Disclaimer: Credit to JKR

This is the final chapter/epilogue my lovely's… nearly one year to the day from when it started. Thank you all for the reviews and emails, they were all very encouraging and wonderful, all of you had excellent ideas for how the story should continue from chapter to chapter, Thank You, it really kept me on my toes.

You Could

By WittchWay

Nearly one year later… moments after midnight.

Headmaster Severus Snape stood silently on the balcony of the north astronomy tower of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His arms crossed against his chest, his black winter cloak hung loosely around him, that is until the wind picked up causing them to rise in a billowing fashion, giving a strange illusion of flight. Snape smirked, he rather liked the appearance it gave. He liked to think it was why he came here most nights. Though he knew that wasn't so.

He came because it was the highest point of the castle, you could see roughly all of Hogsmeade and nearly all of the school grounds. And he so liked to glaze out across the school grounds, the lake, Hagrids old hut, the forest and especially the gates of Hogwarts.

It gave him time to think, to listen to his own voice, his torment inner demons.

To think of all the changes that had taken place over this seemingly short year… and there had been many changes. The immediate ones to his school and professors. Though he surely hoped not to have the revolving door the previous headmaster had had. Sadly, (in some opinions), Rubeus Hagrid had left to pursue other adventures in France. Professor Grubbly-Plank had taken over the Care of Magical creature's class much to the student's delight. The Arithmancy professor had taken over his former head of house duties, and surprisingly her temper seemed to be just a tad shorter then his own, another right choice. His old potion position filled by a former student that was in a little trouble on the continent. Though that always seemed to be the case with potion professors.

And then there was the final position change… his official appointment to headmaster early last school year…though it seemed to have little affect on the students and the transition had been smooth…

The end of the death Eater trials were was another change he was looking forward to. Nearly all of Voldemort's supporters had been rounded up and nearly all of them had been sentenced to Azkaban. Though it had been a rough few months with the attending of trials, sentences handed out, students and families needing guidance. Another surprise that they had sought him out so readily, it had him thinking this headmaster thing wasn't so much for him anymore. The secrets people told him, entrust to him were overwhelming, now he knew why Dumbledore seemed to know everything, about everyone. He hated the secrets, the promises not to tell another living soul, the patience that they assumed he had.

Thought he knew that was just a false hope on their part. Yes he kept their secrets, hell… he had his own…after all there was a reason he was standing on a balcony in the dead of the night waiting…unsure of what would happen in the next few hour. A feeling he loathed… but he waited none the less. A little nervous despite. .

Snape moved closer to the edge of the balcony, quickly scanning the darkness of the school grounds, only the street lanterns of Hogsmeade in the far distance gave any light to the night. To his left were the looming shadows of a dark quidditch pitch. Though it would soon be lively, filled with screaming students and professor, the first game of the season would play in just a few days.

To his immediate right was the forbidden forest, a large circle on the outer edge now clearly marked where the Care of Magical Creatures class were taught when outdoors, though the new professor preferred a more traditional classroom setting. Passed the teaching circle a row of professor Sprouts greenhouses and then only Hagrids abandoned hut which he was considering turning into a seventh year only hangout.

But still none of those things were the reason he was up here this night.

Snape glanced down the long path that led to the gates of Hogwarts. The howls of the winged boarhounds were but a whisper in the night, the creatures moved restlessly upon their perch.

Snape rightly agreed, it was a restless night. Something was stirring in the air. A change in the tide.

Snape pulled his cloak tighter around him to fight off the chill of the night, he automatically slipped his hands in the cuffs of his robes to keep them warm. Winter would come early this year. He could smell the coldness in the air, the way the mornings were brisk so early in the season…. The way the early winds whipped there way around the castle walls. It would snow before long, that he was sure of.

Snape surppressed a shiver, narrowing his eyes as he watched one of the boarhounds arch his back and let loose a bloodcurdling howl.

