AN: Howdy, everyone! I hope you enjoy this short chapter. I wanted a fun little one before I started on the final parts of the story. After this, everything will start wrapping up soon. I'd say there are give or take five chapters left in the story. Everything after this point will lead us to the end. I've had a lot of fun writing this. I hope you've enjoyed reading it too.
If you can't tell, I'm so ready to work on the Tomarry AU lol. I prefer Tomarry most of the time, and it's itching to come alive.
Harry felt content when he started to wake up for the first time, cocooned in warmth and a sensation of protection that he had never felt before. Slowly, the events from earlier that night come to the forefront of his mind and he smiles to himself, pressing into the body holding him. The arms around him tighten protectively, tugging him closer. Lips slowly press against his neck, chaste and sweet, but it sends a tingle down his spine. Harry tilts his head, offering more space.
Kisses trailed down his neck slowly, teeth nipping the sensitive skin. He shifts, pressing back against the chest and arching into it when a hand splays across his abdomen, stroking the skin teasingly. His eyes flutter shut when a hand carefully wraps around his rising erection, a soft moan escaping.
"Perfect," The deep voice rumbles into his ear, and Harry moans again, fingers clenching at the bedsheets at the soft pumping and praising. The teeth making his neck with possessive marks cause him to shudder, heart skipping a beat. Severus' other hand rubs at his hip slowly, making his already flushed face burn as more desire settles into his gut. Harry groans as he's carefully tugged against the warm chest, back burning at the skin-on-skin contact.
"Severus," He gasps, slowly rubbing up against the erection that was poking at his backside. He feels the vibration of Severus' soft groan, the hand tightening on his hip. As they slowly grind against each other, another desperate need settles between them.
Later, Harry finds himself on his stomach, moaning while fingers take him apart as lips trail along his back and shoulder, nipping the skin gently. He groans and presses into the sensation, begging for more.
When Severus eventually pushes in, Harry loses himself to the pleasure and meets the deep thrusts, embarrassing moans slipping past his parted lips. Each time Severus leaves a possessive mark on his skin, another tremble escapes his body, cock twitching in need.
"Beautiful," Severus rasps against his ear, making Harry arch into the firm chest, grasping at the arm that was holding him tightly. He tilts his head back, moaning as lips greedily claim his own, swallowing his moans of pleasure.
Each thrust hits the bundle of nerves, pleasure shooting up his spine over and over. With the long, elegant fingers pumping him, his gut starts to coil as his release begins to build up.
"Se-Severus," Harry pants out, sweat forming on his forehead as he bucks into the quick pumps, pre-cum slicking the hand further. "Fuck," He whines against the kiss-swollen lips, knowing he was close. He sucks in a breath when the hips snap harder, sending the cock even deeper somehow. His eyes roll back as he shudders in the strong arms, a cry of pleasure flying past as his cock pulses before releasing, splashing on his stomach. He clenches around Severus, moaning as the elegant hand milks him dry.
Lips capture his own again, swallowing his small moans of pleasure. He feels Severus' hips stutter before he's filled with warmth from the man's release. They panted against each other, riding their highs as their kisses turn soft and gentle, the two regaining their breath.
As the tiredness began to creep back, Harry smiled when he felt familiar magic wash over him, cleaning them of their mess. He hums when he's carefully pulled back into a warm embrace, back pressed into the solid chest once more. A soft smile forms on his lips when those arms return around him, a possessive and protective hold that makes his heart flutter happily in his chest.
"Mmh," Harry feels a lightness in his chest as he opens his mouth. "Love you, Severus." He mumbles softly, too tired to hear the shaky exhale or feel the reverent kiss on his shoulder and nape.
"I love you too," Severus mumbled back, heart racing as he held onto the dozing wizard even tighter, sleep following him not long after.
The sun was just beginning to rise when Harry woke up for the final time, barely holding back a hum of displeasure when he felt the arms around him start to pull away. He smiled to himself when a chaste kiss was placed on his shoulder, heart fluttering.
"Good morning," Harry mumbled softly, shifting to look at him, his hair a disheveled mess. Soft onyx eyes roam over him, making him flush at the gentle look that sends another flutter through his chest. Fingers run through his hair slowly, moving it from his eyes gently. He smiles, leaning into the touch with a pleased sigh as he closes his eyes. How Severus' touch always did this to him, he would never know.
Sadly, he knew this moment would have to end soon. He had to get back to Gryffindor Tower and Severus had to get ready for the morning classes. His lover trailed a hand through his hair again, voice deep as he spoke.
"I look forward to seeing you tonight," Harry leaned into the touch, meeting him for a soft kiss before pulling away. "I would suggest covering your neck," The voice was soft with amusement and pleasure, making Harry grin to himself as he gingerly touched the multiple love bites on his neck, humming innocently.
