A/N: So I need an excuse for why this is so late, huh? Um…* Sweats * My dog broke down and my car ate it. There ya go! Lol, I don't care enough to even give you a plausible lie. All I can say is sorry : (

Thanks to the wonderful Maddy though, she got my butt in gear again and reminded me to update. You owe this chapter to her.

Belonging

Chapter 6

Harry awoke early the next morning to the sound of running water that abruptly turned off moments later. He heard someone moving about around him, but he was still groggy from sleep.

"Mmph…Sev…" He mumbled into his pillow, gripping it tightly and lacing his fingers around it.

"When you and your pillow friend are through, I'd like to go get some lunch. We've already overslept." The younger voice of Severus Snape cut through his reverie.

"Oh sod off!" Harry whined, chunking his pillow in Severus's general direction and cuddling up to the next one he managed to find.

"Fine. I'm going to lunch. By myself. Completely vulnerable should some nasty Death Eater decide to jump out at me. You know what? I might even go for a nice stroll through the Forbidden Forest…slay a few unicorns, chat with some werewolves…" Snape said offhandedly.

"Just don't wear those blue robes, Sev. They're still hexed." Harry mumbled into his pillow, obviously still teetering between the dream world and reality. Severus 'humphed.'

"Some protection you'd be Potter. Voldemort could come in here with a big brass band and you'd barely stir." Snape said dryly, yanking Harry's covers off and regretting it the minute he did.

"And here I thought you didn't like me." Harry said with a goofy grin as he carelessly looped an arm around Severus's shoulders. He shrugged it off.

"How was I supposed to know you sleep in the nude?! Kindly don't touch me anymore. I find you disgusting." Severus said as he crossed his arms huffily. Harry had teased him unmercifully for gaping at him like he had while he was nude. Suddenly a large hand slapped Severus in the back nearly sending him sprawling.

"Hullo Luke my man! Afternoon, Harry!" Seamus greeted brightly, immediately getting a mischievous grin on his face.

"So…you two sleep in late?" He said while wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. Snape immediately took the offensive while Harry chuckled.

"Oh no. Luke doesn't swing that way. In fact, I heard him mention that he liked McGonnagal. He goes for older women." Harry said jokingly, ruffling Snape's hair as he jogged backwards down the hallway. Seamus laughed and playfully shoved Severus.

"Come on, Luke! You'll love Hogwarts food! Absolute bloody best in all of Britain, right Harry?" He half shouted to Harry. Harry flashed them both a grin and nodded.

"Right now I'm so hungry, I'd even eat Hagrid's cooking with a smile!" Harry replied.

"Now wa'ts this abou' me cookin?" Hagrid asked as he met them just as the group of three was about to enter the Great Hall. Harry gave him a warm smile that Hagrid happily returned. Everyone was noticing that the 'old Harry' was finally back again. Hagrid curiously inspected the newcomer, his eyes narrowing as if in deep concentration. Harry suddenly held his breath. Likewise, Snape froze.

"You look familiar, but I've never met yea before." Hagrid said, extending a meaty hand. "Rubeus Hagrid, but me friends just call me Hagrid." He said as he energetically shook Snape's hand. Snape was also racking his memory. The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't put a face with the unusual name.

"Lucas." He replied shortly. He realized with a small amount of alarm that he didn't have a last name. It didn't matter though, because Hagrid seemed satisfied.

"His friends call him Luke though, right Luke?" Seamus asked, heartily patting Severus on the back again before he headed inside the Great Hall. Snape shrugged resignedly.

"Whatever you prefer." He said with a sigh. Hagrid beamed.

"Always good to get another bright student at Hogwarts. I'm sure ye'll love it 'ere. If you ever need anythin, just come out to me hut. You can talk about anythin, and I'll keep it in the strictest of confidentiality." Hagrid said with an assuring nod. Snape inwardly laughed. Like he'd be taking his problems, of which there were many, to the giant man he hardly knew. But, he reminded himself, think like a Gryffindor.

