Chapter 5 – A Dumbledore

Several of the Hogwarts alumni spoke next of the man Dumbledore had been and what he had meant to them, but Harry's eyes never left the still figure laying prone only yards away from him. The longer the service went on the less Harry heard. All he could see was the one person who had never let him down, the one person who loved him for who he was, and the one person he truly loved lying so still.

'Albus.' He whispered.

Suddenly the body burst into flames.

'NO.' Harry screamed, fighting the arms that went around him as he launched himself towards the burning figure of his father. 'No, no, no, no.' Harry sobbed over and over as Albus' body burnt until nothing was left.

Fawkes burst into song, cheering those around them slightly but Harry was too far gone. The other mourners were shocked at the depth of grief Harry was displaying.

'Harry, Harry.' Snape said softly as he tried to hold onto the squirming young man. He had no idea what to say to curb the young man's grief. 'You're father loved you, Harry. He loved you very much.'

'Albus. Don't leave me, please, please don't leave me.' Harry's pleading cries were heard even as the rumours began to start. Those closest to the potions master had heard what he had said and it took less than a few minutes for the words to get around those gathered.

Harry broke from Snape's grip and fell forward onto the ground. He didn't care who was watching or listening. All he could think of was the fact that it was true. That the last few days hadn't been a continuing nightmare from which he couldn't wake. That he would never again feel those warm caring arms comforting him; the white beard that was so soft as he rested against it and those twinkling blue eyes that had looked at him with such love.

Albus was gone. Completely, utterly, gone.

He had left Hogwarts.

Had left the wizarding world.

He had left Harry.

Snape and Poppy stayed by the young man's side for several hours as he sat as if carved from the same stone as the altar he had yet to take his eyes off. The desperate, heart wrenching pleas for Albus to return had stopped almost an hour before and then Harry had gone silent. Completely silent. Snape wasn't sure he could even hear the young man breathing.

Most of the mourners had left, only a handful of those remained, those that had been close to Albus and to Harry in his youth. The Weasleys, Tonks, a few members of the Order including Remus Lupin and the rest of the staff had all moved into the great hall and were talking quietly over cups of tea and scones as they waited for Harry.

Eventually Snape placed an arm around Harry's shoulders. 'Come on, Harry. This isn't the place for you now.'

Harry didn't say a word but he did allow the older man to lift him gently to his feet and Poppy to take his other arm as together they guided him towards the castle. He couldn't think past placing one foot in front of the other and he concentrated on that small task. An intense focus on one thing in an effort to block out everything else he didn't want to think about.

The others quieted as the three slowly shuffled in and Snape helped Harry across the room and into a chair as McGonagall passed a cup of tea to the potions master. 'I've put a calming potion in it.' She told him.

Snape nodded and crouched down, cupping Harry's boneless hands and placing the cup of tea inside it. 'Harry, can you drink a bit of tea for me?' He asked softly. Harry made no sound or movement to show he'd heard the other man. 'Harry?'

'Severus, I'm not sure this is the place for him.' McGonagall murmured, glancing around at the group who were all trying to make it look as if they weren't taking any notice of him.

'You're right.' He agreed, taking a look of his own at those who had remained. 'I'll take him upstairs.'

By the time he turned back to pry the still full cup of tea out of Harry's hands tears had begun to run unheeded down the young man's cheeks. Harry's face was pale, his eyes lifeless and Snape wondered just how many times the Boy-Who-Lived would try to test that title before the shock of his mentor's death would finally wear off.

Seeing the group begin to move closer he quickly banished the cup of tea and with Poppy's help that got the catatonic young man to his feet and slowly from the room. The explosion of noise that followed them as they left was surprising given the small amount of people.

'ALBUS!' Harry screamed bolting upright in bed, chest heaving as tears poured down his face.

'Shhh, Harry. It's alright. Take a few deep breaths.' Snape said from beside the bed where he had appeared from the sitting room the moment he heard Harry cry out. He'd moved Dumbledore's portrait outside into the sitting room feeling that perhaps Harry wasn't quite ready to see it again.

