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?

11. Family Affair

A/n: So, thanks to everyone for the soul boosting reviews! I really appreciate them and they give me the drive I need to not get so down on myself! So this chapter is the halfway point, there is WAAAAY too much SNARRY in this chapter but I honestly couldn't stop myself….i dont even know how to tell you where it is in here….its kinda everywhere…..went a little over board…..sorry…. Also this is the point where the plot thickens, muggles know about magic folklore and Harry and Snape get into their first fight. There will be a bunch of setup to start bringing in scenes from the books and get Harry's arse to Hogwarts where the real fun happens….he will be seventeen soon…..oh no...what will happen!?

Remember the whole artistic licenses thing….. that's REALLY gonna come into play both in this chapter and the next few but still no worries, I'm keeping it real. To clarify one point, as I did my research on Severus I found that unlike other death eaters Severus had the ability to fly without aid of a broom (In the movies it seemed most of the death eaters could) however, this was actually a skill only Voldemort seemed to know and it was hinted at heavily that Voldemort taught Snape such a trick. I will be playing into that, as well for those of you who hate OOC moments, Voldemort may seem a little OOC in this chapter but there IS a reason for it, its not just me being dumb or weird, so pay attention...youll get an explanation.

WARNING: DARK THEMES AND SEXUAL ACTIVITY DARK THOUGHTS LUID DIRTY TALK AND A FEW OTHER THINGS THAT WON'T HURT YOU NOT TO KNOW BUT YOU SHOULD BE READY FOR WINK WINK STILL NO LEMON BUT HANG ON WITH ME IF YOU CAN BECAUSE THING ARE ABOUT TO GET REAL….LIKE SUNGZU TYPE REAL.

ENJOY AND MUCH LOVE, APPRENTICE 08

P.S. I love the reviews that have noticed Minnie, Johnny and Stacy are being used as Harry and Snape's push towards development, you know who you are you lovely reviewer you! I usually only add OC for the express use of character development or getting a character to where they need to be...those three will be in and out at random…..oh yeah….Johnny ain't gone….tee hee.

Chapter Eleven

A Family Affair

Shadows and shredded lace, cobwebs and creaking floors, strange beams of light and a humming that filters through his very being, shaking his bones and jarring his joints.

He is an old man now, passed one hundred and still going strong. His time on Earth is not infinite though, he knows this well. No one can live forever. Despite his mind still being alert and awake, his magical energy filled with stamina and strength, he feels tired and his blue eyes reflect it.

Weathered hands vainly move the webs from his path, as the support beams above bend and bow like a rainbow, straining under the weight, years of neglect doing them no favours as they still remain, defying gravity, but not holding well.

Dirt, dust and garbage litter the floor as a long slender foot occasionally moves an item out of the way, their progression slow but steady as those blue eyes scan the water stained walls and broken windows.

"Arianna." He calls softly, his voice near inaudible over the humming din of the old house. His childhood home isn't even a shadow of the warm family dwelling it once was. Forgotten, abandoned and unloved, the structure is nothing but a decaying edifice, filled with bad memories and misery.

"Arianna." He calls again but still he sees no sign of her. So he keeps walking the halls, never ending and twisting as they are, a labyrinth of ages long past that rest nestled in the far recesses of his mind. He rarely visits here, it is too painful. Yet he still searches, and as he rounds a corner, the floor protesting under his feet, he sees that soft blue light seeping out from under a vibrating door.

He approaches slowly, with caution, as sometimes his sister does not like to be intruded upon, preferring to sit with her dolls and hum gently to herself as she gazes out her window. Yes, some memories haven't been changed in years, they always remain the same, the last few that are still pure and unsullied by time and it's corrosive ways.

He reaches the door and that aged hand rises to feel the vibrating wood dance below his palm. He doesn't hesitate to push the door open and the room inside is bright and clean and beautiful and smells of wildflowers and in a rocking chair, holding a doll and humming softly is his sweet Arianna.

Her blue dress stain free, her apron pure white and those golden curls pulled back and out of her face, tumbling down over her shoulder like a cascading waterfall.

"Arianna-" he calls softly, a sad smile on his lips, the sharp but tired eyes drinking in this beautiful dream, savoring its fullness.

That pretty and strong face turns, glancing to him with a teasing smile, "Hello Alby. Where have you been? I've been sitting here waiting for ages."

And he feels his heart relax at the knowledge that she is not angry with him this time, her mischievous eyes dancing and alive with joy at his sudden appearance.

"I have been busy my dear one, always so busy."

"So busy indeed, come and sit, we are about to have tea." she says sweetly, a table filled with the dressings for tea time suddenly appears like a hazy mirage and the aged man walks in, being careful his robes do not offend the table into tipping.

"You've come to see me, but you haven't told me why...three sugars or four Alby?"

"Five." the man says as he winks and gently adjusts the glasses on Arianna's doll, the little figure a mirror image of the girl before him, now sitting in a small chair to his right.

"Such a sweet tooth, mummy would be appalled." Arianna giggles as she winks gently back and proceeds to sugar his cup with such dainty fingers.

"Arianna…" he starts softly as the steaming liquid is poured into the cups, cream being added after for a cup of tea that is much too sweet and silky for either of them, their cheeks tinge pink at the taste and both smile gently as if some great joke has been shared.

"The last time I came to visit, you were very cross with me-" the man starts gently, his voice sounding like a sad child.

"You hurt my feelings Alby, no time for tea….imagine it...there is always time for tea." she admonishes as she tilts a tiny tea cup to the lips of her tiny twin, dabbing at them after with an equally tiny napkin.

"Yes, of course….but….even so...before I left….you said something funny...a strange sort of riddle...I was hoping...my darling Annie, might I hear it again?"

"Oh yes, I was hoping you might want to, I worked so hard on it. Though, you've been gone so long I doubt I shall remember the whole thing."

"Please try, it may be important and I should like to know the whole thing, if you could please."

"I shall try but I make no promises, these silly rhymes comes to me so randomly, I can hardly keep them straight Alby." the girl pouted in frustration.

"Oh my sweet Annie, this one you must, I feel it is the most important." he urges gently.

"But it is just a childish rhyme, it doesn't even make sense." her confusion plain as day on her face.

"I would still like to hear it, please? Sister dear, please?" and the old man looks at her with a indulgent smile as the girl adjusts her position and picks up her doll.

"Very well, let me see...oh yes, it went like this: When the crippled black bishop lays with the broken white knight, the white king's end will come in the night. Moving diagonally across the board, the black bishop will rise up against the black hordes. Betraying his brothers he shows no remorse as he joins the white knight upon his fast horse. Always searching for true love's bliss, he shall break his stone heart through true love's first kiss. And both white and black upon their steed will pay tribute to the good king and follow his lead. And so when the black bishop charges the hall, the bloody black king will finally fall."

And the old man sits back at this with a soft thump and a large sigh, "the white king's end will come in the night-" he murmurs to himself as his eyes stare at the table but looks at nothing.

"Did you like it Alby? It's a silly rhyme but I do so love chess and you used to read me Alice in Wonderland….do you remember, it reminds me of the queen of hearts...though I do suppose that she was more a card player than a chess player…."

"I love you my darling Annie, but I do regret to say I must go now." He interrupts quickly, wishing to make his departure as painless as possible.

The girl starts at this and looks at him with anxious eyes, "But tea time isn't over….and you've not come in so long...I'm lonely, please stay, till the night at least, the sunset is lovely from my windows."

The old man looks at her, pain in his eyes as he feels the tendrils of sleep starting to pull away, he can't stay but how he wishes he could.

"I love you my darling sister, I will come next I can to see you again."

"B-but Alby…..Albus! ALBUS!" and he is jerked away, flying backwards and greeted by the burning light of consciousness, pulling him further and further from those echoing shouts, a tear lacing his eye as once again he didn't get to say good-bye.

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Harry woke up to lips on his neck and a hand in his pants, soft kissing sounds filling his ears as his prick started to harden.

"Again?" Harry asked in a groggy and breathy haze.

"Yes. Again and again until I am satisfied." the man said into his ear, his voice soft as silk and light as air, a nose nestling down through Harry's hair.

Harry glanced at the clock and the smile and small laugh could be heard in his voice, "I'm sore."

"I have a salve for that." the man answered absentmindedly.

"It's near ten in the morning, we've only gotten four hours of sleep….aren't' you tired?" Harry tried again as the man's grip on his prick firmed up.

"Your fault for choosing to bed an insomniac, Potter." and that hand left his pants to reach up and turn the boy's head back towards him, "Besides...an hour to sleep between each round should be plenty for a young thing like you, in hindsight I have actually been spoiling you, now….about your pants..."

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Harry woke up again around three in the afternoon, his thighs, stomach and hips both aching sore and mildly raw. Even his lips felt sore as he struggled to sit up, his abs protesting far too much. He saw Snape standing shirtless by his makeshift potions lab, his sleep pants riding low and his back exposed. Pale flesh was lit up by the light through the dirty window and for the first time Harry could see every scar that marred the man's skin.

He sat there quietly in the bed, his eyes studying each mark as if it was his only opportunity to do so, not noticing as his own fingers touched absently to the scars upon his right shoulder. Harry wondered about each one, green eyes squinting a little to pick up on the smaller less obvious ones, wondering if they were from the man's youth or his adult life as a spy.

It was unnerving to think that any of those could have been caused by Voldemort in one of his many angry backlashes, or another Death Eater vying for Snape's spot in the Dark Lord's inner circle. How many were from Snape's father, the man drunk and towering over a scared child who was crying and begging to be spared. How many were from his own father…..and Harry nearly felt sick at the thought.

"I've warned you about starring, don't make me come over there and punish you.." the man said over his shoulder.

Harry blushed and looked away, pushing all his loose thoughts aside and eventually pulling the bedding away and rising. His aching body caused him to wince, still, he moved, sluggishly shuffling to come and stand behind the man who held two bottles in his hands, raising them up to look at them from below.

Harry's hand tentatively reached out and a finger followed a particularly long and deep mark that ran from Snape's right shoulder blade down to his lower left back.

Goosebumps erupted over the pale flesh and Harry saw the man stiffen slightly as he continued to trace the scar on its long journey down. Snape carefully set down the bottles and his hands came to rest on the edge of the bench, his shoulders hunching a bit as his head dropped down and black hair swung forward.

The boy placed both hands on the man's back, rubbing gently as he leaned forward and placed a soft kiss upon the mark, resting his cheek their after and wrapping his arms around the man's torso.

Snape let out a low shudder but remained motionless for a time, and Harry listened to those shallow breaths as something passed unspoken between them.

"You feel sorry for me." Snape said softly and Harry could hear just a touch of the old resentful potions Professor he had known for so long nearly resurface, "I don't pity you, if that's what you mean." Harry murmured softly.

"They are the same thing." the man said with a hint of that all too familiar and dangerous edge to his voice.

"No. They aren't." and Harry kissed another scar, his nose gently rubbing over the skin and inhaling the scent of rosemary that always seemed to linger on this man.

"Do educate me on the difference then Mr. Potter." the man snipped out warily, his muscles slowly relaxing as Harry continued to graze lips, cheeks and his nose over Snape's back.

"Pity is given to those who can be helped. You pity a homeless man and decide to give him a blanket, feeling sorry for someone is different because at that point, what's done is done and nothing can be changed…. Like the scars on your back...I can't change what happened to cause them, and I feel sorry that I couldn't stop it….that I wasn't even born...that you had to face it alone….I wish I could though, change what has happened to you. Take away the stress and the burdens."

Snape turned than, Harry letting his arms drop as the man brought a hand to his face, fingers gently rubbing over his chapped lips and upturned brow, "I'd not be who I am if you did, so you have to ask yourself if it would truly be worth it. Can you accept me and everything that has happened in my life, or would you rather change who I have become in order to remove some minor inconvenience from the past?"

Harry smiled, "I wouldn't call physical and mental abuse from your dad a minor inconvenience….but you have made your point professor."

They stared at each other a minute and then Snape turned away, grabbing up the two bottles and turning to hand one to Harry, "This will help with the muscle pain, as I am aware I made you study very hard last night."

Harry snorted at the turn-of-phrase, eyeing the man with a rather sarcastic eye and Snape could only smirk in response, "There is a salve in the bathroom, in a red tin, apply it to any area that is raw or tender…..your groin included."

Harry nodded, his cheeks growing red again and his eyes dipping away to glance at the floor, he wished he would stop blushing...it made him feel like a girl.

