Disclaimer – Nothing is mine.

Chapter 9 – I'm the only one who waited

Severus returned to vague consciousness overnight, hearing Harry's soothing voice talking to him. His chest ached with even the smallest breath but he listened for as long as he could before the soft voice lulled him back to sleep.

When he woke next he felt the gentle hand push the hair back off his face. He heard the words. The strong, powerful, emotion filled words and wanted nothing more than to wake up. He wanted to hold the young man in his arms and soothe away the enormous distress and pain that was evident in every word. He heard Harry beg him to fight and he tried. Tried desperately just to open his eyes but he couldn't. He heard the choke in the young man's voice and tried to open his mouth to scream but it was fruitless and his eyes filled automatically with tears as he heard Harry leave.

He heard what could have only be Poppy move closer to the bed and gasp. Moments later he felt her grasp his hand and start talking to him. Severus could hear the words, feel the hand in his but couldn't open his eyes, no matter how hard he tried. It took all of his effort to get his fingers to do as he asked and squeeze the hand holding his the barest amount. He heard the voice telling him to relax, that he was safe. Why wouldn't he be safe? He questioned idly as he felt her release his hand and go rushing off and then there was silence.

It was in that silence he heard the faint rustle of clothing and his mind immediately told his hand to reach for his wand. Not that his hand listened of course.

'You were supposed to die, Snape.' An unknown voice whispered harshly. 'It was supposed to look like an accident and then he'd be free to come to me. Well, we'll make sure of that this time, won't we.'

Snape heard the slight rustle again and quickly realised the figure was about to curse him. No, he cried out in his mind as he heard the soft incantation. Suddenly Snape felt as if the sun had come into the room and shined down solely on him.

'What on earth?' The voice cried.

'What is going on here?' Poppy's voice startled both Snape and the figure staring incredulously at him from under the invisibility cloak, only a wand visible from its folds. Snape heard the figure whirl on the spot and run from the room before Poppy could regain her wits and cast a summoning charm that would reveal the wearer of the cloak.

'Severus?' Poppy rushed across the room and grasped Snape's hand again. 'It's alright, Severus. I've locked the door. Whoever that was can't get back in.' she assured him. 'Now, I can't seem to reach Harry by floo so I'm going to run up to his office and I'll be right back.' she hesitated a moment. 'I don't know if you can hear me but please just hold on.'

Snape tried desperately to answer, to give the medi-witch some sign that he had heard, but as she'd let go of his hand and walked hurriedly towards the doorway he could do nothing.

His heartbeat was loud in his head and he struggled to hear anything else over it. He'd never felt so helpless. Even kneeling at the wand of Tom Riddle did not scare him as much as lying blind and alone in that cavernous hospital wing, trying desperately not to think of what might happen if his assailant was able to break Poppy's locking charm.

He didn't know who it was but it was obviously someone that wanted Harry, and not in a six foot under and not moving kind of way. His ears listened anxiously for any noise even as his mind stumbled over itself in an effort to discern just exactly who might be after the younger wizard. Unable to narrow it down he went back to willing himself into wakefullness.

He had to warn Harry. He had to protect Harry.

'Harry!' Poppy's breathless voice shrieked through the locked door as she pounded on it loudly.

Harry stalked to the door, wiping the tears that had escaped down his cheeks at Dumbledore's words. 'Yes, Poppy? What is it?'

'Sev...Severus. He's crying.' She managed to stammer out as she panted harshly.

Harry's eyes widened and he rested a hand on her shoulder. 'Crying? Why is he crying? Is he awake?'

Poppy shook her head. 'No, but I think he can hear you. He squeezed my hand.'

Harry heard no more as he disappeared without a sound.

'Poppy!' Albus' voice was scolding as the medi-witch swore. Poppy had the good grace to look sheepish.

'He could have at least taken me with him.' She grumbled, turning on her heel and beginning the long trek back to the hospital wing leaving Albus chuckling softly.

'Severus.' Harry had thrown himself down beside the bed and grasped the potions master's hand. 'Please can you hear me?'

