AN: Wow, I thought I would never get this chapter up...sorry about the delay, but there was a little trouble with the site. It seems to be fixed now. And for your reading pleasure, the next chapter will be up tomorrow. Thanks for all the lovely reviews.
Welcome Back
July 31st 1999
Although the summer sun set in a brilliant, colorful display, it went completely unnoticed in the dungeons, where Severus poured the last of the blood-replenishing potion into a vial and sealed it tightly. He quickly tidied up his work area, and left his lab for his bedroom.
After a quick but thorough shower, he pulled on the clothes he'd set aside earlier. The robes were his customary black, but made of silk. He wore them open over a pair of black slacks and an emerald green turtle-neck.
He was sitting on the edge of his bed pulling on his boot, when Fawkes flashed into the room. Severus eyed the bird warily, positive it came bearing a summons from the headmaster. When Severus didn't move to take the parchment tied on his leg, Fawkes trilled sharply and landed on the bed beside him.
"I have no desire to speak with the old man right now, you deranged avian menace," Severus grumbled as he reluctantly untied the scroll. Fawkes seemed to take no notice of his ire, not that the phoenix ever did. Once the parchment had been removed, Fawkes gave a soothing chirp and left in a ball of flames.
Ripping open the parchment and reading quickly, Severus growled at the message. It was as he'd feared; the headmaster wanted a meeting, immediately. Albus had blithered on about some concern for the next Order meeting. Glancing at the clock, Severus decided he had enough time if he kept the meeting short and used the headmaster's Floo.
He stalked quickly down the hallways, ignoring the portraits' incessant questioning of where he was going in such a hurry. Reaching the stone gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office, Severus spit out the newest asinine password, "Licorice Lips." After a quick ride up the stone stairs, he entered the office impatiently.
He paused in the doorway, surprised to see the Granger girl and Weasley number six studiously bent over a book at the headmaster's desk, and Albus himself absent. He'd been free of them for a year now, and was not pleased to see them here. Severus couldn't avoid seeing them at the occasional Order meeting, but now he would have to speak to the irritating twits.
Settling his sneer firmly in place, Severus slammed the door and snorted in amusement when they both jumped and whirled to face him. The idiots didn't even draw their wands. Striding into the room, he snapped, "Where is the headmaster?"
"He'll be back in just a moment, Professor," Granger said in that irritatingly superior way of hers. He nodded in acknowledgment and turned to the window. Gazing absently at the stars, Severus reconsidered his annoyance at being summoned. The more he thought about it, the more smugly satisfied he became. Yes, he mused, this will be most enjoyable, especially with the addition of Weasley and Granger.
A few moments had passed when he heard the door to Albus' private rooms open. Turning to face the headmaster, Severus tamped down his vengeful pleasure of the upcoming revelation.
Dumbledore sat behind his desk. "Severus, so glad you could make it." Gesturing to the teapot on a nearby table, he asked, "Can I offer you a cup of tea?"
Approaching the group gathered around the desk, Severus sat in a chair where he would be able to easily watch the reactions he would no doubt provoke. "No, thank you, Albus," he said. Crossing his legs, he added, "I'm afraid we will have to keep this discussion brief as I have an engagement this evening."
"I can see that," Dumbledore agreed, as his eyes flitted over Severus' attire. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled brightly as he leaned back in his chair. "Forgive an old man's curiosity, Severus, but it is not often you willingly participate in social affairs. Might I ask the occasion?"
One corner of Severus' mouth twitched up as he drawled casually, "The Bar has put together a small welcome home party in honor of Mr. Potter's return."
The reaction was everything he could have hoped for. Dumbledore looked disbelieving, Granger's eyes lit with curiosity even as she frowned in apparent dismay. And Weasley simply looked confused.
Recovering quickly, Dumbledore admitted, "I was unaware Harry had gone away." The twinkle in his eye died and he stoked his beard restlessly. "Where has he been?"
Severus settled more comfortably in his chair. "Potter has been training with the Fianna for the last nine months."
Albus' face paled and he clutched at his beard. Seeming to realize what he was doing, Dumbledore dropped his hands to his lap and out of Severus' sight. Granger gasped and blurted out, "But he's not old enough. You have to be nineteen to start the training and Harry's turning nineteen today."
Shifting in his chair so he could face Granger but still see Albus out of the corner of his eye, Severus sneered. "It seems there is something you don't know after all," he said bitingly.
Severus scathingly offered further explanation, "If you had made a complete study of the Fianna, you would be aware age is not a factor. They offer admittance two years after one reaches their majority. Potter reached his early, therefore he was admitted early."
Seeming to have regained his composure, Dumbledore interrupted, "Are you quite sure he was with the Fianna?" He had a distressed air about him and his hands were still out of sight. "I was under the impression that the Fianna trained for eighteen months, not nine."
"Under normal circumstances, yes," Severus admitted. He then smiled smugly. "However, the Fiannan captain claims that due to Potter's excellent tutors he already knew more than half of what they would teach." He accepted that taking joy in the shock and confusion was petty, but couldn't bring himself to care.
