Disclaimer: JKR gets credit.

You Could

By WittchWay

Harry shuddered, his hand trembled as he reached up and brushed Snape's sweat damp hair back off his face. His own breathing was still labored, as was his bond. He had to see the man's face. He had to see whom he had just given his life to.

Snape was still bent over him. His own seed newly splash upon his belly. Snapes face looked calm for once. Normal. His cheeks had a nice flush to them, warm to the touch.

Snape opened his eyes, looked embarrassed that he was being watched so intensely. "Potter," he whispered. Pulling out of the boy beneath him, letting Harry's leg fall to the feather mattress.

He bent down and captured Harry's lips in his own. Softly kissing him, his tongue licking Potters lips slowly, seductively. Harry arched up into the kiss. His chest bare, nipples still hard and red.

"I…" Harry muttered.

"Don't Potter…just let it be." Snape said softly.

Snape rolled to one side and draping one arm over his closed eyes, trying to get his breathing under control.

His body ached but in all the right ways. He could feel the crackle of magic around him. The rush of energy that had hit them hard during the bonding was exhausting. Whom ever had thought up the idea of casting a spell while having sex was a sinister bastard in Snapesopinion.

Potter next to him was fidgeting. He didn't look over at the young man. He just wanted to roll on his side and go to sleep…Potter moved again. Snape sighed, damn it…he'd bet anything Potter was a talker after sex. If the boy said a word he would be forced to hex him.

"Stop moving about…" Snape snapped, sitting up with the intention of pulling off the traditional robes they were forced to wear while completing the bond.

But Snape stopped. The black and green quilt he had on his own bed was gone. It was now a deep red with gold thread. The bed was higher up off the floor and the fireplace was directly opposite the bed compared to his rooms' fireplace in the corner.

"I don't think we're in the dungeons anymore," Harry said sitting up, his wand in hand, cautiously. He leaned slowly into Snape pressing his chest into Snapes robed back. He rested his chin on Snape shoulder unsure if it would be allowed.

Snape looked over the room. He was going to agree with Potter, they were no longer in the dungeons. Something in his sense of balance confirmed they were high up in one of the towers.

Snape smirked, so the bond had been completed with success. He was now headmaster. He patted Potters leg as it pressed against his. He wanted to jump from the bed and explore all the items that surely would have appeared in the headmasters…. No, his new office…his headmaster office. Items only privileged to a headmaster of Hogwarts School.

He looked over the room again. These were smaller then his old rooms but warmer and had more comfort to them. He wasn't crazy about the color scheme but that could be changed later. There was so much to do. So much to explore and learn. It was like being a kid in a candy store with an endless supply of galleons.

There were so many changes as headmaster he wished to make. People to fire. Positions to fill… not to mention Potter and his power to explore. A war to end…and the damn public Meet & Greet that was mandatory within 24 hours of the bonds completion. Something he wished he could put off indefinitely.

Potter's tender fingers touched the cooling skin of his neck, lips kissed his shoulder. Snape looked back at Potter who was smiling at him sheepishly.

He snorted and touched Potters leg again, running his hand up the mans thigh, "We should explore our new powers immediately Potter."

"Hmmm…Do you think we can read minds… Dumbledore always gave me the impression he could," Potter kissed the side of his neck again. Letting his warm mouth linger, his tongue dance across the clammy skin, tasting sweet and salty.

Snape focused trying to ignore the kisses being placed along his back. He pressed his mind forward. Then his thoughts. Nothing came to him. Not even Potters.

"No I don't think so… Its most likely just time and instinct."

"Hmm…" Harry whispered again. He wondered if Snapes offer to let him top still stood. He would be willing to take turns… as long as he got his. Harry realized Snape was talking and tried to focus.

"…This ridiculous public greeting…" Snape didn't finish, he captured Potters lips in his. Gently pushing his bond back on the bed. There would be time later, after all they had 24 hours to have the greeting. He covered Potters body with his as a leg came up around his waist pulling him closer.

