AN: Thanks for the reviews, ya'll make my day.

Unexpected Assistance

Early August 1999

The sun had set when the four men exited the Ministry. Harry Apparated back to Sinister Place for dinner, hoping dinner would pass quickly. He desperately wanted to go home and sleep in his own bed the coming night. Hopefully with Snape. With a nod to his companions, Harry headed upstairs and cleaned up for the evening meal.

He was walking down the hall to the dinning room, when a hand shot out and pulled him close. Smiling when he recognized Snape, Harry allowed himself to be pressed against the wall. Tilting his head back, he murmured, "Hello, Severus."

Severus crowded closer to Potter. Lowering his head, he said, "Allow me to demonstrate the correct way to greet your lover." Then he covered Potter's succulent lips with his own. Potter opened to his tongue immediately. He plunged in and savored the young man's taste. Drawing back a little, Severus nipped at the full lower lip, and then soothed the abused flesh with his tongue.

Harry wrapped his arms around Snape's neck, leaning into the kiss. He followed the caressing tongue back into Snape's mouth. With a soft, contented 'hmm', Harry leisurely explored the older man's mouth for several moments. I'll never get enough of his taste, Harry thought.

Pulling back a scarce inch, Severus growled, "Do you know how tempting you looked defying Fudge today?"

"Tempting enough that you'll come stay with me?" Harry asked.

Pressing a string of kisses along Potter's jaw, Severus murmured, "In your home?" He suckled an earlobe for a moment, and then whispered heatedly, "Or in your bed?"

Lowering his hands to Snape's waist, Harry pulled him closer. He brazenly rocked his hips against his lover. "Yes, both," Harry responded breathlessly.

Growling low in his chest, Severus grabbed Potter's arse to still the brat's movements. "Very well, Potter. I'll follow you home." I'd follow you through hell, he admitted to himself.

With a final kiss, Severus said gruffly, "We should go in, before they send a search party."

"Too late," a voice said. Harry and Severus both turned and saw Luc standing at the end of the hall with a petulant expression. Luc looked at Harry. "This is why you turned me down?" he demanded.

Harry tried to wiggle away from Snape, but the older man wouldn't release him. Giving up, Harry addressed Luc with as much dignity as his position allowed. "Partly," he admitted, "but mostly because you're like a brother to me, not a lover."

With a sigh, Luc turned to Severus. "I suppose you won't be sharing?" he asked mournfully.

His grip on Potter tightened momentarily, and then Severus shifted so that he was blocking the younger man from sight. "Not in this lifetime," he growled. He glared at Luc. "If you require further convincing, I have a potion to calm your raging libido," Severus added malevolently.

Luc raised both hands in defeat. Backing away, he said, "You've made your point, Severus. I'll stay out of your way." He turned and went into the dinning room.

Harry poked Snape it the back. "You are such a prat," he grumbled. Snape turned to face him. "I can handle Luc."

Severus stalked closer until Potter was against the wall once again. "You are mine," he said firmly. "I will do what I must to make that fact clear to anyone who challenges me."

Accepting that like it or lump it, this was Snape, Harry sighed. "Fine, but can you be, I don't know, less… evil bastard while you go about it?" he asked crossly. "It's one thing to do things like that to Luc. But if you act like that around normal people, you'll make someone cry."

Relieved Potter accepted his hitherto unknown possessive streak, Severus snorted. "I am an evil bastard, Potter." Dropping a kiss to frowning lips, he slapped Potter's arse and growled, "Dinner, brat."

Rubbing his abused behind, Harry grouched, "Doesn't it bother you to call the man you're shagging 'brat'?"

Walking away, Severus called over his shoulder, "Not in the least… brat."

"So gonna have to talk about the pet names," Harry grumbled as he caught up to Snape.

Dinner with the Bar was uneventful. Luc was cautious around Snape, but seemed relatively normal otherwise. Harry was relieved; it seemed his relationship with Luc wouldn't suffer. He valued the other man's friendship and didn't want to lose it. When Devlin saw Harry and Snape walk in together, he smirked and winked at Harry, but held his tongue. The others seemed unaware that anything had changed.

