Disclaimer: Full credit to JKR.

You Could

By WittchWay

"Headmaster… Headmaster…" The voice called.

Snape grunted and attempted to turn on his side but was hindered by the dead weight centered on his chest. He moved his head to the opposite side only to be met with blinding sunlight pouring through the windows. His eyes fluttered, blinking…wondering why exactly he was even being greeted by light. His dungeons were dark and cold. He pulled on the collar of his robe… he was hot…very very hot.

"Headmaster….Headmaster"

Snape snorted. He knew someone was calling for the headmaster and had been for a while. He just couldn't figure out why he was hearing it. All he knew was that his back hurt and one leg was asleep, it felt like pins and needles were stabbing him. He knew he was uncomfortable where he slept but yet wasn't awake enough for his reasoning to do anything about it

"Headmaster…." The voice was louder.

Snape thought perhaps it was a dream, thought he couldn't think why he would dream such a thing.

"Headmaster…" the voice called again.

Snape attempted to turn again, still weighted down. Suddenly the body lying on top of him gave a loud snore.

Snape's eyes shot open. Potter… Potter was the reason he couldn't move, the reason his leg was asleep.

"Headmaster…" the voice gave a shout.

Damn… he was headmaster… Snape shoved the body off him. Pulling his legs that were tangled with Potters out and stood clumsily.

He whimpered. A tingling sensation shot up his body, his legs hurt. His back hurt, his arse hurt and he had a crick in his neck. Hunched over he glared at the stone window seat…the curse'ed cushions did nothing for comfort.

The voice called again… "HHHHHeeeeeeaaaaaadddddddmmmmmaaaaassssssssttteeeeeerrrrrrr……"

Fire call… it suddenly dawned on him, Snape rushed from the room, hurling his self down the steps. He stumbled into the wall and entered his office with a bang.

A portly head bobbed in the fireplace.

"Oh… Snape. There you are…" The Minister of Magic smiled giving his best politician smile. His head stretched out of the fireplace looking around, "Where's Harry Potter…?" trying to get a glimpse of the boy.

"He's still asleep Minister Fudge..." Snape said looking around for a clock, not seeing one he continued, "You are aware of course that I am the new Headmaster of Hogwarts..." Snape pulled his traditional robes around him, realizing he was naked and barefoot. And had been most of the last two days. He stretched, trying not to expose himself as he did so, the robes were so thin and of course had been designed for … easy access.

His body felt dirty and he desperately wanted to do nothing more then return to his rooms and take a shower and shave.

Snape sat on the green velvet ottoman that appeared before the fireplace and silently waited for the Minister to continue.

Like a fish out of water Fudges mouth gaped, opening and closing several times. Finally finding his voice
"... Well rightly so, ol'e Boy... been a long time since the house of Slytherin was represented as Headmaster. Good for you... Not since Phineas Nigellus, I believe..."

The Minister gave a nervous chuckle, lets just hope Snape was more popular with the students. No Slytherin headmaster lasted more then 5yrs. Fudge smiled again puffing out his chest. "Now, Headmaster Snape, the clock is ticking..." he looked down, Snape could only imagine it was his pocket watch he looked at. Fudge reappeared giving a frosted smile, "What time did you want to start the public ceremony... it's nearly noon. The clock states you completed the bond at 6.34 last night exactly." The Minister raised his eyebrows and blushed lightly.

Snape looked up to Salazar's staff above the fireplace in thought. The time was just flying by. Potter and he hadn't even tested the newly obtained magic yet. They still had to get down to the ceremony and he had wanted to address the students at breakfast, talk to Professor McGonagall a bit. After all he still had a school to run, a dark Lord to defeat. Not that the last bit had to be done right away. After all they had to control the magic... harness it's power before they could strike the dark lord

Snape sighed.

There was just so much to do. All he could do was take it one event at a time. Get this day over with and then tomorrow he could take care of the school and the magic.

