Many thanks to Yen for taking this one and making it oh so much better. Also, thank you to everyone who is still commenting and waiting patiently. I will be replying to them all very soon. ^-^ And the last chapter/epilogue is now with Yen, so we will hopefully get this one finished soon.

Fitting Together

The first day ride was filled with thoughtful looks and normal conversations. Harry was glad that they didn't jump right into flirting or even more. The day gave him a chance to shift his thinking. To accept that there really was a chance. To figure out if, now that Severus wasn't forbidden, he was still attracted to him.

That night they had dinner in the tent, each observing the other while they talked about the amount of traffic, the other bikers, and the scenery along the route they were taking. While Harry was cleaning the dishes, Severus laid a map he didn't recognize on the table.

Drying his hands, he walked over to see what it was. "Another biking map? It looks different than the one you gave me last year."

Severus weighted down a corner, "That is because last year you weren't allowed to travel through the Wizarding World." He gestured to the map, before pointing to the spot where they were. "This is a map of all the wizarding sections of the UK and the designated travel areas between the sections." He raised his eyes to Harry's, a small smile on his face, "I thought it might be less … trafficked."

Harry chuckled, "At least there will be fewer cars." He leant over the map, "Can we get to London from here easily? And where can I get a map like this?"

"I'm sure there is a route, but it might be more convoluted than our previously plotted out one." Severus ran a finger down the side of the map obviously being careful of the slightly brittle edges. "As for getting a map like this? I don't know where you can get one. My mother passed this one down to me. I've seen maps of sections of the UK Wizarding World, but never the entire world on one map, nor as detailed or updating."

Harry looked closely at London and was surprised to see the city enlarge, crowding out its surroundings. He jerked his head back, blinking in surprise.

"As you can see, if you wish to check out an area in greater detail, you can do so by just focusing on it."

"Oh, I wanted to see if there was a direct route to Grimmauld Place or if we'd have to travel through Muggle London."

"I take it you wish to travel through the Wizarding World?" Severus asked, even as the area between them and Grimmauld Place enlarged to take up most of the front of the map with the other areas sulking off to the back.

Harry nodded, and they spent the rest of the evening plotting out the new course. And if their fingers lingered a bit when they brushed, or they paused - their breaths catching - as their shoulders pressed together to get a better view, neither commented on it.

Mid-morning the next day, Severus directed them between two small stone walls. Harry could feel the tingle of a magical ward wash over him as he passed between them and what had moments before appeared to be open pasture turned into a winding road with fields on either side.

He sped up enough to catch up with Severus, "Could Muggles come through there?"

Severus slowed down slightly, "No, they would see a solid stone wall across the path."

"Oh, good," Harry said. He looked around and let the knowledge that there was no traffic around sink in. Tension fell from his shoulders and he fully relaxed into the ride.

The further they went the more magical the area appeared. Harry spotted potion ingredients growing near the roadside mixed along with wildflowers. In the distance, he spotted houses with children dressed in robes running around, a few riding toy brooms that hovered near the ground.

Nearing lunchtime, Severus stopped and dismounted his bike and signalled Harry to do the same. Harry quietly walked his bike up to where Severus was peering around the bend, his view blocked by the swells of land on either side of him. The tension he'd lost curled in his stomach, and he pulled his wand out of the front saddlebag. As he caught up, Severus rested a hand on his wand arm and pointed out into the field that stretched before them. Harry's breath caught at the sight of a herd of grazing unicorns, the sun glinting off their pure white coats, causing them to almost glow. He whispered, "I didn't know they lived outside of forests."

Severus smiled slightly, his eyes never leaving the herd, "This is the only herd that does. We have entered a nature reserve and they are protected here. Move quietly, and we'll have lunch on the ridge in the distance."

Severus pulled his wand from a strap on his wrist and flicked at their bikes. He then let go of his handlebars and the bike remained upright. "Come on, your bike will follow you."

