his sentence, twisting his tongue over the object behind his back tooth. "From what I heard from Dad, it's like a disgrace to use it, because they see it as running away instead of standing up to fight 'like a true Auror should'," he rolled his eyes at the last few words.
"That's absurd!" Hermione ranted, but halted her protest when Ron reminded her how much she hated to be interrupted. Harry almost choked, as he'd never before seen Hermione look cowed by anything Ron had ever said.
"Anyway, since stuff regarding 'You Know Who' is automatically marked confidential, no one noticed I held the record for most uses of EOPs until a quarterly report was handed in. My boss freaked when they told him I'd be put on suspension and there would be an Inquiry regarding my 'Excessive EOP Use'."
"EOP?" asked Harry. Severus didn't let on he wasn't certain, either.
"Emergency Oral Portkey," Ron explained and glared at Harry when he barked out a laugh.
"Sounds like a sex toy for nymphomaniacs with a sudden urge," Harry continued to laugh for a minute until he had another idea. "Wait! What if you were giving head and tried to deep throat, only to find yourself in the Ministry building, having accidentally triggered the thing?" Harry laughed so hard he began to cough. Much to Ron's outrage his own fiance giggled at the comment. He was too distracted by his best friend trying to catch his breath to notice Severus' smirk.
"AURORS DON'T SUCK COCK!" shouted Ron, taking them by surprise. Apparently Harry had crossed the line of Ron's level of acceptance regarding homosexual behaviour. "Aurors are real men! They don't have any..." he trailed off, knowing he, too, had crossed a line. "I didn't mean..." he trailed off again, looking at Severus and waiting for him to explode. But it wasn't Severus he should have looked to for a reaction. Snape had contended with this sort of attitude for many more years than Harry. It would take more than Ron to upset him.
"Real men?" asked Harry menacingly. "No, the Bloody Ministry of Magic would never employ anyone 'questionable'. I'm sure you're right, only real men are Aurors. All the faggots are working elsewhere, like spying on the Dark Lord, or teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts and working in the Order for Albus. Some are dragon handlers, like your brother, Charlie. But then, I suppose you're right. Aurors don't suck cock," he finished with a snarl, his anger only slightly deflated by Ron's pitiful expression.
"Actually," Severus sipped his wine, having caught everyone's attention. "One Auror I knew in particular was quite proficient in that area," he let his words seep in before continuing. "Since he is no longer an Auror, nor among the living, I suppose he doesn't count," Severus again sipped his wine, enjoying two shocked and one horrified face. He'd have enjoyed it longer if Harry's attitude hadn't completely changed in the blink of an eye.
"You were telling us something important. I shouldn't have interrupted with a crude remark," Harry's words soft and apologetic. Severus was outraged Harry would back down when he clearly was in the right and had the upper hand. In his opinion, it was the bigoted Weasley that should be apologizing, not the other way around.
To his surprise, Ron looked rather sad, instead of satisfied as Severus expected. Hermione put her arm around Harry, whispering something in his ear. Severus had the distinct feeling he was missing something significant.
"Why don't we clean up from dinner, and Ron can finish telling us afterwards," suggested Hermione.
"Hey, mate," Ron stepped slightly closer to Harry. "You're supposed to yell at your friends when they're being a prick," he handed Harry a fresh butterbeer as a peace offering. "Hermione would tell you that friends shouldn't act that way, but we both know that I will continue to be an idiot and put my foot in my mouth from time to time, and you will continue to yell at me, and... I'll feel like a heel and apologize." Ron said the last word a bit louder, making eye contact with Severus for the first time since dinner ended.
"You're right," Harry said softly to his shoes and then raised his head with a grin. "You are a prick," Harry winked at him.
"Prat," countered Ron, accepting the tray from Hermione, which she had loaded up with pudding for him to bring out to the sitting room.
"Narrow-minded jerk," Harry nudged Ron with his elbow, purposefully making it difficult for his friend to carry the tray.
"Bloody pouf." Hermione and Severus could barely hear Ron from where they were in the kitchen, so they didn't hear a response from Harry, but had an idea what had been said after hearing them burst out laughing and Ron shout that he was not jealous because Severus liked Harry best.
It was rather quiet in the kitchen as Severus brewed coffee and Hermione cleaned dinner dishes. What little they could hear from Harry and Ron was enough to know they'd moved on to the latest quidditch news.
"Care to tell me what that was all about?" asked Severus evenly as he measured coffee beans so carefully one would think he was working on a crucial potion.
She knew the question would come, and had been working the explanation in her head while doing the dishes. "When Harry was um, recovering, Ron was there for him constantly. He is a loyal friend, even if he doesn't always think before he speaks," her tone still slightly annoyed by her lover's earlier comments.
"There were issues with Percy Weasley and the rest of the family. It was around that time that Harry panicked at the thought of losing Ron. I guess he thought, if they could sever ties with a true brother, then he was also at risk, should he upset them."
"So he would give in to keep from jeopardizing the friendship?" Severus was beginning to understand. She nodded.
"Ron didn't notice anything at first. He was never one to question why he won an argument. It's been so long since that happened, I was shocked today. I'm worried about him. The treatment he explained sounds truly awful and it's obviously affecting him badly." Hermione swallowed hard, determined not to cry again. It appeared Severus would not be offering either his opinion, or any comfort to Hermione as he finished fixing coffee in silence. His Harry was motivated, strong, and self-confident. An occasional setback was one thing, but this was altogether unacceptable.
"I will be having a word with Kieran before the next treatment," Severus said flatly, and carried the tray out.
"Ireland is going to need a reserve seeker if they expect to thrash Bulgaria," Ron paused at the smell of Severus' coffee.
"Two sugars," Severus muttered, placing a cup in front of Harry and a second cup by Hermione, then himself. "Tea," he said to Ron, while giving him a cup of coffee. Severus kept the smirk off his face when Ron's face fell in disappointment. He watched a myriad of emotions flash across the redhead's face. Ron obviously thought he was being punished for the derogatory comments he'd made earlier. It appeared he'd accepted the consequences and made to sip his 'tea' without complaint.
Harry saw Severus smirk when Ron sputtered 'Hey!' as he realized he was drinking coffee.
"Prat, did you think he wouldn't notice when you raved about his coffee and drank three cups last time?" laughed Harry. "Or did you think that was payback?"
"I guess I deserved that," mumbled Ron lightheartedly.
"At the very least," added Hermione.
"Let me assure you, had I chosen to retaliate, I would not be announcing it beforehand. You would never see it coming," his smile said he was kidding, but the deadly tone clearly gave warning. Harry gave him a nudge and told him to stop teasing.
"Severus, I was wondering how it was you knew to come by tonight?" asked Hermione.
'What a good wife she'll make, coming to the aide of her husband with a timely change of subject, ' thought Severus.
"Filius Flitwick was without a chess partner and I found it unlikely you would summon Ron on 'date night' without due cause." Severus wouldn't put it past the diminutive wizard to have searched him out to inform him something was up. After all, it had been necessary to inform the professors of Harry's condition when he returned to classes. They had Filch to thank for that.
It was not a pretty sight the first time Harry had been caught coming back from Wednesday night cooking with Dobby. One startling grab of his shoulder while Filch reprimanded him for stealing food was enough to send Harry sprawling away from his would-be attacker.
Severus seethed with anger at the memory. At the time, he'd found it particularly comical that the boy had scurried away until he backed himself all the way to the edge of the staircase. Of course, Filch had tried to grab hold of him, only managing to tumble along with the boy down the whole flight of steps. Harry hadn't returned to classes for three days, and Severus had been glad of it. He'd also found it quite irritating when the staff was cautioned to be careful around the 'delicate' Boy That Lived Yet Again. In some inane attempt to maintain the boy's privacy, they had never actually explained Harry had flashbacks, but then Severus acknowledged, he probably wouldn't have cared at the time.
"Alright there, Sev?" Harry had noticed him tense up. Ron looked nervous, seeing his old Potions Master scowling.
Severus nodded, taming his scowl. He remembered having been glad for Potter's misfortune at the time. Now he'd have to add that to his ever-growing list of things to atone for. Many of them were in regard to his Harry.
"Ron, tell us about what happened at work when they realized you used the portkey thing on your tooth so many times." Harry, like Hermione, knew when to change the subject.
"Oh, yeah," Ron was happy to indulge them. "They called me into a meeting and asked me a whole bunch of questions. They couldn't fault me for escaping the Dark Lord, and I'd brought back a Death Eater, too. I sent Seamus, your aunt, and cousin from the Dursley's house, so they couldn't complain about that time, since I didn't go myself. And there was the time Death Eaters were at Godric's Hollow when you were showing me the house construction. Since I was technically on duty, they replayed the scene and declared it was the best action to take, considering we were buried under a pile of building materials."
"Replayed the scene? How? Is that allowed without permission of all involved? Harry, did you know they did that?" asked Hermione all in one breath.
"When it involves You Know Who or his followers, the rules change," explained Ron. "Mi', you should have seen it. There's this cool spell that can project a scene you remember right in the air like you're watching a huge telly."
"She's familiar with it," drawled Severus, thinking back to the night he found Harry showing her a larger-than-life projection of him smiling. Hermione blushed, looking away.
"What?" asked Ron, but decided to finish his story. "Anyway, they usually pay attention to this stuff when an Auror gets his review, but I wouldn't have been due for one until next year, being so new and all. I don't think my superiors were too happy about it, but since they called me in for an Inquiry, they couldn't just tell me I wasn't in trouble. They needed to justify the Inquiry to their own bosses. So...to keep themselves out of trouble, they decided to call it a Review Board Meeting, and I got a raise!" Ron stated proudly.
"That's wonderful!" Hermione wrapped her arms around him in congratulations.
"Good going, mate," cheered Harry.
"Do allow me to reward you," Severus said flatly, and refilled Ron's coffee, shocking the poor redhead with a smile.
Since it had been brought up earlier, Hermione asked about Harry's house and what the progress was. He explained that while Godric's Hollow had now been deemed safe, he was going to wait until he finished treatments with Kieran before he got involved again. His disappointment was clear; he hadn't been back but once to remove the rubble of what was left of his earlier efforts at building.
It took no time at all for Ron and Harry to be caught up in quidditch talk again. Severus had lately been too busy with research to keep up with the subject, and had little to offer to the conversation. Hermione seemed politely interested, but didn't add her own thoughts.
"Care for a game of chess?" offered Hermione. Severus was happy to have something other than broom speeds to talk about. "Personally, I'm glad Ginny's broom isn't so fast. I would just hate to see her try some fancy move like a 'Wonky Fate'," she commented while setting up the game. Ron winced and corrected her on the horrid attempt to pronounce the quidditch move.
"Can you believe her?" Ron muttered to Harry before continuing their conversation.
Hermione smirked, winking conspiratorially and Severus had to wonder what it was she was up to.
"Truth is," Hermione spoke just loud enough for Severus to hear. "Even with a slower model, like the school brooms, Ginny can pull off a decent Wronski Feint, but she doesn't approve of driving the opponent's seeker into the ground when she can beat them outright. Of course, there is the time the Slytherin seeker was cobbing her without penalty, and she managed to redirect him without actually getting caught for blurting." She obviously was well versed in the world of quidditch but hadn't displayed such knowledge before.
Severus looked at the girl incredulously. He had to think a few minutes to remember 'cobbing' meant excessive use of elbows. "I hadn't realized you were so proficient in the subject," he said as if only mildly interested.
"Oh, please, as if anyone can be joined at the hip with those two ever since coming to the wizarding world and not know every single detail about the game. Harry's not as bad as Ron, but they're both obsessed with the sport. Thankfully, they've gotten better. I didn't think Ron would ever stop wearing Chudley Cannon boxers," she said while taking her first turn, moving out her white knight and then blushing crimson when she realized what that sounded like.
"How is it you've never shown such an interest in the game previously?" he decided to be kind and not draw out her discomfort further, though he didn't hide his smirk.
"Well," she looked over to see if Ron was paying them any attention. The redhead smiled at her and went back to his conversation, enjoying his coffee. "Ron's a great guy, I love him," she added. "But you have to admit, if I were to show such an interest, we would never speak of anything else. Now, while we're still dating, or engaged actually," she smiled, remembering her ring. "He makes an effort to talk with me about things I'm interested in," she explained. Severus nodded, moving his pawn up two spaces.
"I would imagine that's better than you feigning interest to keep him happy, and then showing your true colors after the wedding. I can at least blame my knowledge of the game on having researched my part as 'Charlie' for the day of the funeral," he admitted with a grin.
"I checked the Cannons' schedule and managed to get tickets to a game the week of our Honeymoon. I'm going to surprise him. Now I just have to get my Apparation license between now and then," she said excitedly, but as softly as possible.
"Ah... intelligent woman, white dress, Cannon tickets tucked into her garter: the perfect bride," Severus couldn't help but smile when Hermione burst out laughing. He'd have to be careful with his smiles or he would use up his quota for the week.
Many a chess move later, Hermione sat back with a sigh.
"Who won?" asked Ron
"You have to ask?" she answered lightheartedly as her king picked up his sword and dragged it back to its home position. "Harry, have you seen the latest Quidditch Weekly? "
"Did you bring it?" Harry grinned wide with anticipation.
"You can have my copy," groaned Ron in reference to the special edition. "This week's magazine is sold out because of a bunch of girls who can't even pronounce 'Wronski Feint' proper," teased Ron. Severus appeared indifferent throughout their discussion, but couldn't help notice Harry's grin as he flipped through the periodical.
"It's a calendar. I may have to hang it in my room," Hermione said to Ron, winding him up.
"August is too hairy," Harry said, apparently to no one in particular. "Oh, September is very hot!" declared Harry. Severus snickered, but the sound was lost in the flipping of pages.
"If you don't manage to pry it from his hands, I'll send you a copy," Hermione said to Severus.
"It's not safe for you to send Severus an owl," Harry told her. Severus liked to know Harry was paying attention to the conversation despite the distraction of sexy quidditch players from around the world.
"Give me some credit," Hermione sneered. "I'm smart enough to find a way," the confident expression on her face told that she already knew a way.
Early the next day...
Severus was in a lousy mood. He was up an hour early to grade papers since he'd stayed late at Harry's the night before. It was Friday morning; the students' minds were on the weekend ahead and paid little attention to his lecture.
"...aconite, also known as monkshood and wolfsbane, is commonly," Severus paused mid-sentence, hearing a giggle from the back of the room. "Ten points from Gryffindor. Pay attention!" he said without looking up to see who it was.
"Who can tell me..." he paused once again. The giggle was louder this time. Within three strides Severus he stormed to the back of the room, glaring. "I'll take that," he snarled though his teeth, snapping up the offending article. Ginny Weasley crossed her arms over her chest defiantly, but didn't say a word.
When class finally ended he sat at his desk and retrieved the confiscated magazine from his desk drawer. In the centerfold was a note from Hermione.
As if there was ever any doubt
DETAH 65 - Pain and Remembrance
Severus sat at his desk revising his potions schedule. He needed to accommodate Professor Flitwick and himself at the same time. He checked class times and potion options until he was sure it all worked out to his advantage. He would know for sure if his planning paid off about halfway through his third class.
While the Potions Master suffered through his second class of inane students, his mind drifted off to his recent visit to Kieran. Not only had he been surprised to find his friend dining with Healer Frances, but also that they had been meeting regularly for months.
The Scot had offered to allow Severus to read the progress journal he kept about Harry's treatments. In the book, every detail was listed. Everything from spells used, wounds re-injured and then healed, to detailed accounts of Harry's reaction to each treatment. There was a master list of all previous injuries, each marked with how it was treated and the initial results. Treatment plans were listed beside all of those not yet addressed.
Severus remembered Harry once telling him that Kieran seemed to pick areas to fix randomly and that he liked that Kieran wasn't as clinical as he would expect someone like a doctor to be. It was now clear to Severus that while Kieran may appear to choose the day's treatments randomly, he in fact had a well thought out rationale, each step of the treatment plan was deliberate. Severus had wanted to jump down his friend's throat for not thinking it through enough to know what kind of effect all of the treatments would have on Harry.
As it was, the biggest fault Severus could find was in Harry for not revealing everything to them, while unwisely trying to 'tough it out', so to speak. He could at least blame Kieran for taking a teen like Harry at his word when it was clear Harry had done nothing but his best throughout training. He would act no differently toward Kieran as a Healer than he would have as his trainer.
At Kieran's...
"During training, what is your usual response when Harry shows little or no reaction to pain?" asked Severus. He wasn't surprised to see his friend's eyes light up.
"Have you ever seen any other kid ignore pain and stay so focused?" Kieran enthusiastically answered with a question. "Frances, you should see him in training, he's incredible."
"Then by the same token, do you expect Harry to reveal just any negative reactions to his treatments?" Severus wouldn't mention the scatterings of white feathers on Harry's bed that indicated Hedwig's desperate attempts to wake Harry from recent nightmares. In all her years with Harry, she was used to his bad dreams. 'What would invoke her to help him now?' he wondered.
Severus hadn't gotten the chance to rant and rave at his friend's recklessness. The Frances woman had a way of calming people down from an agitated state. It annoyed him to no end. He wanted to be mad at Kieran. He felt he owed it to Harry. It didn't help at all to find out Kieran had recently passed up several opportunities to make some righteous Galleons because he didn't want to chance draining himself before a treatment day with Harry.
Severus missed the benefits of training sessions, where he could at least pummel Kieran in the name of Harry's education. The whole thing frustrated the Hell out of him. Kieran was his best friend and was obviously making a great effort to help, but Harry was hurting. Severus' mind was hastily brought back to the here and now in his second period class when a student dropped a glass tube. It was spelled not to break, but that didn't stop it from making a racket as it clinked along the floor before coming to a rest after several bounces. Needing to clear his head of the matter, Severus stalked through the rows of student tables, checking potions.
While the Potions Master glared at his students, Harry was home showering and getting ready for the day ahead; one to which he was not particularly looking forward. It wasn't so much the treatments to come, but that he needed to be honest with Kieran and Albus regarding his recent reactions to the past treatments.
Harry groaned when he entered Hogwarts just as the students were heading to their next class. The corridors were filled with students. He did his usual best to ignore the stares of the youngest students getting a glimpse at his famous scar.
"Hi," came a little voice. Harry hadn't noticed the greeting was directed at him until he felt a slight poke at his arm. He recognized the little Gryffindor with whom he had once had breakfast.
"Hi, ah...Jessica," relieved he'd remembered her name. "What class are you heading for?"
She beamed at him, and then frowned. "History of Magic," she answered miserably. "How did you ever survive so many years of this stuff?" she meant it, but he still laughed.
"This class was very beneficial to me during my time here," he deadpanned and then laughed again at her incredulous look; her mouth hung open. "Actually, I caught up on a lot of much needed sleep in that class," he admitted with a wink. "But one of my best friends, she forced me to do a lot of studying to make up for it," he added, getting a smile in return.
"As a responsible adult," he looked toward the ceiling at that, "it's my duty to tell you to work hard and get good grades," Harry grimaced at himself, thinking he sounded a lot like Percy Weasley. "All else fails, sit behind a big kid so the professor doesn't see you fall asleep." Before he left, Harry lifted his finger under her chin, closing her still open mouth, causing her to blush. He could sense someone now standing directly behind him, even if Jessica's wide eyes hadn't been a giveaway.
"Mr. Potter, perhaps you should refrain from giving advice to students." The stern voice could only be his former Head of House.
"Professor McGonagall, so good to see you again," he said cheerfully with a smile to rival Gilderoy Lockhart. He could see her thin tight lips twitch slightly as she managed not to smile at him.
"Off to class with you," Professor McGonagall said to the young Gryffindor, then turned back to Harry. "And you," she began walking, Harry following in step. "Things being what they were, no one was going to begrudge you what little undisturbed sleep you could get." She surprised him with her words, though he knew it to be true. That didn't explain why several other students managed to get away with it too, but he wasn't going to mention that detail to his esteemed Head of House, former or otherwise.
"It was good to see you again," he said when they reached the gargoyle at the entrance to Albus' office. She nodded, allowing a smile now.
"Take care of yourself, Harry. I believe the Headmaster is expecting you," she said kindly. Minerva didn't know exactly what he was there for, but she knew it involved a Healer. As Deputy Headmistress, she was privy to many things, since she was in charge during the times Albus was unavailable.
All too soon, Harry was at the top of the stairs, where Kieran and Albus were already discussing the treatments thus far. After the preliminary hellos and offering of tea, Kieran explained what he'd done so far and what he hoped to get accomplished during this and the next few meetings. Harry told them about a few of the nightmares he'd been having. Kieran had a theory, and asked Harry to tell them the details of the dreams. He turned out to be correct. Harry's dreams correlated with the recent healings, which would explain the nightmare about Vernon breaking his arm.
"I believe you have repressed memories regarding the incidents where you healed yourself. Frances said it isn't uncommon for patients to suddenly remember something long since buried in the recesses of the mind. I'm surprised this whole experience hasn't affected you more then it has," Kieran's last statement seemed less like a comment and more like an invitation to challenge him.
Harry had already agreed with Severus that he would come clean and tell them what had been going on. It seemed to Harry that Kieran had cottoned on, or had been 'helped along' by a certain Slytherin.
"There may have been a few instances I should have mentioned, even if I wasn't sure if they were related to the treatments or not," Harry admitted in a round about way. Albus gave him a pointed look, and he stopped hedging and told them about what happened with Hermione, along with various dreams and such.
"Was that the only flashback you've had since the treatments began?" asked Kieran. Harry rolled his head from side to side as if he were trying to decide.
"I'm not sure, actually," he wasn't deliberately evasive, but then the more he thought about it, he knew he was kidding himself. "Probably not," Harry said, and helped himself to a few lemon drops from the dish on Albus' desk.
"Do you remember others?" Kieran jotted down notes while Harry was getting his thoughts together.
Harry shrugged as if he wasn't positive. "A few weeks ago I fell asleep on the sofa with the telly on," Harry paused, and crunched the last of his lemon drop. "I woke up hours later on the floor."
"Could it be that you simply fell out of bed, so to speak?"
"Has that happened before?" asked Kieran and Albus respectively.
"I've fallen off the sofa once before, but at that time, Voldemort was doling out Unforgivables faster than you can offer up lemon drops," Harry gave Albus a wry smile. "That night I woke up right away with a splitting headache and bruised back from landing on the coffee table. Even if I were to roll off, I would have woken up, and been next to the sofa, not up against the wall a meter away."
Some time earlier...
Severus was watching the clock, pacing between rows of workstations, checking on potions. Fifteen minutes into brewing, there was a spectacular sight from the first row. A purple mushroom cloud formed over a cauldron. With a few select words spoken in a tone that brooked no disobedience, the entire class exited the classroom to escape the unpleasant fumes, and did so quickly yet in a calm, orderly fashion, knowing they were under their professor's scrutiny. Severus activated an emergency ventilation system and left the room sealed up tight, as the incident warranted.
As he strolled to his rooms for a change of robes, Severus considered with a smirk what could have possibly gone wrong. Was it due to the volatile nature of the complex potion, or the fact that the jumpiest student was directed to sit up front, making him unlikely to get guidance from helpful classmates?
"Severus, what a surprise to see you out of the dungeons this time of day," commented Minerva McGonagall.
"It would seem there was a small incident requiring the students and I to evacuate. It should be safe to return in a few hours, I'm sure," he was uncharacteristically pleasant.
"I see," she said with a sardonic smile. "Whatever will you do with all that extra time?"
Severus shrugged, his hands turned up. "Read a book, catch up on correspondence?" he offered as suggestions he may or may not be considering. Minerva nodded slowly, checking her nails as if they commonly had leisurely chitchat in the corridors.
"I believe Harry arrived a few moments ago to meet with Albus and the Healer fellow," she mentioned conversationally, as if that wasn't the reason Severus was out of his dungeon at this time of day.
"Was that today?" he asked, feigning mild interest.
Minerva rolled her eyes toward the ceiling, commenting, 'some of us have a class to teach', and walked in the opposite direction, as if she didn't notice him speaking the password to the gargoyle guarding the Headmaster's office. Severus paused before knocking, having recognized Kieran's voice. He was explaining the treatment plan for the day, reviewing spells with Albus.
"Harry, you mentioned wanting to take a calming draught before we begin."
"Yes, Severus suggested a few things that should help. I thought..." he trailed off. He didn't want to say he had expected Severus to give him one, knowing today was his appointment. Certainly, he could manage to get his own potion from Poppy. "I'll have Dobby get one for me," Harry finished.
Now that Severus had suggested all he could help with, Harry was sure he could convince Kieran to move the next treatments to a time when Severus was available. He had brought his invisibility cloak with him, so he could sit in on one of Sev's classes later, if only to be close to him, and maybe pester him a bit. It could be fun, he thought to himself.
Albus smiled, knowing Harry well enough to know what wasn't said. It made it all the more enjoyable, knowing Severus (always the spy), was waiting just outside the door, listening in before alerting anyone to his presence.
With a 'crack', Dobby arrived. Albus made a small request and sent the elf on his way without asking for Harry's potion. Knowing his cue, Severus knocked on the office door.
Setting his eyes on Harry, Severus saw his lover's face light up with happiness and relief to see him. Also, he didn't miss the hesitation in Harry's stance. He looked like he was restraining himself from leaping into his arms in front of Albus and Kieran.
Entering the room, Severus stood so close to Harry, their hips were touching. More like Sev's hips to Harry's side with the height difference. As his hand rested on Harry's lower back, he enjoyed surprising his green-eyed lover with a chaste kiss. While he usually avoided such displays, Severus was there for Harry's emotional support, and he could hardly consider a kiss in front of Albus and his oldest friend a public show.
"It seems I was available after all," Severus said simply. He knew the Headmaster was informed whenever an emergency measure like venting the potions lab was activated. It was no surprise to Albus when Severus arrived. Taking out a familiar pouch, Severus handed Harry a glass vial. "Calming drought."
Harry downed the vial in one, making a face that seemed more curious then objection to taste. Severus smiled. He knew Harry wasn't too fascinated by potions, but he'd obviously recognized the potion as being something new. There was a very subtle difference in taste from the usual calming drought brewed for the school.
"I may have tweaked the recipe," Severus said in answer to Harry's questioning look. 'Tweaked' being an understatement, considering he modified the potion for Harry's age and weight; it would increase the effectiveness without making him sleepy immediately afterwards. Severus scanned over Albus' desk, counting teacups, calculating how much 'calm' Albus may have served up.
Harry watched Severus survey the area. "I had two cups," he said, knowing the potion and tea had the same effects in varying strengths.
Albus found it very entertaining to watch his two favorite wizards have an entire conversation while saying only a dozen words between them.
The 'clear' room Harry had portkeyed into on several occasions was set up for the day's treatment. A table, similar to a tall, narrow bed, stood in the center of the room, covered with a white sheet. The walls, much like at the Wellingfield Institute, were also covered with light fabric. Kieran held out a white silken gown. Severus was standing between Harry and Kieran at that moment, and took the garment from his friend. He held up the light, flowing robe to see the light shine right through the silky fabric.
"You didn't say I'd get to see you in a dress again," Severus teased Harry, handing over the light robe.
"No?" grinned Harry, slowly turning his head to Kieran.
"He's needed it for few of the treatments so far, but today is more involved and there are two other wizards here with a considerable amount of magic between you." Kieran explained the special fabric on the walls acted as a barrier between them and the magic that was inherent to the castle itself. "Today's treatment is more involved, which is why Albus is assisting. My magic must flow freely through the room, just like at the Institute." Kieran handed Albus a white robe also.
"This is for you," Harry said with a huge grin, handing the robe back to Severus.
Albus took the robe and showed Kieran where he could change, leaving Harry alone with Severus. The door separating the office and the small corridor leading to the loo and bedrooms had hardly closed when Severus found himself tightly embraced by a warm Harry.
"Thank you," Harry said without lifting his head from Sev's chest.
"You do realize there are very few people in the world I would wear a dress for," Severus said dryly.
"Don't think for a minute I don't appreciate it," Harry said, raising his brows suggestively, and began opening the long row of buttons on the teaching robes. "Come on Sev, I know it's a fantasy of yours to get naked in Albus' office," laughed Harry.
"Did I say you were one of the few people? Tell me one good reason why I should agree to wearing this," he held up the white robe, eyeing it distastefully.
"You will wear it," Harry said confidently. "You have to if you want to stay and see me not wearing a dress," Harry waiting the half-second it took Severus to catch his drift.
"There are easier ways to get you out of your pants," Severus smirked and helped Harry off with his shirt. The lighthearted teasing had helped ease the tension, but each article of clothing removed meant they were that much closer to beginning the day's treatment. Harry shook his head to clear it.
"It's weird," Harry began, "having you here seems to make everything different. Usually I'm gearing up, getting mentally ready. Today, instead of feeling like I want to flex muscles, I just want to climb into your lap and wait for it to be over."
"Is it that you've realized you don't need to be strong for everyone, and are ready to admit that you're human after all?" Severus was sure he heard 'git' muttered somewhere.
"You're strong enough for both of us," Harry said, placing a kiss on his nose and sliding his hands down Sev's silk covered sides before climbing onto the cushioned table, pulling the top sheet up to his chin. "Comfy, isn't it?" Harry said, referring to the white robe. The sarcastic reply was cut off by Albus and Kieran's entrance.
It never ceased to amaze Harry how much of a transformation Kieran made when in 'Healer' mode, compared to the 'kicking his arse during training' mode. The Scot still had a beard that looked a few days old, but his hair was clean and neat. He'd also never seen Severus so far from his wand. It clearly made him uncomfortable, but there couldn't be a safer place for him to be without it. It then occurred to Harry that whatever it was Albus had learned to do for them today would be done without a wand. Of course, he seldom saw the older wizard use a wand.
"Remember, Albus is here and he will make sure you feel no pain. I'm sure you know, lack of pain doesn't mean you won't feel something. This could also bring up memories you may not wish to revisit, like the dreams you had recently," explained Kieran. When he was ready to begin, Kieran nodded, and Albus removed the sheet just as Kieran had done for Frances the first time. Harry wondered if Kieran had instructed Albus in advance or if Albus himself had need of a Healer in the past. It wasn't unlikely, considering his age and previous history. Kieran once again reminded Harry that Albus would make certain he was in no pain.
Severus remembered Harry had mentioned how comforting it was to have Kieran massage his head when he was distressed during part of Frances' initial exam. It was a relief to see Harry smile up at him in response to a small touch to his shoulder. He would be there for Harry and ignore the uneasy feeling stirred up by having the others seeing Harry so exposed. There'd only been a few occasions he'd seen Harry wide-awake, naked and flaccid all at the same time.
The magic in the air was palpable when Albus cast his spell. Harry could feel the odd sensation when Kieran pinched his hand, but he felt no pain. The Healer repeated the spell he had first used on Harry to sense where he'd been injured in the past, confirming the area they were to treat.
Telling himself he was not getting old, that anyone would feel the same, Severus was grateful for the chair by Harry's head, so he could sit and be close to his love without bending over and straining his back. Severus watched on in interest, while idly tracing patterns over Harry's shoulders.
Harry's eyes darted from person to person, tensing when Kieran raised his hands again. The Healer had finished his preliminary look around. The hum of magic radiating from Albus magnified as if the elder wizard had intensified the spell. Harry could feel Kieran's magic. He could feel pressure and some other sensation he deemed would better be ignored with meditation than acknowledged enough to name.
Severus watched Harry's eyes moving at a frantic pace. From the tension he felt in Harry's shoulders, he knew Harry, too, had felt Albus' spell getting stronger. His long fingers massaged Harry's scalp at what he hoped was a soothing pace. He continued gently when his lover closed his eyes in meditation as they had practiced a few times in preparation for the treatment. It was an odd sensation, to see the two other men standing above, to feel the magical flux as they used tremendous amounts of magic, though with seemingly little effect that anyone could see on the surface.
Harry abruptly opened his eyes, but didn't appear to focus on anything or anyone. His breathing quickened, and his body tensed. Severus softly called his name, trying to keep Harry consciously aware of his presence. As he settled down, Harry's breathing matched Severus', helping to stay at ease. Severus took another deep calming breath, followed by Harry. Whatever Albus was doing to keep the pain sensations away had also kept the nausea under control.
Harry concentrated on the voice whispering comforting words in his ear. At first he concentrated on what Severus said, keeping his mind off Kieran's Healing. Severus spoke so softly, no one but Harry could hear his words. For that matter, the Voice had worked so well that Harry had unconsciously stopped hearing the words and simply let the comforting silkiness flow over him. Harry was no longer listening to Severus' words, but he was sensing their intent by the feel of warm puffs of air, soft lips brushing past his ear with each word.
Severus could see that his friend Kieran was exerting himself tremendously during the treatments. The Healer had always sent Harry home first after treatments to make sure he could Apparate out safely. For that reason, Harry never knew Kieran was typically so drained that he didn't leave for an hour or so later, until he had regained the strength to do so. Severus had once found the Scot sleeping in a pile of hay with a transfigured pillow. He'd wanted to be there for one of the treatments but was held up. Instead of seeing a treatment, he found Harry asleep at home, and then Kieran in the hay at the training building.
Albus' arms held in the air were not as steady as they'd been when they started, but he showed no other signs of fatigue. Severus never stopped speaking to Harry while he scrutinized the others. He suddenly realized how well he was distracting Harry, when he saw his lover's cock twitch with interest. He wasn't even semi-erect, but just beginning to stir. For a moment, Severus was conflicted between ignoring it and allowing Harry to be completely distracted. He tried to decide what would matter to Harry more, the discomfort of the treatment or the embarrassment he might feel for having an erection in front of Albus and Kieran.
Severus' brief conflicting thoughts were forgotten when Harry's eyes popped open wide and he gasped. The young wizard focused on one spot as if he was now seeing something clearly in front of him, something that to him, was real. Severus followed his line of sight, but there was nothing perceptible where Harry was staring.
"No!" yelled Harry, reacting to the hallucination that was his reality. Severus forced eye contact with him. "Sev," Harry said, as if confirming where he was, but then his eyes again lost focus on Sev's face when a memory returned to the forefront of his consciousness.
"Harry, you're safe," Severus said, getting his attention once again. "A few more minutes and you'll be done for today," he said, checking the time, hoping he'd accurately done the math.
"Why?" Harry asked sorrowfully, his voice cracking. "Severus why? How could he?" he searched deep in his lover's eyes for an answer he would not soon receive, if ever. He barely noticed Albus cover his naked body with the white sheet. An aged, wrinkled hand brushed Harry's hair from his sweaty face.
"Would you like another calming drought?" asked Albus soothingly. Severus was already breaking open the seal on the potion. Harry was nodding his head, holding his hand out for the vial.
"Albus, why? I was being really good," Harry's voice sounded pitiable, and so very young, a child still looking for answers.
"Other then plain hate, we don't know why they did those things. Vernon was a sick man; he'll never hurt you again," Albus dabbed Harry's chin where the potion had dripped.
"He's gone," Harry confirmed, more to himself than anyone else. "Death is but the next great adventure..." Harry trailed off, but then laughed manically. "It'll be quite an adventure when I send Voldemort to meet him in Hell."
Severus smirked at the comment, but couldn't help but be concerned when Harry seemed so close to the edge. Kieran asked if Harry had had a flashback, not having witnessed one personally. Severus shook his head 'no'.
"It was a memory, but it was so real. I couldn't feel what you were doing with Albus casting that spell, but when you were doing," he gestured to his abdomen. "I could remember it all happening."
"Do you want to tell us about it?" asked Albus tenderly.
"He wasn't even mad at me," Harry's mind drifted to the incident. "I was planting extra flowers, and I always did the other chores before planting, so I must have been caught up, but I'm not even sure what year that was."
"What set him off?" Severus wondered if the snake had yet been set loose.
"Piers hit me, he blacked my eye," Harry said, making them wonder who Piers was. "Vernon was mad I had a bruise that would show. Maybe it was the end of summer...but if I was planting, it could have been earlier. Maybe I was going to see Mrs. Figg soon," he said the last part more to himself than to the others, and continued. "Vernon figured if he hurt me bad enough, I would do my 'freak healing thing' and no one would see the black eye," Harry laughed again, making Severus frown with worry. "It didn't work!" Harry cackled. "He..." Harry snorted, "he broke his hand on me, but it didn't work. Three days later I woke up, still sporting a slightly faded black eye, yet Vernon's handiwork was healed. I had no memory of it, no idea how Vernon hurt his hand or why he wasn't punishing me for getting marked right before they were leaving on holiday."
"I think a little rest is in order, Fawkes," Kieran said, nodding to Severus when he motioned to help Harry up. Harry sat up, pulling the sheet around him. "You may be a little dizzy," Kieran told him.
"I'm good," Harry turned his head to Kieran too quickly. The Healer's face blurred for a second until Harry saw two Kierans. Severus had Harry lie back down before his eyes could roll back.
"Sure, you're good," Severus remarked sarcastically.
The dizziness passed quickly, but Harry remained lying there a few minutes to appease the three wizards standing around him. He looked from one wizard to the next, all in their white silken robes. "Albus," Harry said softly.
"Yes, Harry?"
"Is this the next great adventure? I'm surrounded by angels in white," laughed Harry, teasing them about the 'dresses'.
"Fallen angels," murmured Kieran.
"Speak for yourself, heathen," countered Severus. Albus just smiled. The ever-present twinkle flashed merrily when Harry accused them of making him lie there for so long because they wanted to keep him naked.
Harry stood up, wrapping the sheet around him like a toga. He was only too happy for Severus to guide him to his room. Harry nuzzled in close, enjoying strong arms around him. Kieran's voice could be heard from Albus' office.
"You don't get to keep the dress, Snape!" The Healer winked at Albus as he taunted his friend from the other room. His grin quickly turned to surprise when a white robe appeared in his arms, followed by the sheet. "Show off!"
Harry sighed with contentment when Severus climbed into bed, leaned up against the wall and pulled him close, wrapping an arm around his middle and placing a chaste kiss on his shoulder. It was an odd sensation to be naked against Severus while Albus and Kieran could still be heard speaking in the office.
"Feeling alright?"
Harry knew what he was asking, but all he could think about was feeling the skin-to-skin full body contact with Severus. "Mm-hmm," he hummed happily.
"Are you sure?" asked Severus, not pushing, but surprised Harry wasn't more upset.
"It used to bother me, not knowing why Vernon wanted me to hurt. I couldn't believe his dislike of magic alone could make a person act the way he did. I suppose, during a bad day," he said, hating the word 'regress', "I go back to wanting answers. Otherwise, I no longer care what motivates a prick like him." Harry squeezed Sev's arm, pulling in tighter. "Just a little guilty," Harry added quietly. Severus would have been more concerned if Harry wasn't sporting an evil grin.
"Feel free to confess," Severus deadpanned, making Harry chuckle.
"These days, when something like this happens, the first thing I think of is your past reactions, wanting to kill him for what he did to me... then I remember," said Harry, leaving unsaid, '...you did.'
"You feel guilty for Vernon dying?" Now Severus was concerned and beginning to anger, but then Harry grinned again.
"No, I feel guilty for taking pleasure in the knowledge that he suffered. But not too guilty," he added.
"Rest," Severus nuzzled his nose in Harry's mop of hair. He wondered when it was exactly that he made the transition from being annoyed by his lover's messy head to finding it endearing. 'Probably when we were both teens and my eyes never made it past his tight arse, ' Severus thought to himself.
"I felt that," tittered Harry when he felt movement from behind, in the nether regions.
The thought of Harry's tight arse had made Sev's cock stir. "I said, rest," chided Severus, knowing Harry couldn't see his smirk.
"How can I rest with you taking advantage of me in my weakened state?" he teased, unsure if Sev had noticed when he had been getting aroused during the treatment. "Perv."
"Tease."
" I am the victim. You're taking advantage of the situation, evil Head of Slytherin that you are," Harry pressed back against him, trapping Sev's cock between his cheeks.
"You love it," Severus growled along his neck. "You love playing the victim, lying there naked in front of me like an offering, the virgin sacrifice," he pulled Harry's earlobe between his teeth.
"Lucky for me, my hero has rescued me once again," Harry turned to his side, facing Severus.
"That's what makes you the victim; you mistakenly think me the hero and not the monster that accepted the offering."
They enjoyed the banter, both purposefully ignoring the small bits that used to be truth in their playful words. Harry may have bad days, but he would no longer allow himself to be the victim any more than Severus believed himself to be a monster.
"Now that you mention it, it was you who took my virginity," joked Harry, as if the truth had just occurred to him.
"I didn't take it, you were offering," Severus winced at the unintentional pun.
Harry took to ignoring his lover's words again and concentrated on the tasty collarbone within his reach. He ran his tongue along until he reached a strong, muscled shoulder, and took a bite. He licked and nibbled happily as Severus tilted his head, allowing Harry more access.
Severus enjoyed Harry's ministrations a little longer before rolling on top of his young lover. They nuzzled and kissed until deep, dark eyes met green. "You still need to rest," Severus said softly, but determined.
"I know. I've come down off the adrenalin rush, but I want you more then sleep," Harry tried to reach for Sev's earlobe again, without success.
"I will have to remedy that," Severus kissed him soundly before making a path down Harry's chest.
It was not a leisurely journey of exploration, but a swift descent to his goal. He barely paused to flick the tip of his tongue along Harry's left nipple before trailing down, his nose passing over each rib, making Harry flinch when he hit a ticklish spot. After a quick suck on the sensitive area by his lover's hip, Severus swallowed Harry's erection to the root.
Harry babbled incoherently. Sev withdrew enough so only the head of Harry's cock remained between his lips before sucking him in again and again. His relentless pace continued with only an occasional stop to run his sinful tongue down the shaft and mouth his balls, rolling them over his tongue until Harry whimpered. Each time, before Severus would return his attentions to Harry's leaking cock, he would make a quick detour, teasing Harry's entrance with a swirl of his tongue before once again devouring him, nose deep in a tuft of black curls.
Harry was so close, he hardly registered Severus' long middle finger in his mouth. He slicked up the digit with saliva without giving it a second thought. Without preamble, the slick finger was thrust into his entrance, stimulating his sweet spot mercilessly until Harry came with a shout. In his blissful haze, Harry hardly noticed Severus pulling up the covers, and wrapping his arms around him.
"Now sleep," ordered Severus, knowing he would get no argument from his already dozing lover.
As it was only midday, Severus was wide awake. He used this time to think about various things while he idly ran his fingers through Harry's hair. He enjoyed feeling his slumbering lover's warm exhalations against his chest. When Harry awoke, Severus had already mentally revised his next lecture, thought up a possible healing potion alteration, and daydreamed about various ways of making the Flynn boy's life miserable.
Harry wasn't fully awake; he mumbled something against Sev's nipple, making him shiver, and turned over. Severus smiled at his sleepy lover, watching him move between sleep and wakefulness. He was obviously fighting to stay asleep, but something was forcing him to come around. Harry carefully slid out of the bed, trying not to wake the Slytherin, unaware he hadn't slept. Amused, Severus watched Harry pull on a pair of boxers and tee shirt while grumbling about two cups of tea, before turning back around to find Severus smirking at him.
"You're up," he said, groggily stating the obvious.
"How perceptive of you. I expected you to sleep longer."
The fog in Harry's brain cleared as he became aware of the fact that Severus looked damn sexy leaning up on his elbow, the bed sheet hanging perilously low on his hips. The dark wizard cleared his throat when he noticed Harry had become distracted by the view.
"Hmm? Yeah, I guess I would still be sleeping, but I gotta' pee more," Harry said while yawning.
"Your eloquence never ceases to astonish me," Severus said dryly. "Or lack thereof," he added sarcastically, but Harry knew him to be teasing.
"Well then, it's a good thing I can make up for it with a tight arse," Harry gave him a feral grin before heading out to the loo. Silencing charms in place, he heard only a split second of Severus' laughter as the door closed. What he did hear was Albus humming to himself in his office.
Knowing where Albus was, Harry almost didn't knock on the door. But then, hearing the water running, he thought he should be wearing more then boxers and a tee. When the door opened, Harry was greatly relived to see it wasn't Minerva McGonagall in the small corridor.
"Hey, Fawkes," Kieran greeted him cheerfully, but he looked just as sluggish as Harry, "I don't usually get to talk to you again after treatments. Come talk to me after..." he gestured to the loo. Harry agreed and noticed Kieran was still in his Healing robes. When Harry returned, he found the wizard on Severus' bed in the other room. Harry hadn't been in Sev's room in the tower before. It had nary a decoration, with the exception of one framed item on the wall behind him. Harry thought he saw a pencil drawing of a phoenix with words written below, but he couldn't stop and look it over without being rude to Kieran.
"Did you get some sleep?" asked Kieran, getting a nod in return.
"You look like you need more sleep than me," commented Harry, seeing how exhausted the Healer looked.
Kieran scratched his scruffy face. "A few hours sleep and a hot meal and I'll be good to go," he grinned. "I'll be healing the delinquents of the wizarding world by tomorrow night."
"You're missing work because of this?" It hadn't occurred to Harry before that Kieran had been making a sacrifice for him. "I didn't even think about what a toll this took on you," he said guiltily.
"Don't give it a thought," Kieran said dismissively. "I don't see much action during the week, anyway."
Harry did some figuring in his head and realized Kieran would have had to take Sunday off to be ready for a Monday morning treatment with him, though that did explain why Kieran wouldn't agree to Friday appointments.
"I've been so used to having Poppy take care of me, that I didn't even think; as an adult I'm responsible for this kind of stuff. Shouldn't I be paying you?"
"I've spent a shitload more time training ya', and you never gave me a Knut before. Why start now?" laughed Kieran.
"That's different, we're all working for the Light."
"This ain't no different. We're doin' this so you can get more magic and defeat him. You don't see nobody reachin' into their pockets to pay Snape for spying, do ya'?"
Harry rolled his eyes and snorted at the thought of Sirius chipping in.
"You remembered something significant today," said Kieran, moving the topic from himself. The sudden change of tone and subject threw Harry off balance. He didn't even know if Kieran had been in the room when he told Severus about it. After a moment of thought, Harry began.
"I recovered a memory," he admitted with a nod. "Seems Vernon knew about me healing myself, even if I didn't, " he added quietly. "When my uncle thought he might get into trouble for a visible bruise, something the neighbors might see, he'd hurt me more until it was bad enough for me to heal myself." Harry paused. "It didn't work if I stayed conscious." He couldn't even fathom what his uncle must have done with the knowledge of a way out. He was curious if it was after his neck was burned that they had figured out that bit of information. Or was that when they found out he had to be out cold? "I used to want the answers, but you know what they say, 'be careful what you wish for'."
The small room was silent as Kieran took in the information.
"It's harder than I thought it would be," he broke the silence, surprising the Healer.
"I thought Albus' spell would help," said Kieran, clearly concerned.
"It did. I felt no pain, or even like I was going to be sick. But the hard part isn't the physical stuff," Harry looked away. "Dreaming about bits of my past, knowing it actually happened, is not the same as remembering whole situations first-hand. I don't think I would have the mental capacity to have this conversation with you if it weren't for Severus' help."
"If you could go back, knowing what you know now, would you do it all over again?"
"If I knew then, I wouldn't have been a martyr. I would have listened to Severus, and gotten this help a lot sooner," he said with a self-depreciating smile. "Probably, I would have done it regardless, even without this, to give me an edge for when I have to battle with the evil bastard. Yes, I'd do it all over again," Harry again said reassuringly.
"I wouldn't have," Kieran' said quietly. Harry had never heard him speak so softly.
"No? A tough guy like you?" he said lightheartedly.
"As a Healer," he clarified. "if I knew then what this was going to be like for you, I would never have started." The solemn tone of Kieran's voice struck Harry. Even when Kieran saw all of his past injuries the first time, Harry had never seen the man so somber.
"I had a choice," Harry began, but was cut off.
"I should have listened to the other Healers at the Institute. I should have listened to Frances when she said Healers heal, they don't bring harm to others. Harry, you're a strong and brave young wizard who has overcome adversity. I was thinking about how well you perform in training, when I should have been thinking about all you would have to relive from a time before you became who you are today. You are a young man, and it wasn't all that long ago you were an abused child, struggling simply to survive."
"Are you saying you don't think it's going to work?" asked Harry nervously.
"I wouldn't still be here if I didn't think so. But if the treatments were more difficult, it might not be worth the outcome." Kieran believed that the saving grace of the whole process was that the treatments would most likely not get worse. He did at least believe they would work.
"Every now and again, there are days that I still feel like I'm struggling to survive, but most of the time, that all seems like a lifetime ago," Harry gave him a reassuring smile. "I hadn't been honest with you about how all this was affecting me. We both know it will all have been worth it when it's over and I have more magic at my disposal." Harry smiled, thinking about what it would be like later, and looked forward to it.
"I have to say, it's been a kick getting you battle-ready. I've never trained a more powerful wizard," Kieran had that same grin he wore when he and Harry finished a very productive training session.
"What about Severus?" Harry asked with a grin.
"Ah, but I didn't train him," Kieran then became serious again. "After your next treatment, which won't be for a while, I want you to return to the Institute so Phoebe can check your progress."
"Sure. It will make it all easier, seeing results." He then added quickly, "Even if we don't see results, I've never felt better. I feel like my whole body's had a fresh start," he said, flexing his muscles.
"It's called HCR, Healing for Complete Rejuvenation. Old biddies are having it done to keep them from getting old. It's a con. Sure, they feel great, having evidence of old injuries and symptoms of past illnesses healed over, but it doesn't keep you young, and that's how HCR is advertised. Don't even bring it up in front of Frances. You think the others at the Institute disapprove of my usual clientele? You should see how riled up they get when they read an advertisement selling 'youthfulness' in the back of the ladies' journals."
"You mean, I'm not going to keep my girlish figure?" asked Harry, while peering back at his hips.
"Get the Hell out of here and get some more sleep!" Kieran said while Harry huffed in feigned offence.
"First you get me naked, and then you call me into your room, telling me how strong and brave I am. Now you're tossing me out!" cried Harry in jest.
"Get out, you flipping fairy," Kieran mock-yelled, sending him back to Snape and slamming the door in the process. Harry was still laughing when he got back to his room.
"Has it finally happened?" asked Severus vaguely.
"Has what happened?" Harry pulled off his shirt, getting his glasses caught, and tossed them onto the bedside table.
"Did you finally find someone who isn't after you?" Severus smirked, watching Harry, his hands at a halt above the edge of his boxers. Severus sat up, the sheet hardly covering his manhood. "You're a big flirt," he said, pulling on Harry's boxers, drawing him closer.
"I am not," Harry said halfheartedly, and groaned when Sev put his mouth on him. His boxers had inched down just enough to expose a deliciously inviting spot that begged to be kissed. Harry watched, breathing heavier. "You love me just the way I am," said Harry playfully.
"Perhaps," Severus said before sliding his tongue along Harry's waistband, causing him to expel a shuddering breath. "A flipping fairy?" Severus questioned with a brow raised. Harry just laughed; Severus stripped off his pants and pulled him back into bed.
Harry lay partly on and beside his lover, his head on Sev's shoulder. "Any plans on building up your anterior deltoid muscle?"
"Excuse me?" Severus looked down at Harry, who was poking his finger into Sev's shoulder.
"I like this spot as a pillow, but it's a little bony right here," he prodded as he spoke.
"I'll see what I can do," deadpanned Severus. "Here I thought I finally had a partner who didn't want to change me."
Harry snorted. "This from a man with whom I spent two months in training, while he pushed me to make more changes than I thought possible." Harry smiled, feeling the small laugh in response against the top of his head. He cuddled in closer, feeling safe in his lover's warm embrace.
Harry couldn't see the comforting pictures on the shelf from his position, but knew they were there just as he knew Albus would still be in his office humming an odd tune to himself. He didn't like a concerned Kieran. Harry looked forward to all this being over and to his newest friend being back to his usual gruff self, teaching him how to block a punch and putting hexes on his food. Soon things would settle down, but for now he was content in Sev's arms. Severus had turned on his side, facing Harry. The full body skin-to-skin contact was glorious. Harry's breathing evened out as he listened to his lover's heartbeat.
Severus wore a contented smile as Harry wriggled to get as close as possible. He didn't think it a coincidence Harry's mouth was against his nipple. Occasionally, the tip of a pink tongue would explore around the hardened nub. Even as his lover began to drift to sleep, his lips would brush against him tantalizingly. A sleepy declaration of love was spoken against his chest just before Harry dropped off.
Once again, Severus found himself alone with his thoughts, only this time he would not be coming up with lesson plans. Instead, he held his lover close, taking pleasure in every inch of Harry pressed against him. He kissed the head of dark, messy hair, and again on his temple, and smiled when a mostly sleeping Harry puckered his lips in response. Severus kissed him again, looking to see if he could get the same response. This time Harry's lips hardly moved, but could be felt lightly on his skin.
Severus was sure he had memorized every line, curve and unblemished region of the body beside him. He had once been concerned about the comparison between Harry's beautiful form and his own scarred body, after Harry had rid himself of most of his scars. The scars were one of the things that reminded Severus that his lover hadn't had the perfect life he'd once believed. He reconsidered. That may have been important at one time, but now Severus was sure he knew Harry well enough and wouldn't need the visual reminder. He took comfort in the fact that Harry kept a small portion of scar behind his one ear where he was extra sensitive. Severus liked to think it was there only for him, which was true.
Harry's muscled arm flinched around Severus' waist while he watched his lover's face, so serene as he slept peacefully. Another twitch and the time for tranquility was over. Severus could tell this was not a happy dream, and he would not allow Harry's nightmare to go on. In a tight embrace, Severus softly spoke loving words to sooth him from his troubled sleep. Sucking on a soft earlobe seemed to help somewhat, and Severus thanked whatever gods would listen that Harry hadn't been sexually abused by his family.
When dreams and/or memories of Vernon faded, Harry was somewhat aware of being held. He heard the voice that usually made him weak in the knees, but didn't catch the spoken words. He whimpered when the lips he felt move against his skin no longer spoke, but calmed again when they shifted to worry at his earlobe. A soft hum in his ear soothed; warm, wet goodness licked over the same spot before abandoning the earlobe for the nearby scar. Harry moaned louder this time. He could feel Sev's hair curtain around his face. The words came back, but again he couldn't make out what was being said. Rising more and more into coherence, he realized his lover was speaking French. It was now very clear why Severus reacted the way he did when Harry spoke in Parseltongue.
"I swear, one day you're going to make me come without a single touch to my cock," groaned Harry.
"We will have to explore that possibility sometime," Severus pressed a kiss to his temple. "Feeling better?" he asked, getting a nod in return. "Is it very difficult, having these memories returned to you?"
Harry shrugged. "It is, but I think it would have been a lot worse if I didn't know beyond any doubt that he couldn't hurt me anymore, ever again. Initially, it's so disturbing to think about, especially knowing that I've blocked out portions of my life, but then I think about how safe I am now and..." he trailed off.
"How safe you are, and...?" Severus questioned encouragingly, glad Harry was willing to speak to him rather then suppress it. Harry turned around, spooning his back up to Severus' chest, pulling Sev's arm around him tight. Severus knew his love felt safe this way and perhaps didn't want to speak face to face.
"I know Vernon is dead because of what he did to me, and I can't help but feel satisfied by that fact. I didn't feel that way at first, but I do now, even if I may not admit it to anyone else. I wonder sometimes how it would feel from your point of view." While Harry may not have asked a direct question, Severus knew he hoped for an answer.
"You've killed, so I know your perspective has changed, but taking the life of an attacking Death Eater is very different from premeditated murder. You want to know how I feel when it comes to mind? I feel cheated. I hated the bastard for what he did to you and wanted him to suffer. Then I loathed him even more when I didn't have a chance at proper retaliation," Severus had never before spoken so openly regarding Vernon. He'd ranted to Kieran, but this was uncharted territory with Harry.
"Did you cast Cruciatus on him?" asked Harry quietly.
"Not personally, no." meaning someone had, but not him. Harry nodded in understanding. "There were several others present. Time was limited, but each wizard had a chance to express themselves, though perhaps not as creatively as myself," the last part was spoken softly to himself, but Harry had heard. Severus held him tighter, protectively.
"Creative?" asked Harry, not sure if he wanted to know the answer. Sometimes it was better to use your imagination. He suddenly remembered what he'd said to Kieran, 'be careful what you wish for.'
Regardless of Harry's leading question, Severus had no plans of getting into the details of his torturing Vernon Dursley. "Let's just say that had he lived and you still had your old scars, there would be a remarkable resemblance between the two of you, give or take ten stone," Severus added, referring to Vernon's tremendous size. "I've come to realize, boundless amounts of time wouldn't have been enough." Severus was reminded of Harry's earlier comment about Vernon meeting up with Voldemort in Hell. He didn't want to get into what he had... inspired Macnair to do; he knew that would be beyond his young lover's comprehension.
"I will have to settle with your improved heath. This is a difficult time for you, but you've shown great resilience in the past," Severus nuzzled Harry's hair and neck, shifting away from the subject.
"Thanks, Sev. I know the subject has been taboo in the past, but I guess I needed to hear it today," Harry twisted in his arms to face him. "Did you, um..." Harry trailed off, not knowing if he could say the words, or admit he wanted to hear the answer. Severus could see his discomfort, and didn't miss the way Harry pushed his hair behind his ear, his finger lingering there for longer then necessary.
"A hot metal strap covers substantially more area when coiled round about a huge neck with several chins." Severus sincerely hoped he had been correct in his assumption of what Harry wanted to know. He felt a shiver coming from the smaller frame beside him. Concerned, Severus lifted Harry's chin to see his expression, whatever it might be.
Harry bit his lip, but an evil grin emerged despite his attempt to keep it at bay. He confessed that the burn on his neck had always been an emotional issue for him. Severus wouldn't think less of him for taking pleasure in the knowledge that his uncle suffered fittingly. "Did you know the Weasleys used to compete over who could come up with the worst torture for the Dursleys? They had different versions of games to play along with it, too," Harry thought he should ask the twins if they still had the animated game pieces so he could have a look at them.
Severus kissed him from temple to lips as he spoke. "What would the Wizarding World at large think, if they knew their Golden Boy was lying naked with an ex-Death Eater, discussing the finer points of torturing one's relatives?"
Harry straddled him, wriggling deliciously. "I say, put it in the headlines!"
Evil grin in place, he continued, "They'll believe what they want. According to last week's Daily Prophet, Albus is planning on having me turned, so I can defeat the Dark Lord as a Vampire," Harry laughed and bit Sev on the neck.
DETAH 66 - Subtlety and Lack Thereof
Severus Snape had been relaxing in his sitting room, reading the latest Potion Masters Monthly when Draco Malfoy fire called. The younger wizard's initial plans for a two-week escape, to avoid the Dark Lord, had now extended several more weeks. Severus, Slytherin that he is, was taking full advantage of the situation.
"I have gone through a lot of trouble to find someone who can deliver..." Severus paused, mindful he was not on a private and 'safe' Floo, "an ingredient needed for a potion recently commissioned," Snape knew Draco would understand he was referring to the Dark Lord. "I will inform you of the arrival date soon. I need you to receive the package and take care of it until I can get away to pick it up personally." He'd already been speaking with the blonde for ten minutes and desperately wanted to close his Floo and get back to his reading.
"Take care of it how?" asked Draco, unsure of what was expected of him, though he was in no position to refuse anything. His new job (working for his future father-in-law) didn't begin for a few more weeks, and he needed to keep low until then. He would have influence in his new position, so any future 'favors' asked by the Dark Lord would not involve him personally assisting in anyone's death. He was still put out by the fact that the 'simple headache' he'd been commissioned to give Potter back in August had resulted in several deaths, including the brother of a good friend.
"You will understand when it arrives. Water will suffice unless I am detained in picking it up. If I am held up, we will discuss the addition of nutrients," Severus was depending on the plant being delivered in good shape, but he was working with a disreputable dealer of illegal goods. He could only hope it arrived alive and at least potted, and planned to pick it up personally before Draco inadvertently killed it. "I will contact you again before I expect delivery," said Snape, and then reminded his young guest to be polite to the other occupants of the Manor. Draco held his tongue as Severus reminded him of several standing house rules.
Harry scanned his home for signs of Severus before his guests arrived. All 'toys' were safely stowed away in a locked drawer. A Potions Weekly was stuffed near the bottom of a pile of quidditch magazines, and a bottle of the 'good stuff' was stashed back in the kitchen cupboard behind a bag of sugar. Just finishing one quick, last look around, he heard a knock at the door.
"Neville! Come in," Harry greeted his old dorm mate. It still surprised him to see Neville looking so good. It had been some getting used to, seeing his friend with a few more inches of height. "Hey, Ron," he waved in the towering redhead behind Neville.
"Stay clear of Ginny. She's in a tiff because we told her it was boys' night and she wasn't invited," laughed Ron. He left out the part where Ginny told Neville that Ron didn't have the nerve to say that to Hermione, and that he'd only got away with it because she was busy studying for a test. "It's not like she can get out of Hogwarts on a weeknight, anyway."
"Sorry about the Floo, Nev," Harry apologized since his friend wasn't on his private Floo list.
"You kidding?" laughed Neville. "This is perfect, Gran can't fire call while I'm here. I told her to send word by owl if she needed to get a hold of me," he said with a grin. He would call home from Harry's to show he'd arrived safely, and then they could all go out in peace. Ron was all too happy to tell about the time Neville came to dinner, only to get three calls from his grandmother during that one short evening.
"Still, I feel a right prat. Albus thought it would be safer if I only included people I contact more than once a week. That's a very small list," added Harry, not wanting his friend to think he didn't rate enough to be on his 'friend list'.
"Yup, that's true," Ron called out from the kitchen where he was getting several bottles of butterbeer. "What, are there like a dozen or so on the list?" Ron asked, thinking he was being helpful. Harry wanted to cringe and smack Ron in the head. Neville did his best not to look crestfallen, but failed miserably.
"Don't listen to that idiot," Harry said, punching Ron as he entered the sitting room. " Almost a dozen. Seven of them alone are named Weasley, all living at the Burrow. Then besides Hermione, the last few are staff at Hogwarts," explained Harry, making Neville feel better in the process. Harry gave the 'grand tour', consisting of all three rooms plus bathroom. Harry's eyes widened and with a quick bit of wandless magic, he concealed Sev's name on the clock. Happily, the hand declaring it 'time to party' was prominently displayed. A pounding at the door startled Neville before Harry could reassure him it was only Seamus.
"Geez, Potter, put me on the list why don'cha?" yelled Seamus comically. Harry noticed Neville's smile widen when he realized he wasn't the only one. "Neville!" Seamus yelled in greeting, before doing the same for Ron. "Dean didn't get his Apparator's License, so he's meeting us at the pub," he explained. Once again, Neville was feeling better about himself. He thought he'd been the last of his old roommates to get his license. Muggle-raised wizards typically took the test later than those with family members who could demonstrate and give confidence by passing on a few pointers.
"Brought'cha a house-warming," Seamus said with a sly grin, and handed Harry a brown paper bag.
"Nice!" Ron eyed the big bottle of firewhisky with a predatory gleam in his eye. "Who needs to go out?"
"I do!" Harry held the bottle out of Ron's reach. "My social life is like, nonexistent. Thanks," he said to Seamus in appreciation.
"That's not a house-warming; it's a bribe," chuckled Neville.
"Is not!" protested Seamus. "But...if you're feeling generous, I was hoping to put you down as a reference for a job or two I'm interviewing for."
"No problem. You didn't need to get me a bottle of firewhisky for me just to put my name down on a form."
"Ya' well, I already put your name down. The bottle's for your letter of recommendation telling them how great I am," he said, with a hand over his heart for effect.
The plan was to have a butterbeer and go meet Dean, but then Neville mentioned seeing Harry and Ron, 'his lover', in the paper. Knowing they couldn't have the conversation in the pub, they filled Neville in on the details of Ron and Seamus' big adventure as phony Death Eaters, and the events that followed. The tale included Seamus' exaggerated details about the rescue and the subsequent commotion at the Ministry when he 'popped in' with Dudley and Mrs. Dursley. They cracked open the bottle of firewhisky and did shots in honor of the two heroes as Seamus regaled them with testimony of his great courage.
A bit later, Harry and his friends, now including Dean, gathered at a local pub and caught up on who was doing what since leaving school. As the evening and topics progressed and someone toasted to Ron's new 'ball & chain', Harry winced. It wasn't because of the comment about Ron's engagement, but rather an ache in his scar. If Severus were summoned, Harry hoped his lover wouldn't have too tough a night. He was barely listening to Neville's commentary on Ginny's last quidditch game. He hadn't realized his friend enjoyed the game as much as his animated tale indicated. A cold gust of air blew through the pub when a large man in a green robe entered. It wasn't the man who drew Harry's interest, but a small owl that had waited for the pub door to open long enough for him to swoop in.
Both Ron and Harry caught sight of the small letter carrier flying near the ceiling as it circled the pub a few times looking for the addressee of his parcel.
"For a second there, I thought that was Pig, but this one's flying smooth and level." Ron had once thought his little owl would calm down with age, but no such luck. Harry rubbed his scar, indicating to Ron he expected the owl was for him, regarding Severus. When the owl spotted him and zoomed down, dropping the note from its beak into Harry's hand, Ron leaned on Harry's shoulder to get a better look.
Dear Harry,A little bird, or perhaps a little redhead, told me you were out with friends. Since you may be sleeping off a late night, I thought it best to postpone our plans for tomorrow morning. Enjoy the evening with your friends.Yours truly, Albus
"What's that, Harry?" asked Neville. Harry handed him the note.
"It seems your girlfriend ratted us out," Harry teased him, then turned his head so only Ron could hear. "He cancelled my training session so I can sleep in. That means Severus doesn't want me going to sleep anytime soon. It sounds like someone is expected to have a bad night."
"Let's hope it's someone else," Ron said, considering what the spy's relayed message would mean. Severus likely expected to be brewing potions, or Albus wouldn't have made the note sound so cheerful. Of course, that didn't guarantee anything where Voldemort was concerned.
"Enjoy the evening with your friends," Harry again quietly repeated the last line from Albus. "He's telling me to be with friends,"
"You are with friends," Ron didn't understand.
"It means, don't expect anyone else tonight," Harry could see the comprehension reach Ron's eyes. He wouldn't expect Severus tonight, but wondered what he had been busy doing. He could have left a potion in stasis when he was called, or meeting with Albus. Harry had noticed that Severus had been spending a lot of time the past month or so on research. Though Severus hadn't said so, Harry thought he might be looking for a way to kill Voldemort. Occasionally, when Sev had been lost in thought, he would suddenly ask Harry a question about his past encounters with the Dark Lord. He was especially interested in the events involving Professor Quirrell. As always, the question asked over the years was not simply how to kill him, but how to keep him dead and gone. Eventually, Harry got his mind back around to his friends and bought the next round.
"I was picking up the next one," protested Ron.
"Save it for the honeymoon," Harry suggested, kidding him, which brought on a completely new topic of discussion and crude laughs.
Leaning over a steaming cauldron, Severus checked the viscosity of his assistant's potion. "Thickness, acceptable," he admitted before scowling at the color. "What shade of yellow were you aiming for?" he asked with a sneer. The assistant quickly looked into the pot to see the color had gone two shades deeper then desired.
"I, um..." he wanted to kick himself for such a negligent mistake.
"You were a top student. What would cause such an alteration?" Snape knew his assistant knew the answer, but wanted to drag out his discomfort as long as possible.
"Human hair," muttered the miserable wizard. When Snape asked him to repeat it, he simply glared at the Potions Master.
"Even short hair finds its way into a cauldron, if not properly contained," he lectured. "Especially when you start to age, and it begins to thin on top," Severus really was enjoying himself. His previous student, even at his very young age, already showed signs of a receding hairline. The boy's father had been completely bald by his forty-fifth year.
"I used a containment spell earlier in the day; it must have worn off."
The assistant's excuse only made Snape laugh. He'd seen the boy spell his hair only an hour before. Yet another case of a wizard with poor magical ability going after a respected career that required little in the way of wand work.
The assistant eyed Snape's long black locks, clumped together unattractively. The boy was, at the very least, intelligent enough not to voice his thoughts. Severus smiled, as if daring the assistant to comment on his coiffure.
Unfortunately for Severus, the failed potion was not the only item on a long list of things that disturbed the Dark Lord that evening. The lack of information on Potter's lover was near the top of the list. Severus was glad to know Harry would stay awake to avoid experiencing Voldemort's wrath for the night.
"Har?" Ron elbowed his friend. "Is it just me or did the ugly guys all leave at once?"
Harry nodded. He'd also noticed when a bloke in the corner grabbed his arm. The wizard tried to cover up by exclaiming 'look at the time', and quickly exited the pub, followed by one other bloke in his group.
Harry looked around his cadre of friends and considered how long it would take Voldemort to come up with a plan. It was only a coincidence he was in the same pub as them, but that didn't mean the Death Eaters wouldn't take advantage of a lucky break. Severus had told him that the Dark Lord was working on a bigger plan, but would capitalize on any opportunity chance presented to attack Harry. He was having fun with his friends and didn't want to retreat just because he may or may not have been spotted by Death Eaters. He had to live his life, after all. Of course, he would live longer if he weren't careless... as would his friends, he thought with a sigh.
"Seamus was kind enough to bribe me... I mean give me a bottle of firewhisky," announced Harry, smirking at Seamus.
"Then why are we here, paying for it?" asked Ron, cottoning on. "We got Dean, let's go," Ron stood up, leaning his elbow on Harry's head, mocking his best friend's height.
"To Harry's!" Dean toasted, downing the last of his drink. Soon enough, the group was standing outside the pub, arguing the effects of alcohol on Apparation.
"If we can move Dudley from St. Mungo's, we can get Dean over to your place," said Ron eagerly. Dean protested they probably shouldn't, but Harry knew Ron well enough and he himself hadn't drank all that much. Yet.
"To the storefront?" asked Ron, getting the OK from Harry. Neville obliged and stood between Harry and Ron, with Dean and Seamus making up the huddle.
"Are you sure about this?" Dean had never Apparated farther than across a room, and that was done sober. "Did you really Apparate with a muggle?"
After they agreed on the place and a count of three, the five wizards landed in front of Jenning's Antique shop in a heap, complete with all their parts in the right places. It was not a pretty sight, a pile of wizards tumbling over each other, laughing hysterically.
"That went well," Seamus said sarcastically. "Ow! That's my leg, Dean!"
"Get your hand off my arse!" yelled Ron. "Was that you, Harry?"
"Like I want your bony arse," retorted Harry, standing up.
"Sorry," said Neville, carefully pulling his foot out from under Ron.
The Potions Master carefully stirred his brew, watching the bubbles for size and number. His smooth, even strokes gave no indication he'd suffered Unforgivable pain that evening. His assistant however, showed no such composure.
"Did you want me to carve..." the younger wizard asked timidly, but was abruptly cut off.
"No," said Snape brusquely. Seeing the other's hands shaking, he curtly stated he didn't want the boy's blood contaminating the ingredients any more than his stray hairs in the cauldron. He wondered mildly to himself if the younger wizard was beginning to question the wisdom of his sworn fealty.
'Speaking of blood' thought the assistant. "Sir?" he began nervously, not wanting to draw Snape's anger to the surface to any greater extent than he had already. "I think, when I fell," (convulsing under Cruciatus) "I may have cut you with the knife I was holding," he'd noticed a dark, sticky substance leaking from a slice in Snape's robe. "May I heal that for you, sir?"
"Not on your life," Severus answered in an eerily calm tone. He could feel the cut somewhere around his lower back. Even if the young wizard weren't an incompetent, Severus wouldn't have accepted his help. He also wasn't about to make a fool of himself by awkwardly attempting to aim a healing spell to the area. He could tell that though painful, it wasn't a threat that required immediate treatment. He had taken a potion that treated the worst of it while his assistant wasn't watching. So long as he remained relatively still, it would wait until he was home and in front of a full-length mirror.
"Neeevilllle!" sang Dean and Seamus when a familiar owl came tapping at the window. They teased him mercilessly when Neville jumped to get the owl, knowing his gran was waiting for a fire call now. He made a face while reading the note. He was sure she had some inane question as an excuse to check on him.
"Do you mind, Harry?" asked Neville, picking up the ornate box of Floo powder, and grumbling about being an adult who didn't need checking up on.
"Are you crazy?!" yelled Ron, taking the box from Neville's hand. "You can't call her yet, this is the initial call that sets the bar from here on in," Ron was speaking with his hands gesturing to the bird and fireplace.
"What are you talking about?" asked Harry, which put Neville at ease since he didn't have a clue, either. Ron huffed about his friends both being only children and not having learned the important stuff. Harry chose not to point out that neither his nor Neville's parents were in any condition to add siblings.
"Do I have to teach you two everything?" asked Ron. Harry then took his glass, cutting him off for the night. "If you call your gran now, she'll know how long it takes for your owl to fly here. If we were still at the pub, you would have had to wait until we paid the tab and Apparated back here. Wait at least ten minutes before calling her."
"I knew we kept you around for a reason," said Seamus, hitting Ron on the back and returning his glass to him. Neville conceded Ron had a good point and waited. As it turned out, the old bird wasn't just being obnoxious, but had to go out to help a sick friend. She wanted him home right away, so she could reset the wards before leaving. It was a sad state of affairs that she thought her grandson inept in that area. Harry offered for him to stay the night, putting the elder Longbottom at ease.
The tall redhead wrapped his arm around Neville's shoulder. "I try to buy you time, and Harry here gives you the whole night on a platter," slurred Ron incredulously. "The student has surpassed the master," he added, and held up his glass, spilling a little while in mid-bow. Neville took some ribbing for having to check in, but the topic was soon forgotten in favor of Seamus when someone asked about his latest girlfriend. Harry wondered if Seamus had ever told his dad that he wasn't gay or bi, but didn't bring it up. Though he was the biggest partier of the group, Seamus left around half eleven, claiming another job interview in the morning.
Neville told them that Seamus was meeting his girlfriend for lunch after the interview, which was the real reason their friend wanted to be in good form the next day. Seamus cheerfully told him to kiss off, but never actually denied Neville's remark. Though he didn't appear outright drunk, Harry was able to convince Seamus to take the Floo home instead of trying to Apparate. It hadn't occurred to Harry that a slurring of words might not get his friend to the correct home, nor had he considered the effects of so much spinning on an inebriated body. Despite that, Seamus did manage to get there safe and somewhat sound.
In the kitchen at Hogwarts, a house elf happily wrapped up a bowlful of strawberries and cream for Poppy Pomfrey. A second elf offered up a piping hot cup of cocoa. With a lid sealed over the cup to keep it from spilling, the school nurse walked back to the Infirmary. She'd been awakened earlier when a student entered her domain, missing a nose. Having sorted it all out, she sent the boy back to his dorm with a spell to help quiet his snoring, and made a plan to speak to Professor Snape about reprimanding students. If they knew a spell to remove a body part from their dorm mate, certainly they could have managed a silencing charm instead.
As if summoned by her thoughts, Severus Snape opened the large oak entrance door while she was passing by. He looked tired, dragging his feet.
"Just the man I wanted to see," she said in what Snape thought was far too cheerful a tone for such a late hour.
"Waiting up?" Usually he would have put more bite into his words, but just now couldn't be bothered. He was dead beat and wanted to get to his rooms as soon as possible. He paid her no mind when she explained how she'd been too full at supper for her favorite pudding, and so was partaking in a midnight snack.
"You will forgive me if we have this conversation at a more appropriate time?" like never. He then remembered something and took out his pouch of potions. He needed to restock and handed her a few vials, which she safely dropped into the patch pocket of her robe as he explained each one. "The pain relief potions have a few more days of shelf life. The brown vial is a coagulant. If no one has uncontrolled bleeding by noon tomorrow, throw it out,"
"I know you hate to waste quality potions, but at least try not to sound as if you're hoping for an increase in patients. I assure you, I'm busy enough," she teased but her eyes suddenly opened wide. "Severus!" He'd replaced the pouch in his pocket and now had blood on his hand.
"It's nothing to concern yourself over. Now, if you'll excuse me," he began to leave when she brazenly grabbed hold of his arm. It was unlike her to take such liberties. Very few people in the school would dare lay an unexpected hand upon him.
"I know perfectly well that you, as a Potions Master, know enough to heal a great many things. I have always been understanding and respected your privacy. But..." he knew there would be a 'but' and rolled his eyes. "We are a mere few steps to the Infirmary. Unless you tell me that is not your blood, I won't take 'no' for an answer."
He had to give her credit for realizing it may not have been his blood. Though he may mislead, he wouldn't lie to her. And, the idea of healing his back while twisting it into an odd angle in front of a mirror was quickly becoming more and more unappealing as each moment passed.
"Fine," he exhaled resignedly. "It's a small stab wound, so no fussing about," he demanded and ignored how incensed she became.
"You were stabbed?" she asked, not one bit amused by his indifference.
Severus followed Poppy into the Infirmary and removed his robe, coat and shirt in a dignified manor. It was a wonder a knife managed to get through so many layers of fabric. To her credit, Madam Pomfrey cleaned and healed the stab would with very little 'fussing', or at least she started out that way.
"This is healing nicely," she began hesitantly. Severus didn't like the tone. "Lie still for a little while before I cover this up. Is there anything else I can treat in the meantime?" again with the hesitant tone. "Sometimes injuries are overlooked when there is a lot of blood," as she spoke, her hand pressed on his lower back at the top of his trousers.
"Other than a headache, for which I have already taken a potion, I am otherwise unharmed," he said, and turned his head, face down on the pillow. He still had a headache and the witch was hedging around concerning something about which he couldn't care less.
"I can help you," she said gently.
"You have, and I appreciate it. Wrap me up so I may leave." He swore to himself he would say it was someone else's blood next time around.
"I assure you, all records are kept confidential..." she began again.
"Woman, what is it you think I'm not telling you?!" he hollered, twisting around to make eye contact and opening up his wound again.
"This is not a simple stab wound. The incision is long and cuts right though the top of your trousers. There is blood down to your knees. You have several bite marks here. There is no shame in admitting to being sexually assaulted," again her words ended on a gentle note and Severus wanted to strangle her for the pity in her voice alone.
"I was not sexually assaulted," he said fairly clearly, considering his face was once again pressed into the pillow. When he finally surfaced again, she was standing by his side as to make eye contact. "If a man has a cut on his back and remains standing for a substantial period of time, would gravity not cause the flow of blood in a downward fashion? You are familiar with gravity?" he added for snark effect.
"It's so unlike you to accept my help and..."
"I won't make that mistake again," he grumbled, cutting off her sentence. In her eyes he was clearly in denial. Seeing he was attempting to stand, she held him off long enough to re-seal the wound and apply a bandage to his back.
"I know there are potions for this sort of thing, but I promise you the combination of those and the spells I know will help immensely," she saw him sigh and couldn't help but feel triumphant when he seemed to have come to terms with his anger and began to speak with her.
"Is there anything short of dropping my pants that will convince you I was simply cut by an idiot holding a knife when he fell down?" he noted her triumphant look falter. Severus shook his head in defeat. "Though it abhors me to disclose personal information, I assure you, the bites you speak of were there before I was called away this evening."
She took a closer look and blushed to see the teeth marks were faded slightly and couldn't have been made that day. She considered countering that he may have been sexually assaulted a day ago, but the smirk on his face only made her blush more.
A cold afternoon found Harry and Ron outside the Burrow leveling new flagstone outside the front door. Molly Weasley, in the kitchen, muttered about snow that would melt, puddle up in front of the door and freeze up again.
"She's been after dad to do this forever," grunted Ron as he lowered a heavy stone.
"This is looking pretty good," Harry said proudly, admiring their handiwork. His back creaked when he stretched his arms over his head. Hearing a pop, Harry was concerned for his back for a second until he heard a second pop where the twins had Apparated onto the lawn.
"Brilliant! Now we don't have to go looking for you," said George. Fred rounded on Harry, explaining, "We need you to come to a meeting to mark your 'X' so we can rent the place where we'll be making our latest and greatest creations," Fred put his arm around Harry. "We know you don't want us at your place anymore."
"What ever gave you that idea?" asked Harry flatly. "You guys know my landlord isn't going to renew my lease when it comes up again?"
"That's exactly why you should be willing to help," George put his arm around Harry's other side, pinning the shorter wizard between the twins. "You can show your landlord that we've rented a place and won't be a risk anymore. Besides that, we told the guy who owns this place that you were a silent partner in the business. He was somewhat excited and wanted to meet you. I promise your name won't be on the lease or anything. It's just like a reference sort of thing."
Harry still hadn't found out where to send the letter of recommendation for Seamus, and now this. "I guess, along with the risks you take by being my friend, there, too, are benefits," Harry smiled, and they let out a collective sigh of relief. "Where were you two when Ron and I were moving these stones around?" kidded Harry. Fred's eyes lit up.
"Did you have Harry try out the boulder?" they asked simultaneously, pointing at a huge boulder not far from the house. Ron pulled a face, shaking his head.
"Yeah, Harry and me tried out the rock and then we measured our knobs to compare," Ron said sarcastically. He clarified for Harry, who was looking confused. Ignoring the slightly deflated duo, he continued, "Harry, see the marks on the side of the house?" Ron pointed to several lines with initials written next to them. "Someone lifts the boulder with magic as high as they can for a count of three. Then we mark it on the wall to see whose is the highest." Ron ignored Gred as they challenged him to a rematch.
"If you're going to continue to be part of this family, you really should have your initials on the wall," Fred pointed to the various lines. Harry could see a few faded lines marked BW, CW, and the more recent entries. "Ginny's is way down here," he pointed to a GiW, "but she got distracted and dropped it early," Fred explained as George grumbled about it landing on his foot. Before long they were all taking turns. After Ron out-lifted Fred by a few feet, Molly came to appraise the new walkway and to see what the thumping noise was when the giant rock had been dropped yet again.
"Alright, Harry?" asked Ron, seeing Harry press his palm to his forehead, face flushed and seeming to stagger a bit.
"Fine, just a little dizzy for some reason," he shook his head to clear it. Molly was smiling proudly at him.
"You're a little later than Ron, but that makes not a lick of difference. Bill and Percy took longer to come into their magic, too," beamed Molly. "Sit down for a minute, it'll pass," she added assuredly. Harry sat down, amused at the twins coaxing their mum to give it a go. She protested about not having time for such nonsense, but they managed to egg her on. She was a smug witch heading back to her kitchen, her initials just slightly higher than Ron's.
When Harry's head cleared, Ron insisted he try again; confident he would clear his first mark easily. He had been right. Harry's second try at levitating the boulder was significantly higher, though even his first try was far above any of the old marks on the wall. "Do you think the treatments are working?" he asked, his green eyes shining brightly.
"Hard to say. We all had the same kind of increase in magic around this age. Only a few of us felt dizzy, but that's normal. Is there some kind of test the Healers are going to do?" asked Ron, shifting his balance from one foot to the other.
"I'm going back to the Wellingfield Institute again next week to find out." Harry looked up to where Fred stood on the rock to reach up to where he marked HP on the wall. Harry explained the process where the slender witch, Phoebe, would first read the magic in him and then check again after he exerted himself. They moved into the home, out of the cold, where Harry told them more about the Institute and the people he met there. Although Molly seemed convinced what Harry experienced was normal for a budding adult, he was still excited to think he may have seen the first signs of the treatments working. Between his magical increase, Hagrid's celebration of sorts, and the appointment at the Institute, he couldn't wait for the week to end.
It shouldn't have been a surprise to Harry when his days began to drag out. At least training with Kieran was normal again. Harry had thought Kieran would be excited he was showing signs of increased magic, but Kieran, like Molly, thought it may or may not be a breakthrough. He was at the age to expect a natural increase in his magic. Harry liked training without the treatments afterwards, but was excited to find out what Phoebe would say. He thought the week would never end. Deciding to make the best of it, he grabbed his Invisibility cloak and headed for Hogwarts. It was time to visit a certain Potions Master.
At Hogwarts, that certain Potions Master was also despising his week ahead, and looking forward to Harry's visit during the full moon.
"Lupin, I need to appear as if I'm pressing you for information," Severus said, entering Remus' office without so much as a 'hello' to his coworker.
"Are you here to tell me what to do, or will we discuss what needs to be accomplished?" Remus gestured to a chair, which Severus ignored and continued to speak as if Remus hadn't made the offer.
"I'm to use my influence over you to find out who Harry Potter is involved with," said Severus sardonically. "The Flynn brat hasn't been quelled as much as I would have liked. I'm sure he's trying to get in the Dark Lord's good graces by keeping an eye on me during my current assignment."
"Has he been Marked?" asked a startled Remus. It was still hard to come to terms with the fact that some students, young enough that they were yet attending Hogwarts, already bore the Dark Mark.
"Not that I'm aware. If he has, it was quite recently. It seems looking for signs of Marked students, has been my designated new hobby," he deadpanned and quickly got back on topic. "Flynn wouldn't know subtle if it bit him on the arse. I'll let you know where to be. Most likely it will be the afternoon before the full moon, since that is when I have the most influence, as it were." Severus looked annoyed; he really hated Flynn. What disturbed him more was that Flynn was smart, yet too naive to know the Dark Lord was manipulating him. Even Draco Malfoy, who was wise to the ways of Death Eaters, had been taken aback when he found out the simple task of giving Harry Potter a headache that night in July had resulted in several deaths, some of whom he had known personally. It was then the young wizard had decided to be unavailable to do favors for his father's Master. Severus only hoped Flynn and others like him would learn that lesson before being branded for life.
Thoughts of his more difficult seventh year delinquents were put aside when the Potions classroom filled with third year Gryffindor and Slytherin students. Severus was always on his toes with the thirteen year olds. With two years magical training at Hogwarts, the recently-turned teens knew their way around school and just enough about Potions to cause chaos.
House rivalries were at an all time high. Since the explosion that had enabled Severus to attend Harry's healing treatment, rumours spread like wildfire. With the whole day's classes cancelled, word in the hall was that Professor Snape had suffered from the fumes and had been near dead. To further support the story, a Hufflepuff prefect had overheard Professor McGonagall say a Healer had been brought in. When several students questioned the reason anyone would go to such lengths to save such an evil git, they were quickly set straight by the older set; as the half-blood prince of darkness, Snape, the part vampire/part evil git would have to be saved if they expected the elite dark creatures to turn Potter in time to defeat the Dark Lord.
As he listened to the professors share various stories they'd overheard throughout the week, Severus had to admit that the rumour reporting portion of the recent staff meeting had been entertaining. Aside from the entertainment factor, the incident had been worth it, since the students were more careful for a week or so after Snape's 'near death experience'. He wouldn't expect their tentative good behavior to last long.
Severus watched the last student slip into class, and then noted the door slowly closed well after the student had been seated. The spy didn't need to use any great skill to hear the footsteps of an invisible intruder. Severus allowed a small smile to grace his lips for only a millisecond. Harry would know better than to think himself undetected in Severus' own classroom; only the students would be unaware of his presence. Before addressing the class with instructions and warnings, Severus gazed straight ahead to the back wall, where he felt Harry to be.
Ten minutes into class, Severus wondered if Harry had a plan or was winging it. No sooner had this come to mind, than he felt someone blowing in his ear. 'Hermione must have shown him that charm', he thought, knowing Harry was still across the room and not standing beside him. Once again he allowed a small smile. Small, meaning no one but Harry would have recognized it. His lover was playing the game with a master and would soon learn so. Severus returned the charm, but with much more complexity. The magical breath not only blew warmth in his lover's ear, but also continued to do so down his neck, all the way to his toes.
As the Potions Master strolled between tables to observe students work, he waited for Harry's retaliation. Not only was it a challenge of magic, but also a contest of stealth when spellcasting and lack of noticeable response by the wizard hit by a spell. Severus outmatched Harry in these areas, but that didn't mean it wouldn't be fun. They traded sensory charms, from short and perhaps a bit shocking to lingering and equally difficult to ignore.
Rounding the last table in the row, Severus strolled the room, hands behind his back, glancing into cauldrons as he neared the back wall. Harry was quiet, but Severus could feel how very close he was from the heat radiating off his body. Taking an abrupt step backward, he pressed against the heat. His hands, still strategically behind his back, found their target. Severus took pleasure in knowing Harry was hard for him. He didn't hear a sound from the lithe body behind him, but felt it stiffen in surprise. He hadn't felt many layers of fabric, and wondered what Harry was wearing beneath his unseen cloak.
The Potions Master kept his face impassive, relishing the sound of a muffled whimper as he distanced himself from the heat after releasing the grip on what would later be his prize.
"Mr. Cole, if you would prefer to keep your sight and skin intact, I suggest you lower your flame," to his credit, the Potions Master enunciated each word without pause. There was no indication he'd been hit mid-sentence with a lubricous spell. The Cole kid was going to drive him insane. He was constantly blushing and trying to catch the eye of the girl unfortunate enough to be across from his class partner.
After a few more spells, Severus was forced to sit at his desk. He didn't have an Invisibility cloak to hide away his aching erection. With two minutes left of class and a clear shot between worktables, Severus aimed what he was sure would be his final attack in their little game. Even focused on him, one could hardly see his lips move when the spell was subtly whispered. For a split second, Severus was disappointed when a student stood up, blocking the carefully chosen spell. No one but Harry should have been affected by the spell, even if it intercepted another.
To his horror, when Cole, the Gryffindor brat, stepped into the spell's path, he immediately reacted. When the boy gasped in shock, all eyes turned to him. No one noticed their professor charm a beaker of leach brine to spill over the table, onto their unfortunate classmate.
"Cole!" shouted Snape. "Ten points from Gryffindor for your incompetence! Class dismissed."
The student in question was so concerned about having come in his pants simply because the girl he had a crush on touched his hand, he didn't complain about the points lost. He just stood there, trying to grasp what had happened and how he had knocked over the brine.
"Get. Out!" The professor's order shook him from his thoughts. The boy quickly darted for the door behind his scurrying classmates. After the last student left, the door seemed to close of its own accord, thus alerting Severus once again to Harry's location. He walked briskly to the door while growling locking and silencing spells. He had reached out and grabbed where he thought Harry would be, and wasn't disappointed when he grasped a cloak and strong biceps.
Harry pulled off the cloak. It hung over his arm where Severus had a firm grasp of him. "What just happened?" he cautiously asked, allowing himself to be dragged from the classroom, through the office, into Severus' personal chambers. "Did you make that poor kid come?" He giggled and considered he should have stayed silent when is lover growled. But as he thought about it he couldn't help but laugh again.
"You're mad at yourself because you hit a student with a spell," said Harry. "What was it?" They'd entered Sev's rooms by the time the elder wizard finally saw fit to answer.
"Profundo," he said without explanation. Harry repeated the word a few times, trying to figure it out.
"Profundo, profundo, prof...undo. What is that, Latin for 'let out'?"
"Release," Severus clarified. Harry laughed again and didn't seem to mind he'd been roughly pressed against the wall.
Laughing still, Harry continued his inquisition. "Did you make that poor kid come in his pants?" Harry was laughing so hard he began to slide down the wall, but Severus kept him where he wanted him. ' good thing I don't care for that shirt much, ' Harry thought to himself when his shirt didn't make it off his person in one piece.
"Damn thirteen year olds!" snarled Severus. "I picked that spell carefully," he continued, but he seemed to be cursing in French.
"English, Sev," teased Harry, working the tiny buttons on the man's jacket as quickly as possible. Severus seemed to continue his rant, but switched to English again. Really, on second thought, Harry decided he hadn't necessarily needed to know what was being said right then; he liked to hear the language his lover was using earlier, he thought it sounded erotic. A small button shot off the jacket, making a ping sound as it hit the floor.
"Basic anatomy!" Sev ranted, not noticing the roll of Harry's eyes as he continued in lecture mode. "You can't climax if you don't have an erection. If the spell hit you and you weren't hard, nothing would happen. That damn Cole boy is a walking hard-on. It's no wonder he can't make a decent potion." Severus was very uncomfortable with the thought of what he'd inadvertently done to a student. He liked to think that Harry would be the first, last, only student he would bring to climax. He was taken off guard when Harry abruptly spun him around, pushing hard, making his back hit the wall with force.
"Shut up." Exasperated, Harry pulled out his wand, aiming at Severus right between the eyes for a moment to get his attention, and then lowered his aim. He spelled off Severus' clothes and pressed him back against the wall.
"Why don..." Severus began again, but could no longer remember what he was about to say. He only registered the sensation of his cock enveloped in suctioning, velvety, wet heat, its head pressing against the back of Harry's vibrating throat. "Oh, yes," he let out with a shuddered breath. In Sev's opinion, the smoldering heat of Harry's mouth left him far too soon. "More..." he panted breathily. He'd wanted it to sound like an order, but was afraid it came closer to begging than a demand.
"Since you're all slicked up," Harry maneuvered him to the bed, taking the lead.
"I seem to recall using the very same spell on you," retorted Severus, fully intending to bottom, but enjoying the repartee between them. He wondered if Harry would make him wait agonizingly long while preparing him, or if he intended to use a spell. It wasn't as if they had all night. Severus only had a ninety-minute break until his next class. Harry had laid down flat on top of him, still nearly fully clothed. Nuzzling his neck for a moment, Harry brought his face back up to meet Sev's.
"Did I mention..." he nibbled under Sev's chin. "...I have more magic?" he finished his sentence, pulling an earlobe between his lips and tongue. He continued his ministrations after questioning eyebrows raised. Pressing his denim-clad body against Severus, Harry groaned at feeling his lover's eager cock, forgetting he had been in mid-explanation. Harry gasped when his clothes vanished. He'd left Severus' wand on the floor with his clothes. "Show off," he murmured, regarding the wandless magic while nuzzling and kissing his way back to a collarbone that was begging to be licked.
"Be done with your rambling and fuck me," Sev whispered in a low, sexy tone against to his ear. "Or, do both at the same time. I'm not picky," he added and squeezed Harry's firm arse.
"Accio wand," Harry said lazily and caught his wand with a snap. "I was messing around with Ron," Harry paused when he saw the brows rise again with amusement. "Not this kind of messing around," he wriggled for emphasis. "We were lifting a heavy stone and I ...well, long story short, I found that I'm magically stronger. Molly thinks it's just normal growing, but maybe it's not. I have to be careful how much power I put into a spell until I get used to it," he said with a huge, hopeful grin. Severus smiled an extremely cheerful smile. It was almost scary.
"That's excellent and I'm happy for you, whichever it is," he said, eerie smile still in place. "Perhaps," he began sweetly, "we could celebrate by you fucking me within, let's say, the next HOUR?!" Severus would have liked to think his words had an impact, but the body on him was bouncy with laughter.
"And you complain about me having no patience," teased Harry, grinding against Severus in an effort to placate the man. Holding his wand up again, Harry decided Severus couldn't wait and used the spell to prepare him, lubricating him and relaxing his muscles. He looked down at Sev's face that flashed from gratitude to startled in the matter of a split second.
"Don't use another spell!" Severus spoke so quickly Harry froze. He gulped, noticing the same movement on his lover's throat. Harry's spell was too strong, and had relaxed Severus from the hips down, so much he couldn't move his legs. If Harry didn't use any other spells, he could use 'Finite Incantatum' later, and all would be returned to normal. Harry wanted to do it right away, fearing the worst, but Severus convinced him he still had feeling, and would be all right, but currently he had very little muscle control, if any.
"Not all of you is limp," teased Harry, firmly gripping his lover's cock. He placed a pillow beneath a very relaxed bum, and held Severus' legs up to his shoulders. "I like this position," he said, licking at a pale ankle. Nudging Sev's entrance carefully, Harry asked if he really could feel everything OK. Severus growled at him impatiently. Holding long legs above his shoulders, leaning down towards his supine lover, Harry thrust deeply into him. Any fears he harboured drifted off when Severus let out a howl. It had been a long time since he could make the usually composed wizard scream. Adjusting his angle a few times until he could see Sev's eyes bug, Harry found just the right position to ensure his partner remained vocal.
Severus felt at ease in a way he could never have been, under normal conditions. The spell's effect was like some he'd used in bondage; yet he knew his Harry was as yet relatively innocent of such kinks. Handled right, this would bode well for their future activities. It took a certain level of trust to enjoy the loss of control. What truly made the difference for him was not only the relaxed muscles, but also the lack of having to consciously will his muscles to be at ease, to relax when his legs were stretched to their maximum to fold them nearly against his own body, knees above Harry's shoulders. This gave him the ability to concentrate purely on the tremendous pleasure Harry was giving him. Severus could only hope his young lover, despite his age, would last as long as possible.
"You feel so good, I don't know how long I'm gonna' last," groaned Harry. Severus groaned for an altogether different reason.
"Don't stop," he panted, feeling inspired. "Accio wand," Severus knew there were some detailed spells he couldn't always do wandless and in his current state.
Harry hadn't clearly heard the incantation, but the results were unmistakable.
"What the Hell is that?!" startled Harry, pausing when the invisible strap wrapped around his privates.
"Don't stop," repeated Severus, wishing he had use of his legs to wrap around Harry, forcing him back into motion. Luckily, Harry had begun to move again. Severus briefly explained what a cock ring was; pressure was applied in such a way he couldn't come before its removal. He hoped Harry wouldn't take it as an insult to his endurance.
Harry, for his part, was thrilled of the proof that he was giving so much pleasure that Severus took such a measure to keep it going. He also thought it better to use such a device over his having to distract himself by thinking of bubotubor pus or other such vile things to keep himself from coming. He was more than happy to fuck Severus until he passed out, or at least until the man's next class. However, neither of the two options occurred before Harry's appreciation for the cock ring spell faded and he was begging for release.
In needy desperation, Harry pulled up into a kneel. Firmly holding lean hips, he lifted his lover off the pillow, vigorously thrusting with everything he had, inspired by his shouting lover.
~"God. SSSev. Pleassse I have to come."~ hissed Harry. Severus had already begun to say the incantation to remove the cock ring. He didn't think he would have been coherent enough to do so had he waited a second longer. Hearing the Parseltongue spoken, he felt his balls draw up. Barely touching his aching member, Severus lost himself as he felt Harry pulsing hotly over and again inside him. Shouting his release, he was chorused by Harry. His hips jerked with Harry's last few thrusts, as he felt the last spurts from his lover's throbbing cock. Harry shuddered and withdrew, helping straighten Sev's legs before he collapsed on his spent lover.
Severus would have been happy to spend the next several hours as is, but needed to get dressed for his next class. He might not have made a fuss if he'd had to himself, but he did appreciate Harry's show of caring when he cleaned him up and used 'Finite Incantatum' to restore the use of his lower half again.
"Now I know what that leather strap is for," Harry had seen the item in his bedside table drawer, but had been too excited and distracted by a new toy Sev had purchased and had forgotten about the other item. He watched Severus looking for socks and adjusting to the use of his legs again.
"I wondered how long it would take for you to ask me about that," commented Severus with a smirk. "I was sure curiosity would have gotten the better of you before now."
"I knew what it was..." Harry trailed off. Severus reveled in the fact he could still make Harry blush on occasion. "I um, didn't want to admit I wasn't sure how it worked or where it wrapped around," Harry remained sprawled on the bed. Severus would have loved to go back to class knowing the lithe body lay naked awaiting his return. Alas, it couldn't be today, but would have to wait. The weekend, along with the full moon, would come soon.
"I told Remus he could have my place for the weekend. I think he appreciates it when he doesn't feel like he needs to leave right away. Ginny said she hadn't heard any rumours about you and Remus yet. Are things under control there?" Harry hadn't heard anything from Sev about it since he found out about the newest mission of 'discovering Potter's' lover'. Severus frowned, piquing his curiosity.
"I will be pressing the issue this week. The student I mentioned has been quiet, but keeping an eye open. He will think he's spying on me when I persuade Lupin to tell me your lover's identity. The boy is too eager to please and it's going to wind up getting him into trouble. More than he knows," Severus said the last bit more to himself than Harry.
"I hope you don't rough up Remus too badly," Harry said, trying to persuade Severus to go easy on him.
"These are difficult times," Severus began, sounding serious, but Harry could see the smirk forming. "One must derive pleasure wherever possible," to prove his point, Severus wrapped his arms around the lithe form pressing against him. Harry groaned when Sev's strong hands held his arse, pulling them body to body. Harry pulled his lover down for a kiss, enjoying the feel of the teaching robes against his skin, making him feel like they'd gotten away with something 'improper'.
"Your pleasure is well taken care of, Mr. Snape," Harry said haughtily. Severus squeezed Harry's arse tighter, commenting he had it well in hand. "Oh, did you think I was speaking of sex? I was referring to Gryffindor being so far down in points," teased Harry, grinding his hips, wishing he were a few inches taller so to have a better impact. "I can't wait for this weekend. I miss you," Harry said, nuzzling Sev's neck.
"How could you miss me? You just had me. And very well, I might add," Severus' voice sent shivers through him.
"You're evil," groaned Harry "Using 'that' voice and leaving me wanting more." Pressing his body sinuously against Severus, he whispered,"Don't leave," and repeated himself in Parseltongue, hoping to have the desired effect.
"You mean, don't leave you like that," Severus said, referring to Harry's erection. "Ah, youth," he added, and smiled when Harry complained petulantly. "Would you like me to take care of that for you?" Severus asked, taking a step back, purposefully lowering his voice. Harry thought he would purr.
Severus muttered a quick incantation and Harry abruptly spilled his seed on the floor.
With eyes open as wide as a house elf's, Harry's jaw hung open with realization of what Severus had done. He made me come with a spell! He screamed in his head and aloud. When Severus smoothly exited his private rooms to his office, Harry was still yelling obscenities and promising retaliation this upcoming weekend.
DETAH 67 - Awkward Events
Hermione stepped through the Floo at Harry's. She smiled, seeing him sitting on the floor, stretching, while waiting for her. "I can't believe you can touch your nose to your knee like that. My legs would kill," she watched him finish up, commenting on how fit he had gotten since they left school. "I thought you were hot before. Now..." she trailed off and decided to rib him. "Hey, maybe you should play a season of quidditch so you can get into that magazine," she said with a straight face, until he looked up with an odd smile. "What?" she asked, feigning innocence.
"I have modeled the quidditch gear Sev got me for my birthday. But I don't think he would appreciate me half naked in print," Harry had a faraway look, thinking about the time Severus arrived to find him wearing the black outer robe with brown boots and matching guards. Severus had held his hands on Harry's waist, holding the robes aside, exposing him fully. He sighed just thinking about it. "I think he likes to watch me fly, knowing I'm naked underneath."
"You do not!" yelled Hermione as if scandalized. "You mean at Hogwarts, when you and Ron fly with Ginny a day or so before a big game...?" she asked, her mouth gaping, when he grinned.
"Only when I know he's watching. One time he didn't think I knew he was there, so I mooned him," he laughed to see her mouth open wider. "Discreetly of course," he added with a smirk.
"You did not!" she repeated herself, giggling as Harry nodded his head.
"Check this out. I think the ceiling is just high enough to work. Harry spelled his quidditch robes over his red sweatpants and tee, and then retrieved his broom. Hovering, he frowned. "Too low." The two of them stepped out the back door. "You know that drop the twins used to do, where you fall straight down to avoid an unexpected bludger?" she nodded and watched Harry fly just above the roof. He circled a few times and seemed to drop right out of the sky in front of her. She could clearly see a flash of red from the seat of his pants as the robe raised up in the back. Hermione laughed so hard she cackled.
"Oh, Merlin," she said, a hand over her mouth. "What did he do? Did he react, or keep that straight face he does so well?"
"Don't know, I was flying away from him," Harry smirked, and returned his broom to the closet. "Let's just say that after that night, I wasn't able to fly for days," he raised his brows suggestively and she squealed.
"You're a tease, telling me things like that, and nothing else," she protested and followed Harry into the kitchen. They were skipping take-away and making dinner for a change. "I can appreciate your respecting Severus' privacy. Lord knows I wouldn't be too happy if I thought Ron was going to kiss & tell," she paused. "He isn't, is he?" Hermione asked, having lost her original thought.
"No," Harry answered vehemently. "As if I'd I would tell you if he were," he muttered. As Harry selected foods from the fridge, he handed them over to her. They worked well together, though not as smoothly as he and Sev, Harry noticed. Hermione continued on her original thought as if she'd never paused.
"It just boggles the mind how much our perception of him has changed," she said, thinking of something else, but Harry knew her too well.
"Yeah, you're just obsessed with the whole 'two guys together' thing," he quirked a smile as she nodded her head in agreement. "Here, slice these," he handed her a few vegetables.
"If the idea of two guys together can get you all hot and bothered, I'm certainly allowed to enjoy my fantasies."
"I don't think I want to know about your fantasies," he said matter-of-factly, reaching for a pot, directing Hermione by pointing to various herbs.
"I doubt my imagination is much racier then your reality. Besides, I don't dream up stuff about you," She had a faraway expression, her mind trying to reclaim a recent memory. "Did you ever think about Draco Malfoy with a Slytherin in his dorm? Or maybe someone scandalous, like a Gryffindor?" She giggled at Harry's incredulous expression.
"You obviously have way too much time on your hands, if you can come up with this stuff. Sure, I may have thought he had a nice arse, but who in their right mind would think of Malfoy as anything but straight? We really need to change the subject here." He wanted to keep his appetite, thankyouverymuch.
"I don't know..." she trailed off. "Wouldn't it be wild to see Malfoy giving head to Neville?" she grinned when Harry seemed to consider it.
"I'd like to see that," admitted Harry. "I can't imagine Malfoy taking care of anyone but himself. That reminds me, did you find that magazine I told you about?"
"Yes, it's in my bag. Wizarding rags are just like muggle magazines, with shady advertisements in the back. I can't believe what they're trying to sell. Did you say that what Kieran did for you was the same as... what was it, 'Healing for Complete Rejuvenation'?"
"That's it. Kieran said witches and wizards alike spend big money to 'regain their youth'," he said rolling his eyes. "I'd love it if we could come up with some way to pay Kieran for all he's done. I was thinking it was all just part of the training, but then I found out he can't work before treatments or right afterwards," it bothered Harry not to compensate the Healer in some way. Together, he and Hermione would come up with a plan.
Severus Snape had felt a twinge of pain on his forearm. It wasn't the burning pain of a summons, but a brief reminder of his servitude. With a glass of red wine and a stack of third year essays, Severus settled in for the night in front of a roaring fire.
He looked forward to the weekend, when he could do his grading in front of the bedroom fire with Harry pestering him to finish up so that they could be together. He planned to finish his grading before Harry arrived, but he would tease his young love by carrying in a large stack of parchments. It was easily worth it for all the fun he'd get out of watching the effort Harry put into temping him to put the work aside in favor of more pleasurable activities.
Amused, he wondered if Harry even knew it was usually a ruse, but he so anticipated the effort Harry put into finding his distraction point. One time, Harry had planted himself on the floor and practically climbed under Severus' robe, massaging, kissing, nibbling and anything else he could think of to make Severus pitch aside the grading. Though more recently, Severus found himself already unable to concentrate even when Harry hadn't yet touched him at all. That time, Harry'd sprawled out on the bed, wearing only his green satin bikinis. Having made some comment about the winter drying his skin, he proceeded to rub oil all over himself. After every savory inch was coated, Harry returned his attentions to his hard nipples, twisting and pulling them as his green satins became tighter with every touch.
"Severus, thinking about me?" a cool, dignified voice from the fire broke his lust-filled train of thought.
"Lucius," Severus replied in greeting. He hadn't flinched, nor did he seem the slightest bit unnerved, having been caught rubbing the bulge in his robe.
"Such a recluse, Snape. Do you even keep in touch with anyone outside of Hogwarts?" Lucius seemed only slightly interested, but Severus could see right through him.
"Why, only this week I was in touch with some old family friends," he said, answering Lucius' question regarding Draco. ' He wants something...but what? ' Severus was curious of the true reason for the call.
"Odd you should mention old family friends," Lucius took the easy segue. "Heard from your friend Donnelley lately?"
'Ah, he needs a Healer. Has he lost his temper with his tailor again? Or is he enquiring for someone else? ' wondered Severus. "He has holed himself away. Healing a friend of his mother, I believe," Severus lied, knowing Lucius would pay more to coax Kieran from a patient, especially if it was personal.
"If he could see fit to helping out a mutual friend, I will make it worth his while, of course." 'Mutual friend' meaning the Dark Lord. It wasn't like Voldemort to care, even if he unintentionally caused serious damage to one of his followers. Severus smiled inwardly. He had given his opinion in regards to marking children. It had cost him a few minutes of great pain at the time, and now, unfortunately he was being proven right. Students are too impetuous to know what they want at such a young age. They are fickle and are quick to change their minds, trying to encourage friends to do the same. This left the Dark Lord in the loathsome position of having to be careful not to scare the younger recruits while they still could have the protection of Dumbledore, should they choose to seek it.
"Perhaps we could meet for a drink and discuss this in a more private setting?" suggested Lucius when Severus hadn't commented on his considerably large offer to compensate the Healer.
After agreeing with Lucius to meet privately, Severus closed his Floo, drained his wine glass, and contacted Kieran. The full moon drew near. His Slytherin students knew the Wolfsbane potion to be time consuming and would expect their Head of House to be busy this weekend, making up for lost time. With any luck, Lucius wouldn't keep him long. Severus would have to awaken early to begin Lupin's potion. He glanced regretfully at the waiting essays. He did not intend to grade during the coming weekend. This was, without any doubt, going to be a long night.
Deep in thought, Severus climbed the stairs out of the dungeons. He'd contacted Albus, telling him of his plan to meet Lucius, and took the opportunity to have a word with Lupin. He passed Hagrid's stable, Remus Lupin waiting his arrival. He looked convincingly surprised to see the Potions Master. Severus grudgingly admitted, if only to himself, that the wolf was a competent Order member.
"Professor Lupin, I should have expected you to be out here 'communing with nature'," he said snidely.
"Good evening, Severus," Remus greeted him cordially, as if he hadn't spoken. He could sense someone approaching. It was the Flynn kid and one of his cohorts. Severus looked at his watch as if he were late and didn't have time for a chat with his colleague, but really was waiting for Flynn to get into hearing range.
"I haven't the time or inclination to track you down tomorrow. I'll meet up with you here. We wouldn't want you risking the student's lives by missing your potion, would we?"
"Of course not," replied Remus with clenched teeth. He noted Severus' usual rude comments now and then were not only increasing, but also made with more ferocity. He easily scented the waves of anxiety pouring off the usually unruffled wizard. It was clear to him that Severus was uncomfortable playing his current role. At first, he'd thought it was due to the animosity between them from years past. But then he recognized a surge of guilt. Despite his many faults, Severus was an honorable man, and Remus could tell the man felt as if his actions betrayed Harry, even though what was done was only in his role as spy. Remus envied Harry; Severus gave the younger wizard something he had always wanted from Sirius. They walked to the Hogwarts gates in silence, speaking only when certain they were no longer overheard.
"I expect you to be in Albus' office for your potion on time. I will meet you in the stable at the designated time with a phony Wolfsbane. The potion Flynn sees me give you will be a muscle relaxant," explained Severus. Remus hadn't expected it, but was grateful the faux potion would be so beneficial.
"How did you know Flynn would be there to overhear?" asked Remus.
"One of the Slytherin Prefects is a spy," said Severus with a smirk. "She keeps an eye on a few key students for me.
"What does she get out of it?" Remus knew Slytherins didn't do anything for nothing.
"As a Gryffindor, I would think you would appreciate the benefits of helping for the good of mankind, not for the rewards," Severus waited for Remus to roll his eyes before he continued. "I may have pulled a few strings and had her free period coincide with her boyfriend's. That, and I agreed not to check a particular empty classroom on Friday nights while patrolling for students out past curfew."
"I hope that arrangement includes a birth control potion."
"Certainly not," Severus stated firmly, and then added. "If the potion I give her to keep her skin clear has a side effect of preventing pregnancy, it's no concern of mine," he explained with a grin.
Several hours earlier:
Hermione was somewhat confident in her abilities, but couldn't help wanting to hold Harry's hand while Apparating to Florean Fortescue's Ice-cream Parlor.
"See, you did fine," Harry encouraged her, giving her hand a squeeze before reclaiming his own. It was all he could do not to laugh at her when he found out she had used a mapping program on her computer back in her flat in muggle London to estimate the distance from his flat to Florean Fortescue's. She had explained that she couldn't just look it up on a typical website, since Hogsmeade wasn't on the muggle maps.
"Thanks," she beamed, enjoying the newfound freedom that comes with a more convenient way to travel. "I heard Fortescue's has a few sugar-free flavors now, and I told my mum & dad I'd pick them up a small carton."
"Small? That's like what, two servings each?" asked Harry incredulously. "One if you're Ron," he added with a laugh. She simply shrugged at her friend before heading into the shop.
"I thought your 'trainer' wanted you to cut back on ice-cream." She asked, referring to Severus.
"Yeah, but if I come for a banana split one night, it's a lot better than bringing a large carton at home and eating it three nights a week," he tried rationalizing.
"We wouldn't have to make a treat run if you'd keep some decent junk food in your place, like a normal teenager living alone," she poked him in the gut, surprised to feel such firm abs. "Wow, you're hard," Hermione clamped a hand over her mouth having realized what she'd said. "Great muscle tone," she added to appease an offended customer ahead of them in line, but it didn't help.
"It's comments like that that'll get you in the papers again," he whispered in her ear. "Before we head back, do you want to take a walk over to Quality Quidditch Supplies? I want to get a look at the new broom Ron was telling us about the other night. I think he may have been exaggerating after a few drinks."
Harry, ever the gentleman, carried the bags. Or more precisely, Hermione stepped back with a smile and let the clerk give Harry the bags. "What a blast we had the other night. Ron and Seamus argued over who has the best seeker, while Dean tried to figure out why my ceiling is unnaturally blue. After everyone else left, minus Ron sleeping on the sofa, Neville and I stayed up half the night, laughing and looking at the box of pictures Colin Creevey gave me."
"I thought Ron said Neville was always the first of you guys to fall asleep," she pulled her coat tighter. "I don't know what I hate more, the cold, or knowing that it's supposed to rain this weekend. If I'm going to freeze now, I wish we'd at least get some pretty snow," she grumbled, but gave Harry an appreciative smile when he cast a warming spell over her. "So gallant," she said contently.
"Gallant and Hard, what more could a girl ask for?" asked Harry with a laugh. "Funny enough, I think that's what Ginny has with Neville. When I explained to him that a note sent from Albus was actually a message warning me to stay awake for a while, Neville offered to stay up with me. Ron had already passed out when Neville saw me drinking the potion to help me stay awake. Next thing I knew, Nev swallowed another of the same dose and we chewed the fat half the night. We even came up with a spell to get the blue off the ceiling. Well, some of it anyway," Harry groaned. "It looked better before we messed with it. At least before, I could say I was going for a blue-sky effect, but now it just looks blotchy."
"Harry? Isn't the quidditch shop closed this time of night?" she asked curiously.
"Yeah, but I just want to look in the window anyway," he looked ahead and saw why she was asking. Two people were leaving the closed shop. His first thought was the shop was being robbed, but then he saw a familiar face. "That's Oliver!" he said loud enough for the wizard in question to look up. "What are you doing, making them stay up late?" he joked with his old captain.
"Harry! I needed some repairs last minute and they were kind enough to help me out," Oliver thanked the owner, who was locking up again. Along with his broom, Oliver was clutching a shirt with a logo Harry recognized as the quidditch shop. "I'm heading for the Leaky Cauldron to Floo out, you want to come have a drink and catch up?"
"Tonight's not a good night, but we'll walk over there with you. You remember Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley's fiance?"
Harry, Oliver and Hermione had a few minutes while they were walking to catch up with the 'not quite yet famous' professional quidditch player. Harry soon found it very hard to explain why he hadn't joined a professional team right out of school. It wasn't easy to say he hadn't done much more then build part of a house that was no longer standing. Nor was it an option to discuss his training program, and that he was shagging one of his trainers, who just happened to be their most hated professor at Hogwarts.
Harry ended up talking to Oliver for another forty-five minutes. He hadn't intended to, but the thought of trying to finish Seamus' letter of recommendation later that night was haunting him. He'd started it so many times his paper-ball hook shot into the trash bin was vastly improving.
Severus sat comfortably in a chair that cost more than his monthly wage. Lucius settled into a similar chair, having refilled their drinks. This was one of those few times when their conversation had little or nothing personal to do with Severus, allowing him to relax somewhat and enjoy a very good, and very old scotch. Or so he thought.
"Narcissa recently received a letter from Draco's fiance," meaning Draco managed to get information to his father without risking too much. "He claims to have come to an understanding with the local inhabitants. He also mentioned earning his keep?" questioned Lucius.
"I have explained the importance of his getting along with those living at the manor. It would behoove him to stay in their good graces. I expect he will only have to play nice for another week before returning to England to begin his new employment," Severus thought it amusing. By now, the older children of the manor had realized the position their 'guest' was in, and had taken full advantage of the situation. Especially when it involved Draco's care packages from his mum. If nothing else, the woman was consistent, always boxing up the finest chocolates and other indulgences for her son to enjoy.
Lucius made no comment. He didn't care about day-to-day trivialities, he only wanted to know his son was safe and all was going as planned. He swirled the amber liquid in his glass while listening to Severus explain Draco earning his keep, so to speak.
"One of my recent potion commissions from our Lord requires a rare, illegal, and very expensive plant. Due to the three week brewing time, the potion will have to be done at Hogwarts. The plant doesn't travel well, so Draco will be required to water and possibly feed it for several days before I can retrieve it personally," Severus hoped the plant would arrive without anyone but Draco's notice.
"Do you think that wise?" asked Lucius, not needing to remind Severus of his son's dismal Herbology scores.
"My biggest concern is getting the plant to a safe, quiet place where it won't be disturbed. Once it survives the movement required in delivery, the rest is uncomplicated," Severus was grateful the plant was nearly impossible to over water. But, one or two days of dry soil and it was useless.
The conversation went on like that for a while longer. Severus wanted to know what Kieran was needed for, but couldn't risk appearing too eager. As it turned out, the story was quite a little drama. It ranked right up there with a muggle soap opera. And to think Severus only expected petty issues like the one he just heard to happen with students, not the 'all powerful' Dark Lord.
"Tell me again what provoked a recruit to lunge at his new master in an attempt to strangle him?" asked an amused Severus. Maybe that's what Harry should try.
"In an attempt to gain favor, someone brought in a candidate... his girlfriend, a young woman of excellent background, and requested an audience. She walked around the manor, by the Dark Lord's side, focused attentively like a lapdog. The girl happily listened to the usual spiel about how glamorous life as one of his followers would be. When she returned to the boyfriend, she was dazed and her lips were all puffy and red," Lucius smirked into his glass when he saw the moment of surprise Severus permitted to show.
"It's not like him to go for anyone so young, is it?" questioned Severus. He didn't even want to think what it'd be like to give head to Voldemort, who barely appeared to be human at the best of times. At least the girl had her memory altered. He could just imagine the young recruit flying off the handle and jumping the Dark Lord. "He lived?" assumed Severus, since they required Kieran's expertise.
"Don't ask me to admit it, but I'm quite sure our Lord is now heeding your words regarding the marking of such young followers. It isn't worth the headache. He had to keep from killing the boy because a few of his close friends are still students. Students who are needed to execute assignments without getting spooked."
Severus was concerned by the 'assignments' comment, and knew people like Flynn were keeping a watchful eye on him.
"As a friend, I would strongly suggest you find and kill Potter's lover before you face our Master again," warned Lucius with an evil grin. Severus couldn't possibly see how this had anything to do with the conversation at hand. "If you'd like, I can give you a little hint. Anyone you've seen in the last few hours is no longer a suspect," the gleam in Lucius' eyes sparked with merriment.
"How, pray tell, did you come to this assessment?" asked Severus, thinking ' this should be entertaining'.
"While speaking to the young girl, one of our own asked the Dark Lord a question regarding a few future plans. The girl overheard him state that he had everything under control, and that he was so powerful, if he were to make the effort, he could tell you at any given time what emotions Potter was feeling. Not being one to deny a request to show such a great feat to a possible candidate, he closed his eyes and concentrated." At this point, Lucius outright laughed aloud. It was quite undignified, but it wasn't every day someone witnessed Voldemort in a near state of shock while sporting an unexpected erection. "Before I realized what had happened, he was dragging the girl into a dark room," he laughed again.
"I beg your pardon?" Severus tried to appear amused, but didn't manage it.
"It had to happen, eventually. Potter's a teen. How many times can you check up on the brat before you catch him having sex?"
Severus couldn't even fathom the chaos that had been stirred up. He was too caught up in Lucius' last comment. 'Who the bloody hell was Harry having sex with?' His head was spinning. "Who?"
"That's your job, to find out who," smirked Lucius. "With only an emotion to go by, who could tell? I don't envy you." He could see Snape was perplexed; the man's mask had slipped for a moment.
Severus wanted to smack the smug look off the blonde's face. He did all he could to make a swift exit, gladly accepting a hefty bag of Galleons to be passed along to Kieran for his assistance and discretion.
Apparating into Harry's sitting room, Severus took a moment to assess the area. He told himself that he trusted Harry implicitly, but a little voice inside his head reminded him of the impetuousness of youth. "Not Harry," he argued with himself, yet he couldn't help but think about the kind of stimulation it would have taken for Harry to have had that kind of effect on Voldemort.
Looking down, Severus saw a small flyer on the table with a picture of a very attractive quidditch player. The caption read 'Oliver Wood, Keeper for Puddlemere United', game schedule printed inside. On the back was a handwritten note.
Harry, think it over. Sorry I was so pushy tonight, but we were a great team and I can tell you miss it. Since you mentioned you're going to have to move on soon, you may want to take me up on the offer and do a little traveling once you're not tied down anymore. Oliver
"He's referring to quidditch," Severus said, convinced there was no reason to read anything deeper into this. He trusted Harry. If Harry wanted to move on from him, he would have been upfront. He knew Harry too well to get riled up over this. Severus truly believed all this, but when he tried to open the bedroom door it had been locked by a powerful spell. He shook off his doubt and calmed down. After 'Alohamora' and several other spells, the door remained locked. Bypassing the door completely, Severus Apparated into the bedroom. The wrinkled Puddlemere flyer fell to the floor along with his jaw when he got his first glimpse at the bed. It was clear Harry hadn't expected Severus this evening.
Debauched was the only word that came to mind when Severus set eyes on the exquisite scene before him. Harry, his pillow clutched beneath his head with one hand, the other loosely wrapped around a small square item. Severus draped his outer robes over a nearby chair before getting closer for a better look. One of Harry's favorite toys lay discarded on the bed, yet to be cleansed of the slippery substance coating it. Not far from that was the jar of lubricant, haphazardly tossed aside, the angle it rested at resulting in some puddling onto the sheets. On the floor was the cock ring Severus knew Harry hadn't used before. His desire began to nudge as he imagined his young lover experimenting with it.
Fully clothed, Severus laid down behind Harry, on the side of the bed that was void of sticky substances. He reached across Harry, dipped his finger into the spilt lube, smiled and began to explore the spent body beside him. He would only admit to having felt apprehensive for a second before his treacherous mind turned to thoughts of Harry pleasuring himself while thinking of the quidditch player. He knew better, but felt a wave of relief when he picked the small item from Harry's hand to see a 'Brain Box' filled with intense snippets of he and Harry together. He watched the succession of scenes, his own tumescence confirming each was more erotic than the one before. He appreciated that Harry would want to keep those memories so sharp, undiluted by time or other influence, and wondered how often Harry pleasured himself using them.
"Mmm," hummed Harry, moving closer to the warmth, whimpering when Severus slid in another finger.
"Did you enjoy your toys?" purred a deep voice into Harry's ear.
"Mm-hmm," affirmed Harry. "Want you weekend," he added sleepily. Severus smiled into his lover's messy hair, pressing in a kiss. It was fun to see how long he could play with Harry, how much he could do, drawing out responses to the stimulation yet keeping him from rising to full consciousness, when Harry'd realize he wasn't dreaming.
"I'm going to make love to you now, and all weekend," Severus said between nips to Harry's shoulder. "Would you like that?" he emphasized the question with a stroke to Harry's prostate.
"Yes," he groaned. "~Yesss~" no sooner had Harry spoken in Parseltongue than Severus' cock stiffened to near painful hardness. Harry continued to ramble out several phrases, tipping Severus over the edge, driving him wild in a lust-crazed haze, Severus spelled open his robes and trousers, exposing his eager cock, leaving him free to slide into the waiting heat. In an attempt to restrain himself, Severus held still for a moment, not wanting to come quickly, or be too forceful.
"What did you say, love?" he asked as a distraction.
"Hmm?" Harry asked, and attempted to grind his hips beneath Severus.
"Tell me again, in English." It took a minute for Harry to get his mind around to repeating it.
"When you're grading, I'm going to bend you over the Slytherin papers and fuck you hard," he pressed back to get more friction. "On your desk," he added, making Severus laugh.
"You are dreaming," he said with a smirk, pulling out fully before thrusting in earnest. Severus held Harry's hips, drawing him up close with each stroke, but had to take care not to leave marks. Harry would be nude for his exam the next day. Severus planned to leave many marks on the lithe body beneath him, over the weekend.
When Harry awoke the next morning, he groaned at the state of his bed. His knee was smeared in a puddle of spilt lubricant, and a knobby vibrator was digging into his ribs. "Oh, Merlin," he groaned, remembering the night before. It never failed, whenever Severus caught him asleep, he'd mumble on and on incoherently. The Slytherin had a knack for egging him on, yet keeping him on the edge between sleep and wakefulness. Severus was going to tease him mercilessly when he saw him next.
Though he wanted to think of his lover all day, Harry was anxious to get his day going. Kieran was taking him to be tested to see if the treatments were working. They met up, went out for breakfast, and discussed the last few big treatments they would do with Albus if all went well. Before they knew it, it was time for their appointment.
