Walking In His Shoes
Chapter 12
By Corgi

Harry stood there staring blankly at Severus, who was sleeping and totally oblivious to Harry's state. Did he hear the man right? He was in love? With him? He didn't know what to think and this whole situation was giving him a headache. Harry put those racing thoughts on the back burner in favour of dealing with more immediate problems.

Harry turned to leave the room and nearly walked into the vial containing the potion Severus risked his life to obtain the ingredients and then worked himself into exhaustion brewing. Harry couldn't help the grin that formed on his borrowed face as he stared at the hovering potion. 'He said he did it because he was in love, idiot,' Harry's inner voice told him. 'Ron's your friend, so tell me who he's in love with?' it continued and the grin on his face widened. He decided that he should bring the potion up to the Headmaster. Harry struggled to wipe the now goofy grin off his face before leaving Severus' quarters. After all it wouldn't do to have the students or staff faint in shock and Severus would murder him for ruining his reputation.

Harry finally managed to school his borrowed features in a scowl and stormed out of the room after firmly grasping the potion. Luck was with him when he encountered not one soul between 'his' rooms and the Headmaster's office. He muttered the sweet of the week to the gargoyle and trudged up the rotating stairs. He didn't get a chance to knock when the Headmaster bade him to enter. Harry cautiously pushed the door open and after a peek inside did his best no to show any reaction to the crowd of people in the room. Ron in his 'new' body and the rest of the Weasley clan were gathered inside along with Moody and a few other Aurors. The twins looked up, as did Charlie, and gave him angry glares. The three stood and advance towards him angrily, but Harry stood his ground and sneered at the three.

"How could you kill a student?" Fred hissed while drawing his wand. Charlie and George mimicked him as they grew closer. The three ignored Albus' and their father's pleas to stop.

"Do you three recall swearing an oath when you were invited to join the Order?" Harry asked them in Severus' 'you're pissing me off' voice.

"Yes. We swore the required oath." Charlie replied, his temper cooling significantly.

"Perhaps, you're brother's should repeat it to us." Harry said coldly while glaring at the twins.

"We swear to fight against the forces of Voldemort, to protect the whole of the wizarding world, to keep the secrets of the Order of the Phoenix and to protect Harry Potter at all costs." The twins pledged in unison.

"Very good. Now do you think your family is immune to that last part? Would my oath be satisfied if I felt the Dark Mark on the arm of another and allowed the headmaster to be killed and Mr. Potter captured?" Fred and George looked like they were going to argue. "Let me put it in terms you can understand since you're being unusually thick tonight. If the Headmaster was killed the Fidelius Charm on Grimmauld Place would have ended and as a result it would be under attack with moments. Remember the last three Black women will remember where the place is once the charm is gone and two of them are Death Eaters. If Potter dies all is lost. So what would you have me do?" Harry snarled at the twins who still didn't look convinced. Help came from an unexpected source.

"Fred, George, sit down. Professor Snape did what he had to do. Hermione and I wouldn't think twice at throwing ourselves between Harry and a killing curse. This is the same situation. I would rather live like this or be dead then see Voldemort win. I'm still alive, even if this isn't my body." Ron replied heatedly.

"That little fact is the reason why I am here. If you wish to regain your proper form drink this." Harry held out the vial of potion Severus made for Ron.

Ron looked at the vial for a few moments and slowly took it from Harry's grasp. He looked to his parents wordlessly seeking their advice. Both elder Weasleys nodded in encouragement. Ron closed his eyes and downed the potion as quickly as he could.

"You should bring your son down to the Hospital Wing for observation. I don't know if your son will have any reaction to the ingredients in the potion." Harry told Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and left without giving them a chance to thank him. He'd rather they thank the man who really brewed the potion.

Harry made his way down to the dungeons and readied his notes for tomorrow's classes. He didn't feel up to teaching his peers, but as long as he's masquerading as Severus he'd have to do it. His mood brightened some when he remembered he had seven Gryffindors to torture tomorrow night. Harry had snooped in Severus' files on his Slytherins and found that neither of those two students attacked belonged to families with ties to the Dark Lord. It made Harry's blood boil even more whenever the incident played in his mind. He knew exactly what he was going to make them do that night. If they were lucky they'd be seeing their beds my Monday.

Content with his preparations for the next day he returned to Severus' quarters and changed into the man's night attire. He looked over to the bed and noticed that Severus hadn't moved an inch since he left the room. Harry smiled again at the memory of Severus practically declaring his love to him while half asleep. Harry slid into the bed next to the exhausted man. He gently kissed the other's forehead before spelling the lights out and allowing sleep to claim him.

Harry woke up with Severus wrapped around him and he couldn't help feeling safe in the embrace despite the fact that it was his skinny arms the older man was using. He wasn't ready to leave the warmth of the bed and he tried to return to sleep, but a small finger started jabbing into his side.

"As much as I don't want to leave this room, we do have places to be." Severus said.

Harry sighed as he got out of the bed and headed to the shower. When he finished his morning routine he changed into robes and waited for Severus to finish.

"Did you give the potion to Albus?" Severus asked the minute he stepped out of the bedroom.