Harry and Snape said their farewells, and Flooed back to Harry's home. It was still relatively early, so Harry suggested a drink in the den. He didn't want Snape to think all he was after was a physical relationship, so he reined in his impulse to head straight to bed. Besides, he'd been gone a long while, and letters weren't the same as talking.

Smirking behind his glass, Severus mentally gave Potter points for his restraint. He was aware of the direction of the brat's thoughts. Amused and aroused that Potter wanted him, Severus was nevertheless gratified to see that the younger man seemed to desire his company as much as his body.

He watched with predatory eyes as Potter finished his drink and rose to get a refill. Quick as a snake, Severus shot out a hand and tumbled Potter into his lap. With a few squirms the brat settled down and rested his head on Severus' shoulder. "While your restraint is admirable, there is no reason we can't talk from this position," Severus said quietly.

"I don't know," Harry said with a grin. "I might get distracted." Belying his words, Harry sank further into Snape's embrace.

Resting his cheek against Potter's hair, Severus asked softly, "Have you given any thought to Albus' offer?"

Harry fought not to tense; they had never discussed if Snape wanted the Defense job or not. He'd heard the rumors in school, and didn't want to start an argument with the other man. Harry desperately sought a diplomatic way to broach the subject.

Glad Potter couldn't see his expression, Severus smirked. He could almost hear the thoughts racing in the brat's mind. Taking pity on him, Severus said, "I have resigned myself to being passed over." Nudging Potter, he added, "Do not let the fact that I desire the position influence you."

Tipping his head back so he could see Snape, Harry looked for any sign that the volatile man was angry. Pleased to see Snape seemed willing to discuss the matter calmly, Harry admitted softly, "I was worried that you would get all pissy about it."

Severus snorted. "I don't do 'pissy'." Shifting so Potter wouldn't have to lean at such an awkward angle, he hesitantly took the young man's hand. Unable to lie to himself, Severus sighed. He did want the Defense position, had for years. But there was very little chance Albus would give it to him. Potions masters were too hard to come by and of course the old coot didn't trust him when it came to the Dark Arts.

"I would prefer to see you take the job, rather than yet another incompetent," Severus said gruffly.

Lacing their fingers together tightly, Harry caught Snape's eyes. "I don't really want the job." He leaned forward and dropped a quick kiss on tightly drawn lips. "I need more freedom than a full time position like that would have."

Severus frowned down at Potter. "You don't want the job?" he asked slowly. He honestly didn't understand how Potter could pass up a position that he was eminently qualified for. He knew the young man regarded Hogwarts as one of the few places he loved, so why would Potter not desire the job? "Is it because of the headmaster?"

Harry shook his head. "I don't want to spend my life on Defense, and Dark Arts," he explained softly. "And really, I can't be tied down like that and deal with Voldemort at the same time."

With a wicked smile, Harry told Snape what he'd been thinking. "It's possible you could get the job."

One black brow lifted in question, so Harry hurried to explain. "I'm not going to take the job, but if Dumbledore wants me at Hogwarts, maybe he'll be content with me as your assistant. If he'll give you the DADA position, of course."

Severus pursed his lips as he thought over Potter's idea. It seems the brat is honing his Slytherin nature, he thought, seeing the possibilities. Focusing again on Potter, he said slowly, "Your idea has potential. If the old man truly wishes to avoid Ministry interference at Hogwarts, he may go for it."

With a thoughtful frown, Severus asked, "But who would take over Potions?"

Harry shrugged; he didn't have an answer to that one yet. He eyed Snape with a calculating grin. He'd shared his idea; now he had other plans. To distract Snape until he lost control.

Shifting slightly in Snape's lap, Harry started laying soft kisses to the pale neck. Curious as to how far he could go until the other man responded, Harry mixed sharp nips with gentle sucking along the strong column. He felt Snape's hands drop to his hips and smiled. Boldly, Harry straddled Snape's lap and pressed his erection against a hard stomach.

Severus growled at Potter's teasing. His hands tightened on the brat's hips. Sliding one hand up Potter's back, Severus cupped the younger man's skull and tangled his fingers in the black strands. With a sharp tug, he pulled Potter's head up and crushed their lips together.

Harry melted into the passionate kiss for several moments, but he wanted more. Twisting out of Snape's grip, Harry quickly pulled his shirt up and off. Tossing it aside, he reclaimed the thin lips and blindly fumbled with Snape's buttons.

