Title: Harry Potter and the Summer From Hell

Author: Ladye Black

Warnings: Slashiness, some bad language from Sev

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. I do, however, own this story and the plot contained herein.

Notes: Whoo! Look, Ma, I updated! Not as long as the last, but it's only been a week. You'll probably be waiting a long time for the next chapter. --;;

Chapter 26

Once Severus had left, Dumbledore realized that the man had left him with several very curious members of the Order. Curious, and formidable-looking members.

"So," Molly Weasley stood directly in front of him, hands on her ample hips. "When were you thinking of telling us about Severus' heritage?"

"Now," Dumbledore said, stepping back slightly.

Molly smiled at him. "Good. Let's step into your office."

"Of course," he replied, gesturing for her to lead the way back to the castle.

"Thank you, Albus."

"You are most welcome, Molly."

As they headed back toward the castle, Albus wondered what explanation he could give them. He did not know much about Severus' heritage himself; what could he tell others? By the time they'd reached his office he'd decided. He would tell them what he knew, minus a few details about Severus' past. Anything from when Severus was a child was his story to tell.

Once everyone was settled in, he began to tell what little he knew. He told them about how there really were Angels and Demons, their wars, the forbidden union, how it was that Severus came into being. They listened raptly, never interrupting the old man.

When he was done, he sat back and took a deep breath in the total silence. They sat, unable to utter a word. Finally, Albus felt he had to break the silence. "I hope all of you realize that what I have just told you must remain secret. It must not go further than those of you gathered here."

"Of course, Albus," was the general murmur of reassurance.

"Good, then if that is all, I believe I will retire. Too much excitement for this old man," he said genially.

Weak smiles appeared, and they stood up, one-by-one, to leave. Molly and Arthur were the first to go, then a few others followed. Remus Lupin left last.

The werewolf appeared to have something to ask, but thought better of it, and left silently behind the others. Albus was grateful. He did not want to have to dodge the bright man's inquisitiveness. Once the younger man left, Albus got up slowly from his seat and steadily made his way to his rooms, hidden on the other side of the office.

Harry was dead tired. He blearily looked up from the book entitled Ancient Spells in Modern Times that he was supposed to be reading, to Severus, who was energetically adding ingredients to a silver cauldron. He wasn't sure he wanted to kill then man for being so energetic so late at night, or kiss him and try to steal some of that energy.

And that was another thing, Harry reflected. Even though it'd been such a short time since he'd realized he was attracted to his professor, he'd come to terms with it quickly. He thought it might have something to do with being thrust into odd, and sometimes terrifying situations since he was eleven.

He was quickly brought out of his thoughts by Severus' cool, deep voice saying, "You're supposed to be reading that."

Harry looked up at him, giving the man the green-eyed version of puppy eyes. "But Severus, this book is dead boring."

Severus was not amused. "Harry, we need to research as many corresponding spells as possible, and the only ones that can do that are you and I. No one else, other than those in the Order, can know of this project. And of those that know, you're the only one who knows enough about me to know what to look for. If you'd rather, however, I could do this by myself."

Harry's eyes narrowed into a scowl and he stood, leaning close to Severus. "Not one bloody chance."

The older man smirked. "I thought so."

"I mean it, Severus," Harry said seriously. "I won't let you work yourself into the ground."

"This is our first hope of seeing Voldemort die for good. I'm going to be working as hard as I fucking well want to be."

Harry blinked a bit in surprise at the curse word that fell so easily from his professor's mouth. Then pulled away slightly at the emotion he felt come over the bond, something he hadn't felt anything from in days. It was hope. Small and fragile, but there all the same. Severus wanted so badly for this to work that he was actually letting himself hope for it.

Blinking back tears, Harry laid a hand on the older man's cheek, caressing the softness of it. "We'll win, you'll see. I won't let him hurt you anymore," he softly promised.

"You'll try," Severus attempted to correct.

Harry shook his head, leaning in close. "I'll win."

Their faces were less than an inch apart, and Harry could feel Severus' soft breath against his own. "I promise you," he whispered, leaning in the last of the distance, his lips closing softly over Severus' own.

It was a soft kiss, gentle and patient, and with it came a surge of emotion. Contentment, hope, happiness, and most of all, love. A love so strong and binding that Harry was left breathless in the wake of its presence. And as sure as Harry was feeling it, he knew Severus could feel it as well.

The kiss ended as it had begun, softly and slowly. Neither wanted to part, but knew they had to. They had much bigger things to worry about. Suddenly, though, Harry smirked. "I told you we had things to talk about."

Severus groaned silently.

"Don't worry, I'll until after we defeat the Dark Lord to propose to you."

The older man glared. "You will do no such thing."

"I could propose now, but I don't have a ring."

Severus raised his hands to rub at his temples. "I should never have allowed you to kiss me."

"I would have done it anyway," smiled Harry, then quickly kissed the man again on the lips. "Right now, however, we have work to do."

"Indeed," sneered Severus. "I'm glad you've finally realized this. Whatever made you come to your senses?"

"I just thought of something." He continued before Severus could comment. "The sooner we kill off Voldemort, the more time I'll have to convince you that going into a relationship with me is a good idea."

Severus frowned. "If we survive."

"We will," Harry smiled. "Have a little faith Severus, not everything falls apart at a moment's notice."

"You have clearly not lived the life I have."

Harry frowned, once again very serious. "No, I haven't. But you've told some of it. I wish you hadn't to have gone through that."

"Don't be. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Harry took one of Severus' hands in his own. "But you might have been happier."

Severus frowned, thinking back on his life before Voldemort. "I doubt that very much."

TBC...

So...yeah, I'm thinking time jump and letting ya'll in on how this spell thingy is gonna work. w00t!