Pretty Boy

Chapter 2

The Unexpected Guest Leaves

Five o'clock in the morning it was before Harry finally made it back to his flat. Closing the door quietly, he walked through to see how Snape was. He was so very grateful that the wizard was still asleep. He didn't have a door on his bathroom, and the curtain he had up was clear. His bathroom? Well that was the room right next to his bedroom. You could see into the bathroom from the bed, creeping in, avoiding all the squeaky floorboards. He didn't want Snape to wake and see him like this, he wasn't exactly proud of what he did, despite the fact he did it to survive. The fact he knew Snape from before, was making him on edge. The sooner the man left the better in his opinion. Although it was admittedly good being able to look after someone, and just have someone there. Unconscious or not, he would have liked it to be the other way around, he was exhausted emotionally, mentally and to top it off thanks to Snape magically. He'd been on his own for eight years, paying rent and living alone for five. He would of course continue to do what he had to, like always, but only in moments of weakness would he self pity. It wasn't wrong to want company was it? He was nineteen and for most part, he'd been completely isolated. In his line of work, people weren't there to talk.

Stepping up into the shower, drawing the curtain back. He silently cursed at himself for being so weak; he didn't need anyone or anything. He could survive on his own, or so he tried to tell himself. It was much better than the alternative, used and disposed of when he had fulfilled his duty. Shivering slightly, he grabbed the soap and began scrubbing himself vigorously. He didn't stop until he was red absolutely everywhere.

Leaning against the tiled wall, he sighed tiredly, he ached all over. Shivering when the water suddenly turned cold. Cursing he jumped from the shower, turning it off as he did so. Grabbing a towel he moved over to the small sink and mirror. Once he dried himself of as much as he could, he applied more make-up to hide his scar. Grabbing his brush, he brushed his long hair and put it up in a pony tail, thankful for his fringe for the first time. Popping a few painkillers from their packet, he used the tap water and swallowed them over. Hopefully they'd help him get some sleep as well tonight, err, today he supposed.

Moving off towards the living room, glad his shower hadn't woken his sleeping companion. He was unguarded asleep; it made his face look almost serene. Nothing like he was awake, he knew better than most what you showed the world, and what you felt was two different things. Sitting on the couch he put on the TV, and begun watching the news. The quite drone of the voices slowly sent him to sleep, before long he knew no more.

Severus felt the familiar feeling of guilt creeping up on him. He'd been a bastard he knew that, all the young man had done was help him. Yet he'd treated him with distain and still didn't throw him out. Not many people would have done something like that, the guilt didn't stem solely from that of course. He had seen the scars on the young man's back; it spoke of abuse and a bad childhood. He was all to familiar with that, not just from his own past, but those he'd helped in his capacity as Head of Slytherin house.

He should have guessed really, those from good homes didn't resort to that. No those that had no choice normally ended up in these situations, broken homes, being thrown out or very bad abuse, that see people preferring the streets or this line or work better than the alternative of staying.

He was absolutely breathtaking despite the scars, no doubt he got enough of being ogled at doing his… job, but he hadn't been able to look away. It shocked him that someone with so much magical potential had not made it to Hogwarts. How he controlled his magic was anyone's guess. Accidental magic happened until they learned how to control it. It was as simple as that, yet he seemed to have no problems, even when he was sneering and snarling earlier. Merlin he was dickhead, he had to apologize, it wouldn't come easy unfortunately. He wasn't a man who liked to admit he was wrong.

Severus had felt himself stirring in appreciation at the sight of him, making himself feel like an errant school boy. He was thankfully able to control himself before the man exited the shower. Not that he lingered in the room, he went straight back to the living room or maybe his own room? He wasn't exactly sure; all he could see was this bloody room. The drone of the TV made what energy he had disappear, and against his will his body lost the fight to stay awake longer. In his quest to know more about his 'host' he hadn't realized his potion bag was its normal size.

Severus woke up with a start once again, looking around the room, he realized it was mostly dark in here, but some light was peeking through the cracks in the curtains. Licking his dry lips, with shaky hands he sat up and took the glass from the nightstand. The water was warm and absolutely dreadful, but his parched lips and dry mouth didn't care. He guzzled it down like a man who'd just spent ten months in the desert. Only then did he realize just how desperately he needed the toilet.

Grasping at the nightstand, after putting the glass back, he hoisted himself onto his feet. Pursing his lips, stopping the moan of sheer agony getting out. Panting heavily, as nerve ending pain flared all over him. His ribs were definitely broken, how many though would remain to be seen. It certainly wasn't his week; the bastard had even taken his wand, before they'd been told to Apparate him away. One didn't need a wand to Apparate, but they sure as hell need it to cast spells to heal themselves or call for aid.

