A/N: Okay, this is the longest chapter I have ever written, ever. So I hope you all understand why it took a few days to update. I don't know what it is about this story, but it is just pouring out of me like water. (Unlike some other uncompleted work I have to finish. Eek! Just know I'm not abandoning those. I just think that until this bad-boy is complete, I'm not going to be able to finish the others. Oy.)

Also...anyone else notice that sometimes when you upload a doc..words disappear. Anyway...

Umm…let's see. Oh yes. Many, many thanks to all of you awesome people who have given me feedback, fav'd, and the like. Serious, without you, there'd be no point in writing this.

Thanks again to autumgold, DS2010, T-TrainOrTurkey, and animewiccan725.

T-TrainOrTurkey- you know I actually didn't realize I have tacted on the boy at the end of Sev's line. Lol. Thanks for pointing that out. I totally used that moment in this chapter. I think it's totally going to pop outta Sev's mouth more, now that you pointed it out to me. :o)

Animewiccan- I so totally did have to special thank you last chapter. You give me mountains of feedback and commentary, which I really love! That being the case…special thanks are given.

Autumgold- You are most welcome. I always saw Sev saving Harry, I'm glad you approve!

Again, thanks soo much. I hope you like this chapter.

~Belladonna

Disclaimer: Not mine. Sadness. There is one line that I totally ripped from the 1st movie…but it was too perfect. I don't own that line. Only borrowed. I make no money off of this. (Tears)

Into the Darkness I Go

Chapter Three: Just Friends

Five Years Ago…

"Severus, my boy do come in," Dumbledore cheerfully greeted the stern-faced Potions Master. "Care for a lemon drop?"

"No, thank you Headmaster," Snape replied coolly as he slinked gracefully into the high-back chair and waited for the probing to begin. Oh, he suffered no delusions that this was going to be an interrogation not so subtly guised in the cheery façade of a friendly chat over tea and biscuits.

It had been several months since he had whisked Harry away from that dreadful place and given him a safe haven. Each day hence had been a nerve-wracking and perilous task to not only mislead one, but two of the most powerful wizards of the age. Snape daily thanked Merlin for his many years of skill acquired as a spy and his Mastery as an Occulmens. He knew that without them… well, he really didn't want to think about what would have happened. Nothing good for himself or the boy. As it was, both sides were beginning to become suspicious at the lack of leads tracing back to the location of the boy, though Snape was fairly confident that no one could definitively link them together.

It was well past the start of term at Hogwarts and everyone speculated as to what had happened to The-Boy-Who-Lived since he had not returned with the rest of his peers in September. No one, not even his "closest" friends, had seen hide nor hair of the boy-savior since he stepped off the Hogwarts Express in July. The Prophet daily printed stories full of conjecture as to the whereabouts of the young man from places as mundane as Flourish and Blotts to locations as exotic as the Amazonian jungle. The inquiry into the boy's whereabouts was reaching such a fevered pitch that the Ministry had organized a special task force around January to look for Harry utilizing the best Aurors the department had available.

This, coupled with the strain of teaching DADA to the miserable nitwits in his daily classes and flooing nightly to nurse, repair, and train the broken boy in his care, was putting an extreme strain on him. He did it gladly, but he knew that it couldn't go on forever, as this meeting with Dumbledore proved. He was going to have to step up his vigilance, make new plans for Harry, maybe even moving him to a different location altogether. Snape couldn't bear to think what would happen if either side sunk their claws into the boy again.

Over the months in his care, he and Harry (he could no longer make himself call the boy Potter after the memories he had shown him) had formed a rather surprising friendship filled with mutual trust and understanding. Many nights upon his return to the safehouse, they would spend hours by the fire or in the lab or in the library just talking and working. It was an event that Snape found himself looking forward to at the end of every day.

It was a thing so mundane, having regular conversations in pleasant company, but it had been something Snape had never experienced since his days with Lily. It continued to amaze him that there was a natural easiness between them that he, by no means, would have imagined possible given their history. It was quite profound how their conversations and interactions had helped to completely reshape his perception of the boy, how it wasn't awkward between them. How he had come to care for the boy, deeply; almost too deeply. He could see himself falling in love if he wasn't too careful.

