Chapter Thirty One: Bodies.

Warning: Contains nudity and sexual references.

Harry was on his stomach, lying on the bed with his homework in front of him. Severus was reading the book he'd borrowed from the library on his own bed, propped up against his pillows and still dressed. He's taken his boots and coat off, his collar loose from its usual tight dress.
He could hear Harry scratching onto the parchment with his quill. He'd told him five times already to sit up and write, use the desk, make sure he didn't spill his ink. Harry kept slouching back down to this position, though. He gathered it was a childhood thing. Something he was used to. Did the Dursleys not have a desk in their house?
He concentrated back on the book in his hands. There wasn't much on the whole magical bond, but it was all he could find. It was still very Ancient Magic, and nowadays, it was known less and less to happen with witches and wizards. It was considered rare.

"You look nice when you read," said Harry, having stopped his homework.

Severus lowered the book, arching a brow. "You're tolerable when quiet," he snipped back.

Harry grinned and pushed his work aside, sitting himself up and crossing his legs. He was now changed into his pyjamas—a T-shirt and come baggy pants. Fawkes was perched on his nightstand, fluffed up and looking comfortable. Spells was out hunting.
"Did you find anything?" he asked, scooting himself a little forward on the single made bed he was on.

Pushing himself up, Severus stepped off the bed and put the book down in front of Harry.

"You're not gunna make me read more are you? I just did an essay for Professor McGonagall's class."

Fine. Snape picked the book back up into his hands. "It just states most of what we know. The strong desire to be together. That one can lose their mind if far apart for too long. These are not symptoms that last forever. Eventually it does calm. It is a permanent bond, however," he stated. "Something about destiny," he added in a clerical voice.
To be honest, he'd stared at that word for much longer than he thought he would. Destiny? Really? Him and Potter? He could have laughed considering what the start of their relationship at Hogwarts had been like. Destiny? Yes, Destiny really enjoyed being a bitch then, didn't they? He didn't know what to believe. He knew prophecies were true, but this? Him and Harry? He honestly didn't know what to think about that…

Harry tried not to let the whole 'destiny' thing get to him. "Anything about when the effects wear off after… you know… shagging?"

"'Bonded witches and wizards may experience a temporary glow after being intimate with their bondmate. These glowing periods vary from witch to wizard, but usually die down ten minutes after sexual release'," Snape quoted. "'Glows may also be apparent when bonded couples experience something exciting or traumatic, such as sexual arousal or arguments that pumps the blood'."

Harry really did love when Snape read out in that tone of voice. Snape's voice had always sent shivers down his spine, but because it was so cold and he knew he was in trouble. Now it had a whole different meaning. It was utterly alluring.
"Well, we've argued before…" he stated. "I don't think we glowed then…"

Severus closed the book and put it onto the nightstand. It honestly hadn't been much of a help and there were missing pages—utterly frustrating. "We can't see the glow, that is the problem," he said.

"Does this mean… the first time? Did McGonagall know because we were glowing?"

"No," Severus stated, shaking his head. "It had been hours since we had consummated our relationship. The glow would have been long gone. She knew because your shirt was in the other room and… Well, we weren't exactly careful, were we? She had intercepted Rita Skeeter."

No, that whole night had been a magical high. "So, this just means we have to be careful then, right? Just means we can't have any quickies between classes," Harry laughed.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Indeed."

Harry looked down at his hands in his lap for a moment. He still hadn't gotten Ron out of his mind. He knew it was stupid to let Ron get to him out of jealousy, but it did raise the question on how Severus felt about it. He didn't need images like that swimming around his head.
"Severus… do you like… being with me?" he asked, looking back up. Snape was giving him an odd look. One that he couldn't exactly read. He did that a lot, though. He was about to say something sarcastic.

"No, I keep you around as a pet, Potter. You're a nuisance," said the Potions master sarcastically (bingo!). "If I didn't, I certainly wouldn't let you stay here in my quarters. Let alone the other things we've done," he muttered to himself.

"That's what I'm talking about. The other stuff," said Harry. "I mean, I know you're reserved and everything, but… I'm not forcing you or anything, am I? I know I can come off a bit strong sometimes, but you're not just doing it to please me, are you?"

