Disclaimer - No, I don't own the characters.

Thank You Lord Voldemort

Chapter 22 - Integration


Previously - The door swung open and Harry looked out to see every face in the
hall staring at him.

Harry's gaze swept over the hall, searching for familiar faces. Having started with the head table he saw Severus' smirk, the headmaster's twinkling eyes, and the shocked expressions on many of the other teachers' faces. He then eyed-up the house tables. His eyes immediately connected with those of Ron and Hermione. Disregarding everyone else, he practically ran to them. Hermione and Ron were also coming around the table towards him.

Hermione reached him first, pulling him into a tight embrace. He could feel her body shaking as she sobbed into his shoulder. He buried his face in her hair as he whispered soothing words in her ear to calm her. Minutes later she pulled away, her face wet and red from crying.

"Harry, it's really you."

Harry was speechless. He looked behind Hermione at Ron, who was standing there stiffly. They stared at each other for a moment, but Harry decided for Ron by pulling him into a hug. They patted each other on the back and then separated.

"Good to see you mate."

It was rather awkward as the three of them stared at each other, wondering what else to say. There were a million questions running through Harry's mind. Instead he looked up to the head table. The headmaster motioned for him to be seated. He looked hesitant, throwing Severus an amused grin, as he sat down at the Gryffindor table. It seemed odd knowing that this exact spot was where his father used to sit.

He felt a slight tingling over his body. He looked down and noticed that he was now wearing Gryffindor robes. He glared at the headmaster. He would have to talk to the man soon about everything on his mind.

Every time he had looked up to the head table thus far he had avoided Remus' eyes, sweeping over him quickly. This time when he looked up there he noticed that Remus was no longer sitting there. Harry almost felt sad about that. He wasn't sure how to handle the situation with Remus. On one hand he had three years of guidance and friendship. Yet, on the other hand there was a year of hell. That potion the headmaster gave him twenty years ago must of had quite the effect.

He kept his head down as he ate breakfast. No one dared to talk to him, but they didn't seem to have a problem staring. An uncomfortable feeling was growing by the minute and he was relieved when breakfast finally ended. Harry had yet to say a word to Ron or Hermione, although he couldn't figure out why. It was as if he didn't know what was safe to say and there was just so much to be said.

Classes were next, and that meant double potions with the Slytherins. Harry couldn't have hoped for a better class, he would get to see Severus and he would be with the Slytherins, even if these were a different generation of Slytherins than what he was used to.

Entering the classroom, he was a bit disoriented as the room was arranged differently than how it had been all year for him.

He sat down next to Hermione, who was still occasionally wiping tears from her eyes. Shortly after, Draco Malfoy sauntered in. He looked about to make some sort of scathing remark, but Severus stormed in a few seconds later. Harry couldn't help but think Severus looked dignified and sexy with his scowl in place and robes billowing behind him.

As the seventh years had already taken their NEWTs, they were working on an advanced, obscure potion. It wasn't required, but Severus, Professor Snape, explained to the class how a spell that caused the drinker to become more flexible would be useful.

The few obvious snickers were quelled by the cold glare that the potions professor
sent their way.

"The most important use for this potion, which works by loosening your ligaments and dulling your pain receptors, is during dueling. It is common for this potion to be used by professional duelers before a match. Aurors are also known to take it when they go on important missions. As it is a controlled and potentially addictive substance, you will be making a less potent version. Instructions are as follows."

He swirled around, pointing his wand at the board where words appeared, listing the ingredients list and procedure for making the potion.

Professor Snape had everyone working individually Harry noted. He cautiously raised his hand.

"What is it Potter?"

"I don't have any supplies. Sir."

Severus, Professor Snape, pointed to an extra cauldron in the corner of the room.

"Use that one. 10 points from Gryffindor for not being prepared for class."

All of the Gryffindors in the class looked outraged. Harry glared, but couldn't hide the amusement from his eyes. "But, I didn't have time to..."

"Enough! I don't need your pathetic excuses. Detention, tonight, 8 o'clock."

