The rose sparkled inside its glass dome, another petal floated effortlessly to the bottom. Harry wiped tears from his eyes and looked over to the couch where the man who had given his heart so freely to him sat hunched in the corner, eyes downcast.

Who would possibly do something like this, who would be so cruel as to curse this beautiful man to life as a beast as something that was to be gawked at and ridiculed? Footsteps sounded behind him and Harry turned to see Draco coming into the sitting room, eyes red from crying.

'Has he said anything?' the blonde asked his voice barely above a whisper

'No not a lot' Harry replied wrapping his arms around himself the temperature in the room had dropped considerably or maybe it was just him

'God drake what am I going to do?' Harry asked his voice cracking

Draco gathered Harry into his arms and held on tight, his friend had yet to cry openly in front of anyone, instead waiting until he was behind closed doors to let the grief overtake him.

'We will do everything in our power to fix this' Draco vowed fiercely 'Kingsley is with the French historian I told you about in Uncle Sev's office, Seamus is gong to come and sit with him'

Harry pulled out from the embrace and walked over the couch, he knelt down in front of Severus, titling his face so that their eyes met. Dark obsidian pools that stole Harry 's breath were filled with fear, sadness and shame. He brushed a hand over a fur covered cheek, giving him a small smile.

'I vow to you that I will find a way to fix this, no matter what it takes, you are not alone, I will not leave you alone, you are my heart and soul Severus Snape and for you I will fight' Harry spoke with reverence gently kissing him goodbye Harry stood up and went with Draco into the main office, Seamus passed them and smiled, no words were needed.

Kingsley along with Minerva and Poppy were standing near Severus' desk a man who looked every bit a historian sat in the chair hands folded in front of him.

'Harry, Draco this is Mr. Henri Rousseau' Kingsley introduced the man who gave them a nod of acknowledgment. 'He has something's to tell you regarding what has happened to Severus'

'I have studied the evidence Minister Shacklebolt has presented me with and in turn have reached a conclusion' his thick French accent rolled easily off his tongue

'What is it?' Harry asked

'It seems that the curse used on the headmaster derived from an ancient 17th century French Fairytale' Rousseau' explained with little to no emotion

'What about the flower?' Draco piped up

'Ah the flower is an indication of how long Mr Snape has left to live, you see in the tale, an enchantress cursed the prince because she believed he had no capacity to love, he had a cruel and dead heart, the enchanted rose was a symbol that if he didn't find someone to love who could love him in return then he would remain a beast forever' Rousseau replied

Harry stumbled backwards; Draco caught hold of him before he hit the ground, the defence Professor was shaking violently, his breathing was becoming incredibly laboured and he was grabbing at his chest. Poppy came to his aide setting him down on the couch and urging him to take deep breathes.

'You mean to tell me, that my friend has to stand by and watch while some flower wilts away and in turn watch the man he loves slip away with it?' Draco raged 'Do you have any idea how much those two men care for each other?'

'Not all is lost' Henri responded calmly 'you have to simply find who cast the curse and get them to break it'

An easy feat' Minerva quipped

'If we find who did this and they agree to break the spell, will that save him?' Harry asked weakly from his place on the couch

Henri regarded the young man for a few moments before answering 'In theory yes, but usually when these types of curses have been cast it is for a reason and more often then not that person will not willingly relinquish the power they have'

'Harry must be so disgusted by me' Severus said in a small voice

Seamus had been reading a magazine; he put it down and faced the man hunched in the corner of the couch. 'He is worried, he is terrified and yes he is disgusted Severus but not in you, in the person who did this to you' the Irish man countered

'He will never look at me the same again' Severus said feebly

'I will not sit here while you throw yourself a pity party Severus Snape, that man is out there right now looking for a solution to this and he wont rest until he finds one, I know that this is an awful position to be in, and I don't honestly know what I would do if it was Drake, but what I do know is that neither of them would sit there feeling sorry for themselves. Seamus said sharply

Severus looked up from his place in the corner and eyed the young man curiously, there was a time when Seamus Finnegan would have cowered under the headmasters intense glare, now though he was ready to face him head on and showed no sign of backing down. He was right of course, every word that had just left his lips had been the truth, harsh and as hard as it was to hear, it was the truth nonetheless.

'Thank you' he said meeting the fierce blue eyes of the former Gryffindor

'You're welcome' Seamus replied squaring his shoulders and puffing out his chest slightly 'Now lets focus on how to get you back to your normal grumbling self, I don't think Harry will take kindly to you shedding all over the place'

'Insolent Brat' Severus snipped checking just in case he was shedding

Ginerva Weasley couldn't help the smile that crossed her face, it had been by far the best idea she had ever devised, in her continued efforts to make Harry Potter hers.

For years her heart had belonged to him and for a fleeting moment a year or so ago she thought his may have been hers, but it wasn't to be.

When the battle had been fought and the light prevailed, Ginny quickly took the opportunity to ask Harry about their relationship, the dark had been destroyed and no longer posed a threat; the world was a safe place once more.

Harry stomped on the notion faster than she asked the question, enlightening her to the fact he was gay, and didn't feel that way about her anymore if he ever did.

Giving him some space to sort his thoughts out, Ginerva bided her time before she struck again. Harry was steadfast in his refusal and thwarted every attempt she made. 1 month before the school year was to resume Harry was offered the post of Dark Arts Professor; he gladly accepted the position and went back to Hogwarts.

Unbeknownst to her he had been seeing Severus Snape the bat of the dungeons for a little over 3 months, this did not please her at all nor did the fact that most be save for her knew about this travesty and hadn't bothered to clue her in.

Not even Hermione who at one point was well on the way to marrying her brother Ron, before he was killed along with her other brother Fred in the final battle, she thought that would have counted for something but apparently she had been mistaken.

The intelligent Gryffindor now Ancient Runes Professor seemed to be suffering from whatever ailment plagued Harry and took up with Loony Lovegood who now taught Divination.

