Disclaimer: Credit to JKR. Naughty language.
Portrait Living
By Tracev
Snape watched Harry run past Dumbledore and out to the path that led toward the school.
He looked back up at a glaring Dumbledore "Get up Professor," the Headmaster hissed through clench teeth.
Snape's eyes locked with Dumbledore's, his eyes challenging those of the headmaster, he stood trying to make his movement as graceful as possible, he rose slowly to his feet. But he felt like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He had of course known Dumbledore since his own childhood and he had to fight the sudden urge to look ashamed of what he had been caught doing. But he knew damn well he was within his rights and smirked at the thought of this.
Dumbledore circled him angrily, his voice was little more then a whisper. Snape could feel the air crackle with angry energy. "I've received the most peculiar fire call from Mister Honeydukes...Called to tell me, one of my professors and a student were in his shop buying...adult items." he turned facing Snape, and held up a hand to stop the mans rant.
"It was closely followed by an owl from Mister Blotts at Flourish and Blotts...I believe Mister Potter and you were there yesterday... he tells me that my professor was touching my student... intimately in his shop," Dumbledore Narrowed his eyes. "Tell me professor Snape, is it the charm of the Portrait...that is forcing you to act in such a manor. Or have you always had this fascination with Harry Potter."
Snape didn't answer. He kept his face blank, his head held high.
"…Because the pull wouldn't be this strong as of yet...would it? …. If so I do believe it would never cause one to force themselves upon ones bond..."
Snape tried to maintain eye contact, to not waver. Somehow he had been able to face the enemy and never let on his feelings but Dumbledore had that way of looking at you and making you feel guilt like never before.
"Answer me Snape" he roared. "Tell me what in your twisted little mind would make you do this to your student. To Harry Potter...". Dumbledore nodded his head, "Did you not think Mister Potter would confide in his best friend? Because all this was closely followed by a very upset Ron Weasley, who happened to be in my office when these fire calls and owls came in, Potter confessed to him that you have been touching the boy...the child, your student."
Dumbledore's look was furious, he had purposely left his wand upstairs in his office in order to stop himself from hexing the man. Not that it mattered with the extent of wandless magic he could perform.
Snape looked to the ground, yes everyone would think this was his fault. It was always his fault. Not the rotten Gryffindor's who somehow got him dragged into this. Still unpunished mind you.
Angrily Snape looked up, his black eye darkened, he looked through his greasy curtain of hair, Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak again.
But Snape cut him off. "Shut up," he shook with fury. "...I always get dragged into some game of Potter and Weasley's and this time it had gone to far...." his voice rose angered that Dumbledore would even think that he would seriously touch a student wrongly. Though he had thought of hexing and perhaps pushing a student down the stairs on occasion "... It was a game, to torment the boy. To scare him. To show him it was my life he was fucking with... that the consequences are severe and very real." Snape clenched his fists.
Dumbledore stared at him.
"...This is a crime against ME. A crime that is suppose to sentence Weasley to a life in Azkaban or to his wand being snapped. But has anyone asked me if I want to call the Aurors in. Has anyone ask me if I want to snap the boy's wand over his scrawny little neck... I have put up with a lot of crap from these children... have been the arse of their jokes and adventures more then once..." Snape stopped suddenly, "I'm well within my rights." Feeling brave he started to walk past the headmaster toward the school. Dumbledore stared at the man, softly, "I do realize you are the victim here...I apologize, your life has been violated more so then any... you have been very... well under the circumstances."
He clapped Snape on the back, looking at the man, "Well none the less Severus, I believe we have found a solution. So back to the castle so we can work out the details."
***
Being the good little Gryffindor Harry Potter was, with a natural curious instinct. He did not listen as Dumbledore bid him to return to the castle. He instead ducked down a path that brought him behind some hedges that would allow him to listen easily to what Snape and the headmaster were going to speak about.
He sank into the scrubs as Snape and Dumbledore came closer. Dumbledore didn't look happy and Snape looked odd as they walked by. Snape looked to that spot in the scrubs where Harry was hidden, Harry was sure that the shadows of the spot he was in kept him hidden. But as Snapes eyes narrowed he was sure that their eyes locked and held until the potion master was out of sight.
Harry watched them till they disappeared into the castle, then sank to his knees leaning into the base of the tree he was hidden behind. He was shaking and he didn't know why. He should feel happy that this was almost over. Happy that this was coming to an end. That he would be free without the greasy git to bother him. Free to finish his final year in peace. But why then was he shaking? Why was he sad that Snape wouldn't be touching him anymore. He had known this was a game since this morning. Had tried to stop it from the being. It just seemed strange to have the words said out loud.
Harry sat there for a long time in silence.