"I will go make something to eat, then….we need to speak about….the situation." Snape said,

This time Harry looked at the man, made that eye contact and nodded once, after all, their situation was unique, it wasn't normal and by all rights, technically forbidden. They had to talk about the elephant in the room, had to come up with some sort of plan….the idea that this life they were living would not continue after summer's end suddenly occurred to the young man and his heart tipped and sank quickly, his stomach giving a jerk of refusal at the idea of stopping.

As he went to head for the bathroom Snape caught his chin and turned him back, "Chin up Potter, dignity and grace, they are your comrades when facing any hurtle."

And Harry blinked once, his chest growing tight as he pulled away and shuffled from the room, his heart already starting to work on the wall he would need to protect himself when the undeniable end came.

PAGEBREAK

Severus watched the boy slink away, his entire being changing from happy and carefree to doomed and reluctant the instant Severus had mentioned talking about their current situation. It didn't take a genius to realize how quick Potter actually was at picking up subtext. Severus was more than surprised to realize that while Potter often seemed shy and quiet, unfocused and lacking any drive, his childhood had helped him to develop certain traits.

Learning social skills by watching people, versus actually interacting with them gave Harry a very unique gift, a strange sort of empathy and an ability to see beyond spoken word. The boy knew instantly what Severus was planning to speak with him about, connected the dots simply by listening to the tone of his voice and watching his body language.

Harry also developed a mind about thinking very quickly in tight spots when it truly mattered, his feet were fast and his heart was bold, everything needed of a child whose world was always stacked against them. Severus had a feeling the boy could read a situation well before he was actually in it and because of this it was very hard for anyone to truly take the boy by surprise save for sneaking up behind him and knocking him over the head.

So many things he had never noticed about the boy, Severus's own prejudice had made sure of that. At this point though, Severus could admit his mistakes and he was starting to see the truth, that the boys arrogance was his bravery, his laziness a black depression and the boy's lack of natural talent only looking so because Harry hid everything inside. He shared very little, spoke less and spent more time in his head trying to sort through his life than he did focusing on the actual life he was living.

Severus shivered, Harry was a young replica of himself, exactly the same as Severus had been at that age, though their tastes and lifestyles were different. Harry had been right, they were not very different at all. Perhaps, just different enough to be pulled to the other, a ying to a yung, though Severus winced at the cliche.

Still, they had much to talk about and Severus had only ever treated Harry like he would anyone else, special treatment had never been his cup of tea, so why give it to Potter? He expected the boy to pull through this, no matter how badly it may hurt. Harry was stronger than heartbreak, in a way he had grown immune to it over all these years….

"Heartbreak and disappointment….sound familiar Severus?" the man murmured as he got dressed and headed for the door. The point they had reached last night had been a result of words, actions, wants and desires.

Harry desired him, for whatever reason and spoke poetic words of honest truth, his physical actions pulling Severus from his self-imposed and often impregnable fortress of isolation. He played to Severus's wants for companionship, a nearly dormant want that had gone unnoticed for years. Harry was much more crafty than he gave himself credit for, and Severus had found himself falling for it, albeit willingly.

Severus had let the boy spin webs of gold around his ears and make him feel like he could be happy, could be wanted and eventually loved. To his own credit, Severus did not allow himself to give in to the foolish hope that this would last, because Severus knew from experience that nothing lasts forever. Harry would out grow this crush he had, long before any real love would be able to root and grow.

After their first romp together underneath the sheets of his bed, Severus had found he couldn't keep his hands to himself. Every time they finished another round Harry would manage an hour of sleep or so before Severus would take him up again, work his own bit of magic and get the boy to melt under his hands. No matter how tired Harry grew, he gave Severus the attention he wanted and the older man had become so obsessed and taken with the idea that he had such a victory at his fingertips, he continued to drink from the cup of selfish greedy lust and consumed the boy's giving nature over and over.

Harry never once protested, nor did he seem to mind, in fact the boy seemed near elated to be so coveted despite such a thing interrupting his sleep. Severus felt a shiver run through his body at how many times he might be able to get away with such a thing if they weren't just rutting like twelve-year-olds against each other. The idea of truly taking the boy over and over, entering him and having Harry welcome such an intrusion into his body multiple times throughout the night, it made Severus near delirious with that all too familiar burning.

As he entered the kitchen he flicked his wand and the late lunch that both men were hungry for started to prepare itself. He made coffee for himself despite the late hour and poured a cup of tea for Harry, the boy not one to drink coffee past noon.

As he sat there at the table, the sounds of food being made in the background and his eyes locked onto the ancient percolator, his musings continued. They ranged from how far he should really allow himself to go, how far Harry might wish to go as the weeks passed, what would become of this thing they had started once school began, how long would Dumbledore put up with it and would Voldemort believe the dreams the boy was sure to have after such a colorful night? Would they be discovered, would this crazy situation lead them into becoming more? Did Severus want more? Did Harry?

Around and around his thoughts went, pools of emotions and feelings pouring over his heart and through his soul as he couldn't honestly answer any of them. By the time the coffee was done the food was near ready and Severus spelled the plates, utensils and napkins into place.

Everything about this situation felt so surreal, so completely different than anything that had happened to him the past twelve years of his life….maybe his entire life, that all Severus could think was that it was to good to be true, that it was still somehow wrong….

He snorted, the entire situation was wrong but it finally occurred to him that maybe it wasn't so much wrong to want to be with someone who wanted you in return, it was wrong on the grounds that this entire situation had started based on a mission from a mad man and a handful of lies. Severus had been supposed to win the boy over, become his friend, and try to figure out why such a thing was so important to the Dark Lord. Why would the demon of a man want one of his followers to grow so close to Harry that the boy would be willing to die for him? To kill on Severus's orders to do so?

Why had it turned into this, a twisted and manipulative game of seduction and deceit? Why had Severus not been able to keep the mission and his "job" separate from his feelings and emotions? Why had his own body and mind betrayed him so quickly when they never had before? What hold and allure did Harry have that had tempted him so?

Was it the last few shreds of innocents that harry somehow managed to hang on to? The attention? Was Severus losing his edge? His indifference? Was he becoming…..weak? Soft?

The man let out a heavy sigh as he heard the slight shuffle of feet in the upstairs hall. Whatever the cause of his sudden descent into this mad game of passion and longings, he was enjoying it, he couldn't lie to himself about it anymore, he wanted to do these things with Harry, and it worried him to think that he had Voldemort to thank for such an opportunity.

Nevertheless, when Harry rounded the corner into the kitchen, Severus felt his heart beat faster, his stomach pinch with excitement and his hands...normally so dry and cool...start to sweat. Severus Snape was in over his head, yet he was enjoying the sensation of drowning.

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When Harry walked into the bathroom, his mind on the battle that was about to unfold, his jaw nearly hit the floor and broke some tile when he saw the half a dozen or so bruises that littered across his chest, shoulders and neck.

Snape has been busy...Harry mused a fingers came up to press on to a rather large and near purple mark that rested in the area where his shoulder met his neck. A small smirk started to spread across his face until he remembered the discussion that was suppose to take place and his eyes gazed up at his reflection with a bold determination.

Harry was sure the man wanted to speak to him about when school resumed, what would become of them and what they would no longer be able to do. But Harry knew this relationship was too young, too tentative and fresh to try and set boundaries. While the two of them had shared a new form of intimacy last night, they still didn't truly know each other. They didn't have things that would make the transition from near total isolation to being around hundreds of other people any easier.

Things like trust and an in-depth knowledge of what the other person preferred in a relationship. What if Snape was open to the idea of multiple partners? Or the man didn't care for the idea of faithfulness...of monogamy…..

Snape was a dark person by nature, strange preferences in the bedroom wouldn't be a surprise to Harry, yet his potions Professor didn't seem like the type to take on multiple partners. Yet, how was Harry to know?

He didn't expect to walk into the man's private quarters at school, and he didn't want special treatment, but if Harry ever found Snape was with someone else he wasn't sure he would be able to handle it. This whole thing had happened so fast that the bare bones of what each person really found important in a partner had never been discussed. Harry had been so focused on getting this man to want him and act upon it he hadn't taken into consideration what the man might really be like or what he might prefer in the bedroom.

Maybe, in this instance, Harry should fight fire with fire. If the man wanted to speak to them about their relationship, then Harry would do the same. He would ask questions that mattered as well, and if he didn't like the answered then Harry would have to lick his wounds silently and hope that these developing feelings would eventually fade and he could move on.

As he rubbed salve over his raw skin and genitalia, as he drank a potion to help fade his bruises and ease the ach of his well used muscles, he only hoped that he hadn't pressured the man to start something that neither of them could finish.

PAGE REAK

Harry entered the kitchen with a new found confidencd, he sat down and thanked the man for the food and drink, well aware his manners as of late had been lacking in regards to Snape's care of him. He didn't want to take the simple things for granted, didn't want the man to feel underappreciated.

His mind was unaware of the man across the table watching him eat and drink intently. Wasn't aware those dark eyes stared at his moving lips, shaky fingers and a very unbruised neck with a facial expression mixed with want and disappointment.

"Your bruises are gone…." He said softly and Harry was pulled from his thoughts as he looked up at the man, having been so far away he hadn't actually understood the statement.

"Pardon?" Harry asked as he set down his tea.

"I was just noticing that the bruises…..they are gone. I had forgotten that I gave you a potion for them….it is….a pity to see them go."

And Harry smiled softly then, his face looking down and away as he tried to hide that stupid blush that always cropped up. "Maybe if you leave a few less, and keep away from my neck….I wouldn't need the potion." Harry mused teasingly and Snape cocked a brow at the statement, "Maybe." He agreed softly.

The silence flooded in then, something gentle but telling and both of them spoke at the same time, "Professor-"

"Potter-"

They stopped and stared again, the awkwardness from the weeks previous not present but an unwanted need to wait for the other to start hanging heavy, "You first then, Potter." Snape said with a gesture of his hand.

Harry exhaled and set down his fork, "I know what you want to talk to me about Professor, before you do I was hoping to ask a couple questions, if that's alright sir, questions about you?"

Snape gave him a curious gaze but nodded his head once and sat back, his hands threading together to rest on his ankle which sat atop a knee.

Harry felt his anxiety tug a little, knowing these questions were going to be awkward at least and horribly personal at best, still he wanted to know so he decided to start off with what he thought was an easy question.

"Are you planning to stop this sir? When school starts?"

Snape gave him a very relaxed look before he shook his head, "No." Harry exhaled and gave a soft smile in return as the man rubbed his thumb quickly over his own lips in thought, "In all honestly Potter, I do not think I could if I wanted to. But that does not mean we shouldn't discuss it. We must have a plan, a good one, if we are going to continue on in anyway like we have."

Harry nodded at this and felt a little bolder, "Do you think we can keep it hidden from professor Dumbledore and the others?"

This time, Snape's face seemed distant, as if several thoughts flashed through his mind all at once, "We have no choice. If we can't than we will not go forward with this. Only if we are sure will we continue."

"Our best bet would be to-"

"Let us not jump ahead. Finish with your other questions, then we can proceed on to the more complicated issues."

Harry knew that his next question was rather random, that Snape might not have even been aware of it, but he was just curious enough to ask, it was too weird a happening not to, "Last night sir, when we were….busy, you spoke differently….your grammar….I was wondering if you could explain it."

Harry did not elaborate because he suddenly became aware he didn't need to when Snape's brow went up, when his eyes seemed to recess as if he was scanning through memories and then they narrowed as they continued to process, to try and remember.

After a moment Snape's face grew slightly unnerved and he said slowly, "I have worked very hard to not show my birth right. I am both ashamed and proud of who I am and where I come from. It seemed to me, as I grew up, it would be better to present a more... polished version of myself as the ideals and goals in my youth were very different to what they are now. The people I was around were different. I did not want to be...another scrag from the End. So, I taught myself better. It also annoyed my father to no end, so I could not deny myself the opportunity to piss him off...did it bother you?"

Harry shook his head quickly and said in a rather embarrassed voice, "It was different to hear you talk like that….but also enjoyable…..what's a scrag, sir? Is it a wizarding term?"

Snape smirked a little as he shook his head, "A special term reserved for those selected few fortunate enough to grow up here. Most children are poorly cared for and often not fed well if at all, thus most of us were scraggly and unkempt through our youths. Scrag is short hand, and often a term used as an insult, unloved or undesirable would be an equal and apropos term used by both muggles and magical folk alike when referring to children from the End."

"So you were just...unaware...not focusing on it?"

Snape smirked and said in a silky voice, "I was dry-humping a student in my bed in hopes of reaching sexual gratification and making him scream my name…. Proper English was not the first thing on my mind, no."