"Probably. I like the idea of people knowing I belong to someone, though," He admitted, enjoying the spark of possessive heat in his lover's eyes, the satisfaction in them making him nearly shudder. "I'll use your scarf to cover them up," He added, flushing when lips kissed at one of the darker marks, his body shivering slightly.
"Brat," The older teased, squeezing his hip gently, teeth playfully nipping at the sensitive skin. The younger wizard chuckled, arm wrapping around the taller body as he lingered with him for a moment, wishing they could stay together like this. The next morning would be even better,
"At least tomorrow is Saturday," Harry breathed out, thinking that they could linger as long as they wanted to. "I liked waking up with you," He whispered, swallowing at the exhale, the strong arms tightening around him, not wanting to let go either.
"As did I," Severus admitted, nose brushing against his ear. "I look forward to doing it again," The deep voice rumbled against him. They both stayed like that for a few more moments, before finally parting and going their separate ways to start the day.
He was never more thankful for his earlier rising habits, because as soon as he made it to the common room, he immediately made a beeline for his rooms and the showers connecting to them. Most of his other dormmates were either still sleeping, or they were sleeping elsewhere, if their empty beds were any evidence of that. He freshened up in the shower and brushed his teeth after, looking at the mirror with a flush as he got a good look at the dark bruises covering his usually pale neck. He bit his lips, gingerly running a finger on one of the darker bites, shivering at the memory of Severus sucking it while holding him down and-
Harry shook his head, grinning to himself. No need to work himself up at the thought. He didn't want to get back in the shower after he just took one. Banishing the passionate thoughts from his mind, Harry dressed for the day and grabbed the dark green scarf, carefully wrapping it around his neck to hide the marks.
As soon as he was done freshening up, he went to the desk beside his bed and grabbed the journal he shared with Tom. He took a breath, knowing he needed to talk to the man about what he discussed with Severus the night before.
I'm sure you're awake right now because you seem to have a strange sleep schedule like I do. It was a few minutes before the page lit up slightly, letting him know he was receiving a response. He grinned as neat penmanship started to fill the page.
Being a Dark Lord doesn't usually allow you the luxury of sleeping in. Not when the end of this war is so close, and the ministry is in my grasp. Harry fondly rolled his eyes at the slight dramatism to the words, but he smiled softly at the next words. Is something wrong? You rarely message me so early in the morning unless something has happened. The care Tom showed him warmed him.
No, nothing has happened exactly. I had a conversation with Severus last night and confessed some of my worries to him. It's about a few of your followers, namely Bellatrix. Harry swallowed thickly, nerves starting to jitter as he feared what type of response he would get. This wasn't something he usually discussed with Tom. Their conversations rarely involved his followers, at least, not the zealot ones.
You are not the only one who is worried about her. Can you tell me what worries you in specific, Harry? He took a deep breath, relieved that the man didn't seem angered by his words. Before he could begin, more words started to appear on the paper. You know you can tell me anything. I value all of my followers' opinions, but yours matters the most to me. Unable to stop the small flush, Harry let the words wash over him, letting it take the rest of his worries with them.
The public will never forget what the Lestrange family has done. Of the people who broke free from Azkaban, they are the ones who strike the most fear and disgust in the civilians and the ministry. That unrest is what worries me. I fear that Dumbledore's followers will use that as a way to make me fight. They will try and convince me to find them. It was quiet on Tom's end and Harry felt a small amount of worry settle into his chest.
I will never let that happen to you. Harry blinked at the dark words, already imagining the red of Tom's eyes. You are right, however. I have been talking with Lucius about it on and off for a year now. He shares your same worries about how this will affect the public once Dumbledore is removed. His wife can not care for Bellatrix for the rest of her life. They all need help.
Severus mentioned Saint Mirabilis last night. I agree with him and Lucius. They have the best facilities there and if they can be helped, that is the best place for them. Harry took a breath. Either that, or they need to be killed. Harry rolled his eyes when he felt amusement from the other.
Those are very different options, Harry. He rolled his eyes at the teasing, smiling just a bit at the familiarity of it. But, you are correct once more. Those are our two options, and I have been leaning more toward the last one. Harry blinked in surprise, parting his lips in shock.
Aren't they some of your most loyal, though? I would have thought you wanted to protect them for that reason. He felt a strange emotion in their bond, tilting his head as words slowly started to appear.
My monstrosity came from splitting my soul too many times. Theirs came from craving violence and chaos. I only killed when provoked, besides my attack against you and your parents. They have caused the magical blood to diminish, and we were already small in number compared to other communities. There was a pause before Tom started again. I am slightly biased, I will admit. Bellatrix in particular has hurt you horribly, and I will not allow anyone who does such a thing to live.
Harry felt his eyes widen comically as he read the words over and over, lips parting in shock as he an embarrassed flush burned his cheeks, unsure how to respond to such words. It reminded him of when Tom said he would kill Rita Skeeter for making his life difficult. Despite the morbidly of it, he was touched by the words and sentiment.
