Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Harry Potter.
Note: Thanks for the reviews. I know it has been nearly a month since I last update but this is my first weekend off since July and I decided to spend it writing this story. It is kind of hard to try to write as much as I want with school and work. So we just passed 300 reviews, I mean wow so dedicated to all my faithful reviews and readers is this chapter, let's begin. Just a thing on Snape's nightclothes, I don't like nightshirts so no, Snape will not be sleeping in them.
Chapter dedicated to: Nicole for being an amazing friend and for my betas for doing such an amazing job.
The only sound in the room was the small crackling wood of the fire which had flared back to life after Snape had floo'd in. Harry was aware of each breath he took, of the pounding of his heart and each movement Snape made, which was none.
The dark eyes were hooded but watching him and the older wizard looked pale. Harry searched for something to say, anything to break this awkward tense silence between them. He shifted and wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans as he tried to mask his nervousness.
Why was he being nervous? For Merlin's sake, he had had sex with the man, he should feel confident around Snape and familiar but he felt out of his depth, the same way he often felt around Uncle Vernon. He shook his head and then asked.
"Do you want some coffee?"
"Do you require healing?"
Both fell silent and Snape seemed startled before he smirked and gestured for Harry to ask his question again. Harry felt a bit giddy before he said. "Do you want some coffee, or tea? Or perhaps something to eat…or a nice bath?"
Snape held up a hand and Harry realized he was stammering, he blushed a little and Snape said, his voice low in the room. "Some coffee would be nice if we still have some."
Harry turned; glad to have something to do, for he truly didn't know how to stand or to sit to hide how nervous he felt. A hand that touched his shoulder pulled him back and Harry flinched out of habit. He turned to watch Snape's expression change to one of guardedness, the one he had seen before and suddenly he knew, as the dark eyes grew cold, he had made a mistake.
But it happened so often that he tried not to flinch that he had been unprepared this time. Normally he watched as somebody tried to touch or approach him and with Ron and Hermione he had worked out such a familiarity that they knew better than to touch him when his mind was someplace else.
He sighed, they were barely alone for 10 minutes and he had already mucked things up. He felt weary suddenly. Why had he been so foolish to think that everything would change simply because the bond had been consummated? He gestured to the kitchen and said. "I will get you some coffee, won't be long."
He turned as he heard the fabric shift from Snape's clothes and the older wizard said. "Do not hurry on my account, Potter; my appetite has decreased a little since…the imprisonment."
Harry turned, his stomach turned to ice. So he had been reduced back to Potter, hadn't he? He felt angry suddenly. He was trying, he really was and Snape immediately made sure it backfired in his face. Were there truly no second chances with this man?
"I will make you something to eat either way, wouldn't want to be accused of not taking care of my bond mate." He growled suddenly, his temper flaring as he watched Snape turn a sour color.
"No, that would only be reserved for me, big bad Snape who cannot even take care of his husband, Harry precious Potter." The older wizard snarled before he roughly pushed past Harry on his way to the stairs. Within a moment Harry stood fuming alone in the room.
He cursed angrily and went into the kitchen to prepare the coffee because he really wasn't ready to give up on Snape yet, even if the man was just as big of a git as he normally was.
Hp
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose with shaky fingers. He should have known it. Potter was only pretending. Potter was disgusted with him already. Well Severus had warned the brat. He rubbed his temples when his head flared.
Why should he have expected anything else? Potter always played his game well, too well, sometimes. He sighed and wrinkled his nose at the stench that came from his clothes. He raised his wand to use a spell but then a small smile twisted his lips, Potter had mentioned a bath, that did sound promising, perhaps, yes, when was the last time he had indulged himself?
He couldn't even remember and well, he could think of how to deal with Potter and the long night ahead.
Hp
Harry had managed to calm down a little. Perhaps he had reacted too heavily. Once more he was reminded that he didn't know anything about Snape. He knew what the man didn't like but who was Snape really? Harry had no idea.
He would have to make an effort he realized. If he wanted some sort of resemblance of happiness with Snape, he would have to be the one to show the older wizard that things could change. He poured the coffee, enjoying a quick sip. It tasted just like…well…bitter and dark, not unlike Snape.
He smiled suddenly. How strange that that the beverage the older wizard liked was was so much like him. But all coffee needed to softened its taste was a bit of sugar and milk, well perhaps that was what Snape needed as well, a bit of love and tenderness and if Harry knew one thing, it was how to give those things, even if he had been deprived of them.