'No, no. I have to catch up to him. Otherwise he'll leave and I'll never find him.' Harry cried shoving the covers back and leaping from the bed. Snape watched for a few moments as the young man scrabbled for his clothes before grasping his shoulders forcefully.

'Harry, stop. Listen to me.' He said sternly. 'You can't catch him. He's gone, remember. You need to let him go.'

'No, no. You don't understand. I have to go.' Harry tried again.

'Harry, stop.' Snape said again. 'Remember this morning? Do you remember the service?'

Harry's panicked green eyes stared searchingly into the potions master's. 'Albus?' he breathed.

'He's gone, Harry. I'm sorry.'

'Gone?'

Snape stared at the utter desolation on Harry's face and wished he could have lied. 'Yes.' He whispered.

Harry's face crumpled and his eyes squeezed shut as if he was in great pain. 'Ohhh.' He breathed out, swaying slightly.

Snape grabbed him and held him close. 'It's alright, Harry. I know you're hurting right now but I promise you it will get better.'

'I miss him.' Harry cried, allowing the older man to comfort him. Snape held the young man tightly, feeling the pain deep inside the figure in his arms.

'I know, Harry. I know.' He murmured. Harry was holding onto him as if scared he too would leave and Snape was hesitant to let him go.

How long they stood there for Snape couldn't have said but eventually Harry raised his head, his green eyes glittering with tears. 'You're not him.' He whispered. 'No one will ever be like him.'

Snape gently wiped the tears form Harry's cheeks. 'I don't want to replace him, Harry. I know no one could ever mean as much to you as Albus did; I just want you to know that I'm here if you need anything.'

Harry gave him a watery smile. 'Thank you, Severus.'

Harry appeared partway through breakfast, Snape at his shoulder, and sat stone faced while the mail arrived. He could hear the whispers from the students as copies of the Daily Prophet were unfurled and read aloud and the full story of Harry's adoption by Albus Dumbledore was finally released.

'Harry, please eat something.' McGonagall placed a piece of toast on the young man's plate and Harry picked it up, taking a bite and chewing mechanically.

The students continued looking up at Harry as if waiting for him to announce that the stories were true but Harry was closed mouthed. Not saying a word to anyone until the very end of the meal.

He turned to Snape. 'Severus, I have to go to Gringotts this afternoon and I would appreciate it if you could accompany me. Can you arrange for Remus to fill in for you? I'm sure he can get here by lunchtime?'

Snape didn't bother to tell the Boy-Who-Lived that he had planned on going anyway, he simply nodded and Harry gifted him with a small smile.

'Thank you.' Harry said quietly, rising from the table.

'Harry?' Hermione called out from her seat several to the left of McGonagall. Harry turned to her. 'Molly and Arthur and Ron have asked if they could meet with you later?'

Harry heard Snape's sharp intake of breath but nodded anyway. 'After classes. Headmaster's office.' He said bluntly, no one at the table missing the term he used to describe what was now his. Snape went to rise with him but Harry placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.

'I'm alright, Severus.' He murmured softly, watching the black eyes studying him intently as if searching for the truth. 'You have classes to teach this morning and no one to fill in for you. I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that they are your first priority.'

The edge of Snape's mouth twitched and he nodded in understanding. 'I'll walk you back.' He offered, stand immediately and showing Harry that no matter how much he protested the older man was coming.

They walked in companionable silence through the corridors of the school, students rushing to breakfast or to classes nodding or smiling politely at the two as they made their way back up to the headmaster's office.

'You're going to get very fit if you keep traveling from the dungeons all the way up here several times a day.' Harry commented.

Snape snorted. 'It's called floo powder, Harry.' Snape said dryly. 'I'm sure you've heard of it.'

Harry rolled his eyes. 'Prat.'

Snape's mouth twitched but he didn't say anything.

Harry stopped as they reached the gargoyle. 'I'll see you after lunch?' Harry asked hesitantly.

The potions master nodded. 'I'll be there.'

'Thank you, Severus.'

