Very mature content - slash - read with discretion

Chapter 7

Throughout the entire party, Severus made sure not to drink anything that might compromise his judgment. Potter said he wanted to talk, and Severus wasn't sure when he might make his move and drag him somewhere. He had to keep his wits about him.

But Harry made no move to corner Severus, or even converse with him at all. He simply laughed and joked with the other guests and sipped his eggnog – the spiked, adult version, of course, Severus noted – and seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself. Severus found that he, too, was able to enjoy himself with some mild conversation, only becoming disconcerted when the Potter children threw him occasional glances, Lily usually elbowing her older brothers when she noticed them doing it. He suspected Harry had warned them not to accost him. He owed the brat one for that at least. Finally, Severus decided the time had come for him to leave – Christmas carols were starting and he did not, under any circumstances, plan to partake in that particular activity. He quietly made his way toward the door, his eyes catching Harry's movement over to his three children.

"Make sure she's not out too late, you two," he heard Harry say to James and Albus about Lily. The boys nodded and Lily grimaced. Harry slid his way to the door where Severus was attempting to make his escape. Ah, here we go, Severus mentally paid himself what was due from his internal bet. Wanting this to be as private as possible, he walked outside, waiting for Harry to follow. It wouldn't do to find Harry sitting on his living room couch when he got home, so he thought it best for them to have it out with each other here. He resisted the urge to cross his arms over his chest and instead, opted for putting his hands in his pockets.

"Severus," Harry said as he came out the door, sans coat, "I'm glad I caught you."

"Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Potter?" Severus hoped Harry's lack of proper winter attire would keep this escapade short.

"Well, I was hoping we could, you know, talk. Not inside, it's too crowded. And the kids are going to be back home – do you think we could go to your quarters? Please?"

Severus sighed. This was getting old. "Must we, Mr. Potter? This evening? It is quite late."

"Don't make me beg, Severus. You owe me. At least a conversation."

"Owe you?" Severus began dangerously. "Under what delusional pretense are you suffering that you believe I 'owe you' anything?"

"I did what you asked. I told the kids. They're fine with it. You at least owe me a cordial talk."

"Now?"

"Well, again, I was hoping we could do it somewhere warmer – like your quarters."

The only thing keeping Severus from sprinting to the spot where he could Apparate was the knowledge that if he didn't at least talk to Potter, he was going to have to deal with Mrs. Weasley. And possibly several others. And he did not want to spend the remainder of his winter holidays filled with that sort of dread. Or annoyance.

"Fine. I suggest you get your coat. It is quite a walk from Hogsmeade to the castle, if you'll remember."

Harry ran back in to get his things – and tell people where he was going, Severus assumed – and was back quickly. They both walked to the edge of the yard and exchanged a glance.

"Are you really Apparating to Hogsmeade or are you going to ditch me?" Harry smirked.

"Brat," Severus let out with a sigh, but it was half-hearted. They both turned and were gone with a pop.

"Why didn't you just use the Floo? It would've been warmer," Harry bordered on whining as they were halfway to the castle.

"I happen to enjoy nighttime strolls, Mr. Potter. If you don't, then perhaps your venture tonight is in vain."

"You enjoy turning yourself into an icicle? That seems a bit sadistic."

"Well, I am the Dark Prince of Evil," Severus said snidely.

"Ah, there's the sarcasm I know and love," Harry said. He noticed Severus tense at the last word.

"Oh, get a grip," Harry moaned, "I'm not asking you to marry me." That didn't help relax the other man, who was now walking so stiffly it seemed as though he had become an icicle. "You know, you're lucky it's so bloody cold out here, because I have half a mind to stop right now and shake you silly."

"I assure you, Mr. Potter, that would be the last thing you do before an extended trip to St. Mungo's."

Harry shook his head and pulled up the collar around his coat, glad he could now see the gates of the castle. Severus waved his wand and in just a few moments, the two of them were past the protective wards and on school grounds. They crunched their way up to the castle in silence. It was a testament to both their fitness levels that neither one of them was out of breath – nearly the entire trip had been uphill.

"Thank Merlin," Harry gasped as they entered the school, "I was freezing my arse off out there."

"Such poetry," Severus mocked.

"Yeah, well, you're the one who's good with words, must you rub it in?" Harry's response dripped with sarcasm.