Harry stood in the entrance to The Frances Wellingfield Institution of Healing and Wellness while Kieran flirted with a lady at the desk. Kieran's rebellious manner made him appealing to the ladies there. Being a Healer coming to the center gave him credibility, but he had a rough exterior they didn't often see in the field. Frances had said hello to Harry, but was quickly distracted by Phoebe, the specialist. Harry watched as a small boy with bright red hair bounced around the corridor, much like the little girl he'd seen. Harry thought it funny that as much as the little girl appeared angelic, this little boy looked as if he should have horns and a tail. He thought the boy looked like Ron would have at the same age.
"Do you fly?" he asked Harry with a big smile, speaking too loudly for the small space. He continued without taking a single breath. "I'm going to fly when I get bigger, Daddy said so. He said I could play quidditch just like Uncle Joey did in school. My gramma lives far away from any muglells and I'll get to fly at her house when I go, even if I have to let her kiss me with yucky listick. Mummy says I have to use the baby broom 'till I'm really big like six or seven even!" he said with an exaggerated rolling of his eyes and his hand thrown in the air. "You're not a Healer are you? I never seen you here before." The mini redhead climbed a chair and was on a table in an instant, to get a better look at Harry.
"I've only been here once before. I guess I'm a patient today. I used to fly for a quidditch team in school, just like your uncle," Harry said, getting a huge smile in return.
"I'm gonna play beater or chaser, or maybe even a speaker," he mispronounced, making Harry chuckle, thinking of Hermione. "I don't wanna be a keeper 'cause it's borin' to stay in one place all the time. You know what?!" he shouted. "You picked a real good day to be sick, 'cause Mum told me Harry Potter is going to be here today and I have to be real good and not bug him. Maybe you'll get to meet him too," said the boy excitedly.
"Ready to get started, Fawkes?" interrupted Kieran.
"I thought only pets were named Fawkes," the boy looked at them curiously.
"It's a nickname," Harry said before being herded to the next room. Kieran poked his head back out of the door to speak to the child.
"I know your mum, she calls you an animal," he teased. The smile he got in return only proved the boy had heard the comment once or twice before.
"Yup, she says that to my dad. She said today's my last day working here, too, 'cause I'm not calm enough to keep working with Miss Phoebe anymore," he explained proudly.
Harry was warned by Kieran to keep his wand stored and to stay out of trouble before Phoebe came in. He wouldn't let Harry live down their last visit for some time.
"You're just jealous because I get to be naked in front of the girls," Harry said with a wink before hopping up on the examining table.
"Did you know Phoebe only closes her eyes when she does your exam? She keeps them open for everyone else. Ugly mug."
"Don't listen to him, Harry," came a small voice from the door. Phoebe swept in, greeting them with a warm smile. "He only insults patients when he's worried."
"If this thing doesn't work, you're not going to take away his Healing license or something, are you?" laughed Harry. "Besides, I think it is working," he added seriously. Phoebe gave him a nod. She hoped so.
"Before we begin, tell me, have you found this to be a difficult process?" she asked sincerely. Kieran seemed more nervous now.
"I won't say it's been a breeze, but worth it, I think. I can feel more powerful, so I'm pretty sure it's working, but even if it doesn't, I've never felt better. I had no idea how much my old injuries affected me on a regular basis until they were gone. I've been able to train at a level I may never have managed before. Considering my future, that alone makes this all worthwhile," proclaimed Harry confidently.
Phoebe moved around the table into her working position. "I find that comforting to hear, Harry. I won't lie, there are several here at the Institute, myself included, who were wary of the complications that can come from treatments such as Kieran had proposed," she took a step back and gestured to Kieran to remove the sheet. Harry watched the practiced movements and saw how careful she was not to come close enough to accidentally touch him. He couldn't imagine having to go through life having to be so careful to avoid contact. He wondered if she were more relaxed at home, and maybe had all easygoing friends with very few bad experiences in their lives, if that were her way of keeping the exposure to negative energy at a minimum. It didn't seem possible.
The exam didn't take very long. Harry didn't know if it was because he was so nervous last time, or if maybe she knew exactly where to look this time. Either way, he and Kieran were done there in no time, and were about to head to the place in the center where Harry could expend his magic before the second exam.
The door opened, the little redhead leapt into Phoebe's arms, almost knocking her down. "You're going to miss me when you get a boring girl working with you!" he declared. Phoebe agreed that the center would be far quieter without him, but that he could come to visit sometimes.
"I'll see you in a while, Harry," she said, and carried the little boy to her office while he held his arms out like he was flying. The door was closed, but his voice could still be heard asking why he hadn't been told before that was Harry Potter.
"As if he'd let you get a word in edgewise," laughed Kieran, leading Harry down the corridor.
Expending his energy was much easier this time around. Since a few of the staff had gotten wind Harry was going to be there, they had saved up a few difficult tasks with which they wanted help. In a few hours time, Harry had warded a new wing, levitated a solid marble bathtub into position while workers installed new plumbing, and changed the wall color in Frances' personal office to a deep forest green, her favorite color.
Back to the exam room, where Phoebe requested that Harry keep the information as quiet as possible, whether the treatments worked or not. They didn't condone the type of business conducted by the swindlers out there, who made their Galleons off unsuspecting witches and wizards, and Harry Potter's endorsement would only make it worse. Harry agreed, of course. He watched her face closely, looking for signs of recognition, wanting to know the results. They remained silent until she motioned to Kieran to cover him again.
"Well?" asked Harry impatiently when she finished her second exam. Kieran covered him with the sheet, grinned, and pulled it over his head to shut him up.
"Get dressed and we'll speak in my office, as we did last time," Phoebe said with the same warm smile, revealing nothing. Harry couldn't wait to find out and dressed quickly. He'd raced out so fast the woman hadn't even made it into her office yet.
"Hi!" exclaimed the boy, climbing down from the woman's arms. "I didn't know you were Harry Potter before!"
Phoebe gave Harry an apologetic smile, before turning to the child. "I think your mum told you not to be a bother," she said, holding her hand out for him to take.
"Aw, OK," he said dejectedly. "Wait! Can I show Harry how good I can fly, first? I'll be fast. OK?" he asked while climbing the chair in a single bound, once again standing on the table before Harry. "Watch this!" the little redhead shouted and launched himself off the table into the air.
Instinctively, Harry reached out and caught the child. Unfortunately, Phoebe, too, had lunged to protect the toddler. It had happened so quickly, yet looking back, it all seemed to go by in slow motion. Phoebe's actions froze, her eyes flashed to Harry's hand where it was covering hers. Tremors began to shake her small frame and her eyes opened wide in alarm, before rolling back into her head. The commotion drew many people into the corridor. A man quickly whisked the child from Harry, placed him down on the catatonic Phoebe, and levitated her into a quiet room. Harry found himself ushered into Frances' office while various Healers bustled about.
He could hear the commotion from the office, hearing voices of several small children as he waited for someone to come tell him if she was going to be all right.
"Harry," a kind voice, Frances, had finally come in to speak with him after what seemed like forever.
"Is she going to be OK?" his concern evident. Frances looked at him so sadly; he was now even more worried than before.
"She will be," promised Frances with a hand on his shoulder, and lead him to a chair across from her desk. He sat on the edge of his seat, leaning against her desk.
"It's bad. You look like you want to cry," he said miserably, pressing his face into his hands. "I'm so sorry."
"No, Harry, I'm sorry if I made you think that. It's just..." she trailed off, knowing Harry wanted to know why she looked so sad; she couldn't tell him that it was because she felt sorry for him. He'd had to have many horrible experiences to have such a profound effect on her fellow Healer. She'd read Harry's chart, but reading the words didn't have the same impact as the proof of seeing his brief touch send Phoebe into the worst state Frances had seen to date.
"This inevitably happens from time to time and we know how to handle it. Phoebe will be fine. When she touches someone, any negative energy the person has will surge into her. It's not simply negative energy, but an essence of your life's experiences. These sensations are overwhelming, but will not cause serious harm. She's been given a sedative and her office will look like a nursery school for the next few hours, but I promise, she will come around soon, and return home for a few days recovery," Frances reassured him. "You must believe me," she added when Harry didn't seem convinced. "She'll be fine. Occasional touches happen amongst the staff at least once a month without any consequence other than having a child needing to be near. And every so often, an outsider such as yourself, who is more exposed to the busy world, makes an accidental contact."
Kieran entering the room was a welcome sight. They spoke briefly and accepted Frances' offer to eat before heading out. Harry was still weak, but Kieran would make sure Harry arrived safe at Hogwarts where he could rest and allow his magic to rejuvenate after draining himself for the test. Frances promised to send the test results via Kieran.
Though he would never be so crass as to say so aloud, Harry couldn't help but think that it would now be a while before he got his test results.
DETAH 68 - Misdirection
Chapter Notes
I don't know that I'll make my goal of finishing this before the next book is out. I can hardly believe I started this before book 5.
Sorry about the huge wait. Real life is a busy thing at the end of the school year. Things have calmed down considerably and the kids will be finished on Thursday. Yeah!
Note: as usual, a ton of facts and spellings were checked at the Harry Potter Lexicon.
HP Lexicon The other spelling knowledge, sentence structure and copious amounts of grammar expertise are from xikum, whose beta work I couldn't do without.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Remus Lupin winced at the horrid taste of the Wolfsbane potion as he swallowed the last drop. Severus released a sigh. He'd had a bad feeling but didn't know why. Now that Remus had his potion, he didn't have to worry so much if it didn't all go as planned. Thinking up the idea of using a placebo during their charade with Flynn had lifted a great weight off his shoulders.
They had a general plan, but Remus hadn't been told all of what Severus would ask and do, since they wanted his reaction to be as natural as possible. Severus had no doubt he could convince Flynn easily, but had no way of knowing if the Dark Lord would get a chance to view the scene at some point. It still was unclear if Flynn had taken the Mark.
Remus was in the stable, nearly hidden by the massive flying horse, when Severus arrived. A flash of Remus' eyes and Severus knew where their onlooker was. Flynn had hidden himself behind a large planked wall of the stable, peeking though a knothole in the wood. His view was slightly hindered, but served its purpose.
"I think a change in plans is in order," Severus began immediately.
"Hello to you too, Snape," grumbled Remus. "The potion please," he reached for the goblet in Snape's hand.
"First, we chat. There will be plenty of time for drinks later," snickered the Potions Master.
"Why? We never 'chatted' before. I get the potion, and you get..." he trailed off without finishing his sentence.
"I get whatever the Hell I want. Now, I ask you a simple question and you answer it. Even you can comprehend the process," he stepped close to Remus, speaking softer, yet loud enough for Flynn's ears. "Tell me who it is Potter is going around with lately?"
"How should I know?" Remus answered reluctantly, taking a step back until he pressed against the wall.
"Don't toy with me, Lupin. Next to Dumbledore, you're the only thing Potter has left that resembles family. Who is Potter fucking?"
"Sod off, Snape. Why should I tell you?" Remus growled out his response. "Since when did our agreement change? And what do you care who Harry's seeing?" Remus boldly got up into Severus' face.
"I didn't know you were so content with our agreement," purred Severus, pressing Remus against the wall, his words mingled in with mocking kisses to Remus' neck. "Why don't you answer my question, and you can still get what you want?" Severus insinuated his knee between Remus' thighs, spreading his legs slightly.
"What I need is the potion," Remus' breath hitched as Severus pressed against him. He was eternally grateful not to feel any sign of interest from the wizard making advances on him.
"I know what you want," Severus purred again. "I've heard you howl for it," he leaned in even further, pressing his lips hard against Lupin's. Hearing a gasp in the distance, Severus played it up for his audience. His fists seized the shorter wizard's robe at the shoulders, pressing him back hard against the stable wall. "You can answer the question, or you can go back to drinking the excuse of a potion the apothecary sells as Wolfsbane," Severus smirked against his coworker's lips, having heard the gasp again.
Remus startled, sensing someone closer, but didn't think Flynn had moved from his place at the peephole. "Harry!" he yelped, seeing wide green eyes staring at them as if the younger wizard couldn't fathom what he was looking at. "It's not what you think," Remus said quickly. Harry didn't even answer. His mouth hung open, his expression utterly crushed. He sucked in breath as if he couldn't get enough air, and then bolted off.
Severus held his mask firmly in place and moved in again right next to Remus' ear. "Go after him... Please, I'm begging you," he pleaded, barely a whisper, and watched as Lupin grabbed the potion, gulping it down before he darted out from between Snape and the wall to chase after Harry.
Kieran had carefully guarded Harry's safety to Hogwarts. They had agreed there was no cause to take the emergency portkey into the safe room in Albus' tower after the test. They'd waited at the center until Harry was strong enough to Apparate to the gate, and walked across the grounds together.
"This is good." Harry explained to Kieran that he'd promised Hagrid to stop by for a moment to see what his big news was. There had been a small celebration planned for that night, but Hagrid wanted Harry to be surprised. They could see him through the window, fussing about in his small home. Kieran left, having seen Harry off to the half-giant's abode.
Harry was certainly surprised when he approached the little cabin. Passing the paddock where the flying horse was kept, Harry could sense a spell placed around the area. Initially, he dismissed it, assuming the spell had been placed to deter students from bothering the creature, but then he heard a familiar voice. Perhaps Severus was going to go for an evening ride? That would explain the spell insuring Sev's privacy.
The sight before him caused Harry to freeze in place. His chest clenched as his heart dropped into his gut, having seen his love pressed against another. It wasn't until Remus noticed him that Harry knew who the other man was. He felt as if he'd been punched hard, ready to collapse. When his brain finally caught up with the rest of him, Harry remembered Severus was going to be pressing Remus for information. Severus hadn't mentioned how he was planning to do that, nor had he corrected Harry when he assumed violence and asked Snape not to go too hard on the werewolf.
Knowing it wasn't real didn't make it hurt any less. It still crushed him to see Severus act that way with another. Dashing off, Harry could hardly catch his breath, and told himself he didn't belong there. He kissed him, Harry's mind offered as he told himself it was an act and Severus' mission would be jeopardized if he got in the way. Kissed him hard. He tried to get as far away as possible, but it didn't keep his mind from goading him. Hard, like I like it sometimes. Harry stopped to lean against a stone statue, and bent over, still trying to get air. It was cold, and though there was snow on the ground, it was mostly slush.
Remus caught up to Harry to find him hyperventilating and attempting a drying spell with little success. "Harry," Remus reached to put a hand on his back where he was bent over, but Harry pulled out of his reach, almost losing his balance in the process. "It wasn't what it looked like," he said, seeing Harry stand upright, with one hand on the statue.
"I know!" said Harry, almost yelling. He knew, but it still hurt. ' And why the hell can't I catch my breath? ' he asked himself, thinking he was in far too good a shape to be winded so easily. He could hear Remus trying to explain, but Harry already knew. Why does it hurt so much, when I already know? "He's mine!" he unintentionally said the last part aloud and looked for signs of Severus back at the stable where he'd run from.
Remus could sense the hurt and feelings of betrayal radiating off Harry in waves. He placed a silencing charm around them to provide privacy. "Severus said you knew he had to act like he was blackmailing me for the potion. He swore you understood," pleaded Remus. He hated to have caused Harry such grief.
"I know," repeated Harry. "I... I know, but I saw you..." he backed away as Remus again tried to approach. "I have to go," he blurted out. "I...I understand, I do, but I need time is all."
"Please don't be upset with Severus," pleaded Remus, keeping his distance. "He begged me to come after you. Snape doesn't beg, Harry; he loves you." Never had he heard Severus beg before. Harry was nodding rapidly, still looking a little frantic, but no longer hyperventilating.
"I um, I need to go," he stuttered, backing up again. "I just need to calm down before I head in," Harry pulled himself together, remembering he once knew how to keep an impassive expression, even if he had failed to keep it together so far. This certainly hadn't been like anything Kieran and Severus had trained him for. He liked to think that if he'd been in a serious situation, he'd have remained composed in front of Voldemort or his followers.
Remus sighed, nodding in defeat before leaving Harry. He recognized the moment Harry closed himself off, poor attempt that it was. Or maybe Harry had done a decent job, but Remus could still scent the hurt the younger man was suffering.
The werewolf looked back to see Harry a few times as he retreated to the castle. Whether or not he wanted to stay in an attempt to comfort Harry, it was no longer an option as the full moon approached. Remus had to retrieve his things and get to Harry's flat before long.
Harry had stopped again near another statue. He pressed his hands on his knees, looking down at his feet, going over everything in his mind. He thought about what Severus must be going through. He didn't know what he wanted more, to punch the man right in his big nose for kissing Remus, or throw himself in Sev's arms to tell him he wasn't going off the deep end like he had when he thought his lover had raped Ron. Ah, the life of a spy's lover.
He took another deep, calming breath, deciding to wait only a few more minutes until he went in. Obviously, someone was watching Severus. Maybe he'd send a message somehow to put Severus at ease until they could get together for the weekend. He still considered a punishment of sorts, for not having given him proper warning. Perhaps it was time for Severus to wear the cock ring until Harry deemed he deserved release. He shook his head in an attempt to clear it of conflicting thoughts. His mind's eye kept returning to his lover pressing Remus hard against the stable wall, and a new wave of hurt flowed through him. Reaching down, Harry grabbed up some slushy snow, packed it tight, and spun around to clobber the statue of a winged boar.
"Lover's quarrel?" spoke an amused voice not far behind Harry. He spun around, but could see no one. It occurred to him, it was unlikely Voldemort would trust Flynn alone to watch Severus when clearly they knew of the exact time and place he would approach Lupin for information regarding Harry's lover. By rights, Harry should have been safely ensconced in Hogwarts some time ago, but the Phoebe episode had set him behind schedule.
"This is what happens when you trust your heart to a mangy wolf," teased the gravelly voice, sounding even more amused by watching Harry contemplate the situation.
Harry leaped at the voice, wand in hand, but was startled by the sensation of a liquid being splashed in his face. He continued to fight as he watched his body fade away as he became invisible from the potion. At least now he knew what the unknown liquid was for. It seemed that though they were all invisible, they could still see him, while he could not see them. Even so, Harry held his own against his foes, but realized he was being herded toward the entrance to the school gates. No dark spells were used so as not to alert anyone of their presence. Distant popping sounds indicated new arrivals. They, too, were invisible, but Harry could hear them coming. Though he was certain he had taken out a few of the unseen wizards, Harry was overtaken and dragged past the gates, away from the wards. Harry had intended to Apparate as soon as he reached the gate, but they had anticipated his move and made sure to Stupefy him before he passed through the gate.
Snape watched the door to the Great Hall, practically growling when a tardy student, or anyone that wasn't Harry, entered. He'd glared at students from all Houses, hardly noticing the odd looks from his fellow professors.
"Severus?" Albus had seen one of the school owls drop a small parchment into the sour wizard's hands. The note from Remus explaining Harry would be in, but needed time to calm down, was clasped firmly in his fist since then.
"Is the tower empty?" asked Severus, his voice just above a whisper. Albus nodded, not having received the usual alert when Harry entered.
"Is there a concern I should know about?" Harry was expected to arrive with Hagrid. Albus worried, since Severus was clearly upset. That is, clearly to Albus, who knew him better than anyone else at Hogwarts. Severus lowered his head as if paying attention to his dinner, but Albus saw his eyes close, as he faintly shook his head 'no'.
"We..." he paused "We had a misunderstanding," admitted Severus.
"It is the rocky terrain in our lives that enables us to appreciate the smooth roads ahead," Albus smiled, knowing Severus was probably thinking of strangling the Headmaster for his words of wisdom. "I will alert you when he arrives," he added, appeasing Severus somewhat.
Albus stood to make an announcement to the student body. Rubeus Hagrid, having years before been cleared of accusations regarding his expulsion from Hogwarts, had long been granted use of his wand. After years of part-time training with several staff members, Hagrid had finally taken and passed enough OWLs to be recognized as a fully trained wizard.
Staff and most students applauded when the doors opened to reveal the largest wizard to have finished Hogwarts training in the last sixty-five years. Black, beady eyes watered as Professor McGonagall presented him with a certificate validating his completed education. The Slytherin students, remembering Malfoy Sr.'s attempts to remove Hagrid from Hogwarts, paid little attention. They followed the lead of their Head of House, only showing enough interest to avoid retribution.
Eventually the fuss died down and pudding was served. Hagrid took Remus Lupin's usual spot at the Head Table. He'd voiced his concerns, telling Minerva and Albus that Harry hadn't shown up as promised, but was appeased by Albus who explained that something had come up and Harry would most likely come by to see him when all was cleared up. Severus ground his teeth, ignoring the sweet treats around him. He didn't need the empty chair beside Minerva to remind him someone was missing.
Later, in the corridor, students backed away when their Potions Master swooped past, robes swirling behind in his wake. He stormed down to the dungeons, straight to his private rooms. He trusted Albus, but needed to be sure. Severus took his private Floo up to his room in the tower. It had been a long time since he'd spent the night in those rooms. The first thing to catch his eye was the framed picture on the wall. It was a crudely drawn picture of a phoenix. He remembered writing the words below, but then tossing the picture out. Albus must have found it and framed it for him. Oddly enough, he probably would have taken it down upon finding it, but couldn't part with anything to do with Harry at that moment, even if it was a piece of junk, in his opinion. He reread the corny verse and placed the frame carefully back on the wall.
He'd not sensed Harry's magic, but remembered Albus having made the same mistake once before, when Harry had drained himself for the test at the Healing Center. Harry's room was likely empty, but he needed to check, nevertheless.
Severus had not a wink of sleep. Come Saturday morning, he showed up for breakfast and lunch only to see if Harry had arrived. Students unlucky enough to cross paths with the irritable professor were spending their afternoon in detention.
Severus sat at his desk grading the essays he'd put aside when he'd gone to visit Lucius Malfoy Thursday evening. Students serving detention worked diligently to finish the assigned tasks in order save what little of their Saturday would be left when they were done. The Potions Master hadn't even looked up, but knew Mr. Flynn, who had been given double the work, was the only student left when the clock struck four. As the boy approached his desk, Severus ignored him, making him wait to be dismissed. As an afterthought, Severus waved his hand dismissively, wanting him out. But the arrogant Ravenclaw didn't leave; he reached out a curious hand to touch something on the desk as he spoke.
"Sir, I wanted to know if..." he was cut off as Severus sprung out of his chair, pulling his favorite red quill from the brat's reach. Severus looked down to see Flynn was bent over his desk atop of the Slytherin papers, just as Harry had threatened to do to him, should he dare to grade papers this weekend. He saw red, and it wasn't the quill.
"Leave. Your detention is over," Severus ordered him out, scowling.
"Something wrong?" asked Flynn with a knowing grin. The door was open to the classroom, making them quite the spectacle to passersby. Slytherin students in the hall were eagerly looking on.
"Get out, you miserable cretin!" I will not allow you to ruin my life! "Get out!" he leapt up to physically show Flynn the door.
"Are you angry because you lost a fucktoy?" Flynn taunted in hushed tones, referring to Lupin.
"If you ever mention that again to me, or anyone else, I will KILL you!" Snape hissed, pushing him toward the door.
"Is that a threat?" asked a cocky Flynn, immediately knowing it was a mistake, especially if the bulging vein on Snape's temple was anything to go by.
"No," growled Snape in a fierce tone. "It's a promise!" he said emphatically, all the more dangerous for the fact it was quietly spoken, and tossed the student into the hall, landing Flynn on his arse. He slammed the classroom door closed, ignoring the stunned students gawking at them. He knew making such an obvious threat accompanied by physical violence would come back to haunt him, but didn't care at that moment.
Suppertime Saturday was the worst. The noise level alone would make the average person run from the Great Hall. Severus wanted to be out of there, but didn't want to miss Harry should he decide to forgive him and come to Hogwarts. He'd been tempted to go to Harry's, but realized Lupin was there. He was not willing to Apparate into the flat to startle a werewolf during the full moon. Once in a lifetime was enough. Most likely, Harry would have retreated to Ron's house, but with Harry's magic diminished, he wouldn't be as safe there.
It only irked him more, knowing he couldn't send a message via owl and risk exposure as a spy.
No sooner had this thought crossed his mind, did an owl approach the dour Potions Master. The scroll had been dropped mid-air, landing in Severus' dish as the owl rapidly flew off. He wondered briefly if the creature had been warned to keep its distance. Recognizing Kieran's scrawl, Severus had a fleeting moment of hope that Harry was with the Scot.
S,I will come by with test results as soon as possible. Expecting Phoebe to have recovered by tomorrow evening at the latest. Tell Fawkes not to be too worried. Frances said it was normal to feel emotions in excess due to making contact with Phoebe. Use it to your advantage, pay Fawkes a compliment and he'll be putty in your hands.P.S. Frances (the busybody looking over my shoulder) would like to go on the record to say she doesn't approve of taking advantage of his increased sensitivity. That said, enjoy your weekend and come up for air when I get there with test results.Kieran
Severus crinkled the scroll in his hand. The note offered little solace. Harry may have been more upset because of what happened at the Center, but that didn't change the fact that Harry had looked utterly crushed. Even so, Severus expected Harry to have come to the castle by now. At the very least, to yell at him. He knew Harry had been careful in the past. He'd left the Granger Warding early to be safe, so he probably wouldn't act rash and stay overlong at Ron's. There was still the possibility Harry had gone home. Severus didn't want to think about Harry at risk, spending the night with Remus. The wolf had mentioned he'd grown closer to Harry and had gotten over any lingering resentment regarding Black's death. Severus had once referred to Lupin as his wolf-in-law, and made Harry laugh. If he chanced going there now, he would run the risk of facing an angry werewolf in protective mode.
He knew Albus would happily send a letter to Harry for him, but Severus refused to play the games of teenaged angst he'd seen for years amongst his students. He thought, obviously Harry needed his space to get past this, and will contact him when he's ready. It all sounded logical, but saying it over again in his mind did nothing to convince Severus he shouldn't strangle the next person to glance his way, and then go find his distraught lover.
Remus Lupin settled himself in for the night. Spending the weekend at Harry's only made him feel all the more sorry for having had a hand in the young man's misery. He took a hot shower and wrapped himself up in a soft flannel bed sheet. He wasn't used to a telly, but found it a nice distraction while at Harry's place. Remus had learned by trial and error that he couldn't change the channels on the telly once in wolf form, but could easily press the button in to turn it off.
"Yes!" he exclaimed, finding his favorite flavor ice cream in the icebox. Harry had stocked up for him and left a large metal mixing bowl on the counter. He would have to thank him for the thoughtfulness. He hoped Severus had already made up for the night's confusion. Harry had offered his place for the entire weekend, reassuring Remus he had plans to keep busy at Hogwarts. If the stories Will told him were even half true, Severus was indeed a great lover.
Remus, too, had big plans for when he was in human form once again. Severus' improved version of Wolfsbane had done much to counteract the exhaustion he'd previously been left suffering the first few days after his change. It seemed Will and Basil wanted to take full advantage of Remus' recent added stamina during this time of the lunar cycle. Their favorable reaction to his being a werewolf had been a very pleasant turn of events.
Later in the evening, the large wolf sprawled across the sitting room floor, licking ice cream from a huge bowl and occasionally growling at the telly when a commercial interrupted a good part.
Severus stormed the corridors of the castle in a foul mood. He'd given detentions and taken points from anyone who even looked like they were thinking of breaking a rule. Arriving at the entrance to his private rooms, he was again reminded of Harry, who had been bugging him for his password simply because he couldn't figure out how Severus said it so quietly when he'd been trying so hard to listen in. With a subtle movement of his hand, the entrance appeared.
Originally, when the painting had been offered to him to protect his door, Severus had known it was meant as a joke. He'd complained about not being listened to during a discussion in a staff meeting. A few days later, Minerva presented him with a painting of her niece, who was deaf. Determined not to allow his rival Head of House the last word, Severus learned a few key phrases in sign language and had kept the quiet portrait ever since.
The smell of food permeated his rooms. Severus closed his eyes for a moment, and entered to find an elegant table set for two, a bottle of wine opened to breathe, Brie cheese softening and two candles which had burned half way down. Soft music played quietly in the background. With a sigh, he blew out the candles, picked up the bottle and one glass and plopped himself down in his favorite chair. With everything going on, Severus forgot he'd asked Effie to prepare the table. With the aroma so strong, he didn't need to lift the silver dome lid to see the succulent duck smothered in orange sauce.
Severus raised his glass in the general direction of the unoccupied sofa where Harry usually sat and inevitably sprawled out most nights they shared there.
"This is a very good year," he tasted the wine again. "Since your knowledge of fine wine is limited, I wanted to introduce you to something new." Though it was a large glass, it seemed to empty rather quickly.
"It took a trip to Italy, a handful of gold, and a potion one seldom finds in an apothecary, but I managed to procure a few select bottles for us to sample." He told himself that Harry wouldn't have known the difference between the bottles of wine, but it was no consolation.
He berated himself for not realizing Harry hadn't come back yet before approaching Remus. With a depreciating laugh, Severus reflected on the anxieties he'd felt earlier the night of the incident, when he'd been thinking something wasn't quite right. Assuming it was concern regarding Lupin taking his potion, he'd dismissed the nagging trepidation. A good spy trusts his instincts. "Fool," Severus continued to berate himself through the second bottle.
He considered the fact that he'd been talking to an empty sofa, but figured as long as he didn't pour it its own glass of wine, he was all right.
Severus would have liked to boast his restraint, not having thrown a single glass, but had to be honest with himself. He'd not destroy his best stemware when frustrated, simply to enjoy the sweet sound of breaking glass.
Sunday morning arrived to find Severus chomping at the bit. Three times he considered throwing in some Floo powder to contact Ron and check on Harry, but thought better of it. All couples have arguments or disagreements, especially Weasley and Granger. He didn't want to discuss why Harry ran off. Ron knew firsthand that Severus had a part to play, but that didn't mean Severus was willing to tell Harry's friends that he'd hurt the younger wizard. As he considered the Floo once again, the fire flared up, revealing the head of the dealer of illegal plants and other potion ingredients.
"It's in," he stated without preamble.
"Has it been delivered?" asked Severus. He'd have to check on Draco to confirm he'd received it and had put it in a safe place.
"Ai, been dropped off today," he confirmed with a nod. The man was a most abysmal excuse of a wizard. After each sentence, he made a tick sound as if trying to suck out something that had been lodged in a rotted tooth.
"Do you guarantee the plant to be at least 200 mm tall and a male of the species?" Severus took the man's glazed-over expression as a maybe.
"It's about yea high," the man held his hands apart in what looked to be a reasonable size for his potion needs. "Male? You mean the sex?" he asked, making it clear he was a go between for the actual horticulturist.
"The male and female genders look almost identical, with the exception of striations on the larger leaves of the male." Severus eyed the repugnant man's throat, estimating how far he could get his hands around it should the opportunity present itself.
"That plant you dropped off, you see any striations on the leaves?" the dealer asked someone over his shoulder.
"What's a strashun?" asked a voice in the distance. The dealer looked back at Severus with uncertainty.
"Stipes!" Severus shouted loud enough for the wizard in the background to have heard.
"I ain't seen no strashuns or stripes, but it's 'ard to say, what with all the mud coverin' it," the voice floated back.
Before Severus could comment, the dealer spoke up again. "I know it sounds like it's not been taken proper care of, but I assure you the extra soil is merely a camouflage of sorts. Keeps people from reconizin' it," he explained in an attempt to cover for their negligence. "Elmer here spelled the area warm where he left it, to keep it from freezing," he added.
Regardless of its condition or gender, the plant was delivered. Severus attached a heavy bag of coins to the fireplace poker, paid the dealer, and ended the call quickly. Though he wasn't in the mood for Draco, Severus needed to make sure the plant had been found and was in a secure area.
No sooner did the young Malfoy answer the fire call, he was off on a rant aimed at the Potions Master. "I can't believe you're trusting me with something like this!" Draco ran a hand over his head, his nervousness showing. Severus hoped Draco's poor history in Herbology wasn't going to deter him from this task.
"I hadn't expected you to recognize it for what it was," Severus said with a sigh. At least if Draco recognized the plant, it was most likely the male of the species. "You shouldn't have any trouble, just rinse off the mud and keep it alive. The area was supposed to have been warm; did it freeze at all?"
"I think a little frozen. I didn't notice the warm area on the grounds, but um, there are burns," Draco looked at him with concern.
"Don't touch the burnt areas. I only need some fluids for the potion, but it has to stay alive for that. I'll be there as soon as possible to pick it up. Have you taken it to a secure location?"
"I'm not an idiot! My room is the only place I can think of where no one would go," Draco looked around, behind him, supposedly at the plant. "It um... doesn't look all that good. Are you coming soon?"
' Damn' Severus needed the plant intact so he could extract the sap from the center. "Yes, as soon as I can get away," Severus knew once the plant was moved once again he would have to work with it as soon as possible. If he started a long drawn-out brewing process he wouldn't have time to see Harry and clear things up before Monday, since it was harder for them to meet during the school week. Draco would just have to manage for a few days. No sooner did he say goodbye to Draco, Severus tossed in a handful of Floo powder.
A fire call to Harry proved no answer. After shouting for Lupin and getting no response, Severus decided to go to Harry's. He knew instantly the place was empty. With the antique shop downstairs closed on Sunday, the whole building was quiet.
"Smells like dog in here," growled Severus as he looked around. He didn't recognize the rug in front of the fireplace at first, but then recalled having seen it in the hall closet. After a glance into the bedroom, he was sure Harry hadn't stayed there. The bed was made. Harry almost never made his bed unless Remus was coming during the full moon. Harry had always put away personal items and made his bed before his houseguest arrived. Perhaps Harry was with Ron after all.
On the kitchen table was a large metal mixing bowl with a note inside. It was from Remus, thanking Harry for the ice cream. In the rubbish bin was an empty carton of peach ice cream. Harry didn't like that favor. Severus recognized several things Harry did just for the wolf. In addition to the rug and ice cream, he noticed a worn piece of knotted rope on the handle of the icebox. He imagined it would serve well if you had to open the door with your teeth alone. Severus didn't know why he was surprised. Harry had always been thoughtful, for a teen.
Maybe it was because Severus wouldn't have thought to do those things. To be honest, he hadn't given a second thought as to what the wolf would eat or how he would get to the food unless it was left out and spelled cold. The loo was spotless, too. Severus eyed the sparkling porcelain and laughed at the thought of Lupin drinking from the toilet.
The clock in the foyer chimed. It struck Severus odd, since it was only twenty after and the half-past chime wouldn't sound for another ten minutes. On the other side of the table was a stack of parchments. On the top was a note from the Finnigan boy thanking Harry for the letter of reference and an address where to send it. There were several drafts that Harry had started, crossed out and started again. Severus snorted at the thought of Harry working so hard over the letter. Didn't he realize it hardly mattered what he wrote? A letter praising the name of a friend of the Boy Who Lived was like a job in the bag.
Before leaving, Severus looked at the clock. It had been nagging him since he heard the odd chime. His breath caught in his chest, while his heart sank. A single hand was raised to the top of the clock; it read ' Mortal Peril'. Immediately Apparating to the gates of Hogwarts, Severus landed off balance as a pain like none other seared his arm. The Dark Lord was summoning. He took a deep breath, getting in the right frame of mind, and left at once.
Bright red eyes widened as a grin formed on the repugnant snake-like face.
"Why, Severus," Voldemort paused, appraising his favorite Potions Master. "In all the years you've been serving me, I don't think you've ever answered a summons so quickly," his joyful smile was creepy to say the very least. "Come, come!" Voldemort led Severus to another room with two chairs. On a small table between them, lay a bottle of amber liquid and two snifters.
Severus sat, swirling the brandy snifter, watching the amber liquid cling to the side of the glass. It was better then looking up at a nearly ecstatic Voldemort. "I have to congratulate you, Severus. You not only managed to root out Potter's lover, but with satisfying results," he raised a glass to the honoree.
"It is, as always, a pleasure to serve my Lord," Severus went with a safe response, not wanting to assume the Dark Lord was referring to Remus.
"So scandalous of Potter to be fornicating with a man as old as his father," he sipped his drink, still smiling. "How ironic, the Potters' last living friend dishonours them by shagging with their orphaned son. And I thought Peter was enough to keep them rolling in their graves," he said, recalling his long dead servant and laughing at the memory of a Death Eater stealing the wizard's silver hand to sell off before Pettigrew's body had even gotten cold.
Severus smiled, though it pained him to do so.
"I must once again commend you on a job well done. I haven't felt so good in years. Did you know Lupin was Potter's lover, or was that icing on the cake, as it were? You managed to get the information and devastate the brat simultaneously. I haven't felt an influx of emotion from Potter without intentionally trying since we captured the youngest Weasley boy last summer. Even then, he must have been heavily drugged," the Dark Lord refilled Severus' glass with enthusiasm. He'd never celebrated anything with the Potions Master before, not like this. He continued his tale with fervor.
"I'll admit, at first I thought I was losing my mind," he began. Severus resisted the urge to point out it was far too late for that. "I'd been having a catnap when pain and sorrow hit me like a tidal wave. Not to worry, Severus, I am fine," Voldemort said soothingly when a hint of concern for Harry flashed over Severus' face for a millisecond.
"When I realized it was Potter's emotions, my first thought was the brat was having a bad dream, but it was far too early in the day. I thought maybe I had been dreaming, until Flynn was brought to me to report his findings. I used the projection spell to watch it for hours, until his mind seized up. I saw you and that mangy werewolf Dumbledore keeps. Don't know how you can stoop to buggering an animal like him," groused the Dark Lord questioningly, but continued since it was rhetorical. "The look on Potter's face was absolutely priceless. I knew in an instant that was when I had felt it. The pain, the complete, utter despair. It was glorious," cheered Voldemort.
"That certainly was an unexpected outcome," Severus eagerly held up his glass for a refill.
"I could physically feel the devastation in my chest, as if my own heart had been broken. Shame it was so short lived," he added offhandedly with a shrug. "Goyle, by then, had taken him completely by surprise."
"Goyle, my Lord?" Severus prayed he was referring to Flynn having been taken, and not Harry.
"You didn't think I'd assign something important to only a child, did you? He wasn't very bright for a Ravenclaw. I do apologize for having been keeping an eye on you, but you spend entirely too much time with Dumbledore for my comfort. I wouldn't want your vision to be clouded by a manipulative bastard like him," the Dark Lord narrowed his eyes for only a moment. He was far too happy with Snape to start up on Dumbledore.
"It's a good thing I did send the others, or I'd have no one to use the projection spell on while you're at Hogwarts. I suppose I'll have to limit the forced speed up of time and reversals. A perfectly harmless spell, otherwise," he considered, somewhat amused. "But I digress. I've given orders to leave Potter alone. In the past, I'd hoped attacking him while with friends would distract him, but I underestimated how well he and the redhead work together. I've lost too many good wizards in a very short period. Since Potter finished school I've lost over eight men. Five in one attack alone. It's not good for morale."
Again Severus said very little. He wanted to point out that the Dark Lord had killed a few of them himself during punishments for not getting Potter.
"I hadn't intended for Goyle to apprehend the brat, but the opportunity presented itself. I was shocked when he sent a signal for back-up. I'm tired of failure. I need to concentrate my efforts in other areas. When I'm ready to make a real move on Potter, I will do so personally. In the meantime, I want the boy to get comfortable and let his guard down. I've also implanted this information in Flynn's mind, should Dumbledore manage to get him conscious again. He should have been found by now, near the edge of the forest." Never had the Dark Lord spoken so excitedly and as rapidly as a first year describing his first glimpse of Hogwarts.
Severus' mind was going in ten directions. Harry was attacked but didn't seem to be in custody. How long ago had he gotten away? What had they done to him before he got away? It took all his skill to keep a gasp from escaping when he remembered Harry would have had very little magic at his disposal. Maybe Kieran's treatments had helped enough. It had yet to occur to him that he had been seen threatening the Ravenclaw only the day before. This being the very same boy who was currently a vegetable, thanks to Voldemort. Severus' thoughts were on Harry. It must have just happened, since no one told Albus of the attack. He couldn't wait to get back to see if Harry had yet arrived in the safe room, using his emergency portkey.
It felt like an eternity before Severus returned to Hogwarts. Two Aurors, standing near the gate, immediately approached him.
"Severus Snape?" they questioned as if they didn't already know perfectly well who he was.
"Yes. May I help you?" he played along, wanting to waste as little time as possible.
"We would like to ask you a few questions," stated the taller of the two Aurors.
"If you refuse, you will be brought to the Ministry of Magic to answer questions, aided by a potion," the second wizard added with a malicious grin. Snape really wasn't very popular amongst most Aurors.
"I'm sure that won't be necessary," Severus noted a look of disappointment from the enthusiastic Auror. The other simply nodded and began his questioning.
"Can you tell us where you were between five o'clock Saturday evening and now?"
"I was here at Hogwarts until three this afternoon, at which time I left to see a friend," he lied smoothly. "What is this about?" he added, since he shouldn't by rights have known what had happened.
"Can this friend vouch for your whereabouts?" he emphasized 'friend' in such a tone as if he didn't believe Snape to have friends.
"No, he wasn't home," he replied flatly.
"Of course not," muttered the more annoying of the two Aurors. "You have no credible witness," he stated unnecessarily. "Are you willing to submit your wand for an inspection?"
"Would doing so conclude this interrogation?" Severus asked, stalling, making a mental inventory of all the spells he'd done in the last several days.
"That would depend on what your wand reveals," the Auror eyed Severus' wand with displeasure as if it had done something to him personally. The spell was cast, reveling a most boring day by most wizard standards. Many spells were for raising and lowering flames while brewing potions. With a spark of hope and a gleam in his eye one Auror recognized a severing charm, but was quickly disappointed when the other wizard pointed out the spell was cast with very little magic and with much precision, which was common practice in Potions class. Severus resisted pointing out that it was a spell used by most third years as well.
Ten minutes later they were still checking. Severus was surprised to see how much magic he'd performed in such a short time. When the spell for removing clothing was discovered, one of them snickered, though they continued through the remainder of the prior spells without any other remarks. 'Prior Incantato' complete, the very next spell was for checking the time when he'd gone to bed, and the times corresponding to the first and last spells revealed by the wand check. Severus pointed out that by the times shown from the spell, they were clearly past the time in question and he'd been at Hogwarts when he'd said he had been. Reluctantly, the Aurors were forced to concede and allow him to go on his way. They could always find some reason to question him again at a later date if need be.
Upon entering the school, Severus felt like all eyes were on him, and most likely they were. He wanted nothing more than to go straight to the Infirmary to see if Harry was there. An Auror posted at the entrance was a temporary deterrence. Falling back on his standard excuse of delivering potions, Severus quickly descended the steps leading to the dungeons. Instead of the usual smile and wave, the portrait protecting the entrance to his rooms was trying to tell him something. She looked at him with exasperation when he couldn't keep up with the complicated signs she used, since he'd only learned the basics. With an exaggerated sigh, she pointed to a spot on the door where a flicker of magic could be seen, if you knew what to look for.
The moment he laid a hand on the door, an envelope appeared. It was charmed to only show up for Severus. The magical signature was clearly Kieran's. Spelling the door locked, he quickly opened the letter.
Snape,I waited around for as long as I could. Dumbledore has details on Fawkes' or you can check his chart with Poppy. Phoebe has finally written a report on her findings. I enclosed a copy for you. She's real freaked out. Not only due to the backlash of pain and sorrow she felt from his past years of mistreatment, but also because she never suspected it before reading the medical files. As she said, 'The wizarding world in general had assumed a youth full of sunshine and roses for the boy, and missed what should have been evident signs to the contrary'. Not that that ain't true, but she's a little out of touch with the world at large, so she's bound to be shocked when someone knocks off her rose-coloured glasses. No two ways about it, the whole thing sucks. I'll call you in a few weeks. Frances and me are going to a Healers retreat where she hopes to speak with some people who have some experience with similar situations.Kieran
Severus opened the enclosed report from Phoebe. He skipped over the ' After a recent exam...' and past the part of '... as we discussed in the follow-up visit...' only skimming until he found the key words he was looking for. 'I have found there to be no indication that treatments by Healer Kieran Donnelly to have had any effect on the stored magical energy reserve. While there have been benefits to the treatments, I feel at this time that they are insignificant and not worth the mental anguish endured...' Severus skipped ahead. ' The recent influx of magic, while significant, is still within the range of expected growth for a young wizard between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one. This increase is a normal occurrence that comes with age and is in no way connected with or caused by recent treatments...'
Severus closed his eyes with a sigh. Harry had been so sure it was going to work. Had he been told of the results yet? Severus wondered, and grabbed a large variety of potions before leaving for the Infirmary. He'd made a mental list of possible injuries his lover could have. The Goyles, both Junior and Senior, were all-out brutes, so it was unlikely Senior would use complex or ancient spells while trying to subdue a wizard. Despite the bad news, Severus had been glad to get the note from Kieran, relieved to find his friend had been at Hogwarts. Poppy was very capable, but not a true Healer.
Severus took long strides, wanting to get there faster, not knowing what it would take to get past the Aurors at the Infirmary entrance. Students in the corridors were going on about the recent events. At times it was hard to remember they were most likely speaking of Flynn and not Harry.
"I heard he was nearly dead, but Dumbledore saved him," one student was heard saying.
"Carl said he had the Dark Mark. Seen it in the showers!"
"Just now, they took him out to St. Mungo's. He was brain dead..."
Severus continued on his path, ignoring the whispering around him until one in particular got his attention. "Snape said he'd kill him..." the boy stopped in mid-sentence at the sight of his Potions Master passing by, scowl in place.
The last Auror was leaving when Severus arrived. "Mr. Snape, in light of recent information, an employee of the Ministry of Magic will be returning to question you further. I'll ask that you not leave Hogwarts grounds until that time."
"Recent information?" questioned Severus flatly.
"Several students claimed to have witnessed you threatening a student, in addition to physically removing him forcibly from your classroom." The Auror eyed him suspiciously. "We realize this could simply be a kid making up stories to get revenge for a detention or points taken, but considering the severity of this situation, it would be negligent of the Ministry not to look into these claims."
It took all his willpower not to comment on the Ministry and its negligent nature, but resist he did, as this would only take up time he could be checking on Harry.
With a reminder not to leave Hogwarts until further notice, the Auror left apprehensively, wishing he had the authority to take Snape with him.
The corridor leading to the Infirmary was eerily still. One could easily assume there had been a silencing spell cast, but as it turned out, the area was simply very quiet. A firm press against the door surprisingly had no effect. It was then Severus noticed the small sign on the door.
Will be back in 30 minutes. For emergencies: ring bell.
A quick revealing charm told him the bell would ring in the staff room. Tempted as he was to run up to the tower to see if Harry was there, he decided it would be best to first get what information he could. The thought of Harry having been attacked while he had next to no magical abilities scared the Hell out of him. Arriving in the staff room, Severus found no comfort when he registered that Albus' eyes were void of any twinkle. All focus turned to Severus as he entered the staff room in the last few moments of an emergency meeting.
"I believe we've covered just about everything. Perhaps Minerva, you can stay to inform Severus of the matter at hand," said Albus, dismissing the rest of the staff. Severus impatiently waited for the other professors to clear out. An additional privacy charm was placed before anyone spoke.
"I was summoned. The Dark Lord told of an attack, and that he escaped," said Severus hastily.
"Mr. Flynn was found incapacitated at the edge of the forest," Albus began, but was interrupted.
"I don't bloody care about Flynn! Where is Harry now? How badly was he hurt?" Severus wanted to ask what Kieran had done to heal him, but a frightening expression appeared on the elder wizard's face. It wasn't often Albus looked startled, taken completely off guard. The only thing more unusual was Severus, wide-eyed, having realized no one knew about Harry's attack.
Albus slowly passed a hand in front of Severus' face, leading him to a chair. He watched as the expected calm washed over his child, helping clear his mind of unnecessary distractions. "What has happened?" asked Albus, paying close attention to details as Severus rambled off a list of recent events. Severus, for his part, was not so much making a report, but rather assessing all his information to better decide what action to take.
"I hurt him," Severus explained flatly. "The Dark Lord was enthralled with Harry's pain and feeling of betrayal. The bastard was so caught up with watching the scene over and over again, he fried the Flynn boy's mind. Still caught up with enjoying the moment, he hadn't even been that upset to hear Harry had gotten away from Goyle's impromptu attack," Severus continued to explain how Harry had seen him with Lupin, and due to an overly emotional state, had taken it quite badly. He reported that there were no signs of Harry having been home while Lupin used his flat. Albus already knew about Harry being upset because when Flynn was found the fading scene was still projecting sporadically.
"Harry had very little magic available when he was taken," stated Severus despondently. "We should check with Weasley to see if he's there before I go looking for him." Severus had stood up and was pacing for a while as he reviewed the facts, planning his next move. Albus put a hand on his arm, getting his full attention again.
"I'm sorry Severus, when Kieran arrived earlier with the outcome of Harry's treatment, I called around for him at the Weasleys'. They have not heard from him since Miss Granger was with him, Thursday evening. I have sent messages by owl, but haven't heard back yet. He is not in Hogwarts."
"You've been wrong before. Harry told me you hadn't sensed his magic when he was in his room, resting after the last test," Severus couldn't think of many places Harry could be. Searching the whole castle would be a daunting task if you weren't even sure he was on the premises. He didn't want to lose precious time.
"Since I placed the special wards two years ago, they've never been wrong. I know when Harry is in the castle. It's not the magic being detected, but Harry himself," explained Albus.
"How did Harry know Albus couldn't detect his magic last time?" asked Minerva curiously. Severus had almost forgot she was in the staff room, he was so caught up in his thoughts. A wicked grin crossed his face. It was easy to fall into evil thoughts when he wasn't consciously keeping himself contained. He needed to go find Harry, and stop wasting time there.
"Harry suspected Albus was unaware of his presence when he noted a silencing charm hadn't been placed around the bedroom. And I thought hearing my parents rutting was disturbing, " Severus muttered the last line. He enjoyed Minerva's staggered expression for a second before turning back to Albus. The old wizard's cheeks tinged pink over his beard. Albus knew him to be exaggerating. He hadn't sensed Harry, but knew when the Floo had been activated moments later. He'd chosen not to mention their faux pas to Minerva.
"If we're finished here, Albus, I'm going to look for my..." he paused, not knowing how he was to refer to Harry.
"Remus has yet to return, perhaps Harry is with him," suggested Minerva, interrupting his thoughts. Severus shook his head 'no', he had a good idea where Lupin was and didn't think the wolf knew of Harry's situation, nor would he expect the mangy father figure to invite Harry to join him in his after-full moon 'sandwich'. With the charade he and Lupin had been putting on for Flynn, Severus had always made it a point for them to be seen speaking upon his return after the full moon or weekends. The werewolf had smelled like sex almost every time.
"I'm afraid it's not so simple," Albus had gotten his attention, sounding concerned. "Several students have reported your recent threat against the Flynn boy. The Ministry has put you under house arrest until further notice. They will send someone to question you after St. Mungo's files a report of their findings. You can't go traipsing around using magic without alerting the authorities you've left."
"This is preposterous!" shouted Severus. "My Slytherin students should know me better then this!"
"You think they should know that when you threaten a student's life, you don't really mean it?" asked Minerva incredulously.
"No," he scowled, stating with an eerie calm, "They should know that if I meant to kill him, Flynn wouldn't be in St. Mungo's, he'd be in the morgue, or never found at all!" his nostrils flared and Minerva shivered, taking a step back. It had been a long while since Severus had caused her to fear his actions. Usually he was a master of self-control, but then she'd never known him to care for anyone as much as he did Harry.
"There might be a way..." Albus said thoughtfully, bringing Minerva and Severus back to the topic at hand. There were benefits to having such a vast amount of both magical ability and knowledge of spells now considered esoteric at his disposal. Albus cast a little-known spell on Severus' wand. It concealed his magical signature, making it impossible for the Ministry to know if Severus was off the grounds. The drawback being, the spell only lasted for a short time.
"You have less then six hours to return here. The more magic used, the less time you have. While casting spells, you'll feel an odd sense of something 'missing'. When you feel the tingle of your magic again, then it is time to return, quickly before the change in location of your magical signature alerts the authorities of your deception." Albus looked deep into his eyes, making sure Severus understood the magnitude of the situation. Albus was taking a big risk in casting a spell so easily detected should Severus be caught. He would do whatever necessary to keep both Severus and Harry safe.
Before leaving, Albus gave a final warning. "Should time run out before you return, the slightest of spells will reveal you. Not even the Floo will be safe for you then."
To their advantage, Aurors had already searched through the Forbidden Forest after Flynn was found. This left Order members precious time to look for Harry elsewhere. Knowing Albus could also Apparate into Harry's flat, Severus did not bother to check there again, knowing it would only waste his limited undetectable magic.
The only way he thought Harry could have escaped during an attack was to Apparate. But considering what little magic he had available, it didn't seem likely. Then again, Harry had surprised him in the past. With the recent increase in power due to magical growth, Harry might have managed. ' Where would Harry feel safe?' he wondered.
Without the ability to go straight to Hogwarts, that left only a few obvious choices; he hadn't gone home or to the Burrow. Severus knew very well why Harry wouldn't have felt safe at home. He couldn't have returned to where the werewolf was ensconced if he were bleeding. Severus was crazed with worry, not knowing what had happened to his love.
It seemed fruitless, but he checked Godric's Hollow. It was a sad sight to see the wreckage of what was once an exciting undertaking. Harry had been so happy to have something of his very own. To be doing something that wasn't asked of him, but a challenge he set for himself. He'd told Severus countless times how good it made him feel to be accomplishing something for himself, instead of dealing with others' expectations regarding the necessary destruction of the Dark Lord. Building a home gave him self-worth; in doing so he felt he was accomplishing something, becoming a part of wizarding society as a regular citizen. Harry'd not been back after the attack that had, for a second time, destroyed what structure he'd managed to build. Even after the site was deemed safe for return, the pile of lumber and rubble remained where it had fallen. Harry claimed Vernon's death, and then later, Kieran's treatments, were keeping him occupied, but Severus suspected his lover couldn't stand to risk having his efforts destroyed once again before it even took shape. At that point he'd stopped teasing Harry about not having a job.
Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk going over the latest information he'd received from Remus Lupin. The wizard had returned, only to be sent out again to search for Harry. A soft knock on the door revealed this year's Head Boy with a frightened looking girl. Albus recalled her to be a second year Hufflepuff. Granting permission for the two to enter, Albus offered sweets and waited patiently as the girl mustered up the nerve to begin speaking. The Head Boy, not as tolerant, began for her.
"Sir, I believe Corinne has something to give to you. I would have gone to her Head of House, but Professor Sprout wasn't available," he said, giving a nudge to the nervous girl. She held up a wand, handing it to the Headmaster while keeping her eyes on her shoes. Albus' eyes narrowed as he recognized the Holly wand. The teeth marks Severus had teased Harry about were clear to see, near the handle.
"Where did you get this?" he asked, no longer playing the part of kindly, sweet old man.
"I... I um, found it by the castle gate the day before yesterday," she said softly and chanced a look up to see concern on the Headmaster's face. "I was going to hand it over straight away, but Olivia Thatcher told me her brother got in a load of trouble once for losing his wand. I thought if it was someone in my House, I could get it back to them before they were caught," she explained, not taking a breath once she'd gotten started. "Do you know whose it is?" she added as an afterthought.
' Loyal to a fault,' thought Albus, looking at the girl who'd obviously been placed in the appropriate House. "I do know who owns this wand. He will be most grateful for its return," as I'm sure many of us are, he added silently, praying his younger child would be all right.
"I've taken fifteen points for waiting so long to return it," the Head Boy said haughtily, earning him a glare from the young girl.
Albus nodded in agreement, noticing the boy standing up straighter. "Yes, yes, very well," he said to the young man before turning his attention back to the girl. "It is not always easy to do the right thing when your window of opportunity seems to have passed. It is seldom the easy path to take. Ten points to Hufflepuff," he said, dismissing both students.
Alone again, Albus twirled the eleven inches of Holly, wondering how it was Harry had escaped a Death Eater attack, having lost his wand at the start of the struggle. A spell of 'Prior Incantato' gave a brief illustration of what Harry had done during the attack, before he was taken. Albus continued to watch the ghostly images when Minerva came up the rotating steps. He absently opened the door with a wave of his hand, allowing her in without a word.
"Who's wand is that, showing a Priori Incantatem effect?" she asked, shocked by the display of magic she witnessed in that odd way. "Is that Harry's wand?" she asked, knowing the answer by Albus' troubled expression.
A few stops later, Severus' inspiration was dwindling. The building where they trained was such a great distance away it hardly seemed a possibility, but it was a place Harry felt safe and definitely somewhere only Severus or Kieran would come look for him. He checked the building and the surrounding area, to find nothing. He then checked once again, looking for any small signs that someone had been there since the last training session. A bit of blackened hay caught his eye, but it wasn't uncommon for them to throw a hex resulting in that effect.
Before heading back, it occurred to Severus he may not get a chance to return there for a while, and so should take full advantage of the trip he'd made. After securing the building and checking the wards, he began his long walk across the grounds. The Manor in the distance was a thing of beauty. The grounds were cared for with pride. The glass in the greenhouse sparkled in the sun, revealing copious plants despite the cold weather of the season.
As he neared the veranda, Severus recalled the many rose bushes that had grown there when he was a young man. He remembered thinking they were too strong in fragrance and took up too much valuable growing space, where perfectly useful vegetation could have been planted. What a serious child he'd been, and while no less serious of an adult, he'd at least grown to appreciate the beauty of a rose, and since learned it was not quite so useless as he'd in his youth, assumed.
He'd yet to reach the Manor when he spotted a small potted plant on the ground, nearly covered in mud and slush. It was shriveled and dead, but still he could recognize the plant he'd ordered. The one Draco promised he'd been taking great care of. He bristled with ire, but was interrupted from his thoughts by hearing his name called out.
"Severus! So good to see you, dear," a woman in her late nineties called out, having seen him approach. She wrapped her arms around him, noting he didn't flinch as he once used to. "It's so good to have you here," she began again after releasing him from the embrace.
"Adeline, it's a pleasure to see you again. Are you well?" he asked genuinely. She nodded in reply with a content smile.
"We are all well. Corinne is expecting another child and Jon is growing faster than any of us thought possible." She then averted her eyes up to a window on the far end of the Manor. "I think your guest is up to something," she said with a grin.
"I apologize for the burden I have placed on your family," he began, but was promptly cut off. Adeline wrapped an arm around him, heading into the Manor.
"Do not think on it. He is self-centered, but not unlike many his age. His behavior has improved dramatically. This is why I think he is up to something," she added with a wink. "Do you not recall Anton at this very age?" She chucked when Severus shuddered at the memory of a seventeen-year-old cousin Anton, when he, Severus, was but only nine.
"How could I forget? If I hadn't spent so much time in the kitchen, hiding from Anton, I'd never have learned to cook so well," he answered light-heartedly. Adeline eyed him with the concern he'd seen in her eyes years before.
"You should never have had to spend your childhood hiding away. But I won't say I didn't enjoy having you in my kitchen," Adeline walked on ahead, talking to herself, loud enough for him to hear. "Once you got your head out of your arse and stopped looking down your nose at me, you were a right decent child to have around." He couldn't see her smirk, but knew it to be there.
Severus winced slightly, remembering how badly he had treated 'the help' before he realized they were more decent witches and wizards then any of his family had been. Several summers at his great uncle's home had been unbearable until he learned Adeline, the family's cook, to be so nice. This was many years ago and they'd long been past the feeling of uneasiness that had to be overcome at the start of each summer.
"I'll leave you to check on your charge. Be sure to come see me before you leave," she said, a warm smile once again gracing her aging face. He wasn't sure if that would happen or not. He knew there was only a very short time left before he had to get back to Hogwarts. Perhaps Albus could cast the spell again, allowing him back out. Maybe Harry had been found by one of the Order members. No, he wouldn't have time for a visit today. Draco would no doubt be ready to get out of there, meet up with his fiance and begin his new job. Severus had been grateful the boy had stayed longer so he could get the plant delivered. He would however, be having words with the lying, egotistical brat, before heading out.
Speaking of the brat, Severus was sure he heard his name cursed when he easily broke through a ward placed around Draco's room.
"Damn you, Snape. I can't believe you'd do this to me."
Severus listened as he worked on the ward locking the door. He could have easily knocked, but wanted to see what else the blonde had to say. He couldn't help but take pleasure in hearing the typically composed, young Malfoy's voice sound so uptight. What was he complaining about, anyway? He'd not even picked up the plant, much less tended to it, thought Severus.
Opening the door quietly had been pointless, considering the gasp Severus let out upon looking into the room. ' It couldn't be,' he told himself, but there was Draco, glass of water in hand, hovering over a rumpled mass on the bed. Near the lower extremities of what had to be a person, was a blackened area. From what Severus could deduce, the robes had been scorched and were still clinging to the charred skin. Recalling the conversations with Draco, Severus had been careful not to reveal too much information over the Floo connection. He may not have referred to the plant as anything other then a 'potions ingredient'. That could have been anything from plant to animal, but Draco had mentioned recognizing the markings. Thoughts of Harry having his blood forcibly taken to resurrect the Dark Lord swirled in his head. ' It can't be,' he told himself again, not wanting to think of the instructions he'd given for the 'ingredient'. The mass of caked on mud and other unknown substances showed no signs of life. With an obstructed view, it was difficult to make out facial features, but Severus unquestionably knew the truth. ' No,' he begged in vain of the powers that be, but Draco's words confirmed his fears.
"Come on, Potter, if you die on me, I'll kill you," Draco dribbled the water, spilling it mostly, but managed to get a few drops in.
Chapter End Notes
Again, sorry for the long wait. I'll endeavor to speed up the pace.
I don't want to answer questions in the chapters. I get loads of questions and am more then happy to reply, but if you don't leave an email with your review or at least ask at my live journal, I can't help you.
DETAH 69 - Introspection
Harry woke, unbeknownst to the person tending him. He hurt, a lot. It was too difficult to pinpoint any one place on his battered body, as it all seemed to throb. After taking a mental assessment, he decided his left leg was by far the source of his worst pain. Trying to remember what had happened to it, Harry felt as if some time had passed. He groggily reflected on the feeling of waking up, feeling sore and sticky, as if the sweat and blood had dried on his body days ago. Back when he'd unconsciously healed himself, Harry had occasionally woken with congealed blood on his skin and clothes. This was a familiar feeling; he'd experienced it back on Privet Drive.
A large face appeared in his thoughts. Harry thought shortly of Vernon, but the hair was very different. Goyle, he remembered, or maybe Goyle's father, he pondered vaguely, having only seen the face appear for a moment. Not fully recalling the situation yet, Harry couldn't understand why he hadn't been able to defend against such a pitiful opponent. He could have easily blocked or countered most of the spells thrown at him. But no, he'd been hit with each one full out. It was as if his wand had been defective. As old habits never die, Harry instinctively flexed a muscle in his arm, to confirm the presence of his wand in its holder. He'd only dimly realized its absence as the pain caused by the movement distracted him from conscious thought. A muscle spasm triggered in his arm caused his shoulder to tense, creating a domino effect of painful spasms throughout one side of his aching body.
"Bloody hell, don't you dare have another spasm, seizure, whatever. I just got the damn bleeding to stop after the last one," groaned his unknown captor/caregiver. Harry almost snorted, thinking of the many years those two titles had intertwined. Waking in a bed, but still in considerable pain, Harry first thought he was experiencing a flashback, but it was all too real to be that simple. He was sure he'd gotten away, but here he lay, helpless and at the mercy of whomever he'd annoyed by bleeding.
' Hadn't he gotten away?' he questioned again, trying to recall the most recent attack.
He'd punched an invisible foe in what felt like face, and spun around to kick toward the sound of someone approaching from behind. He remembered hearing a satisfying crack, but was distracted, having been hit with several nasty hexes shortly afterwards. A number of popping sounds later and Harry knew he was up against more than he bargained for.
A gravelly voice spoke a revealer charm, briefly making them visible again. This being the time Harry got a brief look at one of his attackers. "You crazy fool, taking Potter like this, with no warning," chided an amused Death Eater who had just arrived. "Our Lord wasn't expecting you to be calling for reinforcements."
"Is he furious?" asked a nervous Golye.
"When I left he was singing," another voice told of their master's odd behavior. "I guess one man's pain is another man's pleasure," the wizard laughed heartily, joined by the others. It was when the laughter ended that they got busy with their task at hand. Harry fought the good fight, knocking out or disabling a few Death Eaters, but without magic he could only fight off so many. Despite the sheer adrenalin keeping him going, his being taken was an inevitable reality. With only his eyes working properly, Harry could see the gates of Hogwarts recede as they herded him further away from the safety within. Suddenly feeling many hands on his body, Harry fought not to panic.
It was when the world swayed that he'd realized they'd Apparated him away. He couldn't help but snicker, thinking they used five wizards to do it, when just he and Ron had done it, and with a muggle no less. His snicker of amusement hadn't gone unrewarded. The barrage of hexes and physical assaults that followed was a true test of his training. Knowing he could do little more than endure, Harry decided he would do it to the best of his ability. He listened carefully, trying to make out the words, identifying the spells and hexes as they were cast.
A few of the Death Eaters cast spells with no more thought than which spell to use next, while others paid close attention to his reaction to each. He thought Kieran and Severus would be impressed that he'd showed very little reaction to the spell that disturbed him most, in hopes the caster wouldn't chose that particular spell again. He found concentrating on these things helped him for a short while, but soon he couldn't differentiate between up and down much less any spell details. It all sounded like a roar of taunts and incantations. After some time, there was a lull in the action, the roaring had stopped, or perhaps he'd just stopped screaming.
"How long?" asked a wizard pointing to where a watch would be if he had one.
"Ten more minutes until it activates, delivering him straight to our Lord," the wizard put his face close to Harry's, sneering before he spoke again. "Then the real fun begins."
The thought of getting portkeyed to Voldemort was making him dizzy. Harry had been levitated to a standing position, making for a change in target. They'd only been passing time, tormenting him for their entertainment until he was delivered for the 'real fun'. Again he felt a wave of dizziness, and then with a startling realization, he recognized it to be a surge in power. Ron had once told him that Fred had come into all his magic at once while George had increased his magic with several smaller spurts. Harry was torn between wishing it was just growing up and wishing Kieran's treatments were finally coming to fruition.
"Three minutes!" called out a wizard in warning.
' Three minutes? ' Harry screamed in his head. ' It was ten minutes only just a moment ago! ' Harry wracked his brain, desperately trying to think which spell he could manage wandless with this new bit of magic at his disposal that would have the best effect. Who was the most vulnerable in the group? What spell would take out several of them at once? Then common sense struck, sounding remarkably like Severus. ' Get the Hell out of there! ' Where to go...he contemplated. Severus had said the only safe place to be without magic would be home or Hogwarts. He couldn't Apparate to Hogwarts, so home it was. He'd been about to concentrate on the spell when he remembered one of the men taunting him about shagging animals. Remus. He couldn't go home all bloodied up, not during a full moon.
"Step back, unless you want to go with 'im." Harry heard someone say and the next moment he was gone. Landing with a splat, he looked around, bewildered, Voldemort nowhere in sight. He'd done it. He was glad his subconscious had excluded the portkey in the mental inventory of his person. That was one thing he was glad to leave behind. He'd instinctively traveled to the training building where he felt safe. Many a day he'd spent there, expending a great deal of magic during training, then resting up afterwards sprawled atop the hay. Wanting to collapse and sleep for a week, Harry looked to see what smelled so bad, only to find his trouser leg was on fire. One glance around at all the dry hay bales, and Harry made a run for the door. It was more like a crawl and drag, but he managed to get through the door quickly enough, dousing the small flames by rolling into slush and mud.
Momentarily aware of his surroundings, Harry noted the moon, waning past full, before a cloud passed overhead. He had no idea how long he'd been lying there in the cold night air. Severus would come and find him, he told himself. Severus. ' Severus kissed Remus, kissed him hard. And what did I do? I ran, ran right into trouble' he scolded himself. ' Severus will think I'm a child, running off, not trusting him again.' He'd promised he wouldn't assume the worst after the whole 'Sev raping Ron' debacle.
His new mantra being, 'Severus would come for him, and then I'll tell him it's all right'. Harry wanted him to know he didn't think Sev was fooling around with Remus. The thought still made him hurt inside, but he wouldn't tell that part. ' Severus will come,' he repeated in his head. The slush he'd sprawled into earlier had begun to freeze, solidifying around parts of him. He welcomed the numbness before closing his eyes, falling from consciousness.
The next time Harry took in his surroundings, the moon could not be seen behind the clouds. Odd, he thought the sky would look darker, or maybe if he'd been there long enough, then lighter. No matter, he would see when the sun came up soon enough. Harry tried to maintain consciousness, but faded in and out. Thinking he'd only closed his eyes for a short while, Harry tried to move his head to see the sky better. It was getting darker, not lighter. He'd been out there all night and the next day too, if he figured it right. His eyes hurt. Harry realized he had been wearing his contact lenses; he felt as if they were stuck to his eyes. He moved his hand, trying to rub them, causing a wicked pain to shoot through him, bringing tears to his eyes. 'That helped,' he thought hazily, blinking the fluid around. His condition must be getting bad; he wasn't thinking clearly at all.
A voice could be heard in the distance. Harry wasn't sure if he was dreaming or not. The sky was gray and he couldn't distinguish day from night.
"...like I owe you some big favor," grumbled the voice. "So bloody cryptic, I don't even know what I'm looking for."
Harry heard crunching in the snow. Someone was coming. Whoever it was, they weren't trying to be quiet or inconspicuous.
"'Keep it alive' he says. It might have helped to know what I was keeping alive. If it's some mangy animal, it had better be in a proper cage." The man spoke to himself while searching the grounds.
Harry heard a gasp and assumed he'd been found. He listened for a clue as to who was there, keeping perfectly still. Not that he had a choice.
"If I wanted to deal with dead bodies, I would have taken the Mark," groaned the person over him. Harry pried open his eyes, startling the onlooker. The light was in his eyes, making it hard for Harry to see if he knew the person. His green eyes may not have been able to see much, but they helped the other man recognize him.
"It can't be," the wizard said in disbelief. Harry's eyes slid shut once again, but he could feel his fringe being pulled away from his brow, confirming his identity by the telltale scar. "Potter?" the man questioned, but Harry had dropped back into oblivion before he could even think to respond.
Several Order members had checked in from time to time before they set out again in search of Harry. Ron and Bill Weasley were pacing the Headmaster's office, while Albus spoke to Arthur in the fire. The eldest Weasley's news hadn't been good. Having interviewed several students, the Ministry felt there to be sufficient evidence to post an Auror at Hogwarts, preventing Severus from fleeing until St. Mungo's filed a complete report on Flynn.
Albus scowled, knowing once again the Ministry would assume guilt until the wizard in question was proven innocent. Severus had yet to return, and there was little time before the Auror would show up. He eyed Bill, sizing him up. "Yes, you may be just right," said the Headmaster cryptically. With a wave of his hand, a painting on the wall moved aside, revealing a small opening. Two incantations later and the opening widened large enough to reach a hand in and remove a very small envelope. "Come with me, boys," said Albus, closing the opening once again. "No time to lose," he was stepping through the Floo with nary a look back to see of the Weasley men were following behind.
Stepping through the fire, Ron and Bill soon found themselves in an office that could only be Snape's. Ron couldn't help the feeling of dread that usually accompanied detention with Snape. "Odd that I can't think of him as Severus in this place," he said to no one in particular. Albus was busy once again opening locked compartments. This time it was a small cabinet filled with the Potion Master's private stores.
"Ah, here it is," Albus removed a beaker filled with a green glutinous substance. In no time, Bill was dressed as Severus Snape and drinking the vile substance, to which had been added a single greasy black hair taken from the small envelope Albus had retrieved.
"Better you than me," Ron muttered, regarding the Polyjuice potion. Albus chose not to comment. "Even if you hide Bill's magical signature, what's going to make them sure that this is Snape?" asked Ron. Instead of a reply, Albus simply said "Accio red ink." A small snake-shaped inkpot glided in the air, for Ron to catch, while a large jug of red ink came from the storeroom toward the Headmaster. He then poured a great deal of the scarlet liquid on the unsuspecting Bill.
The eldest wizard smiled as he recalled a particular work of art Poppy had found on Harry's belly. Since Severus spelled his ink to keep the students from changing grades, his magical signature would be recognized if a spell were used to check. Albus said he got the idea from Severus, but didn't mention the red letter 'F' he'd seen on Harry that had made him think of it.
Bill helped to set up a cauldron on one of the workstations. The small cauldron looked innocent enough until Albus explained one of its special qualities. "He doesn't think I know, but on rare occasions, Severus uses this cauldron with students during well deserved detentions. Regardless of the contents, once activated, the brewer must stir continuously or the potion will explode." Albus watched Ron's eyes widen in disbelief.
"That's insane. I knew he was vindictive, but that's crazy, and dangerous. You let him get away with that?" asked Ron incredulously. Realizing whom he was speaking with, he apologized, but Albus merely chuckled. Taking a closer look at the cauldron, the younger redhead's mouth hung open for a moment before blurting out. "I think I used this once. Scared the bejezus out of me, it did."
"Were you hurt?" asked Albus knowingly.
"Um," Ron had to think back. "I remember 'cause I'd seen him grab his arm, and I was worried he'd been called by the Dark Lord, but me and Neville still had another two hours left of detention. Bloody Hell," exclaimed Ron when he realized what Snape had done. "I remember thinking him lucky that Neville blew up the potion, giving him a reason to get rid of us," recalled Ron. It had only taken Poppy a few minutes to rid Ron of the boils that sprouted all over his hands and arms from the potion accident.
Knowing the Auror could arrive at any minute, and not wanting to explain why Ron, also being an Auror, was already there, Albus cast a spell so Ron could use Severus' private Floo into Harry's bedroom up in the tower and wait in the Headmaster's office.
Ron couldn't help but glance around the room before tossing in the Floo powder. His eyes stopped at a familiar book on the nightstand. He hadn't taken Severus as a quidditch enthusiast. Not being able to resist, Ron pulled open the book cover to find an inscription in his own handwriting. He supposed it shouldn't have surprised him that Harry would leave a few things in Severus' rooms.
"Snape!" called a gruff voice from the fire, startling Ron, making him drop the book. He spun around, neither wizard speaking as they each tried to figure out who this person was and if they meant trouble. Hearing the name called, Bill entered the room cautiously.
Spotting the Severus look-alike, Kieran breathed a sigh of relief. "That a Weasley?" he asked, wanting to know if it was safe to speak freely in front of the redhead. He'd already known Harry was as close to them as family could be. Getting a nod from both wizards, Kieran began. "I was bumming. I didn't get to talk to Fawkes before I left Hogwarts. Wanted to check in before Frances an' me depart. She has a contact in Tibet who may have insight as to what we can do next, if anything, since the treatments didn't work," Kieran looked miserable as he spoke, disappointed in the results. "I wouldn'a don'it if I thought it'd fail. I was so sure..." he trailed off. "I'll check in again as soon as we get back."
Ron had heard of Kieran from both Harry and the twins, but had never met him before. Since he'd not said his name, Ron could only guess who it was. Apparently, a curt nod from Severus was enough of a reply, since the Scot accepted it and promised to contact him again in a fortnight.
Arriving at the entrance hall, Albus found Minerva McGonagall keeping one obstinate Auror at bay. He was brandishing a legal looking document to no avail. The Deputy Headmistress was not the least bit intimidated by the Auror she remembered as a young man attending Hogwarts.
"Can I help you?" asked Albus Dumbledore sweetly, as if he'd no idea why this wizard was harassing his favorite witch. He immediately followed the greeting with a longwinded explanation of his official duty to ensure Severus Snape did not leave the castle until he was either arrested or released without charge. His tone clearly indicated which of the two he anticipated.
Picking up her cue, without yet allowing the Auror to speak, Minerva questioned Albus, "Is it safe to be interrupting Severus at this time?" knowing him not to be on the premises.
"He is working on a rather delicate potion; perhaps you would like to wait in my office until it is safe?" Albus' baby blue eyes twinkled merrily as the Auror insisted they cease the delays and allow him access to the dungeons. When they finally entered the Potion Master's private lab, they found Severus carefully stirring a potion.
As plans go, this one worked particularly well. It took very little time for the Auror to provoke Snape, though he had several warnings against it. He had already checked the man's magical signature to confirm identity when he made an unnecessary comment regarding Snape's messy appearance, at which point the cauldron exploded. Spattered with glutinous substance, the Auror and the faux Snape were escorted to the Infirmary for medical attention. Claiming the Potions Master had an allergic reaction to the healing salve, they covered his face with bandages, thus concealing Bill's face for when the Polyjuice wore off. Ron had enjoyed the show from his hiding place. He'd previously met the Auror who had come to guard Snape. He was sad to say several of his peers were incompetents, and this was one of them, though this time that worked to their benefit.
Draco Malfoy spun around, having realized he was no longer alone. "Just water it?!" he shouted disbelievingly. "I can't believe you sent me a half-dead Potter," Draco continued to rant at the shocked Snape, who couldn't take his eyes off the bed where Harry lay.
"Where did you find him?" asked Snape and began checking over the obvious injuries.
"Outside the stables. No wonder you didn't want to say what the 'ingredient' was, across the Floo. I can't believe you did this to me. Do you know how many hours I spent in here, just keeping him alive? Just water it, my arse." Draco paced around the room, water sloshing from the glass he'd been offering Potter.
"I didn't expect him to be in such bad shape. He must have put up a bigger fight than they expected," explained Severus, unsure if he should tell Draco he hadn't known Harry was there just moments ago. He could see the young Slytherin trying to figure him out, looking very unsure of what to say.
"Potter's going to freak when he finds out he's part of a potion. Is it true they used his blood in a potion to give the Dark Lord his body?"
Severus nodded; he'd forgotten about that. It would explain why Draco would assume he was a potion ingredient. What other explanation could he give for why Potter was on the grounds?
While checking the burns on Harry's leg, Severus could tell that he'd woken up, but didn't let on. "What spells have you cast on him?"
Draco seemed to be recalling a mental inventory of spells with a slight nod before answering. He'd named a common variety of spells including a few to stop bleeding. One in particular surprised Severus; it was a temporary paralysis spell.
"Something may be wrong with his nervous system; he's been having seizures, I think." No sooner had Draco said the words, than Severus felt the muscles beneath his hand begin to tremble. Guessing correctly, Severus applied pressure, grasping the muscle firmly to reduce the muscle spasm before the tremors traveled much further.
"He's not having seizures. He'll live," he said flatly, though his mind was reeling. He noted Draco didn't look much better.
"Did you just assume I would know how to keep him alive? What if someone were to find him here? And Potter groans in his sleep. Merlin knows what they would think I'm doing up here if they were to hear him," complained Draco, although he'd cast a silencing charm around his quarters. The time he had worked to keep Harry alive had brought home to him just how different he was from his father, or Severus. He now knew that he would never be their equal, nor did he want to be. Any doubt that he ever had regarding his chosen path had vanished.
Harry chose that moment to open his eyes. Knowing he couldn't always manage feigned indifference; he went for a startled look, thinking a foe would not consider him too big a threat if they thought he was afraid. The caged animal look was easier to pull off when one is smaller than average.
Draco watched the wide green eyes stare at him before moving to Severus and back.
"Maybe you should step out for a minute while I calm him down a bit," Draco whispered to Snape before slowly turning back to Potter.
Severus nodded and left to gather all the potions the lady of the manor could find for him. Chances were that they still had a good stock, since he'd sent many items along in a care package as a 'thank you' for putting up with young Malfoy.
"Where 'm I...?" questioned Harry at once.
"Snape Manor," Draco again saw the startled expression, misunderstanding, thinking Harry feared Snape. Harry, for his part, couldn't understand why his lover never mentioned having a manor. He'd always believed Severus' family had been poor.
"I've been keeping you alive, Potter. The way I look at it, you owe me a life debt," he didn't actually believe so, since Severus had ordered him to tend to the 'ingredient', but he saw no reason to mention that to Potter. "You could always off the Dark Lord and I'll call us even," he added with a smirk, enjoying the incredulous expression he received in return.
"I thought you went in for all that pureblood crap Voldemort stands for," Harry wasn't sure if the laugh he got from Malfoy was a good sign or not.
"Believing mudbloods shouldn't be taking up space in our world doesn't mean I want to follow a madman who's wasted years trying to off you and failing miserably. Don't look so taken aback Potter," Draco laughed again. "You may be fighting for the Light, but I don't see you bowing down to Cornelius Fudge."
Harry had to admit Malfoy had a point, but that didn't mean he'd forget the past. "You may not have taken his Mark, but that didn't stop you from hexing me with a headache, signaling a pack of Death Eater scum to attack me and my friends," Harry thought he saw the blonde's face flinch slightly.
"I'll admit I was perfectly willing to give you a hell of a headache, but I hadn't expected people I knew to get killed for it. I don't think I'd expected you to crash through a stained glass window, either."
"What did you think was going to happen when you hexed me? A picnic on the grounds, maybe?" he would have shouted, but even talking pained him so. "Hold on, how did you know I went through the window?" he purposefully didn't mention Severus having done it. Adrenalin was keeping him going in his agitated state, but Harry could feel his strength depleting.
"Did you think I would just hex you and go home, not knowing what was going on?" Draco shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "You always came out on top before. I saw one of my friends die that day, Potter," he started getting agitated, but calmed down again. Harry didn't think he himself could have managed changing gears as quickly. He stayed quiet, allowing Malfoy to keep talking.
"I realized that if you were killed, I might not keep the Mark off me for long. I've heard talk about you having to be the one to kill him. That you have the same kind of wand or something." Draco stood up to his full height and unexpectedly changed the subject to something more to his liking. "You've yet to thank me for helping get rid of those hideous scars of yours," he said smugly, enjoying Potter's confusion.
"Poppy Pomfrey got rid of the scars. I had to re-grow the skin sliced up from the window glass."
"Which you could only do because of a second blood donor," the smirk grew wider. "And you never even thanked me," he added feigning hurt feelings.
"You?" Harry could hardly believe Malfoy was the other blood donor. 'Why didn't they tell him, or for that mater, why didn't he ask?' he wondered.
"Don't pretend to look so shocked. I knew Dumbledore would tell you as soon as the time was up." Draco observed Harry, trying to see the truth in his eyes. "You didn't know?"
Harry shook his head 'no', and regretted the movement once again. Another tremor of pain threatened.
"You don't know, do you?" Draco sneered, more a statement than a question. "If you grew up with a proper family, and not those wretched muggles, maybe you'd have a clue," he kicked a damp towel on the floor near his feet before explaining.
"With my blood in your veins, you could have gained access into the Malfoy Manor or several other areas warded against any non-family members. Dumbledore pledged his word not to tell who the second donor was until enough time passed that it was no longer relevant. It's not like you were likely to be out of bed before that time."
Harry would have liked to ask more questions, but Severus knocked on the door. Apparently Draco realized he was supposed to be telling him Snape was safe, and quickly went on.
"Look, I know you don't trust Snape, but he doesn't want the Dark Lord in power any more than I do, or he wouldn't have hid me here. I don't know exactly what he's doing, but if he was going to turn you over, he could have, years ago," Draco looked like he wanted to say more, but the door opened.
Harry looked to the door, Severus' face unreadable as expected. He suddenly had many more questions, but the talk he had with Malfoy had used up his little reserve of energy. He barely paid any attention as they spoke to each other.
"I, um, told him you weren't likely to turn him over to the Dark Lord," Draco said with an expression that seemed to ask that very question. "What are you..." 'going to do with him?' he didn't actually finish. He didn't know what game Severus was playing. He didn't want to be any part of it, no more than he already had been. Which he also hadn't wanted. He felt a twinge for Harry, but not enough to take any action; he just wanted out of all of this, and he was almost there.
"Who knows he's here?" asked Severus simply.
"Just you, me and Potter," he answered, hoping his part was now done. He missed his girlfriend and had a new job to start.
"If Potter had managed to escape before you found him, I could have taken advantage of his convalescing in Hogwarts and helped myself to the necessary fluids," he explained hypothetically, then continued. "You haven't seen Potter and have no knowledge of any potion I may or may not be making for the Dark Lord," Severus said sternly, getting no argument.
"Will you be taking over from here, then?" Malfoy asked hopefully. Severus gave a sharp nod and went on to have another look at Harry, while Draco packed his things. It took little time for him to gather them and clear out. He thanked the lady of the house for her hospitality while Severus stood closely behind him, making sure he did just that and then left the premises.
"Harry," Severus spoke in a voice so tender. Hazy green eyes looked up, checking out his features and the now visible expressions on his face.
"It's really you," sighed Harry, grateful to see him again.
"Perhaps you're not truly Harry Potter," Severus said while gently running his fingers down Harry's bruised cheek. "Tell me. If you're Potter, what injury of mine did you heal while straddling my lap and wearing a very sexy, blue formal robe?" he asked with a wink, knowing he'd identified himself with the question, in case there'd been any doubt.
"When my first attempt to heal impotency didn't work I had to settle for the wound over your heart," he answered with a tired smile. "The tables are turned now," Harry added and closed his eyes. "When I come to, you can tell me why you sent Malfoy for me, of all people."
"I didn't realize you'd been taken until... I thought you needed time to think," he trailed off, thinking his love had fallen asleep until Harry spoke again.
"n'case you were wondering. I don't have a sexy blonde shacked up in a big mansion which you don't know about."
Severus winced.
After a few pleasant and not so pleasant fire calls to the Ministry regarding a certain Auror's behavior, it was arranged that Junior Auror Ron Weasley would replace him at Hogwarts to watch over the still unconscious Snape. Ron was happy to have a chance to keep Bill company, but desperately wanted to continue the search for Harry.
"How is our patient doing?" asked Albus as he entered the infirmary. "He hasn't attempted an escape, I presume?"
"Sir, are you sure about this?" Ron questioned him uncertainly. "How can you be so sure Snape is with Harry? He could still be looking, and Harry could be anywhere."
"Nothing is for certain," the elder wizard began, getting the redhead all the more nervous. "Without alerting the Ministry of his location by using magic, Severus can no longer travel around to look for Harry. Had Severus not found him, I feel he certainly would have checked back in, regardless of the consequences." Albus hoped and prayed he was correct. Order members were still looking, but had no luck yet.
"What about Harry's emergency portkey?" asked Ron, looking for any chance to help his friend. Albus shook his head 'no', taking said stone from his pocket.
"After some time had passed and he was not found, I activated the portkey myself. It came back without him, and was easily traced to having come from right outside the castle gates. Apparently he'd lost it in the initial struggle."
Ron sighed in defeat. Even if Albus didn't sound so confident, there were next to no places left to look for Harry.
Severus took advantage of Harry's deep sleep, or unconsciousness, it was hard to tell which, and took care of a more painful task. He carefully peeled back the charred trousers and cleaned the burnt skin before applying an orange paste to heal the area. It was frustrating Severus to no end, not having use of his magic. ' Dim-witted Ministry bureaucrats', he grumbled.
The sounds of steady footsteps were heard, alerting Severus to a visitor. He didn't think it likely someone would enter this part of the manor, but he took no chances, standing by the door, ready. A quick knock and an "It's me again," from Draco Malfoy put him at ease somewhat.
"I thought you'd be long gone from here by now," Severus commented idly, though he knew the boy had left and came back, so he hadn't overheard any of his conversation with Harry earlier. After so many years, he could easily sense Malfoy's magical signature.
"I forgot my broom," he said while retrieving said item from the corner of the room.
"Since you're here, transfigure a cauldron, please," Severus made himself appear busy mixing a few items with a mortar and pestle. Draco turned a nearby spoon into a shiny cauldron, unaware Severus was not using magic.
"I was surprised to get back in. I figured you'd have left already and the wards wouldn't allow me to pass," Draco turned to leave.
"How fortunate for you," he replied blandly. "I have no intention of staying long," he lied. "As soon as I confirm there is no infection, I'll have what I need and be gone from the place," Severus eyed the cauldron, looking for flaws. "Stay out of trouble," he said kindly, in lieu of a dismissal.
"Later, Snape," Draco replied with a smirk, but added a sincere 'thank you' before he left for good.
Harry awoke to feel a warm flannel gently gliding over his skin, cleaning off the grime of the past several days. His eyes fluttered open, but he neither made any sound nor moved to indicate he'd awakened. Severus' brow furrowed as he focused on his task. He scowled, finding signs of frostbite beneath caked-on mud.
Harry must have made a sound, as Severus suddenly looked up, meeting his eyes. "Sev," he hissed in what sounded more like Parseltongue than English. Exhaustion seemed to have set in, leaving him quite lethargic. It annoyed him to think that he'd managed to say so much to Malfoy, but now could find no energy to talk with Sev. The concern on his lover's face was clear. Though Harry didn't know if it was due to his injuries or the conversations they were going to have to have at some point.
"Is there much pain, still?" asked Severus.
A whispered "Tired," was all Harry managed.
"I know," Severus said soothingly. "I had to use a painkiller they had in the house. It was heavily laced with a sleep aid."
This at least put Harry at ease. He'd thought something was seriously wrong when he was losing energy instead of gaining it.
"There's a potion residue here; were you invisible that you know of?" Severus hoped the question made some sense to Harry. A nod of confirmation sent Harry into a muscle spasm that sent tremors rolling, spreading all along one side. It seemed as if every muscle was strung so tight the slightest of movements would give him tremendously painful cramps.
Severus held him as close as possible without actually moving him, whispering words of comfort. He knew from Harry's reactions the kind of punishment he must have endured while in captivity. A particularly nasty combination of Petrificus Totalus and the Cruciatus Curse would have this kind of effect.
"I'm sorry this happened to you, love," Severus used a flannel to wipe the sheen of sweat from Harry's brow, and held a trembling hand to help calm the residual tremors.
"Kiss me," asked Harry softly. Severus gave him a warm smile, which quickly faded as Harry spoke again. "I wanna be the last to kiss you this week." In seconds, warm lips covered pale chapped ones, placing light, reverent kisses.
"It hurt," Harry said when Severus pulled away, leaving the Potion Master wishing he had a balm to place on the now cracked lips.
"I'll make up a potion for..." he began.
"No," Harry said with a sigh. "You kissed Remus." That's what hurt.
"You know I'd never want Lupin over you. I can hardly tolerate him at Hogwarts," Severus went on to explain all the details Harry had already figured out days ago. "...a part to play as a spy. You know you can trust me."
"But I still lost it," he groaned. "It was like I couldn't control my emotions and everything hurt so much." Harry was grateful Severus continued smoothing over his brow with the cool flannel. "I used to judge my sanity on how emotional I got over stuff. A right bloody head case you've got for a lover," he said dully, and hissed when Severus accidentally rubbed over a cut on his scalp, one that he'd missed on his earlier inspection.
"You're not a head case," Severus grinned. He couldn't help but be relieved Harry was more upset about the being upset part than about him kissing Lupin. He went on to explain that Harry was over-emotional from the after-effects of the Phoebe episode, and wasn't mentally unstable. "Oh, and according to Kieran, that Phoebe woman is just fine.
"Will Kieran help heal me?"
"No. He's gone out of the country with Frances to look for information on why your treatments didn't work. I can't use my magic right now to contact him, even if he were available," Severus noted Harry's widening eyes, misunderstanding his reaction, and went on to explain his lack of using magic. "I'm afraid I'm being blamed for possibly causing brain damage to a student. If I were to try to get help for you, I'd be found. They'd send me off to Azkaban for evading the Ministry, attacking a student and probably kidnapping the Boy Who Lived. I promise to take care of you; I am at least that skilled; it may just take a little longer than if we were at Hogwarts."
Harry's eyes became unfocused. He could hardly believe all that had happened in a matter of days. He didn't want to be selfish; he certainly wanted nothing more than to keep Severus safe. But despite all he'd just heard, only one thing stood out in his mind.
"The treatments didn't work?" he hated himself for the way his voice cracked. Harry had told himself and many others that he'd be quite content with the results of the treatments even if they didn't release his stored magic. That was easier said when there was still hope. Had he really gone through all that pain and mental anguish, and it didn't work? He once again closed his eyes. The image of Hermione's 'I told you so' look on her face was all he could see in his mind's eye. She wouldn't say it of course, but she'd have that pained look she had when she was right, but wished she weren't. Merlin knew, he'd seen that look often enough over the years.
For the remainder of the day, Severus coddled Harry, and the young wizard soaked it up. Many of his contusions and small injuries healed well with the few potions available. The worst visible injury was still the burn on his leg, which was improving greatly as the orange paste was reapplied regularly. The still taut muscles remained an issue, but the treatment for them was by far Harry's favorite. He felt pampered as never before
"I had planned on giving you a massage this past weekend. Oh, yeah, right there," Harry groaned as Severus worked on another knot and he felt the release.
"I know. I found the package you left in your room. Quite a variety of items," he added with a growl, thinking of the toys and massage oils he'd found. "When you didn't show up on Saturday or Sunday, I found the box to be a punishment, knowing what I was missing."
"I think it was Saturday when Malfoy found me," Harry commented casually, regretting it when the strong hands working on his shoulder froze.
"Listen, about Malfoy," Severus began, his hands regrettably stilled.
"I said I trusted you. We don't have to do this right now," pleaded Harry. Severus heaved a sigh.
"As long as you understand it wasn't what it looked like."
"You mean you weren't hiding Draco Malfoy from the Dark Lord in a manor you never told me you owned?" asked Harry, his tone somewhere between sarcastic and indignant.
"Perhaps it was what it looked like," Severus said flatly, but Harry had already continued speaking before he got out two words.
"I know there are aspects of your life we don't talk about. I can understand as a spy, you can't tell me some things, or maybe you're not ready to broach some subjects," Harry began, his voice even, but rising as he went on. "I would have thought that when I started to build a house for US, that that would have been a good time for you to tell me you already owned a Really, REALLY BIG ONE! One where Draco fucking Malfoy has his own room! I don't even want to know if you kissed him, too," he choked out the last line.
Severus was on his feet pacing the floor by the time Harry got to the second 'really'. He was close to shouting that even as a spy he wouldn't kiss a child like Draco, but bit his tongue before he could regret the words. Draco, after all, was Harry's age. Nearly two months older.
"It shouldn't be mine," he said instead, and then Harry realized Severus was speaking of the manor. "I spent a few weeks here each summer when my parents went on holiday," Severus saw Harry was calmer and listening, so he went on. "The manor belonged to a great-great uncle of mine. When I was young, the housekeeper here was very kind to me when no one else was. Her family has served here for many generations. She had a grown daughter whose family also lived and worked here. By the time I was twelve, my father, who had very little of his own money, was disowned by the family for his association with unseemly individuals. If you can believe it, that was before he joined the Dark Lord." Severus paused his pacing and returned to the bed to continue where he'd left off on Harry's aching shoulder and the story he was telling.
"When I was told my uncle had died, I wanted nothing to do with the manor which he had begrudgingly left me. Adeline, the housekeeper, and her family, stayed on. I pay her son to manage the estate."
"When you and I trained in the stables, I remember you'd said we couldn't go outside, that you promised no one would enter the grounds," recalled Harry, not actually asking a question, but wanting to know more about the mysterious place.
"I kept it from my mind, not wanting to deal with it. Then one year Christmas came and I received a card with a picture of Adeline's family. The family had grown quite large over the years and they asked permission to expand a room in the servants' quarters," Severus gracefully stood and added another ingredient into a simmering cauldron before returning to add more oil to Harry's appreciative body.
"When I finally returned to explore their living space, I denied permission for the expansion. I gathered the family heirlooms and placed them all in one of the many guest rooms. I declared the stables off-limits and requested that the room I had used for storage and one additional guest room be reserved for me, should an emergency arise, leaving me in need of a safe house. I've only ever used this room twice since I moved Adeline's family out of the servants' quarters and into the manor many years ago." Looking for Harry's reaction, Severus could see his lover regretted having made a scene, but that the resentment he felt for being left in the dark by Severus kept him from voicing apologies.
Severus couldn't deny that he came and went from Harry's flat as if it were his own. Harry, on the other hand, hardly ever entered his dungeon lair without his knowledge. He told himself that was strictly due to safety precautions, since he was a spy. Or it could be that the last time Harry showed up unexpected in his classroom, he'd blasted the poor boy right out of his chair. Now that he thought about it, a similar incident with Filch's cat had the same response. The mangy feline never entered his domain again unless she was closely wrapped around the caretaker's spindly legs.
"I have considered the idea of informing you of the training center's location, but was unsure of what precisely that was."
Harry blinked several times. "What?" he asked, unable to decipher what he thought he heard.
"I wanted the property surveyed and was going to divide the land. I want to keep the lower third, containing the stables. I wasn't entirely sure of what I was going to do with the manor, but with the land legally split, I could erect individual wards, allowing more privacy and added safety to our training facility and whatever else I use the land for."
"But..." Harry said, knowing there was more, and wanting to encourage this rare indulgence of information from Severus.
"But, my plans to do so were interrupted by a meddling Headmaster who felt we all needed a holiday as a bunch of randy teens one fine Easter break. Then you happened," he added with a smirk. "I had to cancel my plans with a surveyor that Easter week. I guess you could say that I've been properly distracted since then," said Severus, not mentioning that he'd reconsidered some of his plans when the house Harry was building was destroyed a second time. He could see Harry straining to look around the room for the first time.
"I know it's killing you not to ask, so I'll spare you any further anguish," deadpanned Severus, smirk once again in place. "Lucius Malfoy now owes me one very large favor for hiding his son until Draco could get safely ensconced in a prestigious new job, thus giving him the leverage to not take the Dark Mark. Draco would be of better use to the Dark Lord in a position of influence, rather than with the brainless lackeys doing his more dirty work," Severus noted. The Goyle family immediately came to mind.
"Like Goyle," Harry said offhandedly, thinking the same. "So...Draco didn't have a personal masseuse while he stayed here?" he asked with a smile. "'cause that would merit a big favor," he teased.
"Brat," Severus splashed a bit too much oil, wishing Harry wasn't injured so he could give him a swat across his lovely arse. "The only thing Draco got was a cozy place to stay and several fire calls warning him to behave."
"That, or Malfoy Sr. would be out for your hide instead of being in your debt," laughed Harry. He teased, but knew the serious benefit of having someone like Lucius Malfoy owe you a substantial favor. Severus merely grunted in response.
In an office sitting across from a large desk, Seamus Finnegan nervously sat as a short, fat wizard interviewed him for a job. The wizard, who looked to be nearing his fifties, had a cloud of smoke around his head as he asked questions of the potential future employee.
"I have here a letter, more like a note of recommendation from a Mister Harry Potter," the man held up a slightly wrinkled parchment with praises written from his friend and dorm mate. "Certainly no one else up for the position has a personal friend in the Boy Who Lived," he paused, placing the parchment into a manila folder and picked up another. "I must say, the deciding factor was this rather interesting recommendation from a Professor Severus Snape."
"P... P... Professor Snape, sir?" stuttered Seamus.
"Yes, quite the colorful letter if I do say so myself. Lets see," he said while scrolling down the parchment looking for a specific paragraph and read aloud.
As a successful businessman, I will assume you are an intelligent wizard who will not be swayed to hire someone simply because they are a close and personal friend of Harry Potter. As I'm sure you know, most friends will lie through their teeth to aid one another. I, however, am no friend of Mr. Finnegan and have nothing to gain by embellishments and overstated attributes.
Seamus cringed.
Having taught this student in Potions class for his seven years at Hogwarts, I can assuredly say, Seamus Finnigan was not one of my favorite students. He did manage to show good study habits with a strong grasp for the theory of potion making, however practical application proved him a danger to himself and those around him. While his aptitude in brewing left something to be desired, he was most often on time for class and consistently handed in homework assignments by their due date, complete and accurate. As a student in general, Mr. Finnigan got along well with his peers and proved to be loyal to his friends in difficult times.In closing, unless you expect Mr. Finnigan to work in close proximity to toxic substances, he will undoubtedly be a fine asset to your company.Severus Snape Potions Master of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
"You're hired," said the fat man, blowing smoke as he spoke, running an index finger along the green and silver trim on his robe.
DETAH 70 - A Time for Healing
Chapter Notes
A/N: Just a reminder, this is not an M-preg story.
Chapter warning: Mentions of het *gasp* or at the very least, sexual tension. Hehehe
In a meadow filled with green grass, Harry lay naked, soaking up the afternoon sun. His limbs looked positively bronze compared to the long limbs of his lover, which seldom saw the sun. A tickling sensation caught his attention, and he realized his lover was sprinkling flowers from above. Bright orange blossoms tumbled out of a small cauldron onto his legs before spilling aside.
Severus whispered a poem into his ear, or so he thought before recognizing the lullaby he'd once heard his lover sing.
A cool breeze distracted him for a moment and Harry could no longer make out the foreign words. The deep, soothing voice began to change. As Harry looked down to see why the flowers suddenly had thorns and were pricking his skin, he realized Severus was no longer speaking. His face was void of all expression as he smeared the orange blossoms across Harry's legs. The now higher voice continued while Severus rubbed the pasty flowers, thorns and all onto his now stinging skin.
"I just knew it," it was Hermione' s voice. "I can't believe that Kieran, a Healer, would put you through such an ordeal without better research..." she quieted abruptly, causing Harry to look up to see her lips locked with Severus' in a passionate kiss. Harry let out a strangled yell, but no one noticed. The cool breeze became cold as the green of the meadow floor shimmered and frosted over. Within seconds the ground was covered in snow.
"He's mine!" Harry shouted, but there was no Severus or Hermione to hear him; he was very much alone, lying there, naked in the snow.
"Shh. I'm here, Harry," Severus said in a soothing voice. Harry looked up to see Hermione was gone, but another woman named Sara was in her place by his lover's side. He dropped his head, feeling the cold snow against his face. After what seemed like hours, but most likely was only a few minutes, the bitter cold became too much. Harry lifted his head again to see Severus alone. The snow in his hair melted, rivulets dripping down his face, then annoyingly down his neck.
"I'm here, Harry," Severus repeated as he dipped a flannel into a bowl of ice water, wringing it out before wiping Harry's brow again. "It's all right, love," the deep, soothing tones made it difficult for Harry to open his eyes. "Just a dream," crooned Severus, listening to Harry's breathing. The rapid, shallow breaths were slowing slightly as Harry tried to focus. He looked uncertainly into onyx eyes, hoping to decipher the emotions he saw in them.
"Sev," croaked Harry, too drained to be embarrassed by the crack in his voice. "Cold," he shivered as Severus dried his neck where the flannel had dripped.
"You have a fever," Severus placed the flannel back in the bowl and gingerly picked Harry up in his arms. "I'm going to put you in the bath to help bring your temp down. Do you understand?" he asked, unsure if Harry was once again coherent.
When the cool air gave him a chill, it occurred to Harry, he actually was naked. "Cold," he said again, looking forward to a hot bath. He yelped as he was lowered into what felt like freezing water.
"I know, love," Severus soothed, but Harry noted he didn't make the water any warmer. "It's warm, it only feels cold because of your fever," he said, but got a skeptical gaze from a shivering Harry. Severus removed his shirt when the sleeves got wet. It wasn't long before he then noted his aching back and decided to ditch the trousers too and climbed into the tub, pulling Harry's back to his chest, wrapping his arms lovingly around him.
With a contented sigh, Harry leaned his head back on Sev's shoulder. It had been a few days and his muscle spasms were starting to relax. He knew the movement from the bed to the bath and back again would cost him dearly, but any pain he may endure later would be worth it. Large, potion stained hands rubbed a trail of soapsuds over his skin, across sensitive nipples.
Hearing Harry mumble about him kissing Hermione, Severus suggested he'd done enough in his life to be accused of and Harry needn't add fictional sins to the long list. When Harry was eventually returned to the bed, Severus handed him a vial, from which he drank obediently, recognizing the nutrient potion for what it was. He'd yet to have real food, but had no appetite to speak of anyway. Being aware of little else past pain and occasional dizziness, Harry hadn't noticed his lover occasionally sipping from a similar vial. Severus had been taking just enough nutrient potion to keep going. He always made sure Harry had enough before taking any himself.
Severus was on his guard when he heard someone walk quietly past the door. When the footsteps continued on, he opened the door in time to see a young woman as she turned a corner and went out of sight.
"Albus is covering for me," he said to Harry, handing over a newspaper article he'd found just outside the door where the young woman had left it. Harry perused the article, which stated a Ministry agent at Hogwarts was holding Severus Snape under guard until such time the Ministry decided whether he would be arrested for attacking a student or cleared and released.
"It says here that you're in the infirmary recovering from an accident in the potions lab," said Harry, reading the paper. "Does Albus know we're here?" he asked, not remembering if he'd asked the question already when Severus first arrived. "Wouldn't someone have sent an owl out to find us, at least?"
"This is a safe house for me. It wouldn't be very safe if anyone could follow an owl here," Severus went on to explain that only the family residing at the manor could be recognized by owl. He reminded Harry that Albus had made it clear he couldn't safely use the Floo to fire call him.
Harry's more obvious injuries were under control, but without the use of magic, Severus had no way of knowing what else may be physically wrong. Feeling safe to leave Harry, Severus decided it was time to speak with Adeline and hoped she wouldn't mind sending Albus a letter.
"Come to have the tea you promised some days ago?" chided Adeline when Severus arrived in the kitchen. He knew not to take her reprimanding tone to heart, and her warm smile gave her away as it had when he was young.
"I should have come sooner," Severus sat in the chair offered as the young lady he saw earlier swept in, setting down a tea service.
"Sandwiches will be ready shortly," she said politely and scurried off.
"That isn't necessary," insisted Severus to Adeline, though only after the young lady was long gone.
"Yes it is, you're starving," said Adeline as if she were commenting on the weather. Once again Severus was reminded of a time long ago when she always knew what he needed and was offered it before he himself thought to ask. She smiled knowingly. "I'm glad your guest is feeling better," she added, startling Severus.
"How...?" he eyed her cautiously. Adeline sipped her tea and placed several sandwiches on Severus' plate.
"You never change, child," she began, reminding him eerily of Albus. "I've wondered for years how long it would take you to ask me that question," she sipped her tea again, but this time glanced up at an odd contraption on the wall. Severus remembered it had always been there, but he'd never known what it was. At first glance he thought it was a wizarding clock, but as he really observed it, he noted it had several different elements he'd not seen on a clock before. The Weasley clock had hands for each family member, while Harry's was set up differently since he lived alone.
The large box high on the wall consisted of many tabs that had little silver rectangles with names etched into them. They were Adeline's family, all except one, 'Master Snape'. Taking a closer look, Severus saw the background was a layout of the house, showing 'Master Snape' in the kitchen and a notation under his name, 'Hungry'. He quickly found the room Harry was in. There was a silver tab, but the etched name was scratched out; it looked as if it had been done decades ago. He wondered if it would have read 'guest' or something of the sort. Beneath the scratched tab the notation read 'Sleeping'. Severus noted the colors of the various names were different from one to another.
"It's a servants' assistant. It was probably installed by your great-grandfather," explained Adeline. "If you look along the bottom, there are dormant sections," she pointed to the tabs for various Snape family members long since gone. Severus noted the 'Lady Snape' looked newer but didn't care to ask why.
"What do the colors mean," he asked, getting a sly smile from the elderly which.
"In your case, a color would represent a need you may have, but the servants' notate what they are doing. One color for working, another for eating and so on..." she said, keeping her eye on one name in particular. "They're simply there to locate the staff and what they are doing in general. This one," she pointed to a tab that had changed from blue to green, then orange. "That's my grandson, who was sleeping and is now causing trouble," she pointed to the name-tab that was quickly moving from a room marked Nursery. "I may have to tend to that," she said idly, but then pointed to another tab trailing along. "No, his mum's got it under control," she added with a smile.
Adeline sat back down, but Severus remained standing to examine the odd contraption. He noted the two names she'd mentioned were coming closer to the kitchen. No sooner had he turned around but a small, naked toddler ran past, followed by a frazzled looking young woman in mid-chase.
Pointing to the names, Severus asked if Draco had shown up there. He was concerned about security, unsure if something like this would be good or bad; it could all depend on who was looking. Adeline put that thought to rest when she explained that the names had to be magically added; anyone just walking in wouldn't show up.
"And you thought I had you sign that blank stack of employee cards for the owls to find them past the wards?" she asked with a smirk. "Since we are not your family, I need to have each child also listed as an employee for the 'servants' assistant' to keep track of them," she laughed as the same naked toddler ran past again, this time with a larger gap between him and his frazzled mum.
Adeline pointed out that the 'Master Snape' tab still read 'Hungry' and made him eat a few sandwiches as they talked. She was happy to send a message via owl to Albus. It was an obscure note that looked as harmless as a holiday postcard, but the Headmaster would understand it for what it was. By the time Severus retreated to his room and Harry, he was loaded up with all the potions Adeline had in her additional stores. As it turned out, the potions Severus had found when he first arrived were only a portion of what she had in stock.
Rumours around Hogwarts were running rampant. Snape's disappearance had left much speculation. While some thought for sure he'd been carted off to Azkaban and Kissed, others were quick to point out the continued presence of a the Auror who could occasionally be seen speaking to his sister, the youngest Weasley.
One industrious Slytherin managed to sneak into the infirmary to check on her esteemed Head of House, only to discover he showed no signs of life. It was of course the one time they'd given Bill a break from the onerous task of lying still on a hospital bed for many hours on end; what she unknowingly had seen was a replica of Snape. Word of the Potions Master's death spread like wildfire -- until the next day when an injured student arrived in the infirmary just in time to see Madam Pomfrey feeding Snape a potion.
At breakfast, Albus ate his eggs in silence, listening to the latest information spreading through the Great Hall. He once again read the note he'd received with the arrival of the morning mail, and smiled. It was a great relief to know his suspicions were correct; his two favorite wizards were relatively safe. The twinkle in his baby blues increased, thinking of how amused Severus would be to hear the newly 'confirmed' student gossip which now guaranteed the rumour of his being a vampire would be held in high credence for several years to come.
The chattering students took no notice when the redheaded Auror spoke quietly to his sister or her squeal of a reply muffled by a huge hug. Ron would rest easier when he saw his best friend again, but for now it was enough to know he was safe.
"I didn't know you knew so much about healing," said a sleepy Harry.
"I don't, but as a Potions Master I know what all the potions do. You will still need to see Poppy when we get back," Severus held a potion to Harry's lips and later apologized when he had to withhold the water Harry badly wanted.
"How come you let me have water at home for this same potion?" asked Harry, getting a raised brow from his lover. It was the same look Harry got when he hadn't thought something through. "Oh yeah, you make them different for me so I can drink right after," he remembered.
"Adeline has kindly offered anything she has growing in her greenhouse that I may need for potions. You need another dose of muscle relaxant in fifteen minutes, after that I'll go see what she has growing," Severus slid the covers from one of Harry's legs and began to massage the slowly healing muscles.
Harry tried to relax as the sore muscles were worked over. He noticed Severus had checked the clock twice in five minutes. "Why don't you go ahead, I can manage to swallow one potion by myself," Harry could tell he was eager to see the greenhouse.
"Are you sure?" Severus' long finger caressed the side of his face and Harry leaned into the touch, tempted to say no.
"Look," Harry said, raising a hand to his lips to show he could do it. "Give me the vial. I promise to watch the time," he said, convincing Severus he'd manage just fine. "Go," he insisted, holding his hand out for the potion.
After much deliberation, Severus agreed. He placed the small vial in Harry's hand, loosening the seal. "Take this in ten minutes," he said firmly. "I'll be back before you can have the water, so don't go diluting all my efforts because you have no patience," his snarky words held no malice and only served to get a smile from Harry. "I won't be long," he promised and placed a chaste kiss on dry, chapped lips.
Severus pulled a face. "Ugh, that tasted terrible," he commented on the potion he could taste on Harry's lips, and took a gulp of water from his glass.
"Evil git," said Harry, looking at the water longingly. Severus only raised an eyebrow as if to say, 'You're only now figuring that out?'
"Ten minutes" he said again before closing the door. Harry held up the vial in a mock salute and checked the clock again as Severus left.
In the kitchen of Snape Manor a young mother relaxed, sitting at the table with a nearly sleeping and no longer naked child cradled in her lap. She watched as her little sister learned all she could about serving a family. Her new a job, serving a local couple, would start in a month's time when her new employers returned from their honeymoon.
"I wish Mr. Snape let us do more for him," she whined. "It would help if I had more practice," the eager but nervous girl practiced folding napkins and setting up teacarts. "Has she eaten a thing since she got here?" she asked, pointing to the scratched out tab that represented Harry. The young girl didn't notice the smile shared between her mother and adult sister. "Do we know her name?"
"Master Snape's guest is not well enough to eat," she answered simply. Adeline knew she should, but wasn't ready to explain that it wasn't wise to assume Severus' guest was a woman. "I expect we will be introduced when the time is right."
Upstairs, Harry opened his sleepy eyes to check the clock. He didn't like that this painkiller also had the effect of being a sleep aid. But it was better than suffering, so he wouldn't complain. "Oops, twelve minutes," Harry said to the empty room and swallowed the potion in one gulp. Immediately he knew something was wrong. His gut clenched and his throat burned like he'd drunk liquid fire. Spitting out what little was in his mouth was not having much effect on the burn he thought would eat a hole right through him.
Severus had said not to drink the water, but he also didn't mention that two lousy minutes late on the potion would cause him to feel like a human volcano. Pain and fear of serious damage from the acid-like potion made the decision for him, and he drank straight from the pitcher of water.
He was sure there wouldn't be enough water in the pitcher, not enough water in the whole manor, or perhaps all of... what country was he in? Harry lost that train of thought when it seemed all the previously mentioned liquids made a return trip.
Severus entered the manor with a bushelful of items picked from the greenhouse. No sooner had he walked past the kitchen did he hear a yell. Though it was a woman's voice, he knew in a moment something was wrong with Harry. The scratched-out tab the woman was pointing to was bright red in color. Dropping the bushel, Severus ran up the steps two at a time, with Adeline hot on his heals. Thankfully, the eldest daughter knew enough to hold back her well-intended sister before she could follow.
Throwing up so violently had caused Harry's muscles to spasm again. He lay curled in the foetal position while his stomach clenched once more, causing him to heave. He couldn't imagine there could even be so much liquid in him to keep getting sick. He saw Severus reach for his wand, but was in no position to remind him he shouldn't use magic. Luckily, Severus had foreseen an unconscious reaction to turn to magic and had moved his wand to another pocket, slowing him down. Adeline saw his hesitation and had her wand out immediately to help.
The moment Harry could catch his breath he began babbling. "I'm sorry, Severus," he cried. "I watched the clock, but I only closed my eyes for a minute," he winced when his stomach lurched again, was slightly relieved when it held. "I know you said ten minutes, but I took it a couple minutes late," Harry rambled apologetically, his throat hoarse.
Severus hushed him, assuring Harry that two extra minutes wouldn't have made a difference with the potion. Whatever had happened couldn't have been his fault.
Getting Harry cleaned up into fresh clothes proved difficult, as his muscles had completely seized up again. While Severus removed the soiled linens, pajamas and a small area rug out to the hall to rid the room of the smell, Adeline had taken a cool flannel to wipe down Harry's heated brow.
She sighed, waiting for his coloring to return to normal. Green was nice for eyes, but not so appealing for the cheeks. She dipped the cloth into a bowl of cool water and returned it to his forehead. It was then that Adeline noticed the scar. She hid her gasp the best she could, but Harry and Severus both heard it. Harry gave her a weak smile. It made him feel good to know she'd been fussing over him before knowing he was Harry Potter. He'd have appreciated it more if he weren't fighting waves of dizzyness and nausea.
Severus made introductions and found that she didn't ask as many questions about Harry's being there as he'd expected. The Potions Master racked his brain, trying to figure out why the two potions had such an interaction, while Adeline went off to the kitchen for a special tea to help with Harry's nausea.
"The secret to this," Adeline began, as she held a steaming cup of tea. "...is to make it too hot, allowing some time for the vapors to help calm the tummy just enough so the tea will stay down when you drink it," she waved her hand over the cup, blowing the steam in Harry's direction.
"Thank you," croaked Harry. Severus continued to mull over ingredient lists of the two potions, trying to determine what had gone wrong.
"Tea always does the trick," the elderly witch handed Harry the cup to drink. "Our family has been drinking this tea for ages. Let me tell you..." she rambled on. Severus' head snapped up hearing only part of what she said.
"What was that?" he asked quickly, taking Harry's cup for a moment to give it a whiff.
"Hmm?" she wasn't sure herself where she'd left off. "Oh, yes, yes...I was saying what a relief it was to have this tea for nausea when I was expecting a baby and couldn't take too many potions," she repeated for him. Severus nodded, chewing his lip as he worked through the puzzle. Harry watched the expressions Sev made while concentrating over the problem, until the inevitable 'yes' he hissed out, having had a breakthrough.
"It's not a common issue, working at a school," Severus explained as if they had any idea what he was talking about. He eventually went on to explain that the two potions he had Harry drink should normally work well together, but he hadn't taken into account some of the potions Adeline stored were altered for pregnant women.
"I'm afraid your throat will be sore from the combined potions coming back up," Severus continued to apologize for overlooking the conflict in potions. Harry once again berated himself for drinking the water when he was told not to.
"That wouldn't have happened if I'd listened to you," mumbled Harry. Severus could see he was having trouble focusing.
"Don't be daft!" he snapped more than intended. "I don't even want to think of what would have happened if you hadn't made yourself sick!" Severus shuddered, thinking of the damage that would have been caused had the mixture been given time to fester at full potency in Harry's stomach.
Harry knew that when Severus snapped at him in a situation like this, it was because he was scared or mad at himself, in this case perhaps both. Harry had had many near misses in his life and trusted his lover. Severus, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to protect him and didn't fare well knowing his oversight had caused his lover's pain. He was furious with himself, regardless of the fact that Harry would be fine once his throat recovered.
Adeline recognized her cue to leave and made her excuses. "Severus, I'll have dinner sent up for you," she made a mental note to send her eldest grandson to pick up more nutrient potions, knowing Harry would still be on liquids for the time being.
Severus explained that since Harry couldn't take any potions for a while, he would take the opportunity to work on his muscles instead of brewing as he'd planned.
Harry groaned under the wonderful hands, knowing full well that regardless of the excuse Severus had given, his lover wanted to hold him close, making up for his earlier mistake. He was perfectly happy to be on the receiving end of gentle but strong hands working over his body. He only wished he were feeling well enough to truly enjoy it and reciprocate.
Severus warmed another dollop of oil in his hands before working his way up Harry's legs. He was relieved to see the orange paste had done its job and only a pink area remained of Harry's burn. Severus could see the contentment in Harry's face, and the smile that emerged when he accidentally brushed his thumb past a flaccid member. On the next pass, it was no accident when long fingers slid over Harry's genitals, fondling them.
'S'nice,' Harry tried to say, making Severus wince at the scratchy sound. "Shh," Sev hushed him and continued his ministrations. He knew it felt nice, even if Harry couldn't manage an erection. On his leisurely exploration, Severus occasionally spent more time on the needier areas. A slight hitch in his young lover's breathing clued him in if he'd used too much pressure. Likewise, a happy groan told him when he was doing well. It was less than a half hour later when Harry fell sound asleep.
Kieran Donnelly spoke several different languages. Severus often argued, 'knowing a few colorful phrases could hardly qualify as speaking a language fluently'. Regardless, none of them were helping him now. Luckily for Kieran, Frances understood what the local healers were saying as they offered their opinion regarding the dilemma of a young man's stored magic, that was unavailable for conscious use.
Ordinarily, the Scot would have jumped at the chance to have Frances all to himself in the little room where they stayed. But he'd been too wrapped up thinking of Harry, having failed him as both friend and Healer, to consider the romantic possibilities with the lovely woman. Frances, for her part, thought Kieran to be quite chivalrous to have not taken advantage of the situation.
They were mature adults, so there was no arguing over who slept where. They simply dropped into the large bed together after an exhausting day of searching for answers.
In the mornings, Frances would get out of bed early to wash up before her bedmate awakened. As she dressed, she pretended not to notice the sleepy brown eyes watching. She slipped on a white robe before remembering they'd be meeting with a muggle Healer that morning. She acted as if she'd not heard the moan Kieran couldn't hold back when the slinky white material fell from her shoulders to the floor. "Too many puddings," she quietly chastised herself as she squeezed on the jeans she'd not worn in a while.
Later that day, slightly frustrated, Kieran treated his fellow Healer to lunch. "I'm beginning to think we're wasting our time," he grumbled and took a huge bite of his second sandwich. "I feel like I've dragged you out on a wild goose chase," his self-depreciating smile confirmed his misery. He'd yet to give her a chance to reply, as she'd preferred not to talk with her mouth full.
"You shouldn't give up hope," Frances managed to say before Kieran went on about having dragged the founder of Britain's most renowned Healing Center all over this side of the world.
"I wouldn't have wanted to come without you, though," he added and only then shut up when she took his hand and held it on the table.
"I know you want to make it up to him and solve this puzzle, and I truly believe we will return home with good news," she paused to take a sip of her wine. "You did not drag me anywhere. We've met amazing people and had the opportunity to speak with Healers we'd likely never otherwise have had the chance to meet and share their unique life experiences and knowledge of healing."
Kieran still looked dejected; Frances wanted to smack him in the head, thinking she'd expressed herself quite well but to no effect. She needed a new tactic with a wizard like Kieran.
"Get over your pity party. We will find the answer and this will all go down in history as the noble mission of two Healers who wanted to help The Great Harry Potter and along with that, better mankind. All in all that's not bad, considering you're just a guy trying to make up for a major screw-up and I'm just happy to get out of my house while new hardwood floors get installed," she winked. To her relief, Kieran laughed heartily, nearly knocking over his wine. He no longer felt guilty for wasting France's time and was now more optimistic about their expedition.
In the kitchen of Snape Manor, a young woman excitedly listened to a story she'd heard many times over the years. Her elder sister and mother sat at the table for her to serve tea, getting in practice for her upcoming job. Pausing for a moment over the sugar cubes, she pointed to the box on the wall.
"Was the Servants' Assistant installed when the manor was built?" she asked and accidentally dropped the sugar cube from too high, causing a small splash. "I thought grandmother's ghost was back when I noticed the scratched-out tab upstairs."
"Careful," her mother chastised, but continued with her story. "No, that wasn't installed until many a generation later. Back in the day when my own mother cooked and oversaw the comings and goings of the other servants, Master Snape had it put in. He was a powerful, vibrant young wizard with a new wife. No one had paid much attention to the details when the Master of the house placed the spells marking tabs for various servants and for the 'love of his life', the new Mrs. Snape. In fact, it must have been a century later that anyone noticed there was something amiss."
"Is that when the tab marked Mrs. Snape began to do odd things?" asked the young daughter, eager to add several more biscuits to her sister's plate.
"No," the mother shook her head and continued. "Some time after the Missus passed away, Master Snape remarried," she pulled a face at the memory and had to convince her daughter there was nothing wrong with the tea. "She wasn't the kindest of women and obviously only looking for a wealthy man, but she was willing to care for his children and that was important since he could have been called off to war at any time," she pointed to the 'Mistress' tab again. "It never did work for the bint. Turns out the words spoken were taken quite literally. When she realized her name stayed immobile on the wall, she went off in a rage and scratched out her name, insisting the Master place a new tab for her. 'Lady Snape'."
"She sounds like a beast," huffed the older of the two daughters, once again holding a sleeping child.
"Yes," the mother agreed. "To her credit, she tended to the children even when the master left for long periods at time due to the war. That was, until he returned with only one leg and nearly all his magic gone. She was out the door faster than they could pin a medal on the dear man."
"Is that when the scratched out one started to move about again?" asked the daughter, impatiently, getting a nod in reply.
"My mum tended to his needs and read the paper aloud for him when his eyes failed. He never said he loved her, but she knew why the scratched out 'Mistress' tab moved along when she did. When he died of complications a year later, the manor had a new Master Snape, his brother, and the scratched-out tab hadn't moved again... until now," she said with a smile.
"It's so romantic," squealed the young woman. "You saw her; is 'Missus Snape' pretty?"
"There is no 'Missus Snape'," chided her mother. "Master Snape's guest, while very attractive, is very ill. You will not be a bother and you will only enter that room when asked to do so," she said, still not wanting to go into details on sexual preferences.
"Will Missus...she be alright?" she corrected herself, concern evident in her voice. Her mother went on to explain the conflict in potions while trying not to trip over pronouns as she spoke of the 'guest'.
Harry reveled in the warmth of the body pressed against his. Soft lips caressing every inch of his sensitive skin made him shiver. Kisses and nibbles drove him mad with passion. The voice that made him harder still, spoke inconsequential words against the sensitive area behind his ear.
There was no recognizable room around them, only soft white sheets beneath them. In the blink of an eye, the kisses had stopped and their positions had switched. Harry ran his hands over his lover's long torso and continued to rub a firm arse. Again things changed and Harry found Severus to be on his back, legs spread. Needing no other encouragement, Harry thrust his hard member into his waiting lover. The pleasure he felt throughout his body only increased as long, slender fingers pressed a delicious piece of chocolate in his mouth.
Mingled with the taste of chocolate was Severus' sinful tongue entwining with his own. The overload of sensations threatened to send Harry over the edge. Once again, long, talented fingers brushed his lips, placing something tasty on his tongue. Ignoring the chocolate sauce dribbling down his chin, Harry went back to concentrating on his task of fucking Sev into the mattress.
With a start, Harry awoke. He was breathless, eyes darting around the room, hoping to get his bearings. Immediately his attention was brought to the hot mouth enveloping his softening cock. Still panting, Harry could hardly make out what Sev said when he pulled his mouth away with a pop and a lick to his lips.
"Nice dream?" he asked devilishly, with a knowing smile.
"What..." Harry began, but was startled by the sound of his own voice, having forgotten about the potions incident.
"I gave you Sweet Dreams, explained Severus. You'd been having so many bad dreams I was afraid your muscles would seize up again. I couldn't give you a potion, so Dreamless Sleep was out," Severus laid beside Harry, careful not to put undue pressure on his sore body. "Tell me about your dream," he purred into his young lover's ear.
"Chocolate," croaked Harry, getting a look of surprise from Sev. "You were feeding me while I buried myself balls deep in your great arse," he added with a mischievous grin.
