A/N- I am very very very pissed off. Afterglow was removed YET AGAIN from FF.N. This time not even for a valid reason. I am sick and tired of immature people who get their kicks from inflicting pain and suffering upon others. Cowardly, jealous types who hate that some people can achieve success, and who, instead of being normal and reviewing with an issue (which didn't even exist, might I add!), decide to get the hard work and its plethora of reviews removed. I don't care who you are, whether you're the same littleprick as last time or a new one; I have a little advice for you. GROW UP AND GET A LIFE!

Now, to those lovely people who reviewed regarding the disappearance of Afterglow, I apologise for the selfish, childish, jealous behaviour of the idiot (for, certainly, that's what this person is) who had it removed. I am attempting to piece the fic back together and posting it on Mysticsong1978's efiction site (which is awesome!). Once I've sorted it out, I will forward the link (etc.etc) to you. If this fic gets deleted...well...we'll see what happens.

I will eventually repost Afterglow on FF.N again, too.

And now, on to the fic!

Once again, Severus Snape found himself having to rouse his sleeping partner. "Harry." He spoke, prodding the sleeping teenager none-too-gently, "Potter, wake up!"

The Potions Master received no compliance to his request, bar a grunt of irritation. He scowled, "Potter," he demanded, his tone increasing in volume, "I will not hesitate to take house-points."

Still, Harry did not stir.

"Bloody hell, we don't have time for this!" Snape hissed, "For the last time, Potter, it is time that you woke up." He punctuated his statement with a rough shake to the younger man's shoulders.

The Gryffindor opened an eye blearily. "Sod off," he managed, before closing his eye and drifting off to slumber once more.

"I will do nothing of the sort." The older man responded, gripping the blanket and giving it a hard tug, causing the body wrapped snugly within it to fall off the bed with a satisfying thud.

"Hey!" Harry's green eyes glared up at him accusingly, "What'd you do that for?"

Severus rolled his eyes, as the Gryffindor pulled himself back onto his feet. "You have, once again, overslept and missed a good portion of breakfast. And, while this is not usually an issue on weekends, I thought it best to warn you that-"

Harry cut him off, somewhat fearfully, "Malfoy's not back is he?"

Snape narrowed his gaze at his young partner. "If you'd let me finish." He snapped, "As I was saying, I thought it best to warn you that the Prophet has, as expected, published a rather controversial article concerning our daughter, our relationship and your general 'inability to be a good father', as brought to the attention of the public by 'Callisto's concerned grandfather', who has apparently 'pleaded to be allowed to see the only remaining link to his son'." Severus frowned, "That was the basic overview. I can assure you the details are-"

"Over-exaggerated and border on obscene, I'll bet, but that's beside the point. It's been published and people will believe it." Harry completed the rest of his partner's sentence with a sigh, before sinking back onto his bed, his head in his hands. "Does it never end?"

"Unfortunately, Potter, no. Not for your line, anyway." Snape shook his head sadly. "And, while I remain the bearer of unpleasant news, your Godfather is waiting impatiently with Dumbledore. I think it is safe to assume that he has read the article, as he had some colourful suggestions for me. None of which sounded at all pleasant, I can assure you."

The Boy Who Lived snickered before his forehead creased in confusion. "Sirius? But he's…His trial…"

"Is over. He was cleared of all charges and-"

"You mean it? He's free?"

The Potions Master nodded. "Regrettably."

Harry immediately brightened at the concept. "Oh, Merlin, Sev! That's fantastic! He's free! He's free! He –"

"Wants an explanation. NOW."

The Gryffindor froze at the sound of his Godfather's voice, and turned slowly to face the man. Merlin only knew how he had entered his private chambers! On second thoughts, it was most likely Dumbledore's doing. His face fell at the look on the animagus' face.

"Sirius…" Harry began. "I'm sorry. I meant to tell you-"

"But, let me guess," Sirius seethed, cutting his Godson off. "You were too busy shagging Snivellus to let me know that you were pregnant and now have a daughter."

Harry frowned, and folded his arms defensively over his chest. "Firstly, I'm not 'shagging' anyone, not that it's of any concern to you. Secondly, his name is Severus, and, finally, I meant to tell you, I really did! I just…Merlin, Sirius, I'm sorry, okay? Everything just got so overwhelming, and Sev's just-"

"Sev now is it?" Came the sneered reply, "Along with the details in the Prophet-"

"-Which is the same paper that told everyone how guilty of MASS MURDER you were!"