"But the books I've read say they don't exist anymore. That the Fianna were disbanded at the end of the war with Grindelwald," Hermione insisted with a stubborn gleam in her eye. She turned to Dumbledore with a beseeching look.
Dumbledore sighed. "They did not disband," he admitted softly. "They merely withdrew from the wizarding world and took their organization underground."
Weasley had been following the conversation with a growing look of consternation. "What are the bloody Fianna anyway?" he demanded.
Granger's head turned so quickly Severus was surprised she didn't have whiplash. She took a lecturing tone and said, "Ron, the Fianna, also known as the Guardians of Ireland, are a legendary group of warriors that have existed for thousands of years."
She sat back with her brow wrinkled, obviously lost in thought. Weasley said glumly, "So Harry's training to be a warrior with a group of legends." Severus could hear the ill-disguised jealousy in the statement.
"Potter was already a warrior," Severus amended. "The offer from the Fianna merely made him a stronger one." Dumbledore had remained silent; Severus turned to him and raised an eyebrow in question. The headmaster shook his head, but still didn't say anything.
"What I don't understand," Granger began with a determined expression, "is why they would want Harry. I mean, if they don't want anything to do with society, why pick such a public figure to offer training to?"
Severus tilted his head in approval; maybe the girl had more uses than research. It was an intelligent and logical question. He noticed Dumbledore perk up at the question and surreptitiously lean forward to hear the answer.
Locking his eyes on the headmaster, Severus pointedly answered the question. "Perhaps, Ms. Granger, the Fianna have decided to rejoin society. Perhaps they purposely chose Potter not only for his unrivaled power, but for his influence."
Still engaged in a silent battle with the headmaster, Severus nearly broke eye contact when Weasley protested, "But Harry hates being singled out cause of his fame, he wouldn't agree to something like that."
There was a triumphant gleam in the old man's eyes at Weasley's brash statement. Severus gleefully squashed it. "Potter has embraced his Slytherin nature," he said slyly. "He'll no longer be anyone's mindless tool; he accepted the Fianna's offer because he will do whatever is required to accomplish his goals." And there's no chance you can stop him now, old man, he finished silently.
Dumbledore lowered his eyes in temporary defeat; Severus was under no delusion that this would be the end of it. The headmaster shakily summoned the teapot and refilled the cup on his desk. After a few moments, Dumbledore gently chastised, "I have received several owls from Harry over the last few months. In them he said only he was training." Looking up at Severus sadly, he asked, "Why was this information kept from me?"
Refusing to be taken in by the act, Severus said stiffly, "One of the conditions of his admittance was that Potter not broadcast that information until his training was complete."
The sad look faded and a hard gleam came into Dumbledore's eyes. He placed his cup on the desk and steepled his hands. "Surely, Severus, informing me would not be considered broadcasting the information."
Severus sneered. "My apologies, Headmaster," he began. He stood and smoothed his robes. "I was unaware my duties included spying on my apprentice," he spat sarcastically.
Not waiting for a response, he strode angrily to the fireplace and took a handful of Floo powder. Hand poised to throw the glittery powder into the flames; Severus drawled coldly, "If you'll excuse me, I would like to offer Potter my congratulations on his remarkable achievement."
He tossed the powder and called out, "The Potter home." With a final disdainful sneer, Severus stepped into the flames and spun out of sight.
From the back wall of Potter's living room, Severus watched as Potter strode through the door to the cheers of the Bar plus Remus and Tonks. He watched Potter give a slow confident smile and realized that the young man had changed during the nine months he'd been gone.
It was not so much the physical change, though there was one. Potter still hadn't grown any taller, but he was more muscular. His black hair fell to the end of his shoulder blades; the brat looked like the fierce warrior he'd become. The difference was even more evident in his carriage: Potter moved like a predator, graceful and deadly. There was none of the old self-consciousness left in his green eyes; instead, confidence and power seemed to seep from his pores.
Where Severus had found himself attracted by the old Potter, this new version fascinated him. Here was someone that could handle his personality without the submission of their own. Potter was truly his equal now. Not magically; Potter had far outstripped him there long ago. The man before him could walk the fine line of grey without falling to either side. Severus had never desired another person as much as he did Harry Potter in that moment.
Harry entered the house, pleased to see his closest friends there to greet him. When they cheered, he smiled, genuinely happy to be home again. He was swept up by an exuberant Gabriel and hugged tightly. Laughing, Harry squeezed him back and stepped back. His eyes searched the room until he located Snape. He met the older man's eyes for a brief moment and winked.
He didn't get a chance to see Snape's reaction, because Devlin stepped into his view and, after a quick hug, drawled, "Welcome home, brat."
"Still the brat, am I?" Harry asked ruefully.
Joining the group, Luc embraced him; Harry was startled when the man's hand caressed his arse briefly. "You'll always be my brat," Luc whispered in Harry's ear, then stepped back, smirking.