Harry put his wand away and walked next to Severus, amazed as their bikes followed behind them quietly. He forgot all about them when Severus slipped his hand into his, tightening his grip, slightly tugging when Harry stopped moving.

Grinning madly, Harry squeezed back and walked beside him.

When they made it to the ridge, he noticed there were a couple of other families scattered about. A few of them looked at him and Severus suspiciously, obviously eyeing their clothes, but the suspicion melted away when Severus pulled his wand out again, transfigured a blanket, and then pulled a large basket out of a small saddlebag.

"Where are you keeping your wand?" Harry asked the questions he'd been dying to know since the unicorns but only now felt safe enough to ask.

They settled on the blanket, and Severus opened the basket filled with sandwiches and crisps. "I was inspired by the expanded bag you carry around, and created this."

He held out his right arm, showing a leather strap snapped around it. On the underside, there was a small pouch no wider than an inch but was the full width of the wrist. Severus then touched the side closest to his hand. A small seam appeared, and then the handle of his wand slipped out. "If I wanted to carry other things in it, I would turn it around so they wouldn't fall out. It is much more convenient than strapping a wand holster under a shirt."

"Can we make me one?" Harry asked as he studied the strap.

"Sure, tonight after dinner," Severus conjured two plates and levitated a sandwich and some crisps out of the basket. "But now we eat."

Laughing, Harry served himself the Muggle way. The colour of the blanket caught his attention - it was the same blue as Severus' shirt and almost the same as the strips on Severus' bike. Hesitantly, he asked, "Is your favourite colour blue?"

Severus smiled as his fingers ghosted over the blanket, "Not bright blue, not dark blue, but a muted true blue. What is yours?'

Harry plucked at the hem of his shirt, "Grey."

"That's a shade, not a colour, Harry."

Harry shrugged, "Okay, it's my favourite shade and I don't have a favourite colour."

With an aggrieved sigh, Severus seemed to let it go as he pointed to the edge of a wood they could see from the ridge, "A manticore."

Harry stared, his eyes wide, "What else is here?"

"You never know, they come and go as they please, but don't fall into the water - you might not make it out."

Smiling, Harry settled in to enjoy lunch while watching everything around him that he could. He never noticed the staring families.

§§§§§

The rest of the ride was just as wonderful. The hand holding became a thing. Quiet time and conversations were what both of them needed. The peaceful scenery in the Wizarding World soothed the leftover tension from the War - places that Harry hadn't even realized were still tense. As they rode through the London traffic, Harry was once again glad that Severus took the outside lead, leaving him the more protected inside. He also noticed that Severus didn't even glance at a map as he took them unerringly to Grimmauld Place.

"Bring the bikes in the door and Kreacher will put them away for us," Harry said as he half carried his bike up the stairs to the door. Touching the now polished silver door knocker, the door swung open.

Kreacher and three other elves appeared to greet them.

"Kreacher, could you store the bikes for us. Severus will need his tomorrow. He'll be staying for dinner and I'm not sure when I am leaving." Harry said by way of a greeting.

"If I could use your floo after dinner, Harry, I would appreciate it," Severus cut in, "I need to return home in case the school needs me."

"Oh, sure, and your bike?" Harry asked.

"If you don't mind keeping it for now," Severus trailed off as Harry grinned.

"Not a problem," he turned back to Kreacher, "Store Severus' bike with mine until he asks for it."

"Kreacher will, Master Harry. Dinner will be served in the dining hall in an hour." The old elf said after directing a younger one to handle the bikes and another one to prepare their rooms. "If Master Harry and Master Snape wish, hot baths will be prepared for you."

With that, he disappeared along with the other elf.

Harry glanced at Severus, "I guess you will be in the room you normally used?"

"That'll be fine," Severus answered as he started up the stairs, "I'll meet you for dinner."

Harry couldn't help but smile as he followed him up.

