AN: Sorry it took so long, but here's the next chapter. Deleted scenes can be seen at The Silver Snitch Too. As always, thanks for all the wonderful reviews.

A Dubious Welcome

September 1st, 1999

The scorching late summer sun reflected off the road in shimmering waves. A hot breeze stirred the air, but did nothing to cool things down. Grateful for the cooling charms that encircled the motorcycle, Harry watched the Muggles suffer in the unseasonable heat wave.

Riding the bike back to Hogwarts had been Harry's idea. Not that he needed the machine with him, but he was using it to delay their return. Neither he nor Severus was eager to see Dumbledore again. Professor McGonagall had informed them that the headmaster was quite put out with them both.

They hoped their last-minute arrival would limit the plans the old man could make. But Harry was discovering that an unsettled Severus Snape was not a pleasant traveling companion. The older man had barely said a word, other than to criticize Harry's 'reckless Gryffindor' driving skills, the entire four hours they'd been riding.

They'd stopped in a fair-sized town for lunch and were now caught in the traffic caused by a funeral procession. Until they reached the outskirts of town and a deserted lane, Harry couldn't put the bike back in the air. Severus sat stiffly behind him on the bike, and Harry shook his head. Guess it was foolish to think the ride would help him relax. Shite, knowing Severus, the delay is making things worse.

Hot, tired, and worried about his lover, Harry wasn't all that comfortable either. They'd been stopped for a couple of minutes and the procession showed no signs of ending soon. Mentally cursing himself and Muggle burial habits, Harry lifted his much-abused arse off the bike and stretched.

He lowered himself back down and suddenly Severus' hands were on his hips. The older man shifted closer and lowered his head to Harry's ear.

Sitting behind Harry for hours on end, watching the brat's thighs flex as he controlled the heavy machine had distracted Severus all day. Seeing the young man stretch all those lovely muscles was the last straw. "If you leaned forward and stood like that again, do you know how easy it would be for me to slip inside you?" Severus asked huskily.

Harry bit his lower lip to hold back a moan. Severus' words went straight to his cock. "Severus," he said pleadingly. "Not here."

"Why not, Harry?" Severus pulled the young man more firmly against him, uncaring of the Muggles nearby. "I've seen the way these Muggles stare at you, they want you. The women are drawn to your bold masculinity, and the men to your untamed spirit. I would take you now, before them all, mark you as my own. Watch as they weep and mourn for what they'll never taste."

Harry was nearly whimpering at Severus' eloquence. His lover had never been this vocal in his appreciation before and Harry was drowning in the silky voice. "What draws you?" Harry questioned.

Running a surreptitious hand over the denim covered curves in front of him, Severus whispered, "Besides your arse? Your fierce determination, your fire… everything about you draws me to you."

The blare of a horn behind them jerked Harry out of the sensual pool Severus' words had created. His cock aching with unrelieved tension, Harry put the bike in gear and weaved through traffic. Harry's eyes flew over the landscape as they exited the town, desperately searching for an abandoned road.

Spotting an overgrown dirt trail leading to a copse of trees, Harry smiled. Turning off onto the tiny pathway, he guided the bike further in until he could no longer see the main road. Stopping the bike, Harry took a deep breath and then killed the engine. Throwing his leg over the machine, he stepped off and, keeping his back to Severus, walked to the trees.

The detour to the isolated woods didn't come as any surprise to Severus. But Harry getting off the bike did. Worried that perhaps he'd pushed the young man too far, Severus climbed off, and called softly, "Harry, what's wrong?"

Harry didn't answer; he simply kept walking deeper into the trees. After a moment, he stopped and turned on Severus. "You bastard," he hissed. "Do you have any clue how bloody hard it is to steer that bike with a hard-on?"

Relieved Harry's only problem was one he could easily cure, Severus smirked. "Come closer, brat. We can remedy that."

"No," Harry said firmly, standing his ground. "You started this, now finish it."

Severus' eyes heated as he stalked closer to the young man. "With pleasure," he purred.

Reaching out his hand, Severus cupped the back of Harry's head and drew the young man closer. Lowering his head, he took his lover's lips in a passionate kiss. Thrusting his tongue between Harry's lips, Severus let his other hand drop to caress the arse he'd admired earlier.

Harry's hands tangled in his hair, and Severus growled low in his chest. Pulling the young man flush against him, he ran his tongue across the roof of Harry's mouth and reveled in his lover's whimper. Sliding his hands between their bodies, Severus deftly opened Harry's jeans.