He took the mug and walked into the living room. Right Snape had disappeared upstairs. So now either he could wait until Snape stopped moping and came downstairs or he could, yes, he would go up. He would start making an effort tonight and as Harry allowed it to strengthen him, feeling his magic rise slightly he aimed his wand at the hidden doorway to the stairs and then he walked through. He smiled when he realized that having his magic back was one of the best feelings ever, now just to fix the other things.
He walked silently up the steep stairs, the steaming mug still in his hand. It warmed him, just as he had wanted it to warm his heart to see Snape. He was confused, a part of him wanted to cuddle against Snape, to feel secure in the older wizard's arms but so much had happened in the past few days his mind was still reeling. Had it really happened what Draco had said? Had Snape been responsible for the Death Eaters that had escaped from Azkaban? And if so, could Harry still look him in the eye, knowing that this man, his bond mate, was indirectly responsible for the death of his godfather? Would Harry be able to cope with that or would it just be another thing to hate the spy for?
He didn't know any of these things, just the fact that he wanted nothing more than to believe in Snape's innocence and to go back to the conflicting emotions of the past few weeks. It was better than this dreaded feeling.
He blew on the coffee to inhale the smell. It smelled exquisite. Harry could feel his mouth watering just from the smell. Perhaps he could take another sip later. I do wonder how it tastes on Severus' lips
He shook his head firmly at that. It wasn't going to happen so he might just stop dreaming about it. He shook his head again and then walked into the bedroom, freezing suddenly when he noticed that Snape was barely dressed.
He watched as the slender fingers drew the dark trousers over the well formed hips as Snape's head snapped up. The dark eyes narrowed in anger when Snape noticed Harry standing there and staring. The thin lips curled in disdain as Snape growled. "And what on earth do you want now, Potter?"
Harry recovered quickly, drawing his eyes away from the hands that fastened the button on the dark trousers. His throat was suddenly a little dry and Harry could feel the heat in his cheeks that told him he was blushing. He opened his mouth to say what he wanted to say but his mind was blank except for the way he remembered the feel of Snape's hips against his own.
His eyes betrayed him for they once more strayed to the black covered groin and then Harry grew aware and he snapped his gaze up to Snape's face. The dark eyed wizard's lips were twisted in a smug smile as Snape pulled his shirt on, fastening the buttons quickly over the pale chest.
Harry could feel the heat in his cheeks intensify and he merely wordlessly extended the mug he held nearly lovingly in his hand. He averted his eyes, hearing Snape snort softly before the older wizard moved forward and Harry felt the mug being lifted from his hands.
"I will make some supper." He told the bed.
"Yes, you go and do that, I am sure I am in the mood for some dessert." And with that seductive dark purr, Harry fled, his ears burning.
Hp
Severus walked downstairs with a much lighter heart and step then when he had come up. Potter certainly amazed him. Had he not known the boy to be coy and seen to it himself, he would have held the younger male for a blushing virgin.
Blushing certainly, but a virgin, certainly not. Something in Severus' chest tightened and he frowned at himself, stopping on the steps. Was Potter perhaps unsure of how to react around him? Severus had been the boy's first sexual encounter.
He remembered the way Potter had behaved earlier, with fearful eyes as they stared up at Severus. So very different from other boys his age. Severus sighed, what had he done to be given this responsibility to take care of Harry Potter, virtually a child.
He ran a hand through his long hair, pushing it away from his face. Was that the sole reason Potter was behaving so oddly? Or was it something else? In the past few weeks Severus had learned to read Potter and his moods well but Potter had seemed, insecure, stronger, yes and...Out of his depth.
That had been it. Potter was unsure of how to behave around Severus, like every one of his instincts were telling him something different. Potter should know him well enough by now to know that Severus was not a gentle and kind man but then…what was Potter hesitating for? Severus had told him in no uncertain terms that there was no playing on the side so what if…what if Potter wanted more, more of what Severus has shown him.
Severus felt his face grow hot when he began to realize that perhaps whatever Harry was doing was something all teenage boys did. He groaned softly into his hands, what had he done to deserve such a delicious threat?
Any man with Severus' reputation would welcome somebody who came on to them. But Harry Potter, was well, Harry Potter. For all he had seen he was an innocent soul. Innocent in the ways of the body and seductiveness, so would it be up to Severus to show him?
Severus shook his head, no, like he had said before Potter deserved more. So what was more? Was it love? He sneered at the thought, or affection? Yes, possible or was it what he had always wanted with Lily? A lover to complete him and….