He took a single step at a time, trying not to tense up his body, moving slowly as possible without standing still. He was grateful that the bathroom was only five or six feet away. Although right now, in pain and his bladder seconds from exploding it felt like thousands. He'd been humiliated enough; he was not, under any circumstances going to soil himself. Relief shot through him when the toilet came into view, the lid was already up, and with that he relieved himself, his body still trembling dangerously.

He was used to pain, he could for most part hold his own, and take whatever came his way. Silently too might he add, with the exception of the Cruciatus curse. Nobody in their right mind could remain silent through it, no matter how many years it was cast on you for.

Once he was done, holding on to every available surface or wall, he made his way back to the bed. There was not a speck of blood on him, he prayed the boy had spelled him clean…but he didn't hold his breath. Which meant he'd cleaned him by hand, he shoved the thoughts from his mind - not wanting to think on it. Then he saw something that made it leave completely… his eyes widened with relief when he saw his bag was large. He all but dived for it, removing the vials he needed. Downing them in one go, and relief shot through him as the pain dulled completely. His black eyes closed in bliss, thank Merlin for potions. He then drank the other potions, Anti-Cruciatus, bone mending, rib mending, Blood replenish potion, one to prevent infection and another to heal and seal wounds.

Looking around the room again, this time without being clouded in agony. He noticed it was extremely bare; it looked like a guest room. Opening the curtain, trying to find out if he could pinpoint exactly where he was. Unfortunately he couldn't, but the area was severely lacking…it was obviously a harsh part of town. Harsh as in not able to afford a better place but it being a step up from being outside on the streets.

Leaving the room, he looked around curiously, the living room; it was just as bare as the bedroom. A simple TV set that had seen better days, sometimes it turned red he noticed, and it was at least thirty years old. The TV set looked something similar to one his own father had owned when he was a kid. He was pretty sure Muggle technology had advanced greater since then. A couch and a seat, that was pretty much everything in the small room. The boy was sleeping on the couch. Wrapped up in a blue blanket which didn't even cover him completely.

Staring down at him, he swallowed thickly again; he'd never been so…physically attracted to someone as he was right now. He was stunning, even more so asleep, a smirk twitched at his lips. There weren't many people who didn't flinch away from his voice. People were terrified of him, they stuttered or stared away. Never before had anyone younger than himself stood there and talked back. Even those older than him were weary; he'd built up an impeccable reputation in his years of teaching. The only people, who saw behind it, were his Slytherins and even they wouldn't cross him. He had a backbone; it was an admirable trait to have. One he probably needed with his line of work.

Picking up the discarded blanket, no doubt accidentally, he placed it over the young man. He didn't even know his name, or age, he wasn't just physically attracted to him Severus realized. He'd always been attracted to power, but neither Dumbledore nor Voldemort would do anything for him. But this young man, he could mould him; teach him things that Dumbledore certainly wouldn't approve of. He certainly didn't deserve to miss out on the awesome things his magic would be capable of. Heal, he actually healed him, he was utterly god smacked. Inches from his face, Severus pulled back when he realized what he was doing.

Making a beeline for the bedroom, he closed it cursing himself for his reactions. It was his own fault for his self imposed celibacy. Shivering in cold, belated realizing he'd been walking around nearly starkers with nothing but boxers on. He grabbed his clothes and dressed himself, taking care not to jolt his ribs too much. He noticed they had rips in them, but there were no wounds, it must have been where he healed them. There was no scar, no indication that magic had been used to heal them either.

Sitting back down on the bed he yawned, he was still exhausted despite the potions. Perhaps he should have taken a pepper up potion, but decided to wait until he was leaving. He couldn't just go without telling the boy he was, he'd been a prick and had to apologize before he left.

Harry murmured unhappily, his brain wakening up before his body wanted to. Putting his arm over his eyes, blocking out the light. At least in his room he didn't get so much light like this. His stomach growled fiercely, no doubt Snape was starving too. Soup was nice but it didn't fill you up the way a proper meal did. The bread helped but he didn't always have the money to afford it.

Harry shuffled over to the kitchen, opening two tins of chicken soup and placing it on the hob. Flipping the hot water on, no doubt Snape would want a shower or bath; at least then his body would feel a little better. He knew how soothing a bath was when you were sore. Sore was actually an understatement in this case, he had tended to the man as much as he could. He knew just how badly he was still injured, at least three of his ribs felt broken. Harry was pretty sure a bone at the top of Snape's arm was broken also.

Stirring the soup, wondering why the hell he was doing this when the arsehole was an ungrateful, moody, surly, prejudice, childish…bastard. He must be an idiot; Snape certainly wouldn't have done it for him if the roles were reversed. No doubt he'd laugh at him mocking his vulnerability. Was he trying to prove he wasn't anything like Snape and his father? Or was he just trying to be the better man? No he had been helping him before he found out who it was. He wasn't a bad guy; he wouldn't leave anyone in pain, or in the gutter for that matter.

