E Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Harry Potter.
Note: Thank you so much for the reviews. I know that it has been a while but things have been hectic, it is nearly the end of term here and that means a lot of work for me. So I will try to keep the updates within the three months difference but I am not so sure how much I can succeed with that. Let's begin. We passed 900 reviews
Mornings were usually a hurried affair for Harry. At the Dursleys he had to be up before anybody else was, to make breakfast and do chores. At Hogwarts, he usually had to hurry up to take a shower and get to breakfast in time and to get ready for class. At Spinner's End, he slept in sometimes but he had discovered the best part about the morning, to wake up beside somebody.
He loved waking up next to Severus, slowly waking up to caressing hands and being held tightly. Sometimes he kept his eyes closed so he could enjoy the sensations even more. He could have never guessed that it would be so nice to wake up next to somebody.
He murmured softly in the back of his throat as he stretched lazily before he curled back up around Severus. The other wizard was lying on his side, stretched out lazily in the big bed. Harry may not like Grimauld Place much but something had to be said for the beds. They were definitely bigger than Spinner's End.
He had expected that the first night in another bed, he wouldn't sleep so well but he had fallen asleep the moment his head hit the pillow. It can also have something to do with the strenuous activities that you engaged in before you went to bed.
Harry shivered as shivers passed along his spine as the memories rose of the previous night. Severus had been true to his word to make slow love to Harry in front of the fire. It had been a maddening slow pace but with the emotions that Harry could feel as clearly as his own, it had been an intense experience for them both.
At the end Harry had expected them to cuddle and to talk but within moments he had fallen asleep. Severus had woken him to walk him to bed and Harry suspected that he would get a rebuke but there were only gentle and caring touches as he was tucked in.
Harry popped his head up on his elbow so he could look at Severus. His husband was dressed in a dark shirt and dark slacks. The dark hair was tangled and sleep mussed but Severus' face was relaxed. The white bandages were still around the pale throat but Severus was mostly healed.
Harry searched the bond tentatively, careful not to wake Severus up with his inquiries. There were no emotions coming from Severus except for a warm contentment that stole over Harry and made him smile.
He carefully leaned over Severus to press a kiss against his forehead, and then on his nose, making Severus twitch and then on the thin lips before he whispered, knowing that this time was the only chance he would get without being hexed or scowled at. "I don't care what everybody says or you believe but you are lovely just the way you are and I won't have you any other way. I don't know if I ever say it enough but I do think that I am really starting to love you…"
He had to smile at himself of how silly he was being before he laughed softly. He then smiled back down at Severus and continued. "I have fallen hard for you and I wouldn't change it for the world, no matter what you may say, Severus. I like this life and being with you."
He glanced away for a moment. No matter how he may struggle with himself, he did like this life. He liked waking up with Severus and deepening their relationship, learning more about the brilliant man his bond mate hid behind his cold behavior. He glanced back down with a smile to see that Severus' lips had curled up.
For a moment Harry feared that Severus was going to wake up but the older wizard merely sighed deeply and then relaxed further into sleep. Carefully, Harry examined the bond again.
The deep contentment stole over him again but there was something else. Something had eased which had been tense before…Harry couldn't describe it what it was but it made him breathe easier and smile.
He curled into Severus, carefully molding himself into Severus' arms. Severus stirred slightly and the black eyes opened as Severus whispered. "Why is it that you always insist upon cuddling instead of waking me up the other ways as I have hinted at?"
Harry had the good grace to flush. He could understand very well what Severus was talking about. "I like to cuddle. You never complained before."
"Who am I to complain when somebody insist upon pressing a young body against my person who wiggles delightfully? I certainly have no issue with that." Harry was sure that it was an art that Severus had mastered to make his voice as shiver inducing as he could.
He merely lifted his face up for a kiss and pressed his lips against Severus'. "So if I wiggle here I get a reaction?"
Severus gasped as Harry pressed their groins together before the older wizard hissed. "You always get a reaction out of me, you impossible minx."
Harry had to conclude that Severus was right as he rolled on top of Severus, straddling him. He glanced down at his husband, Severus smirked up at him, and hands on Harry's hips and to Harry, Severus had rarely looked lovelier. He had to squint a bit down and then Severus said. "Accio Harry's glasses!"
Harry was touched because there had been a time when Severus would not have done these things. But that time was passed and he leaned down so he could press a light kiss against Severus' lips and whispered. "What would I have done without you?"
"You would have blundered about as usual." The dark eyes were warm as the lips claimed his again in a deeper kiss.
Harry moaned into the kiss, shifting so he was lying on top of Severus. He brushed his hands over Severus before he grasped them and intertwined their fingers. Severus' fingers curled around his and instead of pulling away like Harry would have expected, Severus allowed him to hold on.
He wiggled for a moment to try and discourage his cock from hardening but it seemed to be inevitable and the next moment a slap on his arse brought him up short. He stared down at Severus wide eyed as the other wizard said.
"I believe that I told you before that you have to prepare to see it through and to make the necessary actions to see it through to completion." Severus raised an eyebrow and Harry smirked as he pressed his hips against Severus' erection and said.
"Now, you have to admit that whatever I do, I always see it through to completion."
"Yes, but it is nice to see that you have improved from the mediocre work that you used to do to a level that few care to achieve. The …AH….perfection that you chase so passionately should be encourage to be developed in other areas than in the bedroom as well…."
Having finally found the thing that made Severus shut up, Harry allowed himself a brief grin before he swallowed Severus to the root. His husband didn't seem to need much encouragement as he bucked a few times before he came in Harry's mouth.
Forcing himself not to gag at the bitter taste Harry rested his head against Severus' stomach. The slender hands played with his hair for a moment as Severus regained his breath before he said. "I should only show you the correct approach again in the hopes that the next time you improve even more, even when there is not much more room for improvement for your last performance certainly would earn you an acceptable grade."
Even before Harry could ask whatever Severus was thinking about, he was on his back with Severus on top of him.