The idea came to her after she had received a rather harsh detention from the bat in charge himself, courtesy of Professor know it all Granger who had chipped her about her attitude in class.

While she was bathing Mrs. Norris who despised being handled let alone plunged into a tub full of water, with Argus Filch breathing down her neck, she remembered her parents dragging to some muggle stage show in London, her father being given tickets by someone at work.

Set in French provincial times it was the story of a Prince who had been cursed to live his life as a hideous beast after refusing to let the woman in because she was ugly and hagged.

Only after she had cursed him did she reveal that she was indeed a beautiful enchantress. The spell floated through her mind, but she couldn't remember the exact wording. All Ginny had to do was view her memory and copy down the words as they had been spoken.

Borrowing Professor Sinistra's pensieve one night while the Astronomy Professor was teaching a class up on the Astronomy Tower she looked at the memory from the play and wrote down the phrase that had been spoken in Latin, checking out a book from the library she quickly deciphered the rough translation.

Harry had stared up the duelling club again; the last time had been when Professor Lockhart had taught defence. On one such night he was duelling his greasy git of a boyfriend in the Great Hall, in front of a crowd full of people.

Ginny chose that moment to cast the curse and watched gleefully as the black robed bat transformed into a hideous beast right before everyone's stunned and horrified eyes. That had been three days ago and no one had seen the monster since.

Professor McGonagall announced the next morning at breakfast that she would be taking over as headmistress while Snape recovered.

It was only a matter of time Ginny knew before Harry became so disgusted by the sight, he would dump the pitiful creature and come looking for her. In all honesty who wouldn't want a beautiful woman as opposed to a hideous beast.

Harry sat on the couch staring off into space, letting the words of the historian sink in, it had never been a question of whether or not he loved Severus because he did very much even after only being together a short time, no such words had been exchanged, but in his experience actions were more of an indication of how one felt, where as words tended to be empty and unfeeling where matters of the heart were concerned.

He also knew with one hundred percent certainty that the headmaster cared deeply for him.

Seldom did a day go by where he didn't show Harry exactly just how much, through the little things he did, the fleeting touches or quick snogs in dark corners between classes. Impromptu trips into the forbidden forest to pick him a rare flower he had seen growing.

Draco sat beside him arm over his shoulder, just being in the moment with his friend, words failing to come to him that would offer any form of comfort.

When the Minister had stepped out of the office, Draco had followed, telling him in no uncertain terms that he needed to find someone with a little more empathy and compassion that that cold shell of a man who had sat in his godfathers chair. Kingsley frowned and said the man was the best in his field, but he would see what he could do.

'Is it my fault?' Harry asked quietly 'I haven't ever said I love you to Sev and now he is a beast because of it'

'Harry James Potter you look at me' Draco demanded 'anyone can say I love you and not mean a single word, you on the other hand show my godfather everyday how much you care, I have seen it with my own eyes that fool of a historian doesn't know what he's talking about'

'I feel so helpless' Harry sighed 'I don't know what to do'

'I know, you just have to be there for him, and don't let him wallow because we both know that's what he will do' Draco answered

'Yeah, not wrong there' Harry laughed lightly 'Does Horace have any classes this afternoon?'

'No Uncle Sev would have normally taught, but they have been cancelled why?' Draco asked puzzled

'I have an idea on how to keep him from wallowing' Harry replied getting up from the couch and stalking towards the portrait that led into their private rooms

Severus and Seamus were in the sitting room chatting away, when Draco and Harry came in. the expression on the headmasters face brightened slightly when he saw Harry.

'What did the French bloke have to say?' Seamus asked

'Nothing helpful' Draco scoffed

'Nothing at all?' Severus asked sombrely

'I will explain later' Harry told him 'for now we have other things to be getting on with, Drake could you and Seamus go and set things up for me?'

'Sure thing' Draco smiled, leading his confused lover from the room

'What was that about?' Severus asked cautiously

'You will find out soon enough my sweet' Harry grinned, coming to sit beside his lover

'Not sure I like that tone' Severus chided

'Tough' Harry chuckled 'I'm boss around here'

Severus just quirked a brow and regarded the young man carefully, a hint of a smile playing across his lips. He reached out a paw to caress the side of Harry's face but hesitated and pulled back

Firmly but gently harry took the paw in hand and placed it against his face, looking into worried black eyes.

'Nothing on this earth would ever make me shy away from your touch' Harry said 'come with me'

Severus stood and followed Harry into their bedroom, his lover laid down the bed and patted the space beside him, and the headmaster was frozen to the spot. They hadn't been in bed together since he had been cursed, Severus slept on the couch in the sitting room if he slept at all.

'Harry I don't think we sh…

'You're as bad as Drake sometimes' Harry mused 'I just want to lay here and hold you for awhile is all'

Severus sat on the bed and laid beside his lover, Harry instantly turned so they were facing each other hand and paw entwined.

'What did the historian say?' Severus ventured

'He said that the rose is an indication of how long you have left, the curse was cast in such a way that it won't matter if we profess our love for one another you will still be a beast, we have to find who did this and they break it themselves' Harry said gravely

'How do you feel?' the headmaster asked

'It doesn't make a difference Sev, we can say it a thousand times between now and when the final petal falls and the curse will remain' he said sadly

'It makes a difference to me' Severus said firmly

'I love you Severus with everything that I am I love you' Harry recited 'I know I've never said it before'

'Nor have I' Severus pointed out 'But I do love you Harry'

'You show me everyday, I thought it meant more than blurting it out' Harry added

'There is nothing I want to do more than show you just how much I love you this very minute' Severus gleamed

'You and me both' Harry complained 'certain appendages are in danger of falling off'

'My current predicament takes being horny to a whole new level' Severus countered

Harry shook his head and bit his bottom lip, making the wise decision he thought to get up and move on to the next thing as swiftly as possible before there was no turning back.

