Disclaimer – Nothing's mine.

Chapter 5 – Just Harry

Tom, Lucius and Draco were all waiting in the study when Riddle's pendant dropped them both there.

'Harry!' Tom burst out the moment they landed.

'My Lord.' Severus murmured, bowing slightly while trying to hold Harry up with one arm.

'What in Merlin's name happened? You've been gone for hours.'

'Please Tom, not now.' These were Harry's first words since Dumbledore had left.

'Harry?'

'Tom, please.' It was the closest Harry would come to begging and when Tom looked at him he could see the young man was exhausted, in pain and looking as if he was just managing to keep it together. The large bloodstain on his left shoulder and the fact his left leg had not yet touched the floor was telling of itself what had occurred.

'Severus, please escort Harry to his rooms, heal whatever you can and make sure he's comfortable. I'll send Dilly up with some dinner. Call Avery if you need a medi-wizard.'

'Yes, My Lord.' Snape nodded in understanding before carefully guiding Harry towards the door. He tried to keep his arm around the young man's shoulder but Harry shrugged it off and walked swiftly from the room. Going by his suddenly deathly pale skin and drawn expression each step he took on his injured leg was agony for him but he refused to show any weakness.

He stopped as soon as the door closed behind them and Snape half carried, half walked him over to the bed and sat him down on the edge.

'I'll be right back, Harry.' Snape said softly and quickly ducked into his own room to gather the potions and salves he needed before hurrying back.

Harry was sitting just where he'd left him his head bowed and face hidden by his black hair.

'Harry, I need to remove your trousers and shirt.' Severus explained slowly. When Harry made no sign of having heard him he pushed two vials into Harry's hand with a command to drink before banishing the offending pieces of clothing with a flick of his wand. The sight of bruised flesh was too much. It was almost black and Snape knew the pain must have been horrendous. The fact that it had been someone who was supposed to care for the young man who had actually done the damage made it even worse.

'Harry, I won't lie to you. Even with the potion this is going to hurt.'

'It's alright, Severus. Go ahead.' Harry whispered, without raising his head.

Severus poured the salve onto his hands and rubbed them together to warm the potion up before gently applying them to Harry's left leg. The Boy-Who-Lived sucked in an enormous breath and almost swayed where he sat.

'Harry?' Snape hissed in concern.

'Fine. I'm fine.' Harry managed croakily.

'I can see that.' The potions master retorted sarcastically but continued working the bruising potion into Harry's leg. Eventually most of the dark purple colour faded to pinks and yellows. He cleaned off his hands with his wand before waving a complicated pattern over Harry's shoulder and closing the gash caused by Alastor Moody. It was at this point Severus heard a soft sniff and noticed Harry's shoulders were shaking.

'Harry?' he asked softly.

Harry's head rose and Severus could see the pain and hurt lingering in the tear filled green eyes. It wasn't physical pain, no, it was the pain of betrayal and neglect and Severus started when he saw several tears run down Harry's cheeks. Never in all the years he had known the Boy-Who-Lived had Snape ever seen him cry in font of anyone, the headmaster notwithstanding. Even after all that had happened over the last year, when he was cursed with so much pain that any normal wizard would have passed out, there was no tears.

'Why?' Harry whispered plaintively. 'Why does he have to say things like that? Can't he see what he's doing? Or is it me?'

'Oh Merlin, Harry, this isn't your fault. Dumbledore is a senile old fool. There are people that care about you Harry. About your wants and needs. Please Harry, don't just think you're nothing more than a weapon because you are so much more than that.'

'Sev...' Harry broke down, tears pouring down his face as Snape actually leant forward and wrapped his arms around the younger man and let him cry.

'Shhh, Harry. It's going to be okay, I promise.' He said soothingly as Harry sobbed in his arms. Eventually the Boy-Who-Lived fell into an exhausted and troubled sleep and Snape lifted him enough to get him under the blankets before tucking them around his chin.

'I'm sorry, Harry.' He whispered taking Harry's hand in his.

