Severus Snape and the Stone Heart

by Apprentice08

When Severus is given a task by Voldemort he has no clue how to proceed. The task seems insane and for the time being Dumbledore has no answers. But why would the Dark Lord want Severus, of all people, to be the one to try for the impossible, what dark plan is up his even darker sleeves. And what makes the Dark Lord think that Severus Snape could ever make the chosen one love him?

10. Time Builds Tension

A/N: I'm seriously struggling for my momentum….I want this story to be good but I feel like it's falling short….I may have to take it down and rewrite and repost…..it's missing build up and pre-plot details….there needs to be more…...something…..I think I will post this chapter, reread the whole thing and decide what I will do after.

Thank you for all the reviews and the support, it is much needed in times as these! To BordemisanUnderstatement, you reviews always make me smile and feel like the story is going okay. I always look forward to them and can't wait to see what you have to say.

This is the longest chapter yet, with heavy editing which is why it took so long to post. But still expect mistakes as this pad is rather incompetent.

WARNINGS: SOME GOOD OLD-FASHIONED HEAVY PETTING AT THE BOTTOM, YOU'LL SEE IT COMING IF YOU WANT TO SKIP AND SOME MILD IF NOT SLIGHTLY SADISTIC KISSING A QUARTER FROM THE TOP AS WELL….MXM SNARRY YAY WE ARE GETTING INTO PLOT DEVELOPMENT AND STUFF.

CHAPTER 10

Time Builds Tension

Two weeks had passed since the debacle at the pond, since Johnny had left and Harry and Snape had shared that false promise of murder. Well, Harry hoped it was false, as the chances of Johnny showing back up were still there and Harry didn't actually want the man to kill the troubled youth.

As of today, Harry had been at Spinner's End three weeks in total, he was at the end of the first week in the second month of his summer Holiday. It had been uneventful, near tranquil. Harry and Snape had started a routine of sorts, waking up to eat breakfast and drink coffee. They meditated after, did laundry every other day and then spent their evenings reading, talking or both.

It was such a simple life, no worries or any real responsibilities. In those two weeks Ron and Hermione had come by twice when Snape went to his favorite cafe in London. Harry had yet to accompany him as seeing Ron and Hermione always felt like the right choice of the two. They pulled him back from his mind's current obsession with finding a way to be with Snape. They were a grounding force to his own desires as he had yet to tell them the truth, which made him seriously re-evaluate any hasty decisions he might want to make.

He had told them a little about the incident with Johnny, making it seem like it was one sided and that Harry had not, in fact, inadvertently fed into the boy's issues by allowing Johnny so much free reign. They did not know about Harry returning the boy's affections, for however short a time, so Johnny seemed to come off to them as more psychotic than he actually was. Ron's face had turned green at the thought, Hermione just looked petrified. For not being honest Harry felt utterly guilty and he had confided in Snape the truth, the man assuring him that anyone in Harry's place would do the same thing until they were ready to share what was really going on.

Harry wasn't sure he would ever be ready to tell them the truth, he was bisexual and had started to develop romantic feelings for his potions professor, the man who had tortured them mercilessly since their first year. And Harry's only excuse? The man had been nice to him…..he had dropped his head down onto his bedroom desk and groaned at the thought.

Jimmy's crew swung by once, dragging a "found" tv and a rather amused Minnie with, setting up in the sitting room to watch some big football game that was apparently critical to Jimmy's survival to see. Snape had been pretty damn annoyed with it and the two "adults" had exited to the garden to have tea and talk while Harry, Stacy and the rest stayed in to eat junkfood and watch the mighty British Empire, as Jimmy called it, face off against Ukraine's best.

Harry had also written a second letter to Dumbledore, hoping the man would respond, not that he really needed a response now that things with Snape were….different….but it was the principle of the thing. The man had been either too busy or had been purposefully ignoring him. Considering his relationship with Dumbledore had always been based on honesty and trust….at least on Harry's end…..the headmaster's silence irked him to no end.

The sleeping situation had become a little strange, most nights Harry was in his own bed, as society and morals dictated he should be. His nightmares had lessened and he could only think that perhaps the meditation was helping. Twice though, fear, paranoia and horror broke through his new more calmed mind and in those dark nights of twisting and jerking beneath his bed sheets, where sweat drenched his pillow and his eyes cried hot tears of anguish he would journey to his professor's room where he would be given a mild sleep aid and allowed to climb in next to the man. Snape would watch over him, wake him should he plunge back into the world of hauntings and nightmares.

In the morning they would untangle themselves from each other, one or both of them feigning sleep so that neither had to speak about the lines they continued to casually cross. The tension continued to grow, though it was still within shareable levels. Harry had not continued to play with the idea of bringing his dark side forth, as while Snape had shown a preference for such a thing, Harry wasn't so sure he could keep himself from going too far.

The single promise beneath the old oak, as strangely passionate and intimate as it had been, was not something Harry wanted to repeat. The young man had never considered what dark wants might lurk in his subconscious, what things he might be willing to say or do if he pulled from that deeper part of himself….over the years he had small tastes of it...like when he had allowed Umbridge to be dragged off into the Dark Forest by the Minotaurs….or when he had felt a rather shocking but heady pleasure at the idea of turning Peter Pettigrew over to the Dementors…..a fate far worse than death.

Still, as the tension between the two men continued to grow, Harry couldn't help but tease the man a bit. He would do small things….like leave the bathroom door partially open while he showered and dressed, twice he had come down to breakfast sans his shirt and only wearing his low riding sleep pants. Unable to tell if it got any response out of the man, but not hearing any complaints Harry was sure it must have some effect because the man had left the kitchen once in a hurry, not bothering to finish his breakfast.

It was a Tuesday morning when Snape came out of his room just as Harry came out the shower, his jeans unbuttoned and he was shirtless, using a towel to dry his hair.

Their eyes met casually but Harry continued on to his room, pausing only in the doorway when Snape called him, "Potter, I will be in my room most of the day in order to work on a new potion I've been wishing to try and create. You can eat without me, if you need me just knock."

"What's the new potion, sir?" Harry asked curiously. He caught the man's eyes run down his frame and back up swiftly, his hands slowly fisting and opening several times, a new habit the man had started to develop that Harry could only hope he was the cause of.

"It is a mix of the sleep aid I have been giving you and dreamless sleep."

"What will that create?"

"Hopefully the mixture will allow for a far less addicting solution for those who suffer from night terrors and insomnia. The sleep aid, while useful, has been shown to cause intense and often realistic dreaming in those who have heavy thoughts on their minds….mixing it with dreamless sleep should elevate the side effects without causing any addictions to form. However, as too much of either at the same time has been known to cause patients to slip into comas, I need to adjust carefully."

Harry nodded to this as his hands held onto the ends of his towel which hung around the back of his neck. Snape's eyes scanned him again, this time lingering on his undone pants before jerking up, his eyes just barely filling with anxiety and Harry had to fight off the smirk that wanted to lace his lips.

"Would you mind if I watched?" Harry asked as he turned to move into his room, he bent over and dug through his trunk aimlessly searching for a shirt. When he found it he stood and caught sight of the man leaning in his doorway, palms braced on either side of the frame, eyes still staring.

Harry looked back, keeping his face neutral, as if he was going about his business with no ulterior motive in mind. As he pulled the shirt on over his head he met those eyes again which were zoning in on him with an intensity that Harry was becoming all too familiar with.

The man approached him slowly, those eyes never breaking away, and when he stood before Harry he raised a hand, though to Harry's frustration it stopped just short of his face, "I know what you are doing, boy."

Harry cocked a brow and tilted his head, "What am I doing, sir?"

That hand quickly shifted to take up Harry's chin, his face leaning in, "You may watch, if you so wish it, but…" and the man's fingers left his face, his hands coming down to take up the flaps of Harry's pants, "any distractions…" and Harry grunted as the man gave a jerk to pull his pants tightly closed, fingers barely touching his skin as he buttoned them, "and you will be outside on your arse….have I made myself clear, Mr. Potter?"

Harry nodded quickly as red flared in his cheeks, "Good, you may bring a book, or something to eat but you best not make a mess of my bed."

Snape stepped back and turned swiftly to exit the room, leaving Harry mildly aroused and cursing himself for thinking the man not bold enough to retaliate against his oh so subtle hints.

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Severus was at his wits end, Harry was making things much harder than they needed to be. Between walking around half clothed, showering with the door open and not even bothering with the common decency to button his damn pants, Severus was struggling with his self control. He knew the instant the boy had started to hint at such things, to play the cards of temptation, he would have to be on his guard. Severus had a very good poker face, but even he was struggling to keep from revealing his hand.

Not that it hadn't been revealed already, both men knew where the other stood on such matters. Potter was doing his best to respect the man's wishes, however, that crafty little Slytherin wannabe wasn't above trying to change what the man's wishes were.

The older man would love to fight fire with fire, but that would only lead both of them down a road that neither could truly resist. The fire would spark again, the flame would spread dangerously fast. All Severus could do was focus on seeing his mission through, keeping his hands mostly to himself and not crossing those lines that he knew shouldn't be crossed.

Still, even having the boy in his bed, even if it was just to make sure he didn't have another dream filled episode of chaotic destruction….every time the boy crawled in next to him Severus had to force himself to roll away. Despite the fact that in the morning their limbs would be entangled, their hands in each other's hair and faces pressed together as hips curved to fit whomever had become dominant in the night.