"Hungry?" asked Severus, knowing the answer. It had been days since Harry had eaten. Unfortunately, the condition of his throat left liquids as the only option. Perhaps a distraction was in order. "You make delectable sounds when you dream of chocolate," purred Severus, earning him a tired smile. "I still have to make up for the weekend we were supposed to have. I hoped the 'Sweet Dreams' would tide you over."
Harry thought it strange to have an afterglow kind of feeling, yet be rested from sleep. It was very nice to wake up with his sex in Sev's warm mouth. He wanted to ask 'Can I have the chocolate now?' but the thought of anything other than cool water going down wasn't too appealing just yet.
"Wild dream," he commented, remembering all the various positions they'd moved to and from effortlessly. That, and no one bothering with details like prep or cleanup in dreams. "What about you?" Harry asked, reaching for Severus' robes to find him only semi-hard.
"You slept for a while. In your exhausted state...it takes a while to get it up. You make lovely sounds in your sleep," Severus said in a deep voice, rubbing his palm against his own trousers. Harry wished he'd been awake to see Sev pleasure himself. He'd seen it before, but had always wished he could do it without Sev knowing he was there. To watch him stroke himself, watch the expression on his face as he climaxed. Would he make any noise if he thought he was alone?
"I could stay here with you forever," mused Harry.
"I'm afraid it would take that long to make it up to you," Severus said softly. Harry knew he wasn't only speaking of the potions, but also of the incident with Remus, leading to his capture and eventually to their current situation.
"I can hardly believe Malfoy worked so hard to keep me alive," the thought alone made Harry's head spin.
"Are you nauseous again?" asked Severus, seeing Harry give his head a shake.
"Hmm?" Harry vaguely registered the question. "Just really dizzy," he said when he saw Severus reach for the cup of tea. Harry blinked several times to get his bearings. "Have you given any thought to the favor Malfoy Sr. owes you?"
"Never be in a hurry to cash in. You never know when a need will arise," despite his words, Severus looked as if he had a few things in mind.
Harry was doing very well under Sev's ministrations. He'd been treated to a glass of chocolate milk to appease his dream-induced cravings. Unfortunately, without the use of pain potions, they realized how sore he was. Severus deduced it would be safe for Harry to take potions again the next day and set off to brew. Adeline had insisted he work away from Harry to give the younger man a break from the smelly fumes.
Adeline set a chair in the corridor where she could do some knitting and listen to Harry, should he have a need. Knowing this, Harry was quiet, reassuring her he was still fine. A clink of a cup on a saucer and she knew he was drinking his fluids. A muttered 'Nox' put out the candles in his room, and unknowingly, the candles in the corridor as well. Adeline chuckled and relit her candles with 'Lumos' and a wave of her wand. He vaguely heard her spell and made a mental note to wait on casting magic for a while, remembering the time he'd over-relaxed Severus whole lower half while attempting a preparation spell.
Kieran stood looking out the window of the room he shared with Frances. He'd been so excited earlier to hear there was a wizard who thought he could help them, but now he wasn't so sure.
"At least we know it's been done," tried Frances, but couldn't hide her own frustrations. "It just seems so unlikely that something like that could be pulled off," she thought again about what she had been told would help Harry, but couldn't for the life of her figure out how they could do it.
"There's always the Imperius Curse," he joked, though she wondered if he actually was considering it.
"If only it wasn't Unforgivable. How many times have you thought that in your lifetime?" she mused. "Like when you heal a patient and they go right back to doing what got them into trouble in the first place," she'd walked to the window, looking out over his shoulder. "What would you do if you knew you wouldn't have to deal with the repercussions?" her words were entirely too close to his ear for him to think straight.
"Take you to bed," he replied before he could stop himself.
A celebration of their semi-good news commenced...
"You realize of course," Frances began, waking a drowsy Kieran, trailing a finger through his thick chest hair. "Since I was under no curse, you will still have repercussions to contend with."
"Hmm?" he wondered if that had come off as nonchalant as he'd been aiming for. "And what would one have to do in return for having his desires fulfilled? Should I be worried?" he asked, and turned toward her, scratching her chin with his own stubbled face. "Did you expect I would take you to bed and then walk away this morning?"
"Oh, no," she said, casually wrapping a leg around his. "I expect you to go another round."
"Again? After the first two?" he teasingly protested, but his body clearly disagreed, tenting the sheets. "You'll be the death of me," he said, laying back and taking her with him.
"It's okay, I'm a Healer."
Later, Severus gave Adeline a break and joined Harry for lunch. The young wizard practically drooled over the chocolate custard and all the other yummy soft foods on the tray. He'd never had tapioca pudding, but soon found it to be one of his favorites and made happy humming noises as he ate with gusto.
"Stop that, you're too weak for what I want to do to you when you make those sounds," growled Severus.
"Maybe you should take some 'Sweet Dreams' for yourself," teased Harry, sounding a lot like Sev since his voice had still not completely healed.
"I can't do magic to clean up the sheets when I wake up. Who do you think does the laundry around here? It was embarrassing at twelve years old; I don't wish to relive it," Severus pushed a loose stand of hair behind Harry's ear, incidentally feeling the very small scar remaining there. "I will make it up to you, I promise."
"Be sure that you do."
DETAH 71 - TLC
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Harry eyed the door to the bathroom longingly. He and Sev had been together for a while now, but he hadn't foreseen them to be comfortable enough for him to pee in a container held by his lover. He was sure if the tables were turned Severus would have found some magical way around this. Of course, 'magic' was the key word here. Hell, he'd not even heard the older wizard pass wind, mused Harry. Severus raised a brow, his way of asking what was so funny without actually asking.
"Before you go work on your potion, could you bring me to the loo?" Harry saw him glance at the cup they'd been using. "I could go, and then take a bath. I can manage to get in the tub. Then you can help me get back out after a good soak," he asked, looking hopeful, and thought to add, "Adeline had the tubs safe-spelled so the kids can't drown."
Severus considered the options. He had to admit, one of the reasons they'd managed so well was due to Adeline's child-friendly spells. Harry needed only to touch the faucet for it to run warm water at the sink or bath. It wasn't possible to make the water too hot without the use of a wand. To Harry's relief, he finally agreed.
Over breakfast they discussed the issue of Severus' supposedly being held custody at Hogwarts. They'd checked the papers, but no mention of it had appeared again. Harry protested Severus' wanting to return the next day. They had no way of knowing if he'd be dragged off to Azkaban the moment they showed up. The thought scared Harry more then he wanted to admit.
"I'm brewing a potion to control pain; after you take it, you'll be well enough to travel through the Floo," Severus wanted to have Harry checked over by Poppy. While he'd taken good care of Harry, it would reassure him he'd not missed something.
Since the potion incident the day earlier, he was being so carefully Harry wanted to yell at him to stop treating him like fragile glass.
"You said using the Floo would alert the Aurors you weren't at Hogwarts," Harry paled, realizing Severus hadn't intended to go with him. "I'm not going anywhere without you," declared Harry firmly.
"It was selfish of me to keep you here this long, suffering, when Poppy would have had you back on your feet in a few hours. I should have written to Albus requesting a portkey for you."
"No!" Harry said, louder than he intended. "When has Poppy ever let me go in a few hours? I'd be fixed up, only to sit in the infirmary an extra day or so, worried sick about where you were." Harry bit his lip, pulling Sev's hand into his own. "No one has ever worked so hard to take care of me like you have," he pressed his face into Sev's free hand as a wave of dizziness passed over him again. He didn't want to mention it, in fear that would be the deciding factor and Severus would insist he go back to see what was wrong with him. "Don't send me away," he pleaded.
Severus worried Harry might break down and cry, but was relieved when he lifted his face from his hand, eyes dry. If he hadn't sent Harry back when he was badly injured, what was the point now? Adeline had run a few diagnostic spells while Harry slept, finding nothing that needed immediate attention. "If it will put you at ease, I promise to continue in my selfish endeavor and keep you by my side," Severus said indifferently, but Harry could make out the concealed smile and let out a sigh of relief.
"I sometimes wish we could run away together, and just be free," Harry said absentmindedly.
"Technically, we have," Severus mused. "As a student, I'd never have skived off classes to go have a snog," he said idly, getting a hearty laugh from Harry.
"I remember a certain Potions Master who had wanted to call in 'horny' and tell Albus you couldn't come in to work because I was just too tempting," recalled Harry, still laughing. He enjoyed having breakfast in bed with Severus alongside him.
"It was tempting," he leered at Harry, making the younger man shiver. "Albus, the silly old coot, expects me to show up to teach classes," he kidded. "I am grateful he trusts me enough not to track the owl Adeline sent him confirming our safety."
"Why is that?" asked Harry, helping himself to more eggs, wishing he could eat the crispy bacon.
"Why does he expect me to show up?" asked Severus, knowing Harry was talking about something else entirely.
"You said turning spy wasn't the reason he trusted you, that it was something else that convinced Albus beyond any doubt."
"Long story," Severus said abruptly, dismissing the conversation. He paused, seeming to gather his thoughts, and relented. "Perhaps this afternoon when the potion is done. If you're awake and still interested, I suppose I can enlighten you," he sneered when Harry laughed again.
"All right Sev, you think it over and let me know." Harry chuckled and put his teacup back on the tray Severus was taking away. "When you decide you're ready to tell me, I'll be here," Harry smiled at his lover who stood there, blinking several times.
"Brat," said Severus, which meant, 'You know me far too well and thank you for being so understanding about this.' He put the tray down for a moment to wrap his arms around his lover, capturing lips in a sweet kiss.
"Mmm...tastes like bacon," hummed Harry, returning hungrily for another kiss. Holding tightly onto Sev's robes with one hand, Harry used the other to run his fingers through his hair, pulling him closer. Severus pulled back, gasping for breath, and then attacked Harry's neck with vigor.
"This is why I love you," purred Severus, with a bite to his neck. "Everything you do, you do with such passion."
His young lover whimpered when bitten and snuggled so close he'd almost climbed right into Sev's lap. While Severus didn't want to stop, he knew he had a potion to brew, so he slowed the frenzied kisses. Harry panted, leaning their foreheads together, and nuzzled Sev's nose with his own. "Love you," he whispered, pressing a tender kiss to Sev's lips. "Love you," he repeated, once again nuzzling his nose along chiseled features and returning to tasty lips.
As Harry kissed him hard, Severus was nearly undone by the needy sounds made by his lover. ~ Love you ~
The sound was made so quietly it could hardly be distinguished between a gasp of pleasure and a few short words of Parseltongue. While Severus' mind may not have been sure, his cock had certainly paid better attention. Harry groaned, feeling Sev's arousal pressing against him. Before the kisses became frenzied again, Severus pulled back, leaving Harry panting once more.
"Harry, love, we need to stop," he said in a husky voice. ' While I still can', thought Severus. "I have to work on your potion. Plus, if we don't stop, you won't have the energy to bathe alone," Severus received a quick nod in reply and thought Harry'd agreed far easier than expected. "What, no argument?" He teased. "Are you feeling all right?" asked Severus when he saw a bead of sweat on Harry's brow. "Is your fever returning?" he felt said brow as he spoke.
"No, I um..." he trailed off. Severus saw the blush creeping into Harry's cheeks as he spoke inaudibly. Harry cursed himself for his inane behavior and spoke up. "I really need to use the loo," he said without hesitation, though his face still burned with embarrassment. He expected to see a smirk, but Severus simply nodded and wasted no time helping him off with his bedclothes.
Harry resisted the urge to groan as he was swept up into strong arms and carried to the bathroom. "I could have walked," he protested. "Gods, you're so strong," Harry moaned and snuggled close to Sev's chest. This did earn him a smirk as Severus watched Harry's cock twitch.
"Thank you," sighed Harry when Severus put him down on the toilet. Harry watched patiently while Severus turned on the bath water, and then began to fidget when the man went to find just the right towels. "Sev?"
"Yes, love?" he replied innocently.
"Thank you for your help. I can do those things," he paused, seeing an evil grin on his lover's face. "Get out!" he yelled, having realized Sev was stalling on purpose. "Git, you know I have to go!"
"After all this time you're not comfortable with me in here?" Severus' hurt tone wasn't fooling him. Harry could barely sit still on the seat, wiping sweat with the back of his hand.
"Severus! When I am one hundred and sixty-eight years old and you are a hundred and eighty-eight, after having grown old and wrinkled together, I still won't be THAT comfortable with you. Now get out! ~Get Out~" he added in Parseltongue. Harry heard Severus laugh while he ran. A wind had picked up, assisting the still laughing wizard out of the bathroom. ~Git~ Harry hissed as the door slammed without being touched.
Harry smiled, feeling the tingle of magic in the air. He'd not done much magic in several days and could feel it thrumming through him. Harry had a moment of panic as he remembered he was here without any wand, but then remembered Severus had told him a student had found it just after his attack.
Before climbing into the tub, Harry left the door ajar as he'd promised Severus he would, just in case he needed to call for help. He missed having Severus wrapped around him in the bath, but was grateful to be feeling well enough to take one by himself.
Ron Weasley sat beside the bed where his brother was acting the part of a convalescing Severus Snape. He quickly stood at attention when the door to the infirmary opened to reveal his division head, followed by Albus Dumbledore. "Sir," Ron bowed.
"Weasley," the wizard acknowledged him with a slight bow, or perhaps it was just a nod. Either way, Ron stepped aside when his boss motioned him to do so. "Mr. Snape," he addressed Bill, unaware he was a stand-in, and stepped closer to the bed. Bill turned his head slowly toward the Auror, who winced, having noticed pus oozing from the bandage.
"It is my duty to inform you of the reports recently conveyed to me by the medical examiners at St. Mungo's, where your student, Mr. Flynn, is currently being treated for mental trauma due to suffering the Unforgivable curse of Cruciatus for an extended period of time."
Bill gave a slight nod to show he'd understood so far. Ron looked to Albus for some indication of where this was going, but the older wizard gave nothing away, which could mean he knew as much as Ron - nothing. It didn't sound good so far, and Ron seriously considered how they were going to switch Bill and Snape again. He was getting to like Snape and didn't want him to go to Azkaban, but he certainly wasn't going to allow his brother to go in his place. Lost in his thoughts, Ron almost missed his superior's next words, read aloud from the document stamped with the St. Mungo's emblem.
"You'll have a chance to read this in its entirety when you are recovered," he'd spoke monotonously up until this point, then lightened up. "It says in a lot of medical/legal jargon that they cannot predict weather or not Mr. Flynn will recover full mental capacity. They did however, do enough tests to conclude his injuries were due to suffering for a lengthy extent of time, more than the time for which you have no credible alibi. You're lucky he lived, Snape. Had they not been able to test him, you'd have been Kissed by now. As I am responsible for my actions and those under my command, I would like to formally apologize for the actions that caused your injuries while under house arrest."
Receiving a short nod in response from whom he thought was Snape, the Auror continued, but once again with the monotonous tone he'd used earlier. "You have every right to bring suit against the Ministry of Magic for your wrongful containment, resulting in your incapacitation, loss of time at work, and slander against the name of a professor of Hogwarts." the man tilted his head in question. "Do you wish to file a complaint?"
Bill, as Sev, shook his head 'no'.
"I didn't think so," he added quietly, not quite mockingly. Aurors knew of Severus' past and that he'd gotten off of serious charges. It would behoove him to not make waves with the Ministry.
Albus was quick to grab the Auror's attention before he left, wanting to discuss a retraction to be printed in the Daily Prophet. He knew it might be the only way to inform the real Severus what had been resolved. Once the doors closed, Ron assisted Bill out of the bed. While the elder Weasley brother washed up and changed back into his own clothes, a shout could be heard from the loo. "Why won't this red ink wash off!?"
In her office not far away, Madam Pomfrey's face reddened. She had put two and two together, recalling the same tenacious red ink that couldn't be washed off one Harry Potter. "Just good friends, my arse," she muttered to herself with a smile. It was a match she hadn't foreseen, but she could see the attraction and how much the odd pair had in common. She didn't need Albus to tell her Severus could be trusted. The usually caustic wizard had, over the years, gone above and beyond the required infirmary potions-making. He may have griped about it, but never did he miss a deadline for potions she'd needed for students and staff alike. She was quite relieved to hear the Ministry of Magic had acquitted him.
In a luxurious bathtub filled with an abundance of bubbles, Harry soaked blissfully. At some point around the second reheating of the water, Harry remembered the spell that had been placed to keep children safe in the tub. He cautiously lifted his sore arms from the sides of the tub, and then lifted his feet, which had been keeping him upright. Though he somewhat expected it, he couldn't hold back the surprised laugh when his body bobbed in the water, keeping him afloat. After maneuvering around, Harry managed to find a comfortable position, keeping his body immersed in the warm water, though his head never dipped under. With a happy sigh, Harry leaned back and enjoyed his soak.
Out in the corridor, Adeline sat reading the paper with her magnifying glass, looking for any news regarding Severus. Having found nothing, she set down her paper, ready to start on the latest magazines she seldom had time to read. Before she had a chance to turn the first page, her youngest daughter approached, carrying a red-faced little boy crying for his mum. Adeline was eternally grateful her daughter had the foresight to place a silencing charm around the toddler before barreling down the corridor with him.
"She's not back from the store yet," the young woman tried to explain to her inconsolable nephew. To her great relief, her mother took the child. She'd happily take over the quiet job of sitting with the paper any day.
Severus stepped into the kitchen to retrieve more water for his potion base. He hadn't expected to see Adeline bribing a crying brat with a biscuit. He quickly set eyes on the Servants' Assistant, finding the scratched tab indicating his lover was located in the bathroom. Apparently, if the box on the wall was to be trusted, Harry wasn't in need of anything at that moment. Adeline watched his line of sight, and explained that her daughter, Serilia, was there to keep an ear out until she could return after getting her grandson down for a nap. Severus couldn't remember which of the two daughters he'd met was Serilia. He sighed, knowing he had to finish the potion. He'd have time to check on Harry very soon when his brew needed to simmer for a while. He trusted Adeline's judgment, but didn't want to be away for too long. Harry still had a sore and scratchy voice from the last time Severus had left him alone.
Upstairs, through the small opening at the door, wide brown eyes peered inside to see what little she could of the empty room. Serilia had huffed about not having a chance to serve 'the Missus' personally. After reading over the headlines, the paper quickly lost its appeal. "If she's in the bath, then certainly it couldn't hurt for me to tidy up a bit," she spoke to herself cheerfully. Quietly stepping into the Master's bedroom, she rationalized, if while she was there, the Missus needed anything, she would be close by. To her delight, she could attend to many things in the room. She warmed the room with a flick of her wand, then sent out the breakfast dishes on the tray and empty cups lying around.
Not wanting to go too far away, she decided to forgo the trip to the linen closet and cast a spell to freshen the existing bed sheets before fluffing the pillows and making the bed proper. She listened intently to the sounds she could hear through the open door leading to the bath. It took all her will not to have a peek to see the Missus. It was hard enough to even imagine the stern Master Snape with a special lady in his life, much less what she would look like.
"Sev?" Harry was sure he heard a noise and desperately hoped it was Severus. He'd fallen asleep and the water was no longer warm enough. His muscles threatened to cramp again, which would be a shame after such a nice cozy bath. He tried to reach the control for more warm water, but only managed to add more bubbles.
"He's still working on the potion; should I get him?" Serilia asked, thinking how awful the poor thing must feel with such a sore throat. ' Doesn't even sound like a woman, the poor dear.'
"Um, Adeline?" he croaked, hoping he'd remembered her name. This person was obviously younger, but he didn't know what else to say to the stranger.
"I'm Serilia, her daughter. Your room is clean. Would you like me to tend your bath?" her question took Harry by surprise. He had no idea how people with money lived. Dobby was always willing to serve, but this wasn't like getting him a piece of cake. Would he insult her if he said no? The water was getting cooler...
"I um, never," he felt like an idiot and didn't even know what he was about to say. "I guess that would be OK," he added lamely, wanting to smack himself in the head for not having a clue how cultured wizards lived.
Outside the door, Serilia beamed. It was such a relief the Missus didn't appear to be accustomed to having a chambermaid and wouldn't be upset if she hadn't gotten everything just right. She'd remembered stories told of the previous 'Lady Snape' snapping insults if there weren't just the right amount of bath salts.
"Thanks," sighed Harry, relieved to feel the water warming up. He was grateful the girl was making a point of looking elsewhere. She seemed to only be four or five years older than him. It occurred to him to introduce himself, but everyone knew his name and he felt stupid stating the obvious. Besides that, she winced when he spoke.
With the bath feeling cozy once again, Harry relaxed under the many bubbles, which kept his privates private, and watched Serilia move about. He hadn't thought the room to be cold until she spelled it warmer and it felt ten times better. She lit a candle that gave off a soothing fragrance and placed a toasty warm charm on the towels. "Would you like me to wash your hair, miss?" she asked with a warm smile, making eye contact for the first time. If she hadn't been holding onto the towel rack, Harry was sure she'd have fallen to the floor. Her jaw was already there. Harry was used to the gasp he sometimes got from people, but this girl was practically hyperventilating. "You, y-you're..." she stammered, trying desperately to collect herself.
"Harry Potter?" he interjected helpfully.
"A man!" she yelped at the same time. "Oh, Merlin! ...You're Harry Potter?" The added information was too much for her, as she was still trying to come to terms with the fact that she was in the same room with a naked man in the bathtub. Her knees went weak and she landed with a thud, seated on the toilet.
Harry was thanking the gods she'd landed sitting down, as he was in no condition to be helping her off the floor, even if he were willing to do it bare-arsed and soaking wet. Which by the way, he wasn't. She'd begun muttering apologies, but Harry cut her off.
"Why did you think I was a woman?" he asked, using the tone Severus did when he expected an answer. It worked better then he thought it would.
"'cause Master Snape loves you," she gasped, slapping her hand over her mouth. Harry was sure if she were a house elf, she'd be hitting her head on the marble wall by now. He wasn't sure if Severus had told Adeline of their relationship, and Serilia did act as if she'd let the cat out of the bag.
" I know he loves me," he said, wanting her to stop looking panicked about telling a secret. "How do you know?" he asked, and to his surprise found himself being told the whole story about the scratched-out tab that had started to move about, revealing him to be the love of Snape's life. Harry could tell when it occurred to her she was still sitting on the toilet, talking to a naked Harry Potter. Serilia had been calmly answering questions until suddenly her eyes began to dart around. "Something wrong?" he asked.
"I always dreamed of meeting you, but this wasn't how I'd imagined it," she stood up, wiping the wrinkles from her skirt with her wand. She looked so flustered Harry couldn't resist, and blurted out his response.
"You mean naked?" he asked with a chuckle.
"No, I've imagined you naked, I just meant that..." she trailed off as her words caught up to her. This time both hands flew to cover her mouth, reminding him a lot of Hermione, and he couldn't help but laugh. Any attempts she made at an apology came out sounding like horrified squeaks, and then she bolted from the room.
Hearing the footsteps stop part way down the corridor, and then hesitantly return, Harry realized she had probably been told to stay nearby to listen in case he was in need of assistance. He laughed again, thinking about the poor, mortified girl. He thought maybe it was Sev rubbing off on him to be so amused by another's distress, but recalled times when over the years he and Ron had gotten a good laugh when Ginny and Hermione had embarrassed themselves.
After some time, the water began to feel chilly again. Had it just been a matter of warming the water, he'd have dealt with it somehow, but he was getting tired, too. Holding himself sitting in a comfortable position was making his legs tired; allowing himself to float was OK until he felt a wave of dizziness and the combination made him sick to his stomach.
"Hello..." he called, hoping to get a response. "Please, I know you're there," he said pitifully, sounding more tired than he actually was. Girls were suckers for helpless men who confessed to need them so. The whole scenario combined with just the right pleading eyes worked wonders. "Please," he said one last time, and purposely put emphasis on his scratchy voice. 'Who says I'm not Slytherin?' he muttered to himself when he heard timid footsteps near the bathroom door.
"Yes?" she spoke hesitantly, peering around the corner. "Do you want me to fetch Master Snape for you?"
Harry hesitated for a moment. "No. If he's not back by now, then he's almost finished with the potion and I don't want to call him away, making him have to start over." He sighed, not even sure what he wanted at this point, other than to be back in his warm bed.
"I um, I left warm towels and a bathrobe. I imagine you must be shriveled up like a prune by now," she said humorously, then realized she'd commented on his body again and berated herself.
"I didn't plan on getting out until Severus returned. I've been getting dizzy and didn't want to chance cracking my head open trying to get out of the tub myself," Harry was relieved to see her cautiously stepping into the room. "I'm sorry, I don't remember your name."
"Serilia," she answered with a shy smile. Harry noted she did everything she could not to look to see if the bubbles were still working as cover, but failed with a blush. "Only my family calls me that," she stammered. "My friends call me Sara,"
"Sara, is there a spell used to help old people out of the tub?" he asked, hoping it wasn't only children who needed extra spells in place. Harry was eternally grateful when she waved her wand and some sort of handrail came out from the wall. The bar reached across the tub and he thought he'd be able to pull up on it for balance.
"Did you want me to get you the pitcher, so you can rinse off?" she asked, reaching for an antique pitcher that sat in a matching bowl.
"That answers the question about how to wash my hair when I can't get my head under the water," he said with a laugh. Her expression lightened when he didn't appear offended by her earlier comments.
"Can you handle that?" she asked with concern. He didn't look like he'd manage the heavy ceramic item. From the look on Harry's face, he was thinking the same thing. "I um, could help with your hair before giving you some privacy to get out of the tub," she offered apprehensively.
Harry was only too happy to have the now warm water dumped over his head. He laughingly told her how shocked he was when she offered her assistance earlier, having limited experience with servants or the wizarding culture in general. Serilia blushed yet again, explaining that it was expected of her to assist the lady of the house more so than the man, but since he was convalescing, this would be acceptable.
She didn't sound very confident in the statement, but he wasn't going to argue, since he appreciated a good scalp scrub. After several days in bed, his hair had gotten so greasy it started to smell. He didn't want to think about the fact that Severus didn't seem to mind. He was sure that had it not been for his relationship with the wizard, the Potions Master wouldn't bother going through the trouble he did to look his best for Harry. He leaned on the bar in front of him for balance while she rinsed his hair off. Harry sighed, thinking about Sev and hoping he'd come back soon. He noted a pause in her story of her new job, but chose not to comment.
Serilia had been telling of her new employers while admiring his muscular back and then froze, having realized the rinse water washed away some bubbles, giving her an unexpected view of his backside. She swallowed audibly and tore her eyes from the delicious sight. "I, um, I'll step into the other room while you get out," she quickly reapplied the warming charm on the towels and hastily left the room.
Harry let the water drain and pulled on a towel before hoisting himself from the tub with the use of the bar. He figured if he were to need help from Sara, he'd rather be covered up. He may have chuckled at the thought of her reaction to seeing his bum, but that was altogether different from the situation should he need serious help getting up. To his relief, the bar was not just there for a stabilizing hand-hold, but also a hand touching it caused the person to be momentarily light-weight. It was like a built-in Wingardium Leviosa. "That wasn't so bad," he thought to himself, then said aloud for Serilia's benefit. He wondered why it never occurred to him to warm his robe at home. It was very cozy. Perhaps it was time to get a new book on household charms. It wasn't as if he didn't know how, it was just a matter of becoming aware of some of the various applications that could be put to different charms.
"Will you be all right getting back into bed?" she asked from the bedroom. Harry assured her he was fine and would stay to brush his teeth before returning to bed. He waited until he heard her return to the corridor before carefully maneuvering to the sink. Finishing, he stepped out of the bathroom, expecting to be hit with the cold he usually felt upon leaving the steamy room, but was relieved to feel the bedroom equally comfortable. The bed wasn't all that far away and Harry felt steady on his feet. He would take it slow and hope the bed wasn't as high off the floor as it looked. He hadn't noticed that while lying down with Severus. His tall, elegant lover had easily slipped under the covers by his side while taking excellent care of him.
Harry caught his breath as the bed seemed to tilt. More likely, the whole room was tilting. The wave of dizziness hit him like an unexpected bludger. He reached for something to grab as he tried to gain purchase, but was quickly losing ground. "Sara?" he called out in concern and yelled when the spinning in his head intensified and he realized he seriously needed help.
Severus quickly cleaned up his workspace. After being gone far longer then expected, he wanted nothing more than to race back up to Harry, but with an unruly toddler running about, it wasn't safe to leave without first tending to all his materials. With the last stirring rod dried and put away, he grabbed the warm vial of potion and made his way through the manor. He'd not been overly concerned, since Adeline was kind enough to have checked the tab for Harry only ten minutes ago, reporting that he was without need and still located in the bathroom. She'd even informed him that the water had been reheated sufficiently for the time he'd been in there. Severus had been concerned Harry might have fallen asleep, unaware if the water had run cold. Instead, it was Severus' blood that ran cold when he entered the corridor, hearing his lover shouting. Everything had been going so well, he couldn't figure out what would have caused Harry to have that dreaded 'Sara' dream again. He'd never forgiven himself for the rape, and now it infuriated him to think the image still haunted his lover.
Entering the room at light speed, Severus was shocked by the sight before him. Harry was pushed up against the wall, held there by some tart that was all over him. "What have you done to him?!" shouted Severus at the top of his lungs, barreling toward the harlot that dared lay a hand on his Harry.
"Help," she whimpered. "I'm not strong enough," she panted, her knees giving way as she and Harry started to slide to the floor. Seeing the beginning of her descent, Severus quickly changed tactics. Instead of tackling her, he reached for Harry, pulling him up, pressing him to the wall just as the girl had attempted.
"Sev?" Harry shook his head trying to see clearly. He reached out to touch the pale face, but missed. "Dizzy again," he said weakly, reaching once more to place a hand on Sev's shoulder.
' Again?' Severus wasted no time. With no concern for himself, he grabbed a handful of Floo powder, ready to pull Harry through the fire to get him the medical attention he needed. Ministry be damned, he wasn't going to protect his own freedom at the cost of Harry's health. However, before he could manage to get the words out, Harry had fallen unconscious. He didn't want to take him through the Floo like that; since he was unsure what caused the dizziness, he wasn't sure if it would be safe. The powder that would have burned up in a flash during their travel, now rained down across the floor.
Adeline ran into the room to find her youngest daughter in a near panic, sprawled out on the floor, and a defeated Severus carrying Harry over to the bed.
Severus snapped, demanding answers. He'd thought Harry had been sleeping, that the shouting was a part of a nightmare. The girl explained how she'd come in when called and tried to keep Harry from falling to the floor, but didn't manage so well. A few things made more sense to Severus when he found out Harry had been calling Adeline's daughter and not dreaming.
"Serilia?" Adeline spoke slowly. The young girl took a step back, studying the carpet. "How is it Mr. Potter knew your name?" the woman asked in a suspicious tone. Even if Severus had told Harry about her family he'd met that week, only her daughter's friends called her Sara. Fortunately, the girl was saved - for now - from answering questions when Harry began to come around.
"Harry?" Severus' fingers brushed over his cheeks, a cross between a caress and assessment for fever or injury. "Are you still dizzy?" he asked, as his young lover was clearly not meeting his eyes.
"Sev'rus, I feel like I've had too much firewhisky," he grinned, but then grimaced, starting to feel nauseous.
"How many fingers am I holding up?"
"Two," he answered correctly, but then ruined it by continuing, "six all together, two on each hand." Harry tried to grab one of the three hands, but missed.
"Aim for the middle hand," Severus directed him, and clasped the hand tightly in his own when it worked. It was apparent Harry was still trying to make eye contact, but couldn't quite focus. "How long have you been getting dizzy spells?" he asked, seeing Harry turn his head away, guilt clearly shown on his face. Harry began to swallow hard, as turning his head away had only made things worse. He could feel the saliva filing his mouth and started taking big breaths, hoping to quell the nausea.
Seeing Harry's discomfort, Adeline summoned a glass of water. "How old is Harry?" she directed her question to Severus. "Just about the same age your cousin Anton was when he came into his magic?" She went on to explain Anton having had several bouts of dizziness over a span of a week, while Serilia had only one, but passed out from it.
"Both," Harry replied, baffling them. "Dizzy times all week," he tried to explain and smiled in Sev's direction when long slender fingers held his eyes open to see if they were dilated.
"All week and you passed out today, too?" asked Adeline, her smile could be heard in her words. "As if we'd expect anything less from the 'Boy Who Lived'." Harry winced at the term, but she chalked it up to his current problem. "Have you noticed any changes while casting magic?" she asked, but remembered Severus hadn't touched his wand once while there and thought they might be trying to hide the young man, thus concealing his magic.
"I don't know," Harry said, and thought about it some more. "I turned out the lights in the room yesterday and heard you relight the sconce outside the door," he recalled. "I didn't mean to 'Nox' candles all the way past the bedroom, into the corridor."
"The corridor?" laughed Serilia incredulously. They'd forgotten she was in the room. "The whole east side of the manor went dark," she said with a snort.
One pot of Adeline's special tea later, Harry was feeling well enough to keep down the potion Severus painstakingly made for him. The potion was a complicated mixture and wasn't made to be a quick fix. It would slowly work its way through Harry's system. Severus planned to spend the evening and the following morning in bed with Harry, making sure the potion was effective. Afterward they would have lunch with Adeline and see about getting back to Hogwarts. Harry was looking forward to seeing more than the one room of the manor.
Once again the room was quiet with only Harry and Severus under a heavy duvet. "Did you spend a lot of time here as a child?" asked Harry. He was content to be in the comfy bed, pressed against Sev's lean side, head cradled into the crook of his arm. Harry gave the bicep beneath his head a squeeze and sighed contentedly.
"Not many, actually. After spending my first year at Hogwarts, I discovered my father no longer had any interest in dealing with me. For the first three summers, when students were required to leave school, I was sent here. Despite obnoxious cousins, I enjoyed the benefits of living in a manor with an extensive library and kind staff members. It was a substantial improvement from the dirt hole where I was accustomed to living."
"Why did you stop coming here?"
"My father was dark wizard whose concern was only for himself. He was not one to follow others, but was penniless, and the offer of power and money from the Dark Lord was too tempting to pass up. Other than his allegiance, he had little to offer. Come the following summer, when he considered me 'old enough', I soon found myself back in the hovel where I'd grown up. We honed the dark magic skills he'd been teaching me since I was old enough to pronounce the incantations. In an attempt to move up in rank, he offered his son to his master," Severus could feel Harry stiffen beside him.
"My father was a bastard, but he didn't drag me kicking and screaming. I knew I had little chance to succeed on my own. I had excellent grades, but no money to continue my education. My charming personality did nothing to get me invited into an Apprenticeship. I may not have liked my limited career options, but given my talent and interests, the opportunity to be trained by a Master who had no qualms about delving into questionable experiments to achieve his goals was enticing, to say the least," Severus thought back to the time when he willingly served the Dark Lord. He'd not seen any of the promised Galleons, but he did have an unlimited supply of potions ingredients, and the permission to make and consume potions for himself.
Harry didn't like hearing that his lover had once lived on nutrient potions for three months until he managed to get some of his own money by finding a few wizards among his father's Death Eater acquaintances who would pay him for dubious potions unavailable in any respectable apothecary. Harry couldn't really say much, since he himself had once spent the summer living off a pile of chocolate frogs and a mincemeat pie from Molly. "How long did you serve him before going to Albus?" Harry didn't know how well this question was going to go over.
"Longer than you might expect," he answered honestly. "In the beginning, I was too excited about being taught one-on-one. With no one to compete against, or House rivalries to contend with, I was an eager sponge, ready to soak up all the information available. With only my studies to concentrate on, it was easier to block out the nastier aspects of being a Death Eater. The Potions Master I trained under was a grueling taskmaster who managed to keep me on my toes at all times. After an 'outing', I had calming droughts, Pepper-up and wit sharpening potions shoved down my throat so that I could return to my training without the nuisance of mental anguish to hinder my education."
"You'd told me once that he was an evil bastard, but it sounds like he was trying to help you. What am I missing?" asked Harry, knowing the information he had was conflicting.
"Good memory," Severus commended him. "He was not a nice wizard, but at some point he became aware that I was to replace him. He had angered the Dark Lord and was going to be killed as soon as my training was complete. Slowing down my training would be obvious, so instead, he taught me everything he knew, every single detail and nuance to potion brewing known only to Masters. Then, to continue my education, he took me to symposiums, conferences, and helped get me connected with ingredient suppliers all over the world. He always had a full agenda to show our Master that he still had things to teach me."
"Then my father pointed out to Voldemort that his son had been published in a potions journal. After an article stated that 'Severus Snape was well on his way to achieving the status of greatest Potions Master in Britain', my mentor was never seen again, nor did other Death Eaters ever mention his name."
"Don't you have an Apprentice?" asked Harry, leaving the 'who'll replace you' left unsaid.
"Yes, but he's an arrogant fool who will learn very little from me at the rate he's going. I'm not replaceable yet, and at the moment I'm still in good standing with the Dark Lord."
This made Harry feel a little better. "That and the arrogant fool isn't in a position to spy on Albus," Harry added with a yawn. Severus pulled him close, pressing soft kisses to his temple.
"Sleep love, later we'll talk more," promised Severus. He'd still not told Harry why it is Albus trusts him so, but that could wait until Harry was more awake. He was in no hurry to have that conversation, anyway.
Half asleep, Harry nuzzled into his lover, enjoying the tender kisses. He had a feeling they'd be going back soon, but was in no hurry to leave. Now that he was comfortable he could enjoy this hideaway with Sev. Harry could sense the apprehension from his lover and knew the next conversation would be hard on them. For now, they would take solace from each other, and wait until better rested to face reality in the form of past history.
Chapter End Notes
A big thanks to Xikum for all the great effort put into this story.
*Bows to Xikum*
DETAH 72 - Loyalties and Revelations
Severus lay on his back with an arm wrapped around his young lover. He watched through the window, enjoying the simple peace of falling snow. Severus longed to be back in his own bed, but had conflicting thoughts in that regard. The bed he'd been comfortably sleeping in for many years wasn't the bed in which he'd become accustomed to sleeping with Harry. He quite enjoyed having Harry's head resting against him, feeling warm breaths on his bare chest.
Harry stirred and snuggled closer to Sev under the warm covers. Feeling a small nub against his lips, he flicked it with his tongue and went back to sleep with a contented smile.
"Tease," whispered Severus, pressing a kiss on the top of his head, getting a sleeping 'Hmm,' in reply.
It was late that evening when Harry woke from his nap. He was greatly relieved to find himself feeling well enough to sit at a small table where they ate a late supper. Severus had expected him to possibly sleep the night through, but Harry wasn't going to let him off the hook that easy. It had been over six months since Severus had admitted there was a specific reason Albus began to trust him. He was however given a reprieve since Harry was at that moment content to ask questions about his summers at the Manor. Severus told various stories of his cousins and how he'd hidden from them in the kitchen. And he recalled the times Adeline noticed him to be in the kitchen even when his tormentor(s) weren't home to hide from. Severus laughed as he recounted his first attempt at baking. It had been a disaster, but Adeline hadn't told him it was terrible, instead making several suggestions that would improve upon his results next time and then served strawberry shortcake that night.
"That's nice; she made your favorite to make you feel better," said Harry while thoroughly enjoying his new ability to eat regular food again.
"That's not why. It was because Anton was allergic to strawberries and would be served whatever disaster I'd baked that day," said Severus with a laugh and an undignified snort. He was sure that if that woman had gone to Hogwarts, she'd have been sorted into Slytherin.
"What happened to them?" asked Harry, realizing they all must have passed away. He watched Severus' face, but saw no outward emotions. Harry could often see what others could not when it came to Severus' reactions, but not always.
"Honestly, I don't know what came of most of them. With my father's dealings and rumors of us both having taken the Dark Mark, we were disowned. I hadn't paid them any attention and it was only because Anton's death was scandalous that I even knew he'd been killed," with a roll of his eyes, he told of his cousin's demise, which involved a politician who caught him in bed with his wife and daughter and then proceeded to curse him to death. "I hadn't known my uncle had outlived his children until I received word of my inheritance after his passing. Being disowned is different from being disinherited; the first is more a personal repudiation, denial of recognition or responsibility, the latter a legal financial status regarding bloodline rights. My first reaction was to get rid of the place. Trust Albus to talk me out of making a rash decision," Severus took a sip of his wine, glad that he'd not put Adeline's family out of a home all those years ago.
"I'm learning that Albus usually thinks years ahead when making decisions, or giving advice. I guess that's what happens when you're more than a century and a half old," Harry lost his train of thought as he closed his mouth around a spoonful of heavenly pudding.
"Speaking of Albus and trust," he knew how to get Harry's attention back. "We have different opinions of the event that had been a turning point in my life as a spy and then Order member," Severus refilled his glass and suggested they move the conversation back to the bed where Harry could be more comfortable.
"Isn't that usually the case between you and Albus?" Harry asked rhetorically. "That was really good," he commented, sliding a finger along the side of the bowl to get the last bit before leaving the table. Severus watched as Harry sucked the sweet substance off his finger but gave no indication of the effect it was having on him. "Can I make a suggestion?" Harry asked, drawing his attention away from what that mouth could do. "Unless there were details you didn't want to go into, maybe instead of telling me the story, you could show it to me?" Harry was quick to continue, unsure if he was overstepping his bounds in asking such a question. "If neither you or Albus agree, then maybe I should judge for myself, getting an unbiased version."
Severus seemed to think this over for a while, sipping his wine. "The idea has merit," he admitted. He'd been agonizing how it was he would put his story into words and this method would take care of that issue.
"My Pensieve is at my flat, and the projection spell is not an option. I'm well enough to get around, so I could fire call Albus, tell him we're fine, and get a brain box from him to use," suggested Harry, who noted Severus had refilled his wine a third time. He seemed to be doing some calculations in his head.
"We could try, but I believe tonight is the weekly Heads of House meeting, and let's just say that Minerva is the last to leave that particular meeting," Severus didn't have to wait long for Harry to figure that one out. "Perhaps we could send an owl."
"I don't like to think about Albus having regularly scheduled nookie," said Harry with a shudder. "Owl it is." Harry watched him open up a roll-top desk where a small drawer inside contained parchment, quills, wax and an odd whistle.
Severus blew the whistle and began to compose his letter. By the time he was finished, a large speckled owl was at the window waiting to be let in.
"He looks a little worse for wear," Harry commented, seeing the ruffled feathers on the bedraggled owl.
"As Master of the Manor, my whistle signals for the finest owl available, which leads to a small challenge amongst the ranks."
"How honored you must feel, having owls strut their stuff to win the rights to deliver your mail," laughed Harry. "Kind of like mating season," he added, laughing all the harder. Severus chose not to dignify that comment with a response. Instead he suggested Harry go wash up while he returned the dinner tray. He refused to laugh as Harry took a deep breath to puff up his chest and strutted to the loo.
Harry reveled in the privacy he had and the ability to tend to his own needs without assistance, even if he did still take inordinately long. Later, he finished brushing his teeth and stood eyeing his face. He hadn't shaved since he'd been attacked; what he had didn't really look like the beginnings of a beard so much as uneven scruff. He didn't particularly care that there wasn't very much growth, he was too busy listening for Severus. Peeking through the door, he watched as his lover straightened out the bed and began to undress. Before he could reach for a nightshirt, Harry called out.
"Sev?" he paused a moment, knowing his lover would be there in a flash. Harry grabbed hold of the sink, making as if he'd needed to keep his balance.
"All right, love?" Severus raced to his side to see Harry looking dazed.
Severus stood in his boxers and Harry couldn't take his eyes off him. He blinked several times, claiming to have lost his train of thought, having had no real reason to call Sev in. He could see the dark eyes roaming up and down as he stood naked, still holding on to the sink, feigning the need for balance. "Time for bed, I think," Harry said huskily, and found himself right where he'd planned to be, in Severus' arms getting carried to the bed. He whimpered a 'thank you,' against his neck and didn't let go when he was carefully placed on the bed.
Before Severus could lie beside him, careful not to crush his young lover, lips were pressed to his. Harry rolled onto his side to face him, never leaving Sev's lips as he intertwined their legs to bring more skin in contact. Far from the frantic kisses earlier in the day, Harry moved at a slow and languid pace. After several minutes he pulled away, tilting his head in offer, loving the way Sev responded, tasting his neck again and again.
Slow hands explored well-known territory amid the sounds of passion. He shivered when the strong hand on his waist that had pulled him closer smoothly moved lower to kneed and squeeze his arse. Harry mimicked the motions, enjoying the sensuous give and take of their mirrored actions. At the moment, he couldn't remember when last he'd taken Severus.
"I think," Harry began, with a hand wrapped around each cheek. "You've been neglected far too long a time now," he emphasized his statement, pulling Severus impossibly closer. Harry continued to offer his neck, thoroughly enjoying the feast Severus made of him. "Accio," he held out his hand, grinning when the massage lotion landed solidly into his hand.
The sinful mouth sucking on his earlobe pulled away as Harry shifted into a better position, and Severus began to breathe heavily as Harry's slick fingers prepared him. A sharp intake of breath told him he'd found the right spot. "More," panted Severus, who wasn't disappointed. Harry loved the attention he had been getting, but needed to turn Sev over to spoon behind him. His eyes closed on their own accord as he pressed forward and into his deliciously tight lover, taking a slow, steady pace. It really had been far too long.
"Oh, yesss," moaned Harry, sparking something in Severus as his words held a hint of Parseltongue. "I'm moving in. I'm going to take up residence in your arse. You'll have to take me to classes with you," murmured Harry against his back, never wanting to leave the tight heat surrounding him.
"Will you be moving any time soon?" Severus squeezed his inner muscles, trying to spur him into action. He refused to think about teaching class with Harry in his lap. ' Maybe the students who didn't run screaming could brew up some lubricant for them'. If Harry could have seen his face from that position, he'd see the 'scary face' again. The one 'Professor Snape' makes when he's enjoying tormenting his students.
Though pressed up against the warm body as close as could be, Harry pulled Sev's hips closer, pressing himself in further before finally withdrawing again. He hadn't always seen the appeal of taking it slow. Not that a round of leisurely lovemaking didn't sound good, but he didn't always have the patience it required. This time however, he wanted it to last as long as possible.
They'd kept a comfortable pace for a while, but soon needed more traction. Severus placed a pillow by his hips and rolled atop it smoothly. He reveled in the sensations, feeling the weight of Harry's warm body pressed against him and deep within him as well. Knowing they'd not been able to place a silencing spell, he did all he could not to shout when he and Harry reached completion together. Taking pleasure in all the skin contact two people could possibly have, Severus was far too content to move. He was where he wanted to be, even if it meant sleeping on the 'wet spot'. He would not complain later when his lover fell asleep while they were still in that very position.
It was several hours later when an owl woke them, tapping at the window. Harry barely reacted to the sound, but was startled awake when a cold blast of air blew in with the owl.
"Go back to sleep. You can watch it in the morning," Severus told him, holding up a brain box and a few other small items. He saw the accompanying newspaper article, just one story clipped from the paper. He let out a sigh of relief as he read the report stating he was innocent of recent charges "We're going home tomorrow," he said, more to himself than the sleeping Harry.
"I know," came an unexpected reply. "You said we go back after lunch with Adeline."
"Yes, but now I know I'm not going to be shipped off to prison when we arrive," Severus immediately moved his wand back to its usual place. Harry made no further comment as he'd already started to dream again.
Needing to feel the pulse of magic flowing from his fingers through his wand again, he wasted no time getting the room cleaned up and spelling any potion remnants from his robes, along with a charm to rid them of wrinkles. He couldn't wait for his next shower, so he could spell the water as hot as he wanted.
It wasn't until half way through breakfast that Harry realized Severus was using magic again. He was excited to read the article, glad that for once the Ministry had got it pretty much right without too much of a delay, and that the paper had foregone other implications, simply stating that Severus had been cleared of all charges. Looking up, Harry was quick to notice that Severus' mood didn't reflect the good news the article had brought. He was sure that the brain box that accompanied the article was the sole reason for Severus' unpleasant disposition.
"Maybe I should look at this now and get it over with," said Harry, eyeing the small square box. "I can feel the magic. Is there something already in here?" he asked before remembering they had requested Albus to put his own memory in, since at the time, they didn't think Severus could use magic to retrieve his own. At the time they'd made the request, it hadn't occurred to him that they would still have needed magic to open the box. Briefly wondering how Severus had planned to address that issue, he realized more clearly now what was at stake when the decision had been made to return before they had gotten word of Severus' exoneration. It struck him how much his thought processes had been impaired during his recovery, even up until recently. It wasn't so much that he had felt foggy then, as that he was now aware of things that before simply hadn't registered.
"Perhaps that would be best," Severus said softly. He'd wanted to say something before Harry watched it, but for the life of him, he didn't know what he'd tell him anyway. It was just as well they got it over with, as there were things to do and discuss before meeting Adeline for lunch and then leaving for Hogwarts.
Harry wanted to comfort his lover in some way, but clearly Severus wouldn't accept comforting. He could tell Severus was busy berating himself for a multitude of sins and wouldn't let Harry tell him all would be all right when he had yet to look at the memory of why Albus trusted him implicitly.
Not wanting to delay the inevitable any longer, Harry tilted his head down to the shimmering liquid until he found himself looking into Albus' office.
Albus Dumbledore sat at his desk, the hair on his head still white as can be, but his beard yet had several darker strands scattered within. He poured himself a second cup while Severus declined the offer of tea for the third time. The Headmaster considered the newest information and what action to take. Severus had been given orders to distract Albus, convincing him that several students were under attack and needed his help. He wasn't given an exact time or date, only told to wait for a signal and make sure Dumbledore didn't leave Hogwarts grounds.
"I couldn't get any information regarding what I was distracting you from, sir," Severus sighed in defeat. "I'm meeting Lucius Malfoy this evening. I may be able to obtain information from him."
"That won't be necessary. I have other spies and informants to whom I can turn," he said, knowing it was important Severus prove himself loyal. "Voldemort may be under the misconception that it was his idea for you to apply for a job here, but that doesn't mean he won't be keeping a close eye on you." Albus picked up a chocolate chip cookie, eyeing it as if checking to see if there were an adequate amount of chocolate chips.
"Do you often meet with Lucius Malfoy?" asked Albus, showing a little concern, but making no judgment. The young Severus laughed. A derisive laugh, but a laugh nonetheless, which put the Headmaster slightly at ease.
"Only when he needs a favor, which is usually a potion," he continued, since this particular favor didn't involve anything dark or illegal. "His wife had a colicky baby, so they need a potion to help with the crying," Severus thought back to the first time he set eyes on the Malfoy heir. He was tightly wrapped in a blanket, face squished up, wailing at the top of his little lungs.
"I wasn't aware there was a potion to stop a baby from crying," Albus looked concerned, thinking it could be dark magic.
"There isn't. The potion is a sedative for is wife," Severus answered with a smirk.
Harry ignored the odd sensation to having a 'fly-on-the-wall' point of view. Severus looked much younger, though not exactly like the young Sev he'd met. His lover had been right when he'd said he 'was never that carefree young wizard'. However he was still sexy as Hell in his own dark fashion, and fierce in a roguish sort of way. Harry could hardly pull his eyes away from a patch of smooth skin where he knew there now was a scar. The swirling liquid denoting a separate memory then interrupted his distracted observations of Severus' most lickable parts.
It appeared, as the scene began, that the signal had been sent. Harry watched as Severus and Albus briskly crossed the grounds, heading for a secluded area behind the greenhouses. Albus knew it wouldn't be a bluff. The Death Eaters would have no qualms about attacking innocent students simply to provide a distraction.
No sooner had they rounded the corner, sparks were flying. The Death Eaters knew Snape's role and didn't attack him full on. It was as if he just happened to dodge most of the hexes thrown his way, while Snape's own aim was also just slightly askew. Albus had quickly erected a shield for the students and himself, knowing they were biding time. He stupefied a couple wizards, but continued to duel with a lone Death Eater who was cleverly using a hedge to dart behind between curses. Albus could have easily ended the battle, but knew the attackers might do something stupid in a panic if they thought they weren't accomplishing the task the Dark Lord had set for them. He allowed them to detain him, with the knowledge that a full squad of Aurors was at that very moment impeding a huge attack in another town. Some might say he was avoiding going head-to-head with the darkest wizard since Grindelwald, but he knew the town where the Death Eaters had planned to attack was not a likely place for the Dark Lord to stage a duel of that magnitude.
Movement behind a small stone wall caught Severus' eye. Albus too had noticed, but he also knew a wand had flown from that spot earlier after a misdirected Expelliarmus, so he concentrated on his current attacker. Severus continued to throw poorly aimed hexes at the Death Eater he was fighting while edging his way closer to the wall. When he did finally see who was behind the wall, he gave a nod to acknowledge the other Death Eater. Severus remained expressionless and threw another hex, this time much too close for comfort. He'd not actually hit the wizard, but singed his robes. Every so often Severus would glance over the wall to assess if the other wizard was staying put.
One of the braver but unfortunately not smarter of the group of students had tried to make a run for it. Albus then had to pause and recast the spell protecting them. Severus made a derogatory comment about Gryffindors and made sure the next hex stuck his opponent hard and prevented his gaining control. He didn't like playing cat and mouse, but had little choice. His thoughts of the idiocy of students and Death Eaters alike were interrupted when the wizard behind the wall spoke to him.
"The three of us can take the old man out," he said, taking the younger wizard by surprise. That would be deviating from the plan he had been told, and it didn't bode well for Severus.
"Those weren't my orders," he replied quietly enough not to be heard by the others. "He's not that easily defeated. You would blow my cover," added Severus in an attempt to sway him.
"With Dumbledore dead, you won't need your cover, not to mention wasting your talents on a demeaning job like teaching. Look at the little fools..." he trailed off, not the least intimidated by the glare Severus sent him.
Harry watched the fight, his eyes darting everywhere at once. Though it wasn't a heated battle, it was still exhilarating to be right in the middle of it all and yet be a total spectator. He found himself wanting to warn them of nasty hexes sent their way or jump into the fray to assist. At one particularly nerve-wracking moment, Harry couldn't help himself and yelled out when the wizard behind the wall pulled an extra wand from his boot, which he then pointed at Albus. Severus didn't appear as if he'd noticed anything amiss, but then quick as a flash, he'd reached into his sleeve the second he heard the incantation begin.
"Avada..." the gravely voice was abruptly cut off by a knife to the throat. The look of betrayal was clear to see as the nasty wizard fell.
Astounded, Albus' eyes grew wide as saucers. The game was over. With only one Death Eater left fighting, Albus quickly made short work of petrifying, obliviating, and then stupifying him. There would be no witness to carry news of Severus' 'betrayal' to the Dark Lord. For their part, the students wasted no time in exiting from behind their cover to run for the castle, leaving the wizards alone. With a flick of his wand, the Headmaster bound the unconscious wizards. When he turned around to comment, he saw Severus was already walking back to the castle.
The dead wizard lay in the dirt, his eyes still wide from his final shock; there was blood covering his neck and his hands from where the knife had entered and been pulled back out by the wizard in his dying panic. Tired old hands reached down and closed the eyes of Tobias Snape for the last time.
"You may not have known it, if so, it's clear you didn't appreciate it, but your son is a good man. He may not believe it himself, yet if it takes the rest of my life to convince him of that, I will endeavor to do so." Albus' knees made a creaking sound as he stood up again. It was going to be a long day.
The picture swirled out of focus, bringing Harry back to present time. He was glad to have seen Albus' memory of the event, else he may not have realized the man was Severus' father. Looking back, he should have recognized the resemblance, but he had been too caught up in the moment to notice.
"Severus, I... I don't know what to say. It does explain a few things," Harry hadn't noticed Severus get up while he watched the scene in the Pensieve; he didn't like the distance now between them.
"It explains nothing," Severus said sharply, but Harry didn't think he truly believed it. "I did what had to be done to protect my position and the security that Hogwarts provided."
"I don't buy that," Harry said softly.
"Oh, don't go romanticizing about how I felt some deep need to protect the wizard who saved my life. I was covering my own arse," snapped Severus as he paced the room.
"You said that you hadn't turned to Albus to hide out at Hogwarts. You thought you were dying and went to do the right thing. Glare all you want," he added with a shrug. "You were no longer a student under his protection. Albus owed you nothing, yet he still cared enough to heal you. Cared more even than the bastard who should have treated you decently even if he didn't love you," Harry didn't get a reply.
Severus sealed up the brain box and dropped it into a pocket inside his robe. He looked over his wand, glad to be using it again. He grabbed a small flannel and polished the wood before banishing the cloth with a flick of his wrist.
"A lot like Vernon, I think," said Harry unexpectedly. "An evil son of a bitch who didn't want you there, but put up with you until he found you could be useful and then took advantage. I was free labor and you were a step up the ladder on his way to power and money," Harry noted Severus' features had softened a bit.
"Tell me something," Harry stepped up close, leaving little room between them. "Whose arse were you covering when you took Vernon out? 'Cause I have to tell you, I've romanticized that one, too."
"Romantic notions will get you nowhere," he tried to keep his callous tone, but failed when Harry smiled.
"I don't know..." Harry smoothed over his lapel in an excuse to run his hands over Sev's chest. "I managed to get you to carry me to bed last night," he said with a smirk. He hadn't expected Severus to grab his shoulders tightly, pulling him into a crushing embrace, lips pressed firmly to his.
Severus made good use of his restored ability to place a silencing charm. Harry loved those rare occasions when Severus got loud. Together they worked up a good appetite for their lunch with Adeline.
DETAH 73 - Back to Reality
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
"That was nice," commented Harry, referring to lunch with Adeline. After wearing bedclothes for what seemed like forever, he was extremely grateful she'd found some clothes for him to wear. The clothes he'd been wearing when he arrived had long since been burned. Severus muttered a response, making Harry chuckle. "You're just miffed because she told embarrassing stories about when you were young," laughed Harry, getting another 'hmph' from Severus. "Did you really use her good sauce pot for brewing a potion?"
"I was twelve," he snapped in response. "How was I to know she wouldn't wash the pot well enough before using it again," he couldn't help but laugh remembering the way his Uncle and cousins' faces had broken out in spots of various colors.
"Are you sure that was an accident?" asked Harry. He had arrived back at the room where they had stayed, looking over the surroundings one last time.
"I'll never tell," smirked Sev, gathering a few items, and placing them in a carpetbag he borrowed from Adeline.
"How is it we have things to pack when we didn't bring anything with us?" asked Harry, helping to gather several glass vials.
"Simple, I plan to replace the potions we used," Severus took the empty vials from Harry and packed them carefully. "This was made by Draco," he held up a cauldron, but then remembered it had been transfigured, so he changed it back to a spoon and left it with their empty teacups from earlier.
Harry didn't like the ping of jealousy that cropped up when Severus used Malfoy's given name. He chose not to comment and helped pack several plant clippings and the nightshirt Sara insisted he take with him. She'd sworn her brother had outgrown it. Harry would have declined, but it was comfortably soft, and had little pictures of wizards' hats on it. He was sure Albus would have owned a shirt just like it, but with a more atrocious color scheme than different shades of blue. Severus snorted, but didn't comment on the garment. He had a fond memory of Harry wearing it... not for long, of course.
"Fifteen minutes before the portkey activates," Severus reminded him. "Since this isn't like your stone, an alarm won't sound at our arrival," he added, to Harry's relief.
There was no alarm, but Poppy was waiting for their arrival, ready to check over every inch of him for injury. She was quite impressed with Severus' abilities, given the supplies available to him without the use of his magic.
It was a few days time before they managed to contact Kieran. The Scot sat for a meeting with Albus, Harry and Severus. Frances had planned to be there with them to discuss their findings but was called away to the clinic. Kieran's version was a rough translation, to say the least.
"Let's see if I can make sense of this for you," Kieran said, looking at his notes. "It all made perfect sense when Frances and me were lookin' over it," he said, ignoring the rolling of Severus' eyes whenever he used poor grammar. "I could go on all day about energy pathways and the harmonizing of the body, mind, and spirit, but what it all comes down to... according to some elders who swear this worked for them, you have to reverse what had caused the disturbances in the first place. A Ying/Yang sort of thing," he said, making eye contact with Albus and Harry and continuing to ignore Severus.
"Isn't that what you were trying to do with the previous treatments?" asked Severus, though he'd promised not to interrupt with cynicism.
"Yeah, it was, but this is a different approach. Undoing the damage sounds all well and good, but I'm not sure how we'd go about it the way they described," he added, speaking more to himself than the others. "Harry, you were hurt by people who should have been caring for you. The lack of nurturing..." Kieran once again was interrupted.
"You won't be reading over the never-ending list of injustices done to Harry, will you? It would take a week," Severus once again regretted Vernon's dying before he could be properly punished.
"Bottom line," Kieran knew to jump to the conclusion when Severus was in a snit. "Harry would have to be cared for by someone whom he wouldn't normally have gone to. Expecting nothing in return for his or her efforts was mentioned in here, too," he said, checking over the notes again. "I think it mentions tending to needs for the sake of it, regardless of the recipient, but I would think Poppy would qualify for the last part. It doesn't say if this has to be one person who would have to fit all the requirements or if they could be met by several, who between them, each met some," Kieran let out a huge sigh. "I don't know how this could happen without you being seriously ill or badly injured, and to bring that on deliberately would defeat the purpose - that's part of why what we did, didn't work," he continued to grumble about the use of Unforgivable curses also being needed to make it happen.
"Do you think I'd feel dizzy when the stored magic was released, kinda' like when someone comes into magic around my age?" asked Harry, though he was sure he knew the answer. He and Severus were both sure this had already happened.
"It's very likely it would feel like that, but to a greater extent."
"So, lets say, hypothetically, if I was hurt, or sick, I would need someone highly unlikely to take care of me... like Draco Malfoy?" Harry glanced over to catch Sev's eyes. "Then, perhaps a week of nurturing without the quick fix of a wand?" he added and got a chuckle from Albus. Kieran wasn't sure if they were mocking him, or maybe there was more going on than he realized. It was around that time that he noticed Harry radiated magical energy like never before.
"Would it help if I were given a bath by a total stranger?" he added with a laugh.
"Perhaps it would be best if you had Harry tested again," suggested Albus while Harry snickered behind a goblet of pumpkin juice.
"Given a bath?!" Severus sputtered; his head whirled around, onyx eyes meeting green.
"Didn't I mention that?" Harry continued to hide behind his goblet, but couldn't stifle a laugh. Albus intervened.
"Severus, it might be best if you filled in Kieran on the last several days. I think someone is waiting to see Harry," Albus gestured to the door, but kept his eyes on Severus to be sure the conversation was playful banter and not a storm brewing between the two. If Harry's amusement was anything to go by, he needn't worry.
Harry opened the door to Albus' office, unsure of who was there. He'd already seen Ron and Hermione when he returned. Whoever was in the waiting area seemed to be pacing. His back was turned when Harry opened the door. Still, he would recognize the brown hair with gray streaks anywhere. "Remus?"
"Harry!" his tone somewhere between startled, relieved and overjoyed. Remus pulled him into a tight embrace. "I was worried sick before Severus sent word. I wanted to skive off teaching to find you, but Albus said it was too dangerous for me to leave just yet," he stepped back, allowing Harry to breathe, but kept a hand on his shoulder, as if he might disappear. Remus continued when Harry didn't seem to understand, "The Dark Lord seems to think you and I are an item," he laughed, giving Harry's shoulder a squeeze. "You're like a son to me, or at least a nephew... could you imagine what Lily would say?" he'd hardly taken a breath since he'd set eyes on the young man.
"Do come in," Albus said from the doorway. "I think some lunch is in order," he was about to summon a house elf when the Potions Master made a suggestion.
"I'd like to go over this information with Kieran. Minerva has filled me in on the gossip going around regarding Harry's disappearance. It might be best if Harry was seen in the Great Hall with Lupin." Severus' eyes met Harry's. They'd not been apart during meals for over a week. He didn't know how it would feel when things got back to normal and he would only see his lover on weekends and maybe one day in-between. "Be careful," he said with a kiss to Harry's forehead, though there was very little threat in the castle at this time.
"I know," Harry said with a roll of his eyes. "Look both ways before crossing the street and don't take candy from strangers," he said with a smirk.
"Or baths," added Severus and resisted the urge to smack Harry on the arse on his way out the door.
Though they'd been back in the castle for a few days, Harry had yet to enter the halls. So, it was no small shock when heads turned and conversations stopped when he passed by. He may have even noticed the reaction of those in the Great Hall if Ginny hadn't seen him straight off. The only warning before the girl had pounced was a screech that might have been Harry's name. She held him so tightly he didn't think her feet were even touching the ground. It took him nearly five minutes, with a promise he'd catch up with her later, to convince the girl to sit with her friends.
"It was a tough time for her," and me as well. Remus let out a contented sigh, just seeing Harry sitting there. Severus' empty chair had been a constant reminder that Harry was missing. "Now I know how your poor mum felt," he laughed softly, recalling the day Lily wanted to wring his neck.
"Tell me, I love to hear stories about the Marauders getting into trouble," snickered Harry.
"And that has nothing to do with your choice of lovers?" he joked. Remus occasionally had doubts of Harry being with Severus, as it was natural to feel that way about a long time rival, but he couldn't deny that Severus was good to the young man. Remus had checked with Poppy after Harry's return and was grateful to hear that she had next to nothing to tend to on his arrival. "I couldn't have done nearly as well caring for you," admitted Remus as if Harry had been in on his internal musings all along.
"He's done more than you know," Harry couldn't imagine life without Severus now. He wouldn't tell Remus about his released magic until it was confirmed. "I believe you were about to embarrass yourself with a story regarding my mum?" he asked, and saw Remus smile around his fork.
"After this week, I have a better understanding of how freaked out she was," Remus seemed to be staring out into space, recalling the day long past. "Sirius and I had come by to speak to your dad. I think you were just about a year old and almost walking."
Harry heaped his plate with more chicken. He'd been avidly listening to the story, but still noticed Minerva surreptitiously pushing a plate of potatoes in front of him. "Hmm," he hummed happily around a huge forkful of potato dripping with an obscene amount of butter. They both overheard Minerva commenting to Albus about how Harry hadn't had solid foods for a while and how glad she was to see him eating as usual. Apparently the Headmaster had filled her in on his week. Turning back, Harry saw Remus looking dismayed. "Well have time to talk about this," Harry hoped he sounded reassuring. Minerva, being so close to Albus, had been informed, but no one else had been filled in on what had happened to Harry since his abduction. "Finish your story," he pleaded.
Remus sighed, but relented and continued with his tale. "Like I said, you were only about a year old and it was difficult times. Your dad had to run an errand and Sirius and I said we'd hang around to make sure you and Lily were safe. Now, a mother's ears are keen, but no match for Sirius in dog form together with a werewolf. We heard you woke up and were playing in your crib."
"Do I want to know why Sirius was in dog form?" Harry couldn't resist teasing, and hadn't expected the blush that appeared on Remus' face. "Sorry, keep going," laughed Harry. Remus grumbled an obscenity, but continued.
"Your mum had fallen asleep on the couch, so we decided to give her a break and pick you up before you cried. What a fun age. You were finally big enough to play and do more than drool," he teased. "I'd hold you in place while Sirius gave you rides on his back. You weren't quite walking, but taking steps here and there. You'd take a step, then fall, or rather throw yourself at Padfoot and grab his ears for balance, pulling on his black fur relentlessly," Remus smiled big, remembering the squeal Harry would let out when Sirius nuzzled his cold nose on baby Harry's belly or neck.
"In human or dog form, no one else could make you laugh so hard. It was probably one of those earsplitting squeals that woke your mum from a deep sleep. She'd checked the crib and you weren't there. I don't think it mattered that she knew Sirius' Animagus form; she was so panicked to see a big black dog standing over you in the yard," he shook his head at the memory of a frantic Lily.
"I'm surprised you're still living to tell the story," grinned Harry. He'd winced, hearing about his mum so upset, but relished the thought of having such fun times as a happy toddler. He couldn't remember it of course, but he was so young when it happened, he wouldn't have been able to, regardless of what happened later that same year.
"Let's just say I'll never forget it." Remus knew Harry would assume she'd hexed them. Truth be told, she did try, but Sirius was faster and dodged the curse, leaving time for Remus to pull his wand and shield them long enough for her to see her son was in no danger. He later found out from James that she'd cried all week about not being able to protect her son, who had been taken right out from under her nose. There was no placating the woman, despite explaining the wards were still in place and that their friends were allowed in, while Death Eaters would have had a much harder time.
Remus had later considered that the event might have been what caused Lily to study the ancient magic she'd used to protect Harry on that fateful Halloween night.
To say that they were happy after Harry's test would be a massive understatement. An impromptu party broke out at the Wellingfield Institution of Healing and Wellness. Frances was ecstatic to hear that not only was Harry's stored magic completely released, but that Kieran and her findings had been proven correct, even if they weren't done intentionally. While she would have loved to take credit, she listed 'divine intervention' on his chart next to all the other many notes. In her mind, nothing else could explain such a coincidence.
Getting used to a sudden influx of magic was another issue to tackle. Harry, Severus and Kieran decided they needed to concentrate their training efforts after Harry accidentally set fire to Albus' office while trying to activate the Floo.
Harry had intended to adjust to life gradually, or was telling himself that was the reason he'd planned to stay at Hogwarts a few days, but between taking care of things neglected at home while he'd been away and extra training sessions, Harry had been extremely busy. Not that he'd rather be stuck in a bed, but he did miss spending so much time with Severus.
When the next Friday had rolled around, Harry was sure to go to Hogwarts. Since it was a Hogsmead weekend, Severus needed to stay on the grounds. Harry was happy to Floo down from his room in the tower to spend the night in Sev's bed.
Perhaps it was due to Severus' perceived 'incapacitation' that students came to him more often with problems - wasn't that how it always worked out? It seemed like every 40 minutes or so, he was called away. So much for dining in, thought Harry. When curfew rolled around, they had sighed in relief, knowing no Slytherin would bother their Head of House unless it was an emergency. Severus changed out of his teaching robe and Harry eagerly accompanied him into the shower.
Pulling Harry under the hot stream of water, Severus pressed their bodies together, kissing him fiercely. Water streamed over their faces while he ravaged his young lover. "Missed you," he said while tasting Harry's neck. Harry panted heavily against his shoulder, and rolled his head around for Severus to nibble on the other side. "Want you," growled Sev into his ear, making Harry shiver.
"Take me," Harry responded simply and then handed him a bottle of hair conditioner to use as lube. With a quick bite to Sev's nipple, Harry turned around, offering his fine arse for the taking. As showers go, there is seldom enough room for two people. So, when Harry turned, trying to look as temping as possible, he accidentally stepped right on Severus' foot. "Sorry," he murmured, and waved his arse so as not to break the mood.
"Damn it!" snapped Severus, clearly irritated.
"I'm sorry, it was an accident," cried Harry, turning around to see Severus putting the bottle back on the shelf. "What the Hell?" it's not like I called out someone else's name, thought Harry.
"I'm sorry, love," Severus pressed their foreheads together while wrapping a towel around his young partner. "I've been summoned," he explained with a glance to the Dark Mark, which looked to be contrasting more starkly against his skin. He pressed a firm kiss to Harry's frowning lips.
"He really sucks," grumbled Harry, remembering in the past when he'd said 'this' sucks and Severus had felt guilty for them being in that situation. Harry didn't want to add any cause for guilt to Sev's list, "I guess we were just lucky he didn't call for you last week," said Harry.
"That could have something to do with my name in the paper announcing my house arrest. Hmm?" Severus raised a brow and smirked when Harry thought it through.
"Oh, that was dumb," he rolled his eyes at his own stupidity and resisted the urge to say 'duh'. "Don't worry, I'll be out of here soon," he added, remembering it was safest if he didn't stay in Severus' rooms without Severus there with him.
"You don't have to go. Put up an extra ward after I leave. I doubt anyone could get past it," he smiled, thinking about Harry still needing to control how much power he put behind his spells and curses. With a wave of his wand, he was dressed in a Death Eater robe, ready to leave. "I love you," he said softly, cradling Harry's face in his hands, pressing a kiss to his lips.
"Can I go with you?" asked Harry, sounding rather nonchalant. Severus' face showed no emotion whatsoever, not knowing where Harry was going with this. "I was just thinking I could go along and finally kill the bastard so we could live happily ever after," he finished with a wink.
"Before last week, I'd been doing a lot of research regarding that very thing. I don't suppose you could wait until a proper plan is in place?" asked Severus sarcastically.
Harry let out an exaggerated sigh, blowing the fringe out of his eyes. "I guess I could hold off a little longer. Can I Floo to Remus' chambers from here? I don't want to go through my room to get to the kitchens," Harry made an odd face, as if he'd smelled something foul. "Minerva is upstairs and I hate to cut through the tower, especially knowing I might be interrupting something," he explained with a shudder.
"Buy all means, run off to the next wizard available as soon as I've left," kidded Severus and gave him another quick kiss before leaving.
Up in Gryffindor tower, Ginny Weasley and her friends hung out, talking and spying on a crush of one of the girls. "Close the window you prat!" yelled Ginny as a swirl of snow blew into the common room when a fourth year boy let in an owl. To her embarrassment, the owl headed straight for her. "Well, he didn't have to open it that wide," she said in her own defense, too embarrassed to say much else.
Hey Gin,I'm bored and heading to the kitchen. Hungry? I'll be at the Gryffindor entrance in ten.HP
Twelve minutes later...
"Is your head so big, you just assume I'm going to say yes?" asked Ginny, wrapping herself in the proffered Invisibility cloak.
"You're out of here in six months; then who's going to be bugging you at half ten to have pudding?"
"Yeah, right, as if there isn't someone in mum's kitchen at any given time. Besides, I hear there's good snacks at your house on Thursdays. 'Date Night' with Mione?"
"Who says you're going to be invited?" scoffed Harry, holding the picture of fruit open for Ginny to enter the kitchen. "Not much of any food in there now," he'd tossed out all the spoiled food and hadn't been shopping to replace it yet. Several house elves appeared to see what they wanted. Harry told Ginny about a few things that had happened while at Snape Manor. He didn't actually say who owned the place, or that it was a safe house for Sev, only that it was a retreat of sorts where Severus was welcome. It wasn't actually a lie.
"Brilliant," Harry's eyes widened at the sight of the huge sundae placed in front of him. The granddaddy of culinary sin was in a large bowl, bearing two scoops of chocolate ice cream, one vanilla, a sliced banana, hot fudge sauce poured over it, with generous dollops of whipped cream and sprinklings of toasted pecans to top it off.
"Everyone's always going on about how much you savor and enjoy your food so sensuously," Ginny rolled her eyes. "You're just a pig, like Ron," she said, pointing to a drip of chocolate sauce on his shirt.
"You're just now figuring that out? You disappoint me, Ginny," he said, sounding stern as he shoveled another spoonful into his mouth. "How's Neville?" he asked with a mouthful.
"Neville's good," she winced at his manners. "I know you're not this big a pig with 'him'," she said referring to Severus.
"Of course not," he said licking his chin instead of using a napkin. "You should be honored I'm so totally relaxed with you," he teased and then jokingly mumbled something about her not getting to see 'Date Night' if she kept up her attitude.
"Did you two have a fight?" she asked, her tone now serious. Harry cursed her perceptiveness and pushed away his pudding. "It's not like you to shovel down food. Even when you're being a pig, you still enjoy every bite. What's wrong?"
"You mention 'eating disorder' and this conversation is through," he said, trying to keep it light, but knew she'd not let it go. "They can't all be 'trophy nights'," he said with an exasperated sigh. "You'd think I'd be glad that it wasn't one of our better nights that he'd be... having to work, but it still sucks," Harry poked his spoon into the cream, rescuing a pecan that had been sinking in.
"Me and Mi' had this same conversation two weeks ago. She's not even living with my brother yet. Can you imagine waiting at home, hoping he comes back safe from an Auror mission? Er... like you're doing now, huh? Yeah, it sucks,"
They picked at their puddings in silence, both thinking about the same thing, only Ginny thinking about Ron, and Harry, Severus. A house elf showed up at the table with a bowl of cream in hand. He seemed to know Ginny and what she liked. She grinned thanked him for the extra topping.
"Ooo, a cherry," teased Harry and made to grab the bright candied fruit, knowing Ginny would guard her dish. The house elf made to give one to Harry when he held up his hand to motion he'd had enough. "Thanks, but I'll just take hers if I want one," he joked.
"You had your chance and you blew it. No pun intended," she added with a chuckle.
"Yeah that's me, just when you were offering me your cherry, I was blowing someone else," he laughed far harder than the joke warranted, but it was good to release the tension.
"I try to imagine you and him, but I just see, you know, who he is around here," she gestured, hated having to be so careful about Severus' identity, but knowing never to take a chance, even if they were alone in the kitchens.
"You don't expect me to kiss and tell, do you?" he smirked. Ginny had always been by Hermione' s side when they'd pestered him about his love life. "He is a good kisser," Harry reminisced.
"Mi' thinks that anyone who can get so infuriated as he can, must be very passionate in other areas too. I think she was also referring to Ron, but I certainly don't care to speculate over my brother's skills in matters of love," she pondered that for a moment. "The whole raging personality thing doesn't say much for my dad," she laughed, thinking about her mild-mannered father.
"At least we know your parents must've had sex at least seven times," Harry dabbed his spoon into his pudding looking for pecans that may have sunken in. "Six actually, Fred and George only count for one,"
"Please, we really need to talk about something else," she made a gagging gesture. "How come you were having an off night?" she asked, getting a shrug in reply.
"Just a lot of little things. Nothing bad, really," Harry let out a self-depreciating sigh. "I was very suave and debonair earlier when I stepped on his foot, when I was trying to be..." he laughed softly, shaking his head.
"Sorry," Ginny apologized for laughing, though they both knew she didn't really mean it. "I'm sure that was real smooth. Does he have big feet?" She raised an eyebrow, hoping he would catch on to her real question. "You know, guys with big noses, tend to have big... feet, too," she explained, trying to look innocent.
"You're a real piece of work," Harry rolled his eyes. "Whatever gave you the idea I would answer that?"
"You told us about that bloke, Archer," she replied with a pout.
"That was different. He wasn't for keeps. I don't ask you about Neville's package."
"I've not seen Neville's," replied Ginny, and then she popped the cherry in her mouth with an evil grin. "Yet."
"I have," Harry's grin was much more devilish; it was a skill he'd learned from Severus. Ginny's shocked expression was priceless. "Honestly, did you think I could share a room with Nev for seven years and not have seen it? Communal showers," he reminded her and laughed at a memory that had popped up. There was also the time that Neville had fallen asleep after wanking and then later fell out of bed with his pants still around his knees. They hadn't let him live it down for a week.
"What?" asked Ginny seeing an 'I know something you don't' look on Harry. "He's not really tiny, is he?" she squeaked. "Not that it would matter," she quickly added.
Harry was saved from having to answer when a house elf squeaked and ran past, reaching into a small cupboard where little glass vials suddenly appeared. They were potions; it was taking potions to someone.
"Is Professor Snape back already?" Harry asked the elf before it could pop out of the room. The creature, he couldn't tell if it was male or female, looked at the table with a strange gleam in its eyes. Harry knew the look house elves had before they started beating their head with some object, in the form of punishment. "Ask him if you can open his Floo for me to come in," Harry spewed out his words, knowing he only had a second before the elf left to deliver the potions.
For what only seemed like an eternity, Harry waited the few minutes until the elf returned. When it finally did, there was no need to hear the answer; the creature looked at him pathetically.
"He is not wishing to have visitors at this time," the elf said cordially, and ran to another part of the kitchen. Harry winced at the resounding crash that soon followed the elf's departure.
Harry leaned close to Ginny, whispering, "Can you go ask Remus if he knows a way to get into Severus' room?" He would work on the house elf while she was gone.
"Do you realize what time it is?" she asked incredulously.
"It's okay, he's up. I cut through his place earlier, using the Floo. He's probably expecting my return trip," Harry explained quickly, knowing Remus had a huge pile of homework to be graded for tomorrow, and ushering her out with pleading eyes.
With a defeated sigh, Ginny left, grumbling about friends who exploit known weaknesses. She never could resist that puppy-dog look he gave when he wanted something.
An elf popped back into the kitchen. Harry thought this one looked like a girl, but couldn't be sure.
"Did I just talk to you about Professor Snape?" he asked, seeing her eyes brighten, and head shake.
"No, I is Effie," she answered happily.
"Effie," he gave her his brightest smile. "I'm a friend of Professor Snape, and..."
"I is knowing you are friend," she interrupted. "Effie and her Dobby is the only elves knowing you is special friend of Professor Snape," she spoke quietly as if someone might overhear.
"Good," Harry let out a sigh of relief. "Then you can help me get in, so I can take care of..." he was once again interrupted, as the little elf shook her head no, ears flapping around her face.
"He is mentioning you especially not to visit," Effie turned, not waiting for a response and opening the same cupboard, collected another vial of potion.
Concentrating on his magic and Severus, Harry lunged and grabbed onto the elf as she popped out of the kitchen.
Severus stood in a cool tub of water, with multiple showerheads full on, in an effort to wash off a potion he'd been doused with. He needed to flood himself for another five minutes or so before he could begin to wash it off safely with any added surface potions. His ebony hair hung down, surrounding his face, keeping the light out of his eyes.
"Where is she with my potion?" he said aloud, wondering what could be keeping the elf. He still couldn't believe the thing had taken a liking to him, so he'd remembered her name. He assumed other staff members had recalled various elves' names in the past, so what was the big deal that he had done it? Of course, that was exactly why. He'd never had patience with the creatures before and was known for his snappish personality. With the exception of Dobby, who everyone seemed to know, given his history, Effie was the only elf of scores to have been called by name and spoken to without malice by the usually acerbic Potions Master. Normally it would annoy him, but had to admit she was far less obnoxious than the frightened quivering masses he was used to. Hot liquids were less likely spilled when such a small creature wasn't quaking in his or her tea towel.
The popping sound was heard, but he couldn't see an elf anywhere. Then, as if the air itself had split in two, the elf fell out of nowhere and spiraled onto the floor. She held the glass vial firmly in hand, curled into her body protectively to prevent it from breaking as she tumbled into the side of the tub.
Severus looked over the edge of the porcelain tub, his hair dripping water onto her tea towel. The towel was currently over her head, while her large green feet stuck up in the air. She didn't seem to be moving at first, but then her small hand fell from her side; the potion, intact, rolled gently from her hand onto the floor.
"Damn!" Severus picked up the potion and drank it down in one. He then picked up the elf, turning her over until she was right end up. He was grateful to have been wearing dragon hide gloves, thus saving his hands when the potions accident occurred. Or, more accurately, when Severus incurred the wrath of an angry Dark Lord.
He was about to summon another house elf when one unexpectedly arrived. Doubtless, it was unique to find a Hogwarts professor standing naked in the tub, cradling an unconscious house elf. Severus quickly handed over the limp Effie, with a cold flannel covering the bump on her head.
"I have no idea what happened to her," he said. The strange outfit indicated it must have been Dobby he was speaking to.
The elf didn't bat an eye at the situation. "Master Harry Potter was trying to follow Effie, but house elves don't travel like wizards and can not be transporting others the same way. Dobby will look after Effie, and you is not to be worrying about Harry Potter. Professor Lupin is caring for Harry Potter." The elf in his arms groaned, sparking Dobby into action as he left with a 'pop'.
Severus dropped his head in resignation, the tips of his hair dripping water, rivulets running off his forehead and down his nose.
Remus entered the kitchen to find Harry sprawled on the floor, gasping for breath. Harry's face was bright red and his hair was wild, going in every direction. The gathering of house elves that surrounded him scattered out of the way as Remus pushed through.
"What happened? What did you do?" asked Remus in a rush, his voice louder than he'd intended.
Harry coughed between breaths. "I tried to side-along with an elf to get into Sev's," Harry accepted the offered hand, pulling himself off the floor. "I'm fine," he shooed Remus away. "Just got the wind knocked out of me is all," he explained, still too concerned about Severus to be embarrassed for his stupidity. "Sev is hurt and he won't let me in," he sounded so defeated, looking up at Remus for the answers.
"Come with me," Remus said gently, keeping a hand on Harry's shoulder, guiding him out of the kitchen. "Are you sure you're alright?"
Ginny had been standing nervously in the background. "Um, are we still going Christmas shopping tomorrow?" she asked timidly. Remus wanted to tell her this wasn't the time, but minded his own business. "I'll talk to you in the morning. Let me know," she said sheepishly, and held the painting of fruit open for them to pass. Harry simply nodded and reminded her to take the Invisibility cloak with her.
Harry slumped on the sofa in Remus' sitting room. "Do you know a way to get in there?" he asked when Remus returned with a muscle relaxant for him. Harry insisted he'd only had the wind knocked out of him, but didn't fight him on the potion. "That did help," he admitted.
"Harry, even if I could, I wouldn't. You have to understand, when a man is in bad shape, it's not easy to allow others to see him like that. Now, if Severus has made it known he doesn't want you to come in, how do you think he'd react to me?" He watched Harry cross his arms over his chest. "Surely you understand where I'm coming from. No?"
"I spent an awful lot of the last seven years in the infirmary. I'm kind of used to my friends seeing me in bad shape," he groaned. "But," he sighed. "Severus played nursemaid for me all last week. I wouldn't mind a chance to return the favor." Harry thought back to how upset he'd been when Severus witnessed him having a flashback and could understand, but that didn't deter him from wanting to go aid his lover. "Didn't Sirius help you out after the full moon?"
"Yes, but Sirius and I were friends and roommates here at Hogwarts before they discovered my condition. The Marauders all went to great lengths to become Animagi. Sirius had already been a caregiver of sorts before we were together romantically. Severus, however, has always been an authority figure, and as you mentioned in the past, is currently the record holder for saving your life," he was grateful to see a smile on Harry's face. "You're young, and haven't even been with Severus a year yet. It will take time for him to allow you this new role. In time he may accept help, but don't be disappointed or take it personally if it takes a while," Remus ruffled his hair and laughed when it didn't look much different.
"You and everybody else keeps telling me how young I am, but my lover's a little older than you," teased Harry. He didn't actually know if Sev was a little older or younger, but either way, Remus hadn't argued the fact.
"Don't remind me, it's quite disturbing," Remus said with an exaggerated shudder. "I met a thirteen year old boy who looked just like his dad at that age, and now, years later, I come back and you're... you're," he waved his arm around, motioning to Harry in general.
"Sexy as Hell and extremely fuckable?" came a voice from the fire.
"Severus!" yelped Harry, overjoyed to see his lover looking to be in one piece. This also saved Remus from finishing his sentence.
"If you think you can hold out another ten minutes, I'll have my Floo open then," he said without explanation. He left with a nod first to Remus and then to Harry who was eagerly nodding in return. Harry would easily wait another ten minutes, knowing now that he wasn't going to be put off until the next day.
"I'll go with 'sexy as Hell', but I hope you don't think I'm looking to get into your pants," teased Remus, who was blushing despite himself.
"You don't think Sev is worried, do you?" asked Harry, though he figured if that were the case, Severus wouldn't have given him the ten minutes. Remus simply laughed. Both men turned to the door when a soft knock sounded.
"This place is busier than the Floo on Christmas," Remus threw his hands in the air, then approached the door. Harry instinctively spelled the door to see who was there. The werewolf grinned at Harry, wondering if the young man knew he shouldn't be able to do that with someone else's door while proper wards were in place. He then growled, seeing a young girl waiting impatiently.
"I've got to deal with this student, Harry. Why don't you go wash the chocolate off your shirt; this should only take a few minutes," he ushered Harry off through his bedroom to the loo.
He opened the door and tried to look surprised to see her. "Miss Scofield, is something wrong?"
"Um... not wrong exactly," she said, scuffing the front of her shoe on the floor. "I need to ask you about something," she looked from left to right to see if anyone was in the corridor. He sighed and stepped aside, allowing the girl in. "Thank you," she said quickly.
"What's so important that you need to speak to me at this hour?" he pointedly looked at the clock on the wall showing it was well past curfew.
"It's my mum. She's worried about my potion, since Professor Snape got in trouble and all," she began, but was cut off by her Defense teacher.
"Can you smell that, Miss Scofield?" he made a point of lifting his nose higher in the air. He continued when she shook her head 'no'. "It's the lie you're telling; I can smell it from here," Remus crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for her to ramble out an excuse. It didn't take long.
"I um, I really do have a question, I wanted to ask you in the morning after class, but," she paused, biting her lip. "Professor Vector caught me out after curfew and I told her I was coming to see you about something. And since, you know..." she gestured to her shoulder, where her jumper covered up the scar of a werewolf bite. Remus sighed, dropping his head, thinking about what he should do, and allowed a few extra seconds to make the girl feel guilty.
"I won't have you using me, or our condition, to get you out of trouble, Miss Scofield," chided Remus, and continued before she could make it back out of the door. "Since you are here, ask your question. We might as well take advantage of the privacy," his features softened, but he didn't offer her a seat.
"Mum's thinking it might be safer for me to get my potions from someone else, considering Professor Snape was detained and all." She looked up at him with piercing blue eyes, "I don't want to go back to taking the kind the apothecary sells," whined the girl.
"You know charges were dropped against Professor Snape. Doctors at St. Mungo's proved beyond any doubt he couldn't have been the one to hex Mr. Flynn. Aurors found there to have been no Unforgivables cast by his wand," her eyes grew wide. The press hadn't publicly mentioned the last part.
"He'd been spreading rumors about you right before that happened," she said with more bravado than either of them thought she had in her. Remus knew Flynn had told the other students that he and Severus were together, but the students who had sworn they'd seen Snape kissing a woman over the summer hols had effectively refuted it. He could hardly believe he was a part of the scandalous rumors floating around. And to think he'd assumed his condition as a werewolf would be the biggest issue concerning them.
"You know better than anyone else that Professor Snape is continuously working to better the Wolfsbane potion, and it's my feedback that makes it possible. I believe he asked you several questions last month, as well. Are there rumors of you and him going around, too?" he asked, kidding the girl.
"No!" she startled before she realized he was teasing her. "I didn't think it was true, of course," she stammered. "I would certainly hope not," slipped out before she could stop the words from spilling. "I um, just mean that you could do a lot better, is all," she continued on, wanting to stick her wand down her throat if it meant she would stop saying the first thing that came to mind. She blushed profusely and berated herself, forgetting that he could easily hear her mutterings. ' He must think I'm an idiot.'
Remus had thought she had a schoolgirl crush on him, and now he was sure. It was time to get Miss Scofield back to her dorm. "I'll speak to your mum when she comes to pick you up before the next full moon. I don't think it will be a problem. In the meantime, I have something she might be interested in reading," Remus excused himself to step through a door leading to his office. There was an article in a recent potions journal about the advances Severus had made in several potions, including the Wolfsbane. He'd been given a copy since he was the key subject in several case studies mentioned in the article, though it didn't mention him by name.
Young werewolf ears perked up when she heard a growl coming from the next room. Her keen sense of smell told her it was a human, not an animal. The urge to investigate was too strong to ignore. That, and wanting to see the private rooms of her crush were high on her list.
Remus returned with the potions journal in hand to find the girl a few paces from where he'd left her, and her face white as a ghost's. She thanked him and bolted for the door.
Harry closed the door to the loo and took a good look in the mirror. He shrugged at the condition his hair was in. ' It could be worse, ' he thought. He stood at the toilet, relieving himself while trying to think of the best way to tackle the stain on his shirt. He'd not had a lot of practice with household chore spells, and didn't want to destroy another article of clothing.
After rubbing a bar of soap on the spot for a few minutes, most of the stain was gone, but it was still obvious. He held the shirt up, scrutinized it, and tried to concentrate on his task. Harry took a deep calming breath, pointed his wand at the shirt and cast the spell to remove the unwanted chocolate sauce. To his relief it worked; the stain was gone.
After pulling the shirt back on, he opened his jeans, started to tuck in the shirt, and then noticed the buttons were gone, too. "Shit!" he growled, pulling at his hair. With a defeated sigh, he left the bathroom and the mirror, which was criticizing his slovenliness. He heard a gasp and turned to spot the huge, wide eyes of a stunned student before she ran off in a panic. Moments later, Remus came in.
"Could you have looked any more debauched?" laughed Remus, taking in the sight of Harry with his jeans open, shirt unbuttoned and hair in all directions. "Disturbing, on so many levels," he muttered as he shook his head, making Harry laugh. Remus decided he'd make sure to visit Will and Basil this weekend. It didn't take long to spell new buttons onto the shirt and send Harry on his way.
Severus was surprised Harry had not only waited out the full ten minutes, but then some. He closed off the Floo the moment Harry arrived. He of course noticed the clean, pressed shirt and neatly combed hair. "No need to clean up on my account," he mused, his voice a little hoarse.
Harry took in the sight of his lover in silk pyjamas. He would tell him about the newly confirmed rumour of Remus and himself later, deciding to waste no time climbing into bed. "Rough night?" he asked softly. Severus looked rather like he'd just happened to be ready for bed, but when Harry climbed in he noticed Severus was careful not to move.
"Do you remember, Draco was supposed to tend to a plant I had delivered?"
"You mean the 'ingredient' he thought I was?" laughed Harry. "What happened to the actual plant?" Harry gently brushed back Sev's hair from his face, snuggling closer.
"It spent a few more days in the snow than you did. The Dark Lord will not be getting the potion to restore his original body any time soon.
"I'd expect you to look a lot worse, considering how angry I imagine he was," Harry gingerly ran his fingers over the silk covering Sev's chest. Severus didn't comment; he merely closed his eyes.
"Accio," a tub of cream leapt form the bedside table into his hands. "Perhaps you could make yourself useful."
"You've got bruising?" asked Harry, recognizing the medicinal cream. "I know there's a potion for this," he said offhandedly. "Were you saving some busywork for me, so I'd feel useful?" he asked with a knowing smile. Severus gave him a tired smile, amused that Harry had so quickly picked up on that.
"While that thought did occur to me, I didn't want to mix that potion with another I'd needed. So, you will actually be helping me out, and not doing 'busywork' as you put it." Severus' tone was light, but his face was expressionless, leading Harry to think he was making an effort to not show pain.
"What did he hit you with?" and why did you get dressed if you need medication rubbed in. "May I?" he asked, referring to Sev's pyjamas.
Severus spelled the room warmer before giving a nod. "A freezing hex, amongst others," which explained the clothes.
Harry banished the silk, exposing numerous bruises covering most of Severus' body. His first thought was that Severus had been beaten, but there were so many, so evenly spread out. "Are these from a curse, or did you get beaten by an obsessive-compulsive?"
"A curse," he answered with a shudder, still cold from the residual effects of the freezing hex. "While I'd love a luxurious massage, I think a quick and effective application is best," Severus started when he suddenly felt a little bit colder all over. He looked up at Harry to see his lover putting the lid back on the jar. "What did you do?"
"Hm? Oh, it's a spell Hermione taught me for spreading lotion evenly over the body. You don't even need to undress for it, actually." Harry began rummaging through Severus' wardrobe to find an old flannel nightshirt. It was faded and slightly torn, but looked very warm and extremely soft. "This is what I'd be wearing, all snuggled up cozy in bed after a freezing hex," Harry spelled the garment onto his lover, instead of replacing the thin silk, before Severus could protest. He quietly placed a gentle warming spell on the bed.
"I vowed never to wear this in your presence. For that matter, I'd planned to toss it out if I ever had a lover again," groaned Severus, though he made no move to take off the worn nightshirt.
"Yeah, and you didn't expect I'd hang around too long, so you didn't chance throwing it out just yet," teased Harry, knowing he was very close to the truth. "I let you see me in my baggy sweatpants around the flat."
"Easy for you, nothing you own is more than a few years old," Severus muttered something that sounded like the shirt was older than him, but didn't repeat it when asked. Harry cuddled up close, pulling the duvet up high around them. Severus, very comfy, thought now maybe he understood why Harry was willing to take home the nightshirt Sarilia offered him. He grasped the arm extended over him and rolled to his side, pulling Harry to spoon into his back. He let out a contented sigh as his lover's warmth slowly chased away the chill.
"Now aren't you glad I came?" his warm breath puffed against Sev's neck.
"If you had respected my wishes, I'd have managed my own care, albeit with a far more clinical technique," Severus knew his young lover couldn't see his contented expression to be wrapped in a blanket of Harry and surrounded by a duvet.
"I do respect you. I also care, and think I should be allowed to reciprocate after all you've done for me, especially recently," Harry snuggled up closer, breathing in the fresh scent of lavender and comfrey used in the cream he'd applied earlier.
"You're used to it. I'd bet that over the years, your friends spent more time coming to see you in the infirmary than watching you play quidditch.
"Probably, but in all those years, not once did Ron hold a cup for me to pee into," laughed Harry softly in his ear.
"There's a spell for that," Severus explained simply. He tugged on Harry' s arm, keeping him close. "I suppose there are merits to your presence," he laced their fingers together, soaking in all the heat.
"So glad you approve," droned Harry in a sarcastic tone. "I didn't want to walk across the grounds in the snow to go home for the night," he didn't mention not wanting to go to his room upstairs while Albus entertained Minerva. "I suppose there's always Remus' couch," Harry placed little kisses on the back of his neck. "What?" asked Harry when he felt Severus shake with what he thought was mirth.
"Lupin and I have been on tentatively good terms recently. You being one of the few things we have in common. He occasionally gets flustered. It's difficult for him to see you as a sexual being," Severus wouldn't admit that he took pleasure in the other wizard's distress. It was an interesting phenomenon, not having directly caused the problem, compared to their association as children.
"I don't think he think he's attracted to me that way," Harry said in his defense. Severus didn't sound concerned or angry. In fact, Harry thought he sounded amused. "I don't get it."
"You once referred to Draco Malfoy as a sexy blond. So, are you not sexually attracted to him?"
"I don't want to fuck 'im, if that's what you mean."
"Not any more than Lupin wants to do you, but he still notices you're sexy as Hell," Severus grunted when Harry pressed against him harder.
"Sexy as Hell?" asked Harry, as if he wasn't too sure. Truth was, he knew he was hot, but hearing it from Severus was altogether different. "Are you due for more cream?" he asked teasingly.
"Not yet," Severus was far too cozy and didn't want to move, even if it were so Harry could rub him down, and especially since it appeared he would use that spell. Effective, but so much less fun. Fortunately, Harry was content to snuggle and trace random patterns over his chest. They were both quietly relaxing, listening to the other breathing, and trying not to think too much.
Having dozed off, Harry woke when Severus rolled over, kicking off the duvet as he did so. "Too hot," he protested groggily. After warming spells and lying under layers of covers in addition to the little heat-maker that was Harry, now having fully recovered from the freezing hex, it was too much.
Harry guided Sev fully onto his front and took the opportunity to reapply the cream, using his hands this time. He'd meticulously caressed every bit of skin down to his toes, before urging him to roll over. Severus didn't speak, but did manage to make a few contented sounds, encouraging Harry to continue.
His hands were not very big, but they were strong. Harry put his whole body into each stroke, gliding over the skin. Cool cream followed by warm breath caused a shiver. Drawing Sev's arms over his head, onto the pillow, Harry slid his hands up the sides of his torso, continuing up his arms, all the while his own body a hairsbreadth away. The heat from Harry's body was just enough to offset the chill of the cream.
Sliding his hands back down, Harry followed the natural curve of Sev's hips, tantalizingly close to his now rising member. Harry nearly laid over Sev's legs, his hands wrapping around and under him, pulling up along his back, down over his arse and continuing past tight hamstrings and calves. On his way back up the front of the legs, Harry made sweeping motions from the insides of his ankles to the outer sides. If he continued with this pattern, he would end with the best part.
Severus stopped him from reaching for the cream again. "No, not there," he said, but his erection didn't seem to agree with the decision.
"No?" asked Harry persuasively, wanting to continue. "Why not?" again in his teasing tone.
"Because it taste like scarab shells," explained Severus. He smirked, waiting only a moment before Harry caught on; his smile beamed bright and then he flicked his tongue along the head of Severus' cock.
"I see your point," Harry could faintly taste the cream from the first application. He teasingly ran the tip of his tongue along the hard cock several times before climbing off Sev's legs, spread them apart and settled in between them.
He nuzzled Sev's cock, sliding it slowly against his cheek as if worshiping it. Mouthing it and using the side of his tongue, he worked up to the tip before swallowing him down, nearly all of it in one smooth slide. Harry continued to suck and slide in earnest for some time. His hands splayed across Sev's hips to prevent him from thrusting upwards. Every few times he would grasp Severus' cock in his hand, stroking him firmly, allowing him to lick the sac, giving his jaw a quick reprieve while keeping his lover high, but not letting him peak too quickly. Each time he took the cock back into his hot mouth, Severus would moan, grabbing locks of dark hair, or bed sheets.
He found a good rhythm, taking in as much as he could without gagging, taking up the rest with his hand, sucking as hard as he could before taking a gasping breath. Severus reached down, taking his own cock from Harry's hand, neither needing to say a word since they well new what each other enjoyed.
Severus stroked his own cock while Harry pressed little kisses to his thigh. Alternating between kisses and licking, Harry worked his way to the crease where Sev's leg joined his body. He slid a hand under Sev's knee, bending it up, allowing for better access. He took his time, teasingly licking all along the sensitive bits before swiping his tongue over Sev's balls again, or pressing that little spot behind the sac, getting a rewarding gasp.
Just as teasingly, he worked his way down, tongue gliding inside the crease of Sev's arse with an occasional nibble before working towards the puckered hole. A flick of his tongue and Severus' breath hitched. He languidly slid his tongue from pucker up to the base of his cock again before moving quickly back down, probing in again. Severus loved to hear the slurping and needy sounds Harry made while caught up in the moment.
Harry was so worked up he ached with need, rutting against the mattress, which was no longer enough. He guided Sev's foot over his shoulder, opening his lover's position so he'd have a free hand to stroke himself. He continued to thrust in his tongue, mercilessly drawing Severus closer to climax. Warm breath could be felt with every encouraging sound he made. While Harry's technique was superb, it was his panting warm breath over Sev's puckered hole, and knowing Harry was enjoying it every bit as much as he was, that sent shock waves through Severus.
With his hand trapped beneath him, Harry rutted against the mattress, bringing himself off. ~Fuck!~ he hissed. Parseltongue being the only way one could speak while rimming. Sev's reaction was instantaneous, quickly followed with a shout of his own.
"I could die a happy man," groaned Severus, after a moment's recovery.
"Mm-hmm," agreed Harry, his head resting on his lover's thigh. A hint of magic could be felt tingling through them, and Severus noticed they'd been spelled clean without a word spoken, nor even a slight hand gesture on Harry's part. "That's better," hummed Harry, willing to stay right where he was, but Severus pulled him up to the pillows and wrapped his arms around his young lover.
"This is Better," declared Severus, pressing a kiss to the back of Harry's head, nuzzling his nose into his hair.
Chapter End Notes
Waves* Happy New Year!!!
DETAH 74 - Marked
Hogwarts' Potions Master sat at his desk reviewing a form he'd been hesitant to fill out all week. He'd actually filled in all the significant information with one exception. 'The 473rd Annual Potions Conference', he read down to the fourth line. 4. Number of people attending? _
He now had to think of Harry when making such plans. They were a couple. He couldn't just take off for nearly a week without considering him. It sounded odd in his head. They were a couple. He'd been looking forward to the conference for a long time, and hadn't once thought even for a second he wouldn't go. Taking another glance at the form, he noticed the deadline was the next day. "Damn," he grumbled.
"Thanks for letting me hide this here. You know how Ron is," Hermione taped up red and green gift-wrap on the box, affixing the bow just right. Harry watched as she fussed with the bow, making it even on both sides.
"Ron's not even going to notice the bow while he's shaking the box and tearing off the paper in a single grab," laughed Harry. "Ginny and I went to Honeydukes for Ron's gifts. She's looking forward to horning in on Date Night when she gets out of school. I keep telling her she's not invited. Drives her nuts," he laughed again, picking up his butterbeer for another sip.
"I'd like to think we'll still be having Date Night when she finishes school, but we barely make a couple nights a month now," she sighed, knowing it wouldn't last forever. She would eventually be married and have a lot more responsibilities taking up her time. "What's next, dinner parties?" she asked jokingly. "I can just see Severus showing up at a potluck with his favorite casserole in hand," she chuckled.
"Maybe not, but with you and Ron having your own place soon, that will be one more place Sev and I can go together," he yearned for the day they could walk into a restaurant and have dinner without fear of discovery, or the use of a Polyjuice potion. Harry grabbed a nearby box to wrap for Ron.
"I guess I know who that's for," said Hermione pointing to the Honeydukes logo on the box Harry was wrapping. "What did you get him?" it was a curiously large box for Honeydukes.
"A chocolate frog," Harry grinned, looking over his handiwork, skipping the bow. "A really big chocolate frog," he corrected, still grinning. "I special ordered it. Guaranteed to jump over eight feet!" he couldn't wait to see his friend's face when the monstrous confection leaped out at him.
"That's what you had everyone chip in a galleon for?" Hermione couldn't figure out why Harry would have them going in together for a gift, when he had as much money as Harry did.
"Actually, everyone put in different amounts. That way, I can say everyone chipped in and we could give him this without a lot of fuss over the cost," Harry pulled a huge black garment bag out of the front closet. Her initial reaction was that Harry had bought Ron new dress robes for the wedding or something, but when he opened the bag and pulled out an odd looking outfit, she didn't know what she was looking at.
"It's battle armor," he said as if that explained everything.
"It's what? I've never heard of it. Is that like the dueling robes that deflect curses and such?" she felt the black material between her fingers. It felt like metal with spandex covering it, but was extremely flexible.
"Under the robes, you can't even tell if a wizard is wearing this," he ran his fingers over the sleeves. "It's a cross between highly complex dueling robes and muggle body armor. The Ministry would never shell out the money for all the Aurors to wear them, but these are what the Unspeakables use," he placed them back in the bag, before hanging it up again. "Even then," he continued, "the Ministry only pays for about half, the rest is paid for by a grant given by the widow of an Unspeakable who was killed in the line of duty a few years ago."
"That's incredible! How did you even find out about this?" Hermione couldn't even imagine what they must have cost him, but was extremely grateful her fiance would be better protected when he went off to work.
"Remember when someone tried to assassinate the Minister of Magic four months ago?" she nodded. "It came up at an Order meeting," he explained. "the Auror who was given a medal for throwing himself in front of the Minister was actually hit in the back. He didn't block he curse, he was hit when it deflected off the Minister's battle armor. They didn't want the public to know he wears it. It's easy to keep secret since it's made to be worn under the outer robes, so they made up the story and pinned the Auror with a medal, no one the wiser. The only reason anyone caught on was that the Minister's clothing had been scorched where the curse initially hit him, and one of the Aurors who was working as his guard is in the Order."
"That's incredible," she repeated. "When did you get it?" she tried to remember the details the newspaper had printed about of the assassination attempt.
"I looked into it right away, but it took a lot of finagling to even find out who makes them. And because they don't want to make them for just anybody, I had to take advantage of my celebrity status," he grinned. "Getting Ron's measurements were another issue," he laughed and told her about the appointment where the tailor waited outside for a half hour until Harry could trick Ron into eating a Ginger Nap, knocking him out long enough for the measurements to be taken. Ron had woken up from the 'prank' with no knowledge of having been levitated upright in his skivvies just moments before.
Harry should have seen it coming, but was still surprised when she hurled herself at him. "You're the best friend," cried Hermione, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. "I can't tell you how much better I'll feel, knowing he'll have this protection!"
"I know," he replied softly while rubbing his fingers through her hair and down her back to offer comfort. "I never realized how strange it would feel with him going on adventures without me... or you," he added, thinking of their many misadventures over the years. "Speaking of Ron, I'm pretty sure he doesn't think you're throwing yourself at me during Date Night. I know I'm hot and all..." he teasingly trailed off, waiting for her to hit him.
"You're such a prat," she smiled against his shoulder, giving him a squeeze before letting go, and then punched him. "I'm afraid to ask what something like that cost. Did you get one for Severus or yourself?" she couldn't imagine Harry doing something grand for Ron and not Severus, who was often in as much danger.
"No," pouted Harry. "Severus wouldn't let me. He said it was too much to spend. Don't ask," he added, not willing to divulge the cost. "Apparently, Sev needs to allow hexes to hit him when Voldy punishes him. The Ministry has miraculously managed to keep a tight lid on the battle armor. The Death Eaters know it exists, but no one's been able to find out who makes it or how." which said a lot about his status as the 'Boy Who Would Defeat the Dark Lord'. He'd didn't want to tell Hermione that he wouldn't get one for himself. The outfit under robes was comfortable to a point. Ron could easily wear it for an average mission, but after a while, it was too much to wear. Harry would have to wear it all the time to be effective and it wasn't practical for constant everyday use.
A tapping sound alerted them to an owl flapping in front of the window awaiting entrance. Harry let it in and unrolled a small parchment, which he recognized was from Severus, even tho' it wasn't signed. Call me after your guest has left. "He needs to talk with me," he said in answer to her curious gaze.
"Oh, all right, I'll just pack up and be out of here..."
"No," he interrupted her quickly. "After you leave is fine," he said, handing her the note.
"I don't mind; I'm sure you're curious to know what he wants," she happily continued to pick up her things.
"Mi', he won't even open his Floo for another few hours. He's not going to sit around his bedroom waiting for my call," he explained and then took a pinch of Floo powder and called for his lover, getting no response. She finally agreed to stay a bit longer, and continued to wrap gifts.
Neither of the two bothered to find a spell to do it. Hermione felt part of the gift was the effort put into the presentation. Small imperfections showed that she'd taken the time to do it herself. Harry, on the other hand, just loved to do it. While at school, their shopping was somewhat limited. Back then, for time's sake, the shopkeepers wrapped for them. Not to mention it was easier to hide gifts from prying eyes when friends (Ron) wanted to peek. He now had time to pick out gift-wraps. Severus didn't show so much enthusiasm, so Harry picked out bland wrapping paper. He couldn't wait for Severus to open the subdued package only to have it explode and rain down colorful confetti like his gifts from Albus did. He knew it was childish, and only did that for a small gift he planned to give during their visit with Albus, not for his real gift.
"I trust you've stuffed yourself with holiday treats," said Severus by way of a greeting.
"Hi Sev," smiled Harry. "Not stuffed, but probably too much butterbeer," he grinned, rubbing his belly. Hermione' s mum did send over Christmas cookies for Date Night, but he couldn't eat many fruit juice sweetened gingersnaps.
"Indeed," Severus eyed said belly, wishing he could reach through the fire. "I received an interesting correspondence from Molly Weasley," Severus held up brightly colored parchment.
"You do know that normal people would have just said they got a Christmas card from her?" teased Harry. "I was having dinner at the Burrow when she sent it out. She feels awful that she can't invite you along for Christmas, what with the mixed company," he said, referring to the girlfriends, boyfriends and fiances of various Weasley siblings, who needn't know of their relationship.
"So she mentioned," he eyed the greeting card with disdain, as if it were a personal affront to him. Harry noted that despite his outward response, he could tell Severus had reached to place the card on his mantel and not in his desk drawer with the other mail.
If Harry could have seen the mantel from his position, he'd see the happy greeting card placed with two others. The Christmas tree lights on Albus' card twinkled merrily while the sugarplum fairies on Molly's card gasped in shock from the rude gesture a Christmas elf was making at them from Kieran's card.
"Warming up to Christmas?" asked Harry playfully.
"In my own way," his evil grin sent shivers down Harry's spine. "It's the holiday week that I wanted to speak to you about. We haven't really discussed any traditions you value at this time of year," Severus wasn't sure how to approach the topic he really wanted to address.
"They're irrelevant now," Harry replied with a shrug.
"Why, because we're a couple? Did you expect I would ask you to forgo your..."
"What I meant," Harry cut him off, "Is it's irrelevant since I'm no longer a student with nowhere to go but stay at Hogwarts," it occurred to Harry that most years his friends had forgone their own traditions to stay at school with him. Severus had no intention of telling him it was the very reason he was having this conversation.
"As for my own traditions," he rolled his eyes at the very words. "There is a conference I usually attend the first three days of the Christmas break."
"I thought you had to stay at Hogwarts over the break," Harry tried to remember if there were any years he hadn't been there, but then he'd been in the infirmary for at least one of them.
"Various missions or duties have occasionally prevented me from attending recently," he explained vaguely. "It is a worthwhile conference where I've made good contacts in the potions world. Whenever possible, I make it a point to attend."
"Oh," Harry mentally berated himself for such eloquence, or lack thereof. "We could always get together when you get back, and we're having dinner with Albus and Minerva Christmas Eve. Maybe I can stay over, skip breakfast at the Burrow, and get there a little later Christmas Day," Harry refused to play the part of needy boyfriend, but he so missed waking up with Severus as he had that week at the manor.
"Yes, well," Severus fingered the brochure in his hands. "There's always been sort of an unspoken rule against wives attending, however it is quite common to bring apprentices," he watched Harry, not finding any sign of interest, if anything, he seemed even more disappointed. "I understand you might not find it very interesting, but there's a pool and you wouldn't need to attend most events," Severus had hoped Harry would have been more enthusiastic about traveling with him, even if it was a boring convention.
"You were talking about me going with you?" asked Harry, his face lighting up some.
"Who did you think I would bring with me?" Severus rolled his eyes, his hands in the air. He wasn't sure if it was the glow of the fire, or if Harry was blushing.
"You said apprentice, so I though you meant the idiot," he explained, referring to the wizard Voldy made his lover work with. "Can we do that?" Harry asked excitedly. But the thought of taking Polyjuice for three days grossed him out.
"I've got it worked out," Severus assured him with a grin. "A well-placed Glamoure and a few changes should do fine," he seemed very sure of himself, but Harry didn't seem as certain. "One of the reasons you're so easily identified is because the public is accustomed to you living in this area, so if they see someone even resembling you, they take a closer look. I don't think anyone is expecting to find you at a potions conference halfway across the world. With a few basic changes..." his confidence was enough to build Harry's enthusiasm.
Harry sat comfortably with a bottle of water, having finished his lunch. Listening closely, he was sure he'd heard a growl of sorts. Though he knew it was ignorant not to pay closer attention, Harry was content to drink the rest of the bottle and enjoy every last second of his break. The growl was heard again, only this time louder. Before he could turn his head, Harry was trampled by a large brown bear, knocking him off his haystack chair, down to the floor.
"Holy shit!" he exclaimed when the bear's sharp teeth glistened. The beast held down his whole body, and then reared back, claws slashing through the air at a great speed toward his head, leaving him no time to react. The mighty claws morphed into a grubby hand, patting Harry obnoxiously on the cheek.
"Break's over!" hollered Kieran, who changed back into his animagus form once again and licked Harry on the chin.
"You're disgusting," Harry wiped his face with the back of his sleeve and pushed, or tried to push the immense beast off of him. He was grateful when Kieran gave one last growl and climbed off before changing back again.
"You read that book I gave you?" Kieran was referring to a book on becoming an Animagus. Harry nodded.
"Yeah, it was interesting. This book approaches the concept very differently then the other books I've read. It made a lot more sense to me. I don't know why the book got such lousy reviews," Harry put his water bottle up with the other empties, ready to get back to work.
"Did ya' read the back cover where a bunch 'o witches and wizards praise the author and his style?" Kieran wasn't surprised to see Harry shaking his head, not having bothered to look. "You may not recognize them, but every person who recommend this guy is known for their impressive magical powers," he threw a hex at Harry as if they weren't discussing the merits of a book.
"And that means what to me?" asked Harry after easily deflecting the hex.
"You have to understand theory to fully grasp a spell and perform it well. Not so much with the easier ones, but you get the gist," Kieran leapt, dodging a curse that barely singed the edge of his robes. "It's been argued that the more powerful a wizard, the easier it is to cast magical spells without having to get your mind around the theory so much."
"So, you think that book was written for a more powerful wizard than average. Or at least written by a powerful wizard who didn't bother with the details of the theory."
"Now you're getting it," Kieran spun around, made large gestures with his wand, and then sucker punched him. Winded, Harry couldn't speak, but having put distance between them again, slashed his wand in Kieran's direction, sending a bale of hay at him, knocking the Scot to the floor against the wall.
"You're awake," Harry said to the seemingly unconscious Kieran.
"You guessed, but ya' weren't sure," he pulled himself up, not bothering to brush off the loose hay from his clothes. Harry smirked, in admission to guessing. "Alright, come over here," Kieran pointed to the floor where he sat waiting for Harry.
Harry knelt in front of him, knowing it was a good position to start in when unsure of what animal form he would take. "What are the chances of me being a buck, like my dad was?" asked Harry.
"Dunno," Kieran rubbed his scruffy chin, thinking for a moment. "I want you to try that. Concentrate; picture a buck in your mind. Think how big, the antlers, the whole thing."
Harry closed his eyes for a moment, calming his breathing, concentrating on the form he always saw while casting a Patronus charm, working to keep in mind all the points he remembered from the book. He had been practicing at home, just without the silent incantation to actually make the change. Making the change without an assistant present was dangerous, he could get stuck, somewhat akin to splinching when magical folk were first learning Apparation. Without opening his eyes, Harry could feel himself changing. He hit a stall, he could sense it. Concentration broken, he opened his eyes, looking at Kieran.
"I could feel it working, I just lost something, and it all stopped. I could feel it... I was close!"
Kieran went over the points Harry had to hold in mind. He was impressed at how well Harry was doing, reassuring him that making as much progress as quickly as he had, was in itself an indication of talent, as much as his magical strength. He reflected on what he remembered being told about Harry's first learning the Patronus at 13 years old, and his affinity for flying.
"I think you're probably a natural at this, Harry. It may run in the family - your father and his friends shouldn't have been able to do what they did, even though they worked on it for much longer than you. I think that Mooney said Prongs was the first to manage it, and helped the others. True, you're doing this with proper guidance, but still..."
They went back to it again. Harry's progress was good, he could tell, but it was still mostly internal. They kept at it for a few hours of intense work, with breaks to rest. Kieran suggested Harry move on to something else and return to this another day, but Harry insisted he almost had it, and that he really could do it. He just felt driven to accomplish this Today. Focusing again, he sensed the changes beginning, and suddenly his equilibrium told him he was higher up from the floor then he'd been. He felt tall.
"Change back," said Kieran hastily.
Startled, Harry opened his eyes to meet Kieran's wide eyes.
"I've got somethin' else I want you to try," he spoke before Harry could ask him a question. "I want ya' to think of a domestic animal."
"I guess the buck didn't go so well," muttered Harry after changing back to himself. "Like a cat or dog?" he asked, wanting to be sure. He assumed that Kieran had gotten an idea of what his form should have been from his first try.
"Uh, cat," he answered absentmindedly. "Black cat," he added.
Harry took a deep breath, but didn't close his eyes this time. He watched as Kieran grew bigger, or more likely, he got smaller.
"Nice," hissed an amused Kieran. He said an incantation, making a mirror appear before them. "Take a look," he backed away, allowing Harry to view his new form.
The small, shiny black cat stepped closer to the mirror, his tail swishing to and fro. "Meow!" Harry startled himself, his black fur raising up on his back, his tail puffing out to twice normal size. He hadn't expected his shout to come out as a meow. He was sure he'd be blushing underneath and was glad Kieran couldn't see. As it was, the Scot was laughing hard at his reaction to his own reflection.
"Get a feel for it," encouraged Kieran. "Take a run," he sat back to watch as Harry trotted away and began to pick up speed. He ran to one end of the building and back, skidding on hay, getting another hearty laugh from his trainer.
Harry hissed at him and took off again. As he neared the back wall where the hay was stacked the highest, he launched himself up, latching on with his claws, scaling the hay wall until he was at the top. "Meow! Harry called out proudly, and paced the top of the hay, feeling it sway slightly.
"Snape is gonna shit," cheered Kieran. "Come back, we got more work to do."
Harry turned, and looked down. He didn't think he could go back down the same way he got up and it was too high to jump. It occurred to him to transform back, but his normal weight would surely make the stacks topple. A 'mew' came out before he could stop himself.
"Ain't this rich, kitty's treed himself an' needs help down," snickered Kieran.
Harry hissed at his trainer and then quickly turned his ears to the door. His yellow eyes narrowed to slits fixed on the door, his body crouched, then still. Kieran hadn't heard anything, but turned his head in the direction of Harry's gaze.
Having faked him out, Harry took his chance and pounced while the Scot's head was turned. He leapt down to the wizard's shoulders and then rebounded to a lower bale of hay where he could jump to the floor safely. He refused to allow Kieran to 'save' him; he'd never hear the end of it. It occurred to him that his trainer may have known what he was doing all the while, but chose not to dwell on it. He'd embarrassed himself enough for one day.
"When are you seeing Albus again?" asked Kieran without comment to Harry's stunt.
"Tonight. We're having dinner and he's going to help me and Sev work on a good Glamoure. I'm going to the Potions convention with him."
"He finally talked to you about that, eh?" laughed Kieran. "He's been itchin' to go to that one again. What with you out of Hogwarts, Snape can get out on hols for a change," Kieran made several notes in the training log before speaking again, leaving Harry dumbstruck.
It hadn't occurred to him why Order members working at the school, Severus especially, stayed at Hogwarts on holidays. He'd not given it a second thought as a student, though it made sense they would watch out for him. Times like this made him wonder what else had gone unnoticed by him in the past.
Getting a feel for his cat form, Harry frolicked around his flat the rest of the afternoon. Hedwig was not amused when he pretended to stalk her and occasionally pounced from under the bed. He'd never actually touched her, but he still managed to get on her nerves. After attacking his own reflection in the mirror, Harry noted that he looked rather young and wondered if it was due to his age, or his size. He pondered this for only a moment longer before he turned his attention back to Hedwig.
Harry didn't seem to detect when his owl was fed up, but quickly learned her breaking point when the large Snowy owl soared from her perch, grasped him from the scruff of his furry neck with her talons, flew into the living room and proceeded to drop him mid-air down to the sofa. She clicked her beak loudly and flew to the kitchen, looking for any food left out.
When the clock chimed, Harry was startled to see how much time had passed. Apparently the ability to keep a straight face as a human did nothing to keep his tail from fluffing up when startled. The hand on the clock labeled 'Time for Dinner with Albus' spurred him into action, changing back from a cat and quickly dressing in clean clothes.
"What happened?" Severus quickly stood from the chair across from Albus' desk the moment Harry entered the room. His eyes examined him from top to bottom, needing to confirm his lover's well being. "That bastard Donnelley sent Albus a note saying he needed a meeting, but didn't bother to tell me what it was about," Severus' hand rested his on Harry's shoulder as if the physical contact would confirm he was fine.
"Wait 'till you see! Kieran said you'd shit," exclaimed Harry. He couldn't wait to show them his Animagus form. "Where's Albus?" he asked excitedly.
"What happened?" repeated Severus, this time he was referring to the red marks on the back of Harry's neck.
"Wha?" Harry rubbed the back of his neck, relieved to feel that Hedwig hadn't broken the skin. His cheeks burned from embarrassment. "Nothing," he feebly denied, getting a look from Severus. The older wizard didn't like being in the dark and Kieran only called meetings when something bad or unexpected happened. The look Severus gave Harry prompted him into further explanation.
"Don't get mad at her," Harry began to explain, but was interrupted by Albus and Kieran's entrance. "I'll tell you later," whispered Harry. Luckily for him, Severus wanted to know what had happened during training and would wait to find out whom 'she' was that had dared mark his Harry.
Bouncing on the balls of his feet, Harry didn't wait for Albus to offer the customary sweets. "Now?" he asked Kieran.
"Ga'head," Kieran made a grand gesture, seeing how keen Harry was to show them.
With an ear-to-ear grin, Harry transformed into his cat form. He jumped up onto Albus' desk, his head held up high.
"Well done!" cheered Albus. Harry preened while the elder wizard patted him on his head. Walking to the edge of the desk, Harry raised his head higher, checking for Sev's reaction. Seeing the pride in his lover's face meant more to him than he'd expected.
Severus checked him over, even going so far as to look at the bottom of each paw. Harry began to wonder what he was looking for when he held Harry's head, his thumbs brushing at the fur on his face.
"No markings?" asked Kieran, knowing the answer. "I don't think that's his true form," he added, with a nod of his head toward Harry.
Harry noticed each of them looking at him pensively. He no longer wanted to be an observer in the conversation, so he leapt from the desk to the chair before changing back. He thought he'd heard Kieran quietly offering to help him down and saw the smirk on the Scot's face.
"What markings?" asked Harry, resisting the urge to throw a jibe at the scruffy wizard next to him.
"Harry, have you noticed the markings on Minerva in her cat form?" it was Albus who answered the question with another.
He nodded, having clearly seen the shape of her glasses in the markings on her cat face in the past, similar to a certain beetle's markings. "But I don't really wear my glasses that much anymore. I never noticed any markings on Padfoot," he tried to recall having seen anything but black fur.
"The pad on one of his feet was a different color."
"Lots of dogs have that, don't they?" Harry interrupted.
"Yes, most animals do have some marking to make them different from others. And there are completely black cats, but seldom does an Animagi have nothing at all to set them apart. When registering with the Ministry, they make note of markings, so you can be identified," explained Albus, then turned back to Kieran.
"You don't think his form is a cat," stated Severus before Albus could get the words out.
"I'd suggested he try a black cat. Harry, I think it's time you showed them the buck," Kieran was now more serious then he had been. "Over where there's more room," he gestured to the rug in front of the fire where the area was clear for people to Floo in.
"But that didn't work, did it?" asked Harry, reflecting that while at the training building, he'd thought there was something wrong with the way Kieran had reacted, but he'd had him turn back so fast, then directed him to another form, and then his attention had effectively been focused on his success at the cat form. With an encouraging nod from Albus, Harry closed his eyes and concentrated on his father's Animagus form.
A scrape of chairs moving caused him to open his eyes to see Severus and Albus on their feet, eyes wide. Harry could feel his magic surrounding him more now and would have paid it more attention if he weren't gob-smacked by the look of his lover with his mouth hanging open. With a snap Severus closed it, turned to look at Albus and back again to Harry.