Severus' brow furrowed. What had brought this on? "Where did this come from?"

Harry stood up this time in his baggy pyjamas. "I was thinking about the bond and stuff today in the library. And… well, you know Hermione noticed. You're not ignorant to how smart she is."

"I don't assume Miss Granger would have said something such as that." Or Severus certainly didn't take her for someone like that.

"No, it's not that." Argh, he didn't want to have to tell Snape about Ron. It wasn't like Severus would give a crap about his friend's opinions anyway, but still. This was about Harry forcing Snape, not Ron thinking Snape was the one doing it to him.
"She didn't say anything like that. It was something someone else said which… made me realise that maybe I was pushing you too much," he explained, his shoulders slightly falling.

"Harry, you mustn't let rumours effect you so easily. They are just silly students that have nothing else to talk about so we're the prime subjects," said Snape absently as if it were nothing.

"It's not rumours."

"Potter, I don't have all night for this. Just spit it out." Severus was beginning to lose his patience now. It was simple black and white. Just say it or don't. Although he was curious to what the hell he was talking about, he just didn't like dancing around the goddamn issue.

"Alright… Ron said something. Well, Hermione told me."

Severus mentally smacked his forehead. He continued to stand, though, showing that he was listening.

"He's upset because you and I are… doing stuff together."

Oh Merlin, they knew? "You've been telling your friends what we do?"

"No! I mean… they know because of the papers the first time. And… Ron doesn't know anything, Hermione only knew because of this stupid glow. But Ron's just assuming things. He thinks you're pushing me into doing things I don't want to do, that you're being dominant over me. And it made me realise that you've been nothing but polite to me, and… I got worried that maybe I was forcing you…"

"I see," said Snape, trying his best not to outright say how childish and stupid the whole situation was. Honestly, he was quite thankful that he didn't have to deal with this crap when he was Harry's age. He just had James Potter and Sirius Black trying to hex him. In return, he did the same thing. Of course, there was always Lily, but that soon fell apart.
He moved closer to Harry, and he lifted his hand, running it against Harry's cheek and down to his shoulder. "Harry, you have not forced me to do anything I did not wish to do with you. I am reserved, as you've said, but that does not mean I don't wish to 'do things' with you," he quoted.

Harry felt reassured when the hand went against him. Snape's magic was much stronger now—he could feel it tingling against his skin. It wasn't at its peak, but he knew it would be in a few more days. Snape still couldn't teach, but he would be taking his class back soon enough. Personally, Harry couldn't wait for no more Professor Desiree.
"I'm sorry if I come on too strong…" he tried to say. He felt both embarrassed and guilty. Not to mention completely needy. God, just the thought of Severus' hard prick against him was enough to make his own member become erect. Was it always going to be like this?

"Potter, I have not forced myself upon you because I do not trust myself with you," confessed Severus. "My bitter nature makes me vile and angry. You deserve a better partner than I. Why do you think I have been distant? You have a whole life ahead of you, Potter, and because of this bond, the two of us have been forced together. The Famous Harry Potter, the young wizard who could have anyone in the world-,"

"I don't want anyone else," said Harry quickly, his hands taking Snape's arms. "I want you, and only you. It's not even the magic anymore." Although that didn't help with his desires. "When I found out who you really were and what you've been doing for me all this time? Something changed. In both me and the way I saw you."

Severus looked away.

"Listen to me!" Harry exclaimed. "Yeah, we hated each other. Yeah, we made both of our lives a living hell, but all of that also meant we cared about what each other thought about us. I reminded you of James, and you hated that, and you were a dick to me, so I hated you. But knowing the truth, it's changed all of that. I don't care about it anymore… I care about you, and… I think I really do love you."

Harry went a deep shade of red as he said that, and Severus felt his heart lurch in his chest. Thankfully, he was getting healthy again, otherwise he had a feeling he wouldn't be on his feet still.

"I get that you're insecure about yourself… but stop it," continued Harry, his green eyes piercing the dark brown ones. "You're amazing to me. Even your smart-arse attitude and snide remarks. You're not this evil person I thought you once were. You're just a hurt man, trying to keep himself together."