This was infuriating, was Severus really considering such a thing? He could train Potter to please him in bed, but it would mean making Potter very bitter and if Severus had the power to prevent that, wouldn't he owe it to the brat and himself to take a chance? They were stuck with each other, that was for sure.
But could Severus give the Savior of the Wizarding World what had been kept from him for all his life? Severus sighed, if he knew one thing for sure, he would have to find out tonight what it was that Potter wanted.
He finally made his way downstairs, his mind overran with memories from his past. He had had lovers in the past, though never quite as young as Potter or if they were so young, much more experienced and well educated in the ways Severus liked. They never stuck around and asked for affection or companionship or love. No, Severus wasn't the kind of man people fell in love with, or he at least didn't give them the chance to do so.
It was awkward enough being around Potter without having to wonder this sort of thing. Severus ran another hand over his face and sighed, one way or another, he hoped to have some peace tonight, no matter in what form.
Hp
Harry forced himself to keep his eyes on his plate filled with eggs and sausages instead of allowing it to rise to the face of the man sitting opposite him. Snape would surely notice if he found Harry's eyes on him again.
Harry took a sip of his tea, blowing on the hot liquid to cool it and so he could study Snape. The older wizard was eating with relish, taking small bites before he took a sip of his coffee. Snape was reading a magazine and Harry found his eyes following the long fingers as they held the cutlery and then turned a page.
The proud bowed head hid the dark eyes from his voice and then Snape said. "Potter, the staring is becoming quite disturbing. Say what you want!"
"Do you want another serving? Or?" Or do you want dessert? Harry felt his mouth grow dry at the thought. What did desert mean? Did it mean what he hoped it meant or just simply desert…?
Snape waved a slender hand as he said. "I will get it myself." The older wizard rose elegantly and Harry shivered when Snape walked past him. Was it just his imagination or did he feel a hand brush his shoulder? His eyes continued to stare into the wall, his hands still held the hot mug and his magic rose a little before Harry took a deep breath and forced himself to relax.
So what if Snape was touching him, it had felt nice, hadn't it? He shifted, feeling the pain blossom deep within him again. The pain was distracting but it was a good distraction. It reminded him of what had happened in that deep, dark cell….
Harry shivered at the memory of how cold it had been and how dark his thoughts had been. When the bond had been consummated and his magic returned slowly, he felt so much better. It was strange that his magic had such an effect on him. It did solve a lot of issues though, even when there was still a lot of stuff unresolved but in time Harry would deal with those too.
He ran a hand through his messy hair and then startled badly when a hand landed on his shoulder. He tried to suppress the flinch but he found he could not and Snape surely must have felt it. But as Harry waited with bated breath for the lecture and the shouting which would start soon, Snape's hand tightened before the older wizard murmured. "So tense, I do hope you realize by now that I have no intention of harming you."
Harry forced himself to relax and he turned in his seat to look at Snape. The older wizard had straightened and his arms were crossed over his chest. Harry was immediately reminded of the Potions Master as he saw the menacing presence behind him but he smiled and said. "Trust me; if you would have wanted to harm me, staying in Azkaban would have done it."
Snape's eyes darkened and Harry felt the smile slide off his face, had he done it again but then the dark eyes narrowed and Snape shook his head, saying. "Yes, well no matter what the general population might think, I wasn't sent to Azkaban because I wanted to harm you. Besides, I never thought the bond between us would react in such a way."
Harry averted his eyes to the floor, now which had been his concern, or should have been. It had been him who had secured the bond between them. He had been the one to link their magic together…it had been him…
The clearing of a throat behind him had him looking up. Harry smiled slightly for the interrupting of his little guilt trip.
"Well, yes, do you require healing?" Snape asked brusquely.
"Uhm…what?" Harry stumbled over the sudden change of subject.
The dark eyes snapped to his own in a glare. "Do you require healing from our bonding?" Snape spoke in a clear whisper.
"I…I still don't quite know what you mean." Harry said, he was puzzled. Did Snape mean to break the bond between them but that was impossible…
Snape sneered and then snarled. "I mean healing as in your body, idiotic boy!"
Oh, that! Harry blushed a bit and averted his eyes. He looked down, focusing upon himself. He was sore, yes, he was but it wasn't really distracting and strangely enough he felt proud of the pain. Proud of what he had done. He was normal, well as normal as any of the other boys his age regarding sex at least. That made him feel a little better.
"Potter!"Snape growled.
"No, thanks." Harry quickly said, smiling at Snape a bit uncertainly. The older wizard snorted as he said.