No one spoke, but Albus did gesture with his hand for Harry to come forward. Taking a few tentative steps, he didn't hear the expected sound of hooves on the floor. For that matter, he didn't feel the floor beneath him as he moved. It was like he glided in the air like a leaf caught in the breeze. With a shake of his head, Harry could sense the horns there, but of course couldn't see them. He was too distracted by everyone's reaction to even look down at his legs.
"Turn back now," was the first thing Albus finally said. He looked worried, as if concerned Harry might not be able to turn back. He and Severus both looked relieved when he actually did. That is, until Harry fell back down to the floor, having been floating just above it. He managed to keep himself upright, catching his balance quickly.
"Was I really a buck?" asked Harry eagerly. "You should've put up a mirror..." Harry trailed off when Albus shook his head. "I wasn't a buck?" he asked, receiving the same again.
"How do you change forms, Harry?" Albus offered his candy tray and Harry took a small handful. "Do you concentrate on the incantation and allow your body to flow into the form it should take?"
"Um, no," Harry popped a lemon drop into his mouth, crunching on it loudly before popping in two more. Albus nodded.
"I didn't think so," he began. "So, you just concentrate on the animal itself," Albus didn't wait for an answer. "Kieran told you to try a black cat and that worked, but you didn't think of just any buck, did you?"
"No, um..." he tried to remember how it had come about, still crunching loudly until a frustrated Severus reached over and took the remaining lemon drops from his hand. Harry turned to his lover, but didn't comment. "I asked Kieran if maybe I would be a buck like my dad, and he told me to give it a try. So, I guess I concentrated on my dad's form," Harry turned to Kieran as if waiting for confirmation that he was telling an accurate account of what happened. Kieran was looking rather smug.
"I feared once he had his mindset on one form, he might find it harder, if not impossible, to try another, so I made a couple suggestions," explained Kieran. Harry recalled reading something like that, but it didn't make sense at the time. He apparently wasn't restricted to one particular animal. That didn't happen often, but it wasn't as rare as being a Parselmouth.
"I expected as much," Albus didn't seem all that surprised Harry had this ability, but there seemed to be something else that had startled the wizard. "Harry, when you think of your father as a buck, do you imagine a rich brown coat with white patch on his chest?"
Again, Harry was sure the elder wizard already knew the answer to his question. "I didn't know what kind of coloring he had, I've only seen it when I conjure a Patronus and that's kind'a shimmery-silver," Harry suddenly realized. "Was I silver?" he asked, ignoring Severus' comment regarding proper English.
Severus then transfigured a large mirror for him. Harry stepped up to the mirror and watched as he turned into a silver buck with big horns on his head. Severus rubbed his hand on the buck's neck. "You were thinking of a silver buck," he looked into Harry's silver eyes. "Can you feel the floor?" he asked, and Harry looked down instead of in the mirror and hit Severus on the head with his horns.
"Ignore him," Severus said, referring to a laughing Kieran. "I want you to try again, only this time, think about your father's form again. OK?" he asked getting a nod from Harry, now mindful of his horns.
He nuzzled into Sev's hand before closing his eyes and concentrating once again. Hearing a soft gasp from his lover, Harry opened his eyes, seeing his reflection in the mirror. He was no longer a solid form. His shimmering eyes widened to see his Patronus form. Taking a step back from the mirror, Harry looked to Severus who'd also stepped aside, unsure if he should touch.
"Change back," whispered Severus, and made to catch his young lover when he once again fell back to the floor. "I worry you'll fade out like a real Patronus," he murmured, though Harry wasn't sure if he was kidding or not.
"Being a spell? How is that possible?" asked Harry, directing his question to Albus. "Can Voldemort do this? Wasn't he supposed to have 'marked me as his equal' or some shit like that?" he asked, then apologized to Albus for his language. Oddly enough, Albus looked accusingly to Kieran rather than Harry for the young wizard's offensiveness.
"It is only conjecture, mind you," Albus took a sip of his tea, putting his thoughts in order. "It's been surmised that the Dark Lord gave you part of his magic that day, causing you to be a Parselmouth, amongst other things. We don't know how much or what you gained from him. I believe Voldemort marked you as his equal, giving you equal power to his own."
"That would make us equal, right?" asked Harry again, thinking it meant that initially, of his own, he was less powerful than Voldemort.
"No, that would have made you equal then. While I'm sure he's managed to increase his power over the years, with dark magic at his disposal, it would not compare to the power you have recently come into in addition to what you had as equals," Albus sipped his tea, a gleam in his eyes. "I believe it is time to get you registered with the Ministry, my boy," Albus held up the candy dish again. Harry took another handful despite Severus' chagrin. He at least tried to make less noise eating them.
"I thought you'd want to keep this a secret," Harry didn't see the point of such a great ability if everyone knew you could do it.
"My boy, the public will expect you to be an Animagus. It would look suspicious if you were not. I suggest you select a form with a distinct marking and register that one form."
"Why not impress the masses and register as a Griffin?" teased Severus, though to his chagrin it looked as if Albus liked the idea.
Harry turned to Severus, hissing something with a laugh. "How 'bout a Basilisk?" he laughed all the harder when Severus surprisingly pulled him onto his lap. He held Harry tight. He had been more afraid than he'd admit when Kieran had called the meeting. The shock of seeing Harry in a vaporous form hadn't done anything to calm his nerves. The young wizard was so pleased by the unexpected display of affection that he didn't question it.
"Too big a headline," stated Kieran, referring to the Griffin. "Maybe something unassuming, less intimidating."
"He has a point," agreed Albus. "The public is fickle. You have to consider their reaction after the war is over. I know it's hard to think in those terms, as we've been fighting for so long, but eventually Voldemort will be defeated. We don't want them to start worrying about your power and if you'll take his place." Leave it to Albus to be thinking further into the future than the rest of them. All three other wizards noted his optimistic wording of 'will be defeated', instead of 'if'. This was a huge turning point in the war and they knew it.
"I always pictured a huge battle like with Grindelwald, or the Goblin Rebellions, but it probably won't be like that, will it?" asked Harry.
"He knows he can't win an open battle," explained Albus. "Not yet. He's recruiting younger, inexperienced witches and wizards. But, they will grow up and pose a greater threat at some point. As for the immediate future, Voldemort knows that by killing you, he will gain many followers who will simply choose the side that seems most likely to win. People like Lucius Malfoy, whose loyalties are based solely on self-preservation."
Harry turned to look back at Severus, not sure who else knew that Malfoy Sr. owed him a favor. Severus' expressionless face told him nothing.
"Best to get rid of him sooner than later, 'eh Fawkes?" Kieran grinned, and threw a yellow candy at Harry, who caught it deftly and ate it with a single crunch. The Scot was pleased to see Harry must have quickly and inconspicuously removed the spell that would have turned his hair purple from the tainted sweet.
"Will you be joining us for dinner?" asked Albus in lieu of calling the meeting to a close. He would speak to Harry more in depth about this new development when they had more time.
"Sure," answered Harry, then turned to Severus. "Dinner's not for a few minutes; can I see the brochure on the place we'll be staying at the convention?"
Albus and Kieran entered the Great Hall together. "You can take Severus' chair until he arrives," Albus smiled at the Scot.
"You don't actually think they're going to show up for dinner, do you?" Kieran asked incredulously. Albus continued to smile, thankful the other wizard had kept his comments to a G rating for the students' benefit.
"Perhaps we should send a house elf to ask if they want food sent down," asked Albus, feigning innocence.
"I knew you were a twisted old codger," Kieran gave Minerva a polite bow before sitting down at the head table. "Snape's favorite is brussels sprouts," he added, knowing how much his best friend hated them.
"The brochure is in my office," Severus said when Harry spilled out of the Floo into his bedroom. Apparently, increased magic and physical agility didn't make him Floo in any more gracefully. He followed Severus with a mischievous expression. Taking the brochure from his hand, Harry tossed it over his shoulder, letting it fall to the floor.
"Later." Harry hastily pulled Severus by the front of his robes, crushing their mouths together in a searing kiss.
"Albus will be waiting for us," said Severus breathlessly, though he held Harry's arse firmly with both hands, pulling him closer. Harry continued to place frantic kisses on his mouth and neck, pulling at the collar of his robes to gain more access to Severus' delicious skin.
"Then you had better fuck me quick," insisted Harry, panting against his neck before biting down harder than intended. Firm hands on his arse pulling him up cued Harry to wrap his legs around Sev's waist. "I'll get the door," he panted as Severus carried him to the desk. In his excitement, a wave of Harry's magic tingled throughout the room. The feel of his partner's magical power made Severus' cock impossibly harder. His carrying Harry had a similar effect on the younger wizard.
Severus lowered him down on the office desk. He kept one hand squeezing Harry's arse with the other held in the air, waiting for the lube he'd Accioed. Harry spelled off their clothes with a frantic gesture and let his wand drop to the desk. He gasped and wriggled when Severus began to prep him quickly, starting with two fingers. He'd only just gotten the third in when Harry insisted he was ready.
"Mind the essays," warned Severus when several scrolls were crushed under his lover's elbow.
"Why? It's not like you grade them fairly," replied Harry in a perfect imitation of a heated argument they'd had back when Harry was still a student. Severus smirked and then turned him over swiftly. The satisfying crack of his hand across Harry's backside left a bright red mark. Harry shuddered, stifling a moan when he heard Severus speak close to his ear.
"Fifty points from Gryffindor," he purred and immediately buried himself fully into his impetuous young lover. Leaving no time for either of them to adjust, he pulled nearly completely out and plunged back in again, his grip so tight he was sure to leave bruises on Harry's hips to match the hand-shaped mark on his arse.
Harry held the edge of the desk, his cock almost painfully crushed beneath him. Severus pounded into him mercilessly and repeatedly hit just the right spot until Harry thought he'd see stars. "Fuck!" he shouted when Severus' teeth latched onto his skin where his neck met his shoulder. The heat of his lover covering him completely, grinding him further into the desk, combined with the mark he was sure he felt on his neck, sent Harry over the edge with another shout.
Feeling Harry clutch his muscles around his sex, Severus continued to fuck him in earnest. He appraised the bruise he'd made, which had efficiently covered the red marks he'd found on Harry's neck earlier. Satisfied with his efforts, Severus thrust in hard thrice more before finding his own release with a possessive growl.
No longer able to stand, Severus summoned the desk chair closer and proceeded to slouch into it. He smirked, noting the perfect view he now had of Harry's bum. The spent wizard hung limply off the desk, his breath still coming in short gasps. Unable to resist, Severus rubbed his hand over the now fading red hand mark where he'd slapped him earlier.
Harry moaned and then hissed when he felt the hand leave his heated skin only to be replaced with a hot tongue. The sensation of hard edges of the desk digging into his skin was quickly forgotten when small kisses were placed on his sensitive backside. He vaguely wondered if the skillful tongue would work its way over to his hole. He'd always thought rimming after sex wasn't that much of a turn on, but was rapidly reconsidering his opinion.
With a whimper, Harry allowed himself to be turned over, pushing the remaining scrolls off the desk. His arms splayed out, unmoving while his legs were maneuvered, his feet placed on the chair arms for balance. Severus bent fully over his body, resting his head on Harry's chest a moment before distracting him by teasing the hardened nubs there. He proceeded to lick clean all remnants of Harry's orgasm.
The younger wizard didn't think he had anything left in him, but his stirring cock debated otherwise. Severus cast a lubricating charm, coating both his cock and hands. He slid easily back into him, while leisurely coaxing Harry's cock to full hardness again.
A happy groan and Severus was sure he'd hit the spot, which he repeated, making Harry buck his hips. He stroked his lover with talented hands and gently gave the balls a squeeze. The rhythm of stroking hands and cock was perfectly in time; an ability that Harry envied and hoped he too would one day master.
With arms and legs once again wrapped tightly around Severus, Harry rode out the waves of pleasure sent into him. His breath hitched when the taller wizard tilted his hips in an effort to aim again for Harry's prostate. He cried out, bucking his hips nearly off the desk, needing the pace to pick up. He couldn't understand how Severus managed to keep a leisurely pace when he wanted so badly to come again. Though, he had to admit enjoying the nibbling on his neck, mixed in with words spoken in a tone that of itself could send him over the edge.
Severus reached under Harry, lifting him completely off the desk, picking up the pace a bit. All throughout, Harry had tilted his head, allowing access for Severus to feast on his neck and nibble on his earlobes. He shivered with an intake of breath when he felt a tongue suddenly probe in his ear. Arms and legs tightened as he convulsed, letting out a whimper. Coming down from his second orgasm of the evening Harry blissfully held onto Severus, who began to kiss him soundly. Harry held him tight, returning the kiss.
Remembering the creases left on Harry by the edge of the desk, Severus decided not to put him back down on the hard surface. He simply held firmly, turned and walked back to his bedroom with Harry wrapped about him. His young lover hummed happily, nibbling on his neck. He so enjoyed being carried.
Severus gently placed him on the bed, all the time still inside of Harry. It was only then that Harry realized Severus hadn't yet come a second time. In slow, even strokes, Severus slid into him as they continued to share a passionate kiss. Harry was truly lost in that kiss, which was broken only when Severus finally found his orgasm, pressing his face into Harry's neck, taking in his scent as he bucked his hips until every drop of his seed had spilt.
"God I love you," the words breathed just behind his ear, causing Harry to shiver, pulling Severus impossibly closer, not trusting his voice to say the words back.
Feeling the shudder and the moisture pressed against his cheeks, Severus didn't need to hear the words.
DETAH 75 - A Night Out
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Harry looked into the mirror and grimaced. Albus, Severus and himself were all working together to perfect the appropriate Glamoure for him. Severus had insisted he could manage it, but Albus had been persistent and there was no point in arguing with the elder wizard.
"Mousy brown?" griped Harry, looking at his hair with disgust. He'd been shocked when they used a muggle hair colour, explaining that if somehow the Glamoure were removed, his hair wouldn't change, giving them a slight advantage. "Can we at least tame it a bit, like I did for the ball? Longer maybe?"
"The point is for you to blend in, not stand out," Severus pointed out, and then cast a spell making Harry's cheeks appear fuller. He ran a finger across Harry's face where the line of his cheekbone no longer protruded. Harry wanted to comment about starting to look like Neville, but didn't think that would be a good idea.
"I've got blue contacts," Harry held up a small case. "What are you going to do to my body?" he noticed all the changes had been from the neck up thus far.
"Not a thing," replied Albus while tapping his wand on the contact lens case. "Despite the fact that it's been a while, the public is still getting used to you looking so healthy. Not very many people realized how nicely you've filled out. What is the word the kids use... buff!"
Harry cringed and rolled his eyes in an over-exaggerated fashion, making Albus smile even more. "You're not a kid," Harry deadpanned, making Severus smirk. He had to admit, even some of his friends were still surprised to see how fit he'd gotten since leaving school. "What did you do?" he asked and then opened the case to get his answer. His nice blue contacts were now brown. "Are you going to cast a Concealer, to mask the Glamoure?" he knew that some witches and wizards sense Glamoure, even if they can't tell what's been changed or covered. He thought he heard Severus say not yet.'
"Sometimes it's best to hide in plain sight," Albus said simply. "You may be blessed with good skin, but many wizards your age have blemishes to worry about," he smiled again and held out the candy bowl.
"Thanks, but I think I need something stronger," replied Harry, turning down the lemon drops. Severus was about to comment on the hour, as it was too early to be drinking, but then saw the younger wizard pull a chocolate frog from his pocket. Harry simply snickered at his lover, who was obviously holding back a remark with a bite on his tongue.
Severus watched Harry lick his fingers just before Albus offered him a napkin in lieu of comment regarding manners. Harry tried to look chided, but didn't much. He noticed Harry was still in the habit of brushing his hair back behind his right ear, even though he no longer needed to check to confirm if his old scars was concealed.
"I suggest giving Harry something to cover up, should someone attempt to see what my apprentice is hiding with Glamoure. Albus, you could ensure no one could either notice or remove it."
"Don't even think of giving me spots now, too," complained Harry, thinking of the one he just got rid of a day or so ago.
Severus reviewed their agenda, discussing various potions he wanted to observe and some he wished to brew. Potions Masters could enter a contest where each brewer was given the same ingredients and supplies. First prize would go to the brewer with the most varied and uncommon or original potions. Severus explained the appeal of the contest was that it posed an opportunity to work with rare or controlled ingredients. Harry noted that Severus didn't scoff at the gold cauldron for first prize, like he had the other trophies mentioned.
They reviewed various procedures, getting Harry better acquainted to apprenticeship. Severus explained that it wasn't uncommon for Masters to have apprentices making the base for potions, so it wouldn't be conspicuous if Harry quietly worked on his own potion. It was a good opportunity to brew the pain potions he might need if Voldemort were in a nasty mood.
"This will be a good time for you to be conscious of your magic and keep it reined in. Remember when I told you about Potions Masters commonly having little power?" asked Severus.
"Yeah, you said that weak wizards tend to gravitate toward occupations that don't rely heavily on magic. Do you rein it in', so to speak?"
"Yes. If you can do it easily without magic, then do so. It is always better to be underestimated, amongst other things," he would explain the 'other' things as they came up. He was pleased to see how eager Harry was to see and take part in this aspect of his life.
"Back again?" Severus was surprised to see Harry entering his lab for the third time that week.
"Yeah. Well, you did say I needed to brush up," Harry smiled and checked the cauldrons to see if he could figure out what was brewing. "Is that a swelling solution?" he asked, having identified at least two ingredients.
"Not even close," said Severus dryly. "I assume Albus told you it was safe to come in." He'd been surprised to see Harry making an effort, but still wouldn't pay him a compliment without a silencing charm on the room.
"I put up a silencing charm," commented Harry, recognizing Severus' demeanor for what it was, and then tucked his Invisibility cloak into a large pocket inside his robe.
"And your point?" Severus teased. "I have a few students coming for detention soon," he transfigured Harry's robe into school robes, placing a Notice Me Not' on the House colors, keeping Harry unobtrusive. "This would be a good time to practice the Glamoure." He was pleased to see it only took Harry a few tries to get the whole look changed all at once. The younger wizard could easily do each charm separately, but in a pinch, Harry needed to be able to place the Glamoure in one cast. "I suggest removing the wards before my students think I stood them up."
"That would break their hearts, I'm sure," Harry rolled his eyes with a laugh. "You're not still sore because you couldn't get into your office from the classroom, are you?" Harry feigned innocence. When last they fooled around, he'd put up wards in the heat of the moment, but hadn't thought to take them down. Albus had to come down the next day to let Severus into his own office. He definitely needed to learn to moderate his power; he tended to overdo the quickly placed spells.
"I assure you that I hold no grudge for your cautiousness," Severus turned up his palms. "I am, however, still perturbed about my wardrobe," he glared at Harry, making the young wizard laugh.
"What? How was I supposed to know that when I spelled your clothes away, they all went away?" he tried to look contrite, but still shook from laughter. Severus had realized that when Harry disrobed them, their clothes were nowhere to be seen. While he wasn't too upset about losing one outfit, Severus was none too happy to later find every single scrap of clothing he owned to have vanished. "I got them back," Harry whined in his own defense.
"Yes, you got them back," Severus said in a dangerous tone, coming very close; his onyx eyes meeting green. The clothes had returned when Harry tried Finite Incantatum, but they all landed in a heap, strewn all about the room. "You even found a little something for yourself in the process," he accentuated his words with his hand, smoothing provocatively over Harry's backside.
"I had no idea you owned a leather thong," smirked Harry. "Why didn't you ever wear it for me?" he asked, though he had his suspicions. Severus had looked rather shocked to see the item. He obviously hadn't realized it was among his other things. It had sparked something in Harry; he was curious to see if his hunch was right, and whether or not Sev would admit it.
"It doesn't fit," Severus answered simply.
"No." It wasn't a question. Harry was grateful his own cock was not as underdeveloped as the rest of him had been, but Severus was larger, and Harry was sure the thong never would have fit. It was tight even on him. Proving his point, Harry lifted his robes to show how hot he looked in the leather item. "I'm guessing," he began in a seductive tone, squeezing his member through the leather. "That this never fit you," Harry licked his lips. Severus had kept his eyes on Harry's hands until the last word.
He took his eyes off Harry for only a moment - to check the time. He only had ten minutes before students would arrive for detention. He hadn't told Harry the thong didn't belong to him, but had the feeling his lover had figured that out.
"Again, I'm just guessing..." Harry's breath caught, having squeezed himself hard, "that time you fucked me against the wall," he glanced at said wall, "you put my black bikinis into your pocket and forgot about them. I'm betting that wasn't the first time something like that had happened." He was right.
"You'd win that bet," admitted Severus. He stepped closer, examining the thong and how deliciously tight it was on Harry. "Does it bother you?" he asked, though Harry's erection was a clue the young man wasn't too upset to find something belonging to an ex-lover.
"You didn't get too upset about Charlie's tee-shirt," Harry knew this didn't compare, but didn't know what else to say. He got jealous at times, but then it did excite him to know that Severus chose to be with him exclusively, when he could have been fucking any number of other men. "At least I know I'm better endowed," Harry squeezed his cock again and caught his breath when Severus got close enough to breathe warm air against his sensitive skin.
Severus had begun to peel back the tight thong, enjoying the shivers he caused with each exhalation. "True, you have a great cock," his words practically spoken into the dark patch of hair, his nose nuzzling said cock as he pulled the leather away agonizingly slowly. He'd been tempted to say that it had been irrelevant, since he was the one buggering the original owner of the thong, but wasn't sure what would cross the line past playful banter. He pressed Harry back until he was braced against the worktable.
Harry closed his eyes in bliss when his lover fully engulfed his cock. ~ Yes ~ he hissed, causing Severus to moan around his cock. ~ Fuck ~ he hissed again with a shudder as the vibration of the moan increased his pleasure. It was a satisfying cycle, but only for too few minutes. They both would've taken their pleasure for quite some time, but time was in short supply. Harry wasn't sure what his lover had in mind when he felt a wand-tip press against his entrance, teasing him. It was however, perfectly clear when said wand tip slid between his legs and gently pressed against his sac. With a shout, Harry came forcibly. Had he not had his hands clenched onto Severus' shoulders, he'd've toppled over from the overwhelming sensation.
When his knees gave way, Severus allowed him to slide down to where he'd been kneeling. Harry slumped against his chest, his heart racing. "Oh, sweet Merlin," gasped Harry. "That isn't the same spell you used to make me come that other time. That one just sort of made you spill it out, but this..." he trailed off, still trying to come down from such a powerful climax.
"... was not as simple," Severus finished for him, not going into the details of the spell used. His smirk abruptly ended when he heard the sound of a roaring fire come to life in his office. "Damn." He helped Harry up off the floor, his robes falling neatly into place as if they hadn't been bunched up around his waist a moment before. The fire hadn't been lit, but Albus had ways of changing that when it served his purpose.
The Headmaster entered the room in time to see Harry emerging from behind the workstation. "Severus?" the elder wizard looked to his Potions Master, wanting to know why Dark magic had been used in the castle.
"Albus, is something wrong?" asked Harry. It had been quite some time since his guardian had gained access into a room, his expression looking ready for whatever challenge awaited him.
"Is there?" Albus answered the question with a question, directed at Severus, who was looking like he wanted to leap into his oversized cauldron and drown himself... or perhaps just hide.
"No," replied Severus promptly, his face impassive, though Harry thought he sounded like a reprimanded child. He suddenly had a vision of Albus holding a ball, looking out a broken window at a young boy who was holding a bat.
"What time are you expecting the students who will be serving detention, Severus?" asked Albus, his tone ominous, as a knock on the door answered his question. "Perhaps it would be best if your," he paused to clear his throat, " lessons with Harry didn't coincide with detentions. Hmm?"
Harry found this to be a true test, to hold his own impassive face as he nearly busted a gut to keep from laughing. The thought of chanting Oo-oooo, you're in troouu-ble', would have been tempting if Albus hadn't looked so serious. That, and he wasn't sure what was going on, just that Albus was reprimanding Severus for only Merlin knew what.
Before Harry could think further on it, and before Severus could respond, the Headmaster had waved his hand, unlocking the classroom door, allowing in the few unfortunate students serving detention. Harry clearly wanted to know what was going on, but only received a mouthed later' in reply. He'd have to wait; he certainly wasn't going to ask Albus what he was so miffed about.
At a workstation near the front of the room, Harry busied himself with the preparation of several ingredients while Severus set his students to task scrubbing cauldrons. When he did return, Severus explained various cutting techniques and their scientific names, which were more commonly used amongst Potions Masters and apprentices, compared to the simplistic terms used in student textbooks.
"I could get good at this and then you could be my Master for real," Harry said, only slightly teasing. Severus allowed a smirk to grace his face for a half a second. Harry could remember how Sev and Gwen worked together and how amazing it was to watch them work and communicate effortlessly. "Or perhaps not," he added with a grin.
"You've learned far more then I ever expected you to learn this week, and yet you're still not likely to pass for even a mediocre beginning apprentice," Severus adjusted Harry's knife to slightly change the angle.
"Then how are we going to pull this off," he was careful to keep his voice low, but then recalled how it was hard to hear much while your head was in a cauldron, from when he'd served detention in the past. The students wouldn't overhear them.
"There will be very little for you to do in front of the masses. You know enough to be passable, if we're careful. For the most part, we will be in a relatively private area, sharing a lab with only one other Potions Master and possibly his apprentice. It is then that your abilities, or shall I say lack of ability, will be abundantly clear." He smirked again. "We will work professionally and put up a good front, but rest assured, he'll know you're not apprentice material, but will also recognize that you are extremely fuckable," Severus found Harry's incredulous stare to be amusing. "The sooner he figures it out, the better," added Severus.
"Why? And how do you know it'll be a he?" Harry tried not to get frustrated as his Master' adjusted his blade once again.
"Ninety-eight percent of Potions Masters are men. As for the why, it's commonplace to make use of each other's apprentice in such a setting. If you're standing idle, and he needs something, he'll ask. Truth his, once he realizes you're not a true apprentice, you'll probably be asked to do more. I hope you don't mind being a gofer'," this time Severus didn't smirk. He wanted Harry to enjoy their time together, not regret being put to work.
"I'd rather fetch water than try faking this for too long," admitted Harry, putting down the blade.
"Ow! You idiot!" They both turned to the back of the room where one student had dropped a soapy cauldron on the other's foot.
"Fools!" shouted Severus. This time Harry did laugh, but kept his back to the students. "You," Snape pointed to the third student who'd stayed out of the way when the injured Slytherin had retaliated in kind, dropping a second cauldron. "Take them both to see Madam Pomfrey. You can all repeat your detentions tomorrow with Mr. Filch." Severus scowled at their retreating backs, ignoring the protest of the student who didn't actually do anything wrong. As soon as the door closed, Severus locked and warded it with a flick and swish of his wand.
"Care to tell me what got Albus' knickers in a twist?" asked Harry casually. While they had an audience of sorts, he'd busied his mind, concentrating on his preparations, but now he wanted to know. It wasn't often he saw Albus show such anger, at least not in front of Harry.
"Ever since the year Barty Couch took on Mad Eye's position as Defense professor, Albus has placed wards that would indicate if dark magic was done within the castle walls or on the grounds," Severus sat down at his desk with a sigh. "Some spells are darker than others, and some only border in the grey area, and may or may not alert the Headmaster. The spell I used on you apparently wasn't grey enough to go undetected," he paused, letting that sink in.
"What about intent? Doesn't that come into play?" asked Harry, trying to figure out why the spell would be considered dark.
"Not always. I could Wingardium Leviosa you right off the highest tower and it would still be a light spell. However, Imperious is an Unforgivable even if I were to use it to keep you from jumping off that very same tower. The laws don't consider intent in regards to some spells."
"And the spell you used on me?" asked Harry, encouraging him to explain further. "I know it's not considered good form to openly admit to knowing some spells, but how is that one dark?"
"That particular charm is an accelerator, more commonly used by assassins in a hurry. I could have had my hand around your throat, pressed my wand at your lungs and suffocated you in less than four seconds," he watched Harry's eyes widen. "Taking off your clothes with a spell at the Healers' labeled you as promiscuous. Even in a sex club, the spell I used on you today would label me as a killer."
Harry picked his chin up off the floor before replying. "Does he know what spell was used?" he asked. Severus shook his head no'. "So he only knows you did something dark."
"That, and he saw you climbing up off the floor. Albus is not happy." Even in the mood he was in, Severus enjoyed seeing Harry blush.
"There is so much I don't know," whispered Harry, more to himself than Severus. "Does it bother you that I'm so clueless?"
"You are not clueless," said Severus adamantly.
"But there's just tons of information that you know that I don't. I'm afraid that one day you're just going to get tired of teaching me all the time, and want someone more on your level," he couldn't believe he'd said that out loud.
"Don't be ridiculous," Severus had come around the desk and straddled the bench the way Harry did. "I know things most wizards shouldn't," he pulled his lover closer, until his knees surrounded Harry's. "I assure you, our relationship has been a learning experience for me, too,"
"Oh? What have you learned?" asked Harry, licking his lips. "You mean, like how much fun it is to have sex in your classroom?"
"Brat. Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of how difficult it is to find a Christmas gift for you."
"You, too? I've been going out of my mind," blurted Harry. "It used to be that I couldn't wait for my vaults to be available for me, but that didn't help as much as I thought it would. If I see something that I think is perfect for someone and it's inexpensive, then I look cheap, and if I spend too much, it makes people uncomfortable. And that's with friends; I've never bought a gift for a lover before." When he finished, Severus wondered if he'd taken a breath during the rant and chuckled at his young partner.
"We'll figure it out, I'm sure," said Severus with a kiss to his nose. Harry tilted his head for another kiss, closing his eyes when he felt their lips meet. He whimpered when Severus sucked on is bottom lip before claiming his mouth, but was sadly disappointed when said mouth pulled away.
"Sev?" he then realized Sev was listening for something. A knock on the door, and Harry realized he'd had heard someone approach.
"Put on your cloak," was all Severus said. He waved off the wards and was sitting back at his desk in a flash. "Enter," his tone was not inviting; he appeared to be concentrating on a scroll unrolled across his desk.
"Sir?" spoke a small voice. Harry recognized her, a Slytherin who used to follow Malfoy and his friends around.
"Yes, Miss Carrows?" he saw her glance around for other students before speaking. It was clear to him the girl was upset, but gave her credit for maintaining as much composure as she managed.
"Professor. Sir. I was wondering if it wasn't too late to put my name on the list to stay here at school over the holiday," the practiced words were clear and precise, but small fingers twisting her scarf gave away her anxiety. She glanced over to Harry's workstation, no doubt wondering, knowing her friend was in detention, but didn't seem to be in the room.
"There is no cut-off date, so far as I am aware," he saw her sigh in relief. "Miss Carrows, as I announced last week, I will not be on the grounds during the holiday. Any problems should be directed to the Deputy Headmistress, if not the Headmaster himself," she nodded before he continued. "Professor McGonagall is a strict old bird, but you'll find she is not that difficult to talk to, should the need arise," he knew it was sometimes easier for the female students to speak to a woman, not to mention someone they were sure wasn't a Death Eater. She nodded in understanding and thanked him again before darting from the room in relief.
"I'm getting the impression Slytherins have a lot more issues then Gryffindors." Harry didn't remember his classmates having a lot of serious troubles.
"They say bravery comes easier when one doesn't truly understand the evil they oppose. That's not to say Gryffindors are ignorant, but rather, they may not be exposed to the same difficulties as the typical Slytherin. Maybe it's not your similarities to the Dark Lord that made the Hat want to put you in Slytherin, but your experiences prior to receiving your Hogwarts letter. I'm sure most Gryffindors haven't experienced anything near the same situations, and probably couldn't show the same empathy."
"You may be right. We're a lot better looking, though," he laughed, lightening up the conversation, and laughed harder when Severus agreed.
Breaking for lunch, Harry didn't unpack sandwiches like they usually had. Instead, he'd brought a wealth of delicious hot foods. Kieran inhaled deeply, to take in the mouth-watering aromas from the lunch Harry had prepared for them.
"I asked Sev for ideas of what to get you for Christmas. He said you two don't exchange gifts, so I thought I'd make you lunch," he explained cheerfully. He was excited to be going away with Severus. They planned to leave right after his training with Kieran. He'd had a bounce in his step and a huge grin on his face all morning.
Kieran pulled a small box from his pocket and enlarged it before giving it to Harry, whose face fell immediately. "You look like somebody kicked your dog," laughed Kieran, seeing Harry's reaction to the unexpected gift. He handed Harry the package with red wrapping, bow and all. "It's from Frances, but she told me to tell you it's from both of us," he explained with an eye roll.
"Tell her I said thanks!" Harry tore open the paper to find a wax seal set. He held up the silver seal, looking at his initials. "I always meant to get one of these, but never did," he commented, looking over the various colors of wax.
"Frances said you didn't use a seal on the letter you sent to Wellingfield, an' hoped it wasn't cause you didn't like usin' em," Kieran commented, more than happy as he dove into the small feast while Harry checked out the set. After making a seal on his drink bottle, inadvertently dripping wax on his food, Harry put it away. "There's loads of charms you can use on the wax to do different stuff. Snape prob'ly has a book on it."
Harry remembered seeing different wax seals from Frances. She had a personal one she'd used on his Christmas card, and an official Wellingfield Institution of Healing and Wellness seal on the Thank You' letter they'd sent for his generous donation.
"Yer leaving today, right?" asked Kieran between bites.
"Yes. Tonight's the big night out', supposedly," he remarked, knowing Kieran would know what he was talking about. Severus reminded him that a group of Potions Masters all went out to a good restaurant the first night, and inevitably ended up at a strip club later. Harry tried to remember all the things Severus had told him about symposiums some six months ago, when they'd talked all evening, trying to keep Severus awake after Voldemort had gifted' him with a new wound slashed over his heart.
"I wish it wasn't our first night," Harry guessed it was the only night they were all free, since once they began brewing, a lot of potions took so long to complete they went into the wee hours. "It's not that I don't like to look at women, but..." he thought it was best left unsaid. Kieran would have been more than happy to take his place, and did suggest some creative ways to tip the dancers.
Harry checked and double-checked to see that he had packed everything he needed. Severus had even sent him a suggested' list. He had so many of his own items to pack for the potions he had planned to brew that he left it to Harry to pack the more personal items. Harry had even done a test run on his temporary new look while he purchased a few items. He opened up a small bottle to smell the scented lubricant, which according to the label, was waterproof and could be used underwater. He also purchased the lubricant remover, as the advertisement swore water alone wouldn't remove it. Ever since he'd seen it, he had been thinking up things they could do in the huge bathtub pictured in the hotel brochure.
"Ready to go?" asked Severus, who had just Apparated in. "I can take us both to the Apparation entrance at the hotel," he held out his arm in invitation.
"I thought we weren't expected to be powerful enough to Apparate such a great distance?" Harry had mentally prepared himself for a miserable series of Floo networks to get to their destination.
"That would be an abysmal trip by Floo," not one Severus had any intention of taking, if he could avoid it. He resisted the urge to check if Harry had packed everything he needed. He explained that no one could tell if they were Apparating in from across the continent or across the street, so he wasn't going to submit himself to a lengthy Floo trip. "This conference takes place at a different location each year, but is put together by the same group. You'll find English is commonly spoken throughout most of the conference."
Harry understood why Severus had explained that when they arrived at the hotel and he could hear many languages being spoken. Check-in was something he'd expect at Heathrow. A hotel full of Potions Masters meant a lot of wizards with trunks full of various plants and creatures in all forms, live, dried, and possibly poisonous. If the chatter overheard in the long queue for check-in was to be believed, there had been some restricted and illegal items found at previous conferences. Harry was grateful he only had a few pain relieving potions and muscle relaxants. He was keeping his fingers crossed that Voldy would be relatively quiet for the next three days.
Harry hadn't even realized the queue had moved up again until a stern-looking wizard was speaking to him in Bulgarian. The wizard eyed him disdainfully; Harry realized he was working security staff. "Parlez-vous en franais?"
"Um... English?" Harry refused to look at his lover to see what must be a smirk. The stern-looking wizard nodded and spoke to two other men before someone finally came over, making Harry wait. Harry was sorely tempted to hiss, asking if the man could parlez-vous Parseltongue.
Severus merely shook his head, resisting a smirk accompanied with an eye roll when Harry was detained. He wasn't concerned. They'd already discussed what could and would likely happen with the extensive Glamoure Harry was using.
The accommodations Severus had booked for them were nicer than the room he usually booked for himself. He'd used Christmas as an excuse to splurge on a suite. Unlocking one of his two trunks, Severus moved his clothes into the empty wardrobe and placed his toiletries in the bathroom. The bathtub was large and he fully intended to make good use of it. Eyeing the various taps for bubbles and bath oils, Severus made note of a few he wanted to smell while rubbing them on a certain detained wizard. He'd begun warding the rooms against intruders when he realized he'd have to allow housekeeping in, and tweaked the wards accordingly. He would check on Harry before heading over to the cocktail party to see who had arrived and what group he wanted to dine with. In the next three days there were old contacts he wanted to connect with, and new ones he wished to make.
Harry stood right where he'd been for the last 15 minutes, waiting. In the haze of words in languages he didn't understand, he distinctly heard Severus' voice. He made a mental note to ask the man how many languages he spoke. Bulgarian wasn't sexy like when Sev spoke to him in French, but then he wasn't trying to sound sexy while inquiring why his apprentice had been held up for so long.
"Fawkes," called Severus, getting Harry's attention, stepping past the wizard he'd been harassing on Harry's behalf. Standing close to Harry, he reassured, "When you're finished here, I'll be in the lounge around the corner on the left," Severus looked up and said something else, but it was apparently for someone else's benefit, as it wasn't in English.
"~You owe me big for this~" hissed Harry in his ear, causing Severus to shiver. He was amused that Harry always managed to say something in Parseltongue when he was feeling inadequate. Before leaving, Severus told Harry it was most likely he was being made to wait as part of a mind game played by Security.
"Monsieur Fawkes?" inquired an employee.
"Anglais," interrupted another wizard.
"Ah yes, English," he began again, as if he didn't know perfectly well. "Please come with me, Mr. Fawkes," he directed Harry to a small room.
"Is there a problem?" Harry asked, keeping his expressions impassive.
"No problem, this is a routine check; random checks, as you might say," he pointed to a chair. Harry could see him holding a small card that appeared to have the hotel registration information for a Mr. H P Fawkes.
He took the offered chair and waited. He was tempted to say that since he was selected randomly, it couldn't have anything to do with the fact that he wore a Glamoure. Harry leaned back in his chair, and glanced over to another gentleman, who had also entered the room, but had remained silent as he examined the contents of Harry's luggage.
"Do you have any illegal substances with you?"
"No."
"Do you have any live animals or plants in your bags or on your person?" he asked flatly, and Harry wondered if the man had a script.
"No."
"What kind of potions do you plan to brew this weekend, Mr. Fawkes?" the man's tone had changed, as if he were simply asking a friendly question, but he wasn't fooling anyone.
"I don't know which potions Master Snape will be brewing. I mostly prepare ingredients," Harry offered nothing more. He actually didn't remember the names of what they would be brewing.
"You are registered as an apprentice under Master Severus Snape?"
"Yes," Harry thought it was a rhetorical question, but was trying not to think about being under Severus at the moment. He made a mental note to call him Master' as much as possible.
"How long have you been an apprentice?" the man asked. Harry remembered what Severus had said about when to tell the truth and how much of it should be revealed.
"I'm not an apprentice," he saw the man waiting for him to continue, but Harry simply smiled.
"In what capacity are you attending the conference?"
Harry didn't have an answer prepared, so he winged it. "Travel companion" and boy toy. Both Harry and his interrogator looked up when the other wizard in the room said something derisive, holding up a dildo from Harry's bag.
The wizard who had been doing the questioning angrily spouted something angrily and the toy was dropped.
"We are well aware that many of those attending the conference bring along companions under the guise of apprentice. You may certainly count on our discretion. We, the hotel, simply wish to ensure the safety of our guests. Surely you understand our position," the man said silkily.
"I saw at least four obviously simpering tarts; why weren't they detained? Most of them had Glamoures a twelve year old could spot." snapped Harry angrily. He was tired of the game and wanted to join Sev.
"Since you mentioned Glamoure," surprisingly it was the other wizard who spoke, and who miraculously could now speak English. "For the trained senses, cosmetic spells are different from charms to alter one's appearance completely. What kind of Security would we have here, if we didn't know the difference?"
Harry huffed irritably. "Just cast the damned Revealer and let me get out of here," he insisted. He didn't want to play the game, and knew it would go on until they had a sufficient answer. He may have been teasing before, but Severus owed him big.
After some debate, they decided which wizard would perform the spell. Albus had fine-tuned the Glamoures so that when the Revealer charm was cast by the average wizard, what they had predetermined would be revealed, but the changes of the underlying, advanced Glamoure would remain undetected. Harry waited for their reactions, keeping his face as impassive as possible.
To his credit, the wizard who'd asked most of the questions held his reaction to a muted gasp; it was the obnoxious one of the two who sputtered expletives, reverting back to Bulgarian when he saw the hideous scar marring Harry's face and neck. It was similar to the scar he'd once had, only wider and extended across his cheek, explaining his use of Glamoure.
There was a moment of stunned silence when Harry waved his hand as if swatting a fly, canceling the Revealer. "I think we're finished here, gentlemen," Harry stood up to leave, not waiting to hear any protests; none were coming. Clearly, they'd simply expected Harry to look like someone less pretty' when the Glamoure was removed. Whether it was due to embarrassment or their reaction to the bit of wandless magic, Harry was suddenly treated like a visiting diplomat. He'd been offered a free upgrade to a better room for his inconvenience, but to the men's discomfiture, Harry was already in the hotel's best room.
"If you'd like to join in the festivities, we'd be happy to have your bags sent up to your room," their apologetic expression was grating on Harry's nerves.
Once again the room was silent. Harry had drawn his wand, pausing long enough to make the wizards uncomfortable, before placing a ward on his bags. "Yes, I'll do that," he said and left. Harry could have easily located the lounge, but soon found himself escorted by a pleasant witch from the front desk.
Severus, drink in hand, had been politely listening to a fellow Potions Master when his new apprentice arrived with a beautiful witch on his arm. Harry leaned in to say something to her and they both laughed like old friends. It never ceased to amaze Severus how Harry always seemed to have this innate ability to either charm or provoke everyone he met. There was seldom a happy medium with his lover.
"Good of you to join us, Fawkes. Lose your way?" remarked Severus, his tone more teasing than sarcastic.
"I'd have gotten lost too, if I thought I'd get assistance from one so lovely," leered a stout wizard who was even shorter than Harry. The girl smiled sweetly at his comment, though Severus could see it had been forced through gritted teeth.
"Thank you, Victoria," Harry bowed politely, bringing out her true smile.
She left with a Have a nice stay, Mr. Fawkes' and Severus minutely shook his head. Leave it to Harry to make an entrance. So much for trying not to stand out, he thought.
"Master," Harry lowered his eyes and Severus almost groaned. Visions of Harry in a collar kneeling by his side were causing his cock to stir.
"Gentlemen, this is my apprentice, H J Fawkes. Fawkes, this is..." Severus continued to introduce the several wizards standing in the group, and Harry hoped he wouldn't be expected to remember all their names. One of them commented on Harry not wasting any time in getting to know the ladies.
Harry watched as Severus' eye spotted a wizard who had just come into the lounge. The man had a confidant air about him. On entering, he had casually scanned the room before noting the group Harry and Severus were in, and then moved in their direction.
"Dobbs, I wondered when you'd show up," called out one of the wizards.
"Always good to see you gentlemen," he replied, and Harry tried to remember why his name sounded so familiar. "Some new faces, I see?" he said while eyeing Harry and another wizard who looked to be around twenty-five years old. One of the other wizards made introductions this time around.
"You remember John Richardson, he apprenticed under Clearwater a few years back. And Fawkes here is Snape's apprentice. We'll most likely see a winning ribbon on Manfred Dobbs' lapel by the end of the weekend," he said, most of them nodding along in agreement.
Dobbs apologized to Richardson for not recognizing him, and then turned to Severus. "Snape, I didn't think you took on apprentices. Fawkes, is it?" he held out a hand, which Harry shook firmly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I found your latest work with belladonna to be fascinating," Harry said smoothly and wished he could turn back to see if Severus looked as shocked as he expected him to be. The wizard appeared rather pleased that Harry recognized his work. Harry, for his part, wasn't sure if he should later admit to Severus that he read his potions journal when he couldn't get back to sleep after a nightmare. That small bit about Dobbs was all he could remember. He'd found the article so incredibly boring, he'd fallen back to sleep after reading only a few paragraphs.
Entering their rooms for the first time, Harry's eyes widened at the lavish decor and the biggest bed he'd ever seen. "Oh, I have great plans for that bathtub," he sang after having checked out the bathroom. Severus said something about plans of his own, but Harry hadn't heard him, having spotted a large fruit basket. "Wow. Do they always have these in the rooms?" he asked, admiring the way the fruit was arranged to make an interesting design. He could feel the cool air surrounding the basket and cast a spell to check it, revealing only the typical food preservation spells. Severus' lips curled when he saw Harry cast the same spells he'd done on the basket a moment ago while Harry had looked around the room.
Not having stayed in such luxurious rooms before, Severus didn't know if it was common to have such amenities. The attached card answered their questions. "Dare I ask why they've sent you a fruit basket?" The room was registered under Snape, but it was Harry's name on the card.
"They annoyed me," he said simply, and made a mental note to disinfect everything in his bags. He was looking forward to going out to dinner with Severus. Granted, it was with a group of Potions Masters, but still they would be in a nice restaurant and he was grateful he wouldn't be ruining a fine meal with a Polyjuice aftertaste. Having pulled off his wizarding robes, Harry was deliberating over which slacks to wear to dinner when he was ambushed.
With a grunt, Harry landed on the bed, the heavy weight of a fully clothed Severus pressed against his bare skin. Nearly bare - he'd been sporting a rather small red bikini under his robe. Sev's abrasive fabric scratched his smooth skin in a delicious sort of way. "Do you suppose you could try to blend in, or should I expect any more grand entrances?" asked Severus, who then shifted his weight, causing Harry to hiss, though in pain or pleasure he wasn't sure.
"Nothing happened that you didn't predict," Harry said, tilting his head to allow the access Sev needed to attack his neck. "I can't help it if they were so embarrassed by my deformity' that they bent over backwards to make it up to me. Could you imagine what they'd be like if they knew who I really am?" he shuddered at the thought.
"Merlin help us, if they did," agreed Severus. He lazily ran a finger down Harry's nose and across his cheek. "Just what did you and Albus..." he trailed off, passing his wand over Harry's face to reveal what the guards had seen. "I fail to see what the fuss is all about," he remarked blandly, allowing the Glamoure to once again cover the conjured scar. Harry could tell he was doing a lot of thinking. Severus deeply regretted his initial reaction to the scar Harry used to bear. He looked forward to seeing Harry's true face again later, when they returned after the night out.
"Reservations for 7:00?" asked one wizard to confirm dinner plans. "Snape?" The wizard looked up to see if Severus was also leaving.
"We'll be along," Severus replied, indicating they would not be Apparating. Harry was trying to figure out if the man's hair was fake when he vanished, having Apparated to his next destination. He thought he heard Severus mutter something under his breath.
"Is the restaurant too far for us to Apparate?" asked Harry, feigning innocence. Severus didn't answer, but a man who was cued up for the Floo turned to Severus with a grateful smile. He was the only one in their group who hadn't left yet.
"Finally took on an apprentice, Snape?" asked the friendly wizard, with a polite nod to Harry. "I expect great things from you, considering how many years it took for this man to take someone on," he gestured to Severus.
He'll never be just Harry,' Severus thought to himself, but didn't say a word.
"I'm afraid you'd be disappointed," Harry began with a weak smile as he recalled Ollivander saying the very same thing about expecting greatness. "I'm pretty sure it was my expertise in cauldron scrubbing that earned me the position." Harry watched the man Floo out while still laughing at his comment, and hoped the wizard would arrive at the correct place.
Harry stepped out of the Floo with more grace then he usually managed, but still not as smooth as Severus. He was grateful the wizards they traveled with were appropriately dressed as muggles with no signs of Mexican ponchos or men in ladies' housecoats. The restaurant had an entrance area for wizards, but once outside that welcoming room, the customers were a mix of muggles and magical folk. "The owners' daughter is a witch," explained Severus.
During the meal Harry remained quiet, content to listen and pick up what he could use in conversation over the next few days. He also enjoyed hearing Severus debate the use of various spices in the meal they were eating. He and the Dobbs fellow rambled on at length about a restaurant they'd eaten at years ago and couldn't recreate some of their favorite entrees. Apparently the chef was not one to divulge his secrets, and it had been a long-standing challenge for the two of them to decipher the unknown ingredients.
Harry noticed the Richardson guy seem to be trying to join in their conversation, but couldn't manage right away. His attempts appeared to amuse the two older wizards. When he did finally get his chance, Richardson took the opportunity to ask Dobbs about a potion of some sort. Dobbs politely answered a few questions, but Harry didn't think the man wanted to play mentor while enjoying a nice dinner with colleagues.
When Severus' attention was elsewhere, Dobbs turned to speak to Harry. Harry, for his part, was basically relaxed, but he didn't want to disappoint Sev by saying something stupid.
"There's a question you want to ask." It wasn't a question. Dobbs didn't seem annoyed, but Harry didn't want him to think he would bother him like Richardson had. He looked to Severus and back, not wanting his question to be overheard. Dobbs, for his part, seemed to want to get it over and done with, as if he'd answered the other wizard's questions and would get Harry out of the way so he could enjoy the rest of his evening. To his surprise, unlike the typical enthusiastic apprentice, Harry didn't want to pick his brain about potions.
"Could you tell me the name of the restaurant you and, um, Master Snape were talking about?" Harry had fumbled the name, but Dobbs didn't seem to notice or care. He was pleasantly surprised with the question and was happy to fill Harry in on the details of one of Sev's favorite dining spots. Harry didn't know for sure what to do with the information, but thought it might help him come up with a good Christmas gift idea. Harry thought he could hear Hermione's voice in his head, berating him for waiting until the last minute. He ignored the voice in his head the same as he ignored the incredulous stare in his direction from Richardson, who apparently thought Harry to be insane for wasting an opportunity to speak with one of the great Potions Masters by asking about something as inane as food.
The after-dinner drinks seemed to blur past as Harry tried something new that burned his throat on the way down. Before long, the group was once again on the move, this time in search of the evening's entertainment. By then, Harry was glad to get out of the restaurant. A few of the Potions Masters had been obnoxiously trying to one-up each other, singing their own praises. He'd been tempted to tell them to just compare cauldron sizes, declare a winner, and be done with it already. It didn't matter that his friends did the same thing when defending their favorite quidditch teams.
Seated a small distance from the stage, they were close enough to the action without actually sitting right up at the edge of it. A scantily clad waitress took their drink orders. Severus tilted his head to bring Harry's attention to where one of the men was speaking softly enough to cause the waitress to lean in close to hear his order, while he enjoyed the view of her breast.
"I'm at a strip club with a bunch of dirty old men from a potions convention. Just kill me now," whispered Harry into Sev's ear, making him laugh heartily. "You still owe me for leaving me to defend myself during the Inquisition," hissed Harry teasingly. Severus simply gave him an evil grin and was saved from comment when the show started.
Chapter End Notes
More to come...
3000 words already written, but this was a better place to end off.
DETAH 76 - Innocent Undoings
Severus had the bath water running before Harry even set up the wards and silencing charms. He could just faintly hear his young lover ranting and raving above the sound of flowing water. He added bath oils, creating a tantalizing scented mixture and lit a few candles around the bath.
"I can't believe you bought me a lap dance!" shouted Harry from the other room as he pulled off his shoes. "Oh, wait I almost forgot, it was technically Kieran who put you up to it. You simply held the money over my head so Juliet Jugs would climb all over me... like Ron on chicken! Evil git," he added for good measure. Harry opened his bags, which he'd yet to unpack, and pulled out the goodies he'd purchased for the occasion. He mumbled to himself about Severus ensuring he'd have a hard-on when Juliet Jugs was finished. "See how much you like the Magic Fingers charm while you're brewing a rare potion in front of an audience," he continued to rant lightheartedly, though Severus had yet to say a single word as he continued to prepare the bath.
The rant ended abruptly when Harry crossed the rooms to enter bathroom. Severus was seated on the edge of the tub with his long legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles. He held a glass of wine in one hand while the other trailed lazily over the surface of the water. The candlelight illuminated the room, softening his features. "You were saying?" asked Severus innocuously.
Harry surveyed Severus' naked form with a hunger in his eyes. Though the tall wizard was relaxed, his chest and arm muscles rippled. He briefly wondered if Sev and Kieran worked out together when they weren't training someone. Ignoring the other wine glass on the porcelain ledge, Harry took the glass from Severus' hand and drank from it. The second sip was more of a gulp, the glass tipped too far, allowing for a small stream of wine to dribble down Harry's neck and chest.
Severus had kept his eyes locked on Harry's, noting the total lack of reaction in his lover's expression when the rest of his clothes were magically removed. He was torn between being impressed by Harry keeping his cool so well and missing the shocked look he used to always have when Severus divested him of his clothes in such a fashion. He watched the red trail of wine as it followed the path of least resistance for just a bit longer before pulling Harry closer.
Straddling Sev's legs, which were still stretched out, Harry groaned when he was pulled close enough so the sparse chest hairs tickled his half-hard cock. Severus proceeded to slide his tongue over the moist streaks of red, pulling Harry down while working his way up to the hollow at the base of Harry's neck, feeling the Adam's apple bob beneath his tongue. In a state of bliss, Harry's head lulled to the side while Severus feasted on his neck, causing shivers to travel right down his spine, his now fully hard cock pressed against Sev's abdomen.
Harry's eyes opened when Severus made a sound that Harry could only place as amusement. He backed away enough to see Sev's face. "Something funny?" he deliberately pressed his cock harder against his lover. Severus brushed something off his face, and he could see a few sparkles landing between them. Harry groaned, remembering the sparkles that had been liberally decorating Juliet Jugs' more than ample breasts. It was no wonder his face had ended up sprinkled. He had to remember to thank Kieran with a well-aimed hex. "You don't seem too miffed. You've always been very possessive of me. I thought the marks you last left on my neck would stay for a month," Harry smirked. He had to crack a smile when Sev's expression changed ever so slightly.
"You've yet to explain whom it was left marks there in the first place," Severus' tone was serious, but his prick pressing back was telling otherwise. He hadn't been too happy to see bite marks on his lover's neck and had been more than happy to add his own, definitively claiming Harry. "Hmm?" he added, waiting for an answer, and the blush on Harry's face made him all the more curious.
"That was um... Hedwig," he practically whispered her name.
"I find that hard to believe. I've seen the bite marks she's left on your ear in the past, these were bigger," Severus said, rubbing on Harry's neck, which had healed over.
"You don't have to believe it, but it's the truth," Harry replied hastily, and tried to pull Severus closer, to no avail. Thinking back, it may have been her talons that had marked his neck, not a bite. "You went to all the trouble of making it nice and romantic in here, yet you insist on embarrassing me. This is no way to get me hot and bothered for you," said Harry scornfully, though his cock hadn't softened at all.
Severus just smirked at his young lover. If it had been Hedwig, then the large marks meant that either the bird was bigger, or more likely, Harry was smaller. He had a lover to torment. "You do realize she could eat you if you took a mouse form?" he asked teasingly.
Harry wanted to say that he'd yet to try out more forms than Sev had already seen, but then it would be painfully obvious that he'd been a small black kitten at the time. The thought of being picked up and launched onto the couch by his owl was humiliating. He'd try not to annoy her too much in the future. In the present, Severus was relentless and Harry knew he would have to fess up, if only a little. "It was a learning experience. I now know that she can carry a small cat in her talons, if need be. You never know, one day I could be unconscious or something..." Harry trailed off, but Severus was smirking all the more and appeared to be doing his damnedest not to laugh at his blushing lover.
He couldn't resist the question. "What did you do to annoy her?" Severus almost regretted the question when Harry's erection faded a bit. Almost being the key word here, since it hadn't faded much. "Tell me, and I'll make it worth your while," he added suggestively. Harry seemed to be weighing his options while Severus refilled the wine glass. Harry may have been thinking it over, but his cock had already decided, firming up again.
"I may have been stalking her. You can only pounce at her around four or five times before she retaliates. Flying was kinda' fun; I'll have to try being a bird sometime," he said impassively, earning a hearty laugh. It was always worth it when Severus laughed out loud. "A bit scary, tho', rounding the corners as fast as she did," he thought back to his small flight from the bedroom to the living room sofa. It would be cool to fly around undetected. Then, as if a light suddenly went on in his head, he remembered something he'd been meaning to ask. "Can we go flying together?" he asked nonchalantly, waiting for Sev's reaction.
"Flying how? It would look rather strange if Hagrid suddenly had two flying horses," he commented, but Harry was watching him closely.
"No, I meant flying in your Animagus form. Kieran wouldn't tell me specifically what form you take, but you're a bird, right?"
"Nice try," smirked Severus. " If I were an Animagus and if Kieran knew about it, he would never say so to anyone, not even you, without checking with me first," he could see Harry was ready with a rejoinder and blocked further discussion, his tongue exploring Harry's mouth. The kiss was nice, but it was when Severus lifted him up that Harry was truly distracted from all else.
"Mmmmm," sighed Harry happily as Severus tried another of the many oils on his skin. "That's nice, but the fourth one is still my favorite," he was so relaxed it was all he could do to keep from sliding under the water. Severus had massaged every inch on his body and even some within. "Oh... keep doing that," he groaned contently. Severus' hands glided down Harry's back with slick fingers. He trailed them down Harry's lower back, continued to his legs and back up. Each return, a sinful digit slid between his thighs and into his entrance with ease, often with a particular twist and push that made him gasp from the intensity. "God," Harry's whole body was tingling. This went on for a while, though his back had been abandoned, his backside was now getting all the attention. "Gah! No, please stop," he begged. "I don't want to come yet," Harry protested, making the most delightful sounds. Severus licked his lips with a wide smile, as he enjoyed pleasuring and watching his lover wriggling.
"But I want you to come, luv," he purred into Harry's ear, his whole body now pressed against the younger wizard. A strong grip wrapped around Harry's hard shaft, giving it a pull. "This will take the edge off, so when you're deep inside of me, you'll last a good long time," Severus knew his voice was making Harry quiver. "Come for me," he purred again. Harry squeaked, gasping for breath, making Severus smile again against his back.
"More fingers," Harry pressed himself back hard against the teasing digits, but it wasn't enough. He was so close. The not-quite-enough fingers slid out, swiftly replaced by something much larger. Severus pushed himself deep into Harry, causing him to scream with an immediate release. Severus rocked his hips through Harry's orgasm, feeling the tight muscles squeezing him rhythmically.
While still rocking, Severus leisurely rubbed Harry's cock, which had not softened much. Youth,' he muttered before sinking his teeth into Harry's shoulder, drawing out a moan, and making his cock twitch. Sev licked at the pink teeth marks and continued to lick and nibble along Harry's shoulder, up to his neck. "I'm going to pull out," he warned, earning protest from Harry.
"No, just fuck me, just like that..." he moaned, "for another hour or so will be fine," teased Harry. "Nooo," he whined when Severus slid out, but then surprised him with something else. Harry's pouty expression turned curious when Severus reached for a toy he hadn't noticed earlier. Severus turned him over, held the plug up for Harry's approval and trailed it along his body before finally reaching its final destination. "I'd rather have you," he pouted again, but it lost its effect as he shivered. Severus had tapped the plug with his finger, saying an incantation, making the plug grow in size.
With long legs wrapped around him, Harry leaned back against the side of the tub while Severus opened the bottle of waterproof lubricant. He eyed the substance critically, but didn't complain as he rubbed his thumb and middle finger together, testing the viscosity. He thought it wasn't too bad for a muggle product, and brought his finger to his nose giving it a sniff.
"Do you want to take it to your lab for analysis or can we move along now?" asked Harry sarcastically, but was quickly silenced when Severus whispered an incantation causing the plug to vibrate. "Oh," his eyes now half-lidded.
"Hmm, no more complaints?"
Taking the bottle from Sev's hands, Harry liberally coated his erection with the slippery substance. He was about to prepare Severus, but realized his lover was already stretched and ready for him. Knowing Severus usually used his wand for the preparation spell, Harry was sure he'd planned for Harry to top before they'd entered the bathroom.
Enjoying the buoyancy the water offered, Harry lifted Severus onto his lap. He was strong, but he hadn't been able to hold Severus up for long periods of time during their lovemaking. This was the first time Severus bottomed from above while Harry remained in control. With his hands wrapped around firm globes, Harry held him in place for a moment as he adjusted to the dual sensations of being buried in Severus and the vibrating plug.
Thankful for the seats carved into the tub, Harry braced his feet for balance as he lifted Severus up, nearly off his cock, before pulling him down again. He treasured the feeling of being able to move him easily through the water, of making love to Severus. Shifting them slightly, Harry pulled him closer for a kiss as he continued to thrust steadily. "Harder," rasped Severus into the kiss.
"Turn over," directed Harry, so he could hold Sev by the hips, giving him better control. For one brief agonizing moment they separated, allowing for Severus to lean against the side of the tub while Harry positioned himself behind. He had to at least mentally admit how impressed he was that the lubricant actually did what it claimed to do. "What do you want?" Harry thrust in once again, albeit slowly.
"Fuck me. Hard. Now," growled Severus, squeezing his muscles tight around Harry's shaft. This had the desired result, and if it hadn't, the second whispered command causing the plug's vibrations to now pulse against Harry's sweet spot most certainly did. "Yes!" Severus grunted appreciatively. Harry held Sev up higher, adjusting his angle, hoping to hit just the right place.
"YES!"
That was the spot.
Harry had no idea how Severus managed to remain coherent enough to think of any more incantations, but Harry almost screamed when the plug in his arse seemed to have a mind of its own and began pistoning within him while still vibrating. He was getting so close to the edge. He reached around Severus to grab hold of his cock, only to be slapped away. "No. Harder." Severus demanded, knowing Harry could keep at it better if he used both hands to hold his hips. Water splashed between them and over the sides of the tub with little or no notice from the two wizards focused on ecstasy.
"Fuck!" Yelled Harry when each stoke into Sev caused the plug to slam his own prostate. "Severus! Fuck!" shouted Harry as he spilled into Sev's arse, which was also pulsing from a mind-blowing orgasm.
Severus had expected Harry to ask him to turn off the plug, but instead he silently pulled out and away from him. When he turned his already aching body, he saw his unconscious lover sinking to the bottom of the oversized tub. Pulling him back up, Severus held Harry close, waiting for his eyes to open, his lashes clumped with large droplets of water. "Wow," Harry said, or started to before Sev kissed the words from him. "Did I pass out?" asked Harry, tilting his head to the side as Severus licked up drops of water from his tasty neck. He'd heard of it before, but had thought maybe his friends were making it up.
"I will gladly continue this conversation in bed," Severus said between kisses. He was getting waterlogged. At this point Harry was examining his own fingers; the skin was pruned.
"Will you carry me to bed?" Harry wrapped his legs around Severus' middle. Severus let out a low breathy laugh.
"I couldn't guarantee I can even walk," he said with a tired smile and looked very content; well shagged indeed.
"Allow me," Harry Apparated them onto the bed. "Oops," he added, realizing they were still dripping wet. "Hmmmm, thank you," sighed Harry when Severus used a charm to dry them and heat the bed sheets. He cuddled in close, resting his head on a well-muscled shoulder, one leg draped over Sev's.
"I really like that bathtub," mused Harry. "I need to rethink my house plans to include a tub like that," he heard Severus sigh happily, as though he approved but didn't have the energy to respond.
Somewhat asleep, Severus heard thwack' as piece of fruit flew into to Harry's outstretched hand. He opened his eyes to see his lover sinking his teeth into a large red apple. Hearing a satisfied moan from Harry, Severus decided it was time to get up and shower before the sounds of apple ecstasy would force him to stay in that bed all morning and happily lick juice off Harry's chin.
"What's on the agenda for today?" asked Harry before taking another huge bite.
"Lecture at 10 on medicinal uses of some recently discovered magical plant species in Amazonia, followed by a demonstration and another lecture, the latter of which I plan on skipping in favor of entering a rare and controlled ingredient brewing competition," the gleam in his eyes bespoke his enthusiasm.
"What's up with that Richardson guy?" asked Harry, thinking he wasn't in the mood for the prat.
"He's OK, just a little too eager. His thirst for information has blinded him to the fact that his approach is alienating the people who could give him answers," Severus leaned over, surprising Harry when he licked a stray drop of juice from the corner of his mouth. "I don't want to call too much attention to you, so it might be best if you stayed out of his way."
"He seems to have an issue with me," said Harry defensively. Severus only smiled.
"Richardson is jealous that you've caught the eye of one of the more impressive Potions Masters here at the conference," he explained and enjoyed the view as Harry picked out clothes for the day, leaning over his bags, arse in the air.
"Manfred just likes me because I don't pester him," Harry tossed a thong on the bed, still rummaging through his things. Severus had to agree and shook his head in amusement that Harry'd gotten permission to use Dobbs' first name, knowing nearly no one else had. "I could care less. Did you want me to stay away from Manfred Dobbs?"
"Not necessarily, but it would probably be a good idea if it got Richardson off your back. Let him have his chance at bothering Dobbs, if it means he forgets about you," Severus entered the bathroom to find the tub still full of cool water and bottles of oils and lubricant all over the place. He had to admit to being impressed with the muggle products Harry had brought along.
Severus sat at a large, round table, reading over the schedule of events. He was alone, since Harry wanted to have a look at the pool and would meet him there later. When the conversations around him rose in volume Severus realized Dobbs had arrived with an entourage of other Potions Masters who took the available seats. Richardson looked positively delighted when Dobbs sat down right beside him.
Meanwhile, Harry didn't actually get a glimpse of the pool, but instead found the woman at the front desk. "Hi, Victoria," he greeted her; thankful she'd had on a name tag to jog his memory.
"Good Morning, Mr. Fawkes. How may I be of service?" she asked with a gracious smile.
"I'd like..."
"Mr. Fawkes! Did you find your suite to be satisfactory?" interrupted an obnoxious man, who turned out to be the hotel manager. Harry found everyone who sucked up to him to be annoying as Hell.
"They were fine. Thank you for the fruit," he said quickly, turning back to the woman once again. "I need to know the address of a local restaurant..." he was interrupted once again.
"Victoria will be more than happy to personally make any reservations for you, and the hotel has a transport service to the local establishments," he added when Harry tried to explain he didn't actually need reservations.
Harry waited for a moment to speak. He didn't trust himself not to be rude. When the manager finally did turn away, he continued his inquiry, getting the information he needed from Victoria. Now he just needed to find a way to go there without Severus suspecting.
Looking over the hall, Harry tried to spot Severus amongst the nearly full tables. When a stranger eyed him critically, Harry thought it best to duck into the men's room and check on his Glamoure. It was strange to look at his reflection and see someone else looking back. He laughed to himself, realizing his hair, while mousy brown, wasn't any better controlled than usual. While trying to flatten an unruly tuft of hair, a tall wizard entered, glaring at him.
"Richardson," greeted Harry with little emotion. He got a nod in return; giving him the impression the other wizard couldn't remember his name. "There's no queue, I'm just fixing this mess," Richardson didn't more, but watched him through the mirror. Harry noted the other wizard was a good head or so taller than him.
"Look, Flawkes," Richardson approached and waggled a finger in his face, having quickly checked the nametag on Harry's lapel. Harry chose not to correct him. "What are you, sixteen?" he stood his full height, towering over Harry. "I'm a Master and I went through a lot of trouble to go to this convention, and I'll not have a snot-nosed kid get in my way. You've monopolized enough of Dobbs' time. No one likes a kiss-up who doesn't let anyone else get a word in."
Was he kidding?' thought Harry, wondering how he was supposed to not argue with that to get Richardson off his back. With a sudden idea, Harry stopped holding back the laugh wanting to burst out.
"You're one to talk! Did you think Manfred really wanted to chat about the best hour to harvest fluxweed while he was tucking a ten note into the girl's bra, trying to get a lap dance?" Harry purposefully used Dobbs first name to antagonize the other wizard.
"Now see here!" Richardson once again got in his face with a clenched fist, not having noticed when Harry took a purposeful step forward. The unintended punch barely made contact, but was enough for Harry to reel back in a phony attempt to get away, losing his footing on the wet floor. With a mental cringe at having to put on this pathetic display, he cowered away from Richardson, hands held up in defense.
"Please don't hurt me," whimpered Harry, seeing the momentary look of shock on the other wizard's face. Getting over his surprise and taking the opportunity offered, Richardson poked a finger hard on Harry's chest.
"Stay away from Dobbs... and me," he added. Harry could see he enjoyed the unexpected feeling of power. He nodded meekly in surrender and was left there alone.
Harry got off the floor and was about to spell his clothes dry, but could sense that Richardson hadn't gone far past the outside of the door. He grabbed a paper towel off the stack on the sink and began rubbing the back of his head where it hit the wall. Just as he suspected, the door slowly creaked open. Harry turned, backing up against the sink away from Richardson, who was looking rather remorseful. He couldn't have been a Slytherin, ' thought Harry.
"Look," he began; his palms up, unsure of what he was going to say. "I didn't mean for that to happen. Just... just keep away from Dobbs," he added, not wanting to lose what he'd gained, even if it was unintentional. "Let me help with that," he offered and cast a spell to dry Harry's clothes, then looked proud of himself when Harry offered a timid thank you' for his help.
"Idiot," Harry muttered under his breath when he left the room in a hurry. On his way to finding Severus, he used a wandless spell to show a slight bruise on his cheek. It was barley a red mark with a little puffiness, but enough to see, if one was looking for it.
Spotting the one seat available, Harry stood by it while Richardson sat down next to Dobbs. "Good morning Master, gentlemen," Harry greeted them all. Severus' eyes immediately went to Harry's cheek, but he made no comment.
"Fawkes," Dobbs said cheerfully. "Why don't we switch? I'm sure you'd rather sit with Snape," he offered, getting up.
"No!" Harry looked from Richardson back to Dobbs, knowing Severus would notice everything he did. "Actually," Harry turned to Severus again. "Master, I was hoping you wouldn't mind if I sat with a friend I, um, met up with."
"What's her name?" teased one of the men at the table. Harry laughed nervously. Severus stood and Harry immediately went to his side, eyes downcast.
"Master," he licked his lips, knowing the others at the table wouldn't see as Severus was blocking their view. He'd never let on that he'd noticed the smoldering look in Sev's eyes when he called him that.
"You took care of that rather quickly," Severus said in reference to Richardson, his eyes going to the slight bruise once again. "Maybe you should check out the athletic room, you look like you need to blow off some steam," Severus allowed a small smile.
"You have no idea," answered Harry in agreement. He didn't care to play the helpless waif. He had the memories of his relatives to thank for knowing how to act the part so well. They agreed to meet for lunch, Severus allowing Harry some time to himself. Things were looking up. "Gentlemen," he gave a small bow as he turned to leave. His gaze paused at Richardson who couldn't hide the look of surprise and guilt at seeing the bruise. Before he reached the hall's exit, Harry had removed it from his cheek.
Ten minutes later Harry was in a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt, running on a magical treadmill. He pointedly ignored a woman smiling at him flirtatiously and entertained himself by eavesdropping on a conversation just beyond the staff entrance. Apparently, someone named Raphael was suffering a wicked hangover while his coworker complained about their obnoxious boss. If they were referring to the hotel manager, he'd have to agree. Every time he says the letters V.I.P.' it makes me cringe and want to strangle that man.' Harry heard a woman say, and then chose to pick up his pace and tune them out in favor of the music.
Harry thought it was a fabulous room. The ceiling retracted, allowing the sun over the pool area. The room was spelled warm despite the crisp winter air. Any chance to get a bit of tan in December was a good thing, in his opinion. To his great dismay, the manager and one of the security staff swept through the room, checking wards and making notes on a clipboard. From what he could gather, they were expecting a high priority guest the following week.
"Ah, Mr. Fawkes, good to see you taking advantage of the amenities." Harry cringed when the manager spotted him. "Might I suggest a massage?" The manager clapped his hands twice and a woman with a tan that couldn't possibly be natural stepped out from behind a partition. She was wearing short shorts and a cropped top that she nearly spilled out of.
To Harry's mortification, the security officer whispered something in the manager's ear, at which point the manager abruptly asked the girl to send out Raphael (the other massage therapist) instead. Raphael, though he looked a bit peaked, was a very attractive wizard with deep, natural looking skin tones that fit his general appearance well, unlike the girl's, and beautiful green eyes a few shades darker then his own. Harry noted the man also had a messy look about his shoulder length hair, which was a rich shade of brown. Unlike Harry's just hopped off a broom' look, Raphael's thick locks gave the appearance that he'd just rolled out of bed after a great shag. Considering his hangover, it could very well be true.
He could see it coming, so wasn't at all surprised when the manager introduced him as a V.I.P. Harry was sure he heard something behind the partition smash on the floor where the girl had returned. The manager was still speaking, but Harry tuned him out somewhat. From the look on Raphael's face, the manager had suggested Harry get special' treatment. He didn't want to think about where that led. Raphael looked about as happy as Harry, which wasn't very.
"I've somewhere to be, so if I can take you up on the massage later this afternoon, that would be great," he could see the relief on the massage therapist's face. They dispersed, leaving him to his workout.
Harry had already exercised enough to rid himself of the Richardson induced stress, but now he had hotel manager stress to take care of. Grateful he'd thought to put on a swimsuit under his clothes, he dropped his shorts and dove in. Harry noted Raphael made several trips out to the pool area, straightening out chairs and stacking towels as he paddled around. He didn't stay in the pool long as he wasn't all that good a swimmer, but he'd managed to cool off and before he left, Raphael apologized if he'd been rude in any way. Harry reassured him he hadn't and together they abused the manager, having a good laugh before Harry took off to change. He had a restaurant to visit, and would hopefully soon have Sev's Christmas gift.
The dining room was dimly lit, or appeared to be, since Harry had just Apparated in from full daylight. As his eyes adjusted, a hostess offered to seat him, asking how many were in his party. He'd realized later that she'd spoken English to him right away and wondered if the gal at the front desk had called ahead for him. Harry purchased a gift certificate for Severus and asked to speak to the owner or chef. He really should have known they were one and the same.
He asked if there were any way Severus could spend some time in the kitchen just once, to learn how to make one of his favorite dishes from the revered chef. He offered probably far too much money, but hoped to appeal to the man whose kitchen was equipped with rather old muggle appliances. When the man dropped a mixing bowl, Harry pulled out his wand to levitate it back to the counter before it had hit the floor. He'd been proud of himself, having remembered to pull out his wand, since it wasn't a good idea to do a lot of wandless magic in front of people. Unfortunately, the bowl hadn't been dropped by accident; the chef was absolutely infuriated that someone would even ask such a thing as to share his secrets.
"You can not get everything you want with magic!" yelled the man, or at least that was some of the words Harry understood. The man, who was a muggle with two magical children, continued to rant about chefs thinking they could waltz right in and get what they wanted because they had a stick with magic shoved into it. Harry bit his lip to keep from chuckling at the wand reference.
"I am truly sorry to have offended you. It was not my intention," Harry's apology went unheard by the irate man. "My friend is not a chef. He's a Potions Master who enjoys cooking in his spare time, nothing more," he tried to explain. And ducked when a pot flew past, though Harry didn't think the man had intended to hit him, as a large metal spoon had flown well wide of him moments before.
The man looked confused for a moment, having heard the last few words. He looked to the back door to where one of his children stood. She was the hostess who greeted Harry at the door.
"He cooks up medicines," the daughter offered in explanation and discreetly pointed to her wrist. The man unconsciously rubbed his gnarled hands and Harry thought perhaps the man had been given a potion for arthritis in the past. The woman continued to speak to her father in her native tongue. Harry was hopeful when he saw her gesturing to him with a smile, while her father calmed down. He apologized to the man again profusely for good measure, explaining he just wanted to get something special for his partner for Christmas.
The chef eyed Harry as if tying to size him up, looking for the truth in his eyes.
"I see, I see," he said, no longer angry. "You're OK," he said while slapping Harry's cheek good-naturedly. Harry was sure that if the chef were a woman, he'd have had his cheek pinched.
"So, you'll take up my offer?" asked Harry with anticipation.
"No." the chef answered flatly, but then smiled. "But I like you, so instead of throwing you out on your ear, I am going to make you something special. Aurelia!" he yelled for another daughter. "Give him good table," he pushed Harry toward her, who went along without argument. At least he'd tried, Harry told himself, but couldn't keep back the feeling of defeat.
Glad that earlier he'd only had a piece of fruit, Harry enjoyed a great meal. He wouldn't be hungry when he met up with Severus for lunch, but he'd worry about that later. He convinced one of the girls to sit with him to go over the menu. He'd know what a few things meant when he came back with Severus for dinner. She'd managed to teach him how to pronounce a few entrees he wanted to try on his return visit, and as they spoke he also learned a little about her family. When the oldest son received a letter accepting him to Durmstang, they looked into the family's magical history to find only a few wizards. Their mother, a squib, had been adopted and didn't know of magic until her son showed his first signs.
Harry was surprised to hear that they'd declined the offer to go to a school for magic. Money had been tight, and they were not willing to send two of their children off to school for most of the year when they could be working in the restaurant, learning the trade, where they belonged'. It wasn't something he could easily understand, not having been exposed to many family situations, magical or otherwise.
Though the restaurant served both magic and muggle patrons, like a two-sided restaurant, it wasn't often they had a chance to speak casually with a wizard. Harry thought it wasn't so much the lack of exposure to the wizarding world, but the busy lifestyle of running a family-owned business, that keep them from meeting a lot of new people outside their little area.
Harry was glad he wasn't likely to meet one of Karkaroff's students when the girl insisted she introduce him to her brother. Stepping out a side door of the building, they found a man in his twenties kicking a ball around with two younger children. He quickly abandoned the ball to pick up a sack of potatoes when he spotted someone entering the alley, but relaxed on seeing it wasn't his father. Introductions went around and Harry explained that he'd been in the area with his friend at the Potions Masters conference.
As they spoke, a small boy around six years old casually stepped past, pulling a wand from the man's trousers pocket. It must have been a regular occurrence, since there was no objection. He aimed the wand at the forgotten ball and it rolled a little. A girl Harry hadn't noticed squawked about having a turn, or at least that's what he thought they squabbled about. Having gotten her way, the girl, with wand in hand, pointed at the ball with little to no effect. Harry felt bad when the brother teased her. He was smaller, but it appeared the girl didn't have any magic, or at least couldn't focus it enough yet.
"Your aim is off, try it on this," Harry said helpfully and cast an engorgement charm, making the ball as big as himself, yet still as light as it had been previously. The girl squealed, took aim, and to her delight, the ball bounced. Unfortunately, the boy was quick to point out that their older sister was hiding in the doorway and had probably helped. From her guilty face, Harry believed it to be true. "That's OK, a ball this big shouldn't move around anyway," Harry said casually and cast Wingardium Leviosa, raising the girl up over his head, so she sat on the ball and then bounced atop it.
Harry soon learned that the small boy didn't put up with not getting his own way when he pushed the ball hard, trying to knock his sister off. Several gasps were heard, followed by relieved sighs, when instead of falling, the girl floated in the air. It may have been his experience with a spoilt cousin that made Harry do it, but it surely wasn't common sense that made him antagonize the small boy. With a grin, he not only held the girl up in the air, but made her fly around, too. The older sisters looked nervous, but the little girl was laughing excitedly as she soared overhead.
"NO!" the boy shouted and yanked Harry's wand from his hand. The older sisters screamed while the older brother leapt, ready to save his little sister from a fall from such a height. The girl was startled to hear the shouting below, and was disappointed when her flight slowed and she gently drifted down to her big brother's waiting arms.
"I'm sorry, I should have asked first," Harry was handed back his wand by one of the stunned women, and noticed the small boy rubbing his backside and wincing. To his relief, they didn't get angry with him. He was quickly ushered back into the restaurant with the two older magical siblings.
"How did you do that?" she asked Harry, but it was the brother who murmured wandless,' looking to Harry for confirmation.
"Obviously," she replied in exasperation. "But you're not powerful enough for that. Especially not enough to make her fly and then land safely despite such a distraction," she added, sounding a lot like Hermione.
"She can sense magic," the brother said in explanation. Harry prayed it wasn't dangerous for her to be touched like Phoebe at the healing center, but that didn't seem to be the case. "It's nothing personal", he added, thinking Harry may be insulted, having been told he was not powerful enough to have done such a feat of magic.
"It's a dampening charm." Harry explained that his magic had been hidden by a spell and used the poor excuse of not wanting the magic to have a bad effect on certain potions. He wasn't going to say he'd been hiding his power from Death Eaters and other potential enemies. For a moment the girl didn't comment. He was again reminded of Hermione and the way she looked while trying to figure something out. She asked if he wouldn't mind removing the spell, to appease her curiosity, but was disappointed when Harry explained that someone else had cast the charm and he didn't want to mess with it, in case he couldn't replace it as well. He wasn't about to change any of Albus' charms until he was back home.
"There's a Revealer," she began to say, but paused, seeing Harry's apprehension. "I don't mean a Revealer for the Glamoure," she quickly added, and Harry knew it was true she could sense magic, since she'd seen the Glamoure so easily.
"Since I have this ability, I studied about it. I can sometimes see auras, too," she said proudly. "There's a spell to see a person's magic that doesn't affect any other spells already in place," she explained and didn't wait for his permission to do it. He recognized the spell as one he'd heard Phoebe say during his test and couldn't believe the girl had cast it without asking him first. It wasn't that he'd been caught unaware, but he'd been using a shield that blocked out harmful magic only.
From that point on, the commotion was incredible. Before Harry knew it, she'd run to the fireplace to call a wizard who turned out to be her new husband and spoke with him excitedly, then closed the Floo before the wizard had a chance to say much in reply. From the hearth, she darted into the kitchen, speaking with her father for ten minutes. The conversation, while not in English, wasn't hard to figure out. He yelled, she protested, she yelled again and then pleaded and he finally gave in.
Harry was fifteen minutes late meeting Severus for lunch, but was overjoyed his outing had gone so well. When the woman had returned from the kitchen, followed by the defeated father, she made him an offer to have Severus come and work with her father for an afternoon in exchange for Harry helping with the warding of her new home. Since the warding wasn't for a few weeks, Harry thought he'd give Severus the Afternoon with the Chef' for Valentines Day.
Severus needn't bother questioning Harry's lack of appetite; the cream sauce dripped on his shirt was a good indication that he'd already eaten. Harry mentioned he'd gone to work out, but was obviously not offering where else he'd been. Since Harry was in an exceptionally good mood, didn't look sweaty or freshly showered, Severus was sure Harry had made another stop beside the gym. But with Christmas less than a week away, he wouldn't question it.
Most of the afternoon went smoothly, with Harry keeping busy brewing his own muscle relaxants and potions for pain. He'd been nervous about it since Severus had been giving him the potions most the time and he hadn't brewed them in a while, but did fine. The room was a little tense when Harry handed over the caterpillars he'd sliced for the potion Sev was brewing. Though he did his best to do it exactly as practiced, they had just seemed to turn to mush. With a shouted "These are worthless!" from Severus, Harry put his attention back on the next ingredient while Severus vented about imbeciles not having checked the freshness of the caterpillars before packing them. Harry got twin looks of pity from the other Potions Master and his apprentice. not knowing Harry wasn't the one to pack the supplies. Severus was mad at himself, not Harry.
With the excuse of needing to replace the caterpillars lent to him by the other Potions Master, Severus sent Harry away. He knew it would take Harry little time to get them, and he could spend the extra time getting the massage he'd told him about during lunch. The others didn't know Harry could Apparate the great distance. Severus would look like a right bastard for forcing Harry to make a long Floo trip for something so trivial. Lucky for him, Sev didn't care what others thought of him. He wanted to make sure Harry enjoyed his weekend. As much as he loved brewing potions, the idea of a 90-minute massage sounded very good. Severus would make it a point to pop in on Harry while the potion needed to simmer. He needed a wit-sharpening potion to keep the thought of his lover covered in oil from distracting him.
Raphael groaned when he saw the hotel manger striding toward him, followed by the wizard he'd seen exercising that morning. The manager had left instructions to take good care' of their V.I.P. guest, causing both Harry and Raphael to wince at the irritating acronym.
"I swear that man has a tracking device on me," complained Harry when the manager left, getting a laugh from Raphael. He was pleased to see the setting was very relaxing. The massage table was in the same area as the pool, with the sun shining overhead, but protected by a fancy privacy screen. He noted too that the music was more relaxing in that area. He'd sensed a field of magic as he passed though it. It was a silencing charm on the general area away from the pool, and the air was warmer too. Before starting, Raphael offered to order a drink for Harry and gave him a choice of various massage oil fragrances.
"Might I suggest today's special?" he asked, showing Harry a picture of a tropical drink from a small bar menu. "I wouldn't mind one myself," he added softly, but Harry still heard him.
"He won't come back here again, will he?" Harry referred to the hotel manager. Assured of their privacy, he went on, "I really just want to relax without an audience." He'd liked the pool, but between the manager and other sunbathers eyeing his physique, Harry'd found it hard to relax. He'd been so well trained by Kieran and Severus it was hard to not be on constant watch.
Raphael reassured Harry he would have privacy, but felt it necessary to explain that despite how his boss made it sound, he was paid to provide a professional massage and not sex. Harry was grateful but laughed when he thought he heard Raphael comment about being happy to give it away once he'd got a proper look at him.
Harry was on the table, covered only slightly by a small towel over his backside when the drinks arrived. On a tray next to the fancy drink, complete with paper umbrella, was a pitcher of cool water. "I'll have the water," Harry said, surprising the other wizard. "You're welcome to the drink if you want. Hair of the dog that bit you?" he winked, and Raphael knew that somehow Harry had recognized he was hungover.
"Thank you, I couldn't," he replied politely. "Any problem areas, places you store stress?" he referred to Harry's tight muscles.
"I guess my shoulders, but my biggest problem at the moment is finding a good place to relax without being disturbed by overzealous employees and vacationers looking for somebody to meet." To Harry's delight, it didn't take a whole lot of coaxing to get Raphael to do what he really wanted. After a ten or fifteen minute massage to his shoulders, the therapist sat in a transfigured lounge chair, sipping his cocktail, while Harry relaxed in the sun. They talked about nothing in particular and Harry found he really enjoyed speaking with a total stranger who had no idea he was Harry Potter. Raphael found Harry's situation amusing.
"So you have a Master for the weekend..." he paused with a conspiratorial grin, "or is that your usual arrangement?" Raphael raised his eyebrows suggestively. Harry laughed, the sound muffled against the massage table.
"Nah. I'm having fun, though. He gets this look in his eyes when I call him Master' and I think for a moment he's going to shove the cauldron aside and bend me over the work table."
"Could you tell me where the pool is?" asked Severus, though his layers of flowing robes didn't suggest he planned on taking a dip. When the person at the front desk gave him a once over Severus had a scathing retort on the tip of his tongue, but recalled just that morning when Harry had teased him about catching more flies with honey. "I'm looking for my apprentice," he added. It was against his nature to give explanation when it was none of anyone's sodding business. If for nothing else, he'd take the opportunity to prove his point. When nice didn't work, he'd do it his own way.
They offered to phone down to the pool area to save him the trip, but he declined, stating he wanted to see the facilities. Couldn't they just answer a simple question and point him to the pool? These people are far too helpful; he grumbled to himself and began to understand why Harry had been frustrated. He hated to admit that he probably wouldn't have gotten any better results if he'd done it his own way. Severus figured they were paid to be courteous and helpful despite the temperament of the hotel guest.
Sensing a familiar magical signature, Harry disarmed the charms that kept the pool sounds out of the massage area and could then hear the clicking of boot heels quickly passing over the poolside surface. He and Raphael waited for Sev to come around the corner, but instead heard an unexpected confrontation between Severus and the damnable hotel manager.
"I'm sorry sir; I couldn't possibly allow you to interrupt a massage," he said in an attempt to prevent Severus from entering. Harry just chuckled, knowing there wouldn't be a good outcome for the man he'd steadily grown to dislike. Raphael was no help either when he spoke clearly enough for all three other men to hear.
"Not had enough? I can take care of that if you'd like," his voice more sultry that it had been all day, he continued in a seductive tone, "I'm going to fill you..."
Harry figured the manager would surely think Raphael had been doing as told, giving the VIP whatever he wanted. He acted surprised when Raphael was interrupted by the two wizards crashing into the room. Mostly it was Severus who strode in, the other man trying desperately to keep him from doing so, but making a racket in the process.
"NO Sir! Please!" his words stopped short as he looked up to see Harry lying on the table, his backside barely covered by a minuscule towel and his arm outstretched, holding a glass while the masseur poured him a refill.
"All filled up," Raphael said casually, as if two men hadn't just burst in. He so enjoyed when his boss did things like this. It was so much fun watching him when he'd made a fool of himself.
"Master," Harry said with a bow of his head, his voice just above a whisper, but his tone raised when he turned with a glare.
"You told Raphael I was a V.I.P. Did you tell him why?" The manager was still too stunned to reply. Or perhaps Severus had silenced him when he'd tried to sputter apologies for the interruption. Harry continued as if the question had been rhetorical.
"I was humiliated by your staff while in a vulnerable state during a security interview." He cringed with the thought of the guard touching his new sex toys. "How do you suppose I'm feeling right now?" Harry clutched the towel closer to him as if to place a barrier between them, but only managed to expose himself further as he sat up and turned slightly to confront the intruder. "I'm sorry, Master," Harry directed to Severus as if it was somehow his fault for disgracing the position of Potions Apprentice by the appalling situation.
Severus for his part was unsure if he should give a round of applause for the performance or reprimand Harry for overacting. But since the hotel manager looked thoroughly chastised, he decided not to criticize. He instead stood between his nearly naked lover and the cowering manager.
"Unless you plan to continue to gawk at my apprentice, I suggest you leave. You will not say another apology, nor will you speak to him at all for the remainder of our stay." It didn't matter to Severus or Harry that the man was within his rights to attempt to protect Harry's privacy. Especially since, after all, his real motive had been that he didn't want Snape catching his apprentice/travel partner in a compromising position with the hotel's masseur. No, they didn't care about the injustice, only that they'd managed to ensure he wouldn't be kissing up to Harry all weekend. Severus smirked.
When he had scurried out, reminding them of Wormtail, Severus turned to see Harry. His skin glistened in the sun, the small towel covering less and less. He was slightly distracted by the delectable sight when the masseur sipped the rest of his drink, making a slurping sound.
"Raphael," Harry said sweetly, getting his attention.
"Yes?" he answered; his accent suddenly far more notable.
"Get out," Harry laughed, realizing he'd been chorused by Severus.
"Yes, sirs," grinned the masseur mischievously. "Thank you, sirs," he added with a small bow, and slipped out, drink in hand. He'd been more than happy to accept the added gratuity passed to him by Severus.
"Are you finished playing the poor victim?" asked Severus mischievously and swatted Harry on the arse. Where had the towel gone? "What did I say about calling attention to yourself?"
"Are you going to punish me, Master?" asked Harry, his tone submissive, head bowed down, though he wished he could see Sev's face. He wasn't sure how he felt about the thought of getting a spanking, though his cock had no trouble deciding.
Severus' cock agreed with Harry's as it sprang to attention. He couldn't deny he'd enjoyed that particular kink in the past, but somehow the dynamics of their relationship and Harry's past wasn't conducive to subjecting Harry to intentional pain. He also wondered if in the past he didn't need to satisfy a feeling of being in control and doling out pain when that which was required of him was so painfully out of his control. All that aside, Severus still got an aching hard-on when Harry called him Master, and he knew so many ways to punish the young upstart.
"Yes, you need to be punished," his commanding voice making his lover shiver. Severus grabbed Harry's hips, sliding him down to the edge and made a mental note that the massage table was of perfect height.
Though he knew it wouldn't help his cause, Harry continued to call Severus Master' while shouting in desperation for his punishment to end. His breathing was erratic as he panted against the surface of the massage table. A damp spot marked where his tears had fallen - or perhaps where he'd drooled.
"Please, Sev! Please, I can't stand it! OH... God," he gasped, and fell silent, though his panting increased.
"I'm not finished," the voice right next to his ear made Harry jump. "I want to be sure you've learned your lesson," he purred.
"Severus, you bastard!" he shouted, but the demanding tone lost its edge when he nearly sobbed. "Please," he begged breathily. "I Need to come." Whatever was wrapped around his cock, it felt like an invisible snake twisted around his member, pulsing in such a way that made his eyes roll back in his head, lost in ecstasy. Despite the immense pleasure, it bordered on pain since the snake-like object had also continued lower to twist around his sac, preventing his release until Severus deemed it so.
Severus leaned close to his ear again before saying something in French Harry was sure was a spell. The pulse of the snake-like coil increased to a maddening pressure, and thankfully for Harry, the tail end unbound his sac, granting him the release he'd so desperately begged to be allowed. Just before Harry cried out, Sev let out a groan and emptied himself deep inside of Harry. What surprised them both (or at least Harry) was the distant sound of a third climax.
The pool area had already been cleared when Harry's massage' was so rudely interrupted, so it was only Raphael in the little room where the staff folded towels and such. He lay across a pile of towels with his softening cock in hand and thanked his deity of choice that the other two wizards had forgotten to use a silencing charm. Even with his earlier hangover, it was turning out to be a very good day.
"Hello, Thomas. Is it going well thus far?" asked one of the Potions Masters when he ran into a colleague outside of the men's room. "Who are you sharing with?" he asked, referring to the work station.
"Snape," he replied. "And his apprentice," he added, seemingly distracted.
"I can hardly believe Snape has taken an apprentice."
"I'm not so sure he should," commented Thomas. "He's hard on the boy."
"No surprise there. You remember what it was like as an apprentice, even if it was a hundred years ago," he teased. "We all thought our Masters were too hard on us."
"He showed up this morning with a bruise on his face and practically had a panic attack when Dobbs offered to get up so he could sit next to Snape," he didn't mention Snape's outburst over the caterpillars, thinking he himself would have been equally angry, though he wouldn't have sent his apprentice to take a long Floo journey like that when it wasn't necessary. The boy had missed out on the better part of the day's activities, in his opinion the real punishment.
"He looks like he can handle himself. I wouldn't get involved," he left no time for a reply to his advice as he chose that moment to step into the loo. He didn't want to make an enemy of Snape, who was well connected and one of the best Potions Masters in attendance.
"Speak of the devil," muttered Thomas, spotting Snape and his apprentice as they approached. Admittedly, the boy looked to be in an exceptionally good mood.
"Thomas," greeted Severus almost cheerfully. "Will you be entering the Rare Brew' competition?" he asked and was glad to see the negative shake of the other Potions Master's head.
"Rare Brew? Sounds like a music group," laughed Harry, though he seemed to be the only one amused by the comment.
"Well, then," Severus went on as if Harry hadn't said anything. "You'll have the workstation to yourself, as I plan to compete," and win.
Harry scanned the large room where twelve or so worktables were set up. "Tell me again why you only have two cauldrons set up and everyone else has at least five?" he asked and noticed that Severus had nearly twice the amount of ingredients set up than at least seven other Potions Masters.
Severus checked over his supplies for the third time before turning his attention to Harry. "It will take me most the time allotted to brew the potions I have planned. I'm counting on the complexity of one of the potions and the originality of the other to make up for the lack of quantity," Severus looked to see if anyone was paying attention before leaning in closer for only Harry to hear. "You're going to help," he watched Harry's eyebrows rise with concern and surprise. "I know what you're capable of and will only ask you to perform tasks you can do without question."
"Okay," Harry sounded nervous.
"What I need from you is to do precisely what I ask. Don't question my orders and trust that I know what I'm doing. Can you do that?" he asked as if he were asking Harry to do something as simple as help brew a pot of tea.
"You invented this one?" Harry saw Severus' name listed as the original creator. "This is dated almost two years ago. Would you have entered this if you could have attended the conference last year?" Harry felt guilty for Sev having missed out because he was at Hogwarts.
"While I'm sure you're used to blaming yourself for things beyond your control, I assure you I had no intention of releasing this information to a feeding frenzy of Potions Masters before I could get it patented," smirked Severus as he set the paper aside. He planned to save that potion for last after the first two were completed. He knew many of the Potions Masters made last minute changes after seeing what their competition sets up at the begging of the competition. By starting with only two cauldrons, Severus was making it difficult for others to determine what he had planned.
It was two hours later that found Harry slicing up some odd root. He'd never been able to slice them evenly without taking a good deal of time and care, but Severus wasn't allowing for either. The busy Potions Master snapped his fingers while ordering him to move faster. Harry was sorely tempted to comment, but had already twice been reminded not to question his Master's judgment. With the poorly sliced roots handed over, Harry continued to stir a small cauldron. He'd been working on an extremely simple potion and while Severus did keep an eye on him, Harry would have had to have been a complete idiot to screw it up. Harry didn't known why such a simple potion would be entered in a contest or why it was so important that Severus put in the last ingredient, but once again, he knew not to question. He'd alert his Master when he was ready for the last item to be added.
One of the judges walked past the work table while Severus put in the root slices one by one. The odd-looking wizard stood even taller then Severus and had a Quick Quotes Quill following along behind his head. Harry tried not to laugh as it looked like the man was wearing a quivering feather in his wizard hat.
"Ah," sang the judge, poking his nose close to the cauldron. "A completely random cutting of root," he remarked as he watched Severus closely, making Harry cringe. "A classic method for delayed release," he added. Harry wasn't sure what that meant. From the pleased look on Severus' face, he'd known exactly what he was doing when he'd rushed Harry along. Severus made no comment when he heard Harry muttering about his anticipated incompetence, though he would later regret making Harry feel like he was back in class again.
In classic Harry fashion to not think things through when irritated by his Potions Professor', he decided to really put forth some serious effort. The potion he was working on was simple enough that he confidently breezed though the preparations and had the potion finished before either of them expected. The problem with such efficiency was that Severus had timed the potions so he could easily leave his own brew to add the necessary last ingredient to Harry's.
Severus counted each stir while keeping up a complicated pattern. He lips moved slightly as he changed direction and continued to count. After every seventh change of direction he'd pause and wait for the boil to increase until the desired size bubbles came to the surface and then start all over again. Concentrating on the necessary pattern, he ignored all the sounds in the room outside his own work station.
"Ready!" Harry happily informed him of his nearly finished potion. "The last ingredient is all ready to go in whenever you are."
Severus took in a sudden breath, totally shocked by Harry's declaration, but continued to keep count. Only when he could safely stop stirring to wait for the boil again did he look over to Harry's cauldron to see it exactly as it should be...in another five minutes. Checking back to his own cauldron to see if the bubbles were the right size, he mentally did the math. With a defeated sigh, he rubbed his face in his hands.
"Put it in," he said from behind his hands, knowing he couldn't step away from his own cauldron to do it.
"But..." Harry began, but was cut short by Severus who had returned to his stirring pattern. Without further questioning, Harry chopped up the last ingredient and carefully stirred it into his cauldron. After five minutes passed, Severus lowered his flame to allow the completed potion in his cauldron to cool. Harry watched as the resigned expression on Severus' face was masked over. "Is everything all right?"
Severus didn't answer right away. He stepped over to Harry's cauldron, checking the consistency and color. "This was brewed perfectly," he paused to think about what else he wanted to say. "You did a great job," Severus smiled, though Harry could tell something was wrong. "I have one last potion to brew. We'll clean up and then you can take a break while I work on this."
Harry nodded and went about cleaning the knives and stirring rods while Severus bottled the potion into small vials. It had been a clear dismissal, but Harry was hesitant to leave without knowing what was wrong. He lingered drying the last item. "Is there anything I can do for you, Severus?" he asked, skipping the Master' this time. He watched Severus peruse his list. Harry could tell he was counting in his head by the way his gave a slight nod with each item.
"In two hours and twenty-seven minutes I will most likely be ready for a pick-me-up. I have something here, but if you can bring me a glass of pumpkin juice, that would be greatly appreciated."
"You bet," Harry smiled wide, amused by Severus and his precision.
"I wouldn't suggest a goodbye kiss," Severus said quietly when he noticed Harry had taken a small step forward. Harry stopped and blushed, proving he'd been correct in his assumption. It wasn't easy spending so much time in public with his lover. They had been used to being distant and callous to each other when passing in the halls at Hogwarts, but this was so much different.
Harry leaned closer and hissed out his response in Parseltongue before departing.
DETAH 77 - Prizes, Presents, and Holiday Fun
Chapter Notes
A/N: Somewhere along the way, I've lost count of how many days they've been at the conference. Please be nice, don't count, and forgive me if you do. I most likely have them there too long. As I've said in the past, What are a few plot holes amongst friends?' *wink*
Harry carefully carried a large glass of pumpkin juice for Severus. Surprisingly, many of the Masters had already finished brewing. Severus and a handful of others were still working diligently.
"Mr. Fawkes?" called one of the judges as he passed. "Some fascinating entries today, were there not?" gesturing to the various potions already in a large rack filled with glass vials. One of the vials seemed to have its own light source, with several beams of light emanating from the vial.
"Yes, fascinating," replied Harry, who hoped he sounded like he'd actually paid attention to what anyone else was doing. He hadn't.
"Could you confirm your name please?" he asked cordially. "For some reason, I have a H. J. Fawkes on one form and a H. P. Fawkes on another. Which is correct?"
Harry had forgotten which they'd agreed on and accidentally put the wrong one down. He hadn't thought it mattered much at the time, but Severus had told him that mistake would come back to bite him on the arse, and he was right. "It's H. J. Fawkes," he said, hoping he'd picked the right one. The man looked at Harry's eyes for a moment, obviously trying to work something out, and Harry prayed his identity was safe. The man smiled suddenly as if he'd just come to a decision.
"I wanted to be sure of the proper spelling should we be engraving it tomorrow," he said conspiratorially. "Your potion is in the forefront," he ran a hand over the gold cauldron as he spoke.
"M-mine?" stuttered Harry as a feeling of dread came over him. "It's Professor Snape's potion," he'd nervously forgot to call him Master, but it hadn't mattered.
Trying to find out what might have gone wrong, Harry had been in the room looking over Severus' notes on the potions planned for the weekend. The complicated potion Severus brewed was actually for healing, but could be fatal if the patient was misdiagnosed and didn't need it. The creation of the potion had caused quite a stir in the medical world as it cured what was once an incurable disease. But, because the fatality rate was so high in the event it was administered due to misdiagnosis or if there was an allergy to the main ingredients, it was unlawful to brew without the accompanied antidote. It was the antidote Harry had brewed.
"Master Snape brewed the complicated curative, and both potions count as one entry, but it was you who brewed the antidote, which of course contains the rare ingredient featured in today's competition."
"But - but..." Harry didn't even know what he was about to say. "I didn't..."
"Mr. Fawkes," his tone apologetic. "I know exactly what happened. This wouldn't be the first time the balance of a competition was upset by apprentice error. Apprentices may enter a potion provided they are supervised by a veteran Master. The rule stands."
Harry recalled the gleam in Sev's eyes when he saw the gold cauldron for first prize. Damn.' He'd find some way to fix it, but didn't have time to figure it out just then. The minutes were ticking by; he'd not counted on the distraction and Severus had requested the juice for two minutes ago. Remembering Severus' intense focus as he's counted the minutes before telling Harry when to bring the drink, he hoped for the best and went on. Walking as quickly as he could without spilling, Harry rushed to their workstation. "Sorry, I was waylaid by a judge."
"Don't put the juice down," Severus said distractedly as he thinly sliced something that resembled a frozen slug. Ugh. "Once a list of ingredients has been supplied to the judges at the start of the competition, no other components may be placed on the table. They're sticklers for the rules," Severus continued cutting with precision. Harry now knew very well about how they were with rules. "Do anything interesting?"
"Um, yeah," Harry blushed. "I tried out a new Animagus form. Remind me to leave housekeeping a big tip," he said, catching Severus' eye.
"Please tell me you didn't destroy our room," Severus envisioned a large hippogriff trampling across the bed.
"No, nothing like that," protested Harry. "Before I started, I just forgot to check which side the doorknob sign was on, Do not disturb' or Please make-up room'. I may have scared the housekeeper when she opened the door to find a Bengal tiger."
"May have?" laughed Sev. "Was it the running or screaming that tipped you off?" he laughed harder when Harry looked affronted by the assumption.
"She didn't scream," he protested, but let out a small laugh. "She fainted."
Severus hid his mirth in the glass of pumpkin juice. "Thanks."
For the first time since the wards were erected, Albus Dumbledore Apparated into Harry's place over the antique shop. He smiled as he passed the clock he'd given to Harry, but didn't tarry long as he knew there were a few people waiting to be let in.
"Thank you, sir," sang Hermione, who couldn't bring herself to call him Albus. "I know Harry thinks of this as a temporary place to hang his hat, but..." she paused her rambling when Albus waved a calming hand.
"No need to explain," times like this his eyes twinkled brighter than the fairy lights on the Christmas tree Ron and George dragged in, scattering pine needles as they went. Albus and Harry had already spent an evening decorating a tree in the tower and Harry had said it was like home to him there. Hermione thought that if he hadn't been busy getting ready to go away, he would have done more to decorate his flat.
A loud crack brought everyone's attention to the center of the room where Dobby the house elf stood with packages in hand. His enormous green eyes widened at the sight of the festive room.
"Dobby isn't knowing you is decorating," he looked almost disappointed by the sight of the tree, which obviously didn't have a single sock on it. The next to catch his eye was Professor Dumbledore, who had once made it very clear he wasn't to be popping into Harry Potter's place of residence without invitation. "Dobby not breaking the Headmaster's rule, he is not. Professor Sss..." he paused momentarily realizing he may have almost said something forbidden. "I was ordered, um, requested to deliver something to place on the tree for Harry Potter. The tree Dobby isn't needing to put up now," his ears flopped as he said the last part.
Albus explained that Dobby'd not done or said anything wrong and that everyone there knew of Harry and Professor Snape's relationship, so it would be OK to speak freely.
"Dobby has sworn not to speak of that," he said adamantly. "I is putting Harry Potter in danger to speak of such things," he quivered slightly as if just a mention of speaking of their relationship merited punishment. Albus quickly explained why it was safe to speak in front of Ron, Hermione and George, but the elf still looked hesitant.
"Is this like the rules we break for Harry Potter?" he asked, but only Albus understood.
"Rules?" asked Hermione, getting a nod and an overeager explanation.
"Dobby is knowing when Harry Potter is needing something in the castle. I was to be helping when the Headmaster had to leave the room during the very sad summer Harry Potter was living in the Headmaster's tower. Dobby knows when Harry Potter is needing to eat, but Dobby must not bring food when Madam Pomfrey says he cannot eat yet.
"So you can't bring him what he wants if it's not safe?" asked Hermione in confirmation, getting another nod.
"Yes, you is understanding," Dobby said proudly, getting a smile of approval from Albus. He hadn't noticed when the smile faded as he continued to speak. "I is happy Harry Potter never asked Dobby for something sharp during the very sad summer. Dobby was forbid to bring such things. Now that Professor Snape and Harry Potter spend time together, there is many new rules."
"New rules?" asked Ron with a grin, purposefully avoiding the Headmaster's eyes, and an elbow from Hermione.
"Dobby is not needing to enter Professor's rooms even if he knows Harry Potter is needing something. Yelling is not always fighting..."
"That's enough," Albus put a stop to the conversation, much to Ron and George's dismay, though for two entirely different reasons. Hermione was sure she heard George mumble about wishing he were a fly on that wall.
"You and me both," she said just loud enough for her future brother-in-law to hear.
Dobby placed his gift for Harry under the tree and hung the ornament he was to deliver from Professor Snape.
"I'm sorry, Sev. You should get recognition for your potion," apologized Harry for what seemed like the hundredth time.
"I am not going to tell you again," his tone confirmed his sincerity. "I can not fault you for making a perfect potion." Severus saw his brewing journal open, and knew Harry wasn't finished.
"But in your notes you said that it usually took me twenty-five minutes to brew similar potions and I messed up your timing by doing it in twenty." Harry looked pitiful and Severus was tempted to throw him on the bed and make him prove how very sorry he was. But alas, they had ordered dinner, which was expected to arrive at any moment. After the short dinner break, they were due back to the semi-private workstation to start another potion.
"Harry, if it makes you feel any better, I'll credit you for the whole masseuse debacle," Severus stepped closer to Harry, closing the potions journal. "I'll gladly call you to fault for flooding the bathroom," stepping closer still, he took a deep breath, letting out a sigh, just thinking of how Harry took him so forcefully in the tub. "And..." he purred. "I blame you fully for our housekeeping issues," he pressed himself close, pinning Harry to the wall, but eyed the unmade bed as housekeeping had yet to return after Harry's tiger appearance. "I can no doubt go on and on about many things I would happily blame you for. Improving your potion skills isn't one of them." Severus ground his hardening cock against Harry's thigh, but could no longer continue making his point as there was a knock at the door.
Severus opened the door and wondered if Harry would recognize the security wizard, now in a kitchen staff uniform. The man smiled as he pushed the dinner cart. "Dinner for two," he announced, and attempted to get a glance into the loo. "There are no animals on record for this room, but if you were to have a need, the kitchen will gladly provide a meal to feed an owl, or a cat for example," he stopped speaking when Severus glared.
"That won't be necessary," Severus was about to show him the door, but thought again. "I would however, appreciate it if you could extend our apologies to your housekeeping staff. It seems my partner may have frightened a woman who came in to make up the room while he was in his Animagus form earlier today."
"Animagus? How fascinating," he looked to the smaller wizard with genuine enthusiasm. Harry had recognized the man for who he was, but since he hadn't been rude to him personally, like those who had interrogated him when he arrived, he felt generous and morphed into the form of a large Bengal tiger like the maid had seen.
Standing a meter or two apart from another wizard may feel like a comfortable distance, but when one of them gains twelve stone and large claws and fangs, the distance seems to narrow considerably. To his credit, the wizard didn't retreat. He looked as if his fascination kept him rooted to the spot, just as his fear kept him from reaching out and touching the soft fur on the magnificent creature. Severus simply looked at him hungrily. Harry had noticed that it seemed Sev was turned on by his power almost as much his speaking Parseltongue.
While it thrilled him to know he could elicit such a swift response from his lover, it hadn't escaped Harry's notice that part of the lure that once attracted Severus to Voldemort was his great power. In a world where many witches and wizards want something from the Boy Who Lived', Harry was immensely thankful that Severus had shown interest in him long before he'd realized Harry's impressive magical strength, before it had even emerged. Had that not been the case, he probably would have doubts about his lover's motivation and interest in him.
Noting Harry's sudden uneasiness, Severus showed the man to the door, sans tip. He then reached down to touch, but before he could do so, Harry stood on his hind legs, gently resting his massive paws on Sev's shoulders. His enormous head rubbed against Sev's, much like a housecat rubs on its owner's leg, furniture, or anything else he wishes to claim as his own.
"Talk to me," whispered Severus, his eyes closed as the furry head still pressed against his, resting on his shoulder. Harry transformed back and then conjured a small box to stand on, making him a few inches taller then Sev. He ran his fingers through Sev's hair, but only a little, as after a day of brewing potions, Severus looked just as Harry remembered him back in school. Greasy wasn't a particularly good look for the tall, dark wizard.
"Would you love me if I were a squib?" asked Harry, surprising Severus with the question.
Severus quietly considered his answer as he wrapped his arms around his young lover, resting them comfortably against his low back.
"It is unlikely that I would have fallen in love with a squib in the first place," Severus looked deep into Harry's eyes. "What brought this on?"
"Nothing," Harry kissed him on the nose. "Hungry?"
Severus nodded, seemingly allowing the change in subject. He lifted the domed lids off their meal, and began to pour himself a glass of wine. "Would you love me if I had a squeaky voice, was small, and couldn't lift you up without a spell?" he casually asked, noting the pink on Harry's cheeks.
"Point taken," grinned Harry, thinking he should have known better. "Of course if I did find that attractive, right now I would probably be spending the weekend at a Charms convention with Filius Flitwick."
Harry had wondered why Severus was in a hurry to get down to the workstation. He'd mentioned he wanted to get there before Master Thomas, but didn't say why. It became all too clear when Severus made it a point to have Harry in a compromising position, intentionally getting them caught in the act, confirming Harry wasn't really an apprentice.
"You could have just told him," complained Harry, though they both new he wasn't too upset. "How is it that you don't like public displays of affection, yet you have these exhibitionist tendencies?"
"Go get me a number 5 cauldron, please," requested Severus, with no intention of answering Harry.
In the far end of the room, many cauldrons were stored on huge shelves against the back wall. This is where Harry had his first encounter with Thomas' apprentice. Surprisingly, it was a young woman much like Gwen Jennings. She apparently didn't fully understand Harry's position at the conference.
"Would you mind helping me levitate that cauldron down? I'd hate to drop it," she said, pointing to one of the larger cauldrons. Harry didn't think he'd mastered his control enough to join with a stranger for a spell. He imagined it flying in the air and figured having it bounce off the ceiling would be as bad as dropping it.
"My aim's been a little off," he said as an excuse, and retrieved it using muscle alone.
"Wow, thanks," she said, handing over the #5 cauldron that had been stored inside the one she wanted.
"No problem," he smiled, but noted she didn't smile back, or let go of the cauldron, holding him back a moment.
"Listen, I know this isn't easy, especially if you're not very experienced," she winced, not wanting to insult his brewing abilities. "But you shouldn't have to put up with his pawing at you to learn the trade. Did you think we wouldn't notice you're brewing painkillers all the time? Master Thomas can help you," she whispered at the end. She hadn't expected Harry's continued smile.
"I put up with this," he gestured to the cauldron, "because I want him to paw at me," Harry said with a wink, leaving her speechless.
"Did he just take a sleeping drought?" asked Harry, thinking he must have mistaken the potion he saw Thomas drink.
"Could be," Severus hadn't even looked up. "He probably has his potion at a good point, where it simply needs to be kept at a certain temperature, or stirred. His apprentice can manage while he rests and then he will relieve her in an hour or so."
Just as Severus explained, Thomas took a nap while his apprentice sat and read a book, checking the temperature of the cauldron every five minutes. Sev had offered for Harry to take a nap also, but he declined, saying he wasn't tired. Of course Harry hadn't counted on the tediousness of watching water boil. He was sitting on a chair, leaning against a stack of boxes, when his eyes started to close. Severus continued to brew his potion, every so often taking a glimpse at his snoozing lover.
Thomas eventually awoke, sending his apprentice off for the night. He motioned toward Harry before he spoke quietly. "Not a future Potions Master then?" whispered Thomas, wanting to confirm his assumptions.
"Highly unlikely," smirked Severus. "You needn't be quiet on his account; I put up a silencing charm."
"Looks like he's having a bad dream," said Thomas idly, as he saw Harry grimace.
"I hope so," Severus began casting spells to keep his potion in stasis for as long as possible, not looking overly concerned about a nightmare.
"You're a swell guy, Snape."
"He has a seizure disorder," Severus lied quickly. "I hope he's only having a bad dream." He'd been so thankful the Dark Lord had been quiet these past few days. He passed through the silenced area, moving to check on Harry, and it became clear he was not dreaming. He'd slid down from his chair and now began convulsing on the floor. Severus had feared the Cruciatus, but Harry wasn't screaming. Whatever he was suffering from had seized up his muscles to the point where he couldn't unclench his jaw, much less let out a sound.
"Accio," called Severus, catching a soft towel, folding it and putting it under Harry's head as he turned him to his side so he wouldn't choke on anything he might bring up.
"Good, that'll keep him from any head injury," said Thomas.
To his relief, the tremors ceased. He pulled Harry up into his lap, and the young wizard began to sag as his muscles were released from the punishing magic.
"I've got you," soothed Severus. "Come on, wake up for me. I just need you to swallow this," he fumbled in his pocket for a few glass vials. Thomas recognized the pain potions and muscle relaxants immediately. "One more," Severus gently rubbed his throat while he coaxed Harry's mouth open with his thumb. He hissed in pain when the shaking began again and Harry bit down. Fortunately for Harry, and Severus' thumb, he settled down again. With a nod to Thomas, Severus told a nearly unconscious Harry that he was taking them back to the room. With a pop, they landed in the same position, but comfortably on their bed as compared to the workroom floor.
Harry awoke feeling rather achy, but safely wrapped in two strong arms. It was a comforting change. They often fell asleep snuggled close to one another, but they usually drifted apart during the night. It occurred to Harry that he couldn't remember getting into bed and he wondered if he'd fallen asleep in the workroom. Oddly enough, he didn't get too embarrassed thinking Severus had tucked him in without his knowing.
"How do you feel?" Severus asked quietly, his lips brushing Harry's temple, pulling him from his reverie.
"Sore. I should think twice before sleeping in hard chairs. Your potion!" he suddenly remembered Severus had brought him along not only for the company, but to help cast a spell on the cauldron that would keep the temperature stable all night long. "Why didn't you wake me up?"
"Do you not remember having a vision, or were you feeling the Dark Lord's wrath last night?"
"Oh," he replied absently, as he recalled what had happened. "I wasn't sure if I dreamed it or not. It wasn't a vision or anything worth reporting. I think he was just mad and hexed someone," Harry rolled to his side to face his lover. "Sorry. Is your potion ruined?" he looked up to Sev's face apologetically, getting a shrug in return.
"I need to clean up my workstation. Do you want to stay and rest? I'll come back for you, so we can have breakfast in the main hall," Severus pressed kisses to his face and neck as he spoke, and cast a warming charm when Harry whimpered as the heat of Sev's body left him.
"I like watching you walk around starkers," Harry said and scrunched a pillow under his head. "Is that for me?" he asked, turning back over, showing his nicely tanned backside.
"Yes," Severus fed him a muscle relaxant. "Not much in the way of cover-up," he commented on Harry's tan line, how little there was left pale.
"The important bits were covered," defended Harry and bit his lower lip, though it didn't hide his smile. "Hmm," he sighed happily as Severus traced his fingers over the line where the small towel had covered some of his backside while sunning poolside with the massage therapist. "Oh! I know that part was covered," he gasped, feeling Severus' fingers travel past the tan line. "Hmm" he hummed almost silently, barely audible.
"Is the potion working?" asked Severus, watching eyelids get heavier. Harry didn't respond, though his next exhalation sounded as if it were meant to be a word, if only spoken in Harry's mind. Severus pressed a kiss to his tanned skin before getting up to shower and dress. He was hard and had wanted to test the relaxation potion by sliding deep into his lover for a nice, slow shag. He hadn't expected it to put Harry to sleep, but apparently he was tired enough for the potion to have such an effect. It was just as well, since he had things to do, but his aching cock was a heady reminder of what he'd much rather be doing.
Much to his surprise, Severus arrived to a spotless worktable. Thomas' apprentice had cleaned up the equipment he'd left out and stored any potion ingredients that could be salvaged.
"Is he going to be all right?" asked a timid voice. "Master Thomas told me... your apprentice wasn't feeling well," she realized after she started speaking that maybe she wasn't supposed to have been told about what happened the night before.
"He is resting and should be fine to join us later this morning," he explained, thanking her for cleaning up the mess from the potion he'd abandoned.
She wanted to say more, recognizing she'd made unfair assumptions about their relationship, but didn't think her words would go over too well. Besides, whether she misconstrued the situation or not, it still didn't make Snape a decent wizard.
When Severus and Harry arrived at the table where several Masters were having breakfast, it occurred to Harry that Thomas's apprentice hadn't been seated with them all weekend. Scanning the room, he saw a nearby table of younger wizards and a few witches who were probably apprentices. It hadn't occurred to him until then that Gwen Jennings might be in attendance, but then again, if she had been, he was sure Severus would have mentioned it.
There were to be some demonstrations in the morning, followed by a closing ceremony where they'd all enjoy lunch while the winners of various contests would be announced. Harry decided to skip the demos in favor of actually getting a massage. Later, when the massage therapist worked through his sore muscles, he wondered why he'd ever skipped it the first time around.
While the massage had been very relaxing and made a huge improvement in his aching muscles, it still only took a little over an hour. Harry soon found himself wondering through a sea of Potions Masters converging around various stations to view exhibits. He tried not to gag when he spotted a wizard demonstrate what he called, a superior way to extract' some sort of reeking liquid from something vulgar that resembled a misshapen flobberworm. He didn't consider he had a very strong interest in potions, and put it down to morbid curiosity that he stayed and watched different methods of fluid extraction from similar slug-like creatures. When he thought he'd seen enough, or perhaps it was when his stomach roiled, Harry left the demo to return to his search for Severus.
On tiptoes, Harry tried to spot him, but only managed to stumble a bit when someone accidentally backed into him. "Sorry," he said quickly when he was pushed into a wizard, interrupting his conversation with another master. "Manfred! Sorry," he repeated when he recognized Dobbs.
"Quite all right," he waved off Harry's apology. "No harm done. Excuse me," he added politely to the person who had been speaking, before quickly turning back to Harry. "Looking for Snape?" he asked louder than Harry thought he needed to, and led him down through a group of wizards. "I think I saw him in this direction." When they were a short distance away, he paused, causing Harry to stop short before he barreled the man over.
"Was that a coincidence or a rescue attempt?" asked Dobbs. Harry looked back to see if it had been Richardson talking Dobbs' ear off, but it hadn't been.
"If I say it was a rescue, will you help me out with something?"
Thirty-five minutes later Harry had explained his situation and how he didn't want to take the first place gold cauldron from Severus, but if he did, he thought he could then hand it over later, and Severus would still get the second prize for his original potion, too.
Dobbs made a few points Harry hadn't considered. "Snape wouldn't want a cauldron with someone else's name engraved on it, even if it were gold. The combination of potions you'd get credit for is extremely difficult, but has been around for a good while. The other potion of Snape's is his own creation; it will be far more marketable after the potions journals print the winners of this highly recognized competition."
"That makes a lot of sense, I just feel bad cause he should have won both first and second prize," said Harry with a sigh.
"That's because to a young man like you, it's difficult to pass up a large sum of money. Trust me; money can always be earned," Dobbs of course had no idea that money wasn't an issue for Harry, but he continued, making several additional good points.
"I'm not sure I can figure out how to forfeit first prize. Thanks though, I appreciate your opinion; it helps a lot."
"Think nothing of it," Dobbs smiled wide. "I am not only helping you. Who do you think took forth place?" he asked with a wink. "It would be a shame if I didn't make it into the top three, having done so for six years running. Do you know if Snape registered you as his apprentice before June? I believe that was the cut-off date for apprentices to participate. Since it's rare for an apprentice to win, that may have been overlooked."
Harry's eyes lit up. He had his answer.
Harry found that he quite liked champagne. He supposed it made sense there would be more drinking at the closing luncheon, since they no longer needed to stay sober for brewing potions. While the more relaxed tone and awards had been fun, and he applauded the loudest while his master accepted his prize, it was the private celebration afterward that Harry enjoyed the most.
Severus refilled both glasses, replacing the empty bottle in the ice-filled gold cauldron that was engraved with the name of the Most Illustrious Master of Potions, Severus Snape', with one hand on his glass, the other wrapped around Harry's middle, keeping their balance. His tipsy young lover knelt in front of him, his back pressed against Sev's chest while he adjusted to the fullness that was Severus' cock buried deep within him.
To Harry's amazement, Severus managed to simultaneously hold him steady, occasionally sip champagne with ease and make love to him languidly. It was the slow pace Severus had wanted to take with Harry that morning if they'd had the chance. Now he was glad they hadn't, since it was far more gratifying to do so without the need to be anywhere soon. The appropriate glare at a certain hotel manager had extended their checkout time.
Harry emptied his glass and let it roll out of his hand as Severus also finished his, then guided him to rest on his elbows. One tanned hand splayed fingers on the mattress while the other held his wand. He moved his wand slowly and gently through the air as if conducting an orchestra. He occasionally twirled his wand in such a manner it caused Severus to hiss in unexpected pleasure. After each hiss, Severus thrust his cock in a bit harder, aiming more specifically for Harry's sweet spot.
When Harry played careful attention to his swish and flicks, Severus made the most delicious sounds. A slow twirl to the right combined with an upward turn of his wand pulled a groan from Severus and a bite to his shoulder that nearly pushed Harry over the edge. He moaned as Sev's tongue laved over the skin he'd surely marked.
Hearing Harry echoing his own sounds of pleasure, Severus increased his pace. Harry had wanted the tempo to pick up, and he had made it so, but just... not quite enough. "Please Sev," Harry gasped, having felt the hard cock brush against his prostate. "Please," he begged, hoping they would find a pace that closely matched the way his wand was rhythmically wielded.
"Yes!" shrieked Harry to a particularly forceful thrust. For a moment his wand hand faltered, but he quickly regained his coherency. He found concentrating on his wand kept him from toppling over the edge too soon. He now fully appreciated why Sev loved taking it slow; he wanted to make it last.
Together they kept up the rhythm, Harry's wand-waving matching Severus' cock as it plunged into him vigorously. "Gah!" Harry cried out, losing the pattern of thrust he'd been keeping with his wand.
With impressive speed, Severus grasped Harry firmly by the wrist, thrusting the wand back in motion as his pounded his cock deep into Harry's firm arse. "Fuck! OH!" was the last of Harry's articulate words. He continued to make incoherent sounds, and still managed to use his fingers to twist his wand again despite Severus' unyielding grip on his wrist. The pleasure crested, sending Harry into a mind numbing orgasm. He gave one last flick of his wand which caused Severus to let loose a satisfying scream.
After several minutes of Severus breathing heavily against his neck, his lover turned over, a smile gracing his lips.
"Do you want me to get that?" asked Harry, though he didn't appear as if he'd be moving any time soon.