How long he sat there staring at the dark haired Gryffindor he didn't know but eventually he heard a noise behind him and spun around to see the Dark Lord watching them intently. He almost leapt from the bed and turned to bow but Riddle just waved at him dismissively, his gaze never leaving the young man in the bed.

'What happened, Severus?' he asked quietly but Snape clearly heard the underlying menace in the tone of voice.

'We turned up and thankfully Harry had received the message. I dread to think what would have happened if he hadn't. The old fool asked Harry to show them what changes had occurred but apparently Fudge has changed the rules again regarding the underage restrictions on the use of magic so Harry initially refused.'

A slow smile spread across Riddle's face.

'My Lord?'

'That was my doing, Severus. I had Lucius have words with our dear Minister. I hoped it would take some pressure off Harry.'

Severus nodded in understanding. 'A very good idea, My Lord, of course we didn't plan for that blasted Auror's magical trunk.'

'Trunk?'

'That's what happened, My Lord. Once Harry had given Dumbledore the letter we were all about to leave but Moody brought out that trunk and one of the locks opens into a room. It's very heavily warded of course so we all went down there. Harry dueled all of us. How he managed to stay standing for longer than ten minutes I have no idea, especially after his workout only a couple of hours before. He managed to hold us off for quite some time but then Moody got him with a hex breaking several of his ribs and from then on it was pretty much over, it was just a case of how long he stayed conscious for.'

'Is that muggle loving fool mad?' Riddle hissed. 'Surely he can see what this is doing to the boy.'

'I don't think Dumbledore can see past Harry as a weapon to end this supposed war. He doesn't see him as a person at all.' Snape admitted. 'Something Harry finally realized himself this evening.'

As if understanding what they were saying Harry's face screwed up into a grimace and he whimpered softly. Snape made an abortive move back towards the bed but hesitated and glanced back at the Dark Lord.

'Stay with him, Severus.' Riddle hissed and Snape nodded as the Dark Lord spun on his heel and stalked from the room.

Harry whimpered again and Snape quickly sat on the edge of the bed and took Harry's hand in his once again.

'Shhh, Harry. It's alright.' He whispered softly.

'No please, don't.' Harry cried out, still clearly asleep.

'Harry.' Snape said more firmly.

'No, please come back. Don't leave me here. Please.' Harry's plaintive cry clutched at Snape's hardened heart.

'Harry.' Snape shook the young man's shoulders and Harry's eyes snapped open.

'Oh god.' Harry gasped as his racing heart slowed.

'What is it?' Snape asked gently.

'He didn't believe me. He's going to lock me away at Grimmauld Place. I'll never be able to see anyone again until I kill Tom.' Harry whispered, his eyes wide in horror.

Snape reached out and gently smoothed the sweaty hair off the scarred forehead. 'No he won't. It was just a bad dream. You have no connection to the headmaster, you can't possible know what he thinks.'

Harry nodded sharply as he sat up but Snape could see he didn't really believe it. There was actually fear in the young man's eyes.

'I won't let him take you away, Harry.' The potions master said thickly. 'I won't let him lock you away like some priceless toy. Please believe me.'

Harry stared into the glittering black eyes inches from his own. 'What's happening between us?' he whispered.

Snape reached up and gently ran his fingers down Harry's cheek. 'I don't really know, but I know it isn't enough.'

'Severus.'

Snape stopped Harry's pleading voice by leaning forward and sweeping his lips over the other man's. The kiss was soft, gentle and very, very hesitant but it was full of promise and as the potions master pulled away Harry could see the sincerity shining in his beetle black eyes. 'Get some rest, Harry. No training tomorrow, I have something to show you.' Severus said, squeezing his hand once more before standing. Just as he reached the door Harry spoke.

'Goodnight, Severus.'

The potions master gave Harry one of those smiles before ducking silently from the room.

All of his aches and pains had gone by the next morning but he almost had a heart attack when he woke to find Draco staring intently down at him.

'Merlin, Draco, can you even fathom how disconcerting that is?' he breathed, a hand clutched over his heart.