He had heard nothing from the Dark Lord, nor had Dumbledore checked in and he felt that things were coming to a head. In two months Harry would turn seventeen, and heaven help the boy if he was still here when he came of age. The teacher student relationship had already been breech, the only thing really holding the man back was the thought of Harry still being too young, still not old enough to travel into the dark underbelly of sexual gratification….though….it was all a load of shite as the man had already made the boy cum once, even if he hadn't actually touched the boy's most intimate area.

The very thought of Harry cumming by his simple order to do so was a recurring memory in his mind, as well as thoughts of what else he might be able to get the boy to do. How well could he play the boy's body, how quick could he make the boy scream in uninhibited bliss….

He often felt his cheeks heat at it, shame and humiliation rising like a cruel tidal wave to wash over him and cool his aching groin and elevated heart rate.

And then there was the matter of darker things, of Harry's apparent dark side, the side no one but Severus had ever really seen. Where the boy thought anger felt good, and promises of murder were just as passionate as declarations of love. Severus didn't know what to make of it aside from feeling a rather fervent need to pull more forbidden thoughts from the boy.

If Dumbledore could see him now, the singular man that the old wizard supposedly trusted so much, thinking such dirty and evil thoughts about Potter, the golden boy of Hogwarts.

You pervert…..Severus heard himself say.

His eyes scanned over to his bed to glance Potter, cross legged with an apple half eaten in one hand and a book in the other. Severus had noticed the boy had taken to reading as there wasn't much else to do and Harry had started flying through books at an enormous rate. He read much faster than he claimed he could though he did seem to have a natural inclination to fiction tales versus non-fiction which was Severus's preference.

The boy was oblivious to his gaze and continued to take bites off his apple and flip pages lazily. When Severus's eyes dropped back down he realized he was still holding the two potion vials and had yet to measure either.

For God's sake! He mused angrily and he let out a puff of frustrated air, feeling the boy's eyes rise to look at him curiously, "Are you alright Professor?" he asked innocently enough and the man wanted to snap on him as his eyes shut and his teeth grit.

Of course I am not alright you little tease…..been waging your hips around like a damn dog in heat all week and now you expect me to be able to focus on this with you sitting on my bed reading and sucking on an apple like a god damned gift basket? All I can focus on is how horribly I want to hold you down and rut you into the floor….and I bet you'd be just FINE with it….damn little manipulative….I wish to touch you….and I can't….I wish to devour you and I must restrain myself...and for the life of me I've never felt so out of control….I just want to-

"Damn it…" He hissed out.

Severus looked up at the boy whose eyes seemed concerned and the older wizard couldn't help what he did next, couldn't stop himself from pulling the boy closer, "Come over here and make yourself useful you damned brat." He said irritably and Harry quickly set his snack and book aside, coming to stand next to him and wait patiently.

"Listen to every instruction I give to the letter, understand?" and the boy nodded quickly.

"If you mess up, we could both slip into a coma or worse, got it?" Harry nodded again.

"Take these and measure them out, a cup each…" and as the boy took the bottles, their fingers just barely touching, that same small electrical pulse traveled up his arms and he felt a shiver run up his spin. He mentally cursed again and did his best not to focus on the heat that pool in his stomach.

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Harry thought that maybe he had pushed the man too far, even if his playful hints had been subtle the man had been rather short with him throughout the whole potion making process. Harry had been extra careful, forced more focus onto the task at hand then he ever had before in regards to potion making. Wanting to do it just right as to both show the man his competency and possibly win some positive points.

But the more he helped, the more frustrated Snape seemed to get, the man blatantly trying not to touch him, not to get too close and yet if Harry stepped even a foot back to give the man room Snape snapped on him to come closer.

It took three hours of this strange dance to get the potion to the point they were at now, the final mixing stage and as soon as they bottled it Harry was going to leave and give the man some apparently much needed space.

Having no clue if the man's irritability was from spending the last week and a half with Harry, who had tried to change the man's mind about his decision to abstain from his desires via running around half naked, or if it had something to do with the lengthy process of trying to make this specific potion….Harry decided it was time to back off and stop being so damn mean about it.

Yes, he wanted the man to just give up and give in so that Harry could explore whatever it was that was happening between them….but he didn't want to do it at the cost of this tentative but growing friendship they were starting to form.

Finally, Snape corked the bottles and put them in a small wooden crate before setting them to rest and cool in the dark wardrobe. Harry had walked to the bed, unsuspecting and relatively positive giving the man space was the best thing to do….maybe he could go see if Stacy was out and about, they always had interesting conversations and she might be able to help-

As he reached across the bed to take up his book a larger hand shot out from the other side and gripped his wrist painfully tight. Harry's head jerked up in shock and was greeted by the intense but narrowed eye stare of Snape, "You God damned little minx."

And before Harry could do or say anything Snape had yanked him forward hard, pulling Harry onto his lap as Snape dropped onto the bed. At first, Harry's instincts made him fight, fear of some angry repercussion from the man's bad mood filling his mind as Snape gripped a hand into his hair harshly and his other hand still clamped onto his wrist like a vice.

He struggled, pulled and pushed at Snape thinking that the man was upset with him, that he was furious because of the boy's teasing.

"Lay still!" the man hissed as he jerked Harry back onto his lap and then swiftly brought his lips down to meet his own. Up until this point Snape had never really kissed him, Harry always started it, save for the one time when the man had been sleeping.

But this kiss was all Snape, all his moving lips and twisting tongue and sucked in breaths through his nose as the man's hands held him so tightly, held him with such a firm and dominate air that Harry instantly stilled, falling submissive as soon as the man bit his bottom lip.

"You are the bane of my existence." the man muttered against Harry's lips.

Snape released Harry's wrist and his hand instantly pushed up that shirt, his palm sliding up Harry's ribs and fingers taking up a nipple, pinching it hard, much too hard.

And Harry cried out in shock as his back arched and his eyes clenched shut, "Tempting me is NOT a wise decision Potter. You aren't ready for what you seek…..but I warn you….if you persist… if you try to draw me out and change my mind…." and Harry started to struggle a little in earnest as the man's teeth grazed over his neck, that finger still clamped onto his nipple and brutalizing it with a good twist, pull or pinch as the man saw fit, "You might just succeed and heaven help you if you do because those dark thoughts that we've talked about? I won't hesitate to give in to them…" and Snape's mouth came to his ear as Harry jerked again, the sensitive skin screaming with pain and his mind swirling with a mix of fear and arousal, "I'll share them with you Potter… and then we will see who's chasing after who."

Snape's lips crushed his then, tongue lapping brutally into his mouth as those fingers finally released his aching bud and his palm came to rub up the boy's belly, fingers stopping at the boy's throat to gently massage it.

After a moment Snape pulled away and he grazed down Harry's cheek with the back of his knuckles, "Look at me." the man said, his voice suddenly soft and gentle.

Harry's eyes fluttered open and they met black pools filled to the brim with a dangerous want, "I know you don't understand the severity of my situation, how truly tempting a proposition you are making…..how much I want to take you up on your offer, but it simply cannot happen. Put it far from your mind, stop tempting me and stop tempting fate… you'll hate yourself later if you do not."

Harry just continued to stare, his panting breaths puffing passed swollen lips, those soft cheeks flushed with red, despite the man's obvious protests, despite the fact he was trying to make a point (which was not lost on harry) Snape went to lean in again.

What was Harry to do but submit, he wanted to submit….didn't care about the outcome, or if he might regret it….letting Snape do anything he wanted to him sounded just fine to him.

He gave a soft moan as he waited for those lips to touch his when suddenly Snape let out a small yell and stood with a jolt, Harry tumbling to the floor as Snape's hand grabbed at his forearm.

"Sir, are you-"

"To the burrow, go-"

"But sir-"

"Now!" the man yelled as he turned swiftly with gritted teeth and strode with purpose to the fireplace, he grabbed up a bowl and shoved it into the boy's hands as Harry had stumbled up from the floor to follow him.

Snape grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him close, "You will go to the burrow and wait for me, if you are not there when I come for you so help me I will find you and skin you alive, understood?" Harry nodded numbly and Snape pulled out his wand, hastily transfiguring the small fireplace into something Harry could stand in.

Harry quickly moved into position and then took the flu powder up from the bowl and said clearly "The burrow!" and with a blaze of green fire he was gone.

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Severus felt the dread filling him the instant he had received the burning call in his arm, realizing he had not properly prepared for this. He had been so focused on the boy, on Harry's issues, his needs to escape nightmares and try to exist without horror lacing his life that Severus's own needs had been put on hold. He had not meditated, nor kept up with his own Occlumency practices.

His shields had not been fortified, his mind not reorganized and memories processed. He was going into the lion's den without any proper safeties in place. If the Dark Lord decided to look into his mind Severus wasn't sure how well his shields would hold.

It took a severe focus to be able to remain so stoic and calm on the outside, especially if your emotions on the inside were raging. While Severus took pride in his ability to stonewall his feelings and keep everything neatly organized, while he had perfected his techniques over many years and even studied under Albus Dumbledore, he also knew that to maintain such disciplines you had to maintain the practices as well.

For the past three weeks he had done nothing of the sort and now, his true abilities would be put to the test for the Dark Lord had called him much sooner than he had expected, leaving the man to wonder, just what the evil creature could possibly want of him.

When he apparated he found himself in the same massive room as before, all arched windows and stained glass, tall pillars and cold gray light. His eyes landed on Voldemort, the wraith like man sitting in his throne, Nigini at his feet, and his eyes locked onto none other than Bellatrix Lestrange.

The woman's face was desperate though her eyes remained adoring as she spoke softly to him, though the Dark Lord did not look amused, his demonic face smeared into an annoyed and unimpressed glare.