That evening, after dinner, Severus stepped close to Harry, "Thank you for dinner. Day after tomorrow, will you come to dinner at my place?"

Harry took a step closer, caught up in the warmth and invitation in Severus' face. "That sounds great. What time?"

"Around six. The floo address is Spinner's End," Severus said as he leant forwards. His fingers drifted under Harry's chin, tilting it up. Leaning closer slowly - Harry was sure that Severus was giving him a chance to move back if he wanted to, which was not happening - Severus kissed him lightly.

Excitement ran through Harry like lightning, more than he'd ever felt with either Cho or Ginny even though the only parts touching were their lips and Severus' warm fingertips on his chin. He fought the urge to press closer.

The kiss ended, and Severus searched his eyes, obviously checking to see how he reacted. 'Checking to see if he is wanted.' Anger at all who had made Severus doubt himself flared up in him. Shoving it aside to deal with later, Harry slid his hand through Severus' hair to the back of his head and pulled him down for another kiss - this time pressing as close as he could. He could feel Severus tense up but then melt as Harry's other arm wrapped around his chest, his fingers digging into Severus' shoulder.

Both of Severus' arms wrapped around him, pulling him flush against his chest, his hands splayed out over Harry's back. All of which Harry was extremely grateful for as his knees were going weak. Opening his lips slightly, he licked Severus' lips, tasting them. The heady feeling and Severus' gasp made him tremble. Then those lips parted and Harry went past them, seeking out Severus' tongue with his own. Liquid fire poured through him and a groan pushed its way out of his mouth which Severus swallowed. One of Severus' hands moved to cup the back of his head, supporting it as the kiss intensified.

Eventually, the kiss ended. Breathless, they pulled slightly away from each other, just enough that Harry could bask in the heated look Severus was giving him. He knew he had a dopey smile on his face, but couldn't bring himself to care. He let his fingers slide out of Severus' hair and down his jaw. "Day after tomorrow, your place - Spinner's End. Do I need to bring anything?"

Severus leant into his hand before pulling even further back, letting Harry go, "No, just yourself and an appetite."

Harry grinned, "I can do that. If you need to change the time, floo here - it's the same name as before."

With a smile and a nod, Severus flooed home.

§§§§§

The next week flew past, and Harry was happy even though Severus had already returned to Hogwarts to continue getting the school ready for the next year. He was still making time to have dinner with Harry, to discuss decorating plans for Grimmauld Place, or help Harry to continue deciding what to do with his life. And kiss him goodnight each visit with each kiss growing more confident and passionate.

Ron and Hermione both took to stopping by Grimmauld Place, Ron more often as he was now working at George and Fred's shop while he considered his options.

During one evening, Ron and Hermione lounged together on his sofa while Harry flipped through forms on the coffee table.

"So, you can't change the colour of the house's exterior or the wood stains and flooring inside," Hermione said as she snuggled into Ron's shoulder better, "Do you have to keep the wallpaper, and if so, does it have to be a replica of the current paper or can you upgrade it?"

Harry glanced at the dingy paper on the walls, "I hope I don't have to match the colour, I can't tell what it is or was."

Ron chuckled, "Expensive - maybe it was fabric instead of paper. I've heard of that being done."

Harry blanched, "Right. So, I need to find an expert in this because these documents Mr Wainwright sent me are not making sense - and this is just for this house, not even for the Manor, much less for Godric's Hollow."

Ron and Hermione both nodded, then Ron asked, "Have you figured out what you want to do with the Manor?"

Harry frowned slightly, "There are a lot of tourists - not just from the UK - in the area and I would like to take advantage of that, but I am not sure about turning the manor into a BNB. I'm thinking I would enjoy living there over here."

He knew they understood the memories that clung to the walls when they both grimaced slightly. They weren't horrible memories, but so far the manor held better ones.

"You could travel between the houses," Hermione said, "That way neither are neglected."