Severus swatted Potter's hands away and quickly undid the buttons himself. The sensation of the other man's hand sliding up his chest caused Severus to shiver. Slightly calloused hands pushed the shirt off his shoulders and down his arms, stopping at his elbows. He struggled to get the constricting shirt off, but Potter chose that moment to break the kiss and start nipping at Severus' neck again.

Grinning at Snape's struggles, Harry took full advantage of the older man's temporary disadvantage to trace sharp collarbones with his tongue. Kissing and nipping his way lower, Harry felt Severus stop struggling and arch into his touch.

Tensing in anticipation as Potter approached his nipple, Severus growled when there was a loud knock at the door. Fighting with his damn shirt again, he snarled, "Send them away, Potter."

"It's probably just Vane with some papers from the Wizengamot," Harry said as he straightened up. Waving his hand in the direction of the door, Harry heard it open. "Leave the papers on the table, and get out," he hollered. Bending back down to Snape's chest, he immediately teased a brown nipple with his tongue.

"Harry! Professor Snape!"

Harry's head snapped up and he stared into Hermione's mortified eyes. Chancing a look down at his lover, Harry bit back a grin. Snape was glaring fiercely at Hermione, and furiously trying to pull his shirt together.

Finally managing to get the shirt back into place, Severus hastily did up a few buttons. Turning to Potter, he growled at the amused glint in the brat's eyes. Standing abruptly, he had the pleasure of seeing Potter fall off his lap to the floor with a startled 'hey!'. Severus gathered his shredded dignity and faced Granger. "Ms. Granger, what an unpleasant surprise," he said with a sneer. "Would you like some tea while you invade our privacy?"

Standing slowly, Harry rubbed his sore arse. He'd known Snape was reserved, but dumping Harry off his lap like that was taking things too far. "You are such a bastard," he grumbled heatedly.

Fighting his embarrassment at being caught by a former student in such an undignified position, Severus ignored Potter's mutters. "Very well, tea for the trespasser and the exhibitionist," he snarled. He stalked from the room.

Rolling his eyes at Snape's rigid back, Harry scooped his shirt off the floor. He slipped it back on and then faced Hermione. "What brings you here?" he asked with a raised brow.

With a nervous glance at the door Snape had exited, Hermione asked, "What's going on?"

Harry sat in the chair Snape had abandoned. "That should be fairly obvious," he said with a grin. Hermione stared at him in disbelief. "For Merlin's sake, sit down," he huffed.

She gingerly sat in the chair opposite Harry's. "You and Professor Snape are…?" She didn't seem to know how to phrase her question.

Harry smirked. "Severus and I are lovers, if that's what you're asking," he drawled.

"But, how? Why?" Hermione questioned.

With his clothing restored to order, Severus entered the room to catch the last part of the conversation. "I'm quite certain you did not come here for details on Potter's sex life, Ms. Granger," he snapped. Settling on the couch, Severus added, "The elf will be in with tea momentarily."

Hermione frowned at the mention of Dobby but held her tongue. Flicking a glance at Snape, Harry was relieved to see the older man had regained his usual composure. He knew Snape was a private man, and had hoped he wasn't too unsettled by Hermione's sudden appearance. But we'll be discussing the dumping me on my arse thing later, Harry thought darkly.

Dobby popped in, and quickly set up a table. After depositing an overflowing tray, the little elf left again. In the tense silence Harry poured everyone tea and passed around the miniature sponge cakes Dobby had left.

Once everyone was served, Harry sat back and waited for Hermione to speak. Living with the Bar and Snape had taught him the value of letting the other party begin. After a few minutes, Hermione shifted in agitation and blurted out, "I'm sorry."

Still annoyed with the chit, Severus drawled, "For which of your myriad of offences are you apologizing for?"

Shooting a sharp look at Snape, Harry growled warningly, "Severus." Snape shrugged, unconcerned, but didn't say anything further. Harry sighed; he wanted to hurry this along and get back to Snape. "Hermione, why are you here?"

With a deep breath, Hermione determinedly met Harry's eyes. "I should have been a better friend," she started.

Harry tilted his head in question and she hurried to explain. "I was trying to understand why you've changed, so I reread all the letters you've sent me." Her hands fluttered and she clasped them together. "I got to the one you wrote right before you went after Voldemort."

