Hiding Under the Ninth Earth
Book 02 : A Bit Of All Right
by I Got Tired of Waiting
Edited for FF.net--just a little--702 sexy words were sacrificed on the altar of the rating gods.
I apologise if this "feels" choppy, but coitus writus interruptus is never a pretty thing. Remember, the full version is available at my site.
Part III : Conflict
Chapter Thirty Two : Severus Gets Detention
21 June 2003 (Continued)
Harry gradually regained his senses and, looking at the clock on the mantel, realised they would have to leave fairly soon if they were to make it to the party on time. Snuggling closer, which earned him a pleasant nuzzle on the top of his head, he was so comfortable, so content, he briefly toyed with the idea of calling it off even as he prepared to get up. However, when Severus' fingers tenderly shifted his head and his lips engaged Harry's mouth in a sweet, serious kiss, Severus' hand gentling his face, Harry easily forget his earlier thoughts about leaving, surrendering instead to the warm affection Severus was so unstintingly giving him.
When Severus ended the kiss with lingering touches of his lips and fingertips across his lover's face, Harry sighed contentedly and settled his head back into 'his' hollow, his thoughts, for once, quiet and peaceful. He played over again in his mind the timbre of Severus' voice while they'd stood at the window, the words he'd used to tell him how pleased he was with his gift, and the unspoken feelings of love Severus had expressed with the kiss they'd shared afterwards, which he still felt now, wrapped securely in Severus' embrace. Inside, he felt warm and safe and very loved right now, a feeling he could want forever, but while his head knew he could only have it for a little while longer, his heart intended to savour it for as long as he could hold it.
A small time later, with barely concealed regret, Harry yawned and stretched and unfolded himself from the cozy nest they'd made on the couch. Severus let him go with a question in his eyes and, at his significant glance, chuckled. "Can't even hold you against a call of nature can I?" Harry laughed, glad he'd misunderstood but realising he needed to go anyway. Walking stiffly to the loo gave him an idea of how to lure Severus out of their quarters.
When Severus was on his own way back, Harry suggested with a wicked grin, "I'm stiff from sitting so long. What say you we take a short walk to loosen up and see who we can catch out now, since it's after curfew, before we come back for our just desserts?"
Severus considered it a moment, tilting his head. "I'm a little 'stiff' myself. Perhaps not the way you imply; however, I can't see why not. A little exercise might do our 'appetite' good." Harry chuckled at the double entendre and they left on their walk.
Just past the Great Hall, Severus casually remarked, "With the new summer school in session, I find it ironic to be walking the school corridors with you, trying to catch students doing the same things I want to do to you right now." And without any further warning, he grabbed Harry around the waist and whirled him, laughing breathlessly, into a nearby niche behind a huge column, where in short order, he had Harry breathless in a much different way. Severus seemed to have quite a bit of unexplored experience in pinning someone to the wall as he was all too willing to demonstrate. He soon had Harry writhing against him, his thigh firmly planted between Harry's legs.
Harry was almost undone and was kneading Severus' cheeks through his trouse beneath his robes, trying to pull him closer as he was devoured by Severus' hungry, crushing kiss, when he muzzily heard someone shout, "Hey! What's going on here?"
Severus swirled around faster than thought, standing protectively in front of Harry, his wand drawn. Fumbling out his own wand and holding it ready, Harry peeked around Severus' arm and choked back his laughter; Stanley, the newest Hufflepuff Prefect was cowering in front of them, his gaping mouth opening and closing on words Harry suspected he would never utter. Given the terror on the boy's face, he could only imagine the scorching glare Severus must be levelling at him.
His suspicions were confirmed when Severus, in one of his quieter, deadlier tones (usually reserved for those unfortunates who exploded a potion all over him) rasped, "Mr. Tools, I assume you have business elsewhere?" When he received no response, Severus continued, a little louder, "As in now?" Harry felt Stanley's eyes light on him and widen a split second before he started stammering apologies, all the while backing out of the way. Once clear of the column, he almost stumbled in his haste to tear off down the hallway.
When he was well away, Harry leaned back against the wall and lost it, holding his sides in his mirth. Severus turned around, his face bearing one of his best 'raised-brow-I-can't-believe-that-just-happened' smirks, which soon turned into one of his rarer grins. Before long, they were laughing themselves silly. Harry remarked, "I would have paid good Galleons for a snap of that poor boy's face! Such an interesting shade of red."
