Title: The Ties That Bind
Summary/ Warning: Dom/ Sub, HGRW, PPBZ, RLSB, NLDM, TNSB, NMLM, LVBL …and of course HPSS.
Authours Note: HIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHIHI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M BACK!!! Till 02 Jan 09, but still..... ANywhoose- sorrysorrysorry about my sister's lack of posting- she told me she was confuzzled about the way I had set up the chapters in my Word Prosessor, and that she wanted to be sure she was posting the right chapter--- I know, I know. A bunch of excuses... but at least she managed to post at least one one-shot before I got back... right? ANywhoose- longer A/N at the bottom. I MISSED YOU GUYZ!!!!
Beta: ShadowFax999-- she missed me too.... *nods knowingly* lol
Chapter 23: New Problems
:Parseltongue:
"Conversational thoughts"
Private thoughts, shared memories
"I have to tell someone what I have seen today," Severus frowned, annoyed. He didn't want to tell Dumbledore, for reasons that were more than obvious. Harry said nothing, just continued to lather Severus' hair.
The Potions Master smiled for a moment, recalling the actions of the teen when Severus had finally arrived in his rooms. Harry had rushed over to him, grabbing his arm to hold the older man still. The Gryffindor had cast several diagnostic spells on Severus before he had been satisfied that his mate was fine, and had dragged Severus to the bathroom, intent on washing off all traced of Voldemort.
Now Severus was submerged in the tub, faintly bemused by the turn of events, but still trying to figure out what to do next. For the moment, though, he just allowed himself to relax and enjoy the sensation of Harry's hands in his hair as he leaned against the teens chest. Though he was getting used to the whole 'Sub' thing day by day, there were still some aspects of his being that were amazed by the fact that he was actually submitting to the Gryffindor.
Not that Severus had minded, recently, but still… he'd just have to get used to it.
Harry snorted as a thought came to him, and tapped a finger against Severus' forehead. "What about McGonagall?" he asked, "Surely she is high enough inside the Order to pass along the information?"
Severus twisted around to stare at Harry in shock. That was… actually, it was brilliant. Harry grinned at the turns Severus' mind was taking, agreeing with everything. It would save Severus from having to speak to Dumbledore, it would still get the information to the Order, and- just for the two of them- they would get to enjoy the sight of Dumbledore loosing some power.
"Yes," Severus said slowly, "Perfect." He pressed a swift kiss to Harry's lips, and turned back around. Knowing Minerva's schedule as he did, he had more than enough time to enjoy his bath.
Minerva sighed as she made her way to her office. Though dinner had just let out, she still had work to do. With a slight smile, she nodded to Ms. Granger as the Gryffindor hurried past, arms laden with books. Mr. Weasley was not far behind, and as he passed Minerva quickly he glanced at her with a pleading expression on his face. Minerva chuckled at the pair the two of them made, and that inevitably led her mind back to Harry Potter.
The teen had not been seen since lunch- since he had rushed out with a pained expression on his face. Minerva was worried- no one had seen him since, and what with Severus being called before He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, she could only pray that the teen was alright. She knew enough about his connection to You-Know-Who to worry that he was experiencing all the trauma of the meeting.
But not even Ms. Granger or Mr. Weasley had seen him, and no one could find him, though they had been searching. Another heart-felt sigh escaped from her chest, but she quickly forced away any more thought of the teen. Dumbledore was using Hogwarts' powers to search the Castle, and sooner or later the teen would be found.
Minerva looked up suddenly as two Hufflepuffs skittered past, faces horrified. But she had to raise a brow at the sight of Severus Snape gliding down the corridor, face as black as his robes. No wonder the Hufflepuffs had been terrified- Severus only wore that expression after a particularly bad meeting.
She nodded to the Potions Master as he came near, expecting just a nod in return, or a sneer. Either were normal salutations from the dour man. But when Severus stopped besides her and caught her eyes, Minerva wondered what on earth was going on.
"May I have a moment of your time, Minerva?"
And Severus Snape was never polite. So the Transfigurations Professor had to reply in kind. "Of course, Severus. What can I help you with?"
The man glanced around the hallway, hesitant, and for a moment Minerva was forcibly reminded of the young man who had almost failed her class. But the comparison quickly faded as Severus turned back to her, disgruntled. "There are far too many children in the hallway. Perhaps we could use your office?"
Seeing as how her office was merely three doors down, Minerva nodded acceptance and led the way. Only after the door had been shut and secured did Severus speak again, and his voice was not what she had expected.
"As you know, I have just come from meeting the Dark Lord." Minerva nodded. Severus took a deep, fortifying breath and went on. "While there, I learned something… disturbing." He stopped, and for a moment Minerva wished that he was more comfortable in her presence. Obviously whatever he had to say was hard for him. "He has somehow found a way to become human again."
Minerva reared back in shock, her mind refusing to deal with this information. No! This could not be true! "Severus," she began, her voice unsteady, "are you sure?"
