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Here's the next part. I'm so sorry that this took so long to get out, but I've got almost the entire story done. This particular part was stuck at my beta, who still has it, so this is the rough version. I'm really sorry if there are any mistakes. I'll probably be posting the next chapter's rough version next week. Thank you truly to JasMarquardt who told me to get this part out.
As always, thanks to everyone who wrote such magnificent reviews. I am deeply thankful to all my readers, who I will not list here as there are 30 of you. But you know who you are and my most profound thanks to all of you. Please enjoy.
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When Harry woke it was in a silent room. He didn't recognize the ceiling so he assumed he must be at an actual hospital and not the Medical Wing of Hogwarts' probably best since he too had fallen unconscious. The room was fuzzy as he glanced to his left. There was no table on that side, so he turned to his right and found his glasses on the bedside table. However, there was something black partially in the way. He glanced at the whole object only to realize it was Snape; a content sleeping Snape. A content sleeping Snape who rested his forehead against the Seeker's hand which he held onto. Harry wasn't sure what to do as Snape started to stir. Then Harry saw a contrasting blur of white enter his vision and slowly focus into a recognizable object. Dumbledore motioned for him to be silent. The ancient wizard drew his wand and Harry tensed, relaxing when he whispered a strong sleeping charm. Harry felt panic rise up in the Potions master and tightened his hand reassuringly in response. The panic faded once again into calm contentment.
"It's nice to see that you are finally awake." Albus handed Harry his glasses.
"How long was I out?"
"You've been here five days."
"That long?"
"You spent all your energy. Care to tell me how?"
"Voldemort."
"We found his body."
"He's not coming back."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes. What happened after? I remember summoning the Knight Bus."
"You managed to get yourself and Severus onto the Bus but you passed out from lack of magic and shielding. You got a full dose of both of the drivers' emotions, especially when one of them touched you; he said you went into convulsions. You scared them quite a bit. Oh, that reminds me, Arthur picked up the bill for you."
"I'll pay him back..."
"That won't be necessary, he got a promotion. He's the Minister now."
"How did that happen?"
"The Ministry was alerted to the fight by your power surge. I don't think a wizard in the area didn't feel that, but that's beside the point. Arthur was organizing the Aurors but Fudge kept on ordering them to stand down, even after your power set off every magical alert system in the Ministry. It turns out that young Percy was the one that subdued him to allow his father to get the Aurors organized and out to your location. However you and Severus were already gone. By finding Voldemort's body, it proved that Fudge was wrong. Arthur demanded that he take veritaserum and Fudge admitted to being not only a Voldemort supporter, but he covered up Voldemort's actions and tried to discredit the savior of the world. Arthur was appointed unanimously by the Ministry. I have another piece of good news."
"What?"
"One Peter Pettigrew turned himself into the Aurors, babbling about life- debts, destructive magic, and Sirius' innocence. Your godfather has been freed and is currently being treated for the lingering mental aftereffects of Azkaban. Arthur promised full retribution and restoration for Fudge's mess. Remus is with him at the moment. They'll be down to see you later."
"Why is Professor Snape holding my hand?"
"That, Harry, is a very interesting story for a later time. Rest now."
Harry slipped back into sleep. He woke sometime in the night, feeling drained and disorientated. He glanced over to see Snape watching him quietly. Harry offered him a tentative smile, which was answered with a nod. The Potions master stood and soundlessly glided out of the room, leaving a very confused Seeker behind; he couldn't pick up anything from the man like he could before. A few minutes later, a nurse entered and ordered him to drink the sleeping potion that she handed him. She felt impatient, scared, and awed so he did quickly and slid back into the world of dreams as she left.
Severus Snape was just outside the room, peering in the door anxiously with Albus, Remus, Sirius and the new Minister, Arthur. They were speaking of the sleeping boy inside and counting down the minutes.
"Those shielding spells aren't holding for any more than ten minutes at a time," Remus pointed out.
"What can we do with him if this doesn't stop? This is far too dangerous to be brought back to the castle with the rest of the students," Arthur said.
"We can't keep him locked up. He's a young man. He needs to get out and exercise and talk to people," Sirius argued.
"The drugs help marginally. Maybe if they up the dosage?"
"No. You are not going to up the dose and he's not going to stay drugged. He's a child and he's short enough already," Sirius growled. "No need to stunt his growth anymore."
"There is no cure, no idea for a cure or a suppressant, and no idea how to deal with his current outbursts," Arthur mentioned.
"As much as I really hate to admit it, I think we should leave him with Snape," Sirius finally said.
"No," Snape flatly refused.
"I agree with Sirius," Albus said, eyes twinkling.
"No. I'm not babysitting him."
"You were Order partners, weren't you?" Remus asked.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Snape snapped, confused.
"He respects you. Harry wouldn't have worked with you otherwise. You know how he is about that," Albus said.
"He respects Black and Lupin too. Let him stay with them."
"He isn't calm with them like he is with you."
Severus' next words were cut off by a nurse who informed them that the shields were nearly down. It was one minute longer than the previous time. Snape padded into the room, passing through the destructive magic like it wasn't there. The others waited outside as he approached the raven-haired wizard's bed. He could feel magic rolling off the sleeping man so strong that it made his teeth ache. Reaching out, he briefly brushed his fingers across Harry's forearm and the pressing waves of energy dissipated, allowing the others to enter the room to finish their conversation. Summoning a chair next to the bed, he sat down for another several hour wait, his hand just barely touched Harry's. As they argued over the Gryffindor's fate, Harry slowly maneuvered his hand until he had twined their fingers together without Severus noticing.
"Isn't that proof enough?" Albus queried, drawing everyone's attention to their clasped hands.
"No!"
"For now there's no other option." Arthur said.
"Make another. I can't miss many more of my classes. Whoever Albus got to substitute is probably ruining my lab and letting the students go soft."
"All you worry about is torturing the kids, don't you?" Sirius retorted.
"Sod off," Snape snapped, irrationally hurt. Harry's face twisted up in a grimace. Everyone took a deep breath and tried to regain control of their emotions.
"Face it. You're all there is." Sirius said after they had both calmed down.
"As usual, you have no real clue of what is going on, do you?" Snape responded. "If he stays with me, he'll have to be in my room when we sleep, possibly the same bed."
"Harry is not staying with him," Sirius responded immediately, whirling to face Albus.
"Sirius, relax," Remus said in a calming voice. "He's baiting you. I'm curious though, if he doesn't stay with you, Severus, how will this be kept in control? Albus' wards barely held a half hour against him. Those were wards that held against Voldemort for months."
"I'm sorry, Severus, but for now we have no other choice. I'll take your first class or two each day so you can get enough sleep."
