Disclaimer: Ahh, how I wish I was the one to come up with these ideas…. And yet, sadly, I am not. All hail J.K. Rowling, Queen of the most Awesome characters around.

Title: The Ties That Bind

Beta'd by the most amazing and delightful Shadowfax999. Everyone should hail her, too, for making everything in this chapter superbly readable. J

Summary/ Warning: Dom/ Sub, HGRW, PPBZ, RLSB, LVBL …and of course HPSS.

Chapter 2: And Comes the Storm

:parseltongue:

'essay'

private thoughts

Harry sat in the Library after dinner, finishing his Potion Essay. Finally done with it, he sat back, picked up his parchment, and reread it.

'The potion Subdo Revilio was created fifteen thousand years ago to make the selection of one's life partner easier. Times were harder then, and the potion was created out of necessity because Witches and Wizards were dying at an alarming rate. Since that time, however, the potion has become almost obsolete, administered only in schools for the enlightenment of children. The effects of the potion are as follows: Dominants see themselves and their partners in green; Submissive's see themselves and their partners in blue.

Upon the formal recognition of a link between the two mates, a biological clock begins to tick, making it imperative for both parties to be in each other's presence. If that closeness is not achieved, both members of the relationship will suffer horrible pain due to separation. Formal recognition consists of a conversation concerning anything while the glow of the potion is still present, even if one half has not taken the potion, so long as he or she knows who his or her mate is.

If the level of pain gets to a certain point, only sexual intercourse will stop the agony. It is unwise to let it get to that point, however. If the two parties can stay in each other's presence for the requisite two days with no act of sexual intercourse, the bond may be severed with no harm to either member. If, during those two days, an act of sexual intercourse takes place, the bond is cemented and is irrevocable. It should be noted that the couple may be of the same sex, as it will not be a problem in reproduction.

The potion is not an enhancer, but merely a tool by which Witches and Wizards may be sure of their mate and their position in the relationship. The Dominant, for example, is the partner who traditionally initiates sexual contact. The Submissive is the partner more open to suggestion from the Dominant.

Characteristics of the Dominant include a ferocious possessive streak that starts strong and only gets stronger. In the first days of the relationship, it is not wise for the Submissive in the relationship to go anywhere near anyone the Dominant could perceive as a threat to his/ her position. Periods of closeness should be pre-arranged, especially if necessity forces the couple to be long distances away from each other.

Another characteristic of the Dominant is that they are also fiercely protective of their Submissive. It may at first seem the same as possessiveness, but it is indeed different. The protective tendencies apply to the Dominant as well as a physical imperative to make sure that their Submissive is happy and well-cared for. The Dominant feels the need to give the Submissive whatever they request, and the Dominant would rather have him- or herself waste away than mistreat their Submissive. This characteristic ensures that the Dominant does not hurt the Submissive, as might happen if this safe guard was not in place, as was the case before the potion was changed in the earliest days.

The final characteristic of the Dominant is the most important and most shocking of all. The Dominant, upon completion of the first act of sexual intercourse, gains access to their Submissive's inner most thoughts and feelings. Many have described this sensation as having a running commentary in the back of their minds. Many Dominant's use this ability to 'read their Submissive's mind,' as it were, to give greater physical satisfaction the their partner.

On a different note, this most important aspect of being a Dominant is enhanced by the fact that it is used most often for its more practical purposes. If either the Submissive or the Dominant is in a bad situation, they need to merely reach out to their counterpart's mind and call for help.

For though the Submissive cannot see into the Dominant's mind, the Dominant is always listening, and can hear a cry for help. The Dominant can place thoughts and words into the mind of his or her Submissive, though the Submissive cannot access the mind of his or her Dominant.

One of the characteristics of the Submissive is a fierce loyalty to their Dominant, placed above all other earthly ties. This may cause problems for previous relationships, but provisos have been added into the Wizarding Laws for every Government in the event of this occurrence.

Another is the total obedience of the Submissive to his or her Dominant's will, especially in physical situations. While the Dominant will always try to pleasure his or her Submissive as much as possible, the possessive tendencies of the Dominant demand that the Submissive obey his or her commands. Hence, built into the Submissive mentality is the need to obey his or her Dominant. This total submission to the Dominant's will can be overcome with careful planning and total trust on the part of both partners. It is suggested that the Dominant not demand that the Submissive call him or her 'Master,' as it will only increase the frustration the new Submissive will have at their need to bend to another's will. This is another area where the Dominant's ability to read the mind of their Submissive will come in handy. That ability will prevent any serious damage from being done, and will probably save the purity of the union.