Draco snorted and rolled off the bed. 'You've been spending far too much time with Uncle Severus.' He chuckled causing Harry to scowl at him.

'Sod off.' He growled slipping out of bed, causing Draco to blush at his lack of clothing, before moving towards the bathroom.

'Harry, do you like Severus?' Draco asked curiously as Harry stepped into the shower.

'Depends on your definition of like.' Harry called back after several minutes of silence.

'Would you have his children?'

There was a bang as Harry dropped the soap and bashed his head picking it up. 'Draco!' Harry voice was scandalized.

Draco laughed. 'Sorry.' He chuckled not sounding sorry at all as Harry turned off and stepped back out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his waist and padding across to the wardrobe. 'Would you kiss him?'

Harry's hand froze as he reached for a shirt and a magnificent blush spread across his skin.

'Mother of Merlin.' Draco breathed, unable to hide the glee in his voice. 'You've already kissed him, haven't you?'

Harry spun to face him. 'I don't really think that's any of your business.' He snapped.

'I'll second that.' Came Snape's silky voice from the doorway and Harry smiled gratefully at the intrusion. 'Draco, your father was looking for you.' The meaning of the command was not lost on the young Slytherin and giving his godfather an embarrassed nod he ducked quickly from the room as

Severus eyed Harry standing by the wardrobe in nothing but a towel before slowly crossing the room towards him. Normally Harry would have been embarrassed at the almost predatory look in the potions master's eyes but this time all it seemed to do was make him want to kiss him again. At this thought memories of the night before flashed before his eyes and without a second thought Harry stepped forward, tilting his head up and capturing the older man's lips with his own.

Snape wrapped his arms around the lithe body, his long fingers feeling every muscle up both sides of Harry's back as he raised his hands and buried them in the black hair. When air became rather needed Harry pulled away resting his forehead on the potions master's shoulder.

'Sorry.' He gasped.

Snape grasped his chin and lifted it so he could look into the bright green eyes. 'Never apologise for that, Harry.' He whispered firmly before raising an eyebrow. 'But Harry, are you sure, really sure, I mean? I'll understand if you need time. I'm sure I'm not exactly who you pictured yourself seeing.'

Harry smiled wanly and placed a hand on Snape's chest. 'To be honest, I never thought I'd ever be seeing anyone. I thought I'd fight Tom, die, and that would be that.'

Snape didn't answer instead hugging Harry possessively to him.

'I'm sure, Severus.' Harry whispered causing the potions master to tighten his grip further.

The Portkey dropped them in the middle of a large field and Harry wondered why Severus had brought him here. He was, of course, under Polyjuice as he was every time he left the Manor and from Blaise' slightly taller form he could just make out a top of what looked to be a crumbling ruin over the small rise in front of them.

Snape took Harry's hand and began walking slowly towards the ruin. 'I brought you here, Harry because there are things you must know. Things that I think have been hidden from you that you deserve to know.' He said cryptically. They walked side by side in silence, Harry, knowing the older man wouldn't say any more, refrained from questioning him further, waiting until they crested the rise and made their way around to the front of the ruin.

Harry's mouth fell open. He knew this house. He remembered this house. It featured in his mind; usually accompanied by the sound of his mother screaming every time he got too close to a Dementor.

'Godrics Hollow.' He whispered, his knees shaking. Snape squeezed his hand and gently tugged him further around the house to what seemed to be a small graveyard. Harry wanted to run as Severus continued walked towards the pair of stones furthest from the entrance. Only the older man's hand clasping his tightly stopped him from actually doing it.

Snape stopped, glancing sadly down at the weathered stones before looking back up at Harry. Harry didn't want to look and kept his eyes locked on the older man's. Snape seemed to sense his reticence and nodded encouragingly before looking down again. Harry followed his gaze and in spite of the small amount of mental preparation it was like he had been punched in the chest. He suddenly found himself without breath and his legs finally failed him as he sank to the ground. He could not believe that no one had ever thought to bring him here before. Snape moved with him, keeping an arm wrapped firmly around his shoulders as Harry continued to stare at the tombstones. Below the names of his parents and their dates of birth and death was a single sentence. It was that sentence that made Harry finally understand why he had never seen his parent's graves.

