Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Harry Potter.
Note: Nearly at 500 reviews. I just want to thank everybody for reviewing this story and for everybody who likes it so much. But I am asking for more reviews obviously. Happier times are coming for the couple but there is just a lot that needs to be cleaned up from what J.K left, as darling as she is. Let's begin. This will be a very, very long chapter.
Even after all the years he had lived in the wizarding world and all the times that he had been in contact with the Ministry, Harry still startled every time that an owl suddenly appeared in the room.
It was no different this morning when with a small flare the brown barn owl flew into the living room, looking ruffled. The owl landed on the rickety table that stood in the middle and hooted once. Harry merely glanced at the owl, wondering if he should approach it or not.
"Well, should I get the owl or are you going to bend over?" The hidden amusement in the dark voice made Harry flush a little. He put his magazine aside and got to his feet. Snape stood in the doorway to the kitchen, a morning cup of coffee in his hand as the older wizard took a sip.
Harry shot his bond mate a glance, raising an eyebrow as he said. "I bet you would like me to bend over, now wouldn't you?"
"Well, nobody ever complained about the tight muggle jeans you wear and who am I to start now?" Harry shook his head, sometimes Snape still caught him off guard, really, especially with some of the comments that the older wizard made.
"And here I thought that the view would be much better once I removed the tight jeans." Harry approached the owl and instead of bending over, like he knew Snape would have liked, he crouched down to reach out for the owl.
The sharp eyes reminded him of Hedwig and for a moment a pang of grief overtook him. He ruthlessly squashed it and focused on his task at hand. Harry was cautious as he reached out, aware of the sharp beak close to his fingers. He really didn't need a gash on his hand now.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity the owl extended his leg helpfully and Harry could untie the roll of parchment that had been tied to the owl's leg. The moment he rose the owl hopped onto his arm and after flapping the large brown wings, nearly knocking Harry's glasses off, the owl settled down.
"Uhm, and now what? Isn't he going to go back through the floo now?"
"Unless you know where he came from then there is no way of sending him back." Harry extended the letter. There was a seal from the Ministry on it and even before Snape could reach for it the letter floated in midair, unrolled itself and formed a big mouth as it said.
"The Ministry For Magic hereby requests the presence of accused Severus Snape before the Wizengamot in courtroom 10 in the Ministry for Magic on July the 15th at noon. The accused is advised to bring the representatives in Law Enforcement for the defense. This date is not negotiable and failure to appear will be dealt with accordingly. The accused will be brought before the Wizengamot by the Aurors."
The moment the letter stopped talking and fell to the ground, an ordinary envelope appeared. Harry stood with the hooting owl still on his arm as Snape swept in to collect the envelope.
"It is so nice that they see it fit to inform us of their decision. We could have been in a very compromising position when the aurors rush in to seize hold of me." Snape turned the letter in his hand, glancing at it before he took a sip of the coffee.
"Do we have anything to feed the owl? I am really not keen on throwing it out of the window here to fly back to the Ministry."
"Harry, we hardly have enough food to get by ourselves, what do you fancy giving the owl, a sip of my coffee perhaps?" Snape raised a dark eyebrow and Harry merely stroked the owl's feathers.
Would he allow me to take a sip? I do want to know what the coffee tastes like.
The owl hooted softly and nipped Harry's fingers lightly as Harry stroked around the beak. "You are a gorgeous owl, you are." He told it. He wasn't sure if it was a female or male but he could still remember Hedwig and how she had always nipped his fingers when he had carried her off to deliver a letter.
"You don't own an owl?" Harry glanced up at Snape to see the dark eyes widen slightly as the older wizard sat down. Snape crossed his long legs at the ankles, gazing up at Harry thoughtfully as the older man held the coffee mug in his hands and answered.
"I owned an owl, yes. She was with me at Hogwarts but I do not know what became of her after the Battle when the owlery had been attacked. I do not think she survived or else she would have joined me or remained in my rooms to try and find me." Snape's gaze was almost wistful but Harry knew what missing a beloved familiar could do to you.
"What was she like?"
"She was a beautiful dark feathered owl, dark brown with specks of black. She was very peculiar with her affections and sometimes would not even greet me. She was a very useful owl." Snape took another sip of his coffee.
The older wizard was staring off into space and Harry stroked the owl absentmindedly as he asked. "What was her name?"
"I named her Toth." Despite himself, Harry bit back a chuckle. Snape's eyes snapped up to his face and they narrowed as the older wizard said.
"And what is so funny about the death of a beloved pet?"
"Nothing, I was just laughing about the name. You said that she was a female and I was expecting something a little bit more feminine than Toth."
Snape's eyes narrowed to slits as the older wizard hissed. "It is better than calling an energetic furball Pig!"
"He wasn't called Pig actually. He was called Pigwidgeon." Harry was glad that Snape didn't mention Hedwig. Even to this day he wasn't sure who had killed his beloved familiar.
It had all happened so suddenly. There had been so much confusion with all of them fleeing and trying to get away from the killing curses that Harry hadn't been able to look back to see who had cast the curse that had killed Hedwig.
He glanced up at Snape, searching the angry pale face of the older wizard and his mouth went dry. Surely Snape hadn't cast the curse that killed Hedwig? Harry wasn't even sure if he could forgive Snape for that.
"Trust a Weasley to come up with a ridiculous name like that." Snape murmured.
"It was Ginny that named Pig. She thought it was a cute name and since then Ron has tried to change it, but Pig only listens to that name."
Snape raised an eyebrow before he sneered. "Well then we know that we should never allow Miss Weasley to come close to any of our familiars." Snape took another sip of the coffee as he glanced around at the dingy living room, Harry following his gaze.
"You wouldn't want another familiar?" he asked.
"To do what? To write to you once I am in Azkaban?" Harry flinched and turned away from the dark eyes. The silence fell between them, heavy and tense before Snape got to his feet with a low moan as he said. "I am sorry, that was uncalled for."
"You still think that they will send you to Azkaban?" Harry finally asked. He had stopped stroking the owl that had closed his eyes, dozing on the perch that was Harry's arm. Snape closed the distance between them to rest a hand on Harry's shoulder and glanced down as he said.