"Albus."
"I realize that this is not only an extreme invasion of your privacy but also a heavy and unwelcome burden to your person, but I would be greatly appreciative it if you would do this for me, and the sanity of your student."
Severus opened his mouth to debate the point but Harry's hand tightened on his as he rolled over to cradle their clasped hands to his cheek. Snape's mouth closed with an audible click. He took a deep breath, held it for a moment, then released it. He turned to Albus. "Fine." The headmaster nodded and ushered everyone else out of the room to allow Severus to gather his shredded dignity.
"You really should have gone into politics. I've never seen anyone so masterfully manipulated," Arthur laughed softly. "Though this does leave the question as to who will tell Harry."
"Politics are not for me, I enjoy my students, they are infinitely more interesting," Albus chuckled, holding the door for Arthur, Remus, and Sirius. "I'll tell Harry when he wakes."
When Harry woke again, he saw Severus momentarily before the man left and was quickly replaced by Dumbledore, Ron, and Hermione. The smiling old man waited until Harry was fully aware and had finished his greetings to his friends and his special congratulations to his friend on his father's promotion before dropping his bombshell.
"Do you remember two days ago when you asked why Professor Snape was holding your hand?" He waited for Harry's nod of confirmation. "On the Knight Bus after Earl touched you, you went into convulsions, and they couldn't get you to stop. At the hospital more doctors and nurses touched you trying to keep you from hurting yourself, sending you further into more severe convulsions. By the time Poppy, Minerva, and I got here, they were afraid that you would break your neck. We informed them of your predicament and they placed strong wards and shields around you. However, while it stopped your convulsions, you instead began to release what little power you would gain back in destructive bursts, which gained strength slowly over the first four days of your admittance here until the entire hospital was shaking. Professor Snape had been in critical care the first two days and was still recovering the next two. He came into check on you just before another of your bursts. He tried to shake you awake when you flung the nurse that was reinforcing the shields from the room and your power suddenly drained from the room. He pulled back in surprise and you began to release energy again. It was only the last day before you woke up that first time that either of you had gotten any good sleep, which was why I was loath to wake him. For some reason, Severus stops your surges. It's like he absorbs your excess power."
"Is this just temporary?"
"That's my next point. We don't know how long these will last. You'll be staying with Professor Snape in his quarters if the power surges don't stop. You'll spend one night in the hospital wing with him to see if the surges stop. If not, you'll spend your nights with Professor Snape until this is either controlled or stopped. You'll be able to attend classes as normal since you do not seem to give off power when you are awake. You'll both be released in a few hours."
"Yes sir," Harry replied automatically as the old man gently smiled, obviously containing his impulse to touch the young man in front of him.
"Sorry, Harry," Ron sympathized. "Everyone's tried to think of every way possible. Besides, it will only be nights. You'll be with us during the days. Anyway, I'm sure that this is only temporary. You'll be back in the Tower tomorrow night, just you watch."
"It's not a big problem; we roomed together for some Order Missions."
"I'll look into this and see if there is anything in the library. Maybe there's something about empaths that is relevant to this. Anything else you want me to research while I'm looking?" Hermione offered.
"Not that I can think of right now. Oh, hang on, I'm not picking up Snape's emotions like I do everyone else's, they are there but not overwhelming. And see if you can find out about tactile problems. Snape and I can touch without it causing pain; it feels different than when I'm touched by anyone else."
"Professor Dumbledore said that Snape had excellent control over his emotions which would both help and hinder you, it was out of context as we were just walking up and they stopped talking about it when we got within hearing range so I'm not certain what that meant," Hermione looked perplexed. "Anyway, I'm curious, what does it feel like?"
"I already told you what it feels like."
"No, with Snape."
"Well, for a start, his touch doesn't hurt. Don't take this wrong, but it feels nice almost. Ron, stop it." Harry stuck his tongue out at his friend who was alternating between making kissy faces at him and gagging. "I guess it's nice like hot chocolate on a cold winter day, or taking a dip in the lake in the heat of summer, or like when I'm flying just for the pleasure of it, but infinitely more relaxing as I'm not clutching a 'splinter of wood'." Hermione snorted at the twist of her thoughts on Quidditch. "I can feel his emotions like background noise, it's there and soothing but not intrusive or annoying. It's there when I want to feel it, like the noise when I'm on the Pitch in a game. I know it's there but I can tune it out or listen in to it."
"I'll look into that," Hermione said, making a mental list of subjects.
"You're going back to school today," Ron noted. Harry nodded. "Pretty much everyone is leaving for Christmas break tomorrow. Dad says that's why they're letting you back into the castle. Since only three students are staying, they don't have to worry about you killing everyone if you accidentally let loose your power."
"That's reassuring," Harry laughed. "Who's staying?"
"Two Hufflepuffs, both second year, and Draco Malfoy; they're moving him out of the dungeon for the first few days."
"Did I.his dad?"
"Nah. His dad was smart and skipped out with Wormtail and a couple of other guys when you showed up and were glowing or something of the sort. Anyway, Draco went to the Ministry and demanded to be given veritaserum to prove not only did he not have loyalties to You-Know-Who, but he didn't want to be a Death Eater, his dad was making him be mean to us by using his mother as a threat against him. Poor bloke, messed him up nicely, I suspect."
"I see."
"Anyway, see if Dumbledore will let you come Christmas Day to my house, Remus, Sirius, hell, even Snape and Draco are welcome. Never would have guessed Snape's got a heart in him. My mom won't stop talking about 'how nice that Mr. Snape is'." He made a face to go with the falsetto voice that made the other two laugh.
"We have to go, sorry Harry, but we've got afternoon classes. I brought you some homework to do while you're waiting for the Professors to come back."
"Thanks. I'll see you two tomorrow before you leave."
"All right then Harry. By the way, Quidditch has been unanimously cancelled, and all four houses will be put on the House Cup in honor of You- Know-Who's defeat. They put your and Professor Snape's names on top." With that Ron and Hermione disappeared out the door.
"Great," Harry sighed, flopping back against the pillows, "Just what I need, more recognition." After a quick search of the room, which didn't turn up any clothes, he let out a puff of air that stirred his bangs as he reached for his backlog of homework. He was deep in his Herbology essay when he absently heard the door open. Not picking up any definite emotions, he glanced up curiously.
"Potter, are you ready to go yet?"
"Umm, not really. I couldn't find my clothes," Harry blushed slightly as Snape gave off a wave of frustration, which he quickly dampened.