The last and most important of the traits of the Submissive in a homosexual relationship is the ability to bear children. The Submissive can become pregnant if the Dominant desires it. Obviously, it is not as easy as that, but it is close. Both parties must express a serious interest in having a child immediately before sexual activity, and they must both go into the act with that goal in mind. This is a safeguard for the Submissive, the bearer of the child, as forcing a pregnancy on an unwilling person is a heinous act.

Above are the most common of the characteristics of the Dominant/Submissive relationship. On another note, the partnership can be broken by death, but this is unusual as the other partner will normally follow their mate into the Afterlife. Aside from dying of natural causes, the breaking of a relationship can occur if there has been a serious breech of trust. The breech can be made by anything, but both parties must truly feel that they have been hurt beyond all repair by their counterpart. If this happens, the bond may dissolve by itself. But the consequences of the bond dissolving are vast. The once partners will walk around for the rest of their natural life with a gaping, empty place in their soul, and they will begin to wish that the bond had not been dissolved, but a broken bond can never be remade, so they are doomed to walk around for eternity only half a person.'

"Damn," Harry said in admiration of his work, "I can actually write a good essay all by myself."

He started when he heard Hermione's voice say from behind him, "That's because you have a vested interest in the subject." Even with the silence in the library, he hadn't heard her come up behind him. He smiled, and gestured for her to sit. She took him up on his offer, and leaned back in her chair.

"Where'd you leave Ron?" he asked in amusement. He'd noticed that the red-head hadn't left her side all day, and wondered what she'd done to him.

"I told him that if he doesn't stay away from me for the next hour, I wouldn't sleep with him ever again." She smirked at the expression on Harry's face as he thought about his two best friends having sex.

"Ew, nasty," he smiled at her, enjoying the joking around, then grimaced as his side twinged.

"What's wrong, Harry?" Hermione asked upon seeing the new expression. He groaned as the twinge came again, closer to his midsection now.

"I think the pain I found out about in my research is about to begin." A sudden thought struck him, and he glanced up into Hermione's worried eyes. "I'm going to be very out of it for the next few days, aren't I? Not that you'd notice, with all the dust in your eyes from those musty old books I saw you sneaking out of here earlier." He grinned slightly at her, and flinched away as Hermione poked him, mock-offended.

"Shut up. I was doing research. A foreign concept for you, I'm sure," she said snidely, then relented. "Now, how are you going to deal with this for two straight days?"

"I'll manage," Harry muttered, staring at his essay. "I'll manage." In a blinding mood swing, he turned to Hermione and said, "On the upside, you'll be the first to know if I go and get some to make it better." He grinned at her stunned expression.

"What?" he asked defensively. "At least it's not as bad as it could be." Hermione just looked at him in concern.

Probably for my sanity, he quipped to himself, smiling at her.

"You know I've had a crush on him since fifth year. You keep riding me about it, remember?" Besides, Harry added silently, I can already feel myself wanting him.

"I thought that you were over that a long time ago and were just pulling my leg whenever you brought it up." Her brow crinkled, and she looked at him in fascination, like she'd never seen him before. "You've been holding out on me," she whispered admiringly. Harry grinned, and settled into his chair feeling exceedingly smug. The two of them had shared everything with each other since Harry had admitted to being gay in fourth year.

"Yes, but not much other than that," he said, and paused, considering carefully, before he continued, "unless you wanted to hear about the wet-dreams his voice induces."

Her startled peal of laughter had every head in the otherwise quiet room swiveling around to face them, wondering what was going on. Hermione snapped her mouth shut as Madam Pince came sweeping over, a furious glare on her pinched face.

"What is the meaning of this?" she hissed, and Harry thought briefly that she sounded too much like a snake for his comfort. After all, he liked snakes.

Hermione came to the rescue, her guileless face radiating innocence. "I am terribly sorry, Madam. I don't know what came over me, I honestly don't. I promise it will never happen again." Madam Pince looked skeptically at Harry, sure he had corrupted her favorite student, but relented as Hermione added, "I promise."

"I will let it go this once, Ms. Granger, because you normally show a great deal of respect for the sanctity of the Library." With a last, suspicious look at Harry, she spun away and left them alone. They managed to keep straight faces until she was out of sight before dissolving into helpless giggles.

"I am terribly sorry," Harry mimicked between his feeble gasps for breath, clutching his stomach as he tried to stay silent. "How priceless, the Librarian's Pet, lying boldly right to her face! 'Sanctity of the Library', my arse!" This just sent Hermione off into another round of spasmodic laughter, and it took a good five minutes for them to calm down enough to resume their conversation.

Wiping a stray tear away, Hermione sighed and finally calmed down. "Well, that was interesting." She smiled at Harry and said, "So, you still like him, you know, that way?" Harry nodded, and a pensive expression stole over his face. "What's up with the look?"

Harry pursed his lips as he refocused his gaze on his friend. "I just had this really odd thought, Hermione."