Severus fought to keep a smile off his lips. Why, oh why, was Potter determined to ruin this? The familiar banter, the comfortable companionship? Why could he not see that what they had was fine – enjoyable – something not to be tampered with, risked for the sake of tenuous emotions.

They made their way down to the dungeons, Harry grousing the whole way about the stone castle and lack of warming spells. Severus muttered the spell to enter his chamber and opened the door, intimating that Harry should enter before him.

The door closed behind them and Harry already had his coat off. Severus reached out to take it from him.

"Thanks," Harry said. "D'you want me to take off the boots, too? They're pretty wet."

"That would be appreciated, thank you. There is a mat here to put them on."

Harry kicked his boots off and hung his scarf and hat on the same peg Severus had hung his coat. They both made their way to the living room.

"Sit," Severus invited. "I'll get us something to drink."

Odd, Harry thought, why doesn't he just conjure something up – or ask the house elf to bring it? Is he trying to buy time? Is he nervous?

When Severus returned, he was carrying a wine bottle and two glasses. "Red all right?" He asked, already pouring.

Harry nodded. He accepted the glass and sipped. Harry was already on the couch, so Severus sat in the opposing arm chair so he could see Harry. Neither one of them said anything for a while. Severus decided he was not going to be the one to break the silence.

"Did you have a nice time at the party?" Harry finally asked.

"As nice as can be expected from a gathering such as that," he said politely.

Harry smirked, "Such a social butterfly, you are."

Severus nodded once, allowed himself a half eye roll, and took another sip of wine.

"There is going to be an opening for Defense next year. Professor Harris is taking a position elsewhere," Severus said.

"Really? That's interesting."

"I thought, perhaps, if you were interested in a break from the whirlwind of being an Auror, that you might consider taking up the post. Perhaps enjoy the down time."

"Right," Harry rolled his eyes and shifted on the couch, "because teaching is full of down time. Did McGonagall get you to recruit me?"

"No. I just knew that you ran the group of students back in your fifth year and I heard rumors you were reasonably effective as a teacher. I thought you might enjoy the change of pace – at least for a year or two."

"I'll think about it. It does, actually, sound nice."

"Taking a break from the Ministry?"

"No, being back here. At Hogwarts. With you."

And they were full circle. Severus stayed silent.

"So," Harry broke the pause. "Well, I suppose I should start by saying that I had nothing to do with Draco coming here. Well, not directly. It was supposed to be Hermione. She was my 'Plan B'. I had no idea that they decided to send Draco instead."

If that was 'Plan B', what on Earth had been 'Plan A'? Severus thought. He wasn't sure what to say, so he merely nodded once again.

"And I did tell my kids. That I want to start seeing you – as more than a friend. They really were more than gracious. It was weird."

"Weird?" Severus rolled the word around in his mouth.

"Yeah, having to tell your kids that you're attracted to men as well as women and that you want to start seeing a bloke – and not just any bloke, but their current, and former, Professor – whom many people don't really understand. Or like. All of that in one conversation – I thought I was going to have to revive them from shock. But they just took it in stride. Told me they already knew. I suppose everybody knew. Seems like you and I were the last to know."

"To know what, Mr. Potter?" Severus was not ready to have this conversation. Not ready, not ready, not ready, he chanted in his head.

"Severus, could you please at least consent to call me Harry? It makes me feel like you're less annoyed by me. And even though you might not be, I'd enjoy the courtesy of familiarity."

"Fine. To know what, Harry?"

"Please tell me we're past the evasiveness now, Severus. I've made it abundantly clear how I feel. You have made it abundantly clear that the only reason you are not accepting my invitation is because you think me unready, unhealed, unstable, or something along those lines. Are you really so terrified that I would 'toss you away'?"

The use of his words to Draco was not lost on Severus. "Harry, I cannot understand why you want to ruin what we have. Even if your intention was to have this endeavor be long term, if something went wrong, if it did not work out, our friendship would be dissolved. As I believe we both cited several months ago, I would rather have a friendship with you than nothing at all."

"Why, Severus? Why am I so insistent? Because I know, Severus, and so does everyone else, that it would not be ruined. It would work out. It would be so much better – so much more than what we have now. We've been dancing around it for ages. Please. Please, Severus, please give this a chance. Give us a chance. I am begging you. I've tried everything else."