Well, that made him feel brilliant. Severus pulled his arms back away. "Potter, I don't need your bloody sympathy. If this is why you've come to like me, then that's bloody-well stupid of you."

"I didn't mean it like that," said the Gryffindor quickly, taking Snape's hands back into his own. Snape always acted out when he was hurt, it was just how he dealt with things, so Harry knew he'd accidently made him feel insecure about himself.
"Sev… you're the smartest, most bravest man I think I've ever known," he said, leaning his hand up. He touched his fingertips to Snape's cheek, leaning it beneath the curtain of dark hair. "No one has ever done what you did for me. You risked your life every day for me. You put yourself in so much danger."

Severus just looked down at the Gryffindor. Harry saying he was proud? Smart, yes, he knew he was smart. But the bravest man he'd ever known? Severus did not pride himself on his actions. He was just keeping his promise. He was paying a debt and trying to redeem his wrongs.
It wasn't often he was complimented in any way or form, and here Harry was saying some of the nicest things he'd ever heard someone say about him. He knew he wasn't a nice person, but whatever Harry saw in him, he thanked whoever was out there to let Harry see it. Without it, they'd still hate one another.
Lifting his hand, he took Harry's into his own. "I will not admit it easily, Potter—my feelings. I've been hurt before, which is why I am reserved, why I am not prancing around, screaming out my feelings for you. But they are there," he said, putting Harry's hand against his chest.

Harry could feel their magic pulsing, along with Snape's heart. It sounded like music, vibrating through his fingertips. "I don't expect you to say it," he murmured, looking back up. "I can wait for however long you need."

Severus gave a thankful nod. "Don't think that I don't want you. That I don't often think of you, because I do. I just don't think the world needs to see or know of it."

"What about me?" asked the Gryffindor, his cheeks flushing as he bit his lip. God, he wanted him so much already again. They'd just had sex a few hours ago, and he was already getting worked up.

Severus mentally smirked at Harry's neediness for him. "Yes, I suppose I could show you more often, I just don't wish to come off too strong." He was well in control of himself and would not make himself out to be a horny teenager. He was a grown man and a professor here at Hogwarts. Nobody needed to see that. And it was not the way he acted.

Harry could have laughed. "Sev, you've been nothing but sweet to me. Maybe I'd like to see you a little bit out of control," he smirked. Snape always seemed in perfect control of everything. It was nice to see him just relax or do something out of the ordinary once in a while.

Raising a brow, Severus just swallowed awkwardly. He was no sadist, but that didn't mean he wasn't a dominant character. It just meant he didn't get off on hurting his partner—not that he really had any experience when it came to that.
He smirked lightly, running his finger's beneath Harry's chin and picking it up. He kissed him, their soft lips going together. He moved his tongue into Harry's mouth, and suddenly the Gryffindor was eagerly massaging his own tongue against his.
But he wouldn't let it go any further. He pulled back, running his thumb against Harry's cheek. "You still have to clean your bed up, and although Poppy is no longer monitoring my heart-rate, I still think I've had enough excitement for one day."

Although wanting more, Harry nodded. He knew Severus was just doing what was good for his health—even though his erection was hissing at him to not let it go any further.

"When you are done, you can put the candles out and join me in my bed for the night if you wish," said Snape, his hand lowering. The excitement in Harry's green eyes was exquisite.

"You're serious?"

"Unless you prefer the one you transfigured? I am rather missing my lounge, Potter…"

Harry grinned. "I'd love to." When Severus nodded, the man grabbed his pyjamas and headed into the bathroom. Harry quickly went over to his books and started sorting them out eagerly, packing them away in his trunk or bag for school tomorrow.
By the time he was done, Severus had come out, changed and slipped himself under the covers. He quickly blew out the candles, the light of the fire still glowing lightly, and he slipped under the covers of the four-poster bed draped in Slytherin emerald, resting his glasses on the nightstand.
"So, who's the big spoon?" he asked, looking down at Snape. His vision was blurry, but even with that he could still see the non-amused look on Snape's face.

