Out of the Ashes

by SABATHco

Snape awakes a week after the Battle of Hogwarts to be told Harry Potter saved his life. Post-war, slow Snape/Harry, adult themes, mild profanity, romance, male/male, AU.

34. Spinner's End

Chapter Thirty Four: Spinner's End.

Warning: Contains nudity, profanity, sexual references.

Like Harry had predicted, Potions classes had calmed down (and Neville was becoming more confident in his work), as well as the talk amongst students. It seemed like Severus had gotten through to Professor Desiree, because nothing came in the papers but the usual speculations of their relationship. Harry was surprised, he honestly thought she'd write something about them, but clearly she had reason not to.
Considering there was nothing fuelling the students, there was nothing else to talk about. And with Harry and Snape not reacting, there was really no urge for the students to continue. There would always be a snicker here and there, but it was nothing like when it all started and came out.
Of course, every time the Daily Prophet arrived at the school, there was always some whispering. But holidays were coming up soon, and Harry still didn't know what he was going to do. Ron was—as he'd told him—going back to Romania, and Hermione—as he'd guessed—was going to Australia. There, she hoped to restore her parent's memories and get them back to England. This left him, however, quite lonely for the holidays, and he wasn't really looking forward to it. The silence in the castle, sure, but not the loneliness.
With classes being so full on right now, he was unable to spend much time with Snape, and he hadn't been able to ask him what he was doing over the holidays. If he was staying here or going back home.
It was a week until holidays started, and the weather was getting horribly cold. Harry had his red and gold scarf wrapped around him as he, Ron and Hermione were sitting outside in the grass after classes had finished (only because it was sunny). Spells was sitting with them, fluffed up in her snowy feathers.

"Why don't you just ask Snape if you can stay with him? I'm sure he will be more than willing to have you over for the holidays. You are in a relationship after all," Hermione said. She was very excited to go over to Australia and catch her parents again. She was missing them greatly, and now that most of the Death Eaters were captured, she was more than willing to get them back.

Harry shrugged. "I dunno… I just feel it might be invasive. I mean, I know we're together and all, but what if it's going too far?"

"You're okay with shagging one another, but not living with one another?"

By now, Harry had gotten over the way Ron spoke about his and Snape's relationship, so he just brushed it away. "Yeah, but that's different. Living with Snape is… What if something goes terribly wrong and I'm stuck there?"

"You're worrying too much, Harry. Honestly, I'm sure Snape'll be fine with it," Hermione stated. "This is a chance for the both of you to show a sign of real commitment."

"I would have thought all the stuff in between Snape being bit to now would have proven that I'm committed…"

"This is a huge step, Harry!" continued the witch, "Living together isn't the same as sharing Hogwarts because of school. It means sharing a home with one another and being comfortable together. Not to mention it's a step towards trusting one another more. I doubt Snape just lets anyone into his house. Well… unless orders," she added, knowing Snape didn't enjoy living with Peter Pettigrew when under Voldemort's reign.

But Harry already trusted Snape. He didn't exactly have a reason not to trust him. Sure, he was angry over the whole Professor Desiree thing when it happened, but now that he looked back on it, it was actually really stupid. Like Snape would show an interest in someone like her! He had more class than that. Not to mention she seemed like a control freak.
Hermione was right, though. What about Snape trusting him? He didn't ever give a reason for him not to, but he supposed that wasn't the point. For both of them, it could be a substantial step forward in their relationship. He was fine with how they were going now, but he just wished he could spend more time with Severus. His own school work, plus Snape's schedule for classes (and then work after classes) was putting a massive strain on them getting any personal time with one another.
"Well… what do I ask him? And what do I do if he says no?" he said, rubbing a hand through his messy hair. Sometimes he really hated how it stood up at the back so much. He really needed it cut, it was getting lengthy again.

"Well, you might wanna ask what he's doing over the holidays first," Ron stated. "I'm sure he… does something… What does he do? Collect potion ingredients or something?"

Harry had no idea what Snape did in his spare time when school wasn't on. "I suppose I'll find out," he murmured. "If I can't, then I'll just stay at Hogwarts. I have Spells to keep me company," he said, running his knuckles against her silky feathers. The owl barked lightly and nibbed at his gloves.

"Well, you might want to ask before it's too late. McGonagall is already starting to take names for who will be staying here over the holidays," Hermione informed them. "There's still time before dinner, so why don't you go down to the dungeons now?"