"I'll remember that, Hagrid." He said smoothly, adding a small smile that he was completely uncomfortable using. His face just didn't like to twist that way…

"Come on Luke, food will get cold!" Harry said as he and Seamus, now accompanied by Dean, called from the doorway. Hagrid walked with Snape to the door and they entered together.

Severus quickly surveyed the scene. His eyes quickly scanned the Slytherin table. He saw a pretty girl with blonde/brown hair eating a light lunch as she perused through a book on potions. Across from her sat a larger girl, with long, straight brown hair that was heartily attacking her meal. A few seats down sat a rather beefy boy that was clearly making eyes at the brunette girl. His companion was rolling his eyes at his lack of attention. Draco. His first inclination was to go sit with the Slytherins, rather they knew him or not, but he was practically manhandled over to the Gryffindor table. Draco looked up and caught his eyes for a moment. He smirked at his predicament, returning to his meal when another Slytherin boy sat beside him and began discussing something.

Next his eyes fell on the staff table. He stopped dead. And glared.

Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. They were both older, but there was no mistaking it. Harry noticed his pause and quickly walked in front of him, so should the two professors glance up they wouldn't see the absolute hatred Snape was sending their way.

"They've changed Luke, everyone has." Harry said firmly as he grabbed Severus's elbow and led him over to the Gryffindor table.

Dumbledore watched all with that twinkle of amusement in his eye.

Lunch progressed normally until Neville whipped out his potions homework.

"Come on guys! This was due Friday! Black is gonna kill me if I don't take it to him today! I mean, he may be nicer than Snape…but still!"

It seemed Neville was doomed to be intimidated by the potions master, no matter who he was. Snape was paying rapt attention. Harry merely looked at his plate, not adding or subtracting from the conversation having learned long ago to hide his true feelings about Severus. Even now, only Draco knew he was gay…much less previously involved with the 'greasy old git'. Snape watched all this with a calculating eye.

"What was the old professor like?" He asked casually, not showing even a note of his true intentions. Ron let out a loud sigh.

"Good God! You don't want to know! He was the meanest old bastard you can imagine! Always 'Weasley! That's five points from Gryffindor!' or 'Potter, I wonder how you can fit in the classroom with such a big head.' All the Gryffindors laughed at Ron's humorous impression. Harry smiled a fake smile that did not reach his eyes and went back to his food. Snape saw through it a mile away. It was obvious that Potter had not informed his friends of his choice of partner.

"And let's see what else…greasy, rude, sarcastic, prejudice, annoying, black hearted…" Ron would have continued but Harry cut him off.

"And he saved my life by sacrificing his own. Let's talk about something else." Harry said quietly. Ron looked sheepish.

"Sorry Harry. I forgot." Ron said simply and honestly, returning to his meal. Hermione broke the tension between the small group of seventh years.

"So, Luke, I bet your curious to see what Hogwarts looks like. Since we have an entire Sunday afternoon ahead of us, why don't we all walk to Hogsmede? I'm sure Professor Black would give us his company…" She trailed off with a mischievous smile. It was, in fact, a Hogwarts rule that seventh years could venture to Hogsmede whenever they felt as long as they had a member of the staff accompany them. Black was always game to go just so that he could browse Fred and George's prank shop and pick up the latest quidditch news from the recently opened quidditch specialty shop. He and the twins had become great friends during his temporary stay at Hogwarts. Harry was of the suspicion that Black was secretly helping the twins develop pranks and gags. Harry smiled at the thought. His Godfather really was a prank pulling teenager at heart.

"Go on Harry! You ask him! He never says no to you" Lavender prodded from her spot next to Neville. Harry looked at all his expectant looking friends and nodded.

"Sure, why not? A trip to Hogsmede sounds great." He agreed with a smile. He stood from the table and approached the staff, all of them chatting over their meals. McGonagall, Lupin, and Flitwick were all having an animated conversation about some recent happenings in the muggle world.

"It was horrible! I mean, I haven't seen such devastation since V…Voldemort." Minerva said, pronouncing Voldemort's name a bit shakily. Harry was immediately intrigued.

"What happened?" He asked, a steely note in his voice.