Before Harry could investigate more Snape leaned forward and said softly, "Next question, Mr. Potter."

Harry didn't know why he blushed so sharply but he did, taking a small sip of his tea and clearing his throat he looked down to his plate as he asked his next question, "I want to know….I was hoping you'd tell me….what exactly are your preferences sir?" and he felt his face flush and his ears burn but he maintained eye contact and held firm to his question.

"In regards to what, Mr. Potter?" the man asked and Harry realized Snape wasn't going to make this easy on him. He could tell by the man's eyes that Snape expected more than just some open ended question.

"Your….bedroom preferences, sir." and Harry felt stupid and embarrassed.

The man sat there and stared for a long time and Harry felt like they were back at day one, that immeasurable and tense silence that ate at him continuing to stretch out, the man stared, almost like he was sizing him up, studying him and Harry shifted uncomfortably as he waited.

"You are going to have to be a bit more specific Potter, contrary to popular belief I cannot read minds."

And Harry made a sheepish face that told of his own desire to end this quickly, just ask it…

"Do you prefer monogamy?" Harry blurted out, unsure the best word to use as he desperately tried to figure this man out.

First there was a small twitch of the man's lips, then a smirk which spread into a narrow eyed leer and the man leaned forward again, those black eyes peering at him near playfully and Harry felt his mouth open a little at the image, "I've never given it much thought….but since you brought it up, I think I shall only answer if you answer first." and he said it in such a purr of a voice, in such a way that Harry felt his groin stir and his hand tighten around his mug.

"I don't….I don't know, sir. I've never...it hasn't been something that has ever come up. But since we are wanting to continue this when school begins...I suppose I just want to know where we stand...where I stand in regards to what you might expect me to be willing to do, to be able to accept?"

"I've never been in a situation such as this Potter, but it is not as if I can simply say that we should play it by ear. I am open to ideas...but I do not like to share...that should be made clear now...I am easily angered, can be highly possessive of my things and have given into jealousy on several occasions. I am mean, unpleasant and like to be alone… you are the first person I've ever had in my bed."

This shocked Harry to a severe degree, he had not expected that Snape wasn't more experienced...he sure as hell had a rather dominant and experienced air about him.

Though, in the back of his mind Harry felt a voice that sounded like a rather satisfied lion growl out a near salacious cheer at the idea of being Snape's first, his one and maybe even his only. That was about as special as you could get and for some reason being that kind of special didn't bother Harry one bit.

"Potter…" and Harry looked to see that the man's face had darkened considerably as he brought a finger up to Harry's face, pushing his new glasses up until they were in their right place and the man said in a quiet voice, "I am serious, you can consider it a warning if you wish, do not cross me...you won't like it. I've shared myself with you, so you better seriously consider how old you wish to grow should you find yourself interested in someone else. What is it they say? Beware straying too far from the hand that feeds you, you'd not want to be made to starve, yes?"

And Harry nodded, his mind growing hazy at such a slight touch from the man, and those words that were far more possessive than Snape probably meant them to be, fed a soft bed of embers in his belly.

"Would you want to be able see other people? I am hardly a grown man's perfect partner. You may find your time better spent with someone more educated and wise….should I prepare myself to deal with something like-" Harry stopped, his voice going slightly hoarse as he stared at that hand, now resting on the table before him. He wanted it to move again, to touch his face but he also wanted to finish his question so he waited and didn't reach out, "I do not need nor require multiple partners Potter, one is enough for me, though, if we both wanted to do something a little more…..enticing….there are always ways to go about it."

"Yeah." Harry said as he continued to study those long fingers with unfocused and heavy eyes, glossed with a heady want as his mind remembered what those fingers were capable of. He saw in his mind, an image of him and Snape, bidding someone to enter their bed, a stranger perhaps? Maybe someone they both knew?

An image of a naked Johnny pressed between both of them came to mind and Harry sucked in a small breath of air. He didn't necessarily want to invite the boy into their bed, and he knew Snape would not even humour the idea...Johnny had too many issues….but the concept….of him and Snape sharing someone...it was like a little dark secret for him and it pulled at his arousal….bringing forth more images that he shouldn't really be thinking right now….he was getting distracted.

"Potter?"

"Ye-...yes, sir?" the boy asked finally looking up and regaining his focus, "Next question." the man purred out as he leaned his chin into a palm, that damn smirk still hidden at the corner of his mouth.

Harry licked his lips, suddenly feeling hot and rather bothered, but he pressed on, determined to reach the end. "Do you….have….other things you like, sir? Things I could do to… I want to do things you might enjoy...but I am not very...practiced..." he was seeing himself licking food off the man's stomach, some sort of whipped topping and he shook his head and rubbed his eyes as he shifted his hips to try and adjust his discomfort.

"You are having a difficult time with this aren't you?" the man before him mused as he didn't bother to hide his humour filled eyes.

"Yes, sir. Do you like-" but Harry couldn't finish because he was looking at those eyes, images flashing like movie clips across his mind of all the things the man might like, his groin responding against his will as he realized how utterly stupid he felt to get so aroused over a simple discussion, one he knew was going to end far less amicably when Snape got to speak his peace.

The man stood then, walking to the percolator and pouring himself a fresh cup of coffee, he turned, leaning against the counter with one arm wrapped across his chest, the other bent to bring the steaming mug to his lips, "There are plenty of things I might enjoy you doing…."

"Like?" Harry asked as his hands fisted his pants tightly, knowing this conversation had started with the best of intentions on his part but was slowly spiraling out of control towards darker waters.

And Snape moved forward then, coming to stand before him and looking down over the mug in his hand. Snape brought a free finger to Harry's face, running a knuckle down over a cheek as he said softly, "You being tied up and helpless to stop my roaming hands is only one of many-"

Harry looked down at his lap, cheeks blazing a completely new shade of red as he realized he needed to take care of this now, hang the rest of his questions for later, his little problem needed attention. He stood to leave but was stopped by those long slender fingers gently taking up his chin, "I might like if you tie me up...you never know… you might be rather adept at taking some of the control…"

Shite... without a word Harry turned and left the kitchen, not caring what Snape might think as he walked quickly towards the stairs.

As he went to move through the threshold and head for the bathroom he heard footfalls behind him and then felt arms wrap around his torso, "And just where do you think you are going Mr. Potter?"

Harry had let out a small yell in surprise at the sudden pull backwards, the man's voice cooed softly into his ear and as Harry felt his member jerk in excitement he tried to hold his knees firmly together to hide it.

"Bathroom… I'm not trying to start anything, sir. I just need to take care of-" Harry started through gritted teeth as his arms were pressed more firmly against his chest by Snape's forearm.

"That won't be necessary." the man said as Snape pressed his face against Harry's and brought a hand to rub down the boy's front.

"P-professor, I didn't mean for this to happen-"

And Snape pulled his face back to bring his mouth next to Harry's ear, "Often times we don't mean for things to happen… but inevitably they do….do you know what you should do when things that are out of your control happen?" and Snape's hand slid down groping Harry's member tight though his jeans.

"Sir!" Harry gasped out as his knees gave a little, but the man supported him and shifted back to rest against the back of the couch.

"Do you know Potter?"

"No, sir." the boy whispered out as he felt his body relax as the man's hand started to gently rub.

"Sometimes you just have to let them."

"I don't want you to think that I'm just some hormonal child...I can take care of it sir." Harry moaned out desperately as his head lulled back to rest on the man's shoulder.

"Don't fight it Potter, don't fight me either, you've pushed too far for that, haven't you?" Snape asked into his ear, that hand of his working swiftly to undo Harry's pants, "Yes, sir, but the conversation sir- "

"Can be put on hold for a moment, I need to help my student with his studies…." the man murmured in his ear as he finally freed Harry's length from his pants and wrapped a hand around it.

Harry let out a small noise, not quite a moan or gasp as his body filled with a intense heat, "You are so young, not even halfway through a conversation with your lover and you need to touch yourself….it's a hard thing to ignore...and I will admit to you a rather tantalizing prospect….to know just the barest of touches and your mind goes on a downward spin into the gutters of perversion. So easy….so young and wanting…."

Harry's heart beat erratically at that hushed tone and his brow was bursting with sweat already, his legs shook as the man held him tight and started to stroke him. Harry jerked a little at the contact and let out a gasp as the man worked him quickly, not giving the boy a chance to have a slow build. It was fast, sharp and came with such a short blast of pleasure he let out a yell and jerked again when Snape bit into his neck.

He felt a second shudder wrack his body as the burst of pain from the man's mouth mingled down through his orgasm, Harry's seed shooting out and splattering onto the floor. "Aah!" Harry gasped out as his legs finally gave and he slumped a little in the man's hold.

"Outstanding." the man sighed as he pressed his face into Harry's hair and inhaled deeply, "Thank you, sir." Harry murmured sluggishly as he let his head roll back to rest on the man's shoulder, "I'll repay the favor."

"Will you? I look forward to that, though it makes me wonder what you might do-" and Harry smirked a little as he started to undulate his backside against the man's groin. It was playful at first, just a little movement to make his point, but when Snape let out a soft swear Harry realized he was actually having an effect.

"Oh you little snake." the man groaned out as his arm unfolded and a hand glided up Harry's chest to wrap around the pale flesh of the boy's throat. The other hand moved away from Harry's spent prick to grip a hip firmly, "You are tempting me….I really wouldn't play with me like this." Snape warned him but Harry continued, pressing his arse more firmly into the man's hardening prick, the man's words of warning only spurring him on as he suddenly felt like he held all the power.

"Damn brat." the man breathed and Harry smiled for a moment, his arms coming down to gently start to massage the man's thighs.

Snape shuddered, a strangled moan escaping his throat as he ran his lips back and forth over Harry's exposed shoulder.

"You are really making it hard for me to not-" but Harry had turned his head up to meet the man's lips and he opened his mouth, a tongue darting into Snape's mouth. He brought his hand up to cup the back of the man's head, his hips moving more firmly now, his bravery growing as Snape submitted himself to this slow torture.

When Harry pulled back he smiled up at those dark eyes, heavily clouded with lust and the man's hand slid around under his shirt, fingers gently stroking his taught stomach. "I...I-ah... want….to…" Snape started but he bit his lip and dropped his head down, choosing to suck on Harry's shoulder some more and not voice his thoughts.

"What do you want, Professor?" Harry asked gently but the man seemed to ignore him and continue to lick and nibble at the boy's flesh as his hair fell to hide his face, rather shy behavior for a man who seemed so damn confident.

Harry was frustrated now, he really wanted to know what the man wanted...what he liked….how he could please him so he tried again, this time using his secret weapon, "Severus…" and the man stilled his busy work on Harry's shoulder, lifting his head just a little and panting breaths against the newly bruised flesh.

Harry was in a rough spot, his back against the man's chest, groin pressing and moving against Snape's obviously hard prick, one hand raised up to hold onto that head and his remaining hand hanging down, fingers slowly lacing into Snape's….still...he managed to lean his face forward, trying to nestle through that curtain of black hair that was hiding his companion from sight, "Severus, tell me what you want to do….I want to know...I want to….learn what you like….what do you want to do…"

Harry heard the man whisper something through his ebony shield of hair and he leaned in just that bit closer as he asked again, "What? What is it Severus? What do you-"

"I want to fuck you-" the man near growled and Harry cried out as Snape spun him around swiftly and bent him over the couch.

"Professor! Wait!" Harry gasped out as the man wrenched Harry's arms behind his beck and tilted him forward just enough to remove Harry's toes from the floor. Snape then yanked the boy's pants down and Harry tried to free his arms but Snape mashed his body against Harry's bare backside and gripped a hand through Harry's hair, yanking his head up a little and Harry winced.

"I want you to be mine...I want to make you come undone….I want you screaming my name and taking every inch of me inside you…"

Harry's own prick was growing hard again but his fear spiked like an axe to his chest as his breathing increased and anxiety speared through him like a cold douse of water as he yelled, "Severus! Stop! Wait please, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have pushed you!"

Severus stilled and they remained like this for some time, both panting from the struggle, but it was Snape who spoke first and Harry felt those lips press to his ear as a rather harsh voice hissed out and filled Harry's brain with a hot sharp fire, "I will not cross this line with you Potter, not right now at the very least, but heaven help you if you are still in this house upon your seventeenth birthday, acting so bold and brazenly raw like that with me and not expecting a response. Now lay still, you need to trust me. You started this, you are going to help me to finish."

