Notice:

So I've had a couple of people comment on the age of Harry in this story. I would like to clear up that he is currently 15 (As stated in Chapter 1), but obviously when he starts back at school he will be 16.

Also:

I hope that after yu read this chapter that it's not getting too soppy. Heads up - There is going to be some drama in a couple of chapters time so hang in there.

The next week passed by rather quickly and Harry had managed to read through all his required textbooks for his classes. He and Snape still really hadn't broken the awkward barrier and still didn't really talk to each other, but Harry was starting to ask some Potions questions as he read through his books. While at first Snape was surprised by Harry's new interest in Potions he was more than happy to help him if it meant that he would be more competent and produce some better potions than he had in the past.

Harry had waited a couple of days before revealing his knew look, and he wished that he'd had a camera to get evidence of Snape's face when he first saw him that morning before breakfast, his jaw was nearly on the floor. He was wearing a white tee with black skinny jeans and his black converse sneakers. His hair, well that had take a little longer and he'd ended up staying up into the early hours of the morning that night trying to fix it and style it. He had shorted the sides so it almost looked shaved and the top he'd kept the same, and was now spiked up at the front with the wax he'd also purchased. He looked like he'd just walked off a catwalk runway with this hair, and he dared to dream that it looked good on him. It was a relief as well that none of the other teachers questioned Harry on this, he would have thought Snape would say something but he had been oddly quiet after this morning.

Currently, however Harry was bored. He basically read book after book for the last couple of weeks and he wanted a change so after he'd been up for lunch with Snape, instead of going back down to the dungeons he headed outside and towards the Quidditch pitch. Closing the broom cupboard he hopped onto his Firebolt and flew off into the sky. He loved this free feeling and because it was warm outside it only made him feel like he was floating. It allowed him to think freely as well, he was feeling that a lot lately even when he was roaming the grounds and was beginning to think that he might be at the stage where he was comfortable talking to Snape about his sexuality because he was still unsure about what everything meant. It still irked him though and there was still doubt in his mind about talking to the man about it.

After flying about for a few hours, Harry came to the conclusion that if he waited until the students were back at school then he could just work it out for himself and if he was still unsure and Snape was still being civil to him, he might venture out and ask him. Yeah, that's what I'll do, he thought. He looked out over the now orange sky and thought he better head back in, it was coming up to dinner time and Snape still hadn't let up about attending meals. Even though it was a little weird, it comforted him that someone was taking the time to make sure he was eating properly. Not having food at the Dursley's and not being forced to eat anything at school made for some pretty bad eating habits. He was sure that was what Snape was referring to when he mentioned how skinny he was, although he didn't know it had been that obvious, had Snape been checking him over?

"Hey." Harry said casually as he walked into the living area and walked into his room leaving the door open.

Snape, who was sitting at his desk turned in his seat raising an eyebrow at Harry's relaxed tone and mimicked it as he responded. It was still refreshing to see Harry wearing his new clothing, he dared to think that it suit him, and his hair…

"Hey."

Harry turned around and looked at the man who was still looking at him oddly and he smiled at the man who was on the other side of the room.

"It's nearly dinner time." Harry said as if he was clarifying why he was in the room to begin with and Snape managed a small smile in return as he stood.

"That it is, Harry. Am I correct in assuming you are waiting for me to accompany you?" He said coming to stand in front of Harry who was now standing behind the couch and in front of the portrait.

Harry blushed at the words and he looked away only to have his face pulled back round with two fingers that rested on his chin. He noticed Snape incline his head as if expecting an answer but all Harry could do was breath out a quiet 'yes'. A smirked played on Snape's lips before he spoke.

"Well, lead the way, Mr. Potter."

And just like that, the moment was gone as soon as he reverted back to last names. Harry frowned ever so slightly but it didn't go unnoticed by Snape and he wondered why there was a sudden change in his attitude as Harry pulled his head away from his fingers and walked out of the portrait. Snape resolved that there was definitely something going on with Harry but he didn't really know how to approach him about it.

Harry walked ahead of Snape up the stairs to the Great Hall and he was annoyed at the man, he had to ruin the moment, he thought but then he stopped dead in his tracks frowning. That wasn't a moment… that was purely in your head. He was so confused.

"You okay?" Snape said coming to stand next to him as he looked at Harry's expression.

"Yeah." He said vaguely, looking ahead before continuing on towards the hall.

Snape reached out and grabbed his upper arm to pull him back. They were still a few corners away from the Great Hall so no one was going to see their little interaction and Harry looked up at Snape as if he'd gone crazy and waited for the man to say something.

"Harry, what's going on? You seem distracted as of late." Snape said still holding onto his arm, although it was a gentle grip.

"I'm fine, I don't know what your – "

"Harry!" He said cutting Harry off and looking at him sharply before putting both hands on his shoulders and bringing their body's ever so slightly closer to each other.