Severus concurred and added, "While his form down the hallway was a bit ragged, he made good speed."
It had taken them several moments to get their breaths back and ease their aching sides, during which Harry speculated, "I wonder how his tale will go down in the common room tonight."
"Probably not as well as I will in our room tonight," Severus quipped without losing a beat.
Feeling his body heat-up from the smouldering look in Severus' eyes, Harry leant against the wall. Severus stalked him, his eyes never leaving his face until he stood almost close enough for their bodies to touch. Harry felt anticipation thrill through him when Severus placed his hands on the wall on either side of his head and bending his head, just so, brushed his lips over Harry's, so softly Harry wondered breathlessly if he'd imagined them. Severus dipped lower, his next kiss firmer, his tongue ghosting over Harry's lips. He opened his mouth to him and pleasure exploded through Harry as Severus slid his tongue in, ever so slowly, softly lapping the inside of his mouth, stroking Harry's tongue. Breaking the kiss, their lips parted with a soft smacking noise. Severus drew a huge breath and letting it out all at once, whispered, "And that is only the appetiser." Harry closed his jaws with a snap and gulped, his resolve to continue their walk fading fast as a shiver shook him when Severus buried his face in his neck.
At that moment, he wished with all his heart they were not going to the party, that it had all been a figment of his imagination. He wanted to be lying in bed naked with Severus, to savour the sweetness. But alas, he knew it was an empty desire. They would have to go. Shaking the reluctance away with a rueful sigh, he reluctantly lowered his head and loosened his arms. Severus pulled back, his eyes coloured with an amused triumph. Harry gestured with his hand to the hallway, saying, "After you?" With one final kiss, almost a peck, Severus preceded him into the hallway. Harry followed him a bit unsteadily and grinned to himself. 'Just an appetiser, eh, Severus? Just you wait until I serve the main course.'
And so it was with great relish Harry observed the incredulous look on Severus' face when he went straight forward, resuming their walk away from their quarters. To confound him further and with a hidden secret smile, Harry started knocking on all the doors they passed. "Why are you doing that?" Severus asked, mystified.
"Oh, I just thought I'd scare the life out of anyone in there; these are the most-used Gryffindor trysting rooms." At the predatory gleam in Severus' eyes, Harry thought, 'Oops, probably shouldn't have told him that,' saying, "Now, Severus, behave." He grabbed him around the waist and, looking around the hallway to make sure they were alone, planted a firm kiss. "I can see I'm going to have to keep you better occupied just so future generations of Gryffindors can have some 'piece'."
Severus laughed, stealing Harry's breath away with a serious kiss. "Let's go back," he murmured. "I find myself ravenous for dessert."
Wanting nothing more himself, Harry regretfully knew there would be a small delay. There'd even be dessert there as well; however, he suspected it would not be the kind to which Severus was referring. Seeming to comply, Harry nodded and they headed back the way they'd come.
As they passed by one of the trysting rooms, Severus suddenly stopped and stiffened, his attitude one of listeninge. "Did you hear that?" he asked Harry quietly, the 'Evil-Potions-Master-stalking-wayward-students' gleam in his eye. Harry knew he would feel good to catch some students for old time's sake.
"Hear what?" Harry asked innocently. He'd given the signal--he certainly hoped there was a noise.
"Giggling, I definitely heard giggling." Severus wore a small smile. "From over there. One of those two rooms." There was another giggle quickly suppressed.
"Oh, c'mon Sev, surely we can leave them in peace?" he asked, knowing what the response would be. Severus loved to catch out the students and since it had been so long since he'd done so, Harry could see where he might regard this as a special birthday treat.
Severus said as much and moved to the left-hand door. Harry, right by his side, barely contained his almost tangible excitement. Severus' hand turned the knob and, pulling out his wand, they entered the darkened classroom. The room was utterly silent, until Severus murmured "Lumos." In the light of the wand, Harry could see the room was empty save for the undisturbed dust and cobwebs hanging from the corners.
Severus muttered, "Nox." Harry heard his disappointed sigh in the darkness. Unexpectedly grabbing Harry despite the dark, he whispered, "Now where were we?" as he pulled him into another back bending, heart-stopping kiss.