***
Nearly an hour later Harry wandered in to the entrance of the castle to see Ron hurrying down the stairs. "Harry there you are. Where have you been I've looked all over the castle for you. Did you see Dumbledore...he has found a way out..." He said excitedly. "Poe found it really but Dumbledore saw the loophole in it. Come on" He grabbed Harry by the sleeve of his shirt and dragged him toward Dumbledore's' office all the while talking on and on.
Harry followed in a daze still trying to process the words Ron had just said to him, he wasn't sure what he was feeling. But he had an empty feeling in the hollow of his stomach.
When they entered the headmaster's office everyone seemed cheerful and full of energy that this may soon be over. Poe was doing a little dance in the corner talking excitedly to Mr. Weasley. Ron was smiling and grinning and talking loudly and excitedly to Mister Poe. Harry felt dizzy and slumped into a seat before Dumbledore's desk.
He paled, not quite seeing anything. Dumbledore stood behind the desk looking happy and the color and twinkle was back in his eyes. "I'm sure Harry you'll be please to put this whole mess behind you...still a few days left to school returns... gives you plenty of time to have a pleasant summer".
Harry nodded numbly. Looking over to the corner where Snape was leaning against the wall with his eyes shut, his arms crossed against his chest. He had no look on his face, it just was.
Harry wanted him to open his eyes and look at him. He wanted the man to stand next to him, with his hand on his hip the way he did. Harry felt very nervous and anxious. Open your eyes.... Look at me.
Dumbledore was speaking, "…Severus, Harry if you could stand next to each other. Ah. Filch you brought Mrs. Norris...good give her to Harry. Where's the portrait?" He moved all the key players into place. Harry moved numbly.
Poe and Ron where dragging the still unframed canvas from behind Dumbledore's desk.
They leaned it against Snape and Harry who stood side by side, Harry holding the gray cat. Harry looked at Snape a panic rising out of him. He wished the man would look at him, that he could convey with his eyes that he wanted to speak to him...alone.
Harry's feelings were all over the place. One minute he was glad this was going to be over soon but on the other hand he wanted to speak to Snape about this before the final spell was cast.
"...Harry pay attention...Now, each of you place a hand on the portrait. Severus, you as well, your hand on the painting...good and one hand on Mrs. Norris."
Dumbledore raised his wand as he began a soft chant. Swirls of red and gold darted around them. He flicked and swished his wand, green stars floated through the air, magical energy gathered in the room. The headmaster began to chanting louder.
But the stars stopped, they seemed to freeze in midair. The hum of energy stopped and the noise of magic dropped like a generator being turned off.
Snape looked up. "Is that it?" he though he would feel different, hollow, empty.
Dumbledore flicked his wand a few times. But no more stars emitted from it.
Poe looked to the book and over some parchment of notes franticly looking for an answer. Dumbledore left them standing there to consult with the Ministry artist.
Snape stood solidly where he was. Harry on the other hand fidgeted trying to get Snape's attention or Ron's. Mrs. Norris was plucked from his arms by an angered Filch, who cooed and cuddled his cat.
"Ah..." Dumbledore said and looked over to the couple. "My apologize gentlemen. This one is not going to work for you... It would require...well both of you to be "pure". Severus I assume..." he gestured with his hand.
Snape snarled, "Yes Albus. I've had sex. I'm not a 41 year old virgin."
Ron took a step away, his mouth hanging open.
Dumbledore turned to look at Snape, "Yes...well why don't' we adjourn to tomorrow morning."
"Sir?" Ron stepped toward the headmaster, "but about that one thing?" he whispered.
Snape leaned the wedding Portrait against the desk. "What one thing Weasley?"
"Mister Weasley," Dumbledore stepped forward, "we will wait on that as a last result."
"But we only have one day left, then the bond will settle."
"Speak up Weasley." Snape snarled his body language indicated he was ready to pounce, "Is there a way out or not."
Dumbledore stepped forward, "Severus we're not even sure it would work. We'll wait to tomorrow evening before we attempt it." He gave Ron a sideways look as if to indicate for him to shut up.
But Ron didn't he leapt forward, "Headmaster I was serious when I said it. I'll do it. I'm not scared." even though the tremor in his voice hid nothing.
"What is it Weasley..." Snape snapped.
"We can swap the bond." He whispered locking eyes with Snape.
Snape growl, "Swap the bond with who". Snape had a sticky feeling that he knew where this was going.
Ron fidgeted and bowed his head suddenly very taken with the stone floor.
"Harry, I'll take his place...I did this to him and I should be the one to suffer with..." he nodded toward Snape.
Snape clenched his fists. He wanted to yell and scream, again no one was asking what he wanted. "Fine", swap one disaster for another. Snape tried not to grind his teeth and stormed from the room. Down the stairs and back toward his dungeons.
TBC