"I'll see if I can locate them," Snape sighed and padded out of the room. He questioned the first nurse he could corner who brought him to another nurse who was in charge of personal items. She handed him a box of the items they had taken off Harry when he had first come in, which Snape brought back to Harry. The Gryffindor had already packed his homework up and was cleaning his glasses on the sleeve of his hospital gown. "Thanks," Harry said, opening the box. He dug through the contents. His invisibility cloak and his wand were on top of his tennis shoes with the socks stuck inside, which were on top of his t-shirt, jeans, and underclothes. The green-eyed wizard headed towards the bathroom, seemingly unaware that his backside was fully exposed to view by the open-backed hospital garment. Snape mentally smacked himself when he realized he was staring openly at the tantalizing view, forcing himself to turn and look out the window instead.
Inside the bathroom, Harry looked at himself in the mirror, wondering why Snape had been staring at him. He blushed when the mirror pointed out that his arse was completely exposed to view in the outfit. The blush remained as he dressed and reentered the room, waiting for a biting remark on his dress-habits. The retort never came as both men avoided looking at each other as Snape gathered the books on the bed and ushered Harry down to the Entrance/Exit. The pop of witches and wizards Apparating and Disapparating and the whoosh of the Floo-system being activated drowned out all surrounding noise when they opened the door to the room. Leading Harry past all the awe struck wizards, Snape requested Floo for two.
"Say 'Hogwarts, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore's office'."
Harry placed his glasses in his pocked and did as he was bid. He rolled out of the fireplace and out of the way, so Snape wouldn't trip over him as he arrived seconds later. Coughing as they dusted the soot off, Harry noticed Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore all waiting for them. The Gryffindor felt disappointment, self-loathing, and guilt radiating from Sirius, muting the rest of the emotions in the room.
"Sirius, stop it," Harry ordered, petting Fawkes, who flew over to greet him, filling him with confidence.
"Stop what?"
"Feeling guilty. It wasn't your fault this happened or anything else. None of this is your fault, do you understand?"
"Harry." Sirius tried to explain.
"No. Don't even try. It's not, so stop." He waited for the shock to pass before he felt the guilt lessen to a bearable degree. "Thank you."
"Wasn't that interesting?" Remus asked mainly to himself.
"Indeed," Albus replied. "Now, Harry, as you know you'll be spending tonight with Madam Pomfrey in the wing. She's asked that you be there before nine with your sleep wear. Until then you are free to do what you will. The passwords have not changed but I believe that your friends are in the library. Perhaps Sirius and Remus would like to accompany you there to prevent any mishaps along the way."
Albus waited until Sirius, Remus, and Harry were out the door and well on their way to the library before turning to Snape. "Aren't you going to sit down?"
The Potions master sank gratefully into his favorite chair by the fire, waiting until the Headmaster took his own opposite him. "Is there something you want to talk to me about?" The dark man asked.
"Actually, Severus, it is you who need to talk to me. Something is weighing heavily on you, would you care to share?"
"Not really."
"Severus, need I remind you that you need to have a clear head if you are going to be keeping a watch on Mr. Potter. We both know that he attracts trouble like a magnet."
"Magnet?"
"Muggle device. It uses invisible forces to attract metals. Think a summoning spell, specifically focusing on metals."
"Hm. I'll agree with you on the last point." Snape took a deep breath. "I'm not sure where I stand with him anymore. As Order partners we had put aside our rivalries temporarily for the good of the missions. We've shared rooms, even beds, purely platonic of course, but we've always done that outside the school only, so no one would suspect me as a spy."
"But?"
"Voldemort's dead. For good, this time and I'm not a spy anymore. I don't know if he's indebted to me or if I'm indebted to him."
"Ah, so that's it."
"What?"
"You're allowed to care again, but you're afraid to do so as you aren't sure if you are equals."
"What are you talking about?" Snape asked confused at the twist in the conversation.
"When at the edge of an unknown, faith provides the wings to fly."
"Can't you make sense for once in your life?"
"I believe this is something that you need to figure out yourself." Dumbledore watched silently as Snape wandered from the room, pondering his mentor's words. The headmaster waited until Snape was out of hearing range before adding, "Perhaps Harry will be the one to give you that your wings."
After saying goodnight to his friends and godfathers, Harry left the Tower with his pajamas and school books. He arrived at the hospital at 8.30, planning on getting at least another day's worth of homework done. He changed in the bathroom and settled onto a bed that was turned down, books spread around him as he answered his homework. The young man felt Madam Pomfrey check in on him twice before nine, probably surprised at his studious behavior. At nine fifteen, Snape slipped into the room, following Albus. Harry acknowledged their presence briefly as he scrawled down the last sentence in his mind before setting the paper aside to dry.
"Good evening Harry, are you ready for bed?"
"I think so sir."
"Very well then. Madam Pomfrey is going to give you a light sleeping potion to allow you to get to sleep easier, is that all right with you?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Both she and Professor Snape will be in and out of the room, so please try to ignore their passing the best you can."
"Ok."
"Excellent. As soon as you're ready, just call for Madam Pomfrey. Sleep well."
"Good night." Harry glanced up at Snape who met his gaze solidly before turning and gliding into Madam Pomfrey's office to converse with her. Harry glanced at the clock; it read 9.20pm. He settled back down into his homework. After a while, he heard the whisper of shoes on the floor and glanced up. Snape glanced briefly at the clock.
"Do you always stay up this late?" Harry glanced at the clock with read 10.56.
"Usually later," Harry replied, already putting away the books spread out in front of him. "I'll get the potion from Madam Pomfrey." The Gryffindor walked silently into the next room and returned making a face to himself, climbing into the bed, Harry noticed Snape sitting stiffly in a chair across the room.
"You'll get a back-ache from that chair," Harry commented, pulling the covers up to his chin with a yawn, absently remembering one of their first summer missions after his fourth year when Harry had gotten knocked out saving his partner from a falling tree by pushing him out of the way. Snape had complained about having to wait in the chair for him to wake up and how painful it was. The Seeker also knew from personal experience that it was hard as he had spent his fair share of times in it waiting for Severus to wake. He heard Snape shift even as the potion took effect, settling onto the bed next to him.
Snape was asleep on the bed next to Harry's when Remus arrived and woke him up, telling him the headmaster wanted to see him. Severus growled some very impolite things to the laughing werewolf, strengthening the shields before they headed down the corridor. Albus met them in the hall.
"I'm sorry to have had to wake you, Severus," he began, "but I wanted to see if Harry was drawing on your presence. If he is then we wouldn't know when we sent him back to the dorms and he could cause some serious damage."
They sat in his office for seven more minutes, making it a total of ten from when Severus had left, before Poppy called them through the fire. "Albus, you'd better send Severus down here right away. I do not want all my glass and potions broken."
"He's already surging?"