Not wanting to cause a scene at his homecoming, Harry made a mental note to talk to Luc later and to keep out of range of those hands. He had no interest in pursuing a romantic relationship with Luc; he had his sight set on much darker prey. "Luc, good to see you again," he said casually.
Harry spent the next two hours catching up with everyone. There was laughter around the dinner table as he recounted some of the more amusing aspects of his training. He was cornered by Gabriel, who demanded details about the training he'd received with the sword. Devlin approached and Harry escaped Gabriel with a promise to show him what he'd learned.
Devlin led him to a deserted corner. "I thought Gabriel would never give up," Harry said with a grin.
"He can be a tad obsessive," Devlin allowed. He fixed Harry with a piercing stare. "Have you made your decision?"
A quick glance showed no one was paying attention to their conversation. Harry turned back to Devlin. "Yeah. He's everything I've been looking for."
"You've considered the fact that his personality will make any relationship difficult?"
Harry chuckled dryly. "He wouldn't be Snape without the insults." Sobering, he held Devlin's gaze. "I know I'll have to work for it, but he's worth the effort."
Tilting his head, Devlin asked curiously, "Is it love?"
"I don't know yet," Harry said with a sigh. "But there's something there, and I can't rest till I've explored it."
Devlin nodded. "I wanted to be sure. I'd hate to see either of you hurt." He put a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed. "I know you're not simply toying with him, but make sure you tell him that too."
"I will," Harry said. With a grin, he added, "If the bloody man lets me get that close."
Devlin laughed and pushed Harry back into the room.
He chatted with the others for a while, when he noticed Snape slip outside. After unobtrusively excusing himself, Harry waited until everyone was occupied, then slipped out the front door.
Trying once again to sneak up on Snape, Harry quietly stalked the other man. He spotted him leaning against a pillar with a lit cigarette. Moving silently, Harry crept up behind Snape. He had one hand raised, about to curl a finger around a lock of hair, when he heard, "I know you're there, Potter."
Harry dropped his hand guiltily; Snape turned around and glared at him. Harry tucked both hands in the pockets of his slacks, hung his head sheepishly and scuffed his feet on the floor. He looked up from under his lashes and asked, "How do you always catch me?"
Severus snorted at Potter's display. "You can drop the boyishly innocent pose, it didn't work when you were a boy," he said snidely. He took a drag and blew a perfect smoke ring. "Why are you out here, when you have a houseful of people to irritate?"
Harry snitched the fag from Snape, making sure to brush the other man's hand as he did. He took a drag and passed the cigarette back. Grinning, Harry admitted, "I like irritating you most of all, Severus."
"I see the Fianna were unable to curb your impudence," Severus drawled. Potter was standing so close, Severus could feel his body heat, and catch the faint scent of wild summer rain that belonged solely to Potter alone. That scent was the reason he always knew when the brat was nearby.
"I wanted to ask you…" Harry started, when he was interrupted by Gabriel's yell. "Harry, come cut your damn cake, your insane elf won't let me near it till you blow out the candles."
Severus gestured to house and said, "You should go."
Frustrated by the interruption, Harry hesitated; he needed to talk to Snape, but knew Gabriel would come fetch him if he didn't answer soon. Harry turned half way, then turned back and asked hurriedly, "Will you stick around? I really want to talk to you…privately."
Arching a brow, Severus inclined his head. "Very well, Potter."
Potter gave him a blinding smile, then turned and called out, "I'm coming, Gabriel, damn you and your sweet tooth."
Taking another drag, Severus watched Potter go back into the house; he was relieved the brat was no longer standing close enough to touch. Severus had no idea what Potter needed to discuss, but was willing to listen. Potter had never come to him with petty concerns.
Harry stood close to his birthday cake, chatting idly with Spencer, until he saw Snape slip quietly back into the room. Wrapping up his conversation, Harry approached the cake. Waiting until he'd caught Snape's eyes, he leaned forward with his lips pursed. Harry closed his eyes and blew out his candles. His wish was simple: I want my birthday kiss from Snape this year, and every year thereafter.
It was times like these that Severus regretted teaching Potter Occlumency. It was apparent the other man was trying to make a point, but Severus could not figure out what that was. If it had been anyone besides Potter, he would accuse them of flirting. But Potter would never flirt with him.
After the cake was cut and eaten, the party lasted another hour. Nervous about the upcoming conversation with Snape, Harry stood on the porch and distractedly waved goodbye to the group as they Apparated away.
He turned and walked back into the house. Snape was waiting for him in the living room. Not ready to start, Harry turned to the sidebar and poured a stiff drink, asking, "You want one?"
"Please." Severus sat in the armchair before the fire and leaned back. It had been a long day; he was tired, but unwilling to forgo the pleasure of Potter's company. No matter for how short a time.
