Chapter 14: Truth, Potion

Tuesday, 20th August. Dawn.

Harry sighed and blinked his eyes slowly. He was being turned gently onto his stomach and he shivered as he realized what was happening. When he was able to work his limbs, he lifted himself up on all fours.

"Harry …" Severus whispered urgently. All sounds became muffled as their lips met and the Potions Master belatedly cast silencing spells about the bedroom. When their session slowly came to an end, they both lay on their sides and held each other.

If there was a window in this room, it would be perfect, Harry thought drowsily. Severus stroked his hair gently and even in the darkness, the Dark Mark was clearly visible against the Potions Master's fair skin.

"Harry, I've got to go," his lover whispered in his ear. "I need to get started on the Wolfsbane potion."

The young wizard propped himself up with an elbow and smiled roguishly at Severus. "All right. I should be able to stay out of your hair," Harry said lightly.

"And stay out of my sight. At least for the next three days," Severus mumbled softly.

"Three days?!" the emerald-eyed wizard groaned and dropped flat on his back. He sighed. "Then it's good that I have Sirius and the others to keep myself occupied. But if you start missing me …" There was a wicked look on his face and he was pleased to see his older lover shifting on the bed uneasily. "I'll be here…"

"Frankly, Harry. I would like to think that there is more to this relationship than just sex," the Potions Master said quietly.

The Gryffindor frowned at his words. That spoiled the mood. He stared blankly at the ceiling and felt his lover trying to speak. A moment later, the older wizard sighed and got up slowly. Such a nice feeling to start the day, Harry thought sarcastically. His eyes started to close and he fell asleep. He woke up again when he felt warm lips pressing against his own. Green eyes looked blearily back at apologetic dark brown ones. The sight made him feel a bit better than he had several minutes earlier. Hermione was right. Depressed Harry isn't really good.

"Don't sleep in too late," Severus murmured and Harry made a contented sound at the back of his throat. "Hey," the sweet, silky voice pulled the Gryffindor out of his sleepiness. "I'm sorry that I've been an idiot."

"Sev, hearing you admit to your faults is disturbing," Harry muttered but pulled his lover close for another kiss. "I do love you. It's just that right now, making love to you is the only way that I know how to express it. I'm sure that there are other ways to show you that." He nuzzled against Severus's neck and ran his fingers through the silky strands of black hair. Do I dare ask him if he dyes his hair? How come I don't see any white strands? The Potions Master chuckled softly and the Gryffindor grinned.

"Just give me a chance to stick around you for a while."

Lunchtime.

"About bloody time!" Ron exclaimed as soon as Harry poked his head through the kitchen doorway. "Where did you disappear to?"

"What do you mean by disappear?" the raven-haired Gryffindor asked curiously before greeting Mrs. Weasley properly — and by properly, it meant a warm hug and a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Oh, Harry! You've finally put on weight!" the older woman gushed. "Severus really did take good care of you."

"Someday, you'll have to persuade him to cook," Harry remarked and Ron's face twisted into an expression of horror.

"Merlin, no! Harry, are you mad? He'll poison us!"

"Ron!" Hermione and Mrs. Weasley shot the redhead sharp looks.

"Professor Dumbledore trusts him and Severus made sure that Harry was all right," Mrs. Weasley said as she served Harry a good helping of pasta.

"Where is he by the way?" Emerald eyes looked around at their faces inquisitively.

"He's down in the cellar." Everyone turned their heads to the doorway and greeted Remus cheerfully.

"Had a good rest?" Remus planted himself beside The Boy Who Lived and poured tea for himself.

Harry smiled and nodded.

"Of course he had a good rest," Sirius's voice reached their ears and the boy's godfather entered the kitchen. "That greasy git placed a charm on him so that none of us could wake him up."

"Did not!" Harry immediately protested. His godfather snorted loudly and casually grabbed his fork and started eating.

"Sirius's right," Hermione inserted her observation. "I don't know how he knew but since you looked so peaceful, well … we didn't bother to tamper with the spell."

"And he told me not to laze around. Contradictory man," Harry mumbled.

"Beg your pardon?" Remus looked slightly interested.

"Nothing." He turned to his godfather. "Why are you grumpy?" the young wizard deliberately changed the subject and ignored Ginny's smirk.

"That's because he had to clean up the basement so that the Potions Master can go about his business brewing Remus's potion," Mrs. Weasley said casually before she sat down. Sirius glared at her but the witch was not paying any attention to his surly looks.

"Now who's lazy?" Harry teased and Sirius swiftly grabbed his plate. "Hey! That's mine!" the young Gryffindor yelped.

"I don't see a fork in your hand," his godfather commented and started to eat. Harry examined the space on the table and realized that the other wizard had taken his.

"Sirius." Remus shook his head at his mate's childishness. "You're starting to act like a spoilt brat."

Harry stuck his tongue out at his godfather who made a funny expression in response, and grabbed a new plate before plying it with food. The teenager busied himself with eating while listening to Mrs. Weasley talking about Tonks's well-being.

"She's out of danger and is in stable condition, thanks to Dumbledore's pet. Poor Kingsley — he was in such a state," Mrs. Weasley sighed.

Their conversation halted briefly when Severus came into the room for a quick bite. Harry could feel his presence even before he entered and the Gryffindor braced himself since he thought the Potions Master was about to kiss the top of his head. Fortunately, even though his lover did come up behind him and extended his arm, it was to reach for the bottle of powdered cheese.