'I wonder if this is what Albus had in mind when he was talking about leaving some spontaneity in the party?'
A blaze of light filled the room as a large group of people materialised shouting "SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
They froze for a moment and then jumped apart, hearts pounding, much to the overt delight of their friends and the graduate students all standing together with gleeful grins on their faces. Dumbledore headed the group.
"Tsk tsk. Snogging in a classroom, Professor Snape?" Dumbledore smiled wickedly, arching a brow. "Shame on you. And in front of the students to boot. That's definitely worth a week's detentions, I should think, although I'm tempted to award Slytherin an extra 100 points for outstanding form and a brilliant execution." He laughed merrily and Harry had a hard time suppressing his own grin while Severus' face changed expressions as he registered the comment. Dumbledore continued, "Happy Birthday, my boy. I hope we didn't embarrass you overmuch."
The silence stretched and McGonagall, eyeing the final stunned look on Severus' face, broke it, saying, "My, my--Severus Snape bereft of words--someone alert the media."
"Oh he can speak, Minerva," Moody piped up from behind, "but ye have to give him a break. He just got his mouth back from Harry here."
The whole group cracked up, even Severus, who still wore a bemused expression. Recovering his aplomb, he turned to Harry. "Your idea?" he drawled like this was the most normal thing in the world to have an intimate embrace broken by a surprise birthday party. Mundane--something he did everyday.
Harry openly grinned at him and nodded, then gestured to Dumbledore and McGonagall. "Aided and abetted by your colleagues."
"Why am I not surprised?" he chuckled.
"Oh I think you're surprised all right, Severus, but not perhaps in who the mischief makers are." Dumbledore was beaming, visibly pleased by the whole thing. He leaned over to Harry, his beard tickling, and whispered, "See, I told you not to plan too much, otherwise we would have missed the sweet icing on the cake. I'm glad to see you both together." Harry shot him a wild-eyed look and nodded.
"Speaking of cake," he said to the group, straightening, "the house-elves had entirely too much fun this afternoon with yours, Severus. Come." Harry noted the mystified looks the Headmaster was getting as he moved to the back of the room. He stood to the side and let the others precede him.
Making his way over to the cake, Severus' progress was impeded by the open greetings from everyone he passed; if nothing else, this celebration had opened his eyes to the number of people who considered themselves his friends. He was unused to being the center of attention; he had avoided it plainly for many years, first for survival, later out of habit. He saw Harry standing to the side, alone, a satisfied grin on his lips; he knew then for sure--these people had not come for Harry but for him.
He tried to relax, determined to have a good time, even if it killed him. Someone pressed a glass of punch in his hands out of a large punchbowl sitting on a table at the back of the room surrounded by cups and plates, a huge glittering cake, and a mound of presents. 'Presents?' That probably startled him more than anything else. He took a sip of the punch and almost spit it out; Moody had made his infamous Yellowtail Punch--guaranteed to 'Put Hair On Your Chest' as Moody was wont to say. A mumbled spell removed the alcohol; the one sip had been more than he normally consumed in a week.
With the press of people, the bright lights, the balloons waving in the air, and the surreality of the whole evening, starting with the books Harry had given him, he was overwhelmed. It was too much at once and he had to swallow hard against a rising panic to get out of the room. Almost as if summoned, he felt the familiar hand on his back absently stroking small circles, while the body attached to the arm pressed softly to his side without any fuss. He instantly felt better, like an anchor had been cast to stop the manic movement of the moment.
Dumbledore nodded at him from across the crowd and called for everyone's attention; Severus assumed it was to give him some time to calm down. "My friends, we are here tonight to celebrate the 44th year of our friend and colleague, Severus Snape. As I am not one for long-winded speeches," Severus snorted and felt Albus' baleful eyes on him as he continued, "I ask you all--Cake or Presents?"
It was unanimous--presents first. Dumbledore conjured a large wing-back chair for Severus, a stuffed chair for himself, and more regular seating for the guests so all could be comfortable; there was quite a pile to go through. He gestured Harry to take a seat on the arm of Severus' chair, which he did with a raised brow. Severus felt the panic rise again as everyone crowded close to see what he got and he tamped it down fiercely. While everyone was distracted by Dumbledore choosing the order of the gifts, Harry bent down, his hand on Severus' arm, and quietly asked him, "Are you all right?"