"You mean to tell me that you are not in the least bit sore from what we did. Normally…."And Harry watched amazed as Snape cleared his throat, looked away, a hint of pink in the high sallow cheeks. "Normally when an object passes through a passage as narrow and tight, well, it creates bruising and sometimes even bleeding." The dark eyes snapped back to his heated face and then Snape snarled. "I have no need for your heroism, Potter. I will not have you in pain on my behalf."
Oh, so that was it. The guilt trip but something warmed inside Harry. It had only been a while ago that Snape couldn't have cared less if Harry was suffering or not. But because of the bond, well no wonder the older wizard didn't want to be in pain because Harry was feeling pain.
"Oh, are you uncomfortable then?" He asked.
Snape leaned against the counter, arms still crossed over his chest as he frowned and said. "I am unsure of what you speak about. I am not uncomfortable at all, not any more than normal anyway."
It seemed out of habit that Snape rubbed at his neck where the thick bandages still rested. Harry frowned as well, hadn't the bond changed then or was it still only considering their magic? "Uhm, so then why do you ask if I need healing?"
Snape sneered and shook his head angrily as he said. "You foolish brat, I ask if you require healing because it is a considerate thing to do. Usually with a partner, especially the first time, it can be very uncomfortable and unpleasant, especially the after hours."
Harry felt his throat go dry and then he gave a nod. The older wizard held up his wand and after a muttered spell, the soreness deep within him disappeared and he shifted a little. Before he knew it, he heaved a sigh of relief. He hadn't even realized just how wound up he really had been.
Snape gave a nod, tucking his wand away.
"Wait a moment, my magic wasn't affected when you uttered the spell, so does that mean…?" Harry glanced up, confused for a moment as he watched the dark eyes narrow. He chewed his lip, disappointed suddenly. So it would be all over then, the bond would simply disappear like that, consummated.
He made the mistake of glancing up at Snape to catch the cold dark eyes as they watched him and then Snape hissed. "You foolish, foolish boy. Did you really think that whatever you used to link our magic together will simply disappear because we consummated the bond? Your idiocy astonishes me! Magic is not so simple as to be linked at will, no, a certain compatibility is necessary for it to work. Like with magical families, their magic is compatible and is alike."
"Do you mean with the Weasleys?" Harry was a bit confused and he shifted in his seat so he could fully face Snape.
The older wizard traced a finger over his lips in thought before he replied. "Yes, all of their children's magic is alike, both in strength and in signature. It may vary a little but not much. It is the same with other people, though it is rare. Something in your magic called to mine and my unconscious mind reached for it, making the link permanent. Without us knowing how strong the bond is, death might not even break us apart. Your magic didn't respond because it is strong, as is mine and the spell was simple. Had I used a different, more consuming spell, you would have felt the effects. We are only just recovering."
"So we still don't know what the bond does?"
"No, nor in what way it will bind us. Within time, longer than the 4 to 5 weeks we have spent together now we will tell what will happen. It is too early. In time our magic will recovered as well, fully and then I propose we shall see how much magic we can draw up together and apart without the other suffering." Snape sighed and then pinched the bridge of his nose.
Harry rose. "Thank you for healing me." He said as he cleared away the table. Snape's perplexed expression made him smile as he walked from the room.
Hp
Harry, lad, focus! You are setting yourself up for a fall if you keep doing this. You know how Snape is, a nasty git. He is a Slytherin to boot too so he will take advantage of any situation presented to him.
Harry tried to ignore the little voice in his head as he sat tensely on the couch, trying to force himself to be absorbed in his book but obviously failing miserably. His green eyes strayed to Snape again, where the Potions Master was sitting in his favorite chair, magazine in hand and a finger of Scotch in a glass.
It was all he was allowed with the potions he had taken dutifully. Harry's eyes strayed to the amber liquid. The amber color reminded him of Remus' eyes, the same color, and the same strange color. Harry shook his head firmly as a wave of grief passed.
He refocused his eyes back on the book he was trying to read but his attention was diverted when he saw Snape raise the glass and take a sip. Harry watched nearly transfixed as his bond mate swallowed, the Adam's apple bobbing before Snape rested the glass on the armrest of his chair.
The tongue lapped out to lick away the droplets that clung to the thin lips and Harry swallowed thickly. He closed his eyes in frustration. Merlin, is it so bad with me that I even get a hard on from watching Snape lick his lips. How disturbed am I? I am really a freak, Uncle Vernon was right….
Hp
The brat was watching him again, Severus noticed as he relished in the fire burning down his throat to his stomach. Why was Potter watching him? What reason did Potter have for watching him continuously? It was annoying and completely unnecessary and once Severus was sure of the brat's motives for doing so, he would deal with it accordingly.
