THE FRIENDSHIP OF RIVALRY

Notes:

I received a few wonderful reviews for this story and it has prompted me to write an early chapter for this week in order to thank everyone for your support.

Disclaimer - I do not own the setting of Harry Potter or any of the characters; those are the property of J.K. Rowling. I have however added a few new names, given that this story is centered on the time after Harry and Draco have graduated. The plot is entirely mine.

This story is a male x male slash so please don't read it if you don't like to read these types of fanfics. For those who do not know, male x male slash is when the story is told around the relationship of two boys or guys, meaning this is a gay fanfic settled around the main characters of the story.

Key:

"Thoughts"/"Telepathy"

"Speech"

~Parseltongue~

-"flashback"-

Chapter 22: The Choice of a Prince (Severus)

Severus mumbled softly about students who didn't know how to study as he looked at the quality of the potions that had been handed in to him. He had already taken out the good ones, but the headmaster had asked him to at least slightly evaluate the rest of the potions instead of just throwing them away like he usually did.

He couldn't understand why he had to give any points to students who completely failed to make the potion he had set. How hard was it to make one simple potion that could easily turn out perfect if the students only learned to follow the bloody recipe? Apparently they never bothered to read the potion instructions beforehand otherwise they might have remembered that there were also notes on how to get the perfect potion.

And now he was stuck grading useless potions that could in up killing the people they are supposed to help. The entire thing was just infuriating. Luckily his owl chose that moment to appear and Severus smiled as he took the letter from its leg. He was a little nervous to read the answer Remus had written, but he wasn't too worried since they had already learned of the feelings they held for each other.

He opened the letter and his smile grew into a smirk. Remus had accepted his offer for drinks when their work was done and Severus was sure that it would change to include dinner, since they would both be hungry by then. He glanced over his table and saw that he only had seven more potions to grade.

He grouped them in color and consistency then just copied the words and results to the rest of the potions where it was applicable. Being a potions master required the knowledge to understand why something went wrong with a potion. He knew that the students were always shocked when he pointed out exactly what they did wrong, but they never bothered to wonder how he knew as much as he did.

Even when his potions usually turned out perfect, Severus had forced himself to brew recipes multiple times while keeping notes on how the potion changed. It was one of the reasons why he knew the impact of each known ingredient by heart. As a clock chimed in his office, Severus realized that he had been so absorbed with his thoughts that time had slipped by in the blink of an eye.

He stood up and moved to the secret door that led to his rooms. He was sure that Remus was almost finished with his own work and that gave him just enough time to grab a quick shower. He didn't want Remus to think that it was just a normal drink after work, so he decided to change into more casual clothes.

He sighed slightly. Over the years, only Draco (and then begrudgingly Harry) had realized that his clothes didn't really depict his fashion sense or at least, the lack thereof. The robes he wore on a day-to-day basis had a function and it was the reason why he didn't look as scarred as the rest of the potions masters.

It had been one of the products of his research when he endeavored to create clothes that actually protected the wearer without the need of a protection charm that could easily be broken and tampered with. He could even pour pure acid or basilisk venom on the clothes and it wouldn't seep through to the skin.

Not that many people knew it was his of course. During the production of the clothes, he had opted to keep his name anonymous and the result was that he had needed to come up with another name as a disguise. Much to his embarrassment, he had only been able to think of the name 'Prince' at that moment.

He rolled his eyes at himself. The 'Prince' material line was now something that no potions master went without and it had lately become a popular material to use when school robes were made. Severus shook his head. He now had a second bank account with an ever growing amount of Galleons in it and he could even retire immediately if he wanted to.

He grimaced. If anyone ever found out about it, he was sure that they would either tease him mercilessly, or they would have a heart attack. Not that he would mind the teasing though; it would give him an excuse to show what he had learned during his time under Voldemort's brand of 'care' when he was one of the death eaters.

It may not have been a pleasant time in his life, but he had definitely added numerous new spells to his arsenal and he wasn't afraid to use them on some dunderheads who wouldn't know a dark spell when it hit them, literally.

The thought made Severus grin, but he was interrupted from his musings just as he pulled on an overcoat to cover his clothes. A bright, silver light entered his room and he immediately recognized it was a Patronus. He frowned as he recognized the Dire wolf as Remus' Patronus, but he was frozen in shock as the wolf relayed its message.

I don't have much time to speak Severus. I don't think I will be able to make it to our date.

Earlier a student came into my class, asking how close I was with Harry. I didn't tell him much since my instincts were screaming that the boy was dangerous.

Nothing happened though, but I just now realized that he had used the Wolf Trance potion. It's enough to knock me out for a week or two, but I used a Bezoar I had in my desk.