"I sincerely hope not but I have never been a man prone to hoping. I have no idea, Harry. I deserve to be sent to Azkaban for what I have done…"
"You don't! You did what you had to do in order to survive! Lesser men than you would have succumbed to madness a long time ago." Harry didn't care how heated his voice sounded but he was so tired of this argument. Severus wasn't going back to Azkaban, not if he could help it.
He was stronger now than he had been before, especially with the bond between them. He was aware of Snape and the older wizard's magic and presence. He had yet to try to see how far he would have to travel in order to be away from Snape so he couldn't feel his presence any longer but at the moment, Harry had no desire to do that and he certainly wasn't going to test the theory by sending Snape to Azkaban.
"Well, most people do not have the luxury of venting their frustrations and anxieties on obnoxious students to starve off madness brought on by the serving of two mad wizards." Snape murmured, one slender, fine bonded hand reaching up to stroke the owl.
"Oh, is that the reason for your temper?" Harry asked innocently.
"I would like to see how the great Harry Potter fares when he has to teach his subject to a sniffling bunch of students, some even too stupid to light their cauldron and to make due on four hours of rest each night because a mad evil wizard demands his attention or when a meddling old coot decides that instead of a student murdering somebody, he would rather that the Potions Master do it, and instead of being there to testify, he is rotting in his grave."
"You are getting more sleep now and you still have that wretched temper. And there haven't been any students in sight." A hand tousled his already messy black hair before fastening and pulling his head up. Harry hissed with the sharp pain as Snape purred, face inch from Harry's.
"I have found an insolent one right here!"
"You are going to Azkaban for sure then if you keep doing these things to your student." Harry stared into the dark eyes as he watched the thin lips curled as Snape softly said.
"How else am I going to teach you the pleasures of the body, Potter?" The warm breath was a rush against Harry's face and he found his breathing suddenly stalling as he whispered.
"What about those aurors that would find us in a compromising position?"
Harry closed his eyes against the gentle sensation of the breathing on his face that smelt remarkably like fresh brewed coffee. He wondered for a brief moment if Snape tasted like that as he parted his lips, wetting them with brief strokes of his tongue before he would surely feel his bond mate's lips on his own.
Snape's hand released his hair and then the older wizard purred. "Yes, I am afraid so. Alas, we cannot possibly give the aurors any more reason to detest me when they see me ravishing their precious hero."
Harry felt like a bucket of water had been dumped over his head as he opened his eyes to sputter, seeing Snape cross his arms over his chest with a smirk. "You can't just let the aurors stop you from ravishing me. I mean…I wouldn't care…"
"Oh I think you would! Would you really want to have every moan documented by the newspaper? Spread out on the front page for the whole nation to see tomorrow morning? Having people whisper in the streets about what we do in the privacy of our own home, telling their neighbors how disgusting we are?"
Mutely Harry shook his head, mortified even by the thought.
"I thought so! Hence why we cannot. But don't worry, still your teenage fantasies by knowing that we shall do it again but be on edge, Harry, I will come find you when we can do it again and trust me, come you will!"
Harry's face burned while his mind worked overtime, making his sudden responsive cock respond very inappropriately.
Hp
Severus smirked down at the unruly brat. Potter was flustered but the green eyes were lit by the arousal which Severus could almost see tenting the jeans. They flashed up to meet his own and Harry smiled tentatively at him, grinning almost like a fool.
Severus could feel his smirk failing, turning towards a smile at the obviously nearly happy expression on Harry's face. He didn't stop the smile this time, returning Harry's smile slowly before the young wizard's green eyes shot down to the mug he still held.
It was empty and Potter's eyes almost fell with disappointment. Severus frowned. Should he have saved some coffee for Harry? Harry had never struck him as somebody who drank coffee.
"Would you like some coffee?" Severus asked, catching the brat off guard as Potter stroked the owl that was still sitting on his arm with his fingers. Suddenly and very strangely Severus found himself wishing to be stroked in a similar manner, as tenderly as Potter was stroking the owl he did not know.
He swallowed thickly and adverted his gaze. Potter bumped him and Severus glanced down, preparing to scowl his husband for walking into him and berating him for being blind when Potter stood on his toes and said with a bright smile. "Don't worry, I will get my taste right here."
Severus stood frozen as Potter's free arm, the one not holding an owl fastened around his neck and Potter stood on the tip of his toes to push his lips against Severus' chapped ones. For a long moment Severus was too stunned to speak.
True, it wasn't the first time that Harry had initiated a kiss between them but it was the first time that he had been so bold with Severus. Normally Severus was the one that had been giving Harry some kind of sign to let him know that he was open to advances. Severus was also usually the one who had been introducing Harry to the delight of the flesh.
Harry made a small sound in the back of his throat, a sound of disappointment and Severus found himself bowing his head as his arm snuck out to wrap around Harry's narrow waist to steady the clumsy male. He opened his lips, allowing Harry to taste him.
It was perhaps the second time that Harry had kissed him like this and the first time the younger male had not even been aware what he had been doing, instead seeking to relieve Severus of his frustration.
The moan that sounded in the back of his throat surprised Severus just as much as Harry as Harry smiled against his lips, his green eyes lighting up with happiness before Severus pulled Harry against him, allowing the younger male to direct their sweet kiss for once.
Severus knew his kisses were brutal and forceful, not the gentle addiction that Harry was offering him. And Severus found that he was growing addicted and quickly too. Harry's kiss was still innocent and sweet, light as Harry was. It tasted of Harry and Severus found himself wanting more, craving it.
He was sure that he could have wept with the sweetness that had been offered to him. Normally kisses were accompanied by groping hands or brutal advances but this was so…Harry. So insecure and so loving at the same time, careful not to destroy the moment instead seeking to prolong it and Severus knew his course of action was a right one.
He would leave Harry Potter begging on his birthday, teaching him slow touches and making his body sing out. Severus would make love to Harry Potter and wasn't that something?
Severus had never known this kind of love before. He had seen the cruel kind that his parents had shared but he had never seen the love that didn't demand anything but made you give freely. He had always been envies of that kind of love and now that it was offered to him, Severus knew that he would never let it go. He would never let Harry go.