"He's started. It's weak now, just barely rattling the glasses, but the waves are gaining in strength quite quickly. Oh, he's started levitating things now! Have Severus hurry."
"All right. He's coming through the fire," Albus said, motioning for Snape to take some Floo powder. The Potions master did so and stepped out next to the Medi-witch, who followed him out to Harry's bed. The moment Severus touched him, the waves stopped, and the green-eyed savior sighed contentedly, reaching blindly for Snape, who caught the seeking hand with a glare at the witch who cooed at how cute they looked together.
Poppy laughed at his glare and magicked a bed next to Harry's, leaving less than a foot gap in between them. Snape settled back on the bed and rested, planning to go down to the dungeons and sleep the entire following day, as the students were leaving for Christmas break and to celebrate the Dark Lord's final fall. Sometime around two, Poppy peeked in and cast a sleeping spell on him, allowing him some much deserved rest.
Harry woke the next morning at five, much earlier than he normally did, due to the fact he fell asleep more than two hours earlier than he normal. After untangling his hand from Snape's, Harry padded over to Madam Pomfrey's desk and scrawled a note to her explaining he was running back to his dorms for a change of clothes. After, propping it up where he was certain she would see it, he informed a matron in a picture to point it out to both the current Medi-Witch and the sleeping Professor when the woke. She agreed and after thanking her, Harry slipped out into the hallways, easily evading Mrs. Norris with practiced ease and silence that would have frightened even his friends.
After greeting several house elves and paintings, Harry arrived at the Pink Lady. He gently shook the frame, enough to rouse her. "Password?" she questioned sleepily.
"Flying Pigs. I'll be coming out in about five minutes, just so I don't surprise you."
"Very good, dear," she said with a yawn as she settled back down for a nap as he pulled the portrait closed behind him.
As promised, Harry popped back out after grabbing clothes, barely causing the Lady to stir. Wandering aimlessly around the castle, Harry paused to greet The Four Founders in their shared picture before heading back up to the infirmary, smiling over a joke Slytherin had told him. He saw that his note was already gone but Snape was still asleep. Picking up his school books, Harry began to work on his neglected homework, smiling in greeting as Madam Pomfrey peeked in to check the room. Around six he heard his combat partner begin to stir. It never occurred to Harry that he should wonder about Snape holding his hand when he woke.
"Morning," he greeted.
"Mm," Snape replied moodily.
"I take it I didn't pass the test."
"You most unquestionably did not. Your test taking aptitude is atrocious, as usual."
"So, now what?"
"Unfortunately, as the Headmaster had previously informed you had you paid attention, you'll be rooming with me in my quarters until this can be solved," Snape said, smoothing out his wrinkled robes. "Can I assume that you will be able to stay awake for a few hours by yourself or do I need to have someone baby-sit you in my absence while I allow Dumbledore to meddle with my room?"
"I'll be fine," Harry mumbled, slipping out of the bed again and stretching. "I'm going to go take a shower." Snape blushed faintly and quickly made his exit. Harry watched him flee with a confused expression wondering what that brief flash of unusual emotion was mixed with embarrassment before he shrugged and made his way into the bathroom.
They managed not to see each other all day long, even at meals. Harry headed down around nine into the dungeons, knowing from their Order days that Snape went to bed at nine-thirty. He knocked twice from habit. The door swung open and revealed an irate looking Potions master. Harry quickly skirted him and padded into the room. Instead of the normal green, silver, and black decorations, there were splashes of gold and red mixed in with other bright colors.
"Merlin's beard, what the hell happened?" Harry burst out surprised, before he stop himself.
"Albus thought it would make you more relaxed to have a cheery atmosphere."
"Can you change it back?"
"You don't like it?" Surprise and relief washed over Harry's skin.
"It looks like a flit of faeries got loose in here with buckets of paint. I liked your rooms how they were before." With a wave of his wand, Snape turned it back into the normal colors. "Thanks. I think I'll be able to sleep without being plagued with dreams of demented clowns now."
"Clowns?"
"Muggles that dress up in bright colored costumes which are too large or small for humor effect. They usually do slap-stick humor like falling over or pies in the face and tell bad jokes. They tend to paint their faces white with splotches of color and wear bushy brightly colored wigs."
"I can see why having those in your dreams would be disturbing," Snape frowned as they headed into the bedroom. Harry noted the pajamas laid out for him on the bed.
"I think we should have an early night."
"Professor?"
"If we are to be in such close proximity, then we should address each other by our given name."
"Reverting to Order procedure?" Harry asked, turning his back to change his clothes. He could hear Snape's grunt of acknowledgement. Order procedure meant that one essentially depended on the other or both were dependent and they acknowledged that cooperation was needed to get through whatever task was trying them so they treated each other as equals.
"What were you going to ask?"
"Oh. Umm, how long do you think this is going to last?"
"Until the Ministry has figured out the answer to your problem, which, undoubtedly will be as long as humanly possible just to annoy me."
After getting ready to sleep, Harry slipped onto the right side of the bed, knowing that Severus slept on the left and got severely cranky if he couldn't sleep on that side. Flipping back the silk sheets, he placed his glasses on the bedside table and closed his eyes, waiting for the silk to warm up as the other man turned off the lights. He still didn't understand how the man could stand cold silk in a freezing cold room. Attempting, to conserve his heat, he brought his legs up and curled into a ball, placing his hands between his legs to try and keep them warm. After a while, the silk was his body temperature and he was still close to shivering. Pulling up his courage, he turned slightly to face his companion, whom he could feel the warmth radiating off of.
"Severus?"
"Yes?"
"Umm, never mind, it's nothing. Sorry." Harry rolled back over, making certain not to brush up against the warm body next to him. He concentrated on not shivering, but after a while, he began to fail miserably.
"Are you cold?" Severus asked softly, feeling the bed shake with the other, remembering that he wasn't used to the dungeons, which he should have remembered after the times they had spent together in such places.
"Just a little," Harry admitted, not doing anything about it.
"Silly Gryffindor," Snape sighed, snaking an arm around the green-eyed wizard's waist and pulling him close, sharing body heat. Harry sighed in contentment and snuggled closer relishing in the human contact as the familiar body spooned around his.
"G'Night Severus," he breathed, succumbing to sleep.
"Good night," Snape waited until he was certain the Gryffindor was asleep before carefully edging away, mortified of his body's response to the young wizard's close proximity. Harry shifted to cuddle closer to his warmth. He allowed the other to curl up against his side and he allowed the arm to be draped across his chest as well as the head to be pillowed on his shoulder. He stared up into the inky blackness and pondered how he was going to survive until a cure could be found for the lithe body in his arms and how he was definitely becoming a pervert. He decided he'd need to brew a mood- killing potion the next morning.