The smell of burning brought him out of his musing, "Damn!" cursed Harry removing it from the hob. He sighed as he poured half into the bowl, he only had one so he'd need to use the pan. Removing a few slices of bread from the package he went through to the room.

"You're awake," said Harry, placing the food on the bed, he was fully dressed no doubt the man would be leaving tonight. Strangely enough…Harry felt a little depressed with this thought. Fortunately for him, he was good at not dwelling on things he didn't want to think on. "The water is heating up if you want a shower or bath before you go."

"Thank you," said Severus, hiding his distaste for such words, not wanting the young man to think he wasn't being honest. He was, he just hated admitting he was wrong or thanking someone for anything. "For everything." he added.

Harry blinked in surprise, "No problem." he shrugged.

"Have you ever heard of Hogwarts?" asked Severus once the boy turned to walk away. He knew right away, before he opened his mouth, he'd stiffened; it was a sure indicator that they did know something. Otherwise their reaction would have been relaxed confusion. The question remained had he been in the magical world and only heard of Hogwarts or had he attended Hogwarts? If so why didn't he have a wand and why was he living here on his own in this godforsaken flat?

"Why?" asked Harry, refraining from checking his scar otherwise it would be well and truly over.

"You are magical." said Severus it was a statement not a question.

"Yes," said Harry bitterness crawling up his throat.

"You attended Hogwarts?" Severus remarked, seeing the ugly look steal across those dark green eyes.

"Yes," said Harry impassively. Why was he admitting to this? It was starting to get near dangerous ground. He couldn't let anyone figure out who he really was; he didn't want to have to run and end up on the streets somewhere else and start all over again.

"You completed your education?" asked Severus.

"No," said Harry, wondering how to get out of this, Snape was too curious he wasn't going to stop until he had his answers.

"Why?" asked Severus his eyes narrowed.

"It's none of your business." snapped Harry crossing his arms defensively.

"Very well," said Severus grudgingly, still he was curious now and he wasn't going to let it rest until he had some answers. He wasn't a Slytherin for nothing so he'd figure it out. There weren't many people who begun a Hogwarts education but didn't stay. Unless his parents had died, or were unable to continue to pay the money, which admittedly did happen. Or he'd been pulled out with what happened eight years ago, with the chamber of secrets being opened.

"I'll be back through in ten minutes," said Harry, "Are you wanting a bath or shower before you go?" he didn't want to waste money on heating he couldn't afford as it was.

"No thank you," said Severus his silky voice probing.

"Very well," said Harry, nodding curtly before turning around and swiftly leaving the room. Giving the man no time to ask any more questions, Harry prayed that he hadn't been the only one to leave Hogwarts…otherwise he may as well have handed his name over to the Professor. It was just a matter of what Dumbledore had told everyone after he fled. He wanted nothing to do with the wizarding world. He thought if he said it enough he would finally believe it.

He didn't want anything to do with the wizarding world but the magic he wanted to embrace tightly and never let go. Unfortunately his magic didn't seem to want him! He was incapable of casting the most basic spells, even when he'd been at Hogwarts. Not that he'd had the opportunity to cast much; he'd only stayed there for two weeks.

Harry flipped the switch to off, putting the hot water off; he didn't want to waste any. He stood at the sink eating his own dinner, which had cooled significantly since it had been left lying there. He grimaced when he reached the bottom; it was burnt unable to eat the rest he put water into it and just stood there at the sink. He did wonder what the magical world was like now, and Ron, his first friend. Over the years though he'd wondered at the look Ron had supported. The greedy, self absorbed look when he'd found out his name. Had Ron really been his friend? Or had he been in Dumbledore's pocket? He would never know unfortunately, he'd never go back.

He came out of his thoughts to see Snape making his own way through. He must be healing magically, there was no way someone as injured as him could be up and about without it. Taking the tray he placed it on the counter, facing away from the man not wanting to meet his eyes.

"What is your name?" enquired Severus, regarding the young man, noting he wouldn't turn around.

"Harrison Edwards." said Harry confidently; it's the name he always used. "You?" he asked forcing curiosity into his voice, hoping to throw complete suspicion from him.

"Severus Snape." stated Severus calmly, when it was obvious he wouldn't turn around, he realized he had better get to Hogwarts. He'd been gone a long time, two days at least…not counting how long he'd been unconscious. "Thank you for taking care of me…I do appreciate it." It was extremely difficult to get these words to leave his lips before he disappeared with a crack leaving Harry Potter alone in his flat feeling strangely bereft…not happy or relieved as he ought to have been.

There we go, Chapter 2 edited. What do you think of it now?