Ignoring the teenager's comment, Sirius continued. "Along with the details, your calling him by a pet name suggests-"

"I don't CARE what it suggests, Siri." Harry hissed, "My relationship with Severus does NOT concern you."

"That may be, Harry." Dumbledore's voice entered the fray. "However, you can not say the same to me." He looked at the teenager through his half-moon spectacles, "And before you move to deny these issues, do bear in mind that I am not, contrary to popular belief, senile or dense. For the process of automatic adoption to occur, there would have had to be a strong indication that you and Severus are in a serious relationship. Furthermore, your admission that our Potions Master has offered you his home only proved to be additional evidence."

The Gryffindor felt his heart plummet to his stomach at having been found out, so to speak. He swallowed, while his partner sighed.

"Meddling old fool," Snape cursed under his breath, before meeting the Headmaster's gaze defiantly. He knew that a relationship between a student and professor would not be tolerated, however he was prepared to face the consequences with dignity. "Albus," He began, his tone formal. "While I wont contest the notion that Harry and I are in a serious relationship, of sorts, I must point out that the notions put forth the Prophet are-"

"You sick bastard." Sirius spoke again, having been somewhat shocked by his godson's –and equally Snape's- admission. After all, it was one thing to be confronted by the information in a notoriously libellous newspaper, but to hear it confirmed by the people involved was another issue altogether. He took a menacing step forward. "You evil, slimy, disgusting piece of shit. Taking advantage of an innocent-"

"Innocent!" Harry interrupted incredulously, "Merlin's Bunny-Slippers, Sirius, listen to yourself! I was PREGNANT to a MALFOY, which ultimately means I was fucking a Slytherin. And I was enjoying it! I'm anything but innocent, by your definition at least!"

Dumbledore cleared his throat, "That is quite enough." He declared, eyeing the three men in front of him. "Severus, Sirius, let us relocate ourselves into the sitting room, and allow Harry to dress properly before continuing this discussion."

The men obeyed; Sirius and Severus following the elderly wizard out of the bedroom, while Harry slipped on a pair of trousers, an old T-shirt and his Weasley jumper from the previous Christmas. He made his way into the lounge room, just as Callisto's wails cut into the air and made a beeline for her door, but –using an almost super human speed- Severus reached it first. "I've got her." He stated, before disappearing into the room. Harry sighed in defeat, and strode over to where the other two wizards were seated. He dropped himself unceremoniously onto the couch facing them.

"You're not going to fire Severus, are you?" He asked the Headmaster with a confidence he definitely didn't feel that he possessed. "Please, don't! It's not his fault; our relationship, I mean. See, if I hadn't forced myself onto him over Christmas, none of this would be happening now. Expel me, if you must. I take the blame. I just-"

"Quit the dramatics, Potter." His partner cut him off, striding back into the room carrying a fussing baby in one arm, and a bottle of formula in the other. "Despite your willingness to play the martyr yet again, neither of us is to blame for being drawn to the other. Our timing was just inconvenient."

"Inconvenient!" Sirius cried. "'Criminal' more like it! How do you live with yourself, Sniv? He's just a boy, and you're taking advantage-"

"He hasn't even touched me, Sirius!" Harry exploded. "Our relationship has been nothing more than a few stolen kisses at Christmas! He barely comes near me, and wont even hug me; always using weak excuses about being caught and shit like that! As far as I can see, he's NOT attracted to me like that, which is a thought that I don't WANT to entertain, because it's so fucking frustrating and mind-numbingly frightening!" His cheeks flushed at the realisation that he had just blurted out his innermost fears. Refusing to look at his relatively shocked older partner ("We will discuss this, Harry."), he kept his eyes glued on his Godfather. "And, furthermore, you of all people should know that I have never been 'just a boy'. I was forced to grow up way too fast, or is that just easily forgotten so you can have a jab at Severus at MY expense?"

Dumbledore coughed again, and the teenager's fiery gaze flew to him. "Now, I will ask once more; are you going to fire Severus?"

-?-

"And he said NO?" Hermione asked, her tone somewhere between utterly disgusted with the headmaster, and also happy for her friend. It was a tone that only she could pull off.

The Gryffindor shrugged, "Well, it was basically a manipulation of the rules that saved us both. I mean, Severus and I haven't, er, consummated our relationship, so, technically, we're not considered 'Lovers' and Dumbledore chose to overlook it, on the condition that we remain low key, like we were planning anyhow, and that we don't take our relationship to the next level while I'm still a student."