The sudden freedom of his cock drew Harry's attention from the steamy kiss. When Severus' clever fingers closed around his aching flesh, Harry bit his lip. Needing more contact with his lover, he quickly pulled his shirt over his head and threw it aside. Going to work on Severus' button-down shirt, Harry growled, "I want you. Now."

Chuckling at Harry's impatience, Severus complied. Pushing the young man's jeans down past his knees, he spun Harry around. "Brace yourself against the tree," he ordered softly.

Pulling up his jeans, Harry leaned back against the tree, ignoring the rough bark at his back. Doing up his pants, he looked at Severus and smiled. "Not that I'm complaining," he began. "But what was that all about?"

Harry watched Severus with amusement; even tucking his prick back into his trousers and doing up the buttons, the other man retained his reserved air. Once his slacks were closed the only evidence of their passion was a slight flush on Severus' cheeks. At his question one black brow arched up.

"Come on, Severus," Harry said laughingly. "I'm not that stupid. Why did you provoke me, then shag me against a tree in the middle of the day?"

Severus shrugged unconcernedly. There were two reasons, but he wasn't sure of Harry's response to one. So he offered only the second. "Returning to Hogwarts is onerous for us both; I decided relaxation was in order."

Harry eyed his lover shrewdly. He'd learned to read Severus over the years and the man was holding back on him. "And?" he prompted.

Sneering, Severus held his tongue. He didn't want to share the other reason. But Harry walked over and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear, and Severus felt his resolve weaken as it always did around the brat.

"Tell me, Severus," Harry said softly.

Sighing, Severus wrapped his arms around Harry's waist and pulled him close. When the younger man melted against him and tucked his head on Severus' shoulder, Severus said roughly, "I am aware of your doubts about your ability to lead, and Dumbledore's manipulations make it worse. I hoped that if I…" he paused. Saying the words aloud would make them real, but Harry deserved to hear them. For now it was as close as Severus could come to telling his lover how he felt. "…made love to you it would give you the confidence to ignore the old fool."

Harry was silent for a moment, and Severus worried his words had been injudicious after all. A long moment passed, and then the young man squeezed him tightly and whispered, "Thanks."

Several hours later they arrived at Hogwarts. Setting the bike down behind Hagrid's hut, Harry sighed. Severus had been right; coming back to Hogwarts was troubling to Harry on many levels. Not the least was the headmaster's tendency to make Harry underestimate himself. No matter how much he accomplished or learned, at times the old wizard could still make him feel like a child.

Severus stood silently, letting the young man collect himself, and Harry was grateful for his steadfast support. Vowing to stop letting Dumbledore disparage all his efforts, Harry squared his shoulders and started across the grounds with Severus at his side.

They entered through the huge front doors into a deserted hallway. The noise coming from the closed doors of the Great Hall signaled dinner was underway. With a bracing breath, Harry decided on a course of action. There was no need to be subtle at this point. Dumbledore was already aware of Harry's feelings towards him.

With a sideways look at Severus, Harry wiped the grin off his face. His lover wasn't going to like this, but Harry thought the benefits outweighed Severus' potential annoyance. A flick of his fingers and Hogwarts bowed to him once again. The double doors to the Great Hall slammed open forcefully.

Harry and Severus strolled into the hall with identical bored faces. Whispers followed their ascent to the head table. As they walked between the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables, the students fell silent. All eyes were watching the headmaster.

Dumbledore had stood at the bang of the doors. His normally innocuous expression was hard as he watched his wayward Defense Professor and his assistant casually stroll into the hall a week late.

Fighting to keep a smug smile at the old man's reaction off his face, Harry said nonchalantly, "Sorry we're late. Did we miss anything?"

With a stern air of contemplation, Dumbledore slowly sat back down. "Professor Snape, Apprentice Potter, we will discuss your tardiness after the feast." He gestured to the two empty seats near the Slytherin House table. "Please be seated."

Waving to Hermione and Professor McGonagall at the other end of the table, Harry followed Severus to their seats. Harry wasn't surprised when Severus took the end chair and left the one beside Hagrid for him. After greeting Hagrid, Harry turned his attention to the students. They had quieted down and were sneaking glances at the staff table. Harry grinned when he realized the kids were careful to avoid Severus' glare.

"Apprentice Potter, huh?" Harry mused aloud. He turned to Severus and grinned wickedly. "Does that mean I should call you 'master'?"

Harry spent the remainder of the meal catching up with Hagrid and ignoring Dumbledore's speculative looks. After his standard beginning of the year speech, the headmaster had a few quiet words with McGonagall and left the hall. Harry turned to Severus and said softly, "That was too easy."

