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#emmalilly21:

Thanks for the feedback. I've sort of strayed from the main Harry Potter story. You'll notice that I don't really focus on Voldemort and I have kept Sirius out of it and still in Azkaban. Does this answer your question? :)

#Thorilian:

Oh my goodness, I would never be that cruel to you… not yet anyway ;)

#Merlenyn:

As always, I love your comments. So many questions, so many chapters to go :)

#shadowfurie:

Yeah college should be important but honestly first few weeks of classes are always boring so hence the last couple of chapters :)

#navieblue:

Sorry, but I do love a cliffhanger. Muahaha.

#AnimeMandi22:

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Hermione and Ron's reactions won't be the only ones included (this chapter doesn't count).

#Onyx Thanatos Theodore Lerins:

Theo, Theo, Theo. I enjoy SO much reading your comments, this one in particular I enjoyed so thank you. Oh and I'm not really sure when bones will be jumped just yet… could be soon, or could be in a few chapters (who knows?).

I love you all. Thank you for the feedback :)

Enjoy.

Harry's mind immediately cleared of any thought and emotion; he just stood in front of the man stunned beyond belief.

Well, that was until Severus cleared his throat and Harry realized he'd been staring at Severus's lips so he quickly locked eyes with the man to find him looking a little worried. Harry tried to quickly remedy this by snaking one of the hands on the man's chest around the back of his neck and angling himself so he could kiss Severus.

Severus didn't let it go on for long and he pulled away, holding tightly onto Harry's hip with one hand and his cheek with the other so he could look into his eyes. Being silent for a while Harry was starting to think the man wasn't going to say anything and he would have been more than happy to break the silence but he was too stunned to say anything. The man was opening up, he was showing feelings and emotions… it was surreal and he realized he didn't know how to handle it. What he did know however, was that it was starting to sink in and it wasn't a bad feeling, it was a feeling that made him feel safe and loved. A man of so little words had said something and there was an enormous amount of meaning and emotion behind those words.

"Say something." Severus whispered hoarsely looking into Harry's eyes.

"Same." Harry said quickly but then thought that it didn't really sound right and he cleared his throat to try again.

"I-I mean, I really like you, Severus and you mean a lot to me." Harry corrected.

Severus smiled softly and then closed the distance between their lips. The kiss was like nothing Harry had experienced before and it was causing havoc on his body, especially in the lower region and it spurred him on to kiss the man back. They went on like this for a while and Harry began to feel himself being pushed backwards and he took a step backwards to stop himself falling over, but the movement did stop and soon Harry realized he'd been backed into a large rock that was sticking out of the ground, taller than both of them. He was now trapped between Severus and the rock and he bucked his hips forward following his natural impulses. He was rewarded with the man pushing back and he clutched onto the man's coat to pull him close.

By the time they broke apart they were both panting and Harry noticed that Severus's cheeks were flushed.

"I wanted you to know this because when we go back…" Severus hesitated because Harry nodded.

"Just because I don't pay attention to you, doesn't mean everything that has happened is forgotten." He continued.

"I understand."

"Do you though?" Severus replied quickly.

"Yes, Severus I do." Harry said passionately and the man nodded back.

"Okay, then."

Harry, who was still grasping tightly onto Severus's coat pulled him forward and they kissed again, not as passionately as before but the intention behind it was clear.

"Son? Are you all right there?"

They both whipped round and Harry looked over at an old lady who was standing a few meters away from where Harry was pinned against the rock. Harry swallowed hard and he could feel a burning sensation on his wrist, which meant that Severus was clearly afraid of the situation.

"I think you should come with me, love." The lady repeated and started to walk towards them holding out a hand.

"He is fine, you need to mind your own business." Severus barked at the lady but she didn't look afraid and was looking straight at Harry.

"Perhaps he would be the best judge of that." The lady snapped back at him and Harry struggled to find his voice.

"I'm fine thanks." Harry said softly but the lady didn't look convinced.

The lady pursed her lips and put her hands on her hips, a look that rivaled even Mrs. Weasley as she regarded Severus. The two of them continued to eyeball each other before Severus asked if she was with anyone and she denied that she was, causing him to smirk. Harry didn't like the look in his eyes but at this stage he didn't really care, he wanted the lady to leave because he knew exactly what it looked like. A boy, a teenager no less, in the forest with a man that was the same age as his father… it didn't look good and as he stood behind Severus he wondered why the man hadn't blasted her away for interrupting them.

Harry's eyes went wide when he saw Severus draw his wand and he pushed himself into the man's back when he heard the Obliviate charm never having witnessed it cast successfully before was a little shocking but he held himself together and popped his head round Severus's body to see the effects of the charm. The lady looked as if she was confused and looked around before settling her gaze upon the two of them

"You were out for a walk and now you are heading home." He heard Severus say and she nodded before turning and walking away.

"We need to leave." Harry said quietly and Severus turned to face him looking a little grave but nodded nether the less and started to walk away.