"We'll be down there by 1:00. Have everyone ready we don't have all day," he'll give these people 2 hour of his time. Ridicules tradition that it was. Meet the people of the community. Meet the dunderhead parents of the little cretins who were barely worthy of attending his school.

"Fine fine. 1:00 o'clock in Merlin square in Hogsmeade.... Harry Potter will attend of course?" he nodded wildly.

"Yes Potter will be there. Good day Minister."

Snape stood, catching the robe from opening just in time. He felt as if it had been wearing them forever and sorely missed regular clothes.

Sometime during his talk to Fudge Harry had wandered down and stood in the doorway, just out of the view of Fudge, sleepily rubbing his eyes.

He stretched like a cat, lifting his arms up over his head. Arching his back. The robes parted baring the naked body beneath. A taught stomach. Skinny arms and legs. Not much unlike himself at his age.

Snape mouth watered at the sight of his bond… after all they had an hour to get ready. He moved predatory towards Harry. Slipping his hands in his bonds robes. "Hmmm...." he lifted him lightly as he kissed him, pushing Harry back against the wall. Potters legs came up around his waist, levying himself, the robes opened and their arousal's touched. Both moaned at the friction.

Snape gasped, his hand twisted in Potters hair pulling his head back exposing his neck. Harry let Snape explore his body for a moment. The feel of those long fingers were magical. The way they ghosted over his skin. The crackle of magical around them sent shivers down his spine.

Harry pulled back, gasping, "Snape…we need to talk.".

Snape moaned... dropping Potter back to his feet.

It was the four dreaded words no man wants to hear.

"We have to get ready for the ceremony Potter." He pulled his robes back around his body and tried to will his growing erection down. "Go get cleaned up." Snape turned and headed back up the stairs to their rooms.

Stunned Harry followed.

Snapes reaction was painful.

He hated those four little words himself. Hated the way his voice sounded when he said them.... whiney, needy. But he had to know what was going on. He had been under the impression after the bond there would be no further need for sexual contact. That he was just a body to be used once a year.

Not that he was complaining he wanted a permanent relationship with the man. But Snape hadn't mentioned if he wanted him to stay. He hadn't mentioned anything at all.

But the way Snape touched him, repeatedly. Touched his leg, his thigh, his mouth, his arousal... it left him very confused…if not a little frustrated.

He thought maybe there was a chance for them to be together. That perhaps Snape wanted him in his life. Of course Snape wasn't his ideal love or companion but if he had a chance with the man then he certainly would take it. It would be better than having to cheat on a lover once a year. He knew he would always feel guilt for that… no matter how understanding that person said they were. He could never marry that person. Never give them his promise and declaration of love…for he was already bond and would be forever.

And Snape wasn't to bad as things went. He seemed protective of him. He was strong and passionate about things he wanted... Harry just needed to know if he was one of the things Snape wanted.

"Professor... Headmaster... damn it... Snape." Harry grabbed his arm.

Snape turned, "What Potter... we have to get ready… for this damn wizarding tradition."

"I just wanted to know... Do you want me to go after this or do you want stay here...with you?"

Snape snarled at him. "Do whatever the hell you want." He continued up the stairs banging as he went.

Harry shook his head, that wasn't an answer, "Snape... what I'm trying to say is Do You want me to stay?"

Snape sighed and crossed the sitting room. Facing the bedroom, not looking at Harry, "You have to stay until the Dark Lord is gone. Afterwards you are free to go."

Harry looked to the floor, his voice was soft when he spoke next, "But what makes you happy Snape… what do you want?"

Snape crossed so that he was standing in front of the wardrobe he ran a hand through his hair, it really was dirty. Snape turned and looked at him, "I have a school to run Potter," he said dryly.

It was as simple as that.

He had a school to run. His chance to take control. Be in control. Reclaim honor for his family's name after he had dirtied it with joining the Death Eaters. He didn't have time for a relationship and all the entanglements that came with that.