"I gave it to Ron. The Weasleys were there when I showed up. Ron actually jumped to your defense when Fred, George and Charlie got all aggressive."

"Really? That is a surprise, though he was actually defending you."

"He didn't know that so it really doesn't count." Harry replied and after a moment's thought continued. "I guess he was embarrassed that he was caught off guard." Harry said as his mind reviewed the incident. "Does the Order require an oath to protect me at all costs?"

"Yes, it does. While most of the order doesn't have a clue about the prophecy, there are a very select few know of it." Severus answered in a sober voice. "Albus insisted on it when he reinstated the Order after your fourth year."

"I really wish he didn't. I'm not worth the cost."

"I hear your uncle speaking again. You are worth it even if there wasn't a prophecy about you."

Harry didn't respond as he tried to think of anything to dispute Severus' claims, but failed miserably at the task. If Severus meant what he said last night it might mean more to Harry. He wasn't going to ask about last night until he could figure out his own feelings about Severus. He felt something for him, but he really didn't know if it was love or something else. He had all afternoon to figure it out since he only had two classes. The fifth year Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff class should pose no problems while he'd have to pay more attention to the first year Gryffindor and Slytherin class for obvious reasons. After those classes he was free to brood about his feelings towards the man whose body he now occupied.

"Are you ready to face the masses?" Harry asked with a smirk.

"The question should be are you? You're the one going to face the brunt of the school's anger." Severus countered with a concerned look on his face.

"That's true. How long before the rebuilt Ron will be able to make an appearance?"

"The alterations to his genetic code should be done any time after lunch today. If Poppy's got him then we can hope for breakfast tomorrow."

"Well that'll throw a wrench into the rumour mill."

"Indeed it will."

"Well, let's go and get it over with." Harry took a deep breath before heading towards the door.

The two men made their way to the Great Hall and everyone parted when they caught sight of Harry walking down the hall. A cautious glance over his shoulder showed Severus playing a very peeved Harry Potter trailing in his wake. Harry could hear the rumours being whispered as he walked by clusters of students. They arrived at the Great Hall and Harry strode through the doors, not stopping until he reached the empty space next to Hermione. He waited for Severus to sit beside her before resuming his walk to the head table. As he reached his seat the Headmaster beckoned him over.

"Severus, I want the teachers to escort Harry to each of his classes. The teacher that has him first will take him to his class after breakfast and then to his next class of the day. The same thing will occur after lunch. He'll still be staying in your quarters until we're sure the danger has passed." Albus informed him with a twinkle in his eye.

"Yes, Headmaster." Harry bit out in a resigned tone that he knew Albus would see right through.

Harry turned and sat in his seat and served himself Severus' usual breakfast. He could feel everyone's eyes on him, but he ignored them as he ate.

"How are you holding up?" Minerva asked in a barely heard whisper.

"Fine," Harry answered as he lifted his head to glare at the students table by table.

The majority of the school gave him hateful glares, which he returned ten fold. The Slytherins alternated between glowering at him and cheering him silently. How Harry would love to wipe those looks off their faces. He couldn't wait for Ron's return later today or tomorrow morning. That would make him feel immensely better, just because it'll ruin the Slytherins' day.

"You have my third year boys for detention tonight, don't you?" Minerva asked as he returned his attention to his plate.

"Yes, I do. You may not see them for the rest of the weekend. What I've got planned for them isn't going to be easy." Harry replied with a smirk.

"Do tell. I wonder if we'll be allowed to tell them who really gave them detention." Minerva had an evil look on her face, which surprised Harry.

"They'll be scrubbing the outside of the castle. It hasn't been cleaned in ages. If they're lucky I may let them use scrub brushes. If I get any lip from them again it'll be toothbrushes."

"That's perfect!" Minerva had to restrain her laughter.

"I thought so too." Harry replied and excused himself from the table to set up for his first class.

Harry practically slept through the first class. The Ravenclaws knew what to do and the Hufflepuffs weren't afraid to ask their classmates for help when they thought they needed it. He wasn't spared the glares in the classroom and he took the excuse to liberate points from both houses. Once he chased his first class out of the room he set up for the next class and readied any counter agent he could think of for the numerous means for each student to sabotage each other's potions. He ended up given detention to three of his housemates who were being as cruel to the Slytherins as their older housemates were. He couldn't understand why they were like that. He'd never instigated any of his clashes with Malfoy over the years, but his housemates didn't have any problems with starting trouble. He was overly relieved to see the back of them and they weren't going to be happy with him when they saw the point totals at lunch. He retreated to his office and started to mark the homework handed in earlier.

Harry finished marking the essays just in time for him to make his way to the Great Hall for lunch. He entered through the teacher's entrance and the moment his presence was noticed the combined glare of the students focused on him. The only student not glaring at him was Severus and even some of the teachers were giving him the evil eye. Minerva was already seated and she gave him a sympathetic look as he settled into his place. He did his best to ignore everyone, but after a while it started to get to him and he entertained himself with visions of giving the entire school, including the Slytherins, detention.