Handing Snape his glass, Harry sat in the opposite armchair and sipped his drink. He didn't know where to begin; all of his past lovers had approached him. Harry had no idea how to express his interest. Taking a deep breath, he said, "I'd like to tell you…" he trailed off. That just sounds stupid, he thought. Trying again, Harry asked, "Would you consider…" He couldn't get the words out.
Surging to his feet, Harry paced restlessly. If I can't even tell him I'm interested, what chance of a relationship do I have? Harry thought morosely. Draining the last of his whiskey, Harry banished the glass thoughtlessly. Tugging absently at his hair, Harry got an idea. Actions speak louder than words; if I can't say it, maybe I can show it.
Seeing Potter's distress, Severus placed his glass on the side table and stood. He approached the younger man and took hold of a shoulder. Turning Potter around, he held both shoulders and advised, "Potter, take a deep breath, then just spit it out."
Brilliant advice, Harry thought. Deciding to take it, Harry took a deep breath, tilted his head, and pressed his lips to Snape's. He felt Snape stiffen, but since he wasn't hexed outright, Harry pressed his advantage. He leaned in further, moving his lips against the surprisingly soft mouth of the other man. When he felt a response, Harry swept his tongue along the seam of Snape's mouth. He moaned when the lips parted and Snape's tongue met his.
Potter's moan brought reality crashing down around Severus. His grip tightened cruelly on the young man's shoulders for a moment. With tremendous willpower, he tore his mouth away from Potter's and shoved him away. Panting with a mixture of shock, lust and hurt, Severus demanded shakily, "What was that?"
His eyes still blazing with desire, Harry tried to put his whirling thoughts into order. "A kiss," he said uncertainly. Snape had responded and Harry wasn't sure where this was going.
Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Severus snorted with disbelief. "I realize it was a kiss, Potter," he spat. Turning and snatching up his glass, Severus drained it and very carefully set it back on the table. Keeping his back to Potter, he asked, "What I meant is, why?" In a soft weary voice he continued, "Why in Merlin's name would you desire to kiss a man such as myself?"
Harry had had a lot of personal experience with feelings of inadequacy, and he could hear similar feelings in Snape's words. Understanding now why Snape had stopped the kiss, Harry said gently, "Because I'm attracted to you."
Unable to wrap his mind around the possibility that Potter might return his affections, Severus sat heavily in the armchair and stared blankly into the fire. For once Severus didn't know what to do. If all Potter felt was lust, did he have the strength to turn him down? And if it was something more, did he have the courage to accept it? All Severus knew for sure was that either way his heart was at risk.
When Snape didn't say anything, Harry hoped the older man simply needed time to consider his offer. Carefully approaching Snape, Harry leaned over and brushed a chaste kiss across unyielding lips. "Please just think about it," he asked gently. He turned to leave the room.
Stopping at the doorway, Harry added, "You are welcome to stay the night, or for as long as you like."
August 1999
Severus did spend the night at Potter's house. In his own bed, unfortunately. He spent most of the night tossing and turning. Potter's offer and that awkward kiss kept him awake. Still unable to discern what he should do, Severus hoped the brat would leave the whole thing alone for a few days.
There was an Order meeting they needed to attend that morning; Severus instructed the neurotic house-elf to take coffee up to Potter. He didn't trust himself around a sleepy Potter; the temptation would be too much. Relieved that the brat had insisted he leave some clothes, he quickly pulled on a set of everyday robes; Severus needed the security they provided today.
He retreated to the front porch and hid behind the newspaper. Potter came out half an hour later, freshly showered and casually dressed. Severus surreptitiously looked over the top of the paper; the brat was in close-fitting jeans and a dark blue t-shirt.
As he dropped onto the swing, Harry quickly looked over Snape. He could sense all the man's prickly barriers were at full strength today. Guess I rattled him last night, Harry thought with satisfaction. He was quite serious about his interest in the older man, so he was willing to give Snape some space. Harry wasn't sure how long he could wait but there was no chance in hell he was giving up on Snape.
"Morning," Harry offered mildly.
Severus lowered his paper; Potter was carelessly sprawled on the swing, sipping a cup of coffee. There was nothing in his posture or expression that hinted at what he'd started last night. Relieved it appeared he was being given his space, Severus nodded. "There is an Order meeting this morning we should attend," he said curtly.
"When do we need to leave?"
"It starts in an hour. Dumbledore has some information to share," Severus drawled snidely.
Leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, Harry said, "Good, I need your advice."
Severus eyed the brat warily. "On what subject?"
"How do I go about taking my Mastery tests?"
Severus was relieved that Potter honestly needed advice. The two men spent the next hour harmoniously discussing Masteries and other assorted topics.
Harry and Severus Apparated into a deserted alley around the corner from Headquarters. They made the short walk to their destination in silence. When the pair reached the front door, Harry turned the knob, but the door wouldn't open. He looked up questioningly at Snape.
"Albus refashioned the wards," Severus explained. "You have to be admitted by someone inside."
Glaring at the door, Harry looked at the serpent knocker. "The hell I do, it's my bloody house," he growled. "The head of the Black family demands entrance," he hissed in Parseltongue as he laid his palm on the door.