Scooting off the bed he took his lovers paw and guided them both into the fireplace where they vanished in a flash of green flame.

'Oh Drake you are so good at that baby' Seamus moaned, his lover on his knees sucking his cock with vigour.

'I aim to please' Draco mumbled around the shaft in his mouth

Harry and Severus stepped out of the fireplace in the Potions Room just in time to hear Seamus cry out his completion, Draco letting the spent penis slip from his mouth, when he saw the pair gaping at him, he licked his lips and rose to his feet. Seamus hurriedly tucking himself back into his pants.

'That is not what I meant when I asked you to get things set up for me' Harry cringed averting his gaze

'Finished early' Draco smirked 'I was feeling a little peckish'

'Out' Harry ordered 'and take your entrée with you'

Draco blew him a kiss and he and Seamus left the potions lab, everything had indeed been set up as requested, although Harry was casting a very strong cleaning charm over the bench Seamus had been leaning on, Merlin knew what they had been doing before he and Severus arrived.

'Thought you could use some time in your favourite place, take your mind off things' Harry explained

'My favourite place is in you' Severus rumbled snapping his teeth at Harry playfully

'Behave please' Harry asked swatting away errant paws 'get to work'

'Yes Professor' Severus chortled 'I will be a good little beast'

'Thank you' Harry smiled 'I am going to talk to Minerva then I will be right back, all the doors are warded no one can get in see you soon'

He kissed his lover softly and went back into the hearth, waving as the green flames whooshed him away. Merlin but he loved that man he thought as he set about preparing ingredients.

Henri Rousseau's flippant dismissal of Severus' condition had left Kingsley with a bad taste in his mouth, so much so he sought the advice from one of Mr. Rousseau's colleagues. Olivier Aubert while a historian had more empathy and understanding towards people than his counterpart.

Olivier scratched his chin as the Minister for Magic explained the dilemma at Hogwarts; the wiry man only interrupted to ask a pertinent question then allowed Kingsley to resume his explanation.

Bushy eyebrows furrowed in displeasure as the Minister told him of his colleagues casual attitude towards the headmasters problem, he went on to also tell the man about Harry and how this was affecting him. Olivier nodded and shook his head a sad expression crossing his face.

'I am now starting to understand my colleagues reluctance to help your headmaster, Henri doesn't believe in the paring of same sex couples, I fear that is why he offered no helpful information into your case' Olivier said sombrely 'You can rest assured that I hold no such prejudice and will do my utmost to help the headmaster'

Thank you Mr. Aubert' Kingsley smiled 'I will contact Minerva McGonagall and organise for you to visit Hogwarts as soon as possible'

'Yes the sooner the better I feel' the historian nodded.

Severus felt ten times better after he had finished brewing potions, it was the one thing that always brought him back to ground apart from Harry when he needed to collect his thoughts.

The work benches were now sparkling, Severus was just placing the vials on a shelf in the storeroom when Harry appeared in the doorway.

'I have some good news' he grinned 'Minerva just spoke to Kingsley, there is another historian that is willing to help he will be here tomorrow, Drake is going to take my class so I can be there'

'That is indeed good news' Severus agreed 'but what can he do that the other couldn't?'

'He will listen Sev, apparently the other bloke doesn't like same sex couples, that's why he didn't tell me anything useful' Harry told him

'Thank you' Severus said warmly walking over to Harry and pressing a light kiss to his lips.

'Anything for you Sev' Harry looked deep into dark eyes ' I have patrol tonight, but how about after that we get an early night?'

'Are you sure?' Severus asked

'Positive, Minerva wasn't the only one I spoke to' Harry gave him a knowing look

'I look forward to it Professor Potter' Severus purred, grabbing Harry's arse

'You just want to see my arse' Harry chuckled

'Mmm I have a very keen interest in your arse' Severus growled dipping his finger into the cleft

Making a hasty retreat after escorting Severus back to their rooms, Harry went back to his own classroom, he sorted the notes for the next days class and went to find Draco.

He had spoken to Poppy that afternoon about whether he and Severus were able to have sex given his current form. Poppy assured him it would be fine, after all it was Severus nothing in that department had altered. Harry thanked her and went in search of his lover.

Patrol has been uneventful until the 5 minutes before he was due to finish, sending his patrons to Severus telling him he would be a little late, Harry went in search of the noise he had heard.

Two students had gone head to head throwing hexes and the like, after the Slytherin boy had broken up with Slytherin girl it went south after that. By the time he had sent the, both to Minerva and saw the boy to the hospital wing he was well over an hour and a half late.

Severus paced the sitting room, looking at the door every time he heard a noise. Harry had sent his Patronus over an hour ago telling him he would be late, but time had moved on since then.

The headmaster was beginning to think that Harry had a change of heart, didn't want to make love to a hideous creature and was avoiding him. Couldn't blame him, who would want to have a creature bring them pleasure.

The floo flared and Harry stumbled out brushing soot from his robes, he hurried into their private quarters and found Severus sitting on the couch staring into space.

'Sorry I'm late Sev, things went from bad to worse' Harry explained plopping down beside him

'It's fine Harry I quite understand' Severus said coldly

Harry was a little taken aback by his tone, Severus wasn't meeting his gaze. Severus what's wrong?'

'Can't blame you for changing your mind, I mean who would want to take something like this to bed?' he scoffed pointing to himself

'I haven't changed my mind Severus, I had students to deal with, there's nothing I want more than to take you to bed' Harry countered reaching for his paw, but having it pulled out of his reach.

'I'm not a fool, please don't treat me like one' the headmaster sneered

'I am doing nothing of the sort, I truly want to be with you' Harry reasoned

Severus snorted in derision and turned away from Harry. The defence Professor stood from the couch and walked to the door.

'When you have pulled your head out of your arse and realised that I care and will do anything to show you and this is as hard on me as it is you then you know where I'll be' Harry said tiredly slamming the door behind him. By the time Severus made it out to the main office the green flames were dissipating in the hearth and Harry was gone.