"Yeah, I could," Harry said as he stacked the forms, "But either way, I need to ask Mr Richards about someone who specializes in fixing places like these."

§§§§§

As Harry stepped into the Leaky Cauldron, he was nervous. Dad Weasley and Percy both had talked to him about interviewing - questions to ask, things to look for - and Harry was sure he was going to miss most of what they said. 'It doesn't matter. Wainwright recommended him to me. He's good if a bit under noticed. That's fine - it means he'll have more time to help me out.'

Searching the room, his gaze stopped on Severus. Even as his brain paused, questioning why the Headmaster would be here instead of at Hogwarts, his feet were crossing the room.

"Can I join you?" he asked before his brain had caught up.

Severus smiled at him, a small but unmistakable smile. "I am waiting on someone - the last candidate for the Defence position - so I don't know how long you can, but feel free to join me."

Harry's chest, which had tightened, relaxed, "I'm waiting on someone too," He said as he slid into the booth, "Mr Richards - my estate manager - recommended Mr David Cartwright to help me with all the restoration and what can I do with the houses. I'm a bit early, but I'm not upset he isn't." Harry brushed his fingers against Severus' arm, "You're here and we can have a moment."

"What do you want to drink while we wait?" Severus asked as he turned towards Hannah Abbott as she approached the table.

Harry smiled at Hannah, "Hi, Hannah, I didn't know you are working here."

She beamed, "Hi, Harry. Tom is teaching me the business – I was thinking of opening my own place, so I asked him."

"He's a good one to learn from," Harry said before ordering a butterbeer.

With a cheerful grin, Hannah went to get it.

Harry turned back to Severus, "She didn't seem surprised to see me sitting with you."

"You're not paying attention to the papers, are you?" Severus entangled his fingers with Harry's briefly before letting go to make room for Hannah to put the butterbeer down.

"The only paper I've paid attention to is the ones dealing with the houses," Harry took a sip of his drink, trying not to miss the feel of Severus' fingers. "What have I missed?"

"There was an article published a day before we made it to Grimmauld Place, showing pictures of us in the nature preserve where the unicorns were. Our picnic lunch was documented, including our hand-holding as we left the picnic grounds," Severus spoke casually, but he was watching Harry closely.

Harry couldn't help the smile that slipped out, "So, we've been outed by the papers. No hard feelings?"

Severus shook his head, "No, but I did have a long talk with Minerva and the other professors."

"Any real backlash?" Harry scanned the crowd around them, trying to see if anyone was looking particularly cross at them.

"Some in the papers, but your year mates are pushing back against it," Severus tapped Harry's hand, bringing Harry's attention back to him. "Enough of that. What are the possible plans for the houses now, since you are bringing in help?"

Harry shrugged, "They're all over the place, and I don't know who will run them, and I don't know what to do with my own life." He stopped before his tone could turn whinging.

"Why don't you run them?" Severus asked, "At least oversee the entire venture, and maybe take a vested interest in one of the houses? No one says you have to work for someone else or have a typical job. You could easily spend a lifetime overseeing this and it could be profitable. Do you have the funds to support yourself and fledgling businesses?"

Something clicked in Harry, a feeling of right settling deep inside of him. 'I've been trying to find something normal. Something like everyone else. But I'm not normal – never have been.' "I do … would you be okay with me doing something like that?" He knew he looked as shocked as he felt as the question came out – one he hadn't even thought of, but one that the answer felt so important to hear.

Severus smirked, "I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't, now would I?"

Harry shook his head, "No." He went quiet as he let the thought settle in. Plans started developing, ideas started to make tentative lines. "Do you think the gatehouse would make a good hostel?"

Another question that felt as if it was out of the blue, but even as he asked it, Harry could see the full-blown plans already in his mind. The gatehouse was massive - each side having two towers with a wall between each. The walls had halls big enough to move artillery through, and both the towers and the walls had different floors. He could set up bunks in the towers, a dining area in one of the halls, a gift shop in the other or maybe a place to store the bikes.

