Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters or locations. No money is being made from this endeavor. I like cookies though....mmmm...cookies.

Warnings: Spoilers for books 1 – 5. Actually, not a lot is mentioned, but past book 5 I go non cannon. Also, Slash. M/M. Harry/Snape.

A/N: You guys who reviewed are absolutely fabtabulous! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Thanks too to those of you who added me to story alerts and your favorites lists. I am not worthy.

On with the show!

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Chapter 6: Bet me!

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Harry had a dilemma. This wasn't anything new. Harry usually had a dilemma. Dilemma was just another name for trouble and trouble always found Harry. Outrunning bully cousins, dealing with a magical world in which he was famous, and surviving when a psycho magical killer wants you dead. You know, dilemmas. However, at this particular moment this particular dilemma seemed to be one of the worst of these dilemmas that he had faced—which is saying something.

It had been three weeks. Three weeks since The Incident and trust me, Harry would agree that the bold and capitols were necessary. When he and Severus had come close to...what had they come close to? He had, for reasons he still did not know, asked his potion's professor to touch his wings. The resulting sensation and trance that Harry had gone into as a result of that touch was scary. And exciting...which was even scarier. He didn't know whether to be overjoyed or saddened by that chiming clock that had brought him back to his senses.

Their relationship had become strained and considering that they were new friends to begin with it wasn't good. Harry knew that Severus had felt something when he touched his wings. It was why he had asked him to leave. Since then they did not really speak to each other. During classes Severus became Snape again and would avoid Harry at all costs. Every once in a while Harry would feel a heavy gaze upon him and would turn to find Severus quickly averting his eyes. The only time Severus would acknowledge Harry would be at the end of class on Thursdays when he would state simply and quickly that he was too busy to monitor his remedial potions tutoring.

This made one thing absolutely clear to one Harry Potter; Severus Snape knew something was going on and he wanted nothing to do with it. Severus was not a stupid man. Harry had noticed his reactions when they touched. He may not know that he was Harry's mate, but he knew something was funny and he did not want to be around Harry because of it. Harry should have been relieved. Here was Severus having his choice. His free will. No fate. No have to do it. Yes, Harry should have been happy, but that was Harry's dilemma.

Harry was not happy.

Ever since The Incident, Harry could only think about how wonderful it was to be that close to the tall potions master. Severus was his mate. Hermione had said it. Harry had tried to deny it. Now, after that one touch—that one caress—it was all he could think about. He could only think about the man's intense eyes. His hands. His face. He would fall asleep thinking about Severus and wake up with his thoughts on the same subject. He had to be going crazy. Absolutely loony.

That's the only explanation.

The man had made it clear that he did not want whatever it was that was happening, but Harry still thought about the man. He now had the slight want—oh, who was he kidding—the need to tell Severus that he was his mate. But that would go against everything he had said up to this point. He wanted choice. He wanted Severus to have his choice. However, Harry was now starting to think that his choice was Severus. But was it really though? Or was this fate stepping in and saying "Oh, how cute, you think you have free will. That's nice." His head felt like a tennis match. Back and forth, back and forth. Love all. ...love... 'Maybe a tennis reference wasn't such a good idea.' Harry thought.

Yes, Harry was in a dilemma.

Which is why Harry was in a tree.

He didn't know exactly why he was in a tree in the middle of November in Northern Scotland, but that was exactly where he was thinking about a certain sarcastic man. He had found himself spending more and more free time outside. He would walk to the edge of the perimeter by the Forbidden Forest and would just sit. Recently he had taken to climbing trees.

Before Hogwarts Harry had liked to climb trees. Due to Dudley's size Harry was always granted a little reprieve by climbing trees. He had stopped after Aunt Marge's dogs had chased him up a tree and he was left to stay there for many hours. Trees had lost their luster after that. Now though, sitting up on the top branches of the tallest tree on the edge of the forest had a calming effect on him. It helped too that there were no mean dogs barking down below. He was able to think and thinking was something Harry was doing a lot of at this moment.