He waited, barely breathing for some sign the the older man could hear him. 'Severus, please.' he begged holding the other's hand tightly in his own.

'Har..' The man's voice was but a gasp but it was all Harry needed.

'Oh thank god.' He cried. 'Severus, just relax. Everything is going to be alright.'

Snape's hand suddenly clenched tightly within Harry's as he used all the will he had to pry his eyes open. He blinked several times before his eyes landed on Harry. The Boy-Who-Lived had a tear streaked face, swollen eyes and messy hair but it was the most wonderful sight Snape could ever remember.

'Harry.' He whispered and Harry burst into tears again but lent forward and kissed him gently. Snape felt his strength slowly returning, as if Harry was giving it to him, and eventually lifted his arms high enough to hug the sobbing figure to him.

'I'm sorry, Severus. I'm so sorry.' Harry whispered. Snape moved his hand and placed it on Harry's shoulder, gently pushing the young man away.

'Why? Was it you who cursed me?' He asked, knowing full well that it wasn't.

Harry looked at him askance. 'Of course not.'

'Then what are you sorry for.' Snape asked.

'Severus, you've not had a spell sent at you in anger in almost ten years.' Harry said bluntly. 'And now someone has tried to kill you.'

'And how is that is your fault, Mr Potter? I do think you think yourself too highly.' Snape arched an eyebrow.

'No. It's not that.'

Harry hesitated.

'Go ahead.' Snape said encouragingly.

'Severus, I...'

'Harry, please listen to me.' The older man said softly, reaching to take Harry's hands in his own. 'I know Albus has spoken to you about this before but you must really learn to distance yourself from the choices of others.'

'Severus.' Harry tried again but the potions master held a finger up to his lips.

'Harry, listen to me.' he said again. 'I know the risks of being with you. I knew the moment I saw your mark. Nothing you say will convince me that anything that has happened or will happen is your fault so you might as well give up that train of thought completely.'

'But Severus.' Harry tried one last time but found his words swallowed as Snape grasped his shoulders and pulled him down so that he could kiss him soundly.

'Are we in agreement, Headmaster?' Snape asked, rather breathlessly after he had pulled away.

Harry nodded, his expression dazed. 'Yes, Professor.' He said softly. Snape smiled and mindless of the fact that they were in the middle of the hospital wing, pulled Harry onto the bed beside him and wrapped his arms tightly around the younger man, closing his eyes.

'Get some rest, Harry. You look like death warmed over.' He murmured.

Harry smiled, snuggling into the warmth and security those arms provided.

That was how Poppy found them minutes later after finally trekking down from the fourth floor. She could tell that Snape had actually woken as his arms were wrapped tightly around Harry's waist and his head bent to rest on the messy black hair of his partner.

She stared at them for several moments, taking in the relaxed expression of both, something she hadn't seen on either face for many a year, even before Harry left the wizarding world. She sighed softly before casting another locking charm at the door and returning to her office. She dearly hoped this worked out for both of them.

The man fled the castle in an atrocious mood, almost splinching himself as he apparated back home, ignoring the inquiries as to his whereabouts, he stormed up to his room.

He couldn't believe his luck. First the bastard wouldn't die when he was supposed to and when he tried a second time there was some sort of bloody shield in place and he almost got caught. It wouldn't do to get caught. There was still so much to do. Everything was almost in place. A few days and Harry would be his. Everyone else would be a distant memory.

Harry shifted at the soft fingers running through his hair and sighed in contentment. He soon felt soft kisses being placed across his cheek until the gentle lips made it to his own and he was woken completely as an insistent tongue pushed its way into his mouth and began mapping it out as if making sure it had forgotten nothing.

Harry let out a groan as nimble fingers quickly made their way under his shirt and grasped a nipple before pinching it.

'Severus.' Harry gasped, opening his eyes to see glittering black looking back at him in amusement.

'Yes, Harry, did you want something?' The potions master drawled softly.

Harry nodded, his arms coming up and winding around the older man's neck. 'Yes, I want you never to stop doing that.' He whispered before tilting his head up and capturing the man's lips with his own.