Severus set his wine glass down on the small table next to his armchair. He pinched the bridge of his nose with one hand and took in a deep breath. Then, he pushed himself up with both hands and walked over to the mantle, gripping it with both hands as he leaned in slightly. He looked up at the portrait that hung over the fireplace and noticed, with some surprise, that the former founder had left the painting. Only the snake remained in the now-empty chair, coiled, tongue flicking, staring at Severus. The snake rolled its eyes. Wonderful, Severus thought, I'm being chided by a snake. A painted snake. In his reverie of the painting, Severus hadn't heard Harry get up off the couch to come up behind him. He started slightly when hands wrapped around him from behind. Warm hands, strong hands, soft hands. Hands that had been in his dreams too frequently to count over the past year. Severus felt Harry lean gently into him, his cheek resting against Severus' back.

"I swear I will not hurt you," Harry whispered.

Severus hung his head, defeated. "I am afraid," he said softly, simply.

"Don't be," Harry tightened his arms around Severus, his hands moving up near his shoulders.

Severus straightened up and took his hands off the mantle. He brought them gently to the hands that were resting softly on his chest and pried them just a few inches away. Harry instantly dropped his arms. When Severus turned around, he saw Harry with his head down, eyes on the floor, chin nearly touching his chest. Severus was amazed at how much he looked like a school boy denied a trip to Hogsmeade. Their bodies were only inches apart, now. It was impossible for Severus not to feel the energy between them. The tightening in his stomach began, and slowly reached fever pitch as he steeled himself with resolve.

"Harry," Severus whispered, bringing his hands up slowly to cup the younger man's face at his jaw.

Harry's face jerked up at Severus' touch, his eyes bright with moisture. Severus felt a sharp pang in his gut at the sight of Harry's welling tears. He smoothed his thumb along the lower part of Harry's cheek in comfort. He reached up to remove Harry's glasses and twisted around to set them on the mantle. He looked back and lost his breath. Harry's eyes were startling, still glistening with unshed sorrow, rejection, or both. Dammit, he sighed internally, and closed his eyes.

Severus brought his face down to Harry's slowly, his eyes back open, fixed on Harry's. Once they were close enough that Severus had to tilt Harry's head sideways, he saw Harry close his eyes. He did the same. He hesitated the space of a heartbeat and then moved the extra millimeters to touch their lips together. Harry's lips were so soft, Severus marveled at the feel of them on his. In his hands, he could feel the roughness on Harry's cheeks from the day. Severus inhaled and was stunned by the smell that would always be Harry – the wood and grass and wind and sun and – Severus parted his lips and let out a soft, nearly inaudible sigh.

It was Harry's undoing. He threw his arms up around Severus' neck and threaded his fingers through the long, inky-black hair. It was so soft, Harry noted, so fine. He pulled their faces closer together, crushing their lips in an open kiss. Uninhibited, Harry's tongue darted out of his mouth and into Severus', just for a moment. Severus' body jerked into Harry's as though a bolt of electricity had moved through him. His hands slid down to the small of Harry's back and he pulled the body into him, eliminating any remaining space between them.

Neither one of them was aware that they were moving, so when Harry's legs hit the couch, he stumbled and they both fell into the cushions. Harry swung one leg up and left the other crooked off to the floor. Severus settled himself on either side of Harry's couched leg and realized that his hands were still behind Harry's back, so he could support himself on his forearms. Harry threw his head back, exposing his neck, and Severus trailed kisses down his jaw and throat all the way to the V at the base of Harry's neck where his thin cardigan jumper began. Harry's hands came from behind Severus' head to the front of his body where they began undoing the buttons on his shirt. Harry felt Severus shift and realized he wanted to free one of his hands, so Harry rose up a bit to help him. In doing so, their hips met and it was inescapable to both men that they were very, very aroused. With his free hand, Severus moved underneath Harry's jumper to feel his abdomen. It was taut, sparse with hair, and so soft. He moved his hand upward and heard Harry let out a soft moan. By now, Harry had undone enough buttons that he could, and did, trace the contours of Severus' chest, causing the man above him to let out a quiet gasp of pleasure. Harry tugged to get the shirt untucked from Severus' trousers. Severus pushed Harry's jumper further up on his chest. Harry dropped his hands and tried to push himself up on his elbows. Severus sat up onto his knees, one leg dropping to the floor for support. Harry ripped his shirt off in one, fluid movement and tossed it to the floor. He was about to lay back down when a more pleasant idea occurred to him.

"Since we're sort of up, why don't we continue this somewhere with more room?" He suggested.