He quickly looked to the gates of the school in just enough time to see a lone figure suddenly appear. Though he could only see the dark outline of the man he knew instantly whom it was. A dark hooded cape was flowing off of him as well, Snape watched the man turn and glaze strongly at the looming castle before him. He watched as the boy…nay man stuffed his hands in his pockets to fight off the chill of the night as well, Snape could see the man hesitated at the gates, as if unsure of his position past the spindly steel.

But as he crossed through them his stride was strong and even, from his vantagepoint in the top tower Snape could feel the crackle of magic radiate off the man. The magic seemed to be sending out feelers towards his own, he could feel his own power jump alive, as it hadn't in nearly a year. Perhaps he shouldn't have worn his traditional class robes under his winter cloak.

The cloaked man boarded one of the first year student boats, propelling its movement with a wave of his hand. The boat docked and the slender man exited with a slight hop. The young man was midway up the school path when he stopped and looked to the astronomy tower his eyes following the lean silo of the tower till they rested on the looming balcony. The hood of the young mans cloak fell backwards with a gust of wind, letting the castle and the only other person up at these wicked hours get a glimpse of him. Their eyes locked across the night, Snape nodded in silence and turned to descend the astronomy towers stairs.

Harry Potter walked slower the rest of the way to the castle, how could he not. It wasn't like he wanted to be here, it was only this damn cloak that dictated that he should be here on this day. Not that he had his cloak with him. He had taken nothing with him when he left a year ago, he hadn't wanted any of it. Not his clothes that had mostly been Aurors training robes and Weasley jumpers, not his school trunk which still held his memories of school. He had few personal items but those he did have he had left, even the photo album of his parents which he had regretted and he thought of numerous times of writing to Snape to send it along. He had only taken the clothes he had worn out of the castle that day, his wand, the one connect to Voldemort and of course Hedwig. Though she hadn't been pleased at leaving her cage even though he had bought her a new and improved one.

"Potter."

"Snape" Harry nodded, eyeing the man standing on the top step of Hogwarts. The man he had avoided for the last year, not that it had been easy. The Judges at the Death Eater trials had wanted to speak with both of them, Photographers had wanted a decent picture of them together…the requests for dinner parties, interviews, talk radio on the wizarding wireless, had come pouring in after it was confirmed that Voldemort was gone… all which he had declined.

Snape turned with a swirl of his robes and headed back into the castle. Harry surpressed a snort and followed.

The entrance hall had a single candlestick with an obvious magical flame upon it. The only light in the otherwise dark castle. Harry glanced at Snapes retreating back as the man ascended the stairs to the second floor of the school. The portraits were suddenly a blur of activity racing from one to another. Harry's wand hand twitched in his pocket, what he wouldn't give to charm the portraits occupants frozen in their frames.

To Harry's astonishment they were standing in front of the stone gargoyle quicker than he would have liked. Snape didn't wait for a reaction from him he simply said the password and stepped onto the moving staircase.

Harry followed.

Snape was hanging his cloak up on the hook by the door by the time his bond arrived.

Snape moved to his desk and took a seat. A wave of his hand a tray of hot tea and saucers arrived, small cakes and sugar and whatnots.

Harry nodded and pulled off his winter cloak and hung it up on the knob just inside the door, next to Snapes. He was dress carefully in his winter robes, a Weasley jumper and causal black pants. His Aurors boots with shoelaces tucked into the sides of the boots.

"You ready?" Harry asked.

"Now?" Snape stood, "Why don't you have a seat, have some tea, a sandwich or something?"

Harry fidgeted, ignoring him looking around the room, it was more crowded the he remembered, stacks of books, a stand filled with umbrellas stood in the corner. The Slytherin green motif was alive throughout the room.

"I'd like to be home by morning." Was all he said turning back to Snape.

"Yes…of course…"

Snape rose and moved toward the door right of the fireplace. "Go on up… I'll be there in a minute."