Harry steadily ate his meal despite the angry looks being directed at him and about halfway through the meal the Great Hall's doors opened. A handful of stragglers entered and everyone's attention returned to the food in front of them, but Harry noticed the two shadows behind those students. Those two slipped through the doors behind the other late comers and walked between the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables. Harry identified on of the two as Madam Pomfrey and it would be difficult for him not to notice Ron's tall, lanky frame. Ron sat down across from Severus and Hermione and began to speak to them. Hermione was so deep into her grief that she didn't hear a word the tall redhead said. It wasn't until a grinning Severus shook her that she realized what was going on. Since she and Severus were facing his seat, Harry had a good view of the shocked look on her face. When the sight before her registered in her stunned mind she shrieked 'Ron' and launched herself over the top of the Gryffindor table. She succeeded in attracting the attention of everyone in the Hall. Harry looked through Severus' curtain of hair to watch the reactions of the Slytherins.

It was worth waiting for. The whole of Slytherin was shocked and confused. Malfoy looked like Christmas was canceled and Harry had a hard time trying to keep the laughter from boiling forth. The rest of the school was completely stunned as they watched Hermione crushing Ron in a hug as she wept. Severus just sat and watched the two with a smug grin on his face. As far as Harry was concerned Severus had every right to be that way. He knew there wasn't any means to thank the man properly for finding and providing the means to restore Ron's body to him. While everyone was occupied with the Ron's surprising arrival, Harry slipped out of the Great Hall.

Harry returned to Severus' quarters and, as he promised himself earlier, sat in front of the fire to examine his feelings for Severus. He was vastly confused. Yes, he didn't hate the man anymore. There were times he found the man highly annoying, but ever since they've gotten to know each other better there was no venom in the man's voice. He sat and chased the thoughts in his head in circles for over two hours and still hadn't come to any conclusion. He was interrupted by the flames shooting upwards in the fireplace. Harry jumped in his seat and drew his wand in case of an intruder trying to enter the room from the now green flames. Two heartbeats later Albus' head appeared in the flames.

"Harry, my boy, please come up to my office. I have something to give you."

Harry nodded his head and stepped towards the fire and the moment the Headmaster's head left the fire Harry entered the green flames. He spun a mercifully short time before tumbling out of the Headmaster's fireplace. Harry glared at the fireplace as he picked himself off the floor and dusted the soot off of his clothes.

"What was it you wanted to give me, Headmaster?" Harry asked with a glare at the chuckling man.

"Lemon drop?" Albus asked with those annoying twinkles going full force. Harry shook his head. "Perhaps tea?"

"No Headmaster, let's get down to business. I've a lot to do, pretending to be a Potions Master is a lot of hard work and I've just realized that I still have to study to keep up with my classes." Harry rolled his eyes in frustration as the enormity of his task hit him.

"Ah, I see you've got the straight to business aspect of Severus' personality down pat." Albus chuckled as Harry rolled his eyes in frustration. "I wanted to give this two you, Harry. It's an emergency portkey and unlike the one's you've experienced it requires a password to activate. The password is 'Silver Griffon'. Also you won't be able to transport more than one person with this. If something happens and you haven't returned using this portkey then we'll send Dobby after you."

"Thanks, Headmaster." Harry said while slipping the pendant and chain over his head. He found that the enameled phoenix in flight was warm to the touch after tucking the pendent into his shirt.

"Make sure Severus comes up to see me. I have one for him also."

"Would it be easier if I gave it to him?"

"No, unfortunately these are tuned into wards of the school and require that I personally give the amulets to the recipient, but if need be you can give it to another."

"I'll inform him to visit very soon then. I must be going. I've a ton of work to do before supper and then I've got seven of my house-mates to torture. Good evening."

"I'll see you later, Harry. Be careful."

Harry left the Headmaster's office and strode as quickly as he could to the rooms he currently was sharing with Severus. He wasn't going to try and wade through his feelings towards the other man tonight. So to keep his mind off that dilemma he decided that he would browse the bookshelves that lined Severus' rooms. Once inside Severus' domain he made his way to the nearest bookcase. Every title that didn't have anything to do with potions was on the Dark Arts or Defence. Hoping to find a book that would help him against Voldemort he searched through the Dark Arts and Defence books. It took him several moments of aimless searching to realize Severus' shelving system. After find a section devoted to Dark Rituals he searched the spines of the books for something that seemed to be what he was looking for. He was hoping to find something that would undo what Voldemort did to himself all those years ago. He found a book that looked like it would help and pulled it off the shelf. He looked through the pages and noticed that Severus had make notations in the margins speculating on which rituals the Potions Master thought the bastard used. Unfortunately he couldn't find anything that would undo the Rituals that transformed Voldemort. It seemed that every possible ritual was irreversible. Harry continued to browse through the book for curiosity's sake. He was about to close the book and replace it on the shelf when something on the last few pages caught his eye. It was a ritual of soul-binding.