Severus remained down, his head bowed and his body unmoving, waiting his turn and hoping the vile woman would not leave the man in such a foul mood as to leave Voldemort with the desire to punish someone.

"Stupid girl, my orders are absolute, Severus shall retain his position and his custody over the boy, you're foolish to offer to take his place as you've no footing to stand on. After all, was it not you who killed the boy's godfather? While your eagerness to please is admirable your allowing it to cloud your judgment, if you speak to me of this again I shall punish you myself...am I understood?"

Bellatrix seemed to murmur words of contrition and reluctant acceptance and as she backed away managed to give Severus a dower if not slightly disgusted look. Severus only catching it because his eyes had glanced up momentarily.

"Ah, Severus my friend, do forgive me...Bellatrix was just leaving." the woman looked surprised and slightly hurt but she nodded all the same and moved quickly to a side door which she promptly disappeared behind.

"Please forgive my tardiness my Lord, I had to deal with the boy before I could come to you, I beg your understanding." Severus said, hoping the overly contrite display would quell the man's anger.

"You are forgiven and excused, after all, children are rather a handful." the man said in good humour and Severus felt his racing heart calm slightly. He could do this, if he could just keep the Dark Lord's mood high than he might be able to walk away from this without any problems.

"Thank you my Lord, tell me, how may I serve you?"

"Rise, we shall walk again as often it would seem that walls have ears." and those red eyes glanced to the door from which Bellatrix had just left and Severus stood to follow, his strides sure and true even though his mind felt chaotic.

"I must admit I have called you here sooner than I had planned, more so from my ever mounting curiosity. I have news for you, something to aid you in your quest. I also wish to know how things have gone with the boy. How is our mission progressing?" and the hissed voice of the man next to him was laced with a subtle excitement, something that drove fear into Severus's chest, though he remained calm and collected in appearance.

Severus took a slow breath, quietly calming himself further before he spoke, "The boy is responding to my overtures of friendship, having forgiven me for my past aggressions as soon as I softened my tone and quelled my temper. He is none the wiser and has taken to spending copious amounts of time talking to me as if we are old companions."

He heard Voldemort chuckled darkly as he said with an exuberance often reserved for Nagini's supper time, "Excellent, so our plans are progressing. You've done wonderful Severus, I am pleased, have no doubt."

They were back in that open hall now, the cold air still biting at Severus's ears and nose, the silence from the world below near eerie as a hawk circled off in the distant sky, "I live to serve thee my Lord."

"And serve me you have, but tell me, how far do you think the boy's feelings for you press? Does he admire you? Perhaps he wishes to get your approval... or find comfort in your arms?" the last part of that sentence was spoken conspiratorially, as if the two of them shared a dark secret no one else knew of.

This made Severus's hair stand on end as a shiver ran up his spine and a sharp spike of anxiety shoot through his chest, "My Lord?" Severus asked, allowing the confusion to thread through his voice.

Those red eyes looked to him, as Voldemort gracefully cut off Severus's progression, they both came to stand next to the balconies edge, Voldemort placing sharp slender fingers on the stone rail as he took in the man before him, " I told you that I wanted the brat eating out of the palm of your hand, to be willing to die for you or kill for you if necessary….I came to a realization that not just any type of love or admiration can do that….what must be done is nothing short of a miracle but I have the utmost faith in you...and as fate would have it….luck is on our side."

Severus wasn't sure he understood completely, though in the back of his mind he knew what the evil creature was implying and he felt a new form of dread fill his chest...surely the snake like man before him couldn't be aware of it….how could he know?

His brow furrowed, and his lips just barely ran down into a frown, "Please forgive my stupidity, but are you suggesting that I-"

"I know the boy has feelings for you." Voldemort said quickly his red eyes narrowing and lips curving I to a sharp smile, 'It is tainted by a greedy lust, raw and only half formed, but he covets from you the one thing he cannot be permitted due to your position as his teacher. Surely you have noticed...or perhaps you've chosen not to."

Severus swallowed and went to speak but his mouth snapped shut and he looked away, those dark eyes scanning the distance as he realized he didn't have something he could say, "I thought as much. It is to our benefit and I think….giving him such a taste ….such a thrill as to make him think it's possible would further our goal."

Severus felt his head jerk back to the man, his eyes growing wide, "Surely, my Lord, you do not think that scraggly brat…" and Severus felt his heart start to race again as Voldemort held up a finger and his eyes gave a knowing gleam, "I've seen his dreams. Shared in his unrequited want of you."

And now his heart was exploding and his mind spinning as his hands gripped the railing more firmly, "I know I step out of my given place my Lord but surely the dangers of exposing your mind to him…."

"Do not patronize me nor act as though I do not know this!" Voldemort snapped and Severus instantly bowed his head in forgiveness, "He lusts after you…. I have seen it, I have felt it….raw heady dreams of twisting bodies and naked flesh." and the evil man's voice grew excited as he leaned in closer and said in a soft breathy voice, "I want you to feed his desires Severus, I want him to continue to crave you….so badly that it hurts him not to have you. I want your proximity to make his skin burn and his face flush….ensnare him, work his heart into the ground with this sickly and intoxicating desire. My plans depend on it."

Severus felt his voice break a little, the first time he had ever dropped any hint of emotion before the man, "My Lord-"

"Do not deny me!" Voldemort near yelled as his hand shot out and grabbed onto Severus's chin, nails digging in and Severus fought off the wince that wanted to cross his brow, "You will do as you are told….if you cannot you know what shall become of you." there faces were inches apart, Severus felt the man's icy breaths rush over his skin and his heart was pumping in earnest now.

"You will do this or you will suffer. If I must remove you I will...it would not be hard to leave your body to rot and take the boy away...I could leave him with Bellatrix….do as she has suggested….Stockholm syndrome is just as easy for me to work with as true love…. I'd prefer not to give her the satisfaction….I'd prefer to allow you to continue… you are already halfway there...but I can make other arrangements if you feel you cannot provide me with the outcome I seek."

Severus gritted his teeth and swallowed thickly as he spoke, each movement causing those nails to sink just a little deeper, "I shall do as you command, Potter shall be won over….even if I have to go so far as to lay with him." Severus said tastefully, he couldn't bring himself to say any other words in regards to being intimate with the boy…..the very idea of saying soothing more vulgar or obvious making his stomach churn with a sick feeling of nausea.

And Voldemort's eyes lit up, a crooked and perverse smile clawing across his lips as he cackled and released Snape's face.

"Wise decision….your loyalty shall not go unrewarded. I regret to ask such a thing of you, I know that while your love for the Dark Arts may rival that of my own, you still retain a quiet dignity in regards to your private affairs. You know though, that nothing is private from your Master and I alone know what I have just ordered you to do, take ease in knowing this. Surely for our noble cause, for me, you can stomach something so...repugnant."

Severus bowed his head in agreement, feeling several thin trails of blood leaking from his chin and jaw. As his eyes saw the small droplets hit the floor he swore he heard every single one of them sound like a drum of war matching the chaotic beat of his heart.

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Severus sat with his chin resting on a fist, his posture far from straight as he waited for Dumbledore to emerge from the Pensive, the pain from Voldemort's grasp not even a thought as he contemplated this sick plan the Dark Lord was thrusting upon him.

Once again he had found the situation too inexplicable to share verbally and had bid the man enter his memories to see the depth of depravity himself. He felt humiliated and guilty at sharing such things with the man, surely Harry would feel betrayed and highly uncomfortable with Albus knowing his most intimate desires, but Severus had no choice. He couldn't act on these orders, yet he had to do something...he needed a plan….

The more emotionally convoluted this situation became the more complicated it would get, especially given he absolutely could not cross the lines that Voldemort had demanded he cross when the time arouse. Severus had tried to get more information from Voldemort before he was dismissed, but the evil demon's secrecy was absolute, Severus had gotten no new information about Voldemort's plans for Harry or why it was necessary for Severus to go to such extremes.

Luckily, Voldemort had not probed Severus's mind, had not tried to see what Severus's true position on the matter was. He had been lucky, he needed to make sure he kept up with his Occlumency and meditation, especially if the Dark Lord was going to be calling upon him so randomly.

The feeling of sick ran through him again as he thought of following through with such a plan, of the repercussions should he fail...or worse...if he were to succeed. He thought of Lily, the woman whose memory he betrayed every time he so much as had one perverse thought about Harry, his love for her still burned brightly inside his heart, the love that could never be extinguished….but the temptations laid down by her own son were starting to wear on his lonely and neglected heart.

All he could see was her disgusted face, hear her harsh words scratch at his mind and bloody his soul at the very idea of Severus touching Harry….wanting Harry in such a way. He wanted to vomit, wanted to scream and throw things and rage about how bloody unfair his life had become, how unfair it always had been.

He swallowed it, swallowed his pain and suffering just as he swallowed his pride and dignity every time he was tossed back and forth between Dumbledore and Voldemort like some puppet to be commanded. He would always perform his duties, always be the mat for everyone's filthy boots, but he would never like it… nor would he ever be truly free of this cursed life he had brought upon himself.

As he closed his eyes to try and alleviate the burning he saw emerald green ones staring back at him, a mix of fear, disgust and lust swirling before him and he felt his fingers tighten on the arm of his chair and his gut squirmed and he clenched his teeth to try and make it all go away.

The pressures, the duties, the utterly pathetic and woefully cruel joke his life had become flashing before his mind like one long film of raw and unrestrained chaos bouncing off the space filled walls of eternity.