Harry stared defiantly at Severus before retrieving the cauldron and the ingredients like everyone else. As he stood there adding ingredients Severus approached. In a low, menacing whisper he said, "double the powdered bicorn horn."

Harry nodded. He wasn't sure what that would do, but it couldn't be to sabotage it
because he already had detention.

When everyone was finishing up their potions Harry noticed that his was a deeper yellow than everyone else's. Harry stood defiantly as Severus approached.

"Mister Potter," he hissed, "I suppose it was too much to ask that you successfully brew a potion. Another 10 points from Gryffindor. Everyone test their potions. Yes, even you Potter."

Hermione gave him a resigned look as she swallowed a sip of her perfect potion.

Harry tried to go over ingredients in his head, wondering what extra bicorn horn would do to it. He was at a loss, but with Severus standing in front of him levelling a glare, he drank up. Instantly he felt a little lightheaded, but it passed quickly. The potion left him feeling very rubbery. He had to concentrate to keep all of his limbs steady. Severus dismissed the class, reminding Harry to be prompt for his detention.

Harry noticed the worried expression on Hermione's face as he walked with her to charms. He felt bad that he hadn't managed to utter a single word to her yet.

Everything was so strange. Dammit, where was his Gryffindor courage? He took a deep breath and pulled Hermione aside.

"I missed you too, Hermione."

Hermione's face lit up slightly. "Oh Harry. I was beginning to wonder about that. Ron and I were worried that you wouldn't like us any..."

"Of course I still like you both. I guess we should all talk about this later."

Harry instantly felt bad about staying silent all morning. He should have instantly talked to Ron and Hermione but he was so worried about how they might react to what had happened to him.

Hermione was once more her bouncy self as they arrived at charms. Harry sat stiffly between Ron and Hermione as class started.

Professor Flitwick hopped up on his chair. "Students, as you are done with your education, I've decided to just let you all have some dueling practice. Pair up. The rules are that you are limited to only using charms. You all now have seven years worth of charms to arm yourselves with. No hexes or curses."

Ron looked between Harry and Hermione, shrugging at Hermione. Hermione got his predicament and excused herself to find a partner.

"Harry, partners?"

Harry smirked, looking rather Slytherin. "Certainly."

They took their stance and began dueling. A minute later Flitwick came by to check their progress. Ron was laying on the floor laughing hysterically due to the cheering charms. The professor leaned close to Harry, whispering. "Nice to have you back Alexander."

Harry smiled and then quickly summoned Ron's wand, ending the duel.
The Gryffindor trio remained quiet until after dinner. Harry reluctantly followed Ron and Hermione to Gryffindor tower. After assuring that Ron's room (Harry couldn't bring himself to consider it his, also) was empty, he put a silencing spell up and locked the door. He sat on what he figured was his bed indian style.

He frowned slightly; he usually couldn't fold his legs like this. 'It must be that potion.' Things were still tense though. The three of them exchanged glances until Hermione gathered her courage.

"So, how was the past few months Harry?"

"I ... um, I had a good time. How have you guys been?"

"Good," Ron and Hermione said simultaneously.

"That's good." Harry wasn't sure whether to cry or scream. This conversation was entirely too strained. He seriously needed to break things open.

"So, you know where I was, how much do you know?" Harry could tell right away that they knew quite a bit as Ron's cheeks turned the same color of his hair. Hermione smiled broadly.

"We know. About Professor Snape I mean," Hermione quickly said.

"Not that there's anything wrong with that," Ron followed up. "But are you sure he didn't hex you or... ouch! Hermione, I was just asking!"

Harry full out chuckled at that. "Okay guys, I'll answer a bunch of your questions at once. I was sorted into Slytherin because I decided that I might mess up time if I went into Gryffindor. Severus was..."

"Severus?"

"Yes, Severus, Professor Snape. He was really nice to me. We studied together and played Quidditch together. We um, we started dating. And he's really important to me."

Hermione reached out to hold his hand. "I'm so sorry Harry. I noticed that he wasn't very nice to you today."

Harry wasn't sure whether or not to tell his friends that it was an act. He took a moment, but decided that he didn't want to start off his time back with secrets from his friends.

"It was all an act. Um, I got to talk to him last night. Today was planned."

