Friendship and Beyond 48/?

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.

You Want To What?

Right before they reentered the Great Hall for the remainder of dinner, Dumbledore stopped walking and turned toward them.

"If by any chance things do not work out between yourself and Mister Weasley and Miss Granger once you graduate, feel free to pursue… other options." The headmaster spoke gently, looking fondly at both Severus and Harry who stared at him in open disbelief.

Before they could get themselves together to form a proper answer the headmaster had already entered the Great Hall through the side entrance. Harry, Ron and Hermione stood still as Severus walked by him, squeezing Harry's shoulder quickly as he passed by.

"We'll discuss this tonight at your detention." Severus whispered in Harry's ear quietly before stepping back and striding menacingly into the Great Hall in Dumbledore's wake. The trio could hear the stir their entrance caused from the other side of the hall where they stood in silence.

"You do realize that for this to have any kind of chance at working we're going to be…demonstrative in public." Harry commented softly, glancing shyly at his friends. "At least for now."

"It won't be a hardship Harry." Hermione reassured him gently. "We both love you."

"A bit of incest, that." Ron commented humorously, chucking Harry on the back of his head good-naturedly. "We are family after all, mate."

"Git."

"Prat." Ron answered back.

"Boys." Hermione interrupted impatiently. "Now is not the time."

"Yes mum." They both answered simultaneously, smirking, as she grew more irritated.

"Back to the topic at hand," Hermione cleared her throat rather loudly, glaring at both the boys pointedly. "We only need to spread a few well-placed rumors and act the part of lovers for a few weeks. I am sure we can come up with a suitably dramatic break-up before graduation. After that Snape's fair game. You even have the headmaster's roundabout permission of sorts."

"I guess so." Harry agreed reluctantly, far from comfortable with the situation. "I just don't want to put any strain on your actual relationship."

"It's only for two or three weeks, mate." Ron assured Harry casually. "So shut up already, yeah?"

"If you're sure?"

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed in exasperation. "Of course we're sure. Now let's get in to dinner before the gossip gets out of hand."

"Okay." Harry agreed, nearly squeaking when Ron put an arm around Harry's waist. At Harry's rather questioning look, Ron merely shrugged although his ears were red.

"Why not start now?" Ron said holding his other hand out to Hermione.

Harry relaxed minutely as they walked into the hall, garnering all types of attention considering they were practically intertwined together. People stared and pointed, and a few indiscreet souls even called out derogatory comments, whereupon Harry promptly told them to collectively 'bugger off' complete with colorful hand gestures. The students looked between the trio and Snape who was seemingly immersed in a deep conversation with McGonagall. When he didn't seem to notice, and once he happened to glance in their direction didn't seem to care, the whispering died down slightly.

A few hours later Harry was sitting in Severus' classroom for his detention helping to grade essays from fourth year. He practically jumped out of his skin when Severus spoke up for the first time that evening after insisting that they finish their work before discussing anything prurient to that day's events. After both locking and charming the room Severus gestured Harry to follow him into the adjoining office.

"I do not believe it would be advisable to continue our, er social concourse outside of the classroom for the remainder of your time here as a Hogwarts student." Severus spoke calmly, getting right to the meat of the matter in as few words as possible. When it looked as if Harry was going to argue he raised a hand in warning. "Allow me to finish if you will."

"Go ahead." Harry answered, slumping in his seat dejectedly, watching Severus erect his mask right in front of him.

"While at present I am guilty of perhaps taking a few liberties with your person not strictly encouraged by this school, the situation would get murkier if I were to continue to see you on the sly. Therefore we will stick strictly to the student-teacher relation from now until you graduate. There will be no more visiting after dinner, nor sleeping in my bed. I only wish to see you during potions from here on in. Is that clear, Mister Potter?"

"Perfectly, Professor." Harry responded coldly, getting to his feet despite his rather shaky countenance. "If you'll excuse me."

Without waiting for permission Harry turned and walked away. It was only once he had already opened the door to make his exit that Snape spoke.

"If however, once you have thought this through thoroughly, you still wish to pursue a relationship with your snarky former-professor I will be at Hogshead restaurant the night after your graduation at seven o'clock."

"I'll be there sir."

"We shall see." Severus murmured thoughtfully to himself once Harry had left the room losing the door softly behind him.