Surely Dumbledore would refuse it, he would have some brilliant plan or some way around this absolutely unthinkable course of action. He would know what to do or at the very least order Severus not to move forward with this…..mission. Potter would be removed from his care and Severus would either be left to the hands of his Dark Master to be tortured and killed or Albus would finally release Severus from his oath of service and let him slink into the dark abyss of self imposed exile. Though, sacrificing him for Potter made the most sense so Severus doubted his life would really be taken into consideration.

Albus would lose a spy but he would still have his golden boy, unsullied and totally protected from men like him….disgusting perverts who would even consider such filthy and wrong actions. Harry could move forward, could live without having to be so manipulated and used, completely unaware that there ever was a plan and Severus could finally rest….he could….sleep...one way or another.

He heard movement and Severus glanced up but continued to slouch like a petulant child, unwilling to give the respect he normally allotted to this man, who for all intents and purposes had saved his soul while condemning it at the same time all those years ago.

Dumbledore's eyes betrayed nothing as he moved slowly to his chair, he sat stiffly, his hands on the desk before him as eyes stared. Severus did not speak, he had nothing to say on the matter aside from the obvious which he was sure the man already knew.

After several minutes Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak and then shut it again and Severus felt a small trickle of anxiety worm it's way into his chest at the man's apparently stunned silence.

More time passed and they continued to sit in this awkward and awful quiet, only the ticking of the old wizard's clocks to fill the void of unspoken turmoil.

Finally, after a lengthy amount of ticks and time Dumbledore opened his mouth and the first words out were measured, careful and easily recognizable as reluctant, "Are Voldemort's musings true?"

Severus felt his lips frown as he said softly, "In regards to what?"

Dumbledore's face was like steel, unmoving and set as he looked at Severus with unwavering suspicion, "Has the boy gone beyond the realm of a desired friendship with you? Does he wish to pursue such dalliances with you that would compromise your position of custody and tarnish both his and your own reputation?"

If Severus lied the man would know, Albus was one of the few he could not lie to, who could tell if Severus even hinted at any form of deception so the younger wizard spoke the truth, praying the man would not ask him of his own feelings on the matter, "It is true….Potter has shown signs of interest that are far from prudent and equally as dangerous towards me. I have done my absolute best to dissuade him…" that was not a lie but it was also not the entire truth and Severus only hoped he would not be called out on such twisting to his words.

"When did you first notice this, and why have you not told me?"

Severus finally sat up, his hands coming to rest on his knees as his indignity shined through, "I did bloody tell you Albus, I told you when he kissed me while drunk off his arse on some backwater bottle of booze! Prior to that the little bastard snuck into my room and seemingly kissed me in my sleep!"

Dumbledore seemed taken aback by this new piece of information and cocked his head to the side, "Why did you not tell me these truths...why have you waited?"

Severus stood, the rage building up like a hurricane ready to rip anything in its path to shreds, "I did not realize until after he accosted my mouth the second time. The first time I had been dreaming, I thought… I was dreaming of Lily….it didn't occur to me until he molested my mouth the second time...while I was coherent….that the kisses were one in the same!"

"Did you confront him?" Dumbledore asked and Severus nodded emphatically, "I nearly crucified him, but the urge to vomit overpowered my rage….do you recall the night I threw the bin at the fireplace?"

Dumbledore nodded in acknowledgment as his eyes narrowed, "I see. It is all becoming clear….and since that night? How far has young Harry pushed for this….match?"

Severus looked away as he felt his face heat up, "It has been a constant battle to make the boy understand and see reason as to why this match cannot be. But somehow, in just under a month, Potter has developed feelings of some sort for me. Whether it is directly related to his own self-discovery in regards to his sexual preference or because he actually has found some reason to….in my opinion it's all in his head. Our situation is an isolated one….save for the few times Granger and Weasley have come to visit and those street urchins have come by….it is just us….Black has been dead for a little over a month...surely that plays into the boy's desires...into this idea that I could….that I would even consider doing such a thing with him."

"I am sure it has, but that does not solve the issue at hand. Harry has developed feelings for you and Voldemort knows it. Which means, he also knows how easy it would be for you to manipulate Harry further into this web of licentious deceit. If you do not do it he will know, as I've no doubt he will continue to try and view Harry's dreams despite the danger it could pose to his plans. If I were to condone this….I would be asking you to do something beyond anything I have ever expected of you and should not expect from you, something that is not only wrong on the grounds of age, your position and Harry's mental and emotional state but would be an unfair burden and an unscrupulous act of unredeemable sin for you to bare."

Severus turned his head slightly to eye the man with surprise, "I did not realize you viewed homosexuality as immoral."

Dumbledore smirked lightly, the first instance of a lightening mood Severus had been able to read from the man, "I do not find it immoral, merely the idea of using a teenage boy in such a way….to molest his heart to such a degree simply to reach an end goal….even with all my years of planning and the things I have done in my lifetime...I could never condone it. No, we must figure out another way."

Severus eyed the ground then, a bead of sweat forming at his temple and running down to disappear below the collar of his tunic, "What if there isn't?" Severus asked softly.

Dumbledore eyed him, a series of serious thoughts flashing before those watery blue eyes, which peered over the half-moon spectacles like calming pools of serenity.

"It is not for us to debate….Harry's heart is not something to be trifled with, he is a person...not a thing….I cannot-"

"What if I could?" Severus asked as he gently licked his lips and glanced at the man from out the corner of his eye, "I do not understand." Dumbledore said softly.

"What if I could….do this….if I could allow Potter his little indulgences ….hypothetically."

"Severus-"

"No Albus, there are no options and you know it. Either we find a way to make this work or I am tortured and killed for not doing as the Dark Lord had commanded. Harry will be spirited away to be mentally and physically abused by that bitch of a woman Lestrange, or you take him and hide him in some unknown location...knowing Voldemort won't rest until his plans for the boy come to fruition. I say this out of sheer logic, if Potter has developed feelings for me, real true feelings and I get killed it will be like the death of Black all over again...in less than two months….but…." and Severus hesitated as he felt his stomach twist again with that sick feeling of disgust, "If I could...reciprocate towards Potter just enough….just enough to placate the Dark Lord without crossing the lines he has ordered me to cross….without violating the boy beyond some minor physical contact and more than likely some light….petting… both the boy and I might be able to walk away from this without any lasting damage to either our minds, hearts or reputations. We could both survive this! If you and I could….plan this out...could….devise a plan of our own….if we could-"

'Severus-" the man said holding up a gentle hand to stop the darkly clad man from finishing, Severus bit his tongue as he looked away and let his hair fall across his face.

"I cannot expect such a thing of you…"

This time Severus turned and looked directly at the man, his eyes narrowing as he approached the desk and slammed his palms down on the edge, "I wouldn't be doing this for you or your expectations….I would do it to save my own skin from months of torture and certain death...I would do it to keep Potter from being manipulated on a far worse scale. You bloody well know I am the lesser of the two evils and I know I could…." and he clenched his eyes shut and said the first thing that came to his mind, "He has her eyes Albus, you said so yourself and you were right….I can do this...if for no other reason than to protect both Potter and myself from fates worse than death."

Dumbledore remained silent, not usually a good sign if you were trying to make something happen as his studious eyes didn't hide his contemplative mind nor his doubts on the matter. But Severus had no further arguments he could make, his point had been made, logically so and even though Severus was honestly trying to do this to protect both him and Potter from the horrors that could come if he didn't do it….part of him, that small part that he kept trying to fight was hyper poised, ready to continue to fight to keep Potter within arms reach for far more greedy reasons.

Dumbledore let out a heavy sigh, a hand coming to his brow as suddenly sad eyes gazed up to him and the man finally stood. Rounding the desk Albus came to stand before him, placing both his hands on Severus's shoulders as he said softly, "You've never let me down, never shirked out of any work given to you and you have put yourself and your life in danger every day you agree to work as a double agent. You've done splendidly my boy, so, I will leave it to you. While I don't condone such actions I can see your will to win this war might rival that of my own, if you think you can do just enough to keep Voldemort at bay, to keep young Harry happy without crossing such lines that could jeopardize our long term goals or yourself and Harry's well being….I shall submit to you and your determination. But I must warn you against taking things too far, taking for granted your position and Harry's. This will as always remain our secret, not even Harry can know, no one shall know but tread carefully, we must not get lost….for more than just the ministry will be on us if any of it should get out. You do what you can, I have always trusted in you and your ability to protect the boy, I know you will keep his best interests in the forefront of your mind."

Severus hid his shock at the man's sudden change, his face remaining stoic though as he nodded slowly and turned to leave, as he moved to enter the fireplace Dumbledore called to him and Severus looked over his shoulder, "Perhaps you should consider starting up Occlumency training with the boy, I do have a feeling that if Harry is in fact smitten with you, the training may go much better than last time….and do be gentle with his heart, it's near fragile as yours and twice as devoted to any who invest in it."

Severus gave a single succinct nod, the idea of trying to teach Potter Occlumency again near daunting. As the flames engulfed him and sent him to his home a small smirk played across his face as he realized he had just won a fight against Albus Dumbledore, not even Voldemort had ever had such a victory, Severus suddenly felt ten foot tall.

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When Harry had arrived at the burrow he was instantly swarmed, the family having been sitting around the kitchen table for a late lunch when he went sliding across the floor.

The questions rained down on him like a violent storm as he tried to get his bearings, realization hitting him that Snape had been called and at this very second he could be standing with Voldemort, his safety at risk due to Harry's abuse of the man's company.

The things Snap had been doing to him when Voldemort had summoned him, would Snape be able to focus, to center himself? Was the man at risk of exposing their situation? Would he be able to block the Dark Lord out?