I know that he's coming for me and I think he is going to use me to try and lure Harry out. DO NOT LET HARRY OR DRACO FOLLOW THEM! I am leaving my wand wrapped in a letter with instructions on my desk just in case my Patronus can't find you.

I know I probably just wasted a lot of time in explaining all this to you, since you're probably still rooted to the spot in shock, but please don't put yourself in danger for me.

The student's name is, Wayne Wright from Hufflepuff.

The Patronus disappeared and Severus felt a blinding fury rise within him. How dare that bloody wolf try and dictate what he should and should not do? They had a date and the wolf was going to keep it whether he wanted to or not. He found himself rushing through the corridors of Hogwarts, towards Remus' class. Fear that he was too late, was building inside him and he cast a Patronus on the run before sending it to Draco.

Harry was probably with him if their looks at each other were to be interpreted correctly, so he didn't even waste time in trying to send another one. The corridors suddenly felt a lot longer than they should have and Severus cursed the fact that apparition wasn't possible within the school. If he ever got his hands on the idiot that designed the wards, then he was sure to give the creator an earful, even if the idiot ended up being one of the four founders.

He finally came to the door of the class. It would have wasted time to stop and open the door, so he just blasted it off its hinges. He would fix it again later, after he saved Remus. He ran inside the class and up to where the office was. The unfortunate door got the same treatment as its brother and he ran inside, only to see Remus on the ground and one of four students holding a portkey that teleported all five of them away. Something that shouldn't even have bloody been possible since they were still inside the wards!

He felt his entire being cry out as he saw that they took Remus with them and his fury built to such a degree that his magic lashed out. Minutes later he came back to his senses and he winced as he saw the state of Remus' office. He quickly set it right and glanced towards the desk where, true to his word, Remus had left his wand.

Fury built inside him again but he squashed it. He knew that Remus had some ability with wandless magic due to him being a werewolf, but what the hell was the stupid wolf thinking by leaving his wand? Severus unfolded the letter wrapped around it and began to read.

Hey Sev

I know you're probably cursing me for leaving behind my wand, but I didn't want to risk them snapping it. It's hard for werewolves to replace their wands due to the Ministry's laws and I'd rather not live without the use of my magic.

That being said, I hope that you fixed my office after you wrecked it. If not then I will advise doing so now, before you read the rest of this letter…

Are you done? Good. I know I won't be able to give you instructions since you will just do whatever you want, but please relay this message to Harry and Draco.

I want to appoint Harry as the replacement teacher in my absence. Minerva has already spoken about her wish to give him the job when I retire, so why wait?

He would probably want to rush in and save me, but I trust you to contact the Aurors and handle this with more care. Ask Draco to keep an eye on him for me.

I feel like I'm about to lose consciousness. Please don't do anything stupid. I will figure out a way to escape since they don't know that I will be waking up earlier. Moony may even be able to help out in that regard.

The letter ended there and Severus had a sneaking suspicion that Remus had been interrupted by his body going almost entirely numb. The loud banging of someone running brought his attention back to the present and he whipped his wand out, only to lower it when he saw the shocked faces of both Harry and Draco.

He nodded, but hid away the letter. Harry would definitely rush of to save his honorary Godfather and he would then probably sacrifice himself in some misguided attempt to safe everyone since his life wasn't important, according to him that is.

He needed a way to keep both Harry and Draco safe at Hogwarts. He frowned at the thought and squashed the anger that was building within him again. Hogwarts couldn't be safe if Remus had just been abducted from within its very walls, but it would be much safer than to allow the men to go after Remus.

He looked at them sternly and pointed to the seats in the office. Both men sat, but stayed quiet. "Now I am about to tell you something, but only if you make a wizard's oath to listen to my words and not go against them. Something has happened to Remus and I will only tell you if you abide by his orders."

Harry definitely didn't want to make the oath and Severus couldn't really blame him, but even he had come to care for the man in one way or another so he refused to allow him to die while trying to save Remus, since it was clear that, that was exactly what the group responsible, wanted. The thought allowed a plan to form and he glared at both Harry and Draco sternly until they nodded and completed the oath.

"You two are to stay here. Draco, you will be taking over for my potions classes. You are the only one, other than I, whom I would trust with this, so please do it diligently." Draco nodded with wide eyes and Severus turned to Harry. "You will take over the DADA classes in Remus' place. Protect the students and the castle."

The young man nodded, but it was clear that he was suspicious. "And what will you be doing? I can guess that you will be leaving this school since you just gave your potions job to Draco, even if it's just temporary." Draco nodded in agreement to the suspicions and Severus sighed. He probably owed them an honest answer since they did perform the wizard's oath.