Severus watched in admiration as Potter circumvented the headmaster's wards. The door opened with a quiet click of the lock. His arousal at hearing Parseltongue didn't distract Severus from anticipating Dumbledore's reaction when they walked in unannounced.
Walking silently to avoid waking Mrs. Black, Harry and Snape crossed the hall and went down to the kitchen. Outside the door Snape grabbed his companion's shoulder and kept him from entering. They listened to the chatter in the room for a moment.
"It appears no one has been informed of the reason behind today's meeting," Severus said quietly after listening to the conversations in the other room.
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Shall we make our entrance?"
Severus smirked and drawled, "You may make the dramatic entrance today, Potter. I shall slip in unobserved."
Giving Snape a mock bow, Harry stepped out of the way and watched Snape slip artfully into the room. After a moment, Harry stepped into the doorway and waited for someone to notice him. It didn't take long; in less than a minute, Molly Weasley spotted him and called out, "Harry!" He was enveloped in a warm hug. Pleased to see her again, Harry squeezed Mrs. Weasley back.
"It's good to see you again, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said once he was released.
Tutting as she patted his long unbound hair, Molly said firmly, "Now no more Mrs. from you, young man. You're to call me Molly."
Harry smiled in answer. The others in the room had gathered around while he'd been talking to Molly, and there was a jumble of questions all called out at once. Harry tried to sort them out, but he was uneasy at being surrounded. He shot a desperate look at Snape.
Glaring at the undisciplined horde, Severus snapped, "If you featherbrained idiots would give the brat some space, perhaps he would answer your undoubtedly asinine questions."
From his seat at the table, Dumbledore gave Severus a reproachful look. But he did speak up. "Please, allow Harry to have a seat."
The crowd around him parted and Harry made his way to Snape's side. The older man had positioned himself with a view of the door and everyone in the room. It seemed spying instilled the same paranoia that warrior training did. "I'll stand, thanks," Harry said.
"Very well, let us begin," Dumbledore stated. "Does anyone have any questions before I explain why I called you here today?"
Moody thumped his fist on the table. "Why's Potter here? He's not a member."
"I requested Harry's presence today to rectify that matter, Alastor," Dumbledore said firmly.
Folding his arms across his chest, Harry locked eyes with the headmaster. "I won't be joining the Order," he said softly.
The room exploded into chaos as people jumped up and demanded to know why. Harry simply stood and let it wash over him. Glancing over at Snape, he caught the smugly amused twitch of the other man's lips.
After a few minutes of bedlam, Dumbledore lifted his wand; sparks and a bang followed. It was sufficient to quiet the crowd. The headmaster's frown eventually got everyone back into their seats. Turning to Harry with a flustered look, Dumbledore asked sadly, "My dear boy, why won't you join us? Surely you wish to rid the world of the monster that murdered your parents?"
Harry had been prepared for the headmaster to use his parents' memory to gain his compliance. He straightened to his full height. "Headmaster, I'm afraid that while we have the same aims, our methods are too different." Determination flared in his green eyes as Harry said fiercely, "I will not wait for the Death Eaters to make the first move. This war has dragged on for far too long."
Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "Harry, we cannot lower ourselves to their methods. We must act responsibly."
"You just illustrated my point," Harry said. "Our beliefs on the correct way to wage this war are too dissimilar for me to join the Order."
Clambering loudly to his feet, Moody demanded gruffly, "Why are you here then, Potter?" Moody's magical eye seemingly tried to pin Harry to the wall, as he scowled angrily. "If you're planning to fight this war on your own and abandon us, why even show up?"
Severus stepped forward with a blistering set-down on the tip of his tongue, when Potter stopped him with a hand on his arm.
Seeing Snape visibly refrain from lambasting Moody, Harry let his eyes rest briefly on everyone present. "I never said I wouldn't assist if I could," Harry started. "You are free to use the house as long as you like." He looked at Dumbledore, who had the grace to look mildly embarrassed. Harry's permission to use Grimmauld Place had never been asked.
"But it would not be fair to anyone if I were to join and then find my loyalties divided," Harry said steadily. He watched as the assembled group absorbed his comments. He knew someone would ask.
"Why would your loyalties be divided?" Hermione asked thoughtfully.
Harry quirked his lips ruefully; he should have known Hermione would be the one to ask. "My primary allegiance is to my family. The Bar Sinister. Plus there is the Fianna."
"Just 'cause you trained with the Fianna doesn't mean you owe them anything," Ron blurted. At the same time Molly sobbed, "We're your family, Harry."
Desperate to stop Molly from crying more, and hoping to make her feel better, Harry crossed the room and knelt beside her. He took her hand and said intently, "Molly, I'm proud that you would feel that way. I never meant to make you feel like I don't love and appreciate you."
Mrs. Weasley pulled a large handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed her eyes. Patting Harry's cheek, she said tearily, "You've been one of my boys since Ron brought you to me."