That was too close! The Gryffindor's mind screamed. The young wizard realized that it might be harder to keep his relationship a secret than he had thought. Body language would give them away if they weren't careful. The solemn-faced wizard sat on the far side of the table facing Ginny and Harry breathed a little easier. The teenager had to constantly remind himself not to keep glancing in his lover's direction.

Conversation resumed and it inevitably touched on the topic about the Patronus being a form of neutral Magick. That started a debate, with Ron and Sirius against the theory while Remus and Hermione backed it up. Half an hour passed and the raven-haired Gryffindor addressed the Potions Master absently.

"Sev, I think you ought to check the cauldron," Harry said dreamily. Sirius choked on his drink and Ron's eyes bulged horribly like a goldfish's.

Severus scowled at him before checking his pocket watch. "Bloody hell," he swore and immediately abandoned his meal.

Silence. Harry blinked his eyes slowly and looked around him. "What?" he demanded.

"Sev?" Sirius choked.

Harry looked at his godfather in feigned weariness. Damnation! "Sirius, he took care of me while I was grieving and alone at the Dursleys. Sure, I was mad at him, but it was because I was too stupid to know that your accident was my own fault. I managed to get him to tolerate me, and I think it's way better than having him breathing down my neck all the time." He looked pleadingly at the blue-eyed wizard staring at him. "I've made both of our lives difficult so to speak. Since he arrived, we've been working together quite nicely and that's quite an improvement, don't you think?"

"What's with the potion timing thingy?" Remus asked, his golden eyes looking penetratingly at Harry.

"He tried to brew your potion several times while we were at the Dursleys' but I kept distracting him," he answered honestly and tried not to look sheepish at the same time.

"Distracting him with what?" Sirius asked, looking slightly irritated.

"My presence I guess. It's my fault. I should have stayed away from the kitchen but I couldn't help it if I got hungry." The young wizard smiled. "It upset his timing and he had to fix the kitchen table several times." Ron snickered a little and even Sirius grinned.

"Oh Harry," Mrs. Weasley looked at him fondly, "be nice," she chided him gently.

I am. He is a great cook and a wonderful lover as well, the young Gryffindor thought devilishly. The debate started all over again and Harry's mind drifted. He was thinking about something but the idea kept slipping away from him before he could recognize it.

"Dear, watch where you put the crutch!" a voice yelped.

"Dear?" Hermione and Ginny looked at each other, and then they started to giggle.

"It's the most unnatural thing I have been through," Ron muttered.

Harry did not have to ask what was unnatural because Tonks and Kingsley bumbled into the room, with Dumbledore following at a safe distance. Oh … I keep forgetting that they are a pair now. Tonks's right leg was bandaged up to her knee and she was panting slightly from exertion.

"Holy —" Kingsley immediately pulled out his wand and pointed it directly at Sirius.

It was pure instinct that had Harry scrambling out of his chair, dimly aware that Remus had done the same thing as they both screened the handsome Black with their bodies. There was a light touch on the exposed part of the young wizard's arm and it made the emerald-eyed teenager look behind him.

Sirius's eyes were wide with surprise and there was a look of wonder on his face. Harry seemed lost in the richness of sapphire. Yes, Sirius. I do love you and I'll do anything to protect you. His godfather's face softened and he gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. The older man's eyes darted swiftly to Remus. He seemed quite mesmerized by blue eyes as well.

"I don't deserve it, you know." Black's words were barely above a whisper but Harry heard them as though they had been amplified tenfold.

"Nonsense," Remus replied in the same way and Harry smiled roguishly at his godfather.

"Sir," it was Hermione and she was trying to calm the Auror down. "It really is Sirius."

"It can't be …" The Auror shook his head in disbelief. "I thought the Headmaster was joking."

The pressure on Harry's arm lessened as Sirius stood up and calmly approached Kingsley Shacklebolt and his equally dumbfounded partner. "I owe you an apology, Kingsley," Harry's godfather said quietly. "I was a stubborn fool and caused you and the rest of the Order nothing but trouble."

"Sirius!" Tonks literally flew into his arms and the wizard winced when one of her crutches caught his bare foot. "Oops … sorry! Mother will be extremely glad!"

"How is she?" he asked and carefully guided her to a chair, which she accepted in relief.

She gave a winsome smile at Harry, who waved at her in greeting. "Nice to see you back here, kiddo … and with your godfather again." She gazed up at Sirius. "She's still kinda shocked that you … died? But she'll be all right when she knows you're back among us."

"He told us but I thought it was a joke …" Kingsley mumbled. "How in the hell did you survive?" He looked at the thought-to-be-dead wizard suspiciously.

"Well, why don't we retreat to the living room and talk about it over some wine?" Sirius suggested.

"That sounds like a very good idea," Tonks agreed brightly. "But I can't drink anything too heavy. In this condition, it is too easy to lose my control over my appearance."

While Sirius, Tonks and Kingsley went off, Dumbledore stayed and Harry realized that he was staring at Remus. The tawny-haired wizard noticed the silent attention and looked at the Headmaster curiously. Wordlessly, the old wizard sat on the chair that Severus had deserted.

"I think I know that look," Harry commented. Dumbledore managed to look a little sheepish. "You want Remus to take up teaching again."

"No!" Remus looked aghast.

"Yes!!!" Hermione, Ginny and Ron exclaimed happily.

"You are quite right, Harry," the Headmaster nodded his head in confirmation. "Well, Remus?"

"Maybe you ought to ask Severus to teach," Remus pleaded.

"Hell no!" That was Ron.