'He is suffering too my friend' a voice from the wall informed him

'I am aware of that thank you Albus' Severus snipped but he needn't make up pathetic excuses to avoid me'

'Have a nice afternoon brewing did you?' Albus inquired changing the subject

'Yes I did' Severus murmured

'Considerate of Harry to do that for you, given that he's been busy avoiding you' Albus snickered

'Sod off old man' Severus muttered stalking back into his rooms. Leaving Albus chortling away in his portrait.

Half an hour later he went back out into his office and tried to call Harry, but he had closed the floo on his end. With a dejected sigh he went back into his lonely quarters.

Harry was sandwiched between Hermione and Luna, sobbing his heart out, they pair had been walking past when they noticed Harry's door was open and the he was on the floor crying.

'I don't know what to do, how do I make him understand that I still want him' Harry mumbled into Hermione's chest

'He knows honey, you know that protecting himself is his go to coping mechanism, let him sleep on it and I'm sure that in the morning he will see things a little clearer' Hermione consoled him

'I miss him so much, I know it's him underneath all that, but I still miss him' he hiccoughed

A knock sounded on Harry's door and Luna went to answer it, leaving Hermione and Harry. Ginny Weasley was about to knock again when the door opened and Luna Lovegood stood on the other side of instead of Harry.

'I would like to talk to Harry please' Ginny requested haughtily

'That's Professor Potter and he is unavailable at the minute' Luna retorted

'I want to know how he is' Ginny snipped 'Perhaps I can be of assistance'

'It isn't appropriate for students to offer their Professor's any kind of assistance after class hours, Professor Potter is doing quite well under the circumstances, now I will say good evening Miss Weasley' Luna said firmly

'Bloody dyke' Ginny muttered as she stomped off out the door and into the corridors.

Luna went back into the sitting room and sat down beside Harry again, his sobs had begun to subside, Hermione told her girlfriend that she would stay with Harry that night make sure he was ok, Luna agreed it was a good idea, going into the kitchen to make some tea.

Harry came into the headmaster's office a few minutes before Kingsley and his guest arrived. Minerva was already there as was Poppy and Severus who was seated on the couch nearest some glass cabinets.

He sat down on one of the chairs and looked anywhere but at his lover. Minerva took note of this and gave Harry a questioning look, he gestured that it was fine. The Minister and the new historian arrived a short time later and the meeting got under way.

'The first thing I would like to do gentleman' Mr Aubert began after the introductions had been made 'is examine Mr. Snape to determine exactly what spell was used, then I would like to see the rose if I may, is there somewhere private I can conduct the examination?'

'Please come through here Mr. Aubert' Minerva led him to the small room behind the desk, casting a curtain around to protect Severus' privacy.

Harry went into their private quarters and fetched the rose in the glass dome, he came back out and set the dome on the desk, sitting back in his chair to wait for Severus and the man to come back

'Is everything alright Harry?' Minerva asked

'Just a few teething problems Minerva' Harry replied

'Say no more' Minerva waved her hand, more than aware of who was the cause of said teething problems. That man could be contrite at times she thought

Some time later Mr Aubert and Severus emerged from behind the curtain, the headmaster sat back on the couch and the historian took a seat at the desk.

He pulled the glass dome towards him and studied it closely. He waved his wand a few times, wrote some things down and went back to closely inspecting the flower.

'It seems that who ever cast the curse left out one vital component' Mr Aubert explained, removing his glasses and rubbing his eyes. 'Maledicere huic vitae ego sicut roughly translated means I curse this man to life as a beast now in the fairytale with which this comes the final part of the curse was emitted, Until love breaks the spell. The rose has also been enchanted so that the last petal falling will not undo the curse, the culprit wishes Mr Snape to remain in this form for eternity'

'Is there nothing that can be done?' Kingsley asked

'Apart from getting the caster to break the spell, I'm afraid not, they need to be found quickly the longer Mr Snape remains in that form the more chance there is of him losing his humanity entirely then it will be too late' he said his voice tinged with sadness

'Will wolfsbane work?' Harry asked clutching at straws

'No Mr Potter it won't I had already considered that avenue' Mr. Aubert replied

'Thank you Sir' Harry stood and shook his hand, 'now if you will all excuse me I must be going'

Before anyone could say a word Harry was gone, Severus moved to follow him, but Minerva shook her head deeming it best to leave him for the time being.

'Mr Malfoy?' a Hufflepuff asked

'Yes Miss Sanders' Draco replied

'Sir I was wondering how headmaster Snape and Professor Potter are?' she asked quietly

'Who cares' Ginny snorted

'Get out now Weasley' Draco snarled 'I will not have you speaking in that manner about two members of staff, now collect your belongings and get out report to Professor McGonagall'

Ginny packed her bag and sauntered from the room, walking to Professor McGonagall office, it had been worth getting kicked out to see the look on the ferrets face.

'Headmaster Snape and Professor are doing ok Miss Sanders, thank you for asking' Draco continued

'Wouldn't be surprised if she cursed headmaster Snape' one of the Gryffindor girls piped up

'What makes you say that Miss Perkins?' Draco wondered

'She was in the Quidditch change rooms the other night after practice, I was on my way out and I could hear her talking to someone, when I went by her locker she was talking to herself, saying things like I am Mrs. Ginerva Potter nice to make your acquaintance, yes I am married to Harry Potter. No no all that unfortunate business with the headmaster is over, the mans affliction was too much for poor Harry to handle' Lauren Perkins recounted

'Thank you Miss Perkins, please let me know if you hear anymore' Draco stated

'You have been causing a few problems of late, Miss Weasley' Minerva remarked 'What is the reason?'