Hermione got an indignant look. "You got back yesterday? Why didn't you come see us? We've been so worried. Where were you last night?"

Harry blushed instantly. He could feel the heat in his cheeks. "I was with Severus."

Ron furrowed his brows before turning away upset. Hermione understood Harry's reason, but Ron felt hurt. "You saw him all year. I'd think you could come see us."

Harry stood swiftly. "He hadn't seen me in twenty years. I'd think you could understand that." Then, he stormed from the room.

He didn't stop walking until he arrived in the dungeons. He looked at his watch to see that he was a full thirty minutes early. He leaned hard against the door to the potions classroom. 'Why couldn't Ron and Hermione understand?' Harry suddenly felt very much alone.

"What do we have here? If it isn't Potty all by himself."

Harry quickly looked up to see Draco Malfoy along with most of the other Slytherin seventh years.

"Malfoy."

"Where's your fan club Potter? I would think they would be following you everywhere. Oh, that's right, the Dark Lord bested you in that last duel. I suppose you're not so infallible now."

"Stuff it Malfoy."

The Slytherins all had a similar smirk on. Harry suddenly wondered if he had that smirk now. He assumed he did. It was a defense mechanism for all Slytherins he guessed. He now understood the people before him, but they would never know that he understood them now. As the Slytherins approached him he suddenly fell backwards. The door he was leaning on had opened, and he felt himself caught just before hitting the ground by strong arms.

"Mister Potter, I believe it is time for that detention." Severus nodded to his Slytherins before pulling Harry into the classroom and shutting the door. Harry could hear Malfoy carrying on about falling Potters, but Harry just rolled his eyes.

"You are early Harry."

Harry smiled at his lover, pulling him into an embrace. "What an astounding observation."

Pulling back and leveling a glare at Harry, Severus rephrased his questioning comment. "Okay, why are you early?"

"Well it isn't a real detention," Harry said, forcing a smile. It didn't fool Severus so Harry continued. "I don't think I can handle being around Gryffindors yet. They don't understand me. Ron and I had some words."

Severus' expression softened and he now understood. "I'm sorry Harry. I guess it will be hard on everyone. Follow me."

Harry watched closely as Severus entered his office and then said a password that caused a painting in his office to open. Peering around the corner he saw that it led straight into Severus' private rooms. "Isn't that convenient."

Severus made sure that both doors they had come through were closed before pressing Harry against the wall. "Yes, it is convenient, isn't it?"

He brought his mouth down swiftly over Harry's. Their tongues battled endlessly, and Harry pressed his now hard member against Severus' hip. Severus pulled away slightly, their foreheads still touching. "Aren't you glad I had you make that potion?"

Harry took a moment to think. Suddenly his eyes widened with realization.

"Flexibility! Severus you sly... But, why did you have me double the bicorn horn?"

Severus mock glared. "Think about it for a moment."

"Oh! It strengthened it, didn't it?"

His question was answered with a feral grin. "Oh yes, all of your muscles should be well relaxed by now."

"All?" Harry breathed out, his breathing getting heavy.

Severus slipped a hand to his arse. "Yes, all of them." He led Harry to the bedroom and onto the bed. "And I helped myself to some of your potion. I must say it was made very well. I suppose you are capable of learning potions after all."

After fumbling through buttons and clasps for a minute, Severus had Harry and himself undressed. Time to put that potion to good use.

The effects of the potion were immediately put to work, and Harry couldn't have been more pleased as Severus demonstrated just what the potion was great for, and Harry cried out in pleasure. This was definitely more exciting than Harry could have imagined possible. It helped that Harry's legs were now more flexible, and his orgasm was intense. A couple of more thrusts and Severus climaxed, uttering nonsense that Harry didn't even try to decipher. He decided he would never get tired of seeing this older Severus lost in passion. It took every line out of that usually stony face. Harry pulled Severus to him as they came down from their pleasurable high. He was saddened when he realized that he would have to go back to his own room soon.

Severus vowed to never tell Harry of the dire circumstances that led to him developing this potion. No, Harry needed to hold on to at least some of his innocence for now.