He knew he shouldn't be brooding so much over this but it was all so confusing. His only crush had been a fleeting one with Cho Chang in fourth and fifth year that had dissolved as quickly as it had manifested. About two years ago now. Since then a war had gone on. Training had to be done. Harry didn't have time to think, let alone time to think about relationships. He was doing well if he remembered which shoe went on which foot during that time. How he had managed to defeat Voldemort he really didn't know. Ron called it "warrior mode". Harry called it dumb luck. He was notorious for dumb luck. Harry hardly even knew anything about...well...about being a mate. Especially with another man. He could see himself asking someone that question. He would rather eat the bark of the tree he was currently sitting in.

"Harry? Where are you?" came a yell from the ground. Harry looked and found Ron and Hermione searching and calling along the edge of the forest. He had told them a week ago that he liked coming to the trees. Hermione had said it was him finally getting in touch with his "connection with nature". If it made Harry feel better and think clearer he could be connected to anything at this point. Nature, shoes, nargles, he didn't care. His friends were getting closer to his tree and Harry decided that a little fun was in order.

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"Do you see him Ron?"

"No...no short green and black haired, giant fairy to be seen. You would think that he would be easy to spot. HEY TINK! WHERE ARE YA?"

"Right here"

"Shite Harry!" Ron exclaimed as he was met eye to eye by the upside down face of that green and black haired, giant fairy. Harry had climbed down to the lowest branch and had hung upside down by his knees. So worth it. "You gave me a heart attack!"

"Ronald, Language!" Hermione herself was clutching her chest due to the sudden appearance of their friend.

Harry was giggling. He had long ago given up on hiding his new laugh—at least around his friends. It was apart of him now and they had seen and heard it all with him. He still wasn't so comfortable with the rest of the school yet. "Sorry guys, I couldn't resist. What's up? Is something wrong?" Harry said as he continued to swing upside down.

"Aren't you cold? Hermione asked. She and Ron both had on their winter cloaks, but Harry's was in a neat bundle on his bed. He didn't feel that cold.

"Not really. Is that why you came out here?"

"No. Well, kinda. You have been out here for a while. We were getting worried."

"You were getting worried."

"No, Ron, we. You kept asking every five minutes about if Diligarians had any natural predators in the forest."

"Did not."

"Did so."

"Did—"

"Guys, I'm fine!" Harry interrupted, "I have just been doing some thinking. I like trees."

"That's what you have been thinking about?"

"Well, no, but trees are really nice. They aren't complicated. They make other things seem less complicated. They are strong and can withstand so much and still grow and flourish."

"You're starting to sound like my Aunt Millie." Ron said. He was getting a headache from thinking about all the blood that was rushing to Harry's head.

"What's up with your Aunt Millie?"

"Few years ago she went all 'Love Mother Earth' and went to live in this weird little commune. They hug on trees and go around naked and I am just going to stop talking now."

"Well don't worry. I won't go around naked anytime soon."

"Oh, well, thank goodness for that. She also changed her name to Rose of Love. You thinking about doing that too?"

"Yea I was thinking about having my name officially changed to Tink, just for you."

"Awww, you're sweet."

"Was it about Professor Snape?" Hermione asked.

"What?"

"Huh?"

"The reason you were up in a tree thinking—was it about Professor Snape?" Hermione pressed. The boys both looked at her for a second trying to remember which conversation she had obviously stayed on while they had ventured off. Harry corrected himself and jumped down to the ground beside his friends still looking at Hermione questioningly. Finally, they caught up.

"Hey, I thought we said we wouldn't speak about that. At least while I am around." Ron said petulantly.

"No you said that Ron," Hermione said matter-of-factly. "Neither Harry nor I said anything of the sort."

"Harry, please tell Hermione what you were thinking about." Ron had become very angry at the professor after Harry had told them about the incident and Severus's reaction and avoidance.

Harry shrugged and looked down to the snowy ground. "Sorry Ron. I was thinking about Severus."

Ron groaned. "But why?"

"I can't seem to help it." Harry said as he plopped down in the snow. It was only an inch or so thick, but enough to blanket the whole castle in white.

"Harry, you need to tell him." Hermione said as she kneeled down in front of Harry. Ron soon followed.