They hadn't done more then kiss and nibble in warm spots when voices echoed up the stairwell. Loud voices, angry voices…Snape made a move to wave his hand with intent to shut the door when he caught several of the words… "Murder is an awful severe word to use…don't you think…"

He pulled back kneeling between Harry Potter's legs.

Pulling his traditional cloak around him he climbed from the bed and moved toward the door pushing it fully open. A sitting room and library of sorts were disclosed, a long deep green sofa sat in the middle of the room. The velvet settee from his old rooms was positioned against one wall. Another fireplace, one less ornate, more for everyday use. A door sat off to one side presumably the bath. Two large window seats filled with cushions positioned at each end of the room.

Snape moved through the room quickly to the door directly across.

A slight push of the door revealed a twisting staircase circling downward and to his immediate right, just outside the sitting room door another staircase, narrower went upward.

Potter moved behind him, "Is that Shacklebolt?"

"Keep quiet and stay close." Snape pulled his wand, made sure Potter had his, and moved slowly down the staircase.

The stone was yellowish in color, high arched windows were spaced every 5 feet or so. They were high enough up, even with his height Snape could barely see out of them.

As they made their way down the steps, words drifted upward, raised voice moved closer. Words of deceit, betrayal, lies…

It was a long trek from the dungeons to the Headmasters offices and by the time Dumbledore and Shacklebolt made it back to his office strange things had started to happen around the castle.

The floors seemed to be shifting and shock waves made the upper levels of the castle sway. Dumbledore's office was no longer the red and gold it had previously been. The office had taken on a greenish hue and silver snakes now replaced the golden lion heads that had just hours before graced the corner of the mantel.

Dumbledore tugged at his long silvery beard and with a heavy sigh entered the office.

Several of his personal items were floating in the air seemingly packing themselves into a large brown box that sat on the floor.

"What the hell is going on?" Shacklebolt pulled his wand as the desk suddenly grew in length and became less ornate. A simple mahogany desk was now in its place, a gold gild inlay twisted around the desktop leaving an elegant Celtic design behind.

Dumbledore pressed a smile to his thin lips and sat down. The chair under him was strange feeling, it still looked like his plush chair but no longer felt like it. He shifted uneasy in it.

The doors on either side of the fireplace swung open no longer giving the illusion of bookshelves. Several articles of clothing from his private rooms floated down neatly folding themselves and piled neatly in the box.

The conference room door on the opposite side, was open and the stone grind and creaked as it moved. The floor shook as the conference room moved and grew longer, Shacklebolt stepped back cautiously trying to get a look at the room. The floor shifted again and the white stone Dumbledore had preferred was now turning grayish in color.

Dumbledore stood suddenly.

The chair beneath him shifted and the high back he had fancied felt as if it had moved though nothing in its appearance indicated that.

These were no longer his office. Almost all of his personal items were now piled high in the box, more items held suspended in the air. The bookshelves suddenly darkened in tone and the books on the shelf changed to a large assortment of Dark Art and potion books and readers. The box on the floor widened.

The portrait of Fawks in all his red and gold glory over the mantel shifted to Salazar Slytherins staff, a mahogany staff with silver handle.

Fawks sitting on his perch tilled in protest letting a solid note loose and then was silent. He fluttered to the window and looked back at Dumbledore and then took flight.

The final piece in the room was the chair behind the desk. It didn't change much in structure….it widened some and the material changed to a dark green but still stained with a gold gilded wood. The arms moved a slight bit in height but it was essentially the same chair.

Shacklebolt turned slowly in the room as the few final items came to a completion. The room had a strong ozone smell suddenly and the door leading to the revolving staircase slowly closed, the handle changed to silver with a ping signaling the completion of the bond.

Dumbledore came around the desk, pulling his wand giving the large brown box a tap, as the last of his nightshirts folded itself. The box shrunk to a small shoebox size, Dumbledore picked up the box looking sad. "The bond is complete" he whispered.