"Indeed," Severus agreed. Noticing Minerva heading their way, Severus nudged Harry to alert him to the deputy headmistress' approach. "I do believe the old man wishes to interrogate us in private."

He was proven correct. "Severus, Harry," McGonagall began with a twitch of her lips. "The headmaster asks that you join him in his office immediately. The password is Ice Mice."

Aware he was under observation from the students, and not knowing who was reporting to Dumbledore, Harry smiled and nodded. As he walked away he turned back, "Professor, I don't know if you're aware, but I recently received my Transfiguration Mastery," he began, "and I was wondering if you'd have time to discuss a couple of questions I had in regards to conjuring spells." With a teasing smile, he added, "With your vast experience and innate skill, I'm certain you would have much to teach me."

A slight flush rose on the stern woman's cheeks. "Away with you, Potter," she said firmly. "I will let you know when I can meet with you."

Flashing a wide smile, Harry followed Severus out of the hall. Satisfied he'd arranged a plausible reason to meet with his spy, Harry turned his attention to the upcoming meeting with Dumbledore.

"Allowing Luc to give you lessons in saccharine blandishments?" Severus asked snidely.

Easily keeping up with Severus' ground-eating stride, Harry laughed. "Jealous, Severus?" He elbowed the older man playfully. "Do you want to hear praise of your innate skills?"

Severus stopped suddenly and Harry looked up. The black eyes heated, and Harry swallowed hard.

"Your inability to speak earlier this afternoon was sufficient tribute to my skills," Severus purred. With a smug smirk, he continued down the hall.

The dark rich tone went straight to Harry's cock. "Evil bastard," Harry muttered as he caught up to his lover. Arousal warmed his cheeks and Harry vowed revenge.

Still caught up in planning his revenge, Harry was startled to realize they'd reached the gargoyle guarding the headmaster's office. He snickered at Severus' obvious distaste at the old man's password. Pushing aside his plans for later, Harry braced for the looming confrontation.

As they silently rode the stone steps, Severus reached out and squeezed Harry's hand reassuringly.

Knocking on the wooden door, Harry made sure his expression revealed nothing and that his Occlumency shields were firm.

"Come in, my boys," Dumbledore called.

"Headmaster," Harry offered curtly when he entered the room. Severus merely inclined his head in greeting.

From his seat behind the desk, Dumbledore gestured to the chairs before him. "Please, be comfortable."

Resisting the impulse to roll his eyes, Harry waited until Severus chose a seat and then sat beside him.

Leaning back, Dumbledore clasped his hands loosely on the wide desk. For once the headmaster forwent the offer of tea or sweets and got straight to the point. "Why were you late?"

"I've been out of the country for the last nine months," Harry began smoothly. "I had some personal business to attend to."

With a resigned nod, Dumbledore said, "Very well, that explains your delay, but Severus…"

"Was kind enough to assist me," Harry inserted blandly. "Otherwise I would still be quite busy."

Frowning, Dumbledore turned to Severus. "You are aware of the policy that requires all teachers to arrive one week prior to start of term," he said reproachfully.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "That wasn't in my contract. Was it in yours?" he asked Severus.

Smirking, Severus drawled, "I do not recall such a requirement."

"But your lessons plans need to be…" Dumbledore began.

"Have been taken care of," Severus said as he drew a sheaf of papers from his pocket. Lightly tossing the plans on the desk, he added, "I believe you will find everything in order."

As he shuffled through the papers, Dumbledore's brow furrowed. "These do seem to be sufficient," he admitted reluctantly.

Tired of the false civility, Harry got to his feet. "Is that all, Headmaster?" he asked tiredly.

Turning a stern gaze to Harry, Dumbledore set the papers aside. "I must ask you to reconsider your ill-conceived stance on working with the Order."

Severus snorted. They'd finally arrived at the real reason for this meeting: Dumbledore's ongoing inability to believe Harry could and would act on his own. He was looking forward to seeing the brat put the old fool in his place.

"Ill-conceived?" Harry repeated incredulously. Shaking his head at Dumbledore's continued ignorance, Harry gave the older man a sneer worthy of Severus. "In the short month since I last saw you, we not only destroyed another Horcrux, but identified nearly twenty previously unknown Death Eaters," Harry said proudly.

"Yes, yes," Dumbledore said dismissively. "That brings us to your group of allies. Was it really necessary to Obliviate poor Kingsley?" he admonished.

"Yes," Harry said bluntly. "I have no intention of allowing you to harass or belittle those who chose to side with me," he said flatly. "I will protect my allies from any difficulties they face by supporting me."

"You believe they need protection from me?" Dumbledore asked sadly.

