The Music of the Heart

Chapter Title: "American Soldier"

By: Ree

Pairing: Harry Potter/Severus Snape

Song: "American Soldier" by Toby Keith

Summary: While looking through a box of his old things, war-hero Harry Potter reflects on what made his life change for the better. He also reflects on some of the relationships he had in the past.

Disclaimer: I am not Miss Rowling and if I were, I would be filthy rich and be in heaven, so don't sue me. The song "American Soldier" also does not belong to me, but to Toby Keith.

Author's Note: I am so sorry that I left this laying for so long…it's just that I've been having trouble finding inspiration for it, but with some new songs, I have a feeling that this fic is gonna grow.

"I'm just tryin' to be a father, raise a daughter and a son

Be a lover to their mother, everythin' to everyone

Up and at 'em bright and early, I'm all business in my suit

Yeah I'm dressed up for success, from my head down to my boots"

It was just one of those days where you wish you could stay in bed, but you know that you've got a lot of things to do. You can't just lie around and enjoy the warmth and comfort of your lover next to you…and that's exactly how Harry Potter felt. Ever since the war with Voldemort escalated, it had become even more difficult to spend time with his lover, Severus Snape. No one had ever expected the bitter adversaries to finally just throw the gauntlet down and duke it out…in the bedroom. Although Severus was usually the aggressor, there were times Harry took the initiative too. Last night had been one to remember…because now Harry was going off to do work for the Order and both knew he may not come back.

Getting up from the bed, careful not to disturb the sleeping wizard, he began to get ready, making sure that his wand was with him at all times. Everything had to be placed under several protection spells, including his cloak and Firebolt. Standing in front of the mirror as he adjusted his clothes, he thought about the war and how it was time to finally face down the creature that had plagued him all his life.

"I don't do it for money, there's bills I that I can't pay

I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway

Providing for our future's, my responsibility

Yeah I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be

And I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekend's been too strong

I just work straight through the holidays, and sometimes all night long

You can bet that I stand ready, when the wolf growls at the door

Hey I'm solid, hey I'm steady, hey I'm true down to the core."

Harry knew that it was his responsibility to deal with Voldemort, and it was one that he had accepted even at an early age. Sure, it wouldn't pay the bills and he didn't really need the glory that would hopefully come with the final triumph…but there was something even more precious for him to fight for. Turning and glancing back towards the bed, Harry smiled. He'd had to use a sleeping charm to finally get Severus to get some rest, and it hadn't been easy either.

"The old git can still put up a fight when he wants," Harry remarked with a grin, his green eyes shining behind his glasses.

Turning around, he wondered how others saw him when he took to the field. Of course, the raven-haired young man only portrayed the strong Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, he would never display the one that felt self-doubt…or fear that he would lose the main person he was fighting for.

"I won't lose him."

"And I will always do my duty no matter what the price

I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice

Oh and I don't want to die for you, but if dyin's asked of me

I'll bear that cross with honor, cause freedom don't come free."

"I don't care if I have to die, as long as that bastard's taken down," he said decidedly, slipping his wand into his pocket. "He's plagued our lives too long, now he's going down."

"I'm an American Soldier an American

Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand

When liberty's in jeopardy, I will always do what's right

I'm out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight

American Soldier, I'm and American, Soldier."

Harry walked over to his sleeping lover and sat down carefully on the bed. Although the hair was still greasy, the nose still large and slightly hooked, there was something about the man that drew Harry. Cracking open a hazy black eye, the irate Potions Master glared at him.

"Brat, you're going to pay for using that sleeping charm on me."

"Well, I knew that there was no other way you'd get some sleep if I didn't."

"You insufferable little…"

"But I'm your insufferable little brat. Sleep peacefully Severus, because I'm going to be out there and I will make sure that he gets beat. You won't have to worry about him being after your head."

"Just don't get yourself killed in the process."

"An American Soldier an American

Beside my brothers and my sisters, I will proudly take a stand

When liberty's in jeopardy, I will always do what's right

I'm out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight

American Soldier, I'm and American, an American, an American, Soldier."

"Me, get myself killed?" Harry laughed and leaned over to give Severus a deep kiss. "Now would I be the Boy-Who-Lived or the annoying Gryffindor you've come to know and loathe if I did get killed? Remember, I've got my luck on my side as well as the element of surprise."

"Not to mention your tendency to rush into battle, your Gryffindor idiocy, your complete lack of any brains, shall I go on?" Snape questioned, with a rather sly smirk on his features.

"Shut up you, and go back to sleep."

Before Harry left, he gave Severus one last kiss and even looked back at the bed to make sure that he was really asleep. I'll come back home, Severus. After all, soldiers have to return sooner or later, he thought before closing the door and heading off to face Voldemort by himself.

I love Toby Keith, he's a really great artist. If you haven't had a chance to hear this song, I suggest you do. As soon as I heard it, I became inspired. Please lemme know what you think! R&R!

Ree