The soul-binding ritual was designed to bind a soul into a gem so that it could not enter the spirit world. Once it was used as punishment for those who did unspeakable acts to the fellow man, but later warring wizards would use the ritual to capture the loser's soul as an act of ultimate victory. It ancient days the soul captured was buried with the one who bound it into the gem, much like those ancient warriors who were buried with an object belonging to the last foe they vanquished. The wizard's in question thought that the bound soul would be forced to serve the captor in the next world. Whether that theory is true or not will never be known.

There were investigations in the late 1880's on destroying the souls bound to the gemstones. The only reliable means was the use of phoenix fire, under very strict conditions. Only three known soul gems have been destroyed in this manner. Phoenixes that are willingly bound to a human are very rare. The phoenix in question must be willingly in the human's company, one cannot capture a phoenix to burn the gem it must be asked and the petitioner must be acting for the greater good when making the request. Even then the phoenix must be willing to destroy the soul captured in the gem. After the gem is reduced to ash and still hot, the phoenix must drop three tears on the remains to purify the ashes. No soul can survive the process, especially those who have done evil in their lifetime.

The stronger the witch or wizard one wishes to bind the harder the target gem must be. Which ever gemstone is chosen must be at least 5 carats in weight. The larger the stone the better in this case, it is far better to overestimate your foe than underestimate him or her. If the target gem is faceted, the more facets the stone has the better it will contain the soul destined to be trapped in it. No one who has researched and studied this ritual has been able to determine why this is the case.

Excitement raced through Harry as he continued reading the steps to bind the soul into the gem. He studied the incantation and for good measure made a copy of the pages. Severus had so many pockets in his robe that Harry would be able to conceal the parchment so that it may be overlooked if he was searched. After spelling the copy so that only he could read it, he found a pocket near the hem of Severus' robes that seemed to be someplace no one would look for hidden objects and inserted the spelled parchment in it. Now he just needed a stone to bind Voldemort's soul into. He raced into the bedroom when the memory of the jewelry box he found in his vault at Gringotts leapt into view. He went straight to his trunk and wrenched the lid open. Harry tossed his clothes over his shoulder in search of the jewelry box. He placed in on the bottom of his trunk after finding it earlier in the summer. After all the clothing was scattered about the room he found the mahogany box.

He opened the box and dumped the contents out onto the bed. Carefully he sorted through the jewelry looking for anything large enough. As he separated each piece of jewelry from the others he set a couple aside for Mrs. Weasley. Part way through the heap of jewelry he found what looked to be an engagement ring. When he picked the large diamond ring up he found a string attached to it. On the other end of the string was a tag neatly labeled with 'Great Grandmother Abigail's Engagement Ring' in a hand similar to his own. His father must have labeled it, since he couldn't imagine his mother writing like that. Harry swept the rest of the jewelry back into the box, with exception to those he planned to give to Mrs. Weasley. Once the box was safely back in his trunk and the clothes on top he set about prying the large diamond from its setting. It took him several minutes to remove the stone since finding something thin enough to slip under the prongs was a bit of a challenge. Once the stone was removed he pondered where to hide it on his person and decided that he shoes were the best place for now. He'd rather deal with the discomfort then risk the chance of the stone being found. Harry's memories of Death Eater's captives being searched for potions, wands and weapons made him feel that his shoe was the best option as a hiding place and hoped that the way they dealt with traitors was the same as their normal victims.

After securing the diamond in his chosen hiding place he looked up and noticed that he used quite a bit of time between reading the book and securing Voldemort's future prison. He barely had enough time to make it to the Great Hall for supper and that was only if he ran part of the way. It wouldn't do for anyone to see Severus Snape running like an errant school boy so he'd have to settle with being late. After all if anyone asked why the terminally prompt Severus Snape was late he'd have a feasible excuse. He arrived five minutes into the meal and silently slipped into his seat and served himself from the platters around his plate. The house-elves certainly made his task of impersonating Severus that much easier by placing the dishes containing Severus' favourites right in front of him. It must be Dobby's doing and Harry made a mental note to get the creature another jumper when he could.

"Is everything all right, Severus?" The Headmaster asked, concern was written in the older man's features. "It's unusual for you to be late."

"My apologies, Headmaster, but my research bore fruit and I wasn't willing to stop and risk losing my train of thought." Harry replied in Severus' cold tones, but he didn't fail to notice the Headmaster's brightly twinkling or the look of hope on Minerva's face.

"Do you think you've found the answer to your problem?" Minerva asked in a whisper though you could hear a note of excitement in her voice.

"I think I may have. I'm not sure it'll work or if I'm strong enough to perform it. If my luck holds out I may be able to deal with my perennial problem." Harry whispered back.

"Just remember, my boy, the events of your second year. It will serve you well to do so." Albus was being his usual cryptic self and Harry wondered if the man had any clue about what he was hoping to do.

"I'll do my best to do so." Harry replied, doing his best to remain unruffled.

The rest of the meal went quietly and before he left he watched as Minerva, Sprout and Filius escorted Severus out of the Great Hall to who knows where. Since Harry had a detention to over see they wouldn't allow Severus to be in his own quarters alone, but Harry guessed that the ruse was more for the benefit of the rest of the staff since Minerva was the only other person other who knew about the switch. Harry leisurely finished his dessert, which was a slice of chocolate cake and oddly enough one of Harry's personal favourites. He was pleased to find at least one thing that he had in common with Severus. Harry stalked to the Gryffindor table where his seven victims sat and loomed over them.