Here's the next part. I'm so sorry that this took so long to get out, but I've got almost the entire story done. This particular part was stuck at my beta, who still has it, so this is the rough version. I'm really sorry if there are any mistakes. I'll probably be posting the next chapter's rough version next week. Thank you truly to JasMarquardt who told me to get this part out.
As always, thanks to everyone who wrote such magnificent reviews. I am deeply thankful to all my readers, who I will not list here as there are 30 of you. But you know who you are and my most profound thanks to all of you. Please enjoy.
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When Harry woke it was in a silent room. He didn't recognize the ceiling so he assumed he must be at an actual hospital and not the Medical Wing of Hogwarts' probably best since he too had fallen unconscious. The room was fuzzy as he glanced to his left. There was no table on that side, so he turned to his right and found his glasses on the bedside table. However, there was something black partially in the way. He glanced at the whole object only to realize it was Snape; a content sleeping Snape. A content sleeping Snape who rested his forehead against the Seeker's hand which he held onto. Harry wasn't sure what to do as Snape started to stir. Then Harry saw a contrasting blur of white enter his vision and slowly focus into a recognizable object. Dumbledore motioned for him to be silent. The ancient wizard drew his wand and Harry tensed, relaxing when he whispered a strong sleeping charm. Harry felt panic rise up in the Potions master and tightened his hand reassuringly in response. The panic faded once again into calm contentment.
"It's nice to see that you are finally awake." Albus handed Harry his glasses.
"How long was I out?"
"You've been here five days."
"That long?"
"You spent all your energy. Care to tell me how?"
"Voldemort."
"We found his body."
"He's not coming back."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes. What happened after? I remember summoning the Knight Bus."
"You managed to get yourself and Severus onto the Bus but you passed out from lack of magic and shielding. You got a full dose of both of the drivers' emotions, especially when one of them touched you; he said you went into convulsions. You scared them quite a bit. Oh, that reminds me, Arthur picked up the bill for you."
"I'll pay him back..."
"That won't be necessary, he got a promotion. He's the Minister now."
"How did that happen?"
"The Ministry was alerted to the fight by your power surge. I don't think a wizard in the area didn't feel that, but that's beside the point. Arthur was organizing the Aurors but Fudge kept on ordering them to stand down, even after your power set off every magical alert system in the Ministry. It turns out that young Percy was the one that subdued him to allow his father to get the Aurors organized and out to your location. However you and Severus were already gone. By finding Voldemort's body, it proved that Fudge was wrong. Arthur demanded that he take veritaserum and Fudge admitted to being not only a Voldemort supporter, but he covered up Voldemort's actions and tried to discredit the savior of the world. Arthur was appointed unanimously by the Ministry. I have another piece of good news."
"What?"
"One Peter Pettigrew turned himself into the Aurors, babbling about life- debts, destructive magic, and Sirius' innocence. Your godfather has been freed and is currently being treated for the lingering mental aftereffects of Azkaban. Arthur promised full retribution and restoration for Fudge's mess. Remus is with him at the moment. They'll be down to see you later."
"Why is Professor Snape holding my hand?"
"That, Harry, is a very interesting story for a later time. Rest now."
Harry slipped back into sleep. He woke sometime in the night, feeling drained and disorientated. He glanced over to see Snape watching him quietly. Harry offered him a tentative smile, which was answered with a nod. The Potions master stood and soundlessly glided out of the room, leaving a very confused Seeker behind; he couldn't pick up anything from the man like he could before. A few minutes later, a nurse entered and ordered him to drink the sleeping potion that she handed him. She felt impatient, scared, and awed so he did quickly and slid back into the world of dreams as she left.
Severus Snape was just outside the room, peering in the door anxiously with Albus, Remus, Sirius and the new Minister, Arthur. They were speaking of the sleeping boy inside and counting down the minutes.
"Those shielding spells aren't holding for any more than ten minutes at a time," Remus pointed out.
"What can we do with him if this doesn't stop? This is far too dangerous to be brought back to the castle with the rest of the students," Arthur said.
"We can't keep him locked up. He's a young man. He needs to get out and exercise and talk to people," Sirius argued.
"The drugs help marginally. Maybe if they up the dosage?"
"No. You are not going to up the dose and he's not going to stay drugged. He's a child and he's short enough already," Sirius growled. "No need to stunt his growth anymore."
"There is no cure, no idea for a cure or a suppressant, and no idea how to deal with his current outbursts," Arthur mentioned.
"As much as I really hate to admit it, I think we should leave him with Snape," Sirius finally said.
"No," Snape flatly refused.
"I agree with Sirius," Albus said, eyes twinkling.
"No. I'm not babysitting him."
"You were Order partners, weren't you?" Remus asked.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Snape snapped, confused.
"He respects you. Harry wouldn't have worked with you otherwise. You know how he is about that," Albus said.
"He respects Black and Lupin too. Let him stay with them."
"He isn't calm with them like he is with you."
Severus' next words were cut off by a nurse who informed them that the shields were nearly down. It was one minute longer than the previous time. Snape padded into the room, passing through the destructive magic like it wasn't there. The others waited outside as he approached the raven-haired wizard's bed. He could feel magic rolling off the sleeping man so strong that it made his teeth ache. Reaching out, he briefly brushed his fingers across Harry's forearm and the pressing waves of energy dissipated, allowing the others to enter the room to finish their conversation. Summoning a chair next to the bed, he sat down for another several hour wait, his hand just barely touched Harry's. As they argued over the Gryffindor's fate, Harry slowly maneuvered his hand until he had twined their fingers together without Severus noticing.
"Isn't that proof enough?" Albus queried, drawing everyone's attention to their clasped hands.
"No!"
"For now there's no other option." Arthur said.
"Make another. I can't miss many more of my classes. Whoever Albus got to substitute is probably ruining my lab and letting the students go soft."
"All you worry about is torturing the kids, don't you?" Sirius retorted.
"Sod off," Snape snapped, irrationally hurt. Harry's face twisted up in a grimace. Everyone took a deep breath and tried to regain control of their emotions.
"Face it. You're all there is." Sirius said after they had both calmed down.
"As usual, you have no real clue of what is going on, do you?" Snape responded. "If he stays with me, he'll have to be in my room when we sleep, possibly the same bed."
"Harry is not staying with him," Sirius responded immediately, whirling to face Albus.
"Sirius, relax," Remus said in a calming voice. "He's baiting you. I'm curious though, if he doesn't stay with you, Severus, how will this be kept in control? Albus' wards barely held a half hour against him. Those were wards that held against Voldemort for months."
"I'm sorry, Severus, but for now we have no other choice. I'll take your first class or two each day so you can get enough sleep."
