The Fire Within Chapter 16 Severus' POV
Hi! Here's Chapter 16! I hope you like it! Thank you for reading and reviewing and adding this story to favorite/alert lists. Hello lovely people you all are so awesome. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Please Review. I would love to hear from you.
This will be boyxboy if you don't like don't read.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter that would go to J.K. Rowling.
Severus reached for the list of books he had for Harry to read before they began their lessons on Monday. There were a total of four books that Harry needed to read in order to understand the material better before actually brewing any potions. "Mr. Potter this will be the first of many lists to come." Severus handed Harry the list, making Harry pout in the way Severus found very enticing. He had to rein in his thoughts. He barely went a whole day without touching the younger man and he'd already went way beyond the line of friendship. Neither of them seemed to mind at the time, but he really had to get a grip before he let the whole school know that he was having a relationship beyond student and professor. Severus turned his focus back to Harry who was ruminating over his homework for the week. "You will have to have each book read by Monday." Severus crossed his arms on his desk watching the play of emotions chase each other over Harry's face.
Harry straightened up in his seat falling in the role of student faster than Severus thought he could. "All of them?" he asked a weary sigh escaping his lips.
Severus resisted the urge to smirk at how Harry reacted to the amount of work that he was going to have to do. "Of course Mr. Potter. Isn't that what I just said?"
"Yes, sir." Harry slumped in his seat. Emerald eyes scanning the list, probably not recognizing any of the titles. Harry looked up, catching Severus studying him. Severus didn't look away like he wanted to. He kept his gaze locked with Harry's. "Professor where do I get the books?"
"From the library. I will not have you using my own personal copies."
Harry winced at Severus' sharp tone. He lightened the blow of his words a little with a whisper. "I will also be reading the same books as you are in order to better prepare you and myself for the lessons to come. You will find that Madame Pince has all the copies already ready and waiting for you when you go to the library."
Harry smiled softly at Severus. Eyes crinkling at the corners. Something Severus found he liked very much. "Now off with you. Class starts soon."
Harry stood collecting his list and bag, heading for the door when he turned around. "Severus," Harry whispered, voice like a caress, warming Severus' insides.
Severus met Harry's eyes. Severus gave Harry a warning look for using his name outside his rooms. Harry chuckled. "I know sir, but does that mean I won't be able to see you after class for the rest of the week?" There was so much hope in Harry's eyes. He found he was having a hard time crushing it.
His stomach clenched with regret at not being able to spend more time with Harry, but keeping him at a distance for the next few days is what Severus had to do. He was barely able to contain himself this morning. Having Harry around him brought down his well designed defenses that never failed him until Harry confessed to him. "Yes you will have too much work to do anyway. I have some important matters that I must take care." That wasn't a lie. At least that's what he told himself. All the potions that he needed to brew for people wouldn't take much time or energy. Harry needed to focus on his studies if he wanted to do well this year. The last few weeks Severus took a lot of time from such things. Best to get the boy back on track before they both lost themselves in each other.
Harry once again pouted in front of Severus. I don't think he realizes what he does to me when he does that or does he? Severus looked back down at his desk not sure he'd be able to control his actions. He clenched his hands together, keeping himself seated. Although his mind and body screamed at him to get up and kiss Harry until they had to start class. He refused the impulse. "I trust you can see yourself out."
"I'll see you soon Professor." Harry's voice held such warmth. It warmed the coldest parts of Severus', thawing out his normal icy veneer. He looked up to find Harry gone and with him the wonderful warmth Severus' was starting to associate with him.
Severus sighed, running his fingers through his hair. He'd be alone for the next few days without Harry's constant presence. Unbeknownst to him he was becoming familiar with the presence of Harry beside him or pressed up against him. Severus felt his cool dungeons suddenly become very hot. He waved a hand in front of him, trying to rid his body of the flush that took over. He reorganized his desk to let his mind wander before class started. He had to speak with Malfoy before he tried to get Harry back for punching him. It might make him look a little more suspicious in Malfoy's eyes that he was defending Harry. He didn't care. He had to make the boy see that there was nothing to gain by pursuing more conflict with Harry. With that in mind Severus went to his classroom and began his lesson.
It was hard to make any snide remark when Harry's backside kept capturing Severus' attention. Harry's slugs kept getting away from, falling on the floor, giving Severus a lovely view of his butt when he bent over to get his slugs. It kept happening almost causing Severus to forget he needed to talk to Malfoy. Severus pulled his eyes away when Harry lost yet another slug. He refocused his attention on Malfoy who was not having any trouble with the ingredients for the potion.
"Mr. Malfoy I'd like to talk to after class," Severus said, catching the eye of Harry. He waved him off. Harry'd probably try sticking around.
Malfoy jerked with surprise. His silver eyes snapped to Harry then back to Severus. It appeared he wanted to argue, but thought better of it. He gripped the counter top tightly, knuckles going white. "Yes, sir," he said through clenched teeth.
The class went by rather quickly leaving him alone with a seething Malfoy sitting in front of him while Severus contemplated what he should say. He leaned forward, placing his hands on his desk. "Mr. Malfoy you seem to be under the impression that you can fight with other students and not receive consequences for such actions." Malfoy folded his arms across his chest shielding himself from Severus' reprimand. "You will leave Mr. Potter alone. No more thoughts of revenge or whatever is going on in that head of yours."
Malfoy openly glared at Severus. It surprised him to see one of the people in his own house look at him like that. "Professor he deserves it. And don't think I don't know about you two."
"Idle threats will not work here Mr. Malfoy. I suggest you let whatever grudge against Potter go or I cannot tell you what action will be taken in regards to the information you think you have. It will be taken to the Headmaster for sure."
"I don't want to bring you down Professor only Potter. But you're part of the equation either way." Malfoy was clearly intent on following through his schemes.
"Mr. Malfoy leave it be. I will not say it again. Next time you try to attack or threatened Mr. Potter you will be sent to the Headmaster and receive whatever punishment he sees fit to bestow on you. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Malfoy grumbled, glaring one more time before leaving Severus' office.
That didn't go too well. He will at least back off Harry for a while at least.
Severus' little talk didn't go quite as planned. He'd have to keep a closer to eye on Malfoy, but he bought Harry some freedom for a little while.
Severus went through the rest of the day, yelling at students that messed up easy ingredients, earning him a migraine. He stumbled back to his quarters bone tired when he slipped through the portrait hole. He didn't even have the comfort of knowing Harry would be coming. He'd be reading the books that Severus gave him for the week. He slumped on his couch too tired to reach his bed. He lay down, hand over his eyes, blocking out what little light was in his room. It sent sparks of pain through his head when greeted with the light. Through the spaces between his fingers he saw the lights dim and a small feminine voice startled him into sitting up.
"Here you go Master." Bella handed him a cup of tea along with a vial of potion that'd get rid of his headache. "Bella brought you something to eat and medicine to take away the pain in your head."
Severus reached for the potion and tea gratefully. "Thank you Bella." The tray of food was set in front of him on his coffee table. He didn't feel like eating, but thought better of it. He should have a little food in stomach before he took his potion.
"Master will not be expecting anyone tonight?" Bella asked.
"No one today Bella."
"Okay Master. Bella will leave you alone now to feel better."
"Thank you again Bella."
"No need for thanks Master. Just feel better. Maybe Harry Potter will come and surprise Master." Bella whisked herself away before Severus could reply to her comment.
Severus ate little bits and pieces of his food before taking his potions. Lying back on the couch he thought Bella was right. It would be a nice surprise to see Harry tonight, but that was not likely. Severus fell asleep with the thought of Harry and his green, green eyes.