"You seven will meet me in the entrance hall at 8 pm sharp. Dress appropriately and don't be late or you'll have another week of detention." Harry told the third years with a sneer.

"Bloody bat thinks he's going to get away with this." One of the seven muttered, but Harry heard him and decided that they were going to use their toothbrushes after all.

Harry fumed on his way down to the dungeons and he hoped that Severus kept his broom in his quarters since Harry couldn't use his Firebolt. As he stalked towards their private quarters his left arm started to ache. It wasn't a summons, but more like the way his scar acted when Voldemort was in a foul mood or plotting something. It bothered him to no end on those days the bastard was planning something and Harry wondered if Severus was feeling anything from the scar. He put that thought out of his mind as he continued into their quarters to search for Severus' broom. As he searched through the man's closet in hopes of finding his broom he couldn't help wondering when he started thinking of these rooms as 'theirs'. It defied rational thought even though Severus was being forced to live in these rooms with him. Harry shrugged the thought off as he finally uncovered the old Clean Sweep 5 from under a pile of discarded potions equipment.

As he exited the rooms he snagged his heavy cloak and a pair of gloves from the coat rack. Slipping the gloves and cloak on as he strode down the hall, Harry arrived in the Entrance Hall and found Madam Hooch waiting for him.

"Good evening, Severus. Minerva told me that you may need seven of the school brooms tonight." Rolanda told him with an evil smirk of plastered across her face. She was just as rabid as Minerva reportedly was, if Harry could trust the rumours circulating around the portraits. "I've found the most derelict brooms we had in the broom shed."

Yes. She definitely had it in for the seven unlucky Gryffindors and he replied with a smirk of his own. She followed him outside with a curious look on her face as he searched the ground for seven twigs. Once he found what he needed, Harry drew his wand and thought for a few moments before transfiguring the twigs into toothbrushes. Now that he had the tools for the brats to do their chore with he conjured seven buckets of soapy water and left them on the ground to wait for the third year Gryffindor boys. Rolanda was laughing like a hyena and followed him back inside while holding her sides. He leaned against one of the pillars in the Entrance Hall while waiting for the miscreants to appear. As the schools clock chimed eight o'clock the seven Gryffindors marched down the stairs from Gryffindor tower. While Harry watched his victims descend the staircases Rolanda was laying the brooms across the floor.

"Hurry up! You're late." Harry snapped at the seven boys causing them to race down the last batch of stairs. "Select a broom." Harry ordered and smirked as he watched them scramble for the brooms."

Instead of calling the brooms to their hands all seven bent over to pick the objects up.

"Do it properly or haven't you lot paid any attention in your flying classes?" Harry seethed at the boys' incompetence. In the background of their chorus of 'up', Harry could hear Rolanda trying to stifle her laughter.

It took all seven over a half hour to call the brooms to their hands. Harry ordered them to follow him outside. When he pointed out the buckets of soapy water they looked at him in shock. Their disbelief grew as he dropped at toothbrush into each bucket.

"Now grab a bucket and follow me." Harry walked to one end of the castle face and as he paced off a section he ordered one of the Gryffindors to stay in each area he marked off. Once he had them positioned along the front of the castle he gave them their orders. "Now scrub. No magic other than what you require to fly the broom. You must scrub the entire face from the ground to the highest turret in your section.

"That'll take forever!" One of the seven cried out in dismay.

"Then I suggest you stop whining and get to work." By the time the last the word left his lips the boys were scrubbing the walls as quickly as they could.

Harry turned to move out of the way and he noticed Rolanda was still there and while Harry was giving the boys their orders she had conjured two arm chairs and summoned a house-elf for some hot drinks and snacks.

"I take it you're planning on keeping me company tonight?"

"Of course I am this much too entertaining to pass up. Also Minerva ordered me to stay. Don't ask me why though." Rolanda replied with a smile and a shrug.

"Let's just say I'm number three on the Dark Lord's to do list." Harry informed the yellowed-eyed witch. "I see the idiots have no common sense. They've started from the bottom. I guess they'll be starting all over again for their next detention."

Rolanda laughed again at the situation as they settled back to watch their evening's entertainment. Harry settled in for a long evening watching his housemates struggle to complete their task. It wasn't going to be easy for them and they'll freak when they find out they'd have to start over. By the time they all left the ground, roughly two hours after they started scrubbing, they had an audience consisting of the entire school staff and Severus in his role as Harry Potter. One of the seven noticed Minerva's presence, but was disappointed when she did not intervene in their punishment. Harry didn't realize that he was rubbing his left arm until Severus hissed in his ear. Harry looked the other man in the eyes before flicking his eyes up to the scar on the other's forehead and returning to his starting point. Severus gave a barely noticeable nod indicating that the scar was bothering him as much as the mark was bothering Harry. Harry knew it wasn't a summoning, not that he would have answered if it was.