'You're welcome, Harry.'

Snape stood silently in the corner as Harry sat and waited for the goblin in charge of the Dumbledore estate to arrive. Ragnok had shown them to a private room and asked them, as politely as a goblin can, to wait.

Snape's black eyes studied the rigid posture the young man was holding. Snape seemed to think Harry was focusing on it in an effort to stave off any other feelings. It was a lesson he had learned well during the years of training before the final battle.

The potions master had felt how nervous Harry was when the young man had, without warning, wrapped his arms around the potions master and apparated them directly out of the headmaster's office and into a darkened alley just down from the bank. They had stood there for several moments, Harry seeming reluctant to break the embrace.

'You are going to have to explain to me just how it is you do that.' Snape murmured softly.

Harry made an affirmative sound and nodded into the black clothed shoulder his head was currently hiding in before taking a deep breath and pulling away. 'Later, please?'

Snape nodded and Harry had turned allowing the older man to walk beside him as they exited the alley and crossed the street to the bank.

A knock on the door and the entrance of a very old and distinguished looking goblin threw Snape from his thoughts and he watched as Harry sat impossibly straighter.

'Good afternoon, Mr Potter. My name is Flandit and I have been the manager of the Dumbledore Estates for over two hundred years.' The goblin said calmly.

'A pleasure to meet you, Flandit.' Harry replied, startling the goblin slightly.

'Ah, yes, now I'm not sure of how much you know of your father's estates.'

'I know nothing.' Harry said simply.

'He never went over any of this with you?'

Harry looked away. 'I didn't know he had adopted me until a few days ago.' Harry whispered.

'Oh...I am truly sorry for your loss, Mr Potter.' Flandit said honestly, surprising Snape who had never before heard a Goblin acting so politely towards a wizard.

'Thank you, Flandit.' Harry murmured.

'Now, There are a total of six properties in five different countries including the one in the United States you've been living in for the last ten years.'

Harry's head shot up and Flandit smiled.

'Oh yes, Mr Potter. Albus Dumbledore relied on our discretion. We have known where you have been for many years.'

Harry tilted his head curiously. 'Did...did you know Albus well?' He asked quietly.

Flandit smiled again. 'Yes, Mr Potter. I knew your father very well.'

Harry finally allowed a smile to grace his features and gestured for the goblin to go on.

'There are three vaults here in London, one in the United States and one in Rome.'

'Five vaults?' Harry asked incredulously and in the shadowed corner Snape smiled at the disbelief on the young man's face. 'Who can possibly need five vaults?'

'The Dumbledore family can trace its history back to the times of the founders. Over the years they have collected many precious artifacts. There is not just gold in those vaults.' Flandit explained.

'What could be so precious that it has to be stored in a vault?'

Flandit threw Snape an amused glance. 'Very old, very valuable things such as the diaries of Merlin.' He said simply.

Harry's widened comically; Snape actually thought they would almost fall out of his head. 'I can read these diaries?'

'They are yours Mr Potter, or they will be once we've finished here.'

Harry's mouth opened and closed several times. 'Bloody hell.' He swore.

Flandit glanced back at Snape. 'Muggle raised.' The potions master explained and Flandit snorted softly.

'Mr Potter.' The goblin said firmly, bringing Harry's attention back to him. 'Albus did explain to me that it was your choice as to whether you wore the family crest.'

'My choice?'

'Yes, you do not have to wear the ring, you inheritance is absolute anyway. You will still be recognised as Albus' son in the eyes of the law. The wearing of the ring just signifies your willingness to be called a Dumbledore. You would add the name to your own.'

Harry didn't hesitate, holding out his hand and Flandit gave him a beaming smile as he opened a box and plucked out the gold piece and placed it in Harry's hand. Harry inspected the intricately carved ring. The crest was small with a lion on one side and a bumblebee on the other. Harry remembered feeling the ring on the old knarled hand every one of the hundreds of times it had held him...except the last. Tears pricked at his eyes and he hung his head.

'Albus.' He breathed, sliding the ring onto his finger. He felt it warm and glow before fading.