"I agree," Severus's voice nearly caused the redhead to topple from his chair. Harry's eyebrows flew up to his forehead. "The Defence post can be given to almost anyone — who has the right qualifications — but it is much harder to replace a Potions Master." Harry's smile widened. Yes … Potions Master is definitely the title for you …

"Please? Please, be our professor once more!" Ginny begged adorably.

"I am not going anywhere without Sirius," Remus said, full of determination and giving a challenging gaze to the Headmaster. Dumbledore looked like he was going to protest but fell silent. The werewolf gave an arch look at the ancient wizard.

"That's blackmail," Harry observed. "Isn't that going to get all of us in trouble with the Ministry?"

"Do you really care?" Hermione asked suddenly.

"Not particularly. Honestly, I want the Minister to suffer some amount of stress," the emerald-eyed Gryffindor said wickedly. "But well, what if the parents of the other students deem that Remus is far too dangerous to teach … again?"

"If they have anything to say about it, they are most welcome to apply for the post. As for Sirius, I think that something can be arranged. His looks are different enough for him not to be recognized as the Azkaban runaway. In fact, I'll make him your assistant so that he can cover for you during your transformations," Dumbledore replied and looked at Remus for his approval. The hazel-eyed wizard was contemplating the Headmaster's words and Harry took the chance to ask his lover if it was wise for him to come back up instead of attending his cauldron.

"I have approximately two hours to waste before going back," Severus replied as he sat on the table. Harry caught Hermione staring at the professor and she was biting on her lower lip thoughtfully. I think she's noticed the subtle change in Sev. The raven-haired Gryffindor rested his eyes on the top of the Potions Master's head. He does looks like as though he enjoys the company of others now.

His lover turned his head slightly and their eyes met. Severus had felt Harry staring at him and though his face remained austere, his eyes were shining brightly — a subtle implication that the wizard was smiling.

This is insane. How can my knees go weak just because of that? Harry began to feel the tingles that was centered in his chest. He wrenched his gaze from his lover. If he stared at those gorgeous-looking lips, he might not be able to control himself and kiss Severus senseless in front of the Headmaster and his friends. I shouldn't get obsessed with his mouth.

"So Sirius has to act as if he is someone else?" Remus finally spoke. Dumbledore nodded gravely. The werewolf sighed and stood up. "I'll have a talk with him. If he agrees with the idea, I'll teach Defence again. But if he doesn't, I guess you'll have to be content with me being just another pair of hands."

"Very well," the old wizard replied.

It seemed that their business in the kitchen was concluded and Ron asked if Harry wanted to chill out somewhere in the house.

"Sure, I don't mind," The Boy Who Lived replied, then froze. "Do you need me to do anything?" he asked Severus but the Potions Master shook his head. "Well, then. Come on guys. Let's go!"

They headed up to the room that Ron was sharing with Hermione. Ginny and the older girl decided to tackle Harry to the bed and he was quickly out of breath once the girls started to tickle him mercilessly.

"STOP!!!" Harry yelled and accidentally rolled off the bed. Ron winced at the loud thud and the pained expression on his best friend's face.

"Ouch!" the redhead mouthed.

"Hey! I just noticed something!" Ginny said excitedly and Harry decided not to panic — would she say something about his relationship with the greasy Potions Master?

"I just noticed something too. The twins went to work?" Harry quickly asked.

"Yeah." Ron flung himself on the bed beside Hermione. "But they'll come back here. Actually, Dung's been helping them out and keeping an eye on things over at Diagon Alley as well."

"Hey! Listen to me! How come it's so peaceful?" Ginny squealed again to gain their attention.

"Peaceful?" her brother asked dumbly.

"No screaming! Someone managed to destroy the portraits!" the young witch informed him excitedly.

"Oh!" Ron and Hermione gave the same response. Harry snickered when his redheaded friend started to blush.

"It's Sirius's doing. He had gotten so fed up with his mother that he decided to shrink everyone — including one portrait of Phineas," Harry explained. His back gave a sudden twinge of pain and he blanched before glaring at the girls. Hermione wore a broad smile while Ginny smirked at him slyly. The green-eyed Gryffindor crawled onto the bed and started to spend some quality time with his best friends.

Everything around Remus was a blur as he made his way to his dark-haired lover. He saw Tonks resting her head on Kingsley's shoulder while listening to Sirius intently. The werewolf entered the room as quietly as he could and was pleased that the three other occupants weren't aware of his presence.

He sat on a stool that was close to the wall and made himself as inconspicuous as possible. Kingsley coughed and Remus saw that Tonks was clutching her stomach as she burst into a fit of laughter. Sirius must have told them about us …The werewolf waited for another thirty minutes to let his lover wear himself out apologizing to the Aurors.

"It was so like you," was all Kingsley said, in reference to the taunting note that the illegal Animagus had sent to the Dark Lord. Sirius gave a half-hearted smile and turned his head to watch Remus.

I thought he wasn't aware of my presence! Tonks and Kingsley finally saw him and made hasty excuses to rejoin Dumbledore. Sirius waved them off before sauntering over to the weary-looking wizard. His lover joyfully kissed him before asking why he was there trying to imitate a Chameleon Ghoul.

"Dumbledore has asked me if I would like to take up teaching again," Remus said while staring into Sirius's face. His lover only looked mildly surprised.

"And?" Sirius's expression was so cute that the werewolf started to chuckle.

"Well … will you agree to be my assistant?"

"What?!" Sirius jumped and stared at Remus as if he had mistaken the words.

