DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of it, JK Rowling and associates own all rights, no infringement intended, no money is being made, unfortunately.

WARNING; HP/SS Slash if you do not like do not read remember you have freedom of choice. Reviews appreciated but no flames, as I will trash them.

People can get away with saying the most cutting things to others by saying "Just Kidding" not realizing the damage they are causing or sometimes not caring. Harry comes to that realization when he almost loses the man he loves because he refuses to see what his friends are doing.

Chapter 5 Home is where the heart is

They arrived back at Hogwarts just as breakfast was finishing. As it was Saturday, it was deserted in the hallway since people took their time not having to hurry to class. Asking the house elves to take their luggage to their suite they proceeded to make their way to the Great Hall. Harry paused near the closed doors, "Sev, I meant what I said about being more open in public. You belong to me and I want to make damn sure that everyone knows it, understand."

Severus looked at him then smirked "And just what were you planning on doing Mr. Potter. Remember we are in a school in front of impressionable minds. Not to mention that I have a reputation as greasy bastard to uphold."

Harry could make out the rumble that meant the students were finishing up and coming to the doors. Giving Severus an evil smirk worthy of Snape at his worst reached up and tunnelling his hands into Severus's dark silky hair said in a low growl, "Oh just a little something to begin with, one that will make a point to some people just how serious I am about what's mine." Then he pulled the other's head down locking him into a passionate kiss. He laughed inwardly as he heard Sev first moan then wrap his arms around his waist pulling him so tightly against him that you could not fit anything between their bodies. 'Lord the man could kiss' he thought before his mind went deliciously blank.

The doors swung open, there was dead silence; students and faculty members were treated to the sight of both their worst and their favourite teachers locked in passionate embrace in the middle of the hall. Word spread fast as more students gathered to see what was going on. While up at the teachers table; Remus was growling his disgust at the sight vowing to have a talk with them at first chance, Devons just gave a resigned shrug, the other teachers looked startled but amused. As for the two conspirators, Draco was laughing so hard he almost fell off his chair while Albus stood there beaming at the sight of his favourite ex-students.

Albus began clapping with the other teachers except for Remus following suit. The students began cheering and whistling loudly at the sight of two teachers making out in the hallway.

When the noise finally penetrated his passion-drugged mind, Severus pulled away with dazed expression on his face, he looked around, seeing their audience he shook his head in resignation and looked back down at the flushed face of his lover. "I know you said you wanted to be more public but was an audience really necessary."

Harry blushed to the roots of his hair but still flashed an evil smirk at Severus, "Well I am sure that it made my point especially to certain students. Lets get some breakfast." Taking Sev's hand he walked into the Great Hall ignoring the stares and comments going on around him. Making his way to the head table, he flashed a grin at Draco and the headmaster. "Sorry about that, are we too late for coffee."

Draco managed to stop laughing long enough to ask, "So I guess the vacation was a success?" Looking at Severus and spotting the marks on his neck not hidden by the high collar choked, pointed at them, and said, "Okay I guess that means it was." Then he sat down laughing harder then ever, eventually falling off his chair with a thud.

Shaking his head at Draco's antics Harry looked up and spotting Devons watching them, glared at him while sliding his arm around Severus's waist.

Devons looked at him for a minute then gave a small smile and a nod conceding defeat. He had not really thought he stood much of a chance with Snape but it had been worth a try. With a nod to Albus, he made his way out of the hall deciding that today was good day to visit Hogsmeade.

Albus hid a grin behind a hand and suggested they adjourn to the staff room for some coffee. The other teachers followed him as Hagrid stooped to help Draco up from the floor.

Remus walked over to them scowling at Severus, "Do you really think that was appropriate behaviour Snape, this is a school you should not be flaunting…"

Harry interrupted him with a scowl of his own, "That is enough Remus, I believe this a conversation we should be having in private." Turning to Severus, he gave him a quick kiss and said, "Why don't you fill Albus in about our vacation while I have a long overdue chat with Remus, oh, and no hexing of Draco unless I get to watch." Looking at Remus, he motioned for him to follow as he left the hall making for his office. Entering the room, he sat at his desk and motioned Remus to the chair in front.

"Look Remus, I know that you care about me and I care about you as well. Nevertheless, you need to butt out of my love life. I am in love with Severus and you will have to learn to live with it."

"Your young yet you don't understand what Snape has done, what he is. This is so called relationship is just a reaction to the war Harry, once you get through this phase you will realise just how unworthy Snape is, how much more you deserve. I blame Snape for…"

Harry stood up angrily slamming his fist on the desk, "Enough Lupin! I love Severus and I will not let you speak about him like this. For your information, I threw myself at Sev not the other way around. He was too busy trying to ignore all the hints I had been giving him because he thought I deserved better then an ex-spy, ex-Deatheater, Slytherin, whatever. I literally had to jump him to get him to realize that I knew what I wanted; and what I wanted was Severus Snape in my bed and in my life. This is not a phase or an act of rebellion or any other nonsense you can come up with in order to explain away my actions. If you wish to continue to be part of my family then you will accept the fact that we are together. Don't make me choose because you will not like my answer."

Remus stared at him in shock; he had never seen Harry so angry before especially not with him. He could almost see the power swirling around Harry's form as he stood their glaring at him. In a calmer voice he said, "Harry you haven't thought things through, your father and Sirius…"

Once again, Harry interrupted in a hard voice, "Would have a fit, I know that, and I don't particularly care either. I would hope that my father could put my happiness above his feelings for a childhood enemy; as for Sirius, well we would be having this same conversation. I am deadly serious here Lupin; this is the man I love and the person whom I want to share my life with. You are either for us or against us the choice is yours."

Remus Lupin sat staring as Harry walked around the desk and out of the office. 'Sirius where did I go wrong' getting up slowly and feeling everyone one of his years he left the office heading for his rooms. He had a lot to think about, he did not want to loose Harry's friendship, but to keep it he would have to accept Snivellus. 'James, Lily what do I do now, please help me.'

Harry stormed down the hall to the teacher's lounge muttering under his breath. Why the hell were people always sure they knew what was best for him. Approaching an intersection he heard voices and hearing his name stopped to listen.

"Can you believe that?"

"Professors Potter and Snape, unbelievable, can anyone here tell me they saw that one coming."

"I thought they hated each other."

"See I told you that there was something going on there. There was just too much hate if you get my drift."

This was followed by general laughter and Harry had to stifle his own urge to laugh, an urge that passed quickly when he heard the next remark.

"Well Perkinson guess you're disappointed. Somehow, I do not see Snape tossing Potter over for you so you might as well give up. Snape is never going to notice you."

Harry stiffened and with a grim look on his face swept around the corner in an uncanny imitation of his lover. Pausing he crossed his arms over his chest and stared at the group of students gathered in the hall.

"Yeah unless of course you're stupid enough to go up against Professor Potter and I don't…"

By this time the majority of the group realised who was standing behind them and someone nudge the student speaking. They all stared back with expressions of nervousness displayed on most of them. On one face however, there was a look of anger and betrayal.

Harry raised an eyebrow he was going to have to keep an eye on that one he decided. "Is there a problem here?"

"Umm no sir we were just getting ready to go to Hogsmeade."

"Then I suggest you get moving and stop hanging around the hallways."

There was a chorus of "Yes sir" as the majority of the students began to move away. Perkinson continued to glare at him for few minutes then turned to follow his friends. Yes, he would definitely have to watch that one he thought and proceeded to the staff room.

tbc