Coming Silence Ch: 13

A month had gone by in the wizarding world and Harry was no closer to shagging his Mate then finding out Tolmet's new home base. According to Ittana, Tolmet hadn't returned. Harry was frustrated.

He paced up and down his bedroom wall, thinking. He tried everything he could think of to get Severus to kiss him. He didn't necessarily want to shag his Mate, he just wanted to hold him, kiss him. But Severus wasn't buying. Harry growled low in his throat. He was so damn frustrated! He tried everything; sending him a rose- which was promptly turned into mulch- , flirting, trying to write poetry- nothing worked! Of course, maybe it was just too early to do those things (or Severus just wasn't the romantic type).

The surprising thing about the month, though, was the unexpected help that was offered to Harry. A few days after the first Dueling Club meeting, Malfoy approached Harry after his potions class. He said that he would help Harry try to get his Uncle. When Harry had asked why, Malfoy simply said that, in payment, Harry would help him pull a few pranks on the Weasel.

Harry was still suspicious, considering who offered him help, but he agreed. He didn't know anything about Severus and Malfoy knew everything. Most of the information had been helpful but so far, nothing worked. Harry was just about to give up and simply jump Severus, curses be damned.

A knock on his chamber door drew him from his pacing. "Come in!"

The door slowly opened and a redhead poked itself in from the door. Harry grinned when he saw the mischievous face of Ginny Weasley. "Hey, Harry! I know I shouldn't be here but we never get to see each other any more."

Harry grinned. "Come on in and close the door." Ginny crept over and led the way into the sitting room. Harry handed her a glass of pumpkin juice he conjured from the kitchens and sat across from her. "So, what's up? I know you didn't come here just to see me."

"And what makes you think I didn't?"

"Because I doubt Blaise would let you get very far. What's really bothering you?"

She sighed and placed her glass on the table. "It's Neville. He's acting- strange. Or, stranger than usual. I'm surprised no one has come to tell you that yet."

Harry raised an eyebrow, saying, "Oh? And why would someone come to talk to me about Neville? No one has told me about him; he seemed fine the last time I talked to him. In fact, he seems more sufficient when it comes to casting spells, now that you mention it."

"So you have noticed something wrong with him!" Ginny sounded positively relived. Harry just shook his head. Just because someone got better at something didn't mean anything was wrong with that person, and Harry told her that. "That's not all, Harry. Dean says that sometimes at night, Neville just disappears."

Harry's head snapped up, his gaze becoming more focused. "Dean said that?" 'Could Neville have been the figure I saw? No, not Neville. But then again, he does remind me of Pettigrew. I think Dumbledore needs to know about this.'

"Is there anything else that Neville does that's different?" There was an intensity to Harry's voice that made Ginny stare at him warily.

"Well, there are a few things. He's quieter for starters. Sometimes, when he thinks no ones looking, he starts muttering to himself. No one knows what he says but its odd."

Harry nodded quickly. "Is that all?" Ginny nodded. "Thank you for the information, Ginny. It just might be more important than you think. If he does anything else, please notify me immediately."

"Sure, anything Harry. But why do you want to know?" Harry merely looked at her. Ginny gazed back with a quizzical look on her face. A moment later her brown eyes widened and she gasped, "You don't think- no, not Neville!"

"I don't want to think the worst of Neville but you have to remember Pettigrew. The similarities between the two can't be ignored. I don't want to think the worst of him, but as a King, thinking the worst of some one may save your life. Please, keep what I said in mind. Neville just might not be acting on his own power."

"I will. Do you want me to try to talk to him?"

"No, it's too risky," Harry stood and started pacing. "Try to act as normal as possible when you are around him but do not let down your guard. If you'll excuse me, I have to go inform Dumbledore."

Ginny stood and followed Harry out the door. They walked together until they split, going their separate ways. He was deep in thought the whole way up to the Headmasters office. What if Neville did belonged to Voldemort?

"Ice mice." The gargoyle jumped aside and Harry strode up the moving staircase. He waited outside the office door until he heard the offer to enter. He sat down in front of Dumbledore and waited for the older wizard to stop writing the letter he was working on.

"Hello, Harry," said Dumbledore, pushing his letter off unto the side. "What can I do for you today?"

"It's about Neville. Earlier, Ginny came by and told me some startling news I think you need to know." The next half hour was spent dissecting the conversation, asking 'why' and 'what if'. The twinkle had long fled from Dumbledore's eye.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'll ask one of my informants to check in on it." The Headmaster looked older than Harry had thought possible. The information must have hit him hard. Speaking of which..