"I bargained with the Headmaster," the werewolf explained. "If I am to teach at Hogwarts, I want you to be there too. Get it?"

His dark-haired lover gazed at him and finally gave a slow smile. "All right. I get the hint. Let's go tell the old man!" He rubbed his hands gleefully and Remus started to feel slightly dubious, wondering if their plan was such a good idea after all. "I'm going undercover right?"

"Yes. Thought of any names?" Remus asked as they descended the stairs.

"I'll leave that to Dumbledore. But what about my appearance?" Sirius piped up, looking much younger now that he was feeling hyperactive.

"You look quite different already. Must be the white hair…" Remus answered, eyeing the streaks of silver admiringly.

In the evening …

Harry was pacing inside the room he shared with his secret lover, feeling greatly troubled by something. It was hard trying to sort out his feelings and he was beginning to get frustrated as well as irritated. He was concentrating so intently on his thoughts that he missed hearing Severus swearing as the wizard entered the bedroom and headed straight for his black trunk. The older wizard noticed the Gryffindor's troubled look and left his trunk for a moment.

"Harry?" The Potions Master stood before him and lifted his chin gently. "You're restless." The emerald-eyed wizard nodded and tried to say something but was unable to think of words to tell his lover. "It's about your godfather, isn't it?"

Again, the teenager nodded his head. Harry sighed and sat on the bed, dispirited. What do I do? He raised his arms and fisted his own hair but Severus quickly pried his fingers off before he could even think about pulling the thick black strands out of his scalp.

"Why don't you go to him? And talk," his lover suggested. The space beside Harry was quickly occupied by the older man. Warm, graceful fingers — that held an odd scent reminiscent of sarsaparilla — came to trace the youth's cheekbone.

The Potions Master's coal-black eyes seemed to penetrate through his soul and Harry knew instantly that Severus knew exactly what was tormenting him. His lover slowly closed the gap that separated their faces for a loving kiss.

"Harry, you are aware of the feelings that came when you lost the opportunity to tell someone that you care for them. And a million of other things," Severus spoke, fingers still on his face.

But I'm afraid to do it. Harry couldn't look at his lover anymore and dropped his gaze. He felt cold and his stomach was in knots, increasing his discomfort since dinner had been scant minutes earlier and he was incredibly full.

"You need to talk to him," Severus repeated. He stood and the comforting warmth disappeared from the younger wizard's side. "You're a Gryffindor. Surely honesty and frankness will do the trick." The Potions Master picked up the box that he was after. He grinned crookedly as he glanced over his shoulder and remained at the door until Harry got to his feet with a determined look. "That is why I love you," the grave wizard spoke quietly.

The young wizard followed his lover out of the bedroom but paused as he heard loud voices belonging to his friends. Severus gave him one last encouraging look before the Potions Master went down the steps.

"Harry!" Ginny yelled his name and he looked at her curiously. "Can you please be more sociable?"

"Gin …" Hermione pinched the girl lightly on her thigh.

"Later, I promise. Sirius is with Remus right?" The Boy Who Lived leaned against the wall and looked at his friends for an answer. Ron shook his head however.

"Remus is with Mum. Sirius is in his room, probably," his best friend answered. "You doing alright?"

"Yeah … just need to talk to him for a bit," the emerald-eyed boy agreed.

"How long is that going to take?" Ginny started to pout. "It's not like we can stay up all night to chat."

"There's always tomorrow," Hermione replied with a snicker.

"I'll spend time with you guys tomorrow. I do want to consult a bit about some stuff your brothers gave me," the bespectacled teenager said with a smile. "I have to get a few things out of my soul first."

"Good luck mate," Ron replied earnestly while the girls nodded in support.

"I'm lucky that I have you guys as friends," Harry declared and impulsively hugged the three of them.

"Dean's going to go beans about this," Hermione observed but nonetheless returned Harry's embrace.

"If Ginny's boyfriend is going to be pissed, I don't think I want to imagine a certain redhead in the throes of jealousy," Harry whispered slyly and smirked when the girl gave a small gasp. He released Hermione — She is certainly more developed — and looked loftily at his best friend. "Some competition will keep you healthy."

"You're mean," Ron muttered. "Now go away and talk to your godfather."

"You'd better snatch her up fast before I decide to be really serious. I know Viktor is at least putting in some effort," Harry spoke over his shoulder.

"What do you mean!" his friend demanded. "Hermione?"

"Ron, you do know that Krum's been wooing'Mione, right?" Harry heard Ginny inquire. His friend's reply went unheard as the emerald-eyed wizard turned a corner and saw that Sirius's door was closed. I hope he doesn't mind talking to me. He steeled himself and knocked on the door politely.

"Harry?" His godfather had opened the door and wasn't exactly surprised to see him standing there.

"Sirius, can we talk?" The young wizard couldn't control his trembling voice and he actually stammered the words. The handsome Black cocked his head slightly to one side and contemplated Harry's face for a minute. He stepped aside and the young Gryffindor took that as a signal to enter the room. "Am I disturbing you? I mean … do you and Remus have plans?"

Sirius followed his gaze onto the deep violet luxurious waterbed. Scrolls of parchment littered its surface and his godfather muttered something about old habits. "Sorry about that — we're trying to draw up a plan for you kids."

"Sirius, two things," Harry stopped and stared at his godfather, "don't call me a kid and what plan are you talking about?"

"Sorry kid, Tonks' influence." Deep blue eyes twinkled in amusement as Harry rolled his eyes sarcastically. Sirius pointed at the bed and the young wizard sat on its edge before gathering the rolls of parchment. He then placed them in one corner so that the his godfather could sit. "We're deciding what to teach the students. You can be sure of the Patronus Charm being one of the core topics."

