Awaken before the Emerald Dawn

By: trappedineternity

Disclaimer: I don't own any of it. The characters belong to J.K Rowling. The plot bunny belongs to Black Ice. I am the owner of the fleshy part in the middle. This does contain spoilers. So if you have no read the 5th book, time to turn away. That and I am horrible at accents, so bare with me.

Warning: This story will contain yaoi. If you don't like it, I suggest you leave now. It might contain a few lemons and limes, but there will be warning at the beginning of the chapter and before the lime or lemon begins for those who don't wish to read them, they may skip over it ahead. Furthermore, this fic is dark and thus contains thought and possible acts of suicide and depression. Not your type of thing, I suggest you find something else… I'll accept comments and criticism but nothing about what I've just warned about.

Summary: check first chapter.

(side note, thank you for all the reviews! I am sorry it took me SOOOO long to update it... Been in a bit of a rut. So here is chapter 7, expect another chapter very very soon)

Remember just means I'm changing scenes now.

Chapter 7

Happy Christmas

Harry laid on the bed starring at the ceiling, as he tried to will himself to sleep. Severus had helped him quite a lot during the holiday break, for which he was both surprised and thankful. The Slytherin was warm and intelligent when you got beyond the barriers he had put up to guard himself from those who would abuse and tease him, which, Harry soon learnt, where quite a lot of people. He felt a little guilty, thinking that he had no helped the matter in his present, having teased and sneered at the older version of the boy.

This thought bothered him most of all. He had got into the habit of forgetting that Severus was Snape, which was, in itself, a silly thing to do. They looked alike, but he found that he was forgetting things from his present the longer he stayed here. He couldn't remember Hermione's face all that well anymore, and Ron was fading out as well, being replaced by Remus and Sirius when he thought about his friends.

Of course, all these trains of thought led him to wonder how this charming, warm young man turned into the cold greasy git in his present? How could a boy who snuggles to a fuzzy black kitten, turn so cold and cruel, or at least seem like it? It seemed impossible that they were the same person.

A soft sigh escaped his lips. In truth, he had grown rather attached to Severus, though he would die before he admitted it out loud. It was wall too strange. He had never found himself attracted to other men before. He couldn't remember a single instant. But then, he wasn't all that fond of the other gender either, after that fiasco that was Cho Chang. Still, as he watched Severus sleeping, he felt the need to be held by him, cuddling against his small pale frame, and relaxing against him as he too fell asleep. He shook his head, quickly dispelling these thoughts. Alright, so he would have to come to terms with his sexual orientation; that wouldn't be too bad. But then, it was just strange, wanting to be held by Snape…

Harry sighed once more as he climbed out of his bed, only to find a pile of gifts at the foot of it. He had completely forgotten about Christmas! He looked over to see Severus has a small pile as well. Who would have sent Harry gifts though? Other than Dumbledore of course… No one else knew he was here. Unless you counted the Marauders?

He walked over and quickly opened one of his gifts. It was from James, who had bought him some quidditch books. He smiled fondly as he remembered talking with his future father all about wanting to be a seeker. James had laughed and challenged him to a game. It was a close one, but James had won by a fraction of a second, Harry's hand having closed around his a moment after.

Remus' gift was strange to say the least. It was a small black ring. He has noticed that they all had one. According to the note, it was to notify the others should something happen to one of them. The ring would flare up with the name of the person who was harmed. He was officially a Marauder now.

Last was Sirius. It was a magic knife… just like the one he gave him in the future… just like the one he broke. He set it aside and picked up the note, wishing him a happy Christmas from Sirius, James and Remus. Peter wasn't there, which didn't surprise Harry all that must. Peter hadn't really liked him.

His fingers brushed over the knife. He felt like the blade was digging into his gut. He closed his eyes as tears slid down his cheeks, and memories came back unbidden. They were all the same. Remus and Sirius didn't change much from their future selves; Remus wanting to protect and include him, Sirius with his knife, a way to break the rules. He cried softly as he remembered everything. Who would have thought this little thing would have meant so much to him.