Harry entered casually through the door. Not looking at Snape.

It was a silent trek up the winding staircase, Harry chewed nervously on his bottom lip. Running his nervous hands through his hair repeatedly. The yellow door at the top of the steps opened easily to his apprehensive touch. Harry crossed through the sitting room without looking at it.

Pushing the bedroom door open he was startled to see the Gryffindor red still marring the room. The gold and red duvet upon the bed, his school trunk still pushed against one wall, his spare wand, the one tied to Snape still on the nightstand.

"The room won't allow change…not from me at least."

Harry turned to see Snape leaning against the doorframe, a simple tray of tea floating next to him.

Snape pushed off from the door waving the tray to his nightstand, coming to stand next to it. Watching Harry look over the room he, himself, had only spent a single night in this room. It didn't feel right without another soul to occupy the space next to him. None of it felt right. Though that wasn't supposed to be part of the bond. There was no desire or need with the bond. There was no compulsion to be close to each other…only if they ignored their yearly duties would the bond step in.

Harry raised his wand giving a single flick at the bedcovers, chewing on his bottom lip when nothing happened.

Snape came to stand next to him, shoulder to shoulder, resting his hands on the post at the foot of the bed and held out his hand. Harry didn't take it instead he touched the sleeve of Snape's robe.

"Grow up Potter." Snape growled yanking his arm forward taking Potters hand, "try again."

Harry tried to ignore the warm feeling that overtook his body as Snape touched him. The comfort of being close to each other, it felt as if his magic was awakening. He flicked his wand again, the duvet changed to a nice green with silver thread. Harry smirked and dropped his hand from Snapes but as he did so the duvet changed back to red.

"The whole damn thing acts as if its waiting for you, the bedroom, the sitting room, even my office thought that does have the decently of staying my preferred colors. Its very frustrating Potter… Hell, I can't even send you your trunk and things it won't let me… I believe it's the bonds way of saying you shouldn't have left…" Snape snapped his mouth shut his eye fixed on the bed.

Harry's glaze locked on Snape. He wanted to argue with the man that this was his fault but it was an old argument he no longer wanted to argue.

They both stood in silence… to long. Neither wanted to take the next step… the one that dictated the bond. The yearly renewal of their cloaks.

Snape was the first to move, he calmly poured himself a spot of tea. He gulped down the cooling liquid wishing he had something a little bit stronger to calm his state of mind.

Setting his tea cup down, he stared silently out the open window, his fingers tracing the lines of his lower lip in a thoughtful way as he watched the darkness of the night deepen.

Enough time had passed that he was startled when Potter moved to the wardrobe to pull his own cloak from it. He watched the boy stare at the shimmering material. Tracing random symbols with his fingers, "Its not the same." He finally said looking up to Snape.

"No, it changed… " Snape shrugged out of his own cloak and pointed to the books with hearts that were centered in the back of each, the boys book closed and locked and Snape own with the key, "I was on the way to the infirmary when they changed…I suppose it was the moment you decided you weren't staying that they changed."

Harry looked back down to his symbols, the shut book, the lock, the fading heart. It was all how he felt, or had felt over the course of the last year. It all had been an emotional roller coaster, he felt shut off from the world and those that supported him, or normally encouraged him. Hermione hadn't been there for him, not like she usually was, not that he had expected her to be, what with her lengthy stay at St. Mungo's and her even longer recovery afterwards. It was just now her life was falling into place and she was finally heading off to University at both muggle and Magical schools. The Weasley's had been another matter, they were a sorrowful after Ron's death. Not that they could be anything else. He had been uncomfortable at their home, welcomed by all but uncomfortable knowing he had been at fault, that if he had completed this bond a week earlier his best friends death might have been avoided.

But he would still be in the same position he was now. He would still have this bond hanging over him. The yearly visits, the uncertainty of Snape's mood and actions.