Desire, satisfaction and lust were fighting to be acknowledged and Harry allowed them to overwhelm him and to draw him away.
The warm mouth that touched his cock and Harry nearly came as fast as Severus had done. But when fingers suddenly wrapped around his cock, staving off his climax, Harry whimpered with need. He dug his fingers in the bedding, arching his back as Severus said, warm breath touching Harry's throbbing prick.
"And this is the way to prevent an early orgasm. You will want to give the recipient the most and the longest pleasure after all."
Harry wasn't sure how Severus could still sound so calm but he choked back a sob. He swallowed thickly, forcing himself to calm down.
Pleasure washed over him, making his oversensitive flesh respond even quicker.
"Beautiful." Severus whispered and as a long tongue licked him and finally the fingers around the base of his cock withdrew and it was Harry's undoing. He came hard.
Hp
Licking Harry clean and slowly moving to lie next to his young husband, Severus pulled Harry into his arms, allowing the teenager to come back to himself again. It was a long moment before Harry stirred and murmured. "Sev'rus?"
"Allow yourself to adjust for a moment before you move."
"I have to say that since the new aspect of the bond I like sex even more. I like being able to tell how you feel."Harry nuzzled his throat and Severus resisted the urge to check in his shock. He felt Harry stiffen before he allowed the pleasure he felt from those words to flow through the bond and Harry relaxed.
"I must admit that I found that it has great benefits as well, brat, more than I could see as we got the tattoos." Harry laughed against his throat, the breathing against the tender flesh of his throat made Severus' cock stir with renewed interest.
"You know, you could just say that you think it is as brilliant as I do." Harry grinned up at him as Severus narrowed his eyes in a glare that had absolutely no affect.
Harry played with his shirt and then said. "You know, there is just one more thing that I would like to know."
"And what is that?"
"If we can do this every morning, the sex bit. Probably not the same thing all the time, wouldn't want you to become bored obviously."
Severus shook his head with a smile as he felt the bond pulse with happiness and pleasure. It seemed that Harry was in a very delightful good mood this morning. It made him feel well to know that he could induce this state in his husband. Such small things made Harry happy.
"I will teach you so many things that you will be quite busy in the mornings." He softly promised, fingers carding through Harry's hair. Harry hummed underneath his touch and the bond purred with happiness and need.
It felt good to be desired and to know it. At first he may not have liked it that Harry was able to tell every emotion he felt but he found that it certainly had its benefits. Nobody would ever know him as well as Harry would and Severus began to suspect that this bond between them could never be broken and he knew that he never wanted it another way because to live without Harry would make for a very unhappy and lonely life. He vowed to tell Harry such as soon as possible.
Hp
Harry glanced about the dismal kitchen in dismay. It was situated in the basement and the kitchen was dark. The huge table where they had eaten so many times when this house had served as the Headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix could seat about 10 or more people.
The whole Weasley family could fit here and there would still be plenty of space for a few more people.
For some reason the kitchen did not look like it was the heart of a home like it was at the Burrow. Harry fondly remembered Mrs. Weasley bustling about serving breakfast to everybody and chatting softly to whoever was in the kitchen, engaging them in conversation.
Perhaps in time I can picture us sitting at the table eating or cooking together. I can see Severus standing in a large kitchen, cooking as I come home from work or I am cooking as he comes back from brewing all day. But it has to be a kitchen with a lot of light. It has to be a house that is filled with laughter and happiness because in our past there have been too many dark things that we have to leave behind…
Harry was startled from his thoughts as with a loud plop an old house elf with large eyes and bat like ears popped into view. "Master Harry is home, sir. Kreacher is here to serve Masters."
Startled as he was by the return of the house elf who he had weeks earlier to return to Hogwarts, Harry was floundering for words.
"Ah Kreacher as you are here to serve us, will you prepare breakfast for myself and Master Harry?" Severus must have stepped into the kitchen behind him and was standing beside him. Harry glanced up at his husband and for a moment wondered if Kreacher would refuse to serve Severus.
He held his breath, as the silence in the kitchen deepened and nearly grew uncomfortable. He searched Severus' feelings carefully, wondering when Severus' short temper would snap. Kreacher glanced up at the Potions Master and Severus raised an eyebrow in inquiry before Kreacher bowed down deeply and said with as much happiness as Harry had ever seen the old house elf display.
"Kreacher is happy to serve Master Severus as Harry's mate. Masters should make themselves comfortable and let Kreacher worry about cleaning and cooking."
Harry was relieved as Severus nodded. He smiled and then said. "Thank you, Kreacher. If you are done with the cooking could you answer some questions about the house? Last year Death Eaters have gotten in here and we need to know what we can expect. I know that your magic is different from ours and perhaps there are places that you can access that we cannot."
Harry glanced up towards Severus as different emotions filtered through the bond.
Unease, wariness and distrust about whatever Yaxley had left in the house. Clearly Severus remembered something that the other more violent Death Eater had mentioned when he had owned the house during a meeting.
He blinked and finally sat down opposite Severus and asked. "Severus, what do you know that you are not telling me?"
He was prepared to be met with hostility but Severus merely glanced up at him impassively. The older wizard opened his mouth to speak before a steaming mug of coffee appeared in front of him and Kreacher said.
"Coffee before conversation, Master Harry. Kreacher learned at Hogwarts that if one wanted to speak to Professor Snape, it was best to wait before he had his first cup of coffee…"
It was the most talkative that Kreacher had ever appeared and Harry wasn't the only one who was surprised. Severus hid his smirk behind his cup before Harry huffed and said. "Even the house elves at Hogwarts know you better than I do."
A dark eyebrow rose behind the steaming mug before Severus sat it down and then leaned across the table to touch his fingers to Harry's wrist, over the tattoo. Harry tried to curb the pleasure that shot up his spine from that mere touch. The Griffin responded by raising its head and curling its back in pleasure, Harry watched fascinated.