He didn't take Harry's hand this time like he had when they first entered but he understood why even though it slightly upset him. So, instead of ignoring the man he grabbed his hand after looking behind them and held on tight even though he could feel the man looking round a little paranoid. He let go when they got back to the street and they walked in silence back to the house.

Once inside, Severus went straight over to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a drink. Harry followed him into the lounge and transformed in Jade, waiting for the man to take a seat before he jumped up onto the man's lap and curled into a ball. He was ignored for the good part of five minutes before a hand came to rest on his back and the warmth made him feel like purring in content. He could understand why the man was a little upset, if upset was the right word to describe how Severus would be feeling. Then again, she was a Muggle… would the Wizarding world frown on this as well? It was a good question and one that he was interested in asking Severus but he didn't know how the approach the question so he decided to leave it. He then wondered what Hermione would say if she found out, do I really want to know? I am happy with Severus, she might try and convince me otherwise…

Harry felt the hand gripping onto the back of his neck and he looked up at the man with a questioning look, well the best that a cat could do anyway because he didn't know why Severus had done it.

"What's on your mind?" Severus asked and Harry went to move, only then did he realize he had his claws out and pressing into the man's thighs.

He changed back and Severus pulled him down onto his lap sideways, putting a hand around his waist comfortably.

"That's why you were hesitant? Because people would act like that lady?" Harry just came out with it. The man had been focusing on honesty so he would give the man just that.

There was silence as Severus looked at his drink and swirled it around in his glass before speaking.

"It is. However, it is not important to me." He said carefully and looked up at Harry with determination.

"Do not dwell on this. Please, Harry. Leave it for me to worry about..." Severus trailed off as he continued in his head, it will fall on my head anyway if anyone finds out.

Unless what we are doing bothers you?"

"It doesn't bother me. I haven't… I haven't felt this way before but I know that this is a good feeling." Harry replied softly before nuzzling his face into the man's neck.

"Good." Severus said before resting his chin on Harry's head.

It was after lunch and Harry was up in his room laying stretched out on his bed, his head faced towards looking out at the grey sky formed by the clouds. After their stint in the forest, Harry was finally aware of why Severus had been so slow about their relationship developing further and he respected the man for the way he had gone about everything. Speaking of the man, he wondered what he was doing but he couldn't really be bothered going to find him, so he clutched his wrist and sent the man a message.

Hey what are you doing?

There was nothing for a minute or two and Harry frowned, he thought that the man would have felt it straight away.

The Headmaster is here.

Harry's eyes went wide and he immediately feared for the worst but took a deep breath and told himself that he was over reacting. He was just about to get up when he felt the tingling sensation again and he looked down at his wrist.

I suggest you come downstairs.

Harry didn't reply but stood up and walked over to the door to go downstairs, his stomach doing flips and knotting as he clutched the doorknob. He could hear the Headmaster talking as he descended the stairs and he felt a lump forming in his throat that he couldn't seem to get rid of.

"Ah, there you are my dear boy. How are you?" Dumbledore said as he stood and patted him on the shoulder.

"I'm good thank you, sir." Harry said and was given a bright smile from the Headmaster before he turned around and sat back down.

"Good, good. And the two of you seem to be getting on fine." It was more of a statement to himself so Harry didn't feel the need to reply so instead went to sit in front of the fire, his back to the two men.

The Headmaster and Severus talked for a little longer about school related issues and Slytherin matters but Harry wasn't really listening until he heard his voice and he turned around to look at Dumbledore.

"I will be in my study." Severus said standing and looking to Harry before leaving the room.

Harry nodded at the man before he stood when the Headmaster motioned for the armchair and he sat down looking over to him expectantly. He had a bad feeling but he needn't have felt it because Dumbledore gave him a sympathetic smile as he asked how he was doing after Remus's funeral.

"Professor Snape has been really understanding, sir. I think it has helped a lot." Harry said honestly and he was almost blinded by the amount of sparkle that erupted from the Headmasters eyes.

"Hence the reason for placing you with him in the first place, dear Harry. I hope you understand now." Dumbledore said happily and clapped his hands together before standing.

"I do." Harry replied.

"Good, now I must be off but I will see you in a few days." He said cheerily and Harry nodded, smiling a little before he watched the man disappear out the door.

Harry shook his head in amusement and after a beat went in search of Severus who he knew was in his study. Ascending the stairs he carefully knocked on the study door before going in, he didn't think he needed to wait for permission this time. When he walked in the man was bent over his desk and Harry went up to him, leaning with his hip on the back of the chair as he tried to see what he was doing.

"Everything okay?" Harry asked and Severus stopped scribbling something down before turning his head to Harry.

"Everything is fine, Harry." He said softly before turning back to the paper and continuing with what Harry could see to now be a list.

"A 'to do list'?" Harry commented almost disbelievingly and Severus stopped before continuing but he could see a smirk on the man's face.

"A bit below my level is it?" Severus snorted in amusement and finished his list with a flourish before turning back to Harry.