"Do we even need to discuss such a thing?" said Snape, moving to face Harry. It was dark, but with the fire going, it was still easy to see those gorgeous green eyes of his, the lightning scar just beneath his growing fringe.

"Why do I have to be the little spoon?"

"Well, I thought that would have been obvious. You're shorter than I am, you're younger than I am, and I have longer hair than you do. You'd be choking on it all night. Also, I have a feeling I won't be able to sleep if you're latching onto my back. I thought you would have enjoyed the show of affection?" he mused.

Harry rolled his eyes, though his mouth a smirk. "Alright," he said, rolling onto his side so his back was facing Snape. There was a slight hesitation, and Harry realised this was probably the first time Severus had ever slept with someone else (besides the first night they'd had sex). He'd at least spooned with Ginny before. This was an odd turn of events. Ginny enjoyed being the little spoon. But that didn't mean he didn't enjoy this way. Actually… it was much better he realised.
Soon enough, the warmth of the other wizard was against his back, and arm draping over his side. He pressed into the attention. "I like being against you," he said softly, feeling his voice vibrate through the back of his neck.

Snape stared across the room, feeling awkward at touching Harry like this. It was strange to share the bed in a normal manner. It was much warmer though, and he liked that. He could smell Harry's hair, and the scent of sweet red-wood and birch from his magic. It was soothing, and made him relax. Suddenly, he was more tired than he thought he was, and he drifted into sleep after telling Harry to go to sleep.

*****
When Fawkes' screech rippled through the room, Harry groaned, eyes fluttering open. The warmth around him was wonderful, and he remembered that he was in Snape's bed. He could feel the Potions master behind him, his body warm against his back. It seemed they hadn't moved at all during the night, and Snape's hand was still over his side. He felt a little stiff, but good.
He knew he had to get up—the both of them did—but he snuggled back into the body behind him, though absently feeling something hard pressed into his backside. In his sleepy-state, he put his hand behind him, pushing whatever it was away. He assumed it was a bone or a hand or something. Oh boy, was he wrong. As Snape's erection was in his hand, he went beet red.

Having heard Fawkes' morning call, Severus was of course ready to wake up, but the scent of Harry against him was just too relaxing. However, when the Gryffindor shifted and grabbed at him, his eyes snapped open, body going stiff.

Oh, God… Snape had morning glory. Snape… of all people… had morning glory! Harry immediately moved his hand back and pretended it was nothing, snuggling back into the covers. Okay, so they'd had sex and seen each other pretty much naked, but Harry still found it embarrassing when they weren't high off magic. Not to mention the thought of Snape's hard dick pressed against his backside was horribly arousing. It was too early for this!
He bit his lip in want. He wanted Snape's hands on him. He wanted his lips on his shoulders, the back of his neck. Most of all, he really wanted to see Severus completely naked. He hadn't had a good look at the man yet—even though he'd felt him in his hand and backside.

Severus awkwardly removed his arm from Harry's body, pushing himself up from beneath the covers. That was utterly embarrassing.

When he felt movement, Harry turned, disappointed as Snape was sitting up on his side of the bed. "Sev?"

Turning over his shoulder, Severus looked at Harry. "Yes?" He adjusted himself more comfortably.

"Sorry… I-I didn't mean to grab, it just kind of happened, and… I didn't… realise what it was. I thought it might have been your arm or something." He honestly tried not to laugh over the whole thing. He may have if Snape was younger or more immature, but he was very much a mature wizard.

Snape just gave Harry an odd look. "There's no need to apologise, Potter. It was my wrong doing, and it shouldn't have happened."

What? "But it's completely normal…" said Harry, now pushing himself up and grabbing his glasses to slip them onto his face. He realised just how awkward Snape looked.

Yes, he was aware it was normal, but even so. "Yes, but it should not have happened. I should have more self-control." He was a bloody grown wizard for Merlin's sake, not a teenage boy.