He raised his eyes to see that Severus was regarding him with a tender expression, a gentle smile playing around his lips before he said, pitching his voice low as his fingers stroked the tattoo. "But you know me in other ways and as far as I am concerned, those are far better than knowing that I prefer coffee to conversation or other activities to assuring me that my morning is not an atrocious one."
Harry had the grace to blush but he found himself looking smug, or feeling smug more like it. Severus actually laughed at him and Harry felt warm all over with the obvious affection behind the warm laugh.
Hp
"Alright, I shall tackle the study and you try your hand here in what is supposed to pass as living room." Severus glanced around the dark room. He had no idea which room served which purpose but at the moment it didn't matter.
"Sure, but should we be doing this alone? What if Yaxley left something nasty or any of the other Death Eaters?"
"Yaxley wasn't in here for long. The wards threw him out. Only Blacks can come in here apparently. We were lucky that Bellatrix had other more pressing concerns at the time than to think about returning to her home and Narcissa was under surveillance else I am sure that we would have come across some nasty hexes or we would not even have been able to enter here."
"And you are sure that there aren't any nasty hexes in here?" Harry was fingering his wand, an almost eager expression on his face.
"One is never sure, Harry. You should know the Blacks by now, Harry. They are not a pleasant family and you should be wary of whatever is in this house. No matter how innocent it may look. You of all people should be aware of the danger of seemingly innocent objects that can hide true darkness."
The grim knowledge that travelled across the bond made Severus aware that Harry knew what he was talking about.
It would have surprised him if Harry didn't know what the Blacks were capable of. The sheer fact that Mrs. Black was still on the wall and had not been knocked down by Sirius Black because of her screech was astonishing. If it would have been his mother, Severus would have hexed her silent so she would appear like a muggle picture. Though she does make a decent alarm system, I suppose. It would scare most people away I think.
But that didn't mean that Severus had to put up with it. He still had to have a very long chat with her regarding Harry. His husband was insecure enough without somebody who had been dead for so many years to add new ones to that. Enough ghosts haunted his husband.
Perhaps he should attend to that matter first. It was time to have a few words with a certain portrait.
Hp
The living room was as gloom as the rest of the house, Harry decided. Whoever had decided to raise children here had expected them to turn as black as their last name suggested. He scowled at the curtains as they swung shut again. He had tried to pull them open to allow some light into the room.
He coughed violently from the dust that came from the curtains. Waving his hand in front of his face to clear the air, he glanced about the room. So far nothing had wanted to cooperate with him. He had tried to move the small desk that stood in front of the window, only to discover that it seemed to be stuck to the floor.
He ran a hand through his hair. His back was aching from trying to move the thing and he was sure that if he took his wand to it, it would only turn on him.
He was good at cleaning. The endless chores done at the Dursleys had taught him that at least. But so far the house had resisted all attempts at cleaning and for some strange reason Harry felt frustrated enough to cry.
He bit his lip and closed his eyes, counting to ten silently and then opened his eyes again. Surely there had to be a way. It was a house, not a living thing. It shouldn't be able to do this. It was not sentimental, it couldn't think for itself.
Harry raised his wand and twirled it at the curtains. They would come down, damn it! He slashed at them with a spell, not caring how the damn things would come down but they would…
He glanced up when plaster from the ceiling came twirling down. Huge cracks appeared in the ceiling, right above where the curtain railings were attached. He took a step back carefully. This house could not just break down like that.
It had stood here for ages, had stood against countless accidental magic by children, dark magic and everything else so why would it suddenly come crashing down as Harry tried to tear the curtains down?
He took another step back when with a sudden creak, part of the ceiling collapsed along with the curtains. Harry was showered in dust and breathing heavily because he had been standing there a moment ago.
He tried to curb the shock that filtered through him but he couldn't help himself as it spread through him. He breathed in deeply again. He glanced back up again at the ceiling, searching for more cracks but none were appearing.
He was aware that he was covered in dust but he couldn't stay here. It was the last straw. Even the house was rebelling against him.
Perhaps the magic that is used to keep the building stable weakening after all these years. Unless it interfered with my magic. One house has been burned down and the other one is falling apart or attacking me. I just want a home that is simple and does not have any dark memories or traces of magic. I will be glad to turn this house into something beautiful but when the house doesn't even cooperate with us and either falls away or attacks u, this is not the home that I want.
Having successfully backed out of the room, Harry quickly slammed the door shut and went in search of his husband. Perhaps Severus had more luck with whatever he had been trying to do.
Hp
Severus cursed loudly as he tried another spell to get the offensive portrait off the wall. He had finally managed to silence it. He refused to think of it as a woman any longer. Nobody could live while being that bitter.
It must not be magic that is fueling her portrait but spite and hatred. He growled at himself. The portrait stirred again and Severus raised his wand threateningly.
Mrs. Black merely smiled nastily at him and said. "You think that you can just march in here and get your way? I believe that you learned that lesson a long time ago but it seems that it is even in the heart of a Slytherin to hold hope, especially when surrounded by young flesh. How long do you think he will remain with you before your past catches up with him? He cannot remain with you for you will destroy him utterly. Do you want that on your conscience?"
Severus met her smile for smile because Waburga Black may not be a pleasant woman but she did not know the first thing about him or his bond mate. "I have done worse things than that but I know for a fact that I will not be able to destroy Harry Potter. We have faced tougher things that an old portrait. I have stood before the Dark Lord and lied to his face, escaping each and every time and you think that I would shake in my boots because you think that I will destroy my bond mate. I shall tell you that we will not destroy one another at all, he knows all too well how I feel about him."
"You are a master spy. Surely you are capable of lying to your bond mate efficiently. Or to yourself for that matter."
Severus merely smirked as he said. "I cannot lie to myself or to Harry. I am sure that you have heard of the intent behind magic. Harry knows that I care about him…"
"Like you cared about others? I have seen you when you came here when that fool Dumbledore was killed. I know everything that is going on in this house. Including the tears you shed for that woman in the picture. Wasn't she the boy's mother?"