Severus allowed it to continue for a moment longer before pulling away, smirking at Harry's noise of discontent. 'I do believe we should continue this where we cannot be disturbed.' He murmured.

'I have to agree, however until I've checked you over, Severus Snape, you're not going anywhere.' Came Poppy's amused voice from nearby. Both Harry and Severus jumped as neither had heard her come in.

'Now see here, Poppy. I'm fine.' Snape insisted, pulling Harry to him tightly.

Poppy eyed them both with a small smile on her face and a wicked glint in her eye that Harry wasn't sure he really liked. 'I'm sure you are, Severus, but you're still not going anywhere until I check you over. So, Harry dear, if you could please unwind yourself from my patient I can let you get on your way.'

Harry sprang away from the potions master, almost falling off the bed as he turned the colour of a tomato. 'Yes Madame Pomfrey.' He mumbled felling like he was eleven again. Snape snorted loudly but sat up with a groan.

'Fine then, woman. Get on with it so that I can get the hell away from your clutches.'

'My, that is a polite way to talk to someone who helped save your life.' Poppy said sarcastically. 'But I supposed one shouldn't expect civilised words from a man such as yourself.'

'Excuse me?' Snape raised an eyebrow, looking so affronted that Harry couldn't help but snicker at him.

'You heard me.' Poppy raised her wand and cast several monitoring spells before dropping it with a huff. 'Fine. You can go, but I don't want to see you in here, either of you, for the rest of the summer.'

Harry held up his hands in surrender. 'Hey, I didn't do anything.'

'Of course not, Harry. Not get along with you both. I'll get the house elves to bring you some breakfast up in the Harry's rooms.' Poppy said lightly, disappearing into her office with a wink and a wave.

'How did she know we would be in my rooms.' Harry grumbled. 'We could have been going to yours.'

'Because she knows Albus would want to see me.' Severus said as he pulled on his robes that were lying across a nearby chair.

'Of course.' Harry sighed as he headed towards the door knowing the potions master would be following.

'Severus, my boy.' The figure in the portrait looked so relieved to see him Severus couldn't help but smile.

'Good morning, Albus.' He replied softly.

'It is wonderful to see you up and around. I'm so glad you're alright.'

'Thank you.' Severus was almost embarrassed at the sincerity ringing in Dumbledore's words.

'Did you see who cursed you?'

Harry's eyes widened at that. In his happiness at seeing the older man awake he'd forgotten to ask and he quickly looked to Snape who shook his head.

'No, but I know they're after Harry.' He murmured reaching out to take Harry's hand in his own.

'But why? Surely the Death Eaters have given up by now.' Harry questioned.

'It wasn't a Death Eater.' Snape corrected him. 'It was someone who wants you for you.'

'I beg your pardon?'

'He Wants you.' Severus said again watching Harry's reaction carefully. Sure enough, it took a minute or two, but then Harry paled.

'No.'

Snape pulled him closer and held him tightly. 'Please be very careful. This is not a Death Eater or they wouldn't be able to get into the castle. The wards against them were never taken down as you know.'

Harry nodded dumbly.

'I believe it might even be someone you know. Someone who will have no trouble catching you with your guard down. Please be on your guard at all times.'

Harry nodded again. 'I will.' he promised.

Snape's black eyes studied him intently until Harry thought he'd been laid bare before the potions master bent his head and captured Harry's lips with his own.

'Well then, I might go and let all the portraits know your fine.' Albus said cheerfully. 'I'll be at least two, three hours.'

Snape pulled away and glanced at him. 'Thank you, Albus.' he said quietly.

Albus gave them both a fond look before ducking out the side of his portrait as Snape turned back to Harry.

'I was so worried you wouldn't wake up.' Harry whispered, his fingers tracing Snape's cheek.

'I know. I could hear you.' Snape murmured.

'Until we find out who did this, Severus, I'm not sure it's safe for you alone in the dungeons.'

Severus allowed a wicked smirk to grace his features. 'Why, Headmaster, is that your way of asking me to move in?' He drawled.

'What? No...I mean...I...'