"Headmaster, if you don't mind me asking, why did you give me the Dueling Club? And made me help Severus during his classes? Not that I am complaining about the last part, it keeps me closer to my Mate, but I have no clue on how to teach."

Dumbledore suddenly looked at his watch and stood, saying, "Oh, dear, look at the time! I must finish that letter, my boy, now if you don't mind; I'll keep you informed on this situation. I will see you at lunch!"

And before Harry knew it, he was effectively removed from the room and, in no time, was staring in shock at the now closed door. "I hate when he does that." Harry sighed and turned around.

Thankfully it was a Saturday, leaving him free to go down to the lake. He called to Draco and asked the Matinar to meet him by the lake. Halfway down the stairs, Harry started to feel dizzy. The hallway started to twirl and spin, faster and faster. Without knowing what was happening, the darkness slowly started to creep up on him. A moment later, he fell. He never felt the steps come up to meet him.

When Harry finally woke up, most of the day had passed. Opening his eyes, he groaned. "Not the infirmary. Please tell me I am not in the infirmary."

"So sorry to disappoint you, Harry," said a dry voice from his left. Harry grinned and moved his head towards the offending voice. Immediately he groaned as the pounding in his head intensified. "I wouldn't move your head just yet. It was quite the fall you had taken."

A cool hand was placed on his forehead. Harry turned into the caress and started to purr. It felt so nice. A tingling sensation spread from the top of his head, down toward his toes. It was the Bond trying to form. Harry instantly stiffened in surprise as he slowly started to become aroused. Trying to push away the offending feeling, he tried to recall what happened- only to find that the memory was fuzzy.

"What happened?" He glanced towards Severus, only to find the Potions Master in a similar state of his own. "Having problems? I could help you with that, you know." Severus glared at Harry, only to receive an infuriating grin.

"You fell. I happened to find you on the steps by Dumbledores office. You hit your head pretty hard. Poppy says you have a mild concussion. Here, drink this." A potion was shoved into Harry's hand. Obediently, Harry downed the potion and instantly felt better. The pressure in his head was relieved. "What happened?"

Harry sighed. "The longer I stay in this realm, the faster my demonic powers will disappear. This is only the beginning. Soon, I will start to get sick before my wizarding powers will kick back in."

"How sick will you get?" The concern in Severus's voice touched Harry deeply.

"Concerned for my health? I'm touched."

"You wish," Severus snorted slightly.

Harry shrugged gracefully. "Well, it all depends."

"Depends on what?"

Harry turned a bright green gaze onto his Mate. Severus felt himself falling into those beautiful green orbs. "Depends on the Bond. I need you, Sev, and not just because I love you." His voice was husky with want.

"You don't know what you're talking about," replied Severus, his voice just as husky. Harry could smell the desire wafting off of his Mate, and it started to drive him crazy.

"Yes, I do. I love you, Sev, even if you don't believe me." Harry leaned forward, over the railing keeping him separated from Severus. The Potions Master could do nothing as that gaze got closer and closer to his face. He was frozen in place.

One pale hand wove itself through his long hair, grabbing a fist full and pulling him closer. "What do I have to do to get you to believe me?" asked Harry. "I love you." A moment later, warm lips met his in a soft kiss. A brief caress passed across his own unresponsive lips before descending again.

The kiss slowly started to become fiercer with passion as Severus started to respond. A deep moan came up from his throat and Harry purred in response. He crawled over the rail, still kissing those irresistible lips. Severus found himself full of a lithe and strong body.

The smell of arousal assaulted Harry's senses and he could feel himself harden in response. A hand trailed across his back, moving in soft circles, bringing a moan from Harry's throat. A hot tongue glided across his lips and Harry opened his mouth eagerly. Just as things were starting to get interesting, a small cough from behind them brought them to the present.

Harry blushed a bright red as Madam Pomfrey said, "As much as I appreciate the view, this is not a snogging spot. Kindly get back into bed, Potter."

Severus blushed faintly and reluctantly let go of Harry. Both tried to hide their evident arousals but barely managed. Harry had a bright grin plastered to his face that he just couldn't seem to get rid of.

"Thank you, Potter. Now hold still while I check your health." Pomfrey bustled around Severus and approached Harry from the side. She quickly scanned him and hurried off to get another potion.