"I see … and what else will you be teaching?" Harry inquired. He didn't have to feign interest because he really wanted to know what they would be learning in the new year.

"Hexes and curses alike. Remus and I are listing the spells we used during the Dark era. More Dueling spells. Quite advanced and not all of you will be able to perform it. But they will be useful if you are besieged by Death Eaters," Sirius replied.

"But is that wise? I mean … you know … Malfoy and the rest …" The young wizard did not finish his sentence.

"Ah … the juniors … Dumbledore said not to worry about them. There is a higher population of innocent students than Death Eater wannabes." Sirius smiled faintly. The silence between them stretched and it became quite uncomfortable.

Harry waited until he felt ready to speak but it took him a lot of effort to get the first few words out of his mouth. "Sirius, I need to apologize … for keeping secrets and not telling the truth." His godfather remained mute and he kept talking. "It's just that … it was scary. I don't like … I don't like the bond that still connects me to Voldemort. It hurts — the way he can manipulate my thinking and my actions."

The young wizard gulped and stared at his hands. "I don't know why I didn't tell you about the dream, about the blasted Department of Mysteries. It may be selfishness — I just wanted to feel like I at least knew something." I'm shaking like a leaf.

"Other than the Prophecy, Voldemort had another aim — to eliminate those whom I care about. He got Bellatrix to do it. My foolishness and recklessness caused you to get hurt."

"Harry, I was an arrogant prig," Sirius said lightly.

The emerald-eyed Gryffindor didn't hear the other man's words. "— Then you fell through the Veil. A lot of things could have gone wrong for you! I mean, you could really be dead and your body lost in God-knows-where! Or you could have come back and be different!"

Harry was completely oblivious to Sirius's agitated expression. Then again, Harry didn't realize that he was actually crying, making it harder for his godfather to catch his words. Harry spoke freely without really knowing what he was saying and resisted his godfather's attempts at calming him down.

"Harry? Harry!" the wizard yelled and Harry forgot what he had to say. "Calm down! It wasn't your fault that I was hit by an Unforgivable Curse! I was battling with a Death Eater and I bloody well knew what I was facing!" Sirius thundered. "And the consequences!" He placed both of his hands on Harry's shoulders and the young wizard had no choice but to meet Black's stern gaze.

"It happens, Harry. All of us will die someday," Sirius said quietly.

"But —"

"You just have to live with the pain and the loss. You seem to have been dealing with it rather well the last few weeks."

"But that's because there was no evidence of you being dead," Harry choked on his tears. And what happens if Sev … if Sev … Suddenly, he couldn't breathe.

"You're a Gryffindor, Harry. You will strive to survive, no matter what. You won't give up hope. Protect what you can. Love while you can," Sirius whispered and hugged his godson. "Even if you're destined to die … you bloody well make sure you don't go down easy."

"I wish you hadn't said that," a new voice startled the pair. It was Remus and it appeared that he had been in the room for quite some time. He looked slightly pained but Harry couldn't tell if it was because it was nearing full moon or because of his godfather's ominous words. "Don't try to turn him into a martyr."

"I am not a bloody savior," Harry managed to growl, and it caused the two older wizards to chuckle.

"Can I ask something?" Remus looked at Harry with an obscure expression. "If someone you dearly love dies, would you let someone alter your memory so you wouldn't remember the pain?"

Emerald eyes darkened slightly as the teenager contemplated the werewolf's words. He shook his head finally in answer and smiled tremulously.

"Feel better?" Sirius asked and Harry nodded, smiling weakly at both men. His wristwatch suddenly beeped and emerald eyes looked at it curiously. When his brain finally made sense of the digits displayed, he cursed.

"Watch your language, young man," Sirius spoke in a mocking tone and caused his godson to swear again.

I don't believe it is already midnight!

"It is midnight already, Harry," Remus told him gently. "And before Molly —"

"Harry dear, there you are!" Ron's mother appeared by the doorway. She was looking at Sirius disapprovingly.

"— Comes to give us a lecture about socializing at unholy hours, you ought to go to bed," Remus finished his sentence and grinned widely. Mrs. Weasley shook her head and ushered the young Gryffindor back to his room.

While he dressed for bed, he noticed that there was a scrap of parchment in Hedwig's beak. Harry carefully retrieved the note and watched his pet brush her wingtip gently on Severus's robe.

"You're really being good-natured about our relationship," Harry whispered and his owl gave a soft hoot. He quickly read the note and sighed. His lover wouldn't be sleeping tonight. A creaking noise caused him to turn. "I thought you said that you wouldn't be sleeping," he said in puzzlement.

"But that doesn't mean I won't be coming up here to check on you," Severus replied quickly. Harry clamped his mouth shut when his lover suddenly swept him off his feet and carried him to the bed. "It went well?"

"Yes it did. Thanks for the advice." Harry looked up at the Potions Master gratefully.

"I am glad that you are being less stubborn nowadays," Severus murmured.

"Hmmmm …" Harry was already beginning to feel sleepy. The lights gradually dimmed but he was still able to see Severus. He removed his glasses and his lover helped place them on the small table.

"Legilimens."

Still, the kittenish smile didn't disappear from the young wizard's face.

"And I am even gladder you chose not to abandon your practice."

Harry grinned sleepily and let the pull of slumber overwhelm him.

'Love while you can,' Sirius's voice echoed in his mind and the Gryffindor fell asleep under the loving gaze of the Potions Master.