A sneer crossed the Potion Masters face, but he struggled to keep the sarcasm from his voice. "Yes, Minerva. I am quite sure. Brown hair, brown eyes, pale skin, and a nose." Severus chuckled briefly, and added, "We were quite confused when there was no hiss to his words."
"I have to tell Albus right away." Minerva said to herself, then looked up sharply. "Why did you tell me this, and not the Headmaster?"
"I could not find him to pass on my knowledge. And you are his Deputy, are you not?" Severus raised a brow. "And equally as able to understand what I had to tell you?"
"Yes, of course. And he is trying to find Mr. Potter." Minerva frowned as her previous thoughts came back to her. "He hasn't been seen since lunch."
One of Severus' lips curled, and he couldn't help but say, "The idiot boy can't stay out of trouble for one day?" Before Minerva could respond, Severus had walked to the door. "Do pass on that information, Minerva. Thank you."
He left, leaving a shell-shocked Transfigurations Teacher.
Thank you?
Harry was waiting for Severus when the Potions Master returned to his quarters, eyes alight with humour. Barely had Severus entered before the teen had him in a close embrace, studying the onyx eyes before him.
"Severus Snape, I am shocked!" Harry's words were highly amused, and Severus took a second to wonder what on Earth the teen was talking about. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long. "I can't believe you let Neville off the hook already!" Severus' eyes widened in comprehension, and he looked away.
"What damned snake told you that?" he groused, less than pleased that Harry knew.
But Harry shook his head with a laugh, and chuckled. "Nope! Not telling… you'd only get rid of the portrait anyway." Severus frowned ferociously, trying to figure out which of the snakes could have overheard his after-class conversation with the Longbottom brat. Harry had been running late, and he's used that moment wisely. Harry hadn't known… until now. Damned snake.
But the wasn't very much venom behind the thought, and Harry smiled. "Why did you cancel the rest of them?" He wanted to know, adding, "certainly not because you like him!"
Severus humph'd. "As I have said, he did nothing to warrant the detentions. I thought he had helped me admirably, and I rewarded him for that. Not that it's any of your business," he added snidely, but just shook his head as Harry grinned. "In any event, you know they're looking for you." Harry frowned, his good mood vanishing instantly.
He hadn't wanted to remember that, but Severus had a point. He should put in an appearance to calm everyone down. "Damn it," he said with feeling, "I don't really want to deal with people right now."
Severus withdrew from their embrace and pointed to the door. "Go, you imp. I have enough to do tonight without being bothered by you."
Harry complained good naturedly, and pressed a kiss to Severus' lips. "I'll see you later, then."
"I'm sure you shall," Severus responded dryly, laughing as Harry opened the door to reveal his quarters in Haven. "Scat, pest." he added as Harry gave him a pleading look, and pushed the teen lightly through the door.
Harry laughed, but went.
Not five minutes after Harry had settled into his bedroom a knock came at his door. Standing and going over to open it, he found himself with an armful of Hermione. "Um, Herm? What's wrong?"
"We didn't know where you were! We kept looking and looking, but no one could find you!" The girl sobbed into his shoulder, and Harry looked over at Ron in consternation. The red-head shrugged, and just looked confused. Harry gasped as Hermione jabbed him in the ribs and hissed "Go inside!"
Doing as he was told, Harry let Hermione and Ron into his room, shutting the door on the curious faces of the other inhabitants of Haven. Hermione let go immediately, and wiped away her crocodile tears.
"Humph. Finally, Harry. I've been waiting forever to talk to you." Walking over to the bed and plopping down on it, she glanced back up at Harry impatiently. "Well? What happened at the meeting?"
"Um, ok." Harry glanced at Ron, but the other boy raised his hands in a 'hey, don't blame me' gesture. "Well, Severus tells me that Voldemort is now human again, and that his and Bellatrix' orders are the same. Voldemort wanted to speak to Malfoy Sr. separately, and that Nagini was not there."
"Interesting," Hermione murmured, "I wonder what he's up to."
"Don't we all," Ron stated, and Harry had to agree.
Hello, my duckies. Didja miss me as much as I missed you guys? I hope so. Because Basic Training (the Army's name for Boot Camp, lol) was AWESOME. Suppose it still will be when I get back (in only 10 days *sob*), but so far.... it's sweet. I love it, and as bad as it sounds I really can't wait to go back. Yeah, go ahead- give the 'are you sane' look that I know you're giving me.... but it's Gods Honest Truth. I love the people, the Drill Sergeants, and even the random moments of 'get me the hell out of here'.
But yeah- 30 Jan 09 is my scheduled Graduation date, so figure around 15 Feb 09 I'll once again have internet access whenever I want. YAY!!! lol, and yes, I'm going to show my sister the correct way to post my stuff so ya'll will get things to read while I'm gone for real this time.... lmao.
Ta!
Netrixie