Severus stood up and moved toward the other side of the room to a large, mahogany door, behind which Harry assumed was a bedroom.

"I meant the floor, but, this works, too."

Severus rolled his eyes and opened the door. He let Harry in first and then said the spell to softly light the room. Harry had only just made it inside when Severus closed the door and spun Harry around, capturing him in another back-breaking kiss. He walked them over to the bed and gently pushed Harry down. He backed up and finished with his shirt buttons as Harry scooted back and got entirely onto the bed, leaning against the pillows.

Severus shrugged out of his shirt and walked back over to the bed, his eyes stalking Harry. Harry felt his pulse race with anticipation as he saw Severus' eyes roam over his body hungrily. Severus crawled up so he was hovering over Harry and began kissing him again in earnest. Horizontal as they were, it was impossible to keep their lower bodies separate, and their legs entwined, pressing their hips together again. Harry moaned in the back of his throat when Severus shifted slightly to trail kisses along his jaw again. Severus' heart was pounding; he was still so unsure. He felt as if he were perched on a cliff. A tremendously high cliff and he couldn't see what was below him. He was being asked to jump, blindly, and he had no idea if he was going to land on jagged rocks or in a pool of warm, beautiful water – or somewhere in between. He brought his mouth to Harry's ear and traced the outline with his nose.

"Harry, is this what you want? Are you sure?" Please back out now if you're not, I won't be able to stand it if you leave me.

Harry brought his hands up around Severus' back and gripped tightly, pulling Severus' entire body onto him, not caring about the weight. "Yes," he whispered, "yes, please, Severus, I want it. I want you. I want you forever."

And Severus jumped off the cliff.

As he fell through the air something happened inside him. He felt something unclenching – something in his chest, like a flower long dormant opening up to bloom, craving the sun. The petals bent back, away from the center, turning from a stone, steely gray to a vibrant palate of color. He breathed deeply and the flower's petals pushed out more. He was alive.

And he was kissing Harry. More forcefully, and with abandon. Harry felt the change in the ardor and let out another moan, kissing Severus everywhere his lips could find purchase. Cheek, lips, throat, shoulder, chest, everywhere was not enough. He heard Severus' breathing pick up pace. He felt Severus' body move down, slowly, kissing his flesh as he moved. Every spot of contact sent a burn of desire straight to his groin. Severus' mouth went straight down Harry's chest while his hands followed on either side, trailing over the nipples and making Harry slam his hands down into the sheets, fisting the fabric. Severus smirked. He traversed still lower until he reached his obstacle: Harry's pants. He could just spell them off, but where's the fun in that? He slowly undid the button and zipper of the jeans and folded down the flaps, his thumbs rubbing small circles on the skin now only covered by boxers. Harry's breathing hitched. Severus tugged gently on the pants and Harry lifted his hips to allow Severus to pull them off, boxers and all. In a more fluid movement than Harry would have thought possible, his pants and underwear were off and on the floor, and Severus was back between his legs, face-deep in his crotch. At first, Severus wove his fingers through the coarse hair around Harry's base, causing Harry to nearly buck off the bed.

"Like that, do you?" Severus growled silkily.

"For the love of…would you stop that and do it already?"

"A lack of patience is what made you such a lamentable potions maker."

"Do you want me to…ahhhh…holy…"

Severus had put Harry's head into his mouth, licking and sliding his tongue everywhere. He knew he wasn't going to be able to do much with Harry writing around like a fish out of water, so he shifted and pinned Harry's hips to the bed. Harry whimpered when he realized what Severus was doing. Harry moved his hands to Severus' hair in what was a feeble attempt to push Severus' head further down.

"I shall not be rushed, Mr. Potter," Severus said, letting Harry slide out of his mouth.

"Oh fuck, don't stop, Severus, please, I need you…I need…I…ahhhmmmyyyy…Sssssevvv…"

Severus had put him back in his mouth and was going down further, applying pressure with his tongue. Severus felt Harry's knees pull up off the bed and he knew Harry wouldn't hold on much longer. He swallowed him completely, sucking hard and letting go of Harry's hips, allowing him to thrust up into his mouth. He instead, moved his hands to Harry's balls, cupping them softly and rolling them. Harry ground his hips into Severus' mouth and let out a string of expletives that were largely incoherent before arching completely off the bed and emitting a strangled cry as he exploded into Severus' throat. Severus drank him dry before letting him go, trailing back up with kisses along the same line he had gone down. As he made his way up to Harry's head, he saw a dazed, sated look glazed in Harry's eyes. He shifted to roll to the side, but Harry seemed to snap to his senses.

