(…) Talking telepathically
Chapter 7
Alex and Severus had been practicing their newfound ability to communicate telepathically and had managed to erect barriers between their minds so that the other did not hear every passing thought. That would have been annoying as well as embarrassing.
They had yet to discuss Severus's soulmate theory but each privately wished it to be true.
"Next weekend is a Hogsmeade weekend. Will you go with me?" Alex asked his 'Boyfriend?' one night as they were studying for the Potions class the following day.
"Sure." Severus replied after he had put his shoes on.
The two Slytherin boys went down to breakfast before hurrying to there first class, Charms. Alex had been helping Severus with the spells a lot during and after class. Severus struggled with Charms and not even Lily could help him understand before Alex came along.
Professor Flitwick was teaching the Patronous Charm today. While it was usually classed as a defensive spell it was still a charm and the current Defence professor had requested that he teach it instead.
"Can anyone tell me what a Patronous is?" The diminutive professor questioned the class. By the seventh year they would have learnt about Dementors but a Patronous was very difficult magic and not many people knew of it.
Nobody raised their hand. Then Alexander Frost cautiously lifted his hand into the air.
"Yes, Mr Frost."
"The Patronous is a defensive charm used to repel Dementors and Lethifolds. To cast it you have to concentrate on a happy memory." Alex answered dispassionately.
"Very good, Mr Frost. And do you know the incantation?" Professor Flitwick was almost bouncing in his seat by this time.
Alex nodded, "Expecto Patronum, sir."
"Excellent. Ten points to Slytherin. Since you know so much about the charm do I correctly guess that you are capable of casting one?" Flitwick asked excitedly. Even if the boy could only produce a faint mist it would be a great achievement at his age.
"I can, sir." Alex answered. He went up to the front of the classroom when Flitwick gestured and took out his wand
He scanned his mind for a sufficiently happy memory. One popped up immediately. The time Severus first told him that he loved him, closing his eyes he calmly said, "Expecto Patronum."
He could tell from the gasps that it had worked so he opened his eyes. He was surprised by what he saw. There was a stag as usual but if you looked carefully there was a lily wound around its antlers. Stood next to it was a shaggy dog similar to the grim and stood a little apart from them was a panther. All the figures were silver but they were completely opaque. Alex knew whom the figures represented, his father, his mother, Sirius and Severus. The animals bowed to him before going to wander around the room looking for Dementors. The boy glanced at his professor. It seemed that the man had fallen off his pile of books in shock and was staring at the solid forms in awe. Alex turned to look at Severus. His friend was smiling faintly at him but keeping an eye on the forms in astonishment. The rest of the room was speechless, mouths agape.
Professor Flitwick finally regained his senses and praised the Slytherin, "Well done, Mr Frost. I have never seen a Patronous so fully formed. Why it is truly corporeal. Amazing. One hundred points to Slytherin. You may release them now."
Alex sighed; sad to see his protectors go, as they faded away. He returned to his seat and Severus just had the chance to whisper, "That was amazing. You've shocked everyone," before the professor continued with his lesson.
"Now I do not expect the same success as Mr Frost for anyone here but we will be practicing the Patronous Charm today. Do not worry if you cannot produce anything. Many wizards cannot. It takes a tremendous amount of power. I, myself, can only produce a vague shape."
As he could already perform the charm Alex helped Severus. The boy seemed to be struggling without any success.
"What memory are you using? It has to be truly happy. Concentrate solely on that and then cast." Alex instructed his friend.
Severus's forehead crinkled in concentration, he closed his eyes and said, "Expecto Patronum."
A small cloud of faint grey smoke came out the end of his wand.
Laughter was heard from the other side of the room. Alex and Severus both turned to look. Sirius Black was laughing at Severus' attempt. "Awwh. It seems Snivellus doesn't have any happy memories. What, can't get Frost to bend over, Snivvy?"
Severus glared while Alex blushed furiously.
"Maybe this will help." Black called as he shot a cheering charm at Severus.
The boy blocked it effortlessly and was about to retaliate when Alex put his hand on his arm to stop him, "He's not worth it, Severus. Don't."
"Listen to your boyfriend, Snape. Wouldn't want you to get hurt after all would we." Black taunted.
Alex had had enough. His godfather didn't seem to know when to stop. He silently cast his Patronous and sent it over to Sirius. The figures moved in sync to knock the Gryffindor over and pin him to the ground.
Once again the room went silent, watching the Gryffindor struggle, then Flitwick's high pitched voce was heard, "Amazing. It is strong enough to touch a human…Oh yes. Thank you Mr Frost that will be all. Please release Mr Black."