"I'll manage, thanks," Severus replied lazily. He didn't seem to want to move any more than Harry, but eventually reached down to remove the magical dildo that had brought him so much pleasure by Harry's wand.
Glancing over to the bedside table, Harry could see the empty bottle of bubbly in the cauldron. Between Severus winning the gold and Harry getting him to scream, it had been an extremely rewarding day for both wizards.
As Severus changed out of the robes he wore to Christmas Eve dinner with Albus and Minerva, he could hear Harry laughing where he stood by the fire. You have sick friends', he heard him say.
"Where does one go to buy obscene greeting cards?" asked Harry, holding up the Christmas card from Kieran. He put the card back up, placing it next to Molly's for contrast, whereupon the Sugarplum fairy fainted. He was sure he saw the little fairy peek open one eye to see if the Christmas elf on the other card was still playing' with the candy cane. "Do you think Albus really liked his gift?" he asked before the elf distracted him from his thoughts with an action that made the fairy blush. "Thanks, by the way, for telling Minerva her gift was from both of us. I didn't think to get her one," he admitted, embarrassed. "She's almost like family since she's with' Albus." He felt bad, but didn't have a clue what he would have given her even if he had remembered about it.
"I may have bought the bottle, but it was you who suggested we give her the hangover cure in addition," Severus hadn't mentioned to Harry that it was a bit of an insult to insinuate that Minerva would overindulge enough to need such a cure. He had merely smiled at her with his knowing smirk as she opened the gift. Albus had done his best not to chuckle while she politely thanked them.
"Come on! I want you to open your present," cried Harry, too eager to wait as Severus took forever to change. Out in the sitting room, he noticed a few gifts. He'd opened his mouth to complain again, only to be struck dumb by the sight of Severus in black silk.
Severus had been about to comment, or perhaps raise a finger to his lover's chin to close his gaping mouth, but chose instead to take advantage and plunder said mouth. It was, after all, a mouth made for sin. After several moments of bliss, Harry let his gift to Severus drop to the floor.
"You may want to open one of your gifts now. You are far overdressed," Severus said between kisses that took a detour down Harry's neck, nibbling his way along.
"Will it be better to open your gift while naked?" asked Harry with a laugh.
"Perhaps," smiled Severus. "I don't think I could concentrate on gifts, should you remain looking as you do," he watched as Harry took off his clothes.
"And that would be a problem, why?" asked Harry, running his hands down his own abs teasingly. How being naked helped the issue, he couldn't see. "Gifts can wait," he stroked his semi-erect cock for emphasis.
"I'm still too full from dinner," he admitted, handing Harry a box. Severus gracefully sat down in front of the fire, his back against the sofa. The silk pyjamas nearly covered his feet, though Harry hardly thought it necessary, as the robe was also quite long.
"Wow," exclaimed Harry when he opened the box to find a similar item of black silk, though Sev's sash was green. "I didn't expect you to be a matching outfits' kind of guy, Sev," teased Harry. He ran his hand over the garment and couldn't wait to feel it against his skin.
"Bite your tongue," hissed Severus. "I don't do matching outfits," he said in such a tone it made Harry shiver. "Yours is not quite so long," his added vaguely, but Harry soon found that to be a huge understatement. Pulling on the slinky robe, Harry tied the sash.
"Oh, there are bottoms, too," he'd almost missed the second item in the box amongst the tissue paper. "How do I look?" he asked after donning the second garment, looking down, pressing his hands along his thighs. The robe was just barely long enough to cover his naughty bits and he'd felt the noticeable heat from the fire when he'd bent down to look into the box, incidentally exposing his rear end.
Severus gave Harry a once-over, thinking he'd been mistaken. Naked Harry wasn't any more or less tempting than barely clad in black silk Harry. He regretted having eaten so much and damned Albus for having all his favorites at dinner. Ignoring the overstuffed sensation, he pulled Harry down, who slid easily to his knees, between Severus' legs. He spent some time just sliding his hands over all the parts he could reach.
"Hold on," Harry said, reaching for something on the sofa, pressing himself against Severus in the process. "Here," he pulled something out of a dreadfully over-decorated Christmas stocking. "I'll split it with you," Harry said as he bit the head off a chocolate frog.
Severus was about to protest that he couldn't possibly think of eating another thing when Harry pressed the lower half of the frog to his lips. Though with a hint of mint, he recognized the medicinal taste of the frog, which was thankfully no longer trying to hop away. He remembered Harry telling the story of the first time he'd ever eaten the stomach-settling treat after having overindulged on sweets with Albus at their past Christmas together.
"Better?" asked Harry. He didn't wait for a response before capturing Sev's lips. "Want you to open my gift," he added though a scattering of kisses mid-sentence. He looked around, finally spotting the envelope nearby on the floor. "There it is," Harry twisted around, still on his knees. He stretched to reach, causing his short robe to inch up and reveal the curves of his arse.
Severus had considered boxers or even a bikini to go with the robe, but was now quite satisfied with his choice. The single black cord of a thong was snugly between Harry's cheeks. With a growl, Severus maintained control and kept himself from pouncing and removing said thong with his teeth.
"I hope you like it," he could hear Harry speaking, but the sight of him with his arse in the air as he turned with the envelope was distracting. "Here..." his words cut off as Severus pulled him close. His hands wrapped around, each squeezing a buttock.
Harry was breathless when Severus let him up for air again. "I'm beginning to think you bought this outfit for you and not me," Harry was still panting. "I really have to wear black more often," he added, remembering Sev's reaction to the quidditch robes. "Open this," he said quickly and put the envelope up to his face, blocking the next kiss.
Severus smiled as he slid a finger under the fold. Harry was rambling on and on about not knowing what to get him and hoping that he liked it. Severus startled him by grabbing the back of his head and pulling him abruptly close for a quick but hard kiss.
"Relax. I'm sure I'll like whatever it is," Severus assured him, and bussed him again on the corner of his mouth before returning his attention to the gift at hand. He raised a brow at the insignia on the envelope, recognizing the logo of one of his favorite restaurants. "What have we here?" he pulled out the gift certificate agonizingly slowly, enjoying the sensation of Harry squirming on his lap.
Severus paused his teasing to read the card. There was no monetary denomination stated on the gift certificate as he'd seen in the past. There was also a wine list included with the sample menu, though he was surprised to see items he hadn't remembered them serving in the past.
"Um, that's not their regular menu," Harry was eager to find out if Sev liked his gift. "As a special guest, you can of course order anything from their menu, or you can pick from one of these five entrees. I think he said they were specialties of his, not usually served in the restaurant. Oh, and they'd need to know in advance if you are going to order one of those," Harry pointed to the list.
"Did they know who you were?" he asked, wondering how Harry had managed it. He also didn't want there to be any record that could reveal that one Harry Potter had purchased a very nice gift for the spy who wished to keep living.
"No. Do um... you like it?" he asked sheepishly and was relieved when a huge smile spread out on Severus' face.
"I believe I'm torn between feeling truly impressed you had the ingenuity to pull this off without my discovering it and delighted by the gift itself. Thank you!" he kissed Harry again for good measure. "It's perfect."
"I was worried since it's not a gift you get to keep. I really didn't know what to get you," he babbled nervously, now wishing he had found something Severus could have to keep, like the silk robe.
"You could easily have spent a large sum of money at a local shop for a meaningless gift, but you... actually, you do seem to have spent a large sum of money, but you also went through the trouble to find out what restaurant I enjoy. It's a very thoughtful gift. I don't need to ask who tipped you off," he said, referring to Manfred Dobbs. "I'm afraid this pales in comparison," Severus handed Harry a small package.
"I thought you said it was for Christmas that you booked the extra nice room at the hotel?" Harry merely got a shrug in response and swiftly tore off the gift-wrap. "Ye Leather Crafters Shoppe?" Harry raised a brow at the name on the box. "Something kinky?" he teased.
"Get your mind out of the gutter," sneered Severus, though his hands were currently kneading Harry's arse. Harry shifted on his lap again as the thong teased at his entrance.
"It's a pouch like yours," he said excitedly. "Does it come with refills?" he inspected each vial, glad that he could identify each one.
"Yes, actually," he seemed relieved that Harry wasn't disappointed by his gift. "This is better than my pouch, which is simple leather. Yours has charms on it like a wizard's money pouch. When you replace an empty vial, it will replenish itself from a stock I have in my private lab. There's a section for coins also, but you'll have to spell it to restock from your own supply," he explained and laughed when Harry kiddingly complained about not being able to spend all of Severus' money.
"Hey, there's a knut in here. Oooo, a hangover cure. I knew I loved you for a reason," he teased, and took a closer look at each potion.
"It's considered bad luck to give an empty money pouch. Though I hardly think you need me to wish you good fortune," Severus picked up the gift certificate again. "Did you speak to the chef himself?" he was very surprised when Harry nodded. "I'm impressed you came out of there intact. If I remember correctly, he didn't interact well with others," Severus distinctly remembered when Dobbs was bodily removed from the premises after asking about a recipe.
"If there's anything Aunt Petunia taught me about cooking and dealing with chefs, it's how to duck a flying cook pot," laughed Harry. "Speaking of pots, I don't suppose you know anything about the small gold cauldron hanging on my Christmas tree?"
"I have no idea what you're going on about," smirked Severus as he pulled off the red sash, making Harry's robe fall open.
DETAH 78 - A Day for Families and Lovers
Chapter Notes
It's been so terribly long since I updated, I figured I'd better end this chapter with some lovin'.
Xikum, my illustrious beta and I try to keep this story as realistic as possible. So...when I wrote the last section with Harry climaxing and then moving right into penetrating Severus, Xikum called me on it. While it's unlikely for a lot of men, I had in fact dated a guy who could do just that. Is it unlikely? Yeah. Is it possible? For sure!
If my ex could do it, so can my Harry *wink*
Harry sat back on the sofa, squeezed between Ginny and Fred. The Burrow was decorated festively; fairy lights twinkled all about, one of which tangled in Hermione's hair. Harry was sure the twins had something to do with that. The floor was strewn with gift wrap, Weasley jumpers draped the chairs. Harry had wondered if there would be one for Severus this year, but since he couldn't be there amongst mixed company, Harry was sure the Weasleys certainly wouldn't put a gift in view under the tree.
The day wore on. When Bill and his girlfriend Ursula used the tradition of mistletoe to snog for the twentieth time or so, Ron had complained, suggesting they get a room - but then Charlie was quick to point out that Ron and Hermione had similarly met in the doorway several times throughout the day. Poor Neville, who'd come by after dinner bearing a gift for Ginny, turned beet red when he'd accidentally backed into Molly and heard the faint tinkling of a bell which rang when two people had stepped under the mistletoe.
"Excuse me, Mr. Weasley," he apologized to her husband and with a gallant bow kissed the matron's hand. Molly praised him as a gentleman and bussed his reddened cheek. He quickly found Ginny and took the seat Fred had vacated on the sofa.
"Still dating S'?" asked Neville, looking for a distraction from his embarrassment.
It had taken a moment before Harry caught on, remembering the letter he'd gotten from Sev during his first class back after the Easter break that had started it all. He wished he still had that letter and started thinking how he could use a Pensieve to reclaim the parts he'd forgotten. Belatedly realizing he'd not answered Neville's question, Harry confirmed that yes he was still dating S' and hoped it wouldn't be long before he could share his lover's identity. He was feeling guilty, but Neville hadn't once pressed him for information, for which he was grateful.
"There's another gift for you under the tree, Ron dear," sang Molly, with a huge smile on her face. Ron, for his part, had been doing his best not to look too put out, having noticed he had fewer gifts than everyone else. Which was to say he wasn't hiding it very well at all. "Come sit here," she pointed to the center of the sofa where Neville and Harry were making room for him.
"It's from all of us!" chimed in Fred. "You didn't think we'd forgotten you, did ya?"
"Or that Harry would just give you a chocolate frog?" added George.
"This is no ordinary frog!" Ron said in defense of Harry's gift. "This is brilliant," he added, holding up the enormous confection that was as big as his head. He'd yet to release it from the packaging and was eager to see how far it would jump. "Should've come with a leash," he laughed.
"What's this?" asked Ron, more serious as he saw the rather large box being pulled from under the tree. He mentally berated his Auror self for not having realized there had been a large, magically concealed box right under his nose.
"What's this?" he asked again, dumbfounded that there was such a big gift, just for him.
"Open it," encouraged Hermione with a warm smile. She enjoyed the astonished look on her fiance's face.
"Really, the frog would have been enough," Ron said to Harry before tearing into the wrap.
"I just chipped in with everyone else," Harry said modestly. "Open it, you git," he added with a smirk, and ignored the added comments that Harry hadn't just chipped in.
"As if we could have pulled this off without your celebrity status," said Bill.
"It's battle armor," Ginny explained helpfully as Ron held up the odd looking suit. He wouldn't voice that he'd first thought it was one of those deep sea outfits he'd seen on the telly.
"Real battle armor?" Ron asked incredulously. "Similar to what the Unspeakables wear?" He didn't dare hope.
"No, not similar, it's exactly what the Unspeakables wear," Harry confirmed, seriously. "This can't be public knowledge," he added.
"No, it can't," Arthur spoke up for the first time since Ron opened the box. "It took months of research, pulling strings and calling in favours to the Order to find a connection to, then convince the wizards who create them," he took the suit from his son, holding it up to Ron's chest like a mother would, checking the fit of a jumper. "You'll wear it under your Auror robes for missions," he squeezed his son's shoulder. "We'll sleep better at nights, knowing you have this." By then Molly was sniffing into a handkerchief.
"Oi, you didn't get all teary when I opened my gift," teased George. He knew enough to duck from the several crinkled balls of gift-wrap thrown his way. His mother simply ignored him and pushed Ron to go try it on.
Bill jokingly asked how many wizards it took for one to put on body armor, but that didn't stop Harry, Neville and the twins from racing up the stairs after Ron. By the time the last of them came through his bedroom door, the youngest Weasley brother had stripped off his jumper, shoes and one sock.
"This is brilliant!" exuded Ron as he looked over the outfit. "Can you move around in it well enough?" he asked excitedly. Before he was even finished getting on the top, Fred was throwing low level hexes at him.
"I didn't really get a chance to see. I only tried on a set the one time when I ordered yours," Harry explained, getting shocked looks from a few of them. "It's um... not really made to wear 24/7," he added.
"Maybe together, you and You Know Who' could schedule a date for his next attack and you could be better prepared?" suggested Neville so nonchalantly it took several seconds before they realized he'd made a joke and started to laugh.
Ron cursed the shirt he'd worn under his jumper for having such tight buttonholes. Harry watched in amusement and suddenly recalled a funny story Sev had shared. "Would you like a hand?" asked Harry with a smirk when one of Ron's buttons shot across the room. Before Ron registered the question, Harry had spelled all except his pants off.
"HEY!!!!" "Brilliant" "You dog!" came the responses from his friends. Ron, of course, was the indignant hey'. Neville was asking about the exact pronunciation when it occurred to Ron that Neville would be using the spell on his little sister.
"Don't even think of using that spell on Ginny! I know she's going to do some things," Ron's face scrunched up as he said the last few words. "But that doesn't mean she should know such spells!" Ron was tall and imposing despite the fact that he was nearly starkers with the exception of a pair of bright red boxers with a large green label reading "Don't open til X-Mass"
"Could you spell clothes back on, too?"
"Yeah, but I wouldn't chance it with the armor, in case it's too small," said Harry.
"Nah, the spell doesn't work if the clothes are too small," George chimed in, getting odd looks from Fred who apparently wasn't as well informed.
"Actually..." Harry was thinking back to the night Severus saved him from his tee-shirt, but wasn't going to share that particular story. "It's not impossible," was all he said. He was saved from further explanation as Ron asked questions while he finished putting on the armor.
Harry told them about the improvements that had been made to the suit since the attack on the Minister of Magic. Curses and hexes would no longer rebound at unsuspecting bystanders. Of course this only served as an invitation for the twins to try it out by throwing various hexes at their youngest brother.
Ron happily paraded back downstairs to model his gift. He would have kept it on throughout the evening, but it got tiresome when the twins didn't relent.
"Ginny, it's beautiful," exclaimed Hermione when her soon to be sister-in-law held up her arm to show a delicate bracelet Neville had given to her. "Oh!" she startled when a small black cat leaped onto her lap. "I didn't know you got the cat you wanted."
"I didn't," she replied nervously. "Dad?" Even after years past, she still found it very disturbing to think about Scabbers having been a grown wizard hiding out in her home for most of her childhood.
"Aren't you cute," cooed Ron uncharacteristically. He'd known Harry was going to show them his Animagus form, but didn't know what it would be. "Go long, Charlie!" he said, tossing the small cat haphazardly to his brother. Charlie too cooed at him, cuddling him under his chin.
"Cute little furball," laughed Charlie with a wink, and dropped Harry as he transformed back and became too heavy to keep in his arms. "Great job," he praised.
"Prats, the both of you," grumped Harry, running a hand through his hair. "I smell like cologne now," he added indignantly.
"Aw, you love it when we cuddle," teased Charlie.
Harry refrained from the rude response on the tip of his tongue and was rewarded with an overzealous hug from Hermione. Her excitement was contagious and soon everyone was congratulating him and asking questions about his training and how long it took him to accomplish.
"I hate that we're not doing these things together," she added, missing the times when they did everything together, academic and/or experimental. "I'm just too busy at Uni to take the time for such extracurricular studies," Hermione politely ignored Ron's whispered comment about wanting to experiment with her.
"Will you be registering?" asked Bill. Harry noted the room quieted a bit. He also noticed Ron glance toward Bill's girl. They trusted her, but he had no intention of mentioning his ability to become other animals when in mixed company.
"Yes. Albus and my trainers agree that I should."
"I should hope so!" Molly indignantly pointed out it was the law, but Arthur didn't seem to be taking sides.
"Most people will assume I'll become an Animagus whether I register or not, so it's in my best interest to be upfront about it." or as upfront as need be,' he added mentally. Hermione asked him what distinguishing marks he had, but he'd forgotten about that part when he decided what his public' Animagus form would be. "Um... there's a spot on a pad of one of my paws," he made up quickly, thinking about Sirius having had a similar marking in dog form.
"Wow, that's lucky. You're more anonymous like that. I mean, anyone who's gotten past first year at Hogwarts can identify Professor McGonagall with her markings. I'm surprised there isn't a lightning bolt on your head or something," she added thoughtfully.
"Lucky I guess," he replied with a shrug. "Anyone want dibs on the press?"
"Of course not!" cried Hermione, offended that any would think she would cash in on her friendship with him. Mr. Weasley surprised her by raising a hand.
"If I may," Arthur smiled encouragingly. "There's a lad in the office who's been most helpful; I owe him a favor. He's being considered for Order membership," he said proudly. Arthur would give the information to his coworker, telling him what he could leak to the press, and for that information, the press would pay the lad a finder's fee.
"Make sure you tell him something extra that he should keep to himself, so we'll know if he's trustworthy," Ron instructed, getting nod from his father.
"I think Dad knows what he's doing." "He doesn't need Ickle Auror Ronnikins," "to give him advice," mocked Fred and George.
Ron's face reddened, realizing they were right. His father was too tactful to have mentioned he didn't need his youngest son's advice on these matters. Knowing this didn't stop Ron from sneering at his brothers.
When it looked like Ron was going to start hexing the twins, Bill declared it a good time for he and Ursula to go see her parents.
"That's enough out of you three," admonished Molly, complaining about their behavior causing Bill to leave early.
"Honestly, Mum, we're just as obnoxious all the day through," "they just used us as an excuse to fly out of here," Fred and George said in their defense.
"Yeah, he wanted to get Ursula alone to give her her real present," added Ron, getting a spelled smack in the head from his mother's wand. "What?" he asked as if he hadn't been making a rude gesture while he'd made his comment.
"Just as well," Harry said to Molly with a smile as he waved his wand to help her send the gift-wrap into the fire. "I wanted to show you something and I've been waiting for it to be just us," explained Harry. He couldn't see the beaming smile on Neville's face, having been included in the us'. Molly just pursed her lips as if she were still considering being angry at them.
"Would you mind sending that to the kitchen, dear?" she asked Harry, pointing to a new cauldron she'd gotten from her twins. She'd been kind enough not to point out that it was the two of them who had blown up her last one. She was already rinsing an empty pitcher of eggnog when Harry settled the large pot on the counter.
"Want to see?" he asked her with a whisper and a wide smile on his face, like child who couldn't wait to show his mum a new triumph... which wasn't far from the truth. "Hold out your arm," he instructed, while pushing it up about shoulder level. "Don't drop it, I don't think I know how to fly," he added nervously before holding on to her arm and transforming into a magnificent owl.
Molly startled but held her arm up, firmly supporting the weight of Harry's owl form. "Well done, dear. I'm so proud of you. Oh, careful," she added when Harry's wings spread in an attempt to keep his balance and not tear into her arm with his talons. "My aunt Gertrude could turn into a sparrow, and I recall her telling me that flying came rather naturally. I'll bet..." she put him down on the rim of the large cauldron and crossed the room. "You can probably fly beautifully," Molly held up her arm again, which she had circumspectly wrapped in a dishtowel. "Have a try," she encouraged.
Uncertainly, Harry flapped his wings, but didn't unclench his talons from the edge of the cauldron until he felt confidant. Of course, this meant that when he did release, he took off faster than intended, and his flight was over before he realized. Molly hadn't even registered that she'd let out a startled shriek when the large owl came barreling at her, knocking her off balance. It was not a graceful landing for either of them.
Arthur ran to the kitchen in aide of his wife, uncertain what to expect, but certainly not expecting to find his wife sitting on her bum next to Harry who was sprawled out on the floor. The two of them were sprinkled with small white feathers and laughing hysterically.
"Did Aunt Gertrude mention anything about landing coming naturally, too?" asked Harry before bursting out into laughter again.
"Good gracious!" she laughed, slightly out of breath. "Help me up, dear," Molly held out her hand to her husband.
"I didn't do it!" "I didn't do it!" came two identical exclamations from the twins who appeared in the doorway and continued in their defense that they only used yellow colour for the feathers in Canary Creams and couldn't have possibly been at fault in any way for whatever happened to their mum and Harry.
"Your first flight. Well done, dear!" sang Molly proudly as if it were her own hatchling leaving the nest for the first time. "Show them your bird!"
"What bird," Ron kidded. "I thought you only liked blokes."
*two hours later*
"A tabby cat," called out Hermione, amazed by how quickly Harry could morph from one animal to the next.
"A toad," came Neville's suggestion.
"A bug," called out Fred. "Oy, you would be a flaming butterfly," teased George. "Nice," he added when Harry quickly transformed from a monarch butterfly into a large creepy black spider, causing Ron to startle. Hermione marveled at the speed Harry managed to change from one to the other. He explained that it was actually easier when he didn't think about it and just quickly switched to whatever animal they'd asked for.
They quickly learned it was better to think about it a bit first when Harry turned from a fox into a fish and couldn't breathe while flapping around on the carpet, gasping for air.
"Guess that wasn't very bright," he said after taking a huge lungful of air, and gratefully accepted a glass of water from Ron. "Thanks, mate." Harry fell back on the sofa next to Hermione. "That was fun," he laughed, still somewhat out of breath.
"I think we've used Harry for our own amusement enough for one night. G'night." Ginny kissed Harry on the cheek, and left to walk Neville to the door. The twins too called it a night and took their departure, leaving Harry alone with Ron and Hermione.
"You're crashing here tonight, right?" asked Ron, pouring himself another butterbeer, indicating he had no intention of going off to bed just yet. "Mum's already made up the bed for you," he added as if that settled it. Harry had laughed when Ron complained indignantly about Hermione still having to sleep in Ginny's room, even though he'd put a ring on her finger.
"Far be it from me to intrude on your cuddle time," grinned Harry, while getting up to leave them in peace.
"Don't you dare," Hermione pulled him back down. "I don't get to hang out with you both all that much anymore. What's Severus doing today?"
"Spending time with family," he answered cryptically since both his friends knew Severus to be the last in the Snape line. "He's going back to the manor I told you about. He said he wanted to pack up all his family heirlooms and paintings before giving a very big Christmas gift."
"He's giving you a manor?" asked Ron, getting an eye roll from Harry.
"No, you berk, I'm building our house... eventually. He's selling the manor to the family who lives there. Apparently, they've offered to buy it in the past, but he'd not wanted to sell it just yet," Harry propped his feet up on the table, and leaned comfortably on Hermione's shoulder.
"Can they afford that?" asked Ron. "I mean, if they've been servants and all for years, how can they afford a big place like that?"
"I don't know," shrugged Harry. "I guess they've had years to save up. Most the kids are grown, with their own kids, so there are a few generations living there. Imagine if all your brothers still lived here rent free, saving up their earnings and pooling it together."
"I'd rather not imagine that if you don't mind," grimaced Ron, thinking about what it was like before any of his brothers moved out. "This place was total chaos, worse than it is now. Once they could get away, Bill and Charlie didn't even stay in the same country, much less under the same roof," recalled Ron.
"Plus, I think Sev pays one of the sons-in-law to manage things," Harry added.
"Can he afford that? I didn't get the impression Snape came from much money," asked Ron, getting a jab to the ribs.
"That's none of our business," chided Hermione, though she was curious to know how Severus could afford to pay staff. "I don't think Severus would appreciate us talking about his personal matters," she added, emphasizing his first name as Ron had not.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Harry said with another shrug, wanting to say 'it's just you guys', but realizing she was right; Severus wouldn't appreciate his private life being discussed.
"Not talking about anyone in particular," Harry began with a wink to Ron. "But if someone were to inherit a manor from a distant relative, he or she could sell off a substantial number of heirlooms that held no personal sentimental value. The interest alone could be used to pay for the upkeep, including staff and a servant's son-in-law to take care of all the financial business regarding the manor."
"That makes sense," said Hermione thoughtfully. "It's a shame you don't have many heirlooms, since your parents' home was destroyed," she said sadly.
"Surprisingly, there were several nice things in their vault. I wondered why there was more crystal than most other stuff, and asked Remus about it. He told me that my mum was getting a bit clumsy near the end of her pregnancy and figured, with a child on the way, it was wise to place the special things in the vault until I was old enough not to knock things over and get hurt. He also mentioned something about a large black dog that couldn't control his tail - no table or countertop was safe," laughed Harry, thinking about his godfather crashing through the house like a herd of hippogriffs.
"A dog, how'd we miss that one?" asked Ron, thinking about the many animals they'd had Harry transform into.
"Honestly Ron, Harry is telling us a touching story about his family and you're talking about dogs," Hermione said in a huff.
"He was talking about dogs too," defended Ron. "Blokes don't get sappy about that kind of stuff," he said, but took a quick glance at Harry to be sure.
"How about a black one?" asked Harry as if she hadn't said a word. He was already in dog form when she called them both prats. Harry bared his teeth, showing the large canines.
"Don't even try to be big and bad; you're adorable," Hermione scratched behind his ears, laughing when he growled at her and then licked her chin.
"He's not adorable," declared Ron, defending Harry's masculinity. "You've got to come to work with me one day. There's somebody I'd love for you to scare," Ron's eyes were bright, thinking of all the possibilities. "They'd freak out if they thought they saw a Grim. Can you look scarier?"
"No, he's adorable," interrupted Hermione.
"Um, speaking of freaking out," Harry said, having transformed back to his self. "I want to show you something, but you can't touch this time. I'm not sure, but I think it would be bad since Albus and Sev were so careful... I don't think they know for sure, either," he added more to himself than them. He gave them a short nod when they agreed not to touch. Hermione even sat on her hands, just in case.
"Remember my dad's Animagus form was a stag?" he asked as if it weren't common knowledge between them. "Well, I um... was thinking about him and..." he decided it would be easier to skip the explanation and simply show them. Soon, he could no longer feel the floor beneath his feet as he hovered before them in all his wispy, silvery glory.
Before they could fully understand what they were seeing, Harry changed back to himself. Hermione reached out to see if he was solid once again, but caught herself before touching. "It's OK now," he reassured her.
"Were you...?" she didn't voice her question, thinking it not possible. The hand she'd reached out with now covered her mouth in shock as he nodded in affirmation.
"Whoa!" was all Ron managed. "Can Dumbledore do that?" he asked, wondering at what point Harry would surpass Dumbledore in magical prowess. Harry simply shrugged.
"I don't know. He looked concerned, or maybe it was surprised, when I first showed him. It seemed to unnerve everyone in the room," Harry stared down at his legs, prodding at a spot where he'd spilled something from dinner. He had mixed feelings and didn't know if he should be celebrating this new talent, or be concerned as he had no idea if there could be dangers involved with such a feat.
Hermione agreed that it was unnerving to see her friend in the misty state. She watched Harry's face tighten while deep in thought. Her lips curled into a small smile as she noticed his lips move ever so slightly, causing the stain on his trousers to vanish. It wasn't uncommon for a powerful wizard to do some wandless magic, but Harry seemed to do it unconsciously these days.
"Can you be a bunny?" she asked, and Harry knew a good distraction when offered one. He was happy to go back to celebrating his Animagus forms. "Oh, how sweet!" she cooed, then screamed when he quickly shifted into a large stag beetle.
"Good one, mate," laughed Ron as he watched his girlfriend leap away from the offending insect. "Did you have to smack my mate to the floor like that?" he added to Hermione, seeing Harry back to himself, rubbing his aching side. He waved her off when Hermione tried to help him up, all the while grumbling about idiot boys.
"What would happen if she'd of knocked off one of your legs, or wings?" Ron asked no one in particular and shuddered, thinking about the possibilities. "Maybe you'd just be missing a fingernail or something, you think?" he added, causing Hermione to smack him in the hope he'd shut up. She felt bad enough having hit the 'Harry bug' away from her.
Harry glanced down at his fingers to make sure everything was where it should be. "Stop freaking out our girl here," he winked at Hermione. "I'm sure she didn't mean it," Harry said with an exaggerated groan.
"Stop being a prat," she shooed Harry away from leaning his head on her shoulder. "I want you to try something," she said, not passing up a good research opportunity.
"Sorry love, he's straight..." Ron began with a grin.
"I swear he thinks of nothing but food and sex," Hermione said matter-of-factly. Ron cuddled up close, whispering something about food and sex together. Harry didn't catch the whole thing, but watched Hermione's face glow with embarrassment. She went on as if he'd not said a thing, trying not to think about what Ron had done with chocolate pudding the previous week.
"I wanted you to try ..." Before long Harry had tried various animals' forms and colors. Switching from one color cat to another was interesting; Ron suggested it could be a great way to escape when chased. A near-perfect impression of Professor McGonagall in cat form caused them to roar with laughter.
"You could have so much fun with that," Ron shook his head as ideas popped into his head. The suggestion of Mrs. Norris brought on another round of laughter.
Severus sat down on his bed to remove his boots. It had been a pleasant evening with Adeline and her family for Christmas. It had been many years since he'd spent the holiday in a family setting. He could have done without watching the youngest mashing all his food into one unrecognizable paste, but was at least grateful Adeline had seated him far enough away from the toddler to not be a victim when some of it went flying from a wildly waved spoon.
The news of him agreeing to sell them the manor had been cause for celebration. They'd been quite concerned when land surveyors showed up the previous week. Fearing the loss of their home of many, many years, the family had agreed between themselves and made a large offer for the home in a determined attempt to stay. The offer was more then they could reasonably afford, but they agreed it was worth the temporary hardship until they could catch up financially.
It was to everyone's relief that Severus agreed on the sale with the provision that he be permitted to purchase back the portion of land which held the stable. Severus could have separated the land and only sold off the manor, excluding the training building they used with Kieran. It was pride that kept him from doing so. Severus didn't want it to appear that he'd sold off a portion of his land as some families do during times of hardship. It was a technicality, but it also served another purpose besides saving his pride.
He felt he owed Adeline for much from over the years, and was also greatly appreciative of her taking in Harry and himself when they were in need. In his opinion, the offer they made was too high; it was clearly a desperate attempt not to lose their home. But he wasn't about to insult them. Instead, Severus accepted their offer, and in turn gave a more than generous counter-offer for the small portion of land he wished to keep.
Adeline, her son-in-law, and Severus all left the den with signed papers and smiles on their faces. The rest of the family had been waiting with bated breath for them to emerge, hopefully with good news. Severus handed over the whistle used to call an owl by the Master of the Manor.
Adeline blew the whistle twice, beaming when two large, majestic owls flew in to answer her call. Two signed scrolls, one for the purchase of the manor and one for the sale of the lower portion of land, were sent off for official recording to the Ministry Office of Titles and Deeds.
Hermione poked her head into Ron's room, having noticed the door ajar. On the extra cot was a large ginger cat, slumbering peacefully. "How's my baby," she cooed, hoisting up the large feline into her arms. "Did you like the catnip ball I got you?" Not expecting an answer, she put him back down again in favor of paying attention to her fiance, who was pulling on a jumper. Ron was held up when small hands found their way across his chest. "Did you ask Harry if he was going to my mum's today?"
"Of course," he answered before pressing his lips to hers. With his long arms wrapped around her, Ron nibbled on her neck, while watching the cat make his exit. He saw no point in mentioning the fact that Crookshanks was at her parents' house and it was Harry that she'd just been gushing over.
Severus entered the staff room where he knew Harry would be after his visit to the Grangers. Hagrid, wearing a horrid red and brown speckled jumper, was excitedly telling a story to Albus. The Headmaster looked decidedly flustered, but from the way his eyes kept glancing to the back of the room, Severus didn't think it was Hagrid's tale that had Albus in such a state. Sitting on the sofa with Minerva was Harry, in full demonstration mode. Severus could just barely hear their conversation.
"The chocolate's my favorite part, too," Harry had said, holding up an enormous chocolate eclair. "And yeah, it's too big after a huge meal," he agreed to her protest over the portion sizes supplied by house elves. "You just have to split it here on the edge," he demonstrated, pulling off the lower section of pastry. Severus could see Harry was about to shove the whole thing in his mouth, but thought better of it. "Now, here, try this," he held up the other half for her to try. "See," he said with a bright smile. "The first thing you get is the cream, which is great, mind, but then the chocolate mixes in," he waited a moment before adding, "Heaven, right?" getting a nod from Minerva who was doing her best to eat like a lady, despite the fun they were having.
"Good evening, Severus," Minerva greeted him as he neared the sofa. "How was Christmas?" she asked, offering him the plate of eclairs.
"It was fine, thank you," Severus said simply. He declined the plate, but took a seat across from the sofa, with his back to Albus and Hagrid who was still raptly telling a story of some monster or another. Narrowing his eyes toward Harry, he asked. "Are you attempting to corrupt the respectable Deputy Headmistress with your hedonistic tendencies involving pastry?" his evil grin firmly in place.
"You're no fun at all," surprisingly it was Minerva who had spoken. Harry simply smiled.
"Yeah, no fun at all," Harry teased him while Minerva was momentarily distracted by a house elf with a tray of beverages. Severus didn't reply, but turned his head away from the others, took Harry's pastry from his hand, slid it entirely into his mouth before handing it back fully intact. Harry shivered imagining himself in Sev's sinful mouth.
"Merlin," Harry groaned and casually placed his arm across his lap to hide any evidence of the effect Severus had on him.
~~~one hour - forty minutes later~~~
"You kept asking Hagrid questions just to keep him talking," complained Harry while working on the buttons on Severus' vest. "You made sure I was hard as a rock and then stayed longer than you ever had at those parties," He griped while working on a lower line of buttons.
"Have you presumed that I'd be suffering while you took off my clothes without magic? Hmmm?" Severus nuzzled his ear, and let out a small laugh when Harry's fingers slipped off the button he was working on. He also groaned in appreciation when Harry rubbed their cloth covered erections together.
"No," denied Harry as he licked a bit of skin he'd managed to uncover. He smiled around a nipple, having felt Severus harden further. With impressive dexterity and coordination, Harry continued to lick, grind and open buttons simultaneously. "I've waited this long, I can certainly wait longer and enjoy myself," lied Harry. He was so hard he thought the seams on his trousers were going to rip; it hurt, and not in a happy way.
Having finally opened what seemed to be one of the more difficult buttons, Harry bit hard on the already tender nipple in celebration. To his delight, Severus hissed and reflexively jerked his hips forward, grinding them together. With Severus' upper body fully divested of clothing, Harry continued to work on the buttons of his trousers, pausing long enough for his own jumper to be pulled over his head. Thinking better of it, Harry instead decided to grab Severus firmly by the hips, lifting him up onto the bed. Reaching for the button once again he decided, "bugger this," and spelled off both their clothes.
Severus shimmied further up the bed, fully expecting Harry to join him, but instead his young lover circled the bed, to climb on in the opposite direction. He gave an upside down kiss, but only for a moment before continuing his descent, pressing himself fully against smooth alabaster skin. Harry wasted no time in engulfing Severus' cock, elated to feel the reciprocated sensation on his own straining member.
Harry slid his hands along Sev's legs to squeeze, caress and grope any- and everywhere. He hummed in appreciation, feeling his balls fondled deliciously. They continued to explore with mouth and hands, Harry wanting it to last forever until he thought it just might. 'More' he thought, but only groaned with a mouthful and picked up the pace. To his dismay, the increased tempo was one-sided. He tried to thrust his hips to get his point across, but that only led to strong hands holding him still, while a talented mouth continued at a pace Severus called leisurely, but Harry thought to be agonizing torture when he wanted to burst.
Severus wondered how long it would take, and smiled around Harry's pulsing cock when he saw the jar of lube fly past. Not only hadn't Harry used his wand, but he hadn't even muttered an incantation, much less stopped his exuberant sucking. Knowing it was coming still didn't prevent the gasp from escaping when two fingers thrust inside his puckered hole.
Though he started out with two fingers, Harry didn't continue with a swift preparation. Instead he kept the same pace Severus had been using. If his lover would tease, then payback was only fair. When he felt the muscles clench around his fingers, he knew Sev was ready for more, but he didn't relent. After some time of twisting and flexing his fingers to thoroughly stretch his lover's entrance and stroke his lover in just the right spot, Harry groaned loudly when Severus began sucking in earnest. He could feel a large nose nuzzle into of tuft of curly hair as every inch of him was taken in.
Harry then added a third finger and began jerking his hips forward, fucking his lover's mouth. He felt two strong hands grab hold of his arse, pulling him closer as Severus swallowed around his cock, causing Harry to cry out, releasing his seed.
With his erection not having diminished, Harry climbed across the bed to position himself at Sev's entrance. His cock teasingly slid across Sev's tender area and pulled him close for a searing kiss. He slid slowly inside the incredibly tight heat as their tongues battled for dominance.
"More," groaned Severus as he clenched a handful of unruly hair, pulling Harry's head to the side, giving him access to the neck he wished to bite. "Yes!" hissed Severus as his efforts had the desired effect, spurring Harry to thrust into him hard. Adjusting his position, Harry pulled Sev's legs up to his shoulders, giving one of the pale ankles a lick before finding his rhythm again.
One hand slicked up again, Harry squeezed Sev's cock, then slightly tugged on his sac to prevent him from climaxing just yet. It seemed to have been so unbearably long since they'd last had any, much less such an intense time together. Having already come once, Harry wasn't ready for their pleasure to end. Wanting to free one hand, he spelled a cock ring onto his lover. With the height difference, Harry could nearly have Sev's knees bent over his shoulders. "~I love fucking you~," he hissed as he thrust in forcefully, and felt the cock in his hand twitch.
"Please," Severus begged, shocking Harry with the whispered plea. Severus was passing the point of no return when Harry began to stroke him with enthusiasm and released the cock ring.
Even Harry's Parseltongue was becoming incoherent, not that it mattered. He couldn't remember the last time he'd fucked Sev so forcefully, nor lasted as long. In the last intensity, he exploded, ~Come with me~'.
Hearing his lover hiss in Parseltongue with unmistakable fervor and lust sent him spiraling into oblivion. He barely registered the inarticulate cry that came from Harry, as he too climaxed and nearly collapsed atop Severus.
In only as much time as it took for Harry to get into a reasonable position, he was fast asleep. A summoned blanket and two minutes later found Severus sound asleep right along with him.
DETAH 79 - Skirting Issues, Having Fun and Other Applications of an Animagus Form
It was a cold day that found Harry sitting with Neville while his friend's Gran served lunch. Nev had asked for help with a problem he was having in the greenhouse at work; he had come home to meet Harry for lunch so they could go back together.
Harry was thinking they shouldn't have fussed on his account when he saw a fine meal being served. "This is great," he said, tasting the sauce that had been prepared to perfection. "I tried to make this once, but it wasn't nearly as good." He noted Mrs. Longbottom's eyes widen.
"So, it's true, you do know how to cook," she said, looking him over, but what she was thinking, Harry didn't know. Neville's cheeks flushed. He must have at some point told his Gran that Harry had been made to cook for his family.
"I live in a flat with my owl, Hedwig, and she's not much of a cook; somebody's got to do it," laughed Harry. "I'm not the only one," Harry gestured to his friend. "Neville and me cooked up a huge batch of starters for the New Year's Eve party some weeks back."
"Neville and I," she corrected and Harry was tempted to ask 'Neville and you what?', but thought better of it. "I suppose that Seamus fellow was with you," she sneered as if she smelled something foul. Harry hoped it wasn't some pureblood nonsense.
"Gran, leave it," Neville plead. "Seamus was more polite to you than Cousin Rupert ever was," poor Neville was exasperated by what was obviously a conversation they'd had before.
"Well, your cousin never brought you home in the wee hours, and tipsy to boot," she declared with a curt nod. "At least when you go out with Harry you have the decency to return with a sound mind. It is wise to be alert and attentive in these unsettling times," she spoke firmly, giving Harry a nod of approval. He wasn't about to burst her bubble and tell the elderly witch that they'd all been three sheets to the wind, but that Seamus didn't have great parting gifts such as hangover cures.
Neville blushed again as he recalled being out cold when his Gran's owl arrived one night they'd been drinking. They'd woke him up, but he was still in a drunken stupor, so Harry'd spelled him sober and fed him a hangover potion with a Pepper-up chaser, before sending him home as chipper as a jay on a spring morn.
In an attempt to change the subject for his friend, Harry asked about the sauce, but wasn't getting much of an answer from the witch. The reason became clear when a house elf arrived to retrieve the dirty dishes and then serve pudding. Mrs. Longbottom excused herself, leaving them to their pudding and privacy, though Harry was sure she'd not gone far and had an ear open.
"You sly dog," Harry stated with a laugh. Neville hadn't argued with Hermione and had willingly added coins to a collection for S.P.E.W., yet all the while he'd had a house elf in his home.
"Please don't tell Hermione," begged Neville, who looked worried when Harry's face took on a mischievous quality. Hermione would be on him like a dog on a bone, and drive him crazy, not to mention alienate herself from his Grandmother.
"Well…" Harry began and then took a moment to taste his dessert. He seemed to be considering what he should do, but then put his friend out of his misery. "If I haven't told her about my house elf, why would I tell on you, Nev?"
"You?" asked a shocked Neville. "But you said that you didn't want one, even though that Dobby offered so many times," he recalled the many evenings the elf had prostrated itself at Harry's feet, entreating to be taken along when Harry finally moved from the castle.
"Dobby is bound to me." Harry started his tale, knowing his friend's grandmother was probably listening. "Technically he's still free, though he is working at Hogwarts," Harry took another bite of his pudding, more for a moment to get his thoughts in order than to enjoy the treat.
"When I first came to live with Albus, he was by my side almost constantly, but as Headmaster, he still had things to do and places to go. Madam Pomfrey was around too, but they needed someone to be available twenty-four hours a day," he finished more quietly. It was hard to admit some things aloud. "Dobby freely took on a bond that would make him in-tune with my needs even though he already spent a great deal of time with me, if only to help Albus return to some of the necessary things he'd put aside while he had been taking care of me," Harry was grateful for Neville's friendship and the honest look of curiosity rather than pity.
"I didn't know you could be bound to a house elf, besides the usual ownership that's common with the old families," Neville had forgotten all about his pudding and paid rapt attention to Harry's story.
"Albus needed to know that not only would Dobby be there when he himself couldn't, but that he could also sense my needs even if I couldn't communicate them," he had expected it to be more difficult to admit how vulnerable he'd been, when he had fought for his life after his own uncle's special brand of torture. He was relieved to find otherwise, in the non-judgmental, simply interested presence of his friend. "We're magically bound. I hate to say that it's much like a slavery bond, but it was the best choice. Dobby could come to help me and could never be forced to betray my privacy. Since I no longer need constant care, he is free to take as many days off as he'd like. Actually, we need to enforce some time off," Harry said with a smile. "Despite the freedoms he's allowed, he's still bound to me for life," his smile faded. "That used to bother me, but one day he told me that he had always loved his freedom, but had felt like he didn't really belong anywhere, since none of the other house elves he knew at the time were free. Also, his status changed greatly, after the bond. Many of the elves that had scorned him for his radical way of thinking for wanting to be free, were suddenly honored to be serving with an elf that had willingly taken a bond to forever serve the 'Great Harry Potter'," he rolled his eyes at the epithet.
"If you need anything, he'll know?" Neville was still goggling at the implications, and couldn't imagine what it would be like for someone to have such access to knowing your every need. It was a little embarrassing. Harry laughed as he saw Neville looking uncomfortable at the thought of it.
"It's taken a while, but we've learned to adjust, since I can see to my own needs. Remember the time he showed up in Trelawney's class with a fan because the smell of incense was making my eyes water? Trust me when I say there've been far more embarrassing moments," Harry said with a smile and slight cringe, thinking about Dobby finding him in a compromising position with a fellow student, and on several later occasions, with Severus. "Now we've come to the arrangement that I have to concentrate on Dobby along with a specific need or want before he actually shows up," Harry was tempted to call his elf friend but thought it better not disturb him for something so trivial.
In the greenhouse where Neville worked, Harry, in snake form, meandered through the plants. He discovered the form had a swiftness he had never previously considered. And also, it was amazing how different speaking Parseltongue was with a forked tongue. He continued to hiss out to Neville regardless that his friend was unable to understand. ~Everything smells so different like this~ his tongue tasted the air as he slithered along plants that now seemed so big.
Neville smiled at Harry, finding it funny how the little snake continued to hiss and occasionally looked up as if expecting a reply to the sibilant language. "I've got to do some work in the next greenhouse up ahead. Let me know if you find anything. Oh, and thanks a lot. I really appreciate this," the only reply he got was a nod of the head and a flickered tongue.
As Harry settled in, waiting to see who or what was doing damage to some of the plants, he recalled the previous week when he had stowed away in Ron's pocket on his way to work. That time it had been a brief Grim impersonation. Harry hissed in laughter as he continued to lounge around the greenhouse, waiting for a plant nibbler to show up.
~~~ Flashback ~~~
It was disconcerting that he wasn't detected as he entered supposedly secure offices. It was somewhat a relief when he was finally detected at the entrance to the Auror department. Ron signed him in as a visitor, but no one questioned who he was while under a Glamour similar to what he'd worn at the conference with Severus. Ron had showed him a picture of the Auror who'd been annoying him. Once out of view, he shifted into a tiny bug and assumed a position on the back of Ron's shoulder.
A young Auror who had started the same week as Ron had a chip on his shoulder due to Ron's early review and subsequent raise. It wasn't as if Ron was doing something underhanded, he'd just been in the unfortunate position to find himself in close contact with Death Eaters and had apprehended a few because of it. Harry thought his friend might be braver – or at least take more risks - than some who had learned to take a different approach because of their experiences over the years. Just so long as it didn't involve large spiders, Ron held his own quite well.
"That's him," whispered Ron when a wizard approached. He stood every bit as tall as Ron, but stockier overall, with big bones covered in well toned muscles. Harry readied himself for his opportunity, still clinging to the back of his friend's robes
"Weasley," he greeted Ron scornfully.
"Walsh," Ron's tone was pleasant, which served to annoy the Auror immensely. They rode in a stormy silence until the lift doors opened and a growl could be heard. Walsh turned to make a scathing remark but then spotted the large black bear-like dog.
"Aaa… Weasley," he stuttered, wand at the ready.
"What?" asked Ron, looking around the lift, acting as if he didn't see the ghostly black Grim.
"Don't play with me, Weasley. I know you see…" his words trailed off, having taken a quick look back down to find only an empty lift. "I um… I, that's not funny," finished Walsh, playing it off as a bad joke, but clearly wasn't convinced as Ron looked at him, apparently perplexed at his actions.
"Yeah, actually that was very funny," whispered Ron after the lift doors closed, seemingly leaving Ron alone.
~'~'~ end flashback ~'~'~
Later that day, Harry found himself in yet another greenhouse as he delivered a small clipping to Professor Sprout from Neville. He'd just left the building, clutching his robe to fend off a gust of wind. Startled by a shadow emerging from the Forbidden Forest, Harry had his wand at the ready, just beneath the folds of his robes. He continued to walk as if he hadn't seen the dark figure, but kept him in sight. Getting a better view as the stranger approached, Harry noted a limp to his gait. It was slight, or the person was putting a lot of effort into hiding it. All at once Harry realized, limp or not, he knew that walk and the physique. That person could only be Severus.
Snape noticed his lover approaching. With an internal sigh he reflected, why was it that of late, Harry nearly always seemed to be there when he returned from a trying meeting in a weakened state, but was never there to see when he returned proud and tall, having evaded the Dark Lord's wrath and brought back particularly useful intelligence? Well, at least he'd determined a solution to the current dilemma; he was confident he would get the stubborn young wizard to accept it, and sooner rather than later.
"Potter!" shouted Severus, an uncertain tone in his voice that Harry couldn't recall ever having heard. "What do you mean, loitering about the grounds when you're late for an appointment with the Headmaster!" he shouted louder than was called for. "Are you so irresponsible that you need an escort, to be punctual?" his hand grasped Harry's shoulder tightly, as if he planned to drag the young man into the castle. Both of them knew Harry had no such appointment.
Harry gave only a 'Yes, sir, I mean no, sir' and didn't comment when he felt the hand get heavier on his shoulder, realizing Severus was using him for balance. Harry kept the annoyed look on his face as he and Severus approached the Headmaster's office.
"Ah, Severus my boy, you're back," Albus hurriedly came around his desk, holding a hand out to help, knowing it would not be accepted. "Harry," he said, but it was unclear if it were a greeting or a question of sorts.
"I came across Harry on the grounds," Severus explained, knowing Albus thought Harry might have known he had been summoned. He knew Albus' concern was that Harry might have had a vision, or shared in the pain from the Dark Lord's wrath.
"Where are you hurt?" Harry spoke for the first time, taking his potions case from his robe pocket. Harry was sure he saw a pleased look on his lover's face before a grimace appeared. Saving time, Harry handed over the leather case so Severus could help himself to any needed potions. "Do you want me to get Poppy, or something from your stores?" he asked, knowing they could easily call a house elf, but wanting to give them a chance to speak in private if need be. Severus thanked him silently with a subtle nod before voicing his request.
"I'll be finished here shortly. Perhaps you can have Effie bring us something to eat."
Before Severus had a chance to remember his floo wouldn't be open, Albus aimed his wand at the fire, casting a spell to allow Harry to Floo in to Severus' bedroom. Harry had been disappointed to find that it wasn't magical strength that allowed Albus such a feat. It was just a spell that would only work for the Hogwarts Headmaster.
Harry's eyes widened a bit, hearing Severus refer to a house elf by name, but didn't comment.
Harry wondered vaguely if Severus was going to tell him what had happened, or if this would be like the many times they didn't discuss what went on during his missions as a spy. His train of thought bounced along tangentially connected associations. He wouldn't come right out and ask, but wished he knew if Sev had suffered due to his Master's displeasure, or worse, had been directly involved with some of the more seedy Death Eater activities. It was troubling to hear the insecurity in his voice earlier, when Severus had spoken to - more like yelled at him - when he'd first arrived on the grounds. So like the man to have his rebuke cover a need for help. They'd previously discussed Harry's registering as an Animagus and that Voldemort would probably use the opportunity to test the DE's loyalty. Maybe he had shown up with a black cat that looked just like Harry's registered form, watching for a possible wrong reaction?
"I guess those potions worked pretty well," Harry said when Severus stepped gracefully from the floo, moving naturally as if only minutes before he hadn't just barely managed to walk to the castle from the Death Eater meeting. Harry wasn't stupid. He knew Albus or Poppy must have had a hand in Severus' healing; he looked much better than simply a few potions would explain. "I think a bath is in order," Harry began to steer a reluctant Severus to the tub.
"No, it's quite late and I'm sure we're both hungry," Severus didn't need to be mothered. But he had to admit it wasn't often Harry had the chance to care for him, and thought maybe he should be reasonable… or not. "Let's eat."
"I don't think so," Harry said with a smile and started to work on Sev's buttons. "Wasn't it you that insisted I take a hot bath when I was so sore after training?" Harry decided buttons were far too much trouble and slid his finger down the front of Severus' jacket, opening them all at once.
"Show off," Severus said casually, but was impressed by the both the magic and that Harry had learned such control. "I only told you the bath would help your muscles because I like you better naked," he explained with a smirk, but didn't put up much of a fight when Harry led him to the room.
Despite the teasing, tonight's bath wasn't going to involve hot, mind-boggling sex while sloshing water over the side, as they'd done at the hotel in Bulgaria. They were both content to lay in the bath a while as Harry gently rubbed a soapy hand across Severus' chest, more as a comfort than any real attempt to wash. When Severus' head lulled to the side before jerking upright, he decided they'd soaked long enough. Harry thought Sev had started to fall asleep and didn't see the problem with that so long as he was there to watch, but Severus mumbled about more important things needing to be done. Harry's stomach chose that moment to voice protest at a delayed dinner, so he knew he would not be able to give sufficient reason to remain in the bath.
Harry heated the bedsheets, glad he'd taken the time to learn a few domestic spells. He couldn't convince Severus to eat in bed, but as consolation, Severus forwent the warm, comfortable old nightshirt Effie put out for him and instead put on his silk robe, albeit with a warming spell to make it equally cozy.
"Was your prediction correct?" asked Harry. He briefly considered the wine, then poured them each a glass of burgundy – once before he had found that spirit to be mellow and warming to his psyche, when Severus had given it to him after a particularly trying day. "Any black cats cross your path tonight? I've not been a black cat since I registered, you know," he added. Severus simply nodded and took a rather large sip of wine.
"None of the press or even the Ministry records say what size you are, only the colour and what markings you have in your cat form. I know your cat form tends to be somewhat small, so when the Dark Lord showed up with a fairly large enraged cat, I wasn't overly concerned," was all he said. What had actually upset Severus was an occurrence during his final class of the day, just before being summoned.
~~~ Earlier in the Day ~~~
Severus checked the time once again. He couldn't wait for his last class to be over and done with. A third-year Hufflepuff-Ravenclaw class was beginning to brew a relatively simple potion when a student arrived late. What surprised him more was the owl that had taken the opportunity to fly in the open door to deliver a message. Landing on his desk, the large brown barn owl had a small scroll tied to one leg and a wriggling mouse in the other talon. Unfortunately for the owl, he had to drop the mouse to stand with one leg held out for Snape to retrieve his post.
"Oh, the poor little thing," cried a girl in the front row, not wanting to see the little mouse torn apart and ingested. Her Professor ignored this in favor of reading the small missive. A tingle of magic informed him the note was spelled for his eyes only.
Having lunch with a friend, I'll look for you later.P.S.
No, I'm not the Owl, since I know you'd never approve of me being that predictable.
Feeling generous, Severus shooed the owl away without its lunch, but managed to find some inane reason to deduct points from Hufflepuff for the girl's behavior.
As the class progressed, he soon regretted his decision to be generous. One girl continued to coo at the cute little creature that seemed perfectly happy to sit atop the desk, grooming its fur. Another equally obnoxious girl was near hysterics about being in such close proximity to an un-caged rodent and couldn't keep her attention on the cauldron that threatened to boil over.
At almost the exact moment it occurred to Severus that the mouse might be Harry, he turned to see one of the boys slamming his Potions book down on the mouse, crushing it.
"All better now?" the boy angrily growled at his lab partner, the hysterical girl whose potion had spilled over, earning them both a zero for the day. The commotion that ensued when the Hufflepuff screamed at the mouse's extermination caused two more cauldrons to spill over.
"EVERYONE OUT!" shouted Severus, pointing to the door. "You fools allowed concerns over an insignificant rodent to earn you all zeros for the day. Get out of my sight!" he locked the door and put up wards the second it closed.
In a frantic attempt to convince himself that it was just a mouse, Severus cast every spell he could think of to force an Animagus back to their natural state. After exhausting his knowledge of Animagus spells, he resorted to charms to reveal the magical signature of the recently deceased. Certain the mouse was nothing more than the rodent it appeared to be, he dropped his head to the desk, frightened by the intensity of his reaction. He realized he had never been afraid of anything as much as he feared losing Harry. His hands shaking, Severus retired to his sitting room to become much better acquainted with a bottle of Old Ogden's. Twenty minutes and a quarter of a bottle after his class would have ended, there was a familiar burning pain in his forearm.
His fear and anger at his own reactions spurred Severus on. He took a sobering potion and quickly went to join the Death Eaters at Voldemort's feet. When the cat had been brought in, he was more than happy to prove his loyalty and work off some adrenaline by creatively decimating the hapless creature. It wasn't until he'd stepped out of the Forbidden Forest and saw Harry outside of the school's greenhouses that he'd finally begun to calm down.
~'~'~ Present time ~~~
"…alright there?" asked Harry again when Severus appeared to be lost in thought.
"We need to discuss a few things," stated Severus, ignoring Harry's inquiry. "The signal we decided to use while you're in animal form has too many flaws. We can't guarantee I'll recognize you, and I can't have a panic attack every time someone swats a fly," he purposely ignored Harry's questioning raised brow.
"Any suggestions?" Harry knew the man probably had several, and also that there had to be something behind this, though he might never find out exactly what was the cause. Hearing the seriousness in his lover's voice, Harry suppressed the moan that nearly escaped when he bit into something scrumptious. He didn't think Severus would've appreciated it. Seeing his lover hesitate, Harry sat up straighter, waiting to hear what had him in this state.
"I don't want you to take offence," he began, which made Harry all the more curious. "I'd planned on giving you this for Valentine's Day," he explained as he put a small rectangular box on the table. "It has several protection spells, but with your consent, I would like to add a few other charms," Severus' tone was as uncertain as Harry had heard him near the forest. "It's just a small token…" he barely added, unsure of his choice.
"Do I have to wait until the fourteenth, or may I open it now?" Harry couldn't wait to see what was in the box and wasn't too concerned about the charms.
"Please," Severus held it out, looking somewhat relieved. "I'm afraid this will leave you empty-handed on Valentine's Day."
"I was thinking about that, actually," Harry unwrapped the box more slowly than he'd ever opened a gift, peeling back the paper. "My gift to you isn't something you can open; it's more like an experience, I guess," Harry couldn't wait to tell Severus that for one afternoon he'd get to learn and cook with one of his favorite chefs. Christmas seemed so long ago; it had been all he could do to restrain himself from telling Sev. "So… I thought maybe I'd buy us a big box of chocolates and look up some protective spell for the bedsheets…"
"Insatiable brat," smirked Severus, "Open your gift," the tenor in his voice gave away the fact that he approved of Harry's chocolate suggestion.
"It's from Bali, I hope you like it," he hadn't seen Harry wear jewelry, but the younger wizard had complimented Severus on the few pieces he'd worn.
"Wow," Harry pulled the silver and leather bracelet from the box. "This is brilliant," he held it up to get a closer look at the detail on the intricate, silver beads where they joined the twined leather. He was curious about the spells Severus wanted to cast, but at the moment thought only to put on the bracelet, to see how it looked. Harry shook his hand to be sure that it wasn't going to slip off, and then gave Severus a beaming smile.
Severus was grateful Albus had insisted on having Poppy patch him up, now that he had a sudden lapful of Harry thanking him between kisses… wonderful, hot, passionate kisses. A demanding tongue was only briefly forgotten when strong hands held his hair tight, pulling him impossibly closer. "I could scarcely imagine how you'd react were I to shower you with jewels," teased Severus when Harry paused just long enough to take off his glasses and possibly take a breath.
"I just wanted to make sure the beads wouldn't get tangled in your hair," Harry lied breathlessly, once again grabbing handfuls of Severus' ebony locks. He leaned in for what seemed would be another kiss, but surprised Severus instead with a teasing nip on the lip. "You're always doing things to show me how much you care for me, or to protect me. You always make me feel safe. I just wanted to show you how much I appreciate it."
"Keeping you safe is a full-time job. What, pray tell, do you plan to do to show me just how much you appreciate…" his words were cut off with a hiss as Harry's teeth clamped down on him again, this time on his neck.
"I was going to nibble my way along until I found a great cock to suck, but now I think I've changed my mind," Harry tried to sound put out, but his burgeoning erection pressing against Sev's answering hardness drove him to distraction. "I look good in this," Harry said, as he waved his hand, causing the bracelet to turn on his wrist while simultaneously divesting himself of everything but the bracelet.
"Indeed," agreed Severus, caressing Harry's legs before wrapping his hands around a firm arse, pressing Harry's bits maddeningly against his own tightening trousers. When Harry attacked his mouth once again, Severus teased a finger around Harry's entrance. Groans were muffled by kisses as Severus prodded and found that the channel he wanted to be buried deep into was suddenly well lubricated. During their intimate times Harry didn't bother to hide his magical prowess; the casual display of power always made Severus harder.
With his legs wrapped around Severus, Harry dripped with need while being finger-fucked. "More," he pleaded, grinding himself against the wool trousers. "Please more," he begged and nearly cried when they heard a knock at the door. "No, please, I need your cock inside of me now," whined Harry, but Severus was already getting up and depositing Harry onto the bed. Harry knew he had to be reasonable, but he hadn't spent much time with his lover the past week or so.
"If you wouldn't mind making me look presentable, I'll return all the more promptly," implored Severus. He too would like nothing more than to be buried in his passionate lover. Harry summoned his wand, and made Severus look perfectly respectable. Though he did leave a few buttons open at his neck, Severus' clothes were without wrinkles and his shoelaces tied.
Stepping into the loo, Severus washed his hands and checked his reflection. After closing one of the buttons, he deemed himself presentable and left his rooms to see who had the audacity to interrupt them. Before opening the door, he checked again to be sure his erection was concealed.
"This had better be important," he began before the door was fully open and he could see who it was. "Lupin," he said with disdain, but didn't acknowledge the student standing somewhat behind the Defense professor. Nearly out of sight was another student Severus had seen at the Death Eater meeting earlier that evening. The young snake was peering around the corner, getting a glance at his Head of House, no doubt looking to see if he had recovered.
Having been looking past Lupin, Severus missed the surprised expression on his co-worker's face, though since he was now shifting his weight from one foot to another, it was clear something was going through the wolf's mind.
"We've obviously caught you at a bad time, a potion brewing, perhaps?" Remus began. "One of your Slytherins and a Gryffindor in my sixth year class were in an altercation after dinner. I can use my discretion as to their punishments, if you'd rather get back to what you were doing?"
Severus hadn't missed the smirk on his face, the damn wolf.
A curious Harry listened at the door, but hadn't heard Sev's response as it was probably ground out of clenched teeth. He did however hear the door close firmly. When the door to the bedroom finally opened, Harry watched his lover enter, his expression intense as he examined Severus.
"I wonder…" Harry trailed off and transformed into a common wolf. His nostrils flared as he stalked closer to Severus, who watched his every move. To his credit, Severus hadn't flinched when the wolf buried his snout in his crotch. With a growl, Harry stood on his hind legs, sniffing everywhere at once. "You reek of sex," he said the moment he turned back; his hands still up on Sev's shoulders as his paws had been. "I can smell myself where I pressed my cock against you," he said, while going down on his knees and sniffing again, noting the differences with his human nose. "Even your hands," he said pulling a few fingers into his mouth. "It's toned down by the soap, but Remus would still have noticed," smirked Harry.
"What is it that has you so hot and bothered?" teased Severus. Before their interruption, Harry had gone from gently caressing him in the tub to leaping onto his lap at the dinner table. He appreciated Harry's reaction to his gift, but it seemed to be quite the sudden change.
"I may have already been worked up when I saw you outside, but then you were hurt so…" he'd calmed down, but what with getting a nice gift and the relief of knowing Severus was well, he'd hardened right back up again.
"What, pray tell, had you so worked up?" Severus wrapped a firm hand around Harry's cock as he spoke. "I didn't know Longbottom could get you all hot and bothered. Hmm?" he hummed teasingly and nuzzled Harry's hair before pulling an earlobe between his lips.
Groaning and tilting his head to give better access, Harry tried to focus while Severus did wicked things involving a lobe, two lips, a hot tongue and nibbling teeth. "I um…" his knees threatened to buckle. "I was in my snake form, sleeping in the begonias when a delivery guy showed up. Merlin, do that again," he pleaded, momentarily forgetting his story. "The next thing I know, Neville's assistant came into the greenhouse, locked the doors, and stripped naked. They were going at it for a while, knocking plants over, which explains why Nev thought something was chewing the plants in that area."
"My little snake is a voyeur?" Severus had pulled his wand, but before he managed the incantation, Harry had already purred the spell to remove his clothes. "Bed. Now." ordered Severus, pleased to see his young lover obey immediately.
Harry knelt, his cock jutting out like a flagpole; his tongue unconsciously licked his lips in anticipation. Severus stacked up several pillows against the headboard and then sat down against them, motioning for Harry to join him. Once again, Harry straddled his legs, only this time without any clothes to hinder the delectable skin contact.
With long slender hands, Severus held Harry's face while capturing his lips in a heated kiss. Harry's fingers quickly went in search of Sev's nipples, rolling and pinching them until Severus groaned into his mouth. Their tongues entwined as Severus explored Harry's mouth with occasional nips to his lower lip. Harry did his best to grind their cocks together. Severus paused a moment to get a better look at the only person who could have turned around such a bad day. His young lover had his eyes closed, lips red and puffy, swaying on his lap while attempting to get some friction between them. Debauched was the only way to describe him. It no longer mattered that he had the day from Hell when now he had pressed against him an incredibly sexy eighteen year old that was dripping sex.
"Perfect," he said breathily before claiming Harry's mouth again.
Harry groaned, surprised by how much tongue Severus managed to assault him with. He was panting when Severus left his mouth for new areas to explore. Harry had been kissed so fervently, he'd forgotten to breathe. Panting now, he arched his back, presenting his neck and pressing himself closer to Sev's glorious cock.
'Love you,' were the muffled words under his chin, where Severus' exploration had continued. Harry's unshaven neck was more noticeable as his Adam's apple bobbed against his lips. Severus' skilled tongue traveled along Harry's collarbone and then a muscled shoulder as he wrapped his hands around his lover's arse. He pulled him closer, causing Harry's straining cock to rub against his abs, pre-come leaking and rubbing into his sparse upper body hair.
"Fuck," huffed Harry as Severus bit down on his nipple and simultaneously plunged two fingers into his tight arse.
"Feel the burn?" asked a deep voice and Harry realized the two fingers were one from each hand as they pulled in opposite directions, causing a slight burn as they opened him in preparation of the cock that was currently pressing up against Harry's sac.
"Yes," Harry hissed with each stretch, pressing back, wanting them deeper inside him. As Severus plunged in further, it caused Harry to rise up further, causing more friction against his cock. He'd not even noticed when he'd been lifted up enough for Sev' cock to no longer be trapped under him. He could hear that sensuous voice but was too intoxicated by sensations to pay much attention to the actual words spoken. He moaned loudly, blissfully lost in the moment as Severus brought him closer to the edge. Suddenly, as if a giant wind had cleared the sky, Harry's foggy mind cleared and realized Severus had stilled. "What?" he panted breathlessly, earning him an amused smile from his lover.
"Lube please, love," asked Severus, slightly breathless himself and Harry realized it wasn't the first time he'd asked… probably not even the second or third considering how much he'd lost himself in passion. Severus could have summoned it wandlessly, but since both his hands were occupied it was just easier for Harry to do it for them. It was only an extended blink of his eyes that gave any indication that Harry had cast the spell. Feeling the heat of Severus' now slick cock against his entrance, Harry hastily pressed back and impaled himself in one swift motion. He hissed from the burn but made no further indication of pain. Severus needed a minute, so wasn't complaining when Harry remained still for a moment to adjust.
Returning to Harry's neck once again, Severus kissed, licked and kissed again until he heard a needy whimper. "All right?" he asked before beginning to move. They rocked together as the heat built up between them. The feeling was exquisite, but after some time it was no longer enough. He wanted control.
"Harder," Severus said as an explanation for what he was doing, moving Harry back, laying him down carefully enough to keep them joined.
"Yes," hissed Harry as the jostling of their positions caused Sev's cock to hit his prostate unexpectedly. "Yes," he repeated, his pitch sounding more and more desperate, wanting it harder than he could have in their previous position. Severus was only too pleased to fuck him into the mattress at a fervent pace. Harry made the most scrumptious sounds, but could no longer speak coherently. Every squeak, gasp and shout encouraged Severus to pound him until Harry screamed in orgasm.
Feeling the warm spray of Harry's release against his skin spurred him on to finish with only a few more forceful thrusts. After catching his breath, Severus slowly began to pull out of his spent lover. The sound Harry made was a cross between a whimper and a giggle and he was concerned only for a moment before he could get a look at the sleepy, contented smile on his lover's face.
"I'm dead, you've killed me," moaned Harry. "Someone alert Albus, you've been working for Voldy the whole time. I'm dead," he repeated with a silly grin. Severus grunted before placing a kiss to the tip of Harry's spent cock.
"Don't move, I'll be right back," Severus instructed, getting off the bed. "Oh, and stay away from the light," he added with a smirk. Harry mumbled something about being left for dead, but resisted the urge to move his spent muscles.
"He actually listened?" Severus commented quietly in a shocked tone when he returned to find Harry hadn't moved. "I should have fucked you into submission years ago," he teased.
"Yeah, I dare you to try that with one of your Gryffindor classes," laughed a sleepy Harry. "Bloody Hell, what are you up to?" He watched as Severus used his wand to cause his cock to harden again, but not as big as usual. Harry groaned, unsure of what Sev was doing. "Sorry love, I'm not up for seconds. No pun intended," he added.
"Just a little something to make sure this remains a pleasurable experience," he said, not actually explaining what was in the viscous beige cream he was spreading on. Harry hoped it wasn't lubricant, as it was most unappealing.
Harry hissed in anticipation of the thrust, but was pleasantly surprised to find the pasty looking cream caused his sore bum to sooth and heal. "My hero," sang Harry with a high voice that caught when Severus' magically enhanced erection brushed against his prostate. His cock twitched in appreciation, but remained soft. Thankfully, it didn't hurt when Severus pulled out again and waved his wand to clean them up.
"I really like this," Harry said, looking at his bracelet again. "Thank you," he said with a kiss to Severus soft lips, pulling him closer. He could see the apprehension in his lover's expression, and put him at ease by taking up the topic first. "So, tell me about the spells you want to include in your gift." Harry knew he'd made the right decision as Severus seemed to release a breath he'd been holding, before beginning his explanation.
"With the spells and charms I've selected, I should be able to identify you in your Animagus form. It's a kind of combination of tracking and revealing spells. In addition to knowing if you're there, I should be able to pick you out from other animals," he paused for a moment as if still considering the next option. "There's also a charm to tell me if you're hurt," he looked up make eye contact again, only to find curiosity in Harry's eyes. "I was rather surprised to hear the type of connection you have with the house elf. If he could sense your needs, wouldn't he have known when you were in danger the night you spend outside the training building in the snow?"
"Not anymore," Harry replied, shaking his head. "One of the reasons Albus chose that particular slave bond was because it can be manipulated by the caster and the dominant of the two bonded. I wasn't coherent when he made the decision. Albus was taking a huge chance, bonding me to Dobby without my permission. These days, before he'd pop in, I'd have to think about Dobby along with a need for him to fulfill. It's taken a lot of trial and error to get it all straight over the past year or so," Harry recalled the times when he'd been back in classes, but was still not completely 100%. If he'd found himself getting overtired during classes, Albus would inevitably arrive, asking Harry to be excused so that he could come to his office to discuss something. No sooner had he gotten to the top of the rotating staircase, Albus along with Dobby were leading him to his 'extra' bedroom for a kip.
"Tell me, my nearly Slytherin, how long did it take you to use and/or abuse this to your advantage?" he watched as Harry's cheeks tinged ever-so-slightly pink.
"I may have realized the many applications for which such power could be used," Harry's smirk was so close to Severus' own, it made him laugh to see it on Harry's still slightly flushed face. "If Hermione got all worked up about a test and forced Ron and I to study along with her far beyond what we would consider necessary, Dobby would conveniently show up, insisting that I needed to nap or drink a restorative potion. Didn't matter really; as soon as Dobby arrived, Mione would get all motherly and send me off to rest," laughed Harry.
"She bought that?" Severus asked incredulously. "I find it hard to believe that she wouldn't see through you soon enough."
"Eventually she figured it out. Dobby had showed up and the dangerous look in her eye was enough to know that that well had gone dry. It scared me at times to know just how in tune with me Dobby was back then. We'd made eye contact just long enough for me to get a mental point across." 'Did Harry Potter and his friends like a snack while they work?' Dobby had asked them. "Surprisingly, Mione just said 'Nice try,' and left it at that," Harry rolled over, leisurely draping himself over Severus. Harry again looked at his bracelet appraisingly. "Does this work both ways? Will I know if you're in pain?" he asked, though he was pretty sure of the answer. From the look on Sev's face, it had never occurred to the Slytherin for it to do so.
"I don't think that's a good idea," In addition to the adamant look on his face, his tone alone spoke volumes.
"You're probably right," Harry conceded. "Every time you were summoned by the Evil Git, I'd be a wreck," Harry then surprised him by asking "What happened tonight?" breaking their unspoken agreement not to ask about meetings.
Severus was silent for a moment and Harry wasn't sure he'd answer. "There was a test of loyalty and he was displeased with my response."
Harry swallowed the lump in his throat that reminded him why he didn't usually ask these questions. Had Severus blown his cover? Certainly news that big would have been mentioned earlier.
"My enthusiasm made it difficult, if not impossible for several others to prove their loyalty," loosely translated, he'd annihilated the mock Harry-cat with such vigor, there was nothing left for anyone else to do to it. "I'd been required to take the place of the black cat."
Harry winced and wondered if they all hexed or cursed Severus simultaneously or had taken turns, though he wasn't sure which would be worse. He was at least relieved to hear that it had been a small group in attendance. That Harry had been on the grounds when Severus returned had been a relief to both of them.
"Did you have another question?" asked Severus, and Harry realized he hadn't responded. It was time to get back to their original topic.
"Will the charms on the bracelet tell me if I'm near you?" he recalled the test he'd passed with Kieran when they'd Polyjuiced a wizard to act as Severus. "Are you going to place the charms now?"
"If I may," Severus held out his wand. "I hadn't considered having the bracelet work both ways."
"You're not used to having someone watch your back, at least not in a good way," Harry said with a wink.
Surprisingly, it took little time to cast the spells and charms to the two objects. To help Harry's peace of mind, Severus placed an Impervious charm on the bracelet to keep it safe from the elements along with another spell to ensure it wouldn't come off unintentionally.
"Is that it?" asked Harry, expecting to have felt something from the magic cast. Severus then showed him the charms Harry would have to say over a small object he'd chosen for the link to be complete. "What will you do with that?" handing back the small amulet Severus had handed him for their purposes.
"It will be worn under the leather piece that holds my wand. I'm not exactly sure what the sensation will be to alert me of your presence. My sources were rather vague," his sources being Albus and several books. When Harry cast the intended spells, Severus understood vagueness of the descriptions he'd read. He couldn't put it into words, but he felt warmth, yet more than simply heat from the amulet. "Well, this explains how I'll know if you're close, or touching, but not how I'll be able to tell you from another animal," he said, thinking aloud.
"Want to test it?" asked Harry. Dobby appeared at the foot of the bed before Severus could answer the question.
The Potions Master let out an indignant squawk at the breach of privacy, pulling a bedsheet around them both. Before he could debase Harry on his lack of propriety, the house elf returned with three small white rabbits. "Close your eyes," instructed Harry, but he needn't have bothered as he caused a bright flash as if ten camera flashes had just gone off at once made Severus and Dobby both reflexively close their eyes with a wince.
"Remind me not to attend your next press conference," groaned Severus playfully. Harry of course didn't answer, but the house elf gleefully clapped his hands.
"Dobby is liking this game," his eyes shone brightly, standing near the foot of the bed, making sure none of the rabbits strayed.
Severus noted that the buzzing warmth he felt hadn't changed any. He cautiously passed a hand over the nervous animals and found he was drawn to one of them almost instinctively.
"Professor Snape, you has got Harry on the first try!" he clapped again and the bunny waved. "Dobby will mix up the bunnies for you to try again," he turned his back, trusting the Potions Master not to peek.
Severus eyed the furry participants, noting that they all had various black spots now. One in particular sat up with its head tilted as if studying the wizard before him. It had darted off to the other side of the bed when Severus raised a hand too close. He'd felt no familiar pull from the rabbit. Realizing the warmth had faded slightly; Severus wasn't surprised to find all the rabbits were just rabbits, though there was an extra one now since Harry wasn't one of them.
"Are you still in the room?" he asked, unsure. Harry hopped back into the room from the loo, his bunny fur the exact colouring as the rug, causing him to blend in, making him nearly invisible. This earned him an appraising nod from Severus
It was a trying week for Severus, adapting to the sensations of spells cast on Harry's bracelet. They'd made adjustments to regulate how much he would be aware of in regards to Harry being in pain. He hadn't foreseen the problem of Harry's high pain tolerance. As his third years practiced their slicing skills on the day's ingredients, Severus did his best to ignore the tingles he recognized as his lover's pain. He'd already embarrassed himself by bursting in on a training session two days ago. He'd been nearly frightened out of his wits when he'd entered the building to see Harry fall as the sensations of the spells nearly stopped altogether.
They learned that the tingle wasn't from an injury per se, but from the pain that Harry perceived. So, when he fell unconscious he was still injured, but the tingle that represented Harry's pain was barely discernible. Severus was very quick to learn the difference.
Far away from the school of Hogwarts, in a large stable, a burly Scotsman was pinned down by a small black dragon.
"Congratulations," he said sarcastically to the grinning dragon, hot breath threatening to cook his scruffy face. "You've gone and trapped me with no escape, but in the mean time, you've trampled and maimed several of your comrades with that uncontrollable mammoth of a tail. Not to mention, you set fire to half the forest when you spit flames the first time," Kieran narrated the mock battle. If he could have spoken while in dragon form, Harry would have protested the unlikely scenario his trainer was describing. That was, until he looked back to see why his tail felt heavy, only to see a bale of hay stuck on its horned spikes.
"Fawkes! What have I told you?" shouted Kieran, pushing the young wizard off of him with great force.
"To be aware of my position in relation of my next form," Harry spoke morosely. He'd been startled by the bale of hay on his tail, thinking it could have been one of his friends if they had really been in battle. He transformed back into his natural self, but was still on Kieran, who didn't appreciate their proximity or the weight of the bale of hay on top of them both.
"It ain't no good t'be able to become any animal you want if you've no control o' your physical form," he reminded his student.
"I know," said Harry dejectedly, pulling bits of straw from his hair.
"How's your big cat?" Kieran asked, knowing it would bring a smile to Harry's face. They spent the rest of the training session on improving agility and speed with animals that were more likely to benefit the situations in which Harry may find himself.
DETAH 80 - Casual Intimacy
In Harry's modest flat, Ron eyed the odd piece of equipment hesitantly. Harry, in his red sweatpants and black tee, was doing his best to explain the muggle weight bench.
"It didn't look like this when we levitated it out of Mr. Granger's storage room," his head cocked, watching Harry load up a long bar with heavy round weights with numbers on them.
"That's because it was buried under a fold-away bed and two boxes of Mi's old baby clothes," Harry raised his brows suggestively. "Maybe we should have taken the baby clothes too?" he teased and then chuckled when his friend's eyes widened comically.
"Bite your tongue!" gasped Ron. "Mum would kill me," he looked green just thinking about the possibility.
"That she would," agreed Harry. "Little bushy redheads running around," he teased, "and you think my hair's unmanageable."
Ron huffed, attempting to help with the barbell, but couldn't figure how to add the clamp that prevented the weights from falling off. "Lot you know. He could have straight, brown hair with red highlights, and look dashing, like his old man," Ron puffed out his chest, not caring that his best friend was laughing as he strutted around like a proud peacock parent of a child yet to be conceived.
"You don't sound like you'd be too upset if there were a little surprise on the way," Harry tried to imagine him with an armful of blankets with a little pink face peeking out. Ron shrugged.
"We um, had a bit of a scare last month," he admitted. "Got a bit carried away and forgot to use the spell," he shook his head, blowing out a relieved breath. "Mind, I'm glad it was a false alarm, as I don't want to mess with our plans and Hermione's schooling, but it did get me thinking about what it would be like."
"Thinking you want to wait, I hope," Harry said, but had seen the thoughtful gaze on Ron's face.
"You know it," agreed Ron wholeheartedly. "A few more party years," he then mumbled that it should have been marked as a notable moment in history that a Weasley didn't procreate when not using protection. Forgetting his luck for a moment, Ron watched as Harry demonstrated how to do bench presses.
"This builds your arms, shoulders and chest muscles," Harry explained and directed Ron to stand by his head and keep his hands loosely around the bar, set to be prepared in case he needed help.
Hermione stepped through the Floo and could just catch sight of her dad's old workout bench from behind the small wall divider where the clock hung. She was impressed to see the equipment was now rust-free and once again shiny black as it had been new. From around the corner, she spied familiar long, hairy legs. Ron's feet were coming up off the floor as he struggled to lift the heavy weights; it was his last of three sets in that muscle group.
Coming around the corner, she remained quiet and watched them. Harry gave her a quick nod, but kept his attention on Ron as he was balancing the bar, encouraging his friend to finish the set.
"Come on, push," Harry grunted, noticing he was holding half the weight. "Push harder you lazy bastard. That's it! Little more," the muscles in Harry's biceps trembled as the heavy bar neared the top. Ron made a keening sound and growled as he hoisted the weights with one final push until his arms were straight and the bar was once again safely on the rack. Sweat dripped down Ron's face while his shirt clung to his ribs.
"Wuss," teased Harry despite the fact that Ron had bench pressed an impressive amount of weight. "Do you make those sounds when you have sex?" he laughed; Hermione joined in with a giggle. Ron was startled from the sound as he hadn't heard her come in. He sat up so fast he hit his head on the bar, nearly knocking himself out.
"Ouch, Bloody Fuck!" he exclaimed as the egg sized bump on his head grew rapidly. "You're the arse telling me to push harder! Is that what you sound like during sex?" shouted Ron, holding his hand over his forehead, checking for blood. "Fuckin'ell," he groaned, seeing a slight dab of blood on his hand. Before Ron could finish his tirade, Hermione retrieved some ice, wrapping it in a cloth she found on the coffee table.
Harry bit his lip; he didn't want to laugh at Ron who was obviously embarrassed and would rant until he calmed. "Sorry, mate," Harry said sincerely. "I forget how much you get worked up when you hear Mi's beautiful voice," Harry said with a wink at Hermione. "Wuss," he added and started to laugh again.
Ron lunged at his best mate, dislodging Hermione who had been straddling the bench, holding the ice on his head. He continued to shout obscenities at Harry as he tried to tackle him to the floor. In the past Ron could overpower him with strength on the rare occasion Harry couldn't outmaneuver Ron with his impressive agility. Hermione could see the changes in both her favorite wizards making them a closer match. After years of knowing each other as well as they did, both Ron and Harry had come to anticipate the other's moves only to find there had been changes in the their techniques from the very different training they'd each had.
"Your muscles making you slow?" asked Ron when he rolled over Harry, pulling him into a headlock. Harry wriggled, twisted himself around for leverage before throwing his friend off.
"I don't need to outrun you; I can kick your... oomph," Harry grunted as his taunting was cut off due to another sudden lunge from Ron, again spurring on a round of struggling for the upper hand.
Hermione watched on with amusement, making a mental note that yes, that is what Ron sounds like during sex. Her musings were interrupted by Severus Apparating into the kitchen. She gave no indication that she'd noticed him, but spoke as soon as he rounded the corner to investigate the goings-on.
"Don't you just love to watch men rolling around like that?" She tried to sound matter-of-fact, but couldn't pull it off and giggled. His answering growl only made her laugh harder. It also caught the attention of said men, both sweating and trying to catch their breath.
"Hey, Sev," Harry greeted him happily from under Ron. "Sorry, but Ron just couldn't resist my impressive body any longer," he added. Ron got up quickly, making sure to elbow Harry in the gut as he leveraged to stand. Harry winced as the air was knocked out of him, but still got his foot around Ron's ankle, making him stumble.
"Nice try, you pouf," laughed Ron as he managed to stay upright. "Thank you," he said to Hermione, giving her a bright smile as she handed him the ice again. He sat down on the bench again, finally showing his exhaustion.
"Where did you get that?" asked Harry, eyeing the white cloth pressed against Ron's head. Ron looked up, his eyes nearly crossing as he tried to get a look at the fabric. He spotted an embroidered 'S' and pulled it away quickly; his face twisted in disgust.
"Ugh!" he groaned. "You gave me a rag with Snape snot on it?"
"Ron!" admonished Hermione.
"Sorry, Severus snot," corrected Ron who knew perfectly well she wasn't referring to his use of the wizard's surname. He collected his wand, rid the cloth of ice and then handed the handkerchief to a smirking Severus.
"I assure you, it was clean," Severus said flatly. Ron had the feeling the older wizard knew enough not to take him seriously.
"I hate that thing," murmured Harry softly. "I'll shower first, alright?" he asked Ron, getting a nod and then pressed a quick kiss to Severus' cheek before heading to the bathroom. Hermione watched Severus, not surprised to see him looking impassive as usual.
"It's more common for the muggle-raised to have a hard time accepting cleaning spells for such things," she said, thinking about her own mother's reactions to various magic. Severus knew it wasn't the case in this circumstance. He pondered letting the conversation end, but there were so few opportunities for him to offer personal information without a high price. He could afford this one allowance.
"I believe Harry has more issues with how it's used than how it's cleaned," Severus began. Ron cringed, thinking about what other uses it could have. Visions of Snape giving head and not swallowing came to mind. He nearly gagged at the visual in his mind and was thankfully distracted from such thoughts when Severus waved his wand over the handkerchief, transfiguring it into a Death Eater's mask. Hermione let out a small gasp, covering her mouth, while Ron felt the fool, bringing his mind back out of the gutter.
Surprised, Severus allowed Hermione to take the mask from his hand. She held it in front of his face for only a few seconds before hastily handing it back. "And I used to think you looked scary behind a cauldron," she gave a shudder and was relieved to see Severus snap his wrist, causing the mask to return to its previous form.
Having decided that given the circumstances, it was better to Floo home for a shower, Ron made a mental note that it had nothing at all to do with not wanting to be naked, with Snape just on the other side of the door. He was completely over that whole mock rape scene, thankyouverymuch.
"Sure, leave me flat," teased Hermione when Ron claimed that Harry would probably take a while in the shower and he'd be right back. "You just want to get out of peeling potatoes," she added.
"You know a spell for that," defended Ron, taking the bait easily. "Funny ha-ha," he said having cottoned on that she was only teasing, and then left quickly before Harry could finish up in the bath.
Hermione didn't allow him the last word even when Ron wasn't there to actually hear it.
"Yeah, like I'm going to make that mistake twice," she groaned, thinking back to the time she'd peeled and sliced an apple, using a spell without paying much attention, only to find a peeled and sliced worm spread across her snack. She winced at the memory.
"I must say, Hermione, I'm curious to know when you stopped thinking of me as scary looking," asked Severus as he chopped through a slew of vegetables with remarkable speed and precision. When she looked up, he was looking quite menacing, holding up an enormous French knife. Her eyes went wide and she burst out laughing.
"I'll never tell," she sounded cool and calm, but a pink tinge to her cheeks betrayed her. To her relief, Harry stepped out of the bath with a fog in his wake as the steam from the small room spilled out. He wore a comfortable pair of jeans and a towel around his neck to keep the water from dripping, though it didn't appear to be working well enough.
"Sev, stop trying to creep her out," Harry leaned past his lover, ignoring the large knife and taking a slice of cucumber off the chopping board.
"It's your own fault, showing her scenes of me smiling. How am I supposed to maintain a terrifying air, now?" Severus held his irritated expression despite the giggle from the other two. He would not give in and smile, though he found it harder to do as time passed
Harry leaned over to whisper in his friend's ear. "Should I tell him it was the tight T-shirt you saw him in when you were talking to Ron in the Floo back in September?"
"Don't you dare!" growled Hermione brandishing a paring knife.
"See Sev, that's what scary looks like," Harry pointed at the knife his friend was holding tightly a mere few inches from his chin. Severus put his knife down and glared at Hermione.
"Don't you ever let me catch you holding a knife on him like that again," growled Severus. He had covered her hand with his before she could even blink an eye.
"How dare you think I would ever hurt..."
"Oh, hush," he said calmly and rearranged her fingers in a new position. " This is how you hold a knife. Now if someone tries to overpower you, you still have a chance to do serious damage here, here, or especially here," he explained showing the best ways to incapacitate an assailant.
"Ginny was in the shower..." Ron's voice trailed off as he entered the kitchen to find Severus and his fiance holding hands and pointing a knife at his best mate.
"If this is about the 'what's for dinner' question, then I vote for whatever Mi and Snape want," Ron placed his hand under the others, lifting the knife high enough for him to walk under their arms. "I'll be in the shower while you work it out."
"Some Auror you are," complained Harry. Severus simply smirked and went back to chopping vegetables.
"I'm off duty," Ron said with a grin, and to his credit, he only flinched a little when the paring knife stuck with a thwack in the door frame by his face. Hermione hadn't known Harry had been trained to throw a knife and stood there with her mouth hanging open in shock.
I should never have doubted Harry's judgment.' Severus thought to himself as he watched Ron filling his plate again. Dinner was going well; Harry had outdone himself with a delicious meal. He'd commented earlier that they were only four for dinner, not the entire Weasley family, but Harry had assured him he'd not made too much, give or take a few leftovers.
"This is amazing," praised Ron just before eating a big forkful.
"I quite agree," Severus held up a glass to the chef and refilled Hermione's wine glass when she'd mimicked his actions and blushed to see she'd finished already. He didn't particularly care for the choice of wine, but had bought the sweeter selection to appease her young palate.
"I had help," said Harry modestly, but was quickly rebuked by Severus who stated he could only take credit for the salad.
"This is very good," praised Hermione, before taking a big sip of red wine. "Maybe I shouldn't have more," she giggled.
"Careful there, Mi, you don't want to drink too much." Harry said with a smirk in Ron's direction, ignoring the crude hand gesture from the redhead. "Ya never know who you'll wake up with," he added with a wink. "By the way, Neville says we look real cute together," Harry leaned his head against Ron's shoulder only to be pushed away.
"Wanker," was all Ron said before helping himself to another butterbeer.
"You did look cute, actually," said Severus shocking them. Harry hadn't realized Sev had popped in the other night when he and his friends had gotten tanked. Ron and Neville had been debating over who would take the sofa and who would sleep on the cot they'd transfigured when Harry had left them to their own devices, stripped and climbed into his bed.
Forgetting about sleep, Ron decided to introduce Neville to the joys of late night telly and the scantily clad woman that could be seen during the wee hours. It had been some time later when Ron had heard a shout. They didn't know if Harry was having a bad dream, vision, or even a panic attack, but in any case, Ron had come to his best mate's rescue. He'd pulled Harry into a comforting embrace and took on his role as commentator for the legendary quidditch match, and then promptly passed out.
Severus had come in to find Harry fast asleep, curled up into a ball with Ron spooned behind him.
"The papers are still speculating over the possibility of a scandalous relationship between the three of you. You're lucky Longbottom is so loyal." Severus helped himself to more salad and refrained from laughing when Hermione dribbled her wine when she coughed.
"Apparently I only heard a vague description of their wild night," she said, looking for more details, surprised when it was Ron who began to speak first.
"It was only a matter of time before Harry realized what a sexy creature he'd shared a dorm with." Ron brushed off an imaginary piece of lint from his shirt, looking smug and trying not to catch Harry's eye, knowing he'd laugh if he did. Try as he might, Ron started to laugh. Just remembering the look on Neville's face was enough to lose it.
"Are you sure it was you he was calling for?" asked Severus. "The last visit Harry made to Longbottom had a rather interesting effect on his libido, if I remember correctly," he winked at Harry.
"He told us about that!" laughed Hermione, and Severus made a mental note not to refill her glass. "Can you imagine Neville's assistant having sex right in the greenhouse? That's not like walking in on someone; they were practically on top of you, Harry. Bet you didn't expect that to ever happen," she didn't notice Ron choke on his potato, or the smirk Severus wore as he recalled Harry telling him the story from when he'd woken up at night long ago, of listening to his two best friends fooling around in the next bed because Ron feared breaking the silencing charm that encased both their beds, should Harry have a vision and need help with potions. Harry made an odd sound, covering it up as a yawn. Hermione did pick right up on that and assumed Harry to be tired from his exhausting previous day.
"How did the Warding go yesterday?" asked Hermione. "I'll bet they had excellent food there," she said thinking about the chef who would most assuredly make a feast fit for a king for the Warding of his daughter's new home. She knew Harry wouldn't have stayed for dinner, just as he hadn't for the Warding of the Granger home, but imagined it would have been an impressive spread. Harry's wide eyes stopped her from saying anything further and she feared she made a huge mistake asking about it.
"What Warding?" Severus carefully placed his fork down, indicating he'd finished eating though his plate was still nearly half full.
"It's an interesting story, really. I'll tell you all about it after dinner," Harry said in an attempt to continue the meal and put off the inevitable. He did in fact manage to keep the discussion of the Warding until later, but what had been a nice meal with easygoing conversation had quickly switched over to careful topics and Hermione continuously apologizing for letting the cat out of the bag.
When dinner did finally come to an end, Hermione jumped to her feet to help clear the table while Severus brewed coffee. Ron watched, but hadn't expected to see Severus put three sugars into the Gryffindor mug, just the way he liked it.
"Don't look so surprised. What kind of spy would I be if I couldn't remember something so trivial? It's a good practice that's beneficial when you least expect it."
With everyone settled into the sitting room with a mug of coffee, Harry gave each one a slice of the cake that Hermione brought. He'd been thinking of ways to hedge around the conversion.
"I know you're curious, but I didn't want to spoil the surprise," Harry saw the look on Severus' face and knew he was getting nowhere.
"You know how I feel about surprises," Severus was sitting on a comfy chair across from the sofa where the others were sitting.
"Yes, painfully aware."
Hermione and Ron exchanged a brief look.
"The whole thing went off without a hitch, didn't it, Harry," said Ron, doing his best to smooth things over.
"I made a barter of sorts for your Valentine's Day gift. I'm well aware that you would rather I inform you before I'm involved in something as important as a Warding, but I had everything well in hand and didn't feel I needed to bother you with the details, just as you didn't go into great detail about all the efforts you put forth when preparing my potions pouch," Harry really tried to sound mature and not raise his voice, going on the defense. "I don't see any reason to hash this all out now and put a damper on a fun night with friends."
Severus took a sip of his coffee and sat back, making himself comfortable. His long legs were stretched out before him, crossed at the ankle.
"Since the cat is out of the bag as it were, I see no reason for you not to tell us about your day. I know Hermione is most interested to hear how it went," he knew the words would only make the girl feel worse, but he was furious to know Harry had put himself at such a huge risk.
"Fine," Harry said, unhappily reconciled that they would not be discussing the latest quidditch match between Puddlemere United and the Wimbourne Wasps. "In exchange for an afternoon of cooking with the chef at your favorite restaurant, I participated in a simple Warding on a small, two-bedroom house for his daughter and her new husband. It was safe, I was very careful, the Warding went well, and the family was really nice," he said matter-of-factly, and turned to Hermione. "You'd find her very interesting, Mi. She got a welcoming letter from Durmstrang, but couldn't leave the family business to attend school. She has loads of books for basic household and everyday life spells."
"Seems like a waste," said Hermione. "There's so much more she could learn about the culture and history," she couldn't imagine life without all the books she'd gotten to read while at Hogwarts.
"Nah, she's probably really happy that she can do loads of things easier now. Probably better off not knowing about some stuff," he added, thinking about the darker side of their world. Severus hadn't heard Ron's comment. He'd been stunned to hear that he would be spending an afternoon with one of his favorite chefs, but was still too preoccupied with the barter end of that deal.
"A proud chef would never allow a stranger into his kitchen without a catch. How did you even know his daughter was going to have a Warding?" he asked, getting a sigh from Harry, who noticed Severus' end of the conversation sounded more like an interrogation.
"I didn't. It was her idea. He was perfectly satisfied with the idea of beaning me with a cook pot and throwing me into the street," he said with a laugh and then went on to explain how it all happened.
"Let me get this straight," Severus said, sitting up. "You go alone to a restaurant in an unfamiliar country. After purchasing a gift certificate, you thought it would be a good idea to speak to the chef, who would rather cook you for dinner before he'd let out a family secret recipe. You nearly get booted out but, miraculously, he decides to cook you a meal, keeping you there, giving him plenty of time to make a call while you're eating. At which time the only witch in the building takes one look at you and decides you should go with her to a back alley to meet her older brother."
Harry rolled his eyes, but let Severus continue. He could see this wasn't looking good. Hermione fidgeted nervously in her seat so much Ron pulled her onto his lap.
"Let's see if I missed anything," he went on. "I'm not sure I can even believe you managed to lose hold of your wand while in the back alley. Shortly after that, the daughter, Aurelia was it?" he asked, getting a shrug from Harry who thought it might have been the other muggle sister's name, but it didn't matter enough to mention and let him go on. "They have a nice little chat about how powerful you are and managed to cast a spell on you before you could even put a stop to it."
"I was using the shields to protect me from harmful magic; she couldn't have hurt me," Harry defended.
"No, but that doesn't mean she couldn't have used a spell to identify you. Then you go to an unknown home and deplete your magic? Why even bother with the battle training if you're going to risk your life like this?" he was practically shouting.
"Well, of course it sounds bad the way you put it. Did it occur to you that I was on my guard the whole time at the restaurant, and took precautions before the Warding to protect myself? Just because you didn't know about it, doesn't mean I was unprotected," Harry put his mug down too firmly and cracked it.
"Maybe we should go," suggested Hermione.
Harry apologized to her for the after-dinner inquisition, but then was struck by another thought.
"Did you alert me when you went to Bali to get me this bracelet? I heard there had been attacks there; you could have been hurt." He knew that sounded ridiculous, but needed to make his point.
"Don't be absurd, I'm an adult!"
There was silence in the air; for a moment everything was still. The silence was broken only for an instant when Ron whispered 'the Burrow' and ushered his bride-to-be into the Floo and quickly followed her out.
"I wasn't aware that you were in the habit of fucking children," growled Harry, who stood up and began pacing the small room.
"Love may not recognize the years between us, but experience certainly does." Severus also stood but remained in place, arms crossed over his chest. "I can't believe you would do something so foolish."
"You are not the only one who can protect me!!" shouted Harry. "You just automatically assume the worst. I'm just an inexperienced kid who doesn't think before he acts, is that right?" The forks began to rattle against the dessert plates and Harry took a deep breath to calm down. The last thing he needed was for the landlord to have yet another reason to evict him. When he deemed himself somewhat relaxed, Harry sat back down before continuing.
"I hired an Auror who is a direct contact for the Order. He checked out the whole family, four muggle generations back to make sure there weren't any supporters of the Dark Lord. The guest list was available last week, and each of them was checked, though none of them were allowed to arrive until after I had left the premises, with the exception of the actual participants in the Warding. Since it's considered bad form to wear concealment charms to a Warding, I had Albus place the same Glamoure we used for the potion convention. That way they could see me take off the charms, and still look like the same guy they met in the restaurant," Harry didn't like wearing the scars again, but it wasn't for very long, and when all was said and done, he'd done a good thing for a nice family. "I wouldn't have bothered at all, but the girl had recognized that I wore Glamoure when we first met."
"Why didn't you say any of this before?" asked Severus, feeling the heel.
"I shouldn't have to," he replied softly.
"Harry," Severus began, but Harry cut him off.
"I know I'm young, and I know that I sometimes do stupid things, but I've learned more with the training I've done than I ever thought possible. Kieran and I have run through drills and scenarios that I hope I'll never need. Every other Tuesday I have dinner with Albus and work on learning and controlling magic of a nature that only he can teach me." Harry listed his qualifications, then caught himself before he rambled on further. He should not need to recite his abilities to Severus, to defend his decisions. With a flick of his wand, but no incantation in mind, purely will, he closed the Floo to ensure privacy.
"Happy Valentine's Day," Harry couldn't resist the dig.
"I'm such an idiot," Severus said into his chest; his hands seemed to have a viselike grip on his temples. Harry had proven himself in the past, but it was hard not to think back to his school days when Harry did things like take on trolls and basilisks with no idea how he would escape alive. A little voice in Severus' head reminded him that even when Harry rushed into things, he usually managed to take care or himself. "I should not have assumed the worst. I'm sorry I ruined the evening with your friends."
"My friends?" asked Harry, though he was only asking to see how Severus would react, knowing the new friendships were tentative at best.
"Hermione has made a good effort to be friendly, as she's looked at our relationship from all angles and wants to see you happy."
"And Ron?" asked Harry, amused though he wasn't going to show it. "Ron's too pigheaded to be nice to you only because you and I are dating. He likes you, now that you've gotten to know each other better."
"Ron likes me for my ability to brew a great cup of coffee, and for the occasional hangover cure he pilfers from you," said Severus lightly.
"You're probably right," Harry said with a smirk. "Go ahead, make me laugh, but you're still a jerk," he said, letting Severus know he was still somewhat miffed.
"Will you forgive me?" Severus asked sincerely.
Harry knew he would, but that didn't change the fact that he was really put out about Severus' comment insinuating that he didn't always think of Harry in terms of an adult. He knew it was the teacher in Snape that made it a difficult transition, but that didn't make it any less annoying. The question was how easy was he going to make it? It said a lot about their relationship that Harry didn't lapse back into his past insecurities and avoid the fight in fear of risking the relationship, as he once did, even if it was unconsciously. He knew he needed to stand up for himself, and he had. But he also knew he needed to be reasonable.
Forgive him? Severus had made an abject apology - making no excuses to cover his poor behaviour - something Harry never thought he'd see from the man. He realized how hard that must have been; he thought of how he'd want to be treated under similar circumstances - it was sure to happen at some point. He would forgive him, but he needed a bit of time to be able to let go of his emotions.
"Eventually," he knew the smirk would keep Severus from worrying much, but couldn't help giving that reassurance as he saw the man's hands clenched so tightly in apprehension. He got up to return the cake plates to the kitchen, pouring himself a fresh cup of coffee before asking, "Do you want a fresh cup, or a reheating charm?" to let Severus know he was still welcome to stay.
"I'm all set," Severus answered barely loud enough for Harry to hear. He wondered how many times he could screw up before Harry tossed him out on his ear. That thought reminded him of the Valentine's gift Harry'd mentioned. He had many questions he wanted to ask about his afternoon of cooking with a favorite chef, but now wasn't the time. His conscience reminded him that dinner also hadn't been the time to pick a fight with Harry over something that had already taken place, only to ruin an otherwise nice evening with Ron and Hermione. Earlier, while preparing the salad, he'd wondered how long it would be before he had Harry all to himself. He'd gotten that faster than expected, but at too high a cost.
When Harry returned with a mug of coffee and a heart-shaped box of chocolates, but then turned on the telly, Severus knew his night had continued to take an unwanted turn. Apparently their original plan for chocolates in bed wasn't going to happen. The channels flipped to a romantic comedy which lasted for about five minutes before they agreed it was rubbish and moved on to an old James Bond film. Harry held the red box in his lap, occasionally feeling around for another piece of chocolate. Three commercial breaks later, Harry held the box in offering, though Severus declined.
"D'you like this Bond, or t'one we saw in tha' other movie?" asked Harry with his words slightly slurred from the melting confection in his mouth.
"This one is a better actor, but not the best looking, of the few I've seen." Severus changed his mind, reaching into the box for a treat. It wasn't the best chocolate, but then they'd bought it for its quick melting qualities and not the taste.
"True. Personally I prefer a man who's tall, dark, and..."
"Don't say it," warned Severus.
"Well hung."
With no intention to hear Sev's reply, Harry covered his lover's mouth with his own, causing Severus to rethink his opinion of the chocolate. With just the right blend of Harry and forgiveness, the taste was exquisite. Severus entangled his tongue with Harry's until there was barely a trace of chocolate left. Harry, too, must have had similar thoughts, as he took that moment to pop a new piece into his mouth and then turned around to wrap his leg over Sev's lap, straddling him nicely.
Returning to where he left off, Harry sucked Severus' tongue into his mouth, enjoying the sounds he could draw from the other man. Catching his breath, he deserted their kiss in favor of licking and nibbling his way down to the starched white shirt that stood in the way of his exploration. Harry teased the protected area, sliding his tongue under the stiff collar while his fingers nimbly opened the buttons with no magic, but impressive speed.
The sensations of Harry's sinful tongue and the hard, denim-clad cock that ground against him caused his sex to swell. Before Severus could register the feeling of tightness from the constricting trousers, the clothing was gone. They both gasped at the sudden sensation of skin on skin from the waist down, neither losing their rhythm, grinding hips for better friction. Harry writhed on his lap, lost in the sensations of what Severus was doing with his tongue on his neck. Sev sucked, nibbled and sometimes pulled an earlobe into his mouth, driving Harry to distraction. Needing more than the pleasurable rubbing against each other, Harry held them together in his hand. A larger hand joined Harry's to wrap around their cocks, pulling and squeezing until the younger wizard lost it and his hips thrust forward with a will of their own.
After his orgasm Harry thought he'd die from the oversensitivity as Severus was still stroking them for several more stokes until he too came, adding his own seed to their hands and abdomens. In a boneless heap, Harry fell forward, letting his head drop heavily onto the other's shoulder. Though his head lay still, his pink tongue slid out to lave at the skin in reach. Wiping his hands on his discarded shirt, Harry wrapped his arms around Sev's neck, and let out a contented sigh. Severus, also feeling rather sated, rested his arms around his lover's waist, holding him in place.
Harry and Severus remained peacefully wrapped in each others arms, hearing only their beating hearts and the music that accompanied the closing credits of the movie they hadn't finished watching. Harry must have dozed off because when the telly volume seemed to rise substantially with the obnoxious commercial, his head shot up in alarm. Severus squeezed him tighter, settling him back down. Instead of laying his head back on Sev's shoulder, Harry softly kissed Severus' cheek, chin and eventually his lips. He hummed happily into the closed-mouth kiss, lips lingering there and working until he pulled slowly away, drawing Sev's lower lip out.
Severus slid his hands up Harry's back, and then ran them through his hair, pulling his lover in for another kiss. Harry whimpered as their tongues entwined in a slow, hypnotic dance. When Harry opened his eyes again it was to Severus' smile, watching him in amusement. He liked knowing he could put Harry into such a state. With half-lidded eyes, Harry returned the smile and asked if Severus couldn't stay the night. He'd known his lover needed to get back, but it was worth asking. Sadly, Severus shook his head no'. He had Slytherin Head of House duties to tend to.
"How 'bout I turn into something small and go back with you?" Harry jokingly asked. "You could take me along while you stalk through the corridors like a vampire. Just think of all the trysts you could break up on a romantic night like this."
"And listen you spout off about the injustice of it all when I take dozens of points from Gryffindor?" teased Severus.
"You may very well find more Hufflepuffs. You never know, since their dorm is near the kitchens, in the dungeons," suggested Harry.
"I make it a point to spend sufficient time near the Gryffindor tower," he replied with a smirk, "I've found them to be the ones most often out of bounds past curfew." Harry's response was muffled as his face was buried in the crook of Severus' neck, but the spy managed to hear 'git'.
"Hmm," Harry made a curious sound while suckling Sev's earlobe. "Do you find many boys together?"
"Not too often, though surprisingly, the majority of the girls I've found together are in Ravenclaw." Severus tilted his head to allow access. He'd found that he enjoyed this position immensely, at least until his legs eventually went numb.
"I wonder why?" he'd have to ask Hermione if she knew many, if any, since she'd tended to spend most her free time with himself and Ron back when they were at school.
"Perhaps it's because they're smart and learn sooner that they can do without smelly teenage boys." Severus hissed as Harry sucked on his neck, marking him. Harry licked the mark, admiring his work, and wondered if Severus would leave it, since it would be well hidden by his collar.
"I rather enjoyed them," he hummed again against the muscles leading to a strong shoulder.
"You still are one, in case you haven't noticed," Severus' hands trailed down his back, squeezing his bum. "Smelly teenager," he said into Harry's messy hair.
"Sticky, too," Harry added before summoning a hot cloth to clean them up.
In a campus cafeteria, Harry sat waiting for Hermione to emerge from a sea of students filing into the building looking for sustenance. He thought about the substandard school food and in contrast, wondered how Severus was doing with the cantankerous chef he was cooking with at that very moment.
"Harry!" Hermione called in greeting, delighted that her directions were adequate. "I see you found it OK," she gave him a kiss on the cheek before setting down her overstuffed bag, which looked heavy enough to pull her arm out of its socket. "I packed us a lunch. I'd hate for your first impression of Uni to be of the stuff they refer to as food." It was a wonder Freshman girls managed to gain the extra weight she'd heard all about, but then she was still living at home and not in a dorm room.
Harry helped her with the thermos of soup as she unwrapped sandwiches. "Sorry about last night." He quickly erected a Notice-Me-Not spell to allow them to speak freely.
"No, I'm sorry. I had no idea he didn't know. I thought with him going today to cook, that he'd have to have known about it at least the day before, to be sure his schedule was clear," she took a sip of soup and grimaced.
"It's alright, not your fault... much," he said with a wink. "Do you want me to warm it up some?" he asked, seeing her reaction to the soup. "It's a Hogsmeade weekend, and Albus made sure to sign up a certain Head of House to volunteer to chaperone."
"Volunteer?" she laughed a moment, then recalled how things were when she left the previous night.
"Angry as he was, he was used to Albus doing things like that; Sev never guessed that we had set it up to provide an excuse for him."
"Are things okay between you?"
"Yeah, I guess. We made up and he feels bad for how he acted without getting the facts, but I don't think he realizes how much his 'I'm an adult' comment irks me," Harry took a rather forceful bite of his sandwich. "I think the only reason I didn't throw a fit and ask him to leave was because it was about me being an adult and that would have defeated the purpose. Maybe not, but then I haven't been an adult all that long," he said, ignoring the muttered 'if at all' he heard Hermione say into her hand, covered by an obviously fake cough and clearing of her throat.
"How was Ron last night? He seemed to take us kidding him pretty well," Harry wasn't sure how embarrassed Ron was about his drunken rescue', however unnecessary it was. Hermione once again covered her mouth so as to hide her mouthful while laughing.
"He's over it. You know Ron; he makes a bigger fuss out of things because we expect him to. He did confide in me that he probably wouldn't have taken it so well had he not been fully dressed, with you completely starkers."
"No?" he snickered, "I probably would have dropped into bed fully dressed like Ron, only I spilled a glass of firewhisky on me and stripped down before climbing into bed. More likely I spelled them off without thinking, since I can't find those clothes now," he blushed, thinking he'd better be careful what magic he performs under the influence. "I should have known it was Severus who helped out with that. You know, I have several pairs of Slytherin pajamas now," he thought about the scene Severus would have walked in on, with Neville asleep on the sofa, soft porn on the telly, and Harry in bed wearing nothing at all with Ron snuggled up tight behind him, fully dressed complete with shoes mucking up the bedsheets.
Hermione filled Harry in on recent events or lack thereof at the Burrow, along with speculations regarding the burgeoning relationship between Ginny and Neville. The Weasley extended family was so huge she was starting to get panicked about the guest list for their upcoming nuptials, though they weren't even to take place for quite some time yet.
"Not that I don't love wedding planning and all," he said sarcastically. "But would you hate me if I changed the subject a bit? There's something I wanted to run by you and I know you have a limited amount of time before your next class," he gave her a bright smile in response to the face she was making in addition to sticking out her tongue at him. "Yeah, that's mature," he said before sticking out his own tongue.
"Since my boring life is too tame compared to the wealthy, cavalier bachelor you are, please feel free to change the subject," she said with a wave of her hand.
"Good, now that's settled," he began with a winning smile just to annoy her, "Are you going to eat that?" he asked, pointing to the last sandwich and took it without waiting for a reply. "I've an idea about how to pay Kieran for all his time and efforts."
"Ron and I were talking about that," she interjected. "I know he spends a lot of time training you, but you also spend even more time learning, and no one is paying you for putting your life aside to rid the world of Voldemort. I know it sounds selfish, but we're all doing what we can, so why are you so bent on getting him paid? Hasn't Severus put years of his life in service? Most people don't even acknowledge him as on our side, much less thank him for his efforts."
"I know, but like you said, everyone does their part, and Severus' is just a lot bigger. I know he will never feel as if he's done enough. But, this is about Kieran. Training aside, he spent a great deal of time and effort trying to help me release the magic I was unable to access. I know it didn't actually work, but truth is, he spent not only a lot of time, but also gave up tons of opportunities to earn money because he needed to recover from healing me. His income took a huge dive during the treatments. Besides, the idea I have isn't exactly handing him over some gold. Um... how do you feel about getting naked?" he asked, and hoping she wouldn't hex him straight off, quickly went on to explain his plan.
"Excuse me?" she blurted out and would have had the attention of the surrounding students had the spell not protected their privacy.
"Actually, now that I think about it, you'd probably wear the white gown," he said more to himself than her. "How would you feel about HCR? Healing for Complete Rejuvenation? Remember the ads in the back of the ladies' magazines?"
"Are you out of your mind?" her eyes bugged. "Do you have so little memory? That has been exposed as a wretched procedure, and often, harmful quackery! Even done well, the amount of recovery rarely justifies the stress and pain." Just the thought of Harry in such bad shape, mid-flashback, had her getting emotional.
"It would have been a lot easier to cope with if I'd taken precautions like Severus had suggested. You could do meditation and use some type of approved muscle relaxant before, with calming droughts before and after," he explained, hoping to sound encouraging. "I don't really expect it to be that much of a big deal for you, since I don't recall you having a lot of serious injuries in the past. It's not like Kieran would be trying to release stored magic or work on every little injury you'd ever gotten."
"Well," she hedged. "In the ads, they claim it only takes one visit, but it took you over a month," she didn't forget that after all that suffering, it wasn't even what had been the cure for releasing Harry's stored magic.
"Had you um, had any big injuries as a kid?" he was worried what she might be concerned about and didn't want it to be a bad experience. "I'm sure getting petrified sucked, but I don't recall you getting hurt too much during school."
They talked about how certain things improved with scar tissue gone, and how she'd had a lot of dental work done, and didn't want any of that changed. They went over a good story plan should they go through with it. Albus, the master-manipulator, wouldn't have any trouble telling Kieran about a muggle-born witch who was pressured by her pureblood soon-to-be-in-laws who wanted her to have a HCR treatment, appeasing them that she was at least healthy and fit to produce heirs. Of course, just to spite her in-laws, she decides not to go for the treatment with the charlatans she'd read about, but rather to go to someone they would consider 'less reputable', yet still a Healer referred to her by someone she could trust.
In the end, she didn't outright refuse, but agreed to do some homework. She would call a bunch of the Healers in the HCR ads, get answers regarding treatment, what to expect and how much it cost.
Severus Snape walked through Hogsmeade, looking dramatically different from his usual self, in a set of crisp white robes. He'd had the most enjoyable afternoon. He hadn't been sure what to expect from the chef he would study under, but was quite pleased. The chef himself had been unsure and had even admitted to planning on making it a difficult day for the 'cooker of medicines'. Once again Severus was reminded of the fact that his lover had an interesting affect on people. They either loved him or hated him. Perhaps the chef had felt both of these emotions at one time or another. Apparently, Harry had made a good impression on them during the Warding, which had changed the chef's attitude toward Severus dramatically. He was also a little embarrassed by the chef's reaction when he'd learned that Severus didn't work for a company similar to a muggle pharmaceutical, but in fact worked at a school, teaching and 'cooking medicines' for children. It was disconcerting to have a stranger praising him for the good work he does, unaware of the other work he has and still does, with some frequency.
Severus had been shocked by several things that came up while the two men took a break and spoke of the Warding in which Harry had participated. The chef hadn't met many of his daughter's future in-laws and was stunned to learn that magical folk lived as long as they did. He mentioned a kind old wizard he'd met, and referred to him as Albut Dumbludoure, the grandfather of Mr. Fawkes, who'd arrived in time to assist Fawkes' return home.
All the time Harry told him about the precautions he'd taken regarding the Warding, he hadn't mentioned he also had Albus escort him safely home. 'I really do have to make it up to him,' he said to himself. He made a point of seeing Harry soon, plus noted he had the added benefit of the upcoming full moon to look forward to, when he knew he could count on Harry staying with him in his chambers.
While passing a few shops overrun with students, Severus thanked the deities he'd gotten out of chaperoning in favor of a great day in the kitchen. He smirked at the small deception that Albus and Harry had arranged to be sure he would have the time free of other demands. Deciding he was in no hurry to go back to Hogwarts, Severus Apparated to Diagon Alley. While there he picked up a few ingredients and several new spices he'd cooked with earlier. Passing by the Magical Menagerie shop, Severus stopped in to check on his latest newt order.
A large glass enclosure held several interesting snakes. He thought of Harry but remembered that he'd always ended up freeing snakes he'd been given in the past. Down near the floor was a small tank with two brightly coloured snakes sporting red, black, and yellow bands. A sign on the front read 'Scarlet Kingsnake - Not for sale'.
"Wow!" exclaimed a young boy next to Severus. "Look Dad, see the stripes, that means it's poisonous!" he called out, but didn't get his father's attention from across the store.
"They're not poisonous," Severus corrected the child, and decided it was more fun when he could take points, too. "A coral snake, which is poisonous, has a yellow ring on either side of the red as well as the black. This snake is a mimic, which means he just wants to scare you into thinking he's dangerous," he watched the boy think that over for a moment, never taking his wide eyes off the snakes.
"So his best defense is to kinda lie and make himself look scarier then he really is?" said the boy, surprising Severus with his logic. "Like my stupid brother," the boy mumbled and ran off. "Dad, can I get a lizard?!" he called out, deciding he didn't like the snake so much after all. Severus looked up to see the father, a wizard he recalled from Hogwarts, but couldn't recollect what House he'd been in.
"How come yer not selling those ones?" the child asked the store clerk, pointing to the scarlet kingsnakes. Severus stood in line behind the wizard and the boy, waiting his turn.
"She'll be for sale after her season, but the male won't last much longer. He's missing a fang, can't catch the mice, but snubs his nose at the dead ones. He's got great colours, so I'll keep him alive long enough breed," explained the wizard behind the counter.
"That's mean! Can we get him Dad? That way he won't die." It was interesting to see the child change his tune towards the snake. 'Probably won't be a Slytherin,' Severus said to himself.
"Son, if you took care of that snake, you would have to feed it mice. Are you willing to kill a little mouse once a week?" the father asked, shocking the child.
"Um... what do lizards eat?"
In the flat over Jennings Antique shop, Harry sat at the kitchen table in a clean set of clothes, his hair still somewhat damp from his earlier shower. It had been a vigorous workout with Kieran, but he felt great. Harry couldn't get the smile off his face, feeling very proud that he'd gotten the better of his trainer once or twice today. He summoned the salad dressing for his light meal. He knew Severus had spent the day cooking and was secretly hoping that he'd get to sample some of today's fare.
When a post owl tapped at the window, Harry was excited to see the restaurant label on the package. "Yes," he hissed happily while unpacking the food. He'd offered food and water to the owl before opening the window again to release it, only to find a black bird gliding in his direction. His first notion was that it was a crow, but as it flew closer, Harry saw that it was a bit different than he'd first thought, and was probably a raven.
Harry pointed his wand at the raven, checking its package for hexes before allowing it to enter. Once the bird was close enough, he could tell the box had been warded by Severus, and wasn't sure which package he was more excited about opening. Taking a close look at the bird he hadn't seen in a while, Harry decided to close the window before it could take off again.
"Hello, handsome," he greeted the bird, getting a squawk in reply. Giving the packages a once over, Harry asked the bird, "Which one should I open first?" the raven's head tilted to one side and back again. "You're no help," he complained and decided to open the one that was most likely to hold food.
"Well, I'm starving, so you win out," he said holding up the restaurant box. "Hungry?" he asked, getting no response from the bird. It seemed that there was another bird in the flat that had a different answer. Hedwig flew into the kitchen to investigate the new smells. Harry watched closely for her reaction to the raven and found it interesting that she reacted very little to the newcomer. "Shared a perch in the past?" he asked, getting no response from either bird.
With an appreciative look at the plateful, Harry dove into his dinner with relish. He hummed around his fork, his taste buds in a state of bliss. Some of the food could easily be eaten without cutlery, though it would be messy, and Harry was happy to fully indulge in the fun of finger-food in the privacy of his own home. With the next bite, his eyes closed, licking his lips, getting every last drop of sauce. He continued to eat in this manner until the raven cawed.
"Did you want me to open the window for you?" asked Harry as he was finishing. "I was hoping that if you stay too long, Severus will come looking for you," he said with a smirk and sucked the sauce from his fingers one by one, licking the web between each finger.
Harry cleaned the kitchen with an interesting mixture of magic and muggle style. Taking a small stack of mail, he sat back down at the table. In a very short time he penned a thank you note to a fan who had made a donation to a local charity in his name, replied to a short postcard from Gwen Jennings, and declined two proposals of marriage. He was pleased to see the raven hop easily onto his offered arm when they adjourned to the sitting room.
"Accio movie," Harry held up his hand, waiting for the DVD rental to arrive from the bedroom. "I should ask Severus what your name is," he said to himself and held up the shiny disc for the bird to examine. "Can you see yourself? See, told you, you're handsome," he winked at the bird and set up the player, waiting for the movie to start.
The raven clicked its beak and flew to the back of the sofa and pecked at a loose thread.
"Don't eat the couch, it's not mine and I'm on borrowed time here as it is," he told the bird, getting no response, but hadn't expected one. "Hellooo," he crooned at the telly where there was a very sexy man with a deep tan and golden brown hair which was cut very short on the sides, but fuller on top, where it was almost spiky. He wore an overly tight pair of blue jeans and a muscle shirt so flimsy it looked like it could be torn away with very little effort. "I wish I could have been there when they painted those pants on," said Harry, then summoned a butterbeer.
He hummed appreciatively when said sexy man, who Harry now mentally referred to as 'buff boy' bent over to do Merlin only knew what. After about half a minute the doorbell rang. In all of that one minute, buff boy had managed to get a lot of grease on his hands and a small smudge on his face.
" It's John. Are you out back? " called the newcomer, who hadn't waited for the door to be answered. " How's it coming?" he asked, looking over what must have been a repair in progress.
" I'd like to be coming, but just can't get this hot enough," complained buff boy.
" We've never had trouble getting it hot enough before," John said breathily, and wiped the smudge of grease off buff boy, while licking his lips seductively. Harry didn't find John all that attractive, rather hairy and all, but was mesmerized by the size package he was sporting, if the bulge in his pants were anything to judge by. In the movie, John bent way over, turned one screw and deemed the repair complete. " I'm all finished here, but if you want, I'll stay around, just to be sure things heat up," he suggested and Harry groaned at the pathetic acting, with drivel for dialogue. But the bodies were entertaining.
Before long, buff boy was clean and peeling off his jeans while the water in the newly repaired hot tub heated up. Harry adjusted himself and settled further into the sofa, stretching out his legs.
" The water still has a little time to go, but the sun sure is hot," moaned buff boy, who began to slather sunscreen over his rippling muscles.
"Maybe you should help him with that, John," said Harry sounding very much like Severus' sarcastic self.
" Maybe I should help you with that, " said John, making Harry laugh at the predictability. Harry pulled off his shirt and mumbled his desire to have a bit of help himself. He watched the impromptu rubdown while rubbing his own washboard stomach, lazily dragging his fingertips up over a nipple before descending again to explore his well-muscled quads. Harry's breathing became heavier as buff boy slicked up his hard cock with copious amounts of sunscreen with one hand and nearly buried four fingers of his other hand in John's eager hole.
In contrast to the eager porn boys, Harry continued to tease himself, slowly caressing his inner thigh which still had a denim barrier. "Nicesss," he hissed when John's entrance relaxed enough for buff boy's ten inches to breach him. "Toy," Harry called out, startling the bird who gave up on picking a hole in his furniture. A medium sized dildo whizzed through the air into Harry's outstretched hand. It began to buzz when he slid the toy across his straining cock, causing him to shiver. He closed his eyes in concentration for a few seconds and his jeans seemed to evaporate right off then appeared folded on the coffee table. "Off," he said breathlessly, causing his silken pants to slowly move down his legs until he could pull out one leg, and didn't bother removing it from the other ankle. He'd yet to fist his cock, which stood at attention as he watched buff boy pull out in time to climax on John's hairy arse.
"I guess Severus isn't coming looking for you, huh?" Harry asked the bird, getting a 'caw' in reply. "Do you think he'd worry about my well-being if I sent him a note saying I need you? " He chuckled at his own joke and ignored the bird, in favor of lubricating the dildo. He teased his entrance with the toy and after minimal preparation slid it home. With his toy set at a low vibrate setting Harry went back to teasing himself. His still slick fingers fondled his sack and leisurely explored a vein pulsing on his shaft. Leaning up on one elbow, he could just reach a nipple to squeeze and twist with one hand while his other continued making his cock twitch with need.