Whispering in his ear, Severus replied, "It's like I can't breathe; I don't understand why I'm having this reaction. I've been in crowds of unwashed Death Eaters with nary a twitch. One would think by now I wouldn't need a keeper."
Harry whispered back, "I wouldn't worry much about it. Besides, I rather like the idea of 'keeping you'."
Severus was startled by his words and knew the look he gave him was a bit wild-eyed, but then thinking on the implications of Harry's double-edged words, he settled back in his chair (and he had to admit Dumbledore had a way with them) with a soft chuckle, wondering when Harry had got so clever with his speech.
The first present sailed smoothly through the air towards him, compliments of Albus. Severus took the heavy package as it drifted by and opening the the small card on top, read it out loud, "To: Professor Snape, From: The Weasleys--Felicitations and Many Happy Returns." Everyone groaned as he started his normal method of peeling the paper back, so he ripped into it, deciding Potter's preferences might not be so odd after all. He pulled the lid off a sturdy wooden box and found a dozen bottles of his favourite red ink packed in excelsior. Since the labels were neatly hand-written, he could only assume they had made it themselves. He was touched--the making of red ink was labourious and tricky. He held out his hand to Molly in a most un-Snape like manner and when she took it, Arthur looking pleased, he said, "Thank you very much; the gift is timely as I ran out yesterday." He glanced sharply at Harry who was laughing silently and chuckled himself recalling exactly why the ink was gone.
The next gift was also from "The Weasleys", this time from Ron and Hermione. He ran his hand reverently over the cover of the old tome; he'd never before seen the rare book on Egyptian potions. He quickly leafed through the book remarking, "Truly an asset to my collection." Before he could look at it in greater detail, another present floated in front of him. Hermione and Ron laughed when he muttered, "All right, all right, old man. I get the idea--move along." He thanked them both as he grabbed the next package out of the air. It was squashy with a thick envelope.
He plucked the envelope off the top, setting the limp wrapped gift in his lap. Opening it, he gasped as he read the top note. Harry leaned over slightly to read it. Severus heard Harry's breath hitch as he read:
21 June 2003
Dear Severus:I uncovered this a few weeks ago when going through Sirius' things after your last attempt to retrieve him from behind the Veil failed. I hesitated giving this to you on your birthday, but given the other things we shared, it seemed appropriate, somehow, and I wanted a way to show that your efforts are always appreciated.
Happy Birthday, and many returns.
Remus Lupin
Severus could feel the weight of Harry's stare. Taking the second note out of the envelope, his heart almost stopped while he read it. He set it down in his lap. Lost in his memories, he was barely aware of Harry's ambivalent reaction to the knowledge contained within the first. Wordlessly, he handed the second note to Harry, knowing he could not keep it from him, although he would like nothing better than to do so. He opened the package with care already knowing what was within. And once the shimmering folds of the invisibility cloak were revealed, he grasped it to his chest, his knuckles white, as he strove to keep his emotions in check to hide the loss and what it had meant to him then and now. He glanced quickly up at his lover, whose face was bleak. Severus could almost remember every word by heart:
12 January 1996
Remus,
I hate this house--Grimmauld Place, indeed. It seems so empty with everyone gone. Kreacher has been ignoring me and, of course, Moody and Tonks and the others come and go, but I tell you I am bored out of my skull! So I decided to do a little housekeeping myself and have parcelled out some of my things in case something happens to me.
I even miss Snape, the greasy git, if you can believe it, although if I hear "Mangy Mutt" or one of his "serious" jokes one more time, I may have to hurt him. I was thinking--you know, he almost got caught the last two times he went out and even now he's out doing gods know whatever Dumbledore has him doing. Always was one for doing the noble thing, our Snape. Don't tell him I said so, (not that he'd believe you) but I always secretly admired his ability to fade in and out of a room with no one the wiser. Almost like a snake--guess that's why he's the Slytherin.
I'm rambling, been doing that a lot lately. Anyway, I was thinking, if something happens to me would you give this to the auld sod? No need to pass on any of this other stuff--wouldn't do to have him think I don't dislike him as much as everyone thinks I do, now would it? Not that he doesn't already know, long ties and all that rot! Maybe this'll keep him out of trouble (or in it, HA!).