Now? Harry felt uneasiness churn in the pit of his stomach. He was nervous about what would happen if Snape said no. Of course, he did have the right to. Severus could be too busy to house him. He had no idea! It was his house, after all. He didn't have to allow him to stay there. But it was better off knowing now than later.
"Yeah… alright," he nodded. "Spells, you can go back to the Owlery if you want," he said, the snowy owl spreading her wings and flying away from the small group. "I'll catch you guys at dinner. Wish me luck."
When both Ron and Hermione said goodbye and good luck, he headed back inside and down to the dungeons. The further he got down, the more he realised the anxiety gripping his stomach. What if Snape did say no? Of course he'd feel upset about it. He knew Severus was no way near as affectionate as he was, but the rejection would still hurt him. Sometimes he wondered if Snape had really fully accepted their bond and relationship at all.
Well, there was only one way to find out, wasn't there?
Reaching the dungeons, he saw Snape's office and knocked on the door. When he was granted access, he opened it. Snape was standing up beside Fawkes' perch, the phoenix giving a happy chirp when he saw Harry.

Seeing Harry was pleasing to Severus as the day had been horrid with his first years ending his classes. "Potter, what can I do for you?" he asked, stroking Fawkes' feathers.

Harry awkwardly walked into the room. Although they'd become more confident in their relationship, this was still nerve-wracking for him not knowing what Snape's reaction might be.
"Um… well, I just wanted to ask what you were doing for the holidays?" he said. Fawkes stretched his wings at the question and gave a happy chirp. At least someone was keen for them.

"Christmas, hm… not exactly my forte, Potter," Snape complained, putting his hands together. "I presume I'll be returning to my Muggle home now that most of the Death Eaters are at bay. And yourself? I'm assuming you have something eventful to attend to. I know you Gryffindors are fond of… holidays."

"Actually… no, not really," Harry confessed. "Ron and Hermione will be away for the holidays, and I'd rather not return to the Dursleys."

Snape just looked at Harry, his face expressionless. "I assume Professor McGonagall will be adding you to the list to stay at Hogwarts, then?"

Rubbing the side of his arm, Harry looked away for a moment. "Well… I thought that… If you're not busy, or doing anything, that-that I might be able to come and visit you?"

The Potion master's hands dropped down to his sides. Harry was asking to… stay with him over the holidays? Severus' brain took a moment to take in what had just been requested. After Wormtail being inside his house, Harry would be a blessing, but even so, he was not sure how to answer such a question. Would it be healthy for them? Would Harry even enjoy his time there? His house was nothing special. In fact, it was nothing but books. Potter wouldn't enjoy his time one bit there! To be perfectly honest, it wasn't something he was proud of to show Harry… in fact, it was kind of embarrassing. Or at least he was beginning to feel rather ashamed of it.
"Harry…" he started, looking at the shorter wizard.

"It's no big deal if you say no," interrupted the Gryffindor, expecting the worst outcome possible now by the tone of Severus' cool voice. "I still have Hogwarts I can stay at, like I said. I just thought I'd ask. No harm done, right?"
He stopped when he felt a finger pressed gently against his lips, his eyes looking up to Snape's, draped in a curtain of his black and freshly cleaned hair. He'd obviously had time for a shower after classes. Now that he was this close to him, he could smell the cleanser and shampoo.

"Harry, I would enjoy your company over the holidays," Severus said with a gentle smirk. Harry's eyes widened and he lowered his hand. "If you find yourself bored to death, I will be more than welcome to escort you back here where you can spend the remainder of your holidays. I make no illusions on you enjoying yourself, though."
Even though he was new to this, he had gotten used to Harry's company (as well as Fawkes'). Being home alone throughout the entirety of the holidays would be quite dull now that he'd had a taste of Potter's antics.

Harry felt his insides do a backflip. "You're serious?"

"As long as you don't destroy the place, Potter. I'm not used to visitors… especially over Christmas. I hope you don't expect me to redecorate."

Harry just grinned. "It'll be fun!"

Severus rolled his eyes.

"Please, Sev!? I promise, you won't have to do anything. I can get the tree and the lights. You don't have to get me something or anything like that. No one should be alone on Christmas, though."