"What the hell is going on here?" Shacklebolt shook.

Dumbledore turned, "The bond is complete. Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry has a new headmaster." He turned looking over the mostly green room, "I believe Professor Snape has the position….of headmaster."

He leaned back on the edge of the desk. The two chairs he kept as headmaster, welcoming students to sit and talk had disappeared. "Make your questions quick Auror Shacklebolt. I'm afraid we don't have much time."

Dumbledore smile.

Shacklebolt tried to pull himself together still unsure of the room and the changes that had occurred.

He moved slowly around the room as he began to speak, taking in the changes and the items that continued to appear with a small pop across the room. "I don't even know where to start Dumbledore… what I've witnessed within the last few minutes…with the spell you cast on Snape and Potter. The murder of the Weasley boy…"

"Murder is an awful severe word to use…don't you think" Dumbledore's demeanor was calm, patient as he sat on the edge of the desk.

"No…I don't… You were supposed to injure the Weasley boy. Never kill him…"

"I did not kill him…it was my intention to harm him, yes. Excuse me of Death Eaters interfered in my mission." Dumbledore stood slowly.

Shacklebolt smirked, "…. This should never have been the plan… "

"Unfortunately missions go wrong Auror Shacklebolt. You know this as well as I…It was never my intent to harm a promising young man…" Dumbledore looked at him warningly.

"You knew what you were doing, old man…" Shacklebolt snarled.

But Dumbledore didn't have time to answer.

Harry angrily brushed past Snape, he had heard enough. Dumbledore had killed Ron…had him killed… bursting into the room. His wand raised. The newly found energy crackled around him.

Green stars emitted from Harry's wand, his hand shaking. "You…. Killed Ron…?" a high-pitched shrill voice rose from Harry.

"Potter," Snape said shortly, he made a grab for the boys arm… "Surely that is not what happened…Let Dumbledore explain."

Potter wand still raised. His magic radiating off him in waves that were making him nauseous. Snape moved closer to him putting his hand on the young mans waist.

Dumbledore glanced at Snape over the rim of his half moon shaped glasses. "Harry, my son…" he started calmly redirecting his attention to Harry Potter, "I do apologize… a purposeful plan gone wrong, my child…it was never my intent to harm Mister Weasley." His voice tried to sound apologetic but he knew he had failed.

Harry's knees weakened, why did Dumbledore keep looking at Snape, did he know something. Harry pulled away from Snape suddenly, looking back at the man he had just bound his life to. His future revolved around this man. Panic raced through his eyes. "Did you know about this?" he didn't even try to hide the fear in his voice as it cracked. He pulled his traditional cloak around his thin naked frame every bone is his body chilled. His body shook. His eyes locked on Snape. Please tell me you didn't…please.

"No… Potter no…" Snape said quickly, "I knew nothing of this… deceit…. I promise you this. " Snape said fiercely, his black as night eyes were locked in determination. He reached out his hand to pull his bond back to him, "I wanted the bond you knew that… but I would never… never do this to you…." his voice softened.

Harry looked at him a moment, his whole life was spinning out of control. He shook in the place he stood. He wanted to collapse to the floor. All he had was Snapes words. Snape's promise that he hadn't known about this. He did not know what the truth was anymore. He hated Dumbledore…hated him with every ounce of his magical being.

"Come here…please, Harry," he ventured, he lifted his hand slightly wanting the boy to take it. Snape's voice did not waiver, Harry looked at him again, Snape appeared to be just as shocked as he was.

Harry slowly went to him.

Snape slipped his hand around his waist pulling him closer, "Never Harry…never" he whispered in his ear. Harry nuzzled his face into Snapes neck refusing to look at Dumbledore or Shacklebolt. He tried to fight the tears that were threatening to fall. He did not want to cry in front of these men.

"I believe you, gentlemen, should be going. I ask that you leave the school grounds immediately…and not return. You are no longer welcome here. " Snapes voice returned to his normal fiery tones. His headmasters voice.