Harry answered as many questions as he could, but the instant he said Snape had been summoned the questions stopped and a somber silence fell over the room. Hermione gave him a hug and Ron patted him on the back. Ginny and the twins gave him hugs as well as Mr and Mrs. Weasley but Harry was numb to the normally appreciated affections.

"Harry dear, would you like something to eat?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she ushered him to the table, the large group following as hushed conversations about why Snape was summoned swirled around him.

None of the words were meant to be derogatory or hidden from him, but at the very mention of their resident spy being summoned so suddenly by Voldemort the happy mood that had been before Harry's sudden arrival was dead and no one seemed to want to speak up about their concerns.

Harry refused food and sat there as the others finished their meal, Hermione glancing up at him for several seconds at a time before she would go back to looking at Mr. Weasley who was talking about things going on at the ministry.

He had never felt this way before, the utter fear, anxiety and dread flooding his body and making his hands shake intermittently. When Sirius had died it was a hot sharp anguish that had shredded his heart and made him sob out in his sleep and wish he was no longer part of this world.

But now, knowing Snape might not be coming back, this uncertainty felt much worse, his heart was palpitating and his hands were sweating and he felt numb yet filled to the brim with a hopeless feeling, something so strong he swore he could taste it. When Sirius had died at least Harry had been there, had gotten to fight alongside him and had tried to avenge his death after. He had been able to be there with him, at the end of it.

Knowing Snape maybe facing his death at this very moment, utterly alone and with no one by his side to try and help defend him, to save him….and Harry knew if he did disobey the man and go after him, Harry had no clue where to start looking nor what he would do if he showed up and Snape was absolutely fine, he could end up blowing the man's cover.

He was forced to wait for word or sight of the man, wait and hope and sit in some horrible anxiety ridden state with no answer to his question….why was the man summoned in the first place?

Soon enough everyone departed the table leaving Harry, Hermione and Ron; his friends sitting next to each other facing him.

"So what happened? One minute you were sitting there reading and the next he tossed you in the fire?" Ron asked as he slid a cup of tea in front of Harry and then sat back down next to Hermione.

"Not exactly, we were working on a potion when he was summoned." Harry lied far more easily than he would like to admit.

"What was the potion?" Hermione asked as she took a sip from her cup.

"A mix between a calming draught and Dreamless sleep. Snape was hoping the side effects of one would cancel the other out, so you could have a full night's sleep without the lucid dreaming that the calming draught can bring or suffering from the addiction Dreamless sleep can cause."

"That's brilliant!" Hermione said with wide eyes as she looked at Harry with interest.

Ron didn't seem to catch on quite as fast and said simply, "Why not just take a small dose of both at the same time? Save you the trouble of mixing them all together, wouldn't it?"

Hermione rolled her eyes but gave him an affectionate smirk nonetheless, "Patients have been known to slip into comas if there is too much of either or both, it's actually rather dangerous. It makes you wonder how he plans to test it."

Ron's face paled a little as he said, "Better watch your drinks Harry."

This got the barest of smirks from the boy but still his mind was heavy, "I'm worried, Voldemort hasn't summoned Snape yet this summer, why he would suddenly call him now is strange."

Ron cocked his head to the side as he took a noisy slurp from his cup, "Not that surprising, I mean...he is a spy isn't he? It's his job to be at the beck and call of you-know-who, to gather Intel for our side. Bit surprising he wasn't called sooner, with all the weird things going on...the attacks and all."

"Attacks?" Harry asked and Hermione nudged Ron violently before she sighed and reached down next to her, pulling up a newspaper and placing it before him, "Its been happening all over Europe, there was even an attack in London...they took out Millennium bridge….rumours are it was Grayback, but they aren't certain."

"Killed a lot of people, injured more though so that's better than expected, a lot walked away unharmed." Ron offered as Harry's eyes stared at the moving image of the smoking and crumbled bridge.

"Harry….has Snape kept you...has he not told you…" but she couldn't seem to find the right way to ask the obvious so Harry answered instead of letting the girl fumble, "No, he hasn't told me a thing. I've not see a paper in weeks….why didn't you two tell me the last time you were there?"

The two looked guiltily at each other before Ron spoke softly, his sorry eyes trying to apologize but also hold to his choice, "We thought...what with you being stuck with Snape...not knowing why or when it would be over...the less stress the better given what you went through with...Johnny and Stacy's dad…"

"We weren't trying to hurt you Harry, we just thought it might...help?"

And Harry nodded though he suddenly felt ten times worse than before, this is how it always seemed to go. People keeping him in the dark, others worrying for him instead of just talking to him. Ron and Hermione had his best interest at heart but they had gone about it the wrong way. How could he help to fight a war when he didn't even know what was going on.

Was he always going to be the boy in the bubble? People trying to spare him the sharp rod of life by spoiling him with ignorance? Snape had papers, he read them all the time….but why had none of them shown the things he was seeing right now? Had Snape bewitched them? Or was this attack the first instance? Why did he always have to be the last one to know but expected to be the first to jump in?

Harry sighed and put his face in his hands, "I just want him to come back… I don't like this waiting around and feeling helpless...he could be getting tortured right now….or worse...and I've done nothing to help."

"I know it's hard, trust me, sometimes when you go missing Ron and I pull our hair out with worry thinking you might be facing off at that very second with some random death eater or that you've gotten yourself into trouble again….but if Snape sent you here it's because he wants you here Harry. He will come for you."

"And if he doesn't?" Harry asked.

Ron looked at him, the taller boy appearing older for just a second as he said in that deep soft voice, "Then at the very least you're finally home, and we'll watch your back mate, you can always count on that." and Hermione placed her hand atop Harry's and then Ron placed his on top of hers. The three looked at each other, small smiles peeking out from behind three youthful faces filled with worry and dread.

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The Burrow was soothingly quiet, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley having gone up to bed with strict instructions to come fetch them upon Snape's return. The golden trio, the twins and Ginny had played chess and cards for a few hours and then had elected to sit just outside the front door.

Each with a steaming mug of cocoa, despite the warm weather (Ginny's attempt at cheering Harry up) and talked softly as they waited for sign from the Orders top spy.

The twins had wanted to hear all about what living with Snape was like, as well as any crazy adventures. Harry had told them most everything, the censored and edited version of course, still not wanting or ready to share the things he had discovered about himself, Snape or his feelings for the man. Though the twins got a kick out of the idea of the man doing laundry, especially in such an old fashioned way and Ginny had nearly choked on her drink in shock when she heard about Snape arm wrestling.

It was odd, but Harry couldn't help feel like everyone was very quickly coming to see the man differently. Whether Harry's stories had helped them to see passed his often gruesome personality and temperament or because they were trying to make him feel better about his situation he didn't know.

But Harry had started to feel slightly better, though anxiety, worry and dread still hung onto his heart like a shroud and his eyes kept searching the far reaches of the fields in hopes of seeing that black shadow of a body he had come to know so well.

It was near two in the morning when a loud crack filled the air and all heads turned, Harry's heart jumping into his throat as he locked eyes onto a moving figure in the distance.

"I'll go get mum and dad!" Ginny said as she stood and ran inside.

Harry had gotten to his feet and waited, as much as it killed him, to make sure it was not a trick or a threat from the enemies side. As soon as the man he had been longing to see stepped through the protective wards and into the amber light cast from the burrow, Harry was moving.

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Severus had spent several extra hours away from the boy in hopes of coming up with some way to go about this dangerous plan he had concocted to fix the rather egregious situation he was now in. He was exhausted by the time he elected to apparated to the Burrow.

The whole day had been wasted as he had been caught between Voldemort, Dumbledore, his own ever changing problems and the lengthy time he had taken to finally meditate and get his chaotic mind under control. He had gone through his Occlumency practices multiple times, pressing his feelings down further and further until finally his mind became clear and his heart felt lighter.

His focus had returned and he knew that the amount of private time he allowed to himself in order to stay on top of his skills while in Potter's company would have to increase. Now he would both need to be able to quiet his mind and control his emotions while also giving the emotionally starved and love sick boy the attention he would surely want once Severus started to reciprocate such feelings. It was a very dangerous dance he was about to begin, he could only hope that if he increased his disciplinary practices he could be both a proficient spy and the boy's emotional rock.

As he stepped into the warm amber light cast out from the rather tall and lopsided house his eyes picked up on a motley group of teens sitting on the stairs, their eyes hard and focused, apparently war time was finally rubbing off on all of them. In the middle of the group, just standing from the bottom step was Harry and to Severus's surprise his heart beat increased at the sight of him.

It didn't surprise him, however, when the boy took off for him, Harry's feet kicking up dirt behind them as the others watched in shock. Snape stopped at the sudden approach and let out a grunt as the boy wrapped his arms around Severus's chest and embraced him as if he were family, just like Potter had done to Sirius only the passed year.

At first he was too stunned to respond but once again his robotic arms finally relaxed and he wrapped them around the boy, sneering in his mind as he recalled how Black had done it previously and mimicked the dead man resentfully.

When he looked down his heart sped up more at the sight of an honest to god smile lighting up the boys features and the idea that someone was actually happy to see him made his stomach twist again with that strange feeling of contentment.

Severus brought a hand to the boys cheeks before he rubbed it up and through Harry's hair, another habit he had seen Black do though he added his own twist to it and used a finger to press Harry's skewed glasses back into place.

"Mr. Potter, I see you've managed to do what you were told for once." He said sarcastically as he allowed a very small smirk to hit the corner of his mouth.

Harry gave a chuckle and finally released him, "Well I didn't fancy being skinned alive."

"Wise choice, but you should have waited until I was closer to the house, you never know if I am who I appear to be."