Snape froze as he realised what Christmas was all about (besides the religious Muggle factors). Gifts. This was not his type of thing. And not giving Harry something would just look awful! They were a couple… the least he could do was give him something on Christmas Day.
Severus felt an odd churn in his gut at the thought. He knew the Gryffindor's aunt and uncle probably never lifted a finger for him on any holiday, but he was more than that. Harry was important to him as well. Maybe this was actually an opportunity he could take to show that he did care for Potter—even though he was very much reserved. A token of appreciation and a show of affection. After all, he had enjoyed Spells.
"We can discuss decorations later, Potter, you still have a week of school left," he noted out, wishing to change the subject. "You will only need your trunk. You won't need to take the train back to London. We can use the Floo network. If you wish to bring your owl, she will have to fly."

Harry could literally feel the excitement growing in his stomach. He didn't expect Snape's house to be rainbows and flowers, but that didn't matter. Severus had accepted and he was allowing him to stay with him in his home. If anything, that's all he really needed to reassure him that Snape really did care about their relationship. To say yes.
"When do I need to be ready?" he asked. Honestly, he wished he could go there now, and that school was over.

"The final night of school would be preferable, Potter, unless you need to tie up loose ends?"

"No, no, everything should be fine. I'll be ready then," the Gryffindor smiled enthusiastically.

The corner of Snape's lip curled into a small smirk. "Good. Now, dinner will be served soon, you best head to the Great Hall."

"I'll catch you in class tomorrow." Harry moved in and wrapped his arms around the taller wizard, hugging him tight.

Snape found himself stiff at the Gryffindor's show of affection. His hands slowly went to Harry's back, letting his muscles loosen. Harry's body was warm against his, and he could feel his gentle heartbeat and the rhythm of his magic go against his own.
"I will see you in class," he murmured as Harry pulled out of the embrace. He lowered his arms and motioned his head towards the door. Harry gave a wave of the hand before he disappeared out of his office.
Beside him, he heard Fawkes make a sharp chirp. "Oh, shut up," he muttered, closing the door to his office and getting back to work.

*****
The week seemed to drag on forever, and Harry was having a hard time in keeping his frustration down. He was excited to spend the holidays with Snape. He knew Severus wasn't exactly the most exciting person in the world, but that didn't matter, he wanted to just spend time with him. Plus, he had a feeling he could persuade the Potions master into getting out of the house for a while. Hell, he might even get to see where his mother lived when she was growing up.
He'd informed Ron and Hermione about everything so they would know where to send their letters while they were all separated. He didn't know if he'd even end up writing back, but if he needed someone to talk to, he knew he could always depend on them.
Finally, the final class was over, and everyone was packing for the holidays (or the people leaving Hogwarts anyway). Taking his trunk down the stairs, he met up with the rest of the Gryffindors who were down there.

"I'll send you both letters when I get to Australia," said Hermione with an eager grin. "And of course, once I find my parents and get their memories back."

"You will be coming back, won't you?" Ron asked, nervousness in his voice.

"Of course!" said the girl. "I'll bring you gifts, too. I'll still be sending you Christmas cards, as well. Now that I know where the both of you will be."

Harry felt a pang of excitement skip in his stomach as Hermione grinned cheekily towards him.

"Are you sure you're going to be okay, Harry? You know you can come back here if something bad happens, right?" Of course, Hermione didn't expect something bad to happen, but she worried if a fight broke out. After all, even though Harry and Snape were in a relationship, they were still worlds apart when it came to what they had in common on an interest level. They were only now starting to understand one another's personality traits.

"I'll be fine. I promise," Harry nodded. "I'll see you guys when the holidays are over, okay? And Merry Christmas."
Hermione gave him a tight hug, and Ron joined after a moment. He was surprised that Hermione almost had tears in her eyes. It was just Christmas holidays! Then again, he had a feeling it was more about her parents than anything else.
Pulling out of the embrace, he gave a nervous breath. "I'll see you in a few weeks. Enjoy your holidays, alright?" he said, both Ron and Hermione nodding. He saw their hands link, and he knew it would be difficult for them to spend so much time apart. But they had owls and letters. They'd keep in contact—well, if Ron wasn't enjoying himself too much with dragons.
Grabbing his trunk, he watched as Spells flew out the common-room window. It would take her a while, but she'd arrive at Snape's house soon enough. Fawkes, however? He had no idea what Snape was doing with Fawkes.
He headed down to the dungeons, the corridors already seeming empty. There were still a few students staying, but most of them were leaving as soon as possible. Even though Hogwarts was great, people still enjoyed going home for holidays and spending time with their families. Something Harry didn't have.
Pushing the thought aside, he followed the corridors down, finally reaching Snape's office. The door was open, and he stepped inside to see Professor McGonagall inside alone with the Potions master.

