A/N: I apologize for the lateness of this chapter. First I had a block, then I just didn't have the will or want to do anything for a while. Real life got a little too overwhelming for me. But I'm back. Still with erratic updates, I'm sure, but back in action. I do hope you enjoy this.
Chapter Five: Desire
Harry was running through the halls of Hogwarts, desperately trying to get to the battle. But his legs wouldn't move fast enough. Something wasn't right. He could hear the sounds of the battle filtering through the walls. The curses being thrown. The screams. The terror. He had to get to Ron. And Hermione. They were out there. In his mind he could see them. Ron, screaming from the Cruciatus Curse. Hermione, trying to fight off his attacker. Finally he made it to the top of the stairs that led into the Entrance Hall and the front doors. He stopped, horrified, as he looked out the window to get his first glimpse of what was happening. With morbid fascination, he watched as one after another of the Light Side fell. Then one landed face toward him, and he saw Severus Snape. He rushed down the stairs and out the doors. Everywhere he looked he could see him. No matter that his brain was telling him that was Flitwick's body. It was still Snape's face. Dead.
Harry woke shivering with Draco gently brushing the hair back off his forehead. This was why he hadn't wanted to stay at Hogwarts yet. While he still had nightmares, they were few and far between now. Until he came back. Since he'd returned, the nightmares were back. But at least he had Hermione with him in Hogsmeade. And now he had Draco back, too.
The blonde's soothing voice finally cut through his thoughts.
"C'mon, Potter. Let's get some breakfast."
Twenty minutes later found them in the Great Hall at the head table. Where they were at a complete loss. Usually when they entered the Hall, the tables were already laden with food. They stared at each other, then the table. Harry tried calling for food, while Draco smirked at him. But the smirk melted when plates and platters appeared. Tossing quick grins to each other, they dished food onto their plates and started eating.
As it was still ridiculously early, due to Harry's nightmare, they were alone in their dining. But as they were finishing up, more lounging and drinking tea, the doors opened and three figures entered. Two stopped short. Neville and Dean stared at the them, but their companion, Albus Dumbledore, merely twinkled his infernal twinkle at them and continued on into the room.
Neville moved sat in his usual seat, next to Harry, and Dean sat next to Neville. Leaning over the Herbology professor, Dean stared at Harry.
"What's he doing here?" He whispered.
Harry rolled his eyes at his former dorm mate but didn't answer. Though the two Gryffindors continued staring at Harry he refused to meet their eyes. He just didn't want to deal with it at the moment. Draco was here, Severus was in the castle somewhere. Life was good. Well, getting better anyway.
"I've got to get something in Hogsmeade. Care to join me, Draco?" Harry asked.
The blonde nodded and they both stood and moved towards the doors. Just as they were about to pass through them, however, something tall and solid rammed into Harry.
Harry mumbled out an apology then gasped as he realized what, or rather, who he had bumped into. The star of his dreams and lately, nightmares. Arms came around him to prevent him from falling, and he leaned into the makeshift embrace before he realized what he was doing. He stepped back from the man at the same time as Severus Snape stepped away from him. Harry felt his cheeks flush and he hurried out of the castle, Draco's soft laughter ringing behind him as the Slytherin followed.
Severus Snape was in a foul mood. Harry Potter had stayed the night in the castle, which in itself was unusual. But more than that, Draco Malfoy, his godson, stayed with Potter all night. He hadn't even had the decency to visit his godfather yet.
So wrapped up in his thoughts that he wasn't paying attention to where he was going. He felt a warm body slam into him, and his arms instinctively went out to steady the person. Then he heard the gasp. A sound that tortured him in his sleep. And he looked down into the eyes that followed him wherever he was, whenever he closed his eyes. They were imprinted onto the backs of his eyelids. Green so perfect they put the oldest and clearest of emeralds to shame. Emerald met onyx for a moment and he felt the object of his desires lean against him for the briefest of moments. He felt more than heard the soft exhalation, then came the emptiness as the body pulled away from him. He suddenly felt bereft, like he would never be warm again. Severus watched the heat envelope his love's cheeks, then watched as he nearly ran from the room. Turning back to his godson after the dark head disappeared from view, he arched a brow and waited.
Draco, laughing softly, shrugged.
"I'll come see you when we return. We have much to discuss, I think." And with an impudent grin the blonde had followed in his friend's footsteps.
A/N: Well, that's it for this chapter. Let me know what you think.
Responses:
Corgi~ Still not getting into the staff much yet, tho a bit
in this chapter. Let me know what you think.
Iced Flame~ Not brothers, per se, but as close as two
who are brothers could be.
Selua~ Old term for a visit. Interview, audience... etc. Here's
more.
Savage Damsel~ Well, I hate to disappoint, but you've another
chapter yet before the discussion. Well, you did, until you read this one.
Should be in the bext one, tho. *grins*
lyssanne/white owl~ I feel for Ron, but it had to be done. Neville...
yes, he does. I find him fascinating, actually. I enjoyed writing the scene
where Voldemort bites the big one... I can't, for the life of me, keep
to one POV. I have great respect and awe for JKR, who sticks to Harry's
POV with the exception of the very first chapter of the very first book.
I apologize if it's choppy. If you have any suggestions on how I can make
it smoother, please let me know. I could use all the help I can get.
Mikee~ *laughs* I knew you'd be amenable to Draco pushing for
them to be together. Never fear. You will get the conversation between
Dray and Sev. I'm glad you review so much. I've found you to be rather
insightful, especially in finding out if what I intended to get across
did or not. Please keep telling me how it is. *hugs and chocolates*
penny~ Here ya go!
Night Shade10~ Sorry it took so long, but here it is. Glad you
like.
Ayelet~ Thank you. I do hope that you continue to read, and
post. And I hope you get your 'net access back. *smiles*
sherdelune~ Well well well. This is a surprise. Here I am, having
read a lot of your stories now, and loving every one of them. But when
you reviewed, I had no clue who you were. *laughs* I'm very touched that
you like this, having access yourself to so many better stories and authors.
Here's more, and let me know how you like, or if you don't. I am especially
glad that you like my Draco. I tried to keep him as canon as I could, given
that he and Harry are friends here.