"Well… you know?" He hadn't really thought the man would be a list kind of person.

Severus sat right back in his chair and then grabbed Harry's wrist to pull him across his lap sideways and wrapped his arm around Harry's lower back.

"Even I find my mind a little stretched some days. Do you want to help me?" Severus asked pointing to the list and as Harry actually read it he realized they were potions.

"Can't the Headmaster make his own?" Harry said without thinking and he earned a slap on the back of the head.

"Ow."

"Don't be cheeky." He reprimanded, but there was amusement in his voice.

"Surprisingly, the Headmaster isn't brilliant in all areas. Potions just happens to be his downfall."

"Oh." Harry said in understanding.

"Now, if I hear word that you've told others this piece of information you'll seriously regret it." Severus said, failing to be serious as he rested a hand on Harry's knee and squeezed it gently.

"Is that a promise?" Harry quipped back without thinking and Severus's eyes widened a fraction at the meaning behind the words.

"I'm sure I can think of something." Severus chuckled and then pushed Harry off his lap before standing and leading him out of the study.

"So you need an assistant?" Harry asked and once he received a nod from Severus he smiled and followed the man into the lab.

Harry quite enjoyed spending time with Severus in the lab. There were times when he was actively involved and was in charge of an element by himself, and then there were other times where he could sit and watch Severus in his own little world. He had discovered that the man would mutter things to himself and it made him smile. He'd never heard this before but then again he realized that he'd never spent this much time in the lab with him before now.

"Can you pass me – " Severus didn't get to finish as Harry knew what he needed and had it ready.

"And – " Harry handed him the powder.

"Good, now take these roots and dice them for me?" Severus asked handing Harry another ingredient.

"Sure." Harry said happily and settled next to the man with his knife and chopping board.

"Hmm, I think a little finer. Like this." Severus said coming to stand behind Harry and putting his hands on top of Harry's.

Harry's breath hitched at the closeness as the man was effectively giving him a bear hug from behind and the warmth from the man plus his scent was taking Harry to a place he knew he shouldn't be going right now. His semi hard erection said otherwise however as the man pressed him into the table.

"You understand?" Severus purred in his ear.

"Y-Yes." Harry stuttered, completely thrown off that Severus was trying to seduce him in the middle of brewing.

Merlin, he better not do this at school, Harry thought as he imagined the man doing the same thing in class. However it wasn't the fact that everyone would see this interaction that was bugging him, it was getting an erection in the middle of class that bothered him and he found this thought amusing.

"Something funny?" Severus said from beside him, he had moved away about a minute ago but Harry hadn't even noticed.

"Just imagining something." Harry said honestly as he began to dice the way Severus wanted the roots.

"Oh? And what were you imagining, hmm?" Severus asked interested.

"Not appropriate." Harry said matter of factly then pouting as he tried to look like he had the upper hand.

"You forget I have methods of extracting such information from you." Severus said playfully as he carefully stirred the blue substance.

"I'd like to see you try." Harry muttered under his breath and was happy to note that the man hadn't heard him. He was sure he'd be in trouble for that.

Just as Harry had a potion simmering and Severus putting another into a vial, Harry turned for a second to put the knife into the sink. Once the knife left his hand he was grabbed roughly on the hips from behind and thrown onto the bench, Severus coming to stand between his legs that dangled high above the ground and he was pulled so his groin was flush against Severus's body.

"Like to see me try, hmm?" Severus teased and he lunged forward to kiss Harry passionately.

Harry moaned, the sensation taking him off guard in his already sensitive state and his hands went to Severus's neck pulling him closely into the kiss. Harry felt Severus's hands move until they were under his backside and he was pulled off the table, dropped onto his feet, spun round and then pinned front first into the bench. Severus came to position himself behind Harry and lay him across the table so Severus's chest was to Harry's back. Harry wriggled but he couldn't move and that's when he felt Severus's erection pushing into his backside.

"What should I try first?" Severus whispered seductively in Harry's ear and Harry shivered as he felt the warmth of the man's chest across his back disappear but a hand move so it was holding him down onto the table.

Harry felt the other hand fondle his backside before it disappeared and there was a soft smack as Severus slapped Harry across the backside and Harry yelped in surprise before Severus covered him again with his body again, the buzzing feeling from the smack forgotten.

"Would that be effective?" Severus said and Harry mewled, his voice gone. He was incredibly turned on at this current moment.

"Hmm, that won't do." Severus said even though it was to himself and then pulled Harry up turning him around and claiming his mouth with his own, his tongue darting into Harry's mouth as it opened in surprise from being handled so quickly.

"Take me upstairs." Harry said quickly finding his voice as Severus pulled away.

Severus regarded him for a second before he smirked and picked Harry up, pulling him up as he gripped his backside and walked them towards Harry's room where he lay Harry out before climbing on top of him and starting his torture down his jaw and neck before heading south.

Please don't hate me for stopping there... Don't want to spoil you now :P