Disclaimer: Can be found in the first chapter.
~*~
Chapter 8: Understanding Each Other
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The weekend passed much too quickly for Harry's liking. With his homework done, he had the time to spend with Severus, but Hermione insisted that they study for an upcoming exam. Not wanting to raise suspicion, Harry agreed, and spent the entire weekend in the library with Hermione and Ron, studying for the Charms exam.
"Damn it," Harry thought, "I could have spent so much time with Severus, but no. Hermione had to take over my weekend and make it about studying. I can ace this exam, even without studying."
After taking his seat, Professor Flitwick magicked each one of them an exam. Harry started immediately, and he was amongst the first to finish.
"Harry, you may leave," Flitwick said, upon Harry's turning in of the exam. "I'll give you a pass, so you don't get in trouble."
"Thank you, Sir," Harry said, smiling slightly. He took the pass and headed up to his dorm to grab the Marauder's map. He activated it and his face broke out in a grin when he saw that Severus was in his office. He quickly made his way down, happy to be able to spend a little time with his mate.
~*~
"Enter," Severus said, glancing up when he heard the door open. "Hello, Harry."
"Hello, Severus," Harry said, closing the door behind him. "How are you?"
"I'm doing quite well," Severus said, setting his quill down. "How about you?"
"I'm feeling better than ever," Harry said, smiling. "I think we're making great progress, don't you?"
"Yes, we are," Severus said, letting a small smile grace his face. "It's quite remarkable how we are so similar, yet we were so biased against each other."
"Yeah, well, we didn't exactly know how similar we were until recently," Harry said, sitting in the seat in front of the desk. "But that was just from misunderstandings and such."
"Aren't you supposed to be in class?" Severus asked, noting the time.
"I finished my exam, and Professor Flitwick gave me a pass to leave," Harry said. "Since Hermione wouldn't let me out of her sight this weekend, I thought I'd visit you with my free time."
"I see," Severus said, watching Harry carefully. "How are your urges around me lately?"
"Much easier to control," Harry replied. "Since we've come to the agreement, my Vampire has become much easier to control, in all aspects."
"That's good to hear," Severus said, absently toying with his necklace.
~*~
After the bell rang, and Harry departed to his next class, Severus got up to deal with the second year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws.
"I just hope that these dunderheads don't ruin my mood," he thought, as he swept into the classroom, slamming the door behind him.
"Silence," he nearly whispered, causing the class to go silent instantly.
~*~
Harry paid attention in all his classes, taking down notes and answering questions when they were asked. His show of independence made Hermione proud and annoyed Ron to no end.
With Harry actually caring about school and doing his work on time, it left Hermione to harp on him more often.
"The goblins, Sir," Harry answered, earning a bright smile from the Professor.
Ron scowled as his best friend became the man he was meant to, while all that happened to him was a huge lack of confidence and independence. He had always wanted to be able to be his own man, but things just kept happening that made him weak.
~*~
"Harry, were have you been?" Ron asked. "We were supposed to hang out after classes today."
"I'm sorry, Ron," Harry said. "I forgot. I was in the library doing my homework."
"Yeah, right," Ron mumbled, going up to the dorm.
"The new Harry sucks," Ron thought, changing into his too-short pajamas. He flung himself onto his bed and sighed into his pillow.
~*~
The next day flew by for Harry. He was breezing through his classes, and everyone was surprised at the turnaround he had taken. In previous years, Harry had been a known slacker. He would save all of his work until the last minute and stay up all night just to finish it on time. His papers had been messy and unorganized. Recently, Harry could be found in the library every night, diligently keeping up on his work. His papers became much more organized.
The professors knew that there had been a change in him, but none of them knew what it was. None of them, that is, except Professor Snape.
~*~
"Severus!" McGonagall called, after leaving the great hall one evening.
"Yes, Minerva," he replied, turning to face her.
"Do you know what's gotten into Harry?" she asked, looking at the man.
"All that I know is that he's no longer the lazy slob he used to be," he said, careful to keep the disdain in his voice.
"Are you sure you don't know anything else? Albus won't tell me anything," she responded, her face falling slightly.
"I'm afraid I don't know anything else," Severus answered. "I'm sorry, Minerva, but I have a detention to get ready for."
"Yes, go ahead," Minerva answered, turning. "I'm sorry for bothering you."
~*~
Since the talk that Harry and he had shared under the sunset, Severus had wanted to do something for the young man. He had given Harry a 'detention' for being too loud in class. It went unnoticed by the class, as that was a regular occurrence in years previous. He was suddenly nervous, and he went into his private quarters. He tidied up the sitting room and decided that he would open his home to his younger mate.
~*~
At 8 o'clock sharp, Harry knocked on the door to Severus' office. He was greeted by his mate, causing him to momentarily lose grip on his Vampire. His eyes had darkened for a moment, but it went unnoticed by Severus.
"Follow me," Severus said, turning to enter the office. He heard the door close as Harry had entered the office.
"Where are we going?" Harry asked, noting that Severus hadn't sat at his desk.
"I'm going to bring you to my quarters, Harry," Severus answered, stepping to a door in the rear of his office.
"Wow," Harry said, following the older man through the door. The room was immaculate. The walls were a soft shade of gray, with hardwood floors. The sofa was plush green velvet, with two matching armchairs. There was one wall lined with bookshelves, packed with books.
"Welcome to my home, Harry," Severus said, after allowing Harry a few moments to look around.
"This is incredible, Severus," Harry said, stepping into the room a bit more.
"Thank you," Severus answered, his heart pounding. He led Harry over to the sofa, sitting on one end and motioning for Harry to do the same.
"Any plans for this 'detention', Severus?" Harry asked, looking to him.
"I thought we could just talk again, and learn some more about each other," Severus answered, getting up and going to a cabinet in the corner. "Perhaps over a drink or two."
"Sounds good," Harry said, smiling.
~*~
A couple hours, and two glasses each of Firewhiskey later, Severus bid Harry goodbye outside his office.
"Just be careful," Severus said, hugging Harry gently.
"I will," Harry said, returning the hug. "I have my cloak. I'll put it on and make my way up to my dorm."
"Good night, Harry," Severus said, watching the young man disappear.
"Good night, Severus," Harry said, slipping away up the corridor.
~*~
It was difficult to explain, but when Harry left that night, Severus felt a pang of loneliness in his body.
"The bond must be strengthening," Severus thought. "We've been able to overcome the majority or the hostility between us, and I think the bond can tell."
~*~
Harry couldn't explain the empty feeling in his chest when he left Severus' rooms.
"I think the bond if manifesting in a more positive way," Harry thought. "With everything that we've learned about one another, we're overcoming our previous issues."
~*~
A/N: I know the chapters could be longer. I know there could be more between Sev and Harry, but I'm attempting to have small side stories and including other characters.
Anyway, I think it gets better in the next chapter. Don't quote me on that. I haven't read chapter 9 in a while.
-KD