Chapter Twenty-Seven

What's Up With Potter?

ONE

Severus was rather confused when, one week previous, he came home from his rounds to find Harry asleep in his own room. His confusion only grew as the week progressed when first Harry avoided him, and then Harry wanted to be held at all times they were together.

Now, after all of his erratic behavior, Harry wanted a kiss.

"Please?" Harry whispered, looking into Severus' eyes with hope and fear. Severus simply couldn't understand what was running through his lover's mind, so he complied with a gentle kiss. Harry deepened the kiss, licking Severus' bottom lip to ask for admittance, which he was granted.

Severus pulled away slowly to observe Harry's expression, which was decidedly unreadable. "Are you all right, Harry?" Severus asked softly, unable to determine what was going on in Harry's head.

Harry nodded and said, "Make love to me, Sev'rus." He placed his arms around Severus' waist, stretching his neck and getting up onto his toes to place a kiss on Severus' mouth. He moved down to Severus' neck and shoulders. "Please, Sev'rus," he muttered, continuing his attentions on Severus' neck.

Severus couldn't find it in his heart to say no to his lover, so he lifted Harry from the floor and took him into the bedroom. He placed the teen gently on the bed and lowered himself over top, kissing Harry passionately but gently, sensing his lover's inexplicable nervousness. Harry's hands found Severus' buttons and began to undo them slowly, never stopping the kiss as he worked. His tongue swirled around Severus' almost desperately as his hands worked, making Severus pull back to still Harry's hands.

"Are you certain that you're all right?" he asked with concern.

Harry nodded, seeking to pull Severus back into the kiss, but Severus dodged his hands.

"You seem nervous to me," Severus commented.

"I'm not nervous," Harry replied, obviously lying. "Please, Sev'rus? Make me forget who I am. Make me forget everything but you. Please?"

Severus swallowed his retort, feeling rather than knowing that Harry needed to feel loved. He ducked his head to reinitiate the kiss, finding Harry's buttons with his long fingers. Once Harry's robes lay open on the bed, Severus pushed up the tee shirt Harry was wearing, searching for the bear skin beneath.

"Buttons," Harry murmured into Severus' mouth. "Why must you always have so many buttons?"

Severus chuckled gently at Harry's familiar question, reaching down to help Harry finish with his outer robe. "They are elegant," he replied with a smirk.

"They are annoying," Harry came back, reaching up again to start work on Severus' inner robe. "Too many buttons."

Severus chuckled again, helping Harry with the next set of buttons as well. Once they were opened, Severus pushed Harry's shirt up and over the teen's head, revealing his beautifully toned chest and stomach. 'How did I ever get so fortunate?' Severus thought as he took in the sight before him. He ducked his head to kiss Harry's chest, pausing at each nipple to suck them into hard little nubs, enjoying the pleasant mewling sounds Harry was making.

Harry pushed Severus' robes from his shoulders, leaving him revealed. Harry ran his hands over Severus' chest, his eyes filled with what Severus only dared to call affection, though it looked like so much more than that.

Severus' hands dropped to Harry's waistband, beginning work on Harry's jeans when he felt Harry tense slightly beneath him. Before he had time to consider what that could mean, Harry had flipped their positions, straddling Severus' hips as he removed his own jeans. In the back of Severus' mottled brain, he registered the fact that Harry hesitated slightly before removing his jeans, but the rest of him was overcome with the feeling of passion, love and magic.

Harry bent forward over Severus' body, claiming Severus' mouth in another searing kiss. Harry continued kissing, running his hands along every bit of Severus that he could find, increasing the powerful magic flowing between them. Severus reached up and behind him, opened the nightstand drawer, and pulled out his oil-based lube, wondering what Harry wanted from him this night. Harry reached out and plucked the lubricant from Severus' hand, smiling shyly down at his lover. He kissed Severus gently, sat up and took the lid off of the jar, his legs flexing around Severus' hips as he used them to keep his balance.

Harry smiled as he bent forward to give Severus another kiss.

He reached his hands up and tangled them in Harry's hair, cradling the teen's head lovingly and kissing his temple gently. They made love slowly, and when they finished, Harry collapsed onto Severus' chest.

"Thank you, Sev'rus," Harry whispered. "Thank you." His voice hitched slightly, and Severus was horrified to realize that Harry was crying softly.

"Harry?" he asked, rolling them so that Harry was next to him. "What is it?"

Harry touched Severus' cheek gently, tears shining in his eyes. "Nothing," he replied even as tears continued to roll down his cheeks. "I'm fine."