And Harry heard the man undo his pants as Snape released his arms, the boy wanting to trust the man despite his own helpless state and his exposed arse. When he felt the man's length press to rest against him, nestling between his cheeks and emanating a burning heat Harry knew he would not be teasing the man again for a very long time.

Slowly, large hands ran up the back of his thighs, over his arse and then up his back, that random feeling of an electric charge flaring out over his skin as Harry groaned. Snape started to rut against his backside, sharp short thrusts that made Harry jerk and grunt as the man showed no signs of stopping.

Skin to skin it almost felt real, a little pain from the friction, a jerking sensation as the man pressed hard against him, Snape's hand digging nails into the boy's hips and Harry let out a yell when Snape shifted him back and reached under to grab his prick.

"That's it, work with me, just relax and cum with me." the man murmured as he picked up the pace, Harry losing breath with each thrust, his eyes clenching closed as he used his hands to brace against each brutal jerk the man gave.

"Are you close?" Snape asked into his ear, those lips moving to slide over his exposed shoulder, and Harry realized he would need to buy several new shirts if this was to keep going on.

"Yes." Harry managed.

"Yes what Potter!" the man growled as he gave a light smack to Harry's left arse cheek, "Yes, sir!" he panted out and Snape started to jerk him harder. He felt his balls tighten and knew it wouldn't be long, the thrusting was starting to burn and it added a rather appealing pain that fed his climb, fueled his want and seconds later he released again, his seed dripping down the back of the old abused couch.

Snape's hand pressed up the back of his shirt as he gave a grunt and a few more thrusts before he too seemed to topple over and Harry felt a hot liquid spurt onto his lower back and arse.

"You will be the death of me boy." the man barked through short breaths as he continued to subtly thrust even after he came.

"and you mine, sir." Harry agreed and for a moment they paused, waiting out the aftershocks, the few remaining tremors that were making them shudder and pant.

"You look stunning with my cum on your arse….perhaps we should-"

"Shower!" Harry blurted as he quickly went to stand.

Snape moved aside for him, straightening his clothes and zipping up his pants as he eyed the boy with curiosity and then worry. Harry pulled his pants up, his hands shaking as his heart hammered against his ribcage and he found his eyes watering a little from the high anxiety he was feeling.

He felt stupid, he had asked for it….asked the man to tell him….wanted to know….why should he be surprised that an older man, far more mature then he would be ready to go that far? Why did he suddenly feel like a scared child, like some injured little bird...he was embarrassed and ashamed and didn't make eye contact as he pulled his shirt down and felt the sticky mess on his back spread and grow cold. He hid the wince on his face as he turned to go.

"I'll go shower sir, then we can finish our conversation."

Snape, however, seemed to have a different plan in mind for he reached a hand out and gently placed it on Harry's shoulder, "Potter…." and Harry felt his body stiffen, closed his eyes as he tried to fight off this unwanted and unwarranted fear, "H-Harry…." and the boy's eyes instantly opened and he turned slowly back to look at Snape in confusion.

The man appeared unsure, his face etched with worry and to Harry's surprise regret, "If I have...if I ever go too far…" and the man approached him slowly, coming to stand before him and taking up his face in a soft pair of hands, "You must tell me… I do mean what I say, I'll not cross that line with you...but you must tell me what you do or do not want...and you must trust me to respect that. Just as I trust you to respect me."

Harry felt his mind calm a little, his heart beat slow as he closed his eyes and felt the warmth from those hands spread across his skin, those tender hands holding his face so carefully as if he might break, "You have nothing to fear from me." Snape assured softly as he leaned down and gently kissed Harry's brow, a tender and tentative thing as the man seemed to be trying to feel out the situation, "I will not hurt you, I will not ever hurt you." and it sounded like he was reassuring both Harry and himself, a semi-desperate promise that made Harry's fear fade instantly.

Harry kissed him back, a hand coming up to tuck those black locks behind an ear, a new look for the man that Harry had never seen before, "It's alright Professor, you couldn't scare me if you tried." Harry offered though the man still gave him a slightly skeptical glance, "I do not want to...if you ever-" Snape started again but Harry cut him off quickly.

"I said it is fine Professor, I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it...I think I enjoyed it actually… I like your aggressive side...I just wasn't...ready for it. I will be more...careful about how much trouble I get into with you in the future. I promise."

And Snape gave him such a look Harry didn't think the man believed how quick Harry was to forgive him for such a major slip.

"We do need to be prudent and finish our conversation, hurry up with your shower, then finish your food and we will continue. Try your best to keep your hormones at bay, we must discuss things before this partnership proceeds any further."

Harry nodded and braved another gentle kiss to the man's brow, those dark eyes following him all the way up the stairs, he glanced back when he reached the top and saw Snape was gone.

PAGEBREAK

Severus had spelled the floor and couch clean as he passed by, returning to the kitchen and sitting down angrily only to find his coffee and food cold. He used a warming charm on everything and then waited, his mind honing in on what had just happened. Why did this keep happening, these unexpected excursions into such dark waters of lust and want?

Was it normal to find yourself so attracted to someone to be unable to pass up even the smallest opportunity of touch? Or was there something else going on? Those small jolts of electricity, the urges that felt near overpowering and then his inability to control or center himself when these moments turned into something far more primal.

Severus had never been in a real relationship, had never been someone's lover….as far as Lily was concerned they had never crossed any lines that would dictate them as a couple though she had often given him kisses on his cheek or head, hugs when she was happy or sad. Still, there wasn't much he had done in the way of physical activity and he found it near exhausting to keep up with his own body's demands for it.

When Harry had started to rub against him, so seductive and brave in his movements, Severus actually had flipped the boy over with full intent to press into him, to take him brutally against the couch and show no mercy. He had wanted to thrust until both he and Potter were screaming and satisfied, his spent prick nestled inside the boy's body that was full of his own seed.

But the instant the boy panicked Severus had come back to himself, was able to reign in his mind and desires and managed to play it off as a different intent. His worry about what the boy had thought spiking in his chest as he realized how badly he had almost hurt Harry.

He could not hurt the boy in such a way, would never dream of assaulting and ruining Harry in such a way. But his dark side had always been strong, having been beaten into him over years by a belt and thick calloused hands. Part of him truly enjoyed the idea of hurting others, to make them suffer as much as he had in his life, to strip them of their dignity and watch them squirm and cry as he had done for so many years of his youth.

Potter, having come from the same background, knew of his suffering and understood it, understood him, was already showing signs of being willing to allow Severus such indulgences that the man wanted to bite his knuckle and moan at the very idea.

When he had started to ask what the man liked, what he wanted from a lover, Severus had to fight the urge to go to Harry and show him first hand. Sadistic images and sinful pleasures filling his mind with such barbaric and immoral ideas. He found Harry's curiosity intoxicating, those innocent eyes wide and those cheeks blushing and as soon as Harry had stood to hide his arousal Severus chased after him quick, wanting none of it.

He would not allow the boy to hide from him in such a way, he wanted to pull such sounds from Harry, to bring forth such dirty habits that the boy wouldn't hesitate to drop his pants on a whim and expose his sexuality.

"You are feeding right into the Dark Lord's plans, you idiot." Severus hissed as he rubbed fingers into his eyes and gritted his teeth.

There had to be something going on, perhaps Voldemort was influencing Harry through his dreams? Making the boy more pliant to Severus's touch, making him more willing than he would be otherwise? It seemed ridiculous but not beyond Voldemort's powers. He would have to look into this, see if there was any sort of magic or spells that could draw two people together so ungodly quick and cause them such sudden intense needs.

For God's sake we spent all night rutting against each other like wild animals! We shouldn't be so god damn aroused all the time! Why in the hell did you scare him so badly….he was nearly in tears...what the HELL is wrong with you!? You greedy fool, you poor excuse for a lover...you stupid….dumb….Harry is too young, to tempting an innocent….too delicious….you have to temper yourself...withdrawal back, isolate your urges...be a good person God damn it!

And Severus slammed a fist down on the table as he once again found his thoughts growing chaotic, he would need to meditate soon, get himself under control...where was the cool and calm man he had know most of his adult life?

Focus Severus..think logically...what could cause such a daunting lust….

There had been no moments that either could have been exposed to a mild love potion or the Imperius curse, and even if there had, neither of them showed signs of such meddling. Still, it ate at him for he felt like there was something more going on and he knew as soon as this conversion was over he was going to do some digging.

PAGEBREAK

"I allowed you to ask your questions, and I have answered them honestly, I hope you will give this conversation the same respect."

Harry nodded and Severus did the same in response, "Now, this partnership we have entered into is by all accounts forbidden. I am your teacher and you my student, you are also underage for the time being and I am quite a few years your senior. If anyone found out they could use it against us, I could be jailed, you could be ostracized…. so, I want you to tell me, honestly, what do you expect of me once school begins?"

And Severus watched the boy think about this, watched as those green eyes studied the woodgrain of the table and try to discern what he actually thought might happen, what he expected.

"I don't expect anything sir. If we can't….continue this during the school year then we can't, but-" and Harry stopped as his cheeks turned red and his hands fisted tightly on the edge of the table, "Speak your truths to me, it is better I know, less we should fall upon a misunderstanding later." Severus tried to reassure, though Potter still looked uncertain.

"I wouldn't like to think you were with someone else while you couldn't be with me." and he had said it softly, almost as if it shamed him, and those green eyes looked up, filled with guilt and humiliation. Severus felt a shiver of satisfaction run up his spine at the omission but nodded his head slowly, his face remaining neutral, "Then I shall not be, though you have no fear anyway as my options are rather limited. I will do as I have always done and keep to myself."

Harry looked up in surprise at this and then gave a soft smile, "Thank you."

"That does go the same for you, I do not want to hear a single word of you being with anyone else, while I can not stop you I have already warned you of my possessive nature….it would not due to have me catch you shacked up with some intolerable Ravenclaw know it all or a disturbingly happy little Hufflepuff."

Harry laughed at this and Severus felt the tension ease, "No worries." Harry said and so Severus moved on.

"Do you have hopes of meeting….during the school year?" Severus knew his mission was to retain Potter's friendship while at school as well, maintain this relationship, but as of yet he had not worked out how.

Dumbledore had not spoken with him on the intricate plans that would need to be laid about how this would occur, so he had no basis to go off of. Hearing Harry's ideas on the matter might shed some light on how this could all work, the boy's invisibility cloak no doubt about to have a starring role.

"Well, I-" and Severus waited, not wanting to chase away any ideas that could be of value, "If you wanted to, there are always detentions, the study periods you offered me….my invisibility cloak….we could set detention and study dates that are irregular and spaced out enough to not cause suspicion. Perhaps we could tell people I am receiving private lessons for meditation or Occlumency…."

And Severus felt his heart grow giddy, Harry was truly clever, "Dumbledore did request I start up our Occlumency training again, it may work out that-"

"What?" Harry asked, his voice rising from its lower registers to hit a high squeak and Severus eyed the boy with a bemused expression, "It is needed, when I informed the Headmaster of your nightmares he thought it best to-"

"You told him?" Harry asked swiftly, his face one of shock and fear.

Severus instantly made the decision he would need to tread very carefully, apparently he had crossed an unspoken boundary of trust and he didn't want to have to deal with the fallout, "I did, you must remember Potter, I am your guardian and teacher first, your friend and lover second. Your well being will always come first to any personal matters. If I deem it necessary to inform the Headmaster of your nightmares, while I will always keep the details to myself, I cannot keep such things from him. He must know whenever Voldemort is in your dreams, even if the dream itself is not caused by the Dark Lord. It is for everyone's protection, including yours, I beg your indulgence in this, I have no choice."

And to severus's relief Harry nodded in a reluctant understanding, "Sir, last time you tried to teach me-"

"I think we are beyond such matters at this point. We will resume your lessons but it will be different. I assure you." Harry didn't seem to believe him but he nodded reluctantly all the same.

"As for secrecy, it is of the utmost importance. Not even your friends can know. I am aware you share near everything with granger and Weasley but for the sake of both our arse's we best keep it to ourselves. Perhaps, if you are still interested in perusing such relations after school you can inform them, but until such a time that the peering eyes of society won't condemn our actions, no one can know."

"Agreed." Harry said, though it was easy to read his discomfort at not sharing such a secret with his friends. Severus could only hope Harry would be as good as his word and that common sense and reason would win out should the boy feel tempted to share.

"As for anyone else, we shall appear as if nothing has truly changed between us. Do not expect special treatment in my class or in the halls, I'll not hesitate to give you a real detention and see your punishment through, am I clear?"

"Crystal." came a smirk filled response, Harry glancing at him mischievously as he asked, "Does that mean I can still be a smart arse back?"

