A/N: Another request by Andie since she's such a doll! Listening to Lindsey Stirling on YouTube while typing this... All of her stuff is absolutely AMAZING to listen to and really good. Wish I could play like she does; hell, if I could play at all. Enjoy, folks, and pretty please review!
DISCLAIMER: No matter how much I wave my wand, I will never own Sev and our favorite green-eyed Wizard. *sobs*
WARNING: Yaoi is an important part of these. Please desist in flaming. Violence and blood, folks, violence and blood.
-Ryder
P.S. There may be more than one title that gets a continuation; Dragon's Might, Dragon's Might II... etc.
-Previously On...-
Tuna?
"Mmmhmm. I know you have a taste for it."
Delicious. A huge beak descended and delicately nipped the sandwich out of his hands.
"Hey! I was eating that." he protested, a pout on his face.
You were until I finished it for you. Stubbornly eating his next sandwich and holding it of Silas's reach he managed to have a descent conversation with his Roc. Wait, his Roc? Since when had Silas become his? He shrugged it off and packed up with a single careless wave of his hand. Sitting astride his motorcycle with the helmet dabbling carelessly from his hand, he studied Silas for a moment. What would Silas be like in his bed? Pound him into the mattress or-Merlin! What was wrong with him? See you at home Harry.
BaRaaHP BaRaaHP BaRaaHP BaRaaHP
Severus stretched out his wings as he glided on the thermals that came from the current. He let out a harsh scree, reveling in the sound as he swept over the wild white cliffs that proved no challenge to his massive wingspan. Spiraling down to Earth he landed with his usual grace right onto Harry's Warded property.
Circe, who is that? The ghastly purple-clad figure had gone down face-first into the moor soil at his arrival.
"Ginny?" Sure enough, it was Ginerva Wellspring who pulled her disheveled robes and shoes out of the peat.
"Harry! That beast flew right into your Wards!"
"So?" Harry shot back, his lips curling into a sneer that Severus would have approved of had he been human. "Perhaps he's my guest."
"A bloody Roc! Have you gone 'round the bend? It could KILL you!" Severus stepped forward through the Wards, passing through them so easily that the upstart witch gasped.
Please Mrs. Wellspring. Had I wanted to kill Harry, I'd have done it on Mt. Everest. he snapped his crest arching up and his wings snapping open in a fierce display, a warning hiss escaping his razored beak. Just like I could snap you in half; thankfully I have more manners that you, young lady. He clacked his beak mere millimeters from her face, proving his point as he settled back and Harry absently stroked his chest feathers.
"Get out. I loved you like a brother and you broke my trust many times. Unless we meet at the Burrow for a family dinner, I will consider you nonexistent." Furious Avada-colored eyes narrowed on Ginerva, power crackling as the air filled with a mere slip of Harry's massive magical strength. The ground vibrated as the vapid witch stood her ground. "Go!"
She shot a violet-colored curse at Harry with a maniacal light in her eyes; Harry barely pulled up a Protego in time to deflect it. Severus rose to his full height, his magic encasing his wings, making them a weapon in their own right. He swung his right wing at her with a battle-light in his eyes as he gave a bloodcurdling shriek. She dodged and shot a high-level Stunner at him. That incensed him and he lashed out with his talons, back winging out of the way of yet another curse, this one a sickening yellow shade. He caught her shoulder and ripped the robes to halfway down her back. The sight of blood made him stop and back up, falling silent as Harry examined her. The woman had the gall to moan in pain.
Pathetic. he hissed, eyeing the wound with the eye of a Potions Master. Can't even take what you intended to dish out.
"Silas, did you do that to protect me?"
Hmph. Dishonorable way to go about expressing your distention with the party you have so thoroughly insulted.
"Silas." Severus shuffled his talons and lowered his crest slowly. Damn it, Harry was more Slytherin than he'd given him credit for!
Yes. That one word cost him a great deal to say, albeit reluctantly. No one fires a curse at what I hold dear. He stopped speaking, knowing his words were ridiculously similar to what he'd said nearly a decade ago.
"I know you!" Severus cursed everything under the sun as he sighed deeply. "Who are you?"
I have gained your trust; who I was will break whatever respect you may have. Please do not ask this of me. he admitted bitterly, castigating himself for even replying in the first place. Green eyes widened and then Harry looked at him. He turned sharply, extending his wings as he prepared to fly away; he could not face a second accusing gaze that would haunt him for the rest of his long, miserable life.
"Professor, wait."
Speak and be done. he allowed, mentally kicking himself.
"I... Uhh... Stay." Severus whirled back around at the simple command. "I think I might have fallen in love with you anyway." The announcement shocked him so much that he Changed back.
Upon awakening again, last night rushed up with a vengeance. He groaned and ran a hand through his hair. Had he Changed?
"Morning!" Oh no; in front of Harry as well? "Sir?"
"Severus. You might as well use it." he rasped, his voice rusty after a decade of disuse. The smile he was gifted with brightened the entire room. "What?"