"Perhaps you have been too shriveled up to shed tears when somebody you cared for died but we are not all like that. Some people still have the ability to cry and that is what makes us human, instead of a waste of paint." He sneered at the portrait who colored a nasty brick color.
"You do not know the first thing about love…."
"And a moment ago you accuse me of loving somebody? Isn't it a little bit ironic? I am sure that the turpentine has risen to your brain because being a portrait certainly causes one to become near sighted, especially if one looks upon the same stretch of wall every day? Perhaps you should go out more."
Severus was distracted as a wave of shock flowed through the bond followed swiftly by a wave of fear and relief. He barely had the time to pinpoint the cause because there was a huge blast that echoed through the house.
"Oh my, I hope that you are not suddenly a widower. This house has a nasty habit of dealing with people who insist that change is in order. My son tried that and he couldn't fix the house either. This house does not want to change…"
She smiled nastily again but Severus hissed. "Be prepared that there are new masters in this house! You can change with us or you can fall off the wall for all I care but I will get you removed. Or perhaps I should relocate you to a nice stretch of wall with lots of sunshine. I hear that it does a painting well to hang in the sunlight, especially one that was done by hand…"
He held up his wand and Mrs. Black paled. "You would not dare…"
"You have never heard your precious son speak about Snivellus? I do believe it is you who came to collect him during Sirius' fifth year." If she lost any more color, it would have been a black and white portrait as Severus smiled nastily.
"You are the one who hexed my Sirius? It took him weeks to recover from that."
"Yes, that was me." Severus did not mention that it also took him a few weeks before he could walk right again. Somehow, a fight had erupted between him and the Marauders which had ended up in a full fletched magical duel in which Severus' bone in his leg had been shattered and he had vanished Sirius' entire right arm. It had happened right after his falling out with Lily and it was not a moment of which he was proud.
"Severus?" At the call of his name he glanced up at the stairs. What he saw there shocked him to the core. Harry was covered in a thick layer of dust and shaking gently. He didn't even have to ask what had happened because as he approached Harry and took him by the hand, his husband only said. "Let's get out of here for a few hours. I need to be someplace else, someplace where the people are friendly and we won't be attacked."
The green eyes were expressive with need and as Severus wrapped his arms around Harry, he merely sighed a long suffering sigh and then Apparated them to the only place he knew, to the Burrow.
Hp
Cooking for such a nice family was the best way to relax Molly Weasley. She was in her element here, and the kitchen was her domain. It was nice to know that no matter what her family might go through, they could look forward to a real meal. Even when meals couldn't fix everything.
She was therefore very surprised when somebody knocked on the door lightly. After the war Arthur and she had strengthen the wards. She wanted her family to be safe even when everybody said that all the Death Eaters has been captured but she had seen what had happened to poor Harry's and Severus' home.
She took her wand in hand and slowly made her way over to the door. Nobody was at home at the moment. She was not afraid, Arthur was only a patronus call away but she was still wary.
She approached the door carefully before she called out. "Who is there?"
"Severus Snape Potter and Harry Potter Snape, I believe, Madame that you told us that your house was always open."
The sneer was so unmistakable Severus Snape that she had to smile. Nobody could pitch their voice quite like that. She held her wand at her side as she opened the door.
Severus Snape stood in front of it, and next to him stood a dusty Harry Potter. She had to do a double take to make sure it was him but she recognized him by the easy grin and the bright green eyes, even when his hair and clothes were covered in a layer of dust.
"Hello, Mrs. Weasley. I hope we haven't come at an inconvenient time?"
"Of course not, my dear. Please do enter. Uhm, what happened to you?"
Severus rolled his eyes as he steered Harry inside and said. "He has been trying to knock down walls but the only thing that was nearly knocked down was him. You still have to tell me the full tale." He added with a pointed look at Harry.
"Hold on a moment, dear. I just…" Molly waved her wand over Harry, having closed the door behind her and within a moment he was clean. "I just cleaned…"
Molly was sure that she would never see the day that Severus Snape was standing in the kitchen. The older wizard glanced around uneasily before Molly gestured for him to sit down and she asked. "Would you care for a cup of tea, Severus?"
"Severus prefers coffee." Harry was quick to pipe in and Molly smiled. It was good to see that they were getting along so well. Harry stepped around her and sat down next to his husband, just short of touching him.
As she began to prepare the tea and the coffee for Severus, she cast looks at them. Harry, now clean was leaning against Severus' arm. Severus looked out of place but he seemed resigned because he glanced down at Harry and seemed to ask something of him. Molly couldn't quite hear what he was saying.
Harry turned to him and smiled at him and Molly was satisfied to see that Severus' face softened and he even smiled back at Harry. Careful not to disturb the moment she added the hot water to the teapot to let the tea steep and added the coffee beans to Severus' can to prepare his coffee.
She took them over to them and said. "Now, since you have decided to drop in for a visit, you have to stay for dinner naturally. But what brings you here?"
One wave of her wand and a plate of biscuits floated over to the table. One biscuit was caught by Harry as it flew over to him and while Severus tried to wave his away, it instead settled to knock against his hand.
"We are only dropping in because Harry wanted to get away from Grimmauld Place for a while and this was the only friendly place we knew….there is no need to accommodate for us. We shall make our own plans for dinner time."
"Nonsense, Severus, there is always more room at our table. Now drink your coffee and finish your biscuit. It is crumbling."
Harry bit back a chuckle at the insistent biscuit that was indeed crumbling on the table. Severus huffed but much to her satisfaction he did pick up the biscuit and munched on it, occasionally dipping it in his coffee. And as Molly began to speculate just how she could make this man eat, she did note that Severus and Harry both reached for another biscuit.
Hp
"Mollywobbles , I am home." Arthur Weasley was rarely surprised but he stopped in his tracks only to come face to face with a tall thin, smirking man.
"I am not nor will I ever be Mollywobbles! However if you seek your wife, she is out in the garden trying to turn my bond mate a housewife by teaching him how to dry the washing magically. As if I ever expected Harry to do our washing.
