Disclaimer: I'm not J.K. Rowling.
Rating: PG-13 for this chapter.
Pairing: HP/SS
Author's Note: Firstly, I need to apologize. I'm really sorry for not updating in the past two weeks. I've been really busy with courses, camps, school and my CCA. Don't worry, I've not given up on this story and I don't intend to do so in the near future 'cause of my great reviewers! Another thing is, schools in Singapore are having the year-end holidays soon! Hopefully, I'll be able to update sooner.
The Red Dragons Order: Thanks loads! Tell me when you update alright?
Maeglin Yedi: Thanks! ::Grins:: Well, presenting to you chapter 3!
kittylover16: Thank you!
Saavik: hmm…the dismissal…how about this? [Harry walks out of Severus' room just as Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey came in from the door. Dumbledore smiled at Harry and said, "Harry, please wait here for a moment, Madam Pomfrey would need to check you." The boy looked levelly at Dumbledore and replied, "I'm quite all right, professor. I'll see you tomorrow then, sir. Good night." Harry then continued his way out of the room.] So how's this?
JaimeyKay: Hopefully, Sev is in character. I think that even a 'mean bastard' would have emotions, yeah? Glad you liked the nick, I remember seeing it in someone's fic and the credit goes to him/her!
P.S. Before I forget, this chapter starts with Harry in Sev's quarters. It's the last day of the holidays. The Dursleys abused him and Sev got him back from their house. There are two flashbacks in this chapter. Hope you don't find this confusing and don't hesitate to ask if you do ok?
Last warning: If you are homophobic or this pairing simply irks you, the back button is there for a purpose!
Right Perfection Wrongly Disgraced
By izean
Harry looked around, thinking that he would miss this place in the months he will spend in Dursleys' house. He did not realize that he would be back in this place much sooner than he thought.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 3
Harry sat in his own dark gray leather armchair, legs stretched out in front of him on the footrest. He was reading a quidditch book that he found in Severus' many book shelves. Harry suspected that the man read all kinds of books, yes, even quidditch books. The seventeen-year-old boy closed the book and then placed it on his lap, finding that he could not concentrate.
Harry looked around the place that he stayed at for almost the whole of his holidays. The armchair that he was sitting in currently and another similar one was sitting beside book shelves with all kinds of different books. Potions, dark arts, transfiguration, charms and herbology. There were also quidditch books and the occasional novel. (You name it; we've got it!)
In front of him were two ceiling-to-floor windows that covered almost two-thirds of the wall. A mahogany dining table was pushed against the very same wall; a few matching chairs pushed in neatly. Severus' table was sitting several feet in front of the windows, which presently had white curtains draped over them.
Surrounding the open hearth was a long couch in the same dark gray and two other armchairs. Several navy blue rugs were placed casually in the living room, giving it a cozier atmosphere. The walls that were not covered by the bookshelves were painted a pleasing shade of royal blue colour. The first time Harry stepped into this room and 'examined' it closely, he was surprised how comfortable he felt. However he was not surprised to see that the room was distinctly masculine. He suspected that the Potions Master's favorite colors were blue and gray.
In his boredom, his thoughts became much darker, touching on things that he hoped that would never happen to him again. He shook his head mentally and let his eyes roam around Severus' living room again. His eyes landed on the dining table and his face took on a decidedly dreamy quality.
(Flashback)
Severus stabbed a piece of egg and put it into his mouth, watching the green-eyed tousled-haired young man stagger towards the table. Ebony eyes flicked to the clock on the mantel, which said "7.15". Severus chewed as Harry pulled out a chair and slumped onto the table. "Why, pray tell, how many 5 minutes ago did I go and attempt to wake you up?" Harry lifted his head from the table and gave Severus a confused look. "Huh?"
Severus sighed and shook his head resignedly. "Go and wash up now." Harry blinked at the older man and yawned as his brain took its own time to process the information. "M'kay." 5 minutes later, Harry appeared again, this time looking more alert and with his hair combed (though it doesn't look like it).