Harry gave a small humorous grunt, "No one else but you could look so damned unhappy about having to come to the Burrow." and Harry turned, taking his hand and moving towards the house. The boy's grasp was not meant to be affectionate so much as just to get him walking, slowly his feet started moving, but seconds later Severus stopped and Harry looked back at him in question.

"Is everything alright, sir? Do we need to go?" and Severus's eyes scanned up from the boy's face to see the warmly lit house and the small group of kids waiting, utter horror at Harry hugging him still etched on their faces.

Severus felt a familiar pull in his mind, had to fight the urge to grab the boy and go...the image before him was so….warm and welcoming and he suddenly felt ugly and not needed. His old insecurities from youth cropping up at the idea of going into the Burrow without having a message from Dumbledore or word from the front, so to speak. He had always been the outsider looking in at the warm and normal family life of others, he was never the one on the inside looking out at the bruised child sitting on the curb.

This was not a place for him, these were not his friends or family, he had none of those...he didn't belong here...yet as he looked back to Harry and those happy shining green eyes he reached out a hand and placed it on the boy's shoulder tentatively, "Ten minutes to say your goodbyes, then we must go. I have need to speak with you in private."

Harry's eyes grew worried but he nodded and then the two were walking, Severus feeling helpless to do anything but endure what was sure to be the most awkward ten minutes of his life.

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Mrs. Weasley hustled around him, looking for salve for his chin. In all his musings and his practice he had forgotten to deal with the dried blood and cuts left behind from the Dark Lord's wraith like claws.

"Dear me, poor man, just walking about with such marks on your face. Here, wipe them clean then put this one. They'll be gone in a jiffy….where did I put those bandages..." and Severus watched as she set a cup of hot chocolate before him, which he poked curiously with a finger as he also heard the teens snickering. His eyes looked up to them and glared just as George leaned towards him and said happily, "No offense Professor, but better you than me…"

"Or me!" Fred added as the two high-fived.

"Damn woman's a menace if you ask me." Ron said softly with a rather appreciative smile on his face as he watched his mother flutter about.

"Least you didn't get covered in itchy ivy, I hear it's the worst." Ginny teased as she winked at Harry who blushed.

Severus was trying to follow the humour, trying to give the right facial expressions but he found it difficult and so kept his normal stoic mask in place as he looked to the small group and said, "Five shillings to whom ever can distract her." and the twins eyes lit up with mischief as George said playfully, "Don't worry Professor, we got just the thing."

"Hey, we're businessmen now, we don't do bribery." Fred complained.

"Yeah, but it's mum…" George said motioning to the woman with a huge smile.

Fred seemed to make the same realization and stood quickly, his smile matching that of his brother.

They were gone in a flash and not even four seconds later there were multiple bangs from upstairs and Mrs. Weasley was hollering, "You two better not be experimenting on the cat again! So help me!" and her footsteps were marching up the ungodly amount of stairs as her voice faded.

"I shall pray for them." Severus murmured and Ron gave him a surprised look, "What? Them? Blimey professor, you had them in your class for near six years...you know better than that."

Severus looked at the boy for the first time, really looked at him and saw a unique sort of cleverness hidden behind the dull glaze he was so accustomed to, "Yes, but I am not their mother…." off in the distance was the sound of a slamming door and two identical voices screaming as a muffled woman's voice bellowed.

"That's just sad…." Ron said as he dropped his head onto his forearms, "They are getting slow." Ginny mused as her eyes stared at the ceiling.

"They are getting wiser, running from your mother is worse than standing to fight a Dementor, better to just get it out of the way." Hermione added.

Harry had remained quiet for most of the antics and Severus glanced at him casually as he said stiffly, "Say your good-byes Potter, we need to be going." and as Severus stood Mr. Weasley approached and asked to speak with him, taking Severud aside into the sitting room with a serious expression on his face.

"Severus, how's our Harry doing? Is he adjusting to...well...the situation?"

Severus stared a moment, the lack of subtly from Arthur not new to him, still, he kept his manners and said plainly, "As can be expected. It took some time, but I do believe Mr. Potter is settling in just fine."

The man didn't look surprised but he did clear his throat as he said carefully, "If you need anything from me, from us...for Harry or...if you need anything yourself, don't hesitate. You are both welcome here, sometimes it's nice to...get away, yeah?" and the sincerity in those eyes was evident, no ulterior motive hidden in them and Severus felt his brow raise a little, sincerity not being something he was accustomed to.

"I shall….take your offer….into consideration. Thank you." He managed though he felt strange being welcomed anywhere, most times he was simply expected so this was another item to add to his list of strange oddities that had happened so far this summer...being welcomed to the Weasley's.

"Any word from Dumbledore or the order? We've heard very little save for what the Daily Profit has been manipulating."

"Has the ministry not been keeping you informed? What of Kingsley?" Severus asked with confusion.

Arthur looked down a moment as he rolled his lips, when he met Severus's eyes he looked slightly pained, "These are strange times coming on, I am not sure how long I will be allowed to retain my position...Kingsley has to be even more careful than me. It would not do to have my foot in some place it ought not be."

"That is wise...however, I regret to inform you I have nothing new to report. It is...quiet for the most part...the Dark Lord's followers seem restless but compliant to whatever orders he has seen fit to give. Despite my level in his inner circle, I've not heard of any new plans."

Arthur digested this and then brought a hand to his shoulder, "It is appreciated, what you've been doing...how dangerous it is for you right now. Do not doubt you have our blessings and our thanks."

Again Severus felt confused, more sincerity, more….sentiment….he was lost and felt his eyes grow just a bit wider as his brow went up in surprise, "I-" but he stopped and simply nodded once before he slowly turned, he hesitated as if he planned to say more, but then started to walk again as he bee lined for Harry, all to eager to escape this warm place, with the smiling people and the welcoming hands with open hearts and the soft gentle eyes that for the life of him he could barely read.

PAGEBREAK

Harry stumbled out of the fireplace at Spinner's End, landing with a huff near the man's bed, he used the edge to steady himself and waited for Snape to emerge. When the professor was through he transfigure the fireplace back to its original size and turned to face him, Harry giving him a soft smile.

Hours upon hours of waiting and finally Harry was back with Snape, in their private little world with a quiet calm that could only be found here. The man was alive, with such a small injury it was honestly more a scratch. Harry had never felt more grateful and as they gazed at each other his mind felt content, that goofy smile still on his face as he watched Snape close the distance.

When Snape stood before him, looking upon Harry's face with that blank expression he cupped the boy's cheek and used a thumb to wipe over his jaw, "You have a smudge..." the man said softly and Harry leaned into the touch, for the moment not caring about his goal to be more coy and to be respectful of the man's position.

"What did you want to talk to me about, sir? Is everything alright with Professor Dumbledore? Did Voldemort give you some task to complete?"

He saw a flash of regret in the man's eyes but it left quickly and a new emotion filled them as Snape did something unexpected. The older man slowly took Harry's hand, lacing his long fingers between Harry's and then guided him towards the far side of the bed.

"Get on." He said softly and Harry, though confused, complied and crawled on, sitting with crossed legs in the middle, his hands resting on his ankles. Harry felt like something very intense was about to happen, like Snape had some important news or a tragic accident to report to him.

Harry kept his eyes locked onto the man before him as Snape sat down on the edge of the bed, tucking one ankle under his knee as his other foot rested on the floor. Harry was watching Snape's body language, trying to solve this puzzle of a man and what he could possible want to talk to him about.

"I am… I need to ask you some questions...I want you to answer them honestly. These questions...maybe uncomfortable for you….but...you must be concise and sure about your answers. You will take all the time you need, do not simply say what you think I wish to hear or the first thing that comes to your mind. I demand honesty….I want the truth. Can you do that?"

Harry nodded slowly, his heart speeding up and his stomach twisting with a fear as he suddenly thought he knew where this was going, "Yes, sir."

Snape nodded once and then looked away from him, those dark eyes scanning to look across the room at nothing as his slowly began to speak, "Why do you think you have developed such an attachment to me Mr. Potter?"

Harry looked down at this, his mind erupting with instant answers but he stopped himself from speaking right away, he honestly thought about it, several minutes passed and then he spoke with more conviction than he thought he could given the circumstances, "You've been nice to me, and you're secretly funny and you have taken care of me. You've given me advice, defended my honor and spent time with me. There isn't much not to like really."

Snape still didn't look at him as he asked another question, "Is there a….physical attraction...or…"

"Yes." Harry said quickly but then caught himself and looked away sheepishly before he cleared his throat, "I do find you...attractive sir….I like your-"

"You do not have to elaborate. I am merely trying to understand how this….attachment came to exist." Snape said tightly, a small tinge of red erupting over his cheeks as he clarified about his line of questioning.

Harry thought he might understand, and while he was hesitant to share, Snape had said he wanted the truth so Harry answered honestly, "My whole life, I have always felt isolated from other people. Either because I was different or because they just didn't want to be around me. I've always been...awkward and shy…I had to learn a lot about social interaction by watching others. When I came to Hogwarts, things got easier...it became easier to make friends. But then, I turned out to be someone important. I'd never been important before, I didn't know how to be anything but what I had always been. This war….it's been going on since before I was born… I came into it completely unaware of the effect just my name would have on people. The burden...it's heavy. When I came here….to stay with you...it was another different situation...I was ushered into something I knew nothing about and all I found I could focus on was not making you hate me more. From the start though, you were different. You had changed somehow, and in hours of my coming here I knew I wanted to remain on your good side if I could. You remained so...quiet, so not what I was used to, that I had to adjust again...and I found...after I adjusted….I saw something in you professor, that I liked. Your kindness seems more special than others because it's so rare to see. I felt….special….privileged to receive such niceties from you. Your home is so...quiet...just like you are…"

Harry smiled softly at the thought, "It is relaxing and it helps me...you've helped me…."