His arm tightened around Harry's waist as Harry's tongue explored his mouth, tentative like all of Harry's advances towards him were. Severus allowed the moment to endure, moving his mouth against Harry's in the same maddening slowness but he allowed Harry to dedicate how the kiss should go.
After a long moment Harry broke the kiss and Severus could feel Harry's balance desert him as he stood on back on his feet. He continued to stare down into the green eyes and Harry smiled up at him, saying. "I was right; the coffee does taste much better on your lips."
The younger male laughed at the baffled expression on Severus' face for Severus was too stunned to speak. Had Harry just complimented him? Harry laughed softly and placed a peck on Severus' lips, softly whispering. "I do find it a pity that the aurors will be coming soon. I want more of those kisses…."
Severus raised an eyebrow. He knew where it would end up, them on the couch, and he on top of Harry and…
He was shaken from his thoughts when the wards tingled and somebody banged on the door. Harry looked up at him, unsure of what to do before Severus said; needing some much needed time to compose himself. "Well, open the door. Let's not keep our guests waiting."
He spat out the word and Harry gave a nod, distancing himself from Severus whose arms felt empty without Harry's warmth. The younger male glanced up at Severus and gave him a last smile and then went to the door to let the aurors in as Severus prepared himself. He knew that he wouldn't be able to walk in the courtroom with dignity, they wouldn't allow it but for Harry's sake, he would hold his head high as the aurors entered.
Hp
Harry nervously straightened his clothing, like the aurors would actually be able to see that he had just been kissing his bond mate but he felt better when he did it. He opened the door, wand held loosely in hand.
The two slightly older men than him in the crimson robes turned when the door opened and their eyes widen. One of them, a young male with light brown hair composed himself first as he said. "Good morning, Mr. Potter…uhm…I mean Mr. Potter-Snape. I take it that you have received our letter and that we are to accompany Severus Snape- Potter to the Ministry for the hearing?"
Harry opened the door a little wider as he raised an eyebrow and asked coolly. "Let me guess, you need to bind him?"
The aurors exchanged glances and for a moment Harry wondered who send them. Two trainees and he was supposed to do what? Stop them from entering the house? No doubt Snape would find this very funny.
"Uhm, well, yes, sir, we do unless you think that he is no danger and…"
"You have your orders no doubt." Harry sighed and stepped back, gesturing for them to enter. The young aurors looked at one another and Harry knew that he could be messing with them. He closed the door firmly behind them as they stood in the small hallway. "He is through there! Well go on, he doesn't bite strangers. He might just chew your head off for incompetence but I highly doubt you have to be overly worried yet."
The aurors exchanged glances again and Harry could see the taller of the two, a blond tall male actually gulping. He smirked.
He finally brushed past them, walking into the small living room. Severus was on the sofa, his wand in hand and looking every inch the scary Potions Master that Harry knew him to be. A dark eyebrow rose and the thin lips curled with disdain as the aurors entered behind Harry. Harry rounded the couch to stand behind Severus. He dropped a hand on Severus' shoulder to show his support and the aurors stood before them, gulping.
"Well?" Severus drawled silkily.
The aurors exchanged another glance and Harry sighed, growing frustrated with their lack of experience and the fact that nobody was taking charge.
"They are here to escort us to the Ministry." He finally said, fed up with their waiting.
"Yes, that is right, sir." One of the aurors nervously chipped in. Harry resisted the urge to smack somebody with his wand.
"Right then…." Snape got to his feet slowly, eyes on the aurors' wands which rose slightly in response. One wand actually trembled a little and Harry rounded the couch, wondering if one would accidentally hex them.
What happened to any competent aurors? Or was this some sort of test or punishment for the trainees? He wondered what they had done then to deserve this, or what he had done for that matter. "Right, are you going to bind him or should we do it ourselves?" He finally snapped when neither of the two obvious insecure aurors came forward to bind Snape.
The black eyes shot to him for a mere moment before Snape said. "I agree with Mr. Potter, are you going to bind me or do we have to wait for further orders?"
The aurors literally fell over each other to put the shackles on Snape's hands. One had the audacity to pluck Snape's wand from his fingers only to blush red to the roots of his hair and to hand the wand over to Harry. Harry could have smacked himself in that moment and he caught a low chuckle that came from the bound wizard who stood in between the two aurors before Snape said, eyes flashing with amusement.
"You will take good care of my wand, won't you? I always so enjoy seeing you handle it with care."
The aurors stood there like gaping fish and Harry bit back a smile. He eyed the wand carefully and then said. "You want me to hold your other wand as well?"
Snape, collected as ever said. "Not in public, you wicked boy."
"You realize, sir that you have to turn your other wand in as well." Snape raised a menacing eyebrow as one of the aurors turned to him.
"Potter has the other one in his possession and I doubt that he would allow an incompetent dunderhead like yourself to handle it, let alone touch it. Now Apparate us to the courtroom or do we have to do that ourselves as well?"
Harry caught the look the older auror was sending him. He merely smiled sweetly, knowing that the inexperienced wizard had no idea exactly which wand they were discussing and Harry had no desire to tell them. He wondered why the knowledge of the Elder Wand had never gotten out but it seemed that most people had dismissed it as one of Voldemort's follies. Luckily Harry mussed.
He sighed. He still needed to think on what to do with the Elder Wand. Could he return it to Dumbledore's grave or could he possibly use it?
"Potter, are you coming or not?"Snape's voice caught through his thoughts harshly and Harry looked up. He gave a nod and the one of the aurors, aware of the heavy glare that Snape send his way stepped towards Harry.
"Mr. Potter, we have been given permission to Apparate directly into the courtroom and you could side along Apparate with me, if Professor Snape is in agreement with that of course."
"I am sure that Harry can Apparate on his own!" Snape's voice was a low growl.
"He would have to Apparate to the atrium and then register his wand and go to the courtroom. There may be reporters in the atrium and we are really trying to protect you and to get this done as quickly as possible…." Snape sneered and Harry knew he had his answer as he nodded at the auror before they Apparated away with a low crack.