'I don't have one Professor' Ginny answered

'I have also received reports from Professor Lovegood and Professor Potter that you are making a nuisance of yourself outside his private rooms long after classes have ended' Minerva went on 'I must remind you that all students are forbidden from disturbing teachers unless it is their head of house outside of learning time, I am giving you two detentions for this one will be with Professor Sinistra she needs help up on the Astronomy deck and one will be with Madame Pince in the library'

'Yes Professor McGonagall' Ginny murmured, 'when am I to report for these detentions?'

'One will be tonight I will speak to Professor Sinistra and advise you accordingly' Minerva answered 'Now you are dismissed'

The redhead walked from the office and made her way back to Gryffindor Tower, she slumped down on her bed and stared at the ceiling.

Harry was marking essays after returning from duelling club, Ginny Weasley hadn't been there tonight thank Merlin, rumour had it she was doing detention with Aurora.

Still miffed at Severus and upset over the outcome of the mornings meeting, he had chosen to stay in his own rooms, save getting into any more arguments with Severus.

He was about two thirds of the way through the pile, his floo flared, he had absentmindedly forgotten to block it earlier in the day. Figuring it was Draco or one of the others, he went back to his grading.

Scratching of claws on the wood floor told Harry that it wasn't his friends but rather his lover coming into the room. Not looking up Harry continued with his work, even when Severus came into the sitting room and sat down beside Harry.

Silence hung like a thick fog, Severus moved to brush some hair from Harry's eyes, the defence teacher moved away from the touch, his heart thudding in his chest.

'Harry?' Severus spoke

'What' Harry gruffed

'I'm sorry' he replied

'So you should be, now I am very busy so if that's all you came to say then goodnight' Harry snipped

A paw reached over and took the Quill from his hand and set in on the table, he grabbed Harry by the shoulders and turned him so he was facing Severus head on, those beautiful green eyes blazed with anger and hurt.

'I am very sorry' Severus repeated

'I heard you the first time' Harry deadpanned trying to get free

'I was a foolish man who was feeling sorry for himself' Severus confessed

Harry sighed 'I know this is far harder on you than me, but I am doing the best I can to help you through it, but I can't do that if you won't let me, I really did have to deal with students last night'

'I know Minerva came and gave me a bit of a serve' Severus said sheepishly

'I see' Harry smirked 'I am determined to find out who did this to you, I won't rest until I do if it turns out that you have to stay that way then I will become a beast to and we can move into the forest'

'I am very grateful that you won't, but I have pulled my head out of my arse as you requested and won't rest until I am back to normal' Severus smiled wanly

'I love you' Harry smiled

'I love you' Severus replied 'I want to take you to bed'

'Thought you'd never ask' Harry whispered

They went into the bedroom, the lights were dim and the air crackling with lust and desire, Severus undressed Harry slowly, running his paws all over his taut form. He spelled away his own clothing and both stood naked and exposed.

Harry swallowed thickly as he saw the size of Severus' beast cock, his lover wasn't small by any standards but this was something else

'Merlin' Harry breathed as Severus took his leaking dick in hand and tugged it gently, fondling his ball sac. He pushed the young man down on the bed and leaned over the top of him, ever so carefully he rubbed his erection over Harry's the raven-haired wizard moaning at the contact.

'So very beautiful' Severus said in a low rumble spreading Harry's legs and running a claw over his puckered hole, mindful not to break the skin.

'I want to feel that big cock in me Sev, want you so much baby' Harry whimpered

'Anything darling' Severus husked, 'you might need to cast the lube spell'

Harry complied and he felt a coolness wash over his arse, Severus lined himself up and gently breached the first whorl of muscle.

Harry winced slightly and he took a few moments before going further, when he was fully sheathed, he thrust slowly, puling Harry's legs up so they rested on his shoulders. He took the hard dick in his hand and pumped in time with the thrusts. Harry writhed and moaned beneath him, the sound was music to his ears.

'I can feel you so deep inside me Sev, I feel so full' Harry moaned 'Please go faster'

Severus increased his pace, Harry arched off the bed crying out as Severus pounded his taut arse, pumping that pretty cock.

'God nothing is more perfect than being buried deep inside you Harry, feeling you clench around my dick is heaven' Severus panted 'Going to make this pretty cock cum'

'Nearly there Sev, so close you make me so hot baby, so horny for you' Harry breathed 'play with my dick baby'

'Love to play with your prick darling, so hard and needy in my hand, love watching your balls bounce as I fuck you' Severus grunted I can feel your balls getting tighter your pretty dick is ready to cum'

'Fuck' Harry moaned grabbing onto the sheets his knuckles turning white 'Yes Sev, yes make my dick cum, Sev, oh god Sev' ropes of cum shot from his cock and covered his hand, the orgasm so intense his vision blurred for a few seconds.

Severus roared to his completion a few minutes later screaming Harry's name as he emptied his seed into Harry's arse.

The flaccid penis slipped from the spent hole and Severus collapsed beside Harry breathing heavily, he pulled the man to him and held him tight. The only man he ever wanted to be in this position with was Harry.

'That was amazing' Harry panted catching his breath 'I have missed you'

'I have missed you darling, but I don't plan on going anywhere so you will always have me' Severus said wistfully

'I thought you knew this was only a casual thing Sev?' Harry giggled

'You evil imp' Severus swatted Harry's arse ' I can go elsewhere if you would prefer I am sure there are many beasts just waiting to have a piece of me'

'You're cute I might keep you around a bit longer' Harry sniffed

'You are too kind Professor Potter' Severus quipped thrusting against Harry

'You ready to go again baby?' Harry grinned

'Must be the beast in me' Severus grinned evilly

'I could use a little snack' Harry chortled moving down between Severus' legs and swallowing the hardening member in one go

Lauren Perkins proved to be extremely helpful over the next week, she watched Ginny Weasley like a hawk, and the fact she was captain of the Gryffindor house team made things a little easier for the girl. Lauren was just walking into the change rooms one evening to change for training when she heard the ginger haired chaser talking to herself once more.