Alex released the spell and turned back to Severus but not before sneering at Sirius Black and glancing at James Potter. The boy had done nothing and was staring at the spot Alex's stag had been before it vanished. Alex suppressed a feeling of nervousness. As he was talking to Severus, encouraging him to try again, he felt a spell approaching. It seemed that Sirius Black had recovered and wanted revenge. Alex put a shield without turning around and ignored the attack by the embarrassed Gryffindor.
"What memory are you using?" Alex demanded.
"The day I got my first potion correct." Severus answered as though the answer was obvious.
"Well obviously it isn't happy enough. Do you not have another you could use?" He asked.
Severus looked at him and then smirked, "Alright. I've just remembered a different one. I'm sure this one will work." He had remembered how happy he had felt when Alex had told him that he loved him. He didn't know why he hadn't used it before.
"Ok then. Try it." Alex said.
Severus chanted, "Expecto Patronum."
A phoenix burst out of his wand. Alex smiled happily at his boyfriend who was staring awestruck at the bird.
"What do our animals represent?" He asked Alex as the phoenix disappeared.
"It depends on the person. Mine is very personal to me but has changed from the last time I used it. There wasn't a panther or a dog before. But I think that I know who they are. My Patronous is my protector. The animals are the people who protect me in life." Alex answered truthfully without revealing too much.
Only Alex and Severus had managed to produce a corporeal Patronous by the end of the lesson, although some managed smoke, so that earned Slytherin another one hundred points.
As he was leaving he heard James Potter whisper to his friends, "That stag looked at hell of a lot like Prongs. Who is this time traveller?" He called out to the Slytherin, "Frost! Why is your Patronous a stag?"
Alex raised his eyebrows at his future father's arrogance, "Why do you want to know, Potter? Do you have a problem with stags? We don't choose our Patronous forms you know."
James spluttered and Alex walked off to catch up with Severus who had waited a few steps away from them.
That Saturday Alex and Severus were just about to leave Hogwarts when Lily ran over to them. They had forgiven her for locking them in the Room of Requirement as it had solved their problem and let them admit their feelings to each other.
"Hey!" She called to the two boys.
"Hi." Alex replied. Severus merely inclined his head; it would not do for anyone to find out that they were friends. Alex on the other hand had never followed the usual rules so people ignored it when he disregarded things like house rivalry.
"I'm so happy for you two. And to think all it took was being locked in a room together all night. The two of you are so stubborn I felt like banging your heads together at times." The red head teased.
"Thank you, Lily. We appreciate it." Alex said back sarcastically.
"Well I'll let you go now. Oh Alex! I said 'yes'." His mother said cryptically and walked off.
(Yes to what?) Severus asked mentally as they stepped out of the doors.
(Now don't get angry but she's agreed to go on a date with James Potter.) Alex replied the same way.
"What!" Severus shouted out loud.
A group of Hufflepuffs looked at them strangely before going back to their conversation.
(Severus, he has changed this year. He isn't as bigheaded as last year. You have to admit that it's more Black that torments you. Potter only gets involved if you retaliate because he knows that Black wouldn't win in a real fight with you. He has grown up and I think that it's for Lily. Besides you are biased. You two hate each other. What's more that hatred is based on prejudice.) Alex argued telepathically, (Promise me that you won't do anything to him.) His face showed none of the emotions Severus could feel.
Severus's anger and shock made him bypass the way Alex spoke, as though he knew what Potter had been like last year. But he hadn't been here. (I won't deny that you have a point. Damn why do you have to be logical about this. He's not good enough for her!)
(Severus you love her like a sister. No one would be good enough for Lily in your eyes. Did you actually look at her when she told me? She looked so happy. If he makes her happy then we should leave her be.) Alex insisted. They were his parents after all and if they didn't get together then he would never be born. He knew that his father had matured and truly loved his mother. He also knew that Lily was on her way to falling in love with James too.
(Fine. I won't do anything. I'll even be as magnanimous as to be happy for her but I refuse to be nice to Potter.) He sulked.
Alex smirked mentally at the sight of his future potions master sulking. (Thank you, that's all I ask.) Alex told him and then kissed him gently.
They continued to talk, out loud this time, until they arrived in the wizarding village. The pair went into the bookstore and split up to explore the shelves.
After about fifteen minutes Severus felt anger and disgust coming through the bond from Alex. Then fear. Without thinking Severus ran to the other side of the shop where the bond told him that Alex was.