Severus frowned, not believing that Harry was fine, but knowing that Harry wouldn't tell him if he wasn't. He wiped Harry's cheek with his thumb, still searching Harry's shining eyes for some clue as to what was wrong.

"Let's sleep now, Sev'rus," Harry murmured, bringing Severus' hand to his mouth and giving the palm a kiss.

Severus swallowed, nodding and laying next to Harry, pulling his lover to him protectively. Harry cuddled close, wrapping his legs and arms around Severus and drifting into a peaceful sleep. Severus, however, couldn't sleep for wondering what could have caused Harry to cry that way. The only conclusion his could draw was that he'd hurt Harry somehow, which didn't comfort him at all. He kissed the top of Harry's head and lay back, hoping he was wrong, but knowing that Harry wouldn't tell him if he wasn't.

TWO

Draco stretched languidly as he finished his meditative exercise, pleased with his progress. He'd nearly managed to master Occlumency, and he was thrilled that he'd soon be able to continue his lessons with Maria, hopefully to rejoin classes by the end of the coming summer break. He'd nearly passed out from the strain of being around so many people when he'd taken Hermione and Ginny to Dumbledore's office all those weeks ago, so he wanted to master his gift as soon as possible. He wanted to spend more time with Hermione, feeling that he'd neglected her considerably since reaching his Majority. She'd come to see him a few times, but he had to send her away quickly each time as his head began to hurt from trying to block out her thoughts. He still hadn't told her why he was confined, but he didn't want to know what her reaction would be when she found out that he could read her mind.

He walked from his common room to Professor Snape's sitting room, thinking he'd ask Potter for a game of chess.

Potter, who was sitting at the coffee table doing his homework, jumped up and spun around when Draco entered, his wand pointed and a hex obviously on his lips. He sighed heavily when he saw Draco and returned to his homework without a word.

"Merlin, Potter," Draco drawled, his eyebrows creasing in consternation. "One would think you were expecting an attack."

Potter shrugged slightly, not turning around and still not speaking.

"Are you expecting an attack?" Draco asked suspiciously.

Potter paused, and then shook his head slowly, as though he was lying, which Draco thought he probably was.

"Honestly, Potter," he said, moving to the chessboard. "No one can get to us in here. Why else would Dumbledore assign both of us to live down here?"

Potter looked over at him, his expression carefully blank. After observing Draco for a moment, Potter abandoned his homework and moved to join Draco at the chessboard.

"You play white," he said quietly, not meeting Draco's eyes.

Draco raised his eyebrow and set up the board, wondering what Potter's problem was. He'd been acting strange for almost a month, and Draco knew that it had nothing to do with losing Weasley. Potter had gone quiet after Weasley died, but in the last month or so, he'd been jumpy and suspicious of everyone, including Professor Snape. Draco couldn't imagine what could have happened to make Potter so nervous, but he thought it had to be something bad.

THREE

"Professor Snape?" Draco asked quietly as he entered the professor's office.

Professor Snape was seated behind his desk grading papers, but he put his quill aside and waved Draco to a seat. "What brings you out into the world, Draco?" he asked, looking slightly amused.

Draco swallowed nervously, unsure now that he was here whether he should ask the professor about Harry's odd behavior. "What's up with Potter?" he blurted before he could lose his nerve.

Professor Snape's eyebrow rose slightly at the question. "To what are you referring?" he asked.

Draco felt his cheeks heat slightly in embarrassment, but he pressed on nonetheless. "He's been a bit… jumpy, as of late," he said. "I was wondering if he'd told you anything about why."

Professor Snape's expression hardened. "He has not," he snapped. "But even if he had, it would not be my place to discuss it with you. If he wishes for you to know, he will tell you."

Draco inwardly flinched at his professor's tone. "I'm sorry, sir," he muttered. "I'm just concerned about him. It is very uncharacteristic for him to be so jumpy. I wanted to help."

Professor Snape's expression softened a bit at that, and he came around the desk, placing a reassuring hand on Draco's shoulder. "He needs a bit of time, Draco," he said gently. "He'll tell us when he's ready."

"Yes, sir," Draco replied, not feeling any better for the talk.

FOUR

Severus sat at the head table, watching the students enter for their lunch. His eyes turned to the doors of the Hall as another student entered. He saw Harry, looking slightly winded, looking behind him as though worried someone might be following him. He moved quickly to the Gryffindor table and sat across from a rather subdued Hermione Granger.