Severus' mask was firmly in place. He wasn't sure how Arthur was going to react to finding him in his home. The elder Weasley merely clasped him on the shoulder and said. "I take it by the fact that you are still here that Molly has managed to ensnare you into staying for dinner."
"You assumed correctly."
"Then what do you say to a nice brandy while we catch up? I think that because you are not out in the garden trying to rescue Harry from my wife's clutches that you were in fact waiting for me."
Damn, Arthur is very perceptive.
"Are you sure that you were never sorted into Slytherin?" Severus had to ask.
Arthur laughed and shook his head, gesturing for Severus to follow as he said. "When you are the father of the famous Weasley twins, a fair bit of cunning is necessary."
"Point." Severus settled himself in a comfortable chair in Arthur's study. He closed his eyes to concentrate upon the bond which was buzzing with happiness. It seemed that Harry really felt at ease here and the feelings were spilling over into Severus, easing some tension within him.
"Severus, is everything alright?"
He glanced up at Arthur who was peering down at him before handing him a brandy.
"Yes, of course, why do you ask?"
"Because for the moment, and do not take this the wrong way, Severus, I mean well, you looked really content. Having Harry by your side agrees with you. You look well….Now, tell me what you wanted to discuss..."
"I'm sure that you have heard about the intent behind magic and that subconscious desire can have strange effects upon magic."
"Yes, it is similar to wish magic." Arthur nodded.
"Well, when I presented Harry with his birthday present it seemed that it had unforeseen consequences for us both, especially with our linked magic." Severus wasn't sure how he could explain this to Arthur without revealing just how much he had grown to care about Harry.
He knew that he could trust Arthur but old habits die hard and slowly he forced himself to glance up at Arthur. The other man was looking at him steadily, merely waiting for Severus to continue and Severus took a deep breath before he said.
"I wanted to give Harry something special to assure him of my growing affection for him. Miss Granger helped me by giving me the idea of tattoos, such as the one the Dark Lord used to mark his followers, only to change the intend behind them. Instead of seeking to control Harry, I wanted him to be aware of my affection for him and whenever our love would change, the tattoo would fade. But what I had failed to take into account, was the fact that the intent, or like wish magic as you so rightly say, was the fact that our combined power and our desires are far more powerful than we anticipated. We both wanted to know how the other one felt and that magic interfered with the bond already between us, solidifying it even more."
"What are you saying, Severus?"
"Somehow, I can feel Harry's emotions and he can feel mine. We cannot hide anything from one another. But to be honest we have not really tried yet."
"And you feel uncomfortable with this?"
"I….actually I do not. Harry is everything I have ever wanted in a mate and to know how he feels about me, it is…wonderful." He whispered the last word. He bowed his head, peering up at Arthur to see how the other man would take this latest development.
"And what does Harry think about this?"
"He thinks it is brilliant, as he always does with everything that concerns me. He seems to be convinced that I am the best thing that ever happened to him and I must admit that I share his sentiments and that he is indeed the best thing that could have ever happen to me. And I intend to show him every day, unless he tells me to walk away from his life…"
Reassurance and love flowed alongside the bond and Severus allowed himself to bask in it.
"I think that for you both, you are the best thing that could have happened to the other one and I am very glad to see two men who have found love because you both have earned it. It is nice to see that two people I see as my sons have finally found love and peace. You are family, Severus, you and Harry, never doubt that and never think that you aren't welcome here, because you are. No matter what may happen."
And as Arthur smiled at him, Severus allowed himself to smile back and knew that in marrying Harry, he hadn't only gained a husband but a family who cared for him as well and that, more than anything, was something to be treasured and he would treasure it to the end of his days.
Hp
Harry must have forgotten how loud dinner at the Weasley household was. The table was crowded because it seemed everybody had come down to have dinner with them. Bill was there with his wife Fleur and their new daughter Victiore. Charlie and Ron were sitting at the table, talking softly amongst themselves. Ron and Hermione were sitting next to Harry. Mrs. Weasley was at the head of the table and Mr. Weasley at the other.
It surprised Harry how fast news traveled because he was quite sure that when they had come for their impromptu visit this afternoon, this kind of dinner had not been planned in advanced. He tried his best not to glance to the other side of the table where Ginny was sitting.
Conversation flowed easily around them and so far he had not yet had any reason to talk to Ginny. He was relieved. She looked well. Her hair was tied back in a braid and she was courteous to everybody, even to Severus.
The meal was nice and simple, and the first course had been soup, which seemed to have not only stimulated his appetite but that of his bond mate as well. Severus was seated on his left, arms brushing on occasion.
Wariness was one of the many emotions Harry could feel coming from Severus. But much to his surprise the other man was also feeling at ease here and content as he was normally only in Harry's company. Harry understood that his bond mate didn't like big crowds. But Severus kept himself guarded, careful of his tongue and temper.
He reached out to lay a hand underneath the table on Severus' thigh and the other man glanced at him, dark eyes narrowed in contemplation.
Affection washed over Harry but he wasn't surprised by the edge of lust that accompanied these feelings. He forced his own arousal down. It wouldn't do to ask if he could have his own bond mate for dessert.
"Harry, dear, can you pass me the salt?" Mrs. Weasley brought him from his thoughts and Harry resurfaced with a sheepish grin.
He reached out with his arm, his shirt edging up to show the dark green tattoo. Hermione's gasp told him she had seen it as she asked.
"What is that on your wrist, Harry?"
"Oh this?" He pulled up his sleeve as her question grabbed the attention of the rest of the table. Hermione took his hand, careful not to brush the tattoo.
"It is Severus' birthday present to me."
"And what does it do, mate?' The griffin growled at Ron as he touched it with his fingertips. Feeling Severus grow tense at his side, Harry quickly pulled his hand away. Harry didn't bother to try and figure out what Severus was feeling because he could only imagine.