When they weren't having a quiet night of reading or conversation, they were training. He couldn't let Harry's skills slip, even for a moment. He insisted that Harry continue to study all the areas that he would have during his sixth year in addition to Dark Arts texts. At first it had been a struggle for the boy to get back into a learning mindset, but soon Harry had realized that the more he knew, the more he could do, would only aid him in his revenge against his enemies. Snape had never had a more dedicated student. His lessons with Harry almost made him enjoy teaching. He was continually surprised that they had managed to finally have a civil relationship within a classroom setting.

After the night he had unwittingly stumbled upon Harry at the house and the boy's desperate pleas for sex, he hadn't known how they would interact with one another once the cracks and chasms within Harry had healed a bit. Snape was extremely proud of the hard work Harry was putting into healing. He generally managed to contain that part of himself that continued to press Snape, which felt that he should offer him the use of his body as payment.

There were slips. Moments when the boy would be so desperate, filled with a need to strong it overwhelmed him, that Harry would use all of his amassed skill in the trade to seduce him. Each time Snape would allow the boy only a kiss, nothing more. Stating again that if Harry really wished to have him in his bed when the time came, he would not say no, but until Harry had healed he would not take advantage of the situation.

In direct contrast to those fevered instances, there were many nights, most nights in fact, that Harry had insisted that Snape share his bed, not for sex, but for the safety that his former nemesis had come to symbolize. It was a humbling thing to hold the boy in his arms as he sought ust for casual comfort or as he cried and screamed. He would gather the broken spirit into his arms and whisper away the horrors surrounding him. He didn't know how fate had aligned them together in this way, but he was glad that he could be of some small comfort to the son of his childhood friend.

Snape had easily fallen into the role of caregiver. It was a role that he had never predicted himself capable of, but Harry had been so utterly shattered, that he knew it was his responsibility to assist the boy in rebuilding himself, body and mind, lest he truly go mad. Harry was, he had to admit, an extraordinarily powerful wizard, possibly the most powerful of this age and left to run amok in a haze of lunacy he would pull the heavens down upon them all. He knew that even with most of his sanity restored, the boy Lily would have wanted him to be could never come to fruition. Harry was a child of darkness, like Snape himself.

It struck him as ironic from time to time how similar their lives were. Both came from abusive homes. Both had almost succumbed to the power of addiction. Both had felt the cruel sting of public persecution by ones peers. Both had experienced things that few could truly ever fathom. But Snape recognized that he could show Harry how to manage his vices, could guide him into taking the pain and horror and channel it, focus it so that he could become so strong no one could ever have him under thumb again. Snape smirked internally at the knowledge that one day The Dark Lord and Dumbledore would get their due.

"Chocolate biscuit? They are quite delicious."

Snape mentally rolled his eyes. Why the dried up old buzzard thought he could use his own potions against him he would never know. Snape knew Dumbledore's food and drink were laced with Veritaserum not to mention other highly illegal potions to control the mind and snare the senses.

As politely as he could manage Snape replied, "No, thank you Headmaster. Pardon me for being blunt, but precisely, why am I here?"

With a twinkle in his eye that continually maddened Snape to no end, Dumbledore popped a lemon drop into his mouth. "I wanted to inquire if you had any knowledge as to where Harry Potter is currently."

Severus steadied his breath, fought for control over his pulse as he faced the white bearded man. He knew that this had been coming. He knew that he was in this office for that very reason, but he hadn't thought that the Headmaster would be so bold as to throw down the gauntlet at the very beginning of the conversation. Talking in circles was the man's stock and trade. Being blunt was his territory.

"What about the brat," Snape sneered feigning confusion and disgust.

"He has been missing for quite sometime, almost nine months we believe. With the unusual amount of traveling by floo that you have been doing this term, I wondered if you had mounted your own investigation into the boy's whereabouts.

Are you sure you wouldn't want a cup of tea. It's this lovely mint. No? Ah well, back to the subject at hand. Did you know, well of course you don't, it is not a well-known fact, but the boy somehow managed to run away from his Aunt and Uncle's house in Surrey and make his way to London sometime last June. From there he worked in a coffee shop before falling in with the wrong sort and ending up working in a brothel. "

Snape blood froze. How did the man know all of that? Did he have spies following Harry all summer? Standing outside watching the boy get tortured day after day? While he was working on the streets? In the house? How many of his spies were actually patrons of Harry's? Snape had no illusions that some of those who worked for Albus would have jumped at the chance to sink into Harry's warm body. Never more in his life did he want to cast an Unforgivable at the disgusting creature before him.