But you couldn't just control that. Harry knew that. It just happened from being asleep. Morning wood was completely normal.
Moving across the bed, he went behind Snape and leant against his shoulder. "Don't worry about that. It's nothing. Besides… it sort of gave me my own issue," he mumbled shyly. He ran his hand down Snape's arm and down to his thigh, dipping in slightly. "I want to see you lose control…"

Severus felt his blood run cold, his erection standing beneath his pyjama pants now. Oh, Merlin. He grabbed Harry's hand and removed it, though. No, he couldn't lose his control, because he was afraid he'd hurt Harry. His father had been horribly abusive, and part of him hated that so much of his bitterness and cruelty had come from him. He didn't need to add sexual abuse to his list.

When Snape stood, Harry frowned as he watched him walk into the bathroom. Immediately, he pushed himself up and followed, padding his way cautiously into the titled room. "I'm sorry…" he muttered, "I shouldn't have done that."

"Potter…" said Severus, looking down at himself.
He walked back into the next room and grabbed his robed before coming back into the bathroom. "You'll get your wish, Harry. I'm going to change… you can stay if you like." As awkward as that was going to be.

Harry felt bad now, like he was doing something he shouldn't. But they were in a relationship, and Snape was giving him a step forward. "I'll be right back. Stay here." He went and quickly grabbed his own school robed, giving Snape the same opportunity. The both of them needed to move past this. They'd fucked, for God's sake!
"Here," he said, putting his clothes down. "I'm going to get dressed also, and you can either stay or go."

"Harry, there's no need for-,"

"I want to." He immediately started stripping down, a hot flush slapping his cheeks as he realised how quickly he'd gotten undressed, his underpants the only thing on in the cold room. He looked at Severus who was watching him curiously. And he removed his undies, kicking them to the side. "There…"

Snape kept his eyes on Harry's. "I don't need to see you to know how attractive you look nude, Potter…" he said, still dressed in his pyjamas. He mentally sighed. Alright, Harry did that for him, he may as well repay the favour.
Unbuttoning his shirt, he slipped it off and dropped it in the pile Harry's clothes were. He then hesitantly dropped his pants, standing there. "Nothing special, Potter. Was it everything you ever hoped for?" he said sarcastically, as if it would stop him from feeling awkward. Oh bloody hell, they were both men!

Harry's eyes awkwardly took in Snape's body. He liked it. He liked it a lot. He was tall, had thick shoulders, a little on the bonier side than he realised, a small amount of chest hair. Down his belly was a snail-trail like his own, although darker, and it lead down to the part that had been inside him. Snape's uncut member.
He couldn't help it, and he moved forward, putting his hands onto Snape's pale chest. Their bottom halves pressed together, and he could feel his erection pressing into Snape's bare thigh. He lifted his hand, pulled Severus' neck down and kissed him hard.

Feeling the warm skin against skin, Severus kissed back, his hands lowering to Harry's hips. His eyes closed as he took in the taste of the Gryffindor, tongues massaging one another.

Soon enough, Harry could feel Snape's own hard member pressing eagerly into his lower belly. "God, you're even hotter than I thought you were," he groaned needily, lowering his hand to take Snape's thick erection into his hand. He could feel it was a little wet from the excitement, dabbing onto his skin.

Severus tensed at the feeling of Harry's fingers teasing his foreskin. "Potter, no, we can't. It's a school day, and we can't have our magic glowing around us," he informed, taking Harry's shoulders and pushing him back, even though he wanted nothing more than to ravage the Gryffindor's tight arse. He didn't have classes, but he wasn't staying here all day, and Harry did. Plus, they still had breakfast.
He caught himself and grabbed his underpants, pulling them on as quickly as possible to hide the temptation. It didn't do much, but they couldn't risk people knowing that they'd been intimate. At least they'd gotten that out of the way, though.
He tossed Harry's clothes at him. They both got dressed, and Harry had one of the elves deliver his trunk back to Gryffindor common room. Then they departed as they went to breakfast, flustered and sexually frustrated for the sake of not 'glowing' in public.