Thanks mate,
Sirius
He felt Harry gently comb his fingers through his hair, a world of sympathy and love conveyed with that simple touch. Severus touched Harry's hand where it had settled on his shoulder, a subtle reminder, well taken by both, that there were others around. With a squeeze, Harry withdrew his hand into his lap. Severus rose from the chair, leaving the cloak behind. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Harry reach for it and somehow knew that when he returned both notes and cloak would be put away, out of sight; for this he was grateful.
Severus stood before Remus. There were no words, only a silent communication of tormented eyes. Remus was right. The last attempt had been final; there was nothing they could do. Sirius was beyond their help.
Remus embraced him hard and quick. "Thank you," Severus whispered and nodding, walked away, feeling Remus' surprise follow him like a lost puppy. He almost cringed as his mind supplied the next line in the old joke--a lost mangy puppy.
Severus was trying to think through a way to get things back on an even keel when Ron broke the moment for him when he groaned, "Merlin, none of the students will be safe now!"
Everyone laughed nervously, including Severus sitting down in his chair again, glad the moment was gone. A quick glance at Harry assured him he was fine, if a bit shook up. He quickly looked away from Harry's questioning eyes. 'Time enough for explanations later. He won't be pleased.'
Tonks handed him the next package--a very small parcel with a dead insect hanging off like a tag. Severus reared his head back when he saw the dead Buggle, an insidious creature infesting Grimmauld Place; he was allergic to it. Harry reached over and pulled it off, chuckling, knowing Severus couldn't even touch it, dead or alive, without a reaction. "I am assuming there's a reason for this--thing?" Severus asked Tonks with a mock-growl.
"Just open the package." She giggled, her hair a shocking pink tonight.
Inside was a bottle containing a pearly orange liquid. Severus unstoppered it, sniffing delicately. "Repellant?" he asked.
"You're so sharp," she said admiringly. "Took us four tries to get it right, but it works. Try it."
He shrugged and rubbed a small drop of the lotion on the back of his hand. Waiting a few seconds to make sure there was no adverse reaction to the lotion itself, he nodded. Harry took the dead Buggle and passed it once across the treated skin. Nothing happened. Severus looked up at Tonks. "Did you save the formula? Can't stand the little buggers."
Moody spoke up, "You're welcome, you auld sod. Tonks here didn't mention we all had to test it. Nasty stuff it is to make, too."
Severus asked, dryly, "Does your presumption mean I don't have to thank you now?" As Moody grinned cheekily and blew him a raspberry, Tonks groaned and rolled her eyes. Severus shook his head--such strange people he called his friends, but good.
Dumbledore stepped up in front of Severus and handed him, out of the sight of most of the guests, a small heavy piece of paper folded in half, saying, "Happy Birthday, friend." Severus flipped it open and read the two words on it: 'Reperio Aperio'. He looked at Dumbledore quizzically. "A spell--one of my better ones, I might add, to help you find things you've lost. Use it with the name of the article you can't find and you'll always know where to retrieve it." Bending down, he whispered conspiratorially, "Or him."
He caught his drift and nodded his thanks. He'd talk to Dumbledore about it later.
Dobby, who was unable to attend, gave him a pair of hand-knitted socks in bilious green and fire orange with winged cauldrons. Severus smiled and couldn't decide if he was more relieved because of Dobby's absence, or because he knew he would never have to endure his gift, except when forced to see them on Harry's feet; the little thief who shared his bed, constantly stole his warmest socks as much as he stole his heart.
The Hogwarts' staff gifted him with a fully paid weekend holiday for two on Magic Island. He thanked them, saying he'd never been there before and looked forward to it. When Harry expressed his gratitude as well, Severus looked up at him, his hand on Harry's knee, and teased, "Cheeky brat. Who said you're invited?" Harry stuck his tongue out at him and grinned; it earned him the laughter and approval of the group. The all-too brief sight of Severus' second-favorite appendage of Harry's left him with visions of better uses for that tongue, but he sternly told himself to forget about that for the moment.
The graduate students gave him a black waistcoat, similar to the one he always wore, which would protect him specifically against flying cauldrons. They wanted to demonstrate its efficacy by lobbing the punch bowl at him, but he begged off. Harry was not the only one to smile at his rejoinder: "If this thing works half as well as your previously demonstrated abilities to forcefully explode cauldrons, I shall be well protected, indeed. But I would very much appreciate it if you would refrain from showing me just how well you do it in the first place."