'Congratulations Mr Potter-Dumbledore.' Flandit said quietly.

'Dumbledore is fine.' Harry murmured, honoured that Albus had wished to gift him with a name of such standing. He would always be Harry Potter but to carry Albus' name would forever warm his heart even though he knew the man himself was gone. Besides, Potter- Dumbledore was too much of a mouthful.

'There is a pensieve message that Albus left for you.' Flandit said tentatively. 'Are you up to hearing it today or would you like to leave it for another time?'

Harry glanced over at Snape before seeming to sit up straighter. 'I'd like to hear it now please, Flandit; if that's alright.' He said firmly. The goblin reached out and patted Harry's knee, an action that so shocked Snape he thought he might actually have to sit down. He wondered whether it was Harry's responses that caused the goblin to behave this way or if it was just because of Albus.

Flandit levitated a pensieve out of the desk drawer and tapped the edge of it with a long fingernail. The silver in side swirled until the figure of Albus Dumbledore rose out of it much like Sybil Trelwaney had at the end of Harry's fifth year.

'Hello, dear boy.' Albus said softly and Snape heard Harry's sharp intake of breath. 'Several weeks ago when I could feel the end was near I decided to set my affairs in order so that you would not be burdened in any way. Fortunately Flandit had done such a good job over the years that there really wasn't much to do.'

The goblin beamed proudly at this as Dumbledore went on. 'In fact you, my dear child, were my only loose end and I had no way of telling you I was leaving you behind. I know I've told you that death is but the next great adventure but this was one adventure I had to go on, on my own. I do want you to know however, that you were a shining light in the later years of my life. Seeing you grow and prosper and become the man you are today was the greatest joy an old man could have had and I thank you for trusting me at a time when you thought you could trust no one.'

Harry sniffed quietly, biting his lip sharply in an effort not to cry.

'I want you to know, Harry that I loved you more than you could ever imagine. Every day I cursed myself for what happened in your youth and swore that would never happen again; that you would never be alone again. Unfortunately I had to break that promise and it tears at my heart to know that I have done so. Please, dear boy, do not dwell of what was, or what might have been, try and see those around you who want to help you and further to that, please let them.'

Harry nodded automatically, as if he thought the memory of Albus could actually see him.

'I have given you my name, Harry, in the hope that you will use it with pride. Enough pride that it will stay your hand in those darkest of hours. That you will think of me and of how much I love you, and that those thoughts might be enough for you to fight your way out of the darkness and back to the light; back to those that are still there with you.'

Harry looked away as if ashamed and Snape could see him swallowing convulsively; the image of Albus actually had tears streaming down his face.

'Remember, my dear boy, that you are never alone, that I am always with you, in your heart and in your memories and that you only have to think of me and I will be with you. I love you, Harry. I always have and I always will.' The image sank back into the basin as Harry raised a hand and scrubbed furiously at his eyes.

'Do you want to take the memory with you or do you wish it placed in your vault?' Flandit asked kindly.

'Vault please.' Harry whispered, not quite ready to have something so painful in his possession just yet. He could always take it out if he wanted to look at it again.

Flandit nodded and returned the pensieve to the desk before offering Harry an immaculately iron handkerchief from his pocket. Harry shook his head.

'No thank you, Flandit. I'm alright.'

Flandit didn't look convinced and tucked the handkerchief back in his pocket as he looked at Harry doubtfully. He picked up a small box and handed it to Harry. 'This is a list of your assets and the addresses of the properties. I suggest you take sometime to look them over, perhaps visit them and see if you wish to make any changes. Several of them have fallen into a state of disrepair and could need attention.'

Harry nodded. 'Will that be all, Flandit?'

The goblin nodded. 'Yes, Mr Dumbledore. If you need anything else don't hesitate to contact me.'

Harry gave the goblin a wane smile as he stood up. 'I will.' He promised, feeling the potions master hand come to land on his shoulder. Just as they got to the door, Flandit spoke.

