I am completely blown away by the amount of reviews last chapter received! You guys truly rock!!! Thank you so, so much for having cheered me up in the nicest possible way!
A huge bunch of thanks goes to: Crystal56, Corgi1, Enahma, flack, TommieBoy182, Mackie-Messer, sassygirl, Snarry Reader, Elmindrea-al'Thor, Winnie2, Sylvanus Snape, a fan, Gin, MP4, Kaaera, che38th, Deborah, Kay, nerd-girl, Christina, AliciaMasters, texasjeanette, anna may, Bristow child, celestialbard 4, DarkAngel, me, abilupin, Cryss, da_blk_saiyangurl, jbcna, Fru Legolas Greenleaf, the-magic-is-in-you, lisa13, Glorfindel of Gondolin, Ocytavian, barbarataku, Anarane Anwamane, Kateri1, earnest
Remo Con: I have bookmarked your story. I promise I'll read and review it just as soon as I have some free time. Thanks for reviewing and I'm glad you like my story.
Aryth: I know what you mean! I love established relationship stories too, but they're pretty scarce in the world of Snarry fanfic! Thanks for reviewing and I hope you continue to enjoy my story.
Lyla Snape: I must admit I agree with you. I caved in at the request of my readers. In my original plotline, it took them months to live under the same roof again…I'm an angsty person, I guess. Thanks for your review!
Magdalena1: Thank you! I love your stories so receiving such high praise from you tickles me pink! I've noticed the same thing about futuristic fics – they usually focus on the kids. That usually annoys me since I find Harry and Sev far more interesting!
Toamanda: Err, you're right about the stitches part. I forgot about that. You must really know your Harry Potter books well to have spotted that, eh? Thanks for reviewing and I'm glad you're enjoying my story.
Jules: Ooh, you read my mind! That's all I'm going to say in regard to your question, though…:) Thanks for reviewing and I hope you continue to enjoy my story.
Mara-Jade-Potter: Thank you! As per usual, a heart warming review! I like Ariel too. Funnily enough, I named her after my 10 month old niece. :)
AN: This story is a continuation of all those fanfics in which Harry and Severus are forced together by a "Soul Mate" potion (or spell), usually masterminded by Albus Dumbledore. I've never written such a fic myself, but after having read more than my share, this plot bunny just wouldn't let me be. I've chosen to remain true to the variety of fics I'd read which sported this particular plot so Harry is an Auror, Sev is no longer teaching at Hogwarts, and the rest you will find out in due time…
Warning: HP/SS Slash!
He Who Knows Best
Chapter 7:
Luke's way of dealing with his parents' separation was to immerse himself in research. He just had to find the loophole in the magical theory behind 'Animus Ligare' in order to prove the original findings correct. After all, Harry had chosen not to reveal Albus' lie to his children so Luke was finding it incredibly difficult to believe the great Albus Dumbledore had miscalculated the magical formula behind his breakthrough spell. Which means all of Luke's free time was being spent in the library. Initially his good friend Liam Malfoy had been assisting him, but since he now had little to fret over his parents' own relationship, he'd abandoned the research and resumed more interesting pastimes. But not Luke. Luke had everything to gain from cracking this mystery and absolutely nothing to lose. Besides, he was captivated by the intricate logic behind the spell, articulated beautifully by Dumbledore in his bestseller "That Which Binds – Animus Ligare".
* * * * * *
Severus' return home was not a soppy homecoming filled with hearts and violins. Though Harry knew that wouldn't be the case, he couldn't help feel somewhat disappointed and frustrated by their new living arrangements. Severus had moved out of the master bedroom they had previously shared and had set himself up in his den. He had transfigured the brown leather sofa into an oversized double bed and was spending most of his time cooped up in there, no doubt strategizing his revenge on Albus.
Still, his husband's return home had had positive effects on Ariel, who had been beaming with joy ever since her father showed up for dinner exactly two weeks ago. Ariel had lunged herself at Severus as soon as she returned home that afternoon, and had been monitoring his movements ever since. She seemed overjoyed to have both parents living under one roof again, and truly believed a complete reconciliation would follow shortly
.
Harry hoped so too, but judging from Sev's withdrawn behavior, he was gradually losing faith in that happening anytime soon.
* * * * * *
Another matter which was plaguing Harry's thoughts was Albus Dumbledore. He was a brilliant wizard and an excellent reader of human emotions. Something just didn't fit. Oh Albus certainly was cunning, manipulative, prone to excessive secrecy, and a meddlesome old coot, but up until the binding sham, he'd never behaved in a downright deceptive manner. Besides, Harry couldn't for the life of him figure out what the man stood to gain by revealing the truth after 15 long years of silence. No matter which angle he looked at the situation from, things just didn't add up.