He held Molly's eyes. "I need you to understand. The Bar accepts me unconditionally, and the connection I have with them is important to me."
"Just don't you forget about us, Harry Potter," she demanded.
Smiling at her warmly, Harry promised, "Never."
Standing and rejoining Snape, Harry caught Ron's eye. He could read the other man's hunger for recognition and sighed. Ron would never change; he still wanted what Harry had.
Determined to put an end to any speculation, Harry stated unequivocally, "I did not simply train with the Fianna." Turning to the headmaster, Harry held the old man's eyes. "I am a Fiannan warrior."
Dumbledore blinked once, and then lowered his head. "The Fianna plan to rejoin society?" he asked warily.
Harry smirked mischievously. "When the time is right," he said enigmatically.
The headmaster sat back in his chair and stroked his beard, seemingly lost in thought. Ron still looked agitated. "What's so bloody special about the Fianna? Are they like those Muggle 'Stupor-Heroes?'"
"Super-Heroes, Ron," Hermione hissed.
"The Weasley boy is right," Moody said. "What's so important about being trained by a bunch of foreign wizards?"
There were several nods of agreement from around the table. Severus rolled his eyes at the stupidity surrounding him. "It is a rare honor to be asked to join the Fianna," he snapped. "You ineffectual cretins wouldn't last a day with them."
"Now, Severus, not all of us have your extensive knowledge of the Fianna," Shackelbolt began reasonably. He turned to Harry and asked, "Perhaps you would be willing to tell us a little about your training?"
Everyone seemed to be looking at him with avid interest. Harry nodded and said, "I can't go into a lot, the Fianna are very protective of their methods."
"That's quite all right, dear, just tell us what you can," Molly said reassuringly. She glared at those members that seemed close to protesting. Seemingly assured that no one would interrupt, she gestured for Harry to continue.
Leaning against the wall, Harry took a breath and started. "I can tell you the three tests I had to pass to be considered a full warrior. That should give you an idea of what a Fiannan warrior is capable of."
He chuckled when Hermione pulled out a pen and piece of parchment. Hermione shrugged and said, "There's not a lot written about them."
"First, they buried me to the waist and gave me a shield. Then I had to fend off nine warriors, without sustaining an injury," Harry said lightly. He ignored the gasps and continued, "Then they did all these little braids in my hair and chased me through the forest. If one of the braids was disturbed I would have failed."
He grinned. "Then there's my favorites, jumping over a branch as high as my forehead, ducking under one at my knees and pulling a thorn from my foot. All to be done at a full run and never slacking my pace." He rolled his eyes at the disbelieving faces. When the Captain of the Fianna first told him the tests, he'd thought they were impossible too.
Ron's face had turned red. "It can't be done," he objected hotly.
Harry eyed him coldly, and stated emphatically, "It can. I've done it."
"Prove it," Ron demanded.
He pushed off the wall and turned to Snape. "Hold a pole out for me?"
"Not Snape," Moody growled. "Can't trust him not to pull a fast one if you asked it of him. Everyone knows he's your lapdog." The murmured agreements spiked Harry's temper even more than Moody's offensive words.
He took a step forward, and Snape grabbed his shoulder. Harry turned around and opened his mouth to speak.
"Let Lupin do it," Severus said softly, before Potter could speak. He was pleased Potter would stand up for him, but now was not the place.
His brow furrowed in confusion, Harry started, "I won't let him talk about…"
Severus smirked. "Potter, he will never change his opinion of me. It does not concern me. Let it go."
He hated it when people talked about Snape like that; Harry was determined to defend Snape. "But you wouldn't do that," he said steadfastly.
Smiling wickedly, Severus leaned down and whispered, "But I would, Harry." He turned Potter around and gave him a small push towards the werewolf. "Let Lupin do it," he insisted.
Harry threw a calculating look at Snape, and then turned to the group gathered to watch him. Grinning widely, the twins cleared a space for Harry's performance. Someone found an old curtain rod and handed it to Remus.
Harry glared at the witches and wizards surrounding him. "I trust Remus is acceptable," he said coldly.
He ignored the affronted murmurs and quickly conferred with Remus. After insuring the other man knew what needed to be done, Harry took a couple of steps back. When Remus held out the rod level with his forehead, Harry breathed deeply and crouched down. He took two running steps and bound over the bar. Then he immediately followed up with a back flip over the bar.
Pushing his hair off his face, Harry turned to the group. "There's not enough room for further demonstrations, so that will have to suffice." Brushing off the awestruck comments, Harry returned to Snape's side. Snape sneered at him and said, "I see it's your day for dramatics."
"Shut up, git," Harry growled. He didn't like being the center of attention, but he wouldn't allow the Order to doubt the prowess of the Fianna.
Harry was aware that Dumbledore had watched his little display. He'd even seen the headmaster's shrewd look when he'd landed the second time. He turned to the still silent headmaster and asked, "Headmaster, can we continue this meeting?"