"Albus."
"I realize that this is not only an extreme invasion of your privacy but also a heavy and unwelcome burden to your person, but I would be greatly appreciative it if you would do this for me, and the sanity of your student."
Severus opened his mouth to debate the point but Harry's hand tightened on his as he rolled over to cradle their clasped hands to his cheek. Snape's mouth closed with an audible click. He took a deep breath, held it for a moment, then released it. He turned to Albus. "Fine." The headmaster nodded and ushered everyone else out of the room to allow Severus to gather his shredded dignity.
"You really should have gone into politics. I've never seen anyone so masterfully manipulated," Arthur laughed softly. "Though this does leave the question as to who will tell Harry."
"Politics are not for me, I enjoy my students, they are infinitely more interesting," Albus chuckled, holding the door for Arthur, Remus, and Sirius. "I'll tell Harry when he wakes."
When Harry woke again, he saw Severus momentarily before the man left and was quickly replaced by Dumbledore, Ron, and Hermione. The smiling old man waited until Harry was fully aware and had finished his greetings to his friends and his special congratulations to his friend on his father's promotion before dropping his bombshell.
"Do you remember two days ago when you asked why Professor Snape was holding your hand?" He waited for Harry's nod of confirmation. "On the Knight Bus after Earl touched you, you went into convulsions, and they couldn't get you to stop. At the hospital more doctors and nurses touched you trying to keep you from hurting yourself, sending you further into more severe convulsions. By the time Poppy, Minerva, and I got here, they were afraid that you would break your neck. We informed them of your predicament and they placed strong wards and shields around you. However, while it stopped your convulsions, you instead began to release what little power you would gain back in destructive bursts, which gained strength slowly over the first four days of your admittance here until the entire hospital was shaking. Professor Snape had been in critical care the first two days and was still recovering the next two. He came into check on you just before another of your bursts. He tried to shake you awake when you flung the nurse that was reinforcing the shields from the room and your power suddenly drained from the room. He pulled back in surprise and you began to release energy again. It was only the last day before you woke up that first time that either of you had gotten any good sleep, which was why I was loath to wake him. For some reason, Severus stops your surges. It's like he absorbs your excess power."
"Is this just temporary?"
"That's my next point. We don't know how long these will last. You'll be staying with Professor Snape in his quarters if the power surges don't stop. You'll spend one night in the hospital wing with him to see if the surges stop. If not, you'll spend your nights with Professor Snape until this is either controlled or stopped. You'll be able to attend classes as normal since you do not seem to give off power when you are awake. You'll both be released in a few hours."
"Yes sir," Harry replied automatically as the old man gently smiled, obviously containing his impulse to touch the young man in front of him.
"Sorry, Harry," Ron sympathized. "Everyone's tried to think of every way possible. Besides, it will only be nights. You'll be with us during the days. Anyway, I'm sure that this is only temporary. You'll be back in the Tower tomorrow night, just you watch."
"It's not a big problem; we roomed together for some Order Missions."
"I'll look into this and see if there is anything in the library. Maybe there's something about empaths that is relevant to this. Anything else you want me to research while I'm looking?" Hermione offered.
"Not that I can think of right now. Oh, hang on, I'm not picking up Snape's emotions like I do everyone else's, they are there but not overwhelming. And see if you can find out about tactile problems. Snape and I can touch without it causing pain; it feels different than when I'm touched by anyone else."
"Professor Dumbledore said that Snape had excellent control over his emotions which would both help and hinder you, it was out of context as we were just walking up and they stopped talking about it when we got within hearing range so I'm not certain what that meant," Hermione looked perplexed. "Anyway, I'm curious, what does it feel like?"
"I already told you what it feels like."
"No, with Snape."
"Well, for a start, his touch doesn't hurt. Don't take this wrong, but it feels nice almost. Ron, stop it." Harry stuck his tongue out at his friend who was alternating between making kissy faces at him and gagging. "I guess it's nice like hot chocolate on a cold winter day, or taking a dip in the lake in the heat of summer, or like when I'm flying just for the pleasure of it, but infinitely more relaxing as I'm not clutching a 'splinter of wood'." Hermione snorted at the twist of her thoughts on Quidditch. "I can feel his emotions like background noise, it's there and soothing but not intrusive or annoying. It's there when I want to feel it, like the noise when I'm on the Pitch in a game. I know it's there but I can tune it out or listen in to it."
"I'll look into that," Hermione said, making a mental list of subjects.
"You're going back to school today," Ron noted. Harry nodded. "Pretty much everyone is leaving for Christmas break tomorrow. Dad says that's why they're letting you back into the castle. Since only three students are staying, they don't have to worry about you killing everyone if you accidentally let loose your power."
"That's reassuring," Harry laughed. "Who's staying?"
"Two Hufflepuffs, both second year, and Draco Malfoy; they're moving him out of the dungeon for the first few days."
"Did I.his dad?"
"Nah. His dad was smart and skipped out with Wormtail and a couple of other guys when you showed up and were glowing or something of the sort. Anyway, Draco went to the Ministry and demanded to be given veritaserum to prove not only did he not have loyalties to You-Know-Who, but he didn't want to be a Death Eater, his dad was making him be mean to us by using his mother as a threat against him. Poor bloke, messed him up nicely, I suspect."
"I see."
"Anyway, see if Dumbledore will let you come Christmas Day to my house, Remus, Sirius, hell, even Snape and Draco are welcome. Never would have guessed Snape's got a heart in him. My mom won't stop talking about 'how nice that Mr. Snape is'." He made a face to go with the falsetto voice that made the other two laugh.
"We have to go, sorry Harry, but we've got afternoon classes. I brought you some homework to do while you're waiting for the Professors to come back."
"Thanks. I'll see you two tomorrow before you leave."
"All right then Harry. By the way, Quidditch has been unanimously cancelled, and all four houses will be put on the House Cup in honor of You- Know-Who's defeat. They put your and Professor Snape's names on top." With that Ron and Hermione disappeared out the door.
"Great," Harry sighed, flopping back against the pillows, "Just what I need, more recognition." After a quick search of the room, which didn't turn up any clothes, he let out a puff of air that stirred his bangs as he reached for his backlog of homework. He was deep in his Herbology essay when he absently heard the door open. Not picking up any definite emotions, he glanced up curiously.
"Potter, are you ready to go yet?"
"Umm, not really. I couldn't find my clothes," Harry blushed slightly as Snape gave off a wave of frustration, which he quickly dampened.