"Oh? About what?"

Harry bit his lip, and asked hesitantly, "I can ask you something embarrassing and you won't laugh at me, right?"

Hermione, a little startled, replied with a firm "Of course."

She watched as her best friend steeled himself, leaned forward, and asked in a low voice, "What is sex like?"

Hermione's eyebrow shot into her hairline. Leaning close to him she said in a skeptical voice, "You're a virgin?" Harry sat back grumpily. He hadn't expected her to be that incredulous, and it was sticking him off.

"Yes," he groused, "I am. Don't make fun of me." He pouted at Hermione, who looked hurt.

"I'm not making fun of you, I'm just surprised, that's all."

"Why?" Harry asked sourly, folding his arms across his chest. "Did you believe all the rumors about my sexual exploits?"

"No need to get prissy, Harry. I know you too well to have believed anything from the rumor mill, and, if I had thought any of it was true, I would have come to you immediately to find out. You know that," she lectured, wagging a finger at him and frowning.

Harry grudgingly nodded, though he didn't want to be reasonable about it. He spotted Neville coming over to them and perked up, glad of any excuse to escape Hermione's piercing eyes. Neville slid into a seat between them and slouched, looking around warily, as if expecting to be attacked at any minute.

"Hey, Nev. What's new?"

The boy in question stared at Harry in slight shock, and responded "What's new, he asks. What's new, indeed. Do you really want to know?"

Harry glanced to Hermione for an explanation, but she just shrugged, and he offered a hesitant,

"Um, sorry?"

"Don't worry. It's me. I didn't mean to loose it just then, but he's been following me around since dinner, and everyone's noticed," Neville groaned and hid his head in his hands.

Harry and Hermione leaned towards him, worried. Neville never broke down. Since the middle of sixth year, he had been the strong, silent type, having finally gotten used to his body and over the clumsiness that had been his trademark. He raised his head at their concern, and smiled weakly.

"I'm going to go insane. He never shuts up - always with his clothes, his hair, his perfect body. I'm going to die."

"Um, who?" Harry inquired. He shared a confused glance with Hermione, then turned back to the other Gryffindor as he answered.

"Malfoy. He's my Sub, you know. That whole bit about being able to hear their minds? It's true. God help me, but it's true."

The first thing that popped into Harry's head was Neville slept with Malfoy?, but he was able to keep silent. Hermione, however, turned to Harry and said, "Oh, look! A source of information. You should ask him your question, seeing as he's of the same bent you are."

Harry stared at the insane girl openly before realizing that Neville was hanging on every word.

"What do you want to know?" the other boy asked. "Though I won't tell you anything about Draco." Neville fought down the beast inside him that rose to life at the mere thought, and looked at Harry expectantly.

The Golden Boy was staring at Hermione with a look of utter horror on his face, and as Neville processed the Head Girls words, he smiled. "So, you want to know what gay sex is like?" He couldn't help himself. The face of the other boy flushed hotly, and he was gaping at Neville like he had just grown three heads.

"Hermione!" he squeaked, he glared daggers at her as her shoulders started shaking with repressed laughter. He huffed, and said to Neville, "If you're going to be telling me about… it… then I also want to know why you slept with Malfoy so quick."

He knew he was being insensitive, but he didn't care. They had poked fun at him and Harry was taking his revenge.

"Deal," Neville said firmly.

…or not.

Neville settled back into his chair and began. "I left really quickly after class and hid in Greenhouse Three, but Malfoy found me not ten minutes later and a screaming fit. We decided we were never going to speak of it again, but by dinner Draco had decided he wanted to have a real talk, so he dragged me outside. We sat down near the Lake, out of sight, and he told me that he had gone to the Library to do an assignment for once and that he'd found out some really useful stuff.

He told me how much it hurts when you put it off, and he actually told me he can't stand pain. To be honest, I think he was playing to my soft side – I know now that he was – and I agreed to go through with it."

He folded his arms across his chest and studied them while he waited for their reactions. Hermione was deep in thought, but Harry was just looking at his hands and, from the expression on his face, Neville knew he was deeply troubled without knowing why. He uncrossed his arms and leaned over to place a hand on Harry's shoulder. "What's wrong, mate?"

Harry thought hard after Neville's story. It seemed that the other boy had been complaining for the sake of complaining before because he had caught the hint of possessiveness in Neville's gaze whenever he said Malfoy's name. What had Harry stumped was his own emotions. The pain in his stomach was just below actively annoying, but he could feel it building up.

Should he go to Snape? Should he tough it out? His body was saying go to him, let him submit to you, but he knew he would be rejected if not killed outright if he did that. He started when a hand came down on his shoulder, and he smiled into Neville's worried eyes as the boy asked him what was wrong.