"And rightly so!" The bushy-haired young woman interjected.

Harry frowned. "Still, five months of celibacy is a long time when you know you have someone waiting for you…"

"I'm sure you'll survive."

"Yeah…" He replied, a wicked smirk appearing on his lips, "I suppose I can get reacquainted with my hand…"

"Oh, Good Lord, Harry!" Hermione moaned, throwing a pillow at her friend with her spare hand. "And in front of your daughter, as well!" She gestured to the baby nestled in her other arm, contentedly drooling on her shirt.

Laughing, the Gryffindor boy rolled his eyes. "C'mon 'Mione! It's not like she understands anything yet."

"Yet." The girl responded, "Which is why you should learn to censor yourself now, before she does."

Harry laughed again at the logic of his friend and shook his head. Soon, the two fell into a comfortable silence, broken every so often by the slight noises of the baby. Ron ambled into the common room around a quarter of an hour later, and smirked at the sight that greeted him.

" 'Ello 'ello…" He said, dropping down in front of Hermione's seat, "What's this?"

"This," she replied, "is a baby."

The raven-haired boy groaned through his laughter, "And that was a bad joke."

The young lady rolled her eyes, "Well," she began after a moment, eyeing the third member of their trio, "What's what, then?"

"This." Ron replied, waving an arm over where she sat, "As in; you holdin' a baby, all maternal like." At her look, he hastened to explain, " 'Sjust that I never figured you to be the baby-loving type, is all." She narrowed her gaze further, and he swallowed. "I mean, you're an academic and I just thought that you wouldn't…" He sighed, and threw his hands into the air. "Bugger this, I give up."

Harry chuckled. "You're not far off the truth, mate." He told his best friend, earning himself a glare from Hermione. He shrugged it off, "You should have seen her! She was all awkward and refused to ask for help…I think that these seven years of being an insufferable know-it-all have affected that ego of hers."

The young woman in question played along with the light-hearted teasing, by sticking her nose in the air and making a dismissive noise. Her two companions laughed, and soon she joined in, the conversation taking off once more.

For the next hour, the trio spoke of issues ranging from parenthood and future plans, to the most recent Quidditch game, played between the Magpies and the Prides. Eventually, it was Hermione to shift the discussion back to more serious issues, much to Harry's dismay.

"So," She began, somewhat unsure how to phrase her question, "You never did get to explain Sirius' overall reaction. You worked things out with him, I hope." At the look on the young father's face, she sighed. "Oh, Harry…" She pulled him into a hug, having passed Callisto over to Ron only minutes earlier. "Why-"

Her friend pulled away. "Why what?" He demanded, "Why wont he accept my daughter? Why won't he try to understand my relationship with Severus? Why-"

"Why won't you try to work these issues out with him?" She clarified, folding her arms over her chest.

Harry glowered at her, "Because he's a stubborn-"

"And you're not?"

"I beg-"

"Harry," Hermione attempted to shift her tone from reprimanding to soothing, "You've got to understand where Sirius is coming from…He's lost so much already. Professor Lupin-"

The raven-haired young man shot to his feet in frustration. "HE's lost so much? 'Mione, bloody hell! We all have! Remus, Justin, Gin…" He spared a glance in Ron's direction, and lowered his voice to a gloomier disposition, "We've all been affected here. Callie…and I as well, I suppose, lost her other father…and then we kind of found Severus. He's done more for her and I than I can begin to explain, and, fair enough, Sirius is hurting…But he could at least try to see-"

Hermione winced. "-I know, but it seems to me that neither of you is willing to compromise in this scenario."

It was clearly not the best thing to say, as Harry stiffened and glowered at her, reaching for his daughter. "Look, drop it. You have no reason-"

"Now, wait just a second-"

The Boy Who Lived raised his voice over her interruption. "NO reason to get involved in this. So drop it." He eyed gestured to the fussing baby in his arms, "Anyway, it's way past her bed time, so we'd best be off-"

"Harry…" The Gryffindor girl pleaded, her tone apologetic. "I'm sorry… Just…Give it some time…You'll work things out with Sirius…You both just need to calm down a bit…"

The young father's glare softened and he nodded politely. "I know." He replied, offering his friend a pained smile.

And he did. He just didn't know how long it would take. And the thought scared him.