Rolling his eyes disbelievingly, Harry said, "There's no doubt in my mind they need protection from your interference."

Seeing the conversation was about to descend into a fatuous argument, and knowing the dogged tenacity of both men, Severus interrupted. "Headmaster, this contention is futile, you will never accept Potter's leadership," he drawled. "Suffice to say what's done is done; now I would like to retire."

Grateful for Severus' interruption, Harry turned to the door. Looking back over his shoulder, he glared at Dumbledore. "Stay out of my way, Dumbledore, and I'll stay out of yours."

Severus stood as well and joined Harry at the door. As the young man pulled the door open, the headmaster called out, "Allow me to show you your rooms, Harry."

Frowning, Harry turned back. "I'm staying with Severus," he said firmly.

Shaking his head, the headmaster said disparagingly, "Surely you don't wish to intrude on Severus' privacy, my boy. No, I have arranged rooms for you near the Gryffindor Tower."

"I invited Potter to share my quarters," Severus inserted smoothly. "I do not find his company displeasing," he added with a smirk at the brat.

Biting back a grin, Harry allowed his lover to see the amusement in his eyes. For Severus to say his company was not displeasing was practically a declaration of love.

Dumbledore sighed heavily. "Very well. I'll instruct the house-elves to prepare the guestroom."

Harry stilled momentarily, and then let it go. There was no reason to divulge the truth of his relationship with Severus to the headmaster. He simply nodded and turned back to the door. Apparently, Severus didn't feel the same.

"That will not be necessary," Severus said coolly.

The headmaster blinked twice. "I beg your pardon? I must have misunderstood," he said slowly. "Do you intend to have Harry sleep on the couch?"

Severus snorted. "Only if he annoys me."

"Hey," Harry said indignantly. "Watch it, or you'll be sleeping on the couch."

Blue eyes flicked from one to the other for a moment, and then Dumbledore sighed. "I see," he said sadly. "Well, I'm afraid that I cannot allow unmarried couples to share quarters."

Raising one black brow, Severus sneered. "Yet you were willing to allow it when you believed Potter would be sleeping in the guestroom." Crossing his arms over his chest, Severus drawled, "If that's a new policy, I'm sure Vector and Sinistra are no longer sharing quarters."

Dumbledore blanched, but seemed to rally. Though surprised at Severus' decision to tell the old man they were lovers, Harry had no intention of allowing Dumbledore to separate them. Especially since the old fool was doing it out of spite. "Either I stay with Severus, or I leave," he declared.

"If Potter leaves, so do I," Severus added coldly.

The blue eyes hardened. "You signed a contract…"

"I can afford to pay it off," Harry said arrogantly. "Severus', too."

"We seem to be at an impasse," Dumbledore murmured. He stroked his beard thoughtfully for a moment. Lifting his head, he leveled a stern look at Harry. "Very well, Mr. Potter. You may stay with Professor Snape," he said coldly. "But I will be watching you both."

Snorting, Harry opened the door and allowed Severus to walk out. As he pulled door closed, Harry added, "Watch yourself, old man. You don't want me as your enemy."

Smiling, Harry walked out of his and Severus' bedroom and headed for the kitchen. A morning shower with his lover was an outstanding way to start the day, but Harry still wanted coffee. The first week of term had passed relatively uneventfully, and Harry was cautiously optimistic that the students at least would cooperate.

Still in only his towel, Harry carried two coffee cups towards the bedroom. He could hear Severus shutting off the shower, and Harry gave a thought to distracting the older man before Severus layered himself in robes. Passing through the sitting room, he caught sight of a familiar blonde head perusing Severus' library. With an internal sigh he pushed away his plans for the morning. Luc wouldn't invade their privacy without good reason.

"Severus locked the le Fey grimoire in his vault, Luc," Harry said snidely. Luc had been trying for years to buy or steal that book from Severus.

The blonde turned and Harry stared in shock. Both ceramic mugs fell unnoticed from his hands.

"I own the original copy of le Fey's grimoire," the blonde drawled. He disdainfully trailed his eyes over Harry's exposed body. "Despite you obvious attractions, I find your presumptuous use of that atrocious appellation frightfully boorish," the blonde said with a sneer.

"Malfoy," Harry spat. "How the hell did you get in here?" he demanded.

Lucius shrugged his elegantly robbed shoulders and smiled mockingly. "Severus and I have always been close."