"As I have told you, I have been called away more as a result of The Dark Lords increased demands on my person," Snape smoothly countered. "But is that true Headmaster, about Potter," he snorted. "Well, I'm not taken aback by the fact Potter ended up a whore. I'm sure he was arrogant enough to think that people should pay him for the privilege of having intercourse with him. I know that he flitted about these hallowed grounds as if he where a Muggle rockstar, so it comes as no surprise that he would do such a thing" Snape responded dryly with a touch of venom while on the inside he wanted to vomit at what was spewing forth from his mouth.

Twinkling eyes narrowed, trying to spot cracks in his façade. "Now Severus, that is a truly unkind thing to say. I am extremely worri-"

" Worried," Snape interjected, " about that selfish, arrogant fame seeker? Albus, why am I here? You know I have no love for Potter."

"Yes, it is true that you and he have had some disagreements in the past, but you have always looked after the boy. You have continually saved him time and time again." The sly man causally picked up his saucer and daintily sipped his tea before continuing. " I was just wondering, my dear boy, if you were continuing to protect him now. Hiding him perhaps?"

"I would never do anything of the kind," Snape spat, knowing that he needed to maintain extreme mental discipline at this moment, lest the old bastard probe his mind. "He needs to be here to fight The Dark Lord. I think it terribly like him to shirk his responsibilities, his duty to all of wizardkind, to those who have fallen to protect him. Now sir, if that is all, I must return to my lab. I have potions that need tending and DADA lessons to plan."

"Still holding on to your debt of honor to Miss Evans?"

His chest hurt at the words. The devious berk always knew what buttons to push to tear at the heart of him, dropping comments on him like Muggle bombs. Regrouping mentally, Snape charged ahead, not giving the old man the satisfaction of seeing him crumble for a moment. "Yes, while it is true that I have vowed to look after the boy, it doesn't mean that I like or care for the ignorant little sod. That vow is about his mother, not him."

"I see." The lavender coloured wizard placated. "This has been a lovely chat Severus. I do hope we will find the time to have another."

Appraising his opponent, Snape stood and clasped his hands behind his back releasing the pressure trigger on his wand holder causing the magical tool to pop up out of his sleeve and into his palm just in case, prepared to strike if Dumbledore tried to force his hand. "Till next time Headmaster."

Snape slowly backed out the room towards the door and with as much bravado as he could muster, swept out of the office.

Harry felt more on edge today than any day in recent months. He could feel something coming, an otherworldly sense telling him that a major change, an eventwas going to alter the almost content he now felt. He didn't know if it was for good or ill yet, but never the less it was coming. It was an odd feeling to say the least.

It had been a month since Snape's encounter with Dumbledore in his office. Upon Snape's return, they had stepped up his nightly training. He had never felt more confident about his skills, about the path he was on. He could crush them without a thought now. Harry knew that he should feel badly about wanting to destroy the person who at one time was father, mother, and grandfather to him, but in all honesty he couldn't feel anything but pleasurable anticipation. The man perpetuated this façade of Grandfatherly concern and care, all the while he was just as a dark as Voldemort. Power hungry, devious.

Harry had found through his hours in the library and other sources that Dumbledore had been friends with Gellert Grindelwald, the last Dark Lord. That, if the rumors where to be believed, Dumbles and Grindelwald were actually lovers. Harry came across references to something called the Deathly Hallows when he was looking for information on the old buzzard, but there wasn't enough, only pieces in the books he could get a hold of. He found plenty on the Elder Wand though.

Harry had laughed out loud when he realized that Dumbledore had the powerful wand. After all of his experiences with the decrepit man, he wondered if Grindelwald was even a bad wizard at all. It made sense to Harry that the old buzzard would turn on his lover, his friends; destroy them if they got in the way of his plans. The man was evil through and through.

Harry knew that he would stop him. He couldn't wait to see the man suffer; to strip him of his power, to make him crawl and beg, to offer him as a gift at Snape's feet as a token of thanks. He could never express his gratitude to Snape enough, for the training, for the care. There was nothing he could ever buy, ever do that could possibly equal the gift the man had given him. For the first time in his life, he had a home.

With a shake of his head, Harry continued to finish dinner, now was not the time for such thoughts. He had taken to cooking all the meals at their house as a way to replay Snape for saving him. Tonight he was going to make Snape's favorite, fillet mignon, asparagus, and roasted rosemary potatoes. Although he had been lectured repeatedly that Snape didn't want payment of any kind for taking care of him, Harry had insisted. Cooking was such a small thing and he had a great deal of experience at it. He learned how to over the many years of serving as a cook to the Dursleys.