Hp
It took Severus a moment to find his equilibrium when he arrived at the destination. He could hear the murmurs of the Wizengamot as he opened his eyes, looking around. The young auror had steadied him and Severus' wounds throbbed for a moment but he ignored it. He glanced around at Harry when he heard the crack.
The young male was blinking up at him, shaking his head and stepping away from the auror the moment he could. Severus tried to hold his growl back. It was not affecting him that Harry was standing close to another young male.
He merely glared and he noticed how the young incompetent auror gulped and stepped away quickly.
"Severus Snape, you are brought here today to answer the questions of the Wizengamot and the accusations that Lucius Malfoy has put before you!" Severus glanced up at Kingsley Shacklebolt.
The new Minister for Magic did not seem in the least bit surprised that Harry had accompanied them and the aurors accompanied Snape to the bench that stood in the middle of the room. Severus cast dark glances at the shackles that hung menacingly next to the chair but they didn't move, neither did they unbound him.
Harry came to stand by his side and Severus held his head high as he gazed over the assembled Wizengamot. There weren't any visitors there that had been there before, the last time he had faced trial and Severus wondered for a brief moment if he was here to give a testimony.
The aurors took their place near the door and Harry's face was an impassive mask when Severus glanced at his bond mate. Harry didn't acknowledge him and then Kingsley got to his feet as he said. "We have viewed your memories and the testimony that Professor Dumbledore has left us. It has come to our attention that the crimes Lucius Malfoy accused you of could damage whatever ruling we are going to give you! We seek your testimony on those accusations and to answer the questions that this council still has. You stand in agreement with this?"
"Yes." It isn't like I have much of a choice, now do I?
He felt a twinge of uneasiness in the pit of his stomach but he ruthlessly crushed it down. He had lied to two of the best Legilimens in history so he could stand to tell the truth to the council which was responsible for deciding his future.
"You will testify under the influence of Veritaserum so that there may not be any questions or any discussion points that you did not tell the truth. Percy Weasley will act as scribe and will record everything as well. Healer Mcfee will be the one to administer the Veritaserum."
"Professor Snape is wounded and…."
"The Veritaserum will not interfere with his wounds." The healer bustled over. It was a woman, Severus saw, an older woman who didn't seem to be impressed with his glare and instead giving him a smile, reminding him strangely enough of Molly Weasley.
"It could interfere with the potions that he has to take." Harry said forcefully, stepping before Severus. Severus could see how the green eyed male eyed the vial and he felt annoyance well up within him.
"Administer the potion. The sooner we are done here the better." He snarled, giving Potter a sharp glare. The younger male obviously wanted to protest and Severus dismissed him with a curt, "Go and sit down on the bench. Your hovering is annoying. I will owl McGonagall if I need a nursemaid."
Potter colored faintly as he turned to stare at Severus, the green eyes sharp with pain. The full lips parted and then Potter gave a nod and his hand tightened around Severus' bound one for a moment before the younger male slouched away to the bench.
"Poppy Pomfrey has been informed and we are to contact her if you feel anything unusual."
"I will be sure to inform you then." Severus hissed.
She tilted his chin up. He knew what the lingering effects would be. His mind would be clouded, his judgment impaired by the potion's overriding affects to tell the truth and he would feel a strange taste in his mouth.
His dark eyes shot over the assembled people for a moment longer and he ruthlessly squashed the feeling of anxiety in his stomach. He wasn't nervous. He had nothing to lose and as he spared a quick glance at Potter, he allowed the healer to administer the necessary three drops so that the hearing could begin.
Hp
"Professor Snape, were you present at the first mass breakout in 1996 in which many of Lord Voldemort's most dangerous followers escaped?" Harry began to worry his bottom lip in between his teeth as he heard the question that was asked.
"I was." The monotone voice did nothing to soothe Harry's sudden nerves. He looked at Snape whose head was bowed as the healer stood nearby. She met his gaze and smiled at him. She was a motherly figure, strangely reminding of Molly Weasley, somebody who obviously understood her trade and knew how to ease her patients.
"Could you tell us in detail your role in the breakout?"
"I was to watch at the Dark Lord's side, not interfering nor doing much else except note who escaped."
"And you claim to know nothing of You Know Who's plans for Azkaban?"
"No, he had not seen fit to tell me."
"Did he give a reason why? You were one of his most loyal followers."
"He suspected that there was a traitor in his ranks and therefore he only shared his information with a select few. We were summoned that evening to Apparated at his side…."
"It isn't possible to Apparate to Azkaban. The wards have been tied to the Dementors and only them and the wizards they are loyal to can dispel the wards to allow apparating." One of the older wizards burst out and Kingsley made a shooing gesture with his hand, asking for calm.
"The Dark Lord had already brought them over to our side. He said that we had much more to offer the Dementors for they would never be hungry again if they joined his cause." Snape's voice didn't betray any emotion and Harry winced. He longed for the deep voice to scould him or something but not this monotone lecture.
"Had there ever been a test of your loyalty? We are aware that You know Who always desired Potter to be brought to him and surely you must have been the perfect person to deliver Potter to him."
"The Dark Lord knew as no other that the moment Harry Potter would disappear or come to harm while at Hogwarts would place the blame on me because of past. Dumbledore was trusting but he was no fool and he knew Tom Riddle well. The Dark Lord searched my mind and he knew what I had been doing for all these years."
"Then you must be a strong Occlumens to hide that from You Know Who."
"It was necessary and I received training from Dumbledore himself. The Dark Lord knew that if he didn't forgive the Death Eaters that renounced him, he would have very few followers left. The Dark Lord was more inclined to allow things to go unpunished."
"What has Dumbledore done once you told him of the breakout?"
"He thanked me but I only know that he summoned the members of the Order of the Phoenix to discuss the latest involvement but by the time he could do something it was already too late, especially since Minister Fudge refused to believe in the return of the Dark Lord. The prisoners had already disappeared."
"So you say that the breakout was planned beforehand and therefore there was not much force needed?" One of the elderly witches asked and Harry watched as Snape lifted his head, face pale and dark eyes glazed over.
"Yes, I was summoned after dinner and by the time I Apparated there the breakout was already commencing. It must have been planned since it was only in a moment that the guards were overpowered by the Dementors and the Dark Lord's supporters that have been working from inside the Ministry."