On the telly, John's arse hole was stretched and drizzled with seed. Buff boy cleaned him off, licking up all traces of his release. Harry's eyes remained glued to the telly and caressed his pucker around the toy, imagining it was Sev's tongue. Drops of pre-come dripped from the head of his cock when Harry finally wrapped his full hand around his member and gave it a squeeze. He resisted bringing himself off too quickly and rubbed himself with long even stokes until he was close to coming.
"~Fuck me~," hissed Harry, eyes closed and for a moment he thought someone was doing just that as the dildo suddenly pulled out of him. With eyes now wide open, Harry looked up to find the raven gone. White-clad arms reached over the back of the sofa, lifting him up. "Took you long enough," Harry said with a smirk. Harry had felt sure it was Severus, some type of sense he couldn't name, and was honored that Sev trusted him enough to reveal his Animagus form, especially since Sev had been adamant about not even admitting he had the ability.
Severus kissed him hard and turned him around, swiftly bending him over the back of the sofa. A hasty lubrication spell and he was buried balls deep.
'Gah' didn't easily translate into Parseltongue, but that didn't stop Harry from hissing out a stream of obscenities and many inarticulate sounds while Severus pounded into him with vigor.
"Bloody tease," grunted Severus with a particularly forceful thrust. "Licking and sucking on your spoon, fork and every finger, moaning like a Knockturn Alley whore over your pudding," Severus gripped Harry like a vice and tilted his hips to allow for a better angle. Pulling Harry back just as hard as he thrust in, he hit that glorious sweet spot with punishing force. Harry let out a scream when his climax overtook him, coming the moment Severus' cock hit its target. His body slumped over the back of the sofa, but Severus kept a hold on his hips to keep him from falling while he tended his own need.
"It's your own fault," he could hardly hear Harry's words muffled by the sofa cushions. "You wouldn't reveal yourself, so I assumed you wanted a show," he let out a groan when Severus hit his prostate again and silently questioned if he was being punished or rewarded for a job well done. "~The blood's rushing to my head~" he hissed and then clenched his arse around Severus and carefully tried the magic fingers spell, for the first time without a wand. Severus rocketed over the edge, coming with a resounding shout.
Definitely a reward.
Severus slumped over slightly, but quickly stood up when the pendant tucked under his wand holster alerted him that Harry was in pain. "Why didn't you tell me I was hurting you?" he asked and tried to recall if the sensation had just begun, or if he had not recognized the signal of pain while in the throes of passion.
"What?" Harry allowed Severus to pull him up, grateful what with all the blood that had rushed to his head. He so enjoyed it when Severus wrapped his long arms around him.
"Was I too rough?" he asked in concern.
"Hmm," Harry nuzzled his neck. "No way," he said with a contented sigh. "You know how great it is to feel well shagged." Harry spoke against his neck, kissing his way up to Sev's chin.
"Harry," warned Severus. He didn't want Harry to blow off pain as if it weren't important whether he'd been hurt or not.
"Sev, I was too lost in the sensation of your great cock pounding into me to notice much else," he said with a grin. "Sometimes," he admitted. "When you really get into it, your grip is a little forceful, but damn it feels bloody good when you fuck me hard," he accentuated his words with a bite to his lover's neck. He made sure to suck a little, leaving a mark that sadly wouldn't stay for long since it was obvious as Hell. "Maybe you should kiss it and make it better," Harry suggested, resting his hands where Severus had held his hips.
Severus leaned over and was surprised when Harry moved his hand aside to find prints where his own fingers had marked Harry's hips. He pulled his wand from its holster only to be stopped by a firm hand.
"Don't, I wanna see," Harry went to the bedroom where he had a full-length mirror. He admitted to himself that he was sore. "I think it's hot," he told Severus, who was standing in the doorway. Harry could see his lover was torn. Severus despised the thought of hurting his young lover, but admitted he'd always enjoyed marking Harry as his. "Accio," Harry summoned a potion vial and downed its contents.
Content that he could no longer sense any pain from his Harry, Severus joined him in front of the mirror and wrapped his arms around him. He pinched a nipple and then slid his hands down Harry's torso until his fingertips were covering the bruises. Their eyes met in the mirror as Severus kissed his shoulder and the back of his neck. Harry wriggled against him until Severus tightened his grip, pulling Harry back, mimicking their earlier positions. "I'll never get tired of fucking you," he purred against the shell of Harry's ear, "marking you..." he squeezed his hands again, enjoying the shivers he always managed to cause. "Mine," he latched onto Harry's neck, biting and sucking, adding a new bruise to claim Harry as his own.
Glancing up, he found Harry's eyes closed, his head tilted to one side, looking so content. "Kiss me," whispered Harry when he eventually opened his eyes.
Severus teased his lips with barely a touch before pulling away again, causing Harry to give chase, and pull him close. Lips pressed together for real this time, slow and gentle. Harry thought that if you could categorize kisses like dances, this would be a slow song, so slow that your feet didn't move, you simply swayed to the music, unaware of anything else.
Harry was only vaguely aware that the kiss had left his lips as he could still feel the sensations where Severus had continued. It appeared that Severus was going to kiss his bruises ' all better' after all, if the direction of his movement was an indication. Opening his eyes, Harry watched them in the mirror. He loved the sight of them from the viewpoint the mirror provided, both naked and pressed together.
It tickled when Severus licked the finger marks, causing him to shiver and hiss. The sounds Harry made only became more interesting when he felt Severus' tongue bypass his hardening member to go lower, suckling his balls.
"Gah. Sev, please," his legs quivered, "You can't bugger me while I'm practically standin' on my head and then... Oh, damn that feels good... please, I gotta sit down," his legs nearly gave out when Severus took him in his mouth and swallowed around his shaft.
"Hmm?" Severus had the audacity to look up innocently at Harry as he hummed, causing his young lover to grip his head and shoulders for balance.
"Bastard," panted Harry with a large grin. He yelped when Severus stood up, taking Harry with him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "I want the mirror so I can watch," he licked his lips and saw Severus take a quick look around, notice his wand was not in reach, so instead pick up the heavy floor mirror to place it where they could see it from the bed.
"Comfy? Anything else I can get you, a pillow perhaps?" Severus asked sarcastically, and began to crawl across the bed as if stalking his prey.
"You can suck my cock," he gave himself a squeeze, milking out a few drops of precome which were promptly licked off. Severus had enjoyed poking fun at him, but they both knew he was grateful to have his knees off the hard floor. He had a good view of Harry's face in the mirror, learning which moves caused his eyes to close; he loved the sight when Harry was close because he'd bite the side of his lip when he tried to hold out longer but was failing miserably. It was when Severus looked away and doubled his efforts that Harry looked down again to see his hardness disappear into Sev's hot mouth. It was that sight along with the sensations that sent him over the edge, one hand twisting the sheet, the other gripping long black hair, as he spilt his seed.
After a languid kiss to share Harry's flavour, Severus pulled the blankets over them and summoned his wand to place it under the pillow. He let out a contented sigh when Harry spooned up close, wrapping his arms around him.
Somewhere in the kitchen was an unopened box hissing ~stupid dead mouse~.
DETAH 81 - Of Snakes and Slytherins
It was the next morning that Harry entered the kitchen to find the forgotten box. He could faintly hear a small voice complaining about dead mice when Severus entered the room.
"I forgot about him!" exclaimed Severus from the bedroom doorway. He was very grateful he'd put food and water in the box the previous night before delivering the snake.
"Him?" asked Harry, who was keeping an ear on the faint hissing. "Why does it have a dead mouse?" he asked in amusement, hearing the snake complain.
"Ask him," he was curious what the snake would answer, but to his disappointment, it didn't look like Harry was so inclined to ask.
"Nope, I learned two snakes ago, that it's best to wait a little before talking to them. You'd be surprised how much they say when they think you can't understand them."
Severus explained that the mouse had a preservation charm that would last the day and that the snake shouldn't be able to smell that it was dead, though the lack of movement was a fairly good giveaway, especially since the snake had been accustomed to having dead mice tossed into its enclosure.
"Is he for me? What kind of snake is it?" Harry asked while opening the box.
Severus wrapped his arms around Harry, looking down into the box to find the snake in the warm corner, and a dead mouse floating in the water dish. "It's a scarlet king snake. I know you've freed a few snakes, but this one can't live in the wild, so it's unlikely to talk you into releasing him."
"Such bright colors, he's gorgeous," cooed Harry. "Why can't he live in the wild? Not that I don't want him, I do," he added, not wanting to sound ungrateful.
"He lost a fang somehow and can't catch live food. The shop owner didn't plan on keeping it alive much longer after it had a chance to breed at least once. I don't want you to feel obligated though; I can always put him in my office to make it scarier looking," he said with a grin. "I was a right fool the other night and thought I'd give him as a peace offering," he squeezed his arms tighter around Harry.
"I'd already forgiven you," Harry reminded him, "but I love presents and he's got the best colours of any other snake I've had." They watched the snake slither up the corner, only to find there had been an invisible barrier keeping him in the box. His black tongue tasted the air, hissing at the humans that had kept him in such a little box. Harry laughed unexpectedly loud. Severus raised a brow in question.
"He said it smells like mating out here." He added, "I think he's a little cramped in there."
"Oh, I thought I'd let you pick out the tank, or whatever enclosure you think is best. Actually… there are many tanks at Hogwarts. I wouldn't have needed to buy one if you didn't want him, so I thought I'd be sure first."
Harry realized Severus wasn't used to giving gifts and wasn't very confidant in his choices. He'd been equally unsure giving the bracelet, but Harry loved it.
"I would like anything you got me. But…" he said with a smile. "You needn't spend any more money on me. I still have all the equipment from several other snakes." He walked over to the coat closet by the door, pulled out a small box and tapped his wand to it to expand its contents. Inside was a large glass tank, an Ever-Warm stone and several other objects he'd not looked at since setting loose a large poisonous snake in Aunt Petunia's garden.
Before long, they'd given the large tank a good cleaning, provided a fresh (mouse free) dish of water and activated the warming charm on the stone. Harry carefully removed the protection spell that had kept the snake in the box, and snickered when the colourful serpent hissed warnings to stay back lest he wish to suffer a lethal bite so powerful it could stop a horse in its tracks.
"Brag much?" asked Harry, though he made sure to make eye contact with Severus to prevent himself from easily lapsing into Parseltongue. "Careful Sev, this one's a killer," Harry lowered him into the tank, thinking he'd need to pick up some fresh wood chips and such.
In a place called Godric's Hollow, Harry and Ron deciphered which lumber was salvageable and what had to go.
"No, I couldn't just use protective spells on the framework once it was done, I had to spell each piece of lumber individually to make it stronger and last longer," groaned Harry. "We can't even use this broken up lumber for firewood because of the flame resistant charms," Harry tossed another piece on the pile as they cleared the area so Harry could once again begin building his future home.
"Still got an audience?" asked Ron, tilting his head in the direction where someone was hidden and watching them from the distance. He thought Snape had said that the Death Eaters were to leave Harry alone for a while, to give him a false sense of security before they could do something big later.
Harry knew they still watched him sometimes. They did not know he could sense other wizards' magic. That was the import of his being vigilant - once he had become aware of them, even when they practiced stealth, he could tell where they were.
"That's not a Death Eater," Harry didn't even look over to the bushes where a witch in her late twenties was hiding. "She showed up the other day," he recalled the day she happened by. "I thought I was being attacked when a small handful of witches and wizards Apparated near here. They didn't seem to notice me, so I followed them to a tenth birthday party a block or so away. I saw a sign and some balloons," he laughed.
"What?" asked Ron, knowing that look.
"I wanted to see what I could get away with, since the party seemed pretty laid back," he smirked and picked up one end of a heavy beam. "Let's put this on that pile," he tilted his head to show where.
"What did you do, crash the party?"
"I may have tried out a new glamour and had a look around the back yard. I didn't stay long," he grinned. "I had a piece of cake and when someone asked who I was, I pulled a galleon out of the birthday boy's ear and told them I was a friend of Alice."
"Who's Alice," grunted Ron as they dropped the beam on the pile. Harry shrugged.
"I don't know. I heard someone say she was a flake, so I figured they might not be surprised if she brought a friend without mentioning it, then wandered off without making introductions. It worked, and I didn't stay long. Anyway, a few hours later the bird in the bushes came walking by with a drunken friend and spotted me here. If she's a reporter, she didn't run right off with a story; I've not seen anything in the papers. She had a camera with her at the party and I noticed her taking a few shots of the mess that should be my house, and of me I guess," he shrugged again. "She watches, takes notes on a small muggle notepad and leaves me alone. It could be worse," he imagined Colin Creevey snapping pictures at every nail he hammered.
"I guess they weren't kidding when they said ten was a big year," he remembered the colourfully wrapped gifts and a large banner with the boy's name. He saw Ron give a shrug.
"Mum always makes our favorite foods on our birthday. Mind, I only remember Ginny's and my tenth, but it wasn't much different from the rest except Mum splurged on balloons and party hats. Oh, and we didn't have to do our chores that day," Ron recalled with a smile. "Most of us got a trunk. I was all excited to fill it up for our first year at Hogwarts."
"You had a whole year before you'd even get your letter." Harry thought how excited he would have been had he known about Hogwarts before his letters arrived.
"Sure, but it took almost a year to get it filled," laughed Ron. "Mum would pick up a quill or two here and there. She said it was reward for us doing chores, but I think it was so they didn't have to shell out all that cash all at once for school supplies." He knew it must have been hard to do twice as much when it came time for Fred and George. They'd all had second-hand trunks, but Arthur had spent the extra eight sickles to have their initials embossed on the trunk.
Harry was listening while checking floor plans. "Does any of your family own house elves?" he asked. "Mi's been meeting more of your relations, right?" He made a note on the plans and looked up to see Ron frowning.
"Didn't she mention it on your last date night?" Ron's voice went up a few octaves.
"This ought to be good," Harry sat on a stack of wood, laying out his plans. "Hungry?" he asked, pulling out a small sack and handing Ron a few sandwiches. He stuffed a sandwich of his own in his mouth and began to make a sketch on the house plans. Putting his pencil down long enough to take the sandwich that was hanging from his mouth, he ordered his friend to 'Spill it,'
"It was a disaster," Ron ducked his head in a motion much like Severus did. "She started on about house elves' rights and my Aunt Bessie took it all rather well, listening to her opinion. But Aunt Bessie's elf, Bitsy, was there and overheard. She's like old as dirt, and she got all freaked out."
"Bessie & Bitsy?" laughed Harry.
"Don't even start on that," Ron said with a chuckle. "When we were kids we'd called her Aunt Bitsy, and the elf, Bessie. Anyway Bitsy, the elf, went nuts thinking that because my Aunt was humoring Mione, she was going to be given 'the sock'. She squeaked, dropped a dinner tray, and ran off crying. It went downhill from there." Ron reached into the sack, pulling out two bottles of water.
"Why the sudden interest in family issues?" Ron happily accepted a third sandwich.
"I was thinking," Harry pointed to his plans. "I didn't include living quarters for house elves on my original floor plan. Even Hermione agrees that I should bring Dobby with me when I move. He's done too much for me to leave him at Hogwarts once I have a real home."
"Did you tell her that you and Dobby are bonded?"
"No, you think I'm nutters?" he asked, wiping his mouth on his sleeve. Ron looked at Harry's food for a moment, lost in thought.
"Har' do you still check your food every time you eat?"
"Yup, I hardly think about it anymore. I told you to get in the habit, not just when you're out in public," Harry wanted to keep his friend safe.
"I do," swore Ron. "I might forget sometimes, but I always try to check for hexes and stuff," he said around a mouthful.
"Sure you do," smirked Harry, noting Ron's new hair colour. "How much space do house elves usually live in?" he shifted the subject; after all, he wanted to make changes before the new framework was started… again.
In the Great Hall at Hogwarts, students and teachers alike enjoyed a good meal. The food was good, but after a decade or so, even the school's usually superior food was getting boring. Or it could be that the Potions Master was thinking too much about the meals he cooked recently. Perhaps Harry would like to spend some of their 'full moon' time in the kitchen. They hadn't cooked together in some time. Sure they'd cooked for friends, but that wasn't the same as creating culinary delights with no outside distractions. He barely refrained from smiling, thinking that every time he and Harry had done that, they'd typically ruined at least one dish when they'd eventually find each other more enticing than the food preparation.
Thoughts of Harry in nothing but an apron came to a halt when a familiar snowy owl flew in. Remus, as usual, held his letter near the table. Madam Hooch commented on Remus' getting on in years if he already had to hold his arm out further to read the small print. Severus smirked when his retort on aging staff members didn't go over well with the flying instructor. He so enjoyed being the youngest in employ at the school, even if it was only by a few months, in regards to Lupin. Severus wasn't even sure how old Hooch was, but apparently young enough to be offended when he brought it up.
The amusement from annoying his co-worker was short-lived as Severus turned his attention back to the letter, only to be disappointed. The letter, which started out Hey Moony, wasn't for him. Harry always addressed post as Dear Remus when it was meant to be for Severus. That didn't deter him from reading on, nor did the Defense professor seem to mind.
Hey Moony,I'm heading for the market in the morning before training. Anything special you're in the mood for? I try to cook extras around this time of the month so you've got a variety of goodies to choose from, but Ron and me have been hanging out a lot this week and there's no leftovers in the icebox. Got an urge for something special? Oh yeah, speaking of urges… ha-ha. I was thinking that since you mentioned visiting a friend recently, maybe you could have someone over sometimes. Of course that may not be a good idea, but there are probably precautions we could take to make it doable. You might want to get someone else's opinion on this. What fun is having the flat to yourself for a few days with only the telly for company? Actually, there's someone else here too, but he'll not be a problem. I'll introduce you if I ever come up with a name for him.Harry
"New pet?" asked Remus. "Should I be afraid?"
"That depends on how threatened you are by snakes," Severus' expression remained impassive.
"I'm not overly fond of them," Remus smirked. "But as it is not my choice whether or not I associate with serpents, I'll make the best of the situation."
Albus made no comment, but idly wondered if they were on the topic of reptiles or Slytherins.
"Is Harry's snake venomous?"
"Only one of them," Severus grinned. He was having too much fun; he didn't usually expect such entertaining banter with Lupin. He looked back at the letter where Harry mentioned Lupin having guests at the flat. He was glad to see that his lover had suggested they talk about it. Not that he expected Harry to ask his opinion on everything, but Severus could think of various scenarios that the other two may not have considered. Since their recent argument, he appreciated that Harry didn't keep him uninformed out of spite.
"Recent options regarding the Wolfsbane potion have become available. We should discuss them before the upcoming full moon," Severus ignored the 'real subtle,' comment from Hooch. She had once overheard them discussing the rumour about them shagging, and had watched them like a hawk ever since. To his relief, Lupin ignored her.
"I've detentions to oversee this evening until eight," groaned Remus.
"Seven, then?" asked Severus, receiving an affirmative nod from the Defense teacher.
Ron Apparated to the Burrow, tired at the end of a long day. He'd only just opened the door and put one foot over the threshold when he found himself at wandpoint.
"Mum!" he shouted, ducking away from his mother's wand, praying that she wasn't under the Imperious Curse.
"Ronald! You frightened me half to death!" she yelled, lowering her wand. "Why is your hair black?"
Hogwarts, 6:59 p.m. There was a knock on the door of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. "Enter," called Remus Lupin, amused to hear the clock begin to strike seven. Right on time.
"Professor Snape, what can I do for you?" he asked. "You may continue your lines," he glared at the student serving detention.
"If I may have a word."
"Yes, of course," Remus smiled. "I'll be finished up in about an hour, if you would come back," he looked up in question and watched, waiting for Severus' lips to curlinto an evil smile. There it is he thought to himself with a smug look on his face.
"As a Head of House, and supplier of all the school's potions needs, my time is more pressing than yours. If this is all that is on your agenda for the evening, I'm sure Mr. Filch would be more than happy to assist. I believe he is currently in his office, in need of a distraction," he enjoyed seeing the student's eyes widen. "If, however, you feel the need to oversee Mr. Hopkins' sloppy penmanship…" he leaned over and read off the student's parchment, "' I will hand in all homework assignments on time' - doubtful," he added, "I can make decisions regarding your potion without your input."
"Mr. Hopkins, go see Mr. Filch and finish your detention with him," ordered Remus, getting a groan from his student. "If you'd rather serve detention with me, I can arrange for you to come another night, but you'll write double the lines," he offered. The boy looked down at his paper and considered his options - he'd not done even a quarter of his lines yet - and opted to get it done.
"Mr. Filch," the boy answered dejectedly and scurried out.
"Tea, or something stronger perhaps?" Remus offered politely.
Two something strongers later they had worked out most the kinks so that Remus could have a guest. Harry was already in the habit of hiding traces of Severus for when friends came over. The plan was to keep the flat nondescript, so that it wasn't obvious that Harry Potter lived there. Remus didn't say so, but was impressed by the large number of unique spells Severus knew for protecting one's personal belongings. He supposed being a Hogwarts professor for so many years would necessitate the need for such spells, especially a professor who was despised by 80% of the students, and the Head of House for those known for their cunning… and ambitious motivations.
"Harry wrote friend in his letter. Is it friend or friends?" asked Severus, who wasn't sure if Lupin was still with both Will and Basil.
"It is friends, plural, but I've never discussed my sex life with Harry. He knows I get out, but we don't discuss anything further," Remus watched Severus' face to see if he could recognize any change. He got the impression that Severus made it a point to show almost no emotion in front of him. Despite Severus' best efforts, neither could deny that if not cordial, at least they now had a good working relationship. "Does it surprise you that I see them both?" Remus knew he was considered mild-mannered by most who knew him.
"Not surprised per se, it just tells me something about you."
"You've read up on werewolf particulars enough to know my stamina is greatly increased several days before the full moon."
"Which is irrelevant when it comes to the needs of your fuck-mate, Will." Severus grinned. He wondered if this is what Albus felt like all the time, knowing more than he let on, but saying just enough to make a person have twice as many questions than when they had entered.
"I don't suppose you'll clue me in, so that I can continue doing whatever it is that keeps Will's interest?" he enjoyed them both, and while it wouldn't be awful to have just Basil, they were so much more fun together.
"He's a size queen," Severus smirked and then made it a point to look down toward Remus' crotch, which was blocked by the desk between them. Severus enjoyed how uncomfortable the wizard got at that declaration.
Remus had never gotten any complaints and knew himself to be well endowed, but also knew that with the increased stamina also came a slight increase in size. Not all aspects of Lycanthropy were a curse.
"Do you plan on having them stay during your transformation?" asked Severus, changing the subject. Or at least it was his intention to change the subject. He didn't need to know if Will or Basil were into bestiality.
"No!" Remus stated quickly. "I couldn't risk having someone in Harry's flat while I'm defenseless, unable to keep them from doing something they shouldn't." For that matter, he had no intention of being so vulnerable, regardless of the location. He hadn't been so open since Sirius and didn't expect to be so for a very long time, if ever again.
They spoke for a short while longer, discussing various scenarios that may arise. When it seemed they covered everything they could think of, Severus stood to take his leave.
" Was there an option that had come up regarding the Wolfsbane potion?" asked Remus, who assumed it had been a ruse.
"But of course." He found that a bit of truth in any statement made it more believable. Severus unrolled the parchment he'd brought. He had waited to see if Lupin remembered the original premise. If the beast wanted a voice in the trial, he'd best pay attention. He perused the document for a moment as if looking for something. "Would you prefer me to deliver your potion in the usual goblet or would you rather have a ceramic mug?" he asked with a grin.
"Are those my only choices?" laughed Remus.
"I have a chalice labeled Second Place, 1983 British Potions Symposium. Hmm," he tapped his chin, "I just can't seem to remember if it's made of pewter, or silver. That might be a problem," he added with mild amusement.
Hermione came to see Harry for a short visit to see his new snake, and to answer a few questions he said he wanted to ask.
"I wonder if maybe he lost some maneuverability when he lost the fang," pondered Hermione. "I'm not sure the loss of one fang would make it all that hard to catch his pray," she watched the small, brightly coloured snake move about its enclosure, flicking out his tongue, tasting the air. "I don't have much time to break from studying, but I'm so glad I got to see him."
"That's okay, I was afraid I'd not see you again this term. I remembered you said it was going to be a tough one," Harry opened a box and took out a small pink thing which she didn't recognize right off. He stunned the baby mouse before putting it in the tank.
"Please don't do that with me here," she squeaked and turned her head. Harry held his wand, using it like a pointer to make the mouse appear to be moving on its own. The tiny mouse inched along the wood shavings for what seemed like forever before the snake took interest and made its first kill in many weeks.
"All done," he alerted her it was safe to look again.
"Ew, you can see the little lump where the mouse is," she shivered. "I've got work to do, so if you're finished grossing me out, how about you ask the questions you said you had."
"Okay, sorry," he chuckled, not sounding the least bit apologetic. "Is there a charm or spell for smoothing your nails?"
"Sure there is," she held up his hands to see them perfectly manicured. "Wow, I've never seen a man with such nice nails," she thought back to their school days. "So, now that you're dating, you finally care about the little things?" she teased. "Does Severus notice? I had my hair styled into something easy to tend, and after three hours Ron asked if I was wearing new earrings."
"Ron spent his last three school years staring at you. I guess he figures he knows what you look like by now," Harry said with a wink. "Severus, on the other hand, has a vested interest in the care and keeping of my nails," he watched her frown, thinking that over.
"Nothing personal against Severus; I do like the man, but if memory serves me, his um… grooming habits back in school left something to be desired. I find it hard to imagine him caught up with how nice your nails look."
Harry waggled his brows. "Why do you think?" he made a fist with one hand and slid in a finger from the other. "Oh, wait, that would have hurt," he sucked on his finger and repeated the gesture.
Hermione's eyes widened as her face contorted, showing curiousity, shock and embarrassment all at once.
"You should see your face," he laughed so hard he could hardly get the words out.
"You're such a pig," she said with an ear-to-ear smile and reddened cheeks. "Oh, Merlin," she added before laughing, obviously trying to envision it. "If you did that in front of Ron, I swear he would spew!" she said, still laughing. She made the hand gesture herself and laughed all the harder.
"You mean he'd start caring about house elf welfare?" he asked, waiting for her to smack him.
"You're such a prat," she actually resisted the urge to hit him. "That reminds me, did you adjust your plans for Dobby's living quarters? I wonder if they get their own rooms at Hogwarts," she had that look in her eye, and Harry thought it best to distract her as soon as possible.
"I'm going to check into how much room is customary and be sure to make it larger than most," he said not only to appease her, but because he wanted to do that for his little friend. He thought it easy enough to do since the house was still in the building stages. "I might actually need a few rooms. Severus told me about a girl elf that seems to fawn over him. Yeah, I know that sounds strange," he added when she looked at him incredulously. "Anyway, Sev said that she refers to Dobby as 'her Dobby'. I'd hate to break them up or something. I don't even know if elves get married as people do.
"Do you mean Winky?"
"Nah. After rehab, she moved on and got a job outside of Hogwarts."
"What?" Hermione watched for it and when she saw his lips curl into a smile, she smacked him. "You're making that up," she declared and smacked him again.
"It could have happened," he said with a laugh. "Hey witch, watch the rock," he felt a scratch on his arm from her engagement ring.
"Oops," she said, still giggling. "Want me to heal it for you?" she teased him as it was barely a scratch. "What are you doing?" she watched Harry cast several spells on the snake's tank.
"I'm making it warmer. He's complaining about it being cold. I think he just likes to bitch about stuff. I still have to come up with a name for him." He lifted up a clear box with a small lizard in it.
"Another pet? Tell me you're not trimming nails on reptiles," she grimaced.
"One book I read said that you should feed dead mice, so that the snake doesn't become aggressive from having to kill its food and also that when killing, they can get scratched. Another one said it was better to make their environment as natural as possible, allowing them to hunt. The baby mouse wasn't much to eat for this size snake, but it's a start, and I wanted to learn that spell for trimming nails, to use for anything larger," he continued, "I was thinking about an Impedimenta Curse to slow the lizard down a lot. That way, it won't be likely to have time to bite, either."
"A disabled lizard with a good manicure? I'm out of here. I've got studying to do. You can debate the best way to kill small animals on your own time," she kissed him on the cheek and headed for the Floo. "Good luck!" she called out before leaving.
On a hard floor, Harry lay sweating. Kieran had him bound and struggling to get out of the bindings, both physical and magical. Harry grunted as he first tried to pull free. He'd let his trainer distract him, but thought he could probably find a way to free himself, if he could only concentrate.
"How's Snape been?" asked Kieran, sending an itchy sensation through Harry's body.
"He got me a snake," Harry scrunched up his face, keeping his focus on the magical bindings first. "One down," he said, feeling his body able to move within the ropes tied around his wrist and ankles.
"What'd he do this time?" asked Kieran before replacing the magical bindings. "Get out of it again, but don' be so obvious about it this time," he directed, while listening to Harry.
"He said he was an adult," grumbled Harry. "…like I'm a kid."
"You are a kid," Kieran patted his face annoyingly. "What's taking you so…" long, his words cut off abruptly as he froze in place and fell over.
Harry kicked off the rope from his ankle and took the spell off Kieran.
"Not bad, Fawkes," he praised. "So, he told the truth, that you are in fact a kid, and you got all bent out of shape?" he asked, enjoying the look on Harry's face, a cross somewhere between insulted and slightly amused.
"I asked him how long he'd been fucking children," grinned Harry.
"I'll bet that went over well," Kieran said flatly. "Back to work. You need to improve your transformation speed. Take a form," he nodded his approval of the Crup. "We're going to practice maneuvers. When you hear the signal, transform back into your official cat form." The intention was that if Harry was captured, he could change shapes in an effort to escape, but should be able to quickly transform back to his 'known' form to prevent anyone from finding out that he could take on the forms of other animals as well.
Harry practiced acting like a Crup, but kept alert, listening for the small 'click' sound that Kieran had chosen for today's signal. He meandered around the stable, sniffing various hay bales, and tipped the trash bin. He registered the sound, but Kieran had already come around the corner and would see him transform. After about ten attempts with only half being completely successful, they moved on. He spent the next forty minutes walking around the trash bin and support beams, transforming to make it look like one animal had chased the other out from its hiding place.
"Your chase switch is going smooth; just remember to switch to an animal lower on the food chain. It wouldn't do to have a hippogriff running from a niffler. Tell me, when would you transform into a larger animal?" Kieran tossed him a water bottle, indicating they would take a break, at least from the physical training.
Harry took the opportunity to sit down. He tapped his foot on the floor as he tried to come up with a scenario that would warrant the exception to the rule. "Stop, I'm trying to think," complained Harry as he continued to take a hex off his bottle with every sip. After giving it a lot of thought, drinking most the bottle, and getting hexed twice, Harry wasn't any closer to the answer. "I can change into something bigger if I were in the forest and behind a big rock or something," he guessed, getting an eye roll from the Scot.
"What did I tell you about how to decide on which form to take?"
"To take a common form, so I don't call attention to myself," he recited, monotone. "So…" prompted Harry wanting to get the answer already.
"So, you rotten kid," said Kieran with a mischievous grin. "Yer trying to get away and find a good hiding spot. If you're a common animal to the area, with the dumb luck you usually have, you run into…" he trailed off, waiting for Harry to finish.
"I might run into an animal that looks enough like me. Then I can switch into something bigger and whoever's looking for me will think the real animal is me when they see something bigger chasing it back out of its hiding space. Did that make sense?" asked Harry, unsure.
"Close enough."
Hearing the flapping of large wings, both wizards looked up to see an owl fly in from an opening high up in the rafters. The letter clasped in its talons had an interesting shape and Harry racked his brain to recall what it meant. Hermione had been going over wizarding traditions with him while planning her wedding. He learned it had once been common for post to be more colourful and in various shapes, to represent different things. Just like the color red was usually a Howler, and a black envelope contained news that a loved one had died. The practice had fallen out of favour when privacy became an issue several centuries back.
"A dinner invitation," crooned Kieran. "You know Frances finds me irresistible. I might have to shave." His big smile faltered when the owl flew to Harry.
Hi Harry,Dinner this week? We need to plan a party for the prat.
Sorry for the short letter, but I'm in History class,
And I may need to take notes… or not.Ginny
Harry hoped Ginny used the correctable ink Hermione bought her. He cast a spell on the parchment, satisfied when Ginny's note was gone. He showed the blank stationary to his trainer. "Invite Frances to dinner. She'll be impressed you went through all the trouble to send it with this," he waved the pristine parchment. "You may have to shave after all," teased Harry. "I've got a date." He smiled. Ron's birthday was March first and the young Auror was spying on everyone to see if there were any plans in the works.
"We done?" asked Harry optimistically.
"Yeah, but only 'cause I'll be wantin' to mail this from home. Frances might think it suspicious if this don't have my seal.
When a class of fourth year Ravenclaw/Hufflepuff students filed in, Severus took a mental attendance, noting that everyone had arrived on time. He also noticed that each student was seated with a partner, which was strange as the class had an odd number of students. No sooner had he stood in front of the class than he felt the pendant under his wand holster indicate that Harry was very near.
It was an impressive spell. Unlike the Notice me not, Harry's glamour made him appear nondescript, yet there was a pull that drew people to take note of his presence. A quick glance and the average person couldn't place his face, but nevertheless found him familiar. It had taken Severus two visual passes through the room to spot him. Dressed in a Ravenclaw uniform, Harry sat near the back next to a Hufflepuff who paid more attention to their menacing professor than the nameless boy next to him.
For a while Severus paid him no mind. When the class began their potions, he took his usual walk among them, making corrections and taking points as he went. He waited to see what Harry had planned, if anything.
Harry could almost hear the joy in his voice as Severus took points off his lover for the first time in seven months or so. "Evil git," Harry muttered under his breath, and seemingly got away with it, though several students heard him.
When it was time to get a second series of ingredients, Harry offered to go and then helped himself to a newt while he was there. He spelled his shirt pocket to keep the little creature confined. Then he worked carefully, helping to make a passable potion with the Hufflepuff who had sat next to him. With only a few minutes left to class, Severus checked each cauldron and directed each pair to bottle their results, if he found it acceptable, or alternately, to dump the failed attempt. Harry thought his lover looked surprised to see their potion well made.
"Bottle it," the Potions Master said flatly and turned to the next desk. He got only a step and turned back around. "What is in your pocket?" he glared at Harry's pocket as it wiggled.
"Two Knuts and a Sickle," Harry emptied his pants pocket, showing the coins.
"This pocket." Severus poked the shirt pocket and it bit him. Several gasps and a few giggles could be heard before the Potions Professor snapped, "Stealing from my stores will not be tolerated!" With a firm grip on Harry's shoulder, Severus growled, "I will deal with you in a minute," and pushed Harry into his office, slamming the door.
A resounding crash on the other side of the door was heard. Severus, who knew there hadn't been anything in the way to crash into, found Harry's theatrics amusing. The perverse smile that appeared on his face after hearing the crash silenced any students who dared to be talking or laughing. "Finish bottling your projects if you expect a passing grade."
No sooner had they stepped into the corridor did the frenzy begin. "He's Ravenclaw, I sat next to him." "What was his name?" "Probably didn't steal anything." "I think he's in my Arithmancy class." "Did you hear that?" "He's so scary looking when he smiles." "Remember what happened to Flynn?" "What's Snape got against us Ravens, anyway?" The ranting and speculations of what was to come stopped when the door to the Potions class abruptly closed. An eavesdropping spell was quickly cast, but evidently their professor was way ahead of them with a silencing charm.
Word quickly spread through the Ravenclaw tower that one of their brethren had been detained in a most disconcerting manor. First and second years were quick to find fault with the fourth years for not knowing right off who was missing. The third and fourth years began taking inventory of their fellow students, seeming somewhat confused, while the fifth and sixths paid little notice, as there was so much studying to be done. It was the seventh years who finally couldn't stand the commotion any longer and listened to the tale of Professor Snape tossing a student into his office. The very same professor who had thrown Flynn, also a Ravenclaw, out of his classroom and threatened his life just before the boy was found nearly brain-dead days later.
When Severus opened his office door, he found Harry sitting at his chair, smiling up at him innocently. "Miss me?"
"Hardly," Severus wrenched him out of his chair only to sit down and pull Harry onto his lap. "This is not a self-serve supply house for your convenience. I would have thought that after seven years schooling you, I would have a reprieve from your thievery," Severus' words were harsh, but his tone lacked severity, and he kissed Harry's neck between sentences. Harry let out a contented sigh, and moved his head around like a cat, enjoying the attentions.
"What are you doing here distracting me from my work?" With nimble fingers he removed the Ravenclaw tie and opened several buttons. He cast a spell to remove the glamour, but it had no effect. He tried two of the three other revealing charms he knew, and was disappointed he couldn't try the last as it would alert Albus of Dark magic.
Harry waved his own wand and was back to his natural self, but found himself in too small a uniform once he wasn't the size of a fourteen to fifteen year old. The tight trousers were far too constricting, quite beyond showing every ripple of muscle and bulge. The thought had been fun but the experience proved he could have done with a little re-thinking.
"I believe you needed a proper distraction," mumbled Harry. "And while I'm here, I'm having dinner with Ginny so we can plan Ron's birthday party for a few weeks from now," he pulled Severus in for a kiss. "What are you doing between now and dinner?" he asked against the expanse of Sev's neck.
"I plan to leave for my private rooms and interrogate a thief. I will torture him until he spills all his secrets," Severus sucked on his earlobe.
"There isn't enough time between now and dinner for you to get anything out of me," Harry declared and tilted his hips, grinding against his partner's. He spread his legs wider with the intention of more pressure, but ended up ripping his trousers. The evil grin on Severus' face was exciting and scary all at the same time.
Large hands caressed down his back, past the waistband and over the curve of Harry's arse. Long fingers reached past the tear in the fabric and to his delight, Severus could feel skin. Harry had forgone pants, leaving him unexpected access. He slid his fingers torturously slowly, edging the crack of Harry's arse. He reached far enough to fondle Harry's bollocks before sliding his hands back, this time right up the center, teasing his puckered hole.
~"I'll tell you anything you want to know,"~ Harry hissed before latching on to Sev's neck, sucking feverishly.
Severus stood with Harry in his arms, and then placed him on the desk long enough to switch positions, putting Harry over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"Severus!" shouted Harry. "Put me down, I'll fall."
"We can't have that. Allow me to get a better grip," he purred and grabbed Harry's arse. Harry's eyes widened when he felt the spit covered finger enter him. Severus had just finished warding the door to his office when he heard a knocking at the door.
"Professor Snape," they both recognized Minerva McGonagall's voice.
"Bloody Hell," he growled and walked over to the door. Harry yelped and was only slightly relieved when Severus made sure the Ravenclaw robe covered his exposed arse. Removing the silencing charm, Severus opened the door a sliver.
"What can I help you with Professor? I'm rather busy at the moment."
"I'm afraid I must come in," she pursed her lips in annoyance, but it wasn't clear who she was annoyed with. "I've had several complaints from upset students. Open the door so that we may have a word in private."
Severus knew by her words that he couldn't deny her entry. For that matter, as Deputy Headmistress, she could gain entrance to any room with or without his permission. Harry wriggled, assuming he was going to be put down, but to his mortification, Severus held tight.
The door opened with barely enough room to pass; Minerva squeezed into the room. She gasped, taking in the sight of Snape with a body thrown over his shoulder. Severus remained out of view from anyone who might be in the corridor, closed the door and replaced the silencing charms.
"Severus! Who is that?" she sputtered. "I didn't believe them. I only came down here to prove that you'd done nothing untoward. Filius is sure that every Ravenclaw is accounted for."
"That's because this is a Gryffindor," purred Severus. McGonagall's eyes bugged out until she recognized the victim's voice.
"Put me down," Harry insisted, and squeaked when Severus flexed his finger.
"No." Severus answered simply. "As you can see, Minerva, I have things well under control. Since you no longer have jurisdiction over this thief, he is mine to punish as I see fit."
Harry couldn't see her face, but imagined it was as red as his. Of course the blood was rushing to his head, but he had the feeling it would have been red nonetheless.
"Good day, Severus," she sounded as if they'd simply crossed paths in the corridor. "Harry," she added. "Do give up the life of crime; I'm too old for the type of confusion you cause with your pranks."
"Yes ma'am," he mumbled.
Placing Harry down on the bed, Severus grasped the ripped trousers with each hand and tore them in half. The waistband was too thick to tear, but the pant legs were shredded. He admired his handiwork and thought they looked a little like chaps. He would have to see Harry in a good pair of black leather chaps one day. Distracted by his image of Harry in black leather, Severus was taken by surprise when Harry pounced.
Harry grabbed Severus by the lapel, put a foot against his hip for leverage and pulled back hard to flip them over. "You embarrassed the bloody Hell out of me," Harry held his own for a bit, but when it was clear Severus would overpower him, he used a spell to inhibit the older wizard's movements.
"I did mention torture, did I not?" asked Severus with a smirk. He struggled against the spell. One could fight against a binding hex; all that was needed to break it was to move even the slightest. You just had to have enough will. What made it difficult to fight against Harry's spell was that it was modified, he was already allowed some movement; breaking it would not be so simple.
"All your past tortures involved me naked on a bed, not hanging over your shoulder like a prized pig." Harry sat on him and began to work on a row of buttons.
"Then you should be grateful I allowed you to be in the office wearing clothing while I spoke with Minerva," Severus found that he couldn't readily break the spell by sheer will alone, but thought he could eventually reach his other arm and then his wand. Reaching into his sleeve he was surprised when the sleeve vanished, along with the rest of his clothes.
"You really don't want to do that," Harry trailed the tip of his wand across the hardening nub on his chest.
'When did he draw his wand? ' Severus struggled to aim his wand but Harry's free hand held his wrist, putting his weight behind him. ' Smart boy, making up for size with leverage.'
With an unspoken spell, Harry then easily moved Severus' arms over his head.
It was intoxicating to see Harry in action. He'd come so far since finishing Hogwarts. He was learning to master his abilities, and while Severus regretted that teaching at Hogwarts kept him from taking part in training him, he was duly impressed with the outcome Kieran's expertise was producing. In a last attempt to gain control, Severus thrust his hip up to push Harry off, but only managed to get a face full of smooth skin. With his nose practically in Harry's bellybutton, Severus felt his wand taken from his hand.
Regaining his balance, Harry made a point of holding up both wands before tucking them under Severus' pillow. "I can't take this torture anymore," Harry said, holding the back of his hand to his brow. "I'm ready to talk."
"Drama Queen," teased Severus, with his hands still held over his head. "Did you name your snake yet?"
"No, but I'll soon find out if he prefers lizards over newts," said Harry with a smile. "I'll replace the one I took if he likes it. Besides, Albus said I can have it. I just didn't mention that I'd be sitting in on your fourth year class to get it," he said with a grin. "Now, I think you need a good buggering," stated Harry, thrusting his cock against Sev's trousers with exaggerated motions and his mouth hanging open as if lost in the moment.
Severus groaned at his antics.
"This is when you call me an insufferable brat and spread your legs," he whispered. It was then that Severus realized he was no longer bound and wrapped his arms around the lascivious teen.
"Your remarkable skill in the art of seduction has always amazed me," said an amused Severus before capturing Harry's lips in a passionate kiss.
"What I lack in eloquence I make up for with eagerness," Harry said between breaths. "Have I at least impressed you with big words?" he asked with a smirk and went back to kissing, this time along Sev's neck.
"All the way up to E in the dictionary are you? You have me enthralled," he teased and then spread his legs. He could feel the smile against his neck and pulled his wand from beneath his pillow to cast cleansing spells as Harry had trailed his kisses down his chest. Severus hissed when Harry swallowed him whole. All too soon Harry pulled his head back with a 'pop' to continue kissing and licking his way along.
He paid extra attention to licking Severus' bollocks and making slurpy sounds when he tried to suck them both into his mouth at the same time. Harry worked his way lower at a slow, teasing pace until he finally pressed a flat tongue to Severus' entrance. Spurred on by Sev's appreciative sounds, Harry flicked his tongue all around the puckered hole and spread his tongue flat again, over his entrance and then his balls once again. He felt Severus' hand grab hold of his hair and then release it just as quick. Harry glanced over to see those strong hands wrenching the sheets in his fists. Better for Severus to abuse the bedding than his hair. As Harry's tongue plunged in as far as it could reach he thought about the lubrication spell, wondering if incantations were different from one language to the next. They were mostly Latin words, right?
~Lubricous~ he hissed in Parseltongue hoping to get the results he desired. ~Yes~ he hissed happily when it worked.
"Yes," echoed Severus unknowingly.
Harry slid in two fingers and climbed over long legs to lay beside him while he prepared Sev for penetration. He went back to licking Severus' cock from base to tip on one side and then the other. He took a deep breath, smelling the complex smell of his lover and swallowed him to the root, sucking forcefully as drew back up. With great concentration Harry licked, sucked and worshiped Severus' cock until he felt and hand gently pulling him off the pulsing member.
"That's good," panted Severus. Harry didn't even remember when he'd put in a third finger, but knew it was time to bury himself into the tight heat that awaited him. After pulling back with one final strong suck, Harry placed a kiss on the tip of Severus' cock and returned to the spot between his legs. He helped lift one leg over his shoulder and used the other hand to guide his own straining cock in just enough to pass the first ring of muscles. One smooth and careful push and he was home. They both hissed at the sensation and let out a huge breath, needing time to adjust.
Severus lifted his other leg so that Harry could hold them both up on his shoulders. The position caused him to hiss again when Harry pressed in deeper as the position allowed.
Harry closed his eyes tight, pulling in his bottom lip between his teeth when the sensation washed over him. "You," he opened his eyes again, "feel so good." Licking his reddened lips, Harry withdrew and slid in again at a tantalizingly slow pace. It took him several thrusts, pushing forward, going as deep as he could, pulling back and then grinding his hips as he stroked deep again, until Severus made a sound that told him he'd found the right angle, his reaction guiding Harry to stay in that line to give his lover as much pleasure as possible.
Having picked up the pace, Harry found himself lifting Sev's legs higher, giving him the leverage he needed to fuck Severus into such a state he no longer made sounds, though his mouth opened in a silent scream.
"Sev," Harry panted. "Breathe," he wasn't actually sure his lover did take a breath, but he did let go of the abused bed sheet in favor of fisting his own cock in pace with Harry's steady thrusts. "Coming," Harry warned after a time; it was all he could say.
"Almost," Severus finally took a breath followed up with several inarticulate sounds as he clenched his arse in a shattering orgasm. Harry's eyes almost bugged out as his cock was squeezed tight, just when he too was sent over the edge.
"Damn," Harry exhaled forcefully, a huge grin on his face. "How come we don't do that more often?" Harry kissed Severus' ankle before carefully lowering both legs down from his shoulders. He then sat down on said legs, pulling his lover up into a sitting position.
They kissed briefly before Severus answered smugly. "Simple," he pulled Harry in for an unexpected, but scorching kiss, leaving him breathless. "Seduction wins over eagerness." The dazed yet blissful expression on Harry's face only served to prove his point.
"Damn," repeated Harry, offering no argument. "I should have known I was in over my head with a seasoned Slytherin."
"Did I not warn you that I get what I want?" Severus kissed him again before getting up.
"Yup," smiled Harry. "I'll just have to make sure you keep wanting me," he laid back, watching Severus check to make sure his clothes were still around and relatively intact.
"On that matter, you should have no doubt," having located his other sock, Severus cast several charms, removing wrinkles and such from his robes.
"Come on, take a shower with me," Harry took him by the hand, dragging Severus along.
Albus Dumbledore was hungry. Pleased that it was in fact time for dinner, he opened a desk drawer and put away a stack of paperwork from the school's governors, along with a note from Harry saying that he'd probably be in the castle to see Ginny. The conversations he overheard on the way to the Great Hall were entertaining indeed.
The hall seemed to hush when the Headmaster entered. It was as if they were expecting a grand announcement, or maybe expecting him to look anxious regarding rumours. He watched the students turn their attention back to the door when it seemed he wasn't going to enlighten them. Every time a Ravenclaw student entered there was a twittering of conversation and it looked like the students were taking an inventory of sorts.
Once again the room became eerily still when the door opened to admit Professor Snape. With the recent speculations, it was no surprise that a certain Potions Master was late to dinner. When he received the usual greetings from his fellow professors, the students went back to their door watching and counting of Ravenclaw students.
"Severus?" called Albus genially.
"Yes Headmaster?" Severus had a contented manner about him. He looked around the table to see what he'd like to eat.
"As much as I detest gossip," Albus' tone indicated the contrary. "Have you heard the rumours? There's talk of a conspiracy," having spotted a large plate of fried chicken, he hummed. "Oh, just what I wanted."
"You don't say. Pumpkin juice?" offered Severus, his almost cheerful expression frightening several students.
DETAH 82 - The Unnamed Snake and Other Deities
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Kieran Donnelly nodded to his best mate while the weight of gold in his pockets reminded him just why he was on a filthy back street of Knockturn Alley. Severus stepped out from the shadows to walk with him to a nearby pub where Kieran could catch up with his friend and rest up from Healing the Death Eater who had need of his services.
"It's on me," said Kieran, who paid for their drinks and noted as Snape put up the usual charms to ensure privacy.
"As it should be," deemed Severus with a grin, glad that he could bring business to his friend. They sat in a comfortable silence until the sight of such a gruesome wound was no longer in the forefront of their minds. Severus had wondered how long it would take for Frances' presence in Kieran's life to influence his career. "Still fighting with Frances over your choice of clients?"
Kieran shrugged, but had a gleam in his eye. "Ay, she likes to mix it up with me, I'm thinking. Too boring at the clinic with everyone so proper," he said with a wink. "Though, ya won't believe the referral she sent along to me," the Scott took a long pull of his drink while Severus thought up several derogatory comments to harass his friend.
"Let me guess, a worthy cause, but just shady enough to pass along to you?"
"Knew you'd cotton on right quick," Kieran held up his drink in a mock toast. "If you can believe it, she asked me to do a HCR, Healin' for Rejuvenation. I've told ya how tetchy she could get over that subject; rightly so," he added and Severus knew it had happened; Kieran had had an epiphany of sorts.
"What brought this about? I thought she was steering you away from the evils in the world."
"Nah, I told her you were my best mate, an evil I don't plan on parting with anytime soon," he teased. "Actually, it was Albus Dumbledore that had gone to her asking for advice for a young muggleborn witch who was pressured by future pureblood in-laws to have the procedure done. A young'un, just out of Hogwarts," he added.
"And you don't find that an odd circumstance, that a pureblood family wouldn't have insisted on a Healer who runs in their circle? How much rejuvenation could one need at that age?" asked Severus, "Excluding Fawkes, of course," Severus had heard of wealthy families requesting such a procedure when the bride to be was from a questionable background, but it had mostly been more of an insult intended to deter the young couple, especially if the girl didn't have the money to have such an expensive Healing done.
"I was thinking the same, but usually the family's making sure she can carry a child to full term, produce an heir an' all that." The Healer waved to the barmaid for a refill. "Nice enough girl; wore glamour so I didn't get a look at her face, but didn't want her teeth touched anyway. Odd, that," he thought more to himself than to Severus. "Funny thing, she never would have conceived a child."
"No?" Severus hadn't seen his friend so animated about Healing in some time.
"She'd been hit in the gut with some hex in the past. It was cared for, and healed over, but with extensive scar tissue on the inside. Didn't take much to fix, I prob'ly wouldn't have charged her much, but she insisted that I take all the money her in-laws were willing to pay. Smart girl," he said with a happy grin.
"Better then your usual patents?" Severus wondered where his friend would be in five years.
"You know it Snape."
"A muggleborn, you say?" a calculating expression formed on Severus' face. "How many witches do you suppose could have been hit with such a hex at such a young age?"
"She'd have to be running around with the wrong sort to be in tha' kinda situation," the Scott paused. "Or the right sort. I got to thinking about why she would wear glamour, and then I remembered reading about Fawkes' friends soon to be hitched. Is it true he'd been fooling about with both of them?" he asked, simply to annoy Snape. "It's hard to miss a head of hair like that."
"I expect you didn't mention that tidbit to her?"
"What, the threesome?" he asked with a laugh. "You should know me better than tha'. I figure Fawkes wanted to make sure his friend is healthy after all the dangerous situations him and his friends have been in. I don't want him having to pay such a price for it, though." Kieran had been all too happy to have made such an easy bag of gold, but having put the puzzle together, it was easier to take the money from 'evil' in-laws than from Harry.
"Let him do this for his friend," Severus knew how Harry felt about Kieran's lack of income during the time he'd been treating Harry. "He'll feel bad that he didn't get away with it, and honestly, he'll feel no strain from the payment."
"You sure about that?" asked Kieran seriously.
"He's got enough in several vaults to keep him very comfortable, for however long he lives. I'm not talking Malfoy kind of money, but certainly more than enough. I suggest you let it go. Besides, it doesn't hurt your standing at the Wellington Institute.
"Frances is happy that she's winning the fight and guiding me in the right direction," the Scot smirked. He might make it sound like he was just covering his own arse for the future, but he couldn't deny the gratification of Healing the young girl, giving her back something she hadn't known she'd lost, and who may never have realized why she wasn't conceiving when she eventually tried.
"Do you ever see Joanne anymore?" he recalled what Harry looked like in Jo's dress back in July.
"Nah, even when we was together, it was just once in a while. How bout you? You're the most possessive bloke I ever met, yet I hear rumours of you and a wolf," Kieran knew all about Remus, but like to annoy Snape whenever possible.
"I've given Fawkes choices. He's chosen to be exclusively mine," Severus sounded sincere.
"He chose you over what, death?" laughed Kieran.
"Don't be absurd; we need him alive. I believe his second option was to be chained to my bed."
Kieran chose not to comment. He'd never before seen his friend this happy. "I heard about the new snake. Givin' I'm sorry' gifts already, huh, Snape?"
"Like you're not," huffed Severus.
"Technically, no."
"No, you got lucky. It happened to be her birthday when you showed up with the 'I screwed up gift' and she's none the wiser that you forgot her birthday." Severus ordered another round of drinks. It was a quiet night in the pub, and the few other tables with patrons were ignoring them, wanting their own privacy.
"Healers luck, that was," he wiped his brow, indicating how lucky he was to get by that one. "Fawkes was pretty bent out of shape after the riff you two had. I'm guessing the age thing is a touchy subject?"
"What do you mean age? We were arguing over being careful and not taking unnecessary risks," Severus didn't feel the need to mention that he'd been wrong. Kieran already knew about the snake; no point in discussing it further.
"I don't know about that..." Kieran began. "He didn't say anything about taking risks, he was upset 'bout you calling im a child," he wore the smug, 'I know something you don't' look.
Severus had been so angry at the time that he hadn't even recalled that part of the conversation. He found it very interesting that when Harry told Kieran of the argument, he hadn't mentioned Severus wrongly accusing him. He hadn't bashed him when he could have rightly done so. No, instead his Harry had only brought up the one thing he'd clung to, the thing that upset him but which Severus hadn't even remembered. Now that he thought about it, his 'I'm an adult' comment had silenced the room. He knew it was a poor choice of words, but Harry hadn't yet told him of all the precautions he'd taken for the Warding, and he had been still too furious to have cared at the time.
"He occasionally surprises me with a maturity that exceeds my own."
"You mean when he poses as a fourth year and nearly gets you arrested for endangering a student?" asked Kieran, getting a harrumph from Severus.
"Lucky for me, he thought to show up to dinner wearing the same glamour. Better they think him a Gryffindor student playing a prank than another Ravenclaw victim of their evil Potions Master." Severus thought for a moment about the seventh years and how he'd glared at the Gryffindor table all throughout dinner.
Some time later, after several more drinks, they decided the Healer had recouped enough magic to safely Apparate, only by then he'd drunk too much to do so safely. He and Severus cast a sobering charm on each other. They weren't completely sober, but enough to get home in one piece, so to speak.
"Let me ask you something," Severus said just in time before the Scot popped out. "Isn't it common practice to check for memory charms during a full Healing like that?" he couldn't remember the stupid initials for the name of the treatment.
"Ya, tha's pretty much standard. It's one o' the reasons the procedure isn't more commonly done. Not everyone wants ta know wha' they don' know," he slurred. "You wasn't around, but Frances asked Dumbledore if he wouldn't mind helpin' us out. Didn' wan' t'chance it if the lass'd been Obliviated by someone who might have messed up too much with her ead, seein' who she's friends with."
"Both of them?" asked Severus with a smirk. Kieran's eyes widened. "If I must live with the memories, so should she," he grinned evilly. He would have some fun with Hermione.
"No point in asking how you knew she'd had two Obliviates?"
"No," Severus had joked, but felt it was better this way. It wasn't safe to mess with a person's mind too many times. If she'd confronted him about his using a memory charm on her when he was a fully functioning adult and not an ill-guided teen on holiday, then he'd have talked her into keeping the memory, as it's best to keep the mind as safe as possible. Now, if someone were to check and find a memory blocked, they would know it could be hiding more than embarrassing moments. Rationalizations aside, he was still going to have fun with her new knowledge.
With his new home in a mixed neighborhood of muggles and magical folk, Harry was grateful for his ability to do wandless magic. He secured the scaffolding before climbing up and began piecing together the wood to build the framing. He'd only just finished the foundation for the added living area for house elves, but managed to dry and cure the concrete magically instead of waiting the standard two days for it to set.
Climbing to the next section up, Harry took in the scenery that would eventually be the view from his bedroom window. He'd not been so high up before so hadn't noticed the small brook that trickled through the back of the property. He'd have to investigate that one day when he knew he was alone.
Harry was sure the bird in the bushes had spelled the property to let her know he was there. The problem with that was she'd triggered a check system he had in place to know if the area was tampered with. It was lucky he had found the one spell she'd used, it was small and could have been easily missed; under other circumstances he would have had to investigate a large area and waste a lot of time.
He checked his plans several times, making sure he'd followed the guidelines he'd been given by the town. Magic would surely hold the structure up, but he'd rather not have a house that looked like it defied the laws of gravity. Harry thought it was funny that he loved the Burrow for its unique design and how different it was from his former home, yet here he was, building a nice, normal-looking house.
With a grin that looked like it should be on the face of a mad scientist, Harry conjured a sketch pencil and altered one of the rooms to have rounded walls in the front like a turret. As he drew the pointed roof for that section of the house, he was reminded he was a terrible artist. He chuckled to himself, noticing the poorly drawn change made the house look cockeyed, a little like the Burrow. Harry's smile only grew as he made finishing touches to the alteration. Such a big structural change would set the job back some, but the added character was worth it. The clicking of a camera was easily ignored as he worked out the math, figuring out how much more concrete he would need to extend the foundation to round out the corner of the house.
With his changes on paper, Harry rolled up the plans and placed them back into a protective tube that used to contain a poster of the Chudley Canons. Yet another bit of wisdom from his friend, Hermione. She felt that just because he had money to burn, he shouldn't be wasteful, spending money where it wasn't necessary. He was happy to agree and bypassed the three galleon architectural grade storage tube, and instead buying Ron a new poster for eight sickles and keeping the tube it came in for his drawings.
Ron, of course, argued that he'd outgrown such things while happily replacing an old poster with the new. He assured them it was simply a coincidence that he'd replaced the poster of the gay quidditch player who had once been his childhood hero. However, that only served to encourage the twins to once again tease him as they'd done years ago, only now he understood what they were going on about. They'd all had a good laugh and Ron had taken the kidding very well. With knowing glances and snickers, no one mentioned that the player on the new poster was also gay. He'd not even heard Hermione's comment about Mr. November from the Quidditch Weekly's yearly calendar addition.
With thoughts of quidditch Harry decided it had been far too long since he'd been on a broom. He decided to call on Ron and challenge Ginny to a game soon. He hummed a song he couldn't remember the words to and dug into a pile of lumber, looking for the size piece of wood he needed next.
Sorting through the stack, Harry heard a buzzing sound but didn't see where it was coming from. There certainly weren't any flowers around to attract bees, just a bunch of nettles around the edges of the property where the ground hadn't been trampled. Paying more attention to his surroundings again, Harry felt something like a hum of magic and knew there was someone nearby. He glanced back at the bushes where he knew the girl was hiding, but could sense the magic closer, on the same side of the street. For a split second he saw something flash in the wooded area nearby. It was brief flicker that could have been caused by someone being momentarily revealed, for instance if a branch caught on an Invisibility Cloak.
Harry examined two pieces of wood to see which was straighter, or at least appeared to be doing that while he remained still long enough to see if his new intruder had any plans to do him harm, or was just another watcher for the day. He could feel the darkness; it was something he only recently realized he could recognize. While he could feel the magical signature of a witch or wizard, he could also sense the magic of the Dark Mark. He assumed it was all the time he'd spent with Severus that made him in tune with the dark magical signature. He'd thought it was something unique to his lover, but was surprised one day in a pub when he felt the familiar magic from someone else.
Harry complained to himself about Death Eaters wasting his time, not to mention scaring out extra bugs his way. Harry went back to building, but the more he thought about it, the more upset Harry became that this intruder had ruined his good day. He'd been excited about the change in house plans he'd thought up, and now wasn't having nearly as much fun building his home as he had been earlier.
Despite his mood, Harry continued to work for some time. It worried him that he'd let the jerk in the woods irritate him so much. It reminded him of his past when he used to judge his sanity by his emotions. He no longer thought his mental state in jeopardy as he used to, but still he was thinking about it now. It was times like this that thinking too much over such things could get him worked up and more susceptible to trigger a flashback. The overwhelming feeling that his home would never be built got to be too much for Harry. He decided to stop for the day.
"Quitting for the day doesn't get it built faster," he berated himself, but couldn't find it in himself to do anything more. Replacing the spells to alert him if the area had been tampered with, Harry also reorganized the supplies before warding them too. "Stupid wood isn't as good a quality as the last batch," he looked sadly at the structure that framed out the rooms. Harry paced the grounds, noting two trees that Ron said would be a great place for a hammock. Thoughts of Ron with black hair made him want to laugh, but he instead found himself concerned for his friend, who needed to be more diligent for his own safety.
"I can't keep them all safe. I don't have to rescue everyone," he reminded himself. The voice in is head sounded like Dr. Erin and he worried that maybe he should check in with her. He thought he knew where the line between helper and rescuer was, but Ron with black hair made him worry. At least Hermione had lectured Ron on it. "Hermione," Harry whispered. She was gone all day at uni with people he didn't know anything about.
Harry had gotten himself so worked up he didn't even watch where he was walking. He stumbled. "This ain't right." No sooner had he thought that he wasn't acting himself, Harry decided it was time to stop checking the grounds and check himself. With the area secured, Harry Apparated to Hogwarts, where he no longer had to worry about muggles seeing, and could cast a spell to check for hexes. To his surprise and disappointment, he found nothing. He even cast a spell Severus had taught him. It would reveal the last five food or drinks he'd ingested. The spell didn't show anything he hadn't already known about. He'd skipped lunch, so the spell had shown his breakfast, beverages he'd had from his own icebox, and the container of ice cream he'd finished off the night before.
"I've got to stop eating so much garbage. He tells me how important it is to stay in top form and I eat ice cream like none of the training matters," Harry heard a sniff and was startled when he realized no one else was around, so it must have come from him. Crossing the grounds of the school, Harry noticed a few children around who must have had a free period. A girl shrieked in excitement as a friend spoke animatedly about boy she'd kissed. He wondered how long it would take for Severus to realize he was dating a basket case and dump him for someone who knew how to keep up with his intellect, impressive vocabulary and wit.
The thundering of feet startled him like when Dudley and his friends used to chase him. "No," he hissed at himself. He would not let an excited class of first years on their way to flying class send him into an embarrassing flashback right on the school grounds where he'd make a spectacle of himself. He really needed to be somewhere safe.
"Harry?" Minerva McGonagall spotted him in the corridor in front of the gargoyle leading to Albus' office. She could see that he wasn't his usual cheerful self but thought it might be due to embarrassment, since the last time she'd seen him, he was hanging inelegantly over Snape's shoulder like an errant toddler. "Albus is in the staffroom at a meeting if you need him," she said, in case Harry was looking for him.
"Oh, I don't want to pull him from a meeting when he's busy, but he'll know if I'm in the tower and come out of his meeting to check on me since he didn't know I was coming by," said Harry in far more words than necessary.
"You know Albus doesn't mind," she reassured him. "Were you coming to see him?" she asked, getting a shake of his head before she finished.
"No," he said quickly. "I was just going to my room and didn't want him to worry about checking on me."
"I'll give him the message if you like. I was going to the staff room anyway," she added when he apologized for giving her tasks when clearly she had plenty to do as the Deputy Headmistress.
Albus had been concerned for Harry when he returned to his office and could hear Harry talking to himself. Minerva had told him of her concerns, but felt that he should wait until after the meeting to speak with Harry, since she felt the younger wizard might not appreciate Albus leaving the meeting after he'd made such a fuss about it.
"Good afternoon," Albus greeted him with a warm smile and wanted to ask Harry what brought him around, but never wanted Harry to think he needed a reason to be in the tower or his room.
"Hi. Oh, um I meant to apologize for almost getting Severus in trouble last time I was here. I feel bad that Gryffindor lost points 'cause of me," he thought about how his lover didn't seem to mind one bit that he'd shown up in class, but it had caused quite a stir. "I would have taken the blame personally, but then it would make Severus look like a bumbling fool for not knowing there was an intruder in the class." Not to mention how Death Eaters would react to hear that Snape had Harry Potter in his clutches and didn't take advantage of the situation. "How would the parents react if they knew that someone who doesn't even belong here can waltz right into a class room with unsuspecting kids?"
Albus didn't like Harry's choice of words. "You do belong here and the public knows that," Albus stated adamantly, and softened his tone before continuing. "I don't think anyone would get terribly riled up if they thought you'd played a prank on one of your former professors."
Harry didn't look convinced and declined the invite to tea.
Severus looked to Minerva across the empty chair where Albus should have been. She looked like she wanted to ask him something, but couldn't, given the lack of privacy. To his relief, Albus arrived moments later, though he, too, looked concerned.
"How are things?" the Headmaster asked vaguely.
"Things?" Severus thought things had been rather uneventful lately, but that wasn't a bad thing. "Would you be referring to Potions, students, mutual acquaintances, or..." he paused in his sarcasm when thoughts of Harry came to mind. "Are you referring to someone in particular?" asked Severus, getting an unexpected nod from the older wizard.
"Have recent student pranks caused either of you any problems?" Albus asked, even if he had been fairly certain that the whole 'stolen newt' prank had blown over with nothing more then a few laughs and points lost, which incidentally were added back by several other professors the next day.
"Perhaps we should discuss this in your office?" suggested Severus who knew the dinner table wasn't the best place for this conversation even if they were being extremely discreet.
"We wouldn't have privacy there," explained Albus, meaning Harry was in the tower. "I don't wish to pry, but Minerva did mention punishments you had planned when she came down to your office. I must admit, with Harry's background I would not have expected that sort of...activity," he finished in what seemed like slow motion as he was struggling with the wording of that sentence. Severus' eyes widened. Albus didn't know what kinds of activities he'd participated in the past, and had no intention of sharing such personal information. But something was wrong enough for Albus to ask such a question. It irked him that the Headmaster would even entertain the idea that Severus would have crossed a line with his young lover's mental or physical safety.
"As I recall, the punishment was that Minerva had unexpectedly found him in an embarrassing situation," he couldn't keep the smirk off his face, remembering the feeling of Harry wriggling around when he flexed the finger in his arse. His lover's hard cock hadn't softened at all, despite the unexpected interruption. "Would it make you feel better to know that it was I who needed a cushioning charm on my chair during dinner that night?" He would have enjoyed bringing a blush to the old man's face, had he not been so concerned for Harry.
"He's in a funk with no apparent cause to have triggered it. He mentioned several things, but nothing of significance to have upset him so," finally Albus spoke plain and simple enough for Severus to understand what was going on.
"Was I any or all the several issues mentioned?" the only thing Severus could recall was that Harry planned Ron's party during the full moon and had cut into their plans to be together, but he didn't think his lover had even been aware of that yet. He'd simply mentioned the date to Severus, but probably hadn't checked the cycle of the moon. Just his luck that Ron's birthday was on a full moon this year.
Albus gave a sad shrug. Harry had mentioned Severus, but along with several other people and nothing specific that they didn't already know. He'd been pleased that evening to see how much fun Harry was having at the Gryffindor table with Ginny as he posed as the student who'd pranked Snape.
"Password still the same?" asked Severus, in lieu of saying he'd go speak to Harry. He had no intention of waiting for dinner to end.
Having arrived at Headmaster's office, Severus entered the small corridor that led to the bedrooms. He found Harry's door open, with the young man asleep on his bed. It was eerily reminiscent of the days when Harry spent the summer in the tower. The door was always left open. It helped him to feel safe, that he could get out if he wanted, even if he couldn't actually move much, and that he could listen for Albus and visa versa.
"Harry?" Severus' docile tone would keep from startling him. He wasn't completely sure Harry had been asleep.
"Did I have a bad dream?" asked Harry apprehensively, as if it were midnight, not dinner time, and he'd woken up his lover.
"I don't know. Did you?" Severus brushed the hair from his face, slowly trailing his finger behind Harry's ear.
"I don't remember it, but I have that feeling, you know that feeling like you were upset, but now that you're awake all the way you can't remember why but you still feel it. Sorry, I'm not making any sense," Harry pulled at the blanket beneath him. The worn patch looked as if he'd done that very thing many times in the past.
"I know that feeling very well," Severus said soothingly, only he wished he could forget his own bad dreams more often. "Was something bothering you before you fell asleep?" His hands continued to move through Harry's hair. "It's unlike you to skip a meal."
"Or ice cream," Harry said miserably and told Severus about the container he'd finished off the night before. Severus pulled Harry up to a sitting position and sat across from him, their knees touching.
"Talk to me, Love. Tell me what's wrong,"
"Everything," muttered Harry miserably, but elaborated with Sev's encouragement. "Everything's wrong. I um, I made more changes to the house, which I thought was a good thing, but it's gonna take longer now. It doesn't feel like I'm ever going to get it done. What kind of house am I going to have with Death Eaters picnicking across the way watching from the neighbor's property? Like that's going to convince you to want to move in with me at my screwed up house where the wood has too many knots. I never even asked if you could live outside the school and still teach. Do you still want to teach when the war is over? I thought once it - the war - was done and people knew the truth about you, you could do what ever you want, but will you still want me even if I don't have the wit you do?" Harry wrapped his arms around his head. "Ron helped, so we got a lot done the other day, but his hair was black for hours and I worry he'll get hurt for being my friend." Harry abruptly stopped speaking. He realized that he'd barely taken a breath and was concerned Severus would finally see he was a head case. "God, please don't leave me," Harry whispered into his shoulder, having suddenly wrapped his whole body around Severus and buried his head.
"Nothing short of an Avada Kedavra is going to make me leave you," promised Severus. After several minutes of holding his lover, he could feel his breathing even out somewhat. "Harry?"
"Yeah?" his voice cracked, but thankfully, his eyes were dry.
"Is that really everything? Did anything else happen?"
"Isn't that enough? Harry put his head back down, this time facing Severus so he spoke against his neck. "If I add anything to that list, you'll book me a room in St. Mungo's," Harry kidded, but Severus wasn't convinced he didn't really think it.
"There are no limits to how much comfort you can give to someone you love. You can tell me twenty more things, or just one and that would be fine," Severus still wasn't sure what had gotten Harry into such a state. He'd secretly cast the same spell Harry had earlier to check for a curse or hex. "I'll prove it," Severus smiled; disappointed he couldn't get a smile in return like he usually could. "Tell me one more thing that upset you. No St. Mungo's." He could see Harry concentrating as if he was fighting back his depression and then held up a single finger.
"I got a splinter," Harry smiled for a split second before frowning again.
"I think we can work on everything else one problem at a time, but this I can take care of right now," Severus held his hand, examining the finger closely. "Excuse me a second," Severus had to push Harry back enough to reach into his robe for a small case. Inside the case were three small vials and a pair of tweezers.
"Do you always carry around a splinter kit?" asked Harry, his face impassive.
"No," Severus caught himself before he could call Harry a brat as he usually did. "This if for collecting samples of plants or insects I use for potions." He carefully removed the brown sliver from Harry's finger and was going to dispose of it but instead his natural scientific curiousity made him take a closer look. He frowned and reopened the case, pulling out a magnifying glass to more closely inspect the object that he had a hunch may well be at the root of Harry's recent problems.
Under the glass, Severus could see barbs on the would-be splinter. "You've been bitten by a glumbumble," he said, letting out a sigh of relief.
"A what?" Harry had heard Ron ask Hermione if she'd been bitten by one of those when she was in a sour mood, but he'd always assumed Ron had made it up.
"Glumbumble stings cause melancholy. They eat nettles like the ones you have at Godric's Hollow. Drink this," Severus fed him a potion to combat the effects and pulled him back into a warm embrace. Kissing the top of his lover's head, Severus thanked any deity listening that this was an easy fix. He'd be there for Harry and any problems, but didn't deny that Harry's earlier irrational behavior had him really worried.
"I, I'm not crazy then?" came a small, but hopeful voice.
"No love, not any more than the rest of us," he kissed the top of Harry's head once again. "This is going to take a little while to work its way through. Poppy would just pump you up on Drought of Peace and a Cheering Charm, but I find the sudden emotional turnabout to be unsettling."
"How come I never knew anyone who got bit by a Glumbumble in all the years I went to school here?"
"You probably have. Not everyone feels the sting, so it's believed that it's often not diagnosed."
"How can that be?" asked Harry, trying to keep his mind off his own problems, feeling better just knowing he wasn't losing it.
"Without the stinger, Poppy would have to test the blood or possibly saliva for traces of the fluid that's injected from the bite. Do you suggest we test every hormonal teenager every time they act irrational or overemotional?" Severus teasingly explained and nuzzled his neck. Harry couldn't argue with that logic.
"What's his name?" asked Ron, who was tapping on the glass of the snake's tank, getting a shrug from Harry and being ignored by the snake.
"He Who Has Not Been Named," laughed Harry. "Maybe we should call him Voldemort."
Ron grimaced, emphatically announcing that he absolutely refused to call Harry's snake Voldemort, as it took him so long to call the evil git by his name, he didn't need to say it any more than necessary.
"How about Tom? Just kidding, don't get your knickers in a twist," laughed Harry when Ron threw a punch at him.
"You're still quick," praised Ron when Harry leapt away before he could land the punch.
~That must be a dance their species does before mating.~ hissed the unnamed snake, causing Harry to bust out laughing.
"He thinks we're going to mate," Harry explained between gasps.
"We are mates," Ron hadn't fully understood what Harry was saying since he was still laughing too hard to speak clearly. Ron's reply only managed to make him laugh harder, holding his sides in pain.
~At least this one has better colors.~ he commented.
"I think he likes you better than Sev," Harry said, calming down and catching his breath. "When I finally start talking to him I'll have to tell him we aren't mating."
"How come you've not spoken to him yet?" Ron reached into the tank, gingerly picking up the snake, which approved of Ron's warm hands.
"He's really funny to listen to when he thinks no one can hear him. He complains all the time about stupid things. I think too, that he admits stuff that he might not if he knew I could understand."
"Snake confessions?" asked Ron with a chuckle.
"I was giving him choices to see what he likes to eat. He gets all worked up when he smells mice, but he actually chooses the newts. He's gotten used to eating dead mice and doesn't like taking the chance of being scratched up or bitten. He likes the hunt, but has gotten lazy after so long," Harry pushed a finger under the snake on Ron's hand, lifting its little head. "Hey, you're both redheads."
"That's why he likes me best," Ron declared with a smile. "I thought Mi was kidding when she said you wanted to know how to do manicures on newts."
"It's the mice that have the sharp little claws. It's harder to do than you think," Harry quickly took the snake from Ron when his friend started laughing nearly as hard as Harry had done earlier. Ron had visions of Harry with a tiny nail file soaking their little mice feet.
"Maybe they should make mouse-flavoured newts," Harry suggested. Ron simply rolled his eyes and then startled when the snake fell from where it had been examining Harry's bracelet.
"Oh shit!" ~Are you OK?~ Harry asked hastily.
~Aaaahhh!!!~
Snakes scream? Harry tried again. ~Are you hurt?~
~No, I don't think I'm hurt. Wait, you can understand me?~ asked the snake.
~Yes, I understand. I'm sorry I wasn't watching you closer.~
~I can talk to humans!~ the snake rejoiced. ~I must be a god!~
"Oh, good God," groaned Harry, shaking his head. This was one egotistical snake. Maybe they should call him Voldemort after all.
~You're not a god.~ Harry said flatly.
~Infidel!~ shouted The Snake Who Shall Not Be Named (yet). At this point Harry decided the snake must have a head injury and put it back into the tank on the warm stone.
"Hungry?" Harry didn't have to ask twice. Ron followed him into the kitchen to make sandwiches before they went shopping. "Told Gred and Forge we'd come by while shopping today. You can pick out a birthday gift," Harry said between bites.
"They don't even make you pay, you cheap bastard," griped Ron, still smiling. "When's the party?" he asked, hoping Harry would slip.
"Dinner's at six, Mum said," Harry answered smoothly. "I got you a poster for no reason at all. Now you want a birthday gift, too? Greedy prat."
"True," Ron said with a nod as if that settled it. "It's a great poster of Morgan. I think it's the scene is from last year's big win over the Kenmare Kestrals. Mi keeps calling him Mr. November 'cause she can't remember his name."
"Did you ever wonder if she's messing with you? No one could mispronounce Wronski Feint for six years, specially not her." They both shrugged, unsure.
"If you show her a picture of O'Hare she'd tell you what month of what year he made the calendar issue. Speaking of nearly naked players, did you know Morgan's dating the chaser from Puddlemere United?" asked Ron, before taking the last pull of his butterbeer.
"I didn't think you knew he was into blokes. Wait, Pudd U's chaser is gay?" Harry hadn't heard that. "He's got wicked strong legs. I heard he can fly with no hands and still make turns."
"Can't be done." Ron refuted insistently. "Do you really think I'm that clueless? I read Quidditch Weekly more than Hermione reads school texts." Finished with his lunch, Ron helped clean up some before going back to the tank to check on their multi-coloured friend. "Let's take him shopping," Ron called from the other room, waking the snake.
~Hello fellow red one~ greeted the snake. ~I need some fresh water~
"He's cute. He came right over to the side of the glass. I think you're right, he likes me," Ron moved his finger along the glass to see if the snake would follow it.
~Water. It's the wet stuff in that bowl there, but I'd rather it wasn't mucked up with mulch. Can you understand me?~ the snake tilted his head, wondering why the service around here was so slow.
Harry came around the corner and made no indication he could understand the snake. He wondered if he should explain that he was the one who could speak to snakes, not the other way around. Thinking back, the snake was quite entertaining.
~Want to come out with us? You might like a chance to see some of the world.~
~Yes! I was beginning to think it had all been a dream. I need some fresh water. This one has good looks, like myself, but isn't very bright.~
Harry growled and pointed his finger at the snake, immobilizing him with intent alone. ~You will apologize for that remark if you expect to enjoy your time here.~ Harry pointed to his friend. ~Ron doesn't speak to snakes. There are only two known wizards who do. One is a wizard whom you will not ever want to cross. The other is Voldemort.~
"Ew, he peed," remarked Ron.
It occurred to Harry that his emotions were still leveling out since the glumbumble and the antidote. Or at least that's what he told himself, since he didn't like to think he would go off the deep end like that without a good reason. He released the snake from its bind.
~I didn't mean to scare you, but it's time I rid you of your delusions of grandeur. You're a regular snake. OK, I'll admit you're the best looking snake I've gotten, but a regular snake nonetheless.~ This made the snake feel a little better.
~Ok, let's say I believe you. What's to say that it's not you with lesions of grander? Might I add you've been one of my better servants to date.~ If snakes could smirk, Harry was sure this one would be doing that right now.
Harry had no intention of giving lessons on pronunciation to a snake, so kept to the topic at hand. ~Don't confuse my caring for you properly with being a servant. Would you rather I ignored your complaints all week, and didn't give you what you need?~ The snake didn't have an answer. Perhaps he was embarrassed to know the human had been listening the whole time. Harry decided a demonstration was in order.
"Big snake," warned Harry. Ron hadn't understood what he meant until Harry transformed into what one could term a small basilisk, just without the life-threatening eyes.
"Whoa. Nice one, mate," praised Ron. The snake startled and backed up, glancing between the enormous snake before him and the redhead by its side. He had to rethink his opinion of the colourful human, since he showed no fear of the large serpent.
~My Lord~ the snake bowed.
~I think I liked it better when you thought I was the servant. Have you got a name?~ he asked, thinking it would be a lot easier if he didn't have to come up with one himself. The snake only looked at him in confusion. ~What do other snakes call you? Were you with any other snakes at the store?~ he asked, not remembering that Severus had said he was used for breeding.
~Yessss~ hissed the snake with a faraway tone, as if recalling the female with whom he'd shared a tank. ~She was perfect, with many bands of colour and a scent that could drive a snake to distraction so he wouldn't notice until in the mouth of a mongoose.~ sighed the snake dreamily.
~Oh, um, what did she call you?~ asked Harry, not wanting to listen for too long, lest he begin to wonder about snake porn.
~She called me a god!~ he sang out triumphantly.
Hell. Harry could imagine why, but he wished his mind hadn't gone there.
Surrounded by brightly labeled signs and even more vibrant products, Harry and Ron perused the shelves at the joke shop where the twins had a section all to their own products. The owner had thought it best to rent out a small area to them; in addition to that income, more people were drawn into the shop, boosting his own business. Unbeknownst to him, by far most of the twin's money was made from their huge mail order business. Their few shelves at the shop allowed new customers to peruse the merchandise to check its quality and make purchases; then word of mouth, along with the catalog the twins included in every order, spread the word even better than a large, expensive advertisement in the local publications could, at a fraction of the cost. From the popularity of the products, it was clear WWW would soon have their own shop.
Harry held up various items to get Ron's opinion and laughed when his friend got all indignant, having been the test subject for one particular gag gift.
"See anything you like?" asked Fred, whose head seemed to have popped out of nowhere.
"Not your ugly mug," teased Ron. "You better not be bringing a load of this stuff to the party," he warned.
"What party?" asked Fred, chorused by Harry and George at the same time.
"Harry!" greeted George. "Ronnikins!" he squeezed his brother by the shoulders. "Maybe I can interest you in some special birthday candles?" he suggested. The image of Severus looking like he'd been doused in cake at Harry's birthday party came to mind.
"Are you going to play party games like pin down the Ron?" something Harry had forgotten about doing at his own party, when he'd bested Ron during a demonstration of how he used, or didn't use, a staff. The other guys had egged him on to finish Ron off. That was when Harry had kissed him and run for his life.
"Ron's all grown up now, with a boy-girl party," teased Fred.
"I thought you said there wasn't going to be a party," he retorted and glared at Harry when he held up an offensively shaped chocolate. "I know more than you think."
"Yeah," Harry leaned in close. "He's Mister Observant, spending most of the evening with Hermione, then asking if she got new earrings - after she'd spent half the day getting her hair done!"
"I knew she'd tell you about that," complained Ron. "Bet she didn't tell you that she'd had on this little muggle tank-top thingie. I could hardly get my eyes to go above her neck, much less all the way to her hair. Did you know they make bras to push them up and real close together? It's a beautiful thing," his voice deepened as he made a noise reminiscent to Harry eating eclairs.
~I think he is in season~ hissed the snake, who thought Ron smelled as if he might soon be ready for mating.
They continued to poke around the shop, checking out items they'd not seen or had forgotten about. Harry spotted a product that he recalled the twins taking months to perfect. After much damage to his flat and several notes and scribbling in red by a certain Potions Master in their logbook, they finally got it right. Turning over the bottle, looking at the fine print, Harry was surprised but pleased to see a small note next to the disclaimer.
A special thanks to our favorite snake for his knowledgeable contribution.
For the rest of their visit, the topic of conversation was pranks and Harry. They'd not managed to pull a prank on him in a long time. His 'constant vigilance' had undermined many an attempt. Ron put in a request for his birthday.
"Someone's got to get you sooner or later," Ron's mischievous smile didn't scare Harry... much. "That would be a great birthday gift," he added. The twin's eyes lit up, taking on the challenge. Harry made a mental note of several items in the shop that he should keep an eye out for at the party. He and Ron left when the store had a bit of a rush, so Fred and George could tend to customers and refill stock.
Harry noticed a white mouse and made a mental note to tell the twins to place a rodent repellent charm. His mind wondered to the now dead Peter Pettigrew, curious to know if such a charm would have kept him out, too. It seemed like several shops had a rodent problem.
"Ron?" Harry began as soon as they'd left the shop. "What are the chances of seeing a mouse in two shops today - a white one, like they have for pets or in research, not the typical wild type?" he asked, getting a shrug in reply. "I think we're done shopping, but we could stop at Quality Quidditch Supplies and check to see if they have a pest problem."
"You thinking of a certain bug... or rat, maybe?"
"Maybe. I could be wrong, but then when do we need a reason to check out quidditch stuff?" Harry gestured, holding out a hand and making a small bow for Ron to lead the way.
After twenty minutes, Harry dragged Ron away from the latest prototype broom to show him a new snitch design that some company was trying to get accepted by the World Quidditch Association.
"It'll take forever for them to get everyone to accept this new design," Ron nearly pressed his face against the glass as a few small children were doing. "Remember when the Comet 260 came out? Back when we thought naught to 45 was fast, and now the brooms are more than twice as fast." Ron recalled the days when he and the twins would all lay on the floor, sharing a Quidditch Weekly in awe of the latest brooms.
"Sure, Ron," Harry rolled his eyes, which reminded his friend that when the Comet 260 had come out, he still believed brooms were only for cleaning floors.
"Sorry, mate," Ron's smile was far too big to accompany an apology.
Harry pointed down to the floor with his eyes, grateful that Ron caught on before long. There, between the broom twigs of last year's model, was a white mouse. Harry pulled open the pocket on his shirt to where his little snake was snoozing. ~Hey, you up?~
~No~
~Would you mind if I used magic to make you bigger for a short while?~ asked Harry, getting the snake's attention. Facing Ron to keep out of view, Harry enlarged his pocket and the snake with an engorgement charm.
~Look at me! I could eat a large rat at this size!~ the now larger snake hissed happily.
~You can't eat that mouse down there, but if you hiss and open your mouth real wide, you'll get a big treat later.~
~A mouse-flavoured newt?~
"What's your snake all excited about?" asked Ron, too loud, considering they were standing so close.
"He's hungry," Harry lied with a huge grin in place. "Accio mouse," Harry held out his hand, deftly catching the mouse, then holding it up by the tail. The snake opened his mouth so wide Harry thought he'd unhinged his jaw. The mouse squirmed like mad, desperately swinging up and scrabbling at his wrist, trying to get away, to scoot around behind Harry's shoulders.
~HSSSSS~ the snake hissed, along with a maniacal laugh. Harry thought it was rather comical that the snake's wild, boisterous hiss' sounded exactly like the word.
With a shriek that Harry thought could only belong to a girl, the mouse's squeak turned into a scream as it transformed into a wizard who was partially across Harry's arm and shoulders, pulling him off balance.
"NO! Please!" cried the man, who Harry appeared to be giving a lop-sided piggy-back ride. With a move that was hard to catch, given the speed at which Harry moved, the wizard found himself pinned to the floor of Quality Quidditch Supplies with Harry's wand prodding his neck. He was a tall wizard, though not as tall as Ron, and was sharply dressed. Ron stood above the two, wand also pointed at the stranger who was still cowering from the hissing snake. Harry had to tell it to stop hissing and that he'd reward him later.
"Why are you following us?" growled Harry. The wizard beneath him was practically hyperventilating.
"I, oh please, I j... just wanted to... to get," he gave up on trying to speak and very slowly and carefully pulled a card from his pocket. Harry read the card then handed it to Ron.
"You're a reporter?" huffed Ron. "Trying to get yourself killed?" he looked back at the card. "I've never heard of this rag," he added.
"That's 'cause you're straight," explained Harry. He recognized the magazine that catered to gay wizards. Admittedly, it was an upscale magazine compared to the porn rags he'd seen back in school.
"Is he?" asked the reporter, who had forgotten his precarious position as soon as he'd gotten a bit of a scoop.
"Gentlemen," the shop clerk interrupted, standing nervously behind the register.
"Excuse us," Harry gave a small, polite bow of his head to the clerk, and backed away from the reporter, allowing him to get up. "With that form, you really should avoid snakes," he suggested with a smirk.
"Tell that to my partner, who's kept snakes for years," the reporter said with a sigh, getting a small laugh from both Ron and Harry.
When they reached the street again, Harry suggested he find a better way to get a story than to follow him around, risking his life. He and Ron had gotten past several storefronts before the reporter caught up with them again.
"Mr. Potter," he called out apprehensively and slightly out of breath from running. "If I may," he paused to catch his breath. "I apologize for earlier and I know we got off to a horrid start, but I'd just hate myself if I didn't ask..."
"I don't often do interviews and if I did, it wouldn't be in the middle of the street," he tried to be polite, but firm.
"Could you talk to my partner's snake?" blurted the wizard, surprising him. "I know it's a strange request, but if I had a knut for every time we said if only we could just get Harry Potter to talk to him to find out what's wrong...'"
"I'm not a snake specialist. I don't know much more than the general care and feeding."
"I know, but we're desperate. The vet said he was dehydrated, but I give him fresh water every day. Maybe you can see him and he might tell you what's wrong or maybe just if he's suffering," plead the wizard, looking hopefully at Harry and getting a snort from Ron.
"You don't actually think he's going anywhere with you?" scoffed Ron. "You think one business card proves to us that you don't have a snake tattoo on your arm?" Ron looked accusingly at the man's sleeve. The reporter practically yelped at the suggestion, holding his spayed hand to his chest. Harry found it funny to see the wizard's gestures were rather ostentatious when caught off guard. That and his shrieking like a girl earlier was rather amusing.
"I'll tell you what," Harry began, happy to see the wizard had already rolled up his sleeve to reveal a smooth Dark Mark-free arm. "Ron and I are going to the Three Broomsticks for about fifteen minutes. You bring your snake there, and I'll talk to him," he offered.
The Three Broomsticks was busy, but they managed to find a small corner table that offered the most privacy a place like that could offer. Harry watched as the wizard, who he now knew as Ian, crowded in beside him and took a rather large boa constrictor from an embroidered carpetbag. Ron cast a revealer to make sure the snake was a real snake and not another Animagus.
~Hello there, you don't look so good,~ Harry greeted him, running gentle fingers along the top of the snake. Its scales had a dull quality about them, but it wasn't due to begin shedding as the coloring suggested. Listlessly, the snake lifted its head, looking at Harry curiously.
~You can speak to snakes. You must be a very special one among men.~ he said tiredly.
Harry could feel his own snake poke his head out of his pocket. It looked up at Harry and then down to the boa which was four times bigger than he, and chose not to comment about the other snake's response to hearing a wizard who can speak to their kind.
~Water?~ asked the boa.
Harry asked the barmaid for an additional clean glass and transfigured it into a basin which Ron filled with water from his wand as Harry gently lowered the large snake into the makeshift bath. Listening to the appreciative hissing from the snake, Harry asked him a few questions. Ian was startled when Harry glowered at him.
"He says there's no clean water for him at home," Harry tried to keep the accusatory tone from his voice. His little snake was proof that you didn't take everything at face value, since the animal perspective was so different from people. Ian squeaked, looking gutted.
"Every day I clean his water," protested Ian, who was now reaching way over Harry to rub the boa's head and body. "My poor baby," he whispered to the snake. "I'm the most fastidious wizard you're ever going to meet," he admitted.
Ron watched on as the boa seemed to hiss continually at Ian as if trying to tell him something but obviously not getting anywhere. He did find Harry's reaction entertaining. His expression kept moving from surprise, to disbelief and back again, with a touch of amusement, but then back to worry.
"Someone's doing something to his water," explained Harry. "Um, I tend to paraphrase because snakes don't always structure sentences like we speak. It might be better if I told you exactly what he said. Maybe it'll make more sense to you," Harry confirmed the story with the boa before repeating it for Ian and Ron.
"There is a great beast that has no containment in a cage. It takes to the skies to call forth evil with a cry that sends chills and poisons the waters." Harry tried not to laugh, considering how bad the snake looked, but it sounded like something Sibyll Trelawney would say.
"I'll kill that bird myself," growled Ian, who didn't look like he could manage that fierce a look. He'd noticed the water was dirty every day, but had thought it was just clouded from some substrate being dragged into the water when the snake went for a bath. He then told them about an old parrot they had to take in when his partner's mother died. The bird hated the snake and often flew around the perimeter of the enclosure, taunting the poor thing. They guessed the parrot was using the snake's water as a toilet. Harry suggested that the containment spell be changed for one in a slightly different class. It was common to use a spell that kept the snake in, but would allow the owner to drop in food and such. With the change Harry suggested, they would see if there were in fact bird droppings over the containment charms surrounding the tank.
"How can I ever thank you?" asked Ian, though his attention was still on rubbing down the boa, and cooing at it.
"Why don't we switch chairs and I'll tell you how you can repay me," suggested Harry, as he leaned back away from the wizard. Without a second thought Ian stood, allowing him to sit across from Ron. As Harry settled himself in, a large black bird landed on Ron's shoulder. It squawked when Harry took the small parchment from its beak, frightening the boa.
Why is the editor of Crossed Wands in your lap?
Harry smiled at Severus in his Animagus form, grateful he'd switched seats just before reading the note. At least he wouldn't need to explain that one. With a smirk he mouthed the word 'jealous'. It suddenly occurred to him what the note said.
"You're the editor?" asked Harry incredulously.
Ian looked up, slightly nervous and curious.
"A little bird told me," Harry smirked. Severus gave an indignant caw. Ian commented on how well informed Harry kept himself, and assumed there were people watching him at all times, not just a partner who'd happened by to find an attractive wizard... an attractive, known to be gay wizard, sitting so close as to practically be on his lover's lap.
"Does this change what you're going to want for helping me with Chester?" Ian asked tentatively. Harry smiled. At least the boa had a name.
"No. Actually, it just means I might actually get what I want," the imposing look on Harry's face made Severus proud. "First of all, thank you for the magazine," he gestured to this month's copy Ian had given him when he arrived. "I've not read this magazine enough to endorse it, so I don't want you to use the picture of me looking at it. Yes, I did see the bloke across the room, taking photos," he surprised even Ron with that comment as he was facing the wrong way to have seen.
"Is he waiting for a reply?" asked Ron, referring to the bird still on his shoulder. Harry told him he'd reply later and the bird would have to wait, not wanting give away Sev's form.
Ian shocked the three of them by waving the photographer over to the table. With a gesture from the editor that only the photographer seemed to understand, the wizard opened the camera without a word and handed the roll of film to Harry. Ian dismissed the photographer before turning his attention back to Harry.
"I'm an honorable man, Mr. Potter. We at Crossed Wands don't print trash or make up stories to sell more copy. If in the future you have time to read and enjoy our magazine, we would welcome an interview with you - anytime. You would have rights to a proofread before anything went to print, should you choose to meet with me again," Ian's professional tone faltered when his boa slithered up his arm. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you've done for me."
Harry pocketed the film and said his goodbyes to Ian; they had a party to prepare. Harry held the boa's head in the palm of his hand. ~It was nice to meet you, Chester~ Harry got a nod from the boa and a shiver from Ian.
"It's startling when you're not used to it," piped in Ron, referring to Parseltongue. He stood up, trying not to unbalance the bird still on his shoulder.
"Oh, um, yes," replied the flustered Ian. Harry gave Ian a knowing look and forced himself not to glance down at the wizard's crotch, where he was sure he'd see a tightening of the man's trousers.
"If it wasn't your intention to look for a story, then why were you following me around?" Harry asked, moving Severus onto his own shoulder as he stood.
"I just happened to see you in the first store and couldn't resist. I know how the media works. I don't trust everything I read, and was curious, since you never openly denied the announcement of your sexual preference. Off the record, is it safe to assume you've not been in a relationship with Mr. Weasley?" Ian seemed to enjoy seeing Ron's eyes widen.
" He is straight," leaving off the 'I'm not,' but that had been understood. "...and engaged," Harry added.
"And you? Are you taken as well?" Ian couldn't resist asking. Harry simply nodded, affirming there was someone special.
"This non-interview is over. It was nice to meet you, Ian," Harry shook his hand and was about to leave with Ron and the bird that had remained quiet for the remainder of their chat.
"Thank you again. If there's ever anything I can do for you," offered Ian. Harry thought it couldn't hurt to be in this man's favour. You never knew what the future would bring. Harry couldn't help but envision his own engagement announcement in print. Well, technically, he'd seen dozens of them, but none of them were to people he'd actually met. He really hated newspapers.
Ron wrapped his arms around Hermione and thanked her for the surprise party. He'd just finished up his birthday dinner with all his favorites - Molly had outdone herself. No sooner had the table been cleared than his mum ushered him outside, where he found Hermione at a small table, finishing up putting candles on the cake. Ron had been excited to see all his friends out in the yard, ready to shout SURPRISE!'
"I've been kind of bombarded with tests. Ginny and Harry mostly put this together, and your mum cooked the entire dinner, starting this afternoon, so everyone could eat before your parents had to leave." explained Hermione, who didn't want to take credit.
"What luck Mum and Dad won those tickets to the show," exclaimed Ron, thrilled to have his parents out of the house for the night. Having his older brothers there to 'watch over' the engaged couple was just like having some cool older friends at the party.
"You can thank me for that idea, at least," Hermione gave him a wink. "Your brothers chipped in for the tickets and Harry asked an Order member at the Ministry to set up the rigged raffle. Oh, and I don't think they actually bought it, but your mum and dad are pretty cool and we promised to leave the house clean.
"And you can thank me when you get to sleep late tomorrrroooow," sang Harry, his pitch getting higher at the end. "No pots and pans banging," he wrapped his arms around both of them. "Didn't you know the raffle prize includes a stay at a very quaint bed and breakfast after the show?" Harry batted his eyes and pressed a very loud kiss on Ron's cheek. Ron's eyes bugged when he realized his parents weren't coming home all night, so surprised he didn't protest too much to the kiss.
"I knew we loved him for a reason," said Ron in a stage whisper into Hermione's ear.
The party ran well into the night. The unintentional theme was to prank Harry. He'd been so good at avoiding the various gags the twins had been trying to pull over on him that it turned into their new quest. Harry enjoyed the challenge. In preparation, he'd even spent some slightly intoxicated times with Kieran to test his reflexes and skills while not at his mental best. He thought this was a novel twist, yet one that could be helpful. You never knew when Death Eaters would attack, and he was more than happy to drink the day away with Kieran in the name of training. They'd even attempted to brew a potion when Severus had refused to give them hangover cures after their third ITS - 'Inebriated Training Session'.
During Ron's birthday dinner Harry had snuck several bread rolls from the dinner table and stashed the minimized rolls in his pockets. Later, when it was no longer safe to eat anything, even with his checking for hexes, he at least knew the rolls would be edible. While many of the guests were enjoying trying to turn Harry into a canary, or some such nonsense. They had all agreed to leave the booze alone.
Ron had opened presents with enthusiasm, and even found it funny when Harry spelled his gift wrap to explode into confetti as Albus did for Harry.
Gred and Forge found it fascinating to see what some of their products effects had after Harry had tried to 'unarm' several items. Seamus' date was so loopy they had to keep her from hurting herself. Apparently, Harry, even while drunk, could manage to remove unwanted magic, but he couldn't change the properties of potion ingredients. It made for an entertaining party and many of the pranks had a very different effect then originally intended... on everyone but Harry.
"You twooos are the besths friends a guy coul'ave," Ron's exaggerated slurring of words should have been Harry's first tip-off that something wasn't right. Ron had his arms around both Harry and Hermione's shoulders. Ginny came over to talk with Hermione, standing at one end of the trio. "M' li'l sisser!" shouted Ron happily. "How come we didn' get out'a Hogwarts f'parties our seventh year?"
"We didn't know any cool alumni back then," explained Harry, getting insulted comments from the twins, who felt they were very cool... they just didn't happen to have any parties for students to have attended.
Ron stopped leaning on Harry and Hermione to give his sister a big hug. "You're the bes'est! Settin' this all up wi' Har," he then turned to his fiance, wrapping is long arms around her again. "You're the bes' girl a guy could ave," he squeezed her so tight, she gasped for air. "And you," Ron held Harry's shoulders tight. He pulled Harry closer as he spoke, seemingly only for Harry's ears. "You are such a goo' frien'," he then proceeded to plant a kiss on his best friend's lips, receiving exuberant catcalls from everyone around.
Harry found the whole thing rather amusing and was very surprised Ron would actually kiss him. If this was Ron's prank, it was funny, but Harry could easily turn it around and let him do it. Soft lips pressed against his, strong hands still holding his shoulders tight. To Harry's shock and amazement, he felt a tongue teasing at his lips.
That was when Ron pushed something into Harry's mouth from his own. He'd done what no one else could do - he'd fed his friend something that Harry didn't have a chance to check for pranks.
Moments later, Harry found himself shaking off bright yellow feathers from the simple canary cream he'd been fed. He was shaking his head with gales of laughter and disbelief.
"You got me," he admitted with a grin and self-deprecating laugh. "Rotten bastard," he cuffed Ron on the head. "Did you go through all that trouble just for a canary cream?" he asked, thinking there had been so many good gags to choose from.
"Not exactly," both Fred and George were positively bouncing with joy. "It just didn't all kick in yet."
Twenty minutes later...
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Hermione worried her lip as Harry, Fred, George and Charlie danced provocatively.
"You're all just having fun, right, Harry?" Ron waved at Harry who was leaning heavily on his older brother. "Watch the hands there," he kidded.
"No worries!" Harry called out boisterously. "George... I mean Charlie is a gentleman and would never take advantage. Did you know the twins sometimes team up with one girl? Gred! You remember Joanne?" this earned Harry a clap over the mouth from both twins before he could elaborate.
Ron was rethinking his opinion when Harry continued to pratter on.
"Did I ever tell you two who thought you guys were gentlemen?" lucky for Harry, both Hermione and Ron shouted at the same time as him.
"Sev," "Several people think so!" "Santa!"
"Santa?" Hermione looked back at Ron like he had two heads.
"What?" he toed his trainer in the grass. "You didn't think of an 'S' name fast, either," Ron attempted, but she'd already run over to Harry to keep him quiet. An added privacy spell or two helped. Sobering spells didn't help at all. Though it wasn't difficult to steer Harry onto a new topic, it was very hard to keep the twins from asking questions. 'Does he still give you detention?' 'Was it hard to stop calling him git?' 'You really don't mind him having such a big nose?' Harry was only too happy to answer, and Hermione wasn't sure if he was teasing them or not.
"Yeah, but the red ink takes a week to wash off. Who stopped? The git still calls me a brat, but since he's usually licking something at the time, who cares? Was there another question I missed about his big...?"
"No!" shouted Hermione, red in the face. It was odd; for some reason every time someone mentioned Snape, she blushed.
"Do you understand everything I've said?" Hermione spoke slowly and clearly to Harry, who was concentrating hard on her words.
"That was a pretty good prank," Harry smiled brightly. "Ron's got soft lips, too," he giggled.
"Focus!" Hermione demanded.
"Right," he nodded, and tried not to smile too big. "I don't wanna saying something that could make troubles. Hey, who's the bint that kept trying to kiss me? Ick," he shook his head and wrinkled up his nose as if he tasted something vile. "Putting her arms around me. I can still smell her perfume." So much for focused. "What's a bloke gotta do to convince 'em I'M GAY!" he shouted in the general direction of where he thought the young woman might be. "I am focused... what?"
"Harry, you almost convinced Seamus to take you home to see his dad and thank him for the donated blood," she held up her hands to forestall him from elaborating. "Yes, I know you wanted to convince him that Seamus and you didn't actually date."
"You know, I was going to tell him not to worry, 'cause I don't fool around with friends from our dorm room. Hey, did you know Ron kissed me?"
"I don't think it's safe to have you around like this. You might say something you'll regret later, not to mention that you're in no state to defend yourself."
"Who am I defending myself from - Voldemort or that bint with the stinky perfume?" Harry looked at Hermione and for a moment he seemed more lucid, but only for a moment.
"Harry, I hope you don't feel bad about this, but I think it would be best if you were somewhere safe."
"Did you know that all my safe places is where I get laid the most?" Harry looked up to see Ron approaching.
"All set?" asked Ron. "Come on Har, me and Nev are going to help you through the Floo," Ron held out his hand to help Harry to a standing position.
"I can Apparate," he explained, getting a chorus of Don't' and NO!' in response. "See those chocolates on the table across the yard?" asked Harry, but before they could answer, he'd Apparated to the table, grabbed a candy or two, and Apparated back, noting to them that he'd done so in less then seven seconds. "I'd of been back sooner, but I wanted to pick out good ones," he handed Hermione a fancy candy and pocketed another one. Before Harry could make any further jaunts around the yard, Neville and Ron corralled him into the kitchen.
"Hey, look, candy!" cheered Harry, finding the chocolate in his pocket. Neville tried to make a grab for it, but Harry was too fast, chewing it with a goofy grin. "Too slow, Nev," Harry patted him on the shoulder, giving his condolences and directions to the table where he found the tasty treat. "Before I go," Harry hugged Ron, slapping him heartily on the back. "Great party, mate!"
To be sure there were no mispronunciations, Ron practiced a few times until he hadn't slurred his words. They even held a hand over Harry's mouth so that he couldn't accidentally change the destination. The flames flashed around their friend, sending him safely home.
"Where's Harry?" asked Fred when he saw Ron return from the house, helping himself to another drink. "You can't Floo into Hogwarts from here."
"No, stupid," Ron snarled at his brother. "Harry said he had a late night date, but I wasn't about to walk him into Hogwarts all the way from the front gates with him in that shape. It wouldn't be safe," Ron took a pull of his drink and looked around the yard to see who was doing what. "We didn't need as many torches out here as I thought," he said to no one in particular and put his arm around Hermione who had just come over.
"Nope, the full moon illuminates the yard nicely," she rested her head on Ron's shoulders, pleased with how much more muscular he had grown since June.
"Oh, shit," Ron's eyes widened.
Harry stumbled into his sitting room under a swarm of yellow feathers. "A doggy!"
Chapter End Notes
GLUMBUMBLE is found in JKR's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. http//bestiary/bestiary_g.html#glumbumbleWho knew I'd get lucky and Ron's birthday would actually fall on a full moon for his birthday.
Full moon info for 1999 http/aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/MoonPhase.html Gotta love the Internet.
DETAH 83 - The Boy Who Cried W.Doggy
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Severus Snape sipped his drink while making notes in his potions log. He'd been working on an idea that came to him, from of all things, Fred and George's potions log. After reading over some of their notes, he was thinking of the spectacular, but unexpected, results they'd have if they didn't make a few crucial changes. The wheels had been turning in his head as he thought about the kinds of injuries they could have caused, sparking him to develop an improved cure for chemical burns.
George had once mentioned what a relief it was when they saw new red markings in their log, which was so different from the way they used to feel about the professor's grading. Severus had been so disturbed to see one of the potions they'd planned to try that he actually wrote -50 Points for risking your lives for something so trifling as a prank'.
Thinking he'd best not make any more notes, now that he'd had his third drink, Severus read back over his findings, brainstorming ways to enhance various potions' effectiveness. A tiny owl sputtered into the room. He called out what he thought was the birds name, but that didn't make the owl settle any faster. He vaguely wondered why Ron would name an owl Hog', when another owl, flying much faster, dropped a well-aimed roll of parchment onto his potions log. The larger owl pushed Pigwidgeon aside and pecked Snape's finger.
Much to the larger owl's chagrin, Severus quickly opened Pig's note, which told him that Harry was in no shape to walk the grounds and had been sent home. He leapt to his feet, not needing to see the other message to tell him what had happened, though he prayed his assumptions were wrong. Dressed and dashing through the school, Severus read the other parchment as he waited for a staircase to move into position. 'Damn,' He was seldom so lucky as to have his assessment of a bad situation proven wrong. Theoretically, he knew the Wolfsbane potion made Lupin nothing more then an involuntary Animagus... with sharp teeth. Still, he was contagious, in a manner of speaking, and facing the wolf again would be unnerving.
In the Burrow's kitchen Ron was shouting and making large hand gestures that threatened to smack someone in the head.
"I can't believe you sent for him! " He would have sent word to Dumbledore, the only other wizard who could Apparate into Harry's flat. Hermione had stood up angrily, prodding a finger forcefully on Ron's chest.
"I'm not the idiot who sent Harry home to a werewolf!" She loved that in a crisis she'd remembered the right place to make it hurt when she poked at him. "What do you think Dumbledore would have done? You know how he works. He'd have sent Severus anyway!"
"I don't know," argued Ron, even if he did know she was probably right.
"Would you rather explain to Severus that you chose not to tell him Harry was in danger - especially when you put him there?" she asked, watching his Adam's apple bob in a big gulp. "Exactly."
A thousand things went through Severus' mind as he ran for the gates of Hogwarts. Werewolves weren't impervious to spells and hexes, but they had such keen hearing and fast reflexes they often managed to dive out of the way. Severus considered how upset Harry would be if anything happened to the wolf. This wasn't like Vernon. He didn't want to explore the fact that he himself didn't want to kill Lupin. The wolf had been a tolerable coworker. Thoughts of the vicious, snarling wolf he'd encountered in the past sprung into his mind. He would do whatever it took to ensure Harry's safety.
Severus Apparated onto Harry's back step, wanting to listen at the door before entering. He'd nearly Splinched into Ron, who was banging at the door, calling for Harry. Severus slapped him into silence, shocking Ron. The young Auror resisted the urge to put a hand up to his face where he knew there'd be a red handprint.
"Quiet," he hissed. "The wards won't allow anyone in through the doors or windows while Lupin is inside on the full moon."
"So what's wrong with me calling to get his attention?" At least he was doing something.
"Do you really think Harry couldn't find some way to let his best friend inside?" he was still angry at Ron for putting Harry in this situation.
Listening at the door, they could hear Harry nattering on exuberantly. "I know where they are in the room. I should have no problem getting in without startling the werewolf." Severus Apparated into the flat, leaving Ron at the door for an agonizing ten minutes before coming back out.
"Go home, Weasley," was all Severus said to let him know everything was under control. The use of his surname upset Ron more than he would have expected. He would gladly use that to place the blame for the large consumption of alcohol he was planning for the remainder of this night.
Severus found that it was hard to be frightened of the werewolf when Harry was rubbing his belly, singing, "Nice doggy, pretty doggy, sweet puppy." When Harry was alerted to his lover's presence, he excitedly called out. "Sev, look!" Harry's cheerful grin was a lot nicer than the last time his lover had not been in his right mind. Remus shot up from the floor where he had his belly exposed. Severus could almost feel a sense of relief from Lupin as he spelled a muzzle onto his coworker.
"Nothing personal, Lupin. I muzzle all the werewolves my Harry plays with," Lupin nodded his furry head to Severus, expressing his understanding the need for precaution. If wolves could smile he would have, after hearing Severus say, "my Harry" .
"Did you get me a dog?" asked Harry, leaping into his arms and kissing him soundly. "He's gorgeous!" Harry sing-songed, leaving Severus' lips to go back to giving his attention to the dog.
"No, he's just visiting for tonight," Severus explained and startled when he saw the muzzle on the floor. Harry had snapped it off and was running his fingers through the wolf's hair.
"Sev, feel his fur - underneath it's so soft, but on the outside it's harder, and it's sooo thick - his neck's almost like a lion's ruff, and his tail's so bushy," Harry rubbed his face into the furry neck, getting a lick on the side of his face. "Look at the way the colours change from brown to tan and black over here, and how there's bands of color even on a single hair," Harry stroked each area as he combed through with his fingers. "He's solid too, lots of muscle and great lines on his face. Gorgeous. Oooh, look at his eyes, he looks like he understands everything - he's intelligent!" he cooed almost reverently. The wolf shook his head vigorously as if shaking off water.
Remus startled when he heard the very words Sirius used to say to him. Gorgeous. He'd never believed it as Sirius was always trying to coax him into bed, not that he needed much coaxing around the full moon. Hearing Harry say the same things warmed his heart. Harry was more fit then James ever was, but he was still half expecting to see the young man morph into a stag.
"Say goodbye to the dog, Harry," prompted Severus.
"Where are we going? Can we bring him? He's such a sweet puppy...?" he asked excitedly, voice reverting to the childish sing-song as he transfigured the muzzle into a leash without a second thought.
"No," Severus hastily transfigured the leash back into a muzzle. "He can't go... and I can't walk you from the gates at Hogwarts," he'd have to get one or more of Harry's friends to help him, but didn't want to have to do that.
"There's a party at the Burrow, wanna' go? Seamus got a face-full of frosting cause he was sitting next to Ron when we had cake. You should have seen it. Didn't we go to a party together there?" Harry tilted his head, trying to recall. Lupin also looked up at Severus, head tilted, trying to imagine the usually unapproachable Potions Master at a Weasley party.
"Have you seen the dog?" Harry's question made them realize how much the prank had affected him.
"Yes, more than I would have wished. We should be going now," despite his words, Severus had to admit Harry was probably in less danger at home with the wolf than if he were to attempt to get him into Hogwarts unnoticed, and in such shape. The relief of seeing Lupin in complete control was palpable. He didn't doubt his potions, but that didn't mean he was foolish enough to simply assume the werewolf would be safe.
"What's his name?" Harry pulled Severus over, guiding his hand to feel how extra soft the fur was right behind the ears. Severus thought about a name for a moment and went with the truth, calling the wolf, Moony'.
"Moony, like Remus?" Harry hadn't even noticed the muzzle back in place. Severus thought Harry now understood until he spoke again. "I wonder if this is what Remus would look like on the full moon?" crooned Harry as he went back to petting across the dog's back. "Hey, I know," Harry quickly stood up; his tone didn't bode well for Severus. "If he can be Moony, I can be Prongs," he declared happily and transformed into Prongs.
Remus yelped, seeing the shimmery version of Harry's Prongs for the first time. Having taught Harry, he knew immediately what he was looking at, even if he didn't know how it was possible.
"Harry, No!" Severus shouted and quickly looked down to Lupin to make sure he'd been keeping his distance. Harry startled and Severus had to think quickly. "Can you show us your cat?" to his relief, Harry turned back to his usual self.
"In front of a dog?" asked Harry incredulously and Severus was momentarily gratified to see that not only was Harry in solid form once again, but thinking rationally, even if only for a minute. "We can both be dogs!" In an instant, Harry transformed into the exact match of the dog in front of him.
Remus thought it was interesting to see what it looked like from their point of view, only Harry did the change so much faster. The new wolf bounced excitedly, making a play bow and barking for the other one to join him. Severus, for his part, was concerned that Harry may very well have changed into an actual werewolf and not just a dog that was Lupin's spitting image. He hated to do it, but muzzled Harry just as he had Lupin. Harry didn't seem to care in the least as he tackled the other wolf, rolling around on the floor.
Earlier, Severus had been dreading what he'd find when he first arrived, and now he was standing, arms crossed, leaning against the wall, watching the two wolves in amusement as they practically tore around the flat in a boisterous game of tag, bounding over or landing on the furniture, moving some of it as they slid on a rug that was on a polished wood floor, into a chair, and around again, bouncing over the sofa and onto a tabletop. Harry would occasionally jump straight up in the air as if there were a springboard under him. When he got too rambunctious, Remus would tackle him and pin Harry down with his paw or push his muzzle into Harry's neck as the Alpha dog. Severus was sure the wolf would have had Harry's neck in his mouth if it weren't for the barrier. Even if Lupin was careful, Sev would have been out of his mind, had he walked in on that sight. Harry gave a whine, showing submission, and then again bounded around happily as soon as he was let up.
In a flash, Harry turned and lept, his front paws on Severus' chest, tall enough that he was looking down a bit to meet Severus' eyes. A long, pink tongue tried to lick him through the small openings on the muzzle. Severus couldn't resist rubbing behind his ears and petting down his furry back and up his chest. "Go play," he said softly and gave a little push, scrunching up his nose when Harry managed to get the tiniest bit of his tongue on his most prominent feature. Funny how he usually loved Harry's tongue but wasn't so sure about a panting pup. After watching some tussling around on the floor, Severus couldn't tell which wolf was which.
"Harry?" he looked uncertainly from one set of golden eyes to the next. It seemed both wolves found this situation amusing. Or perhaps Remus did and Harry was just still goofing around, no matter what. He looked from one to the other, expecting one to be slower or less exuberant, but wasn't getting anywhere. "Fawkes!" he shouted but was disappointed to see them both turn their heads, and yes, he was sure - they smiled.
Severus didn't like not being in control of the situation. He'd been tempted to make a snide remark directed at Lupin, but memories of a not so long ago utterly depressed Harry deterred him from doing something to upset his lover, should he direct his comment at the wrong wolf. "Children," he muttered, getting an unexpected growl in response. He hadn't even said it very loudly, and with two wolves rolling around the floor playfully he didn't expect they'd have registered the comment. The problem was that it wasn't just one growl.
Severus really needed to learn not to call Harry a child. Try as he might to keep all concern from his face - no, he wouldn't even admit it to himself - the word concern' conveniently replaced fear'. Severus thought perhaps the wolf could smell it. Lupin was still in his right mind and would not attack Severus, but that didn't mean Harry wouldn't do something stupid. Even just playing around with those teeth could change his life. He had no intention of needing to brewyet anotherportion of Wolfsbane potioneach month. While he told himself that Harry should only be a wolf in form with no Lycanthropy likely involved, he couldn't be sure, as Harry shouldn't have been able to take the form of a Patronus, which he assumed with such ease.
Before he could think of the consequences to decide his next move, one of the wolves began to whine and dropped to a laying position. With his front paws over the top of his head, it gave a yelp.
"Harry," Severus knelt by the wolf he now was sure was Harry. Confirming his deductions, the amulet under his wand holster alerted him that he was now closer to his lover, and Harry was in pain. Remus circled the two, pacing, clearly concerned and wanting to know what was wrong. Unable to stand idle for much longer, Remus offered what little comfort he could, nuzzling between Harry's face and paws.
Staggering to his feet, Harry shook his head. To the other wizards' amazement, when he'd stopped shaking his head, the muzzle was gone. Remus had no idea Harry could do so much wandless magic; to be doing it in an Animagus form was impressive, even a bit scary, were it not Harry. The Harry-wolf whined again and awkwardly tried to climb into Sev's lap. He opened his mouth huge with a yawn, showing large, white, glistening teeth, and without warning licked Severus on the neck.
Severus used everything in his power to keep his breathing even. Though he was a pro at keeping his face impassive, he still released a sigh of relief when Harry morphed back into himself. "Hurts," whined Harry against his neck.
"Voldemort, you bastard," Harry spoke unexpectedly. "I'm tired of you ruining my fun. ~LEAVE ME ALONE YOU SNAKE BASTARD!~ he shouted at the Dark Mark on Severus' arm.
'When the Hell did he open my sleeve?' Severus could feel magic permeate his arm though the Mark. Harry growled as if still in wolf form, seemingly unaware of the wave of magic pouring off of him.
"Now I'm tired," sighed Harry. "Stupid Tom," Harry looked around from where he was straddling Severus' lap and smiled at Moony. "Did you see the dog?" he asked his Sev with a smile again as if it were the first time he noticed the animal, and reached way back to rub the wolf's head, assuming Severus would keep him from falling off his lap. "Chocolate!" sang Harry, delighted when a piece of candy fell from his pocket. Severus was too fast for him and managed to confiscate the tainted confection.
In the Burrow, Ron sat at the kitchen table with the few diehard friends still partying. Charlie was off doing side-along Apparation, making sure a few people got home all right. Seamus and Neville played Knuts', trying to bounce a coin into a glass of firewhisky. It was clear what Seamus had done with his spare time since school, having gotten five in a row. After downing the latest glass, Seamus smiled at Neville, declared himself the winner and proceeded to pass out.
"He was so mad I put Harry into danger," groaned Ron into his hands.
Hermione let out an exasperated sigh. "You've said that fifteen times," she huffed.
"Who's mad?" asked Neville
Seeing his sister on Neville's lap, Ron tried not to glare. Ginny was the only one of the four who hadn't recently been hit with a sobriety spell. Looking to see no one else around, Ron considered his next words, and to his great relief, Hermione took over.
"Neville, do you remember when we told you that Albus Dumbledore trusts S... Professor Snape," she didn't worry so much about her slip as Neville would assume she'd almost forgotten the Professor part.
"You're not going to tell me that he isn't all that bad and was only acting for the sake of the Slytherin students, are you?"
"No, of course not," Ron blurted out. "He loves taking points off Gryffindor in particular and scaring students in general,"
Did Ron think this was helping? Hermione wondered. "The point is that even if he... um... can be nasty at times, that doesn't mean we can't trust him."
"He's the one who's mad at Ron?" Neville asked tentatively. "But you're sure we can trust him?" he not only got a nod from Ron and Hermione, but Ginny as well. "And how is it he knows about Harry going home to Professor Lupin?" He spoke slowly, watching their reactions, taking it all in.
"We sent to him for help," Hermione spoke just as slowly and watched Nev's eyes widen.
Neville considered, they had to trust the professor if they'd done that instead of taking care of the problem themselves, as they'd always done in school all those years.
"Neville, you're the only one besides the family and those close to Dumbledore who know this, but Snape and Harry spent the summer and free time since then in training to prepare Harry for defeating Voldemort. He's actually been very civil to us when we've seen him."
To his credit, Neville didn't flinch at the name. "What about when he was mean to me in school? You're not going to tell me he's changed, are you?"
"No, not really, but that doesn't mean he isn't on our side; he just doesn't have a lot of patience and doesn't like most Gryffindors," Ron clarified.
"I don't think you're helping," Hermione paused when the fire flared and Harry's head was suddenly in the flames.
"Ron, come on over, you gotta see this dog!"
Ron startled and declined the offer to come and play. He slumped in his chair, seeing Harry look so disappointed.
"But Severus said he can only stay the night, so you won't get another chance." Harry's disappointed face changed abruptly to a smile in response to a comment they couldn't quite make out, then disappeared completely from view when a large hand reached in front of him and closed the Floo.
"Severus, as in Snape?" stammered Neville.
"I could give him a calming drought, but I don't know what type of interactions there might be with what he has in him now," Severus seemed to be talking to himself, but Remus listened intently. "Thought about a sobering charm, but..." he trailed off, not knowing how to explain that he'd rather have happy drugged Harry than whatever might be left with the prank chocolate alone. "It would help if I knew what we were dealing with," he looked at the wolf for a long moment, pondering how he felt about leaving Harry alone, if only for a little while.
Harry interrupted his contemplation when he whistled for the dog. "Are you hungry?" Putting a bowl of leftover pot roast down for Remus, Harry took off the muzzle, looked back toward Severus and out of the blue asked an intelligent question. "How about the potion with the snake picture on it?" He was referring to the potion that increased liver and kidney functions, helping rid the body of toxins faster. Severus didn't even know Harry had been listening from the kitchen. He suddenly thought to check Harry for injuries, as the knives were very sharp. "I love your hands," Harry said with a happy sigh. "Did you see Ron in the Floo? He shouldn't look sad on his birthday." With his startling, abrupt mood changes clearly showing no change towards improvement, and the continuing intermittent short-term memory loss, Severus decided it was time to talk to Fred and George.
"Harry, if I go and make sure Ron's happy, will you stay with Moony?" while he posed the question to Harry, Severus looked to the wolf to see that he was OK with the idea. Thinking about Harry's short-term memory, he summoned a piece of parchment and wrote STAY WITH MOONY' in large letters. "It's very important that Moony not be lonely," he added, hoping to get his point across. He promised to return soon and was amused to see Harry was already at the wolf's side. Severus waited just long enough for the wolf to finish eating and replaced the muzzle with an added spell to keep it buckled on until he personally removed it.
"Take care of Ron so he's happy," Harry reminded him before Severus left with a pop. Rubbing behind a furry ear, Harry suddenly thought he should help. "Ron had a great party," he told Moony. "I'm gonna go... what?" He blinked, surprised when the wolf barked and pushed the parchment with his paw. "STAY WITH MOONY," he read aloud. "That's Sev's handwriting," Harry said dreamily, "he's got great hands." Harry suddenly noticed the telly was on and began to watch from where he stood. As if suddenly recalling he had a mission, Harry convinced Moony to join him on the sofa so he wouldn't feel lonely.
"Let me know when we get to something you like," Harry asked while switching from one channel to the next. He sat, unconsciously petting the wolf. After his hand bumped into the muzzle for the fifth time, he tried to remove it. Several tries later, the muzzle still wouldn't budge. Moony twisted his head away to discourage what Harry had taken on as his latest challenge. Frustrated with his lack of results, Harry grasped the muzzle, his hand wedged between the leather and Moony's fur. "OFF," he growled and smacked his wand down onto the offensive article in his palm.
Trying the latch on the leather strap again, Harry found he still couldn't open it, but since the muzzle was no longer attached to it, he didn't care all that much. Moony looked down to the floor and sniffed the buckle with strap and the muzzle that had fallen apart from it. He was looking forward to seeing Severus' face when he returned. He was lying so close to Harry he could feel his magic, even in his wolf form. Remus hadn't realized how powerful the young man had become.
Severus lay quietly on the bed, thinking about the odd turn of events that led him to allowing a werewolf to sleep in the bed with them. Mind, Severus had no plans of sleeping and was eternally grateful that the wolf wasn't still awake. Of all the things Harry forgot from one minute to the next, he chose to remember how important it was to stay with Moony and make sure he didn't get lonely, thus the wolf sleeping there, thankfully as close to the edge of the bed as possible.
He snickered (not that he'd ever admit that particular act), remembering how surprised the wolf had been when Severus poured a muscle relaxant and pain reliever into a bowl for the mutt to lap up before going to sleep. It had irritated the Potions Master to no end to know that he couldn't take care of Harry with potions. The trip to the Burrow had been useless, unless he counted the gob-smacked look on Longbottom's face when he called Ron by his first name. Surprisingly, the usually incompetent Gryffindor had chosen to take an oath for their protection rather than to allow himself to be Obliviated. Thinking back, the boy's parents hadn't been any less devoted to the Light. It had been an interesting visit, short as it was. He recalled how the color had left Ron's face when asked how he'd gotten Harry to eat the tainted chocolate. That was something to check into for sure.