Saturday, 24th August. Late afternoon.

Loud cheers and greetings erupted in the hallway of number twelve, Grimmauld Place. Fred and George Weasley had turned up again with a box of merchandise for their siblings and their secret investor. Ron ran up the stairs, earning a glare from his mother and entered the bedroom where Hermione and Harry were supposed to be hanging out. To the redhead's surprise, the only occupant was the girl of his dreams, who was flipping through a photo album.

Curious, Ron tiptoed into the room and snuck quietly behind Hermione. He looked down and studied the Muggle photograph of Hermione, her parents, Ron and the others that had gathered in her home earlier that summer.

"When did you get those?" he asked and Hermione was so startled that she shrieked.

"Ron! Don't do that!" Her hair stood on end and her brown eyes were wide.

"Sorry," the boy muttered.

"God!" Hermione took a deep breath and handed the album to him. "Kingsley gave it to me a few minutes ago."

"Where's Harry?" Ron asked and sat on the bed at a respectable distance.

"Wasn't he with you?"

"No … damn it. It's the fourth time he's gone missing all of sudden," he grumbled.

Down in the basement.

The raven-haired Gryffindor wrinkled his nose at the pungent odor that was slowly starting to diffuse in the windowless room. The peace he felt while watching the Potions Master — his Potions Master — so lost in potion-making was almost unbelievable. The cauldron gave a loud pop and smoke drifted upwards before vaporizing. Harry watched Severus's face carefully. The older wizard was smiling faintly, perhaps as a silent congratulation that he had brewed the potion without further mishap.

"Lover," Severus called absently, "do you mind helping me clear things up?"

"Sure," Harry answered, blushing a little upon hearing the endearment. "Do I need to wear gloves or anything?"

"Damn … I forget that you can't do magic yet." Immediately, the older wizard coated Harry's arms with a protective spell. Severus made sure that the spell was properly done before nodding. Both wizards worked in complete silence but the teenager was content. Being close to the Potions Master and helping him had made the emerald-eyed wizard feel needed … and special somehow.

"Uhmmm … Sev?" Harry paused before a row of small bottles. His lover came to his side and carefully gathered the glassware and arranged them carefully in a small square box.

"Is it really all right for you to be down here?" Dark brown eyes gazed at him fondly and removed the protection spell around the teenager's arms.

"I feel all right," Harry answered and wrapped his arms about the man's waist.

"Don't give me ideas," Severus said huskily.

"What ideas?" Emerald eyes looked up at the Potions Master innocently but his lithe body was rubbing blatantly against the older wizard. If anyone had heard the hearty laughter, they would have mistaken it as coming from Sirius.

Sirius was straddled across his lover's back and giving the tan-skinned wizard a massage. It was strangely soothing so he didn't complain when Remus asked him. His fingers traveled down the werewolf's spine and he heard the wizard grunt in approval as he applied pressure around a tight spot. Feeling his lover relax under his fingers was very pleasurable.

"Remus?" Sirius called and heard the wizard beneath him make an inquiring noise. "Don't you think Snivellus has been acting funny lately?"

"What makes you say that?" his lover questioned him in a strained voice.

"I've caught him looking strangely at Harry several times," Sirius explained. Remus tapped his knee lightly. The black-haired wizard took the hint and crawled off his lover's body. "Want me to rub your chest too?"

"Stop that," Remus said, looking at him with amusement. "I don't know if their … closeness … is anything out of the ordinary, but Severus is out of character."

Sirius laid himself down beside Remus and his lover automatically draped an arm over his chest. He gazed up at the ceiling where a crystal floated in midair. He concentrated on it and the elongated crystal started to spin. The werewolf beside him watched the jewel too and glanced at the dark-haired wizard when he gave a long sigh. "Maybe it's just me. I'm getting paranoid."

Remus's lips quirked upwards. "It is always easier to just corner Harry and ask him directly," he hinted.

"Do you think he'd tell us?" Sirius asked dubiously. "Merlin … I'm not sure if I want to know anything. I mean … Harry and Snivellus?" He grimaced.

"It's up to you if you want to ask him. But if you are, I suggest you ask him at night. He's more vulnerable then." The werewolf turned his head around sharply as loud laughter reached his ears. "Did you hear that?"

"Yes, I did. Not your imagination." Sirius instantly sat up on the bed, his body moving accordingly to the shifting of the waterbed.

"I can tell that it's not Harry or any of the Weasleys," the tawny-haired wizard observed.

Black nodded his head absently. "Too deep and rich."

"Velvety."

At that, their eyes met and they stared silently at each other. Shocked expressions gradually changed into ones of disbelief, which then transformed into horror-struck looks.

"Harry and Snivellus?" Surprisingly, it was Remus who broke the tension.

"This had better be a joke," Sirius muttered, his face beginning to darken.

"Snivellus laughed? That's a goddamn miracle!"

About ten in the evening…

Something nasty was in store for the unsuspecting emerald-eyed Gryffindor. He approached Sirius who was waiting for him outside the library and his godfather waved at him to enter.

Harry looked at Sirius in puzzlement but shrugged slightly and the older wizard was careful to control his expression. His godson strode toward a chair languidly and he was able to follow the teenager closely. Since he was taller than Harry, he took the opportunity to sniff at the dense black hair.

There's no mistaking it. I don't need to change into Padfoot to smell Snivellus about him. Sirius casually sat on the elongated couch, his legs dangling over its arm. He turned to his side and looked slyly at his godson.