Dumbledore cleared his throat and everyone found their seats. "I have distressing news," he began. "Two weeks ago, Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange and Fenrir Greyback escaped from Azkaban."
There were anxious questions, but with everyone talking at once no one could be heard. Harry rolled his eyes when Severus bellowed, "Silence." Harry spoke into the resulting quiet. "How did they get out?"
He was trying to control his temper. Harry wanted to know what had happened. He was already aware of the incompetence of the Ministry, but to withhold the information from the public for two weeks was a new low, even for them.
Dumbledore shifted in his chair so he could face Harry. "It appears that Lucius bribed one of the guards to release him. Once free, Lucius stole a wand and killed the guard. He then freed Bellatrix and Fenrir."
"Since the dementors revolted, they have the rejects of the Auror Corp guarding Azkaban," Kingsley said contemptuously.
"Why is Fudge keeping it from the public?" Molly demanded. Harry nodded in agreement; he was very interested in the answer.
Dumbledore leaned over and patted Molly's hand soothingly. "We did not wish to start a panic."
His head shot up, and Harry narrowed his eyes. "Headmaster," he started in a deceptively soft voice. "How long have you known this?"
"Minister Fudge informed me the day it happened, my boy," Dumbledore said mildly.
Harry never got the chance to speak. Snape turned on the headmaster with a vicious glare. Harry leaned back to enjoy the show.
"Have you gone mad?" Severus spat. "The Death Eaters would like nothing better than to avenge the Dark Lord with the death of Potter and myself."
Severus stalked closer to Dumbledore, rage evident in every line of his body. "You irresponsible old fool, we should have been informed immediately," Severus snarled.
Harry refrained from laughing when it became apparent that no one was going to interfere with Snape. He couldn't tell if it was fear of the former Death Eater or anger at Dumbledore's continual withholding of crucial information. Harry settled comfortably against the wall and waited for the headmaster to answer.
Looking faintly nervous, Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Severus, I only waited to gather the details." He added more confidently, "You were quite safe at Hogwarts."
Harry snorted contemptuously and drawled, "Didn't you mention a visit to Diagon Alley a couple of days ago, Severus?"
"Yes, I did visit the apothecary," Severus spat. Glaring at the headmaster, he demanded, "Come now, Albus, surely you can do better than that."
Though he paled, Dumbledore repeated firmly, "You were safe, my word as a wizard."
Knowing Albus as he did, Severus knew he'd get nothing further from the old man. Reining in his temper, Severus glared coldly at the headmaster. He scornfully turned his back on the old fool, and returned to Potter's side. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his raging emotions. He was furious that Albus had withheld information vital to his and Potter's wellbeing, and, surprisingly, he was hurt that the headmaster seemed to distrust him to such a degree. Once again, Severus buried his reactions under his customary sneering façade and turned back to the meeting. He fooled everyone, except Potter.
Having learned to read the enigmatic man, Harry keenly felt Snape's distress. Careful to ensure that Snape's voluminous robes hid his action, Harry slipped his hand into the older man's. He squeezed softly in sympathy. Not wanting to pressure Snape to accept anything more than the understanding he was offering, Harry attempted to pull his hand back. He was surprised when Snape gripped his hand tightly and refused to let go. Perfectly willing to leave his hand where it was, Harry laced his fingers with Snape's.
Feeling immoderately content, Severus held Potter's hand for the remainder of the meeting. He was absurdly grateful that for once someone was there for him. Potter understood his demons and accepted them. The brat would have defended him against Moody's accurate accusations had Severus allowed it.
The longer he was around Potter, the more he was inclined to accept Potter's offer. Severus was appalled to discover the possibility of a meaningful relationship with Potter terrified him. If it ended badly, and Severus had no expectations of it ending any other way, it would destroy him. But he doubted he had the strength to reject Potter and in doing so, one of his deeply held dreams.
As the headmaster approached them at the end of the meeting, Severus tightened his grip and then reluctantly released Potter's hand. Dumbledore asked in a wary tone, "Severus, I would like to speak with you regarding the repairs to the Slytherin common room."
Nodding at the headmaster, Severus turned to speak to Potter. "If you will wait, we can travel to Sinister Place together," he said. He had confidence Potter would understand his vague statement.
Harry did understand. Snape obviously felt the Bar needed to be informed about the newest complications. Nodding his agreement, Harry asked, "How long will you be?"
"Not more than an hour," Severus replied.
"Okay, I'll be in the sitting room." After saying his goodbyes, Harry left the kitchen.
Relieved to find the sitting room empty, Harry adjusted the throw pillows and stretched out on the lumpy couch. The strain of long distance Apparition and the late night had left him tired. Knowing he had another long night ahead of him, Harry decided a nap was just the thing. Staring up at the ceiling, Harry thought ruefully, after nine months with the Fianna I could sleep anywhere. Slipping the dagger from his boot, Harry tucked it under a pillow and closed his eyes.
He didn't know how long he'd been asleep when he felt another presence in the room. When a hand touched his shoulder, Harry whipped the dagger from under the pillow and pressed it to the intruder's throat.
