For a short while, they lay there, enjoying the post-coital buzz, before Severus' body renewed its protests.
"Bed, I think."
Chapter 28
After their night of togetherness, Harry had to return to Gryffindor Tower to meet with Hermione and Ron to study. Again.
This time, he left a not for Severus before he left.
"Late night, Harry?" Hermione smirked as he sat next to her in the common room.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," he sniffed, making room for Ron.
"A likely story," the redhead grinned, pulling out his Potions homework. "I don't suppose the old grouch gave you any answers?"
"Ha! Right. He'd help me study, but he'd never actually give me the answers." He pulled a face. "Stingy bastard…"
"Mr Potter," came a deep, drawling voice, making the boys jump and look around. There was a chuckle beside them.
"Hermione!" they chorused indignantly. She giggled, taking her wand away from her throat.
"I found a charm to change your voice. Nifty, huh?" They both gave her an incredulous look.
"When'd you have time for that!" Ron demanded.
"When I was researching the Charms essay," she smiled.
"Excellent. What's the incantation?"
"Voce Modicum," she drawled, once again changing her voice to the deep timbre of the Potions Master. "Just have the person in mind when you want to change your voice. The book says to remember how they sound, but I find picturing their face just as effective."
The boys tried it, imitating Hermione.
"Voce Modicum." Harry incanted, changing his voice to McGonagall's Scottish brogue. "Weasley, Granger; come and have a biscuit!" They laughed, shaking their heads. He grinned, taking his wand from his throat. "Brilliant!"
Ron went next, choosing to don Hagrid's voice.
"'Arry! Come an' eat some o' me rock cakes. I used real rocks this time!" He snorted, taking his wand from his throat. "This is great! I can't wait to use it!"
"As soon as you finish your homework, you can go and torment someone. Just remember, though; nothing slanderous or mean in any way. No horrible rumours."
"I know. I was going to scare some kids with professors' voices," he grinned.
"Good. Get to work then."
X
Sev,
Going to study. Again. Ugh.
I'll be back when I can.
Let me know when you're free
Love, Harry.
Severus rolled his eyes. As much as he liked the idea of his students studying diligently, he had to suspect they were up to something devious. But, for now, he really couldn't do anything about it. He had to wait for the opportune moment.
He was just exiting the shower when –
"Agh! Severus, m'boy! Apologies!" Albus fled his bedroom, back to the living room, and waited for him to dress. Severus was so shocked that he didn't react.
Waiting for his heart rate to return to normal, Severus scowled at the door. What the Hell does the old fool think he's doing?
After dressing quickly, he stalked into his living room to demand an answer.
"Albus Wolfric Brian Percival Dumbledore," he started, pleased at the way the old codger averted his eyes. "Why were you barging into my bedroom!" He crossed his arms over his chest as he gracefully seated himself on his armchair. "Well? What do you have to say for yourself?" He raised an eyebrow.
"I did knock, you know," the old man said to his lap. It was amusing to see the 115-year-old Order of Merlin-holding wizard contrite. "I was hoping we could have tea. It has been a while since we've shared a cup, Severus." He looked up again, the twinkle slowly returning to his eyes. "I knocked on your door, but you didn't hear me. I came to investigate." Severus scowled deeper.
"And you didn't think to owl me? Or, perhaps, when I didn't answer, you didn't think to wait a moment? That I was otherwise occupied? Possibly not here?"
"Quite right, my boy. I didn't think. I just hoped to give you a nice surprise."
"You know I don't like surprises, Albus." The old man just smiled and shuffled, getting comfortable.
"How about that tea?"
Severus sighed. "As you've already made a nuisance of yourself, I suppose tea is an acceptable request," he sniffed, summoning a House Elf. "Tea and biscuits, please," he ordered.
"How generous of you, Severus," Albus twinkled. "And I do apologise for walking in on you… not that you have anything to be ashamed of!" Severus shuddered.
"You old pervert. Don't bring it up." The Headmaster grinned.
"Sorry, sorry…" he didn't sound apologetic at all.
"Tea, sirs," the Elf reappeared with a large tray laden with biscuits and tarts as well as a large pot of tea.
"Thank you," Severus dismissed the Elf, pouring tea into a cup for the Headmaster. "Now, why are you really here?" he sipped his own tea.
"Yes, the weather is quite lovely, isn't it? Oh, I'm fine, Severus, thank you. How are you?" He joked. Severus gave him his most unaffected, deadpan look as he sipped his tea. "All right. I came to ask you if you had any idea what is going on with the 'Prank Masters'. I'm beginning to feel they're lulling the school into a false sense of security," he added sugar to his tea before sipping. "It has been rather quiet lately, hasn't it?"
"Indeed." Severus hid a smirk behind his teacup. I do find myself amused whenever the pranks aren't on me. Perhaps I'll allow these escapades to continue for a while. Especially if Albus is targeted more often…
"I'm afraid not. I've no proof of any specific student or group of students being directly linked to these pranks," he refilled his cup.