Harry put his hand down and began to move the snow out of the way revealing the brown grass underneath. "Hermione, he knows. He may not know we are supposed to be mates, but he knows something's up. He is smart. I know he felt the same feelings I did the times we touched –"

"Do we have to talk about this?"

"Yes Ron, we have to talk about this. Continue Harry."

Harry was unsure where to start again. He continued to move the snow around with his hand. "Anyways, he knows something is going on and he wants nothing to do with it. He avoids me now and he has all but completely canceled my tutoring sessions. He doesn't even want to be my friend anymore."

"I don't think that is his intention Harry."

"Well it certainly seems that way."

"Have you ever thought that he could be scared just like you?"

"Scared?"

"Hermione, Snape doesn't get scared. That's a human emotion. He inspires that emotion in other people." Ron said. Simple logic really as far as the red head was concerned.

"Severus is too a human!"

"Harry, he is giving you the cold shoulder. He is supposed to be your mate! Mates don't act like that!"

"Because he is afraid Ron!" Hermione argued.

"And I say that's a load of piss! If he felt the same things Harry described feeling then he wouldn't be avoiding Harry. He's heartless!"

"You know what Ron Weasley," Hermione said, "What illusionary world are you living in? You think that Harry is going to find out he is a magical creature, that Professor Snape is his mate and immediately the two begin to shag like rabbits?"

At this Harry began to aspirate. On what, he wasn't sure exactly.

"Well, yea kinda. I mean that's what mates do right?"

Harry still continued to cough, "You actually thought that Ron?"

"Well I had only heard stories from my older brothers."

"Well that explains it." Hermione shook her head. "A mate is simply the most compatible for the magical creature. So much so that their magic and instinct automatically direct them towards that individual. They may be drawn to the person but it is not a 'Oh hi! You're my mate. Now let's jump into bed!'"

"So it's a compatibility thing?"

"Yes Harry. This isn't something random from the stars above. There is a reason Professor Snape is your mate. In all likelihood you would have liked him without the whole creature mate situation. Which is why you need to tell him. He won't react poorly to the news. Plus, like you said he has some idea something is going on."

"And if he does react poorly? What then. Look with the way he is reacting now then who is to say that he wouldn't flat out reject me the second I tell him. Compatibility or no compatibility."

"Why would that be bad?" Hermione prodded. "You've said it yourself. Professor Snape should have the choice. So what if he chooses to not be with you."

"I don't know."

"I think you do. Why would you care Harry? What's the difference?"

"No..."

"Yes, Harry. Why? Why would it matter if Professor Snape rejects you?"

"Because I don't want him to reject me?" Harry said quietly. Why was Hermione insisting on turning this into a feelings session. He laid his hand on the dead grass that he had revealed from the snow and felt the cold resting there.

"Why?" Hermione asked again.

"Hermione stop this, you're making him uncomfort—"

"Because I think I like him."

"You liked him before." Hermione was playing for blood.

"Because I think I could fall for him. I think I am glad that fate made Severus my mate."

"I think you were up in that tree for too long Tink."

"What does it matter? It isn't like Severus will accept it. Even if I do tell him. I wanted him to have a choice. I think he has already made it."

"Bet me." Hermione stated.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Make me a bet."

This could not be good. Hermione did not bet. Even over little things.

"What kind of a bet?" Harry asked nervously.

"I bet that the next time you talk with Professor Snape he will ask to resume your tutoring lessons."

That seemed like an easy bet. Severus didn't even talk to him anymore. There must be a catch.

"No interference?"

"Nope, he will come to you."

"What are the terms of this bet?" Ron said eagerly. He, unlike Hermione, always took every bet and dare he could. Hermione said it was to earn Man Points. Ron said it was Gryffindor pride. His Gryffindor pride often led him accepting bets and dares for Harry too.

"If Harry wins and Professor Snape continues to avoid him then I will help you both with your NEWT revisions."

"Tink, you have to take this bet!!"

"Wait, wait, wait. What if I lose?"

"You won't loose! Come on she is actually offering to help with revisions!!!"

"If you lose you have to stay over Christmas hols and tell Professor Snape that he is your mate."