He was aware of Snape moving closer, close enough that he was almost touching, pressed against his back. The former potion master held his class cloak up next to Potters. His own symbols shimmered as the moonlight beamed into the room. A splatter of stars emitted from the cloaks as they touched.

Potters eyes flickered over the open book on of Snapes cloak, the key suspended in the center of the heart, "mine changed as well Potter…" Snape whispered, a soft breath in the young mans ear. His thin fingers pointing to the key.

"But your book is still open?" Harry said absently. He looked up to Snape, his lips parted, his mouth suddenly dry. The man was to close, it seemed as if he loomed over him thought there was barely a difference in height. Harry made a move to speak… to say anything, but Snapes mouth was suddenly on his. The warm wetness of his kiss distracting, the dance of their tongues fighting for dominance. Harry gasped as a hand slide around his waist, pulling him closer still. Slender fingers fisted in his unruly hair, hip met hip, as Harry Potter was walked backwards to the awaiting bed.

"Wait," Harry jerked away, gasping for air, his mind clouded… "What does that mean…the open book?"

Snape growled, why did his bond have to be a talker, someone who has to analyze every damn thing. "I think that would be obvious Mister Potter." Snape kicked off his boots and bent down to capture Potters lips once again.

Harry ducked out from under Snape's hold, "Does that mean… what does that mean?" Harry backed away his hands on his hips.

"Even you can't be that dense Potter." Snape advanced predatorily toward his bond.

"Pretend I am." Harry darted for the far side of the bed, still full dressed.

Snape hissed grinding his teeth, "Fine…you dunderhead. It means I am open to the idea..." If the boy made him say the word love he was going to push him out that open window and make it look like an accident.

Snape grabbed his arm, "Is that information satisfactory to your simple mind Potter." Snape made a move to toss him on the bed, but Harry was ready for him.

Needless to say Snape found himself face down on the bed with a very aggressive Harry Potter pressed along his back. A warm breath tickled his ear, "I believe it's my turn to top Snape."

Severus Snape grinned…

Later…nearly two years.

Harry Potter woke alone.

It didn't bother him much anymore, one usually gets use to it. Especially when it a daily occurrence. It wasn't his preferred way to wake. Perhaps if he didn't sleep until late morning it might not happen that way.

But Harry had no regrets and it was only for a short time longer.

Though he was looking forward to the school year ending this week and looked even more forward to teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts next year.

It made sense after all. He enjoyed working with the students, the professors and he got along splendidly with them all. Not to mention he didn't really think being an Auror was really for him anymore. It was a great job, an honorable job but not for him. Anyway, he didn't want to be to far from the comfort of the castle, a place he had always called home…nor did he want to be far from Snape.

Snape…

Harry smiled.

His Snape. It almost made him giggly to think of the man. His Snape.

Harry reached over and pulled the pillow off Snapes side of the bed and held it to his chest. Inhaling deeply the scent of Snape…Pure Snape.

Not that Snape wasn't a scent you could describe, not really. It was more a mixture of the castle and stone, books and wood, it was time that passed and time that stood still. Oh, it wasn't stuffy or old smelling it was very fresh and new smelling. It was simply Snape.

There was no longer the drip of dungeons embedded in his skin or his robes, the days of toiling about with potions were long gone. Harry didn't even think Snape missed the potion brewing much anymore. There was so much more to occupy his mind and time. Not with a castle to run. Not with a bondmate by his side.

Harry smiled, yes so much more to occupy his time. Harry stretched leisurely in bed. He opened his eyes to stare at the red canopy draped across the bed.

Right here in this very spot they had occupied their time… repeatedly. Harry turned over on his side pulling the pillow closer to him. He didn't ever want to leave this spot. He could lay here forever and be content.

It was something he had never had the leisure of doing. There was no more Dark Lord hunting or planing his immediate demise. It had been hard when Snape insisted he do nothing temporally. He had never done that before. Didn't know how to do that. It had been a learning experience and a damn good one. Thought the fight that had taken place prior hadn't been pretty… though now that he thought of it, it was one fight he was glad he had lost.