They died for the greater good.

'What?' Harry breathed.

'Harry… I don't know how to say this. Dumbledore, he...' Snape trailed off.

Harry's face paled and he swallowed heavily. 'Severus, please, just tell me.'

The potions master's took a deep breath. 'Harry, he sacrificed your parents.' He said softly. 'He told me only part of the prophecy to confirm what the other Death Eater had told the Dark Lord: the one that overheard Trelawney that day. He told me that was the entire thing and I confirmed it to Lord Voldemort. But it wasn't, and it was on my words that the Dark Lord went after them. Dumbledore could have been their secret keeper but he knew Pettigrew was a traitor. It was him who planted the seeds of doubt into Black's head so that Black would switch. He knew if your parents died by his hand, your hatred for the Dark Lord would drive you to destroy him. He also knew that by placing you with the muggles, instead of letting Black take you like he wanted, you would be more pliable, grateful he had rescued you from them and happy to do whatever he asked.' Severus stopped but Harry's eyes pleaded with him to continue.

'Black would never have gone after Pettigrew if Dumbledore had allowed Hagrid to give you to him that day. He couldn't risk you growing up with a Black even if it was your parent's wish. He couldn't take the chance Sirius would go dark like the rest of his family and take the only chance at defeating the Dark Lord with him. Dumbledore orchestrated that Halloween night almost down to the final detail, just as he has every moment of your life since then. He had given Lily the book on blood protections spells almost a year before, just after you were born, knowing she would read it and use it. He alone knew the full prophecy and he used it in probably the worst possible way. By depriving you of your parents. Your childhood. Practically your life. Harry, I can't tell you I know how you feel I just hope you can forgive the part I played and know that I'm always here for you.'

Harry just nodded, his eyes riveted to the stone tablets in front of him. 'Please Severus, I need to be alone.' He whispered finally.

Snape nodded, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead before standing up and moving away to wait beside the knarled oak tree nearby. He watched as Harry leant forward, reaching his arm out and tracing the writing on the tombstones before bowing his head, his shoulders shaking alarmingly.

He hated that he'd had to be the one to tell the young man the truth, but he couldn't begin any sort of relationship without Harry knowing what part he'd played in his parents deaths.

'My entire life is a lie.' He heard Harry whisper and he wanted nothing more that the go back sixteen years and undo the pain he had caused.

He watched as Harry tilted forward until his head rested on his knees, his body contorted into a ball smaller than Severus thought possible.

'Severus.' Harry gasped and the potions master quickly moved towards him. He was still a few steps away when a wave of power flooded out of the Boy-Who-Lived, the sheer strength of which left Snape breathless.

He continued the last few steps and watched as Harry raised his head, his eyes blazing in anger. 'Dear Merlin.' He breathed as waves of power continued to wash over him.

'Severus, help me. I can't stop it.' Harry pleaded, his voice oddly rough as if he had been screaming.

Severus watched the young man struggle to contain the forces within him. He was too small, his body unable to handle the strength within it. He needed to release it and without flattening everything within a ten mile radius somehow. Snape realised he had no choice. There were two ways to do it but only one would keep the surrounding area intact.

'Harry, do you trust me? You have to trust me.' he said firmly.

Harry nodded his head, grimacing as another wave poured out of him. 'Yes, I trust you.' He panted. 'Please.'

Severus lunged forward grabbing the young man in him arms and kissing him brutally. Harry frozen momentarily but quickly kissed back just as hard. Giving a feral growl he pulled the potions master down on top of him before reversing their positions. Severus paled at the glint in Harry's eye as the Boy-Who-Lived returned his lips to the older man's. He quickly wrapped his arms around the young man and rolled them back over before pressing his hips downwards.

Harry let out a moan that went straight to Snape's groin and he ground his hips downwards once more before shifting slightly, snaking his hand in between them and lifting Harry's shirt, running his hand over the taunt stomach and moving downwards. Harry groaned again and Snape's hand movements sped up.