It drew the attention of everybody at the table and Harry flushed uncomfortably. He wanted to hide his wrist but he kept his head high, before he said. "It…well. It doesn't do much really" except tell me what Severus is feeling and let him know what I am feeling.…" It is a magical tattoo and it is a sign that I'm bonded. It is a sign of love."
"Of love, mate?" Ron looked puzzled. Harry was aware of the silence that had fallen over the table. He glanced around the room, nervously clearing his throat. Everybody was watching him, including Ginny.
He had to think over his next step. He could do two things. He could lie, and claim that it was nothing, a mere mark of affection even when it was so much more but that would mean that he could wound Severus. The older wizard may forgive him for many things but not lying about his feelings regarding Harry. It would degrade their relationship and the bond they shared and knowing that he would disappoint Severus when he had promised never to do such a thing would be excruciating. The very thought already was.
It would mean that he would protect Ginny but it would also give her false hope. If he pretended that Severus meant nothing to him, he would allow Ginny to think that he could be swayed in her direction, when the truth was that he loved Severus more than he had ever loved her.
He could feel Severus nearly holding his breath beside him, appearing casual and unruffled but deep inside he was awaiting Harry's answer.
Harry probed deeper through the bond, feeling the warm feeling of hope underneath that Severus was not allowing himself to feel. He knew within an instant that he could not destroy that.
He knew he had the power to destroy Severus and their relationship, damaging it forever. Severus was changing, allowing himself to hope for a better life. Harry would rather die than to harm his wizard.
He allowed himself to smile shyly as he said. "I honestly don't know how he came up with it but it was genius. Apparently when you create a magical tattoo it is the intent behind the magic that is important. The intent behind this was love, so if ever the feelings disappear then the tattoo disappears as well."
Ron looked puzzled before he asked. "So let me see if I am getting this. If Snape no longer loves you then the tattoos will simply disappear, even when the linked magic is still there."
Harry nodded. Ron gazed at Harry intently before he said. "So does Snape has one as well?"
"Yeah, he does." He admitted softly, glancing up through his fringe to gauge Ron's reaction. A warm hand touched his neck, lying there comfortably.
Ron shot him a grin and then said. "Must be amazing to be loved that intensely." The way Ron waggled his eyebrows should be forbidden because Harry felt his face flush. Laughter erupted around the table as a bright red Hermione exclaimed. "Ron!"
There was a muffled sob and somebody pushed back their chair roughly and Harry caught a flash of red hair as Ginny Weasley ran away from the table. Molly rose from the table, her face stricken before Harry said. "I'll go."
"No, Harry, this isn't your problem."
"Molly." Arthur shook his head before Harry said, trying to ignore Severus' feelings on the matter, even when the older wizard was trying to make it explicitly clear how he felt about it.
"This is a conversation that I need to have with her….I need to do it…it is only right…"
He forcefully tried to ignore Severus, feeling the annoying buzzing of the bond, unsure if the anger behind it was directed at him or at somebody else. He did not care to find out. Slowly he glanced at Severus, seeing the blazing eyes as the older wizard raised an eyebrow in challenge but then he nodded in agreement and before Harry knew it, he left the room, he had some clearing up to do with Ginny.
Hp
"Ginny?"
"Leave me alone, Harry. Why don't you go back to your bond mate and be used as a fuck toy?" She turned to him, her brown eyes blazing. Taken aback, Harry stepped into the room.
"Stop it! It isn't like that."
Her eyes narrowed as she said. "Oh really? So how long has he waited before he fucked you? Was he rough or did he try to sway you with gentle words? He is a Death Eater, Harry; of course he knows how to manipulate you into thinking that this is what you want."
Harry shook his head angrily, feeling his own anger rise now. "It is what I want."
"You have been brain washed. How can you like somebody like him? How can you stand to look at him? How can you stand to touch him?'
"For you information he is a different man than you think, Ginny but I guess you are too short sighted to see that. He is sweet and kind to me, caring and he doesn't demand that I change to accommodate a picture that he has of me, unlike you!"
"Oh stop lying to yourself! You just settled for him. He doesn't love you. He doesn't know how, not like I do. I will comfort you when you have a nightmare. I will hold you when you want to be held…I will give you children and a family, that is what you want, isn't it Harry?"
Her hands were upon his chest and Harry growled angrily, trying to step away. "I already have a family, thank you very much. Severus is my family. He loves me for who I am."
"How do you know? He was a master spy and he lied successfully to two powerful wizards so of course he could lie to you."
"I know because I can feel it."
"Poor Harry, you received so little affection that you mistake love for lust. He doesn't love you, he lusts after you, and who could blame him? Many would do the same when they were in his position."
Harry shook his head firmly. "No, Ginny, I can feel how he feels about me and it is genuine."
"So confused, my baby, I will make it better. Here, let me see if he kisses you like this." And before Harry knew it, her lips touched his in a light kiss that turned deeper as he gasped in surprise and Ginny seized her chance. Her fingers curled around his wrist, over the tattoo.
Rage washed over him so quickly even before Harry could overcome his surprise at what happened.
He reacted instinctively even when he knew that the initial rage he felt was not his own as he pulled away in disgust before striking out. The door that banged open as somebody roared. "What is the meaning of this?"
But the sound was nothing compared to the sound of flesh striking flesh as Harry struck out instinctively by slapping Ginny. He was shaking in rage, his green eyes shooting fire as they bore into the tear washed brown ones as Ginny brought a hand up to her face. Gasps came from the doorway but Harry didn't care as he hissed coldly, trying desperately to keep his magic from reacting instinctively and blasting her to pieces.
"Leave me alone! Don't come near me" His voice was a whisper of rage and Ginny took a step towards him. "I said don't!"
He shouted, knowing that one wrong move could cause him to lose control and blast half of the house to shreds. Somebody stepped into the room, a hand touching his own in a caring gesture as a voice commanded.
"Leave us!"
The dark eyes were focused upon Ginny and with a muffled sob she fled. Severus turned to the Weasleys and said. "I said leave us!"