"Oh, Potter, you're here," said the Headmistress. "I've been informed that you and Severus will be spending the holidays at his home in Spinner's End. I am just here to make sure that you two are careful whilst in public and that the Prophet should not be able to touch you as long as you are in the sight of Muggles. However, that does not mean they won't try," she warned.

Harry nodded. He hadn't forgotten about the Daily Prophet still being interested in his and Snape's relationship. "Will they know we're back?"

"The Prophet has many eyes and ears, Potter, I am sure someone will hear of it," the witch sighed. "That is all I wished to inform you of. Enjoy your holidays, Potter, I will see you when you return."

Harry would have wished McGonagall a happy holidays, but he knew she was staying here at Hogwarts to look after the remaining students, as well as some of the other professors.

"You have everything you need?" asked Snape, making his way over to the fireplace.

Harry noticed a small trunk was beside the fireplace, which was clearly Snape's. Fawkes was still sitting on his perch. "Yeah, I got everything. But what are you doing with Fawkes?"

"Fawkes can Apparate, despite the constriction against witches and wizards inside Hogwarts. He is a creature, not like us," Severus explained. "An elf will send our trunks."

Oh, so that explained why Dumbledore and Fawkes could Apparate while in Hogwarts. Well, he knew Dumbledore could lift the rule as he was Headmaster at the time, but he doubted McGonagall would lift the restriction just for the students and professors over the holidays. It meant they could just pop in and out when they wanted to.

"Besides, Potter, it would not be wise to allow Fawkes to fly in the sight of Muggles. Owls they may be ignorant to, but a phoenix? That would be a great exposure. With the war having ended and blamed on terrorist attacks to the general public, they certainly don't need something else to fuss about."

Understandable. Muggle media was no different to their own. Either way, everything was blown up and made into something horrible with their own spin on it.

"You've used Floo before, you know how it works. You may go first. I assume you don't need a reminder of the address?"

Snape had given him the address previously during the very slow passing week after one of their Potions lessons. "No, I still remember it," he said, though feeling uneasy.
He suddenly gulped at the thought of entering Snape's house all by his own. This was beginning to get more nerve-racking than he thought it would be. But he stepped into the fireplace and grabbed a handful of dark Floo Powder from the collection in the bowl at the side. He spoke the address as clearly as possible, and green flames swallowed him whole.
He shut his eyes from the flames and soon felt the roaring of the fire die down as he'd teleported into somewhere cold, his eyes opening. To his surprise, Fawkes had Apparated already and was sitting on the lounge. A loud pop and the trunks were there beside phoenix.
He stepped out of the fireplace and brushed himself down, looking around the small and cold room. It was dreary and grey, and books covered the walls. However, it instantly warmed when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"I told you it wasn't much…" Severus muttered, stepping out of the fireplace and brushing his shoulders down of the remaining ash. He instantly commanded the fire to start up, green flames turning orange and glowing into the dark house. The blinds were all drawn already, but he turned on the Muggle lamp and it lit up the small lounge-room they were standing in.

Well, Harry had to admit, even the Dursleys house was a bit more lively than this. He could tell Severus hardly stayed here. It was probably just a small retreat when he had to. It was very neglected.

"Potter… if you wish to go back to Hogwarts-,"

"No," Harry butted in, shaking his head and looking at Snape. "No, I want to stay here, with you," he smiled. "But tomorrow morning, I'm going to clean up the place."

Clean up the place? Snape looked around, raising a brow. It was a bit dusty, but honestly, it wasn't that bad. He hardly used this place! Did Harry honestly think it was going to be pretty? If anything, it was more a storage room for books and past studies on potions and their ingredients.
"You don't have to do that, Potter. You're a guest, not a slave," he scoffed, picking up his trunk and moving it across the room. "Kitchen and living area is down here, the bathroom and bedrooms are upstairs. If you wish to take a tour, not that it will be very exciting," he muttered.