Was it because of Draco Malfoy? What reason did the self appointed Prince of Slytherin have to ask of his bond mate?
Severus lowered his magazine, watching green eyes shift back to the book Potter was holding in his hands. Severus sneered and then asked. "What did Draco Malfoy want to discuss with you?"
The book fell from limp hands as Potter stared up at him, mouth opening. For a moment Severus felt angry, what had the brat been thinking? He had told Potter explicitly to expect fidelity and he only had to turn around to find the boy with somebody else.
Rage startled him and without thinking Severus snapped out. "Does it turn you on to go to one cell and convince your bond mate to consummate the bond and then minutes, minutes, Potter!, after go to another cell and suck off Draco Malfoy? Is that how you saw my imprisonment, as an excuse to go and explore a little."
Potter colored a nasty red at his words and then the younger wizard sprang to his feet, magic swirling about him as he bit out, voice ice cold. "You thought that? That I would go down on my knees for him? For a Malfoy?! Is that how you push people away, Snape? You are a real piece of work you are. No wonder my mother gave up if this is how you treated her. Well let me tell you, husband, the only one I ever went down on my knees or back for was you!"
And with those words and a last furious glance of the green eyes, Potter picked up the book and stalked from the room.
Inside the room Severus sat in silence, the magazine in his hands and the scotch cold in his hands. Yet it was nothing compared to the cold in his heart. What had he been thinking? How could he have thought that Potter, pure, innocent, precious Potter would ever do something like that? The boy didn't even know when somebody came on to him.
Potter is a Gryffindor and they think very differently from the way Slytherins do. No, if Potter had wanted to break me, he would have used anything but sex. But perhaps I have been broken already. Albus was right, Slytherins have nothing on the pure hearted Gryffindor's. Slytherins are cunning and sneaky, used to playing underhand tricks to get what we want. How is it my fault that I am an exception to that rule? But regardless, it is up to this Slytherin to salvage things with his Gryffindor…
And while Severus grimaced at the thought, he got to his feet to follow Potter up the stairs to apologize even if the words would taste very bitter in his mouth.
Hp
"I apologize."
"I don't care."
"Well, I still apologize. I shouldn't have said that. I mistook you for another."
"You mistook me for a Slytherin, didn't you? There is no need to add insult to injury, Snape!" Harry grimaced. Snape was standing in the door to the library, his mask firmly in place through the dark eyes radiating some kind of sorrow and something Harry couldn't place.
"It is just that when you are used to certain reactions all your life, it is hard to adapt when you hear something else," Snape said, picking the words carefully.
Harry glanced up. Snape radiated confidence, as always but Harry grimaced and then answered. "Trust me; a Malfoy wouldn't soil himself with me. They wouldn't stoop that low."
"Considering how low they would stoop, I think it would do them a favor. Draco has been always whining that it is his father's favor and influence that has kept him firmly attached in today's society, I think he would relish the chance to do something because of something he achieved and to receive praise for it."
Right, Snape didn't even know what Lucius had planned for him. Harry opened his mouth to say when…
He closed it with a snap. He wasn't ready. He just needed one night. One night without having to worry about influence from the outside world. They could do that in the morning. He just needed one night to pretend everything was right between them and all they had to deal with were the wounds from their past, that was enough trouble already.
"Well, I was never one for blonds. For some reason, dark hair always had an appeal. Must be tough, isn't it? To know that the Hero of the Wizarding World can think of nothing else than to repeat what has happened in a dingy cell with his bond mate. Well, nobody can fault you for being truly Slytherin and taking what is offered to you, though I might not offer again."
And as Harry brushed past Snape, he enjoyed the open mouth and the wide dark eyes of his bond mate, because truly, how many people could say they had stunned Severus Snape into silence?
Hp
Severus dried himself off as he picked up his wand from the washing table. He pointed it at the window, allowing it to open so the heated air which was making the mirrors fog over could escape. He glanced at his blurry reflection. His wet hair hung limp till well past his shoulders.
With a snarl and a barely muttered spell he cut it off till it barely touched his shoulder blades. There that was much better. He toweled his hair dry, dark eyes distant. The bath had certainly relaxed him and he had relived in being able to use his magic in a simple thing to keep his bandages from getting wet.
He felt clean and better than he had in days. Relaxed even, yes, even with the realization that Potter had wanted to repeat what had happened between them. Surely yes some things but all? Did the boy really realize what he was offering? What tempting thing he was practically giving away?