"Maybe," Severus answered as he gestured for Harry to get up, "I fear our time is up, Harry. My applicant is here."

The plans faded when Harry spotted a man who would put Lockhart's looks to shame and chuckled before he whispered, "He'll make all the girls swoon."

Severus rolled his eyes, and Harry squeezed his shoulder before he walked towards the bar, hoping Mr Cartwright would get there soon. Even knowing that it was an interview, he was not comfortable watching Severus talking to such a handsome man.

§§§§§

Severus stared at the compact sitting on his dresser. He'd gotten used to Harry not leaving a message every day during the summer, but now that he was back at school, he missed the highlight of his morning - and not just because he was able to see more of Harry through the mirror than he had during the entire bike ride. 'Both of us were careful not to undress around the other then. I know my reasons and have a good suspicion as to Harry's. There was no use teasing myself and alarming him before it was decided to try out a relationship, and afterwards, we both are going slowly. No need to jump directly into a bed, not if we are honestly trying to make this work.'

Giving in to temptation, Severus pressed the ring on the compact and then opened it. Pulling on a shirt - very conscious that Harry would be ogling him - he began buttoning it slowly. "Good morning, Harry. I hope that you are having a good day. The school year is off to a flying start - literally." He chuckled, the buttons forgotten as he recounted the story of a Hufflepuff girl trying to fly into the Ravenclaw Tower to see her boyfriend. He didn't mention names, but he was positive Harry would enjoy the story without them. Finishing the tale - she finally landed on top of the Astronomy Tower and the boyfriend met her up there only to be caught by Sinistra - he continued dressing. "The students seem to like the new Defense professor, so hopefully he will last the year. You were right, the girls and a number of boys are swooning over him. He is taking it in stride and so is his wife - our new Potions Professor. Slughorn opted to go back into retirement. How are things progressing over there? Did you get the maps I sent you?"

He and Filius had worked to replicate his bike map, but couldn't get it to fit all into one parchment, unlike the original. Filus had been grumbling about not being able to deconstruct the map's spells but would have taken on anyone who'd dared to damage it at the same time. Finishing the last couple of buttons, he leant closer to the mirror, "Can we meet next week - Friday? Dinner somewhere - you choose?"

That didn't sound too much like he was aching to see Harry - at least he hoped. He gave a small nod and closed the compact.

It was time to head off to breakfast.

The day was filled with administrative work, which, unfortunately, did not require his undivided attention like monitoring a potions classroom. So, as the day progressed, he wondered if Harry had replied. Did he like watching Severus dress? Or would he prefer to watch him undress? That last thought forced him to retreat to his rooms for several minutes right before he went down to supervise lunch.

He made himself to ignore the compact until that evening. He'd been nervous all day about if Harry would reply and how he would do so. The darkened ring assured him of a reply, at least. Opening the compact, he waited with bated breath - hoping to see Harry clad in nothing but his imagination once again.

"Hi, Severus," Harry smiled as he said, "I'm happy you messaged … I …"

Severus was glad for the pause, it gave him time to drink in the sight before him. Harry wasn't clad only in his imagination, but it was close enough. All he could see was the waistband of the pyjamas from their trip.

Harry started speaking again, his cheeks red but his eyes shining, "I missed seeing you doing your buttons - seeing you talk to me while you are changing. I understand why we didn't do so when we were together - we have to make sure we're compatible first as the fallout between us will be spectacular and can have lasting consequences that I don't want to think about right now - but I missed this." He ran a hand through his hair while giving a half smile and a tiny shrug.

"So, you hired Professor Gorgeous and lucked out that he came claimed by a Potions Master who was willing to teach?" Harry chuckled, "Nice to know we are both having a touch of good luck. Mr Cartwright got the approval for the plans I made for the Black Gatehouse Hostel - even the name is accepted. He also found out that the chapel in the older part of the Manor is still allowed to perform marriage ceremonies." He beamed, "Ron and Hermione are planning on getting married in it. After that, we are thinking of seeing if we could rent out the space for weddings, maybe with a section of the garden and the suite of rooms near it. Cartwright is looking into whether we can convert one of the longer rooms into a dining area for receptions."