Hiding around the opposite side of the lockers she listened intently peeking around the edge of the metal lockers to catch a glimpse of what she was doing.

In Ginny's hand she held what looks to be a photo of Professor potter she was running her finger over his face, Lauren thought had it been the real Harry Potter he would have been cringing.

You'll see that all of this has been worth it my love she crooned at the picture of Harry. Hermione and Ron had once been apart of the picture but she had removed them.

I had to do it, he was an ugly man to begin with, now you will see what true beauty is I mean who would pass this up for a life with that hideous bat, she waved a hand over herself as if to demonstrate just how stunning she was.

Lauren was seething with rage; she'd always had a feeling that Ginerva had something to do with headmaster Snape becoming what he was, but never would she have believed it was for such vain and conceited reasons.

Sneaking back out and re entering the rooms, she quickly changed then headed out to the pitch. A few minutes later Ginny sauntered out standing at the edge of the pitch leaning against her broom a bored look on her face.

'Need you to be keeper tonight Weasley' Lauren mentioned as she prepared to kick off into the air 'Mia is out with the flu'

'I don't play keeper Perkins' Ginny hissed 'find someone else'

'Either you play keeper or you don't play at all, it's your choice' Lauren retorted soaring into the air

Ginny screamed inwardly and kicked off the ground coming to rest I'm front of the posts, she hated being keeper with a passion, there was more chance of getting a Quaffle or bludger to the face, she wasn't front and centre as a keeper not like the chasers and beaters who could fly anywhere around the pitch.

Perkins was just showing off because she made captain over Ginny, the dungeon bat had the final say about house captains, so he wasn't ever going to pick her, well he'd gotten his hadn't he?

Warm limbs wrapped themselves around Harry's body as he started to stir, cocooning him against soft fur, breath ghosting over his neck followed by chaste kisses along his jaw line, a wandering paw mapped its way down to his morning erection, circling the head, and running a claw down the hardening shaft.

Harry moaned and rolled onto his back, pulling the fur covered body on top of him, he could feel his beasts rigid penis rubbing over his own, the friction was divine, he opened his legs to allow more room, breathy whimpers escaped as Severus rolled his hips his prick sliding over Harry's.

'Ohhh, nnngg' Harry groaned 'feels so good' he pulled Severus down for a hungry kiss, nipping at his bottom lip.

'Open your eyes darling I want to see you' Severus whispered

Harry opened his eyes looking into dark orbs with flecks of amber, full of love and wanton need.

He grabbed Severus' arse and pushed him harder against his cock, the sensation setting his body on fire.

'Harder' Harry grunted 'I want to feel your cum on my dick'

Severus rolled his hips and ground against his lover with abandon, Harry keened off the bed, crying out as his orgasm inched its way closer.

'Harry oh my darling Harry' Severus groaned 'fuck yes, HARRY he roared his climax overtaking him crashing over him like a tidal wave.

It was enough to push Harry over the edge and soon he was crying Severus' name as his seed spilled from his cock and dribbled down over his lovers softening penis.

'Morning my beautiful Sev' Harry smiled casting a cleaning spell

'Morning my darling' Severus replied

'What are you going to do today?' Harry asked over breakfast a while later

'Some paper work, a bit of research, planning a romantic proposal to the man I love' he replied casually

Harry snorted into his tea and liquid splashed over his robes, Green eyes widened as he processed what Severus had just said

Pr-proposal?' Harry stuttered wiping his mouth

'Harry I don't know a whole lot about what the future holds, but I know that whatever it is I want you to be apart of it, Severus said shyly, playing with the edge of the napkin

The defence Professor knelt down in front of the headmaster and smiled 'nothing would make me happier, I told you I am in this for the long haul no matter what happens' he beamed

'Then I shall plan to sweep you off your feet' he grinned

The students were over the moon to see their favourite Professor back and smiling, Harry had treated his class to an impromptu meeting of the duelling club, whoops and cheers could be heard as eager bodies filed into the Great hall.

When it was time for the 6th years turn Harry didn't even let Ginny's dreamy looks and numerous attempts to be close to him bother him the slightest. He paired her deliberately with a Ravenclaw girl who was one of the best duellists he had seen.

Ginerva was knocked on her arse more than once, by the fifth time she came over and bemoaned the fact to Harry, insisting he partner her with someone else.

His response was to keep her eyes and mind on what she was doing, stop gawking around the room and she might be able to block an incoming disarming spell.

Giving him a withering look she stomped off back to her partner and proceeded to be knocked on her arse time and time again. It was very hard not to burst into peels of laughter.

Students were walking out of the hall after the class had finished, Lauren Perkins stayed behind, and she wanted to tell Professor Potter and Mr Malfoy what she had heard Ginny muttering about the night before. She liked both Professor Potter and headmaster Snape and wanted them both to be happy.

'Professor Potter could I speak to you please?' Lauren asked politely

'Of course Miss Perkins, what can I do for you?' Harry smiled sitting down on one of the long benches. Draco had been helping Harry put the hall to rights; he saw Lauren and came over to see what she wanted to say.

'At Quidditch practice last night, I was in the change rooms getting ready, I heard Ginny Weasley talking to herself again, so I waited to see what she was saying' Lauren began

Draco had told Harry about what Lauren had told him in class after Ginny had been asked to leave.

'Go on Miss Perkins' Harry gestured

'She had a photo of you Professor Potter, she was telling it that she had to do what she did to headmaster Snape to make you see what true beauty was, she said headmaster Snape was an ugly man to begin with and now that he was a hideous creature you would come to your senses' Lauren explained

'Why am I not surprised' Harry muttered he should have known from the get go that she would pull something like this to try and get him to notice her.

'Thank you for telling me Miss Perkins, you have done a wonderful thing I will be sure to let headmaster Snape know

'No problems Sir, I made this for headmaster Snape' she blushed as she pulled a card from her bag and handed it to Harry.