He'd tried to discuss this with Severus over lunch one day, but the mere mention of Albus' name had angered Sev to such an extent that he just couldn't listen to Harry's logic. He was blinded by fury and couldn't be swayed from his belief that Albus had finally let his power get the better of him. That he'd succumbed to the primordial urge all humans are born with, and had decided to play God. Severus truly believed Albus had turned into a power-thirsty tyrant, intent on manipulating everyone to do his bidding.
So Harry shared his confusion with Hermione. Being the rational witch that she was, Hermione immediately began searching for motives, reasons, and explanations behind Albus' behavior. She and Harry would spend long hours discussing the matter, either by firecall or by visiting one another. They'd grown even closer since the Anniversary Ball, a fact that was not lost on their respective spouses. In fact, it seemed that Severus would pace around the house huffing and puffing whenever Harry was engaged in a long conversation with Hermione, and when she visited their home, Severus would spend far less time in his den and far more time observing the two friends interact.
One day, during Hermione's visit, when the two were discussing Harry's frustration with the status quo his relationship seemed to have reached with his husband, the clever witch mentioned her observation to her friend. She offered him an encouraging look and explained that the fact that Severus feels the need to 'chaperone' them whenever she visits shows his deep feelings for Harry.
"He's jealous, don't you see? He may not be ready to be your husband again, but he certainly isn't ready to lose you, either," she smiled warmly at him.
Harry thought this over and admitted that it indeed appeared to be the truth. He then had a sneaky idea, which reminded him why his son had ended up in Slytherin…
With his father being 100% Slytherin and his dad being around 45% so, poor Luke never stood a chance, he sighed.
What if I scared him a bit? I mean it's not as if reasoning with him has helped much, so why not go for broke? Why not give him a taste of what it would be like to lose me? Maybe that would knock some sense into my stubborn, prickly, brilliant, sexy husband…
But then again, what if it backfires? What if he sees it as proof of the fact that we should never have bonded in the first place?
That's when Harry's Gryffindor nature kicked in. 'What ifs' never helped anyone, especially Harry Potter! Besides, it's not as if he had that much to lose. Having Severus home was better than before, but he was not about to spend the rest of his life loving his husband from afar and waiting for Sev to want him again.
Having made up his mind, Harry flooed directly to Malfoy Manor, intent on converting both Malfoys to partake in his scheme. Though Hermione would be the one playing the leading role in the so-called affair, he needed Draco's understanding and approval for things to run smoothly.
Draco's eyes glinted with amusement and approval as he listened to Harry's plan. This sort of plan, though very much to his liking, had thrown him for a loop, considering it had been devised by Gryffindor's golden boy. Perhaps he'd underestimated Potter all these years…
Hermione was a different story, entirely. She did not like the plan at all and voiced her opinion fiercely. She thought Severus had suffered enough deception and manipulation to last him a lifetime, and that enduring another from Harry would hardly nudge him in the right direction.
"Sometimes the end justifies the means, 'Mione" Harry pleaded.
The brown eyed witch glared defiantly at Harry.
"How is that different from what Professor Dumbledore said about his deception, Harry?"
Draco, who'd been quiet until then, decided to throw in his two sickles:
"That may be true, babe, but you're forgetting who we're dealing with here. This is Severus Snape, master of misconception, duke of deception, sultan of spies! He is a hard bitter man who has chosen to wallow in self-pity and hatred rather than kick himself in the arse and move on with his life! For once I'm with Potter. This may be the only way to get through to the old git."
Draco neared his gaping wife, nuzzled her neck seductively and added,
"Besides, why not give Potter here a taste of something he could never have?"
Having said that, the blond wizard gave Harry an icy glare, before he hissed,
"Just as long as you remember, Potter. No one trespasses on Malfoy territory!"
Harry nodded neutrally at Draco, letting him know the warning will be heeded.
The three spent another two hours devising their plan, after which Harry apparated home to find the first stage already in motion…
Severus was slouched over on the couch in their living room upon Harry's return. A glass of scotch in his right hand, while his left was massaging his temple. He flinched when Harry appeared before him then looked at the boy with his unreadable expression. Unreadable to most perhaps, but not to Harry. The soft glint of sadness in Sev's eyes did not escape his husband.
"Good evening, Sev" Harry offered.
"I do not believe 11:30 pm is considered evening by most, Harry" Severus sneered.
"Is that the time? Sorry, I was visiting 'Mione. I guess we got carried away…talking and stuff" Harry said innocently. It was difficult for him to lead Sev on this way, but he forced himself to continue, believing it was best for both of them.