"I think we all shall take shifts keeping an eye on our miscreants. They've got a long night ahead of them." Albus replied with a glint of maliciousness in his eyes.

"Yes, that would be fine with me. I don't relish spending the entire night out here with the dunderheads, though they're evening wouldn't have been as drawn out if they hadn't mouthed off when I informed them of the time of their detention." Harry said in a very dry tone.

"I thought that had been the case since they didn't seem to be holding brushes when I looked." Minerva mentioned idly as she shard a conspiratorial glace with Harry and then with Severus.

"Severus, Rolanda, you've both spent more than enough time out here for tonight. Minerva and Filius will continue the watch for a while." Albus dismissed Harry and Rolanda with a twinkle. "Harry if you'd go with Professor Snape and Madam Hooch."

"I don't think so, Professor Dumbledore. Hermione told me at breakfast that the rest of the house wishes to punish them further," Severus gestured on the seven figures lined along the castle face, "since they lost us any chance at the House Cup this year. With Professor McGonagall's approval we'll be smacking altered bludgers at them for the duration of their detentions. Hermione and Ron are going to be down soon with the bludgers, the team's current beaters and the reserve beaters. Then the rest of the house will be taking turns throughout the night."

"A little scrawny seeker such as you is going to have a bit of a problem with those bludgers, even altered ones." Rolanda said to Severus with a slightly patronizing tone that was filled with affection, but it was enough to ruffle Severus' feathers and Harry stepped in before Severus' tempter targeted her.

"Actually I once overheard Wood telling the Weasley twins that Potter would make a fair beater if he outgrew the seeker position." Harry told the yellow-eyed witch with a mock scowl at Severus for not growing taller as he stepped subtly between them. He started herding her towards the castle using the excuse of asking her opinions on the abilities of those in Slytherin who may wish to join the team in the coming school year to hide the fact that he was doing so.

That was sufficient enough to keep her attention off of Severus and any slips in personality she may or may not have noticed. After all next to the Headmaster and Minerva she knew Harry best even though it was from observation and not actual contact. Harry listened to her thoughts on the Slytherin students and their flying abilities as well as what position they might be able to fill. Harry made a mental note on those she felt would be best for Severus to approach in September. He hoped he would remember to pass those recommendations onto Severus before the year was out. He knew the Slytherin team was losing almost all their players when the school year finished. As they walked towards Harry's and Severus' rooms his mark flared and for some reason he felt the need to check on the Slytherins.

"Would you mind accompanying me to my house dorms? I should check on my students." Harry asked the flying instructor as he altered his course to take them to the Slytherin dorms.

"Of course, Severus. Any particular reason why?"

"I feel the need to check my students."

"Is your mark bothering you, Severus?"

Harry stopped right there and dropped into a defensive crouch with his wand drawn and aimed at the witch.

"Relax, Severus. I've known for years. My brother was an Auror and he saw you during one of the frequent skirmishes both sides had. Since he knew you were a student he told me. Did you ever notice how you always woke up in your dorm no matter how badly you were punished by You-Know-Who?"

Severus shook his head, especially because he really didn't know much about Severus' time as a true Death Eater.

"That was my doing. I tried to help those others, but when I noticed how much they truly enjoyed what they did those nights they were called. I noticed how unsure you were every time you returned to the school. I would have tried to talk to you, but it was hard since you weren't on they Quidditch team. When Albus installed you as the Potions Professor and Head of Slytherin after the Potter's were killed I knew you turned away on your own. Even after he returned and I saw you sneak out of the school I'd wait until you returned and noticed that you went straight to Albus' office when you came home. I saw no reason to say anything since you were obviously on our side."

Harry relaxed slightly at her explanation. He gave a small bow and continued on to the Slytherin dorms. He muttered the password and entered once the wall opened wide enough wit Rolanda right on his heels. He checked all the dorms and went cold when he noticed the empty beds in the sixth and seventh year dorms. Parkinson, Nott, Crabbe, Goyle, and Blustrode were missing from the seventh year rooms. O'Connor, Pennywhistle and Coakley were missing from the sixth year ones.

"We'd better inform Albus." Roland stated and made her way, at a run, outside in hopes that Albus was still there.

Harry followed right on her heels until there was room enough to pass her in the hallways. Harry's luck seemed to be holding out as they charged out of the main doors. Albus was still outside as were the other teachers, chatting while watching the Gryffindor's punish their own.

"Headmaster, eight of my students are not in their beds and I don't believe they're on the school grounds." Harry informed the older man whose visage took on a grim mask.

"Filius, Pomona, please check your students and report back here. Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley please return to Gryffindor with Madam Hooch and search the dorms."

Hermione didn't move and Harry noticed her pulling out her D.A. galleon. He remembered that she altered the ones, she, Ron, Ginny, Neville, Luna and he carried so they could pass messages to each other. She was probably alerting Ginny and Neville and getting them to check the dorms so that she and Ron wouldn't have to leave Severus with the teachers. Next she whipped out Harry's map and checked for any students loose in the castle or grounds. Severus looked over her shoulder and gave a small shake of his head to show that there weren't any students, other than the Gryffindors with them, were out.