Harry wrapped his fingers around the cup of steaming (sp) hot cup of coffee that Severus placed in front of him. He sipped it slowly, letting the hot liquid wake him up. By the time he finished the coffee, he was already fully awake and alert. He smiled at Severus and said, "Morning, Severus." The potion master muttered a brusque reply.
The men ate in silence, Severus preferring not to talk during meals. Harry learnt it when he got ticked off when he talked with his mouth full. Making sure that his mouth was indeed empty, Harry said unexpectedly, breaking the silence. "I'm gay." There was no reaction or whatsoever from the professor. Harry ate as he waited for some sort of a reaction.
Severus finished his breakfast and then put down his fork. "It's good that you are happy even though you have to live with a greasy git like me." The older man deadpanned. Harry, too, had finished his food. "Severus, you know I don't mean that." Rolling his eyes, Severus replied, "Of course I know that. Do you think I'm so dense? And what made you say that?"
Harry grinned at the man's answer. "Ah yes, how can I forget? I'm currently speaking to the famous Severus Snape who complains about having to teach thickheaded morons in class everyday. Why, of course you're not dense." Harry said, smirking at the man across the table. Severus sent Harry a mock-glare. "You haven't answered my question."
Tapping his fingers against his chin thoughtfully, Harry wondered if he should tell Severus that he knew he was gay because he was attracted to him. A grin appeared on Harry's face as his brain formed an image of Severus sitting on the chair, looking totally nonplussed. The grin was wiped off the young man's face when he thought about the consequences. He would probably have to trouble the Headmaster to get him another room after being thrown out.
Severus watched Harry closely, his curiosity mounting as the grin on the boy's face vanish abruptly. 'What on earth is he thinking about?' he thought to himself. He interlocked his fingers and placed his chin on them as he gazed steadily at Harry. The latter's green eyes snapped back into focus as he answered Severus' question. "I don't know. I just woke up on a fine morning and decided that I was gay."
Severus snorted. "You can't even form proper sentences early in the morning and you expect me to believe what you just said?" Harry stuck out his tongue in reply. The Potions Master half-smiled at Harry's antics. "So…why are you telling me this?" Harry's face lit up with his wide, easy grin. "Hmm…I've have to ponder this…why am I telling you this?"
Harry's grin seemed to widen as Severus gave him an exasperated look. One thing that Severus Snape hated was to be kept in suspense. Harry laughed. "Ok ok, I shan't torture you anymore. I'm telling you this because I trust you, all right?" Severus' response was a smile; just like the one Harry saw when they were in the cell.
(End of Flashback)
Harry smiled to himself, emerald green eyes burning with its own invisible fire. He picked up the book on his lap and continued reading, knowing that he would have to go and pack up soon. He was so going to enjoy his time in the company of his professor.
~*~*~*~
Severus observed his student from his study table. He noticed that Harry always had a stupid look on his face as he stared at different items or furniture in the room. 'Still,' he thought, 'it is much better for him to have a smile than to look blank.' He shuddered involuntary as he thought about the state of the boy when he just brought him back from the Dursleys. As he recovered, the boy rarely spoke a word. It took much of Severus' effort before their usual jesting resumed. However, Harry never spoke a word about what happened at the Dursleys' home.
Severus was a courageous man; as brave as any Griffindor but he gave thought to everything before carrying it out. So, as unpalatable thoughts invaded his mind, he just met up with them gallantly.
(Flashback)
The Potions Master appeared with a 'pop' at 4 Privet Drive. He surveyed the place briefly, noting the neat garden and clean driveway. It seemed typical that Harry would leave in this sort of place. Severus walked up the pavement quickly, anxiety settling in his stomach as he recalled Dumbledore's words.
Ron and Hermione had written a letter to the elderly Headmaster, saying that although Harry had replied to all of their letters, the contents of the letters seemed to be very fake and were not in the boy's handwriting. Dumbledore requested that Severus would go to 4 Privet Drive to make sure that everything was all right with Harry. Dumbledore also said that if, if there should be any problems, Harry would have to be brought back to Hogwarts.