Severus tapped his finger irritably on the table as he realized he was caught and he regrettably had to nod, "Unfortunately, logic would dictate we cannot stray from our usual habits, though you would do well to keep in mind my previous warning and know I won't hesitate to end this strange partnership of ours if things get too...complicated."

This truly got the boy's attention and those green eyes looked at him with such fear Severus had to swallow to keep from saying anything that would lead the boy away from believing his empty threat. Severus could not end their relationship, even if he wanted to, which he currently did not. The Dark Lord would know and in turn Dumbledore would be on his arse so fast it wouldn't even be funny.

But Harry didn't need to be made aware of the fact he was currently able to get away with just about anything, Severus found his hands tied and it was not in the arousing way, but in the insanely frustrating way. He could only count his blessings that he had found himself more than willing to reciprocate to the boy's bold move towards a match. If this mission had to be done under a false guise, with Severus truly not interested it would have been a million times more painful for both of them.

This is still going to be painful you moron, this entire thing will not end well, you or him….or both of you if fate decides to be unkind will end up smashed and bloody under the weight of Voldemort and Dumbledore's war, hearts shredded and souls black and neither of you will ever be happy again….love will be nothing be an empty promise and the reason to draw your wand faster than the man next to you...you are doomed…

Severus felt his hand swipe quick in front of his face, once again batting at that imaginary fly that was the voice in his head, ignoring Harry's strange look at such a random action and proceeding as if nothing had occurred, "The last thing I wish to speak with you about is….a personal matter for you... I have hesitated to bring it up as part of me does not actually wish to know, but since this partnership of ours began, the times of my own resistance included, I have been curious to know….please prepare yourself as this question may upset you."

"Yes, sir." and Harry looked curious and nervous at the same time as he waited for the final shoe to drop, so to speak.

Taking a breath Severus felt his eyes scan to the far side of the kitchen, not wanting to look at the emotions that were sure to come, "Potter…. Did you and Black ever….did he, did you and he ever-"

Harry spoke quickly, his face open and his eyes absolute in their sincerity, "No sir, Sirius was my godfather, not my lover. Neither he nor I ever had anything but a platonic relationship, he was like an older brother or an uncle to me, nothing more."

And Severus let out a breath, one he had not even realized he had been holding as his eyes finally dragged back to the boy who was staring at him earnestly. To the man's surprise Harry stood then and came to his side, he knelt down onto his knees and then said gently, "You are the only person I have ever actually been with physically and in any significant emotional way. Just you…" and he reached up a hand to push Severus's hair behind an ear, Harry's fingers slowly running down his cheek and he used his other hand to pull Severus's face closer.

Harry brushed their lips together, and then kissed him softly, his fingers dropping from severus's chin down to rub up a thigh and Severus couldn't stop the small moan from his throat that escaped.

"Just you, sir." Harry whispered against his lips when he pulled away and Severus felt his length stir at such a statement, the hidden promise behind the words near intoxicating as he understood the subtle subtext Harry was implying by what he said.

Just me, only me, just mine, no one has ever been with him like that, he is untouched, pure clean and all mine….just me...always me…

Before Severus could think of a response Harry ducked down and disappeared under the table, Severus's brow shooting up in surprise before he felt hands on his button and zip and growled out, "Potter! I told you to keep your hormones under control! It's not been twenty minutes since we-" but the next thing Severus knew his hands were gripping the sides of the table as a hot mouth found it's way to his member and he let out a shocked gasp as his eyes clenched shut.

Harry was already throat deep impaled onto his quickly growing length and Severus could only hold on as the boy sucked on him with absolutely no mercy. His mouth and tongue moving fast, his nose and face pressing into the man's stomach as he deep throated Severus and pushed the man to start panting.

His eyes winced and his teeth clenched as he tried to control his body, tried to slow down the build that was coming much too fast, building like a volcano about to erupt. Harry bobbed his head faster, his fingers fisting at the man's pants and that tongue moving like a quick wet snake around his prick.

Severus let his head drop down harshly onto the table as his hips shifted and his legs tightened, his lower abdomen burning so white hot it was like molten rock melting.

"Bloody hell." Snape groaned out as a fist left its perch on the table's edge and smacked down onto the wooden surface, the plates and glasses shaking at such a harsh blow.

Suddenly Harry slowed and Severus felt his muscles relax a little, he took a deep breath and started to focus on the boy's stroking mouth, the hot slick feel of Harry's attentive tongue and he groaned out when the boy snaked a hand inside his pants and fondled his balls.

"Slower." Severus breathed against the tabletop, his hand un-fisting and slowly sliding across the aged wood to disappear below the table and gently fall into the boy's hair.

Harry obeyed, slowing his ministrations even more, the activity becoming increasingly voluptuous and decadent as Severus savoured each suck of that mouth and twist of that tongue like a fine wine or rich chocolate.

Severus wasn't far off from his end, knew he could slip over at any moment, the pleasure and white-hot bliss of Harry's little sojourn under the table rolling through him and melting his mind into a trembling moment of heady unaware fever.

"Such a good boy." the words whispered past his lips before he could stop them, and Severus's heart double beat as he realized how utterly stupid and derogatory that comment was, knowing Harry may find those words demeaning or at the very least offensive considering how hard he often pushed to not be called a child.

Yet, instead of stopping his actions Harry increased his activities, sucking harder, nails digging into Severus's thighs and the older man started to realize that Harry's dark side might very well be linked to his sexuality.

"Harder, suck harder." Snape gasped out and then, despite his current situation, Severus Found himself wanting to test his theory and said softly, "That's it, that's my boy, suck it harder." and the enthusiasm with which Harry complied made Severus grunt and jerk as his arousal skyrocketed through the center of his being and he fell over into his completion, "Thats a good boy, drink it, drink it for me." the words like fire on his tongue as his own brain didn't seem to want to stop such dirty talk from leaving across his lips.

When he was done he remain still a moment, Harry having cleaned him and put his member away before zipping and buttoning Severus's pants closed. A small yet strong hand came from between his thighs and pressed on his chest, making Severus lean back and despite the lack of space Harry somehow managed to press himself up between the table and Severus's thighs, his arms resting across the man's lap as those bright green eyes looked at him with a smirk "It was only fair, you caught me by surprise, so I caught you." he teased and Severus felt his eyes grow slightly wider, trying to keep his face neutral but finding it relatively hard just this moment.

His hand moved back into that hair, rubbing gently at first but then tightening as he leaned down to meet those swollen lips, "Absolutely no one else…"

And Harry kissed his lips gently, "Only you." Harry confirmed with a gentle smile.

"Always." Severus agreed.

When the knock came on the front door both of them were in the middle of snogging like a couple teenagers, Harry perched on the table's edge as Severus leaned down and devoured those lips. A conversation that should still be going on, long forgotten, their troubles for the most part put on hold. For a moment, Severus mused, they had each other, and it was turning out to be the best summer he had had in years.

PAGEBREAK

Harry and Stacy walked slowly around Spinner's Pond, talking of everything and nothing, their manner relaxed and casual as the day slowly faded.

"So how are you and the Professor getting on?" Stacy asked.

They had already talked about the situation with Stacy's dad, unable to make bail as he was, the man had the gall to write Stacy letters everyday, apologizing and promising to be good, to take her away to some place they could be happy where he wouldn't need to hurt her anymore.

Stacy had read the first few and then simply burned the rest, her thoughts on the matter resolute as she knew it was all sugar coated lies and the promises of a sexual deviant who simply couldn't let it go.

Harry had felt bad for her, offered any help he could, told her he would help protect her if it became clear that the man wasn't going to move on. He had received a kiss on the cheek and a hug for such a quick response but was also assured such actions were not needed. Stacy's dad was going away for a long time and he would not be missed.

So now, finding the girl asking him about Snape he wanted desperately to be truthful, but how could he? Had he not just agreed to keep the situation a secret? He didn't want to lie to this girl, a person who was so open about her own life and so caring and gentle, luckily, Stacy gave him an easy out, "I know Harry, about you and Snape. Minnie told me, like...everything."

Harry felt his heart jump a little at the news as he looked at her with surprise, "I don't want ya ta get made at 'im, the Professor was only tryin' ta do what was right by ya. He told Minnie a bunch ah stuff, asked her advice on how she managed to maintain such a way with me. I guess those two are gettin'...kinda close….like friends….though Minnie says the Professor has trust issues, lot ah them. Very angry man, very quick ta pull away and isolate ya?" Harry nodded and agreed as Stacy went on.

"He didn't know how ta handle ya, what to do about ya feelings. Minnie thought I should talk ta ya about it….I realized how stupid I was, all the questions you asked me at the party, all the questions ya've asked me since….never occurred to me it was cause you wanted to be with the Professor… and people say I'm smart."

Stacy laughed at herself and Harry could do nothing but take her hand and smile, "You are smart, it's just not a normal thing, what we are doing. Snape and Minnie are so much older, we are just kids to them, to everyone, even with what we have been through...Snape and Minnie can see it...sometimes...I think. Can see our maturity, but Snape still worries….thinks I can't handle it...what's the difference between us having sex and me having sex with a kid my own age? It's all the same…." but Harry was talking shite right now and he knew it. After what had happened earlier he wasn't so sure he WAS ready for it, still it did make him feel strong and slightly better to act as if it was no big deal….a strange response to say the least.

"So you two haven't-"

"No, just some heavy petting…" and the two felt that second of silence tick by before they burst into laughter.

"What's the professor's first name? I didn't want ta ask Minnie, the damned man seems so private tha I didn't know if I should botha to ask her, ya know make her break some confidentiality thing or what not."

"Considering she told you what is going on I don't think it's a real doctor patient relationship, Stacy." Harry said playfully and Stacy rolled her eyes.

Harry gave a soft smile as he looked at the large dead tree before them. The two had settled under the old oak now, both pulling their knees to their chests and wrapping arms around, another laugh had escaped at such a similar trait.

"Severus." Harry said moments later as he took a breath of the cool evening air.

Stacy mouthed out the name silently before a small smile grew across her face, "It suits him, it sounds like him...bit odd that one...but perfect for him. The Professor of Chemistry, Severus Snape!" she said as she leaned over and put her head on Harry's shoulder, an intimate but platonic action that filled Harry with a happy warmth.

He wondered if this was what having a brother or sister would be like. Ron and Hermione often felt like both his friends, siblings and worried parents, he was so close with them that they weren't JUST his friends anymore.

Stacy had not been through so much with him, to have someone to be friends with, to feel bonded with her and not have her know who he really was or about the war made this friendship so much more innocent, so much more relaxed and Harry smiled again as he realized he would not let these short moments with Stacy ever disappear from his memory.

"To answer your question, Snape and I are getting on fine. It's...complicated...but good."

"What kind of answer is that?"

"That kind of answer you give when being specific isn't an option… Snape is just complicated that's all...too much red tape." Harry mused.

"Why do you call him Snape? Why don't you call him Severus, that's his first name right? It seems so cold...so...unemotional to call him Snape."

Harry sighed at this, having thought the same thing for awhile now, but how could he explain it? Maybe by being honest? That usually worked right?

Obviously….came a voice from the back of his head that sounded suspiciously like the man they were currently talking about.

"Snape and I have had a really long road together. He has known me since I was eleven, and up until this summer we didn't really get on. In fact, we hated each other. He went to school with my father, there was a lot of bad blood between them, and I think a lot of those old feelings carried over to me. But this summer….he has been really nice to me, he let me see a different side of him. I didn't just see my...chemistry professor, I saw a man who was suffering, who was really angry at how his life had gone….a lot of regret and true isolationism. It's even more complicated than that, but it's the best way I can describe it. We have so much in common, things I didn't even know about until I came to stay with him. And now that we aren't fighting, we get on really well, and I find in him...he can understand certain parts of me that no one else can...he just….is-"

"Maybe he's your Cupla Lasair." Stacy said near dreamily.

"My what?" Harry asked, cocking his head to the side as he glanced down to her face, those honey brown eyes staring off with a fond smile.

"It's Gaelic, my gran was Irish, pure blood Irish, still spoke the old tongue and everything. Cupla means Twin and Lasair means Flame. Twin Flame… you could also say soul mate I suppose… but they actually are different. It's terribly cliche but the sentiment is nice, ya?"

Harry's eyes followed hers out onto the water where a pair of geese sat together, their necks intertwining as they gently flapped their wings and made soft calls to each other.

"Some animals mate for life...did ya know that? If their mate dies they never find another partner, some even die shortly after from a broken heart. It's really romantic, but really sad too. If I ever lost Minnie, I think I'd rather die than go on without her...she is my Twin Flame."