Without thinking about it, Harry leaned forward, closing what little distance there was between them and kissed Snape. He felt what seemed like electricity bolt through him the moment their lips touched but that feeling was suddenly replaced with utter horror and fear when he realized what he was doing and pulled away clapping a hand over his mouth.

"Oh my god, I-I'm so…" He trailed off and bolted. His heart beating a thousand beats a minute as he ran out towards the main part of the castle and disappearing.

Snape tried to reach out grip onto Harry before he bolted but he wasn't quick enough and Harry slipped out of his grip before disappearing. He was shocked, that was for sure. However, anger or revulsion weren't the first reactions, rather curiosity and realization that Harry was indeed trying to work out his sexuality. The kiss wasn't exactly glamorous or something to rave about, fact was their lips met and nothing more. However, now he had the arduous task of trying to find Harry but his stomach told him that it wanted food, he doubted Harry was hungry anyway so he decided to leave Harry to think about it before he sought him out. He knew he was going to need the portraits help if he were to find Harry. He sighed, what a mess.

After running down many corridors, Harry found himself at the top of the dungeon staircase, so knowing that Snape would mostly likely be at dinner he went back to his quarters and went into his room to grab his invisibility cloak. He didn't need to be running into anyone with tears rolling down his cheeks. Oh what have I done? He thought sadly before walking back out of the living area and into the corridor. As he walked he thought about the one place he always went when he needed to clear his head. The Astronomy Tower. It was dark outside now so he knew that looking at the stars he might be able to calm down a little.

It was cold up there now, and he was a little annoyed because he hadn't thought of this and now he was shivering a little even though he was draped in the cloak. Sitting down by the edge, he looked out into the stars as if they held the answers. He didn't know what had come over him. The last few days had been exceptionally bad when he thought about Snape, the way he moved his hands, the looks he gave Harry, and his unnerving and uncharacteristic attitude adjustment. It felt like he had just been teasing Harry over this time, even though gradually over the last few weeks Harry had grown fond of the man's handsomeness, his authoritative manner and his care and compassion for his well being. He growled in frustration and lay on his back, making sure he was still completely covered in the cloak and he closed his eyes. He felt like he'd ruined everything that they had developed between them. A tear slipped down his face.

On the off chance that Harry had gone back to their quarters, Snape went down to check it out but when he couldn't see Harry he left again and questioned Salazar if he'd seen him. He was told that Harry had left holding a cloak before running off down the corridor. Snape verbally swore, which was unusual, he knew that the cloak the man was talking about was no doubt the Invisibility cloak so unless Harry wanted to be found there really was no point in looking.

Casting his Patronus Charm, the doe leaped forth and he commanded it to search for Harry Potter. The doe looked at him with an inclined head before looking around and walking down the hall. He wasn't too sure if this would work with Harry being hidden under the cloak but it was worth a shot. He checked the normal places, the Gryffindor common room and dorm, the library, popular classrooms and even the Herbology rooms before looking up at the Astronomy tower and sighing before ascending the stairs.

As expected, when he reached the top there was no one that he could see, but Harry could see everything and was intrigued when the blue light of a Doe Patronus entered the room and came towards him, it was mesmerizing. He held his breath and scooted as far away as he could and saw the door open as a dark figure walked into the room. The Patronus came up to Harry and sniffed the ground before stopping and turning around to the caster. The figure came closer and from the light of the moon, Snape came into view and Harry's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him. He looked far from angry but he didn't want to risk showing himself so he just sat there.

Harry heard another set of footsteps climbing the last two steps and the door opened which caused Snape to spin around with his wand out only to find the Headmaster standing in the doorway.

"Oh, good evening, Severus. What brings you up here tonight?"

"Albus." Snape nodded and his Patronus disappeared slowly. "I was simply enjoying the pleasant night." He lied easily and the Headmaster nodded before his eyes flicked past Snape's before locking eyes with Snape again.

When Harry saw it was Dumbledore that walked through the door he nearly died, he knew from past experience that the man could see straight through the cloak so he would have known that Snape was up here to see him, or maybe not. Who knows? He carefully listened to their conversation but there was nothing interesting and he tuned out and looked out into the sky. What he hadn't expected was Snape to walk out of the room and descend the stairs soon after, leaving Dumbledore and Harry alone in the tower.

"So, Harry. What brings you up here tonight?"

Harry's head snapped round and he slipped the cloak off as it piled onto the floor, but he stayed where he was sitting on the floor. He wasn't going to tell the man what really happened, he was sure that Snape would get into trouble and himself, well, he didn't want to know the consequences.

"We… had a bit of a fight and I came up here to think things through." He lied easily and the Headmaster looked convinced and gave a small smile.

"Hmm, I thought something had happened, your absence at dinner was noticed." He smiled again and went to leave but stopped at the door.

"Was there something on your mind, Harry?" His eyes twinkling in the light from the moon.

"No, sir. Nothing." Harry replied looking into his lap and heard as the Headmaster shuffled towards the door.

"Please don't tell him I was up here." Harry pleaded and Dumbledore turn round and tapped the side of his nose before disappearing into the shadows.