Severus raised a hand to knock on the recently painted door. He could hear a shrill "Duddums, get the door!" followed by a less enthusiastic "yes mum, I'm coming." Loud thumping of feet could be heard even when Severus was outside the door. The door opened suddenly and Severus saw a figure so huge that he probably had to walk out sideways to get out of the door. Dudley wore large pants that barely fitted him and a black shirt that screamed "Eminem" in block red letters.
Before he could open his mouth to speak, Severus found the door slammed in his face. There was an ear-piercing scream as the house shook with the boy running to the kitchen. Severus leant casually on the doorframe. He was confident that Petunia Dursley, with her nosy character, would come out to investigate. He was right.
A long-necked horse-faced woman opened the door, a sour look upon her face. 'So…this is how Lily's sister look like.' Severus thought with disgust. Petunia regarded Severus cautiously, taking in his dark hair, pale complexion and the robes that he wore. "What do you want?" She asked, her eyes betraying her suspicion of the tall, dark man that now stood at her doorstep.
"I'm looking for Harry Potter." Severus replied calmly, his face emotionless. Fear now shone brightly in her small eyes. 'How did they find out that Harry is in trouble? I tried so hard to keep him alive.' She thought, wringing her hands nervously. "There's no such person here, you got the wrong house." Severus stood with his spine erect, towering over the woman and spoke in a condescending tone, "Don't fool with me. I know he is here and I fully intend to find out what is wrong with him."
Again, he found the door in his face; almost breaking his long hooked nose. "Fuck you." He growled, anger escalating. He was now sure that something bad must have happened to Harry. Pulling his wand out from his sleeve, he pointed it at the door and said forcefully, "Alohomora!" The door burst open with the force behind his incantation. Once more, he caught sight of the fat boy who was now running up the staircase, clutching his bottom.
Petunia ran out of the kitchen, screaming, "What do you want?! I said that there was no Harry Potter here!" Snarling, Severus pointed his wand at her and said, "I'm not one whom you can kid around, woman. Tell me before I hex your entire family into oblivion." Shaking with fright, Petunia pointed a shaky finger up the staircase and said stumbling over words, "He's…he's upstairs in the…the second room on your left. I er…I don't have the keys. Vernon…he…"
Severus did not hear the rest of it. He did not care who had the keys; he had his wand and locks were obviously not a problem to him. He ran up the stairs, double-stepping the last few stairs in his haste. The first thing he descried was the numerous bolts and locks on the door, causing his blinding white aura to flare out. He walked to the door, blasting it off its hinges without even using his wand.
The smell of urine and stale sex from the room hit him like a tsunami, causing Severus to stagger slightly. Severus wrinkled his nose and stepped into the dark room. The only source of light was the few rays of sunlight streaming through the bars on the window. The room was completely empty except for a single bed right in the middle of the room. Severus' obsidian eyes roamed over the small room, not spotting Harry. He wondered briefly if Petunia was telling the truth.
He heard a low whimper somewhere near the bed. Severus' eyes roved over the bed, blanching when he saw the unmistakable dark stains of dried blood. Another whimper to the left of him. He took another step forward boldly and looked at the ground. There he was. Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived and the pride of the wizarding world, was curled up into a fetal position, naked and bruised body quivering in pain.
Severus clapped a hand over his mouth. He had expected the boy to be beaten up but not in such a terrible state. He felt tears pricking the back of his eyes. 'It's no use being a sentimental fool now. Harry needs help and crying obviously doesn't have any use to him.' He castigated himself firmly. He kneeled down beside the boy and touched his shoulder gently. Harry cowered and pressed himself against the wall, whimpering.