Harry grabbed his trunk and followed Snape up the stairs. They reached what looked like the master bedroom and Severus opened the door, a double bed inside. It looked like it hadn't been used in ages. Harry could tell Severus spent most of his time at Hogwarts.
There was a wardrobe inside, and a mirror. Snape plopped his trunk onto the bed, and Harry put his onto the floor. "I hope you don't think I'm spending my time here in the spare bedroom, Sev," he said, Severus taking his coat off and laying it onto the bed.

Snape had thought of that option already, but he knew Potter would put up a fight about the whole thing. They were in a relationship, and they had been now for a couple of months. He figured if he were willing to let Harry stay in his home, he may as well give him the comfort of sharing the bed. The bloody Gryffindor wouldn't shut up, otherwise. Besides, he'd missed having Harry around in his quarters.
Adjusting his sleeves, Snape smirked lightly to the other wizard. "Don't worry, Potter, you may share the bedroom with me," he said. "There are some empty drawers if you need them. I hope you don't plan on leaving everything in your trunk."

Harry moved in a little bit, putting his trunk onto the side of the floor. He didn't like getting in the way, and he was respectful of other people's property—the Dursleys taught him that. He didn't exactly want to touch anything that he wasn't meant to.

"I'm going to clean up, Potter. You may set yourself up."

"Do you mind if I take a look around? Just so I know where everything is?" he asked.

Severus was hesitant for a moment, but he finally said, "You may. Just don't break anything…"

Harry grinned lightly. "I won't, I promise." When Snape left, Harry looked around the room, taking everything in. He placed a hand on the bed and tested it, seeing how soft it was. He was actually surprised—it was much softer than he was thinking. Good, it wasn't hard and stiff like what he had back in Privet Drive.
When he heard the shower turn on, he walked out of the main bedroom and looked down the hallway. He could see the light from beneath the door in the bathroom, and for a moment he wished he had have mentioned him joining Severus in the shower. Well, maybe not their first night together. He could give Snape his space. Besides, they'd be sleeping in the same bed tonight, and Harry was actually looking very forward to that again. He'd missed Severus' surprisingly warm body beside his.
Walking past the hallway, he headed into what looked like the spare room. Nudging the door, he stepped inside. Moving forward, Harry took a look around. Instantly, he knew this was where Snape would have stayed as a child. It felt strange being here. Not bad, but odd. Just knowing this was where Snape grew up was all a bit odd for him to take in. He had a hard time imagining Severus as a child, even though he'd seen him in his memories.
It was stagnant inside, like no one had been inside for years. There was a small window on the side, the bed there. Harry moved over to the small dresser. It was covered in a thick layer of dust. He wanted to see what was inside, but he knew if Snape found him snooping, he'd be in a lot of trouble.
Running his finger through the dust, he looked at it. Snape would definitely know. He'd try and casually bring it up later on. He didn't want their first night being hostile and consisting of a fight between the two of them.
Moving out of the room, he headed down the stairs, Fawkes now perched on his stand. The elves must have delivered that as well. The kitchen was to the side, and it was small. It had the basic necessities, fridge, stove, oven. Harry didn't take much time to look in there, instead, he headed over to the mantelpiece in the lounge.
It was blank. Absolutely nothing but a candle was sitting on top. It looked like Snape had removed anything that had any kind of family value to it. Had Severus been that neglected as a child that he had absolutely nothing to show for it?
A horrible sensation hit inside his gut. He felt awful if that was how lonely Severus had been as a child. There was absolutely nothing here but books. This wasn't a home. It was just a stock pile for Snape. He should have asked if Severus wanted to stay at Hogwarts rather than here.

"I didn't think it wise to have anything out whilst under the Dark Lord."

Harry spun around, startled. He hadn't heard Snape come down the stairs. His hair was damp and stuck to the sides of his face, but he was clothed in a long sleeve undershirt and black jeans.
"Sorry… I wasn't snooping or anything, I was just taking a look…" he said, shrugging gently. Severus looked very enticing with wet hair, his dark eyes following him.

Approaching Harry, Severus gave a crooked smirk. "Trust me, Potter, I'd know if you were snooping," he said, looking down at those green eyes behind the glasses. "I know when things have been touched."

Harry all of a sudden felt very paranoid that he'd easily make some kind of mistake around Snape. Then again, they were in a relationship, so he really shouldn't have anything to worry about or hide—and neither should Snape.
"Now that you're a free man, will you put anything back?" he asked, Snape lighting the candle and giving Fawkes a treat.