"Where do you think you're going? We are far from finished."

Severus raised a brow.

"You don't think I'm going to let you off that easy, do you? Your trousers are still on." Harry moved a hand down to feel the bulge in Severus' pants. "And I'd wager they're a little uncomfortable right now. You'd better take them off, though; I'll admit I'd be a lot less graceful than you were with mine."

Harry was unsurprised at the speed and efficiency with which Severus removed the remainder of his clothes. He quickly brought his body back to Harry's and resumed kissing, hungrily jabbing his own tongue into Harry's mouth and alternately taking Harry's in his. Harry tore his mouth away and gasped for breath.

"Your turn," he said. When Severus pulled his face back in question, Harry continued. "Do you top, or am I going to get to give you mind-blowing head?"

"Flip over, brat," Severus swatted Harry's arse as he flopped unceremoniously onto his stomach. "Merlin, your arse is beautiful," Severus murmured.

"It'll be even more beautiful with you inside it," Harry teased. Severus felt his stomach jump. He muttered an Accio spell and a small bottle jumped into his hand. He coated his hands liberally with the oil and began rubbing Harry's arse. Harry buried his head in his arms at the head of the bed.

"Do you want a pillow?" Severus offered. Harry grabbed the nearest one and flung it back to him. "Such grace," he mocked.

He slid the pillow under Harry's hips and entered him with one slick finger. Harry moaned and writhed with pleasure. He pulled out after a few moments and went in with two. This time, he was able to feel the bump of the prostate and he nudged it, eager to see Harry's reaction. Or hear it, as it were.

"Holy…damn…Severus…for the love of…Oh…" Harry's verbal eloquence continued in incoherent, monosyllabic groans. Severus went in with three fingers this time and Harry nearly rose off the pillow to meet him. Deciding Harry was ready, he positioned himself at Harry's entrance.

"Go!" Harry tried to wiggle closer to Severus, and Severus chuckled. "Not…funny…you…wait…"

"What are you going to do, stutter at me?" Severus was enjoying this immensely.

"I…you…next…tiiiiiiiiii…ohyesohyesohyes…" Harry had pushed himself up so that he could sit back into Severus as he entered him. Severus gasped at Harry's heat. He guided Harry's hips back until he was completely inside him, trying to stop Harry from writhing.

"…" Harry begged.

Severus began slowly, with short moves that reduced Harry to little more than gurgles. Then, his strokes were longer, harder, and had more force behind them. Harry was moving with him, angling just right so Severus could hit his spot every time.

"Hard…again…take me…please…" Harry cried out with each thrust.

Severus reached his hand around Harry's front and took Harry in his hand. In rhythm, he stroked Harry inside and out. He couldn't even understand a word Harry was saying, but a second later, he felt Harry's body convulse and he shouted out.

"Sevvvvvvvverussssss…"

Severus felt the muscles contract around him and with a final push he shuddered, his body exploding into Harry, calling out his name. Their bodies both jerked in the aftermath, and Severus finally slipped out of Harry and they both fell to the bed onto their backs, spent. After catching their respective breaths, they turned to face each other, legs tangling together, arms and hands wound around each other suggesting years of familiarity. Severus looked into the striking green eyes across from him, taking in the sheen of sweat on the forehead, the messy mop of hair sticking up every-which-way, the indulgent smile playing on the lips.

"I am an idiot," Severus muttered.

"I'm not sure I'd go that far, but elaborate and I might be convinced," Harry led him.

"Why on Earth I fought so hard against this for so long is beyond me. Much as I detest admitting it, you were more than right."

"Well, me and half of England."

"Fair point."

"I can give you something to be 'hard against'," Harry wormed his body closer to Severus'.

"Dear Lord, boy, I'm near seventy, I'll be lucky to get it up again sometime this week."

"Seventy is the new thirty."

Severus snorted.

"But I'll take it whenever I can get it. As often as I can get it. For the rest of my life," Harry whispered.

"You're sure you won't need to find anyone to fill in the gaps?"

"You're right. You are an idiot." Harry snuggled his head into Severus' chest. Soon, they were both asleep, holding each other as if to never let go.