The darkness inside of him crawled over his skin. Taking a deep breath, Harry started to calm the panic and fear at the thought of Privet Drive. He remembered Snape's meditation training as his mind went down a gruesome path. He was fine. He was far away from them and one day he was going to make them suffer as he had suffered. One day he would wallow in their blood, feel it warm and slick in his hands. He had nothing to fear from them. Snape had saved him. He was here in their house. It would be fine.

Their? Harry frowned for a moment, but it slowly transformed into a small smile. They had been living here together since that day many months ago. Snape didn't sleep in his dungeon rooms any longer, instead choosing to stay close to his side. Harry smirked. At first it had been his plea for the man to stay with him, but slowly they had formed a routine. Most nights Snape wrapped Harry in his arms and rocked him gently, rubbed his back, or read to him until they fell asleep.

He supposed he should feel awkward or strange about that, Snape holding him at night, waking up all octopus arms and legs with the man who was once a thorn in his side…but he didn't. He couldn't. It felt too…right, too perfect to throw away on the past. The former Death Eater obviously cared for him; taking care of all Harry's needs, leaving little gifts to brighten his day, the kind words and encouragement that he gave him, the training.

So many nights over dinner, over drinks, they would just talk. Talk about something they read or some such thing. Through their nightly interactions, they had found that they had so much more in common than they had ever known. And Merlin, did the man have an absolutely wicked sense of humor! He had never known that Snape could be so funny. Those nights were some of the most cherished of all their time together, the nights that were filled with hours of laughter.

But there were other nights. Not so happy nights. Nights when the flashes came, when he was so scared he couldn't move from the floor on which he was huddled. Nights he'd be filled with so much rage that he had very nearly torn the house down around them. Where his power surged with such force that he felt consumed by it, losing himself in the feel of hate and magic. Nights when Snape would find him staring out into nothing, lost in dark memory.

Those nights were the worst. Those nights he pushed. The empty nights. He wanted to feel something, anything. He would crawl onto Snape's lap or sink to the floor and snake his hand up dark trouser covered legs and beg to be fucked. He'd urgently pull on the man's robes to get him to react, stroke his cloth-covered cock, willing him to give in. Sometimes he would get so desperate he would fling his clothes off and present himself on hands and knees, legs spread and offer himself for the taking. He would lower his head down to the floor and wait for the feel of Snape's cockhead to push it's way into him. He'd grind his arse on Snape's cock if he was sitting, coaxing it to life, desperate to have it in him, to know that he was alive, to know that he could feel, to know that Snape would make it good for him.

He was always denied. Instead of giving in, taking what he was offered, Snape with just soothed him with his voice, with a kiss, with a promise that things would get better. Harry had never met a man with more integrity. The man gave him…hope. Gave him a home. Cradled in his arms, Harry had never felt so safe, so …loved.

Love.

Warmth filled his chest, like a damn bursting.

Love.

Did he love Snape?

The sound of the floo snapped Harry from his thoughts and back to the dinner he had so carefully been preparing.

"Harry," called a thick velvet voice.

"In here." Harry was a bit nervous; he hoped Snape liked the meal. "I made your favorite for dinner."

"Harry…" Snape crossed long lithe arms across his wide chest. "I thought we had this conversation? You don't have to cook for me. You don't owe me anything, nothing at all."

"Ahh, that's where you're wrong… I do, but that's not the point." With a cheeky smile, Harry continued as if he had not heard the man's scolding. "Set the table would you? Dinner is almost ready. Do you want to choose the wine?"

Dinner had been a raving success. Just as Harry had predicted, Snape griped and grumbled at first, only to devour the meal with gusto. Complementing him on his skill and thoughtfulness. It made him so happy to see the man eat. He didn't do it enough.

After the table had been cleared, the pair moved to the sitting room and started the fire. They curled up on the sofa and just listened to the sound of each other breathing. It was lovely. So very lovely that Harry couldn't resist placing a small gentle kiss to Snape's lips.

"Harry…" Snape whispered with trepidation.

"No. I'm not feeling empty. I'm so full, so happy. I just had to. Sorry." Harry ducked his head down, hiding his face in Snape's chest.

"Harry, do..." Snape began," do you really want to kiss me?"