"Perhaps. I don't tend to spend much time here, Potter—if you hadn't noticed," Snape stated, stroking Fawkes's crest. "If you are hungry, the elves would have delivered some food for the fridge." Honestly, he would have stayed at Hogwarts if Harry didn't offer. Turning him down just seemed wrong.

Harry looked at the kitchen. He wondered if Snape could even cook… Brewing potions was kind of a form of cooking, wasn't it?
"I can wait a while," he reassured. "What are all the books here of? You can't… really read this much, right?"

"I prefer the company of books and knowledge than the stupidity of people," Severus sighed. "But don't think I am ignorant to your style of behaviour. I know you will be itching to get out of the house. I am more than willing to let you go outside. It's nothing pretty, Hogwarts is much more-,"

"Stop putting everything down," Harry stated with a frown. "Anything is better than spending the holidays with my aunt and uncle. I'm more than happy to be here. Besides… I have you, and I'm allowed to use my magic. That's all I need."

Severus ran a hand through his wet hair, nodding. He couldn't believe that he was actually nervous about Harry being bored here for the whole holidays. He knew Potter; he wanted to get out and about. He had been stuffed in a cupboard under the stairs for eleven years of his life. He certainly didn't want him to feel trapped and constricted like that while staying here.
"Well, just so you know, you are free to roam the house as you please. I'm afraid there isn't much to do here, but perhaps giving this place a bit of life might help uplift your spirits."

Harry couldn't help but smile a little. "I don't need anything but you to do that," he said, feeling his cheeks burn as he approached Severus and took his hand into his own. It was warm from the shower he'd had. God, Snape looked so nice when he was casual. He looked so human. Not all stern and professor-like. He looked relaxed.

Swallowing hard, Snape made a soft noise as he felt Harry lean into him. He ran his hand down Harry's back, feeling that odd fluttering sensation stick to the insides of his chest. He was worried and flattered at the same time. Worried that Harry would hate it here and want to go back to Hogwarts by himself, and flattered that anyone would say such a thing about him—especially Harry.
Part of him hadn't wanted to accept Harry's request because of this. Because he was afraid that after this, Harry would just see how dull and boring his life was. He wasn't anything exciting! He was books and potions. Harry needed the sun against his skin. He needed bright and fancy colours. Not the dreary run down atmosphere of Spinner's End. He should have just stayed at Hogwarts with him. But he supposed allowing Harry here was a show that he did care for him.

"Now that you're allowed to use magic, is there any way you can make it warmer in here?" asked Harry, looking up with arched brows.

When Harry moved away, Snape gave a small nod. He took his wand from the back of his pants pocket and put a few wards up so the cold wouldn't come in so easily. He was used to the chill of this house and the dungeons at Hogwarts, so he didn't mind, but he didn't wish for Harry to get sick over the holidays.
He moved over to the fire and made sure it was going strong, Fawkes' feathers radiated an extra comfortable amount of heat for the room. "Is that better?" he asked, turning to see Harry examining some of the books there. He approached him and looked down at what he was looking at.

"You're way too smart for your own good," said the Gryffindor, arching a brow.

"I hope that does not undermine you."

Harry looked over his shoulder. "How many years have you been rubbing it in that you're better than me at everything and now you're asking if it worries me?" he asked with a laugh.

Severus knew he was not better than Potter at everything (like flying), however, he wasn't going to tell the Gryffindor that.

"I like that you're smart, Severus." Harry moved back into the middle of the room before heading back over to the mantelpiece. Spells probably wouldn't be here for a while, but Fawkes was calmly perched. "I think… after all this time, that I need someone like you. I know, you're probably thinking it's weird of me to admit that, but everyone my age, besides Hermione, just… I guess they don't quite understand what I've been through the way you do."

Snape put his hands behind his back as he watched Harry toy with the candle on the mantelpiece, flicking his finger through it. "Harry, you are more intelligent than you think. You just find yourself distracted by your classmates. You are an independent, young wizard, there is no denying that."

Sometimes Harry wondered if that was true. He'd always had help with everything he'd done throughout the war. He never wanted to put his friends or anyone in danger, but without their help, he doubted he would have managed anything at all.
Turning back around, he looked at Severus. "I had help all that time. I had my friends to fight by my side. I had Dumbledore giving me clues. And I always had you protecting me, even though I thought you were a traitor. I hated you for no reason, Severus."