"It was a muggle massacre in Germany. They called it a terrorist attack." McGonnagal informed with obvious sadness in her voice. "It's all over the muggle papers and the Daily Prophet." She finished. Black glanced up from his coffee.

"Dumbledore told us about your new friend Harry, I'm anxious to meet him." Harry smiled. If only Sirius knew the half of it.

"Well you'll get your chance…if you take us to Hogsmede. Please Sirius, please Uncle Remus?" Harry begged, with large puppy dog eyes. McGonnagal looked at Sirius and laughed.

"Watch yourself Sirius, Remus, he could melt metal with that look." McGonagall said, only to realize the 'look' was now turned on her.

"You too, Professor. The more the merrier!" He exclaimed with a boyish grin. Minerva grimaced.

"Hogsmede you say? What a delight! If none of these party poopers will go, I shall accompany you. I've been meaning to get some more candy. My supply is dastardly low." Dumbledore chimed. He looked at the three professors with mock authority. "In fact, I insist. You three need a mini-vacation, and it is an absolutely perfect Sunday for a trip." Dumbledore ordered.

"Well, if it's an official assignment, I guess I have no choice." Remus said with a grin at Harry.

"Ah, the labors of teaching. I should get paid more for all this work. Honestly, whoever heard of making a poor professor take a vacation? It's torture I tell you, torture." Sirius said with a laughing smile. McGonagall rolled her eyes and stood, dusting off her robes.

"Well, if everyone's going… I suppose some of Rosemerta's tea would be quite splendid." She said. "If we're all going, we might as well take a bus."

"Excellent! To Hogsmede it is then!" Dumbledore said with a clap of his hands.

The rag tag group of seventh and sixth years, and surprisingly Draco and his goons decided to tag along when they heard of the trip. The four teachers and sixteen students piled onto the bus. A short drive later they reached their destination, Dumbledore parked the bus (to everyone's great relief because he'd proved to be prone to road rage) and the group ushered out.

"Alright everyone, how's three hours?" Dumbledore asked. Sounds of assent echoed back to him, and everyone went their separate ways.

"We'll be in the Three Broomsticks, Harry." Sirius informed him before he walked off with the other teachers. Pavarti, her new boyfriend Justin Finch-Fletchley, and Lavender and Neville walked off towards the Shrieking Shack, each of them holding hands with their respective partners while the girls talked excitedly, giggling about something. Dean and Seamus quickly jogged off in the direction of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Ginny and Colin followed after them, hand in hand, so that Ginny could see her brothers. The Slytherins that had come, namely Draco, Blaise, Crabbe, Goyle, and Pansy all headed for Zonko's. Hermione looked longingly at the bookstore, while Ron drooled in the direction of the new Quidditch Specialty Store. At the same time they started walking in different directions. Hermione stopped, hands on hips, and turned scowling.

"RON!" She snapped. Ron looked torn, but eventually dragged himself along behind her. Harry laughed, a hand behind his head.

"Guess that leaves just us, anywhere you want to go?" Harry asked.

"Oh goody." Snape replied sarcastically, still scanning the small village. Harry had pointedly ignored his comment, choosing to gaze at the various shops as well.

"How has it changed?" He asked Severus, slowly ambling in the direction of the Quidditch shop. Severus shrugged noncommittally, casting an almost longing glance in the direction Draco had gone.

"No Quidditch shop, no Zonko's, and no Weasley place. Used to just be Rosmerta's, the wand shop, bookstore, owl emporium, the postal center, and robes…and of course the Shrieking Shack." He finished, a bored tone in his voice. Harry was racking his brain for something interesting to talk with Severus about that didn't circle around Voldemort. This hadn't been a problem in the past. They were either shagging each other senseless or they were preparing for Voldemort. They'd never had time to talk and take leisurely strolls.

"You know, I've been doing horrible in potions. You interested in them now, or does that not come until later?" Harry asked innocently, knowing that Severus had always had one hand stirring a cauldron…practically since he'd been born.

"Of course. What are you studying?" He asked curtly, finally showing a bit of interest.