"That's a shame. They're even outshining the Weasley twins and Mr Jordan," he chuckled, reaching for a tart.
"I hope they don't find it worth their time to engage in a prank war," said Severus, secretly amused. "It would be most unwelcome," he frowned for good measure.
Privately, he didn't mind the idea of the two trouble-making trios starting a prank war. Especially if he wasn't a target. Well, a main target, he thought.
He had something to mull over when the Headmaster left.
"That would be distracting," the old man agreed.
They sat in Severus' living room for about half an hour, discussing the progress of potions research and the latest Ministry blunders, when a House Elf popped in with a message for Dumbledore.
"Professor McGonagall is wishing to see Headmaster Dumbledore, sir," he said before popping out again.
"Ah, duty calls, m'boy. Thank you for having me for tea," he smiled, beard twitching.
"Of course," Severus graciously replied, barely holding in a snarky comment about uninvited guests surprising him in the bathroom.
"Until next time." And he was gone.
"Bloody meddler," Severus grumbled. He knew Dumbledore wasn't really meddling on purpose… but if Harry had been there... he would have been in an awkward position.
Sighing, he hauled himself off to grade a few papers.
X
Meanwhile.
"Hermione," Harry whined, dragging his feet towards the library. "Come on! We've practically finished everything! It's two weeks 'til Christmas. Let me have a few hours to –"
"You spent a whole night 'out', Harry Potter. Don't even think about putting off your assignments for another minute." She glared, making him feel small. "You can have fun during the holidays. But until then, you're going to study your scrawny little arse off!" With that, she led the way to their now-usual table at the back of the library.
"Nice try, mate," Ron grinned, following his girlfriend.
"We have Herbology, Muggle Studies and… Potions to do before the Christmas break," said Hermione as they sat down.
"You mean you have Muggle Studies. We only have Herbology and Potions," said Ron.
"Yes. I also have Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. But I only have about an inch or so to do for both. I haven't even started my explanation of the different preparation methods for of the various ingredients. There are ten ingredients in this potion!" She pulled her essay towards her, unrolling her parchment.
"Hermione, you have nearly two feet. And your handwriting… it's tiny!"
"Quantity doesn't mean quality, Ronald," she sniffed. The boys shared an amused glance and bent over their essays.
X
Severus ate a late lunch, enjoying the peace and quiet of his office. He'd managed to get through most of his marking since the Headmaster had left that morning.
Marking a large, red T on the last Fifth Year's paper, he moved the stack to the 'done' pile and began sorting through the bullshit and half-arsery that was the Seventh Year Potions students' essays. Next week will be the Fourth and Sixth Years' assignments, he sighed, re-inking his quill.
As far as Saturdays went, his had been… nearly un-eventful. If Albus hadn't decided to peek on him, he would have said it had been a rather pleasant day. Perverted old coot, he scowled, writing a scathing comment at the end of the first essay.
By the time dinner rolled around, Severus had only five more papers to go. I may as well finish them now. I can eat here, pinching the bridge of his nose and squeezing his tired eyes closed, he ordered a meal and got back to work.
X
Dinner time. Finally.
The three Prank Masters had been studying in the library for hours. Harry cast a quick Tempus before pointedly saying, "It's six o'clock," to Hermione.
"All right. We can finish this in the common room before we go to bed," she grudgingly agreed. Ron sent Harry a grateful look as he packed his things. Harry just smirked, shaking his head. Those two…
When they entered the Great Hall, the first thing they noticed was: "Malfoy's hair's growing back," said Ron, sitting down. The other two looked over and grinned.
"Ah, his face was priceless when that happened," Harry chortled, careful not to give himself away.
"Yeah, it shut him up for a while, too," Hermione agreed. "It seems it was just what he needed to grow up."
"Heh. Yeah. And remove his pointy nose from his arse," Harry laughed, pouring himself some pumpkin juice.
"You're game," Ron nodded at the goblet.
"He stopped that. It was a prank to get my attention… I think." He glanced up at the Head Table.
"He's not at dinner," Hermione followed his gaze.
"Probably scheming more nefarious plans," Ron scowled.
"That's a big word for you, Won-won," Fred said, sitting next to Hermione, George and Lee Jordan opposite. Harry and Hermione hid smiles behind their hands.
"You all suck," Ron said in general, glaring at the laughter.
"Who's scheming?" asked George.
"Malfoy," Hermione covered. "He finally got his hair back, so I bet he's livid. Did you three have anything to do with it?" she asked, her voice taking on a somewhat stern note.
"Actually," said Fred.
"No," finished George.
"It was the Prank Masters," said Lee.
"Bloody brilliant though," the twins chorused.
"It was rather amusing," Hermione admitted, sounding grudging. Harry marvelled at her acting ability.
"We're planning on out-doing them, though," Fred confided. "It's most likely some Ravenclaw Seventh Year trying to make up for six and a half years of boredom and stuffiness," said George. "One last attempt at something of a childhood before they're locked in an office at the Ministry or something."
"That sounds awful," Hermione said, frowning. Harry could barely contain his grin.