Snape forced himself to turn back toward the wardrobe and began looking for his good slacks.

Hurt Harry nodded and stumbled back toward the sitting room.

Harry slumped down into the lush green sofa, suddenly tired, he felt as if he could sleep here for days. A fire in the hearth jumped into place, lighting the room, casting it in gold shadows.

Harry pulled his feet up under him.

Snapes answer scared him. He had been clinging to some simmer of hope that this would all turn out well. That Snape would want him. That he would stay at Hogwarts with him… the only place that ever felt like a true home.

But he couldn't stay if he wasn't truly wanted. He couldn't stay simply because he wanted to… that was too pathetic. The only option was Snape wanting him… really wanting him.

His head hurting, Harry shut his eyes, resting his head on the armrest. If nothing else he had to learn control of his magic. But once Voldemort was dead he would have to get a straight answer out of Snape. Even if he had to hex the man to get an answer… a simple yes or no… just a 'yes Harry stay, No Harry go'… if Snape wanted him to go, he would go.

He couldn't stay unwelcome, if he did they would do nothing but fight and grow to hate each other more. Not that they won't have disagreements anyway…it was impossible not to when Snape was involved. But at least he would feel as if he had an even footing in a relationship if he were truly wanted, instead of simple tolerated.

1:00pm Merlin Square, Hogsmeade

Snape peeked through the curtains of the blue and gold tent he stood in. Just feet away from the podium that stood center stage in front of the large fountain in Merlin town square. After Minister Fudge made his speech, they would be introduced, meet the public and then escape back to the castle.

Not that newly appointed headmaster Severus Snape was happy about any of this. Not about this traditional public meeting, nor about the wizard and witches of the community roaming the streets in random discord, not about Potter who was now sulking by his side, now giving the typical Gryffindor method of the silent treatment to him, yes and no responses. Everyone else Potter chatted up overly politely as if that would irritate Snape.

Snape knew they had to talk. There was always a talk… but there would be time. There was still so much to do, work at the school, magic to test, a Dark Lord to take care of. He mentally checked off the public meeting. It wasn't as if Potter was going any place anytime soon. Still Potter couldn't leave until things were settled… and he would settle them in his own way.

They just had to get through this day. This moment, hell, he hadn't even had a moment to himself to think things out. He didn't know where the Gryffindor fit it all this. Snape looked back to the crowd that was gathering, grimacing at the amount of people that were arriving for this simple Meeting.

Every witch and wizard in all of the isles were now descending upon Hogsmeade, professor McGonagall had taken it upon herself to dismiss classes for the day. Giving the students the privileges to go to Hogsmeade, even the younger years could attend as long as their parents picked them up at the gates and dropped them off accordingly.

Of course the turn out for the public meeting was bound to be one of the largest in wizarding history… at least that was what the headlines of the Daily Prophet had said. Along with naming Harry Potter their hero (again) among other things. Snape looked over at Potter who had found it highly embarrassing that the exact moment they had completed the bond was now splashed across the front page, in a scrolling marquee. Damn wizarding paper.

To accommodate the hoards of people most shops had opened early with the anticipation of the crowd and many more had plans to stay open just as late, banners that had cursed Harry Potters name days before the completion of the bond, had suddenly changed their tune and now sang his praises; some of them literally.

Fireworks were scheduled at dust, a celebration dinner was to follow, most likely continuing well into the night. Snape found his two hours time frame slipping away, he looked down to his wizards wristwatch, watching the moons and a sun move for a moment, it was nearly 1:30, already behind schedule.

He looked up at the sunny sky, smirking he hoped a rain cloud would suddenly descend upon the town. But sadly there wasn't a rain cloud in sight. Snape wondered ideally if he now had the power to change the weather, he knew Merlin had had that power. Not that he likened himself to Merlin but he bet if Potter would let him touch him for a moment they could at least darken the sky.