-?-

After having explained the details of the Prophet to the student body, to some extent, it appeared that the next few months flew past with an air of reckless abandonment. Students and teachers alike were becoming more and more aware of the nearing end-of-school-year, and the subsequent freedom that taunted them all. The seventh years especially were growing much more agitated, and many had long since given up on any last minute improvements to their graduating scores. Even Hermione had disposed of her plans for a 'study-group', though she still worked as hard as ever to ensure that none of her grades would drop.

For Severus, this time of the year was the worst. With only a few weeks until the end of the school year, students were becoming harder to control; even with the removal of hundreds of house points. Though the little dunderheads didn't realise it, the want for their complete concentration in their classes –especially Potions- was more for their safety than for the sanity of the Professor. Although, the latter was an added bonus.

In Potions, the hormone-ridden teenagers ran the risk of blowing up their cauldrons and killing themselves, and all their peers, in one easy slip of ingredients; a notion that had Severus Snape extremely edgy when he taught, simply because he knew that their miniscule minds were wandering terribly these days. In fact, he'd caught Longbottom, of all people, and Abbott in a rather compromising situation not five minutes before his class was scheduled to begin.

Snape sighed. He understood the libidos of adolescents…He even found himself seemingly afflicted with the same issues, lately –something he cursed himself for constantly; he was 37 for Merlin's Sake!– However, their lack of concentration could prove fatal, and there had been enough deaths this past year. Besides, it was damned irritating to watch as all the young, randy teenagers shacked up with each other, as Harry and himself were forced to remain apart.

Yes, he had taken note of the building agitation of his young partner –how could he not?- and he sympathised with the young man to no end.

And to think that Harry had doubted his physical attraction! Snape shook his head tiredly at the memory. It had been a few days before he'd been able to sit the Gryffindor down and discuss their relationship properly, but it was definitely a conversation that had set the records straight for the younger man. Oh the things Severus had planned for him…

The potions master shook the wicked thoughts from his head, before his growing state of arousal became noticeable to the class he was teaching. Of course the robes worked wonders in disguising that type of thing, so long as they were never pressed against the body of the wearer by one of the sudden drafts that frequented the dungeons. Besides, Severus scowled to himself, he was 37 sodding years of age and not a hormonal teenager! He should have learnt a bit of self-control by now.

Speaking of control…

"WEASLEY!" He boomed, as a malodorous fog began to billow from the redheaded boy's cauldron, "When, exactly, did you add the Toe of Murtlap?"

"I…" The Gryffindor spluttered and sent him an apologetic look. "Don't know, sir."

He groaned in frustration. "25 points from Gryffindor, and a detention for lack of concentration." Brandishing his wand, and expelling the vile smelling cloud that hovered over the class, Snape glanced at the clock.

It was only another half an hour until he could retrieve his daughter from Poppy's care.

Inwardly, Snape's angry demeanour softened upon thinking of the baby. She was growing up so fast right before his eyes. He, loathe though he was to admit it, adored every second that he spent with her, however, he preferred her to be wide awake when he was scheduled to watch over her. Naturally, she was gorgeous when asleep; the picture of innocence, as the cliché stated. But, when Severus was with her, he never tired of her babbling, and giggling. And, although she was only four and a half months old, he delighted in reading 'with' her. Teaching her everything and anything that he could. After all, studies –both Muggle and Wizarding- had proven that the earlier this occurred in a child's life, the 'brighter' the child would be as it grew. Some parents went so far as to read to the child as it grew in the womb…

In a way, Severus almost felt as if he'd missed a huge part in his daughter's life already. Technically, he had. He had definitely not taken part in her conception, and had not been watching in awe as her mother's –or, in this case, father's- stomach swelled in proof of the life within.

However, he had been there for the moment of her birth, and planned on being around for a lot longer, thus he was content with the memories that he had, and those which he would create.

"Er…" A voice crept into his silent musings, "Professor?"

Severus turned to glance at the owner of the voice, arching an eyebrow.

Harry tried to smother a smirk. "You, er, sort of 'drifted off' for a few minutes there…"

"I can assure you, Mr Potter, that I do not 'drift off'-"

"-Then what was that?"

Onyx eyes narrowed and glared into green. "I beg your pardon?"

Harry ducked his head in mock shame. "Nothing, Sir."

Snape merely eyed his young partner, before glancing at the clock again. 15 minutes left. Shit. Had he really been lost in his thoughts for that long? No; he couldn't have been. After all, if he didn't keep an eye over the 7th years, he'd be being neglectful and that would make him oh-so-hypocritical. Thus, he had NOT 'drifted off' or 'zoned out' or, gods forbid, been 'daydreaming' during his teaching time.