"Severus, I am to remain as your advisor in the headmasters position for 3months…"

"I dismiss you of such traditions Mr. Dumbledore. You may go…now" his voice a low growl, Harry whimpered in the crook of his neck. He tightened his hold on his bond.

Dumbledore gave him a sharp hard look, "I have other business at the castle, I fear I need to remain Headmaster Snape." He gritted out.

Snape smirked, the body pressed against him sniffled, he could feel the sob ready to be released from Potter, "Get OUT," Snape nearly screamed. The office door swung open abruptly and the movement of the stairs started to whirl lightly.

Dumbledore felt a push move across his body, this was not going according to plan. He fasted the clasp at the edge of his cloak, "I'll contact you in a few days Headmaster… If you shall need me before then I will be at be at the cottage with professor Lupin," he gave a tight nod. He turned sharply and stepped onto the downward spiral of the stairs.

Shacklebolt stood there another moment, he wanted to say something, anything, he even opened his mouth a few times but nothing came out.

Snape had pulled Harry against his chest and was rubbing his back through the robe. Snape looked up and nodded at him moving Potter and himself back through the door they had come.

Snape guided his bond back up the stairs to the sitting room, half carrying him.

"Go wash your face," Snape pushed Harry toward the bathroom, "I'll get us some tea."

Harry automatically moved toward the bathroom not bothering to shut the door.

He didn't wash his face, he just stood there looking at himself in the mirror, yet not seeing himself. His imagine in the mirror looked distorted through his tears. He looked wrong... he didn't even feel like himself. A hollow shell…his best friend dead… dead because of Dumbledore because of him and his refusal to bond.

He didn't know if he should blame Dumbledore or himself. He knew the man was a manipulative bastard… but something like this never crossed his mind. He never thought the man, who had been like a father to him would intentionally hurt him in order to control him. Harry felt like his world was being torn apart.

He pressed a finger to his cheek, his skin looked so different then just an hour ago. He looked shallow and pale, lines suddenly appeared around his eyes, his skin blotchy and ashen in color. He was tired…so very tired. The tears fell just as Snape moved in behind him. "Come sit down, have a sip of tea".

Harry gripped the sink basin. "He killed my best friend… just so I would…" he sobbed, he bent over the sink as the vile rose in his throat. He felt so used…. Again. By everyone. That was all they ever did, manipulate him, use him… and he just continued to go along with it. Just continued to let himself be controlled and dominated.

And here he was bonded to a man that barely spoke to him, which refused to acknowledge him beyond this moment.

Snape didn't know what to say… really there was nothing he could do to make it better. Moments like this were not his strong suit.

Snape rubbed circles on Potters back and pulled the boy against him. "Come, " he pulled him into the sitting area. The sun had already set and moonlight was now pouring into the room and reflecting off the lake in white lines of silver. The water rippled splendidly as the squid broke the surface over and over again in his hunt for food.

There were several lights scattered in the far distance on the horizon showing the way to Hogsmeade and the outskirts of the wizarding town. Harry slumped down onto one of the window seats, his eyes shut. Tears tumbled down his face, he was still wearing the traditional robes now crumbled, reeking of sex, sweat and now his tears.

Snape pushed a cup of steaming black tea into his hands though he didn't drink it, just stared down into the cup. Snape sat on the opposite end of the large window seat. The stone chilling him through the thin cloak as he sat back.

Harry looked up at him, his face hard to read. The mask of indifference it always wore was locked into place, though he could tell Snape was thinking, mulling over in his mind all that had happened here tonight.

Harry set down his cup and saucer and moved so that he was closer to Snape, wanting to crawl into his arms and be held. He wondered if Snape would allow it.

They sat there silently for a long time, lost in their own thoughts. Harry sniffled and he calmed down for long moments of time, then a random thought of Ron would pop into his head and tears would well up in his eyes all over again.