Snape raised an eyebrow.

'Yes.' Harry finished, blushing brightly and dropping his head. 'I just think you'd be safer up here where there are more people.'

'Where you are.' Snape finished for him, an edge to his voice that Harry could tell meant trouble. He knew the older man was thinking that Harry thought he had to protect him.

Harry looked up, his expression nervous. 'I don't want to lose you, Severus.' He whispered. 'I'm not sure I could stand it.'

Snape reached up and gently smoothed the frown off Harry's forehead, taking in the expressive green eyes that were full of fear. 'You won't lose me, Harry. You'll never lose me. I promise you that.' He vowed, pulling Harry tightly to him again. He could feel the young man shaking and knew that the past few days had probably set Harry back weeks on his recovery after the death of his mentor and father. To have been that close to losing the one person he now relied upon so soon after Albus' death would have all but shaken the young man to the brink. Severus vowed to do anything to stop that from happening even if it meant giving up his beloved dungeons for the noisy, nosy towers of the castle.

Severus pulled away and waited for Harry to look up before leaning down and kissing him gently. 'Come on, I think you need to rest of a while.' he said softly.

'I'm fine.' Harry insisted.

'I know, but indulge me just this once.' Severus gently tugged the young man through to his rooms and removed his robes and pushed him down on the bed before removing his own. He pulled off both their shoes and climbed up beside the young man, wrapping his arms around him and holding him close.

Harry sighed again at the feelings of warmth and protection those strong arms provided and closed his eyes. He hadn't realised just how tired he was and he quickly relaxed, knowing Severus would wake him if anything happened. He felt the older man place a gentle kiss on his temple and smiled.

'Love you, Severus.' he murmured sleepily before he let slumber take him.

Snape lay there unable to sleep for some time as those three little words careened around in his head. No one. Not his mother or father, his friends, or even Albus had ever said those three words.

Just Harry. Only Harry.

'Dear Merlin, Harry.' He whispered, carding his fingers through the messy black hair. 'What are you doing to me?'

Of course Harry was out of it and didn't answer and thankfully it wasn't long after when Snape too finally managed to drop off to sleep.

Minerva and the rest of the staff welcomed Severus with smiles and warm wishes of delight the next morning when together with Harry he joined them at breakfast. No mention was made of Snape's attacker but Minerva did lean over and whisper to Harry that all of the portraits were on the lookout and have been instructed to alert him should they see anyone.

Harry had nodded in thanks before raising his eyes waiting until the rest of the staff were silent. 'I need to work further on the wards today, so if I could request that you all remain within the castle walls, just at least until I have finished.'

'What about me, 'arry?' Hagrid asked loudly.

'I have some things that need to be fetched from Diagon Alley, Hagrid, and would be most grateful if you would care to oblige?' Severus asked from his position at Harry's right elbow.

Hagrid beamed at the potions master. Snape had never trusted anyone enough to ask them to pick up anything for him before and Hagrid was proud that Snape had enough faith to ask him. Of course it was more that Snape refused to leave Harry alone in the castle but no one needed to know that.

During their morning ablutions Harry had stated, in no uncertain terms, that until the attacker was caught Snape was not to leave the castle grounds. Snape had not been happy but Harry had said that it was hard enough to keep him safe on the grounds let alone in Diagon Alley. Snape had easily seen through the firm expression to the fear that was prevalent beneath and nodded in agreement.

He would not leave the castle grounds.

After the meal was finished Harry walked out of the great hall and crossed to the doors leading to the grounds.

'Harry.'

He heard Snape's call and stopped until the potions master caught up with him. 'Please be careful out there.' Severus murmured, staring intently down at Harry.

'Promise.' Harry said softly, tilting his head and placing a gentle kiss on the man's lips after glancing around to check the hall was empty. 'You can see me from the third floor of the west tower. Lock the door once you're in there.' He added before slipping out the door, knowing the older man would want to watch over him when he was unable to really watch over himself.

He walked silently across the grounds, past the Whomping Willow until he was in the centre of the wards. The castle was only twenty yards away but Harry couldn't help the ripple of unease that ran through him at feeling so alone and exposed out here. It couldn't be helped though, another signature out on the grounds at the moment would only hinder him.