He paused, his smile getting bigger, "They've decided to stick with me and help me run this for now. We're all staying in the manor, but dinner with you would be awesome! Would you like to meet up at Grimmauld Place and let Kreacher cook for us, or would you like to go out to get curry? I'm leaning toward Kreacher making curry - his is good, but if you don't want to be in the house, I'd understand. Let me know what time you'll be there."

The message ended, but the image of Harry's bright smile stayed in his mind as he fell asleep.

§§§§§

Severus paced the halls of the school as he watched everyone plan their holiday. Christmas was upon them and, if he was honest with himself, he didn't want to be there. He wanted to spend the holiday week at Black Manor helping Harry put the finishing touches on the hostel and then retire to help decorate the living section of the manor for the holidays. 'He's not going to be there for the holiday itself. He'll be at the Burrow. Maybe I can drop in there for just a bit?' Part of him cringed about the idea of seeing the Weasleys, but he also knew they were an important part of Harry's life - one that was not likely to change.

Minerva fell into step with him at the base of the Astronomy Tower stairs, "Are you off to visit Harry during the holidays?"

He glanced at her, uncertain about her tone. Up until this question, she had spoken very neutrally about his visits with Harry. Her tone this time was more … warm and accepting. "As the Headmaster, I am to stay here," which is why he and Harry had not planned anything for the holiday together.

"Christmas night, after the feast, I will take over the school and you go see him. Be back by midnight," she said with a smile softening the order.

"The Board of Governors will not allow it," he trailed off as her glare turned into an eye roll.

"They won't be informed. You shall be working on potions or something, and I have taken over until you've finished," she stopped him, a hand resting on his arm, "Severus, I've watched since you brought those three back into the castle last school year. You both waited, you both took the time to figure things out, and you've spent the school year trying to make this work between you. Go, you need to spend your first Christmas together as a couple."

He could see an aching loss in her eyes for just a moment, but then it was banished, "I'll ask him if it is possible."

"If you need to change the time, let me know," she moved her hand and continued on the route he had been walking. He fell back into step with her, a comfortable silence reigning between them.

§§§§§

That summer Severus succeeded in leaving the castle earlier than last year. Instead of going straight to Spinner's End, he went to Grimmauld Place. Harry had promised him a surprise.

Standing in the front parlour, his nose twitched at the smell of cleaners and stains. A quick glance about showed him the chairs and sofa had been reupholstered and the tables cleaned and well polished. The warm red walls were a marked difference from the dingy uniform faded to grey colour they'd been. The colour made the bottle green of the cushions stand out in a nice contrast. He moved the matching green velvet curtain slightly and noticed the small park that had been situated nearby was also being restored - the benches looked newly refurbished and the flower beds tended.

The parlour door opened as he dropped the edge of the curtain, and Harry entered smiling at him, "What do you think?"

Severus looked back at the room, "I'm surprised at the red."

Harry chuckled and crossed the room, looping his arm through Severus'. "I was too, but the workmen insisted that this was the original colour. Hermione agreed when she looked at the sample of fabric they had painstakingly cleaned after taking it off the wall. Matching the material was a pain, but I think it looks beautiful." Harry twisted around to look up at Severus, his fingers resting on his chest, "But this wasn't the surprise I wanted you to see."

"Before you show me," Severus bent down, pulling Harry that much closer, and kissed him. 'Maybe now that it is summer, we can take this further.' Lifting his head, he smiled slightly at the now familiar dopey smile on Harry's face.

Harry let out a satisfied sound, "Lovely…" he then gave a tiny shake of his head, "Let's go to the manor."