"I'll see if I can locate them," Snape sighed and padded out of the room. He questioned the first nurse he could corner who brought him to another nurse who was in charge of personal items. She handed him a box of the items they had taken off Harry when he had first come in, which Snape brought back to Harry. The Gryffindor had already packed his homework up and was cleaning his glasses on the sleeve of his hospital gown. "Thanks," Harry said, opening the box. He dug through the contents. His invisibility cloak and his wand were on top of his tennis shoes with the socks stuck inside, which were on top of his t-shirt, jeans, and underclothes. The green-eyed wizard headed towards the bathroom, seemingly unaware that his backside was fully exposed to view by the open-backed hospital garment. Snape mentally smacked himself when he realized he was staring openly at the tantalizing view, forcing himself to turn and look out the window instead.
Inside the bathroom, Harry looked at himself in the mirror, wondering why Snape had been staring at him. He blushed when the mirror pointed out that his arse was completely exposed to view in the outfit. The blush remained as he dressed and reentered the room, waiting for a biting remark on his dress-habits. The retort never came as both men avoided looking at each other as Snape gathered the books on the bed and ushered Harry down to the Entrance/Exit. The pop of witches and wizards Apparating and Disapparating and the whoosh of the Floo-system being activated drowned out all surrounding noise when they opened the door to the room. Leading Harry past all the awe struck wizards, Snape requested Floo for two.
"Say 'Hogwarts, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore's office'."
Harry placed his glasses in his pocked and did as he was bid. He rolled out of the fireplace and out of the way, so Snape wouldn't trip over him as he arrived seconds later. Coughing as they dusted the soot off, Harry noticed Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore all waiting for them. The Gryffindor felt disappointment, self-loathing, and guilt radiating from Sirius, muting the rest of the emotions in the room.
"Sirius, stop it," Harry ordered, petting Fawkes, who flew over to greet him, filling him with confidence.
"Stop what?"
"Feeling guilty. It wasn't your fault this happened or anything else. None of this is your fault, do you understand?"
"Harry." Sirius tried to explain.
"No. Don't even try. It's not, so stop." He waited for the shock to pass before he felt the guilt lessen to a bearable degree. "Thank you."
"Wasn't that interesting?" Remus asked mainly to himself.
"Indeed," Albus replied. "Now, Harry, as you know you'll be spending tonight with Madam Pomfrey in the wing. She's asked that you be there before nine with your sleep wear. Until then you are free to do what you will. The passwords have not changed but I believe that your friends are in the library. Perhaps Sirius and Remus would like to accompany you there to prevent any mishaps along the way."
Albus waited until Sirius, Remus, and Harry were out the door and well on their way to the library before turning to Snape. "Aren't you going to sit down?"
The Potions master sank gratefully into his favorite chair by the fire, waiting until the Headmaster took his own opposite him. "Is there something you want to talk to me about?" The dark man asked.
"Actually, Severus, it is you who need to talk to me. Something is weighing heavily on you, would you care to share?"
"Not really."
"Severus, need I remind you that you need to have a clear head if you are going to be keeping a watch on Mr. Potter. We both know that he attracts trouble like a magnet."
"Magnet?"
"Muggle device. It uses invisible forces to attract metals. Think a summoning spell, specifically focusing on metals."
"Hm. I'll agree with you on the last point." Snape took a deep breath. "I'm not sure where I stand with him anymore. As Order partners we had put aside our rivalries temporarily for the good of the missions. We've shared rooms, even beds, purely platonic of course, but we've always done that outside the school only, so no one would suspect me as a spy."
"But?"
"Voldemort's dead. For good, this time and I'm not a spy anymore. I don't know if he's indebted to me or if I'm indebted to him."
"Ah, so that's it."
"What?"
"You're allowed to care again, but you're afraid to do so as you aren't sure if you are equals."
"What are you talking about?" Snape asked confused at the twist in the conversation.
"When at the edge of an unknown, faith provides the wings to fly."
"Can't you make sense for once in your life?"
"I believe this is something that you need to figure out yourself." Dumbledore watched silently as Snape wandered from the room, pondering his mentor's words. The headmaster waited until Snape was out of hearing range before adding, "Perhaps Harry will be the one to give you that your wings."
After saying goodnight to his friends and godfathers, Harry left the Tower with his pajamas and school books. He arrived at the hospital at 8.30, planning on getting at least another day's worth of homework done. He changed in the bathroom and settled onto a bed that was turned down, books spread around him as he answered his homework. The young man felt Madam Pomfrey check in on him twice before nine, probably surprised at his studious behavior. At nine fifteen, Snape slipped into the room, following Albus. Harry acknowledged their presence briefly as he scrawled down the last sentence in his mind before setting the paper aside to dry.
"Good evening Harry, are you ready for bed?"
"I think so sir."
"Very well then. Madam Pomfrey is going to give you a light sleeping potion to allow you to get to sleep easier, is that all right with you?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Both she and Professor Snape will be in and out of the room, so please try to ignore their passing the best you can."
"Ok."
"Excellent. As soon as you're ready, just call for Madam Pomfrey. Sleep well."
"Good night." Harry glanced up at Snape who met his gaze solidly before turning and gliding into Madam Pomfrey's office to converse with her. Harry glanced at the clock; it read 9.20pm. He settled back down into his homework. After a while, he heard the whisper of shoes on the floor and glanced up. Snape glanced briefly at the clock.
"Do you always stay up this late?" Harry glanced at the clock with read 10.56.
"Usually later," Harry replied, already putting away the books spread out in front of him. "I'll get the potion from Madam Pomfrey." The Gryffindor walked silently into the next room and returned making a face to himself, climbing into the bed, Harry noticed Snape sitting stiffly in a chair across the room.
"You'll get a back-ache from that chair," Harry commented, pulling the covers up to his chin with a yawn, absently remembering one of their first summer missions after his fourth year when Harry had gotten knocked out saving his partner from a falling tree by pushing him out of the way. Snape had complained about having to wait in the chair for him to wake up and how painful it was. The Seeker also knew from personal experience that it was hard as he had spent his fair share of times in it waiting for Severus to wake. He heard Snape shift even as the potion took effect, settling onto the bed next to him.
Snape was asleep on the bed next to Harry's when Remus arrived and woke him up, telling him the headmaster wanted to see him. Severus growled some very impolite things to the laughing werewolf, strengthening the shields before they headed down the corridor. Albus met them in the hall.
"I'm sorry to have had to wake you, Severus," he began, "but I wanted to see if Harry was drawing on your presence. If he is then we wouldn't know when we sent him back to the dorms and he could cause some serious damage."
They sat in his office for seven more minutes, making it a total of ten from when Severus had left, before Poppy called them through the fire. "Albus, you'd better send Severus down here right away. I do not want all my glass and potions broken."
"He's already surging?"