"Oh, and Sir?" His younger partner began again, gesturing at his cauldron, "Is this the right colour?"

Snape sighed audibly in a display of irritation, and made his way to Harry's side, leaning over the younger man and gazing into the simmering liquid. He ladled out a portion to observe. "Hmm."

Harry, who was attempting to control his reaction to their physical proximity, frowned. "Is that a good 'hmm' or a bad 'hmm'?"

"A mediocre 'hmm'." The professor replied, "The colour is correct, although weaker than it should be, which suggests that the potion –although it will be effective- will not last as long as a properly brewed version."

"And what did I do wrong, then? To cause it to be that way, I mean." It wasn't so much the fact that Harry was genuinely interested in Potions, more so his desire to stay close to Severus for as long as possible without appearing too suspicious, which caused him to ask the question.

With a small knowing smirk, the older man humoured The Boy Who Lived. "It could be due to a number of reasons, such as your general lack of precision in timing, or perhaps a small inconsistency in the quantity of one or two of the ingredients –perhaps the pustule of Clabbert or the Doxy hair, as their properties, in this potion at any rate, aid in the strength and effect of the solution."

"Ah…" The Gryffindor responded, somewhat lamely, "Right…In that case, I'm willing to bet it was the Clabbert pustule…I was having problems with it…"

Severus arched an eyebrow, "Indeed."

Harry could feel his skin beginning to flush under the eyes of the potions master and chose -with a great deal of reluctance, mind you- to pull away. "Well…er…thankyou, Professor." He murmured, before moving his attention towards filling up a vial with the viscous liquid for grading.

Snape nodded and moved off to the next student, answering the girl's questions, and then looked at the clock once more. He was more than relieved to note that there were only another five minutes left of class. Striding to his desk, he cleared his throat and instructed the students to fill their vials and clean their work areas, if they had not already begun to do so already. Once done, they were allowed to leave.

With one last check of his classroom for any remaining ingredients left out by careless seventh years, the Head of Slytherin exited and made his way towards the Hospital Wing, looking forward to the next hour, which he would spend with his daughter.

-?-

Harry looked up from his book to the knock at the door. "It's open, Severus." He stated, placing his readings aside for the moment as the older wizard entered, carrying Callisto in his arms. The young father grinned up at his family, "You're early tonight."

"Is that a problem?" Snape's eyes glittered with amusement, "Were we interrupting something? A rendezvous with your secret lover, perhaps?"

The Gryffindor rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "Unfortunately, no…All I've been doing is studying. And, Merlin, Scamander really does know how to ramble on about absolute shit." He held up the offending textbook, "I mean, Hagrid's explanations are much more direct. He should consider writing a textbook for Care of Magical Creatures, rather than let us read this rot…"

Severus shuddered at the idea. "Good Gods no." He replied, "The grammatical issues alone-"

Harry burst into laughter. "Okay…I see your point…"

"Good."

The young father beamed at his partner, and extended his arms, gesturing for Callisto. "Come on…I haven't seen her all day…"

"You had her at lunch. And at dinner. And-"

"Okay, fine. So I exaggerated a little…" Harry attempted a pout, "I still want her, though."

With a melodramatic sigh, Severus passed his daughter to the Gryffindor, and moved to sit beside him. They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, before Harry broached the subject which had been niggling at him for the past few months.

"We were all talking about the future again today." He told the older wizard with a sigh, "And, frankly, I don't really see one for me. Other than you and Callie, I mean." He shook his head, "I don't want to be a stay-at-home dad. I want a career. I just don't know what sort."

Severus pondered for a moment, "I suggest you follow a path which you'll enjoy." He stated, earning himself another eye-roll from the younger wizard.

"Gee thanks, Sev." He replied sarcastically, "That was oh so helpful." He ignored the unimpressed look he received for his attitude, and continued. "But, honestly, I don't know what I would enjoy. Ron suggested Professional Quidditch, but I can't see myself doing that, because it requires a lot of travelling, staying away from you and Callie for prolonged periods of time…And all for what? A game? Besides, I want to avoid doing something that will invite the press into my life even more."

Severus nodded. "Understandable."

"Then Hermione suggested teaching of some sort. Not here at Hogwarts, even though that would be a bonus…"

"I can sense a 'however' coming on."

Harry smiled sadly, "However, I don't think teaching is for me. Being cooped up in classrooms for the majority of the day…repeating the same things day in, day out, where, lets face it, not many children will pay any attention anyway. To me, teaching requires a lot of patience…and that's something that we all know I don't have."