After looking through his satchel for the fifteenth time, frustrated, he thought about the changes in Lupin and what it might be like for the werewolf when he awoke the next morning with the two wizards there to see him in such a weakened state. His thinking was that it was better to ensure a smoother transition for Lupin, thus preventing an uncomfortable situation come morning when the wizard would have been hurting and vulnerable. Severus mentally insisted he was only helping himself.
"Hmnagottapee," Harry mumbled and attempted to dislodge the covers he'd been twisted in. He wasn't sure how he got there, but found himself in the loo trying to pull up the shirt of his Slytherin pyjamas and the pants down. Frustrated when he nearly peed on the shirttails, Harry vanished the offending articles of clothing and let out a sigh of relief as his bladder emptied.
Starting at the bottom of the bed, Harry climbed under the covers and on top of Severus. "You're awake," Harry smiled and didn't seem to mind when Severus cast a breath freshening charm at him. "Sexy Slytherin snake," purred Harry before capturing his lips.
Severus absolutely refused to moan, but gods and goddesses, it felt so good to have Harry pressed against him. He didn't have to look over to know that the wolf had most likely woken up when Harry returned to the bed. No, he wouldn't sigh happily as Harry's exploring tongue meandered down his neck and back up again, invading his mouth, nor groan when his lover tweaked his nipples hard, just the way he liked it. Oh, but he might growl when he felt a hard cock press firmly against him. Severus latched onto his neck and was almost undone when Harry rambled endlessly in Parseltongue.
Severus was fighting his conscience as much as he fought the urge to moan. He could no longer avoid making a decision when Harry purred the spell to remove his pyjamas. "Harry," it took everything in him to control his breathing as his cock was sucked into a sinful mouth. Severus clenched the sheets, twisting them, trying to get his mind around to speaking. Merlin, even in this state, Harry was talented.
"Harry... I... come 'ere, love," gasped Severus, pulling him up, away from his needy cock.
"Hmm?" Harry latched onto a nipple, seemingly paying attention while sucking the nub.
"Remember Moony?" he began, but regretted the words when Harry reached over to pet the dog, while still latched onto his nipple. "Harry, not just Moony... Remus," Severus hissed when Harry ground their cocks together. "Remember you said it was hot when you listened to your friends?" he tried again as Harry nodded his head and accidentally pulled his teeth over his delectably abused nipple. "How about the other way around?" he asked, pleased to see Harry lick his lips.
"Mi' would beg if she thought I'd let her watch," he giggled.
"What about Remus?" Severus tilted his head toward the wolf and watched Harry's expression, concerned when he looked unsure. He wouldn't take advantage of Harry's eagerness if he thought his lover would have regrets in the morning... even if his cock was aching.
"I made him uncomfortable. I wouldn't want to do that again," explained Harry quietly. "Actually, he's been way more at ease around me for a while now. I think it's 'cause he's getting laid," he said happily. "This was the first time he was having his friend over before the full moon. Me, Ron and Remus cleared the place of all signs of me living here. Did I tell you me and Ron showed him the weights?" Harry asked excitedly. "Holy shit, that man can lift some major weight," Harry trailed kisses along Severus' shoulder muscles as he spoke. "Don't know why I didn't expect 'im to be fit, but damn, he's pretty hot."
"Is he, now?" asked Severus with a raised brow and smirked, thinking about how the wolf must be busting to remain so quiet. He didn't know if Harry fully understood that it was Remus beside him, but he'd said enough to appease his conscience, should it come into question.
"Hmm, yup," Harry said against his neck. "He's like Charlie, stocky build and a hairy chest." Harry slurped, pulling Sev's earlobe between his lips. "Bet him and Sirius used to go at it like animals," Harry hummed, sucking on the lobe again until he realized what he'd said. "I didn't mean that the way it came out," said Harry with a silly grin. "Maybe if I was sucking on your glorious cock, I'd stop embarrassing myself."
Far be it from Severus to argue with such logic. With only the light of the full moon, he watched Harry's messy head bob up and down while he enthusiastically sucked in all that he could take. The sounds seemed to amplify as Harry tried his best to take in his full length and avoid gagging. He hummed around the large cock and then took panting breaths against Sev's bollucks when his jaw needed a quick break. Severus was more than happy to take himself in hand while Harry licked, occasionally dipping his tongue lower, teasing Severus' perineum. He opened his legs wider in invitation, but was disappointed when Harry lifted his head up and covered Sev's pumping hand with his own.
"I wanna' top," he exclaimed happily, the silly grin back in place. "Lubricous," Harry's voice suddenly lowered as if he growled the preparation spell. Even the wolf couldn't hide his surprise when he heard the spell without even a reply from the other wizard who would be at the receiving end of it, and all it implied. Severus had almost thought Harry cast the spell on the wrong male when he didn't feel any preparation, and had seen the wolf startle, but understood when Harry climbed atop him and began to straddle him. "Help me Sev, hmmm yeah," hummed Harry when Severus guided his hard cock into Harry's magically prepped entrance. "That's what I'm talking about," Harry wriggled on the cock, making sure it was in as far as possible, and gave a squeeze. He hissed when Severus' hips jerked in response. "Sexy Slytherin Snape."
~Severus, fuck me~ His head rolled back and slumped forward again as he rolled his hips back and forth, impaling himself again and again.
Severus found it very amusing to see Harry's current version of topping. Watching his lover lose himself was intoxicating. Occasional gasps or expletives interrupted the sibilance of the Parseltongue whenever his angle was just right. Severus let the pleasure consume him as Harry rode his cock with exuberance. The taboo of knowing Lupin lay only scant inches away made for a heady experience.
~Please touch me~ begged Harry. While he was glad when Severus gripped his hips tightly and suddenly surged in deeper, pumping his cock into him forcefully, his own pulsing cock wept in need. With white knuckles, Harry gripped the headboard, using the leverage to slam back against Severus. ~Fuck!~ Harry cried out as Severus hit his prostate for the umpteenth time. ~Please~please~please~ Harry's pleas came out like a high-pitched wail hissed into the air.
The scent of want and need permeated the air as strongly as the smell of sex and sweat. Remus' head spun with the overwhelming aromas that saturated the humid air. His arousal was painfully obvious growing from the soft underbelly fur that covered his wolf form. With Harry and Severus so completely engrossed with each other, he hadn't expected either of them to have noticed when let out an unexpected whine. It was to his great shock and relief when a wave of magic passed over him and the newest muzzle fell away.
A careful glance at Harry proved the younger wizard was far too immersed in his pleasure to have been the one who had released him from his confines. Severus appeared to also be completely occupied, but Lupin knew better. Severus was an impressive spy for a reason. He idly wondered how the Potions Master would act had he been alone with Harry. Harry's use of Parseltongue during sex had been an unexpected revelation in and of itself. He'd seen Harry speak with the new pet snake, but that was very different from the unrelenting hiss accompanied by the scent of sexual need and now frustration. He was temped to sniff at the leaking member, bringing Severus' attention to Harry's need. For that matter, he was temped to leap across Snape's legs and mount Harry along with him. The younger wizard had been so uninhibited all night, he couldn't help wondering about the other wizard and if Snape ever screamed when hit with a powerful climax.
Having resisted as long as he could, Remus gave up his contemplation of the other's usual sexual habits and tended to his own need.
Unaware that he'd been thinking along the same lines as the wolf watching their activities, Harry decided he wanted his lover to totally lose control. He'd vaguely noticed Severus wave his wand a moment ago, but didn't feel any magic on himself. This gave him a few ideas of his own.
Severus kept his rhythm even as he plunged deep into Harry. The sounds made by his young lover brought him closer to the edge. He was thankful the alcohol and other mind altering substances had helped Harry last as long as he had. He reveled in the knowledge that he could bring Harry to such an intense yet desperate state as cool drops of sweat dripped on his chest from his lover above. He'd been about to reach for the lubricant again when he felt a sudden slickness between them. With a start he realized the slickness extended inside of not only Harry, but himself as well.
Knowing he was so close, Severus reached for Harry's leaking cock. No sooner had he wrapped his long fingers around the pulsing member, he felt an unexpected intrusion at his entrance. A panicked look over to the other side of the bed proved that Lupin was still where he'd been all along. Without even a second to recognize the telltale vibrations for what they were, Severus felt the explosive wave of pleasure as Harry's toy rammed home.
The resulting scream was a satisfying one; screams plural, actually. Severus had squeezed Harry's cock so tight when the toy plundered his prostate that it sent them both over the edge. He convulsed, spilling his seed deep into his lover, as Harry shot out every drop of his own orgasm. If Severus was embarrassed that he'd let go in front of Lupin, he got over it quickly enough when he glanced over and locked eyes with the werewolf that had been busily lapping up his own release.
Harry had been hoping to get a shout and was quite pleased with the scream. He didn't notice Sev's quick look over to Lupin.
Soon all three wizards had dozed off in the afterglow. Severus kept a hand wrapped around Harry's arse, holding him close, his lover's head resting on his shoulder, blowing warm puffs of air against his neck as he dreamed of inconsequential things. After a time, Harry shifted his weight slightly, sliding off Sev, allowing the older wizard to breathe a bit easier. He let out a small groan of protest when Sev's cock finally pulled free.
The wolf's nose had long ago adjusted to the smell of sex in the room, but was nearly woken up by the wafting aromas that caught his attention even in sleep. His nose twitched, the tip of his tongue licked over his nose and snout taking in the taste in the air. The wet nose continued to sniff, his snout nudging out away from where it rested on his paws to better take in the scent. The unexpected press of flesh against is snout woke the wolf fully, his amber eyes widened at the realization that he'd just tasted the seed of Severus Snape as it trickled from Harry's bum. If he were honest with himself, he'd admit that he'd not only tasted, but also lapped up every drop he could from that sweet tasting hole.
In an attempt to gain control of himself and resist all urges to thrust more than a tongue into the young wizard, Remus scurried down to the foot of the bed, facing away from all temptation. He'd not think about why he didn't just get up and leave the room to sleep on the sofa. He outright ignored his body's reaction to the two new flavours and willed himself to control the wolf. Sleep was a long time coming.
Severus woke to the sound of Hedwig tearing into a package of bread in the kitchen. Harry was sound asleep in his arms. The feel of fur he'd felt edge up against the back of his arm in the later part of the night had been replaced by skin. He wondered how Harry would react to waking up with an armful of Remus, instead of Moony. Apparently he wouldn't be finding out, as it was Lupin who awakened next. Severus watched as the wizard in his lover's arms stiffened, having realized where and with whom he was in bed. So taken by the situation, he'd yet to notice that he not only felt pretty good, but hadn't even woken fully for the transformation back to his human self.
Very slowly, Remus turned his head. An interesting array of emotions crossed his face as he hadn't expected to see the Dark Mark partially obscured by Harry's face where he rested peacefully on Snape's forearm. He briefly wondered how Voldemort would react, if he ever found out that the Boy Who Lived had been drooling in his sleep on the sinister looking symbol of the Dark Lord.
Ignoring the morning wood that jutted against his backside, Remus carefully extricated himself from Harry's embrace. And while he was confidant in his ability at stealth, it didn't surprise him at all to hear Snape's voice as he quietly stepped from the room.
"Do give Will and Basil my regards," purred the Potions Master, who made no attempt at discretion as he eyed Remus up and down, confirming that yes, the werewolf was sufficiently well-endowed enough to hold the attentions of Snape's old fuck-mates. The sound of Lupin hastily gathering his clothes in the next room was surprisingly drowned out by Harry's unexpected comment.
"Damn, he's huge."
~I thought you said you were one of only two wizards in the area who talk to snakes?~ asked the snake while Harry freshened his water.
~Um, yeah~ Harry replied, knowing where this was going.
The little snake made a happy sound when he slithered through the fresh water. ~It could be a little warmer~ he complained. ~So, then last night when you were shouting out instructions, did you expect they would understand?~ His tiny red head rested on the side of the water dish, looking up, waiting for a response.
~Don't worry about it~ Harry dunked its head under the water and marveled at how smoothly the snake slithered through the water. He made a mental note to treat him to a swim in the bathtub one day. That is, if he ever stopped riding Harry about his late night hissing. ~I have to go downstairs, want to come along?~
~You're not going to drop me again are you?~
Harry set off for the back steps with the snake in his shirt pocket. The other night, he'd gotten a letter addressed to the shop below his flat.
"Hi, Mr. Jennings," Harry greeted his landlord and couldn't help but glance up at the ceiling to see be sure there weren't any new cracks or any other damage.
"Mr. Potter," he gave Harry a smile and then looked down at his calendar; it was too soon for Harry to be bringing him rent again. "Everything all right? No fires or anything I should evacuate for?" he asked teasingly, but Harry wasn't sure if the man was truly kidding.
~Smells in here~ complained the snake, making Harry bite the corner of his lip to keep from laughing. Mr. Jennings tended to smell like mothballs.
"Nothing wrong, I got a letter for you the other night. It was rather late, and at first I was worried it was urgent, but it was addressed to the shop, not you personally," it occurred to Harry that if it were urgent he shouldn't have waited the extra day to deliver it, but had forgotten it while busy with Ron's party plans. Mr. Jennings smiled, having recognized the messy scrawl.
"It's from my wife's sister. She's not quite right in the head and forgets what her sister's married name is, so she sends the post to the shop. She still thinks we live upstairs."
Harry laughed as Mrs. Jennings shouted from the back room, claiming that her sister was just fine in the head, just sometimes forgets names and such. He wasn't about to point out that she had sort of remembered the name, since the letter was addressed to 'Jennings Antique Shop'.
"She writes to tell us about something that happened seventy five years ago and then forgets to let the owl out. Sometimes in the night she'll get up and let the bird out to hunt and that leaves us to get the post at the wee hours of the night," Mr. Jennings emphasized his words with a knobby arthritic finger stabbing at said letter.
"Harry?" called out a much younger voice from the back room. Gwen Jennings stepped out from where she'd been having tea with her aunt. Before he knew it, Harry was having tea and catching up on Gwen's apprenticeship.
"I knew they'd get engaged," Gwen was happy to hear of Hermione's good news. "Oh, who's this?" she asked, reaching over to coax the snake further from the pocket where he'd peeked out. At this point, Mrs. Jennings went back to helping her husband in the shop, giving them privacy, insisting her fear of snakes had nothing to do with it. "What vibrant colours," cooed Gwen. "This is a great specimen. What's his name?"
"I've not figured out what to call him yet," he admitted. "I'm impressed; most girls I know don't take too well to snakes," Harry poured a bit of milk in his saucer for the snake, who not only took a taste, but a swim in it, too.
"Most girls you know don't spend hours cutting up gross things for potions, either," she grinned and then admitted that her knowledge of snakes was mostly from potions and their uses in them.
"Don't tell him that, he doesn't respond well to danger," Harry didn't want any snake droppings in his pocket. "He's all talk," he teased, though the snake didn't know that.
Gwen's eyes widened slightly. "That's right, you can talk to snakes. What's he saying now?" she asked, running the tip of her finger over the bright bands of colour.
~She smells like the dark one you call Sexy Slytherin Snake while mating~
"He..." Harry cleared his throat. "He said he could smell potions like the few I brew at home. Sorry," he added in embarrassment, figuring she would rather people didn't tell her she smelled.
"Smart snake," she said and explained that she had brewed a batch of pain reliever to bring over to her Aunt. "Why don't you call him Naga?"
"Naga?" Harry wasn't about to tell her that the other Parselmouth already had a snake named Nagini, and he wasn't too comfortable with the similarity. "Or maybe Jolokia?" she suggested. "The Naga Jolokia is the hottest pepper in the world. It has great colours, just like this little guy."
"Are you channeling Hermione?"
"Prat, more like Professor Snape. I just know about the pepper because it was used in a potion I made recently," she made a face, explaining that she couldn't possibly eat something as hot as the Naga Jolokia.
"Jolo has a nice ring to it." ~How would you like it if I called you Jolo?~ he asked once he could get the snake's attention from the milk.
~You still owe me a mouse-flavoured newt.~
~Jolo it is.~ "He loves it," Harry told Gwen.
"Brilliant!" she helped wipe the milk dripping from his scales as he slithered back into Harry's shirt pocket. "Tell him the name fits him so well since the pepper, just like him, was once thought to be poisonous," Gwen watched avidly as Harry relayed her message.
~Jolo means faux-killer. I'll get you the newt later today,~ he promised, noticing that once again, the language did not translate exactly. The newly named snake was content and hissed rather loudly with its mouth open wide, much as he had with the mouse in the quidditch shop. Gwen giggled, seeing him open his little mouth so wide, telling Harry how cute Jolo was.
~YES! Killer of foes!~ Jolo hissed proudly. Harry didn't correct him.
"Are you around this week?" Harry asked. "Hermione would love to see you and we're having a chick-flick night at her house, if you're interested."
"Chick-flick? This doesn't involve live chickens or anything, does it?" she asked teasingly, yet obviously really had no idea what he was talking about.
"Muggle thing," he laughed. "You know what a movie is, right?" he was sure they learned about it in muggle studies, but wasn't sure if she'd taken the class. He continued when she nodded, saying that she'd been to a movie once, "Movies that are made for chicks, like romance and / or sappy endings, are called chick-flicks," he watched for her reaction and knew he was in for it when she smirked.
"Is it the romance or the sappy endings that you enjoy most? I had no idea you were so sensitive," she sounded more girly than usual and to her delight, Harry looked aghast, his hand over his heart for effect.
"You know I'm a romantic, but if I have to put up with watching the sexy leading men until I get my sappy ending, I'll do what I must." He was rewarded with Gwen's laughter and Mrs. Jennings gasp and cough, though Harry wasn't sure if she was hiding her reaction or if he'd actually made the woman choke on her tea. Either way was satisfying.
In an old house in Little Hangleton, Voldemort reviewed several strategies. After working out the pros and cons of each one, he summoned several Death Eaters to get updates.
One by one they arrived, gave a bow and kissed the hem of the vile wizard's robes.
"Goyle," hissed Voldemort. He hated how pitiful Goyle Sr. had been acting since his cohort Crabbe was killed. "You've had sufficient time. Tell me you have a new recruit worthy of serving me?"
"Yes m'Lord," his relief was palpable. With a promise to bring the candidate to the next full meeting, he was dismissed. Wasting no time, Goyle was on his way before he could hear the start of the next question.
"What were the results of the test?" red eyes glistened and narrowed, daring the Death Eater to defy him.
"Most satisfactory, Master," the wizard smiled in such a way that his moustache twitched. "Potter's response was just as you predicted," he chose not to mention that Potter seemed to have spotted him when the invisibility cloak caught on a branch, but since everything worked as planned there was no point in bringing attention to his own ineptitude.
Severus Snape remained silent and waited. It was an odd time of day to be summoned, so he was hoping this would be a quick Q session, leaving him to get on with his day. He was glad the two wizards before him seemed to have pleased the Dark Lord, so he had got on with it quickly, but now he was anxious about what the second wizard had said. More so than whatever the Dark Lord had wanted from him this day.
Luckily, his question for Severus had been one he and Dumbledore had expected soon, so he was prepared with some bogus information about the Order, and also gave the name of a wizard at the Ministry who the Order thought might be a supporter of the Dark. If Dumbledore suspected someone who wasn't a Death Eater, perhaps they had a chance to recruit him, or at least he may be used as an informant to pass along vital information to the Dark Lord. Lost in his concern about Harry, Severus didn't note that he'd left the Riddle mansion having avoided any punishment. Nor did he notice how unnaturally still the evil wizard had been sitting in his throne.
Voldemort had on several occasions gotten the impression that Harry Potter suffered through his scar. He hadn't been sure if it were the summoning of his followers or not, but now one thing was sure, Potter had somehow managed to send him a world of pain through their connection. Earlier before the surge of power that rocked him to the core, the Dark Lord checked in on his rival's emotions only to find the boy seemed deranged in some way. Perhaps he was drunk? Either way, he was no longer willing to test his theories. He was grateful to have a solid plan moving ahead. Potter would die and soon.
Severus wasted no time in contacting a few Weasley family members to check on the guest list for Ron's surprise party. There had been two unexpected guests, one being Ron's grandmother, who insisted she be there to wish him many happy returns of the day, and her aide, who traveled with her. When Arthur told him it was unusual for his mother to travel these days, Severus was quick to give her a visit. He first made sure the aide would be there.
He and Kieran suffered through a serving of Polyjuice, complete with essence of Harry and Ron, before showing up at Dear Ol' Gran's house, bringing a shawl they were sure she must have left at the Burrow. The Scot shared a look with Severus when the Weasley matriarch had no recollection of a birthday party, but after spending ten minutes with the elderly witch, they realized that was normal for her. She'd called Kieran, Charlie' and then Bill' and also didn't recall the engagement party, which Severus was informed that she had attended as well. The aide, on the other hand, held more promise to provide answers to their questions.
Severus hated to think that what was meant to be a prank at the party was more serious, and that his lover wasn't safe at the Burrow. He still hadn't found out how Harry had been tricked into eating the tainted candy.
Though usually a dignified wizard, Severus Snape spat on the ground the moment they left the house, only fifteen minutes later. He snarled at Kieran who waved back, calling out a happy "Good-bye, Grandma!" before Apparating.
"Vile woman," growled Severus as he swung open the door to the pub they'd agreed to go to afterward. He ordered a firewhisky and downed the shot in one. Pulling his shirt up to his nose, he snarled. "I can still smell her wretched perfume."
"Guess the breath spray worked?" asked Kieran with a wink.
Reminding himself they were still 'acting' as Harry and Ron, a privacy charm was cast without delay. "Does it ever not?" he called the barmaid to bring them another round. She'd not even put their coins in the till from their first drinks.
Severus furled his brow, but didn't comment. The spray hadn't failed yet. A muggle-born student had once left a small canister of breath spray on his desk as a prank. He paid it no mind and added it to the collection of shampoo bottles and other such sundries students had gifted him with over the years. One fine day, Severus' devious mind examined the canister and its contents. He'd done some research and played around with various mixtures until he perfected a truth serum with a minty freshness that he could spray into his own mouth, but that had a time-release and could be transferred so to take effect on another. He'd even developed an antidote that could be taken shortly before or after, just in case.
"That bint met Harry at your engagement party and then used the grandmother as an excuse to get herself invited to the birthday party."
"So... she's not working for the Dark Lord?" Kieran could hardly keep the glee from his tone.
"No, not unless the he wants to defeat the boy by 'setting him right'," he quoted with disgust. Snape's voice raised several octaves before he continued his imitation breathily. "The right woman can set you straight," he scowled and tossed back another shot. "One quick spray and the woman took that as an invitation to shove her vile tongue down my throat," he winced. "I practically spat into her mouth to keep it short and get right to the questioning."
"Next time, I get to play Harry," Kieran said giddily. "Damn, this guy's tall," he added when he stretched out his legs and bumped Snape's feet.
"Behave," hissed Snape. Before Kieran understood, a young woman wrapped her arms around the wizard she thought was Harry.
"What are you two doing here?" she asked happily and was about to sit on Ron's lap, her lips a hairsbreadth away from his before she startled and took several steps back. Severus was impressed to see Hermione had her wand discreetly in hand in an instant. He could see the wheels turning and waited only a moment to see if she would speak first, or simply hex them.
"Hermione," he began slowly. "You can either run off to Godric's Hollow to confirm he knows, or you can sit down and I'll explain this to you," he watched as she considered her options.
"Keep talking," she said and eyed the door to see if she had a clear shot, should she decide to run for it.
"I've warded your parents' house," he began, but she interrupted him.
"What did you bring to the last warding?" she asked, hoping she'd guessed right.
"Albus' stone; to confirm your measurements." 'better than a potion' he heard her whisper. "This is a friend and Order member who helped me on an errand," he waved off Kieran, who smiled at her and offered his lap teasingly. "Behave," Severus repeated. "I'm sure she's relieved to have greeted me first instead of kissing you. Merlin knows, you wouldn't put up much of a fight," he enjoyed the blush creeping over her cheeks. He'd not yet had a chance to tease her since she'd gotten her Obliviations undone.
"Errand?" she asked and Severus had to credit her with a smooth segue into a new topic.
"We went to visit my Grandmother," helped Kieran, whose smile didn't look quite right on Ron's face.
"You mean Grandma's aide?" she snarled unexpectedly and Severus had to keep from snickering. "The hussy who doesn't take no' for an answer? I thought you'd have to fight her off with a stick," she nudged her finger at Severus' arm and started to laugh, remembering Harry's antics that night. "Kept yelling across the yard in her direction, 'What part of gay don't you understand! Wrong parts, leave me alone." She laughed at two shocked faces.
"Did she actually kiss him?" asked Kieran, thinking about a possible potion. "...Or somehow give him that chocolate?" He hadn't expected her to outright laugh.
"You could have saved yourself the trouble and just asked me," she said, still shaking with mirth. "The big spies," she added as a dig to pay Severus back for what he'd said earlier. She'd been nearly panicked about seeing the man again after getting back her memories of accidentally groping the younger version of Snape in her bed at Hogwarts. It surprisingly didn't bother her now nearly as much as it had when it first happened. She was still mortified, but wasn't off the deep end any longer.
"By the way, it was you," she said smiling at the wizard who looked like her Ron.
"Me, what?" Kieran took a swig of his drink and winked at her. "Me that gave him the chocolate or me that kissed him?" he said in a wry tone. It wasn't Kieran she was looking at when she clarified. Hermione wanted to see Severus' face, even if he wouldn't allow much of a reaction to show.
"Both. You gave him the chocolate during a heated kiss. It was very hot, by the way," she happily exaggerated. She put her hand over Kieran's. "You held him close, these hands cradling his head gently, running you're fingers through his hair," she noticed Severus put down his drink to hide that fact that his grip had caused his knuckles to whiten. Meeting green eyes that didn't hold the same expressions she was used to, she continued. "Harry, you of course, didn't put up a fight. After all, Ron wouldn't actually follow through with it, or at least you didn't think he would. The really funny part was the look on your face the exact moment you thought you felt Ron's tongue, and the chocolate pushed past your lips," her amusement faded slightly when she realized that she might have crossed the line. If the look on Harry/Snape's face was anything to go by, she had.
"Was it truly the really funny part?" Severus asked, imitating her voice mockingly. "Was it funnier than the part when he took the Floo home?" that subdued the witch.
"Well, thankfully, no one was hurt," she added timidly.
"I'm 'avin' a touch a' deja vu," Kieran passed her a shot of whisky. He nodded to Harry/Severus, "Wasn't that the very thing they told you the last time you and a Potter met up with a werewolf?"
"All three times, actually," Severus said with a contemplative air. "By the way, Fawkes can do a perfect imitation of a werewolf, when he decides it's time to play," the wry smile on Harry's face was downright scary.
"An imitation or..." she hesitantly asked if Harry merely looked like a werewolf. Severus decided not to taunt her anymore, but answered the question as best he could.
"I didn't take a blood test, but there was no indication other then personality that it wasn't Lupin's clone there before me. Growling at me, might I add," he turned his attention back to Kieran. "I really have to learn not to call him a child."
"You have no idea!" Both Hermione and Kieran chorused, looking at each other at the unexpected unison. The barmaid came by, stepping into their personal space and also their privacy sphere.
"What a cute couple they are," the barmaid said in Severus' direction, as if looking for confirmation. "You want anything, hun'?" she cheerfully asked Hermione.
"How did you know we weren't them?" asked Kieran after the barmaid left. He was referring to himself and Snape as Harry and Ron.
"Oh, um several things, actually," she answered evasively. She didn't know who was 'playing' Ron, and didn't want to mention Harry's increased magic.
"You couldn't sense his magic," helped Severus. She nodded, relieved that it was safe to say some things.
"It took me a moment to realize that I couldn't feel it," she said referring to Harry. "I'm starting to sense Ron's magical signature a little, but also, he's not wearing the cologne I bought him for his birthday. There are too many empty glasses on the table for those two, and no food for Ron," she took a deep breath, and returned the unexpected smile from Severus.
"Anything else?" Severus asked with a smirk.
"Yes, actually; there should also be a little water for Jolo," she added with a big grin.
"Who's Jolo?
"Harry's snake, of course," she was thrilled to have known several things the Potions Master didn't.
Voldemort looked down at his feet, where one of his followers kneeled to bow and kiss the hem of his robes. "You may rise," he was feeling gracious.
"How may I be of service to you, my Lord?" the wizard shook ever so slightly.
"Tell me again what it is your son doessss?" red eyes flashed, he was terrifying when cheerful.
"He's an entomologist, my lord. He studies insects; in fact he wanted me to mention a shipment of killer bees which may be available in two months time, if you should wish it."
"Yes, yes that would be fine. In the meantime, give him this order. He will deliver a swarm of Glumbumbles by next week at the latest."
Chapter End Notes
http/en./wiki/Naga_Jolokia_pepper
DETAH 84 - The Calm Before The...
At the gates of Hogwarts, Ron waited for his friend to arrive. He watched as several students approached the gates. They whispered to each other, glancing inquisitively at him in his Auror robes.
"See, I told you they'd post someone at the gates. Professor Dumbledore isn't going to let Death Eaters just waltz right in," a Ravenclaw student adamantly said to his friend. Ron was on his lunch hour and was meeting Harry at Hogwarts to fly with Ginny before a game against Slytherin in a few days time. They were going to catch the last few minutes of the Slytherin quidditch practice before taking to the air themselves. When Harry arrived at the gate it wasn't too soon for Ron.
"Something's up," he hastily called before taking the grounds at a run.
"What?" Harry really wished he had longer legs at times like this. His black quidditch robes fluttered out behind him as he sped off. Before Ron could answer, Harry saw a line of Aurors standing near the quidditch pitch, keeping students clear of the area. Ron had paused to speak to a coworker while Harry kept walking in the direction of Minerva McGonagall, several meters ahead. He'd nearly reached his destination when an official-looking wizard stepped into his path.
"Young man, students are to return to the castle, unless you're in seventh year; then you may go to Hogsmeade, but only in pairs," he paused to take notice of Harry's robe, realizing it wasn't school issue. The Auror looked into his green eyes, ready to ask if he was a student, and perhaps have a look at his forearm, but with a glance to his forehead, he easily recognized him. "What is the purpose of your visit today, Mr. Potter?" he asked in a very severe tone, making no apologies for mistaking him as a student.
"Ron Weasley and I were going to watch the Slytherins practice and then do some flying with his sister, Ginny," he answered honestly.
"Harry doesn't need a reason to be here. Albus Dumbledore is his legal guardian; he's got a room here," snapped Ron who had just come up behind them, putting a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"He's of legal age, which means Professor Dumbledore no longer has a legal tie to Mr. Potter," hissed the Auror. Ron simply laughed.
"And the day you turned 17, you never slept in your parents' house again?" from Ron's tone and the other Auror's blush, Harry guessed the wizard still lived with his parents. "Aw, don't get your knickers in a twist, I'm staying with my folks for as long as they'll have me," Ron said laughingly, defusing the other Auror's temper slightly. Harry got the impression these two butted heads regularly.
"What's going on?" asked Harry, wanting to know more than where two Aurors lived. Unfortunately, it didn't look like an answer was forthcoming.
"They can't tell the public when it involves a student, especially before the parents arrive," Ron said, sounding very professional. "We could go inside and hear it from any of the hundreds of students who want to share the story with new ears," he added, annoying the Auror beside him. "I want to go talk to Ginny, anyway," Ron pulled Harry along. Since it seemed McGonagall had her hands full, Harry didn't protest.
"Nice meeting you," Harry said sweetly, which was a bit of a dig, since no one had said the other wizard's name.
"Miss Weasley's in questioning, since she was at the pitch when the incident occurred. You'll find her in the infirmary when they're finished," the Auror explained politely, causing them to stop mid-stride.
"Thanks, mate," Ron said sincerely. "Har', this is Mike; his unit and mine run drills together sometimes."
"Mike," Harry tilted his head in a quick nod, but with no sarcasm this time. As he and Ron neared the large oak doors, Ron explained that they often had rivalries between units, as it made the drills and competitions more spirited, but they had been cautioned to remember that out in the real world, they were still all on the same side.
Seeing who was at the infirmary door, Poppy Pomfrey allowed entrance, but led them to a few vacant chairs behind a bed divider where several students were being questioned. Harry had to wonder how well the Aurors thought the students would react to the kind of interrogation that seemed to be going on. Each student sat before three Aurors, answering questions before moving on to speak with Albus Dumbledore, and then were sent behind a different divider. Having watched Ginny answer all their questions, Harry could see she was a wreck. He moved closer to listen in behind the last curtain, to see when she'd be finished so then he and Ron could see her, making sure she was going to be all right.
"Mrs. Weasley," Harry startled, not having expected to hear Severus' voice. "You're nearly done here."
"I've told them everything already. I've told the story five times. My answers aren't going to change," she whined tiredly.
"Then it is still fresh in your mind," Snape seemed unrelenting as he held up his clipboard as if to check which questions he was going to ask her first. With a groan, she tried to calm down so that she could get through this never-ending series of inquiries and get out of the oppressive room as soon as possible.
"Yes, sir," she sighed resignedly and looked at her professor, who simply looked back at her for a few moments. She tried to focus, but her mind's eye kept going back to that terrible scene on the quidditch pitch.
"Do you have any allergies?" began Snape, taking her by surprise.
Ginny shook her head. "No, sir," her knee bounced agitatedly as she wondered what that had to do with the price of tea.
"Have you eaten since breakfast?" while he spoke, Snape was taking a small vial from a pocket in his robe. Getting another shake of her head, he handed over a calming drought. "You are not allowed to repeat any of the questions asked of you in this room," Snape said officially, and looked down as he wrote a few notes, then more quietly noted, "The truth is, it matters not what you say, as the school will all know soon enough, but there is your excuse should you wish to keep the gossip-mongers at bay." He shocked her with a wink and showed her the door, as she was free to leave.
Ginny sagged in relief. After looking all around, checking that they were truly out of anyone's line of sight with the privacy curtain, she managed to shock the Potions Master right back by thanking him with a small hand covering his. She almost looked as if she'd peck him on the cheek as he'd seen the girl do with Harry, but thankfully she refrained. When the curtain was pulled aside, Ginny happily wilted into the welcoming arms of Harry and Ron who led her out of the infirmary.
When it was abundantly clear that there was no common area to talk without her being bombarded with questions from curious friends and fellow students, Harry led Ginny and Ron to the gargoyle that guarded the entrance to Albus' office.
"This is your room?" asked Ginny, who couldn't remember it being so plain looking the few times she'd been there in the past. "Did you get rid of something since I was here?" she asked, putting off the inevitable conversation. Ron rolled his eyes before answering.
"Yeah Gin, the pictures on the shelf replaced thirty or so potion bottles and they took out the hanging file on the wall that had all the charts that were keeping tabs on medication, feedings and blood count..." Ron would have continued with the endless list of equipment that had once been in the room while they were fighting to keep their brother alive that fated summer, but Harry held him off.
"Leave her alone," Harry sat on the bed beside her, pulling his little sister close. They leaned against the back wall, while Ron took the lone chair in the room. He sat on the edge of his seat, waiting to hear what had happened. He reached out, pulling off her shoes, like his mother did for them when they were sick or upset. She instantly pulled one leg beneath her, happy to feel her brother's strong hand patting her, even if it was the top of her foot.
"I went down to the pitch early to watch the Slytherin team for a bit before you came," she began, and leaned in close, putting her head on Harry's shoulder. "They were flying like usual, nothing out of the ordinary. Their beater still plays as dirty as ever," she added for no particular reason besides procrastination. "Then out of the blue, I heard a shout. The keeper had grabbed on to one of the hoops and for a second I thought he'd been hit with a bludger, but then I noticed he was holding on to his left arm. I was so caught up with watching him that I hadn't even realized someone was still screaming," she shivered and gave a startled yelp when Dobby arrived with a tray of beverages for them. The small creature gently handed her a goblet of hot chocolate before leaving with a 'pop'. "Mmm, marshmallows," she said, blowing away the steam.
"Was there an attack?" asked Ron, no longer able to wait.
"No," she answered before taking a long sip of her cocoa. "They have the Dark Mark and were summoned. I guess they've not been Death Eaters for very long 'cause it took them by surprise. The keeper was okay, but one of their chasers was flying really high and had just passed the quaffle, so he'd only had the one arm holding his broom when the pain must have hit. Must've thrown right- handed," she noted, somewhat dazedly, "...he fell," she whispered the last few words. "It was awful," she shivered and Harry took the goblet from her shaking hands. "The sound he made... his screams. The first thing I thought about was you, Harry, when you were falling from so high up back in my second year. I couldn't even think fast enough to have cast a spell to slow him down; doubt it would have been powerful enough to make a difference, really," she seemed to be speaking to herself at the end.
"He hit hard, too," her focus seemed off as she recalled the image of the boy's body hitting the ground with a sickening splat and bouncing back a bit, only to fall still, with blood pouring out of a split head. She turned green. Ron was surprisingly quick with the trash bin, holding it under his sister's head as she heaved. Dobby returned, handing Harry a cool, wet flannel. It was indeed extremely convenient to be bonded to the house elf.
"I know, Ginny," said Harry softly, pulling her back into a comfortable position, covering her with a blanket in the process. "It's awful to watch someone die, and you won't get that vision from your mind for a while, but I promise it will fade," Harry wrapped his arm around her, glad that she was scrunched down enough that he could rest his head atop hers. He pressed a kiss on her head, recalling what a comfort that had been to him in the past. He refrained from chuckling as he recalled Albus doing that very thing when he'd got his beard caught in Harry's feeding tube. Ron looked at him curiously, but Harry didn't think they'd find the story as amusing as he did, at least not right now.
With the help of the hot chocolate, Harry and Ron could see by the drooping eyes that the calming draught was working well. Ginny had been easily cheered up when Ron mentioned the 'doggy' and Harry admitted to romping around the flat as a wolf, complete with muzzle. He mentioned little else and was glad that they'd not questioned him further regarding his evening with Remus and Severus. Ginny had chuckled at the story, but was obviously losing steam.
Severus had finally left the infirmary after the Aurors were satisfied, having completed questioning everyone that had been on the quidditch pitch when the incident occurred. He had the unpleasant task of packing up the dead boy's belongings from the seventh year's dorm room. The parents wouldn't be there to pick up the boy's trunk for hours, as they were currently held up at the Ministry of Magic, probably being bombarded by officials wanting to question them regarding the Dark Mark found on their son. Knowing it would be a long time, Severus dropped the trunk off in his office.
While he thought about Harry, knowing he was on the grounds, or more specifically, in Albus' tower, he didn't think he was in the mood to discuss the day's events with him. Severus took as a personal defeat, this proof of not having kept his Slytherin students safe. Before heading back upstairs into the chaos, Severus decided to slip into his rooms to touch base with Harry. He'd seen Ron speaking with a fellow Auror, so assumed Harry would still be with Ms. Weasley. A quick peek into the Floo confirmed this to be true. The problem with a quick peek is that it was hard to get a good view of what's going on without someone noticing you. Was his Harry in bed with Ginny? Deciding to screw discretion, Severus went in for a more thorough look.
He shouldn't have been surprised to see Harry staring back at him as the younger wizard noticed the quick flash of Severus' face in the Floo a moment before. Harry winked and pressed a finger to his lips for Severus to keep the silence. He was propped up against the corner of the wall with his feet crossed and a small book open on his lap. Ginny, with a handkerchief in hand, had her head slumped against Harry's shoulder, her breathing steady in sleep.
With a wave of his wand and an inaudible spell, Severus kept the sound from reaching Ginny's ears. Harry had smiled when Severus gently pushed his head to the side to keep Harry out of the line of the spell.
"Do you often bring women to your bed?" purred Severus before pressing his lips to Harry's. A whimper escaped the young wizard as Severus kissed him languidly.
"Yes, but I've only managed to attract the mentally distraught. I should probably work with that, as my other pathetic experience with a woman also involved tears, but Ginny fell unconscious. I blame the Potions Master." Harry enjoyed the playful banter, but could see his lover was avoiding the day's events. "Is the rest of the Slytherin quidditch team safe?" Whether he was referring to them being unharmed or safe from being discovered as Death Eaters was left unclear.
"For now." The answer would apply to either question. Harry nodded, contemplating possible outcomes for those involved. He knew Severus despised the fact that some of his current students were already Marked. He also knew Severus hadn't come to discuss the current issues.
"Thank you for making it easier for Ginny," Harry squeezed his hand, but it was Severus who looked grateful. Harry glanced down at the girl he liked to think of as his sister. He frowned, seeing the usually daring redhead look so fragile. He cast a charm that would keep her asleep, and pulled Severus down, to sit beside him. With his free hand, Harry slid his fingers through Sev's hair, pulling him closer to claim his lips.
Harry's demanding kiss took Severus by surprise, though he eagerly joined in the battle for control. Harry continued to explore every inch of his mouth at a fervent pace. His hand clenched a fistful of lank, black hair while his increasingly talented tongue plundered Severus' mouth. The passion had drawn them both in completely and had obliterated all thoughts of the rest of the world. Heart pumping; Harry panted, catching his breath, their cheeks firmly pressed together.
Severus nuzzled him like a cat; his warm breath puffed against Harry's cheek and ear. In his own feline manner, Harry tilted his head around, allowing better access for Sev's nibbles and kisses along his jawbone, and then whimpered blissfully as his earlobe was worried between Sev's teeth.
Ginny beginning to slide down between them reminded them of where they were. Severus kept a hand on her shoulder, keeping her braced up against the wall and Harry's shoulder as she slept on, unaware of the heat building between the couple. "I should go," Severus said breathily against Harry's neck, but instead of retreating, he pulled Harry closer while pressing Ginny away. "How many of your friends will we be sharing a bed with?" Severus asked with a smirk.
"Speaking of friends," Harry was no longer kidding around, "I've been thinking about Remus," he watched for a reaction, and wasn't surprised to find none. Severus looked merely curious and Harry hoped what he had to say would be taken well.
"Have you, now?" They'd only briefly discussed the night of the full moon; there hadn't been any regrets.
"Um, yeah, actually, I've been thinking about it a lot," he admitted. "The other night was really hot," he paused nervously. "I know you're experiences are vast compared to mine and you've probably done things that I don't even know are possible," he paused when Severus' evil grin confirmed that statement. "I'm looking forward to learning as I go, but..."
"But," Severus encouraged.
"I don't think I can share you," he spoke quickly, barely keeping a stutter from his voice. "I'm sorry if you're disappointed, but I don't like the idea of someone sharing our bed." Catching his breath, Harry began again, calmer this time. "I really did have fun the other night, but I don't know how I would have felt if it was more involved... um, does that make sense? Are you alright with that?" The thought of seeing Remus or anyone else kiss Severus totally unnerved him. He got stiff just thinking about that night, but knew he wouldn't have felt that way if Remus participated any more than as a voyeur. Harry's contemplation came to an abrupt end when Severus forcefully pulled him close for a bruising kiss. Severus held him so tight, and took his breath away with the demanding kiss.
Harry thought he heard ' Mine' growled as Severus latched onto his neck. "I guess you're okay with that?" he was grateful for Sev's reaction.
"Had I thought for one minute that Lupin would have joined in, we wouldn't have been in that situation," Severus gave him a small kiss, resting their foreheads together. "I won't deny that my tastes run to the adventurous side on occasion, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to allow others to have what's mine," Severus couldn't help but smile as Harry's grin widened.
"So they can look, but not touch?" Harry asked teasingly. "Taste?" he dared add.
"Cheeky brat," Severus wouldn't say it aloud, but wasn't all that disturbed about the wolf lapping up his seed as it trickled from Harry's enticing arse. Perhaps it was the shuttering breath his lover had blown out against his chest in pleasure at the time, or possibly the thought of Sirius Black spinning in his grave. That was also most satisfying.
Severus kissed him again before reluctantly standing. "Thank you," he said before stealing another kiss.
"What for?" Harry had the impression Severus wasn't just speaking about Remus, and was happy to get another kiss.
"To have someone to turn to in a crisis, if for only a moment, to allow me to take a step back and get my bearings before trudging out again. It was far more comforting than I could have imagined," his candor surprised them both. "And for not being willing to share," he added with a wink, and kissed his lover once more. Harry groaned as his bottom lip was abused between Sev's teeth.
"Well, in that case, you're welcome!"
No sooner had the fire flashed green with Severus' departure, than the door opened, revealing one frustrated Ron.
"You would not believe what those idiots..." losing all thought at the sight before him, Ron's eyes widened. "What the bloody Hell?!" His eyes darted between Harry and his sister. His friend's lips were bruised, his hair mussed and he had a bite mark on his neck. Ginny appeared to be asleep, but had what looked like a hickey of her own.
"What?" Harry looked confused, which was a far cry better than the dazed and satisfied look he wore a second earlier. "You just missed Sev. Whoa," Harry could feel Ginny slipping from his shoulder again. He wrapped an arm around her midsection to hoist her back up. "Help," he added, seeing her face falling right for his crotch.
Ron quickly grabbed hold of his sister's shoulder, pushing her back up. His thumb covered the very area on her collarbone where she sported the bruise. "Lemme guess, this isn't the first time you've been in this position today?" laughed Ron, who'd straddled Harry's legs in order to put Ginny to rights before she landed in Harry's lap. He noticed Sev's thumb print was much larger than his, but didn't comment. "Ow, don't push too far! Her earring is caught; you'll rip it right out," Ron grimaced, seeing her earlobe stretching away from her face. "Don't pull so much; that's gotta hurt," Ron sighed happily when the gold loop untangled. "You're awake," he saw Ginny, wide-eyed as she looked between Harry, Ron, their positions and the marks Harry hadn't had earlier.
"What the bloody Hell?!" she shouted incredulously, and for or the life of her, couldn't figure out why Ron and Harry were suddenly laughing so hard.
Later that week, in the parlor of his modest home, a Death Eater contemplated his life and the life of the son he'd buried that morning. He had been looking forward to his trip to Hogwarts to see the Slytherin / Gryffindor game. Between work and his duties to serve the Dark Lord, he had been too busy to attend games this school year. With several more months left of the season, he was sure there would be time to see his son fly.
At the cemetery earlier that morning, he'd taken a short walk to collect himself and gain a bit of composure. In one row of headstones he found the burial site of a wizard who'd died some twenty years past. Alongside his name and dates was a symbol that recognized him as an Auror. The Death Eater walked further to find a granite stone marked Sirius Black. Carved beside his name was a small phoenix. He remembered the day Black had died because it had been the same day his brother who was also a Death Eater had been captured and sentenced to Azkaban. He'd died not long after his imprisonment. There was no symbol of any significance on his brother's stone. Likewise there would be none for his son.
Upon his return to his child's grave, the Death Eater found his wife in a nearly catatonic state, as she'd been since the accident. A wizard in a green apron removed flowers from a cart, handing them off to his assistant, who placed them on the coffin. The father thanked the man, a fellow Death Eater. He looked curiously into the cart to see a large crate of nettles.
"Who would be so insulting as to send nettles for my son's burial?" he asked angrily. The florist apologized profusely, explaining that they weren't for the son; they'd been ordered by their Lord and he would deliver them on his next stop.
He hadn't actually expected anything, but had hoped there would be some acknowledgement for his son who had died because of the Dark Mark he'd worn so proudly. He thought it a bit of an insult that his Lord had put in an order with the florist that very day and hadn't made even a comment regarding his son's passing. His anger clearly showed and the florist made it a point to mention that their Lord had allowed him to deliver the flowers to the cemetery first, making him wait a bit longer for his nettles.
"How magnanimous of him," murmured the father softly before surreptitiously hexing the nettles.
Unaware of how Voldemort's plan had nearly come to fruition on the first try, Harry returned to Godric's Hollow to continue building. The additional foundation had been laid to accommodate the change in the plans. Harry smiled as he looked up at the framework making up the turret. As the drywall went up, the house truly began to take shape. He was looking forward to when the window installers arrived, but knew he had to wait until after the new bathtub was delivered. A crane would be seen to bring the large tub through an even larger opening for the master bedroom window... or that would be what the neighbors thought he'd used after a bit of magical projection, while a Wingardium Leviosa did the actual job.
Somewhere in a throne room a wizard lay quaking on the floor. The Cruciatus curse hadn't helped him answer the question of why a swarm of Glumbumbles had inexplicably died.
"Mr. Potter!" a man around his mid-thirties called out. Harry had not registered any magical signature and popped his head out of the opening for the sitting room window. "I'm 'ere to hook up the electrical wiring," he explained, as if the truck with large blue letters spelling out the company name wasn't any indication.
"Excellent!" Harry cheered. Things were really coming together. "I'm Harry Potter," he shook the man's hand.
The worker introduced himself as Carl, grabbed a tool belt from his truck, then eyed Harry uncertainly. Harry noticed the man checking out his muscles but didn't get the impression he was gay.
"You're the homeowner, right?" Carl tried to sound confident, but hadn't quite pulled it off. His relief was obvious as Harry nodded.
"Yeah, I guess it's kind of obvious this is the first house I've built," Harry gave a depreciative laugh. The men who had unloaded the first lumber delivery had commented on various things Harry was doing in the wrong order. That seemed like forever ago, and he'd grown more confident since then.
"To be honest, I almost asked if your dad was here, but you seem to know what you're doing," Carl smiled amiably and didn't add the part about Harry being short or the fact that he had more muscles than any kid he'd ever seen. "My wife has a baby face and sometimes it's hard to get her served at the pubs. Not that she drinks too much..." he added to protect her honor.
Harry chuckled at the man's anecdote and had the feeling Carl had mentioned his wife because he'd been caught looking at Harry's physique. He assured the man that it was a common occurrence for him to be mistaken for much younger, and he'd appreciated the worker hadn't jumped to conclusions.
When Carl finished his job, the house was wired to receive electricity. Harry signed his name on the work order and beamed. It all felt more real now. He was not just a kid playing in an empty lot, but an adult with his own address, who would soon be getting electricity bills. Harry laughed at himself, knowing he wouldn't always be happy about the bills, but for now he rejoiced in it.
To commemorate Harry's home being wired for electricity - this week's justification for celebrating -- he and his friends met up at a pub. Harry sat with Neville on his left and Dean between him and Ron at his right. Seamus rounded out the table, defending his choice of pubs as this place wasn't far from his work.
"Don't recognize a single bloke in here," Dean observed the pub full of strangers, and then bought their second round.
"Speaking of which," Neville chimed in, "When are we going to meet your bloke, Harry?" He received a mischievous grin in reply.
"I'll tell you what Nev, right after the house is done and I finish a few things..." like Voldemort, "I'll throw a house-warming and you can see him then." Harry reached across Dean to knock Ron in the head when he snorted at Harry's words. Neville noticed Harry had said 'see him' and not 'meet him'. He went through a list of Slytherin students in his head, but came up empty for likely candidates.
"Hey, Har'," Ron spoke around a chicken wing. "Did you bring the plans? You should get their input while everyone's still sober," Ron took the parchments from his best mate and spread them out across the table. The plans were detailed, and while the first page was the typical room layout, window locations and such, additional sheets included the dcor as well. "Sorry," he murmured, charming a spill clean before it spread too far. "That's where I'll be," Ron said proudly, pointing to a room marked 'Guests'.
"Where?" Seamus cocked his head to the side, trying to read upside-down. "Kind of dark, isn't it?" he asked, seeing the possible design choices for the room. Harry shrugged.
"The plan started out lighter, but after growing up with it, I'm changing my mind on a few things," Harry decided he didn't need any of the styles from the Dursley house.
"What's this, a dungeon?" laughed Neville. Harry saw he was referring to the potions lab. Ron glanced over, but didn't say anything. Shrugging as if he wasn't sure yet, his friend didn't press him. Ron finally spoke, changing the subject.
"What are you going to do with Jolo?" he wondered if Harry would keep the snake tank in the sitting room as he'd done in his flat.
"I've got him in my pocket most the time," Harry said with a laugh. "I'll figure him out eventually." Harry looked across the parchment, finding his friends' suggestions amusing. He was extremely grateful he'd thought to bring a copy of his plans and not the original.
"Who's Jolo? Your bloke?" asked Dean. Ron told him it was the snake. "You call him Joe?" asked Seamus.
"I couldn't keep calling him 'You Know Who'; it was freaking out poor Ronnikins here," teased Harry. As the night wore on, the suggestions became more and more outrageous. Harry turned down their suggestion for a large, six person hot tub in the 'party' room and neglected to tell them of the decadent tub he planned for the Master bathroom.
Harry stood under his shower for an excessive amount of time. He'd felt it when Severus Apparated in unexpectedly, but since his lover hadn't joined him, that probably meant he was in a mood. With a towel hanging low around his waist, he hoped the sight of his glistening body would distract the man. No such luck.
"Do you care to explain this?" Severus, to his credit, wasn't shouting, but may have well been as his tone was disquieting. Harry looked at the picture on the front page of the Daily Prophet to see himself and his friends from the night before.
"Um," he didn't think they drank all that much and they hadn't made fools of themselves. "Just me and my friends picking out paint colours," he said with a shrug. Harry hadn't even read the headline.
HARRY POTTER SWITCHING SIDES? The Boy Who Lived openly discussed Dark plans with four possible followers as he flippantly bragged about having politician Joseph Lowe on his own personal payroll. Ron Weasley, close friend to Potter, had clearly stated that he would be at Potter's right hand side, approving of all plans despite the protest of their former dorm mates who encouraged Potter to rethink his evil ways.
"Hmm," Harry read through the comments and direct quotes from patrons that had been at the pub. "Seamus thinks we might want to consider a lighter shade of green for the sitting room. Dean suggests moving Jolo to a more discrete location so as not to scare visitors who might have a problem with snakes. Oh, and Ron likes the room next to ours for when he visits, but wanted to remind us to be sure to use silencing charms," he said all this as if he'd not noticed the paper at all.
Severus, for his part, was trying to stay on the topic at hand, avoiding the distraction of Harry in a towel that was only just clinging low on his hips. A drop of water had caught his eye and he watched it meander over tight abdominal muscles until it hit a patch of hair just above the cloth. He'd been about to snap at his young lover for not taking things seriously, but didn't want to be hypocritical as he was at the moment mesmerized by the sight before him.
Snapping his head up, eyes above chest level didn't help any as he hadn't expected to see a bite mark on Harry's delectable neck. Severus' hand unconsciously grabbed his lover's waist; stepping closer, he inhaled deeply, taking in Harry's scent. "I thought you healed this," his breath was cool against the water still dripping from Harry's hair. Cool, but heating up quickly.
Harry shivered, feeling Severus nuzzle along his neck, then breathe puffs of air into his ear as he mouthed the skin around and behind it. Was there a question in there? He tried to focus but the thumb sliding from his waist to rub over his hip was driving him to distraction. Harry gasped as Sev's tongue reminded him of the bite mark; he now realized what he'd been asked. "I concealed it. I hadn't expected to see you for a few days. I wanted to keep it," he explained and enjoyed knowing Severus must have watched him closely while he'd had dinner at Hogwarts with Ginny the night of the incident.
"Mine," Severus accentuated this one meaningful word with another bite, bringing the mark back to its original redness. His tasting of Harry continued over the expanse of still-damp skin. The strong hands that had been tightly gripping his hips tightened further when he lifted Harry up, placing him on the kitchen counter. With a more satisfying reach, Severus resumed his tasting. Special attention was paid to each nub that hardened when encircled by wet lips and nibbling teeth.
Chasing a drip of water, Severus trailed the tip of his tongue down Harry's side, stopping the stray drop before it was absorbed into the towel, nipping with his teeth as he took Harry's cock to hand. Harry hissed, biting his lip as he felt a contradictory mix of sensations of intense pleasure and that bordered just on the tolerable edge of ticklish pain. The damp towel that had been wrapped around him now lay on the counter, pooled around his bum. Harry shivered, but not from the sudden chill. His head pressed against the cupboard over the counter as he arched his back wanting to get closer to the pleasure that was Sev's mouth and hands.
"Ssssev," he cried in need and was not made to wait a second longer as his hard cock was completely engulfed by wet heat. "Yes yes yess," he hissed and grabbed hold of Severus' head, taking hold of handfuls of what was surprisingly greasy hair. It was then that Harry realized Severus was in teaching robes. "I love to watch you suck my cock Professor Snape." The mouth around him stilled. "Please don't stop, I swear I'll behave," Harry wiggled his hips, pulling Severus' head hoping to coax it to move again. "Please sir," he added when the hot mouth pulled off of his aching cock.
A Gryffindor tie fell down to hang over Harry's cock and Severus briefly wondered what Harry had transfigured it from. "Reprehensible brat," was the growled reply.
Harry was sure he heard a mention of punishment, but could no longer think on it, dazed as Severus was sucking his cock again. Harry's hips began to buck as his impending orgasm neared its peak.
"Don't stop!" cried Harry when Severus pulled up off his cock with a 'pop'. "Please," he begged.
"You're not in proper uniform, Mr. Potter," snarled the Potions Master who had a tight grip on Harry, preventing his release. He tied the Gryffindor tie around Harry's cock. "We don't have time for your insolence. The Headmaster is waiting for us to attend a meeting."
"Sir," snarled Harry. Despite his tone, he couldn't hide his relief to his lover's reaction. With their age difference being an issue at times, Harry hadn't been sure of Sev's reaction to being called Professor. "Clearly I was very close... to being ready. You're just stalling because you'd like nothing better than to see me in trouble with the Headmaster. Greasy git," he mumbled the last two words, knowing Sev would still hear him. He held his head up high in defiance, waiting to see what kind of reaction he'd get.
"As if you ever get in trouble with the Headmaster. Clearly, I am the only wizard who sees you as the habitual rule breaker that you are."
His words spoken so close, Harry shivered, half expecting Severus to lick him again.
"Too bad you're not in a position to punish me then, isn't it Professor?" Harry taunted him with a smirk and tried to rub his own cock, only to have Severus pull his hands away. Severus continued to pull Harry's hands until he slid off the kitchen counter, standing so close their bodies rubbed deliciously together. Harry shivered with the roughness of the robes against his skin and groaned feeling Sev's hard-on press against his belly through the fabric.
"I think we can find an appropriate position," Severus pulled out a chair and then pulled Harry across his lap. Any fears Severus had about Harry possibly thinking about his relatives were quickly alleviated when his young lover's erection grew harder against his leg. Harry felt a warm hand resting on his arse and couldn't hold back a groan.
"Sir, this isn't how Mr. Filch does it," Harry's comment was quickly rewarded by a large hand coming down across his bare arse. It hadn't been as hard as he anticipated and expected Severus was being more careful than he might have been if Harry's past had been different. "Am I being punished Professor, or was that a pat on the backside for a job well done?" he rubbed his cock against Sev's leg for emphasis.
"Insolent whelps" *spank* "with blatant disregard for the rules" *spank* "will get their due punishment." *spank* His hand heated up with each slap to Harry's reddening arse. "Accio," he called out and a tube of lubricant flew through the flat into his waiting hand. "I'll be healing you to prevent the masses from fawning over you, should you so much as grimace while sitting down this evening," he explained. Harry sighed at the coolness of the cream, knowing full well it wasn't a healing salve. He felt one hand on his back while the other smoothed across his tingling skin. Harry could hear the squelch of the tube being spurted between his cheeks, and wriggled on Sev's lap in anticipation.
"Sir," he panted. "I don't think you spanked me that far down," Harry kept his voice higher than usual but hadn't faked the yelp as a long slender finger plunged deep inside him.
"If you paid any attention to the class on healing balms, you would know this particular potion works best from the inside," Severus lied smoothly and sounded so much like his teacher self Harry almost snorted in laughter. As if he expected that very thing, Severus added a second finger as he finished his sentence, preventing Harry's outburst.
"Please," Harry wasn't even sure what it was he begged for. He desperately wanted to come, but now that he knew Severus would be in him soon, he wanted to hold off until Sev's big cock filled him. He shouted when yet another finger slipped in, unsure of how many were in him now. "That's enough, please," he bucked on Sev's lap for any friction he could manage.
"No, it's not nearly enough," Severus put his free hand under Harry, helping him to stand, but kept his slick fingers buried.
"Sir? I don't think any more fingers could fit," reaching across the table, Harry grabbed the edge, giving him the leverage he needed to thrust back and forth. He opened his eyes, not having realized they'd closed. A spell had been cast, and Harry wasn't sure if Sev cast it, or if his own sheer will had done the magic for him, but when Harry looked down at the kitchen table again, it had been transfigured into a desk to match that in the Potions Master's classroom.
"You're right," Sev agreed, but by that point Harry didn't know what he was right about. "There's only so much balm that can be applied this way," he explained, as if discussing sunscreen application. "This will be much more thorough." He buried his cock deeply before Harry could respond.
His brain could not even begin to decipher what Severus had said. Nothing mattered beyond the incredibly full feeling Harry was experiencing at that moment. He was still gasping from the suddenness of being filled when Severus pulled nearly completely out. Harry's cock rubbed against the hard surface beneath him, his knuckles white where they clamped on to the edge of the desk for purchase. ~Fuck~ he gasped and then groaned when the pace quickened in response. Merlin, he loved being a Parseltongue.
~You really don't need to announce that to me, I'm aware you are mating~ hissed Jolo from his enclosure. Harry could only just make out the words from in the kitchen.
~SHUT UP YOU!!!~ shouted Harry with an angry hiss and then placed a silencing charm around the kitchen. Inwardly he chuckled as his screaming at the snake had caused his lover to further let go and pound into him with all his might. ~I'm gonna come~ he hissed, feeling his balls tighten up, his body rocking in an effort to increase the intense feeling, but he was not the one in control as Severus fucked him so brilliantly hard.
The feeling of the desk's edge digging into Harry's legs was easily ignored in favor of the friction caused from his cock rubbing between the desktop and his body. Both of which were soon covered in Harry's release. Harry lay bonelessly across the wet surface, feeling the final driven thrusts and listening to the sounds his lover made as he neared his own climax.
While recovering a few minutes later, Harry glanced down at the floor. He investigated the sound he'd vaguely registered while lost in the moment. There, spread across his kitchen floor, was red ink and a broken inkwell. "We're two for two on the red ink. Maybe we should move it the next time we have sex on your desk," laughed Harry. "The desk was a nice touch by the way."
Severus groaned, not even bothering to see the red mess. "I didn't transfigure the desk, which is why we have a meeting to go to." Severus smiled at Harry's less-then-articulate 'huh?' "Remus asked Albus about your magic. He was a little taken back by how much power you displayed the night of the full moon. We believe you may be more powerful than you think, since you tend to display an unexpected amount of power when in an altered mental state, such as when you were under the influence of alcohol, or the prank potion the twins gave you, or in the throes of passion," he accentuated his point by grinding his hips against the boneless Harry. "Reverse your transformation, and I'll Fire-call Albus to let him know we're on our way." He kissed Harry on the back of his neck before pulling out, already missing the tight heat. When his young lover didn't move, he swatted him on the arse.
Harry groaned, rubbing his bum. "Thanks for healing me from my punishment earlier Professor, but now I need to be healed from the healing," Harry chuckled and let out a sigh when he felt a kiss placed on his sore arse. "If I tell you to kiss my arse', will you do that again?" Harry yelped when he felt Sev's hand connect smartly.
Having arrived at Hogwarts, Severus went down to his office to retrieve his notes. He would Floo into Albus' office for the meeting regarding the magnitude of Harry's magical power. Having made a mental list of everything he needed, Severus stopped off in his classroom. He immediately forgot what it was he wanted from his desk when he spotted a salt shaker on the floor. More specifically, Harry's salt shaker was on the floor in the same position next to his desk where Harry had knocked over the inkwell earlier.
Recalling that Harry hadn't been sure who had cast the spell to make his table into the desk, Severus knew he'd been preoccupied at the time. Had he actually switched the two pieces of furniture instead of transfiguring them? Had he Apparated an object from within the Hogwarts wards, into his own flat, and vise-versa, without even registering the power?
While Severus was having an 'Oh, Merlin' moment, Harry came across Remus in the corridor on his way to the Headmaster's office.
"Hello Harry," Remus greeted him anxiously. Harry mistook Remus' eagerness to discuss his magic for his reaction to seeing Harry again since the full moon. "I have to say, you really surprised me the other night. I have several questions for you," his cheerful smile was contagious.
"Really? I expected a knowing look that would embarrass the heck out of me and then no other sign that night ever happened," Harry smirked and barely kept from laughing when Remus' cheeks reddened.
"Cheeky brat," Remus grinned, but his face still blushed.
"Careful there, someone else already has dibs on that term of endearment." Harry stepped on the revolving stairs, looking over Remus' shoulder to see Severus joining them.
"Keep it straight, Potter," Severus startled Remus with his tone and only continued when the entryway sealed them away from any students who may have been listening. "I've always preferred 'Insufferable brat' as a pet name." His drawled emphasis on the word pet' had brought a blush to both Harry and Remus.
"Don't start, you're just looking for an excuse to put another muzzle on me," teased Harry with a wink.
Albus looked upon the three wizards inquiringly. He clearly wanted to know what had made two of them blush but all of them smile. Not one of them would satisfy his curiosity.
DETAH 85 - Dinner and a Show
Harry, Remus and Severus all took a seat across from the Headmaster's desk. Albus had asked if Harry would mind if Remus was there since it was his questions that had prompted the meeting. A comment audible only to werewolf caused poor Remus to blush again. While Harry didn't hear the comment, he could tell Severus had said something inappropriate. Unfortunately, Harry's reassurance that he had nothing to hide from Remus only made the wizard redden further.
Bringing Remus up to speed, Albus explained Harry's ability to change into whichever animal he wishes for his Animagus form. They thought one of the reasons Harry could accomplish it so easily was simply because Kieran had told him to attempt a black cat and Harry had assumed that was his shape, and didn't question it. They also tossed around theories regarding Harry having gotten some of Voldemort's powers in addition to his own.
When Severus argued Albus' ideas of mind over matter and that thought alone couldn't change how powerful you were, or the generally understood laws of magic, the Headmaster challenged them to put it to a test.
"You're missing the point my boy," Albus said with a smile, making Severus want to chuck a lemon drop at his head. They'd entered a room that looked rather like an old classroom used to store odds and ends. The only thing that kept it from looking abandoned was the lack of dust. With a wave of his hand, words appeared above an old chest reading, 200 kilograms'. Harry thought he knew where this was going.
"Kieran Donnelly tells me you practice with a trunk similar to this one?" Albus looked to Harry for confirmation, getting a nod in return. "How long is it that you can levitate the trunk?"
"About ten minutes," Harry answered with a shrug, as if it weren't that big a deal, missing the comical widening of Remus' eyes.
"How about I cast a spell to make this lighter and see how long you can hold it?" Albus ignored Severus' derisive snort.
"Yes, because telling him you made it lighter will obviously make him think he can lift it higher and prove your theory, even if the trunk still weighs 200 kilograms, or roughly the weight of Hagrid," Severus continued with his sarcasm. "Please proceed."
"He really has no faith," Albus said merrily in Harry's direction. He then cast a spell that Harry recognized as one that lightened the trunk by a mere 10 kilograms. "Give it a try and let's see how well you do," he gestured to the trunk with a flourish. "Severus, would you like to keep time?" Albus assumed the roll of the Slytherin's eyes was an adequate affirmation.
"Remus, I simply must show you this trunk over here," Albus waved his hand dismissively at Harry and Severus, for them to get started on the test. "You see the markings here are..."
Harry stopped paying attention to them for a moment as he levitated the trunk about two meters in the air. Once he had the trunk leveled out and gave Severus a wink, Harry looked back at the other trunk. Remus was avidly looking at the craftsmanship while Albus went on about its history and such. He vaguely heard Albus warning Remus to be careful because it tended to bite anyone too close, and how terribly painful it was until the trunk was opened again. Between monster books and biting trunks, Harry wondered why wizards placed such inane magic on inanimate objects.
Severus was happily ignoring the others in favor of watching the time and Harry's building fatigue. He'd not been sure if Harry knew the spell cast that had taken so little weight off the trunk that it should hardly have made a difference. The clock was nearing eight minutes and the sweat was starting to trickle down his lover's face. Severus did finally pay attention to the Headmaster when he let out a frightening yelp.
Harry hadn't heard a sound like that since Dudley stepped on his Aunt Marge's dog Ripper. Dismissing the test entirely, Harry let the trunk he'd been levitating float down as he simultaneously opened the other trunk near Albus.
"Albus," Harry called out, running to his side. "Are you hurt?" he asked in a rush as Severus checked out his fingers for injuries, finding none.
"I'm fine, why?" replied Albus so cheerfully Severus ground his teeth together with a glare that clearly snarked, 'Why the Hell did you yell?'
"There was a spider," explained the Headmaster innocently. "How did you do, Harry? I'm afraid I wasn't watching." Harry's eyes glanced between the twinkling and glaring eyes of two of his favorite wizards.
"Don't scare me like that, you batty old man," teased Harry with a sigh of relief. "Are you going to explain the point of that? Your theatrics hardly proved your point, since I got distracted and just lasted nearly as long as usual, even if you did take a measly 10 kilograms off the weight."
"Did you manage to lift the trunk a whole ten minutes?" asked Albus.
It was Severus who was turning over all the facts in his head. "He didn't actually say this trunk was 200 kilograms; we saw the numbers and assumed that was the weight." No sooner had he said this, Severus cast his own spell to reveal the trunk's weight of 400 kilograms.
"Harry, you can levitate over 60 stone?" asked Remus incredulously. "For ten minutes!?"
"I did? Well, nearly..." replied Harry with a gulp and then cast his own spell to confirm the weight. "Brilliant," he added in awe.
Severus, too, conceded, albeit grudgingly, that Harry managed the great feat. He'd been under the misimpression that he'd already managed the same task recently. Seeing Albus smiling as he was made Severus think harder on what had just happened. The encouraging look in the older wizard's eyes pushed him all the more to find another piece of a puzzle he wasn't sure existed. The Headmaster had obviously proven his point. Not only had Harry managed to levitate a huge weight, he'd maintained control, gently lowering the chest in order to go to his mentor's assistance when Albus had distracted him. He thought about Harry and how well he'd kept his cool, not panicking when his dear friend and guardian appeared to be in pain. He'd not dropped the trunk, but controlled the descent while simultaneously spelling the box open. 'The box?' the look of revelation on Severus' face was barely concealed by the seemingly casual inquiry.
"What was so special about the box?" he asked, and was rewarded by Albus' smile which clearly stated how pleased he was that Severus had caught on that the test had been more than a heavy weight that had been levitated.
"Isn't it lovely, with the fine carvings..." Albus began, but paused at Severus' glare. "There's a chocolate frog in here for each of us," he smiled brightly as he passed around the tasty amphibians to each wizard. Harry had already eaten his and exclaimed his joy in receiving his 25th Dumbledore trading card when Severus handed over his own frog for Harry to devour.
Back in the Headmaster's office, Harry licked his fingers and could almost count down to the moment Albus would hand him a cloth to wipe his hands. He loved having someone who felt responsible to correct his ill manners almost as much as he enjoyed ignoring said corrections.
"If you're quite finished," sneered Severus in Harry's direction. Harry simply smiled; he knew that while Severus despised poor manners, it was the sight of Harry's fingers disappearing into his hot mouth that had unsettled his lover. "What aren't you telling us about the box?" Severus got right to the point.
Albus finally admitted the box had been warded extensively by Professor Flitwick and himself. In addition to the more common, yet strong spells and charms to prevent entry, the only way anyone should have gained access was for Filius to hold his hand on the box so that it could recognize his magical signature, while simultaneously reciting the password.
With an audible gulp, Harry looked to each of them, gauging their reactions.
"What does this mean?" he asked, unsure if he was willing to take a guess.
"Simply that wizards are sometimes limited by their own assumptions regarding magical ability."
"It doesn't hurt to have immense magical power," muttered Remus.
"That, too," Albus admitted, with a smile and nod. "Harry, your recent... shall we say, varying states of rational consciousness, your magic hasn't been limited by..."
"Common sense," interrupted Severus. "Lack of all reasonable thought, along with your usual disregard for rules, and you simply do whatever you want, magical improbability be damned," Severus' harsh tone was similar to that he had used back when Harry was in his class, but a smirk on the Potion Master's face gave him away.
In Harry's flat, he told his friends how the meeting had gone.
"So what you're saying is that if I'd never played that prank on you, you'd never have realized how powerful you are?" asked Ron, his curiosity wavering a little when Hermione sighed.
"Honestly Ron, after that story, the first thing you could think of is how our stupid mistake might have had a redeeming outcome?"
"You're the one always sayin' to look for the silver lining and stuff. Isn't that right, Neville?" Ron attempted to defend himself by dragging his friend into it, but Nev was smart enough not to get between them.
"Don't look at me, I wasn't the one kissing Harry with tainted sweets," laughed Neville, who was glancing around the spread of snacks on the table, and heard Ron mutter 'Jealous?' "So this is date night, huh?" he asked and settled on grabbing a handful of popcorn. "Ginny threw a hissy fit when she found out I was coming here tonight," he added between bites.
"Well, you can hardly call it date night without the chick flicks and sex talk," Harry said between spoonfuls of ice cream. "Actually, Jolo's been talking about sex for twenty minutes now, but luckily you three have been spared from that conversation."
"It might be interesting to hear about snake sex," laughed Neville.
"Trust me, it's not. Besides, he's not talking about his own sex, he's talking about mine," Harry admitted with a smirk. "We can't talk about sex, anyhow. Ron doesn't like to think me and Mi' talk about his bits," Harry said with an exaggerated wink. And neither of us," he gestured to Ron and himself, "wants to think about, much less talk about, you and Ginny having sex. And since that just leaves me..." Harry paused with a smile, knowing Ron would interrupt.
"We don't want to hear about your sex life," Ron said with a grimace, as if the thought of gay sex, or perhaps sex with Severus, was too much for him to handle.
"Speak for yourself," Hermione was quick to interject. "I'll just to have a little chat with Jolo," she strolled over to the snake's enclosure, hissed, and nodded her head as if they were conversing.
"Hermione! I can't believe you said that to Jolo," shouted Harry with wide eyes.
She instantly stopped hissing. "What? What did I say?" she stammered, then frowned, having realized he was pulling her leg.
"You're so gullible," laughed Harry. Ron tapped their drink glasses, toasting a good gag. Neville simply chuckled and laughed all the harder when a hex Hermione sent at Harry was easily deflected, but accidentally hit Ron. "I'd tell you to be careful of the walls, but I lost my security deposit on this place four months ago. Good thing I'll be out of here before long."
"Are you working on the house this weekend?" asked Neville. "I'd love to check out how it's coming along," he looked hopeful but cautious, not wanting to get in the way.
"Better you than me," Ron said, putting his arm around Hermione. "Harry'll put you to work. We're going to check out a bed & breakfast we might chose to stay at for our honeymoon. Better than hauling lumber, any day."
Neville stated that he had no problem with a little hard work, and Ron reminded him that it didn't change the fact that he had dibs on the guest room.
That weekend found Neville at the site of Harry's new house.
"I didn't think you'd let the twins anywhere near this place after what they did to your flat," Neville said, pointing to the blueprint where it denoted the potions lab.
"They're not," Harry replied flatly and continued to give the grand tour of his soon-to-be new home. "I try not to buy potions I can easily brew myself. It's safer that way.
"And this has nothing to do with your 'Man of Mystery'?" said Neville in a sarcastic tone. "You don't plan on living here all alone, do you?" he noticed Harry checking the area to be sure no one was lurking around to overhear their conversation. "With the few things that have slipped from you, Mione and several Weasleys, I was thinking the only time you must see this bloke is during the day when everyone else is working or at school. Is it that Healer who's training you? I imagine someone in the medical field would have a need for enough potions to merit a lab this big," Neville grinned widely when Harry's eyes widened slightly.
"No, but colour me impressed with your logical deduction," Harry and he continued through the house plans. Neville commented on the impressive living area for House Elves, and promised on Harry's request to repeat that statement again later for Hermione's benefit. "You know," laughed Harry. "If you had met the Healer who's been training me, you never would have come up with that conclusion. Imagine someone tough like Crabbe or Goyle, only bigger and a lot smarter. Certainly someone I want on my side, but not in my bed," Harry's laughter was soon joined by his friend's.
"Sure, you're laughing now, but my first guess was Snape." Neville continued even when Harry abruptly stopped laughing. "Ron and you spent that holiday at the school mostly with Snape, which was no secret. Back in school when Dean, Seamus and I went through the list of Slytherins trying to figure out who 'S' was, we couldn't find any good prospects. Dean said it was too hard to figure out, since we didn't know if 'S' was a first or last name. That was when Seamus made the joke about it being Snape, since it fit both names. We kind'a joked about that between ourselves whenever Snape was mean or annoying, which was always, actually..." Neville trailed off and attempted to make out the expression on Harry's face, but it was decidedly impassive. "...and after the prank Ron played on your birthday, Hermione explained that they called Snape for help because they trusted him and he'd been training you."
"Once again, very impressive logic there. You sound almost as confidant as Seamus did when he argued that you could be the true Boy Who Lived."
"Are you denying it?" asked Neville slyly.
"True or not, talk like that gets people killed," Harry nodded to the bushes across the street where the girl had only just showed up. She unobtrusively sat behind the shrub and took out a small notepad and camera. Neville, who recalled the attempt on his life shortly after Dean's summation of him being the Boy Who Lived, knew enough not to bring up the subject again, to Harry or anyone else. He already knew that Snape was training Harry, which meant the man was risking his life. While training may be explainable as a spy, dating Harry Potter could not.
"I guess you're right. No point endangering him over something so ridiculous. I mean, you dated that guy Anthony back in school, so how do you make a jump from young and sexy to old and mean?" Neville couldn't help but think that even though the thought of Harry and Snape together was absurd, the possibility niggled in the back of his mind.
"How are you at sticking charms?" asked Harry, blatantly changing the subject while holding up a fine piece of wood that would become part of the fireplace mantle.
"Um... permanent sticking charms?" Neville asked nervously.
"Enough to keep this in place while I nail it in," Harry held up the level, checking to see if the wood was straight, trusting that his friend would do just fine.
"That I can do," he said confidently before helping adjust the level. "The corners don't match up all that well," he commented, not wanting to criticize.
"Yeah, I don't know how to miter the corners to make them match when I cut them on an angle," Harry pressed a handful of sawdust in between the grooves and said an incantation that joined the wood together well enough it looked as if a master craftsman had created the mantelpiece. "There's a muggle product that fills in all the gaps and holes that works great, too. A little paint to cover it up, and Bob's your uncle."
"I forgot you took a class on building a wizarding home in the muggle world. Is there a spell for painting rooms, too?" asked Neville as he spotted several small piles of paint chips that had been scraped off onto the floor.
"Not exactly," Harry admitted, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "I tried to modify a charm Hermione taught me, but the spell to spread lotion evenly on the body wasn't meant for paint. The spell doesn't account for windows, hardwood floors or people standing on said floor. I scraped the white paint off the window glass easily enough, but the floor was a bitch. I don't even want to talk about my clothes and hair," Harry said with a blush.
"That would explain the headline ' Harry Potter's ghost was spotted by several eye witnesses,' in the paper yesterday," laughed Neville.
"What's the occasion?" Harry asked excitedly as Severus leafed through a box of photos. "Don't you have Head of House duties tonight?" He'd been thrilled to receive a dinner invitation from his lover and assumed they'd be eating in Sev's rooms, but was pleasantly surprised to hear that they'd be going out to a restaurant. Harry opened each of Severus' bottles of cologne, deciding on which to wear.
"We don't go out enough," Severus said with a sad smile, thinking Harry wasn't looking, and unexpectedly met a curious green gaze.
"You think something's going to happen soon, don't you?" It wasn't truly a question.
"There are signs," Severus sighed, wrapping his arms around his young lover. "I've heard a few things, but not enough to put the puzzle together. I don't think I'm being kept out of the loop, but that whatever he has planned may not involve complex potions," he nuzzled Harry's neck, liking that particular cologne on Harry better than he did on himself. "Remember the plant that died out in the snow, when Draco found you?"
Harry nodded, leaning his head aside so that Sev could continue to nuzzle. He liked the way little kisses were pressed against his skin between sentences.
"The Dark Lord thinks I'm meeting with someone who can replace the lost plant. I know the potion has nothing to do with you, but while I'm busy with the potion, I'm not being used in whatever he's planning for you."
"I thought he had someone watching over your progress on stuff?" asked Harry, more worried about Severus than the latest plan to take his life.
"The idiot..."
"Your assistant, right?"
"Yes, that idiot. He's not what I would call on the Dark Lord's good side right now."
"There isn't a good side," Harry commented idly, turning his head to allow access to the other side of his neck. "But it if keeps him off your back, I'm all for it," Harry spun around in his arms. "Now, where are you taking me?" he asked excitedly.
"Just one of my old haunts. The place doesn't look like much, but the food is superb and they have an excellent house wine. What do you think of him?" Severus held up a photo of an attractive man. He had a whole box of photos, with notations of name, size, location, date, and several hairs spellotaped to the back of each one.
"Um, in what way?" Harry's eyes widened when he saw the bottle filled with a very unsavory green substance. "Do you want me to look like him tonight?"
"Actually, I'm toying with the idea of me looking like him. It's less likely anyone would think to bother me, and while you can handle yourself, I'd rather avoid any conflict this evening." Severus plucked a hair from his head and dropped it into a glass.
"I'm going to look like you?" snorted Harry. "That should be fun. Can I walk around the school for just a bit?" he asked with a wink.
"What took you so long?" asked Severus, who'd been waiting at the school's gates for ten minutes.
"Oh, you know how it is when you're Head of House. Points to take, children to scare," Harry smirked and Severus found it very odd to watch his own face. Harry could pull off the mannerisms just fine, but there was an inherent light in his eyes that made him see Harry in even those darkest of eyes. It amazed him how Harry could keep such high spirits despite the constant invasion of privacy from the press and occasional threats on his life, especially knowing that they may very well be nearing a critical point in the war against Voldemort.
As they walked to the Apparation point, Harry told him about running into one of the guys he played quidditch with last year. "He says his Divination homework tonight is to use star charts, tarot cards or something else - I can't remember - to make a prediction about Harry Potter. Like she couldn't kill me enough in the seven years I attended Hogwarts," he laughed sardonically. Severus didn't find it very amusing.
As the two wizards walked a short distance from the Apparation point, Harry noticed several provocatively dressed men leaving a club. Harry's club experience was limited and he found himself drawn to the beat of the music that could only be heard for the moment that the door was open. Severus explained that the club was owned by the same gentleman who owned the restaurant where they were going to eat. As they rounded the corner from the club, a small eatery came into view. "Is that one of your old haunts, too?" asked Harry, glancing back around the corner.
"Not one of my regulars," admitted Severus. "There's a younger crowd there than I prefer. Don't roll your eyes brat, I simply meant that I preferred places where I would be less likely to run into students." Severus held the door open for Harry and nodded in the direction of a wizard slightly older than Harry who was clearing tables. "Case in point," he signed for Harry to acknowledge a student from a few years ago with a nod. The young man bowed nervously and quickly wiped the table so briskly he knocked over a saltshaker.
"If you want to eat somewhere else, I could always Obliviate the busboy for you," Harry said, half kidding after the waiter left with their drink order.
"No, thank you," Severus smiled. "I think that in the very near future, it won't matter," he said honestly.
"What, that you're gay, or that you have a social life?" Harry looked into the stranger's eyes Severus was borrowing for the night. "Did you take me out tonight because you don't think it will matter once you no longer have to keep your 'other' job, or did you want to make sure we had some more good times now, on the chance this is all we have?"
"Are you ready to order?" asked the waiter, getting a chorus of 'no' from both Harry and Severus.
There was a long drawn out silence as they each took a sip of their drinks glad to be alone once again. "You don't need divination skills to know our lives will soon have great changes. Even with the best outcome, the knowledge of my loyalties will have a huge impact on my life, that's assuming I still have one."
Harry responded with a rant regarding the growing cost of seedlings for the more rare and exotic plants for potions ingredients, and Severus silently thanked him for making it appear as if they were actually discussing business for the benefit of the busboy who had approached and begun clearing the table beside theirs. Not that his previous student mattered all that much, but he did still have a younger sibling in the school and Severus found it best that students don't even think of him having a social life, much less consider who he might have one with.
"Humor me for a moment," Harry began. "Let's just say for the sake of argument that everything goes very well. Will you be moving into the new house when it's done?" he nervously took another drink, taking too big a gulp, but managed not to gasp at the sensation of his strong drink going down a little harsher than expected. "I mean, we haven't really talked about it much since the framework was destroyed the last time. Will it pose a problem with your position at work?"
"I can work something out. There is someone who covers for me when I'm unavailable some evenings now. We can cross that bridge when we come to it," Severus said reassuringly. "The salmon is really good here," he pointed out.
When the waiter returned, Harry ordered the salmon with little thought, his mind elsewhere.
"I don't want you to think I'm not being realistic, or that I'm kidding myself about my future, which is most assuredly undecided, but I need to know a few things. I don't know how long it will take for the finishing touches to be done on the house, and if I'll be in it before my landlord decides to kick me out. Sometimes I dream about waking up in the new house alone. Hell, I don't even know what I want to be when I grow up." They both laughed.
"If it will help you feel better about your future to have a few aspects of your life more stable, allow me to assist," Severus began with a smirk. "You needn't worry about a job in your near future, because if you accomplish everything you hope to achieve, you'll be too busy with the public to have time for a job; that is if and when you grow up'."
"Smart arse, no short jokes," which sounded funny coming from Harry while juiced' as Severus.
"As for your living arrangements, should your landlord wish to be rid of you before the house is complete, I assure you, Albus and Molly will be fighting over who gets to take you in."
"Who do you think would win that fight? Molly's pretty terrifying when it comes to her kids," he grinned around a forkful of salad.
"It matters not, as by that time the press will be hounding you for stories of how you achieved your greatest task to date," he needn't say 'killing Voldemort'. "To save you from the cutthroat reporters and well-wishers, I will have to keep you tied to my bed, where you will be safe from the masses," said Severus with such a straight face, Harry burst out laughing.
"Tied to your bed? Who's going to save me from you?"
"As I've said before, your life is too uncertain to know everything," he shifted in his chair at the thought of Harry tied to his bed. During a comfortable silence, as they simply enjoyed their meal, Severus noticed Harry push aside a vegetable he didn't care for. While he liked the rare treat of going out in public, he missed the relaxed way Harry would have unceremoniously reached across the table to give Severus the unwanted food while helping himself to the cucumbers from his salad Severus chose not to eat. He found it amusing that Harry always put cucumbers in both their salads at home, knowing he would be taking them back during the meal anyway.
"You've been quiet for a while now. Busy thinking up which type of rope you're going to tie me down with?" asked Harry, licking his lips. Severus simply gave him an evil grin, not mentioning his daydreams back to a recent meal they'd had together.
"Why do you insist on serving me food you will undoubtedly end up eating yourself?" asked Severus as Harry once again reached over to help himself to a slice of cucumber off his plate, after making sure he sopped up a good amount of vinaigrette with it first."Share and share alike," he replied with a shrug. "You can help yourself, too," Harry held up an offering of sliced pepper, knowing full well it was covered in a creamy dressing Severus detested."Thanks, I think I will," Severus reached over, grabbing Harry right from his chair, pulling him onto his lap to begin his own feast, which ended up with them both on the floor.
Thinking back to that night, Severus smiled, remembering a naked Harry crawling over to the icebox to grab chocolate pudding and whipped cream before rejoining him on the kitchen floor.
"You are thinking about tying me to the bed aren't you? I'd know that look anywhere," Harry too was shifting in his seat. "I'm always wishing we could go out together in public, and now all I want to do is go back home," the tip of his tongue slid across the edge of his teeth.
"I assure you, I have self control. My mind isn't in the gutter at all times, unlike yourself," Severus sipped his wine haughtily.
"Right," replied Harry with a sarcastic tone. "I'll be back in a moment; you just keep your thoughts clean 'til I get back, hmm?" getting a simple nod, Harry went in search of the loo.
Finding the door locked, Harry checked his watch after waiting several minutes. "There's anther loo through that door there, sir," suggested one of the wait staff who was pointing to a door near the kitchen. To his surprise, the door led though a small corridor into the neighboring club. While it was a late hour for dinner, the club wasn't very full yet.
While relieving himself, the weight of Severus' cock felt heavy in his hands. It was strange to be in Sev's body, holding the familiar cock, but feeling the sensations, both on it and of the strong hand. He couldn't help but give it a little stroke and wonder if they'd stay in the borrowed bodies in bed later on.
"Hello, Severus," came a lust-filled voice from behind Harry. The man was in his early thirties and well built. His light brown hair fell over one eye in a carefree way but didn't move freely enough to be naturally positioned there - it had been sprayed or spelled into place. "I can see you're well in hand, but if I can be of any assistance to you..." he trailed off, his body close enough for Harry to feel the heat radiating off the other man. Harry's first thought was to tell him to fuck off, but realized he had no idea who this man was. Considering Severus' position as a spy, Harry knew not to act rashly, but certainly this guy was probably just someone from his lover's past. Right?
"As you've mentioned, I have things well in hand," Harry said simply and watched the door. He mentally counted in his head how long it might take for the door to open and happily didn't get very far before the door slammed open with more force then he expected.
"Keep your hands off what's mine!" growled Severus. "I don't share." Despite seeing the stranger across the dinner table for the past half hour, it still surprised Harry not to see his lover's face. He looked furious.
"No wonder you've not been coming around," the stranger said without too much concern for the irate man who'd just burst into the loo. "If I had something that fine wrapped around me, I'd never leave the house," he bowed a small bow, not knowing it was actually Severus. "Aaron Porto, good to see someone's keeping the old man occupied," he said with an exaggerated wink to Harry.
"Aaron Porto?" Severus pronounced slowly as if he were trying to recall the name. "Yes, I believe Severus has mentioned you," he began and the man's chest puffed out like a proud peacock. "I hear you could suck a heartstring core from a ten inch wand," he said with a smirk. Aaron's eyes grew wide, the air leaving his lungs in a breathy whimper.
"Are you quite sure you don't share?" he asked, brazenly squeezing his hardened cock. "I'd be happy to suck you to the core while Severus watched... from behind," he licked his lips, but it was too sloppy to be as seductive as Aaron was apparently attempting to be.
"While I appreciate the offer, I'm sure our dinner has arrived," said Harry-as-Severus. Holding open the door, Severus followed him back to the restaurant, where sure enough, their dinner was waiting. He was grateful for the 'keep warm' spell he sensed on the food.
"I apologize," Severus said quietly after they sat down. "I should have warned you of the possibility of running into someone from my past."
"It's okay," Harry bit his lip, trying not to laugh. "Is he really that good? Did you want to..." Harry trailed off. While he found the whole experience exciting, he didn't want to watch Severus fucking someone else, even if he was getting an excellent blowjob.
"No," he was quick to reassure Harry. "The only reason I even paid him the exaggerated compliment was because a close friend of his in an important contact for me." The words were a relief to Harry, who quickly had his mind elsewhere.
"You know what I was thinking," Harry began with a tone that spoke only of trouble. "While I've got your body for a test drive..." he waggled his brows suggestively.
The music was loud and made it difficult to communicate while dancing in the club. "And here I was assuming you were referring to sex," Severus said in Harry's ear, while pressing their bodies closer together.
"The night's still young. This body was Meant. To. Top," Harry accentuated his words, pressing his hardening cock against his lover's hip. Harry made sure not to slouch and found it to take more effort than he expected while dancing in Sev's tall body against a body quite similar to his own. He mentally chuckled when Severus reached up on tiptoes to kiss him, partially kissing his chin. "Sucks being short, doesn'it?" Harry said with a wink.
"There are advantages, I'm sure," Severus did something he'd never done while standing with Harry. As Severus rested his head on his chest, Harry understood why Severus often kissed him on the head.
Harry imagined it would be a lot more fun if they had been drinking and were joined by friends at the club. He'd listened to Dean and Seamus talking about spending hours at the clubs having a blast, but at the moment he just wanted to be alone with Severus. Perhaps it was the thought of all the recent Death Eater attacks on families on the side of Light, and knowing the war was building to new heights - or was that lows - but this evening, Harry found the excitement of being out in public without the hassle of being famous, not at all that thrilling. Severus hadn't even been masking his concern about upcoming events, and that just made it too difficult to act like the average teen and enjoy his first time in a gay club with his lover.
"You need to relax. I know it's hard in my old body," teased Severus. "For tonight, no one will bother us. I promise," he said reassuringly, but Harry found it more disconcerting that Severus could only promise this one night. His mind was getting so caught up with possible scenarios that he found he suddenly could not relax.
Harry was nearly knocked off balance as Severus unexpectedly grabbed his shirt front with great force. Harry lurched forward, but was kept upright by a small but strong hand. Thin lips mashed firmly against his as Severus kissed him hard. Their teeth clicked together before heads and noses were repositioned and Harry took advantage of his added height, thrusting his tongue deep into his lover's mouth. Amazing, how quickly Severus could make him lose all previous worries with a single, heated kiss.
"Time to go, I think," Severus said as they gasped for air.
"Yes... um, go where?" Harry was unsure if Severus needed to be in the castle.
"Why don't you let me lead for a change," Severus grabbed Harry's hand as if he were about to lead them in the tango and Harry found himself standing not far from the Hogwarts gates.
"Miss your mark?" teased Harry as they landed in an obscure area he'd not Apparated into before. "Guess not," he managed to say after Severus pulled him close and out of any possible sight of prying eyes as two students came walking up the path. Harry thought Severus would have docked points for them being out after curfew, but wasn't about to leave the warmth of their embrace. "The walk is going to kill the mood, especially if we run into anyone," Harry broke two twigs off the large bushes they stood behind and transfigured them into brooms. "Shall we?" asked Harry as he offered one of the brooms to Severus.
"Transfiguring a stick to a broom alone doesn't make it flyable. There are complex spells needed to..." Severus trailed off as Harry called out 'Up!' and flew away. With a muffled obscenity, Severus attempted to mount the broom. "Add horny to the growing list of varying states of mind in which Harry knows no limits on his magic," he said to himself. "Up!" he called out uncertainly and was pleasantly surprised to find the broom smack into the palm of his hand. For a brief moment, Severus thought perhaps Harry simply flew without the aid of the newly made broom and would in effect leave him stranded.
"Pick up the pace, old man," came the deep voice of Severus Snape. Harry's contagious smile was brighter on the Potions Master's face than Severus could usually manage.
Severus sat low on the broom and whizzed past Harry at a great speed. Harry, on the other hand, was less comfortable sitting so tall on the broom in his temporary body, and had to constantly compensate while making turns.
In the Gryffindor common room Ginny and several classmates were finishing up homework assignments.
"I can't believe that crazy bint has us making predictions about Harry," complained Ginny. "Harry used to make it all up, but I can't stand to predict his death, even if it does get me a better grade."
"Why not predict something else?" asked a fellow student who was shuffling tarot cards. "Ask me a specific question that doesn't have to do with his death." She handed over the cards to Ginny to shuffle as she pondered her question.
"Hmm, OK, will Harry be living in his new house by our Easter break?" her eyes lit up. "I know, Is Harry Potter and his partner going to be living in the new house by Easter break'?"
As the girl turned over various cards and explained what she thought they meant, another seventh year was working with star charts and a crystal ball. After much deliberation, the cards predicted that no, Harry and his partner wouldn't be in the house by their break.
"Wait, I didn't actually get a clear answer, could we rephrase the question to see if anything comes up?" the girl tilted her head, trying to see anything besides gray mist in the crystal ball.
"Will Harry Potter live in his new house with his partner," asked the girl with the tarot cards. Ginny scowled as she felt the question was remarkably close to asking if Harry was going to live. With several divinity tools showing the answer to be no, they reworked the question again, this time leaving out the part about his partner. When they all got a frightening clear answer of 'NO', Ginny stormed out. Having decided to take a zero on the homework, she tried to convince herself that it could simply mean that Harry's house was going to be destroyed yet again and had nothing to do with him not being alive to enjoy his new home without a partner.
It surprised Ginny to find that the thought of Professor Snape dying upset her too.
The fireplace in Severus' sitting room flared to life when they announced to Albus that they were safely in the castle. The Headmaster gave them a nod with a pleased smile and told Harry he hoped to see him at breakfast in the morning.
With Albus' face gone from the fire, Harry grabbed Severus forcefully. He'd taken another sip of Polyjuice only moments before, and planned to enjoy the experience.
"Harry I need to..." Severus words and thoughts were cut off when Harry grabbed the back of his head by a handful of hair, thrusting his tongue deep into the other man's mouth.
"Mine," growled Harry, who found it was nearly impossible to fit his hand down Sev's tight leather pants. With the circulation cutting off in his hand, Harry squeezed the firm cheek, pulling them closer together. Their tongues entwined at a frantic pace while hips ground together in delicious friction. "Lube?" asked Harry, and patted down his lover's pockets with his free hand, as if anything could have possibly fit into said pockets. Admittedly, Severus was missing the cavernous pockets hidden in his usual robe. He was feeling lost without an abundance of supplies on hand. It bespoke both their involved distraction of the moment, that neither thought to check Harry/Severus' robe.
"Do I have to do everything myself?" asked Harry. Using Sev's voice was a great bonus. With an unexpected twist, Harry turned him around, leaving him over the back of the sofa. A sensation of heat was the only indication some magic had been done as Harry slid a long elegant finger down the seam of Severus' pants and opened up the back of his pants, as if he were a present to be unwrapped. Severus hissed as Harry's movements were so swift, the hot, wet tongue had completely taken him by surprise. Harry's first swipe from bullocks to tailbone made him shiver and beg for more. There was something about being in a different body that made it easier for him to surrender and let go.
"Yesss, please," plead Severus, his fingers grasping for purchase over the back of the sofa. The tip of Harry's tongue plunged in deeper then he'd expected and he remembered that it technically was his own body, hence his own longer tongue rimming this eager, needy, yet still somewhat smaller arse. "More."
Harry slurped and started to pull both balls into his mouth, but realized in time that it would be too much of a tight fit for either of their comfort, and so settled for alternating, before diving back into Sev's entrance, fucking him with his tongue. He'd held his tongue rigid forcing in as much as possible with an occasional twist until drool dripped from his chin. The moans and writhing made it quite worthwhile.
Severus, for his part, was barely coherent as he vaguely remembered there was something he'd meant to say or do before he was accosted and treated to the rimming of his life. The heat of the fire niggled at him as if there was something he forgot, but all coherent thought faded away as Harry did such amazing things to him. Sadly, the hot tongue did finally leave his entrance and he held back a whimper at the loss, when he felt a hard bite on his arse.
"I so love to feast on you," Harry said in his ear while he opened his own trousers. "Lubricous," he added, just in case, and bit down on Severus' shoulder while simultaneously thrusting his aching cock into Sev's pleasantly prepared bum. Reaching around and under Sev's shirt, he found an equally hard cock which needed freeing from its confines. The fact that they were both still dressed made him think about how he came across two men fucking when he'd made his second trip into the loo at the club. They were still mostly dressed, with one bent over the sink, neither caring in the least when Harry had come in to use the facilities.
"Severus," Harry heard the strange voice call him and found he enjoyed the role playing. He wondered if Sev's Polyjuice was wearing off, since the voice didn't sound quite the same.
"What's your name, again?" he asked as he grabbed a tight hold on Severus' hips for leverage and thrust into him forcefully.
"Snape!" called the voice again and Harry realized the voice was coming from the fire. Lucius Malfoy was looking back at him with a wry grin.
As for the real Snape, the thought that had been niggling in the back of his mind rushed to the forefront with abundant clarity. He'd not closed the Floo after talking with Albus. He slumped forward as if embarrassed and prayed Harry could pull this off.
"Lucius," Harry began with a bored tone and continued to slide his cock into the tight arse at a leisurely pace. "What can I do for you?"
"I believe you were supposed to be making a purchase tonight, or were you simply avoiding the night's activities?" he commented, knowing Severus didn't go on too many raids these days.
"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm currently negotiating a price," with a grind of his hips, Harry leaned over, grabbing a fist full of hair once more. "I believe we left off at 30%?" he asked and slid his cock almost completely out before thrusting back in.
Severus shook his head as best he could while his hair was held firmly in place. "T...t..twenty-five, that's the best I can do," his voice muffled by the sofa.
"We need to talk," Lucius interrupted but kept looking over his shoulder.
"Can it wait? I don't have to do this now," Harry pulled out and began to tuck himself in.
"It may," said Lucius quickly, looking behind him again. "But not long."
"No!" shouted Severus. "Don't stop! I'll take off 30%, don't stop," he begged, earning him a laugh and a frighteningly hungry look from Lucius Malfoy. Harry, not wanting to lose his chance at this fake bargain, happily obliged. He wondered how sick it made him to enjoy having sex while Malfoy, of all people, watched. He wasn't overly concerned, as he knew it was just the thought of having pulled one over the pompous ass that made him take pleasure in the experience... or so he told himself.
"I'll contact you again tomorrow," Lucius paused, his grey eyes locking with Harry's onyx. "I may be fulfilling my debt with this," he said cryptically and disappeared from the flames.
Unsure of what he should do, Harry remained still, waiting for Severus to say or do something. He'd learned in the Wizarding Culture class that when it came to a debt or favor, short of actually saving a life, one would never be as crass to assume their debt paid, no matter the act. Whatever Lucius had to say, it was significant. And while all this should have been weighing on his mind, all Harry could think about was the slight pulsing he could feel from the muscles wrapped so fabulously tight around his cock.
"If you don't move, your price is back to 25% off," Severus said unexpectedly. A little voice in the back of Harry's mind said that Severus was only doing this because he didn't want to allow Lucius Malfoy to ruin what could be their last intimate time together. Harry took a deep breath and ignored the little voice in favor of fucking Severus until he was sure to walk with a limp when he was done.
"I think not," purred Harry. "Do you feel this..." he thrust in a few more times, "that's just me warming up. I'm going to have my cock so far up your arse, you'll be paying me to take the plant off your hands." Harry now understood why Severus usually held his hips so tight. Having found a good grip and an incredible rhythm, Harry went up on his toes to bury himself to the hilt. "When I come, you're going to taste it," Harry said against his shoulder.
Severus couldn't believe the sensations he was feeling in this borrowed body as Harry fucked him so hard he was sure sitting down to breakfast in the morning would be difficult even after a healing salve and charm. He was only slightly aware of the painful grip on his hips that would surely bruise. Harry was in fact so deep inside him that he may very well taste it. His impending climax quickly approached as any remaining thought melted into something resembling a botched Wit-Sharpening potion. His toes curled as his feet no longer touched the ground. Harry pounded into him with such might; the grip on his hips wasn't just for Harry's leverage, but to keep Severus from completely falling over the sofa arse over tit.
Harry shouted as his orgasm overtook him. The clenching muscles milking his wilting cock told him that Severus, too, had reached his peak without ever a stroke to his cock since before Malfoy's head arrived in the fire. Then Harry felt the oddest sensation in his life. Severus' borrowed body transformed back to its natural state while Harry was still buried deep inside of him.
"That was the freakiest thing," panted Harry. He slowly helped Severus back up, pulling him close. "I missed your face," he murmured before pressing their lips together. A piece of firewood crackled and Harry quickly closed off the Floo to any more unwanted visitors. "Look," Harry said against Severus' neck. "In the reflection of a glass case, they could see themselves, two Severuses embracing.
The real Severus reached into the pocket of his robes which Harry was wearing and pulled out a pouch of potion vials. He selected three vials, drank two for himself and handed the third to his young lover. Harry didn't recognize the clear, nearly odorless liquid.
"What it is?" he swirled the vial, checking the viscosity, but it didn't help him identify the potion. Severus uncorked the small vial and pressed it to Harry's lips.
"You're no fun," pouted Harry when his body began to return to its normal self again despite the hour not being up yet. He stretched his legs and chuckled at the feeling of Sev's clothes hanging off his smaller frame. "It's fun to be you for a while, but I'm used to this body," Harry allowed himself to be drawn in for a hug, tucking his head neatly under Sev's chin where he fit in perfectly.
Severus enjoyed the startled gasp he earned from Harry when he stripped them both magically. In no shape to lift his lover off the floor, Severus simply pressed them closer together, walking him backwards until he felt the resistance of the bed. With strong arms, he slowly lowered Harry to the bed, lifting him only enough to position them up by the pillows. "You're incredible," he said between nibbles to Harry's neck and collarbone. His young lover simply hummed, lost in the deep voice resonating near his ear.
"I can't help but think of you as someone who needs my protection, but then you're so strong," he kissed along Harry's well formed shoulder. "So powerful..." he hummed around the nub that hardened under his ministrations. Harry's chest was filling out even more since he'd been building the house. "While the times I willingly topped in the past were pleasurable, I had never truly submitted and relaxed enough to enjoy it to such heights," Severus let out a contented sigh, with no regrets for his decidedly sore bum.
Harry looked up curiously when he heard his lover hiss as they shifted positions on the bed. "Would you like me to heal you?" he asked, glad to see a warm smile on Sev's face.
"No," he replied simply and pulled Harry closer.
DETAH 86 and 87 - Sadness, Triumph and Unexpected Happenings
An eagle owl arrived in the Great Hall during lunch, cruising gracefully toward Severus Snape. Reaching to take the important-looking scroll caused him to shift a tad uncomfortably in his chair. The Potions Master inhaled deeply and hid the smile which wanted to spread across his face wheneverthe twingereminded him of his recent activities. Ithad beenthree days since Harry had fucked him so hard hehad barely kept from limpinginto the classroom the next morning.
While he had thoroughly enjoyed himself that night, it occurred to Severus that he needed to rethink how he did a few things the next time they switched positions. While Harry had used his body, in more ways than one, Severus had the opportunity to know what it was like to be in a smaller body. Harry had always commented about how much he loved Severus' strong hands, but not once mentioned how painful the bruises on his hips would be the next day. He really hadn't realized how forceful he was being, while he was himself deep in the throes of passion. It had never been his intent to harm his lover.
"I really do have strong hands," he thought to himself. Severus had healed the bruises, not wanting a constant reminder that he'd probably caused his lover this pain many times. That, and he didn't want the bruises to take away from the soreness in his bum, which reminded him all day how lucky he was to have Harry in his life for however long that will be. Unlike early in their relationship, Severus wasn't referring to thinking Harry would leave him.
With a Malfoy scroll in his hands he tried to concentrate on the present, but his mind kept going back to the previous day.
*Flashback*
"You've had your Floo open every night?" asked Albus for the second time, aggravating the Potions Master.
"Yes! Lucius looked nervous and wanted to tell me something. I don't know why he's taking so long to get back to me," Severus was furious. Something was going on and he had to sit around to find out what it was. On top of that, he had to stay nearby so that he could be contacted again, which was greatly impinging on his Harry time. Like many things happening with each of them lately, the situation was exciting at the time, but neither would wish for a repeat performance. He'd keep as much distance between Lucius and Harry as possible.
Severus was interrupted by a knock at Albus' door. When Albus gave his usual 'Enter', in walked the bug-eyed Professor Trelawney.
"Good morning, Albus, Oh, hello there, Professor Snape," she blinked several times as if trying to focus before addressing Albus again. "Headmaster, I wanted your approval to order six new crystal balls. It seems there was a mishap where five of them were broken."
Severus knew he should keep his mouth shut, but try as he might he couldn't help but ask. "Why would you need six if only five were broken?" his sneer only increased tenfold when she pointed to the corner of her eye with a knowing look. Severus wouldn't put it past the bint to break one herself, if only to prove a point. Of course, her all-seeing eye wasn't going to tell her that it was Ginny Weasley who had gone into a tirade and broke the crystal balls, along with several teacups.
"The balls we had were sufficient, but I feel if we can order them from..." she trailed off, her face going blank, her eyes staring off as if seeing something the rest of them couldn't.
"Sibyll?" Albus waved a hand in front of her face, to no avail. In a throaty, raspy voice, she began to speak.
"The darkest of the light will learn to trust and accept help from where it is least expected. When the weather is no longer bleak, he will gain more than any other when the last Potter is no more," Sibyll blinked her eyes, looking from Severus to Albus, and began again as if there hadn't been a pause. "Harold's Divination tools. They guarantee their balls for 3 millennia," She looked as if she were to continue, but was taken by the odd expressions the two wizards were giving her.
"Yes dear, I'll have Minerva get right on that," Albus shuffled her out of his office with a promise of tea the following day.
"Has Harry altered his will?" asked Albus, neither wasting time nor mincing words. Severus had hoped, in the back of his mind, they would entertain the possibility that she hadn't necessarily made an actual prediction, or that she could have meant someone else, but never had he heard of a prediction being so precise. Sure, the beginning was vague, but you couldn't argue that she named Harry specifically - after all, he was the last Potter.
"He didn't say, but he hadn't mentioned he was building us a house for quite a long time, either. It's not like I can ask him that kind of thing, is it?" Severus felt a headache coming on. It would sound as if he were asking to be placed in Harry's will and that he doubted Harry's ability to conquer Voldemort. He would never mention it.
*End of Flashback*
"Son of a bi..." cursed Severus when the eagle owl bit his finger. There was a breakout of laughter amongst the students; Severus ignored them, paying closer attention to the scroll. Opening the parchment, he could see this was no ordinary missive. The letter was written on official Malfoy stationary with the family crest emblazoned on the top. The owl bit him again and Severus realized there was a copy of the letter enclosed with a place for Severus to sign. Albus looked over curiously to know why Lucius Malfoy would send something with such formality as to require Severus' confirmation of receipt.
With a quick wave of his wand, Severus heated the blob of wax at the bottom of the copy and pressed his ring into the seal. Whatever this letter contained, Lucius wanted it to be verifiable.
Dear Severus,I would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for helping my son Draco in his time of need. Had you not kept him hidden in the Snape family manor from the Dark Lord, I fear he may not have been strong enough to fend off the types of pressures and Dark magic Lord Voldemort had used over myself in the past. While my own weakness to the Imperious curse may in fact be my greatest downfall, I feared more for my son's life than my own. You have, at great risk to yourself and your position as spy for the Light, protected my family from the Darkness, and for this I am in your debt. In an effort to repay you for your sacrifices not only on my behalf, but also for the side of Light, I will be contacting you today with vital information that may well end this war in the near future.Yours truly,Lucius Malfoy
After reading the letter three times, Severus sealed it with a spell and placed it inside an inner robe pocket with yet another protection spell. 'So, Lucius was already planning for his future'. Severus considered what kind of information Lucius could have. The aristocrat had taken a serious chance, writing a letter like that. Certainly it would help them both when it came time to prove they were on the right side of the war, but Severus knew Lucius would say whatever he had to, simply to be on the winning side, whichever it was.
He wasn't absolutely sure that Lucius was bluffing about his knowledge of Severus being a spy. Lucius probably would have ratted him out already, if he'd had the proof and it worked to his advantage. Perhaps he truly did have convincing evidence, and was waiting to see where the information would be of best use.
When Harry arrived at the stable, he was surprised to see Kieran waiting in a white robe, rather than the usual garb he wore for a training session. "What's going on?" he asked, after returning the small bow he received from the Healer. "I don't get to kick your butt today?" Harry had a bounce in his step, as he had already warmed up at home and was ready to fight. Kieran didn't usually give him time to adjust from the Apparition before Harry got a blow to the head or some curse thrown at him.
"I kicked your arse, last I remember," Kieran said with a smirk. He'd done so after Harry finished fighting off a surprise ambush by six other wizards who had been brought in for the session.
"You just keep telling yourself that," Harry chuckled and followed Kieran to where two chairs were set up, waiting for them. He waited patiently for Kieran to explain.
"We can go over drills 'till we're blue in the face... sometimes literally," he winked at Harry, who blushed at the memory of one of his many training errors. "I ain't gonna kid ya, I know from several contacts that the shit's gonna hit the fan soon. The bastard's got big plans involving the Ministry that've got a lot of his followers scattered around making moves. Me, Snape and a few other people in the right circles all agree that whatever he has planned, he wants to do you first, to get you out of the way. Personally, I think he's as barmy as ever, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a good plan." Kieran rubbed his hand around the back of his neck with a wince, as if his thoughts pained him.
"So, now what?" Harry still didn't know why Kieran was in Healing robes.
"Accordin'a Snape, the Bastard Who Shall Not Be Named thinks you're still torn up with guilt over the losses of your family and crap like that. We don't know if he's gonna play a mental game with you or not. Yer friends've watchers on 'em while they're out traipsing about the country-side looking at honeymoon cottages," he spoke with a comical tone as if Ron and Hermione were doing the most absurd thing. "Like it matters, just s'long as there's a bed," he muttered under his breath. "Your plant-loving friend has been targeted, too. A Death Eater was sent out to capture him last night, but he's not been seen since."
"Neville!" shouted Harry, fearing for his friend. "He's missing?" Harry looked ready to dart for the door or Apparate out.
"Don't get yer knickers in a twist, I meant the Death Eater hasn't been seen since he was sent," explained Kieran.
"How do you find out all this stuff? I know you have connections with people you heal, but that's pretty specific stuff," Harry asked curiously. He trusted Kieran, but found it odd the Healer would hear so much information.
"What? Do you think I'm working alone here? I healed this one bloke who'd been cursed in a raid. While I'm there, he mentions that he shouldn't need me again too soon, as his next job was gonna be cake, even told is wife he'd bring her back some flowers. I didn't think much of it at the time, but then I ran into Shaklebolt, who'd been called to investigate a break-in at the nursery where Longbottle works." He did so enjoy teasing the young wizard.
"Longbottom," corrected Harry.
"Yeah, that's im. Well, there were signs of a struggle and a wand was found, but no body. The wand was tested and confirmed to have been used for Unforgivables, most likely at recent raids. Shaklebolt thinks some kind of deadly plant may have been involved, but I don't buy it. Anyhow, Longbutt's got extra wards on his home, and is under guard, same as the Weasleys.
"And you're wearing a dress, why?" asked Harry in an annoyed tone. He didn't want to think about the danger to his friends. "Sorry," he muttered, but got a scuff to the back of his head anyway.
"You've been training to get ready for battle, now it's time to get ready to battle," Kieran began and went to smack Harry again when the younger wizard rolled his eyes with a 'Come again?' "I'm talking about getting ready to go into battle you prat, a little respect wouldn't go amiss ya' know," Kieran smoothed out the white robe. He was having problems wearing it while talking about battles, since he'd usually kept his healing persona separate from his training self. Once the robe came on, he stepped into Healer mode, but now the two were getting intertwined and it was hard to act his usual self and not attack Harry continuously. He was pleased to see Harry take a deep breath and settle down.
"What are we doing today?" he asked calmly.
"We're going to meditate, practice keeping focused while you're in a whirlwind of shit, and then have a nice lunch before I give you a once-over with my wand. Mind out of the gutter!" he added when Harry made a suggestive gesture when Kieran mentioned his wand. "Damned pouf," he added with a smirk. Harry winked because he knew it annoyed his trainer and friend.
After a long session of meditation, Kieran gave Harry a menial task, on which he needed to stay focused despite outside distractions. "There's times when you have to concentrate on the job at hand and trust the others fighting with you are doing what they need to do, without your assistance or interference."
Harry did fairly well working on a puzzle, staying focused while Kieran did his best to distract him. The Scot had even managed to sound like Hermione calling for help. Harry was curious to know if Kieran had been in contact with Hermione or if he had some other way of imitating the voice so well. He also wondered if he could truly have ignored his friend's call, if he'd not known he was alone with his trainer and that it couldn't possibly have been Hermione.
Some time later, when Harry had finished eating an incredible lunch, he appreciated that he would be resting while Kieran checked him over. "Too full," groaned Harry, climbing onto the white cloth-covered table. Harry transfigured a pillow for himself, and Kieran asked if the princess was comfortable now.
"Hmm," Harry gave a happy sigh. The sensation of Kieran's wand hovering over his skin made him shiver. As the wand moved slowly, he could feel each muscle relax and any knots or tightness release. "It's like the benefit of the very best massage, but without getting touched."
"I ain't gonna touch you," teased Kieran. As the session progressed, Harry thought he heard the sounds of the ocean in the distance. It helped him relax, though it was odd that the sound stopped during the few times Kieran spoke.
"I could just sleep here all day," his words were muffled by the pillow, but he didn't look up to see if Kieran had heard him. The tingle of the magic continued to work through his muscles, lulling him off to sleep. When the tingling did stop, Harry drowsily opened his eyes, if only for a moment. The last vestiges of the magical sensation could be felt in his toes so he figured the Healer was finished. "Done?"
"Just about, I need you to relax at least another fifteen minutes, so close your eyes and sleep as long as you like," Kieran directed him to rest, casting a warming charm over Harry to help him settle back into sleep. He was content with the day's work with his trainee, but had promised Snape to keep Harry until his last morning Potions class ended.
Severus had to give an important test first thing in the morning and had a seventh year class working on a dangerous potion. He'd been so concerned about Harry, he'd asked Kieran to keep the younger wizard at the training building so that he could keep his head and concentrate on his students. He'd not heard from Lucius yet; he wanted to know Harry was at least safe until that point. In the back of his mind, he realized that whatever Lucius had to say, may very well have nothing to do with The Boy Who Lived.
In a well-tended nursery, Neville Longbottom pled his case. "Sir, please reconsider. This plant is very dangerous. I know how you feel about something you've nurtured, but it's too dangerous," the plant in question slowly swayed as if caught in a summer breeze, but the experienced botanist knew better than to let his guard down near the huge green plant, which may very well have recently consumed a Death Eater.
Neville gave up, for today at least, quitting his efforts to convince his boss to rid the place of the dangerous plant. "Who in their right mind cross-pollinates Venomous Tentacula with Devil's Snare?" he muttered before reinforcing the spell containing the odd plant, which seemed to not only to grow, but to grow faster each day. Neville's mind went back to Ginny, who, the other night, had been hurt and frightened out of her mind when the plant had attacked her. The problem was that he couldn't tell his boss about that, since he'd snuck his girlfriend out of school and had taken her into the greenhouses after hours to show her some of his work... even if it was too dark to see most plants. Thankfully, Madam Pomfrey had taken good care of Ginny; they had technically told the truth, but only left out the part about the greenhouse not being the one where Ginny attended Herbology class.
Back in Godric's Hollow, Harry contemplated, built-in bookcase or shelves? With a book full of building designs and many illusion charms, Harry sat in a comfortable chair, trying to decide what he wanted. He considered shelves for the nice crystal items he'd found in his parents' vault. He couldn't wait to have the house done and be able to display a few things that had once adorned his parents' home on that very land.
The thought of land reminded him that Neville had mentioned possibly dropping by later in the evening. They were going to discus a few landscaping possibilities for the grounds. Harry appreciated all the trouble Neville had gone through to help him. He'd asked Harry for any pictures they had of the land from back when the original house was still intact. Harry had been disappointed to find so few pictures of the grounds amongst Sirius' things; he'd hoped for more, since the Potters had taken him in. It was Remus who had come through with a photograph of the backyard.
Embarrassed, Remus explained the photo and how he'd been trying to photograph Sirius running through the woods in the back of the property, but only a blur of black fur could be seen sticking out from behind a large, old tree. Harry wasn't sure why he'd even saved the picture over the years, but was glad of it, since it showed nearly the whole back yard. Neville was going to look at the photos and show Harry several plans of landscaping with options of the best designs for the lay of the land, using the species that had been planted years ago.
When asked his opinion, Severus simply pointed out that all the plants he found important would be in the greenhouse or growing wild in the Forbidden Forest; he didn't particularly care what grew out in the yard. Harry remembered that his lover had commented on some magical reason that certain plants be wild, not cultivated.
The weather was still wet, but not as cold, reminding him that they had an anniversary coming up. Easter break was right around the corner, marking their first year. Severus liked to argue that they hadn't truly become a couple on the break, but Harry thought it just bothered the professor, knowing that at that time, Harry had still been a student.
Settling into his chair, Harry put down the book on interior decorating. He'd no idea what to get Severus to celebrate their first year, even if his lover wouldn't celebrate until after the school year ended. There was a chance that if he really worked hard, he could finish the house. Maybe a lab full of supplies would excite Severus. His lover teased about not caring for the mushy romantic gobbledygook, but had recently admitted to using the excuse of collecting lake water samples to sit by their spot and enjoy the sunset.
*Yet another flashback*
Hermione wiped a tear from her eye as the credits rolled at the end of a tearjerker she and Harry had just watched. With a sniff, she turned off the telly and began picking up the empty boxes of Chinese take-out.
"I'll get it," Harry said groggily, since he'd slept through the last twenty minutes of the film. With a flick of his wand, the mess was cleared, even the cartons from Hermione's hands. "I guess he died in the end?" he asked, noting the tears in his friend's eyes while he rubbed the sleep out of his own.
"Yes," she sniffed. "His injuries were too serious. They couldn't save him," She sniffed again and pulled Harry in for a goodbye hug. Date night had run late and she had classes in the morning.
"Who?!" asked Severus impatiently. He'd Apparated in to find Harry's eyes red and Hermione upset about someone dying. Said friend yelped and jumped in fright about a foot in the air.
"You scared the Hell out of me!" she shrieked. Hermione's cheeks reddened when she realized that she'd yelled at Severus just as if he were Ron or Harry. "Sorry," she said timidly.
"No, it is I who should apologize," he said comfortingly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Someone has died and I barged in here with all the grace and diplomacy of a hippogriff. Please accept my apology," he gave her a polite bow and softly asked who had passed.
Hermione's cheeks heated as she blushed twice as red as before. "Um..." she trailed off.
"No one we actually know," Harry came to her aid. "Is everything all right?" he changed the subject. He hadn't expected Severus to come by.
"I had an errand to run and thought I'd stop by and discuss a few things with you," Severus didn't like to come right out and say that he'd been to a Death Eater meeting, even if they both did understand exactly where he'd been. Where else does one run errands at 12:50 am?
"I'll leave you two to it," Hermione said quickly and grabbed a pinch of Floo powder.
"You know how to Apparate, remember?" teased Harry as she hastily snapped the ornate Floo powder box closed. To her surprise, Severus' hand was once again on her shoulder.
"It is wise not to Apparate while distraught, especially when another mode of travel is so readily available," his concern only made Harry smile and Hermione blush all the more and dive for the Floo. She didn't know if Harry would tell Severus she was crying over a movie, and didn't want to be anywhere near there if he did. No sooner did she leave, the Floo was closed off.
"You said you had something you wanted to discuss?" asked Harry, finding himself wrapped in Severus' arms.
"I'd say anything, if it would make Hermione give us privacy faster," he said before crushing their lips together. "I only have a short time, but I wanted to see you."
"Gods," moaned Harry as Severus sucked on his neck. "See me, or eat me?" he added and then groaned at the sensation of Sev's cock grinding against his.
"Is that what you'd like?"
"Yessss," he hissed in response. "You're amazing," he praised as Severus wasted no time engulfing his cock down to the root. He didn't know or care when his pants had come off, only that the sensations were so glorious, nothing else mattered. When Sev said he had only a short time, he wasn't kidding - the man had wasted no time.
Harry didn't know what kind of magic had been done, but the fingers caressing his balls appeared to be vibrating and sending a tingling sensation through him, driving him mad with pleasure.
"Please... yesss," he begged when a single digit slid across his entrance. The suction increased while the tip of Sev's tongue did things to make him whimper for more.
"I...Oh, fu.." complete words, much less sentences, were no longer an option as Harry drew closer to the edge of his impending orgasm. Perhaps sometime earlier in their relationship he'd have been embarrassed by coming too soon, but at this particular moment, he couldn't care in the least.
"OH!" Harry shouted and simultaneously thrust his hips forward as a long finger entered him forcefully, aiming for his prostate with incredible accuracy. The thrust of his hips only managed to force his cock further down Severus' throat. Thankfully, there were no complaints coming from Severus, as Harry didn't think he could have stopped the involuntary thrusting, fucking his lover's mouth until he screamed and shuddered while Severus swallowed around his cock, taking every drop Harry offered up. Harry fell back onto the sofa with a contented sigh.
Severus didn't even stay long enough for Harry to return the favor; he simply kissed his young lover passionately and left as quickly as he'd arrived.
*End of Flashback and blatant excuse to sneak a little smut into this chapter*
Just remembering that night, Harry was temped to pull out his swelling cock, but decided against it when he thought he'd heard a sound outside. Footsteps too close to the house gave him cause for concern, as none of his triggers had gone off to alert him to an intruder. It wasn't your everyday wizard who could even attempt to disable them without Harry knowing.
He told himself, maybe it was Hedwig, taking after a big mouse that'd been more successful at scurrying off than most, but he wasn't fooling himself. Nearing the door, Harry could sense nearby the magic of at least three wizards. He tried to discern if he felt the darkness of the Mark on all three, but what he did feel made Harry's eyes widen. Only two wore the Dark Mark. The third's magic was unforgettable, and unwelcome as it was familiar.
"Voldemort," Harry said casually, as if he'd expected the wizard to stop by for a spot of tea. He stepped out quietly, and then without waiting for the Dark Lord to give a lengthy harangue over why and how he planned to kill him, Harry fired off the first shot. Voldemort easily shielded the unexpected hex, but it had had the desired effect. While Voldemort laughed off the hex, Harry had taken out one of the two Death Eaters who had come along.
"Kill him!" shouted the Dark Lord, surprising Harry.
"So, he can learn from his mistakes," taunted Harry. "You've never defeated me one-on-one; it's wise to get help when you need it," Harry bit his own lip, reminding himself it wasn't wise of him to piss off evil wizards while battling, yet it was times like this when the words came out before he thought it through.
With a leap and twist that would make any gymnast proud, Harry avoided being hit by some nasty hexes thrown his way. He followed up a cutting hex with three different spells in succession, hoping the third wizard would be hit by at least one.