What he saw made him see red. Lucius Malfoy had Alex pinned against the wall and was kissing him. Alex was struggling but his efforts were useless on the stronger boy.
Severus, wandlessly, tore the blond off his mate and stunned him. He rushed over to Alex, who had slid down the wall to sit down.
"Are you alright, Alex?" Severus asked concerned. The emotions he could feel pouring from his love were incredibly strong; anger, terror, hate and helplessness.
Alex lifted his head, there were tears in his eyes Severus noted, and croaked out a yes.
The elder Slytherin helped him to his feet and led him out of the shop. As they passed the prone figure of Malfoy a shudder ran through Alex. Then he became stiff and moved out of his mate's protective embrace. He walked over to Lucius Malfoy and spoke to him in a calm, quite voice, his leader voice, "You had no right to do that to me, Malfoy. I have told you time and time again that I am not interested. Now for once in your miserable existence listen to someone other than yourself. Never touch me again. If you ever come within two feet of me I swear on my parent's graves I will kill you." The air around them seemed to vibrate with barely suppressed magic and even Severus was awed at this display of power from the smaller boy. It disappeared a moment later and they left the shop, leaving Malfoy to be found by someone else later.
Severus followed Alex to a secluded area on the outskirts of Hogsmeade and managed to catch him as he crumbled to the floor. Severus sank to the floor with him and pulled his into his lap. The onyx eyed boy just held him. He felt his shoulder grow damp and realised that Alex was crying.
(Talk to me, love. Please.) Severus begged. He didn't know what had caused his mate's reaction but it was obviously something bad.
"I couldn't move...is arms…So strong. I couldn't make him let go…Why?…Why did he do that?" Alex sobbed. His voice was small. It broke Severus's heart to hear his love like that.
"I know, love. It's over now. You're safe." Severus said comfortingly. He felt Alex's grip on him tighten and an awful thought flashed through his mind.
"Alex, has Malfoy ever tried that before? Or anyone else?" He asked with barely masked fury. If he had then he would kill Malfoy himself.
"He's never gone that far before. Only said things to me and tried to touch me. I even hexed him and he still didn't get the message." His love replied.
Images of Malfoy walking around with hot pink hair and a sign that screamed, "I'm a pervert!" loudly every five minutes a few weeks ago passed Severus mind suddenly. The blond had been in a foul mood for days, all the other Slytherins had assumed that it was just a prank by the Marauders. The fact that Alex had missed out the second question completely made him ask again, "And anybody else?"
"No…but he used to pin me down while he hit me. He was so much bigger than me I couldn't move. There was never anything sexual about it." Harry admitted in a whisper. There, Severus knew now. Alex tensed and waited for the disgust. Severus wouldn't want to be with someone who was so weak and pathetic. He couldn't even defend himself from his muggle uncle how would he ever kill Voldemort?
Severus felt him tense and sensed his love's anxiety. He also believed that he knew the cause. He wanted to know who used to hit his mate but decided that it could wait. 'Who dared to hit him? I'll kill them!' Gently he put his hand under Alex's chin and lifted his head so that he was looking into his eyes.
"It was not your fault. I love you no matter what." He said honestly, keeping their eyes locked.
Alex stared at him in disbelief. 'He still loved him? Even after he knew how much of a weakling he was?' He jumped slightly as he felt lips touch his own. It was brief, comforting and chaste. It was perfect.
After a few minutes of sitting in silence Severus said light-heartedly, "Did you see that look on Malfoy's face when I sent him flying?" That elicited a small chuckle from Alex. "I could just tell that something was wrong and knew where to find you. I didn't even use my wand. I think this proves the soul-mate theory for sure don't you?"
"Yes. Are you happy?" Alex asked with bated breath for the answer.
"Are you kidding? I'm ecstatic. We are probably the first soulmate couple in centuries. Although it would probably be best if we kept this to ourselves. We are very powerful apart but even more so together and many would seek to control us or even kill us." Severus replied thoughtfully.
Alex nodded. He understood that perfectly.
The soulmates spent the rest of the day telling each other anything and everything about themselves. Alex, of course, had to edit out names, places and anything that would give his identity away. So basically all he could tell Severus was that his favourite ice-cream flavour was vanilla and that he loved cooking. That he had two friends that were his family and that all his family were dead apart from the relatives he stayed with during the holidays.
"How far in the future do you come from?" Severus finally asked the question that had been bugging him ever since Alex had told him that he was from the future.