His thin lips curled into a sneer at that. Oh no, not an evil run away screaming for help kind of sneer but a satisfied one. Some might even go as far as to call it a smile. Yes, well, Severus never smiled, everybody knew that. Though had he been any less bitter or unpleasant, he might have.
He would do best to stick to his plan. Leave Potter alone. The brat wasn't ready for such a big step again, not this soon. No this time it would be slow and Severus would be fully in control. He gave himself a brusque nod as he reappeared from underneath the fluffy black towel. His damp hair curled slightly against his shoulders.
Severus studied himself. Could he be attractive to anybody? His nose was big, too big and his face was lined with harsh lines, proving life had been unkind to him. He tried to smile, to curl his lips in anything but a snarl, disdain or a sneer but it looked strange and pathetic.
I am not a bloody cheery Gryffindor.
Severus snarled at himself and he picked up his sleeping trousers, hastily putting them on. He was tired and it had been a long day. He eyed himself in the mirror again before he picked up his shirt as well.
He doused the lights with a simple spell; padding softly towards the bedroom opposite the bathroom. He opened it and slipped inside. Something inside him softened when he noticed Harry asleep on the bed, book draped across his chest and the glasses still plastered to his face.
Severus drew closer, considering the younger male in front of him. Something curled his lips indeed besides disdain as he watched the slow and even rise of the narrow chest. He reached forward to pluck the glasses off and then carefully folded the book, placing it on the nightstand underneath the glasses.
Potter stirred and turned on his side, arms folded against his body. It is too fast…no matter what Harry may want…it is too fast. It has only been two days since we kissed, only two days and there is time, no matter what happens, nobody can take away what happened….
Severus growled at himself and pulled his hand away where it strayed as if he wanted to tuck Potter in. Why should he care if the brat was cold in the night? He instead stomped to his side of the bed and pulled the blankets away with unnecessary force before lying down.
He angrily drew the blankets over his shoulder, turning away from Potter as he snarled at himself.
Bloody Gryffindors indeed, making me do silly things. No matter what I will not hug Potter or whatever nonsense has been planted inside my head. It is what you get with staying around Gryffindors for so long.
But even as he closed the eyes, he couldn't help but wonder what would it feel like to hold Potter in his arms?
Hp
Harry woke to the soft snoring, disoriented with where he was. He pressed back against the warmth against his back and then suddenly he was surrounded in warmth. Satisfied Harry drifted off to sleep.
Hp
The strong hip against his moved again and Severus rolled over. Merlin, can't the brat lay still for one second?
He trapped Potter around the chest gently and as the brat relaxed in his arms, he buried his nose in the messy hair and allowed sleep to overcome him once more.
Hp
Harry blinked, something was wrong. He yawned, snuffling back into the comforts of sleep as he pressed back against the firm body behind him. Something stirred at his back and something tightened around his waist, fingers curled against his side.
Slowly the comforting easiness and cobwebs of sleep eased in his mind and Harry blinked again. He tried to burrow further into the warmth behind him until a strong hand pushed him back and a sleepy voice hissed sharply. "Lay still."
Harry was suddenly wide awake and the cold reality washed over him. His eyes opened and Harry tried to peer over his shoulder but he couldn't, not without jostling his bed partner further. Yet the arm that had snuck around his waist somewhere during the night couldn't be ignored and neither could his body's reaction to the pleasant warmth.
He closed his eyes and groaned. Great, just great. Snape is going to kill me. How do I always manage to make a right mess of things? Things were fine, each his own end of the bed but then how in the name of Merlin did we end up in the middle of the bed with Snape pressed against my back. Thank god that he is still asleep for else I would find myself flying further and faster from the bed than I can catch a snitch.
Carefully Harry moved, or really tried, he really did to pull a little away so he could slip from underneath the heavy arm that lay comfortably around his waist. He scolded at himself; he was not thinking these things. He had to be careful for Harry really didn't know if Snape was a light sleeper or not.
Of course with his stupid luck Snape would choose that moment to wake up. Harry had barely managed when suddenly Snape's arm stiffened around his waist and Harry lay still, breath held and body frozen.
He held himself tense, ready to jump or to react if Snape pushed him away. He counted in his head the seconds until Snape went back to sleep but the moment never came as the harsh voice came behind him, floating over his senses. "And just where do you think you are going?"
Harry tensed even further, puzzled as he tried to peer behind him. A hand on his hip applied pressure and Harry rolled onto his back so he could look up into his bond mate.
Snape's eyes were sharp, even when the dark hair was messy and sleep tousled. Snape's scowl was familiar and Harry said, squinting up at Snape. "Back to my own end of the bed, sir, if that is agreeable with you."