"And you can state with confidence that your place has been next to You Know Who all that time?"
"Yes."
"Why would he not employ your skills?"
"Because he never did. He knew I had no taste for the simplicity of violence and that I would rather use my mind for him so he made me a spy."
"And you turned to Dumbledore when you learned that You Know Who was going to hunt James and Lily Potter down?" Kingsley's voice didn't betray any emotion but something flickered in Snape's eyes before the older wizard said.
"Yes, I asked him to spare her life but he would not. He laughed in my face and I realized that he would never do as his followers asked of him. He would demand anything of his followers but his views for our world differ from what his followers had anticipated."
"Very good then. We have all seen the memories that were presented to us at the start of your trial and we have some questions for you regarding that. Why didn't You Know Who ever send you away from Hogwarts?"
"Because the information I could provide him with on Dumbledore, Potter and the other powerful witches and wizards at Hogwarts was too valuable for him to give that up when somebody else could have been as useful as I would be someplace else. I was a senior staff member, had been teaching at Hogwarts for 14 years when he returned so I had a vault of information to give to him, trifle matters that nobody else deemed important enough, such as that Dumbledore didn't care for the Slytherin population and thus would never sully himself with one of them in the privacy of his office like he often did with the Gryffindors."
Harry sighed, easing allowing his magic to flow a little. Something was pulling it away and he gathered that it was Snape who was trying to gather his strength. He didn't like the way the older wizard was looking. Sweat was soaking the already greasy hair and Snape flexed his hands, his face ashen white.
"But You Know Who knew that he could never take Hogwarts and thus he never asked you?"
"He knew that I wasn't powerful enough to stand up to all of the staff members and Dumbledore in order to take over the school. If any of the students would have teamed up with the teachers, I would have been killed and the Dark Lord deemed my position far too valuable to squander it away to try and take over Hogwarts in which I would never succeed."
"Is that why he asked Draco Malfoy to kill Dumbledore?" Harry could detect curiosity in Kingsley's voice.
"Yes, he knew that Draco would fail and therefore he asked him to punish Lucius because the moment Draco failed was the moment that the Dark Lord had a reason to kill him."
"And then Dumbledore asked you to do it. So he too expected Draco to fail?"
"Yes, he did."
"Did You Know Who plan that you should do it when Draco failed?"
"Yes, that was his plan for he knew that Draco would be desperate enough to try anything in order not to fail. The Dark Lord knew that the moment I stepped in would be the moment when Draco had failed."
"But you didn't strike because You Know Who demanded it but because Dumbledore asked it, wasn't it?"
"Yes." Snape's voice was a bare whisper now and Harry knew that the older wizard would have never said anything had he not been under the potion's influence. He looked at Snape to see the pale wizard glancing up at Kingsley, blinking.
"Just a few more questions, Professor and then we are done." Harry imagined that Kingsley's voice sounded concerned for a moment and he looked at his bond mate. Sweat was freely pouring over Snape's skin and his black eyes were glossy but Harry couldn't see it from where he was sitting. The older wizard's skin was turning grayish and Harry grew worried.
He swallowed thickly, praying for Severus to hold on a while longer.
"Dumbledore's master plan had been for you to get the Elder Wand, wasn't it? Did you know that Dumbledore wielded the Elder Wand?"
"No, I did not. I didn't know until the Dark Lord started to search for the wand. As far as I understand since then, Dumbledore never intended for me to have the wand. He intended to die undefeated and the wand's power would have died with me but he hadn't encountered that Draco had disarmed him in the last moment, thus shifting the wand's alliance to him."
"But in the end Harry Potter ended up with the Elder Wand, didn't he?"
"I imagine so."
"Very well. I wish to discuss the bond between you and Harry. The bond has been consummated since your imprisonment I presume?"
"Not since but during, yes." Gasps went up around the room and Harry could see how Kingsley's hand tightened around his wand as one of the members of the Wizengamot rose and shouted.
"How could you force yourself upon your bond mate like that? Don't you have any honor? Taking his innocence like that and in Azkaban to boot…"
"I did not initiate the consummation, Harry did." More gasps went up around the room and many of the members turned to look at Harry, gaping at him.
"Has Harry stated a reason for doing so?"
"He said that he wished to for us to stop suffering and he said that it would give me a refuge to flee too should it become too much."
"How did the bond respond? Did it disappear or…?"
"It is there and stronger than ever."
"In what regard?"
"We can share our magic and tap into it without the other feeling the effects and we are becoming aware of each other. Our magical cores have been fused together." Snape's voice was barely a whisper now and Harry rose from his seat.
"Very well, we know enough for the moment. You are free to go. Release him this instant. We should have our answer for you soon but there is one more question that I would like to ask Harry Potter?" Harry only looked up the moment he was at Snape's side. The older wizard seemed to collapse against him; eyes squeezed shut and his breathing fast.
"And that is?" Harry placed his arm around Snape's shoulder; one hand squeezed the painfully thin shoulder of the older wizard's soaked and sweaty robe.
"What do you intend to do with the Elder Wand?"
"Return it to Dumbledore's tomb. I have no desire to use it."
"Very well. Not a word will be said to the public and we will all swear an oath. Take your bond mate home, Mr. Potter – Snape."
Harry gave a grim nod as he stroked Snape's sweaty hair back. The older wizard leaned heavily against him, breathing still fast and Harry could feel the older wizard burning underneath his hand and he swore sharply. Getting Snape home might just be harder than it should have been as he cursed the Ministry. With one last glance he Apparated them back home.
Hp
Apparating had never been Harry's greatest skill but he had always had a knack for ending up with wounded people right where he needed to be. He had done the same with Dumbledore, apparating them both back to Hogsmeade when they had needed it and now he had Apparated Snape straight with him to the bedroom.
It sure was a lot more convenient than having to drag the barely responding wizard up the stairs. Snape was leaning heavily against Harry who stumbled as he tried to find his balance. Snape's face was nearly white and sweat was soaking the long hair, making Harry worried.
Snape's eyes were clenched shut in obvious pain and Harry ran a hand over the burning forehead, slowly whispering. "Hush, Severus, just relax. We are home now and I'll take care of you."