'It has been an honour to manage the Dumbledore estate for so many years, and I have no doubt that you are a worthy heir, Harry Potter.' Flandit sad solemnly.

Harry nodded. 'Thank you.' He whispered before he allowed Snape to guide him out. Harry was silent as they walked through the bank and out into the street, ducking back into the darkened alley. Snape pulled Harry close, feeling the young man trembling in his arms, and waited for the Boy-Who-Lived to apparate them back to the headmaster's office. They stood there for several moments in silence as Harry made no move to apparate.

'Harry?' Snape said softly.

He felt Harry shudder and the hiccoughing movement that was present when someone was trying to cry without alerting any one else began. He quickly realised that Harry was in no position to apparate himself let alone another person and lent back against the wall and pulled Harry tighter to him as one hand gently rubbed the young man's back.

'Shhh, it's alright, Harry. Just let it out. No one will see you. You've held it together long enough.' Snape whispered, sighing sadly as Harry all but melted into him, crying quietly into his shoulder. Snape simply held the younger man, giving him all the time he needed and eventually Harry quieted and pulled slightly away so he could look up with watery green eyes.

'Thank you.' He whispered.

Snape just nodded, quickly lifting his head and guiding Harry's back down on his shoulder in an effort to ignore the pounding that had suddenly began in his chest. 'Let's go home, Harry.' He murmured softly in the young man's ear and Harry nodded, taking a deep breath and apparating them away.

Harry pulled away much quicker upon their return and looked down but not before Snape saw the blush that suffused his cheeks. The potions master restrained himself, admirably he thought, from commenting, instead choosing a safer topic.

'So,' he said idly. 'Is it later enough now for you to tell me just how you can apparate into and out of Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, both of which have anti apparition wards that are stronger than steel?'

Harry raised his head and smiled mischievously. It was the first true smile he had seen on the young man since his arrival. Harry didn't say a word; just raised his hand, turning it palm up and lifting the sleeve of his robe until his wrist was visible.

'Sweet mother of Merlin.' Snape gasped as he stared at the intricate golden tattoo that was just visible. 'You're a Mage?' He breathed, grasping the wrist with both hands and lifting it so he could study the mark better.

'Yes.' Harry said simply.

'Did Albus know?'

Harry looked at him as if he was a few sandwiches short of a picnic. 'Of course. He took care of me for years.'

'How long have you known?'

'Since the day after my seventeenth birthday.'

'Did anyone else know?'

'Moody, Shacklebolt and Fudge; although I guess he doesn't count anymore.'

'Fudge, why did he know?'

Harry sighed. 'I was an Unspeakable, Severus. He was there when Moody and Albus registered me.'

Snape's eyes widened. 'That's why they couldn't find you. The Aurors and the others, after the final battle.'

'Yes, I was untraceable the moment I was registered.'

Snape shook his head. 'My, headmaster, you're just full of surprises, aren't you.' He drawled.

Harry's mouth curved into a small smile. 'You don't know the half of it.' He snorted.

Snape glanced down at Harry's wrist once more. 'May I?' he asked hesitantly.

Harry nodded, lifting his wrist once more. He knew what the man wanted. The mark of a Mage was rare. So rare in fact that there had been less then five of them since the time of the founders. The mark itself was stunning. A classically scripted M entwining a pillar of fire with a Phoenix hovering overheard. It shimmered as it moved, fading unless you either knew it was there or you were purposefully shown that it was.

Snape had Harry's thin wrist only inches from his face as he studied the shimmering mark and he felt Harry shudder as his breath ghosted softly over the skin on younger man's arm. His glanced up at Harry's face to see that the young man had closed his eyes and was biting his bottom lip almost savagely.

In that moment he realised just how stunning the skinny messy haired boy had become, and in the next he realised just how much trouble he was in. Without relinquishing the hand within his own he stepped forward and gently pried the bruised lip from with Harry's teeth causing the young man's eyes to fly open. Snape's breath caught at the light shining in the green eyes.

'Harry.' He whispered, lifting the hand within his own and bringing it to his lips. Harry's eyes closed again as his breath ghosted over the mark before his lips quickly followed.