His body lay almost on top of the Gryffindor's, his legs entwined with Harry's so he could not get up as he kissed roughly down Harry's neck. After a few moments he bit harshly into the soft skin above Harry's collarbone just as the Boy-Who-Lived screamed and came, raking his fingers down Snape's back and leaving what Snape knew would be deep scratches in spite of the clothing protecting him. The crackle of magic around them faded and Snape found he could breathe properly again and he did so deeply.

He waited, casting a surreptitious cleaning charm as Harry's breathing slowly returned to normal and his eyes opened. 'Severus.' Harry breathed and Snape couldn't miss the shame in the tone of voice.

Snape reached up and gently pushed the hair back off Harry's face. 'I'm sorry, Harry. I didn't know of any other way of stopping you.'

Harry shook his head. 'No, I'm the one who's sorry. I shouldn't put you in such a position. I can't imagine babysitting a highly unstable teenager is your idea of a good time, especially one you have to practically molest so that he doesn't decimate everyone and everything around him.' Harry whispered, his eyes dropping.

'Harry, I'm not babysitting you. I brought you here because I believe it was something you needed to know, particularly before we get any further into this relationship than we already have.'

Harry raised his eyes to meet the older man's once again. 'You do know you are not responsible for what happened, don't you?' Harry said, sitting up and pulling Snape with him. 'Dumbledore bears pretty much all of it. Tom, maybe a little, but I can sort of understand why he did it, especially given the information he had been given.'

Snape sighed, slowly getting up off the ground and pulling Harry with him. 'I do not deserve your trust in me, Harry, but I will not refuse what you're willing to give.'

Harry smiled then, one of the first he had given in twenty four hours as he took Snape's hand in his. 'Thank you Severus. Thank you for bringing me here and thank you for having the courage to tell me the truth.'

'I'll always tell you the truth, Harry.' Snape smiled one of what Harry was getting to dub his Gryffindor smiles and squeezed Harry's hand in return.

There was an air of contentment surrounding Harry that night at dinner that surprised most and after the meal was finished and Harry had retired to his rooms the Dark Lord called for his potions master.

'Severusss.' Tom Riddle hissed. 'Harry seems very happy this evening.'

'Yes, My Lord.' Snape said deferentially.

'Do you know the reason for this?'

'Yes, My Lord.' Snape said nothing further.

'Severus.' There was a warning tone in the Dark Lord's voice that made the potions master shudder inwardly.

'My Lord, please do not make me tell you. It would be a most grievous breech of Harry's confidence.' Snape pleaded.

Riddle's red eyes watched the bowed head before him for several moments before nodding. 'I will not question you further, Severus. I just ask that you act with discretion. A mistake on your part could turn the young man against us and I can promise you, you would not escape such an oversight on your part.'

Severus nodded. 'Yes, thank you, My Lord.'

'Goodnight, Severus.'

'Goodnight, My Lord.' Snape stood slowly, giving the Dark Lord a deep bow before backing from the room.

The next week passed quickly. Harry continued working with Lucius, Tom and Severus every day and all three older men could see a new sense of purpose in the young Gryffindor that hadn't been there before.

It was only as they sat down one evening, Severus soundly whipping his godson at chess for the third time in a row, that the reason for this new attitude became clear. Harry had taken several deep but abortive breaths, seemingly mindless of the other four in the room who were watching him curiously; all realising he had something to say and was trying to work out how to put it. He stood up and paced several times before the fireplace and all four men knew he would speak soon.

Finally Harry looked up, his green eyes piercing the red ones of his old enemy. 'You need to come to my graduation.' He said bluntly. 'You need to pick me up from graduation.' He clarified when Riddle's eyes had opened in surprise.

'I don't understand.' Tom said hesitantly.

'I want them to know. I want them all to know.' Harry explained, going back to his pacing as his hands gesticulated wildly. 'I want Albus Dumbledore to see what he's caused, what he's lost. I want them all to know I trust you. I want you there.'