*****
Classes had been the usual. Ron had been asking him personal questions all day, hinting to things—sexual things. Harry didn't let out in any of them. He didn't have to. He and Snape had only ever done it twice. The rest was just kissing and wanting to shag one another. But it was never actually doing it. Snape was determined not to give into his more 'wild' side, and Harry wasn't going to force it out of him either—as much as he wanted to experience that.
Eventually, he came out with the truth. He told Ron that Snape wasn't anything like he thought he was. Ron finally admitted that he saw Snape as manipulative, and Harry said it was a complete load or rubbish. He told him that they'd only ever done it twice, and Ron almost seemed shocked, staring at him.
"What?" asked Harry, shrugging. "Is that honestly so hard to believe?" he asked as they were sitting in the Potions classroom—Professor Desiree still taking classes. Thank God she'd backed off from Snape—who'd put in a complaint about her quite easily. Snape didn't hold back on his words either apparently.

"Um… yeah, that's bloody-well hard to believe. It's Snape!" Ron whispered harshly as they were paired together this period.

"Ron, all the time you called him an ugly git and said that he's probably never been shagged. And now you're saying that he's a… sex fiend or something! What is it? Is he a virgin or not?" Harry stated harshly. He was getting very tired of the way Ron was acting.

The read-head just looked at the cauldron in front of them. "Well, he's obviously not one now with you shagging him. But… once he's had a taste."

"Ron, you haven't even had sex, so you don't even know what it's like," said Harry impatiently, rolling his eyes as he tossed in the ingredients and it started to expel purple fumes like said in the book.

Ron went stiff, his cheeks going red. "W-well, how do you know we haven't?"

Harry just lifted a brow. "Look, stop acting like it's the biggest deal ever. It really isn't… It's just… a feeling, okay? You're not missing out on anything. Yeah, it's good, but you can do the same thing with yourself."

The ginger-headed boy was still red. "Harry, don't say it like that!"

"What? You're going to get nervous about it when you're already making out that Snape's some kind of devil in the pants? Seriously, Ron. If you've got something to ask me, just do it instead of being all passive aggressive over things. You got the information wrong and it made you think things that weren't true."

Looking down, Ron pursed his lips to the side. "Sorry…" he mumbled. "I just…"

"I know, Ron, and it's fine. But what Snape and I do in our personal time really isn't anyone else's business."

"Harry, you're famous. You do realise that the moment you step out of Hogwarts that everyone's gunna want a piece of you? Don't forget that. You can't just live at Hogwarts forever, mate."

Harry hadn't forgotten about that. Yes, it had been rather blissful now that Hogwarts was quietening down, but Hogwarts was school. Once he stepped out into the real word, he knew very well that the Prophet was going to want a piece of him and all the scoop on his and Snape's relationship and sexual relationship. He hadn't forgotten that.
"Yeah, I know. But that doesn't mean I have to tell anyone anything," he stated. "Besides, when I'm done with school, I'm going right into training. I still have enough money to do that. With the Death Eaters either on the run or selling one another out, I figured going back to Sirius' house could work. After all… he did leave it to me before he died. Now that Voldemort's gone, it's safe."
Harry felt a sudden wave of unpleasant emotions hit him in the chest. He missed everyone so much. Especially Sirius and Lupin. Teddy was with his grandmother, but Harry would still like to go and visit the Lupin family's son. He planned on at least visiting Dudley once as well during the holidays.

"I dunno if it's safe there. I mean, yeah, the Death Eaters are on the run, and most of 'em are probably gunna turn on each other, but even so. Doesn't it have… too many bad memories?"

Yeah, it did, but that didn't mean he should just toss them away. Sure, it was a bit dirty and old, but Sirius was his Godfather. He could clean it up and make it look nice. Although, the thought of that painting of Mrs Black wasn't very nice… Having to live with that for the rest of his life wasn't a pleasant thought. Maybe he'd have to go elsewhere.
"Yeah… I suppose…" he mumbled lightly. He didn't really have anywhere else to go, though. Now that the Dursleys would never take him back—not that he'd ever want to go back.

There was silence between the two of them for a moment, the class around them rowdy. "Well… what about Snape?" asked Ron uneasily. "I mean… he does live somewhere, right?"