A shark knock at the door startled them both and Harry leapt backwards as if ashamed. 'Come in.' He said sharply, unable to hide the slight shake in his voice.

'Harry?' Molly Weasley called hesitantly as she opened the door.

'Come in.' Harry said again and quickly moved to sit behind the desk so his shaking hands could be hidden where they couldn't be seen as Arthur and Ron followed the Weasley matriarch into the room.

'Headmaster, I will see you at dinner.' Snape said curtly, bowing his head.

'Yes, thank you, Severus.' Harry called out as Snape disappeared out the door. 'Won't you sit down.' Harry gestured to the seats in front of the desk and conjured a tea tray. Thankfully Molly immediately began to pour the tea as Harry didn't think his trembling hands could have quite managed it yet. Instead Harry spoke to Ron.

'How are you?' He asked quietly.

Ron shrugged. 'Alright.' He said simply.

'What have you been doing?'

Harry watched as the red head suppressed what he knew would be a scowl. 'I'm working with Dad, in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office.' Ron replied.

'Really?' Harry was surprised. From the comments Ron used to make about the Ministry he was surprised his old friend had chosen to work there. Ron nodded, taking a sip of tea before munching on a biscuit that had come with the tea.

'How have you been, Harry dear?' Molly asked when it was clear Ron wasn't going to elaborate.

'I'm fine thank you, Mrs Weasley.' Harry said politely as he finally stopped his hands shaking enough that he could raised one and reached out for a lemon drop, freezing when he heard Molly's gasp.

'So it is true. You are a Dumbledore.' She asked.

Harry nodded, his hand continuing to the small metal tin and picking up a lemon drop before popping it in his mouth and placing his hands on the desk before him as he leant back in the chair and let the smells he associated with Albus to envelop him. 'I am a Dumbledore.' He confirmed.

'Where have you been, Harry? We were looking for you everywhere?' Ron asked around a mouthful of biscuit.

Harry sighed. 'I was in the US. Albus knew where I was. If he thought I needed to see anyone he would have insisted.'

'If you needed to see anyone? What about what we needed? We thought you'd died.'

'Ron.' Arthur Weasley said warningly.

Harry's eyes became chillingly cold. 'I did not want to see anyone and Albus respected that. I spent twenty years doing what everyone wanted me to do and I thought that was long enough. If you cannot understand nor respect that then I know the choice I made was correct.'

'Harry, we're sorry.' Molly cut in, placing an almost bone crushing hand on her son's arm. 'I can't say we understand what happened that day or afterwards but we do respect your choice to remain out of contact.' She said quietly.

Harry could hear the underlying question but there was no way he was going to share the events of that day and what happened afterwards with anyone, no matter how much they apologised. Instead he folded his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow. 'Why exactly are you hear?' he asked bluntly, startling the three in the room.

'Well, um, we just wanted to see how you were.' Molly said quickly.

Harry gave them a small smile and stood up. 'Well, now that you can see that I'm fine perhaps you will excuse me. I have an awful lot to do and so very little time. Have a nice day.' He finished calmly before disappearing through the door to the sitting room.

'Harry?'

Harry's head shot up and he sighed. 'Albus.'

'Are you alright, dear boy?'

Harry nodded, throwing himself down on the sofa before the fireplace. 'Yes. I'm fine. I just had a visit from Mr and Mrs Weasley and Ron.'

'They didn't say anything to upset you did they?' Albus looked quite upset on Harry's behalf and Harry couldn't help but snort softly.

'Nothing more than most.' Harry conceeded. 'I think they just wanted answers that I'm not willing to provide.'

'You don't have to explain anything to anyone, dear boy. Just remember that.'

'I know.' Harry murmured, lifting a hand to run it through his hair raggedly.

Dumbledore's eyes lit up. 'I see you've been to Gringotts.'

Harry glanced down at the ring on his finger, feeling the warmth emanating from it and smiled. 'Yes. Thank you.'

'You deserve it, child. Your strength in the face of such adversity would make even my grumpy old Uncle Gastius happy to have you in the family.'