Looking up, Harry gazed into obsidian coloured orbs flecked with firelight. Did he really want to kiss this man? "Oh yes" Harry replied huskily, earnestly. "I do want to kiss you, not because of some debt, but because I want you. Always. I don't think I could bear to give you up.

You know today as I was cooking, I realized that I think of this place as our house. Our home. I have a home with you. You are the only person who has ever made me feel safe. I…" Harry took a steadying breath. Once he said the words they could never be unsaid. "I love you."

Snape felt as if the world grew brighter. He felt as if all his sins had been forgiven. If this beautiful boy could love him, anything was possible, he could do anything, be anyone. He could move mountains. Snape mentally shook himself for being so sappy and cliché, but he was happy. So very happy.

"I love you too."

They leaned forward to consummate their love with a kiss…

!BANG!

The room became flooded with Order member. "Grab him," someone shouted. Hands ripped the pair apart. "Harry run," Snape screamed just as he was hit with a stunning spell.

"Severus," Harry wailed.

Then…nothing.

Harry felt the slow creep of consciousness pulling at his mind. He didn't know where he was, but wherever it was there were people there. He could catch bits and pieces of talking.

"… we're his friends! Why would he go to…"

"Did you check him for Imp.."

"…no sign of it. He was there because… wanted to be."

"Snape must have…"

Severus. Harry knew he had to wake up. He had to find Severus. Struggling, Harry tried to clear the fog around his mind. Words became more clear, voices more distinct.

"Mr. Weasley, we have no way to…what Professor Snape may or may not have done to Harry. We won't know anything until… wakes," sternly replied Professor McGonagall.

"It's just that, Harry...well hated him. There is no way that what Professor Snape is saying is true. There is no… that they are just friends. I just can't believe that Harry was there because… wanted to be," huffed Hermione.

A grandfatherly voice soothed. "My…Miss Granger, all shall be reveled in due time. Until he awakens why do you and Mr. Weasley wait… the other room. The Order needs to have a meeting before we begin."

Harry heard robes rustling. More voices pulled at his awareness.

"Albus is it true," questioned, a voice full of concern. Remus.

"Yes, Remus…found him there. We still don't know why, but we will shortly.

"I just can't believe he didn't come to me. More than that, why did he runaway in the first place? What was he doing… London?"

"Harry! Oh my, that poor, poor boy," sobbed Molly Weasley.

"Molly, he'll be alright," Arthur reassured his crying wife.

"What was he doing in London Albus," Remus asked.

"I'm sorry to say… Harry has gotten himself mixed up with the wrong sort. I have traced his whereabouts to a, I'm sorry Molly but this is going to shock you, you should probably sit down. As I was saying, I tracked him to … brothel in London."

"A WHAT," Remus bellowed.

"A brothel that catered to an exclusively male clientele. " Harry's mind raged at the false concern in the old man's voice. He was really laying it on thick.

"I wish he would have told me," sighed Remus. "There is nothing wrong with liking men. I could have told him that's not an issue in Wizard society. Do you think that's why he ran away?"

"I'm not sure," spoke the grandfatherly voice. "I hate to tell you, but there is more."

"How… more," inquired Professor McGonagall.

"A bit. It seems he also became addicted to Muggle narcotics during this time."

"That poor boy. My poor Harry," whimpered Molly.

"The last piece is almost more shocking than the rest. It seems that Severus has been aware of Harry location for many months and has kept him warded in… house off the coast of Ireland."

"Severus," gasped Arthur. "What was he doing to the boy?"

"We don't know, but when the members of the Order found them Harry and Snape in a compromising position. We don't know if he was forced or not. We shall uncover the truth when he awakens. We will also proceed with an intervention. Regardless of the situation with Severus, the boy needs help. I think St. Mungo's would be the best place for him until he can return to the fight against Voldemort."

The longer Dumbledore spoke, the more Harry wanted to rip his throat out. How dare he slander Severus like that! How dare he try to sully the man he loved! At last the fog in his mind melted away. Harry sat up and sneered as he spoke, "Don't talk about Severus like that you old buzzard."

Ten pairs of eyes locked on him.

"Harry! Don't talk like that," chided Molly.

"I'll speak as I please when someone is trying to slander Severus' name. He has done nothing wrong. Only saved me when no one else would." Harry's eyes hardened at the subtle smirk on Dumbledore's lips. "You, old man, should not even be allowed to speak is name."

"Are we sure he isn't under some spell. That just doesn't sound like Harry," whispered Remus to McGonagall.

