Chapter 2 : Fateful mistake

After such a horrible day, the three friends made their way to the Gryffindor tower, looking gloomier than ever.

"That was beside worse", Ron commented bitterly.

"At least you weren't with Pansy. That harpy! She did her best to botch the potion and when I caught her red handed, she hit me!" Hermione said.

"Well, I was paired up with Malfoy. If you can call it better…"

"Well, at least you hadn't Neville AND Snape to deal with", Harry said hotly, "Merlin, that man was in an even worse temper than usual!"

Ron and Hermione looked at Harry with sympathy in their eyes, nearing pity.

"True", Ron said, "even more so you have detention with him on Friday."

Ron suddenly seemed to remember something.

"Hey, I have to speak to Angelina. Maybe she could make you practice on another day…"

"I doubt it", Harry said darkly, "Remember my detentions with Umbridge…"

"Yeah, you're right."

Ron sighted deeply.

"Lucky you're such a good seeker, you don't need this practice as much as… let's see… Malfoy!

They all laughed, their spirits rising. And as she was in a good mood, Hermione had to say:

"Now, let's do our homework and study for a bit. After all, we have to pass our OWLS at the end of the year."

Ron and Harry both groaned.

In the meantime, Snape was in his chambers and was transferring some of the pale red liquid from the vial to a special glass, in order to distil it to know its exact composition.

"Potter and Longbottom really… creating a potion not even remotely close to what I asked… Well, with such a combination, that was to be expected…" Snape muttered to himself, while preparing the objects he needed to do his task.

Frustrated, he summoned a cup of tea to calm his fraying nerves. After having to teach the fifth year Gryffindor/Slytherin, he always needed something to regain his composure. Not wanting to become alcoholic, he preferred to indulge in strong made tea, like Albus, than in some more dubious substances.

As if called by this thought, Dumbledore's head appeared in his hearth, via floo-network.

"Ah, Severus! I'm glad you're here, I wanted to see you. May you come to my office so that we can discuss quietly over a nice cup of tea?"

Snape scolded, clearly annoyed by the headmaster's cheerfulness.

"Not now Albus, I have to analyse the… substance Potter and Longbottom produced."

Dumbledore chuckled.

"Now now, Severus, it can't be that bad…"

Meaningful glare from Severus

"Well… alright, maybe it can. But may you not do it another time? What I have to talk to you about is fairly important."

"You can tell me now, Albus, via floo."

"I'd rather not… Alright if you've decided to be stubborn, but don't say I didn't warn you… I would like you to give Harry Potter occlumency lessons…"

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!" Snape roared.

"I feared you might react this way, that's why I wanted you to come over so that we could discuss it more properly."

"There's nothing to talk about. I have already a lot of trouble dealing with him in potion class
, I cannot imagine what it would be like in extra classes… especially with something as complex and subtle as occlumency. Potter is virtually incapable of concentrating on the same subject more than five seconds, just like every good Gryffindor. Even if I tried to teach him, which I won't, he would fail… as usual. "

Dumbledore sighted

"He has a connection to Voldemort, Severus. Nothing is more certain… his pain whenever Voldemort is nearby, his nightmares or more likely his visions of him…  We still do not know to what extend this link goes, but it is real and it may become a serious threat, both to him and the Order, even more so if Voldemort were to learn its existence. Occlumency will give Harry the means to protect himself, and you are the best in this subject…"

Snape remained silent, his lips pressed in a thin line.

Dumbledore sighted again.

"We'll have to discuss this matter again I'm afraid… But I'll give you time to adjust to this situation ; after all, Voldemort still do not know anything about his link with young Mr. Potter, right Severus?"

With this Dumbledore looked intensely at Snape.

"No, Headmaster, he does not. And he has not summoned me since the beginning of the term. He knows not to blow up my cover as a teacher here" Snape said in a monotonous voice.

"I see… No news then?"

Snape shook his head.

"Very well. If Voldemort summons you or if your mark burns, warn me before you do anything, I don't want you to take unnecessary risks." Albus smiled fondly at Snape. "Take care of yourself, I'll see you at dinner, Severus."

With this, Dumbledore's head disappeared from the fireplace.

Snape threw his fist helplessly on his desk, clearly distraught by the discussion which had just taken place. He remained a few seconds like this, his eyes closed and his head bent low towards his chest.

Then, sighting deeply, his emotions once again under control, he lifted his cup and took a long calming sip.

He felt immediately better.

In fact, he felt oddly appeased, as if everything in the world was at his place.

He blissfully sank in his favourite armchair, savouring the new sensation…

It couldn't last long.

Almost immediately after he had let himself fall in his armchair, thoughts of Potter came flooding his mind.

Images of Potter laughing with his friends, Potter on his broom flying gracefully above the quidditch pitch, Potter grinning sheepishly at the end of the year feast when congratulated… With each scene, a tiny voice was making comments about how cute and pretty he was or how brave he had been…

That was not normal.

Severus Snape NEVER had any thoughts about Harry bloody Potter, except to notice how arrogant, self-centred and idiotic the insufferable brat was.

As he was wondering what could have caused such unusual, ridiculous thoughts, a strong, unexpected surge of arousal washed through him, leaving him breathless.

His crotch swelled dramatically, much to his dismay.

What the hell?!!

He tried to will it away, but nothing worked, not even thoughts of a naked Argus Flich and a naked Albus dancing tango together.

Deciding for the other method, but with sheer disgust, Snape released his erection and started stroking it. Immediately thoughts of Harry Potter filled his mind: a very naked Harry Potter on his bed, Harry Potter stroking himself with a wanton expression, Harry Potter's delicious mouth around his cock, Harry Potter squirming with pleasure beneath him…

This last image was his undoing and he spilled his essence over his hand.

Panting strongly, Snape fought to regain control of his mind.

"This cannot be happening… I cannot have jerked off like a bloody teenager with thoughts of Harry BLOODY Potter!"

Snape tried to recall all of the day events, to pinpoint exactly what could have been the cause of such an impossible behaviour.

A cold chill ran through him.

"No…"

Horrified, he threw himself onto his desk and grabbed his teacup. It was full, but he was sure that he had drunk tea… An overwhelming feeling if dread and hopelessness washed through him, crushing him.

With a trembling hand, he took the container in which he had poured a bit of Potter's potion earlier… the potion with the scent of tea…

It was near empty.

Snape let out a howl of despair. He had drunk the substance created by the two worst potion makers in the whole school… And he had not the slightest clue about what it might be…

To be continued.

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Author's note: I wrote this chapter really quickly, because I found time -and inspiration- to do so but don't expect all chapters to come this fast. I'll try to update at least once every two weeks.

I wanted to thanks all those who reviewed. That was very kind as it is the first fic I've written.

So thanks to Leila, c[R]ud[E]dly, Aerhiana, Arwen Rayne, sakura, Cece1, Miss. Charlet and Shuki-aka Quickjewel. I hope this chapter pleased you