"You're not mad at me." Harry chirruped as though that were the obvious answer. "Oh, and Ginny's at St. Mungo's for what you did to her. Seems the wound won't Heal properly and she'll be left with 'this ghastly scar' from a rather angry Roc." Severus sneered at the mention of the insufferable witch, his fingers curling into claws under the covers. "She's telling everyone how you attacked her."
"The Roc or the supposedly dead Potions Professor?" he drawled, unable to help himself.
"Just a Roc; Mum was furious at her for inciting the attack. She yelled it loud enough for the hospital to hear, 'I thought I told you not to take on an angry Roc! It could've killed you and not even be executed because it's considered an endangered magical species!' Oh, quite a few people gave Ginerva mean mugs after that announcement. They won't sympathize and it's hilarious."
"One would think she had some brains to go along after five years of CoMC." Severus shook his head at her idiocy. "Hadn't Hagrid introduced you all at one point or another to a respectable Roc?"
"Nope. All he had was a memory."
"I shall have to rectify that."
The next morning found him back in Roc form back winging to land right in front of the half-giant's pumpkin patch. He gave a low croak, alerting the man to his presence. He was doing this as a favor to Harry and no one else...
"Blimey! Yer a Roc, ain'tcha? What are ye doin' here?"
A favor to one I hold close. He said you had no practical lessons for Rocs, merely a memory. I am offering myself for your classes.
"Ye'd be Harry's Roc, then?" He smiled internally at having been referred to as Harry's Roc.
Indeed. The name's Silas. Do you have a class now?
"Comin' down from th' castle as we're talkin'. Ye mind stayin'?"
That is what I am here for. he mantled his wings and shifted his talons on the ground.
"What is that?" one of the students asked in shock. Severus clacked his beak, arching his crest as the rest of the class showed up.
"Tha' right there is Silas. Ye show him RESPECT. He's a full-grown Roc."
"Wow! Like the one that got Wellspring?"
"Mind yer manners!"
No, Hagrid, it's fine. It so happens that she caught the tail end of another Roc's wrath, little one. I'm sure you see why it would be unwise to try what you're about to. The teen put his wand away with a sheepish grin. Roc feathers are able to block curses, yes, but only when we're in battle-mode. Any other time and our feathers are like a familiar's. You may touch me if you like. He settled down and let curious fingers card through his chest feathers.
"He can answer most of yer questions."
"Professor, when did he get here?" a girl asked, still hesitant to touch him.
"Jus' before ye did. Landed right in front of me hut." Severus chuckled at her blush as she also carded through his feathers.
Child, your other question?
"Are the legends true?"
Which in particular are you speaking of?
"Rocs can transform to please those they are loyal to."
Yes, we can.
"Umm... Have you?"
Please, child. I will tell you when you get too invasive. The answer is also yes. Several of the fifth year students hung back, just staring at his razored beak and talons. He waited for the more bold to pull back and chat amongst themselves before one of the shyer students sidled over and gave him a soft pat. The boy pulled back after he'd done it, as if waiting for Severus to lash out. I assure you that you are perfectly safe. Nestlings are in no danger from me.
"Nestlings?"
You're no higher than a day-old Roc chick. As I said, you are in no danger from me.
"That's some mighty sharp equipment you have."
Adult Wizards and hunters are excluded from the non-danger zone. The teen brightened after that and petted him with a firmer hand than before. Hold on. He stood and plucked a feather from his wing that was about to fall out anyway and dropped it in front of the dark-haired boy. Your name?
"Uhh... Drake Kigoren. What's with the feather?"
Roc feathers are prized beyond belief now, especially since our species is endangered. We've become adept at hiding from Wizards. Keep hold of that and I shall come to your aid if you need it, Mr. Kigoren. Ask someone who is more versed in Roc lore for the significance if you cannot find out why within the week. The other students stared as Kigoren reverently took the large feather. Severus stood again; stretching out his wings as Hagrid told him he had a free period after the bell rang. By the way, that feather's locked to Kigoren and Kigoren alone. The class was suitably shocked and Severus had more fun than he'd had in a while. By the end of the day, he could hear the gossip of the best lesson ever from CoMC. He grinned smugly and churred when a few of the younger students approached him as he was eating the sandwiches that Harry had thoughtfully sent to Hagrid via Dionysis.
"Mozzer said zat 'e was beautiful..."
"Harry likes him." He cocked his head to the side at the vaguely familiar voices that weren't quite the same. Ah, that would be Theodore Lupin and Victoire Weasley then; Harry spoke of them often. "See? He heard us! Hello, Silas."
You are Harry's little one. And you are?
"Victoire Weasley."
Ah, the eldest of the new brood. Well, what are you waiting for? Settle in. He picked up yet another tuna sandwich and swallowed it whole. Pardon my manners, but I am in no mood to share Harry's hand-made work.
"Mozzer said zat you were ze one to give Aunt Ginny ze scar."
And if I was? he murmured as he finished the last one.
"Zen Mozzer sends 'er regards. She says it was about time zat someone took 'er down a peg or two. 'ere." He was surprised when she offered him another sandwich, this one with salmon in it instead.