Harry covered himself with the cloak again and shifted so he could look out at the stars again. He didn't want to go back to Snape's quarters but he was cold and he knew that Snape would be worried. Why do I care if he's worried? There had been no anger from the man when he came up to find him but of course, knowing the man his mood could change just like that.

He stayed up there for a couple of hours before the cold got the better of him and he decided to face the music and head back. Descending the stairs to the dungeon was the most painful experience ever and Harry's heart was loudly thumping in his chest, so much so he was convinced the sound was echoing off the stone walls. He gulped as he looked at the portrait and said the password but when he walked in, the room was empty. Must have given up and gone to bed, Harry thought as he moved further into the room and went to sit in front of the fire that was roaring nicely. The heat radiating from the fire was comforting and he felt himself relaxing a little so he flopped onto his back and let the black fur rug encase him. He turned his head to the side and happened to spy Snape's cabinet where he got the alcohol from each night and he smiled, the man won't notice if I take a couple of sips, he thought and crept over to the cabinet and poured from of the amber liquid into his glass. He went and sat back down in front of the fire and soaked up the heat as he sipped on his drink, soon enough he felt the warmth from his stomach growing and chucking the rest of it back he flopped back onto the rug again and closed his eyes.

He had enjoyed the buzz that he'd had from the amount Hagrid had given him when he first arrived, so without hesitation he stood and topped himself up again before sculling half of it and topping it back to the top. Looking at the bottle he snorted and thought that the man would have to be stupid not to realize that someone had been drinking it as there was hardly anything left. Harry didn't care though, he was going to be angry enough with him at the moment anyway, and so he thought that Snape could add it to the pile as he yelled at him.

It wasn't too long before Harry could barely keep his eyes open and once he finished the last drop of his drink he was laying with his back on the rug and let go of the glass so it lay next to his sleeping form. A lot of things went through his head as he lay on the floor flitting between consciousness and dreamland, thoughts that contained Tony and Snape, but as he got more aroused and tired, the thoughts of Snape grew stronger and he moaned as he rolled onto his front, jutting his hips into the rug as he remembered the looks and the touches the man gave him every now and then. He had a throbbing erection, but even his subconscious new that he shouldn't wank in the living room so he made a move to head back to his room. He stood up a little too fast thought and he grunted as he missed a step and fell onto the couch.

"Shh." He whispered to himself and gave out a little giggle.

He heard the tell tale sound of a door handle being touched and he froze as Snape's bedroom door opened and the man came out into the living room to assess the situation. Snape immediately smelt Whiskey, then he looked to the floor and saw one of the glasses he used and lastly looked at Harry who was struggling to gain his equilibrium sprawled on the couch. He realized then and there the boy had been drinking, and for his size he'd say quite a little would get him tipsy so he'd obviously had more than a glass if he was this drunk.

"Shit, Snape… look – " He slurred before face planting into the couch cushion from where he'd been sitting.

Snape moved closer to the couch and saw Harry's mouth half hanging open and the boy being completely immobile. Must have passed out, he thought annoyed and came round to the front of the couch to try and rouse the boy. It was fruitless though as he shook his shoulders a few times only to get a couple of grunts and moans. He sighed and raked a hand through his hair before picking Harry up. As he moved Harry to his room, he felt an unusual hardness that was by his hip, he thought it odd as he didn't see Harry had anything in his pockets, but he then suddenly blushed when he realized where the hardness was coming from and as he put Harry onto his bed he saw the bulge in the tight jeans that he was wearing. He didn't know if he should strip Harry so he was more comfortable, but he guessed that it would definitely be more comfortable so he took a deep breath before slipping Harry's jeans and tee off and pulling the covers over him.

He moved away and went to the door before taking one last look and closing it behind him. They were most certainly going to have a chat tomorrow about this behaviour, not only about the kiss but the drinking as well. He was actually surprised at himself that he wasn't angry at Harry for kissing him, he was more concerned about the fact that Harry had run off and been back way after curfew, plus had got drunk.

Snape picked the glass up from the floor and placed it on his desk that was by the cabinet, he was going to deal with this tomorrow when he was a little more alive. So with this thought in mind he went back to his own room and sunk down into his soft and warm bed as he thought about everything that had happened the past few days. He was starting to warm to Harry's presence in his quarters, even though at first he thought it would have been a nightmare, he had been surprised when Harry had been quite obedient and not the nuisance that he was when at school. He wasn't saying though that he'd miss the boy when he was gone, the thought was actually quite appealing as he did enjoy his solitude after a long and stressful day. Something else that had been a surprise was how he was worried for the boy, all these years and he'd thought him such a pain, a royal embarrassment and a god to be fawned over by the student population and the world. But now, he saw the boy for who he was, a scared and broken boy who had his life, once again ripped to shreds.

He rolled onto his side and curled up with the intention of going back to sleep. The last thought on his mind however, was the thought that he wanted to help Harry and make his life just that little bit better.