Harry waited until she was out of earshot before saying, "Was it as good for you as it was for me?" Severus blushed again, snarling at Harry. But he didn't leave.

"Get that idiotic grin off of your face, Harry. And stop teasing me. All that was, was a brief loss of control. I assure you that it will not happen again."

Harry sighed. "Now we're back to this again. Look, I liked it, you liked it- just because Poppy happened to interfere doesn't mean we can't do it again. I love you, Sev. I won't let you go. Do you know that we have started to bond?"

Severus looked at Harry in surprise. "Don't you feel different? The first part is complete. I can feel where you are at, and visa-versa. I told you, you're my Mate."

Severus shook his head. Pomfrey bustled back into view, so he turned his attention to the nurse, trying to ignore the look of love and lust sent his way. "Is the imp ready to leave yet?"

"He'll be fine. Just make sure he stays in bed for the rest of the day. He'll need to sleep the rest of the concussion off." She fed Harry another potion and handed him his cloths.

"For your information, the imp does not sleep in my chambers."

"Now, Sev, it's not polite to lie to the nice nurse," said Harry, turning to Pomfrey and ignoring the dark look sent his way. "He'll make sure I stay in bed. If you need me, I'll be with him."

The nurse smiled and turned away as Harry started to lift his shirt. Severus was about to start yelling at Harry when the site of that pale flesh met his eyes. He choked on his own breath and watched Harry strip. Severus saw, for the first time up close, the black tail swishing in the light. Unable to help himself, he reached out to the base of Harry's spine and slowly started to stroke the velvety soft tail.

Harry froze at the touch but, as the touch continued, he found himself closing his eyes in pleasure. He arched his back and purred. As sudden as it came, the touch stopped. Harry turned and pouted, pulling on his shirt.

"Why did you stop? That felt nice."

Severus didn't reply. The older man turned and walked out of the infirmary, followed by a disappointed Harry. Neither talked as they continued down the hall but Harry got the urge to touch what he considered his. Knowing people were going to stare, he reached over and intertwined his fingers with Severus's.

The older man looked slightly surprised but, upon seeing that Harry had that dopey looking grin back on his face, decided to amuse his- would the term be boyfriend?- imp, and ignored it. Harry felt a slight tightening of his Mate's hand and smiled.

"Thirty points from Hufflepuff!" shouted Severus to a passing Hufflepuff fifth year, who just happened to be staring. Everyone else took the hint and ignored the passing pair.

Once hidden inside Severus's chambers- Harry wouldn't release Severus's hand- the Potions Master released Harry's reluctant hand and slumped onto his couch. Harry stared at his surroundings, pleasantly surprised.

Instead of all the green that he was originally expecting, he found a dark black couch with two matching recliners on each side facing a stone gray fireplace. There were a couple of pictures on the mantle, along with a statue of a howling wolf and two silver candlesticks.

There was a dark cherry coffee table and three matching bookcases full of books; many of them were well worn. Two doors to his left lead deeper into Severus's quarters. Harry walked forward towards the fireplace, well aware of the appraising looks sent his way.

He suddenly gasped in shock. "I never knew you were the Slytherin Seeker!" The picture in front of him had a twelve-year-old Severus, proudly holding the snitch in front of his House Quidditch team. "Draco never told me about that."

"Yes, I was the Seeker for six years," said Severus, walking up behind Harry. Harry leaned back against Severus's chest, fitting perfectly under the others chin. "I was a good one, too. The Gryffindor team just had better players. Though I always caught the snitch, we never quite beat the Gryffindor team. They always seemed to win."

Harry replaced the picture back onto the mantle and turned to face Severus. "So, where will I be sleeping tonight? Hopefully it's wherever you happen to be sleeping."

Severus smiled slightly. "Oh, you will sleep well. Would you like to see your bed?" Harry grinned and nodded. Severus beckoned for the other to follow. A moment later they stopped- right in front of the couch. Severus conjured a blanket and pillow and shoved them into Harry's hands. "Here you go, you will be sleeping on the couch. Have a great night!"

Harry stared flabbergasted as Severus turned on his heals and stalked off to the second door. "Great, and I hope you sleep well too. Damn it!"

AN: I am evil, aren't I? At least they kissed. I figure, as much as Sev is attracted to Harry, he just won't make a move because he feels Harry is only attracted to him because of the bond. He will get over that soon, trust me. Thank you for all the reviews, I appreciate them. I hope you all enjoyed! Until next time then. ~Cheers