"I can't tell you exactly how far but it's more than ten years but less than fifty." Alex told his love.
Severus frowned. Would Alex still want him with such an age gap? He'd be much older while Alex was still seventeen.
Alex sensed the uncertainty and smiled faintly. He knew that he would still love Severus as an adult. He had fallen in love with the teenage version but respected and had had a small crush on the adult. "I would love you in any time and at any age, Severus." He reassured his love.
They returned to Hogwarts for dinner. Alex had strawberries and cream for desert. He dipped the first strawberry into the cream and then, putting the tip of the fruit into his mouth, sucked the cream off it. The next one he bit into and some of the juice caught in the corner of his mouth so his tongue darted out to remove it.
As Alex reached for a third he noticed Severus shift in his seat slightly. He felt along the bond curiously and sensed his mate's arousal. Smirking wickedly Alex moaned quietly as he licked the cream off.
After ten minutes of eating his strawberries in the same way Alex looked up. Half the table was looking at him.
"What?" He asked innocently as he finished off a strawberry.
"Nothing." The Slytherin opposite him answered quickly and the rest of them turned back to their own plates.
(Oops.) Alex sent to Severus with a mental grin.
All he got in reply was an image of himself and Severus naked in bed. He wasn't sure if it was sent on purpose or not.
The meal finished soon after that and Alex and Severus went up to their dorm.
Severus grabbed Alex as soon as the door was locked and whispered harshly to him, "You just practically had sex with those strawberries there in the Great Hall. Do you have any idea how those noises you made affected me?"
Alex could feel just how much it had affected him digging into his thigh but still said, "Show me." He kissed Severus soundly and pushed him towards his bed. The other boy kept hold of Alex as he fell across the bed so he landed on top of him, lips still locked.
"I guess I should make it up to you." Alex breathed in his mate's ear.
Severus tried to stifle a moan as Alex gently bit his neck. Alex tugged Severus's top over his head and continued mapping his mate's chest. As he took one nipple into his mouth his hand went to the other and began rubbing and flicking it to hardness. He took his lover's moans and gasps to mean that he was doing it right and began to move lower. His hands went to Severus's pants and began to undo them. Alex looked up at the older boy's face and saw that his eyes were half-lidded with desire, a thin shine of sweat was covering his torso and he was breathing heavily. Alex pulled the offending pants off and the underpants joined them on the floor. His lover was finally naked beneath him. The green-eyed boy changed his position so that his head was between Severus's thighs. Locking eyes with his soulmate Alex proceeded to give his first ever blowjob.
He dug his tongue into the tip to get a taste of the pre-cum. It tasted strange, bitter with an underlying sweetness. It was definitely something Alex could get used to. Especially if it made Severus moan like that again.
Severus had unknowingly wound his hands in Alex's hair in an effort to move him closer. Alex took advantage of his positioning to thrust against the bed.
Taking as much of the boy's length into his mouth as possible he wrapped his hand around the base. He sucked gently and Severus cried out, "Oh Merlin! Alex, I'm going to come."
Alex just sucked harder and felt Severus's hands grasp his hair tighter. He came with a shout and Alex came with him. Grinning he allowed Severus to pull him closer. The boy kissed him and he could taste his own essence. Breaking away Severus breathed in his lover's ear, "I think you're a tad over-dressed, love. It's my turn."
He tugged Alex's t-shirt over his head and yanked his pants off. Then he, like Alex had, began to map out all of his lover's sensitive spots. He learnt that Alex's neck and nipples were very sensitive. Alex quickly became hard again.
Finally, after what seemed like an age to Alex, Severus removed his boxers. He blew gently on the weeping head and watched as Alex arched his back in pleasure. Putting his hands on Alex's hips he took the boy's engorged member into his hot mouth. He tried different things, keeping Alex's moans as a score.
"Sev, I'm going to come." Alex cried out.
Severus just sucked and swallowed as Alex shot his essence down his throat. He moved up to Alex's mouth and kissed him so that he could taste himself. They just kissed and lay there, limbs entangled. Then something Alex had said came back to him, "Sev?"
Alex just turned red and replied, "Well Severus is a little hard to say in the throes of passion you know. Besides Sev is whom I see. Everyone else meets Severus but not Sev. Do you mind?"
Severus considered it for a minute, "No, I don't mind."
"Good. I was going to call you Sev anyway." Alex replied cheekily.
"Brat." Severus said fondly.
"Love you, Sev." Alex whispered as he fell asleep.
"Love you too, Alex." Severus whispered back and then surrendered to sleep as well.