A dark eyebrow rose and then Snape purred. "And what if that is not agreeable with me? What will you do then?"
The older wizard was still on his side, one elbow propped up so he could tower over Harry but the younger male was puzzled. He looked at the door in the hidden light that came into the room. Or at least in the general direction of the door, he couldn't actually see the thing, except some blurry lines.
Snape was looking down at Harry and after careful examination of Snape's dark eyes Harry asked. "Then where would I have to go for it to be agreeable with you?"
"Whoever said anything about moving?" Harry's breathing caught in his throat as he began to understand the meaning behind Snape's words. A wry smile softened the thin lips as Harry's eyes widened and before he knew it, before he could begin to register anything beyond a strange haze in his mind, Snape leaned down to close the distance between them.
The dark eyes became sharper for Harry to see as Snape came closer and he was unaware that he was rising upwards to meet the thin lips. The pressure of the firm lips made Harry roll back onto his back, pressing into the mattress as Snape rolled on top of him.
Harry ran his hands over Snape's sides, finally letting them rest on the older wizard's hips. Snape settled on top of him, the weight deliciously seductive and warm until Harry finally opened his mouth and Snape's tongue slid in, quick as a snake as it slithered through grass.
Harry opened his eyes when the wicked tongue rolled around his own. Even before he could respond Snape was sucking his lower lip and Harry moaned softly. The tongue delved in again and much to his horror Harry felt his cock rise against Snape's firm thigh.
He tried to take a little bit more control of the kiss but Snape would have none of it and finally after a brief struggle, Harry succumbed to the delight shivers down his spine. His breathing was spent quickly and Harry wondered if he would lose consciousness when Snape finally pulled away, staring at him with unfathomable black eyes.
Harry lay there, panting, unable to do much else but squint up and grin stupidly as he tried to regain his thoughts, wits and breathing. Snape raised an eyebrow and asked. "Well?"
"Wow." Harry managed after a moment.
Snape snorted and looked away before he rolled off of Harry and murmured. "Wow indeed."
Harry sat up, worrying his bruised and swollen lip between his teeth as he wondered about the latest development between them. Had Snape changed his mind or…Harry's mind clicked into place, of course, the older wizard was expecting more.
Harry felt his heart grow cold and he choked back a sob. The kiss had been nice but he…he wasn't ready to do it again. He steeled himself. He had put them both in this predicament so if this was what it took for him to keep Snape pleased well…
He looked down at Snape's hidden form underneath the blankets. He swallowed thickly, he could do this…perhaps no sex but something else then, surely Snape wouldn't mind if Harry had never done this before.
With a trembling hand he reached out to pull the blankets away as Snape lay on his back, staring at the ceiling. The dark eyes didn't move and so Harry resigned himself as he reached for the dark trousers to undo the ties that bound them together when Snape startled and snapped at him.
"What are you doing, boy?"
Harry felt his conviction falter under the dark gaze as Snape sat up, reclining on his elbows so he could look Harry in the eye. Harry took a deep breath and said, his voice shaking. "I thought….that you…."
"You thought what?" The dark eyes narrowed and Harry looked down before he said.
"That you expected me to…." Merlin, he couldn't even say it but Snape stared at him as he said.
"To do what, Harry?"
"To suck you…." There he had said it and Harry began to feel very uncomfortable under the heavy stare as he watched the eyes widen slightly before the look of horror passed the older wizard's face and Harry knew it. Snape was disgusted with him. He scrambled backwards from the bed to create distance between him and Snape and then the older wizard said, his voice laced with anger.
"Did I not tell you that I would never, never force myself upon anybody, Potter?" The dark voice was chillingly cold and Harry flinched as he hastily nodded.
"Then how on earth did you come to the conclusion that I wanted you to do that?" Nothing was revealed in the dark voice this time, and for some reason Harry got the impression he had done something wrong, or that he wasn't getting something.
He frowned and said. "You kissed me and so I thought well, you would like something in return."
He heard a loud sigh and then Snape softly said. "What have I done to deserve this? Potter, Harry, normally when somebody kisses you, such things take time to evolve into sex or something alike. There is no reason for you to do something to me simply because I kissed you. You should not feel compelled to unless you want it, because in normal situations it starts with kissing and then leading to more."
Harry glanced up mortified. He had just thought that Snape well, that the older wizard had wanted something in return for kissing Harry. God, did he have so little experience with these things that he couldn't even function normally? Snape was sitting upright, looking at him and it seemed the clever wizard guessed it from his mind, or read it, Harry was unsure before Snape held out a hand.