And because he missed Sirius and hated seeing Remus alone, missing his mate. Remus lost everything to the war. Harry never had the chance to meet his parents, so it was hard to miss something he couldn't remember. Remus lost his best friends and then his partner to this war. Sirius was the last thing Remus had, and Bellatrix killed him, her own family member. All for choosing a different path.
Thank you. Harry wrote, tears filling his eyes as he wrote, hand nearly trembling. It means a lot, Tom. Won't Narcissa be upset though? That is her sister after all. I don't know if she will be complacent in letting her die. He didn't know much about their family dynamic, but he knew Narcissa was taking care of her.
Narcissa was also hurt deeply by the death of Sirius Black. They were apparently close when they were younger, from what Lucius has divulged. The only reason she has agreed to watch over Bellatrix is because they are family. She had little care for her sister after she murdered their cousin. Harry was surprised at that, but he didn't question it. Sirius had never been too forthcoming about his childhood, but he never pressed. His godfather had been deeply hurt by his family and didn't enjoy talking about it.
Harry knew that feeling all too well.
I was also displeased when I learned of what she did. At the time, I was too focused on plotting and gathering my wayward Horcrux to officially punish her. I believe now is the time. Harry smiled more, some of his worries starting to dissipate. And I was certainly displeased with the three of them torturing a magical family into insanity. Death would have been kinder.
Thank you for listening. I wasn't sure what you would think.
You can talk to me about anything, Harry. You mean a great deal to me. If you worry about your security in the future regarding the war, I want you to tell me. I will not let anyone force you to do something you don't want to. Harry released a deep breath he was holding, feeling comforted by the sincere words.
Thank you again. It means so much to me. Besides a handful of people, no one has ever bothered this much.
You deserved far better than you have been given, Harry. I need to go now, but if you need something else, you know where I am. Harry smiled at the words gratefully, writing one more thing before closing the journal.
Don't work too hard, Tom. Even secretly sweet Dark Lords need a break too. He felt warmth through their bond and smiled to himself, grabbing his books and bag as he checked the time, grinning to himself.
Hermione was most likely awake by now and reading in the common room. He waved his hand and fixed his desk, heading downstairs to see if his friend was awake. When he spotted the bushy hair, a grin spread across his face as he made his way to her, slipping beside her on the empty couch while casting a privacy charm.
"Morning, Mione." He grinned at the way she startled a bit, chuckling to herself.
"Merlin, Harry. I didn't even hear you come down!" She turned to him, eyebrows furrowing. "When did you get back? I don't remember you coming back last night unless you had your cloak on while you did." Harry hummed.
"No. I only got back about an hour ago. I needed to shower and talk to Tom." Hermione frowned at that, tilting her head. "About what you and I discussed yesterday. He's thinking of ways to remove the Lestrange as well." There was relief on her face at that, nodding along.
"Good. That's a relief to hear. I was worried about you dealing with that mess after Hogwarts." Harry grimaced at the thought, shaking his head. "I'm glad you won't be." Harry nodded with her, unaware of her eyes narrowing on the green scarf around his neck. "You cold, Harry? You don't usually wear a scarf unless you've been flying." Blushing, he touched the clothing with an embarrassed chuckle.
"It was either wear this scarf, cast a glamour, or use a potion." At her concerned eyes, Harry tugged the scarf down, showing her some of the dark marks on his neck, flushing as her eyes widened. A delighted look soon formed on her face, a wide smile on her lips. "Looks like you were right, Mione. He definitely felt the same about me."
"I told you!" She teased, eyes twinkling with fondness. "Now, tell me! How did this happen?" Harry chuckled and explained how he confessed and how Severus had kissed him.
"I'm so happy for you, Harry. You've gone through so much these last few years. Severus is good for you. I trust him to take care of your heart." Harry smiled at her words, unable to stop his flush and nod.
"I do too. He understands what I'm going through, and his life hasn't been easy either. He understands me in ways not many people can."
They talked for a little longer, deciding to go over their work for the upcoming classes they had.
"He has a Slytherin's heart indeed." Hermione gasped suddenly, making Harry turn to her in confusion, wondering where the outburst had come from. "Luna's known all along." Harry blinked in surprise for a long moment, until he remembered the conversation from a few weeks ago. It was that same conversation that had given him hope and courage to be more forward. Had it not been for those words, he would never have taken a risk weeks later. He smiled softly.
"Remind me to get Luna the chocolates from France that she loves. Merlin knows she deserves it." Hermione just snorted, making Harry grin a bit. "And don't worry, Mione. I'm getting you something wonderful too. You're the one who tried to get me to see it from the very beginning. I haven't forgotten your encouraging words," He teased. "But access to the Black Library will have to wait until Yule,"
It was worth seeing her eyes light up like a yule log, a look of mischief in her eyes.
"I assume you're also inviting the twins to the library," Harry smirked, his own mischief coming out.
"Of course. I'm sure they can find something to experiment with in there."