It was one of the first times any in the room had heard Harry come out and demand something and all of them continued to look at him in stunned silence.

'Harry, are you sure?' Tom's voice was oddly quiet.

Harry nodded, stopping his pacing and pinning the Dark Lord with vivid green eyes. 'I want you there, not necessarily from the beginning, but by the time it finishes, I want you in there. I want you standing by my side so you too can see the look on the old man's face when he realises it's all over. That he's lost. And he has no one to blame but himself.' Harry's voice had risen almost to the point of yelling and it was only when Snape's hand came to land on his lower back that he calmed down, closing his eyes and sighing deeply.

'It's alright, Harry. We'll be there, all of us.' He said quietly and Harry turned slightly and rested his head against the potions master's shoulder, breathing in the scent of musk and wormwood.

'Besides,' Harry continued quietly. 'I wouldn't put it past the bastard to spirit me away the moment the bloody ceremony finishes.'

'We'll be there, Harry.' Severus said again keeping one arm wrapped tightly around the young man as Harry stayed by his side.

Tom had risen from his chair and moved across to where the two were standing, placing his hand on Harry's free shoulder. 'Severus is correct, Harry. It will take some planning, but we will be there.' He vowed quietly.

Harry raised his head and smiled wanly at the Dark Lord. 'Thanks Tom.'

Riddle smiled and patted the young man's shoulder once again before returning to his seat as Severus tugged Harry back towards the sofa until the Gryffindor was curled tightly to his side.

Lucius and Riddle exchanged raised eyebrows as the potions master quietly fussed over the young man making sure he was comfortable and that he wanted for nothing. This was a side to the potions master that neither man had ever seen before and it was clear to both that the older man was clearly besotted with the young man by his side, and judging by the reactions of the Boy-Who-Lived, Harry was equally as smitten with Snape. It was an amazing turn around considering their relationship of twelve months ago.

'The line between hatred and love is incredibly fine.' Lucius murmured, the Dark Lord nodding in agreement.

Draco, surprisingly, hadn't said a word and now that everything had calmed down, showed unforeseen tact by wishing everyone goodnight and disappearing out the doorway.

'He is learning, Lucius. Congratulations.'

'Thank you, My Lord.' Malfoy said smugly.

'It's about time.'

The added comment wiped the smug grin off the blond aristocrat's face causing Severus and Harry to snicker softly.

'You need to get your things at Diagon Alley tomorrow, Harry. Well actually, it's Blaise' things you'll be getting as I'm sure the muggle loving fool will get yours.'

'He doesn't have to. I finished all my seventh year work partway through last year. I've got all of the books already. I just spend all day sitting in classes pretending I don't know what I'm doing.' Harry shrugged.

'I've seen your Veritaserum, Potter; you don't know what you're doing.' Snape drawled.

Harry smacked him playfully. 'Sod off, prat.' He retorted. 'You know Dumbledore only has me brewing things that would make your blood boil or make your stomach eat itself. Veritaserum is not on that list.'

'He has you what?' Lucius asked curiously.

Harry shrugged again. 'You know, Guslet Draught, Antores Draught, that sort of stuff. Don't know why really? What does he expect me to do, stop in the middle of battle and brew something before asking Tom politely to swallow it.' Harry said derisively, noticing when Severus stiffened beside him.

'Severus, what is it?' he asked curiously.

Snape shook his head as he forced himself to relax. 'Nothing, Harry, everything's fine.'

Harry raised an eyebrow in reply and Severus remembered his promise never to lie to the young man. Realising he had no choice he hung his head, unable to look into the green eyes. 'He's going to make you drink them.' He said softly.

Harry gaped at him. 'What?' he breathed incredulously.

'He wants to make sure your magic learns to fight the potions. Push the poisons out of your body in effect.'

'You've got to be kidding.' The stunned expression would not leave Harry's face, as much as he tried to cover it.

'I wish I was.' Snape said sadly.

Harry just shook his head. 'The man's mad.' He mumbled. 'He's completely out of his mind if he thinks he can get me to drink such things.'