Severus knocked on the pale white door gently and heard Remus's response. The werewolf was brushing his still damp brown hair. Golden eyes rested on the goblet that was in the Potions Master's grasp. The Defence professor took several steps forward and wordlessly took the cup. Remus sniffed at the cup and raised an eyebrow in question.

"I've added a new component to the potion. It should prevent your stomach from revolting," the Potions Master said stiffly.

"Hah ... you should have done something about the taste." Remus tipped the contents into his mouth and grimaced at the bitterness of the potion. "Or maybe the flavor is purely for my benefit."

"Ah ... how observant of you, Lupin." The Potions Master turned to go but the other wizard caught a portion of his sleeve.

"Wait, there's something I want you to see," Remus told him and quickly drank the rest of the Wolfsbane Potion. "Come with me." He placed the goblet on the side table and went out. Though Severus was taken aback at the sudden request, his face remained impassive.

He followed the other wizard and several minutes later, he knew that someone was tailing him. However, the Potions Master did not turn to look. Remus then stopped before a door and opened it. In the distance, Severus saw Hermione beckoning the werewolf in.

"You're just in time, professor!" Ginny said brightly and handed something to Remus.

"Have they started?" the werewolf inquired but Hermione shook her head. She came up to Severus and handed him another object like the one that Ginny had given to the Defence professor.

The unsmiling wizard examined the long string and looked at his colleague for an explanation. Ginny and Hermione had turned their faces back to the wall and he wondered what was so interesting about it. Then Remus surprised him by plugging the end of the string into his ear.

"It's a spying device," the tawny-haired wizard said in an almost apologetic tone. "The Weasley twins invented it last year and we have found their invention to be useful at times."

Severus couldn't help it; he arched an eyebrow elegantly. He stared at the string in his hand for another minute before imitating the werewolf's action. At first he couldn't hear anything at all but then someone cleared their throat. He glanced at Remus but the wizard shook his head in response and pointed at the wall.

Someone shoved him slightly to one side but Severus tolerated the rudeness. He was too fascinated by the twins' invention to care. Whoever the newcomers were, they were in the room for the same reason. Who are we listening to? The Potions Master mused. Dumbledore?

:Just wait and see,: Fawkes's mindvoice startled him so much that Severus wondered if anyone had seen him jump. Irritating myth.

"So, why am I here?" Harry's voice echoed into the Potions Master's ear and he blanched immediately. Bloody Merlin! Damnation!

"Well, Harry. You know that we're all worried about you," Sirius's voice began and Severus could just imagine the feigned smile on the wizard's face. The Potions Master dared not flee and even if he had tried, he couldn't escape since Ron, Bill and the twins had bracketed him in from behind.

This is the end of me, Severus sighed and stood among the rest of them, listening half-heartedly to the conversation.

"Harry, if you have anything to confess, now is a good time to do it," Sirius said sternly, secretly pleased that he had managed to shake the youth's confidence. Emerald eyes looked at him imploringly. The older wizard sighed and got to his feet. "You're no longer the brooding teenager that I used to know." Harry made a strangled sound but the wizard ignored it. "Not that I'm complaining but I want to understand why you changed."

"I —"

"We have to know if you're having any problems," Sirius said seriously. "Is it Voldemort? Me? Snivellus?"

"Stop calling him that!" Harry yelled suddenly. "For as long as I've known him, he has never sniveled!" Upon realizing what he had just said, the young Gryffindor started to swear pungently.

"You defended him," Sirius said softly, blue eyes staring at the young wizard accusingly.

Harry closed his eyes and groaned. "Are you sure you want to hear my confession?" he asked quietly. Although the older wizard wasn't sure if he would be able to handle the truth, he nodded his head anyway. "Fine." His godson took a deep breath.

Please Merlin … Prove me wrong. I hope he doesn't say he loves the greasy git, Sirius prayed silently and waited for the younger wizard to speak.

"We've mated," Harry whispered, still not facing his godfather.

Sirius looked at the raven-haired teenager in disbelief. "You what?" he asked in a strangled voice.

"HE DID WHAT?!!" Ron's bellow was quite distinctive and Harry's eyes widened.

"No…" The Boy Who Lived uttered.

Someone knocked on the door politely. Harry glanced at the doorway and saw Ginny, who opened her palm and revealed the Extendable Ear.

"You bastard!!! How can you take advantage of him?!!" Ronald Weasley shouted furiously. "You're his goddamn professor and you weren't friends to begin with!!!"

"Merlin …" Harry seemed quite unable to speak other words. "Sev … Sev's listening too? Ron?"

"They're in the next room," Ginny informed him, looking at him sympathetically.

Sirius sank bonelessly into the couch. He didn't want to believe it but he knew that his godson wasn't lying. He heard Remus yelling at the enraged Weasley to calm down.

"Are you happy now, Sirius?" He hadn't noticed that the young Gryffindor had gotten to his feet and was looking down at him. "This changes nothing.

"What do you mean by that?" Ron stormed into the library and absently tugged the string off from his ear.

Harry stared at his friend silently. I could lose his friendship forever . The strong, calming aura of the Potions Master snatched his attention and emerald eyes locked onto helpless coal-black ones. His lover was escorted by Bill and Remus. The raven-haired Gryffindor bristled at the idea of his Severus being treated like a criminal.

"It means … your opinions of our relationship will go unheard," Harry said quietly. "Do you understand?"

Ron shook his head violently.