"Hermione! Are you insane?! He was finally going to get to come to my family Christmas." Ron pouted. For not being directly involved in this bet he certainly was doing a lot of the talking.

"You said it yourself Ron, Harry can't lose." Hermione had that same scary Hermione smile. He really shouldn't be taking this bet. Hermione wasn't the smartest witch in their year and many other years for no reason. Hermione extended her hand to Harry, "Is it a bet?" Harry stared at the hand. His own staying where it was on the dead grass.

"Please Tink! Think about History of Magic!"

Stuck between a rock and a hard head. What's the worse that can happen? Famous last words.

Harry lifted his hand from the ground and placed it in Hermione's, "It's a bet."

"By your honor?"

Harry rolled his eyes, "Yes Hermione, by my honor. I'm a Gryffindor, all I have is honor. By your honor?"

"Of course!"

Hermione had been expecting Harry's hand to be freezing. The boy hadn't even worn mittens outside and he had had his hand all in the snow, but his hand was surprisingly warm. While still shaking Harry's hand she looked over at the patch of dead grass that Harry had excavated from its snowy layer.

Well...this is new.

"Harry, I think you have gained another aspect of your inheritance."

"Oh, great. What's different now? Is my nose green or something?"

"No, this has nothing to do with your appearance. Look." Hermione let go of his hand and pointed to the dead patch of grass.

Except it wasn't all dead anymore. In the center, where Harry's hand had been resting, was a perfect hand-shaped patch of bright green—very much alive—grass. If this wasn't different enough there was also a small, yellow flower blooming in the middle of the handprint.

"McTorning's book did say Diligarians could do this. Try touching the tree trunk."

Harry obeyed and placed his hand against the bark of the tree. He raised it off. It didn't look like anything happened. Harry looked at his hand.

"Must only work on the ground. Either that or it's broken"

"Don't be too sure there Tink." Ron said as he looked up. Harry followed the taller boys gaze and found the tree beginning to bud and leaf.

"We are so going to do well in herbology now!" Ron said as he continued to stare at the tree."

"No we won't. Cause this is going to be kept a secret. Like everything else."

"Okay, that's it!" Hermione exclaimed, "I am sick of this whole secrecy thing and I think you are sick of it too Harry."

"I am?"

"Yes, you are."

Harry turned to Ron, "I guess I am sick of keeping this a secret."

"Stop being cute. You go around saying how you have accepted this, but you still hide everything about yourself and claim you're normal."

"Look, Hermione, people know. It isn't a secret. They have even seen my wings. I just want to be—"

"Normal. Yes, yes, we have heard it over and over again. Have the questions stopped?"

"No they—"

"Has the poking stopped?"

"No it—"

"Are you sick of it and wish it to stop?"

"Yes, but—"

"Have you ever been normal?"

Harry was starting to get annoyed. "No! I haven't! I just wish people would leave me alone so I can be my weird self in peace!"

"Harry," Hermione said almost pleadingly, "I am not trying to get you mad. But you have been so sad for the past few weeks. You suppress everything now. You aren't playful or hyper anymore—in fact you hardly talk. You don't laugh anymore unless it is just around me or Ron. You've never brought your wings out on purpose and you are denying yourself your mate. You are driving yourself into a depression Harry. Or to St. Mungo's psych ward. This is what you are now. It shouldn't be repressed. Look, what do you feel like doing right now?"

"Right now?"

"Right now."

"This very moment?"

"Yes."

"Throw a snowball at Ron's head."

"Hey!!"

Harry giggled loudly, "Sorry Ron. At least I haven't yet."

"Don't you feel better?" Hermione said pointedly. "Just by laughing that little bit and making that flower bloom and the tree bud. I bet you feel better than you have all week."

"So?"

Hermione just smiled. Harry had the sneaking suspicion he had been played. He leaned back against the tree and closed his eyes.

"You're right okay. I said it. I do feel a lot better...I wish I didn't have to keep all this secrecy. I don't want to hide, but—"

"So don't."

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"How are you classes going Severus?" Dumbledore said as he drank his tea. He would often ask the other man in for tea when an issue needed to be discussed or when he just wanted to check and see how Severus was doing. The man would never admit it, but Albus knew that Severus life lacked companionship. This is why he had asked the man for tea today.