He glanced over at Potter who was still making a show of ignoring him.

It would be unlikely.

Snape looked back to the swelling crowds, happy, grateful voices rose loud as the community gathered, calling out to one another as the crowds strolled down the street. Most were dress in their wizardry finest robes and cloaks, many wore their wizarding hats and bowler.

And they were still arriving in droves, apparition points had been set up, portkeys were positioned on side alleys and the Knight's Bus were doing a booming business. The Hogwarts train had even picked up several of the Muggle parents who had been interested in attending and finally seeing where it was their children went to school.

Many talked of the newly bonded, the power they now shared, the traditions, the legends of the past… and many more of the battle that would soon be ending. It was an excited atmosphere that graced Hogsmeade.

Snape just wished it were over with already.

"Headmaster," Percy Weasley came forward carrying a clipboard and quill in hand. "The Minister is ready. He will make a short speech and then the public greeting will commence. If you will stand here," he pointed to a spot near the exit of the curtains, "Mister Potter," he called, waving the boy over, "You will stand here." He made a check mark on his clipboard, then looked up at them smiling in that way ministry officials have about them.

"Once introduced you will exit the tent and take your seat. I will be by your side to help with names if need be. Or it you shall need anything, a drink, a break, just ask." Percy Weasley didn't wait for a response. He simply darted away to get Minister Fudge who was entertaining a group of well-wishers around a small table.

Snape looked down at over at Harry Potter who was concentrating very hard on the blue fabrics of the tent. He was dressed simply in black slacks and his Aurors boots, which gave him a couple of inches of height. A shirt such a dark blue it looked almost black, his traditional class cloak hung nicely around him. Snape could tell he had cast a rose scented cleaning charm on it. He could tell Potter had tried to brush his hair but it hadn't helped. A cowlick stuck up in the back, he reached up a hand automatically to flatten it, Potters shoulders tensed. Snape dropped his arm back down by his side.

Fudge rustled by them, Weasley trailing along behind him, handing him note cards.

He could hear the people clapping loudly, several whistles and catcall. The curtain dropped back in place shielding them from the crowd.

Snape didn't care, he couldn't take his eyes off Potter. He knew he was making him uncomfortable staring at him so intently. But he couldn't help it. He wanted to say something…anything. Reassure Potter they would talk in the near future. To assure the boy that he just needed to focus on the school and Voldemort for right now, things he was certain Potter didn't want to hear.

More then anything he wanted to touch him, hold him. Taste that delicious mouth on his again.

Suddenly the booming voice of the Minister echoed through the crowd. The crowd died down but there was still an excited titter to them. Fudge made his speech short, thankfully it wasn't as winded as it usually was.

But Snape wasn't listening to Fudge's rambling voice.

He was watching Potter, whom was now looking down at his hands.

Hands he wanted to take in his own just so he could touch him.

He vowed they would talk, soon. He only feared it might not be what Potter wanted to hear.

"Headmaster." Weasley's voice was frantic, "Come on" He shrieked. Percy had the curtain opened, Fudge stood to the side of the podium, smiling nervously at them his long speech over with. The crowded was craning their necks to get a look at them, they had gone silent.

Snape stepped forward, Potter equally matching his step.

The crowd, Fudge included, knelt suddenly. Some removed their wizarding hats.

Potter stopped, nearly stumbling over his own feet at the unexpected gesture.

Snape steadied him with a quick touch to his arm, Potter pulled it back as if he had been burned.

Snapes mask of irritation returned. Slipping his hands in the sleeves of his robes he glided down the steps to where two plush chairs sat on a lower platform. Harry came and sat besides him, shifting uneasily in his seat, "Why do they keep doing that," he muttered to himself.

Snape didn't know if the words were directed toward him or not.