"Why didn't you tell me to meet you there?" Severus asked as Harry let him go to reach the floo powder.

"Because I have the floo locked there except for coming in from here," Harry offered the floo powder dish to Severus, "The address is Black Manor."

He then tossed his powder into the floo, calling out the address. Severus followed after he'd vanished.

Stepping out of the fireplace, he was then rushed out of the small room that only held the fireplace and a couple of chairs, down the hall, and into a room. Severus noticed all the changes in the study he found himself in. It was transformed as much, if not more so, than the parlour at Grimmauld Place. The desk was polished, glowing in the sunlight shining through sparkling clean windows framed by heavy brocade curtains. The floor had throw rugs covering the scrubbed stone floor, and a fireplace had a small fire in it, knocking the chill out of the room caused by the amount of stone surrounding him.

"It's part of the original Norman castle. I moved most of the books that were here into the library so you could put what you wanted on the shelf. The room next door is suitable for a potions lab, I think, and you could do your schoolwork here. Well, except what you have to be at the castle for." Harry nodded towards the fireplace, "You can connect it to the floo network."

Severus held up a finger and repressed the smile when Harry automatically stopped speaking, "Are you asking me to move in with you?"

Harry gave a small smile and an even smaller shrug, "Yeah - at least for the summer. You have your own bedroom here already - Dobby never assigned the one from last summer to anyone else and has kept it clean. When I asked him about it, he said it was yours. And the place is big enough that we can get away from each other if we want, but you'll be here too, to see the changes and to …" Harry paused and then obviously changed what he was about to say, " help with things if you want."

Severus set his bag on the desk, "Help with things? Like," he stepped closer to Harry, "like finding out just how much you moan, scream and writhe while being made love to? Or are you the silent kind?" another step closer, "Do you prefer top or bottom, or are you an equal opportunist?"

He watched as those bright green eyes went round and noted the fine tremors running through Harry just at the words, "Or was it other things?'

Harry swallowed hard, "Can it be both? And are we moving forwards now?"

Severus pulled Harry into a hug, "Yes, we are if you're ready, and it can be both."

Harry melted into Severus, pulling him down for a long, passionate kiss. "Can we do the moving forwards now or does it have to be later today?"

"Come help me unpack," Severus kissed Harry quickly - more of a peck than anything.

Sliding a hand over Severus' hip, Harry gave him another grin, "I'll help unpack you."

Fighting to not roll his eyes, Severus walked out the door, "Show me the way to my room?"

Laughing, Harry did.

§§§§§

Harry shut the door behind them, his eyes tracing Severus' form, "Do you have work you need to be doing right now?"

He had to know. The last thing he wanted was to tarnish Severus' reputation anymore.

"Not right now," Severus pulled a shrunken trunk from his pocket, "We will have to go to Spinner's End and gather more of my wardrobe." He set the now full-size trunk down near the wardrobe, "And if we survive this summer, we will talk about my moving in."

Harry nodded, "Sounds like a fair plan." He took a step closer, "Anything else needs to come out of your pockets?"

Severus shook his head as he took off his robe and sent it into the wardrobe. His jacket and waistcoat followed.

Harry greedily watched each button as they slipped through the buttonhole and frowned when Severus only undid his cuffs on his shirt. Trying not to sound whiny he asked, "Are you not taking more off?"

Severus' gaze slid over him slowly, "You're overdressed."

Harry crossed the room, his eyes half-lidded by the time he made it to the bedside, "How undressed do you want me?"

"Shoes, socks, and shirt at the very least, gone for now," Severus replied, "More if you wish to." He stood waiting, his fingers twiddling with his top shirt button.