Severus bit his lip firmly, refusing to let any tears fall. Calling out to Harry gently, Severus whispered, "Harry? It's all right. It's me, Severus. I'm not going to hurt you." Harry raised his head from his knees slightly, green eyes still trusting even after the ordeal he gone through. Turning his head away from the eyes that shone with hope, Severus choked back a sob and rubbed his eyes fiercely.
He took off his robes and draped them over Harry's shoulders. The boy flinched again as he was gathered into Severus' strong arms. The man felt worried by Harry's weight; the boy was too light, much too light. Standing up, Severus said, "Come on, we're going home, back to Hogwarts." At that, the boy visibly relaxed and he rested his head against Severus' shoulder. The older man walked down the stairs carefully so as to not injure Harry further.
Petunia was leaning against the wall, shaking plainly with her face pale. "Where are Harry's things?" The tone was cold and foreboding, expecting to be obeyed immediately. Both aunt and nephew cringed simultaneously at his voice. Severus hugged Harry closer to his body and sneered, eyes burning with cold fury. "What are you waiting for?" A finger and a whispered "there" showed the cupboard where Harry's trunk was kept.
The man stepped into the cupboard and retrieved the trunk. He shrunk it and placed it in the pocket of his black trousers. "Where's the owl?" Petunia shrugged helplessly. "He didn't bring it back." A hoarse voice answered his question. "At Ron's house." A ghost of a smile flitted across Severus' thin lips as he whispered a quiet thank you. Turning sharply on the heels of his shiny boots, Severus disappeared with a soft 'pop'. Soon, he was running along the halls of Hogwarts, yelling for Madam Pomfrey.
(End of Flashback)
A hand was waving in front of his face. He swatted at it and scowled at the owner of the hand. Harry's laughter resounded in the room. "A penny for your thoughts?" Harry offered playfully. Severus rolled his eyes and retorted, "None of your business and surely my thoughts are worth more than a penny?" Harry grinned. "Of course." A glare. "Be glad that school haven't started officially. I don't think you would want Griffindor to start off with a negative score."
Harry winked playfully. "Of course, professor. Of course." Severus looked at the leather armchair that Harry vacated and found a book sitting there. Harry followed his gaze and then turned back, smiling. "Leave it there. I'll come back to read it." Harry turned to look at the clock and then back to Severus. "Am I supposed to go and pack now?" Severus checked the time and nodded. Obediently, Harry walked back into his room to pack.
~*~*~*~
Half an hour later, Harry dragged his trunk out of the room. He stopped at the doorway and looked beseechingly at Severus. "Aww, come on! Don't just sit there! Can't you see that I need a hand?" The latter grunted from his seat on the leather couch and commented with an amused glint in his eyes. "Don't you think it would be easier if you just shrunk it?"
Harry blinked, as though he just understood what was presented to him. "Oh yes. I forgot." Severus stared at the boy and then chuckled. A stuck-out tongue was his reply. Severus got up from his seat and then sat on the arm of the couch. Trunk safely in the pocket of his robes, Harry stood in front of Severus and gazed intently at him.
Taken aback by the sudden change of mood, Severus simply looked at Harry. Suddenly, Harry wrapped his arms around Severus and hugged him. "Thank you, Severus. Thanks for being here for me and for getting me out of that…that place. Thanks…for everything." Harry said all this into Severus' shoulder.
Severus felt touched. No one ever thanked him except for Dumbledore. He hugged the young man awkwardly and said with a small smile, "You're welcome." Harry lifted his head from Severus' shoulder and for a moment the older man peered into wise green eyes. All of a sudden, he felt Harry's soft lips on his. Shell-shocked, he remained still.
As soon as it started, it stopped. Severus' ebony eyes were wide as he stared at Harry. The boy smiled and turned to walk out of Severus' room. Finally finding his voice, Severus called the boy back. "I'll see you at the feast later!" The young man in question said without turning back. Severus touched two fingers to his lips. He blushed furiously as he thought about what just happened. "What the hell was that about?"
~*~*~*~
Author's Note: Hope you don't find that too boring or confusing. There's finally some development, I hope. Please review!