He leaned into the young man and whispered just as soft, "We are the equivalent to wizarding royalty…kneeling or bowing show respect for us… to not do so is a great dishonor." He touched the boys' knee lightly.

Harry pulled his knee away, nodded, not taking his eyes away from the crowd.

Fudge on the upper platform, nodded, "I give you Headmaster Severus Snape and his bond Harry Potter".

Suddenly people were on there feet and were rushing forward, camera began to click. People began calling out questions and had even come up on the platform to get their pictures taken.

They began speaking as they approached, talking over each other, at each other. They circled him and Snape, some he swore had come back more then once.

It was an endless parade of people, they came in-groups, as couples or individually. Some came just to shake Harry Potter's hand.

Of course Harry saw familiar faces, or at least he thought he had. Some that he had gone to school with. Others he had simply seen around town. Merchants from the shops in Diagon Alley came as a group, Harry suspected it must be a ghost town over there right now.

Some bore gifts or family trinkets they presented to the newly bound. Young children came with drawings of Potter flying and in his Aurors robes, others simply brought their opinions. Some came to flirt with Harry Potter, introducing their daughters, sons, or themselves. Many to say they were happy he had completed the bond. One or two didn't agree but there was always those few.

Others came in order to give the new Headmaster their personal opinions and expertise on how to run the school, what classes to teach and what subjects to cover in class. Several had even come with their resume in order to apply for the newly open Potions position. No one asked about the Defense position.

Snape took it all seriously and did job interviews right there on the spot, he began by asking simple potions questions. Most applicants paled when Snapes line of questioning started and hurried away.

The crowds didn't dwindle as the day passed, if nothing else they seemed to increase. Wizard and witches just seemed to keep coming. Snapes two-hour time limit came and went, he mentally kept adding two more hours and cursing under his breath as they to passed by.

Harry slumped in his seat, looking over his shoulder for Percy Weasley who had been hovering by the entire time but now seemed to have disappeared.

"What's wrong Potter?" Snape said.

"Tired." He tried not to look at Snape, he was still mad at him, but really all he wanted to do was go back to the castle and crawl into Snapes arms and sleep.

The sun was just beginning to set. Casting long dark shadows over the small wizarding town. Several wizards on the far side of the park had started to set up the fireworks display. Percy reappeared with a tray of pumpkin juice levitating behind him.

Half the sun sank lower beneath the horizon, orange streaks lit the sky and blinding those that looked toward it. Which just happened to be the way Snape and Potters seats were positioned much to their irritation.

Harry rubbed at his head. A dull throbbing pulsed behind his eyes, his scar tingle slightly. He really was overly tired, mentally and physically drained.

Snape stood suddenly cutting off Mundungus Fletcher who had just dropped by to discuss a few items with Snape. But as Snape stood there was a commotion at the back of the swarming crowd.

Somebody was shouting. Then several red and green wand sparks lit up the night's sky. People were running.

Snape stood taller trying to see what was happening. Aurors apparated suddenly in front of the platform, their wands drawn.

Then the crowd went silent. Nobody move.

And then they began to move…parting down the middle.

Potter whimpered suddenly. Both hands clasped to his forehead, He fell from the chair to his knees, rocking back and forth. The pain in his scar burned across his body, blood began to trickle between his fingers.

A dark group of men began moving down the newly created aisle. Black robes and cloaks, the sun lit behind them casting them forward in darker shadows. Making them appears as a solid dark mass moving as one. They stopped 10 feet from the platform, not moving.

One dark robed figure glided forward.

The Aurors as a group physically trembled.

Potters could feel the magic crackled and sparks of power around them.

The lone figure glided forward as if no Aurors were present. He reached a hand up to lower his black hood.

Harry Potter let out a muffled scream.

Snape looked quickly to him then to the figure. Red eyes met his black ones.

"Hello, Headmassst'er SSSnape…" the thin voice said a coy smirk on his greenish face.

Lord Voldemort had arrived.

TBC…

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