'He's got you to do everything else he's wanted.' Snape countered.

'Yes, but that wouldn't kill me.'

'Neither will this.'

'Bloody hell.' Harry growled.

'Language, Potter.' Severus scolded and Harry glared at him.

'Sev, I love you. Really I do. But if you correct my language one more time I won't be responsible for my actions.' Harry scowled burying his head in his hands.

Snape didn't respond to the comment and after a moment's silence Harry looked up to see all three men staring at him in stunned silence.

'What?' He went over his comment slowly in his head and froze. He couldn't believe he had said that. 'Oh god.' He whispered, tearing himself out of Snape's arms and sprinting from the room.

Harry stopped at the top of the third floor, breathing heavily as he tried to comprehend what he had just subconsciously let slip.

'Damn it, damn it, damn it.' Harry gasped, leaning against the wall as his entire body trembled.

'Harry?' Draco asked curiously as he watched Harry repeated bang his head against the wall behind him. 'Harry?' he said again when he got no response.

'Did you mean it?' Snape's voice from the bottom of the steps was tight with nervous tension and Draco's eyes widened at the look on his godfather's face. Harry stopped his insistent attempts at damaging what little brain cells he had left but didn't open his eyes as the potions master took the steps two at a time until he was standing only feet from the Gryffindor.

'Did you mean it, Potter? Don't play with me. I can take many things but that is not one of them. Tell me you were joking.' Snape demanded.

Harry's eyes flicked open and green eyes bored into black. 'Is it so hard to believe, Severus.' He snapped. Draco stepped backwards at the menacing growl in Harry's voice. 'Is it so hard to believe someone might actually care for you? Love you for who you are. Or is it just because I'm James Potter's son that you don't believe it? You still can't see past it can you? In spite of your promises otherwise.' His piece said Harry stormed past the potions master, and Draco who was rapidly backing away, and into his room, slamming the door behind him.

Snape glanced at his godson, a thunderous expression on his face, before yanking the door to Harry's room open and slamming it in much the same manner as Harry had.

Draco knew he shouldn't listen at the door but he couldn't help himself and he crept closer to place his ear against the wood.

'Don't you dare say I can't see past you father.' He heard Snape growl.

'Well don't you dare throw what I said back at me.' Harry retorted equally as angrily.

'You can't possibly have meant what you said.'

'Why not?' Harry yelled. 'Why makes you think I can't have meant it? Is it because I'm too young? Because I'm just a child.' The finally word positively dripped with sarcasm.

Draco couldn't hear what Snape's reply was, or if he replied at all, but Harry's next words filtered softly through the heavy oak door.

'Severus, please believe me, this is not some form of cosmic retribution from my father to get back at you. In fact I think he would be happy for me. That I finally found someone I can just be myself in front of.'

'I'm sorry Harry.' Draco could hear the confusion and fear heavy in his godfather's voice. 'I just don't understand why?'

Draco heard what sounded like Harry the vase on Harry's mantelpiece shattering.

'Have you even thought about it?" Harry retorted. 'Have you thought about the person you are inside? The one you seemed to show only to me. Have you thought about how similar that person and I are? Have you even thought about how much I need you? How much I want you.' Harry finished quietly.

Draco didn't hear Severus' reply but minutes later he heard Harry moan, and not in a painful way and quickly realising that he should definitely not be listening to this, he hurried back to the relative safety of his room.

Many hours later Harry lay curled in Severus arms his bright green eyes looking searchingly into the black ones that were staring just as intently back at him.

'Now do you believe me?' Harry whispered.

Severus lifted his hand and tenderly caressed the younger man's cheek. 'Yes. I believe you, Leo.'

Harry smiled at the nickname, not realising the power it would hold in the future or that it would be the last thing he would ever hear. Instead he snuggled down, burying his head in the potions master's neck and breathing in the scent he was beginning to associate with his new lover. Happy that, for the moment at least, he didn't have to put on any faces, or show any one just how powerful he was. No, at that moment, in Severus' arms, he could be Harry.

Just Harry.