"Don't…." Snape choked something out and Harry froze. What was the older wizard trying to say? That he didn't want Harry to take care of him or…
The dark eyes opened, dull as Snape grabbed a hold of Harry's collar and hissed. "Don't get Poppy, don't need her to take care of me….I can do it myself…."
Snape broke off with a gasp, one hand clenching his neck as he bit his lip and his eyes drifted shut. Harry stumbled as Snape seemed to lose the ability to carry himself and it took every ounce of his strength not to let them both fall down onto the floor. He braced his feet as he managed to get Snape over to the bed, unsure if he could use magic on the obvious wounded and pained Potions Master.
Snape collapsed on the bed, his breathing quick and ragged. The older wizard lay on his stomach, head turned to the side and Harry approached him. He wanted nothing more than to ask Madam Pomfrey to come and help him but he remembered the way Snape had taken care of him when he had gotten ill before they had been married.
He sighed and approached Snape. The older wizard gave no sign that he had heard Harry and Harry hesitated. He set a knee on the bed and placed a hand on Snape's tense shoulder. "I am going to turn you now, Severus. I need to get you settled into bed properly."
He didn't know if Snape could hear him but the silence that was only broken by the heavy breathing of the unconscious wizard was too much for Harry. He carefully began to turn Snape, aware of the bandaged wound around the neck. He finally managed to get Snape turned on his back, the older wizard lying there like a big rag doll, still and useless.
Harry reached out to stroke the dark hair away from the pain wrinkled brow. He wished he knew of a way to relieve Snape's pain. The stress today had no doubt brought about a relapse but Snape had been doing so well.
Snape's forehead was hot to the touch and Harry glanced down at the dark and stifling buttoned down robe Snape wore. The older wizard had opted for his usual heavy teaching robe today and Harry ran a wand down the buttons, seeking to undo them and to get Snape into some more comfortable clothing.
The buttons refused to budge and Harry could feel Snape's weak magic brush against his own. He had charmed them to remain shut. Harry sighed again and glanced up at the pale face. "You are too paranoid for your own good." He told the still figure of his husband before he set about undoing them by hand.
When Harry had managed to unbutton Snape's robe he tugged the limp wizard up so he could remove it, taking care to support Snape by a careful arm around the back. The dark eyes opened and fixed on his face as Snape whispered. "Potter?"
"Yeah, I am here, Severus."
"Why are you undressing me?" The deep voice was hoarse and Harry blushed with the intensity of the dark eyes.
"Uhm…."
"Where am I?"
"You are at home; I am getting you ready for bed." Harry's mouth was dry. The dark eyes, dull as they were, were still intense in their gaze and it was making him nervous.
"You think that you can do things to my body without my knowledge or my consent while I am bedridden, you are wrong, Potter…you are sadly mistaken and…." Snape's breathing was mere gasps and Harry quickly helped him to lie down.
He rested a hand on Snape's chest to remove the white shirt as Snape snapped at him, slapping at his hand weakly. "I don't need your help! Go and make yourself useful and make some tea. I don't need you to help me. I can do a much better job than you…."
Harry flinched and stared up. Snape's eyes were closed, one hand clenching at his neck weakly as the thin lips parted to try and find some relief from the pain that was obviously plaguing him. Did Snape mean it? Did he want Harry to leave or…?
Trying to be as silent as possible, Harry turned to walk away. Snape obviously didn't need him. Nobody ever did. He sighed and left the room to go and make tea.
Hp
It took Harry precisely an hour before he couldn't take the silence anymore and crept upstairs to go and check on Snape. He didn't know if the older wizard was capable of coming down to drink his tea but perhaps Snape had fallen off the bed and was too weak to get up…
Harry gasped as he pushed the door to the bedroom further open. Snape was in the same position as Harry had left him, on his back with his shirt, pants and shoes still on, the robe lying crumpled underneath of him. The older wizard had slipped into an uneasy feverish sleep, his breathing still labored and face tight in pain.
Harry approached the bed before he set his lips in a tight line. Stubborn git
He wouldn't be pushed away so easily this time as he reached out to shake Snape. The older wizard merely moaned softly, his eyes flashing underneath the eyelids and Harry grew worried. His hand strayed to the pale forehead to feel the warmth underneath his hand.
"You stupid stupid git! You can't dismiss me like a student anymore. I am your husband and I am taking care of you, whether you like it or not!" Harry swore softly, he may not have any idea how to properly take care of a sick person but he wouldn't let Snape fend for himself, no more.
His eyes strayed to the sweat soaked shirt and his hands made quick work of unbuttoning it. He removed it, refusing to allow his thoughts to stay to the pale chest and further below. He tossed the shirt on the floor, helping Snape to sit up so that Harry could remove the robe as well.
Snape shivered and Harry murmured soothingly under his breath, his magic rising a little as he reached out to touch Snape. Running his hands down Snape's sides, over the protruding hipbones and down over the dark clothed thighs to finally remove Snape's shoes and socks, Harry allowed the close contact to soothe Snape as well as his own nerves.
Snape settled down and within moments Harry had his bond mate stripped down to his boxers. He pulled the blankets up, covering Snape almost lovingly. His eyes strayed over the powerful, pale legs, up to the dark threadbare boxers that Snape insisted on wearing but which Harry refused to move.
Harry ran his fingers over Snape's forehead, soothing the hair back as he tucked Snape in with his other hand. Snape shifted his head and Harry's hand slid down to cup the pale cheek. Harry stroked it with his thumb, seeking deep in his memories what he remembered what the Dursleys did when Dudley was ill.
Aunt Petunia always made sure that he had enough to eat but when his nephew was really ill, she put him to bed and spoiled him rotten there, even putting cold flannels on his head to cool his fever.
Yes, that was it. He got up from where he had sat down on the edge of the bed and turned to head for the kitchen to get a bowl of cold water to bathe Snape's face and forehead. A cold hand settled over his wrist and Harry turned hastily, a word upon his lips.
Snape's eyes were open but there was no way the older wizard was aware of where he was as he said, sounding years younger. "Don't leave me!"
Harry had no idea who Snape thought he was talking to, so all he did was turn so he could pry the firm grip from his wrist as he soothed. "I won't. Severus. I am just going to get something to fight off your fever and then I will be back…I won't be long…."