"What's the difference?"

Stacy sat up and smiled sheepishly, "It's kinda embarrasin', but I'm really into old mythology. Minnie has all kinds of books on it. I've read near all of them. A soul mate is actually a lot more than just what the term means, a lot of cool ol' stories too. My favorite is the one with Zeus. Plato came up with it, kinda weird but… he said people used ta be one, I think the word is androgynous? Both male and female, two heads, four arms and legs, two different….parts down below….the gods grew jealous of their strength and harmony...wanted more tributes but the humans weren't givin' it. So, he split them down the middle with his lightnin' bolts. Making man and woman, the people had to search for their other half after that, grew sad if they couldn't find them. But because they were split they started to give double the tributes in hopes of the gods reuniting them with their other half."

"And a twin flame?"

"That's more complicated. Ya see, a soul mate has three kinds, a soul friend… like you and me... soul teacher….kind of like an uncle or someone who guides you in your life choices... and then the ever living cliche of the soul mate. But a Twin flame, that's a whole other beast….they are our reflection, a perfect image of our self reflected back….they are often considered the worse of the two cause they tend to be really intense, ya know? Passionate, highly emotional bonds….usually they don't last because they are so explosive….but you can't ever really escape that person…. They are always with ya cause they are ya…."

And Harry thought about that for the rest of the afternoon, even when he bought them a late lunch from the grocer, when they came back to the park and were climbing the old oak, when a branch gave and the two tumbled into the pond and spent ten minutes laughing and dunking each other, in the back of his mind was the idea that Snape could be his mirror image… a reflection of his dark side...the person with whom he shouldn't be with but wanted to be with. It gave him a very weird feeling inside, an uncomfortable feeling.

When they started to walk home, the sun near below the horizon as the first twinkling stars tried desperately to shine through the smog filled air, he felt his heart twist and his mood sink at the prospect. Harry had lost so many good people to this war already, and if Snape was his twin flame, or even just someone that he really related to on an in-depth level...it worried him at the prospect of the man dying. How would Harry cope if Snape WAS something so special to him? Would he survive the loss of someone like that? Could he truly fall in love with Snape?

No...not yet...it's too soon...I'm not in love with him…. Im very fond of him….happy….not in love….but still...what if we IS that one in a billion, that singular person who will only ever understand me….what if he dies….what if I lose my chance… but soul mates and twin flames are rubbish, cliches like Stacy said… they don't exist.

"Do you think twin flames are a real thing?" Harry asked as they rounded the corner and headed down the two blocks to the main row of housing. Droplets of water, leaving a trail behind them as their shoes squelched and their soggy clothes sagged.

"Not really, I mean… I want to, but it's so…"

"Dumb?" Harry offered and Stacy nodded as she giggled a little, "Still, it's nice to think there is that one person made specially for you, the perfect fit….they used to say this kind of stuff was like a magical thing-"

"What?" Harry cut in, stopping in his tracks and placing a hand on her arm, "The Irish, very mystical people they were. Still are really. I don't believe in magic, but there are ol' stories….of magical bonds….it's kind of like a twin flame or soul mate...but not."

"What is it?" Harry asked quickly, his heart speeding up, "Don't quote me on this….my Latin is rubbish and I didn't read as much about it….I think it's pronounced Unio Autem Contrariorum….it means Union of Opposites."

"What did it say?"

Stacy gave him a curious look and then laughed lightly, "It's all just a bad bit of bullshite Harry, you shouldnt-"

"But what did it say, do you remember? The Unity of Opposites is what exactly?"

"Well...first off Unity of Opposites and Union of Opposites are different, Unity is based in the greek philosophy and the other, Union, is the one found in magical folklore. Union of Opposites is like the metaphor of when an angel lays with a demon...kind of...forbidden, looked down upon….like me and Minnie or you and the professor...accept...it's way darker. You know the sign for yin and yang? It's like that, one dark and one light, completely different traits that complement each other but a solid grasp of each other's differences to the point where they can become powerful, very powerful...yeah know how magic mythology is...just silly….energies and auras and what not. But as far as I read….you always have to have a base line...something that unites both of you, from there the differences don't matter, a Union of Opposites was one of the most powerful bonds found in magic folklore…. It's dangerous I guess." and Stacy shrugged nonchalantly completely unaware of the fact that her friend was suddenly on high alert.

"Dangerous? How?" and Harry felt his chest tighten as anxiety shot through his brain and bounced around like a bunch of loose bolts.

"Well, once the bond is made...oh I don't know Harry, do I look like a magician?" the girl said with frustration, her mind seemingly unable to remember what she had read.

"Please, try and remember, once the bond is made what happens?"

Stacy gave him a very curious look, almost like she was trying to read why he was so worked up about it, but in the end gave a sigh and said, "It said once the bond was made it couldn't be broken...not even death could part the union…each person would know the other and become the other but retain themselves yet share themselves. It was really strange how it was worded, didn't even sound like real thoughts...more like a poem."

"How was it made?" Harry pressured, realizing a poem could just as easily be a spell or incantation.

"The union? What do you think?" the girl teased but her small smirk dropped at Harry's next words.

"Sex?" Harry blurted as his face erupted in color and Stacy sighed, "Just buy it for yourself Harry, gah! Why does it always have to be about sex with men, the book I was reading was called Ancient Magical Myths and How to Understand Them, it was written by some guy called Pherrenheart Ravenclaw… rent it from a library or-"

And Harry felt the blood drain from his face, his body went numb and his mind blank. He couldn't hear even as Stacy's lips moved and her face grew concerned. His vision blurred and seconds later his legs gave and the world went black.

PAGEBREAK

Severus had been sitting in the garden with Minnie when Stacy burst in, a sickly and near dead looking Harry hanging off her shoulder.

The two adults stood, Severus making it to the boy first and scooping him up into his arms, he bee lined for the couch and laid a very wet and pale Harry down, "What happened?" he barked out, looking Harry over for any signs of injury.

"I don't know, we was just talkin'...on our way back from the park when he just….just...fell over." and Stacy had tears in her eyes and a hand to her mouth.

"No one approached you?"

"What?" Stacy sobbed out, "Were you alone!" Severus near yelled,

"Yes, completely, the blocks were empty."

Minnie wrapped her arms around Stacy and hugged her, "Why are you wet my darling?" she asked gently as the girl cried I to her shirt, "We were climbing the old oak and a branch snapped, we fell in, no one was hurt, we splashed around in the water for ages, Harry didn't show any signs of having problems."

"He is in shock." Severus said as he pressed one of Harry's eyelids open to look underneath.

"Shock? From what? Nothing happened, we were just talkin'."

And Severus stilled as he felt his heart hammering in his chest, tried to focus his chaotic mind and use his brain, "What were you talking about?" he asked hastily.

"Uh, we was- he was asking me about those ol' books you got. The ones about magic folklore." and Minnie nodded, Severus felt his body stiffen as he looked back to Harry with worry, "….he wanted to know about um….uh...the Union of Opposites….it kind of freaked him out….he just….passed out mid-conversation."

Minnie looked to Severus and the two locked eyes, "Book on magic you say?" the man said softly, near dangerously.

"They were my mum's, she got them from her grandmother….and she from her own mother. They are just old junk books on fairy folk lore and magic spells. It just kids books, old kids books. They don't mean anything, half of them are in latin," and Minnie turned to Stacy, "You were talking about Unio Autem Contrariorum? That one?"

"Yeah. Harry just sort of glazed over when I told him about it, like it meant something to him or...I don't he be okay?"

The group of three looked to the boy and Severus felt his face harden, "I believe so, Potter has a history of mild panic attacks, it could be something you said upset him. You two should go and I will see to his recovery. Minnie, might I borrow that book, the one you are talking about?" the woman nodded and then ushered Stacy out the door, both of them giving one last worried look back towards the prone figure on the couch.

Severus took a breath and leaned in, "Potter? Potter, can you hear me?" the boy seemed to mumble something and then he was out again. Severus grumbled and then pressed his hands underneath, lifting the boy up again to carry him towards the stairs.

"Such a drama filled youth, over reacting to such little unimportant...you are going to be the death of me." Severus whispered as he gently placed a feathery kiss upon the boy's brow and started to move up the stairs.

His mind was on that strange Latin phrase, Unio Autem Contrariorum, it was most definitely a magical term, it reeked of it but not just from the use of Latin. The way it felt in his mind as he repeated it over and over, he could sense its magical potential. He had never heard of the phrase before, nor a spell that sounded similar. It was something else, and when the boy woke up he was surely going to question him to the full extent on why it had upset him so.

PAGEBREAK

Harry came around slowly, his head aching and his muscles sore, but it was not the same kind of feeling he had after a night of fooling around with Snape. He felt sick, uneasy and his hand shook gently when he reached for his glasses.

He knew he was IN Snape's bed instantly, noticed how dark the room was and that oh so telling smell of Rosemary that constantly hung in the air like a comforting cloak.

Sitting up, Harry realized the lights were not lit, the only source of brightness coming from the ruddy red glow of the popping fire. His eyes scanned the dark and found no sign of his professor. Part of him was glad as he felt much to bogged down by the information he had gleamed from Stacy and her knowledge of mythological folklore.

It wasn't a surprise that a muggle would know so much, Harry knew from experience that Muggles, while they often didn't believe in magic, were fascinated by it. Harry had been a muggle for a long time, thinking he was one anyway...before all of this….he had gone to muggle magic shows, seen their movies which were rather ridiculous at best compared to the real thing. But to have Stacy tell him of something that was most definitely real, Pherrenheart Ravenclaw...you couldn't just have that big if a coincidence right? Irony and cosmic humour just didn't work that way….right? And a muggle, getting their hands on a book about magic….weren't things like that supposed to be charmed against curious muggle eyes?

In all honesty it scared him, the coincidences, the irony and all the subtle little things that were happening that shouldn't be. The idea of having a soul mate was silly, a twin flame even more so….right? But to have something as bizarrely named as a Union of Opposites? If it was real was it a spell? Some kind of vow or magical potion? Was it sealed with Sex? With a kiss? Blood?

We're he and Snape just some big stupid metaphor for the unity of dark and light? Or was he reading so much into it that he was misinterpreting what Stacy had been trying to say?

Harry grabbed at his head as the ach intensified and the questions kept swirling, he hated questions...he always wanted to find answers to them and often times it got him into way more trouble than it was worth.

Often he found trouble when looking for answers and no one ever appreciated the work he put into finding them, save for Hermione and Ron, who were also the people who helped him find answers in the first place.

Harry didn't want to believe that he and Snape were some destined pair, your destiny is what you make it...fate...the future….it all depends on you and your choices...it's completely random and in no way decided for you.

Except for being the chosen one, Voldemort made that choice for you…..and going through with every crazy situation people put you in without asking your permission…..the tri-wizard tournament for example….that wasn't your choice….neither was becoming a seeker….Mcgonagall made you do that….though you don't really mind that one….but Occlumency wasn't your choice, that was Dumbledore…. And sleeping under the stairs….your relatives played that hand for you as well...what in your life have YOU expressly ever gotten to choose to do?

And Harry grunted as he decided to fight against himself and those horrible musings, "I chose my house at Hogwarts, I chose to go after Ginny Weasley in the chamber my second year, I chose to fight this war with Dumbledore ...I chose Snape." he whispered the last part out as he felt his body relax a little.

Did you choose Snape? Or was he simply available because Dumbledore stuffed you in with him?

And Harry sat up violently and shook his head, "Stop ruining this for yourself you bloody idiot! For once in your life stop asking questions and just be HAPPY!"

And Harry smacked his fists down onto the bed and he cranked his legs out of it and yanked the blankets back. He realized his clothes were gone but didn't care. He adjusted his boxers and marched for the hall, anger flaring at his own mind's inability to let it be. If he wanted answers then he was just going to have to ask. No more trying to be sneaky or shifty like he had done years before, he was going to face this ambiguity head on.

His feet moved down the stairs and he rounded the door to find Snape sitting in his chair reading a book. Harry stopped when he saw the cover and felt his heart jump into his throat.

Ancient Magical Myths and How to Understand Them.

Snape's eyes scanned up to look at him and he smirked, "I heard you slamming about upstairs, try not to be so obvious when you are on the warpath. Whatever the reason, approaching any situation should be done with stealth and cleverness, not anger and frustration."

Harry swallowed his retort, something he had been doing since he arrived here and suddenly he felt sick of it, "Yes, sir." he said though he felt his cheeks flare with the ruddy red of anger and humility.