Within moments they were alone and Harry found himself shaking with the force of trying to hold the magic inside. Another hand grasped his other hand and fingers ghosted over his tattoo as Harry glanced up at the dark eyes.
He was too focused upon trying to control himself to feel the emotions through the bond but the dark eyes held his own for a moment before Severus said. "Go ahead."
Harry wasn't sure what Severus meant but it began to hurt to control his magic and then strong arms wound around him and pulled him against a firm body. He buried his face in Severus' neck and finally his control snapped. Magic began to roll off of him in waves as Harry tried to breathe through it.
Fingers carded through his hair and slowly he began to relax enough to focus upon the bond.
Understanding and respect were the main emotions but behind those Harry sensed a growing relief and underneath that fear that Harry would turn Severus away. Harry allowed his own feelings to rise to try and tell Severus that he would never turn him aside, never!
Fingers that stroked the back of his neck told him the message had been received and he brought his hands up to hold Severus' jumper tightly. He tipped his face up to present it for a kiss and after a moment Severus complied.
The kiss felt so right after Ginny's and Harry felt like he was coming home and he knew it was something he always wanted to feel.
Hp
Contentment and peace stole over Harry in lazy waves. It felt good after all that drama to be able to settle down.
He shared a smile with Severus as he glanced behind him as they exited the room. It had felt good to be held and to allow himself to be in control. He had never thought that it could feel so good to relinquish control. He did not do it easily because there were few who were more powerful than him and who could safely allow him to lose it. Severus was one of those few that were slightly more powerful than Harry.
It felt good, he decided.
The room was packed but dinner had come to a halt, as Harry had expected. Mrs. Weasley glanced up as they entered but even before she could ask a question, Severus stepped around Harry on his way to the table as he said.
"Now, can I please finish my dinner without further interruptions?"
"You aren't welcome at our table!" Harry bit back a groan at Ginny's exclamation. He swirled around to look at her. She was standing near the table, a defiant expression upon her face.
Severus had frozen in mid step and the Potions Master turned to look at her. "What did you say?"
The black eyes were narrowed in anger but Ginny didn't falter as she said. "I said that you aren't welcome at our table! You are toying with Harry, that's what you are doing. You are taking advantage of him when he is confused! He has been through a traumatizing time and like a snake you pray upon that weakness. You think that he really loves you? He is mistaken love for lust and he thinks that he cares about you…you should let him make up his own mind…."
"And by this attempt to stand up for Harry I have to understand that you do love him?" Severus' voice was cold.
"Yes, I do and he loves me. I have always waited for him and I am not going to walk away simply because he made a mistake and linked your magic together and is going through a phase now…"
"I am not going through a phase!" Harry bit out angrily.
"I think that it may not be him going through a phase, but yourself, Miss Weasley. You are chasing a dream. A dream that was never yours…" Severus glanced at Harry and then gentled his tone. "Do not allow it to destroy you, Miss Weasley as it nearly did with me once."
"I don't want your advice! I want Harry and Harry wants me."
"Oh really? Shall we examine that claim for a moment, shall we?" Severus growled softly as he gestured for Harry to come closer. Harry did so reluctantly. He couldn't tell what Severus was feeling but something in the Potions Master's tone was commanding.
Ginny shook her head and said. "No, I don't want you to!"
"You challenge me, Miss Weasley so you will stand there because so help me, I will show you why your claim is invalid." Severus' growl was enough to make any former student of his stand at attention. Harry stopped before his bond mate and Severus' eyes dropped to meet his for a moment.
Harry shivered at the heat in those eyes and he could feel the emotions that clearly said mine.
"You have always claimed to love Potter but you never actually chased him as one who truly loves one another would do. In fact, you have gone out with others, claiming to make him jealous when in fact until his sixth year he has never looked at you once in a romantic way. I have it on great authority in fact that he always thought of you as the little sister of his best friend and as nothing more. You do not know his past; you never bothered to find out. You never bothered to find out what he liked and dislikes. You never tried to make yourself noticeable to him by either a good friend or something more. You have never seen him frightened or insecure or know how to right to situations because you need too much attention yourself. It is not surprising when you grow up in such a large family to want somebody who can give their full attention to you but you do not see that Harry needs the same thing for very different reasons. He is not the man you think he is because all you see if a romanticized version that your mind has conjured up."
Hands dropped down on Harry's shoulders and Harry shivered at the possessiveness in Severus' voice as the older wizard growled. "You speak about lust, but you are the one who has always lusted after the boy. You lust after his fame and seek it for yourself. I, on the other hand am able to look beyond that and see the man he truly is."
Ginny was crying softly but Severus wasn't finished yet as he turned Harry to him and said. "He is a brave and loyal man, one who is capable of great love. One who has been abused and who has suffered greatly. He deserves peace and not having to be forced to compete for somebody's affections, as you want him to do. He will never be yours because he is mine and I do not share what is mine. I will only release Harry if he wants to be released and not sooner, not for you or for the world. I protect and value what is mine."
The next moment Severus dipped his head and kissed Harry deeply. Harry moaned into the kiss but all too soon Severus broke away to growl. "Now tell me that I do not love him or he loves me when he responds to my kisses like that. I will give everything that I own to state that he has never responded like this to any of your kisses."
With one last mournful cry, Ginny left the room. Mrs. Weasley gave them a tightlipped smile before she walked after her daughter.
"I am sorry, Arthur, I did not mean to harm your daughter but the gentle approach had no effect upon her, she had to know that she could not have Harry and to allow her dreams to pass away so that she does not suffer needlessly."
Hands that pulled Harry away from his bond mate made him glance back. Hermione and Ron were standing beside him. Ron beckoned Harry to his side and finally Harry nodded.
He cast a weary glance at his best friends before Ron said. "Is he always that way with you, mate?"
Hermione had her hands in front of her face but when Harry glanced at her, she grinned at him and winked. Harry relaxed even when she glanced at Severus again. He tuned out the conversation between Severus and Mr. Weasley to focus upon his friends.