"Is there a reason you have asked me here to tea this afternoon Albus?" Severus said as he sat there opposite the headmaster. The tea was almost sickeningly sweet and Severus had learned over the years that the sweeter the tea, the bigger the issue. During the war Severus nearly gagged on sugar during some of their meetings.

"Actually there is." Dumbledore said as he sat his cup down. Severus was never one for pleasantries. Always to the point. "I wanted to inquire why the lessons you were giving Harry had stopped."

The surprise that Severus felt was masked very well. "I wasn't aware that you had been informed of these lessons."

"Harry only mentioned them briefly many weeks ago over tea."

"Is that also how you came to be aware of their termination?"

"No, I am afraid that is just one of those things—"

"Yes, yes, 'that you just happen to know'. Your omnipresent abilities within this castle are staggering."

"Why have they ended Severus?"

"The brat was not learning anything. It was a waste of my time and his so I dismissed him."

In truth Severus did not think being close to Harry was such a good idea. What had happened at their last lesson was...what was that? Severus had never felt anything like that and if the clock on the wall hadn't chimed he did not know what he would have done to the young man that was in front of him. Severus had had a few lovers in his day but none had made him feel the rush and electricity that a few fleeting touches with the Gryffindor Golden Boy had made him feel. Now all he could think about was Harry. Harry his student. Harry his new friend. Harry with his wild hair and big eyes and beautiful wings and full pink mouth—and getting back on topic! The point was that Severus thought he should not be having these feelings for the younger attractive man and the less he was around him the less temptation there was to...to...

"Well, that is too bad. I know Harry wanted to go into the Auror program and he had said his potions skills were still lacking." Dumbledore said as he popped a biscuit into his mouth.

"For once he has told the truth."

Dumbledore fixed him with a look. This is trouble, Severus thought.

"I could order you to continue the lessons."

"And I could order you to drown in your tea. That does not mean it will happen."

"Goodness Severus, such the morbid sense of humor. I am not going to order you to teach Harry. Those days are long sense gone."

"Good." Severus still felt like he was playing a game of strategy with the older man and wondered what the next move would be.

"What about your friendship with the boy?"

Aha! A sneak attack. Another 'I am Albus Dumbledore and I know things the average human being, magical or not, does not know.' Severus should have seen this coming. But would it have been a sneak attack then? No matter. Albus Dumbledore played for blood.

"What about it?"

"So you admit it?"

Damn! When had he lost control of the conversation this quickly. "I had simply assumed that Potter had told you about it. He must be able to stomach the syrup you call tea."

"Harry has never mentioned anything to me, but I had my suspicions."

"Oh, I am sure you did." Severus spat. He took a drink of tea forgetting himself and began to cough. The man obviously already knew. "Well, is that what this whole thing was about? To get me to admit that I have started a friendship with the boy? Well then fine. I admit it. Potter...Harry...is my friend. What of it?"

"I find it marvelous news! Considering your pasts the thought that you both can put aside differences and form a friendship is uplifting. However, why did you stop his lessons?"

"Conflict of interests." Severus said curtly. He felt like a little child again in the headmaster's office. Curse the man and curse his tea! He was not going to tell him that he was beginning to have inappropriate thoughts about Harry. He hoped his cold stare told the elder wizard to back away from the topic slowly and no one would get hurt.

"I see. Well, you must want to get back. And finish your work before supper. I know the end of the weekend always saw many a things to do for teachers and students a like."

"Yes, well, this has been a most enjoyable tea. We will have to get together and do it again sometime."

Dumbledore chuckled, "Your sarcasm has never lost its edge Severus."

"It gets a lot of practice Albus." The potions master said as he headed for the door.

"Oh, and Severus."

He turned toward the man he had come to regard as a mentor and father figure.

"Harry is over seventeen. Since he is of age there is no policy now that states that the two of you could not have a romantic relationship." Dumbledore said as he finished off another biscuit.

Batty, old, sugar-addicted, coot! Severus did not even answer the man. He turned a sharp about-face and marched out of the headmaster's office quick as his legs could carry him.