"As for your state of shock, I am glad to see you have overcome it. Judging by the conversation you were most likely having with Miss. Gregory in regards to this book, I don't blame you for the reaction you suffered, but you can put it from your mind. You and I are NOT in a Union of Opposites as neither of us has cast the bonding spell to invoke its power, nor have we had sex or shared our blood."

"Sex, blood and a spell?" Harry asked in shock as he realized the irony of his life and the coincidences therein had just increased ten fold.

"That was….a rather mild attempt at humour on my part. This Union of Opposites which sent you into such a catatonic state….it is nothing more than an old wizarding marriage ceremony."

"What?" Harry asked in confusion, his nerves suddenly deflating as his curiosity took hold and he wondered closer to peek over the man's shoulder.

"The original ceremony isn't in here, that dates back near a thousand years….what your friend Miss. Gregory was reading about and trying to explain was a more recently devised marriage ceremony that mimics the original….something that is no longer practiced, an ancient magic Pagans and magic folk alike used to ensnare those they thought were their equal and opposite to their side. This book simply talks about supposed side effects of the bond...shares stories that have been passed down through centuries of ancient wizarding families. Most of them are exaggerated and twisted by time. Sharing blood to merge the individuals into one singular unit, performing a vow of loyalty that is unbreakable and finally sealing it with the act of joining bodies."

"Sex." Harry stated blatantly.

"Astute as ever I see. Needless to say this bit of magic is archaic and I believe the incantation needed for the ceremony to work is long since lost to the sands of time. The more current ceremony that this book actually talks about in length is just as benign. No blood letting, unbreakable vows or ritualized sex acts. Just two people reciting their promises, tying their hands together via a metaphorical red bit of cloth and enjoying the bliss that is the wedding night with no witnesses save their own persons."

Harry felt his worries, fears and sudden spark of anger fade near instantly. He felt foolish for feeding into such rubbish, especially since he actually knew better. Magic was a lot of things, but it wasn't something that could be used to force a given future onto someone. Prophesies and divination aside, those were just predictors and Dumbledore had told him before several times your future is based on choice, your actions and values are what mattered. Surely if you dug deep enough you could find all kinds of information on ancient magic...most of it nothing more than forgotten words and old rituals used by the people of the time to create a feeling of control and harness their own destiny during a more chaotic and uncertain time.

"Though, ancient magic aside, this situation is not something be taken lightly."

"Sir?" Harry questioned as the man snapped the book shut and stood, looking at the cover curiously, "How a muggle came by such books….how one was able to read it is very troublesome….Miss. Sanders must have had a witch in the family at some point to have such things passed down and not be charmed to dissuade a muggle from reading them. And the author...Pharrenheart Ravenclaw….though I am no expert in magical history I do believe the Ravenclaw line died with Rowena's daughter….either it is a very interesting nom de guerre or history missed a very important piece of information about the Ravenclaw blood line."

This interested Harry as well and it only took him a second to smirk, "I bet Hermione would know, at the very least she could look into it. She does love to solve mysteries."

"The Watson to your Holmes, yes, I have noticed over the years her rather persistent need to nose her way into the restricted section to help you break the rules and flaunt your ever overly privileged little excursions around the castle."

Harry gave the man a rather annoyed glance, though his eyes found their way back to the old and rather ragged tomb in the man's hands.

"I'll write her and ask….maybe Dumbledore would know, not that he would bother to respond." and the mild frustration in his voice caught Snape's attention.

"Do not take the headmaster absence personally, he asks about you every time I meet with him, but he has been traveling most of the summer and hardly has time to speak to me let alone anyone else. Come, I shall make dinner and then we can- Aah!"

And Snape dropped the book from his hands and grabbed at his forearm, "Professor! What, again? It's not even been-"

"To the Burrow….now!"

PAGE REAK

When Severus apparated into the room he found that for once he was not alone. Standing together in a small circle was Bellatrix, Wormtail, Yaxley and the Carrow siblings. They all looked to him expectantly and Severus didn't hesitate to take his place between Bellatrix and Wormtail.

He said nothing, knowing exactly what was about to happen. Voldemort only summoned his inner circle when someone was about to take the mark. Though, it seemed, the person they were about to welcome into the ranks was missing.

Lucius and Crouch jr. would have been here as well but they were currently in Azkaban awaiting trial. A harsh blow no doubt to the Dark Lord's forces as Lucius had been the eyes and ears at the ministry and Crouch had played a heavy hand in recruitment of the young bloods.

The silence was deafening but still they waited, and upon hearing footfalls approach Severus readied himself for the terrors that were to come.

The large doors at the end of the hall opened and to Severus's horror, though he was not exactly surprised, in walked Draco Malfoy, the Dark Lord next to him speaking softly.

When the two finally reached the circle Voldemort smiled demonically as those red eyes scanned the group.

"Ah, my friends, you have all arrived at last." he entered into the middle, slowly turning at he scanned each person's face before coming to stop on Severus, his eyes lighting up before he approached and brought his fingers to gently run knuckles down Severus's cheek, and the potions master felt his heart curl in on itself and had to control his facial features at such a random and uncharacteristic display of fondness, "I do apologize for the sudden summons Severus, but when needs must, and tonight it is a Family affair. Your Godson is about to join our ranks and become the wizard he was truly meant to be. He requested your presence specifically. No doubt he shall want your support."

"As you wish my lord."

Voldemort nodded and pulled away from him turning sharply to look at the small group, "As you all know Lucius has been sent to Azkaban for his role in the attack on the Ministry. While he was foolish to be apprehended, we shall use his lose to bolster our ranks, and, in his place a new Malfoy shall come to serve. Draco Malfoy, step forward."

Severus saw the fear in Draco's eyes, the black bags that rested underneath spoke volumes of the boy's no doubt long and sleepless nights. His face shown sickly and pale as he stepped into the circle and glanced towards him, those eyes near begging Severus for something that the man knew he could not give.

Please don't let him do this, they said, don't let him have me.

Severus could do nothing though, as much as he wanted to spirit the boy away he was unable to help in anyway. No words could be spoken, no magic could help...the boy's fate had been decided the day he was born...the day Voldemort returned...if Draco had reached out earlier to him….and told him what was coming...he might have been able to get Dumbledore's help...but now...it was far too late...Draco's fate was sealed.

"Draco, you join our ranks today in place of your father, his loyalties have not gone unnoticed throughout our long battle, but you must now stand tall and make him proud, you must make us all proud and rise to the occasion, you must take your birthright in hand and stay by my side, a loyal and willful servant to our righteous and just cause. Do you come to me of your own free will, to serve me and your brethren as a truly loyal and humble servant?"

Draco's eyes flashed to him and Severus gave a subtle nod, urging him to do what he must to service this, to live through the tortures that would come to him.

"Unto you I am about to bestow the most precious of gifts, a joining link so that you shall always have a part of me to guide you in these dark times. With it, you shall never be alone and it shall serve as your reminder of your pledge to me. Your future is a bright one, allow me to be your guiding light and you shall accomplish great things and your wildest dreams shall come true."

Voldemort had circled the boy like a shark, his charismatic words swirling through the air like a comforting blanket of protection, though there was no comfort received, Severus knew how false these promises were, how empty and shallow. Yet still, Draco nodded and took a breath, "Bellatrix, Severus, do come forward and take your place at his side."

Severus moved, wrapping his hands firmly around Draco's upper right arm and wrist as Bellatrix took the opposite side, gripping him firmly as they guided him to stand before the throne. Voldemort followed, moving around them like a phantom and walking up the steps to set gracefully on the edge of the seat.

"Bellatrix Lagrange, do you stand with Draco and vouch for his pure bloodline and loyalty to me and mine?"

"I do so say my gracious Lord." Bellatrix said with a wicked smile on her face as she leaned in and gave Draco a gentle kiss on the cheek, "Papa will be so proud of you." she whispered softly and Draco glanced at her as he swallowed.

"Severus Snape, do you stand with Draco as his guardian and vouch for his clarity of mind and passion of heart for our just cause."

Severus's face remained as stone, though his heart was hammering and his soul lay weeping, "I do so stand my humble Lord."

"Those here too, do you so support the right of passage that this young man be welcomed into our ranks and given to all the benefits we have to offer, in brotherhood, loyalty and camaraderie?"

"We do so agreed, our noble Lord." the group behind echoed.

"Then I shall grant unto this young man my most honored gift, your arm Draco Malfoy, bare to me the veins that run to your beating heart that I may mark you as our own."

Severus stiffly flicked open the boy's sleeve buttons and pressed up the fabric, his eyes never leaving Draco's as those lips trembled and his face grew more sickly, "Strength Draco, no weakness, think only of those moments you most treasure, the pain will not be swift...if you value your tongue you will hold your stomach after." Severus said softly and the boy managed a nod.

Voldemort closed his eyes and inhaled slowly, raising his wand above his head an evil smile came to his face as he jerked his wand down, took up the boy's arm painfully tight, his thumb nail digging in and drawing blood, before speaking loudly in Parseltongue.

Severus dare not close his eyes but he wished he could, oh how he wished he could spare this twisted youth from such a fate. His soul continued to weep but his hands remained strong, even as Draco screamed and his knees gave Severus held the boy up, as no weakness was allowed. Bellatrix was laughing as the air became static and the loud swell of thunderous noise came from this dark curse of a gift the man bestowed upon a boy whose o my true crimes were being spoiled, entitled and born into a family that had chosen a path strewn with the blood of slaves, greed and obligation.

He shut the box on his heart tight, sealed the mask of indifference harshly across his face as he kept the boy from pulling away, ignoring the blood curdling scream that merged with Voldemort's own as he bound this once innocent soul to his own, dooming him to a life of enslavement, blood and hate.

When it was over, Bellatrix released her hold, hugging the shaking and traumatized boy recklessly, nearly causing Draco to topple over. The boy clamped his mouth shut, his hand gripping onto the now marked forearm as the smell of burnt flesh filled the room.

"Severus, deal with him….then return him to me….I have a task for the boy to complete. Then, we shall speak privately." Severus bowed his head as Voldemort turned away and disappeared out the doors he had entered.

Severus helped Draco towards the opposite side of the room, to a small side door that led into one of the many interrogation rooms, though Severus knew in reality their given name would be a torture chamber, those unlucky enough to be taken or caught seldom leaving these rooms alive.

He shut the door harshly behind him and took Draco to the stone bench on the far side of the room, setting him down before he k reeled before him and placed a hand to the boys face, "Draco, Draco calm yourself. Look at me." and the shaky youth managed to look up, those eyes barely able to remain focused and open.

"Fight through the pain."

Draco took a deep breath and then another before his teeth clenched and he let out a hoarse sob, "No, focus on me, do not descend into panic. We are not alone and you cannot afford to be weak right now."

Draco managed a nod and Severus ran his hand through the boy's hair, a gesture he had picked up during his time with Harry, "Focus on me...now, let me see your arm."

The boys shaky hand came away and what was left was nothing but burned flesh with the dark mark still smoldering and hissing as blisters began to form.

Severus quickly dug into his pocket, pulling out a tiny vile and pulling the cork out with his teeth, he spit it away and then said softly, "This does not usually hurt, but such a mark will create the illusion of pain, so you must work through it. Do not let it control you."

Severus poured the liquid onto the destroyed flesh and tightened his hold on the back of the boy's head as Draco winced, whined and then jerked.

"Just breath Draco. Breath."

And the boy took in sharp breaths, gritting his teeth again and clenching his eyes closed. Running a hand down Draco's forearm the hissing and bubbling stopped and then the skin slowly started to heal, all traces of the red brutalized flesh fading and only dried blood remaining behind.

After a moment Severus stood and took a breath of his own before he spoke, "I wish you had informed me sooner of your decision to take the mark."

Draco's head jerked up and his face changed from scared to murderous, "You think I chose this? I don't want anything to do with this bloody war! The Dark Lord came to me, how was I to refuse?"

"You could not, but if you had let me know sooner I may have been able to aid you and your mother in escaping such expectations that have lead you into this position."

"Don't fool yourself, you could have done nothing. I know better than that. I don't care what influence you think you might have or what escape routes you think you can claim...but there was no escaping this. He threatened mummy, I had no choice. He can't have her, I gave him myself instead."

"How noble, but you should have-"

"It's too late now! Best I can do is simply try to survive, keep mummy safe. Wait until that psycho kills Potter and then try to move on with my life."

Severus felt his temper flare and he spoke with an acid that should have been doused, "Your life is no longer your own, even if Potter is killed...you're his now… another puppet to be owned. Your foolish to think otherwise."

