Friendship and Beyond 31/?

Rated: R contains mentions of rape and torture, although not actual scenes. Possible HP/SS in later chapters, also HG/RW.

Authors Notes: I do not own Harry Potter or it's characters, that would be JKR. Subject matter not for children, although nothing too graphic, but be careful when reading just to be on the safe side.

A Discussion and Sleeping Arrangements

Harry knocked on the portrait at exactly 8:59PM holding a bag on his shoulder over his robes. The portrait opened less then ten seconds later, causing Harry to jump out of it's way unless he fancied getting hit. He stood staring at the entranceway, looking into the room hesitantly, not sure if he wanted to enter or not.

"Are you coming in or are you going to stand there gaping all day, Potter?" Snape asked as he suddenly came into view standing at the side of the portrait hole. "Do let the rest of the heat out. The dungeons are sweltering as it is."

It took a second for the sarcasm to hit Harry, but when it did he glared at the Potion's Master and slammed the door shut after him. He moved to the fireplace and was about to sit in the armchair when he noticed a book in his place on the cushion. Harry picked it up curiously, only to find it was the book he'd been reading while Snape was traversing his pensieve. Because of what happened afterwards he forgot to take the book with him when he left. Snape seemed to notice his preoccupation as he sat down opposite Harry.

"I figured it would give you something to do in the evenings once we finish your lessons." Snape offered awkwardly. "At least this way you won't get underfoot if I am working."

"Um… About that…" Harry started hesitantly, only to be interrupted by Severus.

"Since you have decided to come, I assume you are still interested in the extra lessons?" Snape questioned, glancing at Harry's overnight bag where it sat innocently by his chair.

"Yes, of course. I just wasn't expecting to be invited back is all." Harry mumbled abashedly.

"The headmaster seems to think that you would benefit from my presence and tutelage, god knows why." Snape answered abruptly. "As such I will expect you here immediately after dinner accompanied by Granger and Weasley. I have a training room connected to my rooms. After they leave each evening we will begin your lessons on wandless magic. Is this arrangement agreeable?"

"Sounds fine to me." Harry answered bemused at Snape's dictatorial attitude, which was quite a change from that morning when the older wizard was having a panic attack.

"Good." Snape said relaxing slightly. "Now I have seen you practice wandless magic when your emotions were particularly high. The fact that you can do this at all means you have an extremely strong will. While most wizards think that the ability to perform magic without a wand signifies a powerful witch or wizard, even near-squibs have been known to have the talent. While it is rare, only wizards with an exceptionally strong will can perform even the simplest spells without a wand. Many have studied years to strengthen their will enough to perform even the most menial tasks without wands, but the few who have the natural ability can be trained to perform almost any spell wandless, if need be."

"That's amazing, but why do some people have stronger wills than others?" Harry asked curiously, for once immersed in one of Snape's lectures, and so the first lesson began.

After nearly two hours of discussion on the theory behind wandless magic and a first exercise on wandless levitation, Snape let Harry stop after giving him a large book about practical applications to wandless magic. Harry was already able to lift pens off tables just by thinking 'Wingardium Leviosa!' and pointing his palm at the object he wanted to lift. When he tried to lift anything heavier that a pen he couldn't move it more than a few centimeters though. Severus said that his mind would get stronger the more he practiced varying spells. For once Harry was looking forward to a lesson from Snape the next day, even though the current lesson had left him exhausted.

Harry stumbled back into the recliner and sprawled into it hoping never to move again. His head hurt and his muscles ached from all the magic he used without a medium such as his wand. It definitely took a lot more work to do wandless spells, but after just one lesson Harry felt like he had accomplished something worthwhile. He hadn't felt so excited since he first came to Hogwarts and learned that magic was real. Learning new charms was old hat now, but learning another form of magic, that was like making his broom fly in first year. Amazing.

Sometime while Harry was thinking he drifted off to sleep, just as Snape came back into the room carrying soup and tea. He noticed Harry curled up sleeping in his chair and smiled at the sight. Harry looked so vulnerable in sleep, all of the shields and defenses that he kept up during the day disappeared and Harry's face relaxed. [This is how his face would look if none of the tragedies had happened to him in his life. Beautiful.]

Snape carefully lifted his sleeping student into his arms careful not to waken him, but he needn't have worried. Harry was deeply asleep and only snuggled closer to Severus, trying to wrap himself around his chest and burrow into the source of heat that was next to him. Severus merely raised an eyebrow at Harry's antics before placing him gently down on his bed. He removed Harry's shoes and outer robes before pulling the blankets over his sleeping form.

"If you are uncomfortable too bad." Severus murmured looking down at the tousled man, brushing a piece of hair off his forehead. "I'm not taking off anymore than that. You just shouldn't have fallen asleep sitting up is all."

Severus got ready for bed quietly, once he was washed up and changed; he got into bed carefully moving the covers over him as he lay down. Before he went sleep he turned toward Harry and spooned up close to him, not touching but close enough so that he could feel the warmth, as Harry lay oblivious next to him.