His words had the desired affect because Snape smiled slightly and relaxed back against the pillow. "Thank you."
The words sounded so sincere and so unlike Snape that Harry felt his heart clench. How many times had Snape been ill and had he been alone, left to fend for himself? His hand stroked the back of the pale, slender, sweaty hand in his own as Harry softly swore, knowing Snape couldn't hear him anymore. "I will be right here, Severus. I promise."
He waited a few minutes to see if Snape would wake again but when the older wizard seemed to be fast asleep, Harry placed his bond mate's hand back on the bed, patting it a few times before he tiptoed out of the room.
Snape probably had potions to fend off fevers and to restore the Potions Master to his former snarky self but Harry had no idea where Snape kept them. Madam Pomfrey probably knew what the best potions to take were but Snape had made it clear that he didn't want her here and besides, Harry could always get her if Snape didn't improve. She was only a floo call away after all.
Besides, I want to show Severus that I am more than capable of taking care of him. Madam Pomfrey can't do anything after all and we most likely have to wait for the fever to break. I can at least try my hardest.
Allowing the bowl to fill, Harry found a good sized flannel in the downstairs bathroom. He used several cleaning charms on the ragged thing and then placed it in the lukewarm water. He glanced around the kitchen, didn't he need anything else? Rethinking himself, he grabbed a towel, you never knew what you needed to take care of a sick person.
Hp
The shadows were lengthening in the small bedroom when finally the fever broke and Snape sank down in an exhausted sleep. Harry winced with the sharp pain in his own muscles at having to be forced to hold Snape down whenever the older wizard woke delirious, as he straightened the blankets Snape had kicked away.
His tired gaze landed on the pale face of the older wizard. Snape was finally on the mend, the fever having broken in the last hour or so. Harry swallowed thickly. He hadn't anticipated how hard it would be to simply see Snape tossing and turning in the grips of a fever induced dream and unable to help, except hold his hand and talk to him.
Harry wrung the flannel in the cold water and replaced it on Snape's forehead, his fingers lightly tracing the hooked nose and the parted thin lips. His heart clenched together painfully every time the older wizard had shied away from his touch, unconsciously as Snape had pleaded with him on occasion not to leave him, calling him various names ranging from father to Albus.
Has nobody ever taken care of you when you were ill, Severus? Your reactions certainly seem to say so.
Harry stretched, popping his back loudly as he sank back down on the low stool he had conjured. Snape seemed relaxed enough now that the fever had finally broken and his sleep was untroubled so far. Perhaps Harry could sneak away to get a quick cup of tea and to use the restroom before he returned to continue his vigil.
Giving Snape a last concerned look, Harry got up.
Hp
I mustn't fall asleep…
I must stay awake….
Don't fall….
Damn….
Harry shot awake roughly the moment his head touched his chest. He wasn't going to fall asleep, no matter how exhausted he was. He glanced towards Snape. The older wizard was sleeping peacefully, his expression relaxed.
Harry smiled, at least somebody was sleeping but he had promised to watch over Snape and he couldn't just fall asleep, no matter how tired he was.
His muscles ached and his back was killing him from sitting in the same spot for hours without end. His eyes burned in the harsh candlelight and the bed looked incredibly soft but Harry shook his head firmly.
No, he wasn't going to fall asleep. But perhaps he could just rest his head on the mattress next to Snape for a moment, just so that he could relieve the ache in his back a little.
Putting his head in his arms was bliss and even before Harry knew it, his eyes drifted shut and he fell into an exhausted sleep.
Hp
Where am I? And why is everything hurting? Was it all a bad dream, the linking of magic and the marriage to Potter?
Severus struggled to open his eyes, he felt sluggish and his whole body was sore. He finally opened his eyes, blinking strongly in the light of the candles that had been floating around the room. He was in the bedroom of the house at Spinner's End, which meant…
Was it a dream?
He moved his hands, pulling it back when his right one came to rest upon a warm arm. He glanced down to see Harry with his head on the bed, fast asleep. The young male looked exhausted and pale and Severus carded his hand through the messy hair of the young male. Harry relaxed under his touch and Severus found that he couldn't help but smile.
It hasn't been a dream
But why is Harry sitting beside the bed?
He remembered snatches of the hearing, the potion he had been given, the pain in his wounds and body and a soft hand that stroked his hair back, caring for him. Harry has been taking care of me
Severus looked down at the young wizard. Harry was exhausted, he could see it clearly. The long lashes rested against pale cheeks and Severus stroked the thick dark hair. Harry must been feeling very uncomfortable, laying like this.
His face heated when he remembered that he had dismissed his young stubborn husband. Harry must have gone to check upon him. Severus reached up to push the cold flannel away and he disposed it on the bedside table before he shook Harry gently.
"Harry?"
The younger wizard tensed, face tensing as Harry struggled to wake. Severus shifted a little to the side and he reached over, ignoring aching muscles that screamed in protest as he shook Harry more firmly. Harry blinked up at him, his green eyes narrowed and sleepy and Severus pulled the younger male towards him.
"Come and lay down beside me. This is not a comfortable angle for you to sleep in."
Harry blinked at him again before the younger male nodded and pushed the stool away, climbing up on the bed in the small space beside Severus and the edge of the bed. Harry kicked off his shoes, sliding onto the blankets in his jeans and shirt and Severus didn't have the heart to tell him to go change.
Within a moment Harry's head was resting on his bare chest and his young wizard drifted off, fast asleep the moment he found a comfortable spot. Severus wrapped an arm around his bond mate, hand lazily stroking the small back as he fought his smile and his own exhaustion.
Harry had taken care of him and no amount of snarkiness or disappointment he would surely face in the future could quell the happy feeling within him at that moment.
Hp
Harry was aware of the warmth and the ache in his back as he woke up. He opened his eyes, his glasses were lopsided on his face and Harry moved his hand to straighten them. He froze when he suddenly realized that instead of his cheek being pressed against the mattress it was pressed against warm skin.
His eyes were wide as he turned his head to find himself pressed against Snape's chest.