No thank you, Ms. Weasley. I much prefer tuna. Specifically Harry-made and full of love; but he wasn't going to tell her that. Love was a word that Severus did not have much experience with and even less time to bother with it while in the service of the Dark Lord as well as his mentor. Harry had mentioned that Albus was surprisingly alive. The Potion he'd sent two weeks after his first transformation had done wonders for the older Wizard. He was very pleased with himself on that account. A powerful magical presence was to his left suddenly and said magic radiated out from the Headmaster in waves.
"Children, it is almost dinner and I'm sure our guest would like to hunt in peace."
"Yes Headmaster." was said in stereo as the two first years scrambled off to the inviting castle in the distance.
Did you want something, elder one? he said casually in his most neutral tone.
"No, merely to say hello. It would be a delight to hold a conversation with you..."
Silas. Harry has spoken of you as well; that man has too many problems.
"So you've noticed?"
Noticed is not the word I'd use, elder. More like I stumbled upon a Healer with a 'Hero' complex and the Fae encouraged me that helping him would help me in matters of the heart. Severus admitted frankly, something the older Wizard had once had to drag out of him. He is... different than I'd imagined from all of the rags that Wizards bring up the mountain. That Daily Prophet of yours is fickle and without care for those involved in its articles.
"Ah, yes. You've caught the vicious edge."
Hmph. Skeeter is one I'd love under my talons. My Harry did not ask for such... pointless drivel.
"Your Harry?"
As surely as I am his Roc. I don't suppose you have a tuna sandwich from Harry?
"I do as Harry sent me a package as well as one to Hagrid. Delightful way of taking care of you."
No, I know that is his 'mothering' instinct coming through.
"You sound like an old pupil of mine, you know."
Do I? How odd. he managed to say without a quaver in his voice. Severus was proud of the fact that his old mentor was ignorant of his identity for once.
"Yes, a wonderful man by the name of Severus Snape." Severus swallowed the second sandwich with some difficulty before preening himself.
What was he like?
"A brave, warm-hearted, honest man. Of course, you ask anyone but me and you'll find that Severus had his vices as all men must have."
Vices?
"He was particularly foul-tempered after a day of spying on both the Light and the Dark." He sniggered quietly at Albus's attempt to defend him. "He was quite the one for dry humor as well."
Harry had things on the man and his eyes would sadden. The man has made an impact on him. Tell me more?
-PoV-
Harry returned from a terrible day at the office and took an appreciate sniff at the smells coming from his kitchen.
"Severus?" he tried softly, still coming to grips that it was his PROFESSOR he'd fallen for.
"In here," came the velvet voice that Harry had heard so often in his mind. "I made dinner." He sighed and dropped his kit at the door, kicking off his heavy white boots.
"Mmm, smells great. I'm starving; had idiots in and out of my office all day dropping off paperwork I didn't want..." he growled at the massive stack he'd had to bring home. The taller male chuckled as he set a plate in front of Harry and handed him a fork.
"Eat. May I look through them? My Master's degree incorporated quite a bit of Healing in it." Harry just waved him towards the pile, humming his appreciation of the delicious risotto sliding into his stomach.
"There's bruschetta after that. Eat all you want... By the way, thank you for the care packages today. I hunted on the way back here." Warm obsidian eyes met tired green. The huge pile was whittled down as Severus sorted through them based on need of his signature.
"Any of those need immediate signing?"
"Disgusting. These files are from the time of your vacation to today. They have no notion of timing..." the Roc muttered as he finished up with the last of the parchment pages. "The ones in the red folder need your immediate attention and the others you may use a signature copy spell. Such copious paperwork. You don't mind that I'd like to get rid of the drivel first? I'll need a quill you sign with." Harry personally signed the one's he needed to and looked through the others as an absentminded check. He was always doing that with his paperwork.
"Wow. I just cut out a good portion of my night and all I have to do is deliver most of this to Records in the morning. You're a life-saver, Sev." he sighed happily, stretching out on the lush carpet on his floor.
"Perhaps you'd like to fill your time with something a little more... entertaining, shall we say?"
-SEX SCENE-
Harry pulled out, Summoned a blanket and covered them both, seeming to murmur endearments in Parseltongue along his skin every so often.
"English, Harry, English."
"Or what?" came the smug question.
"I speak Rocanik." he sniffed, snuggling closer to Harry's heat. Laughter had his pillow shaking until Harry sighed, "Everyone's freaked out when I did that."
"What was the last one before I climaxed twice?"
"Hey, a new record... Mmm, you might not like it."
Severus huffed and poked Harry on the arm, "I can take whatever it is; promise on the Simgurgh."
"Dearheart." He felt warmed on the inside and told Harry as much.
"No one's ever given me an endearment. Thank you. The other one?"
"That one? Umm, velvet sex god..."
Severus chuckled at that one. "I think we'll keep that one to ourselves."
Ending A/N: You're also thinking, 'How could violin music cause such violence?' Don't bother to figure out my mind's inner workings, please. You'll only get a headache if you try; I promise you this because people have tried before... As always, folks, ASK ME FOR DRABBLES!