The young man thought a moment and then tentatively slid his hand across the bed and placed it over Snape's, those dark eyes finally scanning to look down at his hand before they glanced up to look at him, "I can't be more specific, but I have felt drawn to you...pulled towards you...because the longer I stay here with you the more I realize we aren't as different as I thought. In fact, we are very much alike….and it's a relief...to know I'm not as alone as I thought...that there is someone just as messed up as me….as isolated and alone as me….and it made me realize...maybe I don't have to be that way….we could be….together….neither of us would have to feel so alone anymore...we don't have to feel different or like an outsider because we could have each other. Abused, neglected, used, manipulated, simply expected to fall in line and do as we're told, always the last to know but the first to run into danger…." and Harry trailed off because what else could he say.

He looked to Snape to try and read his expression, what he wasn't expecting was to see his professor with a face that was totally open. His brow was turned up harshly, eyes wide and lips parted. In those black eyes he saw anguish, pain and to Harry's immense surprise, he saw desire. The first real showing of his inner want that Snape had allowed him to see.

Harry couldn't speak in this moment, seeing such raw emotions nearly rolling off the normally blank face of a man who seldom showed any emotions save for anger or impatience. He drank it in, the way Snape's face looked as he continued to stare, those eyes slowly moving around his face as if to try and gauge the sincerity of Harry's words, as if Professor Snape didn't understand such a thing.

"You deem such a match appropriate based off of our similar histories and current state of singular existence… but what of futures to come? Have you even stopped to consider what the future outcome of such a relationship would mean if either or both of us were discovered? We would not be allowed to be together Potter….I'd be disbanded from teaching...jailed for having relations with a minor….my life would be ruined….you'd be labeled even more an outsider, the rape victim of an ex-death eater and even more a leper." the man had turned away when he said this, both his feet resting more firmly on the ground as his hands gripping stiffly to his knees.

Harry looked at the back of the man's head, his broad but tight shoulders and spine rigid. Despite his thoughts on why this conversation was suddenly happening, seemingly out of the blue, Harry had a feeling Snape was teetering on a dangerous edge and for once in his life Harry felt the urge to be greedy.

He got onto his knees and very slowly leaned forward, bringing his body to rest directly behind his professor, his hand tentatively reaching out to touch a shoulder. Snape's body tensed even more, his head bending down and that black hair swishing forward to hide his face.

At the man's lack of response Harry took it as a sign and gently slide off the bed, moving doubtlessly to rest on his knees before this dark figure he had started to adore for no real reason aside from his own truths, truths he had just shared….truths he hadn't even known himself until this very moment.

He raised his hands up, they shook gently as he parted those black locks to reach into the shadows, to seek out that mask which always seemed so solid, stoic and harsh. His palms delicately took up that hidden face, green eyes hoping to finally be able to peer behind the stonewall of emotional ambiguity he was greeted with almost everyday.

Raising his arms Snape's face slowly emerged from the secret hideaway he must have used for years, that hair always just the right length to offer a different type of mask, one no one would think twice about. Finally Harry was rewarded, for etched like a sculpture onto the hard features of the man's face was such a colorful array of truth Harry's heart nearly broke on Snape's behalf.

Squinched eyes that betrayed such a fear and anguish, pain and loneliness pulling that often expressionless mouth down into such a severe frown, cheekbones flushed a harsh hue of pink which nearly looked red on such pale skin. Liquid rested just on the edges of the man's eyes but nothing spilled down, for even as his face had finally cracked, Snape still held more control over his body as a whole than Harry could ever hope to accomplish in his whole life.

"It sounds like fun." Harry said softly as he gave a fond smile and rubbed a thumb under the man's eye, the stubborn drop still refusing to fall.

Snape let out a soft blast of air as his brow went up and those lips did something so unexpected that Harry felt his own part in shock.

Snape's lips trembled, a sight that filled Harry with such a longing to embrace this man, this abused and angry man, who spoke venom and drank sorrow, who hurt others because he had always hurt and no one had ever cared.

"This is unwise." Snape whispered as Harry raised himself up, pressing his hips between the man's thighs and retaining his gentle hold on that suddenly exposed face.

"Yes." Harry whispered back and he dropped his hands finally only to take hold of Snape's and pry them from their stiffly gripped perch on Snape's knees. Harry really didn't have experience comforting someone in this way, but his instincts guided him and he gently kissed the palm of each rough hand before bringing each to his own face, his eyes closing at the touch. He heard a quick suck of air and opened his eyes to see Snape gritting his teeth, eyes straining closed as his cheeks exploded with more red.

Harry couldn't help the knowing smile that came to his face as he leaned in and brought his mouth next to the man's ear, "Severus…" he dared boldly, hoping it wouldn't drive the man to yank away, hoping it would pull him back from whatever doubts he was fighting.

Those darks orbs opened and they met his, a shock written in those eyes that told of a fear of the forbidden, crossing lines that reminded the man of other lines….lines he should have never crossed….lines that were now burned into his forearm and wrapped around his soul like a choking tourniquet, pulling him from the light and anything decent he had started to crave in the past ten years.

Harry leaned in slowly, placing upon those shaking lips the most gentle and kind hearted of kisses, pulling away just as slow from the brief touch, but Snape's hand slid from his face to the back of his head and he took a short breath and he pulled Harry back, their lips meeting again and this time Snape opened his mouth, taking Harry's along with the movement.

He kissed with such a longing, such a passionate desperation that Harry let out a soft moan as their tongues clashed and wrecked against each other. Snape holding him from pulling back, pressing his tongue in deeper and invading Harry's mouth to such a degree those green eyes popped open and he lost his breath. His hands gripped onto the front of the man's tunic and in such a swift movement Snape's arms were around him and he pulled Harry up with a small heave, bringing the boy with a jolt to lay on the bed on his back, his knees bent over the side as Snape still consumed his mouth and those arms held him painfully tight.

Snape only pulled away for a brief moment, long enough to close his eyes and whisper out, "Say my name again…"

Harry looked at the man curiously as he gently leaned up his head, "Severus." He whispered as his hand came to move those tendrils of hair out of the way, once again revealing that broken face, dry of tears but saturated in a compelling desire, something thick, dangerous and neglected… something desperately hungry.

"Are you alright Severu-" but Harry couldn't finish because Snape brought those lips down again and this time they were merciless.

Snape near bruising Harry's lips and the young man's arousal exploded as his hands jumped up in shock to grip onto those shoulders. Snape brought his hands up under Harry's arms, hoisting him again more fully onto the bed so that his head was cradled by the pillows. Harry's face was on fire, his mind fuzzy and his prick throbbing as Snape moved again, this time bringing his knees between Harry's thighs and pressing them apart harshly as he gave a grunt, the man's large hands fisting into the pillows on either side of Harry's head.

And then Harry's lips jerked away from Snape's as the man gave a slightly aggressive thrust against Harry's groin before lowering his body down and effectively trapping Harry again. It was the couch all over again except this time neither of them had drank a thing and both of them were in agreement about what was about to happen.

"Professor, wait...if you keep doing….thaaaaaahhh-" Harry tried to protest as the man had started to gently rut against him the instant he had laid down on top.

"Shhh…" Snape said gently against Harry's lips as his hands gripped the boy's face and he continued to pepper it with kisses

"B- but, if you keep doooooing thaaa…..if you keep….I won't be able to….I am going to…."

"Relax, it's good, all good, enjoy it, just...lay still and….gods.." Snape said hurriedly, the most inarticulate thing Harry had ever heard the man utter as Snape's mouth dragged itself away from those swollen lips and moved down to the tender flesh of Harry's neck.

Harry felt his groin jerk and tighten and his hands instantly came to the man's chest and pushed, "No, wait, professor...I want to….ah! Enjoy it, let me enjoy this! To fast! I'm going to cum too faast!" the boy hissed out in desperation and he doubled his efforts but Snape gripped his wrists harshly and forced them to either side of his head as he gave a satisfied smirk, "I'm countin' on 'eh love." the man said and Harry's jaw dropped at the strange change that had come over his always well spoken professor's speech.

The man's thrusts were getting faster, harsher and Harry felt the friction and heat building as his hands fisted tightly closed, his teeth gritting and his eyes staring wide at the ceiling.

As Snape's hips continued to work against Harry's groin his lips came to the boy's ear and he said in a deep silky voice, "I want ya to cum, but not till I say, fight it till I tell ya." and Harry, still confused about the sudden appearance of such broken English, could only nod as he felt his lower abdomen tighten.

He groaned out as the burning pressure was building and then the man on top stopped moving altogether and Harry nearly choked as the man whispered into his ear, "Cum for me." and Harry felt his back arch of the bed as he came, the sticky liquid creating a mess in his boxers which rubbed against his tender prick and created a lubricated surface for him to move against. His hips instantly picking up where Snape had stopped and he pressed his groin against Snape's and thrusted quick short thrusts.

His release was white hot, a yell coming from his throat as he finally finished and lay there spent, his breathing heaving and his brow covered in sweat.

"That was well done." Snape said as his own panted breaths puffed across Harry's throat, "Why do you do that to me?" the boy asked in annoyance as he went to pull his hands free from the man's hold but found Snape would still not release him.

"Because I relish those moments when you do as I command, there are so few of them."

Harry couldn't help the smirk or the boldness of his next statement, "Then command me professor, and I will do it."

