Chapter Twenty-Two

Frantic parents were now resting beneath Madame Pomfrey's care. Alone in his office as calming droughts and sleeping potions were given, Albus waited for anything to help the families find their children, waiting for the Mages to arrive. And he didn't need to wait long as several figures stumbled from the shadows of his office, each slightly weary looking.

"We are here to return your student. His memories have been blocked for his safety. We have gotten what we needed and I am simply here to see Severus."

Albus nodded, unwilling to anger the Mages. But he had to ask about the injured and bloody demon leaning against the Twins, "And Mage Isis?"

"I'm fine. Simply a punishment left undone by She-Demon. It's nothing."

Osiris swiftly left the Mages behind to deal with the headmaster and a memory-blocked student as he hurried to navigate the halls of Hogwarts for the dungeons, one hand fingering a crumbled sheet of parchment in his pocket. Stepping into the cool underground of the castle, Osiris realized he had not been here in the dungeons, not counting the time spent in Severus' bed, since he was a student. "Professor."

Severus fumed as his attention was distracted, causing his experimental potion to evaporate. Sneering he faced the intruder of his private lab, "Mage."

Osiris barely controlled the shudder of pleasure from that sarcastic, husky voice. "We have a job for you."

"And what could the famous Harry Potter beg from his greasy professor?"

Fighting back the urge to argue, Osiris was glad he had already cast a few privacy wards when he entered the room, not wanting anyone to interfere. Stepping around the table, he came flushed against the tensed back of his old Potions Professor.

Severus couldn't stop the tremor flashing through his body, knowing his old student had stepped closer since he refused to move. He felt the hot gaze just before an even hotter body pressed against him. A strangled, hungry moan spilt forward as he pushed back against the Mage, wanting more but still fighting to not give in.

Osiris knew how proud the man could be and how the man had given up his own life and freedom for a cause that hated him. But he wasn't about to lose this chance to keep Severus in his life, especially since he had willingly taken Veritaserum for the man. Softly, he began to press open-mouth kisses against a pale throat, melting the last resistance of the Potions Master, even as his roughened hands opened the black robes to delve beneath to trembling skin melted the man.

"I never lied to you. I've always wanted you. And I will never stop wanting you." Osiris revelled in the heated sounds from the man in his arms.

Severus still had his doubts, even with the Veritaserum confession. But he couldn't doubt his reactions to a soft touch meant for his pleasure, not pain. Wanting more, he said the one word no one could pull forth without significant damage, "Please."

"Severus." The soft voice whispered into the ears of a trembling man as hands teased the willing body even more. Light touches to skimming kisses, the Mage made Severus almost beg with delight, though he fought that back. Then pressing and stroking harder, Severus whimpered. His body followed every touch, every kiss, and every sound until he couldn't stand anymore.

Osiris inhaled his lover's scent as the body violently shuddered. His ears listened to the hoarse shout of his name, a name he hadn't heard in a long time as his hands were covered in warmth. "Harry."

"Okay, Severus?" Said man sighed as he leaned back against the heated body holding him, mind struggling to catch up with his body.

Still dazed, "Yes." Osiris smiled as he fixed the man's robes, quickly running a cleansing spell over them both, and still held the man tightly.

Finally catching his breath and getting back on track, "Mage."

"Hmm."

Severus felt the soft lips nuzzling his neck, "What caused that reaction?"

"You deserved it. Time for someone to see to your needs this time."

Embarrassed at his release, though it had been quite some time to be touched by a caring lover, Severus fought the heated blush and struggled for his well-known persona. "And what did you want?"

"A rejuvenation potion mixed with poison. We already have the ingredients, though it will take a few days to make. Only a Potions Master must touch the ingredients and prepare the potion. It will keep for quite some time. The ingredients were freely given and sealed before handed to us as well as magically collected."

Severus thought he understood as his body immediately tensed, "I see."

Osiris chuckled, knowing exactly what Severus thought, "The potion is an offer. I thought you might like the challenge. Your cries and release were merely selfish on my part."

Giving up when it came to the War Mage, "Let me see the directions."

As the crumbled parchment was handed over to the Potions Master, a lone reptile slowly slithered through the dark. Nagini pushed her magic to find her targets. Surprisingly, she brushed against a very familiar signature, Harry Potter? Alive? Searching the signature closer, she realized it was true. Ah, alive indeed. Powerful. And mated. Such a lovely mixed scent. I see, back at home, Hogwarts. Wait for me. I come to you, Harry Potter.

Raja jerked as her eyes glazed over. "Something's coming. It's coming for Harry Potter. Secrets delved beneath to be told."

Albus blinked at the Spirit Mage. He hoped it wasn't dangerous, "Any danger to the Mage?"

Raja shook out of her trance, peering at the concerned headmaster, "No. They'll be here shortly."