He glanced back at Severus, eyeing the body language of the older wizard before he turned back to Ron and Hermione and said. "I don't know. This was the first time that he ever…well was that possessive."
He tried to keep the wistful tone out of his voice. He was more than aware of what he had done to him but he tried to suppress his arousal. It wouldn't do to beg Severus to push him against the wall and do all sorts of wicked things to him.
He licked his lips, trying hard not to moan as he could feel the heat of Severus' eyes upon him; it wasn't the only heat he felt because the bond was pulsating with arousal and heat. He shook his head firmly to clear his mind, needless to say it didn't work as well as he would have liked.
Ron was still glancing at him and then he said. "What brought it on then? It can't just be that you celebrating your birthday together."
"Uhm…" How was he going to explain this? "Well, it is just more that our perspective changed since then…."
He had no idea how comfortable Severus was with discussing the new aspect of the bond but he had always shared everything with Ron and Hermione. A hand on his wrist made him glance down so quickly that he had no time to check in his first response and neither did Severus.
The older man's head snapped around, his eyes narrowed in contemplating before he relaxed as he saw Hermione touching his bond mate upon the wrist.
"Oh, Merlin, so it is true as I thought…." Her brown eyes were wide as they met Harry's green ones and Harry knew that she had figured it out. He couldn't keep anything hidden from her but Ron was looking between them, blue eyes puzzled as he said.
"What's true? Harry, what's she talking about?"
He sighed, taking a deep breath before he closed his eyes and said. "Just a moment…."
He glanced back at Severus but as Severus narrowed his eyes for a moment before he inclined his head, Harry knew he had his answer.
"Well, you see it is like this. Hermione, you researched the tattoos and well, when you create a magical tattoo, it is the intent behind it that is important. If you create a tattoo with a dark intent, then the tattoo itself will be dark and it will respond to dark thoughts. But if the intent behind the tattoo is pure, then the tattoo will be pure as well…"
"And of course Snape's intent behind the tattoo was pure…I mean, else he wouldn't have created one. I can imagine that You Know Who's intention behind the Dark Mark wasn't too spread the love but the control his followers. I can't imagine that Snape would want to go through with it." Ron glanced between Hermione's frown and Harry's smile before he rolled his eyes and blurted out. "Oh come on now, you really think that I can't be mature about this. He makes you happy and you make him happy, so then why am I complaining?"
Harry wasn't sure what he could say so instead he beamed up at Ron. He knew that his best friend was happy for him but to actually hear it now was making him feel happier than he had ever thought it would. Ron smiled tentatively back and then said. "Now, come on, mate, no tears. Snape's going to wring my neck if I make you cry."
"Don't worry; he knows that sometimes these are tears of happiness." Harry tried not to choke but sometimes his emotions seemed to overwhelm him and he had always wanted somebody who saw him for who he was.
Ron sighed, the warm breath ruffling Harry's hair before his best friend drew Harry into a one armed hug as he whispered. "Your happiness always was important to me, mate."
Harry hugged Ron back before they broke apart. Hermione cleared her throat and Harry turned to glance at his other best friend. Hermione had tears in her eyes and Ron rolled his eyes before he pulled his girlfriend into a kiss and whispered to Harry. "Girls, mate, too emotional for their own good. You should be glad that you married a bloke."
Severus may not cry in public but he is slowly learning that it's okay to show emotion and not to expect to be hurt at once. And that is worth a lot more to me than somebody who can cry in public.
Reassurance flowed through the bond followed swiftly by affection. Harry basked in the knowledge that it was perfectly fine for him if he showed his emotions to Severus.
"But tell us more about what happened with the tattoos? Something must have happened because you and Severus are suddenly a lot closer than before…"
"Well, alright, as I have said before the tattoo is a sign of love. If there is no affection between us then the tattoo will disappear as well. But apparently subconcious magic is a bit different than when you actually think about it. Severus and I seem to share the same wish to let the other know how we feel about him and apparently our magic reacted on that. We aren't sure if it is because of the linked magic between us or perhaps because of the sheer power of our magic but yeah well, we may never know but somehow I can tell how Severus feels."
"Well, obviously you would be able. He may not be an easy man to live with but I think that you would know him better…"
"No, Hermione, you don't understand. I know how Severus feels, like I can feel it as clearly as my own emotions…"
"Oh…oh!" Harry knew that Hermione was going to catch on soon. He smiled at her.
"You mean that he can also feel your emotions?" Harry nodded. Ron's eyebrows rose and he whistled. "Whew, and you are comfortable with that, mate? You can never check your first response because the other will always know how you feel."
"Yeah, that's one side of it but the other side of it is, is that it feels bloody brilliant. I can't hide myself anymore; he will always know how I feel. He can't hide his hurt anymore or anything anymore and while I know that it may be hard on him, because he is a very private man but I won't abuse that trust. As I know that he will never abuse mine."
"As thrilling as it is to hear about how you feel about me, Mr. Potter, but perhaps we can adjourn to the sitting room. We still have some news to share with your friends, unless you are unwilling?"
Oh, right, their future plans. He gazed at Hermione and Ron. Could he leave them behind? But then when he remembered the fear and how upset Severus had been because somebody had burnt down their house, he knew that he would go through with it. He needed to think about his own future now and if he knew his friends at all, they would wish the best for them, wouldn't they?
And here it is again. I somehow can't seem to be able to push everything in the chapter I want to get it. Review please and tell me what you think. Do you want to see drama at the graveside or tender moments?
In the next chapter: Harry and Severus tell the Weasleys what their plan is for the future but how will the Weasleys respond to having people they think as family move away? And when Severus and Harry return to Hogwarts to share their plans with Minerva, how will the Headmistress respond or can she perhaps offer a different plan for them? And when Harry takes Severus with him to his family's graveside, will he find more than he bargained for or can Severus hold his temper in check at the unexpected surprise? That and more in: Home.