"No, you hated me because I made you," said Snape. "There are sacrifices in war, and we made them. You lost many loved ones, and for that I am sorry I could not protect them for you. There are many things I have seen that I could do nothing about for the sake of serving the Dark Lord."

"Voldemort."

Snape just looked at Harry.

"Say his name," Harry almost ordered. "It's Voldemort, and he killed everyone I loved, and he almost killed you, too. By not saying his name, you're still showing that you're afraid of him."

"Potter, I am not afraid of-,"

"Voldemort."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Voldemort. I am not afraid of Voldemort! I detested him and what he did. He killed your mother even though I begged for her to be spared. I detested him with every part of my being, and yet I was forced to stay by his side for Dumbledore and your protection. I am not a coward, Potter, certainly not over a stupid title that a lonely child made up."

Harry could feel that Snape's magic was angry. He felt guilty for riling him up. He didn't mean at all that Severus was a coward. He knew very well he was no coward. He put his life in danger every day to protect him and serve Dumbledore.
Approaching the taller wizard, he lifted his hand and touched Snape's damp hair. "I know you're not a coward, and I'm sorry I made you think that. You know very well that you're the bravest man I've ever known. Even braver than I am."

Severus felt himself calm down a little at Harry's gentle touch, but he removed Harry's hand and brushed it away. "Don't bother starting that."

"You looked him in the eyes and killed him," Harry continued. "Your best friend. Your mentor, or even a father to you. I could never have done that even if he begged me to. But you did. You did it without question because he asked for it."

He didn't want to hear this! Did Harry honestly think he enjoyed hearing that bravery came out of murdering Dumbledore!?

Moving back towards Snape, Harry leant gently into the Slytherin's chest, his hand pressing against the heart that had been stabbed only a few weeks ago. It was amazing what potions could do. "You are brave, Severus. You may be sly and cunning and cruel, but you are brave as well."
Looking up, Harry peered into those sad looking eyes. "I love you…"

Snape didn't have time to comment as he felt familiar warm and wet lips go against his own. Harry's hand went behind his neck, tangling into his freshly cleansed hair. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know how to say it back. Did he love Harry? He didn't know! He had feelings and urges, deep and protective ones. But love? To even admit and accept that he had fallen in love again? It just seemed so painful.
He felt Harry's magic grip around him, and his hands soon fell down to Harry's hips, their lips still locked, tongues tasting one another. He could feel that already he was getting excited, and Potter was already there—prodding against his thigh.
He grabbed Harry's shoulders and pushed him backwards, towards the stairs. Harry finally got the idea and dragged him up there where they reached the bedroom.

Biting his lip, Harry grabbed the shirt that was covering Snape, and he lifted it up over the man's arms. "Come on, Sev, I want to see you lose control," he breathed, kissing his chest and going down.

Snape's breath hitched as he felt those warm lips go against his skin. He felt his belt-buckle being loosened and he was pushed onto the bed, sitting down, Harry on the floor between his legs.

Slipping his fingers down the insides of Severus' pants, Harry felt the silky skin of the man's pulsating erection. He massaged it gently, a soft noise coming from Snape above him. He didn't know how to do this correctly—if there was a correct way. He just knew he'd have to try and keep his teeth away.
He loosened the pants and pushed them down further, and he gently tasted the head of Snape's very eager prick.

As warm lips surrounded him, Snape's hands went tight on the bed sheets, his body tensing hard. Oh, Merlin he'd never felt anything like it before. He swallowed hard, looking down as the Gryffindor suckled his member.

Running his fingers up Snape's thighs, his hands soon felt the more plump area of the Potion master's behind, gripping it gently as he sucked up and down the shaft before him.
When Snape was worked up enough, he leant away from the warm skin and pushed himself up. Beneath his pants, his own erection was crying for attention, and he slipped his pants off, pushing himself up onto the bed above Snape.

When Harry's warm body pressed against his, Severus claimed those lips for himself once more, kissing him harshly. He kicked his pants off the bed and moved the both of them so he was above Harry now, looking down at the panting young wizard, his lips pink and swollen from the attention.

"Please take me," Harry whispered needily. He didn't have to ask twice, and soon enough the both of them were a sweaty mess, skin on skin as their magic intertwined along with their bodies. Harry's hands clawed into Severus' back as the Potions master took him to the edge, his eyes closed as a wave of white rushed over him.