Once again he sat down on the grass and crossed his legs, placing his hands in his knees. He glanced once up at the windows of the tower to see Severus watching him intently from the second window. He nodded in response to the man's wave before closing his eyes.

The wards hadn't changed in the week or so since he last looked at them. There were still multitudes of layers that had still to be removed but at least he didn't feel as if he had to hurry now. Severus was here and so here is where Harry would stay, for the moment. As much as he had wanted to return to Lexington, he wasn't sure it was really home now. Albus had been right, as usual. Home is where the heart is; and his heart was now firmly entwined with that of the potions master. He idly wondered if the older man would consider returning to the United States with him as he also knew that even if he couldn't return to Lexington he wasn't sure he wanted to stay at Hogwarts.

As if to scold him for his wandering thoughts the wards gave him a sharp mental nudge and Harry quickly returned his concentration to the task at hand, realising he was just holding one of the wards in limbo as his mind traveled.

It was the wards barring entry to all who wore the Dark Mark. Of course it had been adjusted so that Severus could come and go as he pleased and Draco Malfoy had to remain within the wards at all times. Harry had mentally raised an eyebrow when he saw the hex Albus had attached to the wards should the Slytherin had tried to leave. A part of him wished Malfoy had tried it for the amusement value alone.

There was another mental nudge and Harry quickly moved that one aside; it could remain for the moment, he thought picking through the next one.

He remained in that one position, unmoving for more than six hours, but by the time he'd finished he's sorted through some eighty wards, discarding almost half and keeping the rest. By that time he was also exhausted and hungry. It seemed like hours since breakfast and the weight of the wards had tired him greatly. Having to literally use his power to hold them as he sorted was draining and Harry could quickly see why Albus had said he was the only one who could have completed the task.

Of course once he had sorted them, taken down what was no longer needed and strengthened those that were, almost half of them could be anchored to the castle itself meaning a task like this should not be nearly as difficult in the future. With a relieved sigh he slowly pulled away from the wards and opened his eyes.

He saw movement in his peripheral vision and glanced up to see Snape jump to his feet from what Harry assumed had been a chair he'd conjured. It was quite obvious from the expression on his face that he'd been there for the entire time but Harry wondered why he also looked so relieved to see him.

He got slowly and stiffly to his feet, stretching out the kinks in his back before gesturing to Severus that he would meet him in the entrance hall and turning to walk slowly back towards the castle, his limbs weary and his mind so heavy with exhaustion Harry was surprised he could see straight.

He managed probably five yards past the Whomping Willow, which had kindly frozen the entire time he'd been out on the grounds, when he heard a soft whisper behind him, he turned around as quickly as he could but was just too tired to comprehend the man half out of the tunnel under the old tree or the spell that struck him dead on only moments later.

Harry's head was pounding and he felt like he wanted to vomit. He shifted as if to roll onto his side only to find himself bound by the wrists and ankles to what could only have been a bed.

'Oh god.' Harry breathed as Snape's words of the evening before came back to him. His eyes shot open and he began to struggle until he found the bonds released and he was out of the bed and across the room so quickly it made his had spin further.

'Relax, Harry. You're safe now.' Came a horribly familiar voice from the doorway. Harry saw the red hair and the entirety of what had happened out on the grounds flooded back at him.

'Ron?' Harry questioned, even though he was quite sure.

'I told you to relax, Harry.' Ron said softly, moving closer to Harry and holding out what appeared to be Harry's glasses. Harry took them quickly and shoved them on, raising his hand.

'Let me go, Ron.' He said coldly.

Ron smirked, and Harry decided that it was definitely an expression that didn't suit his old friend. 'I think not, Harry.' Ron murmured lifting his wand and casting a locking charm at the door. 'I've waited far too long. You aren't going anywhere.'

Harry's eyes burned. 'Let me go, Ron, or so help me.'

'So help you what, Harry? Go ahead. Go ahead and try and break that locking spell.' Ron smirked again.