"I'm going to go get Remus. He left some clues that will enable me to make it easy to find him, but only I will go." The two men wanted to argue, but Severus shook his head. "I need the two of you to do some research and to find out anything you can about Wayne Wright and his family."

The two men looked at each other and then nodded begrudgingly; they had made a promise after all. Harry really looked like he wanted to put up a fight so Severus just sighed. "Harry you're not some superhero that needs to be on call whenever something bad happens. You were forced to act like a grown-up and save the Wizarding world, when it shouldn't have been your fight. Let someone else do the saving for a change."

Severus smirked at the shocked expression on Harry's face, despite the situation. "Yes Harry, I do know what a 'superhero' is. I am a half-blood after all. But I am serious. Neither you nor Draco will be going to find Remus. I will let you know if I found anything." The two men nodded, but Severus felt someone grab his arm as he moved to exit the office.

He looked back and slightly arched an eyebrow as he saw that it was Harry. The thoughtful look on the man's face, told him that the raven had probably come up with a way to get around the orders. "Sorry, but can I ask that you take Blaine with you? That way he can keep us up to date and he can protect you if something happened. He can shrink himself down to a very small size, so you won't even know he's there."

Severus was about to decline the offer, but he hesitated. "I was under the impression that basilisks couldn't do that." The raven-haired man blushed and smiled at him sheepishly.

"They can't usually, but I kind of accidentally overdid it with the shrinking and growing charms in order to keep him hidden and since we bonded, it became something like a gift that he received. It also helped that I had bonded to Leah as well and as a shadow phoenix, I can also change my size. Those two are probably going to kill me for telling you without their permission though."

Severus didn't know what to think, so he just shook his head and decided to file the conversation away for later. They needed to move fast and having a basilisk on his side would help him a lot in unexpected situations. He had been a spy for too long to not see the benefits of the arrangement.

"Fine, I will take him along, but you will have to ensure that he listens to my orders. I can't take him with me if there is a possibility that he could mess up or go against my plans. If that happens it could place both Remus and me in danger." Harry nodded seriously and then made a complicated motion with his hands. A moment later, a 15 centimeter long basilisk was wrapped around his palm. The snake looked up at Harry and nodded before he was handed over onto Severus' outstretched hand.

The two had apparently communicated telepathically and Severus just tried to ignore it. The raven was always breaking through logic and it didn't even shock him anymore. In fact, he actually hoped that it would mean that Draco would also become stronger as a result.

Speaking of his Godson, Severus looked at the blond man. It was extremely obvious that the young man was itching to tell him something, but now wasn't the time, so the older man just nodded in acknowledgement before swiftly turning around and leaving.

He would leave the replacement of the doors to Harry and Draco he thought as he stormed through the castle. Minerva would probably stop him so he just scrawled a quick letter that would be delivered by owl. By the time she received his note, Severus would be out of Hogwarts and on his way to trace the signature of the wand.

He wanted to find the place where the students were hiding Remus, before he contacted the Aurors for help. They weren't really known for their subtlety anymore and they would probably manage to alert the students about their presence nearby before they even saved Remus.

Severus made his way to his rooms and gathered all of the equipment that he would need. Then he left the castle through a hidden short-cut in the dungeons and apparated to Spinners-end. The house itself didn't look like much inside and Severus made his way to the hallway.

He spelled the carpet from the floor and opened that trapdoor that lay beneath it. He climbed down the stairs and then stood silently as he waited for the lights to illuminate the room. The light revealed a large room with a lavish living area that connected to a kitchen. A bed had been placed on the other side of the room and a potions workstation took up the rest of the space in the room.

Severus had built the room when it first became apparent that Voldemort loved to kill his allies just as much as he liked to kill his enemies. The plan had been to fake his death and then changing his appearance, magic and habits completely while he hid out under his house. It would be the last place that they looked and even if they tried to use a trace, the special wards would prevent it.

The thought made Severus frown. He had to move fast to find the wolf before his kidnappers placed him in a location where they would be unable to detect him. Yet one thing bothered Severus about their plan. How did they plan on luring Harry into a trap if he couldn't sense Remus? And if they kept his energy trace open then how would they ensure that Harry didn't supposedly appear with an army of Aurors at his heels?

They couldn't possible think that Harry would go alone if he thought they would kill Remus if he didn't? Severus groaned as he realized that, that was exactly what the raven-haired man would do. He would probably knock them out if he thought that they would stop him. Luckily the Wizards Oath would keep him there at Hogwarts, but since he didn't know what the kidnappers intended to do, Severus knew that he was in for a long night.

Thank you for reading; I hope you enjoyed this chapter.