The older wizard grinned and nodded, "True. Very true."

"So then Dean suggested a job at the ministry, of some sort…But, again, desk-jobs aren't my thing. And I don't want to get into any politics. Neville mentioned something about becoming an Auror, but I feel that I've done my time as a fighter of evils…and I don't really want to follow in my dad's footsteps, either." He growled in frustration. "This is all so hard! Everybody else has these fantastic plans, and I'm so lost…"

"I wonder," Severus began, contemplating everything that his younger partner had told him, "Have you considered a Muggle career of any sort?"

"What?"

"A Muggle career." Snape repeated, "Granted, it isn't common practice these days, but a number of Hogwarts' previous graduates have gone on to become quite successful in Muggle fields of employment. All the paperwork to transfer into the Muggle world is taken care of by the school and also the Department of Employment within the Ministry. This includes anything required, from your birth certificate and diplomas of education and graduation, to evidence of work experience and training and the like." He thought for a moment, then added, "And the bank automatically transfers your Muggle pay into Wizarding currency."

"I hadn't thought of that…" Harry admitted finally, after allowing Severus' explanation to play over in his head a few times. "But it does sound better than anything else I've considered. I mean, to the Muggle world, 'Harry Potter' is nobody special, which means I wouldn't feel as if I'm employed for my namesake, and the press wouldn't constantly be hounding me…and it's something different, too. I could have the best of both worlds, then…"

Snape nodded with a small smile, "Indeed…And, if this is the route you choose to take, which careers interest you in the Muggle world?"

Harry fought the urge to groan again. It felt as if he were back at square one. "I don't know…I suppose I'll figure that out later…" He forced himself to smile at the other man, "At least I've got a better idea about where I want to be now…Sort of…." He shrugged, "Thanks…."

"There is no need to thank me, Potter." Severus replied, lifting a hand to brush a stray lock of hair from the younger man's eyes. "If ever you need to discuss issues, I am always available for you."

Harry leant into the touch, closing his eyes slightly. "Mmm," He responded, "Same here…"

Snape chuckled, and reluctantly drew his hand back. "I think it is about time we put Callisto to bed. And you as well, by the looks of it."

Harry nodded, and pulled himself to his feet. He was exhausted. Between last minute studying, taking care of an infant, and balancing his limited social life, he barely had time to sit down during the day for a breather. Snape took one look at the half-sleeping man in front of him, and immediately changed tactics.

"Actually, Harry," He said softly, taking the baby into his own arms, "Go to bed. I'll see to Callisto's needs tonight."

The young father's eyes met his tiredly, "Are you sure?" he asked.

"Quite." Severus nodded, "Good night, Harry."

The Gryffindor moved forward and placed a feather-light kiss to his daughter's forehead, wished the baby goodnight, then looked into the older man's eyes, and repeated the kiss onto his lips. "G'Night, Sev." He said, before turning and walking into his bedroom.

-?-

"For Merlin's Sake," Severus grumbled as he waltzed into Harry's bedroom yet again, "This has become beyond a joke…" He pointed his wand at the sleeping form on the bed, "Potter, this is your first and only warning this morning. If you do not get your arse out of bed this instant, there is no telling what I will do."

Naturally, the only response he received was a rather loud snort, and mumbling, before the teenager rolled over in his sleep.

Well, that was it. He'd warned the young man. He really had.

"Accio Blankets."

With those words, the blankets flew off the bed, leaving Harry lying without covers. While he stirred, Severus' eyes raked over his form.

"What are you smirking at?" the now wide-awake teenager demanded, clearly not impressed with the rude awakening.

The older wizard's eyes shone with laughter, however his features were schooled back into complete stoicism, as he focussed his gaze on the tent in his younger partner's boxer shorts for a moment, "Pleasant dreams, Potter?" he asked, his tone completely serious.

Harry blushed, which he found absolutely fascinating, as the majority of his body's blood was definitely flowing in the opposite direction to his face. "Sod off, Severus." He demanded, as he reached for a pillow –no doubt planning to use it to cover the reason for his embarrassment and regain a little dignity.

"No can do, I'm afraid," Snape continued, plucking the pillow off the bed before Harry could strategically place it elsewhere, "You are once again running late, and I suggest you take a shower –preferably cold- to deal with your current state, as I am certain you do not want to graduate in front of hundreds of people-"

"Graduation. Shit." Harry leapt off the bed and raced towards his bathroom, "How long do I have 'til it starts?" He asked over the sound of running water.