Even after all this time, Severus still winced at hearing the Dark Lord's name. To cover his discomfort, he snapped at Granger, "Is there a point to this sentimental drivel?"

Harry glared at Snape, but didn't say anything. He wasn't sure what exactly the problem was, but the man was taking it out on Hermione. Sighing again, Harry turned to Hermione. She was frowning down at her hands. "The letter?" he prompted. When Hermione gave Snape a wary look, Harry advised, "Just ignore him."

"To keep it succinct," she gave Snape a tart look, "I've realized what you've been trying to tell me for the last three years." With a sad smile, she added, "You were right about the headmaster. He's not always acted in your best interest."

"And they claim you're an intelligent witch," Severus drawled. "It only took you three years to realize the bloody obvious." His contempt for Granger evident with every word he spoke.

Closing his eyes briefly in a bid for patience, Harry turned to Snape. "We could do this faster if you were less of a git," he said with gritted teeth.

Severus glared at Potter. "Forgive me, Potter," he mocked. "But I find Granger's timing suspicious. Why did it take three years to seek you out?"

Hermione swelled with outrage. "I just explained why. But you're too paranoid to believe me," she said hotly. Turning to Harry, she said earnestly, "I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to understand, Harry."

Harry sat back tiredly and sipped his tea. Looking from Hermione to Snape, he asked quietly, "Can we do this without the snide remarks?"

Hermione, looking shamefaced, agreed quickly. Snape glared for a moment, then sniffed disdainfully and nodded. With a relieved breath, Harry looked at Hermione. "There's nothing to be sorry about, Hermione. You were doing what you felt was best."

Crumbling her cake nervously, Hermione looked up at Harry. "I want to help," she said hurriedly. "I know you're looking for the Horcruxes, and I can help." She took a deep breath and plunged on, "You know I'm good at research, and I'll do whatever you need. But that's not all."

Seeing Hermione seemed reluctant to continue, Harry asked softly, "What else, Hermione?"

With a pained expression, she answered, "I overheard the headmaster talking to Moody." She paused and after several moments continued, "Professor Dumbledore said he'd do anything to get you back at Hogwarts where he can keep a close eye on you."

She glanced at Snape cautiously. "He said Professor Snape is too… enchanted with your power to rely on anymore."

Harry laughed. "Is it my power, Severus, that enchanted you?"

Scowling, Severus spat, "Hardly, Potter. Indeed, I wonder what 'enchanted' me in the first place."

Ignoring Snape's bluster, Harry responded cheekily, "Must have been my arse then."

Hermione giggled. Harry turned to her with a grin. "It's a very nice arse, don't you think?"

"Lovely," she agreed giving Harry an appreciative once over.

"Potter, recall our conversation about challengers," Severus snarled in warning.

Biting back another laugh, Harry nodded. The room fell into silence and Harry thought furiously about Hermione's news. After a few minutes, he gave Snape a sly glance.

Severus caught the expression on Potter's face and barely repressed a groan. The brat had a plan. Giving in to the inevitable, he asked, "What is it?"

"Hermione doesn't have a job right now," Harry began.

Closing his eyes, Severus shook his head. "No."

"And she was unsurpassed in Potions," Harry went on, ignoring Snape's protest.

"Absolutely not, Potter. It is preposterous," Severus said weakly. He knew the brat was right. But he didn't want Granger in his labs, not matter how foolish it sounded.

With a confused glance at each of them, Hermione asked Harry, "What are you talking about?"

Giving a pointed look to Snape, Harry quickly explained about the headmaster's job offer and his reasons for not taking it. Hermione nodded thoughtfully and when Harry was done asked, "But if Professor Snape were to teach Defense, who would take over the Potions?"

Harry sat back and stared at Snape with a raised brow. Harry had no doubt Hermione was the best choice, and knew Snape was aware of that fact too. Now the other man had to admit it.

Severus held Potter's stare for several moments and then lowered his eyes in defeat. He was well and truly caught. Granger was the best choice, no matter how much he disliked the thought of a Gryffindor in his labs; the chit was one of the few with the talent for the position. With a resigned sigh he turned to the young woman. "That is where you come in, Ms. Granger."