"No, I am not under a spell Remus. I just don't take kindly to accusations against the man I care for."

"Harry I…" Remus began before Dumbledore cut him off. "Remus, I think we should wait until Harry's friends and the rest of the Order get here. Then we can begin with questions."

"Where is he," Harry demanded. "Where is Severus?"

"Snape! He finally wakes up and he asks about Snape," roared Ron as he reentered the room. "I can't believe it. He asks about the bloody hook-nosed git."

"Ron, that's enough," scolded Molly and Hermione simultaneously.

"We don't know what's going on with him. Maybe Harry's been under a spell of potion that makes him…feel things…ask about Professor Snape."

"I'm under no spell or potion 'Mione," Harry coolly interjected. "I just want to know what they did to him. I want to know where he is."

"Well the great dungeon bat is waiting to get carted off to Azkaban where he can't sink his greasy paws into you!"

"Enough," rumbled Dumbledore. "This is not helping. I request that everyone stay silent until the rest of the order arrives."

It was a tense few minutes as they all waited for Tonks and Moody to arrive, with Shacklebolt and Mundungus following a few minutes later. Once every member had been accounted for, Dumbledore asked Harry to sit in the center of the circle of his so called protectors and friends. Harry was ready. If they pushed him anymore, refused to tell him were Severus was, he was going to make sure they paid. No they wouldn't like what happened next.

Harry crouched down and roughly grabbed Dumbledore's face.

"Have fun fighting me and Voldemort. I'm sure you'll lose. And when you do, you'll be my puppets. " Harry taunted as he headed out the door," I told you….I wasn't going."

Harry stopped. Severus. He needed to find Severus.

"Before I go, tell me, where is Severus?"

The room was utterly still. No one spoke.

"I'll ask again, where is Severus?"

Nothing. Hmm…Harry guessed he was going to have to be more persuasive. Just like a light bulb switching on, Harry had an answer. He knew he could tweak the spell he had read to reach into all of their minds, even ol' Dumbles. Wouldn't that be a shocker to the old man.

"Patefacio Mensmentis!

The swirling of minds around him, glowing like precious gems; a kaleidoscope of stimuli. More than images, memories, he could feel…intentions. This spell was going to come in very handy. Harry pushed at one mind then the next; always knowing who was who.

~Remus~

He felt his sadness at not being there for Harry. For not saving Sirius. He felt the twinge of disappointment at not being the person Harry ran to for help. He felt his fear of Harry; of the shear amount of power he now knew was inside of him.

Harry could feel the sincerity of his emotional connection to him. It pleased him that Remus really did care for him. Harry hoped that he could convince the werewolf to join him, to steal him away from Dumbledore.

~Molly~

Sadness. Fear. So much fear. Feeling that she had failed Harry somehow. Anger at Dumbledore's refusal to let her adopt him.

Adopt him? She had wanted to adopt him?

Love. So much love. Sadness that Harry had turned dark. Still she had loyalty to Dumbledore...but it seemed to be shaken.

Maybe he could convince her that Dumbledore was evil. If not... he would never attack her or her family. If she loved him enough to want to adopt him…he couldn't dishonor her by hurting her family.

~ Minerva~

Unwavering loyalty. Harry could feel an almost zealous devotion to the man…she loved?

Really?

She loved him. Would do anything to protect him because he..he..

Hmm… she was strong. Harry pushed harder shattering the barrier she had tried to erect.

He said he loved her. Saved her. An attack when she was a young girl. He killed the man who had hurt her. Got her the job at Hogwarts.

I wonder if…Harry's mind pondered the information. Maybe there was something to use there another day. As of right now there was nothing he could do to change her mind.

~Ron~

Was hungry….and scared….and…and…and…he was jealous? Of Harry's power. Of Harry's fame. But more than that…he…he was in love with him.

The revelation hit Harry like a ton of bricks. He's in love with me? Does he even know that he is? It would so be like Ron to fall in love and not even know it.

He didn't really know where Severus was…he was just so mad at Harry for asking.

Hmmm….Harry needed to get him to come to his side. Nab him before his love turned to hate. Even if he could never love Ron that way.

Mind after mind opened to him, revealing their secrets. No one seemed to really know where Severus was. Harry was beginning to wonder if Dumbledore had Oblivated the lot of them, when a memory screamed out to him. Latching on, Harry looked into Mundungus' mind.