"Ginny and Neville are searching Gryffindor and they'll let us know immediately if there's anyone missing. I also woke Luna and she'll be waiting for Professor Flitwick to arrive. If they can they'll meet with Professor Sprout and relay her findings." Hermione informed the Headmaster and Harry doubted that the two would be able to intercept the earthy Head of Hufflepuff.

Albus nodded in agreement and those eyes twinkled at the witch's refusal to leave. As they all waited for the three groups to report in Albus turned to Harry.

"Which students are missing?"

"Goyle, Crabbe, Nott, Pennywhistle, Coakley, Blustrode, Parkinson and O'Connor."

"Any speculations as to why Mr. Malfoy was not included in the group?"

"Lucius Malfoy was killed by the Dark Lord earlier in the week. The Malfoy's are out of favour." Harry replied while Severus nodded in confirmation.

"Until we have an idea as to what Voldemort's planning you'll both have to be doubly alert." Albus told both of them. "It will be in our best interest to act as if we haven't noticed their absence from the school. Harry is not to go anywhere alone. There will be at least two teachers escorting him to class and any of his Defence Association students may help the teachers. We must remain on guard. Severus, please remember not to answer any summons, whether it is from the mark or from another Death Eater."

"I had no intention of doing so, Headmaster, for reasons you already know." Harry replied. He pivoted towards Hermione when the galleon in her pocket went off.

"Ginny and Neville say that Miranda Kennedy is the only unaccounted for student in Gryffindor." She informed the Headmaster after fishing the coin from her pocket.

Shortly after her announcement an owl raced into their midst. The large barn owl went straight to Albus and landed on his outstretched arm. Albus slipped the note it carried from its beak and the pale bird flew off immediately after in the direction it came from. Albus opened the note and trapped his wand to the parchment. He quickly read the contents and sighed with relief.

"It seems that all the Hufflepuffs are accounted for. All we need now if Filius' report."

"Well at least we don't have any suspected Death Eaters in Hufflepuff." Ron said quietly, but before Harry, Minerva or Albus could correct him both Hermione and Severus jumped in.

"That's not true, Ron." Hermione snapped at the red head.

"It could be that the ones missing tonight have parents or close relatives in Voldemort's favour." Severus said, but he made a face when he said 'Voldemort' that attracted odd looks from both Ron and Hermione.

"Don't say a word." Harry snarled when Hermione looked ready to say something. "Remember what I told you the other day, Ms. Granger."

Hermione's eyes opened wide in realization as she looked at Harry then at Severus. She nodded her head slowly and muttered to Ron that she'd explain later. Severus sighed in relief and shot an apologetic look at Harry and Albus. Minerva tried to hide her laughter by turning her back as if she was scanning the forest for intruders. The galleon in Hermione's hand chimed again. She frowned and scratched something into the surface of the coin.

"Luna says that the entire Ravenclaw Quidditch team is missing. Professor Flitwick will be down to confirm the information. He wants to check the broom sheds to see if the brooms are gone." Hermione reported.

"Thank you, Miss Granger. Please ask Miss Lovegood to ask Professor Flitwick to meet me in my office." As Albus finished his request Pomona came puffing up to them. "Ah, Pomona, would you please go with Rolanda and check the broom sheds? Filius has reported that this Quidditch team has left the grounds."

"Of course, Professor Dumbledore. Rolanda, whenever you're ready." The stout witch replied as she gasped for breath.

"Let's go then." Rolanda responded and turned towards the pitch."

"When your search is complete, please report to my office." Albus called to the two retreating witches.

"Minerva and I will escort Severus and Harry to their quarters. If the rest of you would see to our delinquents and their house mates safe return to Gryffindor, I would be most obliged. I will see you all in my office when you're done."

Albus turned to head into the castle and Harry followed with Severus and Minerva on either side. The walk to the dungeons was tense and Harry couldn't help fingering his wand as he walked through the hallways. No one said a word until they reached Severus' door. Everyone piled in behind Severus after he opened the door.

"Severus please be alert tomorrow and come to my office after breakfast. I have an emergency portkey for you." Albus paused a moment have receiving Severus' nod of acknowledgement. One could clearly see the thoughts running through his head. "Severus, are you having any trouble using Harry's wand?"

"No, I haven't." Severus answered immediately.

"Excellent. Please remember that Harry's wand is a brother to Voldemort's. They won't work against each other properly. Harry, are there any issues with Severus' wand?"

"No, it's cooperating with me. I didn't have any resistance from it when fighting Percy." Harry responded as he sought to ease Albus' worries.

"Good. Remember to keep alert and I'll retrieve your map from Ms. Granger after my meeting with Severus. It'll be of immense use in the next few days. I'll bid you both goodnight. Minerva, if you'd be so kind, please be here in the morning with Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley so that there's an escort for Severus and Harry."

"I'll be here at 7:30, Severus, Harry. Goodnight to you all." Minerva left immediately after and Severus raised his wards the moment she left.

"I'll be closing the floo after you've left, Albus. I'll see you immediately after breakfast." Severus told the older man, who left immediately after.