Severus shook his head with a smile, "Four hours." He called back. "However, families and ministry representatives are due to start arriving in three, and Albus has a few last minute issues to discuss with your graduating class…Thus it has been narrowed down to two."

"Bugger." The Boy Who Lived responded, and proceeded to get himself prepared.

In the teenager's bedroom, Severus looked around, and noticed that the majority of his possessions had been packed away neatly. Callisto's room, upon inspection, had proven to be in the same state; the baby lay sleeping comfortably in her crib, having obviously been changed during the night by her currently showering father, as she had been wearing a different sleeping suit when Severus and Harry had put her to bed together.

Despite himself, the Potions Master's thoughts drifted back to the way he'd found his young partner mere minutes earlier. His hair, as usual, dishevelled. His finely muscled upper torso bare, as it was summer, and blankets provided the comfortable temperature. And his boxer shorts seemingly standing to attention, due to the aroused member barely concealed within.

A sly grin spread onto the wizard's face at the realisation that this would be the last morning upon which Harry would wake like that…Without physical provocation, that was. Or, at least, without someone to help relieve him of the condition in the morning. This, naturally, then led to the myriad of plans that Severus had for Harry. He was still reeling from the younger man's comment months ago. 'Not physically attracted'. Bugger that! Seeing the younger man this morning had stirred his body and mind into an uproar which clearly negated Harry's aforementioned fear. Only a few more hours, and Severus would be able to prove himself once and for all.

Actually, he thought, make that twice…

...or maybe more.

-?-

"Potter, Harold James." The hat's voice called, bringing the teenager in question from his silent reverie. He'd been watching as, one by one, all of his peers strode across the stage to accept their diplomas from the Headmaster, shake his hand, then exit off to stand in a group, quietly chatting in excitement. And now, it appeared, it was his turn.

On legs that suddenly felt like jelly, The Boy Who Lived stood and strode across to the centre of the stage to meet Dumbledore. He was barely aware that the elderly wizard was shaking his hand and congratulating him, or that he now held a diploma of graduation. Somehow, he managed to stalk over to where the others stood, not registering the claps of encouragement on his back, or the hug from Hermione which he had subconsciously returned.

"Oh, Harry, it's so surreal, isn't it?" his friend asked him, her eyes threatening to spill tears of joy and sadness all at once.

Surreal? Yes. It definitely was.

"I can't believe this is it." He heard his own -surprisingly shaky- voice return.

She nodded, "I know! Seven years…it sounds like forever-"

"-But feels like only yesterday." Someone else's voice cut in.

Harry had tuned out the entire conversation by this stage, and instead found his gaze wandering the Great Hall, scanning the hundreds of faces of students and families bidding the seventh years goodbye. Among those he recognised were Mr and Mrs Granger, the Weasleys (including Charlie and his two year old son, Aidan) and Seamus' parents –a lovely couple that Harry had met when they'd all arrived at Platform 9 ¾ at the end of their 6th year.

However, there was nobody there for him, he thought sombrely. Oh, sure, Severus and Callie were up at the staff table, and he adored them both, but Harry still felt a pang of hurt knowing that Sirius hadn't cared enough to even turn up for silent moral support.

Looking back to the stage, it appeared that Dumbledore was speaking now. When he forced himself to listen, Harry realised that the elderly wizard was discussing their lost peers –those that perished in the final battle. The Boy Who Lived fought to zone out again. He did not need to hear about their losses anymore. Another glance around the room told him that numerous people –students and parents alike- had the same feeling on the subject.

After what seemed like mere minutes later, but later proved to be three quarters of an hour, the crowd rose and applauded enthusiastically. It was all over. He was, officially, a Hogwarts graduate. Suddenly the sea of people sprang to life, individuals scattered all over the place, everyone searching for someone else, while Harry felt frozen to the spot.

Somewhere in the distance he could hear Hermione sobbing –a sound he knew all too well- and then realised that she was being joined by the voices of numerous Hogwarts girls…And, when he really chose to pay attention, it appeared that even some of the boys were beginning to drop the macho act, and embrace the momentous occasion.

And yet, Harry stood still. He was numb with the force of too much emotion. Anger at Sirius for not being there when he needed him. Sadness that he was losing such a strong part of his life –his Hogwarts family, and his home for the past 7 years. Joy at the prospect that he was now officially allowed to be with his Severus. Excitement at the many prospects that the future held…

The list went on.