'It's nice to belong.' Harry admitted.

'You are a Potter, Harry. You always belonged.'

Harry shook his head. 'No. I belonged to a dead man and the name was nothing but another title. I was never just Harry, or Harry Potter. I was always Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. I loved my mum and dad but there were many times I wished I was anyone but Harry Potter.' He said truthfully.

Dumbledore nodded solemnly. 'I do understand, dear boy. Now, what else is troubling you?'

Harry raised an eyebrow and let out a snort. 'You always did know me far to well.'

Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled. 'Go on. Tell me what's bothering you.' He insisted.

Harry rolled his eyes. 'It's Malfoy. I can't work out why you trusted him. And how on earth he ended up with Hermione.'

Dumbledore laughed. 'Good try, Harry. Now tell me what's really bothering you.'

Harry scowled. 'I'm serious.'

'No you're not.' Dumbledore scolded. 'Well at least that isn't the main thing on your mind.'

Harry sighed heavily and pushed up off the sofa to pace in front of the portrait. 'It's Severus.' He said quietly.

'What has our dear potions master done now?'

'He hasn't...he tried...'

'Harry, stop pacing, you're making me dizzy and you aren't making any sense.' Dumbledore said firmly and Harry stopped and stared up at the picture of his mentor.

'He kissed me.' He whispered.

Dumbledore's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. 'I beg your pardon?'

'He kissed me.' Harry repeated. 'I was showing him my mark and he was standing so close and he...he...kissed me.' He finished softly.

'He kissed you?' Dumbledore's eyes were almost blinding.

'I haven't yet but I plan on doing so very soon.' Snape's silky voice sounded from the doorway and Harry spun around as the potions master cross the half dozen steps to stand before the Boy-Who-Lived, reaching out to grasp Harry's wrist and bringing it to his lips. Harry's eyes closed of their own accord as the soft kiss that swept across his skin.

'That wasn't a kiss, Harry.' Snape murmured. 'This is a kiss.'

Harry felt as if he'd died and gone to heaven as Snape's arms went around his waist and pulled him close and moments later he felt the soft warm lips descend on his own. He melted into the older man's embrace as Snape gentle coaxed him to open his mouth. It was some time before they pulled away.

Harry rested his forehead against the taller man's shoulder as he tried to steady his breathing and get his pulse back to a normal level. He could feel Snape's strong arms still holding him and it struck him at how safe he felt. He lifted his head and stared into the glittering black eyes.

'Why?'

Snape continued staring in return. 'I have no idea.' The potions master whispered in reply.

Harry reached up and tugged gently on the long black hair until he could place his mouth over the other's again. The kiss was more languid this time. A chance to explore each other that ended only as air became vital and they both pulled away.

'Severus...'

'Slowly, Harry. Very, very slowly.' Snape said gently.

Harry nodded and gave him a grateful smile. 'Thank you.' His eyes widened as he remembered Dumbledore and he turned to see an empty portrait.

'Funny, I would have taken him for a voyeur.'

Harry snorted. 'Oh, he might well be, but his little disappearing act has nothing to do with us and everything to do with his reluctance in explaining the presence of a certain ferret in the castle.' Harry drawled.

Snape laughed, a rich deep chuckle that startled Harry. 'I'm sure you'll pry the story out of him eventually, Harry.'

Harry pouted. 'Come on, Severus. I know you know the full story. Tell me.'

Snape shook his head slowly. 'Oh no. I have no wish to be in the same room as you when you find out the truth.' He said dryly. 'It was Albus' doing and he can tell you and cope with the aftermath.'

'That sounds ominous.' Harry said raising an eyebrow.

Snape laughed again. 'You have no idea. Now come on. It's dinner time and the rest of the school will be wondering where you are.'

Harry groaned softly stopping Snape by grasping his arm. 'Severus, thank you for today and for the other days. I'd hate to think of the state I would be in now if it wasn't for you.'

Snape smiled, a true smile. 'You're welcome, Harry.' He said sincerely.