Severus was awakened by the sound of crying, and he knew at one that Harry needed him. He opened his eyes, willing himself to become fully awake. He looked over, and indeed, his first hunch was right; Harry was crying, clutching a small knife. Instantly, Severus bounded to his feet and came next to him. He took the knife away, laying it on the bed before he wrapped his arms around the younger student. "What happened? What's wrong?", he asked, concern filling his voice as he held him. Harry blinked, having been lost in his own grief; he had woken up Severus, which indeed made him feel worse. He was such a bad roommate; he had to bring his friend into this as well, making him concerned. He was so pathetic.

Severus looked at him in concern, awaiting an answer. Harry let out a calming breath and nodded slowly. "I am sorry Severus… it was just one of the gifts I received. It reminded me of my Godfather… he died not long ago and well… the memories are still fresh…", he said slowly. Severus sighed softly. "So, why did you have a knife?" "It was the gift..", he replied in turn.

The Slytherin was relieved somewhat, but all in all was at a lost as to what to do. Maybe this would be too awkward to give him his own gift. He shoo his head; it might actually make him smile. That was decided. Severus let Harry got and went into his trunk. "I got you something actually…", he said softly, as a change of subject, for which Harry was grateful for. He pulled a package from his bag and handed it to him.

Harry smiled softly as he whipped the tears and took it, opening the gift. Inside were several small bottles. He looked at Severus curiously. "What is this for?", he asked curiously. "Oh, well you see… I saw you were having nightmares, so I made a dreamless sleep potion without any addictive side-effects. This way, you won't be plagued with nightmares and be able to sleep properly…" Harry looked at him in awe. "Oh! Why thank you Severus!... But, I didn't get you anything… With everything on my mind, I completely forgot it was Christmas…", he said softly. Severus couldn't helped by grin. "Oh don't worry, I can wait a few weeks for your return gift.", he chuckled.

Harry pulled him into a hug. "Thank you, for everything, Severus." The Slytherin smiled as he pat his back. "You're very welcome Harry." His emerald gaze looked over at the mound of gifts at Severus' bed. "You should really open those Severus." The Slytherin nodded to himself and went over to his gifts, the kitten coming over and sitting on his lap.

His mother has sent him some new tomes of potions and Defense against the Dark arts. Dumbledore had given him some more sweets, and then there was Lucius. He opened the box rather carefully only to find a fine silver chain, with a blood open as a charm. A dragon wound around the gem carefully and artistically. He quirked a brow as he lifted it up for a better inspection. "Jewelry… typical Malfoy gift…" He pulled it on and looked at his reflection. "Hmmm… it's actually not as horrible as I was originally lead to think… It's actually rather nice.."

Christmas breakfast was delicious. It was all set up at a small table where the teachers and the remaining students sat to eat. Severus helped himself to another helping of bacon and some more coffee as he caste a sidelong glance at Harry, who was in turn gorging out on pudding. He shook his head and smiled. He couldn't wait till that evening, where he would be able to thank Dumbledore for helping him, and for bringing Harry into his life. As it so happened, as he thought this, Harry started to have a whispered conversation with the old coot. He wondered what about, his insatiable curiosity flaring up.

Harry smiled to his headmaster. "He gave me some potions to help me sleep better sir. It was such a thoughtful gift… and well, I thought I could go to Hogsmeade, using one of the secret exits and get him a gift. I would pay you back of course, and I promise it wouldn't be anything big… Please sir… I promise not to be gone long either…" Dumbledore grinned and chuckled softly. "Of course, Harry. How could I say no to a please like that? Besides, my future self gave me this note to give this gold to you none the less. He supposed that you would like to buy some gifts as well and took it from you vault…" Harry took to pouch and smiles. "Now go buy Severus a good Christmas gift, while its still Christmas. The stores in Hogsmeade will only be open for a few short hours, so hurry." Harry smiled as he hugged him. "Thank you, sir."