Harry groaned, softly. Oh come on, I swear I didn't climb in bed. I fell asleep on the stool, really!
Snape was still sleeping and Harry tried to get back to the small stool but his muscles refused to move as much as an inch and Harry sank back down against Snape's chest with a tired groan. Why was he even considering moving? He could just lay here for a few more minutes and then he could get up to check on Snape.
The moment the thought entered his mind, Harry closed his eyes and allowed his body to go limp. He was about to drift off when a hand brushed his fringe away and Harry glanced up. Snape was awake. The dark eyes were watching and Harry pulled himself away.
"I will make you a cup of tea and…."
"How about you stay put and give those muscles some rest? I imagine they must be quite sore seeing the uncomfortable angle you were sleeping in when I found you." Harry sat frozen. Was he hearing this correctly?
"You invited me into the bed?" He asked, confused.
"Yes, I did."
"Oh…I thought you didn't want me to take care of you."
"Well you fell asleep on me though I may have been remiss in my earlier assumptions of my ability to take care of myself."
"Seeing as you were knocked out on the bed with a high fever, I can't help but agree more." Harry grinned.
"I had a fever?" Snape's voice was soft and uncertain as Harry gave a nod.
"Yes, you had a relapse after the hearing and I took you home. You…you sent me away…." Harry looked away. He could still remember the many hours that he had spend trying to get Severus well again.
"A hasty assumption then. How can I make it up to you?" Fingers curled underneath Harry's chin and Harry looked up. He crawled up a little until he was lying in the crook of Snape's arm as he said, glancing down as he drew circles with his fingertips on the pale chest.
"You hurt me. I know that you can take care of yourself and that I am far from capable of taking care of somebody and…."
"Harry, there is no need to explain yourself. I shouldn't have sent you away." Snape's voice was rough as if it cost the older wizard a lot to say these words. Harry glanced up through his eyelashes as Snape looked away before he said. "Nobody ever took care of me and I…It was always a weakness to allow others to take care of me. Something I could never indulge in…."
Harry realized he was staring in horror as he whispered. "But it is what people who love one another do. They take care of each other."
Snape's eyes shot back to him and the older wizard spat out the word. "Love? Do not speak to me about love, Potter!"
Harry drew back, away from Snape as the older wizard struggled to sit up. Snape's lip curled as he snarled. "The kind of love I knew is the love that only shows when people beat one another to prevent them from coming to harm, is that the kind of love you speak of? Do you even think for one moment somebody would have wasted the kind of love you speak about on me? Every moment when somebody took care of my wounds or me did I have to steel myself when the moment came when they asked something in return? I can only imagine what Albus would have asked of me had he once nursed me back to health the way Poppy often did! Do you even know how many times I nursed my wounds in private, knowing that the heartache would be worse than the physical pain?"
The older wizard was staring at Harry, face set in the usual lines and Harry forced himself to smile coldly. "But you don't care for me so it is no matter, Severus. You don't have to explain yourself. I know I am an unwanted and unlovable freak and that…."
"Stop talking!" The harsh hiss startled Harry and he fell silent, shocked. He stared at Snape as the older wizard managed to sit up, blankets pooling around his waist as he looked away and said. "I had given up all hope of ever knowing love or affection, or even companionship. I wasn't going to kid myself with my looks, past and character to have them lining up for me. I had made my peace and expressed my regrets to remain a lonely bitter man for the rest of my life and then you come along, linking our magic together, forcing us to marry and bind and you tempt me not only with a delectable lover, an agreeable companion but also with a loving partner. You ease yourself in my house, life and heart by showing me that you are heartbroken and showing me a capability to love that your relatives and what life handed out to you haven't managed to destroy. You beg of me to take care of you and I find myself falling for you, not knowing where this may end and then, much to my surprise, you fall equally hard for a man who is twenty years your senior and who has hated you since the first moment he saw you. …"
Harry made a small noise in the back of his throat, still too stunned to speak as Snape took a deep breath before he looked back at Harry and said. "And you look to me for guiding you how to love? Potter….Harry….you are such a fool! I am not the one teaching you, you are the one teaching me. I am afraid, like I have never been before. Not because you are you but because of what this can mean. I am afraid what will happen the moment I do open up my heart to you and grow disappointed by what you find there. I can't handle it if you turn your back on me when I have given you everything…."
Harry was trembling and he was unable to form words. Snape reached out to lay a hand on Harry's thigh as he said in a hoarse soft voice. "You are not an unlovable freak, Harry. You are capable of great love and you have to waste it all on me."
Harry stared down at the long elegant fingers. He couldn't say anything because of the very big rock that was suddenly lodged in his throat as he breathed, so soft that he wasn't sure how Snape could possibly ever hear him? "I don't think it is wasted."
The hand moved away from his thigh to curl against his cheek as Snape said. "Then it is a good thing that you are a very stubborn Gryffindor."
"Your luck I suppose." Harry glanced up.
"Well, you are blessed with a sneaky Slytherin."
"We can't all be lucky in life." Harry laughed as Snape growled. Whatever the older wizard wanted to say was lost when the doorbell rang. Harry looked up startled, who could that be?
"Well go and open up. You are the only one decent between us." Harry flushed and then leaned in quickly to kiss Snape. He pulled away from the bed, not noticing the gentle bemused smile as he walked out of the room.
Harry hummed on his way down the stairs. He still had no idea who was standing on the doorway, who knew they lived here and who could pass through the wards. He held his wand in his hand as he opened the door, mouth falling open as he realized who was standing there.
"Morning, Mr. Potter – Snape, I am here for my interview." And as Harry could have slapped himself for forgetting the interview, he looked into the smiling face of Rita Skeeter.
Alright, now don't kill me but the chapter was getting awfully long so I decided to split it into two. The next chapter will be the interview, I promise and it will be long since I will start with that, really. So any more questions for Rita? Review of course.
The next chapter: Rita Skeeter is on full force as she picks up her deadly quill to write her exclusive interview but will she have met her match in Severus Snape? Will Harry have made the right decision to tell her about what really happened or will it backfire when she digs up his recently healed wounds? And will Rita be able to discover the truth about Harry and Severus or will she see something that even our heroes have only dreamed about? That and more in: The Interview.