"What else can I do? I've no choice but to think that someday this might end."

"If that is what you wish then you best hope Potter doesn't die, though I recommend you keep that hope to yourself. Your death would be of little consequence to the Dark Lord."

Severus turned to go but Draco stopped him, "Are you loyal to him? Or is my auntie right? Has she been right all along? Are you a spy, are you in Potter's camp?"

Severus turned to look at him, could see a hope in those eyes that maybe there was someway out, and for a moment they shared an unspoken secret, one Severus played off instantly, "You forget Draco, my skin is marred by the dark mark just as yours is, I am only a puppet for my Master just as you….welcome to the dark side, it's cold, unforgiving and will eat you alive if you don't play well with the others. Now get up, the Dark Lord still has need of you, and I expect you to dance properly for your new master."

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Severus was waiting outside the door that led to the exterior hall. He had been dismissed once he deposited Draco and told to wait. It was going on thirty minutes when the door finally opened and a near catatonic and excessively pale Draco shuffled out.

Severus waited patiently as the boy closed the door and came to stand before him, "Well?" Severus asked and Draco said something so softly that the older man could not hear it.

"Speak up Draco." Severus snapped and the boy looked up at him with glistening eyes and a trembling lip.

"He's...he's tasked me with Dumbledore….I am to rid our Lord Voldemort of the Headmaster of Hogwarts… I am to kill Albus Dumbledore." Draco whispered the last part out, his shining eyes showing their terror, his entire demeanour sick.

Severus felt his heart near stop, though his face remained as stone, he swallowed thickly and brought a hand to the boy's shoulder, "I will...speak to him...this task...it is much too dangerous-"

"Do you think I can't do it?" Draco said sharply, his fear ebbing slowly as he looked off at a nearby wall, his eyes revealing thoughts, the pre-stages of planning, and Severus gave the most subtle of shakes of his head, "I do not, this is nothing more than a fool's errand-"

"Don't you think I know that? He is only doing this to me to punish my family, my father...he doesn't care if I succeed or not...he just wants to watch me dance...wants to watch father squirm...watch my mother cry. He has condemned me for the sins of my father...and I have no choice but to...I have to-"

Severus tightened his hand gently on the boys shoulder and cut him off, "What you must do is go to your mother, tell her what task you've been given…"

"And then?" Draco asked, his eyes still far away, his face now both pale and sweaty as his hands fisted tightly at his side's, "Tell her everything that you've always wanted to tell her...everything that your father...that your statutes as a Malfoy would not allow. Be kind, be loving, adore her and cherish her and make sure that when you are ready to leave your home...there is nothing left unsaid."

Draco looked to him them, those eyes filled with dread and a resolute understanding before he gave one succinct nod and made to leave. He stopped, looking down a moment with a hard face before he turned back and very stiffly, very quickly wrapped his arms around Severus and hugged him.

It was like being hugged by a statue, Draco unsure of how to actually perform such an action. Severus gently hugged him back, rubbing a soothing hand in small circles upon the boy's back.

Draco pulled away just as quickly, adjusted his shirt, smoothing his hair and taking a deep breath. He set his face into that confident mask of the Malfoy family and went forth without looking back, though he did stop just before he rounded the corner and disappeared from sight. He seemed to have a thought and turned back, that all to familiar superior smirk filling his face, "Wouldn't it be interesting….if a seventeen year old boy was able to rid the world of one of the most powerful wizards in history….I wonder what our gracious, humble and noble Lord would have to say about a mere child accomplishing something he could not." and then the boy was gone.

Say whatever you'd like about the Malfoy's but when it came to wearing masks of confidence and maintaining as much dignity as possible in awful situations, they would always remain the best. Severus felt a smirk tug at the corner of his mouth but he stopped it and quelled what ever small trickle of pride ran through him at the boy's attempt at continuing to look for something better out of this horrible situation.

He schooled his features into his own emotional mask and then turned to go and seek out the man who had just condemned a child to an impossible task.

PAGEBREAK

"Ah, Severus, come to me here, I am down the hall." Voldemort's voice echoed softly and the darkly clad man moved slowly as his eyes scanned out onto the view that was slowly becoming synonymous with these meetings. He walked further than they had ever gone previous and as he rounded the bend in this open and airy hall he came to find Voldemort standing on the edge of a precipice.

The railing was missing and the arched top was slightly more intricate in design. It appeared like this opening in the corridor had once been an entry point to the hall. Severus saw the craggy edge where a stone stair connection had once been, descending down into the forest below.

Voldemort stood on this edge, his hands dangling limp at his side's as those red eyes looked out and the snake like features remained neutral but distant.

"My Lord." Severus said bowing, "I must express my gratitude at being allowed to witness my Godson's joining. It was an honor and I am most privileged."

Voldemort didn't look at him, that soft whisky voice that was so often unheard both others speaking of into the open air, "You grant me such benevolence, I allowed Draco to choose one person to come as his supportive hand...funny...I thought for sure he would choose his mother. The boy is so very much attached to her. A rather foolish weakness but then, humans are so very weak aren't we?"

Severus saw an opportunity to brown nose and took it greedily as the more he remained in the man's good graces the better for his long term goals, "Weak and sentimental we are my Lord, but it is not so with you. You have risen above the need for such disgusting things as love and sentiment, you are the personification of perfection. Lest we not forget you are our guiding light. Draco will leave his infantile attachment behind when he realizes this, and gladly he shall aspire to reflect your own wisdomes and truths."

Voldemort turned to look at him and Severus kept his face impassive, his eyes devote and his body relaxed.

"You habe always spoken so vividly in detail, it surprises me that a Scrag could be so educated in such ways."

Severus did not physically respond to the insult, simply bowing his head and saying softly, "Yes, my Lord." his mind racing as he wondered how on earth the Dark Lord knew a thing about the term from his home area only to realize seconds later that Voldemort must have picked it up whilst inside Harry's head. His body grew cold at the thought and he tried to see if Voldemort had noticed his slip up, the man though seemed unaware as he continued to gaze out into the distance.

The silence was long, the two just standing there, Severus waiting patiently yet with anxiety to finish whatever conversation the man had been planning to have with him.

"Do you know who this castle once belonged to, Severus?" the man asked after a time, his voice still that soft wisp of a thing, still appearing dissociative and far away.

"No, my Lord."

"It is of little consequence, the family who once resided here was of an ancient bloodline….but have long since been gone from this earth. It is a special thing that I now reside here and fill the space with such noises of rebellion and war. I have found many things while here in my wanderings….among them was a very well hidden and disused library. The information I found within was very enlightening and I do so love enlightenment...it feeds knowledge and you know what they say about Knowledge…"

"Knowledge is power." Severus said so softly it came out more as a murmur, his heart doubling as he hoped more than anything this statement from the Dark Lord was just coincidence and nothing more.

Voldemort's head snapped to look at him as a leer emerged and the man raised an arm to him, "Come to me Severus, I wish to show you something."

Severus kept his face from screwing up in shock as he tentatively reached out a hand and felt Voldemort's claw like fingers take his into a gentle yet icy grip.

"Of the things I found in the old library there was a book on the theory of Apparition. How the ability was developed, the magical energies that went into it and how one might manipulate such magic. How one might defy gravity... among other things. I used this theory to create a spell….I wish to show it to you now."

Severus felt his head cock to the side in question but he remained silent as he gazed at this man who looked like he had a surprise hidden just around the corner.

"I have found that the thrill of flight is much more gratifying without a broom between your legs." and in that instant the man stepped back of the edge Severus instinctively grabbing for him despite the fact he would rather the man fall to his death. But Severus couldn't stop his eyes from growing wide nor his row from shooting up when he saw the man standing on nothing, just floating in the air, tendrils of black silt like smoke swirling around his lower half and creating a rather threatening appearance.

He couldn't say anything, didn't have anything he could say, Voldemort had created the skill of flight and he was currently doing it without any other form of assistance. Oct wizards could levitate….but even that spell could only lift them five or so feet off the ground. This was a whole other beast, he realized, as Severus squared himself and approached the edge slowly, peering over and studying the lengthy drop to the streams and gorge below. His eyes scanned back up and managed the near impossible task of relaxing his face and saying softly, "You have outdone yourself my Lord. Such a skill is suited to you, the others will be awed by your brilliance."

"Indeed they would, if I intended to show them. But for now, this will remain between us, I have a feeling that should we come in need of it I shall bestow such a gift of knowledge unto them. For now, this shall be our secret weapon against our foes. You Severus, will be the first I teach it to."

Oh shite… and Severus swallowed thickly as he glanced down again, seeing the fall and feeling his insides twist, he had never liked heights, thus his preference to stay in the dungeons instead of the upper floors like the other teachers. The closer to the ground he was the happier, brooms and flying were for those who wanted to be next to the sun….he liked the damp solid smell of earth far more than a fresh airy breeze.

He should be thanking the man graciously, playing into that narcissistic ego, but all he could do was stare at him, knowing he couldn't decline but also knowing he might vomit if he so much as felt a hint of vertigo.

"Severus….come to me now. Walk forward and take my hand." and the demon held out his arm, those boney fingers splayed out and waiting and Severus felt his face near break from its mask and wince at the thought. His eyes scanned down again, his hands suddenly bracing on either side of the archway as he looked up again to this insane creature before him.

"My Lord-"

"Do not deny my orders! Approach me and take my hand!" the man near yelled and Severus took a deep breath, shoved at all his fear and nausea, pushing it so hard down into the pit of his stomach he started to feel numb.

He moved slowly, coming just to the edge of the stone lip and looked out again as the blast of air from below was finally able to reach him, his hair being lifted and pressed back as he swallowed again, "Trust your Master Severus, and do as I command!" Voldemort hissed as he jerked his hand in an insistent manner and gave a rather dangerous leer.

"As my Master commands." Severus said, reaching out his arm feeling his heart about to break his ribs as he took a step out into nothing and felt himself start to fall. He let out a small cry as he nearly toppled but was jerked to a stop. He hung there, suspended over certain death, his anxiety filled eyes looking down to see his feet dangling into space, before he looked up to see Voldemort gripping onto his wrist, an evil smile twisting onto his face as he started to laugh cruelly.

"So much blind faith, so much more innocent that you think you are...far too trusting and yet I can't help feel honored to have earned the very thing from you that you deny all others. Now focus Severus, on the feeling of open air beneath your feet, focus on the lack of earth. As with Apparation, find a location in your mind that you wish to be but instead of moving such energies that would have you disapparate from my side, concentrate on bringing yourself up to me, feel firmness beneath you and think as though you could solidify the very air beneath your feet."

Severus thought he might pass out, thought that he might vomit at the very least, but did as the Dark Lord commanded, forcing more of that sharp focus into his mind and preparing himself as if to Apparate. When he felt the magic within himself start to build to create that singular pinch from existence to another location he forced it down towards his feet. He imagined he wished to Apparate to the ground, but instead of doing so simply thought of strengthening the air into something more solid and bringing it below his feet.

He had no clue if this was correct, Voldemort had been vague in his metaphors and Severus had no clue what the theory was behind it. Was Severus supposed to be manipulating the air with magic or manipulating the magic itself to raise him up. Was he supposed to build the energy of his magical aura or just-

"Excellent Severus, now….imagine pressing yourself up! Own the air around you, control it!" the man hissed over the din of the rushing air and Severus looked down to see black tendrils slowly starting to seep out from his clothing, much smaller than Voldemort's in appearance and not near as dark but they were forming and Severus redoubled his efforts though he hadn't an idea of where to go from here, "My Lord, please….how do I-"

"Imagine yourself beside me! Do not Apparate… stop it from happening...and when you have that energy stuck within you force it down again….to your feet, use it as if it were solid!"

I don't bloody understand! Severus bellowed inside his head, but he tried anyway, once again preparing himself as if to Apparate but then forcing the energy down towards his feet and then trying to stand on something that wasn't there. His foot kicked out several times before finally it was as if he were standing on solid earth.

It only lasted a second before he felt his body being jerked forwards and back towards the safety of the stone hall. He was swung in through the entryway, his body rolling harshly across the stone floor until his back smacked the wall on the far side.

He lay there a moment, breathing heavy, his shoulders shaking near imperceptibly as he tried to calm his racing heart, tried to slow his chaotic mind. He heard the soft pad of bare feet coming towards him and as he raised his head he saw the man smiling down at him with narrow eyes, "Perfect." the man hissed out and Severus knew something bad was about to befall him.

A/N:had to cut this chapter in half cause it was waaay too long, expect the "boxing" match between our boy's at the start of the next chapter. R&R and let me know what you think much love!