"Polyjuice potions." Harry replied while he stuffed his hands in his pockets. Snape looked at him surprised.

"You are in the seventh year aren't you? You're ridiculously behind. Honestly, Polyjuice at your age…abysmal. When I left I was working on Fliticus Potions, absolutely mesmerizing. There is nothing like being able to put a stopper in death, bottle fame, brew glory…" Snape trailed off at Harry's raucous laughter. "What?!" He demanded annoyed. Harry finally composed himself.

"You should write that phrase down," More helpless giggles, "might come in handy later." Harry advised as his laughter subsided. Harry looked at Severus, a dopey grin still on his face. Before he'd known he was speaking, he was hearing his own words with marginal surprise.

"What would you do if I told you how handsome you are?" He asked, studying Severus's profile intently. Severus cut his eyes over sharply, shaking his head in denial and picking up the pace.

"Do you mean before or after I laugh in your face?" He shot back nastily, disappearing into the nearest shop in an obvious brush off. Harry's face fell, but he trotted after Severus, determined to slow it down even more.

"Sev…I mean Luke, I just forgot myself. Don't get all bent out of shape about it…" Harry started, only to see Snape standing silently in obvious awe of the contents of the shop. It was another new addition to Hogsmede, Artimi Apothecary. Cauldrons of all sizes lined the back wall; a few of them solid gold, and the walls were covered in all sorts of nasty things used to make potions. The far right wall, slightly curved because the shop itself was in the shape of a cauldron, sported hundreds of specialty books about potions. Behind the counter was a narrow hallway with a sign hanging over it labeled 'restricted.' Severus moved through the store as if he'd been dropped into heaven with a day pass in his hand. He looked like a kid in the candy shop as he prodded into barrels and containers, ruffled through dusty books and soon entered a lively debate over brewing methods with the shop owner. Harry looked through the grungy window at the Quidditch shop, but he just couldn't bear to miss seeing Sev so happy. He dropped into one of the chairs by the door and just watched him browse, almost completely oblivious to Harry's observance.

Finally, Severus had made his selections and instructed Artimis, the shop owner, to hold them behind the counter while he dragged Harry to Gringotts. They shortly returned and Harry generously offered to help Snape with his numerous bags, even though they smelled something awful. Snape realized he'd monopolized most of their time, so he graciously allowed Harry to peruse the Quidditch Specialty Store without complaint. Harry picked up a new Quidditch magazine, and a new bottle of broom polish. Harry had a friendly word with the owner, a previous professional Quidditch manager that never failed to come see Harry play and assured him he was destined for a professional team. He had even gotten Harry a spot at the beginning of the year on one of the better teams in Europe, but with Voldemort's attacks reaching their zenith, Harry had decided to wait until he graduated. It was already arranged that Mr. Baubillious would be Harry's personal manager. The two were good friends and had been ever since the Quidditch shop moved in.

By the time they finished at the Quidditch shop, they only had time to briefly say hi to Fred and George before they needed to meet everyone back at the Three Broomsticks. Madam Rosmerta was whisking drinks out to the thirsty students, smiling and chatting as her glittery heels clicked over the floor. Sirius gestured for the two of them to sit at the 'staff' table, but Minerva insisted Severus leave his rather foul smelling purchases near the door. Severus looked highly revolted at the idea of having to sit with Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Albus Dumbledore, and Minerva McGonagall, none of whom were people he particularly cared for. Harry, however, was insistent.

"So, Luke, what's it like at Durmstrang these days?" Sirius asked with a charming smile. Severus gritted his teeth at the effort it took to remain looking passive and not snarling at Black.

"Not too different from here." He replied as he occupied himself with his drink, hoping he'd come off as shy.

"I'm surprised, Lucas. Not many boys come to Hogsmede and spend their money on potion books. You remind me of someone…but I can't quite place who." Remus commented lightly, tilting his head to look at Severus.