Of course he lived somewhere! Harry had thought about it before, but he wasn't sure if Severus would like it, or allow it. They were together, but living in the same house seemed like such a quick move. He supposed he always could stay here at Hogwarts. Or rent a small place. He had enough wizard money to do so. He could just convert it at Gringotts Bank.
"Um… I dunno about that. I don't know if Snape really uses his home often. From what I know, Hogwarts is kind of more of a home to him than anywhere else," he mumbled.

"Worth a try though, right? After all, you've already done the most… personal thing. What's living together gunna do?"

Harry shrugged. "I dunno, maybe I'll come out with long hair." Harry smirked when Ron snorted.

"Yeah, maybe you'll start sounding like him, too."

"Shut up," Harry laughed, though pleased Ron wasn't talking about their romantic relationship anymore.
The rest of the Potions lesson went smoothly. Harry and Ron got the Potion down well enough to please Professor Desiree, and soon they were packing their things when the bell rang through the school.
Harry was about to walk out with Ron and Hermione before he felt a hand on his shoulder, making him turn to see the temporary Potions professor.

"Mister Potter, could I please have a word with you?" asked the witch, her eyes as gentle as ever on the Gryffindor.

Harry felt uneasy, but he shrugged. "Go on, guys, I'll catch you later," he said, Ron and Hermione giving him a worried look. Harry had no idea what this was going to be about, but he gathered he'd find out. Nowadays he pretty much just rolled with the punches. There was always something someone wanted out of him.

When the last student left, Desiree approached Harry. "I hear you want to be an Auror, is that correct?"

"Yes…" said Harry, trying to keep a brow down.

"Well, you certainly have the magic to do so. But you have to pass Potions to train and study as an Auror, yes?"

Where was this going? "Yes, Professor," he answered. "Am… I doing bad or something?"

Professor Desiree put a polished finger to her chin. "Well, you are falling behind a little, I have noticed," she stated. "If you want to be part of this class, I think you should have some more private lessons."

Seriously? Harry frowned. "I thought I was doing better," he said. Hell, he wasn't even that bad! Snape had taught him a lot of little things that helped in every day preparation, and now he was doing bad? To be honest, he thought he would have been doing better without the distraction of Professor Snape around him. Half the time he accidently did something wrong because he was watching the man. It wasn't like Snape favoured him either. He was still professional.
"Where am I going wrong?" he asked. He couldn't start failing now! It was almost half way through the year. "Professor Snape said I was doing well. Or… better at least."

"Yes, well, I'm afraid his feelings towards you may have skewed his view," said the witch, putting her hand onto Harry's shoulder. "I'm sure he just didn't wish to hurt your feelings."

Harry found that hard to believe. Snape never made it a point to walk around an issue. He was blunt and as forward as they came. Especially to Gryffindors. Partner or not. Feelings towards him or not. Why would Severus lie like that?

"Look, you don't have to mention this to him, Harry, I'm sure he's just trying to protect your ego," Desiree said sweetly, patting his hair.

Harry shook his head, moving away. He was pissed off now. School wasn't a joke! His grades weren't a joke! He needed to pass Potions, and if Snape was going easy on him… (Hermione would kill him)?

Professor Desiree smiled gently. "Why don't you have some private lessons with me, Harry? I'll be able to teach you a few things that Professor Snape may not."

Hardly. Snape was a highly intelligent Potions master (and wizard). The book he'd gotten from his sixth year said enough about that. No wonder Snape's lessons were usually up on the blackboard and not from books—he knew they were wrong.
"N-no… it's fine, I'll just try and pay more attention in class," he muttered. "I have homework to do, so if it's all the same to you, am I allowed to go?"

Professor Desiree nodded. "Oh, and before you go, I must insist you keep this to yourself, Mister Potter," she said gently. "I wouldn't want Professor Snape getting into trouble, and I wouldn't want it to be the cause of a spat, or even worse, the Headmistress finding out and Professor Snape losing his job over it."

Professor Desiree's voice was sweet, and Harry could tell she was trying to guilt trip him. He just nodded silently before grabbing his things and heading outside. There was no way he wasn't talking to Snape about this. He was going to talk to him right now.