~Mundungus~

He was scared. More scared than anyone here. He knew Harry would find out. He knew that Harry would kill him when he found out. But it was Dumbledore who told him to do it. To go there and make sure it was really him, that it wasn't a decoy using polyjuice. He told him to do it. To keep doing it.

Doing what?

But even though he was going to die…Harry would kill him for it…he would always know that he had had him.

Had me?

He had felt so good. The way he would do anything he wanted. Suck him, dress up. It didn't matter. Raven would do it.

Raven….. no. NO. He couldn't have. No. It just…Oh GODS!

Harry fled from his mind. He was going to kill him 'Dung had been right about that. He was going to take his time. Torture him. Make him squeal and beg and whimper and cry.

He was going to find those memories of Dumbledore giving orders. Collect them. Use them against him. Destroy him.

Turning back to his task he looked for Severus…Dumbledore. Dumbledore knew.

~Albus~

It was….blank.

Dark.

Nothing.

He knew the bastard knew where he was… he pushed harder.

The darkness brightened to a murky shade of grey.

He was getting closer. He pushed again.

The darkness had colour. Dull, sepia tinged, but colour nonetheless. He could see him. Severus. He was chained to a wall...somewhere. Not at Hogwarts. No….somewhere else. It looked so familiar. Like a memory from long ago.

It was an old house, large….a manor. Not Malfoy manor…older…muggle?

Muggle? Then it hit him. It was Riddle Manor. The bastard had delivered Severus to Voldemort. Turned him in as a spy. Harry wanted to know who else was playing double agent in the ranks of the Death Eaters to have worked that bit of double crossing out.

Finally finding the information he needed, Harry ended the spell.

Harry turned to face them, then spoke with the utmost calm. "Those of you with pure intentions to help me will be spared. Know that I would have you join me, to come with me. Even if you don't…just know that I will never hurt you. Those of you who truly love me, care for me, wanted what was best for me, I will never hurt you." Harry's voice turned hard, cutting like the sharpest knives. "Those of you who didn't, who don't, you should find the darkest hole you can. I will hunt you down and, well, let's just say you won't like it. Mundungus."

The man began to shake violently. He was so enrages at what Dumbledore had done to Severus, he needed to let his power out to play, to hurt something. "I saw you Mundungus. I saw into your mind. I know that you knew exactly where I was in London. You thought you could get away with fucking me under glamour? You are so very, very wrong."

"I was just doing what I was told…I was just…."Harry cut him off with a sectumsempra. Blood poured from the cut on the man's arm. Harry had been very controlled, only causing minor damage. He didn't want to turn those that might be swayed. "Mundungus, you should be more careful who you stick your dick in. They might not like it." Harry leaned down and whispered, so only he could hear. "You had better run, because if I find you, there won't be much left when I'm through." Standing, Harry stalked to his next target.

"I saw what you did Dumbles. I saw what you did to him. Where you took him. I warn you now, if Voldemort kills him, I'll rip out your insides with my bare hands and wear your entrails. How after his years of being your spy, could you turn him over to his death? How could you gift-wrap him for that madman? I forgot," Harry sneered, "you don't care about anyone but yourself."

Harry once again made his way out the door, calling over his shoulder as he went, "You all should consider yourself lucky he hasn't thrown you over as well. Watch your backs. "

The bitter night air bit into his skin as he stood on the grounds of Riddle Manor. The place was much more expansive than he had pictured it to be, but that didn't matter. He would raze the place if he didn't find Severus. Using his magic, Harry sent a wave out in search of the Potions Master. A tiny blip pulled at him and Harry apparated instantly.

He found Severus, just where he had seen in the Dumbledore's memory. Rushing to his side, Harry used his wand to unlock the large manacles. As soon as they unlocked, Harry grabbed his lover and transported them to Grimwauld Place. It was his since Sirius' death. Muttering a spell, Harry changed the wards, baring anyone but himself and Severus from being able to enter, to find the Unplotable location. Dragging the tall man's frame inside, he wondered why it had been so easy to get him back. There had been no one on guard. No Voldemort to be seen. It made he begin to worry.

Laying him down by the fireplace, Harry checked Severus for injuries. Aside from a few bruises on his face and chest, he looked otherwise sound. Then Harry flipped him over. Removing his shirt with a wave of his wand, Harry gasped. There burned into his lovers back was a message. It looked old, like it had been there for years instead of hours.

"You can have him. I've had my fill. See you soon Harry. '

He vowed then and there to smite down the snake-faced monster.