Severus watched the teens, wondering at what Harry had been running from when he entered. The doors opened again and Severus saw Harry watching the new arrival almost fearfully. Severus turned to see at who Harry was looking, and found Jason smirking smugly at the teen. Severus' eyes narrowed dangerously as he watched his ex-lover, wondering what he'd done to Harry to cause such a reaction.

"Good afternoon, Severus," Jason said as he took Filius' seat next to Severus. "It's a beautiful day, is it not?"

"Why are you here?" Severus grated, rather than answering the question. "Should you not be with Argus?"

"Eat lunch with the Squib?" Jason asked, waving a hand dismissively. "I'd rather not, thank you. He has terrible manners and a most disagreeable personality."

Severus was about to reply when an old hand fell on Jason's shoulder. He looked up to find Dumbledore looking very disapproving. "This seat is reserved for Professor Flitwick," he said amicably, though his eyes were anything but.

"I just thought I'd have lunch with Severus," Jason replied with his trademark, fabricated smile.

"I've no doubt about your intentions," Dumbledore said. "However, Filius will be here shortly, and he's grown quite accustomed to his mealtime chats with Severus."

Jason seemed to take the hint because he stood, gave a small, sarcastic bow and left the Hall.

"I think he's done something to Mr. Potter," Severus said as soon as Jason was gone.

"Why would you think that?" Dumbledore asked.

"Mr. Potter has been very jumpy, as of late," Severus replied. "I saw him when he walked in here. He looked frightened. He watched Jason's progress across the Hall before he started on his lunch."

Dumbledore waved his hand dismissively. "You are reading too much into things, Severus," he remarked. "Harry is still overcoming the loss of his best friend. I'm sure he'll calm down soon."

Severus felt anger welling up inside of him, so he turned away from Dumbledore before he did something he'd regret later. He scanned the students again and saw that both Harry and Miss Granger were picking at their food, not eating much. He supposed that meals must be difficult for them, due to Mr. Weasley's affinity for food.

FIVE

"I'll meet you at lunch, Hermione," Harry said as their Charms class drew to a close. "I have to speak to Professor Flitwick for a moment."

"I could wait for you, Harry," Hermione responded quietly.

"Don't worry about it. I won't be long."

"Okay." Hermione gave Harry a peck on his cheek before departing.

Harry walked up to Flitwick's desk. "Sir?" he asked.

"Yes, Mr. Potter?" Flitwick squeaked.

"Have I caught up on everything, sir?" Harry asked.

"You've done admirably, Mr. Potter," Flitwick replied. "You are caught up with class. Beautiful work on your Anti-Motion charm today."

"Thank you, sir," Harry said quietly. He left the room feeling subdued, hoping that he wouldn't see McCullen on his way to lunch.

As he turned into the deserted corridor to the Great Hall, he saw McCullen leaning against the wall, looking relaxed.

"Hello, Harry," McCullen purred, standing up straight. "I've been looking forward to our next meeting."

Harry swallowed, wondering if he'd be expelled for hexing McCullen into oblivion. He didn't say anything.

"Oh, are you still being so unfriendly?" McCullen asked, walking toward Harry slowly. "I never thought that the Boy-Who-Lived would be so very shy. What a delightful burden to overcome."

Harry held his head high with pride he didn't feel, and started to walk passed. McCullen reached out and grabbed Harry's arm tightly, a sickening smile on his too thin lips. "I'll be seeing you again soon, Harry," he whispered into Harry's ear.

Harry jerked back, pulling his arm from McCullen's grip forcefully. "If I never see you again, it shall be too soon," he spat. His heart was racing as he walked with forced calm and grace toward the Great Hall. Once the doors closed behind him, he turned to see if McCullen would follow him in, and then moved to sit across from Hermione at the Gryffindor table.

"Are you okay, Harry?" Hermione asked. "It took you awhile."

"I'm fine," Harry replied, putting a bit of food on his plate, doing his best not to look at Ron's empty spot next to him. "I was just talking to Flitwick for a moment."

Hermione looked skeptical, but nodded her understanding. Harry looked up as the doors opened, his eyes widening a bit when he saw McCullen smirking at him. His heart rate increased, though he knew that McCullen wouldn't do anything with so many other people around. Harry felt ashamed that he was so frightened of one person, but he couldn't get the memory of his near rape out of his mind.

Hermione turned in her seat to see whom Harry was staring at, but she couldn't seem to find him. "Are you all right, Harry?" she asked. "You seem a bit nervous."

Harry looked at her, swallowing nervously, and said, "Yeah, I'm fine. I just haven't been sleeping well, you know?"

