Aimee
It took Harry nearly a week to get used to his new power; he concentrated on Ron and Hermione mostly, but when Severus refused to tell him something, he shot him a pointed glance and concentrated on him instead.
He quickly learned how to block out all thoughts completely, else he'd wake up in the middle of the night, one of Ron or Hermione's dreams running through his head. He made the mistake of listening to Severus at night once; his dreams were even more frightening than anything Harry had ever experienced. Lily was in almost all of them, and Harry had been in one he assumed was continues; The day Voldemort killed Lily and James, and Severus' recount of the events. The sky wasn't clear and littered with stars as it had truly been, but instead dark clouds flashing with angry lightening were billowing throughout the vivid green sky, thunder clapping throughout the town.
Harry had woken up drenched in sweat that night; unable to fall asleep, he listened a bit more as Severus' dreams played through his head. Less than a half hour later, Harry could hear coherent thoughts running through Severus' mind, some of panic, some of frustration, some of anger, but most of fear. Wishing he could see what his father could see, Harry listened intently.
Not again… Why can't they leave me alone? God damn it, make yourself answer him… You can do it… God, why can't you just believe I'm as loyal as I've always been? You've hurt me far too much for this is truly hurt. Such a Muggle way, punching… Oh shit, not the wand… not the wa – AGHH!
Severus felt such pain that Harry could also feel it running down his spine. It was as intense as the Cruciatus Curse Harry had been subjected to late in his fourth year, but he could feel Severus fighting it. Clamping his hands over his mouth, he stopped himself from yelling aloud in the agony Severus was experiencing.
Just as soon as it began, the pain ended and Harry could almost feel Severus' relief.
That was all, you bastard? Bring it on… Feel free to leave now, you're not wanted. Voldemort, get the F-CK out of MY home before I blast you to pieces… Believe me, I will. You have no idea, do you? If you question my loyalty so, then why don't you just take away the gift you gave me? Because you're afraid of losing me? Then why not just kill me and get it over with? As long as he's safe, you can do any damn thing you want to me. I can take the physical pain. God, leave already.. Yes… yes… Good. Thank you God, he's gone.
Harry shook his head, checking his watch and seeing it was half past five, right before the sun came up over the horizon. He slowly made his way out of his room and down the hall, knocking as quietly as he could.
"Come in." Severus answered, his voice slightly muffled. Harry turned the doorknob and opened the door slowly, revealing a tired and sore Severus.
"Yes?" Severus asked, attempting to prop himself up. After trying twice with no avail, he gave in and leaned back onto his pillows once more.
"I – I heard you." Harry said quietly. "Talking to Voldemort."
Severus closed his eyes and groaned, "God."
Harry stepped forward, "Why don't you just finish him? You said yourself you could kill him if you wanted to."
Severus shook his head, "It's not that simple, Harry. There are many spells protecting Voldemort, however as he now has your blood flowing through him, it has made him much more vulnerable and human. Even if I was to kill him, there's no telling what would happen; whether or not he would truly die, or did as he succeeded in doing last time – reducing himself to a mere shadow. He was still alive, though. The spell could also bounce back and kill me; I'm sure you wouldn't want that to happen now, would you?" he smiled slightly.
"No, I wouldn't." Harry agreed. "But why does he still do – this to you?"
Severus shrugged, "He suspects my loyalty to Dumbledore is much stronger than my loyalty towards him. Even though he is right, Voldemort believes he must have me on a leash so tight no matter how loyal I am, I still will be subjected to this."
"Has this ever happened before?" Harry asked quietly. Severus nodded.
"Yes, twenty years ago. Once. Your mother – she came and tried to make me comfortable. Anyway, I'm used to it by now, I'll be fine."
Harry looked at his father uncertainly while Severus shook his head, a smile on his face. "You look exactly like me when you do that."
"Really? How about this?" Harry stuck out his tongue and gave himself a pair of finger-glasses (A/N: You know, when you flip your hands upside down and make your thumb and pointer a circle, then stick 'em up over your eyes? Yeah? No? Ok.).
Severus grinned, "Your mother… Definitely your mother."
"Really?" Harry asked once more.
"No, you still look like me, I just wanted to blame it on Lil."
Harry grinned and the two were quiet for a moment. "Are you sure you'll be ok?"
"Just don't wake me up for a good four hours and I'll be fine." Severus said, pulling his blankets over his head. "Now leave!"
Harry laughed at the muffled sound of his father's mocking tone as he left the room and quickly closed the door behind him. Good night, Dad.
What do you mean, night? It's almost 6 o'clock in the God damned morning.
True, sorry.
Now stop listening to me, because I have some things I want to think about that I want to keep secret.
Ok. Harry agreed, still listening.
Harry…
He sighed, grinning. Sorry…
Go back to sleep. Concentrate on Ron or something… Get some good blackmail on him. You never know, it could come in handy.
Ok, bye.
A moment later, Harry could hear Severus' thoughts filtering through his mind; Why can't you just tell him, Severus? You know he wouldn't care… Or would he? He could either accept it or absolutely hate you for the rest of your life…
Harry sat down on his bed, curious as to what his father had to say.
He wouldn't care… It's the 1990's. It's acceptable now a days… He's going to find out Voldemort's your boyfriend, anyway.
For the second time that morning, Harry had to clamp his hands over his mouth to stop from yelling out. A moment later, he could hear his father's loud laughter ringing down the halls.
What did I tell you, Harry? Stop listening.
But… But -
Now really, is that the only way I can find out if you're listening or not? Pretending to divulge a skeleton from my very filthy, crowded closet? Harry, please. Even if I was gay – which I can assure you, I'm not – Voldemort's far too ugly to even consider.
Harry smiled feebly, You ever do that to me again and I'll disown you.
Stop listening and you won't have any reason to disown me.
Fine… Harry sighed, concentrating on Ron once more. He shook his head, wincing at the image of Hermione… naked?
"Ok, wrong friend, bad dream." Harry mumbled, squeezing
his eyes shut and picturing Hermione – fully clothed. Her dreams started
filtering through his head as he laid down, looking forward to a few good
hours of sleep.