Snape's eyes looked to his then, a seriousness falling over them and Harry realized he may have just opened the door to a far more forbidden game. Still, he urged himself to play against his better judgment and raised up his face saying softly, "What would you have me do? Anything you want...just give me your commands, sir."

In those black eyes something seemed to shift and a dark cloud filled them with a rather dangerous lust and greed. Snape retained his hold on Harry's wrist but brought his hand down, a long finger breaking away from his fist to gently run over Harry's bruised lips, "Any command… you are offering me a very open ended opportunity….be sure you wish to take it, I will not stop once it has been started….I can not."

Harry set his eyes with determination and said again, "What are your commands of me, sir?"

And Snape leaned in, those heavy eyelids covering intoxicated eyes that spoke volumes of intent and the man murmured soft words against Harry's lips, "Open your mouth."

Harry complied and Snape finally pressed himself up to his knees, still straddling Harry with no intention of moving showering in his body language.

"Sit up." Snape commanded gently, though his face seemed like he was in a hazy trance, sharp eyes reflecting dim light as they continued to fill with that clouded want.

When Harry sat up his face came to the man's waist and as he looked up he realized where this was going and felt excitement grow in his chest and belly.

"Undo my pants, Potter, and keep that mouth open...waiting..." and it was still soft, near a gentle whisper and those dark eyes watched as his shaking hands did what he commanded.

"Take it out." and Harry needed no clarification as to what it was.

When Snape's length was released from the confines of his pants Harry held it carefully, his mouth still open and his eyes gazing up at the man who seemed to tower above him, "You look stunning…" Snape said, this time it was a whisper and a hand came up to run through Harry's hair, nails gently digging into the scalp as Snape fisted his hair, "Lick...slowly."

Harry felt his heartbeat speed up, felt his own groin start to tingle again and as he brought the throbbing muscle to his open mouth his tongue crept out and slowly licked down the length of it. At the sound of a heavy sigh Harry repeated the action before he added a few flourishes to the head with his tongue and that fist in his hair tightened, "Take it in your mouth...now." and there was no disobeying that tone.

He guided it into his mouth, remembering the familiar feeling from his first attempt to seduce this man, this time around he had done much better...though Harry didn't know where all his bold and brave sexuality was coming from. It was just what he wanted, and how often did Harry ever get what he really wanted?

Harry sat with the thick muscle in his mouth, unmoving as when he had tried Snape had stilled him with a small jerk of his hair. The professor was already breathing heavy though he seemed to have more control over his body's reactions than Harry, no surprise there.

Snape pressed in deeper a moment later, once again forcing Harry still and making him hold it in his mouth, the taste and texture filling his mind as Harry breathed harshly through his nose.

"Move that tongue of yours, do not make me say it twice." and Harry felt heat flare in his cheeks as more arousal pooled in his groin. He moved his tongue over the stiff member as his green eyes gazed up to see Snape's expression.

It was enthralling, the man's mouth open and eyes closed, teeth biting every so often on that bottom lip as those pale cheeks grew more red.

"Keep your throat open, I'm want to feel it when I…" but the man didn't finish, he simply brought his other hand into Harry's hair and seconds later pulled his hips back and thrust in. Harry's eyes exploded with water at the sudden stab into the back of his throat but his prick didn't seem to mind as it was well on its way to be stiff as a rod again.

"Gods…" the man breathed out as he pulled out again and shoved back in, Harry gagging a little as his throat clenched down onto the head of Snape's length.

"If you gag again I will not finish in your mouth." Snape warned and Harry looked at him as if he was crazy, "Relax your throat, let me enter it, you won't gag if you just keep the muscles relaxed….besides...I do not fancy a mess on my bed or my prick." and Snape pulled out again, this time Harry tried desperately to relax his throat knowing he was not ready for the result should he fail.

This time, when Snape shoved in Harry opened his throat and relaxed his muscles, though it was hard considering he wasn't exactly well practiced in this. When he felt Snape's length go deeper down he sucked in air through his nose and fought the urge to gag.

"Excellent, Potter. A few more weeks of training and we just might get rid of your gag reflex all together." the man purred and Harry went to tell Snape he was crazy but the man shoved back in, his pace starting to pick up.

Harry's own prick was throbbing with need for release and he snaked a hand down between Snape's thighs and started to undo his pants. Snape shoved his pick in all the way, Harry's chest near spazzing at the brutal depth but Snape caught his attention and Harry's eyes raised, "And what do you think you are doing Mr. Potter? Did I say you could touch yourself?"

Harry's wide eyes looked at him with a wince as that man's length remained lodged deep in his throat, air was suddenly becoming necessary and Harry tried to pull his head free. Snape smirked and held him fast, "What is it Potter? Need air? Yes? Well then answer my question, did I say you could touch yourself?"

And Harry somehow managed to shake his head no though the man's member moved with him and he had to seriously fight a gag.

"My commands are simple Potter, take my prick into your mouth and do not gag….when I command you to touch yourself you may but not before. Am I clear?" and the man pressed Harry's mouth more snugly onto his length, Harry's eyes watering as another gag was fought off.

"Blink once if you understand." Harry blinked once.

"Good." and Snape pulled his length out, Harry coughing and sucking in air as he moved his hand away from his groin, the pain of no relief building again, the tension in his pants near raw.

"You will suck me until I am am satisfied, then we will take care of your problem." and Harry gave the man a desperate look, to which the man simply took up his length with a hand and pressed it back into Harry's mouth, "Get moving." the man urged softly and Harry started to work.

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Severus felt incredible, he felt alive and powerful and wanted...oh how he felt this good from doing nearly nothing at all was beyond him. Harry's skills were magic, how he was so accomplished at this with so little experience under his belt was beyond anything Severus could comprehend.

When Harry had said his name, so softly, so near adoringly his body had erupted in shivers, had become filled with an overpowering urge to be close to this person.

So many years alone had taken more of a toll on him than Severus had ever thought possible, and now that he was finally allowing himself to indulge he found he didn't want to stop. And Harry had opened so many possibilities, had bid him to be so….inappropriate.

Dumbledore was under the impression that Severus would be able to give the boy just enough affection to appease this "crush" Harry had on him, and the Dark Lord was fully believing in Severus's ability to do anything necessary to win the boy to his side, including stealing Harry's virtue. Only Harry himself was seeing the real truth of it all and Severus's real feelings on the matter at hand, the irony of that situation was not lost on Severus.

As he gazed down and watched that head bobbing back and forth, working harder than anyone ever had to please him, Severus couldn't help but moan and revel in the fact that he was suddenly the only person who was one hundred percent aware of what was really going happening on all three fronts….and you know what they say about knowledge.

Knowledge is power….Severus thought as he finally pulled himself free from that wonderful mouth and gave his next command to the boy below in a thick voice, "Lay back and remove your pants."

Harry hesitated then, not sure how far this night was actually going to go and Severus couldn't help but smirk at the fear and lust that contradicted each other in Harry's eyes.

"Your pants Potter, now." He ordered gently as he pulled his own further down.

The boy finally complied and Severus lay down on top of him again, pressing their members together, the sticky cum from Harry's first orgasm mixing with Severus's spit covered length. Harry gasped in shock and pleasure has the older man started to gently rut against him.

"When you cum, I want you to scream my name." he whispered into the boy's ear, his hands gripping into those thin bare hips below and digging into that soft warm flesh.

He pressed harder, picking up speed and as he did he started to grunt. Harry wrapped his arms desperately around the man's neck and then raised up a thigh to give Severus better access. The man took it greedily and slid his hand around to firmly grip an arse cheek.

The boy was panting now, his face screwed up in the thrills of passion and pleasure, Severus not letting up a second as he watched that face twist and melt, his own desire building and his heart hammering in his chest as the all too familiar burning in his lower abdomen doubled.

"Professor …. I'm c-close-"

"My name, scream it…" Severus hissed out as he gave several more harsh thrusts, the friction driving Severus nearer to his end.

When Harry came the second time his nails dug deep, biting into Severus's shoulders and the man let out a throaty moan as Harry yelled his name. It was a glorious moment for him, utterly satisfying to hear his name said in such a way, the entire situation aside, Severus was officially addicted to it and wished over and over in his mind as he spilled into a soaring finale that he could hear it again.

Pleasure shot through him, his body shook and sweat coated his brow. The satisfaction was well beyond sexual at this point and he slunk down and lay there spent, his large body pressing Harry into the mattress as both of them took a much needed moment to recuperate.

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Harry was exhausted, he was hot, sweaty and extremely dirty but he had never felt so good in his life. This moment was a special one, because Harry knew he had won. Snape's resistance to him had officially been obliterated and now Harry knew he could pursue this strange and inappropriate relationship with his potions Professor. He no longer had to stand by and hope the man would change his mind, they were officially a thing...whatever that thing was at this particular point in time, Harry didn't know, but he was positive that over the next two months he was sure as he'll going to find out.

"Shower….we must shower." Severus murmured out in fatigue and Harry nodded as the man shifted off him. Looking down at himself Harry's cheeks grew red as he saw the mess that coated his pants, boxers, stomach and thighs.

"Definitely a shower." the boy confirmed and the two got up at the same time, looking at each other a moment before Harry spoke, "Should we save hot water and…."

"I think that is a wise decision." Snape agreed with small smirk as the boy blushed a little, a rather silly thing to do considering the acts they had just performed. Regardless they both got up and walked to the bathroom, Snape giving Harry's backside a good smack as they left through the door.

A/N: Hope you liked it, maybe a minute until the next post as I am thinking of re-writing a few chapter. Let me know what you think! R&R