"Potion books huh? You know I'm subbing until Albus finds a permanent teacher, don't you? Glad you like the subject. I never really appreciated it until it saved my life. Gave it more of my attention after that." Sirius said with a mischievous grin. Snape wanted to reply, 'Yes, wasn't it ironic that I made both the potion that healed you and the potion that caused that arm begin to grow off your heart…' but he satisfied himself by nodding disinterestedly.

"Please excuse me, restroom." He said briskly, standing and heading for the bathroom. Harry barely hid the agitated sigh when Severus chose to sit with Draco upon his return. Draco glanced over at him, clearly seeing the longing in his deep green eyes.

Draco wished it were for him.

'All in good time, Draco. All in good time.' He encouraged himself mentally, forcing a smirk on his face in welcome to the man he was most jealous of.

"Had enough Gryffindor spirit, Luke?" Draco asked, saying the name sarcastically.

"Any more and I'll be shitting red and gold. They're a bunch of irritating assholes." He said dryly, not really trying to hide the slight stares he was giving to Draco. The boy really was beautiful. He looked so much like Lucius…so much like the gorgeous man Severus would have walked to the ends of the earth for.

"The sorting hat has never been wrong before. You don't sound like the Gryffindor type." Pansy remarked suspiciously. Draco explained for him.

"Don't worry Pansy, his case was special. Dumbledore put him in Gryffindor to keep him out of trouble." Draco said smoothly, telling the gang without words that Severus was to be accepted into their circle without question. Snape breathed a sigh of relaxation and took one of the cigarettes Draco offered him. He nodded at Draco in thanks before sinking back into the booth, long fingers tapping slowly on the tabletop while he inhaled deeply from the cigarette.

Harry watched Snape accept the cigarette with a burning jealousy in his gut. He could clearly see the way Severus was eyeing Malfoy. It was not supposed to be happening like this! Without warning, he abruptly stood and half stomped over, none to gently hauling Severus out of the booth and pulling him outside to the rest of the Gryffindors' hidden amusement. Lucas would have to listen to the age-old rule; Gryffindors and Slytherins do not associate on friendly terms.

Outside, Snape was quickly growing indignant.

"Let me go, Potter, you ass!" He protested, trying to keep a hold of his cigarette and free himself from Harry's rather fierce grip on his upper arm. Harry nimbly plucked the cigarette from his lips, taking a long drag on it as if he was extremely in need of something to calm him, before dropping it to the ground and putting it out.

"You shouldn't smoke, it'll make you taste bad." Harry admonished as he tried to collect himself.

"Not like you'll ever know, you imbecile!" Snape hissed back. Harry looked awfully stressed as he refused Snape's feeble attempts to dislodge his grip and merely grabbed his other shoulder, bringing him right up to his face.

"Listen to me, Severus. If you want to be a complete git, go right ahead, but I won't put up with you flirting with Malfoy. I don't care what time you come from, you're mine. And further more, it will blow our cover if you get all buddy buddy with the Slytherins. You're a Gryffindor now. Can't you just try and be happy and fit in just once!?" Harry accused, the stress of the past few days catching up to him. He realized somewhere in the back of his mind, with an inkling of guilt, that he was unjustly taking it out on Severus. The darker boy stared at him with unmistakable fury. He grabbed the neck of Harry's shirt, jerking him down the few inches until he was snarling in his face.

"I belong to no one, and especially not to you."

"So you just made an exception for Voldemort?" Harry snapped back angrily. Snape's face darkened in rage.

"This conversation is over." He spat, turning on his heel to re-enter the bar. Harry managed to stop him one more time. He spun angrily, his fists knotted at his sides. "WHAT?" he bellowed. Harry looked extremely calmer, an intense sadness and longing in his eyes. He allowed his hand to remain gently brushing against Severus' shoulder.

"He'll never love you like I do." He confessed quietly, squeezing Severus' shoulder once in a gentle caress and walked past him, leaving a confused and angry Severus in his wake.

A/N: Woohoo! I love incredibly long chapters about shopping in Hogsmede, lol, and I'm sure you guys do too! Alright, alright, boring chapter, I know. Next one should have some more action in it if I remember correctly. I'll see you guys later, and review if you liked it! It can be my X-mas gift : )