Hermione nodded. "I know what you mean," she whispered, but she didn't elaborate. She didn't have to. Harry knew that she'd been dreaming of that day in Hogsmeade.

He looked at the food on his plate and realized that he hadn't taken any of the main course. When he looked over, he saw why. They were having fried chicken today. Looking around the table, he saw that neither Hermione nor Ginny had taken any chicken.

"Here, Harry," Neville said next to him, putting some chicken on his plate.

"I can't eat this," Harry replied, eyeing the chicken distastefully.

"Why ever not?" Neville asked, taking a big bite from his own.

"Chicken was Ron's favorite," Harry replied, swallowing down the lump in his throat. Looking across the table, he saw that Hermione had tears on her cheeks.

Neville's face fell as he realized his mistake. "Oh," he said. "Sorry."

Harry picked at the other food on his plate listlessly, the smell of the chicken making him very sad. "Come on, Hermione," he said, standing up suddenly. "We'll go to the kitchens and get something else."

Hermione nodded wordlessly, standing from her seat and taking Ginny's hand. The two girls followed Harry to the kitchens.

"Harry Potter!" Dobby the House Elf exclaimed when the trio entered. "What is you doing here? Lunch is already being served!"

"I know, Dobby," Harry replied kindly. "I don't think I much like chicken anymore. Can my friends and I have something else?"

"Of course, Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby agreed, bobbing his head enthusiastically. "What is you feeling like, Harry Potter? Dobby is being happy to get whatever Harry Potter and his friends is wanting!"

"Perhaps something with beef?" Hermione suggested shyly, apparently not thinking of her S.P.E.W. campaign.

"Right away, Miss!" Dobby exclaimed, rushing off to get their food. Harry, Hermione and Ginny sat at one of the tables, being served a large portion of roast beef with vegetables and mashed potatoes a moment later.

The three teens ate quietly, all of them aware that Ron's favorite food was just about any food besides corned beef.

Author's Note: In response to the last chapter: What can I say? I'm just a sadistic person. Torturing Harry is so much fun, and it's too easy, really. Not that there's much in this chapter, but you know what I mean. The full sex scene may be viewed at hpfandom . net or ensnared . thehexfiles . net. Many thanks to Victoria Ennis, as always, for her hard work on this fic. Thanks also to…

Hittocerebattosai: I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Hikari-Aoi: Hehehehe, I'm not always this diligent. You should try reading one of my stories while I'm still writing it. It could take months to get an update. On a side note: shame on you for not telling your best friend… hehehe

LeeLeePotter: I could, but since I have no idea what anyone here really looks like, it be difficult to find you a hot partner. Besides, everyone likes the personal touch. Hehehe I edited the sex scene the way I did just for you, love.

Shadow Eclipse: That he is.

Jeni: Severus is strong enough for both of the, I think. For the time being, at any rate.

Shiemi Shimabukuro: Jason will get his, don't worry.

The Slytherin Prefect: I thought the Nice Dursleys would throw people off. That's the main reason why I did it… hehehehe

DestinyEntwinements

Ktoddhim

Pure Black: Severus will have his chance to be protective and cute, not to worry, m'dear.

Volume: It's coming, and it won't be pretty when he does, although it will be immensely satisfying. Hehehe

Itsasledgehammer: Hehehe… I named the character after my aunt. That's funny you share the name.

CogniDi: I believe what you're thinking of is psychiatric ward. It's almost the same. I hate math, which is why I turned to words. Good luck with that…

Sword and Magic: No, that's all right, really. LOL. Now, now, my lovely, no giving away plot points. Hehehe. Can't have the other readers getting carried away.

SexylsSnape126: Yeah, I ended up writing a sequel that negated the end of the first story, just to stop the outpouring of flames. I'm just a big softie, really.

Rosalia

Purplepaper: I had it up a while ago, but after I finished HBP, I deleted everything because I was thoroughly pissed off at JKR. Now, however, I've decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and hope that she'll fix it. One can dream, I suppose.

Elizabeth Patil

Jujube 15: I quite agree.

Mariana: Er… it gets worse before it gets better, just so you're aware.

Zak and Ivan: Killing him was drastic, but I had fun doing it. Hehehe. I must ask, though; are you actually two people, or just one person talking to himself? I'm most interested.

Sh'arra Rie: No, he doesn't tell him, exactly…

Chibi-Kaisie: I know. I just can't help myself. I'm too sadistic for my own good, I think.

Nimeariel: Not telling so much as… well, you'll see what I mean later.