"Harry," Ron stuttered.
Removing the dagger from Ron's neck, Harry sat up and sleepily rubbed his face. "You shouldn't touch me while I'm sleeping," Harry said as he replaced the dagger.
Looking up, he caught a glimpse of fear in Ron's eyes. Shaking his head sadly, Harry said softly, "I wouldn't have hurt you."
Ron's face flushed and he looked away. "You just held a bloody knife to my throat, Harry. What am I supposed to think?"
While he wasn't as close to Ron as they had been, Harry didn't want him to fear him. Harry enjoyed Ron's uncomplicated nature and didn't want to lose the last vestige of their friendship. So he tried to explain. "My trainers would attack us at all hours." Seeing Ron was listening, he continued, "They wanted us to always be aware of our surroundings and be able to respond even if we were asleep."
Harry stood and paced restlessly. After a few tense moments, Ron asked tentatively, "But how do you keep from hurting someone before you wake?"
"Practice. Lots and lots of practice," Harry admitted with a wry grin. "All of my weapons were dulled until I got the hang of it."
He was relieved when Ron laughed. The laugh sounded a little forced, but Harry appreciated that Ron was trying. Now that the tension was gone, Harry asked, "Why did you wake me?"
Ron grinned. "Wanted to know if you'd come with Hermione and me to the Leaky for lunch," the redhead asked.
"Wish I could, mate," Harry said regretfully. "But I've got to meet the Bar later."
"You've been gone for nine months, surely you can spare a couple of hours for your friends?" Ron demanded incredulously.
Harry dropped on the couch. "I can't," he said firmly. "It's important I talk to them soon."
Sitting in a chair across from him, Ron asked disbelievingly, "You just saw them last night, what could be so important that you have to go back now?"
Harry arched a brow and looked at the other man skeptically; he knew Ron wasn't that stupid.
Ron ducked his head to hide the flush on his cheeks. "I guess you want to tell them about the escape," he muttered.
"They need to know," Harry said. "And we need to make plans."
Looking at Harry disapprovingly, Ron groused, "You've changed." He stood and walked to the door. Pausing at the doorway, Ron turned back. "When you stop hanging out with dark wizards, I hope you'll still have friends left," he said bitterly.
Harry's heart ached as he watched Ron stalk out of the room. He wasn't sure what pained him more, that Ron thought the Bar was dark or that he was losing his links to the past. It hurt that Ron didn't understand him; it hurt even worse that he didn't try. Shaking off his melancholy thoughts, Harry went to find Snape. It was past time to leave.
From across the table, Severus eyed the headmaster warily. They had finished the necessary discussion on the common room repairs, and Severus feared one of Albus' heart-to-hearts.
He barely repressed a sneer when Albus said, "I realize you're angry, my boy."
When Severus said nothing, Dumbledore sighed heavily. "I would not let harm come to you," he said earnestly.
Severus snorted derisively and glared at the old man.
"You were in no danger," Dumbledore stated firmly.
"No danger?" Severus sneered. "Three homicidal idiots who would like nothing better than my, preferably painful, death escape," he drawled. "And you dare to claim there is no danger?"
When Dumbledore tried to respond, Severus waved off any protests. "It matters not," he said bitterly. "I know my value to you perfectly well, Headmaster."
Dumbledore shook his head sadly and leaned forward in his seat. "I need you more than ever, Severus."
"In what manner?" Severus asked cautiously.
With a calculating eye, Dumbledore scrutinized him for a long moment. Seeming to make up his mind, Albus sat back and said carefully, "Harry has become very powerful."
Inclining his head in agreement, Severus kept a watchful eye on the old man. When he caught a glimpse of Potter in the doorway, Severus' expression never changed. He hoped the brat had enough control to keep from interfering if this conversation headed in the direction he feared it would.
"He has made several distressing decisions recently," Dumbledore said. "His refusal to join the Order concerns me."
Casually crossing his legs, Severus drawled, "How does this pertain to me?"
Stroking his beard thoughtfully, Dumbledore admitted, "Harry still doesn't trust me." With a shrewd gleam in his eye, he said, "I was hoping that you could keep me informed of his undertakings."
"You wish me to spy on Potter?" Severus asked blandly. He risked a quick glance at Potter. The young man's eyes blazed with fury. He was relieved to note, however, that Potter held his position.
"I wish to be informed of Harry's actions," Dumbledore admitted. "I fear the boy will act rashly, and spoil the Order's plans with his quest for independence."
Albus was still trying to control Potter; Severus doubted the old man would ever stop his manipulations. However, he would have to do it without Severus. Rising to his feet, Severus sneered. "Potter is not a boy. He is a powerful wizard."
Walking to the doorway, Severus watched with dark delight as Albus turned and paled at the realization of who stood there. Urging Potter into the hall, Severus spoke quietly, "Do not ask me to divide my loyalty again, Albus. I guarantee you will not like the answer."