Dumbledore simply smiled and popped a lemon drop into his mouth. Severus would forgive him...eventually.

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Harry was not about to tell Ron in a million years and even for a million Galleons that the red head and Malfoy had had the same idea. Nope, you could torture him and he still wouldn't say a word. He hadn't done it when Malfoy had suggested it so why was he actually going along with it? Because after Hermione heard the idea and claimed it 'Absolutely brilliant!' he had no choice. Hermione was scary sometimes. A brilliant witch, but Harry was sometimes right terrified of her. Plus he was tired of everyone talking about it and prodding him. If they didn't treat him the same when he looked the same, then he was going to look as different as he felt.

Which is why he walked in from the outside and into the Great Hall for dinner with his wings out. That's right. Out! Ron was acting as his bodyguard and Hermione was twittering away as happy as could be. Harry didn't know why she was in such high spirits. Maybe it was because Ron had had a good idea. She always got elated when Ron had a stroke of brainpower.

To be fair his wings were laying against his back, but he had not felt this good in a long time. Keeping his wings hidden away kept a constant pressure in his back and the few hours a week he could sneak away to fly did not ease the dull pain that had began to surface as a result of that pressure.

As they walked towards their usual spots at the table the talking slowly began to die down. People were noticing.

"Now, watch. With your luck and they were going to let this drop. There was a mass owling and they told everyone to lay off of you and now that you have showed your wings it will start back up again"

"Thanks Ron."

"Anytime Tink."

Harry sat down and the movement to keep from sitting on his wings caused them to snap up to their full height. He heard several gasps. 'This is my normal now. They wanted to see it—so let them' Harry kept thinking in his head. The whispering was tremendous.

"Who do they think they are kidding? They aren't being sneaky. All this whispering it sounds like we are in a room full of snakes." Ron said as he helped himself to a piece of chicken.

"That would be a welcome. At least then I could tell what they are saying." Harry said as he grabbed a roll and an apple and began to eat as well. The whispering was still going on, but Harry noticed that no one was coming up to him. 'Who would have thought...they are scared of a giant fairy.' Maybe this wasn't so bad after all. Perhaps he should have taken Malfoy's advice all those weeks ago.

Harry felt a tap to his shoulder and he was caught off guard resulting in his wings fluttering. He heard another collective gasp and turned to see where the tap had come from.

It was a small Hufflepuff girl. Had to be a first year. Harry wondered how many of her friends had talked her into approaching him.

"Umm...Hi."

Well, that was not what Harry was expecting. "Um Hello."

"I just wanted to say...ummm.."

"Well? Hurry up and say it? Can't you see the man needs to eat? Ouch! Hermione! Why'd you do that for?"

"Ronald! Manners!" Hermione she said after she had kicked Ron under the table.

Harry felt sorry for her. She was already scared enough and Ron just loved to intimidate first years. "What did you want to ask me?" It had to be a question. That's all he got was questions.

"Your wings are really pretty."

"Huh?"

She giggled. Her face was red from embarrassment but she said it again anyways, "Your wings. They are very pretty."

She then all but ran back to her spot at the Hufflepuff table amid a sea of other giggling first years.

"I wasn't expecting that." Harry said in bewilderment.

"Expect more of it." Hermione said after she took a sip of her pumpkin juice. "Because I think that is what everyone is talking about."

Before Harry had time to answer the Great hall doors opened to reveal Professor Snape striding through. He looked over and caught sight of Harry but continued on as if nothing was different and took his place at the head table. Harry felt a pang of sadness. Severus really had made his choice. Oh well, at least Hermione would help him with his NEWTS more.

"Hey Pix!"

Harry turned to see Seamus and Dean sitting near them now.

"Finally decided to show everyone them wings huh?"

"Something like that."

"May I touch them?" Seamus said earnestly.

"Ummm...I don't know." Harry was very wary about the idea of other people touching his wings. Before he could say other wise though Seamus had leaned forward and touched his right wing.

Harry didn't feel a thing. He could feel the touch, but it was nothing like Severus. He wasn't going gaga or anything. Quite the opposite. He wasn't impressed that Seamus was touching his wings without permission.