"I should have known…" Harry said softly, "He's been running my whole life… manipulating it from the beginning…" his voice was dry, harsh sounding…like he need a drink of water, Snape looked at him. Potters shoulders slumped, his hair dirty with sweat and was hanging in his green eyes… "I should have broken myself from his control at the end of my 5th year…you know after Sirius's … I didn't want to return to Hogwarts after that year." His voice was low as he spoke.

He pulled his knees up to his chest, looking out the window, the moon had disappeared behind a dark cloud a while ago. The room was dark accept for a single candle in the corner that seemed to cast no light.

Snape watched him sink into himself. Knowing the only thing you could do in moments like this was listen. There was no advice or words of encouragement that would ever be enough in moments like these.

"…You know… after Sirius…death… I trashed his office… I smashed everything on his desk. I hated him so much… he only told me about the prophecy cause he knew he was going to lose me… and he needed me to carry it out, to end it all."

Harry pressed his forehead to the cool glass of the window, his eyes still shut, "He even had the order threaten my aunt and uncle… when I went home that year… as if that was going to make it all better. As if after all these years they were suddenly going to be nice to me… but I guess you knew that already," He trailed off.

Snape watching him so intently, cocking his head to one side and whispered, "What does your Aunt and Uncle have to do with this?"

Harry looked up at Snape crossed eyed, "They're the muggles I lived with… that's why the Order threatened them…"

Snape shook his head, "Let's start again Potter… We already established I can't read your mind, thank Merlin... Now, why did Dumbledore have the Order threaten your aunt and uncle?"

Harry looked shocked, "I thought everyone in the Order knew… they were mean to me…treated me bad…I stayed in a cupboard until I got my letter…Hagrid had to come for me…cause they refused to give me my Hogwarts letter," he stumbled over his words.

"I see…" Snape itched his long nose, "Potter I was never privy to information regarding your home life. Nor will I ever be a member of the Order of the Phoenix…"

Harry sat up straight, "But you were a spy for them…for so long. I thought you had joined them…I don't understand."

"I gave them information, nothing more and in return Dumbledore kept me out of Azkaban. I knew nothing of your life prior to your arrival at the school. Nor your relatives, homelife, or where or how you grew up… It was best I didn't know."

Harry slumped back, he could have sworn Snape knew, that everyone had known.

"Potter," Snape tugged on his arm, pulling him toward him. Harry moved closer laying his head on Snapes chest, an arm went around him, their legs stretched out before them on the long window seat nestled together, still facing the window. "…I'll have to admit…when you came to this school I thought you were a pampered little prince. You had all the arrogance of a Potter when you arrived. Duly sorted into Gryffindor and began causing trouble. I thought it a characteristic of all Potters… for all I knew you had been shipped off to live with some Potter cousin, that Potterisms were ingrained in you so deeply it simply mirrored your fathers."

Harry snorted, "I didn't have a chance with you being decent to me when I arrived did I?"

"No" Snape sighed looking out over the school grounds. No he didn't. Not that he would take it back. Lessons had to be learned. Behavior taught. He had after all been indebted to James Potter for saving his life his own 5th year.

Harry fell back into his silence in his arms. Harry's eyes grew heavy and the lids slowly shut. He tried to stay awake but it was hopeless and in the silence he eventually fell asleep.

Snape stayed awake for along time after Potters breathing evened out.

He watched the clouds move across the night sky. The night grew darker as it always did before dawn. Eventually a glimpse of light shone across the horizon. The breaking of a new day.

But Snape couldn't shut down his mind. There was so much to do today. They must have a public ceremony for the bond, a replacement for his potions position and sometime today he would like to test just how much power they actually had together. If it would truly be enough to defeat the Dark Lord.

He didn't know what to do regarding Dumbledore. They would still have to interact with the man. He was the head of the Order after all.

But he knew just as well their relationship would never be the same. Not after this. He looked down at the sleeping boy in his arms and hugged him tighter. Placing a kiss upon the messy head.

He was deeper in this than he had thought.

TBC

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