Harry crawled closer, settling near Snape and allowed the older wizard to place his hand on Harry's thigh where he curled his legs underneath him as he glanced down. "Did you enjoy it when I kissed you?"
Harry's head shot up. How could Snape ask such a thing? Hadn't he heard or felt it. He gave a nod and said. "It was brilliant. I…."
He felt silent as Snape smirked and asked, frowning a little. "And when you thought about repaying me, what was your first thought?"
"Horror." Harry answered after a moment, his eyes cast down again.
"Then why do it?" Snape asked, lifting a hand under Harry's chin and meeting his eyes. Harry gave a shrug. The older wizard wore a grimace as he said, chilling Harry's heart a little with the words.
"I know my reputation as a fearful teacher precedes me, but I am not the kind of man to take pleasure in seeing other people suffering, not in that area anyway. If you feel comfortable and think you are skilled enough to handle the next step, then by all means, boy, go right ahead, but I will not have you crying silently over doing something you aren't ready for. When we consummated the bond, you were afraid, I could see it. I had not the time to properly prepare you as I should have, but we have time. This marriage is already shaken enough without you falling to pieces over every sexual encounter."
Without helping himself Harry felt a bit disappointed. It must have shown in his face for Snape chuckled darkly. "Merlin save me from teenage boys," Snape murmured, shaking his head. Harry gave his bond mate a lopsided grin and he received a shove in return.
"Go and indulge in a wank in the shower, Potter. I will straighten the bedroom."
"You won't come and join me?" Harry couldn't help but ask. The only answer he got was a pillow thrown at his head, a very dark but wistful scowl and as he laughed, Harry realized he felt better than he had done in days.
Hp
Breakfast was a silent affair but the silence wasn't heavy between them. Harry reached out with his hand to pull his tea cup towards him as he took a sip. He looked at Snape, at how the older wizard ate with careful movements.
Harry sighed, he had to tell Snape. Within a matter of days the Malfoy trial would commence and Snape would have to know what he could expect. Harry didn't even know how long they had, but as he watched Snape clear his plate and take a sip of his own coffee, the Daily Prophet stretched out next to his plate, and then Harry cleared his throat.
Snape glanced up and Harry said. "You asked what Draco wanted to discuss with me, well, he wanted to ask a favor in return for information."
Harry noticed how Snape straightened in his chair and said his voice controlled and even. "And what did Malfoy tell you or ask in favor?"
The dark eyes were blazing with anger and Harry found a grimace twisting his lips as he said, knowing what Snape was thinking. "He wanted me to testify at his trial. He said that Lucius is hell bend on revenge for escaping punishment…."
"I did not escape punishment, Potter." The dark voice dropped dangerous and Harry shook his head, saying.
"I know. But that was what Draco said. Lucius means to accuse you in involvement in the mass breakout from Azkaban in my fifth year, when Bellatrix Lestrange and those other death eaters escaped." Something hurtful pressed inside of him at the mentioning of that hateful witch as he remembered her laughter when she killed Sirius. At least she had gotten her due eventually.
Snape had gone silent, his eyes narrowed before the older wizard looked to the top of the table. "You can just tell them it is not true, right, Severus? If you were anywhere else, just anywhere and if somebody could testify…."
"Lucius knows I was somewhere else, Harry…" Harry swallowed thickly, knowing that whatever he was going to hear, he wasn't going to like it.
"He knows I was with him and the Dark Lord as we watched Azkaban being emptied." Snape's voice was impassionate and flat but Harry's carefully built up world shook on its foundations as he began to realize that Snape indeed had been involved. He rose from the table, unable to contain himself as he stepped away from the room, not seeing the mask fall from Snape's face as the older wizard sadly gazed at the table, balling his fists and knowing that whatever small trust had developed between him and Harry had just suffered greatly from the latest blow from his past.
The end for now. I do hope you liked it a little, or a lot of course. Review of course and send ideas. I will try to update sooner but no promises.
The next chapter: The members of the Order of the Phoenix come together again as they deal with the news that Severus indeed had been involved in the mass breakout. But can Severus salvage the break of trust between him and Harry and make the younger man see what had been his role in that faithful night? Can Harry prepare to take the stand and defend not only his bond mate but also his former enemy Draco Malfoy? And how will Severus prepare Harry to deal with the Malfoys even when Harry doesn't know what to think about the latest development? Will they be able to build their strenuous relationship up a little bit or suffer needless? That and more in: Frail trust