"Harry," Severus groaned.

"Sev! Sev, I have you. You're safe," Harry rambled as he helped the older man sit up. "I have you and nothing's going to hurt you again. I swear it."

"Harry, Merlin, I thought I lost you," Severus moaned as he wrapped his arms around the raven-haired boy.

"Severus," Harry murmured before he kissed him. It was heaven. It was home.

They fell upon each other, unable to wait another moment to touch, to kiss, to love one another. Clothing ripped and disappeared. They didn't care about scars or trauma. All they knew is that they had to be together.

Tongues licked and sucked, exploring never before seen territory. Fingers opened and stretched. At the first breach Harry cried for joy. He had always known, had always hoped it could be like this. So good. So much love. He felt, hoped it would never end, that there was never a moment when Sev wasn't inside of him, filling him, making him whole.

Bodies became slick with sweat as their loving became more intense

"Oh…Merlin…Sev. I love you. Love you so much…ah."

"Gods…Harry. Love... love you."

Every thrust went into the core of them, binding them closer and closer. They were so connected; more than friends, more than lovers, so much more. A glow formed around them, brilliant colours, swirling, ancient magic making them one.

With a cry of ecstasy, of pure bliss, they came.

Five Years Later…

Severus lay in the bed that he and Harry shared, that had been theirs for so many years. He couldn't believe his good fortune at finding his other half. He loved the feel of the man in his arms. It wasn't just the sex. It was the trust, the love that had transformed him. Made him lighter, made him complete. He always loved the merriment that flashed in his eyes at their private jokes. Their favorite being how many times that could fit "my dear boy" into situations. To take the power out of Dumbedore's favorite saying, they made it into a bit of silliness that only they could understand.

It was little things like that, which made Severus fight so hard. He wouldn't let anyone take his Harry away. No one would hurt what was his. Anyone who touched his husband would have to pray to Merlin for mercy, because he would have none.

He loved that Harry embraced his ruthlessness, his dark side and didn't run away screaming. They were both dark and light. Neither was whole without the other, without all their pieces.

A small knock brought Severus out of his musings.

He gently coaxed Harry awake with tender kisses. "Mmmm…. that's the way to get a person up," Harry wolfishly grinned.

"None of that now you minx. Someone's at the door," Severus laughed as Harry pounced on top of him. With a very sexy pout Harry slid off Sev and sunk back under the covers. "Come in!"

The tall sandy haired man entered the room. "Harry, we've just be informed that Voldemort wants to have a meeting with you. Tonight."

"Tonight? Well, I think that can be accomplished don't you Sev? I really do owe Mr. Riddle for the present he gave you. I've not had the chance to adequately repay him," said Harry menacingly.

" I think so. I think it's time. What do you think Remus?"

Remus walked over to the edge of the bed and leaned against the large cherry wood post. "I suppose it would be a good idea, but we would need to take extra precautions. There is no telling what those old bastards are up to. It could be a trap by one or both of them."

Harry quietly smiled. Since Remus' defection, he had worked so hard to protect him, them. Never leaving anything to chance. It was comforting to know that Remus wanted to make up for not believing him at first. That and regular probing into his mind to check his intentions had lead to the man admittance into Harry's inner circle of advisors.

It had been such a blow for Dumbledore to lose not only Remus, but most of the Weasley's, Poppy, and Minerva; the last being the coupe de grais. She had been so staunch in her support, until Harry had proven that it was in fact Dumbledore himself that had attacked her all those years ago and that he had killed an innocent man to cover his tracks.

Not only had he stolen over half of the Order away, he had managed to steal a few Death Eaters too. The Malfoys were the first to jump ship, but he had to keep an eye on them. They were too slick for their own good, so he had made them take the Unbreakable Vow when they changed sides. He had nabbed some of the younger generation Slytherin's with Sev's help, claiming Parkinson, Zabini, and Greengrass as his own. It felt good, all this power. He knew it would be any day now when he crushed his opposition. Turn them to dust.

"Gather the team. We'll leave in two hours," Harry replied with authority.

"Of course. Harry. Severus," Remus replied before he left.

"Two hours Harry? Why so long," asked Sev.

"That should leave me just enough time to have my wicked way with you husband," Harry grinned cheekily before he once again pounced.

To Be Continued…

A/Side Note- The spell in the office scene is one I created. Patefacio mean to make open and Mens Mentis means thought, intention.