Harry raised his hand and tried to cast the strongest unlocking spell he knew; and dropped to his knees in agony moments later as a burst of pain shot through from his very core. He pushed hard at the pain but it still took several minutes to go away, all the time Ron was staring at him, the slight smirk still in place and one eyebrow raised in triumph.

'I did warn you, Harry.' He said simply.

Harry glared at him as he struggled to his feet. 'What the hell is going on?' He gasped.

'Now, now, Harry. Just relax. Why don't you sit down, this could take awhile.'

Harry's glare got even fiercer and he folded his arms over his chest in defiance.

Ron just laughed, crossing the dozen steps to where Harry stood before bodily picking him up and throwing him on the bed. Harry, with a disadvantage of over eight inches and one hundred and twenty pounds couldn't do much except let himself be thrown. His magic had someone deserted him, it wouldn't respond at all no matter what he did.

It was only as he landed that he caught sight of himself in the mirror across the room and saw the silver rune covered collar fitting snuggly around his throat and his hands flew to it. Obviously charmed to be unnoticeable, it was the last thing he had expected. Of course, no one should have known to use one, let alone Ron. Albus was the only one who knew what he was. And Severus. And the staff of Hogwarts. And the Minister. Suddenly the blood drained from his face.

'Mother of Merlin.' Harry whispered.

Everyone knew.

It had been reported in the Prophet. He'd forgotten with all that had happened. The fact that Ron had not only researched exactly what he needed to subdue Harry, but had also found it, and afforded to buy it was all but unconscionable.

'Ron, what have you done?' Harry breathed, his hands never leaving the finely sculpted artifact around his neck.

'I've done what needed to be done, Harry. I came to see you and you ignored me and I've waited too long. You were having an affair with that greasy git. That cannot be allowed to continue. You obviously needed some time away from him. Time with me, so that you could see how much I love you. How much I adore you, and always have.'

'Ron, are you out of your mind?' Harry cried. 'Let me go right now. If you love someone you don't lock them away.'

Ron shook his head and reached out to caress Harry's cheek, frowning darkly when Harry shied away. 'That's where you're wrong, Harry. If you love someone you have to hang on to them. You're staying here with me until I can convince you of how much you mean to me.' Ron vowed, moving his hand to gently run his fingers through Harry's hair.

Harry pulled sharply away. 'You can try, Ron, but Severus will find me. I can assure you of that.' Harry hadn't known just how bad Ron's temper had become but, when he backhanded Harry so hard he almost fell from the bed and caused his glasses to fly off and across the room, he quickly realised that the redhead's fuse was even shorter than it used to be. Harry cradled his split lip and bruised and burning cheek in one hand as he stared up at his friend with blurred eyes.

'He will find me.' Harry said again and Ron pounced, pushing him off the bed until they were scrabbling around on the floor. Harry, unable to get past the runic collar and use his magic, kicked, bit and clawed every part of the other man he could reach but with the differences in their sizes Ron quickly had him back up on the bed, face down, his arms held tightly behind his back.

'He won't find you, Harry, and even if he did, by that time I will have you eating out of my hand, just begging for my touch. You'll see.'

Harry let out a grunt and tried to roll the other off and suddenly he was free, but the euphoria didn't last. Ron had only released him so that he could get his wand and moments later Harry found himself spread eagled on the bed once again, this time face up. Ron was staring down at him, his blue eyes shining with lust.

'Ron, please.' Harry whispered

Ron's expression softened and he knelt beside Harry on the bed. 'Oh don't worry, Harry. You don't have to beg yet. That will come soon.' He said softly as he quickly banished Harry's shirt.

Harry yelped as Ron ran his fingers lightly along his chest and Harry couldn't help but compare the cold digits to those of the potions master. He closed his eyes as Ron pulled gently on his nipple. 'No.' Harry hissed through gritted teeth.

Ron didn't seem to hear him as he bent his head and began licking a trail from Harry's navel to his collarbone, up his neck and along his jaw until he found Harry's lips. Harry clamped his jaw shut but Ron bit his lip harshly and he gasped.