The boy who lived quickly rushed out towards the humpback witch passage, sliding off towards the path to Honeydukes cellar, thinking of all the things he could buy Severus. He already received so many good things, books, jewelry…what else could he get? He walked out of the cellar and looked around curiously. Where would he get the perfect gift? It would have to be great, with all the help Severus had given him in the past. It still took a lot for his to adjust to the fact he was indeed Severus Snape, but now that he thought about it more clearly, there was probably something that would happen that would change him into the greasy git he would become… but what? What would happen to make him so cruel… to make him come to loathe him?

Harry froze as he was torn out of his musing by something on display in a shop. He looked inside and saw what it was. Inside, on a small velvet pillow was a small broche. It has two serpents intertwining around a black gem. One had crimson eyes, the other had emerald ones. He walked inside the shop and picked it out. He could sense some magic on it. According to the small card, it had many protection charms placed on it. Meant as a gift to protect a loved one. He couldn't help but smile. This would be perfect for Snape, especially if Severus turned into Snape. A death eater could always use more protection… He brought the broch over to the counter and smiled to the cashier. This would be the perfect gift indeed…

Severus waited in his chambers as he poured over some of the new books he had received. He wondered where Harry has run off to earlier, but he was sure he would turn up. As if on cue, the door opened and there he was, looking soaked to the bone. Severus quirked a brow as he looked at him. "Harry, where have you been?" Harry smirked as he cast a drying charm before sitting down at the foot of Severus' bed. "I went out and got you something.", he said softly, rather embarrassed. He held out a small bag.

The young Slytherin looked at him in shock. Harry had gone out, in the cold, just to buy him a return gift. He took the bag and opened it, only to find a velvet box inside. He looked up at the Gryffindor curiously, before pulling the box out and opening it. Inside was the broche. He looked up in awe. "This must have cost you a fortune!" Harry smiled softly as he reached over and removed the old pin from Severus' cloak and put on the new one. "I think it looks good on you.", he said. Severus looked down at Harry and smiled softly, truly smiled. "Thank you, Harry." Harry's fingers never left his chest as he looked into Severus' eyes.

Slowly the Slytherin leaned in; his eyes fluttering to a close as he lightly brushed his lips against Harry's. A deep blush crept over his cheeks as Harry leaned in, returning the soft kiss. It seemed to last for eternity, but slowly, shyly, Severus moved away, keeping his eyes on his hands in his lap. But then, Harry's hands had never moved away from his chest. Slowly his obsidian eyes rose up to meet with emerald ones. A light smile rose to Harry's lips as he blushed shyly. "So much for you Gryffindor courage… couldn't even make the first move.", Severus whispered. Harry leaned in close, their lips barely touching. "But I will make the second.", he whispered as he brought their lips together again, his fingers moving up to burry themselves in jet black hair. Severus pulled Harry into his lap, bracing his hands around his back. Never before had he felt so happy… as if he did indeed belong…

A pale hand ran its nails over a large crimson gem. The gem pulsed and glowed in the darkness. A low menacing chuckle echoed in the room. "Soon my pet, soon… Just a little while longer… Are you certain this will work?" "Of course master. Everything is going according to plan…" The hand continued to stroke the gem in a loving caress. "Excellent… I cannot wait…", he whispered. "Happy Christmas… enjoy it while you can… Soon he will be mine."

(To be Continued)

Author's notes: Ah finally some Snarry goodness. I bet you were wondering when this would happen. Wow… chapter 7 already, and things are only to get better. Thank you all for reading and thank you more for those who are reviewing. Feeding the artist Is great. It's the only reason I'm still writing, because I know you still want me lol. Anyways, hopefully my next update will be sooner. See you then.

Severus: Finally, I got some action!

Harry: Yay! My second kiss and it wasn't wet!

Severus: Wet? Is that some kind of kink? You like wet kisses?

Harry: NO!

Mysterious voice: haha… haha… HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Harry: I'm scared.

Severus: Somehow… this doesn't bode well for one of us. My money's on you…

Harry: remind me again why I'm kissing the greasy git?

Severus: That's not what you said last night…

Harry: SHHH! They don't know about that yet!

Severus: They will… oh they will…