Severus harrumphed, but remained seated, his gaze still glued on Harry.
"Really Sev, it's not as if I was imposing on them. I left as soon as Draco got home!"
This was a bit too much for Severus to take. It all fit in perfectly with his suspicions. Harry and Hermione were closer than ever! So much for Harry wanting him back. All his talk of love was just that. Talk! Well Severus was not going to sit here and listen to his husband babble on about his new lover.
So he stood up, shot Harry a menacing look, and made a dramatic exit, stalking huffily towards his den.
Harry remained standing, following his husband with his eyes. Things were going according to plan, yet that did nothing to comfort Harry in the least. This just had to work! It was the only idea he had for reminding Sev of his true feelings. It just had to work!
* * * * * *
The following morning Severus prepared breakfast. This came as a big surprise to both Ariel and Harry since the older wizard hadn't joined his family for breakfast since before the Anniversary Ball. Harry allowed a small grin to grace his face, as he took his seat and began eating his delicious omelet.
Severus cleared his throat and faced Harry:
"I will take Ariel to school today. When do you suppose you will be home this evening?" He stressed the word evening so that Harry would understand he was expected to return home straight from work.
"Usual time. Around 7 pm, I suppose." Harry replied matter-of-factly.
He had no intention of staying out tonight. After all, once Hermione took care of the next step, he and Severus should have quite a bit to discuss.
Harry apparated to his office at the Ministry building, as Sev and Ariel flooed to her school. Harry couldn't help but wonder how Severus would react to the next step of their plan. After all, if having Harry return late from 'Mione's got him to sit with them at breakfast, who knew what effect this step would have!
* * * * * *
At 7 o'clock sharp Harry materialized at the entrance to the Potter-Snape home. He snuck a sly glance around and when his eyes rested on a beautiful bouquet of long stem roses arranged in a crystal vase on the table, he smiled and took a deep breath.
Time to look for Sev…
Before Harry even moved from his spot, Severus appeared from the kitchen. He glared at Harry and muttered:
"Our daughter is having dinner in the kitchen. You will join us for the meal, after which you will put her to bed, and report back to explain this." He waved his hand brusquely pointing at the flowers.
Harry followed Sev into the kitchen, kissed Ariel, and tried to enjoy the fine meal Severus had prepared. Once dinner was finished, Harry and Ariel retreated to the young girl's bedroom, where they talked about their day and played a game of exploding snap before tucking the girl into bed.
Moments later Harry braced himself as he slowly made his way down to the living room, to face his angry husband. As he sauntered in, he found Severus sitting in their cream colored armchair, staring dumbly into the roaring flames in the hearth. Hearing Harry's footsteps, the potions master turned his head swiftly and acknowledged the younger wizard's presence with a brief nod.
"The Malfoy owl brought you the flowers." Severus said dryly. "I took the liberty of reading the note attached. It's from Hermione."
Harry walked over to the bouquet, took out the note and read it.
Dear Harry,
Thank you for being the best friend imaginable!
Draco doesn't suspect a thing! You truly are brilliant!
All my love,
Hermione
"You may inform Mrs. Malfoy" Severus sneered "that though her husband is a gullible trusting fool, your husband is nothing of the sort!"
Harry faced Severus and asked weakly "You know about this?"
Severus regarded his husband with a sinister look.
"Did you really believe you could outsmart me, Potter? Did you think your so-called friendship would fool me for very long?" a thin sarcastic smile on his face.
Harry's expression became confused as he stepped closer to Severus.
"What do you mean so-called friendship? I only agreed to do this because we're friends!"
This response was not what Severus had been expecting to hear. He was absolutely livid with Harry, but even more so with the bushy-haired snake of a witch Draco had the misfortune of being married to. Severus closed the distance between himself and his young husband, grabbed Harry's wrist forcefully and roared:
"You belong to me! You'd best remember that when you sever all ties with the pitiful replacement you've accepted in my stead!"
As soon as the words had been said, Harry found himself being crushed into a rib-cracking embrace as his lips were assaulted by the man standing before him. Severus kissed him mercifully, desperately, as if trying to claim him. In all their years together Harry had never felt so much emotion and intensity in Sev's touch. Harry winced when the kiss came to an abrupt halt but soon enough felt his body being dragged by Severus in the direction of their bedroom.
As Harry allowed his jealous husband to claim him over and over again, that night, he smiled inwardly and commended himself on (and Hermione) on a job well done.
TBCNext chapter:
How will Sev react to finding out the truth about Harry and Hermione's scheme? Will Luke's research be fruitful? Isn't anyone going to confront Dumbledore?
Last chapter you guys truly outdid yourself with reviews!
Lets see how well you do this time! :)