"Please don't. I didn't say you could touch them. They are my person and I say who can touch them and who can't." Harry tried to say politely but with enough force that Seamus knew to stop. It worked.

"Sorry there mate, but they are really pretty."

"Speaking of which," Ron said as he tried to help Harry feel less on display. This was his idea and it was going to work dang it! He had already won some major snog points with Hermione for even coming up with the idea. Now if it worked....

"Did you guys hear that the Cannons have a new reserve keeper starting late in the season..."

This started a whole conversation about quidditch that eventually led to all sorts of random topics that seventeen year olds talk about over dinner. Harry had pretty much forgotten that his wings were on display. He hadn't felt this great in a long time. Without realizing it he had gone into Hyper Harry mode again and was talking very animatedly and fast and even giggled at a couple of Ron's jokes. Hermione sat back and smiled. Their friend was back. No more hiding.

It was during a story about outsmarting Dudley two summers ago that Harry apparently entered Strangeville, which looked a whole lot like Hogwarts. It was a particularly funny story and Harry had already been eating a few sweets so he was talking happily while his wings fluttered behind him. He was waving his arm around getting to the highpoint of the story when—"

"You are just the cutest thing!"

Harry turned to see another seventh year Ravenclaw girl standing behind him.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You are the cutest! I'm Maria. Will you go with me to the next Hogsmeade weekend?"

"Ummm..." In truth Harry didn't have any desire. He liked only one person and he most certainly would not go to Hogsmeade with him. "No, I'm sorry. But thank you for the invitation." Harry tried to turn back to his friends. Well, that was unexpected.

"That's because he is going with me. Right?" Harry whipped his head around to see a Hufflepuff boy he did not recognize standing beside the girl.

"No, again I am sorry." Why was everyone asking him to go to Hogsmeade?

"Can I touch your wings?" Now another boy was standing behind him.

"Ummm...."

"You have pretty eyes."

"What?" He almost missed the poking. More and more people were coming around. Harry was reminded of the very first day the Daily Prophet had told the world he was a Diligarian. Harry did not want to be swarmed. Ron had began to get up and shout at people but it was all for not. He felt someone touch his wings behind him and turned to see who it was when he felt another touch and then another. He did not want anyone touching his wings. He was starting to panic a little. Now he could see why the book said that Diligarians did not like large crowds.

"Stop it! This is my personal space! Please back off!" Harry said loudly. Before that could happen he was rescued by—

Professor Snape.

"Potter, you will come with me this instant. There is a disciplinary issue I wish to discuss with you." Snape said as he grabbed Harry by the arm and began to lift him to make him stand.

"Um, sir?"

"Do not take that tone with me or you will have detention." Snape spat as he directed him towards the doors. Harry turned back to see Hermione with a smile and Ron looking just as confused as Harry felt. The rest of the people had sympathetic faces on them. They knew how unfair Professor Snape could be.

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Severus was livid.

He had been shocked when he had entered the Great Hall to see Harry with his wings out. He did not let it show, but it was then that the first pangs of jealously started to creep into his chest. He had liked the fact that he was one of a select few that had seen Harry's wings close up. He understood why Harry had done it. To finally get people off of his back, to show that he was normal, but it still made Severus upset.

He had watched all through dinner as the boy and his friends talked and how lively Harry had become. It was quite a site to see. He looked so happy and carefree and his eyes sparkled. In short, Harry looked adorable. Severus had to mentally kick himself for thinking such a thought but there was no other way to describe the young man.

Severus had heard much of the whispering and it only added to his jealousy. Others had noticed how good the green eyed teen looked and were speculating about his love life and their prospects with him. The nerve! He also had to witness as people began to get up and ask the Lion questions. About what Severus did not know, but the last straw came when people started to touch Harry's wings. He could see the panic begin to rise in Harry's face and before he had really thought it through he was up from the table and over at the Gryffindor's side hauling him out of the Great Hall. Those were his wings and no body touched what was Severus's.

He led Harry still by the arm until they were in a secluded hallway before he finally released him.