Harry just shook his head. "You thought you had problems with your Sub," he muttered, resting his head against the table as if tired of fighting himself. Neville was about to take offense at the statement when he saw Hermione catch his eye.

She was gesturing at Harry and miming Tickler? Creature? Teacher!? Neville's eyes widened to an impossible size as he looked down at Harry's head. Oh, he mouthed, shocked. He looked back at Hermione and watched her mouth for the sentence Don't ask him who it is, he's taking it badly.

Neville nodded, and placed a hand on Harry's back. He wondered who it was - none of the teachers were what anyone would call attractive, especially for the gay students.

"Well, buck up; it can't be that bad. At least you won't have to deal with telling my grandmother that I can't marry any of those girls she's picked out because I already have a guy set for life."

Harry raised his head and smirked at the boy. "The only image running through my head is Snape in your Grandmothers clothing, so sorry, Nev."

They all shared a low laugh at that and then Neville stood to go, pressing the tips of his fingers to his temple. "Listen, Harry, I'm sorry I can't tell you that thing you wanted to know right now, but if I don't find Draco, he's going to go insane. I'll see you around." They waved him off, watching as he walked out before turning back to each other.

Harry whimpered as he rested his head on his arms. "What do I do?"

The girl across from him was back in deep thought, though, and didn't answer him. Harry watched as her brain kicked into high gear, and he swore he could see the steam coming out of her ears. After a few minutes, however, he got bored and said, "Hermione? What's going on in that smart brain of yours?" She turned to him and frowned.

"I was thinking about what your relationship with Professor Snape is going to entail if you do end up going to him." She said slowly, clearly still thinking. She pursed her lips, and continued her train of thought. "It would be breaking about twelve school rules, five Wizarding rules, and it would be rejected by society as a whole, but the provisos in the Wizards Manifesto clearly state that Subdo Revilio is the higher law."

Harry watched his friend as she worried about him. He was doing his best to ignore the discomfort in his stomach as he watched the girl he loved like a sister try to figure out a way for this to work. "Hey, Hermione, I'm going to go to bed. Maybe the pain will diminish if I'm asleep." He gathered up his things and bent down to press a chaste kiss to her cheek.

"Goodnight," he said, and headed out of the Library to go to Gryffindor Tower, pretending not to notice the affectionate smile that flickered across her face as he walked away.

Upon his arrival in the Common Room, he was greeted with smiles all around. Nothing unusual was going on, and Harry wondered how many other couples had been formed by the potion. No one looked like they were in pain, and no one was looking shifty or guilty. So it's got to be only me, Hermione and Ron, Neville and Draco, Pansy and Blaise, and Snape. I guess that's better than if the whole House had a mate. I wonder about the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs.

He trooped up the stairs and tossed his stuff down before changing. Laying back, he dragged the covers over his body and sighed. The pain was quickly becoming more than a simple annoyance, and he sincerely hoped that falling asleep would deter the ache.

He shut off his light and settled into his bed.

Snape paced the floor of his private study. As he had expected, the pain came on time and started to burn through him. He briefly considered the notion of calling Potter down here, but dismissed it out of hand.

If I do that, the pain would indeed go away, but the urge to sleep with him would be overwhelming, and that cannot happen. I would be tied to that boy for the rest of my life! That is unacceptable. I already have two Masters. Surely I can withstand the pain; it's not horrible. He took off his jacket, still pacing, as his body began to overheat.

There is no rest from the boy! He ruins my Potions class, is the spitting image of his father, and now this! Snape fumed as he paced. The heat that pooled low in his belly whenever he thought of the boy was distracting, and enticed Snape to call for Potter with a series of explicit images.

Snape, lain out on his bed, Potter's head bobbing up and down. Snape, on his hands and knees as Potter pounded into him from behind. Snape, on his back, legs wrapped around Potter's waist as the boy thrust into him. Snape, grabbing for support as Potter's hand pumped his cock.

Snape growled and forced the images out of his mind. What good is learning Occlumency if you cannot control your own mind? he asked himself in annoyance. I cannot be the Submissive in a relationship, especially with him.

Snape dragged in a deep breath at the image that was provided to match his words, himself bowing to Potter's will and performing all manner of sexual acts with the boy. His nostrils flared even as he refused to acknowledge that giving in to Potter probably wouldn't be that bad.

Up, down, up, down, up, down, his footsteps provided a beat with which he could drown out the pain and lust. He started listing potions ingredients in his mind, moving on to potions equipment once he ran out of those. He didn't know how long he had been pacing, but he was down to his trousers as the temperature in the room and his temper, pain, and unresolved need escalated.

Damn Potter! Damn Voldemort! Damn Dumbledore!

Severus reached the end of the room and spun around to continue his pacing.

Damn Potter!

Edited 29 March 2010