Harry watched the blonde warily. So far Malfoy had shown no signs of aggression, but Harry didn't trust him. When the blonde's hand drifted towards his pocket, Harry tensed. Malfoy casually drew his wand and twilled it along his fingers. Malfoy pointed his wand at Harry's feet. Not waiting to see what spell the older man was casting, Harry wandlessly flung Malfoy back into a high-back chair. In less than a heartbeat, Harry had the man bound to the chair and disarmed.

"Severus," Harry shouted. "Get out here. Now."

Clad in only his trousers and his shirt still unbuttoned, Severus burst into the room. "Why in Merlin's name are you shouting?" he demanded irritably.

Harry simply pointed to their unexpected guest.

"Lucius," Severus said sneeringly. "Well this is certainly an unpleasant and unwanted interruption." His feet brushed against the broken crockery; he glanced down and sighed over his lost coffee. If he was going to be forced to deal with Lucius Malfoy, he didn't want to do it without caffeine. Deliberately ignoring the blonde, Severus cleaned up the spilled coffee and called, "Dobby."

Entering the room with a pop, Dobby squealed when he saw Lucius. Edging behind Harry, he squeaked, "The bad master is here. He is scaring Dobby."

Kneeling beside the distressed elf, Harry put his arm around Dobby's shoulder. "Don't worry about him," he said reassuringly. "Can you go get Severus and me some coffee?" he asked gently.

Large misty green eyes stared up at Harry. Dobby nodded fiercely. "Dobby not be letting the bad master keep Dobby from his duties, Harry Potter."

The elf left with another pop. Severus turned to Harry. "Potter, go put some clothes on."

Standing back up, Harry glared at Malfoy. Lifting his hand, he added more rope to the bonds holding the blonde to the chair. While he knew Severus could handle himself, there was no reason to leave things to chance. "I'll be right back," Harry said as he left the room.

Severus settled himself comfortably on the sofa and watched Lucius from the corner of his eye. The blonde sneered and stuck his nose in the air. Severus wanted to laugh. Malfoy's reaction to being at a disadvantage was the same as ever − haughty disdain.

Dobby popped back into the room with a heavy tray. A coffee urn, several cups, plates and a large dish of steaming croissants were balanced carefully on the elf's hand. Keeping a cautious eye on his former master, Dobby crept towards the low table before Severus. He lowered the tray and turned to Severus when Lucius snorted. With a squeal, Dobby disappeared.

Rolling his eyes, Severus poured himself a cup of coffee. "I see you still get a prurient thrill from intimidating the helpless," he drawled.

Lucius gave him an artic glare, but held his tongue.

Sipping his drink, Severus contemplated why Lucius would seek him out. It would require something the elder Malfoy considered dire to lure Lucius to Hogwarts, and therefore under Dumbledore's nose. Lucius truly believed in the Dark Lord's insane view of the world, not that the blonde ever allowed that to come before his best interest.

Harry came out of the bedroom in jeans and a t-shirt; his boots were in his hands. He dropped onto the couch beside Severus and grabbed the older man's cup. Draining it, he smiled. "Do you want me to get the Bar, or do we hear him out first?"

Glaring, Severus snatched his cup back. "It would save time if you located Devlin now," Severus said approvingly. Harry was learning. A short time ago, the brat wouldn't have thought beyond cursing Lucius, and then turning him over to the Aurors.

Harry slipped on his boots, and snitched one of the buttery croissants from the tray. "I'm guessing we don't want Dumbledore to know the git is here," Harry said with a glare at Malfoy. "So I'll go fetch Devlin. I shouldn't be long."

Malfoy had surprisingly stayed quiet, and Harry hoped the idiot would continue; he didn't think he could take much of the git's attitude. Harry made it to the door, when his luck ran out.

"Run along, boy," Malfoy drawled condescendingly. "Fetch me a paper while you're out, won't you?"

Hand on the doorknob, Harry shook his head; he should have known. Malfoy wasn't able to resist the parting shot. The prat had interrupted his weekend with Severus, scared the shite out of Harry, and still had the audacity to needle him. Harry wasn't a child any longer; he no longer had to turn the other cheek when his elders insulted him.

Pulling his dagger as he whirled around, Harry advanced on Malfoy. Stepping in front on the older man, he used the point of the knife to force the grey eyes up. Once he had Malfoy's attention, Harry bared his teeth in a feral smile. "If you call me boy again," he began pleasantly, "I'll cut out your tongue and owl it back to you family. Clear?"

Malfoy refused to answer, and Harry dug the blade a little further into his skin. It was just short of drawing blood, but the threat was clear. The blonde drew back, but Harry held his eyes. After a tense moment, Malfoy hissed, "Clear, Mr. Potter."

Harry withdrew the blade and slipped it back in its sheath. He winked at Severus, and left.