'I'll see that he gets it' Harry smiled

Lauren hurried from the hall so she wouldn't be late for her next class; Harry sat stunned on the bench, anger flowing through him like molten lava.

'I need to talk to Severus, can you get Hermione, Luna and Seamus to meet me in my room later on?' Harry asked the blonde

'Sure, are you ok?' Draco asked

'I will be' Harry assured him, leaving the hall and making his way to the office.

'Darling what's the matter?' Severus asked placing the Quill he was using on the desk and moving around to a very pale Harry

'I know who cursed you' he murmured, laying his head on Severus' fury chest

'Come and sit down darling you're trembling' Severus guided him to the couch and they sat down. Severus took Harry's hands and gave him a small smile

'It was Ginny Weasley' Harry stated, he went on the explain what Lauren Perkins had told him and Draco after class in the hall, he was mad with himself for not seeing it sooner, but things had been such a mess and his sole focus was on Severus and ensuring his was ok.

'She won't break the curse voluntarily' Severus frowned

'No but I might know a way to make that happen or should I say a ghost that can make that happen' Harry countered. He had a free period so he stayed with Severus in the office; they cuddled on the couch, spoke of the plan that had been forming in Harry's head.

Before he was due to go back, Severus got down on one knee and asked Harry to marry him, thinking no other moment could have been more perfect.

The beast took his new fiancé to bed and made tender love to him, slow and sensual, igniting every nerve ending Harry possessed. The defence Professor became putty in his lover's hands allowing him to ply his body, heighten his experience and watch him come undone in the throes of ecstasy

A faint light shone inside the shop, Harry could see the silhouette of George Weasley as he knocked on the door. Hermione and Luna, Seamus and Draco were all with him, they had gone over the plan to out Ginny and it led them here to the joke shop in the village of Hogsmeade.

'Harry and company' George smiled as he opened the door and allowed his guests to come inside 'to what do I owe the pleasure?'

'We need your help' Harry said simply 'yours and your brothers'

'You're in luck he had just popped in for a visit' George grinned as he led them to the back room of the joke shop.

The ghost of Fred Weasley was floating over a chair contemplating a move on the chessboard set up on the table. He looked up and saw the visitors amble into the room and sit down on whatever surface was available to them.

'Living beings' Fred greeted them

'Fred' the voices greeted in return

'Harry here needs our help' George countered coming to sit back at the table

'That can mean only one thing then' Fred chuckled dryly

'Ginny' he and George answered in unison

Harry told them what had happened to Severus and the visits from the Ministry historians and what the second one had told them. He told them about the advances she had been making towards him, the fact she had been kicked out of class and had numerous detentions.

He told the twins that the captain of the Gryffindor team had been watching her closely and what she had found out. The frowns on the twins faces worsened with each passing minute, the more Harry told them the deeper the frowns became.

'She will never break the curse willingly' Harry said sombrely 'that's why I came to you'

'Leave it to us young Harry' Fred smirked 'We will have our dear sister spilling her guts in no time'

Harry and his friends left an hour later, a plan firmly in place. George and Fred sat talking in the back room of the shop. Fred had never been able to leave his twin brother after he had died, so settled for hanging around the shop with him.

At first George found it disconcerting having his dead brother near him all day, and thought Fred should move on, but after a while he got used to having the ghostly form around.

'I know you were always closer to Ginny than the rest of us, are you going to be able to trick her into breaking the curse?' George asked his brother

'Yes, she has done the wrong thing and needs to make it right, the only reason I was close to her was because she played on my weaknesses' Fred reminded his brother. 'I could see how worried Harry was, Severus means a lot to him, she needs to see that'

'Do you think she will go to Azkaban?' George wondered

'No I think Harry will come up with something far more creative than prison' Fred mused

The stage was set, Minerva sat behind the desk in the oval office while the rest were hidden the private rooms behind, Harry was sitting on the couch near the cabinets, Kingsley and the historian on the chairs on the other side of the desk. A knock sounded on the door and Minerva called for the visitor to enter.

'You wanted to see me Professor?' Ginny Weasley asked, spying Harry in the corner and the Minister for Magic along with another man.

'Yes Miss Weasley' Minerva answered conjuring another chair she gestured for Ginny to sit down. 'Professor Potter has asked for this meeting to be held and asked that the Minister and myself preside.

'What's this about Harry?' Ginerva smiled sweetly

'It's Professor Potter and it has been recently brought to my attention that you may know something about the curse that was cast on Headmaster Snape?' Harry said sharply

'I don't know anything about it' Ginny claimed 'why would I know anything about it?'

'I have it on good authority that you know quite a bit about it' Harry continued 'in fact I would say you concocted the whole thing'

'Not me' Ginny said shaking her head

'No, then this isn't your memory that you placed into Professor Sinistra's pensieve a week back?' Harry waved his hand and the memory of Ginny watching her own memory hovered above the desk, as did her scribbling down the curse.

'I spoke to Aurora this morning and she told me she found some stray tendrils of memory floating around her pensieve, after she viewed them she sent for me, I found them to be very interesting indeed' Harry added

'That means absolutely nothing, so I was looking at a memory big deal I am interested in learning Latin' she snipped

'The exact Latin translation that turned Headmaster Snape into a beast?' Harry challenged her

'I wouldn't waste my time' Ginny sneered 'Don't know what you see in him anyway'

'A lot as it so happens' Harry shot back

'Tea anyone?' George called as he came out of the private quarters, carrying a tray Fred floating behind him

'George, Fred what are doing here?' Ginny squeaked

'Came to see you of course little sister' George grinned 'I hear you have been up to no good'

'I have been good as gold George she smiled that sickly sweet smile

'Not what I've been hearing?' George chided 'never thought you would dabble in dark magic Ginny'

'Leave her alone George' Fred chastised 'She is a beautiful girl just trying to get a boy to notice her, nothing wrong with that'

'See Freddie knows' Ginny said smugly

'Here Gin have some tea it's your favourite' Fred smiled floating the cup over to his sister

'You always look after me Fred' she said

'Now about this curse business Harry is talking about' the ghost stated just loud enough for those in the other room to hear

'I don't know anything about any curses' Ginny maintained her innocence, sipping her tea

Severus came out into the office and sat beside Harry, it was a few moments before Ginerva noticed he was there, grimacing she swallowed around a lump in her throat

'What's wrong Ginny, you look unwell?' George asked feigning concern

'I can't bear to look at that hideous sight' she said with disgust 'it's plain awful'

'Then do something about it, cancel the curse' Fred pointed out

'Alright' Ginny complied, placing her teacup on the desk, taking out her wand and muttering some words under her breath.