McGonagall's was the last gift of the night--a flask of aged whiskey. "I know how fond you are of it," she replied to his thanks. "This particular bottle I bought the day you started teaching here at Hogwarts over twenty years ago. Should be just about right now--mellowed and smooth."
"Who? Me or the Whiskey?" he asked with feigned innocence.
She batted his hand away, giving him a hug. "You really are a right auld sod, aren't you?" He knew Harry almost fell off the arm of the chair when Severus hugged her back.
After everyone had properly admired his gifts, the candles on the rich chocolate cake were lit with the usual comments about catching the place on fire because of the number of candles, and resurrected were the old jokes about the extinguishing spells needed to put it out. The usual song was sung in the usual manner of mismatched, unrehearsed voices singing in several keys until the last "nobody can deny", where they all mysteriously met in one note. The cake was cut and devoured in the usual manner and so, in time, one by one, the guests started leaving, each saying good bye to the guest of honour.
Normal in every respect except to one Severus Snape, to whom this experience was fresh and new.
The others had left leaving only Dumbledore, Ron, and Hermione remaining. "Oy, Harry," Ron called out, "can I see you a minute?"
Severus, talking quietly to Dumbledore, put his hand on his arm stopping him in mid-word as he noted the pained look on Harry's face. He wondered what was going on that had Harry not wanting to talk to his best friend. Come to think of it, he hadn't heard anything much from Harry about Ron ever since he'd recovered last year. He didn't move to join them but kept a wary glance at their encounter. He wouldn't tolerate someone hurting Harry, friend or no.
Harry was gathering all the gifts in one place so he could shrink them. He closed his eyes a second before opening them and turned to greet his friend of many years. Severus was interested to see Harry look over at Hermione, who seemed calm. Although they were not close to him, Severus still watched everything they did. Ron greeted him, friendly-like, while Harry stood poised, wary even. As Ron spoke to him, he could see Harry's face change, blossom even, until it glowed with a look Severus knew well--it was almost the same one he'd worn this evening before they'd come here. Silent, but eloquent, it signified Harry was so full of happiness he might burst. Ron obviously understood something Severus did not and pulled Harry into a warm embrace. Within moments, they pulled apart awkwardly, both misty-eyed.
Severus was surprised by the embrace and looking at Hermione, the tears falling quietly down her face, he realised they were reconciling something and he felt at ease again. He was glad Harry had his best friend back even if he was a little hurt he'd not known there was a problem in the first place. He dismissed it, not willing to dwell on it tonight. There would be plenty of time to explore it later.
"Good idea," he heard Dumbledore murmur in his ear. "It was very tragic when it happened, I heard, but don't worry about it. Harry didn't tell anyone about the estrangement. I found out about it from Hermione a couple of months ago and was surprised by it myself. You know, he's almost as reserved as you are."
When Hermione and Ron left, arms wrapped around each other, Severus was surprised by the hunger in Harry's eyes. Not a physical hunger, but another kind of urgency directed solely at him. It made him feel warm and good inside. When he reached them, Harry jumped when Dumbledore patted his cheek, saying good night, before turning towards the door to leave as well. Dumbledore leant close to Severus, their shoulders brushing and said almost as an aside, "Good night, my friend. I hope you found your birthday as entertaining as it was enlightening, although, if I were you, I wouldn't expect a surprise one any year soon. This one wore me out."
Severus chuckled, saying, "Thank you Albus. I think one was quite enough if only to say I had one."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled knowingly, "Ah, had a good pre-birthday then?"
"Passing fair," he smiled, sliding his eyes to Harry, "if slightly interrupted. I think I shall take Mr. Potter home now. While the cake was tasty, I feel a hankering for dessert."
Dumbledore laughed merrily as he made his way out the door saying something about 'cream-filled chocolate eclairs' and in no time they were alone in the room.
Taking Harry's hand, Severus stroked his face with his fingertips. "And now, Mr. Potter, I believe you owe me some belated sweetmeats and I'm singularly desirous to sample their delights."
What could Harry say to such a clear invitation? Not much and, with an apparent impatience that matched his own, he tugged on their joined hands to take Severus home.
TBC