Harry noted the shades of colour and realized he wasn't familiar with some of the spells coming from the evil bastard's wand. That reminded him to shield those he could and get the Hell out of the way of the others. When a repelling charm hadn't sent Voldemort's spell back to him, Harry dropped to the ground and held his breath as the spray of sparks flew past, just barely missing him.
Harry couldn't help but glance back at the crashing sound. The entire pile of useless lumber and other construction debris from his first house-building attempt splintered into small bits, then exploded into a fine powder and blew off with a breeze. He was tempted to thank Voldemort, since he'd priced the cost of haul-away, and had thought it atrocious, so had put it off for some later date. Luckily, common sense returned and the thought of such Dark magic hitting him kept his lips sealed. His mind refocused on the task at hand.
After a volley of hexes and nasty spells, Harry realized that his arsenal of magical knowledge, while quite respectable, was miniscule compared to the Dark magic Voldemort used. It was time to stop thinking about which spells to cast and to let it just flow as it had while he was drugged, drunk, or horny. Harry grinned big at the last thought. He'd had a nice stiffy just before his uninvited guest had shown up.
With a growl, Harry opened his mouth, thinking of an angry dragon breathing fire. Glancing down at himself, expecting to see scales, Harry surprisingly found he'd not changed into a dragon, yet had done what he'd wanted. Unfortunately, Voldemort had only been singed a little before deflecting the flames. The look on Tom's face was priceless.
"Crucio," shouted the one Death Eater who was still standing. Harry grit his teeth, not only with the pain, but in anger for allowing himself to be distracted by enjoying Voldemort's reaction to his last stunt, when he should have been cursing Voldie and defending himself. Harry convulsed in the cold mud as the Unforgivable pain racked his body.
Voldemort laughed at his pain, not expecting anything beyond a good floor-show, when Harry waved his arms frantically. Magic swirled around them, blowing sawdust around like a snowstorm in a vortex. The swirling storm caused by Harry's magic swept up several pieces of lumber, two paint cans and a brick from along the sidelines. The Death Eater still holding Harry under the Cruciatus made a sickening guttural sound when a piece of wood pierced his body, protruding out from his chest like a harpoon. Staring incredulously down at the bloody wood poking from his shirt, he looked up again, only to be hit in the face with a flying brick. Before the body slumped to the ground, Harry had already leapt up from the mud, once again battling Voldemort.
The world spun on it axis for a moment when Harry was unexpectedly hit with an unknown spell. He couldn't tell if he was hanging upside-down or if his brain was spinning in his skull. Lunging for cover, Harry landed behind the large crate labeled bathtub', where he hoped he could regain his focus. A small brown mouse ran out from behind the crate, chased out of its hiding space.
After sending a handful of hexes at the crate, Voldemort grew tired of the game and levitated the crate off the ground, making it fly off. To his utter disbelief, Harry wasn't there. Next to his foot was an unnoticed mouse, which transformed into a snake that the Dark Lord did notice when poisonous fangs sank into his ankle. Instantly, Harry then transformed back into himself and punched Voldy in the head. Welts and blood began to well up brilliantly against his sickeningly pale skin.
"You!" hissed Voldemort irritably. "Did you think a snakebite would harm me?" he shouted and teetered a little off-balance from the unexpected punch.
As Harry quickly retreated, flying as a tiny bug he hoped would not be noticed in the still-dusty air, he remembered that for quite some time before being restored to his body, Voldemort had lived off of a potion made up of snake venom and unicorn blood. At least the punch to his head had been satisfying. It had probably been decades since anyone tried to physically assault the bastard. He returned to his own form just behind another box, resuming his attack. Shielding another frightening hex and leaping away from an Avada Kedavra, Harry continued the barrage of hexes, getting a step closer with each one.
He'd known none of the hexes would hit their mark, but they'd kept Voldy on the defense while he got close enough for him to suddenly quickly advance, punching his fist to connect with that non-existent snake-nose, followed up with a quick jab to the gut.
Voldemort sputtered as blood seeped from the slits of his nose. It was all he could do not to double over in pain. All of which enraged the Dark Lord enough to manifest an enormous ball of flame that went flying at Harry with such speed Harry felt and smelled the hair singe on one side of his head as he dodged.
A spray of cold water shot from Harry's wand to cool off the reddening skin on his scalp. "You son of a bitch!" yelled Harry, as the flames hit the house with such force they instantly took out the wall on impact.
Severus could kill Lucius Malfoy. Sure, he'd given him information so vital that it may not only fulfill his debt, but help to end the war, yet the information was almost too late in coming. He'd been so desperate to get the information, Severus had gone to meet Lucius away from Hogwarts, and the surrounding wards made it impossible to send word to Albus from their meeting place. He'd not expected to have no time to work with, at all. On top of that, he could tell by the amulet under his wand holster that Harry had already repeatedly been in pain, great pain.
"Tell me something, Tom," taunted Harry. "Does it bother you that I've done more damage to you without magic than you've done to me with it?" Harry cast a particularly nasty hex using the wand in his right hand, while his left hand flicked in the air, sending a large stone to the back of Voldemort's head. His aim was a bit off and the stone hit the wizard in the shoulder. All these little physical attacks were almost childish, but they were taking their toll on the older wizard, who was not used to such abuse. The irritation was not only physical, but maddening as well.
"Accio!" Voldemort called out to the back of the property where the first Death Eater had fallen. A box around the size of a quaffle flew through the air. Harry was about to cast a spell on the box when Voldemort beat him to it, causing the package to tear open; little pieces of wrapping flew about. A distinct hum could be heard and Harry realized it wasn't paper flying about, but some kind of insect. Just as the sawdust did earlier, this swarm of bugs swirled around in an almost unnatural pattern. Of course, it was the Dark Lord directing the little swarm around the Boy Who Still Lived... thus far.
A quick Impediment curse had frozen the swarm so that Harry could banish the obnoxious things. He'd not gotten a very close look at them, but he figured they'd most likely be poisonous. He couldn't even count how many times he'd already been stung. Jumping to where the tub crate had landed, Harry pulled out his potions pouch, quickly downing an all-purpose antidote which may or may not help him with whatever poison could be running through his system. He found it odd that the Dark Lord wasn't taking advantage of this time to attack full on, but maybe he knew Harry didn't have long, depending on whatever it was had bit him.
A glance at his house made him sag. It was ruined. Distracted by an all-encompassing magic, Harry only vaguely recognized a magical sphere that had been erected above them. "What..." he trailed off, thinking about the golden cage thingy that occurred when he fought Voldemort after the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
"Just a little something to ensure that you don't try to run," explained Voldemort, who'd made sure to prevent Harry from Apparating away. "You should be feeling the effects of all those lovely Glumbumbles by now," he raised his wand. "Crucio!"
"Crucio!" Harry shouted back. If he'd caused pain, he wasn't sure, but at least the Dark Lord had released him from the curse. "I don't need happiness to beat you!" shrieked Harry. "You've made most of my life miserable, why should now be any different?" Harry threw his hands in the air like a conductor leading an orchestra. Within seconds the ground where Voldemort stood lifted up as if some enormous creature were erupting from beneath him, causing Voldemort to tumble. "Crucio," repeated Harry while Voldemort tried to right himself. Harry approached, pointing his finger at the Dark Lord, holding the painful curse until he practically felt as though he had touched him on the chest. Without warning, Harry slammed his head down, butting their heads together like a ram. Harry found himself being hurtled through the air far from the Dark Lord.
They continued to battle, each blocking many curses, but also getting hit with some nasty ones. After a time, both Harry and Voldemort were using only nonverbal spells - they were not only faster to cast, but gave their opponent less time to react, as there was no warning of what was approaching. One big exception was the Avada Kedavra, which needed to be spoken aloud, with conviction. Harry had also found he needn't make any hand gestures at all; it had simply been a habit of his since he had to remember to use a wand in public.
"Why have you wasted your time building on this land, Potter?" taunted the Dark Lord. "Potter is an old wizarding family and yet you're all that's left. Not even man enough to procreate. No matter, you're almost finished. Avada..." he cried out when it looked like Harry would slump to the ground, thinking about his pathetic life.
"NO!" screamed Harry in a desperate tone before spinning and leaping out of the way of the green haze that would have instantly taken his life. Taking a deep breath, Harry concentrated with every fiber of his being to create a powerful barrier shielding him from anything Voldy could throw at him. 'Hopefully anything', he thought, though he practically glowed from the shield charm he'd erected.
Harry was beyond reason. He began throwing more magic at the Dark Lord than he remembered learning, and when he couldn't focus to draw any more, he found a way to get in close and just hit him with a left hook. At one point, Harry was so infuriated he transformed into his cat form and clawed at the evil bastard, shredding the front of his robe. The Dark Lord had laughed out loud at such an absurd sight and was taken completely by surprise when Harry's cat form grew immensely in a moment, off-balancing him in the act. The large, white cat swiped at him, tearing into the flesh of his pale white leg while large, sharp teeth clamped closed around the wand that had caused so much sorrow in the wizarding world. The snap of yew shattering into fragments was almost deafening. Harry could see Fawkes' phoenix feather jutting out of the splintered wood. Voldemort raged; his animalistic shriek could have been heard two blocks away.
An unexpected chill in the air caused the albino Bengal tiger to step back from the bloody Dark Lord.
"Lucius, so good of you to finally arrive," his tone didn't bode well for Malfoy. He spat blood at Harry's white fur, which quickly transformed back into muggle clothes, consisting of a pair of blue jeans and a sweatshirt advertising Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.
"Lucius couldn't make it, my Lord," the voice of Severus Snape made both wizards turn their heads in surprise. "It seems his time in Azkaban has taken its toll on Lucius, causing him some difficulty in carrying out your order. I am, however, at your service," Severus assessed the situation. Both Harry and his Master looked haggard. Severus himself wasn't faring all that well, with a Dementor in tow. "My Lord?" questioned Severus when he couldn't pass through some sort of barrier.
"You!" growled Harry at the sight of Severus in an attempt not to blow his cover.
With a flick of his wrist, Voldemort remembered his wand was now but a mere stub in his hand. Tossing the useless stick away, he spoke an incantation to allow the Dementor into his protected sphere, making sure Harry still couldn't Apparate out.
"My Lord?" repeated Severus when he realized he couldn't follow.
"So sorry, Severussss. I'm taking no chances," hissed the Dark Lord, and neither Harry nor Severus knew if he meant that he didn't trust his spy. It was nearing the point where that no longer mattered. "Our Mister Potter here is going to get a Kiss. I don't want the Dementor wasting any time or effort trying for another soul, when it's Potter he's meant to dine on this evening."
Snape was left standing helpless as Harry faced the Dark Lord and one hungry Dementor. He looked over the scene, taking in Harry's appearance. He seemed to have fared well, or at least better than anyone else facing off against Voldemort. The side of his head was severely burned and he favored one leg over the other. Astonishingly, it was the evil bastard who looked like he'd been trampled by hippogriffs. Voldemort's usually long, flowing robe was shredded in several places and caked with blood around his legs. What pale skin that was showing, was welted, torn, and bruised extensively. Severus couldn't help the grin, thinking about Harry beating up the Dark Lord as if he were in a schoolyard brawl. It reminded him that Harry was not only young, but muggle-raised, and wouldn't duel like a mature wizard. Harry didn't care about finesse and form if it meant getting the job done. By the looks of it, Harry's way had worked well thus far.
As the air swirled around in the sphere, debris accumulated against the barrier of magic. What caught Severus' eye was the collection of insects in a pile on the ground. His eyes widened when he recognized he was looking at forty or so Glumbumbles. Damn Lucius, he'd told Severus about the attack and the Dementor, but hadn't mentioned the insects. The Dark Lord was currently taunting Harry about his house - what was left of it.
Harry paced around like a caged animal, haphazardly throwing hex after curse, but having little effect. Tears were streaming down his face, obscuring his vision, making his aim off. The temperature dropped so rapidly at the arrival of the Dementor that the sphere was beginning to fog, leaving Severus desperately trying to see inside.
"I'm sorry," cried Harry. "I have no happy memories..." he trailed off.
"I LOVE YOU Harry!" shouted Severus, shocking the Dark Lord. "You don't need a memory, I. Love. You!"
With a goofy grin that fleetingly crossed his face, Harry cast his Patronus. The silvery wisps formed antlers, but quickly faded and were gone. The sight of the antlers startled Severus, remembering what Harry could do, but he didn't know if he dare suggest such a thing.
"You what!?" Voldemort's red eyes glared at Severus, then Harry.
"I'm sorry, Sev," Harry cried out. "I wanted to defeat this bastard before our anniversary."
The words only served to infuriate the Dark Lord further. Had they actually been together long enough to have an anniversary?
~We'll see how much he loves you without a soul!~ Voldemort hissed in Parseltongue and called over the Dementor that had been waiting for his command.
Severus didn't know what was said, but saw the approaching Dementor advancing on Harry. Without another thought he called out to his lover, hoping and praying to the gods and goddesses that he wasn't making a mistake. "Prongs, Harry! Let me see your dad's Animagus form!! BE PRONGS!" his voice cracked on the last word, and then he silently begged that everything would be all right in the end.
Harry's body morphed swiftly into the magnificent, translucent silver stag. In all his shimmering glory, he reared up on his back legs, his front kicking out at the approaching Dementor.
Lord Voldemort gasped at the sight of Harry taking the form of a Patronus. As his mouth hung open in shock, the hungry Dementor took the opportunity offered, the only remaining living sentient being, and preceded to suck out what little soul there was. Harry backpedaled, not wanting to interfere with his enemy's last kiss.
Just as the Dementor finished what little humanity had been left of Voldemort, the sphere vanished, allowing the soul-sucking creature to retreat, quickly leaving the presence of Harry's Patronus form.
Severus' momentary excitement died as his Master's body fell, sweeping through Harry's misty form, which also seemed to dissolve, each particle scattering like a dandelion in the wind. It was as though they were in a snow globe and someone had just shaken their whole world. Sparkles lingered in the air, tickling Severus's nose before eventually drifting down to the ground.
He stood frozen to the spot, unsure of what to do. As he considered his options, coming up with very little, a plank of wood fell from the crumbling structure. Hitting the ground, it caused a whirl of air to stir, causing sparkly remains of Harry's Patronus to rise up once again. Seeing this, Severus feared that his lover might actually blow away with a gust of wind. He cast a spell around the yard, forming his own sphere to contain the area while he figured out what to do next.
Severus thought that in theory, Harry could possibly reform his shape. But, did he have to be conscious for that? Could he have conscious thought while spread out? Was he like a tree in autumn with is leaves scattered? Once the leaves fell, they were dead, and the tree needed to start anew the next year. Was Harry already dead? He couldn't think that way. No, Harry wasn't dead. He just had to gather the shimmery substance and keep it contained for now. Severus didn't know what he expected to happen, but he would maintain the containment sphere for as long as it took.
Hours passed and Severus continued to hold his wand aloft, looking for signs of movement from what looked like the aftermath of a silvery snowfall. Severus' legs were growing tired and he decided to sit. What irked him was that Voldemort still showed signs of life. Supposedly, it was a horrible existence to be without one's soul, but even horrible was too good for Voldemort.
"Harry?!" called out the last voice Severus expected to hear. "P..p..professor?" stammered Neville Longbottom. "What happened to the house? Where's Harry?" Neville's eyes widened when he saw the bloody mess nearby. "Is that..." he trailed off, unsure if he truly wanted the answer.
"Voldemort," replied Severus, saying the name for the first time in very many years, without hesitation or unease.
"Voldemort?" Severus had to give the young man credit; he'd not hesitated to voice the name, even if he did squeak as he spoke. "Is he alive? Is the magical field preventing his escape?" Neville held his hand up, feeling the magical current radiate off the sphere. He wanted to ask where Harry was, but didn't think he could voice the question. He'd never seen Professor Snape look grave. This was very different from the myriad of sneering expressions ranging from frustrated to infuriated that he was accustomed to seeing. He prided himself on reading them better than most, having had them directed toward himself more than most of his peers, several times per class, a few days a week for 7 years.
"He's been Kissed. By a Dementor," he added when Neville appeared not to understand. "He's not going anywhere, that is unless someone shows up who is determined to help the bastard... though I don't know of any magic that could help him now."
It occurred to him that he hadn't answered the other question. "I have to..." he trailed off, not sure what he had to do. "The mist... the silver, it..." it was harder to say than he expected. Whoever would have thought that he'd stammer when speaking to Neville Longbottom? "I have to make sure the wind doesn't blow it... Harry... away." There, he'd said it.
"Harry," whispered Neville, as though speaking too loud would disturb the strange scene before him. He didn't understand exactly what was going on, but the fact was surreal indeed that he had been calmly, well mostly calmly, conversing with Severus Snape. He stood there for some time. Neither of them spoke, nor did either of them take their eyes off what was left of Voldemort.
After what seemed like forever, something could be heard in the bushes across the street. Severus feared the worst, but it was Neville who pointed out that a reporter was often there.
"Can someone get magic past your enclosure here?" asked Neville. Severus simply nodded, dolefully. "Oh! I gotta go..." Neville sounded almost startled and Severus didn't blame the boy for being scared. However, he was surprised by the feelings stirred up when the boy left. Mostly, he was glad to be alone, even if he hadn't allowed his grief to show, for which he was grateful, now that he realized there had been a reporter watching all this time. Harry had mentioned her a few times. He'd been surprised that there hadn't been a spread in the paper about the great Harry Potter building his house. Perhaps she wasn't affiliated with a paper, and was waiting until she had a large collection of photos and information to sell all at once. If that was the case, it certainly had paid off. She had a big scoop now, the biggest. His thoughts continued rambling; he felt numb, simply staring at what surrounded him. It seemed his capacity for meaningful thought had simply shut down.
"Sir?" Neville's return startled Severus, though the younger wizard would never know it. "Excuse me sir, I'm afraid I can't hold it for much longer," Neville struggled under the weight of a small box in his hand. He placed the box down on the ground and used his wand to levitate it over to where the Dark Lord lay unmoving, with the exception of his chest rising and falling with slow, shallow breaths. "I, um, don't remember the spell to undo this containment, but I don't think it's going to last long anyway," he explained as if that made any sense to Snape. Sure enough, the box began to shake. Before long, it completely vanished, leaving a small but quickly growing plant. "Little bigger," Neville muttered to himself, as the plant appeared to reach its full size.
Before Severus could ask what the Gryffindor was up to, the head of the plant opened up and swallowed the soulless Dark Lord. Neville waved his wand at the plant, but nothing happened.
"Um, I can't get it back out," stated Neville nervously.
Severus would have made a sarcastic comment here, explaining that was the point of the sphere in the first place, but he couldn't manage to close his gaping mouth. After so many years of servitude, his Master was truly gone. Yes, his soul had already been gone, but knowing the body was good and gone as well, suffused him with a wave of relief. His mouth hung even lower when it occurred to him that Neville Longbottom had just officially killed Lord Voldemort. If it wasn't for his vigil to keep the sphere intact, Severus may have fainted.
"Incendio," Neville was glad to see the plant go. "I might lose my job for that," he said idly, followed by a satisfied, "No one's going to help him out now, are they sir?" It was as if he didn't realize the magnitude of what he'd just done. "Are you all right?" he asked timidly. "What should I do now?"
A loud crack alerted them that the reporter had hastily Apparated away. This prompted Severus to give Neville a task. Was this what the bint Trelawney was talking about when she said he would trust someone he normally wouldn't? He had thought it referred to Malfoy, but maybe not.
"Albus might know how to help me. You can find Ron and Hermione and tell them that I have to stay with Harry, but they should do what they can to keep the reporters away," Severus received a quick nod from Neville and was glad when the boy cast a 'Notice Me Not' charm around the property. It hadn't occurred to him to ask Longbottom to do the task; the common-sense precaution and the initiative Neville took were a surprise. No sooner had the boy left, did he kick himself for not telling Neville specifically to alert Dumbledore of the situation. The young man was not the type to pick up on the subtle, implied message to contact Albus first.
So concerned for his friend, Neville hadn't even stopped to explain to his Gran what was going on. He simply sent out an owl to his friends before Apparating to the Burrow in attempts to find them as soon as possible. Not finding them at Ron's home, he went out in search, but not before sending Fred and George to Harry's place to help keep the reporters and any other passersby away. He figured they were as good a substitute as any, for the time being.
The twins arrived with an arsenal of products just in case they needed a diversion, but were surprised to find not a single person anywhere near Harry's place. Mr. Jennings closed up the antique shop as he would any other eve and went home for the night, leaving the building dark and quiet. Try as they might to see what was going on, Harry's spells to keep busybodies from peeking into his windows made it impossible. Little did they know that they were at the wrong place, but it mattered not, since there were no reporters at Godric's Hollow, either. After a few hours, there was no change; still the twins didn't leave their post.
After several hours, Severus noticed a film of silver that had coated his clothes. It tickled his nose and he idly wondered how much could be lost without serious problems when Harry transformed back. He couldn't say if, it had to be when Harry came back. His thoughts shifted from that painful topic. They hadn't discussed it, but he'd been concerned about what would happen to himself when Voldemort died. He thought that maybe their connection though the Dark Mark would somehow prove fatal when the time came. Perhaps he was wrong, or that the Dementor's Kiss changed all that. Either way, never in his daydreams about Voldemort's demise did he think he'd be the one left standing. Severus had every intention of giving his own life, if that was what it took to protect Harry. Having to watch from the sidelines had been excruciating. Voldemort was gone... that one mind-blowing thought was disrupted when Severus sneezed violently.
He and Harry had talked about what happened when something damaged your Animagus form. For example, when he lost feathers while flying around as an owl, he still came back intact. If there had been a serious enough loss, Harry might have transformed back with less hair, or whatever he wouldn't miss too badly. An Animagus form was compiled of not only the wizard, but of all that was on his person. The clothing and wand in pocket were all part of that package, not to mention inherent magic. And that magic saw to it that in case of damage, the things of less importance were what were lost first. Severus mentally calculated how much matter one could lose before there wasn't enough. Since Animagus forms could be any size, it couldn't be actual weight, it must be a percentage... it was all too much to think about, but he knew that when he stopped thinking about the mechanics of the problem, his mind would wander into dangerous territory.
What little sunlight there was had faded down into the horizon, leaving Severus with only a single street lamp illuminating the area. The charred and crumbled house was a sad sight indeed. His usual good posture forgotten, Severus slumped further down to the ground, the hand not holding his wand turned over, looking odd as he rubbed his fingers together, recalling the times he'd never dared to touch Harry in that Patronus form. Now it clung to him like talcum powder.
"My Harry," he whispered, tears streaming down his face. "Please come back to me," his voice cracked, his shoulders shaking in grief. Great sobs wracked Severus' body, overcome with the torment of losing his love. He gasped for breath as heart-wrenching sobs overtook him. His free hand pounded into the soft ground. Long strands of black hair clung to the sides of his face, the ends mingled with tears and mud. His fist only stopped hitting the ground when mental and physical exhaustion left him so weak he could no longer lift the now bloody hand.
His strength depleted, the distraught Severus let out a howl and attempted to reel in his grief when he realized how near he was to complete collapse. If it meant he had to force impassiveness, he would - he could not risk losing his grip on his wand or break the connection; that might release the sphere which contained his love. The impassiveness hadn't come easily; hiccups replaced the cries while he tried hard to compose himself. He'd not lost his composure so completely since...well, never, really.
While his breathing calmed, tears continued to run trails down his sallow cheeks. An assortment of potions helped to maintain his strength for a while. He found himself wishing help would come, and yet praying no one would come and see him in such a sorry state.
The sound of someone Apparating made Severus' heart leap. Neville slowly approached but waited a moment before speaking. Severus acknowledged him, but hadn't looked up, his face curtained by his lank hair.
"Sir?" Neville wanted to ask if he was okay, but didn't think the wizard would appreciate the question. "Um, I'm not sure why no one is here yet, since I sent the twins to help quite a while ago. It's taken a long time to find Ron and Hermione."
"I should have sent you for Professor Dumbledore," Severus said with a sigh, and before he could say more, Neville chimed in.
"Yeah, Hermione thought so too, so she's on her way to Hogwarts, but Ron should have been here," Neville looked all around for any signs of Ron and gasped when he spotted a Death Eater on the ground with a wooden spike protruding out from his chest. Looking quickly away, he noticed the lack of reaction from Snape. The wizard hadn't even looked up. "Is there something I can do for you?" he asked nervously, and for a long time, it seemed he wasn't going to get a response.
"Do you know the Extricorpuniceus charm?" asked Severus, his voice impassive, but barely audible.
"Yeah, I'm good at that one," Neville replied quickly, glad to be of help, and then embarrassed to admit such skill at a spell that clears away blotchiness from your face. He used it after visiting his parents. "Oh," he said, startled, before he could stop himself. "I'll just..." he trailed off and clamped his mouth shut before he could say anything else he'd regret. With a careful wave of his wand, he aimed past the black barrier of hair, making Snape more presentable. Or so he hoped, as he hadn't actually seen the man's face since he'd returned.
"I guessed it, you know. Seamus and I were joking around about you being Harry's 'S', but I had actually thought it might be true, later on of course. Funny that, how a joke can come out to be the truth," Neville babbled, having forgotten he wanted to keep his mouth shut. "That was around the same time they said I could have been the Boy Who..." Neville's breath caught in his throat and he nearly began to hyperventilate. "I... I killed Voldemort," he said in astonishment. This time Severus did look up. Neville nearly fainted. Between killing the greatest Dark Lord of their time and seeing Snape smile he didn't know how he remained on his feet.
"You made a good job of it, Neville," Severus congratulated him sincerely.
A loud voice from across the street grabbed their attention.
"I can't believe you two dolts spent hours at Harry's flat and it didn't once occur to you that Neville was talking about the house," shouted Ron, loud enough to call the attention of anyone in a ten-kilometer radius. "Where's the house?" they heard him ask, making both Neville and Severus laugh.
The 'Notice Me Not' charm apparently was still working quite well. Severus would have commented as such, but didn't think that too much shock in one day would be good for Neville.
The twins remained behind the same bush where the reporter had always hid, while Ron crossed the street for a closer look. He cast a revealer to cancel out the other spell for himself and had expected to see the house appear before his eyes. 'No,' he gasped, seeing the house in ruins. "Neville," he called out, having spotted his friend. "Severus, are you hurt?" asked Ron when he found Severus sitting on the ground not far from Neville.
"No," Neville grabbed Ron's arm, preventing him to going to Severus' side. "You won't be able to get back out, and I don't think you should trod on Harry," his tone firm until the last word, which he whispered softly. Ron looked from Neville to Severus, studying the older wizard's face. Neville had done a good job making Severus' face less puffy and back to his usual skin colour, but hadn't erased the tear tracks that had cut through the silver sheen coating his face.
"What is that?" he held up a hand, but didn't actually touch. "Did you say Harry?" Ron's tone was uneven as he pieced together the clues. "His Patronus Animagus," Ron caught on fast. "Is he...?" unsure how to finish that sentence, he simply looked questioningly to Severus for answers. It was then that he realized what had made the odd lines on Severus' face. "Wait... no! He... no! Bloody Fucking Hell, NO!" shouted Ron, kicking the ground fervently and fearing the worst. He reached for the nearest thing he could find and threw the can of paint with such might it burst open on impact. "I was supposed to be here by his side!" Ron cried out in anger and grief. He punched a nearby crate, breaking a few bones in his hand for good measure. "What the bloody Hell is in that thing?" he said, looking around the side of the charred crate where he could make out the words 'double size porcelain Jacuzzi bathtub'.
"Oh, dear," it was Albus who had just Apparated with Hermione on his arm. "What precisely has happened, Severus?" Albus asked calmly, assessing the situation. Ron was currently shouting 'Why?!' over and over again, continuing to kick anything in his path. Neville stepped in to help calm his friend as one of the bricks flew past, into the magical barrier Severus was struggling to maintain. As Severus explained everything that had happened since his arrival with the Dementor, Hermione's eyes locked with his watery ones and she slumped to the ground. Her slow descent into the mud was what finally snapped Ron from his tirade.
"Mione!" Ron was at her side in an instant, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her slight form onto his lap. "Dumbledore's going to make it all better; he's going to fix everything. Dumbledore... he," Ron rambled, holding her too tight, rocking them both back and forth manically. He smoothed her hair with a large hand until Hermione let out a strangled cry from being manhandled.
"All right, then," Dumbledore passed a wand over the pair and instantly Ron and Hermione's eyes took on a serene quality. "Boys," he called over the twins from across the street. Before they could get a good look around, Albus instructed them to take their brother and their soon to be sister-in-law to Hogwarts, where Madame Pomfrey could treat them for shock.
"How are you faring?" Albus asked Severus, seeing him stoically maintain the hold on his wand. "I'll put up my own containment to allow you some rest," Albus raised his wand, to Severus' protest.
"No," said Severus firmly. "I'm not releasing this," he gestured to his wand, "... just so I could sit here and be useless, while you put up protections of your own, and have to maintain them. I know you can do more than that. What about an Animagus reversal spell?"
"I don't dare until we've gathered him up a bit." Dumbledore stared into the distance for a moment, lost in thought. "If you can hold the containment barrier, it couldn't hurt to allow more time for Harry's magic to replenish itself." He didn't seem to be waiting for a response, but continued to gaze across the debris and uneven ground, with its frosty looking coating. When Albus did finally pay attention to them, he paused for a moment, looking at Neville appraisingly and then back to Severus, who still bore the signs of shed tears. Albus, like Ron, looked like he wanted to reach his hand out to touch the silver substance, but dared not. "I have something at Hogwarts that might help us bring it all together," said Albus, thinking about one of the many gadgets and gizmos in his office.
With a crack, a ghost-like tabby cat with interesting markings around her eyes appeared before them. Neville understood it to be the Patronus of Minerva McGonagall when he heard it speak with the Deputy Headmistress' voice.
"Marked students have caused an upheaval. Death Eater reinforcements may arrive soon," the tabby disappeared from sight, leaving them in strained silence.
Severus closed his eyes; his head hung down. "Go," he said simply, knowing Albus was needed at the castle. He tried to keep his tone impassive, but failed.
"I'm sorry that you think I wouldn't choose to help you first," Albus said sadly. He knew his track record was against him.
"As you said, you need to get something at Hogwarts to help us. Go, take care of the problem and come back. It's not like I'm going anywhere," Severus added sardonically and then sighed. "Please Albus; you know Harry would never forgive you if, because of him, you didn't go help others in need." he looked up to Neville, surprised to see what a confidant young man he'd become. "I'm in good hands," he admitted. Neville smiled, but whether it was because he was given a compliment, or due to the pained look it cost Severus to make it, they'd never know.
Hours passed and neither Neville nor Severus spoke more than necessary. At one point, Severus thought the boy might have played a prank on him with a dribble glass, but the truth was Neville that had transfigured a goblet so nervously that it had several minuscule holes. At least he'd gotten the Aguamenti charm right and the water was clean and clear.
The effects of the potions Severus had taken had now worn off. He had been holding steadfast to his wand for many hours, but now began to show more signs of fatigue. His head sagged, but Neville thought that might be more for reasons of hiding his face than exhaustion.
Neville had been trying to come up with ways to help, and now he had an idea, but didn't want to leave. Whatever was going on at Hogwarts, it had kept Dumbledore from returning in a timely fashion.
"Sir, I," Neville paused, waiting to see if he had the other man's attention. "I want to get something... I'll only be gone a few minutes, I swear," he added quickly. "I want to help somehow, and I..." he began to ramble, unsure of himself, when Severus waved him off, stating that he'd be fine alone.
True to his word, Neville returned even quicker than Severus would have preferred. He felt a slight tingle on his face and was shocked to realize the boy had wordlessly cast the Extricorpuniceus charm on him again. Damn him for being so insightful.
Without saying so much as a word, Neville got to work. Putting down the satchel he'd brought, he pulled out a small shovel and dug a hole next to the barrier. He continued to dig and worked his way into the dirt beneath the sphere itself. Severus watched intently as a small packet of seeds were rummaged through. Happy with his selection, Neville held a single seed in his hand and began to recite an incantation. He paused for a moment to check a small sheet of parchment propped on the satchel and went back to his chanting. Next out of the bag was a pocketknife. Neville pushed the handle into the dirt making it stick blade-up out of the ground. He waved his wand over the blade until he glowed and then tucked his wand back into his pocket.
Severus recognized a few of the spells used in Dark magic, shocked that Neville knew of them or did them so well. Of course, the young wizard did have to check the parchment a few times, but still. He was even more shocked when the young man cut his palm, squeezing his fist over the hand holding the seed. He then squeezed that fist until a light flashed. Beams of light came out from between his fingers, which meant he'd succeeded thus far. He then planted the seed, refilling the hole with dirt. After healing and cleaning his hands, Neville retrieved a small flask from the satchel and poured the liquid over the loose dirt, praying his abilities in Herbology wouldn't fail him. As he cleaned and put away his tools, Severus avidly watched the ground beside him.
Like watching time-lapse photography, the seedling grew. A tiny green sprout sprang from the soil, slowly uncurling and deepening in colour before their eyes. The little plant grew rapidly until it reached six inches and then stopped. Wondering why it stopped so suddenly, Severus was surprised once again when a small blood-red flower formed at the top. In seeming moments, the flower formed, withered, and fell from the plant, leaving a single fruit in its place.
Neville sat down on the ground, leaning against a rock, looking a little worse for wear. He'd slumped down further when the plant had finally borne fruit. The odd fruit, which looked far too big for the sprig of green from whence it hung, was dark in colour like a plum, and looked a little squishy, fully ripe.
Neville gave a tired nod, indicating that it was finished and Severus should go ahead and take it. He looked substantially more tired than Severus thought he had only a few minutes before. He found it odd to realize that he hadn't even considered not eating the odd fruit, and knew in that moment of clarity that it was indeed Neville Longbottom he trusted, and of whom the prophesy spoke. He plucked the creepy looking food from the plant and bit into it, licking the side of his mouth to catch the juice that spilled. Compelled to finish, he licked his fingers clean, trying not to think about how the liquid looked more like blood than juice. It tasted about as good as it looked, and Severus wondered if Neville secretly enjoyed seeing him eat the foul-tasting fruit.
The barrier around him seemed to shimmer and strengthen, and Severus realized at once that the Gryffindor had done an illegal, semi-dark transference. He could feel the increase in his own magical and physical energy as the fruit nourished him. He could feel the increased, yet somehow different magic flowing through his veins, and couldn't help but smile. Severus knew smiling might startle someone unaccustomed to seeing it, but hadn't realized his teeth and gums were still shining with blood-red juice. All he really needed were fangs to complete the terrifying look.
This time, when Neville nervously conjured a goblet of water, he included a straw so as to reduce the amount of water that would dribble onto Severus. Though very little, that last bit of magic seemed to utterly exhaust Neville; he settled back down against the rock. He gave a small smile and a nod of acknowledgment when Severus thanked him, then closed his eyes to rest.
Hermione had been beside herself when she thought that Harry was truly gone. It wasn't until hearing Albus tell Minerva McGonagall that he needed to get back to Severus and help Harry, that she knew all was not lost. There was a commotion outside, but she wasn't sure what was happening. According to the injured students who had joined her in the infirmary, there had been a ruckus in the Great Hall, but the teachers had taken control. Death Eaters were outside, attempting to get past the wards and enter the school.
When the Aurors arrived on the scene to join Ron and the teachers, Hermione took the opportunity to sneak into Madam Pomfrey's office and Floo to Hagrid's hut, where she could then race to the gates of Hogwarts. In moments, she was back at Godric's Hollow. It was not a smooth landing, stumbling over Neville, but she hadn't Splinched herself.
"Nev, oh, I'm so sorry," she apologized, climbing off her sleepy friend. "Did I knock you over?" she asked, unsure why he would be on the ground. "Severus!" she called out, not waiting for Neville's answer. "I thought," she paused, not wanting to finish. "There's a handful of Death Eaters at Hogwarts and Professor Dumbledore can't come back yet, but I couldn't stand to hang around the infirmary anymore."
Severus wondered just how many calming droughts they'd given the girl, and decided perhaps one more wouldn't hurt. "You can't..." he trailed off, it was too late; Hermione had stepped into the sphere.
"What?" she asked, nervously stepping back but found she couldn't, the magic prevented her from leaving. "Oh," she muttered, realizing what had happened. "Well, I have no intention of leaving you, anyway," she stated as a matter of fact. Hermione merely smiled when she thought she heard Severus mutter 'loyal as Hufflepuffs, the lot of you'.
Severus explained the situation as best he could. They agreed that Harry might be unconscious, and couldn't draw himself together if that was the case. She worriedly asked about what would happen if they'd already lost some of Harry, though she didn't know if she really wanted the answer.
"I've seen a bird Animagus lose a substantial amount of feathers, only to transform back a little thinner, or in one instance, wearing only pants when there really wasn't any body fat to lose, or it would have been unhealthy. Our magic decides what we can do without." He chose not to mention they were his own personal experiences. Hermione simply nodded and went back to brainstorming.
As she paced, Hermione flicked her wand in a sweeping motion. Wispy silver flecks flowed out of her way like a cloud in the wind. Her eye caught on the bugs scattered along the magical barrier's edge. After examining one closely, she gasped.
"Did he get stung by one of these, you think?" She held up a dead Glumbumble, "Harry told me it was awful when he was stung before."
Severus sighed. "Possibly all of them," he replied, remembering Harry's sorrow. Did that make it harder for him to return? Was he too affected by them to want to come back? Severus looked at the ground, at the scattering of bugs. His head tilted as he observed them intently. They were all together in a group, like a mass grave. Without warning, the bugs all flopped over when Hermione's wand cleared a path for her nearby pacing. He didn't realize he'd made a sound, but Hermione's head snapped up, in his direction.
"What?" she asked startled, looking around to see if anything had changed. Severus appeared to have had an epiphany of sorts. He held his wand tight, keeping the sphere intact with all his might. On his direction, Hermione cast several spells and charms, one of which cleansed herself of anything, especially Harry, followed up with an Impervious, to keep her clean while she created a mini-storm within the sphere.
The air swirled about like a little tornado, sweeping around the ground, swirling the silvery sparkles like a dust storm. When directed to stop, Hermione lowered her wand and watched the shimmering mass slow and eventually settle into a pile. Severus had been at the center of the storm. The mostly gathered particles that would make up their dear friend had drifted down around and on him. Thinking about her pacing, Hermione used her wand to 'sweep' up the remaining scattered bits. When Severus nodded, thinking it was good enough, there was a neat pile beside his legs. It looked like someone had poured out a large bag of fairy dust.
"It's like being in a snow globe," she barely whispered.
"Good idea," Ron had arrived unnoticed and startled them both. He tended to Neville, having brought a supply of potions with him, and then turned his attention back to his fiance and Severus. "I thought you'd be in bad shape by now, but you look all right," commented Ron, ready with an arsenal of potions to help, having expected Severus to be exhausted.
Deciding that amongst the three Gryffindors, it might be Ron who was best suited for the job, Severus instructed him on the spell that would force an Animagus back to their normal state. He'd remembered seeing it done on Peter Pettigrew in the Shrieking Shack. That, and Ron would be easier to live with later if he'd helped, too.
When he felt the weight of Harry against is legs, Severus dropped his wand and the magical sphere along with it. Hermione gave a startled yell and both she and Ron rushed forward to see to their friend. It wasn't pretty.
Had any of them been in the cemetery the fateful night Voldemort had returned to his body, they'd have been struck by the eerie similarities. Harry's skin was pale and clammy, void of any clothes or hair anywhere on his slender body. His muscles had atrophied, making him frail and small-looking. As Severus tried to uncurl him from his foetal position, they saw his holly wand slip from his limp hand.
"Is he..." Hermione let out a squeak, waiting on bated breath to see if Harry lived. Severus gently checked for a pulse, but was certain that the amulet which felt warm beneath his wand holster wouldn't have felt so if Harry were no longer living. It registered no pain, but neither had it in the past when Harry was unconscious. A murmured spell removed Severus' cloak, wrapping it around Harry.
Ron was rapidly scrubbing his face with the sleeve of his robe, denying any tears which may have fallen. He pulled a woolen sock from his pocket and handed it to Severus, explaining that it was a Portkey to the safe room in the tower at Hogwarts. "Dumbledore said he'd be here in ten minutes, but if you're ready to go," he gestured to the sock. "He gave me that, just in case."
Ron, Neville and Hermione leaned over the frail form of their friend and took hold of the woolen sock, along with Severus, who pressed it to Harry's shoulder, activating the Portkey.
The room wasn't big enough for more than two people to fit in comfortably by the bed. Countless Weasleys and a few select friends filled Albus' office, awaiting their turn to visit. Hermione sat in a chair, holding Harry's hand. She'd done this many times in the past when Harry had first come to live in the tower with Albus. Back then, Harry had looked quite a fright, but it wasn't the same as he did now. Visually obvious injuries and charts listing extensive internal injuries, while bad, were sort of a Healer's to do' list. A list she'd known had been completed long ago when her friend survived that terrible summer. At this moment, Harry looked remarkably like her cousin Greg, who had died of cancer when she was nine.
Kieran Donnelly had joined Madam Pomfrey when Harry was Portkeyed in. Kieran healed the burn on the side of Harry's head while Poppy fixed up cuts, a few gashes, and performed scans. Something had done a great deal of damage to the lingual side of Harry's teeth, but they couldn't figure out what would have caused it without doing extensive damage to his entire mouth. Poppy had given Kieran an approving nod when he finished healing Harry's teeth and left them a bit whiter than before.
They had all been amazed by how few injuries Harry had sustained, considering he had dueled the Dark Lord. Severus proudly pointed out that it hadn't been the first time. This time, they both had intended for it to be to the death - preferably of the other one. Harry, as it turned out, hadn't had much of a choice, but it couldn't be argued he hadn't bested Voldemort. It had taken several hours for the story to reach the papers. Special editions of five different newspapers, tabloids and the like were boasting pictures of the final battle, featuring Harry Potter's trouncing of Voldemort, Neville Longbottom's swift disposal of the empty shell that was the Dark Lord, and last but not least, the Declaration of Love by Severus Snape, Newly Revealed Spy for the Order of the Phoenix.
Flocks of owls had already begun to arrive and Harry had yet to open a weary eye. As in the past, Hogwarts was storing all post in a special room until a later date, for whenever it could be addressed. Severus too, was receiving an inordinate number of letters, and would have to be careful to check thoroughly for hexes, as the wizarding world would not take lightly his feelings for the Boy Who Lived.
Severus paced Harry's small room. He'd spent hours just staring at his lover, looking for any changes. Harry's colour had improved and restorative potions would eventually help him look less emaciated, but he hadn't an ounce of fat on his body, and had little to no muscle tone. He'd seen Harry hairless in the past, when his lover had eaten a hexed sandwich of Kieran's, so that hadn't caused him much concern; yet for some reason it had upset Hermione terribly. Severus wasn't exactly sure what Chemotherapy looked like, but could hear Hermione mumbling about it under her breath. Jarred from his thoughts, Severus registered pain from his amulet. He quickly scanned Harry, but saw no obvious changes, and noted Hermione's hand, worriedly squeezing Harry's while she said a silent prayer.
"You're hurting him," he growled, startling her. She let go of Harry's hand abruptly and Severus could tell the pain had eased by the sensation emitting from the amulet he wore. "He must just be sleeping now," he said more to himself. Pain wasn't registered while Harry was unconscious.
"I'll go tell..." he heard her say, but didn't pay attention to who she was going to tell, just so long as she vacated the seat and let him closer to his Harry.
"Wake up, love," Severus caressed Harry's smooth head. "Come back to me," he whispered in Harry's ear before pressing a kiss to his temple. Feeling slight movement from the smaller hand in his, Severus waited, unaware he was holding his breath.
With a flutter, bright green eyes opened at last. Severus rejoiced at the sight of those beautiful eyes, looking back at them, his own wet with tears. "Welcome back, love," Severus leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on his soft lips. Harry trembled under the kiss and turned away with a sniff. Tears welled up in Harry's eyes before spilling over. "Harry?" He dabbed the tissue he had at hand for his own, to dry his lover's tears, but they kept falling.
"I'm sorry, Severus," cried Harry. "I didn't kill him. I wanted us to have a normal life and, and..." Harry caught his breath with a great sob, wanting to make all the wrongs right, but having failed. Severus, on the other hand, was quickly rummaging through a pouch full of potion vials, cursing himself for not predicting this reaction earlier. It took three times the cure he'd expected to overcome the melancholy Harry suffered from the multiple Glumbumble stings.
Harry sniffed and hiccupped away the last of his uncontrollable sobs, but still, tears slid down his cheeks as Severus held him tight. Even without the effects of the annoying bugs, he was still contending with true sorrow.
"Our house," he cried, his shoulders quaking. Severus' strong, long arms securely wrapped around him were very comforting, but his mind wouldn't rest. "I had so many plans," his muffled moans against Sev's chest were devastated. "I wanted to live with you, I wanted us to be able to relax, without your spying and my having to put so damn much effort into surviving each year," Harry sniffed. "I never told you, but I wanted us to sit together at Ron and Hermione's wedding. Like a real couple," he added.
Severus pulled away enough to see Harry's face, gave him a warm smile, and kissed him soundly. Having distracted him sufficiently, he proceeded to tell Harry all about what had happened after he was 'scattered' throughout his family's property. He enjoyed the wholly shocked expression Harry wore as he told all about Neville's plants, both the one that ate the Dark Lord and the subsequent plant that had taken care of Severus.
With a hand held over his mouth, Harry began to shake again, but this time with mirth. "They were right?" he asked incredulously.
"Who?"
"Dean and Seamus, they were right," laughed Harry. "The mystery wizard 'S' is Severus Snape, and Neville was the one who would defeat the Dark Lord!" At this, he laughed out loud. Severus was quick to point out that it was Harry who had defeated the Dark Lord, but Harry didn't really care.
"I do recall discussing some plans," Severus began, drawing Harry's attention once again. "You will live with me, as I've already selected the proper rope to be used to tie you to my bed. If you insist on me sitting by your side at Ronald and Hermione's wedding, I suppose I could release you for that brief period of time, providing we don't sit anywhere near the twins or the cake, whether it be exploding or not. As for our house," he smirked and watched the room light up with Harry's smile when he'd said 'our' house. "We'll cross that bridge when you're feeling better," he slid his hand over Harry's slender upper arm. "You're as skinny as I was at your age; positively revolting," he teased. "At this rate, I'll be cooking for you constantly, just to fatten you up." This brought on an even bigger smile.
"Harry," they both looked up to see a gathering of faces squeezed into the doorway. Harry was grateful for the blanket Severus wrapped around him as he missed the warmth of their embrace. He spotted Kieran's face amongst the many.
"Hey Kieran, I kicked his butt," Harry proclaimed proudly. "I wish you could have seen his snake face when I clipped him on the jaw," Harry's face beamed. "It was like our drunken training sessions. OK, I'm not usually a melancholy drunk, but still. Oh, and my tiger did some major damage. I think I tore out muscles from one of his legs," said Harry, causing a mixture of responses from the group. Ron's eyes lit up as he roared, Hermione looked like she was about to be sick, Kieran made some type of hand sign that really shouldn't have been used in polite company. Harry didn't pay much attention as he was suddenly recalling the battle and wanted to go through it while it was all coming back to him.
"Oh," he paused and felt his teeth with both his tongue and fingers. "I breathed dragon fire, but I wasn't a dragon at the time." He added, "I don't recommend it," recalling the resulting pain it had caused his front teeth. "The bastard blocked it anyway. Bloody well took down half the house with that one, I think," he said miserably, trying to remember what happened when, whose hex did what damage. At this point, Madam Pomfrey pressed through the group, checking him over. The scattering of the group revealed Neville standing beside Ginny.
"Neville, you dog!" grinned Harry, congratulating his friend. "The Boy Who Lived... no wait, The Boy Whose Plant Ate the Dark Lord," he laughed and then coughed, since Poppy had taken the opportunity to spray something into his throat, all the while mumbling about dragon fire and reckless teenagers.
When they'd gone through most of the details they could recall about the fight, Harry accepted several potions from Poppy. She'd recommended he rest again, but he'd been too excited to take that bit of advice. He didn't really need her fussing since Kieran had healed him, but that didn't mean he didn't need to rebuild his strength and everything else that had been depleted, making up for lost bits of him. Severus sat down beside him on the bed, pulling Harry close, and began to retell the story of Neville's plant.
"Mr. Longbottom had arrived with," he began.
"Neville," corrected Neville.
"Yes, Neville," he continued. "I seriously think someone from the Auror division should be checking out your boss, considering the Dark Herbology books you found, rare seeds of the sort of plants used for Dark arts, not to mention breeding a plant with a taste for wizards. At this time, I plan on retelling the whole fascinating story, because Harry needs to rest and has stopped listening to the actual words I say..." Severus continued, but at this point, all eyes had gone down to Severus' lap where Harry rested his head and smiled as he listened to the voice but not the story. Severus' melodic tone flowed through him more smoothly than any calming potion ever could. There was a chuckle from several friends as Severus added a few words in French, getting no reaction whatsoever from Harry.
A quiet 'pop' was heard as Dobby arrived with an extra blanket and covered Harry. He drew the duvet up close to Harry's chin, receiving a contented sigh in return. When the pleased house elf moved from their view, Harry's friends could see his eyes had closed. Severus only briefly glanced down, and continued to describe the most awful tasting fruit he'd ever eaten. His eyes met Neville's, a smile on his face. The brave Gryffindor grinned back, thinking how much his life would likely change in the time to come.
DETAH 88 - Of Happy Endings and Beginnings
Chapter Notes
This being the end I want to thank all the readers who have encouraged me to continue writing since this fic began sometime around January of 2003. I've received a lot of great reviews, emails, and death threats, all of which made this story all the more enjoyable to write.
One reader and friend who I especially want to thank is Xikum who has done more to clean up this story than you can possibly imagine. Far beyond the average spellings and typos, she makes my words flow like I hadn't known they could.
88 chapters to the story, 88 keys to a piano. Do you need all of them? Probably not, but there you are. :)
LeeLee
Hi all, I've mostly been silent, but I decided to say a few things now, at the end of what seems like an epic journey.
I'd like to thank LeeLee for her accepting my offer to be her beta so long ago. I am truly in awe of LeeLee's continuing stream of unique, creative ideas - she has surprised and delighted me time and again!!
I am particularly pleased and humbled to have been a part of a fic that has had a life-like feel, not just the initial start of the relationship, which is in itself fun, but the day to day bits that come together to make a long-term partnership. In her fic, the relationships have been foremost. The situations both lead to each character's maturation, and most often dealt with problems in down-to-earth, sensible ways, such that some solutions worked and others did not, and needed to be approached again, until they succeeded - or not. Life takes unanticipated twists and turns, and is multidimensional; things take longer, work out differently than could ever be anticipated. But, that is a good thing - if things were too predictable, you'd miss half the fun, and that is how this story felt to me.
I would never have known how to approach the end. Though a necessary thing, coming to the end feels almost a palpable loss. I'm glad to have shared this adventure, will always treasure the experience, and am happy to be called friend.
xikum
See the end of the chapter for more notes
In a warm bed not far from a cozy fire, Harry snuggled under a blanket, enjoying the aroma wafting from a hot cup of coffee on the bedside table. The smell of bacon in the pan and hot buttered toast was heavenly. In a bit, Severus entered the bedroom, carrying a large tray piled high with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, sliced fruit, and a teetering stack of toast.
"I really hope there are two forks on that tray," commented Harry, seeing the enormous amount of food.
"Why? Were you hungry too?" Severus asked wryly. He put down the tray and the pitcher of pumpkin juice that had been trailing behind him. Harry leaned forward while Severus rearranged the pillows, allowing him to sit up comfortably.
"You don't have to fuss over me," Harry said, loving every bit of it. "Are you going to feed me, too?"
"Shall I peel you a grape?" deadpanned Severus, but then started heaping food onto Harry's plate.
While Severus politely cut his sausage into bite-size pieces, Harry piled his onto a slice of toast with a large portion of eggs and bacon. "You've spent far too much time with Kieran," stated Severus as Harry folded his loaded toast as much around as it would go, and took a huge bite. Harry simply smiled, his mouth too full to reply. Severus was thankful - he knew that if it were Kieran, he'd likely have answered, mouthful and all.
"You won't have to worry about that anymore," Harry said, taking a slice of bacon off Severus' plate instead of getting it from the food-laden tray. "Since I'm done training, I won't be spending all that much time with Kieran, and you won't have to be jealous anymore. Mmm, thank you," he added when Severus took a replacement slice of bacon from the tray, but then fed it to Harry.
"What could you possibly think I have to be jealous of?" before Harry could answer, Severus stuffed a slice of toast in his mouth and continued, "It hardly matters, as you no longer need to train', if that's what you want to call drunken practical sessions."
"Hey, don't knock it, it actually helped in the end," defended Harry. "The scary part was Voldy's plan was to attack me where he thought I was weak, and it almost worked."
"He thought you to be mentally unstable... if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black," he muttered the last part, but then quickly recovered, lest he be misunderstood, "You can hardly call it a weakness when any wizard would have had the same response to being bitten by a swarm of Glumbumbles. I believe Poppy counted 38 stingers removed from your person. I, for one, am very proud," he punctuated that statement with a kiss, not terribly minding the toast crumbs. "I'd bet that had you not been stunned by seeing the Dark Lord being Kissed by a Dementor, you would have reacted and continued to fight, hopefully in corporeal form," grinned Severus.
"I'm corporeal now, wanna feel?" asked Harry, leaning over for a kiss and starting to open the buttons of his shirt. Unfortunately, Severus pulled away.
"While I'd like nothing more, Poppy is coming by before you leave for the Burrow," he wasn't any happier about putting off their fun than Harry, only Severus was not about to pout. "After she leaves, we can take a bath and I'll be sure to feel all you want," he promised. "In the meantime, if you can't behave, I can tie you up again," he teased, and laughed when Harry slid his hands back into the loops that were on the bedpost from the night before.
"If you insist on keeping me tied up, you're going to have to feed me yourself." Harry blushed when he saw Poppy's indignant glare as she emerged from the fire.
"I don't find that the least bit funny, Mr. Potter," she scowled at the two of them. Severus gave him a low-level glare as Harry easily slipped his hands back out from the not-so-binding rope.
"It was just a joke," muttered Harry as she checked his vital signs. "I feel fine," he added, thinking he didn't need her poking at him.
"I don't think those Ministry officials will have any more of a sense of humor than I do. Let's not give them any reason to cause trouble," her sobering words were a frightening truth.
"I know that you are fine," huffed Poppy. "I'm simply checking your blood pressure and other vitals to see how you're faring after receiving blood yesterday. Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, two hundred and thirty-six people arrived to donate blood, should you need any more. Though I'm sure you won't need any more than you have already received from Seamus Finnigan and Ron Weasley."
"Why did I need blood again? I thought I was healed up already." Harry gladly accepted another glass of pumpkin juice from Severus while Poppy continued to run scans.
"Technically, you didn't, but your blood count was low and it's easy to give you blood. That way, your body can expend its energy restoring what isn't so easily replaced," she explained, giving an approving look over his breakfast plate. "Eat more fiber," she added, embarrassing him. "I almost forgot; Healer Kieran sent this over," she handed him an envelope before discussing Harry's potions with Severus and then taking her leave.
"Finish up," encouraged Severus. "I'd rather we had our bath before Albus arrives to walk us to the gate." The sound of water filling the tub meant that Dobby was already on it.
"Is it going to be so bad out there that we need an escort?" Harry was worried about Severus going to the Ministry of Magic offices. Aurors were not fond of Severus Snape.
"I don't expect I'll be thrown to the wolves without Albus having a thing or two to say. Even so, did it occur to you that Albus might just want that little time to spend with you?"
"Oh," replied Harry guiltily. He'd not spent much time with Albus and was feeling bad for wanting nothing more than to stay the week in Severus' bed. Albus or not, they didn't have time for a week in bed... but the idea had merit. "I'm worried about you," he admitted softly. "Why can't I go along?"
"We discussed this," Severus laid a hand on Harry's leg. "There's nothing wrong with the public seeing you in this state; Merlin knows it's better than them worried you're about to take over the wizarding world, but right now you don't look much older than the fifth years, and that's not how I want them to see us for the first time as a couple. Don't get me wrong," he quickly amended. "I don't care if you never want to build up your muscles to how they were before."
"Just a little less emaciated," helped Harry.
Harry would be spending the day at the Burrow because Severus had been called in for questioning; being around his family would both help reassure and distract Harry from worrying too much. While the fact couldn't be argued that every newspaper in the wizarding world had published that Severus was working on the side of Light, still, the Ministry wasn't going to begin planning celebrations and giving out medals before they could prove without a doubt that Severus Snape hadn't switched sides at the last minute, and most especially, hadn't done anything untoward to The Great Harry Potter.
Severus had agreed to the use of Veritaserum, but only with a pre-approved line of questioning. It scared the Hell out of him, but he would do whatever it took to prove his position in the Order of the Phoenix, and more importantly, that Harry was with him of his own free will. He wasn't going to allow Ministry twats to come between them. While he didn't particularly care what the public thought of him, he knew that they could make their lives miserable if they continued to insist that Harry needed saving from the Imperious curse that he must be under, according to several wizarding rags.
"Today shouldn't be a big deal," he said, though he didn't truly believe it. "I've already seen the list of questions, and while I don't like a few of them, they're a necessary evil. This will all be over in no time at all."
"Did you really think I'd buy that? Nice try. What will it look like if I don't show support for you?"
"Technically, this isn't about 'us'. This is a line of questioning regarding my position as spy for the Order and whether or not I helped you defeat Voldemort - or instead was there to help defeat you." Severus didn't think he'd done very much to help his case; he'd not been able to do much of anything from the sidelines.
"I thought you telling me you loved me would have cinched it," asked Harry, naively.
"Perhaps to the fans who wish to see you happy, no matter what. But to many, that didn't help my case. Not only did I bring a Dementor and did little else, I declared myself a pedophile in the process." He knew the second the words left his lips he'd misspoken, and wasn't surprised when Harry's goblet slammed down on the tray, upsetting the stack of toast and spilling the juice.
"Unless you're currently fucking one of your students, I don't want to hear the word pedophile' leave your lips," Harry's tone was dangerous. "I'm NOT a child and it's about damn time you and the rest of the fucking wizarding world took notice!" As he shouted, the breakfast tray rose in the air and then floated back down to the bed. He stormed into the bathroom for lack of a better place to go. In no time, there was a knock at the door. He leaned against the sink, exhaling a sigh.
"Harry."
"What?" he replied tiredly and opened the door with a wave of his hand.
Severus began as soon as he entered, "Let me explain something to you," he paused, but didn't wait for an answer, "I am a teacher. I have been a teacher for the majority of your life. I go to staff meetings where we discuss school policies and various problems with the children. Sometimes the term 'students' is used, while other times we simply say kids, children, or in my case, cretins."
Harry didn't laugh, but did bite his lip and kept quiet while Severus went on.
"I understand that you are legally an adult, and after a despicable childhood, you loathe being referred to as a child, but like it or not, in the eyes of most wizards, eighteen is very young. Do you understand?" he said sternly.
Harry shrugged, not wanting to answer, as he knew Severus was right.
"Let me put it to you this way; how long have you known me?"
"Nearly eight years," his tone flat.
"And how many of those years have I been the Greasy Git'?"
"You still are... sometimes," Harry chanced a smirk.
"And sometimes you still act childishly. I don't say it to annoy you; it's just the way things are."
"Mature enough for a Greasy ol' Git to fall in love with and immature enough to make you wonder why you put up with me?"
"Something like that," answered Severus, who then stepped into his personal space. He ran his fingers over Harry's soft new hair.
"Today, when they complain about us being together, we'll have the law on our side. I'm a legal adult and that's all there is to it," Harry said as if that settled everything. Severus sighed, knowing his bath time was getting shorter and shorter if they didn't finish this conversation already. It was statements like this that made him realize how very young Harry was.
"Would you like me to enlighten you on the way things really are?"
"By all means," Harry said somewhat sarcastically, and while they stood substantially closer together than they had been a moment before, they weren't any closer to the tub.
"They will ask when we started dating. They will ask if we had sex while you were a student..."
"But that's not your fault..." Harry interrupted since Severus wasn't truly a teacher while on his eighteen-year-old holiday.
"While under Veritaserum, I'll be mostly answering yes' or no' questions, which give little opportunity to explain my mental or physical state at the time. They will ask if I influenced you or your friends in any way, shape or form. I've saved your life, and while that may sound like a good bargaining tool for our side, they will turn everything around to their benefit. They'll ask if you are fulfilling a Life Debt to me and/or are under a Life Debt obligation that prevents you from speaking of it."
"Um..." Harry searched his mind for arguments. "But I'm not under any obligations, nor have you used any type of pressure or other influence over me or my friends. Um, have you?" he asked hesitantly, seeing Severus' face drop.
"I've Obliviated Hermione Granger... three times," he coughed over the last bit and explained quickly when Harry's newly grown eyebrows were nearly lost in his hair, which was about the same length as the brows. "The first time was during the Holiday last year. She figured it out and called me on it, but then she decided she was better off without knowing. You already know about the night she overheard Ron talking about the engagement ring."
"What was so bad?" It upset Harry that Severus knew something so bad about Hermione that he didn't know. "What could be so bad that the girl who wants to know everything, thought she was better off not knowing?" He wasn't sure that made sense, but wasn't going to try to say it again.
"I will not betray her privacy. If she chooses to tell you, that is her business."
"But she doesn't know!" argued Harry.
"She knew she didn't want to know, and now it no longer matters, since the Healing session with Kieran removed all memory blocks. She now remembers everything, and appears to be doing well with those memories."
"You know about that?" Harry had thought they'd gotten away with tricking Kieran into taking money, by arranging for a session with a woman a pureblood family wanted cleared before they would allow their son to marry - who just happened to be Hermione. If Severus knew, then most likely Kieran did, too.
"Do you see why I'm concerned about today?" Severus would love nothing more than to have Harry standing proudly by his side at the Ministry of Magic, but he was quite concerned - all right, he admitted to himself, actually very worried - knowing how badly things could turn out if Harry didn't recognize misleading questions and instead made matters worse. All of which was beside the point, since he didn't want Harry to exert himself any more than necessary. The issue was more how to keep Harry from coming along, or more realistically, from stressing himself when he did. The faster Harry was back to his healthy self, the better.
"Yeah," Harry said dejectedly. "I wanted to go and speak up for you, thinking that I should have some pull, being The Boy Who Defeated Voldemort', but it sounds like I could mess things up, too." It also occurred to him that no one was referring to him as the 'Man' Who Defeated Voldemort - and he didn't want the inherent implications to harm Severus, even on a subconscious level. He had learned a bit about that during his counseling. "I thought with Voldemort gone, it would get easier."
"Come, take a bath with me," Severus cajoled Harry over to the bubble-filled tub. With a sudden thought he asked, "Do you feel that I'm treating you like a child when I take care of you?"
Harry didn't answer right away; it sounded like a question he'd discussed with his therapist in the past. "I um, hoped it was normal for adult couples to comfort each other, and don't want it to be the way things are between us just because I've had so many issues. I avoid thinking about it because I don't want things to change," he admitted, to Severus' great relief. Harry was happy to hear that while Severus had little experience in that department, he was sure that people in healthy relationships took care of each other in many ways.
Harry chuckled when Severus cast a cleaning charm over the both of them before getting into the tub. He'd almost asked what was the point when Severus drew him in close against his chest and simply held him. Harry wouldn't voice it, but he felt slightly fatigued, though all he had done was jump up out of bed and argue with Severus. He let out a contented sigh when a soapy hand leisurely stroked his chest. Fingers caressing his nipples made his cock twitch in response. It was difficult to hold his head twisted around to kiss Severus as he wanted, so he wasn't disappointed when Severus' tongue licked along the shell of his ear instead. He moaned when said tongue darted into his ear, sending a shiver down his spine and straight to his cock. His diminished overall size, albeit temporary, served to make Harry's mature erection look proportionally larger as it stood at attention. At least those bits hadn't been diminished - somehow, the magic must have considered them necessary to life'.
"Oh, please don't tease me," breathed Harry as Severus' hand slowly rubbed lower, just reaching the patch of short, dark hair beneath his navel.
"Never," purred Severus, then sucked on his neck, tonguing the bit of scar he knew was there. His leisurely exploration had reached its target and he was rewarded with sounds of approval.
Harry slid his hands along Severus' thighs, but couldn't reach any good bits from his position. "Can't reach you," Harry complained, but didn't want to move. Severus murmured it wasn't necessary, but the hardening cock rubbing against his bum seemed to have a different opinion. Harry lazily raised his hand in the air, apparently awaiting a summoned object. When the waterproof lubricant sailed into the loo, Severus growled his approval. With a dollop of the slippery substance, Harry reached between his legs, coating Severus' hardening cock before positioning it between his thighs.
Leaning back against his lover, Harry wriggled a bit, holding his legs tight around Severus' erection. The sensations were heavenly. Severus' long, sensual fingers slowly stroking Harry's cock, as he stroked starting against Harry's arse and bollocks to down between his thighs. It took little time for Severus to fall into a pleasant rhythm. Harry had very little muscle tone in his legs, but enough to hold tightly for his lover to stroke against, at least for a time. Occasionally, Severus reached between Harry's legs to pull his own cock into a better position, causing Harry to moan from the resulting pressure to his bits when his lover's hand dallied to pleasure him.
Harry was torn between wanting to thrust forward into Sev's talented fingers or back against the cock that relentlessly teased his entrance. As he lay against Severus' chest, he settled for hardly moving at all, just thigh muscles clenching and short hip thrusts he really couldn't help.
As the pleasure increased, so did the waves of water cresting over the side of the tub. Soon it was Harry cresting and coming in spurts over Severus' hand. His body moved of its own accord and Severus used his other hand to wrap tightly around Harry's hips to keep him in place. The turgid cock between Harry's thighs began to thrust faster and then more sporadically as Severus reached his own completion.
Noticing his lover was unusually still, Severus found Harry asleep against his chest, his head lulled to the side. He wasn't sure if Harry was out due to exhaustion or brief post-coital diminishment of blood to his brain, but it mattered not. He simply wrapped is arms around his lover and wandlessly cast a spell to keep the water hot. He chuckled, remembering the time Harry Apparated them into bed after their bath and had forgotten they were still soaking wet. A kiss pressed to his temple had Harry opening his eyes.
Harry rolled over within his lover's arms, pressing a kiss of his own to Severus' chest. "That was nice," he said with a flick of his tongue against Severus' nipple. "Do we have to get up?" he asked, not wanting to know the time.
"Unfortunately," Severus kissed him languidly. "Perhaps you should rest while I get ready," he suggested, though Harry didn't look too keen on the idea. "It's not a short walk to the castle gates. But..." he paused with a smirk. "If you don't mind showing up to the Burrow looking peaked, I'm sure Molly Weasley will be more than happy to make sure you get your rest."
"Good point," Harry hastily agreed, stepping out and toweling off as he slipped into their bed. He was looking forward to spending time at the Burrow, but not if it meant Molly would be treating him like an invalid.
Closing the last button in a long row, Severus straightened his robes. He could easily do it with magic, but wanted to take this time to think about his day. A rustling sound caused him to look up to find Harry rolling over to claim his pillow. He found it amusing that Harry still managed to take up the whole bed as he slept.
Having finished dressing, looking his fill at his slumbering lover, Severus recognized a feeling a deep contentment. He wished he could savour this moment forever, but he couldn't put it off any longer; he woke Harry.
"Ugh," Harry smacked his lips, pulling a face. "I don't know that I like being woken up to a breath-freshening spell," he grumbled, but didn't complain when Severus' lips claimed his own. He sighed happily, trying to pull Severus down, but the kiss ended far too soon. "I guess I have to get up?" he stretched out from one corner of the bed to the other like a big cat. He didn't notice Severus' hungry look, or his tongue wetting his lips.
"Regrettably." Severus didn't want Harry to move. He liked having Harry naked, stretched out in his bed. Instead of helping Harry up, he spelled clothes onto his lover. Harry looked up to a smirking Severus and then looked down to find his jeans hadn't been fastened, and hung low on his hips. Likewise his shirt was riding up, exposing his abs, leaving him a delectable sight. In a seductive pose, he reached down to rub his cock - even if it wasn't going to be getting hard any time soon, despite the short nap. It was just as well, since they needed to get going. If Harry wasn't in the Floo on his way to the Headmaster's office in the next five minutes, Albus would come looking for him.
"I'll be meeting you upstairs," Severus said before giving him a kiss goodbye.
"You mean we're not going to walk through Hogwarts holding hands?" Harry asked with a pout, and then laughed.
"You're not under the delusion that I'm going to turn into a soppy romantic, now that our relationship is out in the open, are you?" Severus asked dryly.
"Gods, I hope not," Harry's words were muffled by the jumper he was pulling over his head. "The only thing keeping me going is the thought of you banging me against the wall when I'm feeling up for it again," he teased. Smoothing his hands over the jumper, Harry ignored Severus' comment about the large golden snitch knitted on the front. "I think this was a 3rd or 4th year Christmas gift - you know how knits get stretched out," Harry mumbled defensively. Not wanting to think about how little he was at the moment, he flicked a finger over the snitch and a few loose threads knotted back in. He couldn't wait to get back to his workout routine again.
Walking between Harry and Albus, Severus made his way through the large oak doors of Hogwarts. He was conscious of his pace, since if left to himself, he tended to walk more quickly. Albus was slower than usual, which he thought was for Harry's benefit. He'd expected his lover to tire, but Harry was keeping up the pace rather well. As they passed a scattering of students, the trio received a variety of responses, most of which were cheers for defeating the Dark Lord. Severus was sure there would have been a larger variety of comments, had the Headmaster not been with them. The celebratory parties in the wizarding world were going on non-stop and Severus was happy to have an excuse not to be in the thick of things. He had the feeling Harry felt the same way, since he'd seen Harry bounce back from injuries much faster in the past. Though, truthfully, Harry was looking quite fragile.
He thought about the dismal weather and wondered if it didn't make everything seem gloomier. It reminded him of part of the odd prophesy, that specifically mentioned 'When the weather is no longer bleak, he will gain more than any other when the last Potter is no more'. He mentally kicked himself for even considering giving validity to what the old bat had prophesied. Certainly, facts could be twisted around to make any prediction appear accurate. True, he had trusted and accepted help from where he least expected, but any Slytherin would have used the situation to his best advantage, and allowing the sickeningly loyal Gryffindor to help was in his best interest. No, he would not give any more thought to what the woman had said. He did not dread the return of bonny weather due to any prophesy - it was merely in his nature to prefer the gloomier weather; it suited his constitution. Enough of this brooding - more sensible to return to the task at hand. He reviewed the potions list Harry needed to take and made a mental note to ensure that Molly was fully educated in the treatment plan he and Poppy had laid out for his fragile lover.
When the most recent group of well-wishers started to shake Harry's hand, Severus noted his young lover was no longer trying to move on and was patiently listening to some Gryffindor ramble on about how excited he was to have found out he slept in the same dorm room Harry Potter had. Many of them looked from Harry to Severus as if trying to decide if they thought it possible for them to be a couple. The consensus amongst the students tended toward the belief that Snape's declaration of love was either a hoax, or a one-time expression of unrequited love and their poor Potions Master was simply one of the many adoring Harry Potter fans.
He was about to make a snide remark to get them moving again when Albus beat him to the punch. Of course the Headmaster was kinder and simply told the students that they had to be getting on to an appointment. Severus supposed that worked well, but it wasn't nearly as satisfying as his comment would have been, which would also have included House points lost.
"Harry Potter isn't at his Wheezy's Burrow yet," squeaked Dobby, looking at Harry nervously. "Can Dobby bring you..." he trailed off, his large tennis ball eyes locked on Severus. Severus expected Harry to put the elf out of his misery now by giving it an order or something, but Harry seemed equally at a loss. The elf rushed on, "Dobby is sorry to disobey. Dobby must obey the highest rule. He will punish himself for the others," squeaking as he hit himself several times on the head with a walking stick, which Harry quickly took away.
Albus finally spoke up when the insufferable house elf burst into tears. "What is the problem, Dobby?" Albus asked calmly, though he looked at Harry, not the elf.
Dobby cried, spilling large tears, while berating himself, "Dobby should not be embarrassing Harry Potter by helping in public without being summoned. And Dobby is not forgetting Professor Snape will care for Harry Potter when they are together, but Professor Dumbledore's highest rule must prevail, so Dobby is coming when Harry Potter is in need."
"Highest rule?" questioned Severus, ignoring the elf, who was once again punishing himself - much to Harry's dismay. Severus noticed now that Harry looked exhausted. While he rummaged through his potions satchel, proffering two vials to his lover, he waited for Albus to explain. Harry took them from Severus, not even bothering to look at the labels as he drank them down and conjured a glass of water to wash down the dreadful taste. As the elf calmed, it wasn't hard to figure out that the highest rule' was that Harry's health came first. But when Harry was too proud to mention he was getting tired, several of the rules conflicted, leaving the poor creature in turmoil.
Harry arrived at the Burrow, freshly dosed with Pepper-up. Molly was simply overjoyed to have the opportunity to care for Harry. They reminded her that he didn't need a lot of 'caring for', but mostly just needed to rest and eat. If the kitchen was anything to go by, she'd been working all morning, making many assorted foods to fatten him up'.
"Don't ya' just love the good smells in this kitchen?" Harry asked Severus, causing Molly to gush and hug him tighter. When she finally released him, Molly insisted they all sit down to a plate of bangers and mash.
They didn't have time to stay. It took a moment, but Severus convinced Molly that he had already eaten, and they truly needed to be on their way. Though in a hurry, Severus still went over the potions list twice.
"Honestly, you'd think I wasn't a mother of eight and didn't know how to give a simple potion," Molly gave a wink to Harry and put the potions and the lengthy parchment of complete instructions from Severus in a safe place, then proceeded to ply Harry with food.
"He worries about me," Harry said with a small chuckle.
"He worries too much," she harrumphed.
Harry remembered Severus comment, Pot, meet Kettle'.
"How about we get you settled on the sofa. You can show me how the Teller of Visions box works. Arthur explained it to me once at Christmas, but he's always so excited about setting it up, I've never learned to do it myself. Ronald was very excited too when it was delivered, but made such a fuss when he found out we couldn't get programs like you have at home. Of course, I didn't understand the point of it, until Hermione brought over the movie player that goes with it. I think the shiny silver disk goes in this drawer, here," Molly was about to use her wand to open the door when Harry stopped her, pressed the 'open' button and took out the DVD that had been left in the machine.
"Arthur doesn't think it's magic, but look here at this," she held up a DVD, "it's silver and shimmers like Pensieve liquid, and no matter how many times I watch it, the story stays the same."
"Are these the only two movies you have?" asked Harry, trying not to sound disappointed. Hermione had thought it a good idea to start them off with a couple classics. He didn't blame her really, but wasn't in the mood for It's a Wonderful Life or Gone with the Wind. "Dobby," he called, and with a pop, the house elf appeared instantly.
"Is Harry Potter ready for Dobby?" he asked, rocking up on the balls of his large feet.
"I guess so, but first I was wondering if you couldn't bring over the movies from my flat. They're in a pile in the sitting room. Oh, and I thought you could ask Effie if she would be interested in spending the day here as well," he quickly added, not wanting to scare the elf, "Albus should have left word with her, stating that it was okay with him and she wasn't being sacked or anything." Dobby nodded his head vigorously and left as quickly as he'd arrived.
"Spending the day?" asked Molly, unsure what Harry had planned.
"I thought, since you were spending the day with me, Dobby could help out with the stuff I'm keeping you from getting done," he prayed she wouldn't be offended.
"But I've planned..." she looked lost, gesturing to the kitchen.
"They're not here for cooking," promised Harry, to Molly's relief. "I remember what you said when Ron was sick, how you got nothing done, though I'm not really sick or even need care, except for the schedule of potions."
"Nonsense. I got nothing done because Ron caused me twice as much work when he was sick. The same with Ginny and Percy. Bill, on the other hand, would just climb into bed and sleep the day away. I won't even discuss the twins," she said with a shudder.
Harry laughed. "What about Charlie?"
"Charlie wasn't too bad, but then he hardly got sick. Who's this?" she asked when the two house elves popped in.
"Dobby, you've met, and this is Effie. Effie, this is Mrs. Weasley," introduced Harry. Effie gave a nervous bow and wasn't sure what to make of Molly, who was being very polite to them.
A short while later, Dobby popped back in, exclaiming how little there was to do as Molly kept such a clean house. Harry made a mental note to buy him an extra pair of socks first chance he got. He'd warned the elf that Molly might not take well to the elves being there, and Dobby had managed to say all the right things. Bless his little green heart.
While Harry pointed through the window to the gardens where Dobby might later want to have lunch with Effie, Molly pushed a shiny disc into the slot. " Bareback Riding. Is this about horses?" asked Molly, holding up an empty box with a picture of a sexy cowboy on the cover.
"No!" shouted Harry, but it was too late. Molly's scream could be heard throughout the whole Burrow. Spelling the DVD to return to his favorite bit had sounded like a good idea at the time, but right about now he would have preferred to be looking at the blue screen that warned users against unlawful copying of DVDs. "I'm sorry," Harry begged for forgiveness, wincing at the expression of shock on Molly's face. Her face was flushed, and to make matters worse, she'd prodded every button in sight, which only managed to freeze the scene. Had the situation been different, he was sure to have gotten a stiffy from the sight. A tall, dark man wearing chaps and little else was bent over another similarly clad man, balls deep, with one hand clasped into long, dark brown hair as if he were holding the reins to a bucking bronco while the other hand held a small riding crop.
Harry snapped out of it, having realized he was staring at the telly, removed the disc and spun his head around to see Molly, who was also frozen in place, mouth open. Her wand hand was pointing at the screen while her other clenched against her chest. Her eyes were still glued to the now blank screen, since Harry had taken the DVD out as fast as possible.
"I..." she paused, not sure what she wanted to say, and then took Harry by surprise when she did finally speak, "Do they use engorgement charms for that?" she asked, still pointing to the blank telly. Harry laughed.
"Um, this is a muggle movie, so no. I suspect they weren't hired for their acting abilities." Harry quickly pulled a more suitable movie from the pile. "Um, why don't we watch this one," he said hastily, not wanting to discuss porn or well-endowed cowboys with Molly Weasley.
"...and you say that you purposefully brewed the poison more fragrant than usual in an effort to make it noticeable to the intended victim?" one of the inquisitors asked, hastily making notes on a parchment when Severus answered in the affirmative.
"Was someone's life spared due to your ingenuity?" the wizard's tone was doubtful, and Severus' reply didn't change his opinion of him.
"No."
"Why didn't it work?"
"The Dark Lord noticed, and punished me for an inferior potion. I was required to replace that poison with a more effective brew," droned Severus, under the influence of Veritaserum.
One detail which would help Severus was that he testified he seldom brewed illegal potions, or any on the controlled substances list. Unreported, since unasked, was that this was due to the fact most of the potions he made for Voldemort were Severus' own creations; they couldn't be on any Ministry list.
The questioning continued and Severus was forced to give detailed accounts of many things he'd done as a spy, including Ronald Weasley's mock rape. A few Aurors in attendance were able to verify his testimony, having seen the Pensieve view that had been spilled on Ron's shirt, which had showed his experience prior to escaping from the Death Eaters.
Mrs. Weasley dabbed her eyes as the movie neared its sappy ending. Harry lay with his head on the arm of the sofa, curled up in a ball, asleep. Molly reached for a hand-knit afghan to place over him when she was startled by Dobby the house elf, also carrying a blanket.
"Madam Weasley, Dobby is bringing a blanket for Harry Potter. Did Madam Weasley run a scan to check for Harry Potter's needs?" he asked, nodding as if agreeing with himself and expecting the same from the witch. "Dobby doesn't need scans. Dobby can feel Harry's Potter's needs," he added proudly.
"I too have special abilities to know when a child is cold," she said and smiled, seeing the elf's eyes widen as he listened raptly. "I'm a mother," she explained simply. Dobby wasn't sure how to reply, so kept quiet. He danced around nervously, not wanting to overstep his bounds, and was greatly relieved when he saw her pick up the potions instructions.
"Harry, dear," she cooed, waking him. "You're due for potions, sweetie," she handed him a vial.
He took it, smelled it and automatically did his usual check for hexes, subtly enough that she'd never know. He trusted her implicitly, but couldn't help habit. Severus or Albus were the only ones from whom he took potions without question or concern. After the second vial was handed over, he winced at the usual awful taste and held his hand out for the glass of water that was sure to follow.
"Water?" he asked, hand still extended. Dobby stood ready with a large glass of water so refreshingly cold it glistened with condensation.
"Oh no, dear, this potion can't be taken with water," Molly patted his hand and shooed away the elf.
"Harry Potter is needing a glass of water," insisted Dobby.
"I understand that you are in tune with Harry and you can tell he wants water, but you understand there are things we cannot have, even though we want them," she explained as if speaking to a small child.
"Dobby is understanding the difference between need and want, and Dobby doesn't feel 'wants'. Dobby is understanding the instructions Professor Snape is leaving for Harry Potter," he dodged the Weasley matron, climbed atop Harry's lap, pushing against Molly's chest with one foot while balancing on the other, insistently offering the glass to Harry. Gnarly green toes pressed against Molly's chin, keeping her at bay as Harry hurriedly drank down the glass.
"I've been a mother for over thirty years. I think I know the basic rules for one of the most common potions." As she spoke, Molly reviewed the instructions, if for nothing else than to prove her point. "You see..." she trailed off, having read that Snape had totally reworked the potion specifically for Harry.
At this point, the questioning of Severus Snape was interrupted by Albus Dumbledore, who pointed out that in fact, girls had been told they were not allowed into the Gryffindor tower during the 'holiday', due to the reassigned sleeping arrangements, and as such, Snape couldn't be held responsible if a girl was to get into his bed while he slept. The Headmaster of Hogwarts was also quick to point out that the agreed-upon list of questions had long ago been abandoned. Before anyone could respond to the comment, the Ministry's potion maker declared it a good time to take a break, as the Veritaserum was likely wearing off.
"Join me in a cup of coffee?" one of the interrogators asked a coworker.
"Aren't you going to observe Snape?" she asked, knowing it was typical for them to watch defendants at this time. Snape would be put into a small room with several chairs, where he would be joined by friends and/or family.
"No point, he only has one friend who showed up for this," he replied with a laugh, knowing Dumbledore couldn't overhear, since he was taking this time to speak to someone regarding the unacceptable line of questioning which had gotten so far off topic.
"Lots of people only have one person in the holding room..." she began, but was interrupted when the wizard explained that Kieran Donnelly, Snape's one known friend, had been brought in for questioning at the same time, and so was currently unavailable. "But Donnelly wasn't under suspicion," she began again, but didn't finish, knowing it was pointless. This was no coincidence - they weren't going to make it easier for the likes of Snape.
"Excuse me," interrupted a nervous clerk. "I think we're going to have to assign Snape a bigger room."
With wide eyes they rushed to the spelled viewing window that allowed observation into the small room where Snape was waiting during the break. There were Arthur and Ron Weasley, accompanied by Hermione Granger, all gathered closely around Snape.
"There are two more wizards, but they've been detained since they were carrying an arsenal of questionable WWW products." The clerk was hushed so they could eavesdrop.
Hermione sat beside Severus, resisting the urge to take his hand in hers as she'd always done with Harry in situations such as these. "They can't blame you for something you did on holiday," she continued, apologizing for causing him so many problems by her actions. Severus insisted that if it hadn't been for what they'd found about her, the Ministry would only have fabricated some other reason to hold him, to continue to expand their line of questioning. "My mom sends her best," she added gently.
Ron had been relatively quiet, having just learned about Hermione climbing into bed for a cuddle with Severus, and then later being Obliviated. He knew that it wasn't Snape's fault.
Snape saw the conflict in his lover's friend, and reflected that at least he had managed to leave out the part where Hermione had fondled his private bits, so that Ron wouldn't completely freak out.
Knowing he was there for support, but not knowing what to say, Ron said the first thing that came to his mind after hiding behind his cup of coffee for so long. "This stuff's not nearly so good as your coffee, Severus," Ron said feebly.
Back at the Burrow, Harry was fighting off the nurturing duo known as Molly and Poppy. Molly had called in the Mediwitch unnecessarily; she had been overly concerned when she realized she'd not followed Snape's directions as well as planned.
"I'm doing just fine. I don't need you fussing over me," claimed Harry.
"Harry James, if you don't let Poppy do what she needs to do, I'll tie you to this bed like I did with Ron when he was seven. Is that what you want?!" she asked with a huff, recalling the days she practically had to petrify her son to administer a simple remedy. Harry looked at her, mouth gaping open. He'd not heard that tone since Fred had haphazardly Apparated into the room from upstairs and nearly Splinched into Ginny. He didn't miss the expression on Poppy's face, doing her best not to laugh.
"Sure, it's funny when she says it, but you yelled at Severus for his perversions," he said in reference to being tied to the bed. The silence lingered only a matter of seconds before both witches laughed.
"Is that the time?" shouted Harry, noticing the time stamp on the scan over him as Poppy took a reading. He suddenly realised that Severus' interrogation had long since started. "I'm missing it," he was having a hard time sitting still long enough for the scan to finish and readily took the potion Poppy handed him, knowing that was required before she would allow him to leave.
"What about what Severus said?" Molly referred to their discussion regarding Harry possibly making things worse for Severus, should his appearance inspire the officials to call upon him for questioning.
"I can be there for support without everyone else knowing it," he said, and with a wave of his hand, turned invisible. "Sorry," he added, having realized he'd scared her with his sudden disappearance. "Where would you be if it were Mr. Weasley?"
She simply smiled.
"You're not going to try to talk me out of it?" he asked, surprised.
"I've learned how to pick my battles," she said simply. Poppy also surprised him, handing over a schedule and pouch of potions. One in particular he noticed was a powerful potion that would give him the strength he'd need to traipse around the Ministry building, but would leave him exhausted when it wore off. It was a good trade-off. Poppy had long ago learned it was better to give Harry what he needed to be safe than to fight a losing battle.
"You guys are great," Harry said, kissing them each on the cheek.
"Wait until I get my travel cloak," called Molly, who kept him from jumping into the Floo. "You didn't think I was going to sit around here, did you?" She was positively gleeful to have two house elves to take over cleaning up the kitchen while she was gone.
Severus had been gearing up for another go and another dose of Veritaserum, but it hadn't come. Apparently, Albus had put up a good enough fight regarding the inappropriate line of questioning... after a twenty minute dispute in which Hermione argued that according some statute and some obscure bylaw, she had the right to make a statement on Severus Snape's behalf.
When all was said and done, Hermione's long-worded statement gave the committee a few additional things to consider. Severus and Hermione were told to return to the designated holding room to await their decision. Expecting to return to the same room, he was surprised when the clerk guided them to a larger one. It became abundantly clear why, when the door opened to reveal not only Arthur and Ron but also Fred, George and Molly Weasley. Arthur was particularly pleased to catch the fleeting look of genuine surprise. Severus noticed and swiftly regained composure, then quickly found himself with an armful of small black cat. Said cat was licking Severus' chin, its raspy tongue making scratchy noises on his shadow of a beard. The pendant that rested against his skin warmed as Harry nuzzled his furry head against Sev's neck.
Forty minutes later, the triumphant crew cheered at the pronouncement of Severus' release. A long-winded explanation by a Ministry official cited the reasons for their questioning of Severus Snape: his Death Eater status, and their concern for the welfare of the 'Great Harry Potter'. Little was mentioned regarding the assistance the Light had been provided by Snape's spying over the years, which was supposed to have been the reason for this charade in the first place.
Oddly enough, it was Ron's supposedly off-record comment which truly showed that those who came to support Snape weren't there for political reasons or payment on a debt. Only someone close to Snape would know that he made a good cup of coffee, and given what Ron had gone through with Snape, his willingly placing himself repeatedly into such casual contact, and his trust in drinking anything brewed by the man, was truly an impressive statement, in the investigators' opinions.
So, with enough information to prove Snape wasn't loyal to the Dark Lord or a threat to Harry Potter, the Ministry of Magic felt it safe to finally plan celebrations and give official statements regarding the final battle.
"Mr. Potter?" the cat turned its head sharply. "If we may have a moment of your time?"
Harry had initially been disappointed that he's arrived so late, but then felt better for it, as his arrival appeared to coincide with the Ministry's sequestering to consider their decision - too late to be brought in as part of the line of questioning. Now, Harry was disappointed to hear the Ministry wanted him to stay longer. He had hoped to leave before the press got word of his presence out in public. Thankfully, the questioning hadn't taken long, and Harry had to admit he'd been glad to answer several regarding his relationship with Severus and the training he'd received. The Ministry representative had explained that it was better for them to have an official statement from the Chosen One to justify their decision regarding Severus Snape and his loyalties.
No sooner had the lift doors opened than multiple flashes temporarily blinded the group as they entered the main level of the Ministry building.
"Mr. Potter! Have you been released from the Imperious Curse?"
"Is it true you are more powerful than 'You Know Who'?"
"Who?" Harry answered back with a sneer directed at the wizard who had asked the last question, daring them to finally use Voldemort's name. "I was," he answered, but didn't explain further. He could simply be using past tense due to Voldemort's demise, but knew they'd look further.
"Are you saying that you're not as powerful as you were before?" Bingo, Harry smiled; they would misinterpret the truth, which would work to his benefit. The blank expression on Severus' face may well have been a huge grin.
"Is it true you're a squib?" another reporter asked, causing many gasps from the small crowd in the main lobby. A small splash was heard and Harry vaguely wondered if one of them had fallen into the fountain, maybe a photographer who had clambered up for a better shot.
"I am not a squib," he said plainly. It was obvious several people were looking on expectedly for him to perform some form of magic to prove this fact, but he felt no need for parlour tricks to appease the vultures.
"As confirmed by the superb staff of the Wellington Institute, I am not as powerful as when I fought Voldemort. After his body fell through me in my Patronus form..." several people gasped, as it hadn't yet been confirmed that was what he'd truly done. "My um..." he lost his train of thought, trying to put everything into words, "My body, my essence, was scattered. Severus was quick-thinking enough to place a protective barrier up, but even though contained, not all the particles had been regrouped when I was transformed back. As you can see," he gestured to his petite stature, and felt a small, comforting hand on his shoulder. He gave Hermione a smile, "I just need a little fattening up and eventually, some exercise." The muggle clothes only served to emphasize how very small and fragile Harry was, at least physically, and he knew they would jump to the conclusion that his magic had been similarly affected. They had no need to know the truth - Phoebe had said the amount his magic had diminished was insignificant, barely evident when tested, even to her skilled senses.
The information regarding Harry's magical status and the few details of the battle had effectively diverted the questions regarding his relationship with Severus. Although it had been unintentional, Harry was sincerely pleased that the general public would no longer perceive him as an overly powerful wizard, and so would be unlikely to consider him a threat. He knew they eventually would have, fickle as the public tended to be with him.
"If you'll excuse me," Harry gave a weak smile, wanting to leave. A large hand gave reassuring pressure on his lower back and he drank in the comfort it offered. Once again, a barrage of questions was being asked, but one particular voice rung out above all others.
"You don't deserve to live!" came a gravely voice. No sooner had the words been spoken, Hermione and Molly had raised defensive shields. Severus grabbed Harry, wrapping himself protectively around his lover; Harry was completely out of view within the voluminous, black robes. The crowd had been too thick to throw a hex at the attacker, who now held a photographer to his chest as a shield. Severus held tight, prepared for whatever had been thrown, but felt nothing, no sting of magic, nothing at all. Many a shout had been heard along with a the sound of many belated spells cast in their defense, along with the satisfying sound a camera makes when being broken over a Death Eater's head.
It took Harry a few months before he was deemed fit enough to start weight training again. The small flat above Jennings Antique shop found Harry and his friends packing up all his belongings. His lease had come up and the Jennings' offered to renew, but he'd decided not to stay.
"I'll have to hang this somewhere special," Harry said, holding up a framed copy of the newspaper, complete with a large photo of Ron leaping in front of Severus, getting hit in the chest with the curse meant for the former Death Eater. It was a magnificent scene, seeing Ron gallantly offering his own life to save his friends, thus sealing the public's faith in Ron's, and essentially the Light's, opinion of Severus Snape. Not only had the youngest Weasley been hit with the Dark curse, but also one of the many stray Petrificus Totalus that had been aimed at the Death Eater. The effect being that Ron would fall, apparently lifeless, making a great headline.
As with many important details, neither the paper nor the public had been informed of Ron's body armour, which protected him from most curses, save the Petrificus that had hit him in the head. That was what had made him appear to have fallen from the near fatal Dark curse. It was later leaked to the press that Ron's life had been saved by Healer Kieran Donnelly, a long-time friend of one Severus Snape.
"This one is still our favourite!" sang George, holding up another framed paper with the scene of Voldemort's demise.
"You're our hero, Harry!" this time it was Fred singing Harry's praises.
"It was the first time in history,"
"such an awesome battle was captured by photography,"
"and you were wearing a WWW tee-shirt!"
"We love you!" they chorused the last line, kissing Harry on both cheeks, one twin on each. "Every wizarding house in Britain will save this paper," they beamed, already making plans for the enlarged copy for their store front.
"Since you love it so much, I'll put you two in charge of packing these up for me." Harry quickly diverted his attention to Severus, who was looking far too serious as he sorted through a stack of magazines, pulling his own from the stack.
"Something wrong?" he asked quietly. Severus shook his head.
"Did you remove the spells that provide privacy between you and the shop? The silencing charms?" he amended more specifically.
"I might have," Harry answered with a shrug. "I took down several wards to allow Apparation into the flat and stuff. Why?"
"It's nothing; I just overheard someone speaking, but don't think it was anyone here. It sounds like someone is watching us, almost child-like."
"It might be the Jennings' grandson. When I took down some of the wards yesterday, he discovered a new hiding place. Apparently, when the Jennings lived here, that closet used to be the entrance into this flat from the store. In fact, if you remove a plank, you can still see the stairs. They use it for storage now."
"And you know this how?" asked an amused Severus.
"I heard him crying in the closet," admitted Harry. "I think after he hid in there, someone locked the door and he couldn't get out. I guess he could see light coming through the seams and climbed over the steps and boxes, trying to get out up here."
"I'm surprised you didn't mention it," Severus thought Harry would have brought it up, interesting as it was.
"I um... didn't let him out right away," Harry confessed. "At first I thought I was going nuts." He'd heard a small boy crying to be let out from the cupboard on the stairs and thought he was having some kind of flashback. By the time he'd checked the area, there was no one to be seen.
Severus wasn't sure that what he's heard just then had been a small child, but didn't comment further.
~Severus, you sexy Slytherin snake~ hissed Harry and then bit down on his lover's shoulder. He thrust his cock deep into Sev's arse, his pace losing its smooth rhythm as his climax neared. He held tight to his lover's hips, answering Severus' pleas of harder' and more'.
Severus wanted to ask Harry to speak to him like a snake, but held his tongue. "Yes! Right there!" he gasped when Harry's cock slammed in. "Don't stop," he added unnecessarily. Thanking the gods and goddesses for Harry's re-found rhythm, Severus shouted out as his seed shot from his straining, untouched cock.
Severus opened his eyes, not realizing he'd fallen asleep, having been buggered into the mattress so nicely. The warm body leaning heavily against his side confirmed Harry had drifted off too.
"Welcome back," purred Harry against his shoulder.
"I thought you were asleep," admitted Severus.
"Nah, just thinking," he said, cuddling closer, wrapping a leg over Sev's. "I've been growing pretty good. Did you notice that I'm about the same size as I was when we first got together? It's as if the training never happened and we get to start fresh, without some big task hanging over my head. Though, I still want to get my muscles back," he added, flexing his arm. "What d'you think?"
"Regarding what, your muscles? I'm all for it," he placed his fingertips around Harry's biceps as if measuring. He had the feeling Harry was referring to something else, and waited.
"When Hermione asked us if we had any residual issues since the last fight, I said no, but you looked surprised by how confident I was. Do you think there's something wrong? Something I'm not noticing or whatever?" he didn't know how to voice it, but could tell Severus had been doing a lot of deep thinking lately. "We're OK, right?" he asked, gesturing first separately to each of them, then moving his hand in an arc between them, indicating their relationship. He did feel a bit insecure, concerned Severus may be having second thoughts about their relationship, now that Voldemort wasn't holding him back.
"When was the last time you spoke to your snake?" Severus would rather ask about the pet than admit that just then he had been dreaming about what he'd be doing with Harry as soon as they could get some private time, and musing on a few new arousing fantasies.
"I don't know, probably the last time I fed him. I don't always answer when he's bitching about stuff. Why?" he asked, and then remembered something. "Why is it you no longer respond when I do speak Parseltongue? It used to get you all hot and bothered, and now, nothing. God, it wasn't some power trip over Voldemort, was it?"
"That's preposterous," snapped Severus adamantly. "You've not spoken to me like that since you regained consciousness."
Exasperated, Harry looked at him as if he'd three heads. ~What would you like me to say?~
"I'd hoped you could tell me if there was a problem, whether it is an issue from the battle, or something specific between us." Severus' brows furrowed when Harry outright laughed. "I don't see what you find amusing," he snarled.
Harry climbed out of bed only to return a few minutes later with a sleepy snake. ~Jolo~ Harry held up the small snake. ~Can you say something to Severus?~ asked Harry, getting no response.
"Did you expect him to answer?" Severus suddenly realized something. "I'm sorry Harry; you may have lost the ability to speak to snakes."
"Are you sure? I talk to Jolo and he does answer, though usually he is off on his own tangent. Do you think I can understand, but not speak it? That would explain you not reacting like you usually do," Harry slumped on the bed, feeling a loss, then rushed on, "I feel kind of stupid. For a minute there, I was thinking you were able to understand Parseltongue and that's why you didn't react, if it sounded like English to you, like when I couldn't tell the difference at first. I was thinking that was why you heard voices in my flat, that you were listening to Jolo."
Severus took the snake from Harry's hands, as they shook slightly, and admitted to himself that he too wished the snake had spoken to him. Jolo slithered around Severus' long fingers, flicking his tongue at the prominent nose, and began to hiss.
~What did you expect? He woke me up from a good dream, and now you expect to have a lively chat? I'm tired and it smells like sex in here.~ complained Jolo. Severus nearly dropped him.
~Can you understand me?~ asked Severus, trying to make out if he could recognize the difference between speaking English and hissing Parseltongue.
~Sure. You must be the Slytherin Snake, though I don't find you the least snakelike, or sexy...~ the snake startled, wrapping himself tighter around Sev's fingers. ~You know now, too? Now I have two humans to serve me, who understand and speak? ~ The snake hissed joyously. ~I AM A GOD!!~
Harry fell back on the bed, laughing hysterically from the combination of Jolo's giant ego, Severus' gob-smacked look, and his own relief that he still knew and spoke Parseltongue.
Ron Weasley looked dashing in his dress robes. He grinned madly at Harry as his best mate handed him the gold ring and Ron placed it on his bride's finger. Hermione was simply beaming, wearing a beautiful brocade dress and long, flowing veil. They kissed to tumultuous applause, having been newly pronounced husband and wife. Catcalls came from George, Fred and Seamus as the kiss continued more than a tad longer than acceptable, if the not so quiet 'Ahem' from Molly was any indicator. Hermione's cheeks pinked as they broke apart.
Arthur Weasley thoroughly enjoyed learning the muggle customs they had incorporated into the ceremony and reception. He'd been eager to join up with the other male guests in an attempt to catch the garter, but was disappointed to learn that he was ineligible, since he was already married. "Shouldn't you be up there trying to catch the garter, Severus?" encouraged Arthur. "You're single, after all," he added jovially. Severus took a slow sip of his wine before replying.
"I am participating. I'm simply covering the far back area should Ronald throw the lacy thing further than expected," his nose wrinkled as he said lacy. They watched in amusement as Harry leapt and snagged the garment from the air as if it were a snitch. Severus would have rather set his lab ablaze before he'd slide the garter up the leg of the cow that had caught the bouquet. He was quite sure she would have felt the same, as she hadn't passed his class.
A waiter carrying a tray full of drinks passed by and Severus took the opportunity to improve, or at least maintain, his contented level of inebriation. He was extremely grateful that Mrs. Granger had stopped throwing daggers at him with her eyes. At the wedding rehearsal she had cornered him to give him a piece of her mind and demand to know how he could possibly think it was acceptable for him to date a student, and at that, someone nearly half his age. It had helped a little when Molly explained more about the average wizard's life span and wizarding custom accepting such age differences, especially since until recently, marriages had been arranged, as many still were. The fact that homosexual marriages were traditionally accepted as well, apparently was also news to the Granger matron. It was a mixed blessing when Molly explained that when it came right down to it, she also agreed that while she may typically think one so young would be too young to partner with someone so much older, yet she understood how Severus and Harry had come together, and that the nature of their life experiences made them work as a couple. None of it was easy to explain to Mrs. Granger in the middle of a wedding rehearsal, while so many other things were going on, and Severus was glad that Molly had both overheard when Mrs. Granger had harangued him, and taken it on herself to address the woman. He was amazed at Molly's perception and perseverance. It appeared that he was now an extended member of the Weasley clan, and under her protection. Severus kept his distance from Mrs. Granger today, happy that she was too busy with the big event to verbally attack him again, if she were still so inclined. He was well aware of that particular negative muggle influence - muggleborn wizards were often were ignorant of wizard culture, so sometimes caused trouble for same-sex couples.
Severus' mind was distracted by the sight of Harry dancing with one of the countless redheads, when he realized Arthur was speaking again.
"Severus, I want to thank you again for disarming the wedding cake. I don't think my wife could have coped if it had exploded icing far and wide. She'd already been sedated when the ice sculpture swan flew away. There are times when the twins simply are too much. "
"It's the least I can do," Severus said offhandedly. He didn't often speak of it, but the memory of Ron leaping into the path of a curse to save him, utterly boggled his mind. Protective clothing or not, to have put himself in the line of fire without hesitation - and to save Severus Snape of all people - made Ron a hero in his estimation.
"You'll be here tomorrow, right?" asked Arthur. "There's far too much food left over," he eyed the spread of food and wondered if he couldn't feed a small country.
"Surely you'll want to rest after such a celebration," Severus was almost startled by Arthur shaking his head vigorously, continuing to press him until he promised to stick around.
"It's best if Molly's busy tomorrow. She'll be too occupied feeding everyone to fret overly much. Ronald and Hermione mentioned they might move into the Grangers' instead of staying here, and Molly didn't take that well at all. If they don't stay, it will only be Ginny left, and I wouldn't put it past Neville to put a ring on her finger sooner than expected. Can you imagine, a lad so young already owning a lucrative business?"
Severus simply nodded; it had been a surprise to everyone when Neville Longbottom purchased the nursery where he had been employed.
"I heard word at the Ministry that the man's been released from Azkaban. Turns out, his wife really was on holiday after all."
They both recalled the big story when Neville's boss was arrested for killing his wife. She'd been reported as missing by a neighbour. Coworkers reported finding a wand belonging to the owner's wife. The wand had been found hidden in a desk not far from the plant that had later eaten Voldemort. When questioned, the man had simply said she was on holiday, but couldn't explain why her wand was there, apparently hidden. Since the plant had been destroyed by Neville after it ate the Dark Lord, there was no way of proving if it had in fact eaten anyone else. When faced with the possibility of Azkaban, and knowing that he would lose his business to the Ministry as well, if found guilty, and needing money to hire a lawyer, the man had sold the whole lot to his trusted employee and famed disposer of Voldemort. Now, his solicitor is counter-suing the Ministry to get back the fees, as with the wife's return, the original suit had proven unfounded, and since it had caused the owner to sell his business to pay for the trial and solicitor, the Ministry's actions clearly had caused him damages.
"He's not going to try to get the business back from Neville, though. Neville gave him a fair price for it, and now that he's been cleared, he told Neville he'd just as soon retire, and was glad someone who really cared about plants had taken over the business." Arthur was clearly sympathetic with the plaintiff - fees like that, for no cause, simply did not sit well with his sense of fairness.
"I'd expected the grandmother to have had a large hand in the enterprise, but I was surprised to hear Longbottom has been running the nursery fairly independently. He does well in his environment," which was as complimentary as Severus could say, since in the past he would have just pointed out that Longbottom didn't do well at anything else. "I'd quite enjoyed abusing Longbottom. I find this new-found appreciation for the boy utterly revolting."
Arthur laughed and Severus realized he'd said those last few lines aloud. Perhaps a sobering potion wouldn't go amiss.
"Was it difficult for you to stop abusing Ron?" asked Arthur amusedly.
"I stopped?" Severus smirked, and then noticed the music had changed. Yet another glance at Harry showed his lover had been dancing enthusiastically with Charlie and another wizard whom he didn't recognize. As the music had just slowed, Severus thought it a good time to cut in.
Arthur was clearly more observant than Severus expected, for the wizard shooed him away before he could make excuses. The older wizard looked on, thoughtfully watching Severus' progress, reflecting on all the changes past and to come. Weddings had that effect.
Harry had been catching his breath when the puff of warm air by his ear made him shudder. "Mind if I cut in?"
"Don't mind it at all," said Charlie, as he jokingly reached out to take Severus' hand, but was pulled away by his date who muttered that Charlie could just leave Potter to dance with 'Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious'.
~Hey, sexy~ hissed Harry. Severus gave a smile, not trusting himself to speak, as he couldn't yet control his use of Parseltongue. They weren't telling anyone of his new-found ability just yet. "I told Kieran we'd meet him at half-four tomorrow. That should give us enough time to hang out here and make a dent in the leftovers." Harry rested his head against Sev's chest, enjoying their dance. He gave a contented sigh, not wanting to be anywhere else.
Once again at The Wellingfield Institute for Healing and Wellness, Harry found himself greeted by a beautiful witch who led him and Severus to a room where Kieran and Frances were waiting. Harry wondered why there were so few people at the Institute that day, and had the feeling Frances' answer wasn't completely honest. It took a while for Harry to realize how uncomfortable Severus was in a situation where he would be not only without his wand ready to hand, but surrounded by strangers. Perhaps Frances had cleared the place to help Severus feel more at ease.
Severus left them to go to the exam room. Harry was hoping to go along, but was disappointed when Severus declared himself a grown man who didn't need anyone to hold his hand. Harry knew it wasn't a dig aimed at himself. Severus wasn't referring to when Harry had needed support; he simply wanted privacy. The more his lover snapped at them, the more Harry realized how truly difficult this was for him.
Harry walked around the Institute, passing time by remembering some of his activities there. He glanced at the room where he'd expended his magic and was grateful Severus didn't have to do so. Beyond any doubt, the vulnerability of being magically depleted wouldn't make Severus feel any better.
A door on the far side of the room opened to reveal someone he'd not met before. "Mr. Potter?" her eyes widened with recognition. "I'm Healer Joy. I didn't have the opportunity to meet you when you were here previously," she gave a polite bow and appreciated Harry's offer to use his given name.
Joy was excited to see Harry Potter in the room where magic was exhausted (if not for the reason he probably expected) and offered to monitor his magical energy level as he performed a difficult task. She told him they wouldn't be working in that room, but the task would serve its purpose. She'd wanted to reorganize an area for years, but that included the relocation of a very heavy stone dais. The job could have easily been done without Harry, but as it would take organizing several people to do so, she'd been putting it off...
Later, when the room was arranged just as she'd wanted, Harry admitted to her that he hadn't been there to exhaust his magic, but was happy for something to do while he waited for Severus. He asked Healer Joy if Phoebe was in today. He hadn't seen her since their disastrous last meeting when he'd accidentally touched the exceedingly sensitive woman. Thinking back, he should have expected Joy's answer, but was startled nonetheless when she explained that Healer Phoebe was safe at home to avoid any possible contact with a patient who could inadvertently kill her. For a brief moment, Harry had thought she was referring to himself, but when she made a reference to the Dark Mark, he understood she'd meant Severus.
When Severus' exam was complete, Harry was once again disappointed to hear that he wasn't welcome to sit in on the consultation. It had somehow involved him after all, or so he kept telling himself, to justify his curiousity. It didn't make sense that Severus would gain the ability to speak Parseltongue when no one else had.
Harry recalled Ron's rude comments about Hermione blowing sparkly Harry speckles from her nose afterwards. When questioned, Neville remembered that Severus had sneezed several times, but that didn't make things much different from Hermione. Harry had been under the impression that Neville had something on his mind, but his friend didn't elaborate. Loyal as a Hufflepuff, Neville wouldn't betray Severus by telling anyone that he'd seen the Potions Master in a less than dignified state.
While Harry was pondering the possibilities, Severus sat down with a specialist who asked many of the same questions that he'd already gone over with Kieran.
After a time, the Healer asked Harry to come in and show her his Patronus stag form. Severus wanted to protest and had been relieved when she asked him to cast a containment sphere around Harry before the transformation. Much to Harry's dismay, he wasn't asked to stay afterwards.
"You're very protective of him," she said without judgment. Severus gave a small nod. "Can you tell me how close you and Harry are?"
"Quite close," Severus didn't see how this mattered and it must have shown, for she explained further.
"I know some of my questions may seem irrelevant, even intrusive, but they often lead to answers we might have otherwise missed. I assure you, whatever you tell me, I will hold in utmost confidence. Nothing we say will leave this room," she received another curt nod.
"Let's talk about the magic we may not have covered thus far. After you arrived at Hogwarts via Portkey, did..." she checked her fact sheet. "Madam Pomfrey or anyone else cast any spells on you? Any diagnosis or healing charms?"
"No, I wouldn't allow it." At first, he hadn't wanted them to take any time away from working on Harry, and after that he didn't want to do anything besides watch the rise and fall of his lover's chest, confirming he was still alive.
"How long would you say you sat by his side?" she asked as if reading his mind. "What I mean is, how long would you say that you were in contact with the remaining substance that didn't turn back into Harry?"
"A few hours, until Albus needed me to retrieve a potion, or at least that was his excuse to get me to go wash off the layer of mud and... Harry," the last word was spoken almost reverently.
"Did you take the Floo to your rooms? Apparate?"
"No, Apparation isn't possible in Hogwarts. I didn't take the Floo," he added.
She'd noticed that he hadn't mentioned how he actually had gone to his quarters. Trying again, she was explicit, "Is there a chance anyone could have cast any magic on your person on the way to your rooms?"
"No, I didn't want students to see me..." he paused, "ill-attired," he didn't mention the tear-tracks on his face. "I..." it killed him to have to say it, but he'd suddenly realized this one fact might be the answer they were seeking, "I don't typically share this information," he paused. "I am an Animagus. I flew down to my rooms." The smile he saw on her face told him he'd been right to reveal that secret.
The Healer excitedly Fire-called several other Healers, and in a matter of minutes the room was full of people including Kieran, Frances and Harry, who were all considering the new information. After much discussion, it was decided that when Severus transformed first into and then back from his Animagus form, the part of Harry contained in the sparkly dust, which though a Patronus, had been an Animagus form, reformed in such a way as to incorporate into Severus, becoming permanently integrated into the wizard. Simply put, magic recognized magic, and combined due to the Animagus transformation. It was now a part of Severus. They didn't know the how' of it with any certainty, but agreed that it wasn't the just the external 'coating' of Harry alone, but that since some of the particles had been taken internally, both inhaled and some possibly ingested, as well as mixed with his tears, that had together made it possible. Use of substances such as saliva and tears, as well as others not mentioned in respectable circles, had a long and powerful history in magic.
For days Severus thought about what the Healers had explained. One point in particular was important to him, though for two different reasons.
First, was that trained wizards were able to 'see' magic, and when one wizard uses Dark magic to seize another's magic, it never fully infuses with their own. They have full use of it, but it will always be foreign, tarnishing their magical essence, recognizably distinct, identifiable, and thus able to be separated. Severus of course knew about this, and had been worried. He would never do such a thing, but knew that if the authorities were to check, it would be found. He feared it would seem like he'd done something Dark, helping himself to Harry's magic while their hero was incapacitated. It was a great relief that the Healer announced it was not possible to tell which magic Severus had before compared to now, it had fully integrated and was now simply part of Severus. It wasn't easy to tell how much of a magical increase he had, as they had not measured his magic beforehand, but it was irrefutable that he was now a Parselmouth.
When Severus had gone into a special room to test out a few things, he was careful not to fall for the same trap Albus had set for Harry while testing out his magical prowess. They didn't have him lifting any large trunks or stones, but rather had him try several complicated spells. He noticed there were times when he felt more power flowing through him than before, but he wasn't really convinced there were any great feats being done.
So it was with great joy that Harry got to see the shocked look on Severus' face when the Healers explained that while Severus was doing exactly what he thought he was doing, what they hadn't told him was that the room itself made magical implements ineffective. That list included wands, staffs, crystal balls and the like. His magic had all been wandless.
The second reason was far more personal. Severus recognized what the Healers had been hesitant to say. Magic didn't combine that way for just any wizards, regardless of how willing they may be. The implication was intense, and humbling. Something with which he certainly had never believed he would be gifted. Severus knew that Harry might not realize the full import; his understanding of wizarding tradition and lore were not as deep as those who were born and raised with it. Though Harry had studied wizard culture after he had finished at Hogwarts, he was still missing a great deal that was simply taken for granted. Then again, Severus reflected that this was possibly a thing known by all people, with or without magic. That he needed something such as this to make it so crystal clear, may simply be yet another sign that his own upbringing was also lacking. He had much to consider, though it appeared he now had justification to act on what he had been feeling for some time.
While Severus missed hearing the sibilant sounds of Harry lost in passion, he found his new ability to have possibilities he'd never previously considered. At odd hours, the Potions Master could be found walking the dungeon corridors hissing ~Open~ in an attempt to find secret passages or hiding places. He looked forward to exploring the Chamber of Secrets with Harry. True, before he could have done so along with him, but now, he could also go alone if he wished.
At odd times, he found himself thinking about Trelawney and her prediction. Try as he might, he couldn't figure out how he could possibly gain the most' from Harry being gone. His heart shriveled at that thought. What annoyed him to no end was that while he racked his brain over it, Albus seemed to think all would be fine, that once again Severus would find a way to save Harry Potter.
It occurred to him, he'd better go now if he was going to do any saving' this day - he was late to meet Harry, and he knew the wizard would likely overextend himself if Severus wasn't there to help with the current project.
"Three time's a charm?" asked Severus, trying to look optimistic at the ruins that were once the house Harry was building in Godric's Hollow. Harry shrugged dully. He wouldn't part with the land, but the idea of starting over yet again was too daunting to think about just now. With Severus' help, the area was cleared, looking barren once again. It had taken some doing, getting the charred mantle off from over the remains of the fireplace. Harry chuckled, thinking about how nervous Neville had been when he cast the sticking charm to help hold up the mantle as Harry had nailed it into place.
Looking out across the grounds, Harry spotted the small lump that they had discovered was the remainder of the cornerstone of the original house, where his parents had lived. It was hard to see portions of the now-trampled lawn and not imagine he could still see blood where the dead Death Eater had lain. They'd removed a metre of dirt along with the body so as not to leave even a speck of the evil that had sullied the property, but it was even harder to clean out the memory.
Not wanting to salvage anything connected to the battle with Voldemort, Harry and Severus had banished just about everything but the blessed bathtub which still sat in its somewhat burnt crate. Its solid presence had been a godsend, and Harry wasn't parting with it.
Severus made a point of concentrating on the positive aspects of the property. They briefly walked deeper past the dense brush to where a small stream ran. Crocuses dotted the bland landscape as if they were a nice little preview of future blooms that would brighten up the grounds.
Their spot chosen, Harry began to clear it so that he could spread out a blanket for a hearty lunch. Before settling down, Severus cast several spells, including one to rid the area of all bugs, and ensure their privacy.
"I thought it was the food you were to spread out?" asked Severus when Harry pushed the basket aside, sprawling himself across the blanket.
Harry hummed, listening to the sounds of nature, and hoped they'd have time before spectators arrived. Since Voldemort's demise, the house was becoming a tourist attraction of sorts. The land wasn't Unplottable, so it wasn't hard to find, but that didn't mean they could actually see anything past Harry's privacy spells and charms. None of which kept people from coming by and looking around, hoping for a glance of what, they didn't know. A splatter of blood, perhaps? None was to be found, even if they could have been able to see properly into the area.
After some time spent in consideration, Harry spoke. "I was thinking," he reached up for Severus hand, and pulled him down to his knees, next to where he lay. "All this time, you've been taking such good care of me," he gave a happy sigh, and licked his lips. "You've cooked for me, brewed potions," as he spoke, Harry ran his hands over his body. "You've been so affectionate in the bedroom, so tender and careful while I was recovering."
Each article of clothing faded in color and disappeared completely as it was smoothed over by his now strong hands. "You made me feel so loved," Harry's voice was huskier as his hands continued to roam his own taut body. "Now I want to feel needed," Harry fisted his cock and groaned, not from the feeling of his own hand, but of Severus' body that swiftly covered his. The cloth of Severus' clothes rubbed only for a few seconds before they too were gone. "Take me like you've been wanting to for weeks. Come on, Sev," he encouraged, as if Severus needed any encouragement at that moment. "I think it's time you claimed my new body for your o..."
Before Harry could finish his sentence, he was being taken. The kiss was so fierce; there was no tongue battle for dominance. There was no question as to who was currently in charge. One hand buried in his hair pulled Harry's head to the side, exposing his neck where Severus began his exploration. Harry's breath hitched as Severus latched on to his shoulder, sucking and nibbling, as his strong hands gripped Harry's arms, holding him in place.
"Like a shiny new cauldron."
"A what?" Harry was too enthralled with what Severus was doing with his mouth to have caught what he'd said.
"A cauldron," he repeated against Harry's neck. "When it's new, you have to care for it, rub oils into its surface to season it properly," he rubbed Harry's belly as he spoke. "Then, when you're sure it's ready, it'll take the most intense heat."
"Like a new racing broom," murmured Harry.
"What?"
"Nothing, cauldron works. Fire me up, Sev."
And Severus did.
Around the time when Harry thought there wasn't an inch of him that hadn't been tasted or nibbled on, he vaguely noticed a few people pointing to the grounds. They were far enough away so that they might not have noticed the couple sprawled on the blanket, but that mattered not, as Harry knew the charms keeping their privacy would not falter. No one from the edge of the property heard a strangled gasp when Severus plunged his tongue into Harry's entrance.
"Gah," Harry completely forgot about any and all distractions. He would later comment on Sev's public kink, but for now, Harry had no other thoughts beyond his own arse and the mind-blowing things Severus did with his tongue. He panted like an animal in heat, but as glorious as it all felt, it wasn't enough. Harry made several garbled sounds that may have resembled 'more, fuck, need' and perhaps 'fuck me' three more times until they took on a wailing quality and Severus decided Harry had begged prettily enough to have his wishes granted.
In the brief moment it took for Severus to get into a good position, he'd charmed Harry's entrance to be lubed and ready for his aching cock.
There was a small commotion from the onlookers who had noticed a small group of birds that had quite suddenly flown off from the back of the property. Something had startled them, but from their vantage point, no one could figure out what had caused the disturbance.
Severus, for his part, found Harry's shout to be music to his ears. It had been far too long since he'd made his lover scream. Gentle, leisurely lovemaking seldom brought out such enjoyable sounds. "Yes!" Harry shouted on the second stroke and "Fuck Merlin" on the third, which had hit his sweet spot so magnificently.
Harry paid no mind to the way Severus manipulated his legs over his shoulders. He could care less that he'd practically been resting on his head and shoulders alone as Severus held him in position. Just so long as that huge cock didn't stop pounding into him.
Severus knew that his lover wasn't hearing his words, but he continued to say them anyway, promising to give him what he wanted and more, all spoken in that sultry tone that made Harry melt. Words which could be mistaken for bedroom talk, but meant so much more. Severus did all he could to make it last while still keeping his fevered pace.
"Touch me," gasped Harry, who was so close to reaching his peak.
Severus had no complaints as he himself was nearing the edge. Worried that he wouldn't last any longer, Severus was pleased to see that it had taken only the slightest touch to his Harry's cock before streams of hot semen flowed over his hand. As if the sensation in his hand was all he'd needed, Severus came with such force he was seeing stars before his eyes.
Hearing an unexpected giggle, Severus looked down to his smiling lover, to find he'd pushed them clear off the blanket in his enthusiasm. Harry's head was on the ground, loose dirt in his hair, and spattered with several stray drops of come that had managed to reach his chest and chin. He couldn't help but chortle at his lover when Harry used the back of his hand to wipe the pearly drops from his face, only to smear it with dirt.
For a few moments at least, Severus was willing to ignore the ground beneath them and lay down partially next to, but mostly on top of Harry. "You have good land here, lots of potential." Severus said. "Now we've mixed our seed into the soil. I'm sure it will be just what this place needed, before we build a new foundation."
Harry wasn't sure if he was kidding or not. He still wasn't entirely convinced he wanted to start building, yet again. He felt hesitant. "I dunno, Sev. Maybe, like you said, it will be different this time, with you helping me on your summer off, but..." he trailed off. So many things had happened here, so many bad things. He was ignoring the little voice in the back of his head that spoke of the good things that happened there as well. He remembered the stories Remus had told him about Sirius and how Harry used to hold the big black ears with his baby fist and pull his fur while attempting to stand. Taking a ride on his Godfather's back while Remus held him up. His mother packing away the breakables until Harry grew older, or perhaps until Siri matured. As it turned out, neither of those things would happen while that house stood. Unable to remain lying down in his agitation, Harry stood abruptly, followed quickly by Severus, who had no intention of staying in the dirt without his lover. Severus laid an encouraging hand on Harry's shoulder. It was like a calming potion in one comforting squeeze. Harry sighed and with a blink of his eyes, they were both once again clean and dressed.
"Clearly, it wasn't meant for me to live here," Harry said in a defeated tone. "What is it with Potter houses?"
"Perhaps you should begin building again," he paused to drop to one knee, "as a Snape."
Suddenly the air was gone and Harry found himself breathless. In that moment, all doubt vanished. "A SsSnape?" stuttered Harry, unintentionally resembling Parseltongue. Severus was sure that he heard the word yes repeated over and over, but it was hard to tell as the mouth speaking was buried against his neck, and arms were holding him so tight he couldn't catch his own breath.
A blue flash zinged lightly along them both as a magical flush made them gasp, and for a moment, Severus could have sworn he heard Albus chuckle.
Fin
Not quite an epilogue...
Almost one year later, Harry found himself in the sitting room with Hermione. She had been showing him how to knit baby booties. He liked the calming focus of it, and the symmetry - he was making something that reminded him of one of the first real presents he had gotten from someone who cared. He reflected on the knitted jumper from Molly Weasley, who had taken him in as part of her family.
"You'd think they'd get over it by now," complained Harry who had been swarmed with owls from people wanting to wish him well on the one-year anniversary of Voldemort's demise. Harry was just glad that his friends, Neville especially, were also getting well-wishes. Unfortunately, he also received the occasional Howler due to both his choice of being with a man, instead of a woman, and for the identity of that one particular man. Harry didn't care about the public's response; it was just annoying when ashes from the burnt red envelopes got into his pristine yarn.
"I think you knitted when you should have purled," instructed Hermione, who took the knitting needles to fix the mistake and handed them back. "Oh, hi, Severus," she smiled at the Potions Master as he passed through the room. "Looking forward to the pitter-patter of little feet?" she asked sweetly, knowing full well it annoyed the man when she acted overly girly, especially about the new arrival.
It just wasn't like Hermione to be that way, and it irritated him further that they were all so comfortable in their relationship that she would purposefully annoy him for her own pleasure. He simply grunted and strode past. He had not lost his edge; any student would most solemnly attest to that - but the Golden Trio remained fast friends, and for his Harry, he would always make exceptions.
"Don't let him fool you, he's really quite excited..." Harry began, but paused when Severus returned from the kitchen.
"Effie!"
Within seconds the elf was standing before them, her pretty blue dress doing nothing to hide her little round belly. She tried her very best to pay attention to what Severus was saying, but every time she caught sight of Harry knitting for her, she'd go weak in the knees. Dobby had been so right; Harry Potter was a great wizard. This was all so different, but so wonderful a life, to have a family of her very own, even if they were a bit odd and wanted their elves to wear clothes...
"Effie," repeated Severus, as if on the edge of his patience, "You need to take one teaspoon every morning to make sure you're getting enough nutrients for the baby." he said sternly, but fooling no one.
"What are you two doing to celebrate tonight?" asked Hermione, who chuckled as Severus stormed off.
"Taking a bath," Harry answered simply.
"A bath?" she shrugged, thinking of better ways to celebrate.
At this point Severus walked past carrying a basket containing a large black bottle from France, two champagne flutes and several spa supplies ranging from bath oils and bubbles to salt scrubs. Followed closely behind Severus, was Dobby, carrying a huge pile of fluffy new towels, chattering on about the ripe strawberries he had picked up at the market, the freshest, sweetest ones, as ordered - as if Dobby would bring anything but the best for his masters.
"Apparently, I've been doing the 'bath thing' all wrong," she chuckled.
"I'll speak to Ron about it," he winked, "By the time your anniversary arrives, I'll make sure he knows where to get all the best supplies and I'll also make sure he knows the spells to prevent water from spilling past the bathroom floor down to the room below."
~~~~~~
Chapter End Notes
Don't worry folks; you'll hear more in the DETaH Universe - if you want to! ; )
LeeLee told me she wasn't sure if this should be here - or saved to use as the beginning of a new fic idea she has... I thought a little teaser in the form of an allusion to their future life was a fine mini-ep ending. I hope you agree! Xikum
I do have a few ideas that didn't make it into this story, so they'll probably be one-shots in the same universe when I do finally write them out.
Lee
Um...I don't like to ask for reviews, but I'd love to know how many people are actually reading this story. So, even if it's just an anonymous note to say "I read it" it would mean a lot to me. Thanks so much for sticking with me for so long on this journey. *hugs*
Afterword
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