Though at the time he couldn't' see the benefit of doing nothing and had thought Snape was crazy for even suggesting such a thing. How was he, the Boy-Who-Lived to explain that he was doing nothing… for one year. No job, no fighting nor participating in the capture of the few Death Eaters that remained in small active groups or had. But no one had questioned him when he told them of his plans. No one cared or bereted the fact that he needed time.

He would have to remember to thank Snape properly later for his insistence of doing nothing for a year.

At first it had been hard. He hadn't known what to do with his time. He had wandered the castle, the grounds without inhabitants. And later came the exploration of Hogsmeade. He had explored the small wizarding village until he knew it like the back of his hand. Then later Diagon alley with Hermione who had recovered nicely and was also taking the time to do nothing for a years until she started university. They had walked the alleys and then Knockturn alley, they had talked about everything and then about Ron.

Later the hard part had come.

He could no longer ignore the Weasley's repeated request to come visit.

He could no longer hide by Snapes side, hide wit in the comfort and seclusion of the castle.

He had gone to the burrow.

Of course he had stood in their front yard for the longest time silent and thinking. Only when the chill of winter had nearly frozen him solid did he knock on their door.

They had talked late into the night about Ron and his friendship. They had given him Ron's Cuddly Cannon's poster and hat saying 'Ron would have wanted him to have it'. They had cried together and then laughed together. Charlie, Bill, and even Percy had drank Firewhiskey to the wee hours of the morning until all were numb.

He didn't tell them about Dumbledore. There was no sense. It would only have pained them more to know a man they trusted so had sacrificed their son to the cause of the light or perhaps because of Harry Potter's own foolishness.

Harry had his own guilt because of Ron's death. Its something he will live with the rest of his life… but in that year off he learned to deal. With death, grief… and then he had known why Snape had insisted upon the year off.

Of course there had been other things to deal with…get use to living with Snape for one. They were by no means compatible, yet some how they were. Somehow they fit perfectly together…In more ways then one.

Harry stretched again.

He looked over the bedroom; it was getting awfully crowded. His stuff, Snapes stuff, stuff the wizarding community had sent them as thanks for ridding the world of Voldemort. He really had to sort it out but there never seemed like time.

He really had to get up and get breakfast before Snape came in and yelled at him. Yes Snape still yelled at him as if he was a child instead of his bondmate. But that was simply Snape for you. He was a screamer. Not that that was a bad thing.

"You gonna to get your ass out of bed this morning?"

Harry's head shot up, Snape was leaning against the doorframe holding a cup of tea in his hand. He was dressed still all in black. The top button of his robe undone, which meant he didn't join the rest of the school for breakfast.

He pushed himself off the doorframe and came slinking into the room.

"You look guilty Potter, what have you been doing?" Snapes tone was mockingly curt.

"Nothing," Harry tried to act innocent. Though the act usually failed.

"Hmmm…" Snape sighed, "I never trust a man with his hands under the sheets… what have you been doing my naughty boy." he set the cup of tea on the bed table smirking.

"You could join me and find out." Harry said playfully.

Snape smirked, "yes I could" he whispered, slinking out of his robe and sliding under the top sheet.

"You could come here," Harry said softly nodding slowly.

"Yes I could," Said Snape. He slide closer, his arms finding their way around Harry's waist pulling the warm body toward him.

"You could kiss me…"

Harry didn't finish what he was saying. Warm silky lips were already being pressed to his, as Snape covered Harry's body with his own. Legs twine together, hips rubbed against the other, Harry opened his mouth as a tea sweet tongue licked at his.

A silent content moan escape one body and then the other, strong seeker legs came up around the ex potions professors pulling him closer… "You could…" Harry breathed, but a warm mouth was already nibbling its way down his body… "Yes you could…"

The End