Where a hairy beast had been Severus Snape now sat in all his human glory, Harry grabbed the mans face and kissed him hard, relishing in the feel of his lips.

'Ahem there are impressionable ghosts present' Fred cleared his throat

'Wha- what happened how did you change back?' Ginny wailed ' I am the only one that can break the curse'

'Why did you curse me Miss Weasley?' Severus asked

'You are an ugly horrible man, I knew that if I turned you into a beast, he would be repulsed by the sight of you and come to someone who is truly beautiful' she crooned fluffing her hair and straightening her skirt. 'What did you do to me?' she bellowed clamping a hand over her mouth, when she realised what she'd said.

'Laced tea dear sister' Fred intoned 'I am ashamed of you Ginerva, I never thought you would stoop so low as to try and ruin someone's life'

'I had to' she howled 'I am gorgeous Harry should be with me not some ugly dungeon bat, who would want to be with a beast?'

'You want to know why?' Harry spat 'I didn't see a beast I only saw Severus, no matter what he looks like or what form he takes I will always see the beauty within, what's inside a person matters a hell of a lot more to me than what's on the outside, I have never been nor will I ever be shallow, vain or conceited to the point I let looks dictate my life'

'He's ugly' she screeched

'No it's you that's ugly Ginerva, you have an ugly heart and soul, you don't care about what's inside a person, you only care how they look' Harry said coldly

'I am not ugly' she jutted out her chin 'who wouldn't want this?'

'A lot of people when I am finished with you' Harry remarked 'Kingsley if you don't mind'

'Ginerva Muriel Weasley, Harry James Potter is now calling in the life debt you owe him as a result of him saving your life in the Chamber of Secrets, from this day forth you will be required to live your life as you intended Severus Snape to live his, you will not become a beast but you will become an ugly woman who people will not want to look at, this cannot be changed, you are banned from using magic to fix this, after the period of 50 years the debt will have been repaid and you will be back to normal, if you try and use magic the penalty is death, if anyone tries to assist you they too will die' Kingsley intoned

Molly and Arthur arrived in the office just in time to hear the life debt being explained. Arthur thought she was getting off lightly compared to what could have happened, Molly was outraged.

'She will never be able to get married, have children, a life' Molly screamed

'Molly enough' Arthur hissed 'She was willing to leave Severus as a wild creature for the rest of his life because of an obsession, she has to start being responsible for her own actions'

Molly thought about it for a few moments and realised that her husband was right, Ginny had been spoilt her entire life, had flaunted her beauty like it was a prize, she had pursued Harry even after he made his feelings clear, from the looks of things he was incredibly happy with Severus, he deserved that much.

'You're right Arthur' Molly said sadly 'She has to be held accountable'

'Mum' Ginny shouted 'You can't let him do this'

'I can and I will' Molly replied 'Now sign the form'

'You should have loved me' she yelled as Kingsley stepped into the floo, with Ginny in restraints the life debt already coming into effect.

When Severus walked into the great hall for that evening, mass applause erupted. Lauren Perkins was the first one to jump from her spot and wrap her arms around the headmaster's waist. She blushed furiously and darted back to her seat. Harry squeezed his had and gave him a warm smile.

Taking their seats Minerva welcomed him back and clapping and cheering rang out once more. Dessert had materialised when Severus stood up and waved his wand around the hall.

The tables parted with squealing students who were holding on for dear life. Dancing orbs of light appeared at the edge of the staff table. Kingsley walked into the hall with his formal robes flowing behind him.

Severus took Harry's hand and walked with him to the front of the staff table. 'Harry you have been a rock through one of the most harrowing times, would you consent to having our wedding ceremony right here with everyone we care about and who care for us in return?'

Tears brimmed in Harry's eyes, brushing them away he took a deep breath and looked at the man who took his breath away.

'Yes' Harry whispered

Kingsley came and stood beside them, he conducted the ceremony and bonded Severus and Harry as one. The whole hall was in a trance as the Minister for Magic introduced them as husbands.

Whoops and cheers echoed through the hall. A reception ensued, there was music and dancing. All eyes were on the newly weds as they took the floor for their first dance as husbands.

'You're staring' Harry smiled as they spun around the floor

'I have the man of my dreams in my arms, my whole world' Severus said wistfully 'of course I am staring'

'You're pretty special yourself' Harry whispered 'I think Fred and Helena Ravenclaw are about to get busy' he added watching as the ghost pair floated out of the hall.

'Care to get busy with the beast later?' Severus husked

'Yes please' Harry said

6 months later

Ginerva Weasley hid in an alley as another child ran screaming to their parents, they had taken one look at her and fled. It wasn't the first time she had rendered someone terrified and it was sure not to be the last.

There was one consolation however, the outside world may look at her as an ugly, hideous woman, but when she got home there was always someone ready to tell her just how beautiful and stunning she really was. Opening the door to her small flat, she set the bags on the table and walked into the sitting room

'There you are my sweet' the voice crooned 'my aren't you looking beautiful today'

'Thank you dear' she smiled pecking him on the cheek, looking into glazed eyes 'let's have a cup of tea shall we?'

Fin