"What're you planning?" Ron asked, slyly.
"Ah, that's for us to know," said Fred.
"And you to find out," said George.
"Won-won," the twins and Lee chorused, making Ron's ears turn pink.
Harry and Hermione laughed, not bothering to hide their amusement. Ron just growled and stabbed a sausage with his fork.
"If you'll excuse me," Harry laughed, "nature calls," he left, letting Ron fend for himself.
He headed towards the dungeons, seeking out his elusive Potions Master.
X
Severus finally finished marking and commenting on the last pitiful essay; scribbling an "E" on the bottom corner, when a voice startled him out of his tired daze.
"Boo!" Harry jumped through the open door, hands raised to his face, fingers crooked into pseudo-claws.
"Oh, no. Help. I'm scared," he drawled, covering his little jump. "What do you want, brat?" He flicked his wand, moving the 'guest' chair away from the desk, then closed the door.
"I noticed you weren't at dinner, you reclusive old bat," Harry grinned, sitting down.
"I have – had – things to do."
"Grouch."
"Brat."
"Grump."
"Gryffindor."
"Hufflepuff!" Harry grinned in triumph at the look of distaste on Severus' face. "I win." Severus scowled.
"That was… uncalled for," he folded his arms, frowning, but with an amused twinkle in his eyes. Harry laughed. "What do I owe this unpleasant surprise?" he sniffed, pouring them both some tea.
"Nothing. I just thought I'd visit before Hermione drags me off to finish our assignments." He leant back on his chair, his arms behind his head. Severus very much appreciated the view.
"You came here to… 'escape' your friends?" he didn't believe the boy for a minute.
"Pretty much. I like being able to see you. Outside of classes and meals, I mean," he gave a shrug, smiling shyly. Severus was almost tempted to believe him.
X
Harry watched Severus watching him. He could practically smell the suspicion emanating from the man. He wished he knew why Severus never believed him; he never lied to him.
"What?" he asked when the man's eyes narrowed.
"Do you really expect me to believe that you prefer my company over dinner with your friends?" he leant back on his chair, arms folded across his chest. Harry scrunched up his face in amusement. Silly old fart.
"Sometimes. Especially when Hermione's been harping at me to get my homework done for the past three weeks. And Ron just agrees with her now," he pulled a face, kind of disgusted with his friend's besottedness.
"Indeed," Severus smirked. "The woes of teenage life," his smirk softened into a small smile.
"You have no idea," Harry dramatized, resting a hand on his forehead. "It's all homework and angst; puberty and uncontrolled hormones. No one understands us!" he grinned, earning himself a huff of amusement.
"Be quiet, you insufferable adolescent. You have an hour before your curfew begins. If you waste another minute, I'm not going to write you a note." And that was all Harry needed before he was climbing into his professor's lap, wrapping his arms around the man's neck; their foreheads touching briefly in intimacy before he kissed him sweetly.
"Only an hour?" he frowned, "I haven't been here long."
"It's seven o'clock," Severus replied, slipping his hands under the boy's slacks. "Curfew is eight. You were at dinner and then walked down here…" he drawled, teasing his lover. His hands massaged the firm little cheeks as he littered kisses along the slender neck. The vibrations of the boy's moans tickled his lips as they brushed over the larynx.
"Shit, Sev," a small, needy gasp puffed over his ear as the Potions Master bit down harshly, bruising Harry's throat in a rough love bite.
"You know," Severus murmured, bringing his hands around to unfasten his student's belt, "you could… stay," he whispered, nibbling the delicate ear.
"I'd love to," the boy moaned, pushing his crotch into Severus' warm hand, "but… Hermione will kill me," he gasped again, slipping his own hand down to rub Severus' erection.
"Take it out," he ordered, as he released the Gryffindor's arousal. "Fine. Go. But you're going to take me in your mouth before you do," his voice was low and dark.
He was sick of hand jobs and settling for lonely nights of masturbation while his lover gallivanted around the castle, carefree and happy; socialising with his friends. He wanted that tasty little mouth on his cock. He wanted some kind of control back.
The boy grinned devilishly, sliding gracefully to the floor before his chair.
"Yes, sir," he purred, licking his lips. Severus held in a groan. He'd never thought about it before, but the idea of his student before him, on his hands and knees, about to suck his cock and calling him 'sir', gave him a nice little power trip. It sent a jolt down his spine, making his arousal twitch. He placed his hands on Harry's head, fisting his hair, pushing him down to his groin so he could feel the warmth of the boy's breath puffing over his the head of his prick.
"How do you want it, Professor?" the cheeky brat gave a lick to the head, making his hips jerk up; the tip of his cock bumped those sinful lips.
"Suck the head slowly," he growled, pushing down slightly. "Let your mouth coat me in saliva. Make me wet," he fairly moaned; he could feel the boy's mouth, watering around him, making him slick. "Now, like you made me do last time," he rasped, his voice husky, "I want you to play with my balls while I fuck your face." He felt a shiver make its way through the boy at his words, satisfied that he'd regained some kind of control.