"He's started. It's weak now, just barely rattling the glasses, but the waves are gaining in strength quite quickly. Oh, he's started levitating things now! Have Severus hurry."
"All right. He's coming through the fire," Albus said, motioning for Snape to take some Floo powder. The Potions master did so and stepped out next to the Medi-witch, who followed him out to Harry's bed. The moment Severus touched him, the waves stopped, and the green-eyed savior sighed contentedly, reaching blindly for Snape, who caught the seeking hand with a glare at the witch who cooed at how cute they looked together.
Poppy laughed at his glare and magicked a bed next to Harry's, leaving less than a foot gap in between them. Snape settled back on the bed and rested, planning to go down to the dungeons and sleep the entire following day, as the students were leaving for Christmas break and to celebrate the Dark Lord's final fall. Sometime around two, Poppy peeked in and cast a sleeping spell on him, allowing him some much deserved rest.
Harry woke the next morning at five, much earlier than he normally did, due to the fact he fell asleep more than two hours earlier than he normal. After untangling his hand from Snape's, Harry padded over to Madam Pomfrey's desk and scrawled a note to her explaining he was running back to his dorms for a change of clothes. After, propping it up where he was certain she would see it, he informed a matron in a picture to point it out to both the current Medi-Witch and the sleeping Professor when the woke. She agreed and after thanking her, Harry slipped out into the hallways, easily evading Mrs. Norris with practiced ease and silence that would have frightened even his friends.
After greeting several house elves and paintings, Harry arrived at the Pink Lady. He gently shook the frame, enough to rouse her. "Password?" she questioned sleepily.
"Flying Pigs. I'll be coming out in about five minutes, just so I don't surprise you."
"Very good, dear," she said with a yawn as she settled back down for a nap as he pulled the portrait closed behind him.
As promised, Harry popped back out after grabbing clothes, barely causing the Lady to stir. Wandering aimlessly around the castle, Harry paused to greet The Four Founders in their shared picture before heading back up to the infirmary, smiling over a joke Slytherin had told him. He saw that his note was already gone but Snape was still asleep. Picking up his school books, Harry began to work on his neglected homework, smiling in greeting as Madam Pomfrey peeked in to check the room. Around six he heard his combat partner begin to stir. It never occurred to Harry that he should wonder about Snape holding his hand when he woke.
"Morning," he greeted.
"Mm," Snape replied moodily.
"I take it I didn't pass the test."
"You most unquestionably did not. Your test taking aptitude is atrocious, as usual."
"So, now what?"
"Unfortunately, as the Headmaster had previously informed you had you paid attention, you'll be rooming with me in my quarters until this can be solved," Snape said, smoothing out his wrinkled robes. "Can I assume that you will be able to stay awake for a few hours by yourself or do I need to have someone baby-sit you in my absence while I allow Dumbledore to meddle with my room?"
"I'll be fine," Harry mumbled, slipping out of the bed again and stretching. "I'm going to go take a shower." Snape blushed faintly and quickly made his exit. Harry watched him flee with a confused expression wondering what that brief flash of unusual emotion was mixed with embarrassment before he shrugged and made his way into the bathroom.
They managed not to see each other all day long, even at meals. Harry headed down around nine into the dungeons, knowing from their Order days that Snape went to bed at nine-thirty. He knocked twice from habit. The door swung open and revealed an irate looking Potions master. Harry quickly skirted him and padded into the room. Instead of the normal green, silver, and black decorations, there were splashes of gold and red mixed in with other bright colors.
"Merlin's beard, what the hell happened?" Harry burst out surprised, before he stop himself.
"Albus thought it would make you more relaxed to have a cheery atmosphere."
"Can you change it back?"
"You don't like it?" Surprise and relief washed over Harry's skin.
"It looks like a flit of faeries got loose in here with buckets of paint. I liked your rooms how they were before." With a wave of his wand, Snape turned it back into the normal colors. "Thanks. I think I'll be able to sleep without being plagued with dreams of demented clowns now."
"Clowns?"
"Muggles that dress up in bright colored costumes which are too large or small for humor effect. They usually do slap-stick humor like falling over or pies in the face and tell bad jokes. They tend to paint their faces white with splotches of color and wear bushy brightly colored wigs."
"I can see why having those in your dreams would be disturbing," Snape frowned as they headed into the bedroom. Harry noted the pajamas laid out for him on the bed.
"I think we should have an early night."
"Professor?"
"If we are to be in such close proximity, then we should address each other by our given name."
"Reverting to Order procedure?" Harry asked, turning his back to change his clothes. He could hear Snape's grunt of acknowledgement. Order procedure meant that one essentially depended on the other or both were dependent and they acknowledged that cooperation was needed to get through whatever task was trying them so they treated each other as equals.
"What were you going to ask?"
"Oh. Umm, how long do you think this is going to last?"
"Until the Ministry has figured out the answer to your problem, which, undoubtedly will be as long as humanly possible just to annoy me."
After getting ready to sleep, Harry slipped onto the right side of the bed, knowing that Severus slept on the left and got severely cranky if he couldn't sleep on that side. Flipping back the silk sheets, he placed his glasses on the bedside table and closed his eyes, waiting for the silk to warm up as the other man turned off the lights. He still didn't understand how the man could stand cold silk in a freezing cold room. Attempting, to conserve his heat, he brought his legs up and curled into a ball, placing his hands between his legs to try and keep them warm. After a while, the silk was his body temperature and he was still close to shivering. Pulling up his courage, he turned slightly to face his companion, whom he could feel the warmth radiating off of.
"Severus?"
"Yes?"
"Umm, never mind, it's nothing. Sorry." Harry rolled back over, making certain not to brush up against the warm body next to him. He concentrated on not shivering, but after a while, he began to fail miserably.
"Are you cold?" Severus asked softly, feeling the bed shake with the other, remembering that he wasn't used to the dungeons, which he should have remembered after the times they had spent together in such places.
"Just a little," Harry admitted, not doing anything about it.
"Silly Gryffindor," Snape sighed, snaking an arm around the green-eyed wizard's waist and pulling him close, sharing body heat. Harry sighed in contentment and snuggled closer relishing in the human contact as the familiar body spooned around his.
"G'Night Severus," he breathed, succumbing to sleep.
"Good night," Snape waited until he was certain the Gryffindor was asleep before carefully edging away, mortified of his body's response to the young wizard's close proximity. Harry shifted to cuddle closer to his warmth. He allowed the other to curl up against his side and he allowed the arm to be draped across his chest as well as the head to be pillowed on his shoulder. He stared up into the inky blackness and pondered how he was going to survive until a cure could be found for the lithe body in his arms and how he was definitely becoming a pervert. He decided he'd need to brew a mood- killing potion the next morning.