The redhead took full advantage, plunging his tongue into Harry's mouth. Harry snapped his mouth closed and Ron pulled quickly away, blood dripping down his chin. 'Bloody hell.' Ron lisped around his bitten tongue even as he backhanded Harry once again. 'Do that again and you'll regret it. Just relax. This is going to happen, Harry. I've waited ten bloody years for this and I can't wait any longer.' Ron lowered his head once again and began laving Harry's chest, smearing his blood in different patterns. 'Do you have any idea of how much I wanted you during school? That last year you had grown so much. You were so beautiful, Harry.'

'No.' Harry breathed as Ron sucked on his nipple.

'Yes, you were. Many of the boys at Hogwarts wanted you. Girls too of course. You were strong and powerful but your face still showed innocence. It was intoxicating. It still is, but none of them waited, Harry. Only I waited for you.'

Harry squeezed his eyes tightly shut and refused to cry as Ron continued laying kisses all over him. This was crazy. Ron couldn't possibly think Harry wanted this. Wanted anyone but Severus. He let out a whimper as Ron's hand slipped into his trousers and curled around him.

'Merlin, Harry.' Ron breathed into his neck. 'You taste so good, Harry. I knew you would.' Ron's tongue traced down his cheek and onto his neck. As it moved lower Harry knew what was coming and tears filled his eyes and fell down his cheeks.

'Ron, please don't.' Harry pleaded again but Ron didn't seem to hear him as he lifted his wand again and banished the rest of Harry's clothing.

'Oh Harry.' Ron mumbled as he took Harry in his mouth. Harry let out a cry and began shaking his head.

'No, no, no.' He repeated over and over again as he struggled to ignore the feelings that were beginning to rise in him with what Ron was doing to him.

Ron worked diligently, caressing Harry's sack as his mouth continued its meticulous task. Finally, even through the self loathing and anger and disgust, Harry couldn't stop his body from betraying him. Ron's mouth and fingers were doing things to him he'd never even imagined. When Harry was fully hard Ron looked up, a triumphant grin on his face.

'See Harry, I knew you really loved me, not that greasy bastard. You just needed to see it for yourself.' Ron said earnestly running his fingers over Harry's achingly hard shaft.

Harry closed his eyes again. 'That's not love, Ron.' He said hoarsely.

Ron's expression turned dark and he moved up until he was close enough that he knew Harry could see his eyes and waited until he opened them. 'You will love me, Harry. Snape will be dead in less than twenty four hours, and then you will be mine.'

Harry's eyes widened in horror. 'What? No, you can't.' He cried struggling to remove the bonds around his wrists and ankles.

Ron laughed and banished the bonds and flipped Harry over onto his stomach, pressing him down with his sheer weight until Harry could barely breathe. 'It's too late, Harry. The plan is underway. I brought his little present at the same time I got yours.' Ron crooned as he lovingly stroked the metal collar around Harry's neck. 'And just like this one, his little gift can only be stopped by the same password. You'll never make it.'

'Ron, please don't do this.' Harry begged, unable to hold the tears back any longer.

Ron licked his ear and bit the lobe before chuckling. 'No, Harry. This is what's meant to be. Once Snape is dead you will look for comfort in the nearest available man, just like you did when Dumbledore died. And I will be that man. You will love me, Harry. I can assure you of that.'

'Never!' Harry sobbed. 'I'll never forgive you if something happens to Severus. And I will never, ever love you.'

Ron's face turned a nasty shade of red and Harry was just thinking he might have gone too far when Ron's fingers breeched him harshly. Harry screamed. The pain was indescribable. He thought he was being torn in two.

'You love me, Harry. Say it.' Ron growled.

Harry was shaking his head. His whole body was trembling and he was almost hyperventilating. Between the pain and the weight of Ron's body he could hardly breathe. 'Ron, please.' Harry sobbed.

'Say it!'

Harry just kept shaking his head, letting out a howl when another two of Ron's fingers joined the first and stretched him crudely. 'SAY IT!' Ron bellowed in his ear.

'Avada...'

'NO!'