"Ron, I love him. I care about him. He's the only person who sees me as I am while everyone else sees me as The Boy Who Lived, a brilliant Seeker or a broken-hearted fool of a Gryffindor." Harry smiled fondly at the Potions Master. "He sees me as a growing youth who needs discipline, an ignorant wizard and a reckless one to boot. He recognizes me as who I am, not someone who is forced to wear someone else's shoes."

"What about Sirius?" wailed Ron.

"Come on, Ron. Hermione said so herself. Even my godfather happens to mistake me for my father," Harry said with a crooked smile.

"Ouch," Remus muttered while Sirius cursed under his breath.

"What about Cho Chang? You kissed her!"

Harry looked at his friend, feeling pity for the redhead. "Well … I was confused, I guess. It took a while for me to realize that I'm not even bisexual."

"You liar," Hermione said after a moment of silence. "And you said that some close competition was good for him," she grumbled, looking at Ron and then at Harry.

"You support his choice?" The redheaded boy gaped and Hermione shrugged. "Isn't he too old?" Severus snarled and it was a good thing that Remus held Ron's shoulder firmly.

"Will it help if I say that I'm more comfortable with someone older?" Harry asked, looking absently at his godfather.

"All right. If you are so set on your … boyfriend, there's nothing that can make you change your mind, right?" Ron asked and his shoulders slumped in defeat when Harry nodded. "Just tell me this; have you ever considered asking Malfoy out?" While Harry crumbled in a fit of mirth, Hermione and Ginny stared openly at the Potions Master.
"Oh my god!" Ginny breathed. "He's jealous! Harry! Snape is jealous!"

"Shut up." The Potions Master glared at the offensive girl.

"Snivellus!" Sirius barked sharply. "We're going to have a little chat! Moony?"

"Don't worry." Remus prodded Harry's lover out of the room. The emerald-eyed wizard made a move to follow but his godfather stopped him with a look.

"You stay with your friends," Sirius instructed sharply.

"I will. But Sirius, I warn you, I will go absolutely postal if you decide to shrink him," Harry said neutrally.

"Ah, now that you have reminded me …" His godfather exited out of the library, looking quite displeased as he followed Remus and Severus.
Harry rolled his eyes in aggravation and he sat again on the velvet-covered chair. "Anything else, you guys?"

The twins shook their heads. Bill looked a little faint and muttered something about Harry being a queer. Ginny was already starting to pester her brothers for her prize money. Hermione had taken a seat nearby, watching the still-shocked Ron in amusement.

"Harry and Snape?" he shook his head. "Harry, can't you pick someone better looking?"

"Well … I think beauty is in the eye of the beholder," the emerald-eyed Gryffindor answered. "And his hair is not greasy."

"You would know, huh?" Fred smirked.
"But doesn't it bother you that he is a Death Eater?" Bill asked him, looking quite concerned.

"Was," Hermione corrected.

"A little," Harry admitted. "But the good of being with him outweighs any discomfort I may have about that." He turned his thoughts inward as a method to calm himself. It wasn't that bad, I guess. Oh wait, I think I'd better wait until Sirius finishes his business with Sev. His throat went dry and Hermione patted his knee comfortingly.

"Ron," Harry turned to watch his red-haired friend, "do you mind the fact that me and Sev are a couple?"

"Just because you're gay, stubborn and chose a very unlikely person to be your partner," his friend ticked his fingers off, "doesn't mean that I'll stop being your friend. Except — I'm off limits."

"Wouldn't even consider it," Harry replied, feeling glad and dizzy.

"Is he supposed to feel relieved … or insulted?" Ginny teased.

"I don't think you should tell the others about your relationship," Hermione spoke to her fellow Gryffindor seriously. "Snape's reputation is ruined if people learn that he is dating a student."

Ginny came and sat near Harry's foot. "I don't want to alarm you but Voldemort shouldn't know about your love. He'll hurt you by taking Snape away."

No, don't get depressed about it. This is not new news to you. You have already thought about it and as Sirius said, you are well aware that this possibility is possible. Harry reined in his emotions and nodded his understanding. "Can you guys help? If … if it happens?" His throat slowly constricted.

"We're behind you, Harry. No matter what," Ron said softly.

"But you have to make sure that you won't be taken away from him." Dumbledore swept into the room and promptly took an empty seat. "For unlike you Harry, Severus has no one else. Well ... except for those few who trusts and welcomes him for who he is."

The emerald-eyed teenager stared at the Headmaster thoughtfully. "That's unfair."

"I say we try and rectify the problem, without the Potions Master's knowledge of course," Hermione said boldly, ignoring Ron's horrified look. "Harry?"

"That's a brilliant idea!" He grinned, the darkness that had threatened to spread in him vanished instantly.

:You're meddling in his life again, Albus,: Fawkes chided the Headmaster gently.

:Old habits die hard.: Dumbledore looked at his students with a faint smile. Sirius reentered the library with his lover in tow. :How amusing. You don't suppose that he has really shrunk our Potions Master?:

:With someone who has had a near-death experience, you never know.:
"Sirius, where's Sev?" Harry asked worriedly. The young wizard had a reason to, since his godfather and Remus wore very satisfied smirks.

"We sent him off to his room. He claims to have a migraine," Sirius answered flippantly. Harry frowned at the handsome wizard before taking off. His godfather waited until Harry was out of earshot before speaking to the other occupants. "Seriously, you people surely did not expect me to vaporize my future godson-in-law right? I'm not going to deprive myself of the chance to treat Snivellus like a kid!!!"

:I knew that there was a reason for the smirk,: Dumbledore said in amusement and Fawkes chuckled silently.