A hand squeezed Harry's shoulder, causing him to turn around. His eyes met the onyx pair of his lover. They stood and observed each other, allowing their body language to discuss more than words could ever portray. A gentle touch to Harry's face…a small pained smile returned to the older wizard…a soft, chaste kiss between them…

Such small movements, and yet they meant so much.

The Gryffindor turned to gaze around the room once more, and his eyes met his best friends. He offered them each a sad smile, and a nod, before turning back to the Head of Slytherin. "Lets go home?" he managed to croak out, receiving a nod in reply.

-?-

Harry gasped as Severus' lips wound their way down his neck in a most sensual manner. Merlin that felt good. The lips were on their way back to his own, now, and he nipped greedily at them, while his hands grabbed at his lover's robe. Too many layers, he thought to himself. There were most definitely too many layers of clothing separating them.

Apparently, the older wizard thought so too, as his own elegant long fingers were deftly unbuttoning Harry's shirt, having removed the young man's robe earlier when they'd entered the bedroom. Pausing to glance at his young lover, Severus smiled.

Harry's hair was, as usual, sticking out all over the place, and his face was flushed a healthy pink colour, much like his lips, which appeared full and swollen from kissing. The young man's shirt was now completely gone, revealing his finely toned abdomen –the result of the last five months of exercise, and everyday running from classroom to classroom up and down countless flights of stairs.

Snape helped as the Gryffindor moved to pull his robe over his head, before moving for the buckle on the younger man's belt. He noticed the effect that the proximity of his hands had, and relished the moment where he lowered the zip and placed his hands on Harry's hips, pulling down his slacks in one swift motion.

The younger wizard moaned, and quickened his pace to remove Severus' remaining trousers and shirt. In a few moments, the two men, now down to boxers and socks, pressed their bodies together for another kiss, allowing their hands to explore unchartered territory.

Hands moved over the smooth plains of skin on backs and arms, then around to the front, where tufts of hair were teased and nipples caressed…then back they went to the base of one's neck, while the other man's hands moved to waistline of his lover's boxers…

And then it was all over with a strangled yelp.

For one man, at any rate.

-?-

"For the last time, there's nothing to be ashamed of."

"Don't give me that."

"I'm quite serious. It happens often-"

A frustrated growl. "Not to me."

"Look…" A sigh. "We can…try again."

"What? So I can jump the gun twice in a row?" A derisive snort. "I don't think so."

"You're blowing this out of proportion."

"I'm not! I just don't feel the need to spoil my underwear like a 13 year old during a particularly steamy dream twice in one night."

Another sigh. "It really wasn't-"

"I cannot believe I just… Merlin, anyone would think I was completely inexperienced-"

"Firstly, I'm not just 'anyone', and, secondly, it's more than obvious that isn't the case."

"It's just so…humiliating."

"Harry, you are being utterly ridiculous."

Green eyes flashed dangerously at the older man. "See, you admit it! It's ridiculous!"

"You know that's not what I meant." Severus pulled his younger partner towards him. "And I genuinely do not care-"

"But I do."

"Then don't." At the younger man's expression, he rolled his eyes, "From experience, I know it is best to not dwell on these things…" He snaked a hand lower down the embarrassed teen's body, "Learn to move past them…" Harry moved to protest, however he flipped the teenager, so that he was straddling him, and silenced him with a kiss. Removing his lips, he continued his spiel, punctuating each statement with a different strategically placed kiss or caress. "Give in to the moment…" A tongue-tease on the nipple, "….Go with a pace that you're comfortable with, at first at any rate…" a gentle stroke of the hand over the younger man's growing arousal, "and…" a kiss on the bellybutton, "understand that your lover respects you, and your body…no matter what reaction you give." Severus moved back up to Harry's face, rubbing his erection over the younger man's, eliciting a whimper as his only response.

He teased the Gryffindor's lips with his teeth bluntly, before positioning himself for a proper passionate kiss. "Now," He stated, pulling away slightly, "Do you still want to leave it for tonight?"

Green eyes, clouded over with desire, snapped open and Harry's arms instinctively pulled the older man back down onto him. "You wouldn't dare…" Were the only words spoken before they succumbed to the results of the combination of desire and far too many months of celibacy.

Whisp, K. 2001 'Quidditch Through The Ages', Whizz Hard Books, Great Britain. pp. 35-36

LOL…..I couldn't help it…..I've been referencing everything else lately…..