"Kindly explain what that was back there?"

"Uh, which part?"

"The part where you go parading your wings around for everyone to see?"

"Hey!" Harry said quietly lest another person came down the hallway, "I was not parading! This is me now! My friends talked me into showing people who I am and letting them get their gawking out of the way. Hell it was Malfoy's idea to begin with—go blame him!"

Both of Severus eyebrows shot up into his hairline. "You spoke with Young Malfoy?"

"Yes, amazing I know. We didn't kill each other."

"Well, be that as it may, you attracted terrible attention."

"You're telling me?" Harry asked as he stared up into those dark eyes. "I have to say thank you for saving me when you did. They were getting right weird in there and I have no idea why."

But I do, Severus thought. In fact he himself was fighting against Harry's charms at the very moment. Curse those eyes. "Be that as it may, if you are going to go around more and more with your wings out in the future I would curtail people's exposure or enlist the help of Mr. Weasley to actually provide some sort of buffer."

"Yea, Ron will like the idea of intimidating people." Harry said as he continued to stare up at Severus. 'I wonder what his hair feels like.'

"I also feel it wise that we resume our Friday lessons. This will allow you to continue to improve your abysmal potions skills and provide time in which you may have your wings unfurled but without unneeded attention."

"Okay." Harry said, but he really hadn't heard yet.

"Good." Severus said, but he was not finished. He leaned down and forward so that he was inches away from the younger man's face, "And Harry, don't let anyone else touch your wings." He said softly as he brought a hand up and brushed some of Harry's unruly hair out of his face.

"Kay..."

The moment came and went quickly. Severus snapped back to himself and straitened up as though he had been shocked or burned; knocking Harry out of his own daze. Harry hadn't felt a shock or anything, so he guessed it was all on Severus's end.

"I shall see you in class Potter. Remember what we have talked about." With this Severus walked away from Harry and down towards the stairs that led to the dungeons.

Severus was internally kicking himself again. He had meant to reprimand the young man and instead he reinstated their lessons. He had just wanted to get him out of that situation in the Great Hall right? And what had he done with Harry's hair? He couldn't even keep his hands to himself anymore when it came to the young Diligarian. Severus came to one conclusion. He must be going crazy.

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Harry walked back to the Great Hall in a slight stupor and sat back down with Ron and Hermione. The rest of the people that had crowded him were gone. In fact the Great Hall was starting to thin out as dinner was winding down.

"Alright there Tink?" Ron asked as he was finishing off some sort of chocolate confection.

"Yea" Harry said numbly. He picked up his fork and snagged a bit of what Ron was eating. He felt like chocolate at the moment.

"You lost the bet didn't you?" Hermione said smugly. She was leaning back and had her arms folded in a way that just screamed 'I told you so!'

"Wait . What?" Harry said as he was brought back to reality at the speed of a charging hippogriff. He had! He had lost the bet. Harry groaned and sat his fork down.

"You did?!" Ron asked. "Blimey that didn't even last a day! You cheated Hermione." He finished as he pointed an accusatorial finger in Hermione's direction.

"Did not. Remember it was upon honor. I just was able to read the situation. So that's it. Harry you know what this means." Hermione said with a smile. Harry realized this was why she had been so happy this whole evening. Yep, Hermione was definitely scary sometimes.

Harry shook his head affirming. He knew what it meant alright. He was going to have to tell Severus that they were mates. It was a bet on honor and he wasn't a Gryffindor for nothing. That is the last time he ever bets with Hermione.

"Dang! I was looking forward to the extra help on NEWTS too." Ron said despairingly.

Harry just stayed silent. His mind already on Christmas holiday that was only two weeks away.

What had happened in the hallway moments ago had left Harry completely flustered. He had thought Severus did not want to be around him; had made his choice, but his touches said otherwise. Just what was going on? Harry had to find out.

Yes, Christmas was definitely going to be interesting.

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A/N part deux: This one got turned out fast. It is probably not one of my best chapters but it needed to be there so there it is. But I wanted to release my Christmas chapter actually on Christmas. Think of it as my gift to you! Cheers!

"Every time a person reviews, and angel gets its wings!"