"Harry waved goodbye as the older man left the room. Neither Severus nor Harry said a word as they changed for bed. Harry slid into the bed before Severus was done pulling his night clothes on. Once the man occupying his body climbed into bed, Harry closed the distance between them as his fear consumed him. Severus didn't question his motives as he wrapped his arms around Harry. Severus spelled the lights out and tucked his wand under pillow before settling down for the night. Harry fisted one of his hands in Severus' pajama top as his fear started to take control. If Severus was killed he'd never get his body back and there was no way he'd be able to continue his impersonation of the older man. He was barely adequate as it was. Severus began to rub circles on his back as he sensed the rising fear in him. After a few moments Harry began to relax though the fear still had a firm grip on him.

"No matter what happens in the next few days, just remember that I meant what I said yesterday." Severus whispered in his ear.

"You said you were in love, but didn't say with who." Harry replied just as quietly.

"I thought it was obvious, idiot boy. I love you." Harry could hear the exasperation in the man's voice over his denseness. "I certainly wouldn't have risked my life raiding the Dark Lord's stores getting Nagini's venom so I could brew a quasi-legal potion for anything less than love. Considering it was your friend I made the potion for, you should have been able to assume it was you I loved, brat." Harry fought the tears the man's statement brought to his eyes, mostly because he couldn't sort through his own feelings for the other man. Severus didn't seem to need a response from Harry. He just held him tighter before speaking again. "Go to sleep, Harry. It's going to be a long weekend."

Harry's racing thoughts weren't enough to keep him awake once the fear generated adrenaline wore away. Slumber pulled him under quickly. Harry woke several times during the night, but Severus' breathing lulled him back to sleep. Morning arrived and Harry felt like he didn't sleep at all. Severus was already awake and dressed when he finally woke completely. Once Harry was done getting ready the other man handed him a vial of Pepper Up, which immediately drove away the fog of inadequate sleep from his mind.

"Thanks, Severus. What are the odds of something happening today?"

"Very small. They'll be watching closely to ascertain our routines and fix my schedule into their plans. Once they're sure of my movements though out the day then they'll make their move." Severus said with the surety of long familiarity.

Harry couldn't help thinking that 'familiarity breeds contempt' as he listened to Severus' evaluation. Harry thought that either Voldemort or one of the Death Eaters would take into account Severus' inside knowledge of their modes of operation and act accordingly.

"If say so." Harry said in a response, but made sure his wand was loose and ready for action.

Minerva arrived right on time with Ron and Hermione in tow and the five of them made their way to the Great Hall in silence. Each one of them surveyed the shadows in search of anything suspicious and one Severus was securely seated at Gryffindor table Harry made his way to the Head Table to eat a very light breakfast. As they walked through the halls he couldn't help the gut feeling that they were going to attempt something today. He pulled his wand out of his sleeve and placed it along side his knife and fork and scanned the Great Hall. Minerva was eating quickly as were Filius, Vector and Sinistra. Harry guessed that they were going to take Severus up to the Headmaster's office and he checked the house tables to see if the missing students were back. None of them were present in the Hall and Harry did his best to act like there was nothing wrong.

He watched as Severus left with his guard and his bad feeling increased exponentially as the bronze doors closed behind the five people. He slowly got up from his seat, wand in hand, and began to round the huge staff table when Hermione shouted in alarm.

"Professor Snape, there are Death Eaters attacking Harry and the teachers in the Entrance Hall!"

Harry didn't respond, but made a mad dash through the doors. He could sense the presence of a dozen students behind him and a quick glance confirmed that it was all members of the D.A. following him into battle. He skidded to a halt as he tried to make sense of the chaos in front of him. Vector was down and Harry could see blood trickling down the side of her face. Filius was backed into a corner while Sinistra was driving two students down a hallway. Minerva and Severus were fighting back to back and Severus wasn't holding back. Harry could see the flashes of green coming from his wand as he joined the fray. Harry targeted the Ravenclaw and lone Gryffindor student and he too wasn't taking the chance of a fallen foe recovering to bite him in the ass. Green light flashed from the wand in his hand as he felled 'Miranda' and a Ravenclaw, that he didn't really know the name of, from behind. Harry didn't feel as bad killing these as he did when he thought he killed Ron. This time he knew that they were adults masquerading as students that he was cutting down. He mentally thanked Moony, Padfoot, Wormtail, and Prongs for making a map that you couldn't hide your identity from.

Minerva fell to a curse Harry couldn't identify and when she went down the two Death Eaters disguised as Crabbe and Goyle grabbed Severus and waited while a third, a Ravenclaw, held out a portkey. Harry didn't hesitate and leapt forward as he took out Crabbe with a well aimed killing curse. It wasn't enough for Severus to escape and the moment Harry looked at the slightly panicked expression on the man's face all his scattered thoughts from the other day marched into perfect alignment. Harry realized at that moment, the moment before he could lose Severus forever that he truly loved the man. He dove at the portkey and as his hand closed on the magical transport the Ravenclaw activated it. Harry felt the familiar tug around his navel as Hogwarts dissolved around him.