Harry sat on the edge of the bed to remove his socks and shoes. Someplace in the back of his mind, he thought to try and make it look sexy but opted not to make a fool of himself instead. Reaching up to his shirt, he regretted wearing a t-shirt – a button-up shirt he could have slowly undone and at least looked better than pulling the t-shirt over his head, messing up his hair, possibly catching on his glasses, and worst of all, hiding Severus from him, even briefly. He lifted the hem of the shirt, and Severus' eyes darted to the slither of exposed skin. He then undid one button, his fingers moving to the next and stopped. Harry lifted the shirt a bit more, and Severus undid another button. He was sure Severus was still looking at him - he could feel that burning gaze - but couldn't look away from every exposed inch of Severus' chest.

He slipped his arms through the armholes and knew it was time. He had to take the shirt over his head and lose sight of Severus. Mind you, Severus had finished his last button and was pulling the shirt from his trousers. Harry decided to remove his glasses first, quickly pulled the shirt off, and slid them back on. To his relief, Severus waited until he could see again, to finish removing his shirt. He couldn't help but follow the trail of dark hair that stood out in stark relief against the pale white skin. He reached out to touch it, but let his hand fall as Severus was out of reach.

With a fond sounding huff, Severus moved closer, "You could walk, too."

Smiling, Harry reached out, "But we are going to end up here anyway." His fingers made contact and he tried to thread them through the hair trail and then ran his entire hands over Severus' taut abdomen and chest. Severus' gasps made him feel heady. Then Severus' hands ran over his shoulders, and just the touch of those finger on his bare skin caused him to moan out loud with pleasure.

A dam was broken.

Harry pulled Severus closer, his lips and tongue following his hands. Severus was doing the same. The rest of what they were wearing vanished, and both groaned as they tumbled onto the bed, skin against skin, hot and slick.

Harry's hand moved to the newly exposed skin and he shifted his weight to be able to follow them with his mouth. First down the outside of a long leg, and then he pushed Severus flat so he could come back up the inside. When he made it to his groin, he paused, uncertainty flooding him.

"You don't have to," Severus panted out, but Harry could hear the desire, want, in those words.

He cupped Severus' balls with one hand while the fingers of his other hand wrapped around his cock, giving a tentative stroke. Severus' hips jerked off the bed, stroking himself in Harry's hand. Harry let go of his balls and stroked a soothing hand over Severus' hip. Leaning forward, he tasted the wrinkled skin that covered the balls he'd been holding a moment ago. A groan escaped him as the flavour filled his mouth - it was almost the same as the skin at Severus' neck, but even better.

Fingers slid through his hair, tightening against his scalp, pulling his head up higher until he was nuzzling Severus' cock. Severus gave a long, low ragged moan as he kissed the base. Moving higher, giving in to the pressure of Severus' fingers, he savoured every moan and the gasp as he kissed the head. Curious, he licked the head, trying to learn the different texture and flavour. A shiver ran through him even as Severus tried to push up into his mouth. Harry let him, controlling the depth the best he could. Each stroke, each was better and better. The taste, the texture, the weight, and Severus' reaction drove his excitement higher.

The hand on his hair tightened and then pulled him off. Severus then flipped him over, pinning him to the bed, kissing him thoroughly. Then, Severus' hands and mouth began to explore him. Harry's gasps and moans filled the room. As Severus' mouth engulfed his cock, he was plunged into a pool of aching need, his balls tightened up, and before he could give warning, he was coming. Wave after wave of pleasure washed over him, and Harry struggled to not give in to the desire to let them wash away his energy - he needed to make Severus come.

Groping around on the bed, he came in contact with Severus' thigh and followed it to the still turgid cock. Wrapping his fingers around it, he tugged. It only took two strokes for Severus to come with a muted shout. Severus then collapsed next to him, breathing hard.

As they lay there, trying to catch their breaths, Harry thought of what to say, but in the end, saying nothing was fine. Severus tugged at him and Harry went along until he was curled beside Severus with his head pillowed on his shoulder. Long fingers entwined with his, bringing his hand up to Severus' lips for a kiss.

Smiling, Harry allowed himself to drift off as Severus' arms held him close.