Chapter Forty-Six: Snarry

"I can't believe this!" Hermione gasped as all of the students were now back at Hogwarts and ready for classes to start up tomorrow morning. Her holidays had been amazing and she was both happy and shocked to see Harry and hear what had gone on with Professor Snape and the ex-professor.
"I'm guessing she's been found out, clearly." Ron was seated across from them in the Gryffindor common-room as dinner had already been served and finished. The Hall had been rowdy with students and professors.

"Snape still has to go to the final court trial, but once she's been found guilty, it'll all be over—hopefully," Harry stated. He knew he really wasn't meant to be telling anyone this about the racial slur that Severus let slip out, but this was Ron and Hermione… Of course he was going to tell them.
Unfortunately, now he had to return to his own quarters here in Gryffindor Tower. Even though things between he and Severus were comfortable, he could still tell Severus was stressed about the upcoming trial. At least the Muggle had been found, though—and everything about Severus had been purged thanks to Maliki and John. He still had to ask how the hell John had managed to come round from his hatred, but he was trying to keep the trial away from their time together as much as possible. Their last few remaining days, unfortunately. Snape hadn't said anything but Harry knew the trial was on the 9th—which was Snape's birthday.

"Bloody hell, I can't escape from either of you in school or on holiday," Ron muttered, having brought up the paper of them sharing an intimate kiss from weeks back while they had been eating in the Great Hall.

"What's got your pants in a twist?" asked Harry. "Holiday wasn't long enough? Or are you just jealous because I'm getting more than you?" he joked. Ron's face twisted in an expression he wasn't expecting and the red-head stood up, informing them that he was going to bed.
Harry looked dumbfounded at Hermione. "What the hell was that about?" he asked. "I was just messing about. God knows we don't actually do that kinda stuff on regular…"

Hermione sighed and pulled something from her jacket pocket. "It's not you, Harry… I got a letter when I returned to England…"

"Yeah, so?"

"It was from Viktor."

Harry's eye widened. "Well… what did it say…?"

Hermione shrugged a little. "Not much. I mean, Ron already knew we wrote to one another for a while after he came to Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament, but… we sort of slowed down a little. A lot, really. This is the first time I've heard from him in a few months."

Nodding, Harry knew Viktor Krum still had feelings for Hermione when they'd been at Bill and Fleur's wedding. He thought by now that they would have gone away, though, that he might have gotten another girlfriend. Obviously whatever the case, Ron was jealous.

"It was just asking if I was okay after everything with Voldemort and the school. It's late but… he had his own issues as well."

"And Ron got jealous?" Harry guessed. Hermione nodded. "Well, he is your boyfriend. You'd kind of expect him to, yeah? I mean… it's not the first time, to be honest."

"I know," said the girl, "it's just… well, Viktor and I were close. He's been jealous about others, I know, but Viktor and I-,"

"Actually dated and snogged? Yeah… I get it. But you don't still like him like that anyway. I know it's going to be difficult for Ron but he's just gunna have to deal with it…"

Hermione gave a short laugh. "Well, tell that to him. He's been moaning about it since he saw it."

Harry didn't say anything about hiding the letter from Ron. Besides, he'd spoken to Ginny and that had clearly fired Snape up. And with Desiree? Well, he didn't know how now, but back then he'd been furious when she was getting her fingers into their business.
Thankfully, for him, Snape hadn't had any real past relationships. Of course, there was his mother, but they'd talked that all out now. Hopefully his mother would be open for discussion later in the future, just not now. He was still touchy over the whole thing and he was sure Snape was, too. At least he knew that Snape and Lily could never date, though. She was gone. Viktor, though? He was still around.
"You know Ron… he'll get over it in a bit. He always does," he said reassuringly. "Besides, it's not like writing letters means you guys are actually seeing one another or anything." He tried to sound confident but—to be hones—he had no idea on what Hermione's feelings were towards Viktor Krum these days. Asking her at a time like this just didn't seem appropriate.

"I know," said Hermione, putting the letter back into her pocket. She'd been so busy with getting ready for school again that she hadn't opened all her mail until today before getting on the train. It's why it was in her pocket. Plus, she didn't trust Ron to not look at it and do something stupid either.
"I'm sorry, Harry, I know you have bigger problems right now. How is Professor Snape, by the way? I mean… all things considering."

Harry shook his head. "Honestly, I'd like to stop hearing about us and rather talk about you guys," he laughed, Hermione giving a small smile. "It's been a bit crazy, really. It's a bit weird coming back up here."

"I'm sure Professor Snape is missing you, too. You've spent the whole holidays together." Harry just nodded. "What about your cousin? Have you heard back from him yet?"

"Honestly, I don't think I ever will with what happened," he muttered. "But it'll take a few more days anyway… Just gotta get through classes." He was actually looking very forward to Potions.

That made Hermione remember something. "Did you get any study done at all through the holidays!?" she asked, enthusiastic now. "With everything that's gone on, surely Profess-,"

"Yeah, he hounded me on studying already, Hermione," Harry laughed, putting his hand up in defence. The quirks of dating a professor, and one that taught him. He was pretty sure he'd do well in Potions, but he still didn't want to disappoint Snape. He had high standards in his classes. Disappointing him in his own subject while dating him? Well… that would just be embarrassing and humiliating for the both of them.

"Good," the witch noted. "I'm sure everything will work out for the better. Besides… you are Harry Potter. Even if it's for your sake, I'm sure Professor Snape will be fine." She never trusted Desiree, but something like this? Bit of an over exaggeration, she thought. She was sure Harry and Snape had already talked out why and what her intentions and problems were with Snape, but still. She was curious.
"And you and Snape? I mean… with the bond? Have you found anything else out about it? If you do, I'd really like to know—for educational reasons, I mean."

Harry looked at her for a moment before nodding. He hadn't told her that all this time it had been his side of the bond doing everything. He hadn't told her that he had been horribly sick when fretting over Snape. He hadn't really had time to. With dinner, he didn't want to talk about it where everyone else could hear, and Ron was gone now.
"Um… it's complicated," he said, Hermione looking concernedly at him.

"If it's too personal-,"

"It's not that, it's just… some things happened when I found out Snape was being accused as a Death Eater. I got… really sick. Like… really sick when Kingsley took him in for questioning. It sounds stupid but-,"

"The bond fretted," Hermione finished. Harry nodded. "I knew they could be difficult to deal with but… actually knowing that it's happened to a friend? It's almost incredible—in a horrible way," she quickly added. "What happened?"

"Well, I fainted," said Harry, rubbing his hand against the back of his neck. It wasn't new considering how he'd fainted with the Dementors around. "I think I vomited a few times. Hagrid was with me when I fainted. He took me up to the hospital wing as soon as possible. I just felt… drained, like everything was gone from me. All my magic. Everything."

"And Snape?"

Hermione was clearly keeping a log book in her memory so she could remember all of this later on just in case. Useless knowledge in his opinion considering these bonds were so damn rare, but this was Hermione.
"I dunno how long I was passed out for but he was escorted back to Hogwarts. He was weak, but not as weak as me. He did tell me he vomited all over Kingsley's desk." He laughed there, Hermione's face twisting.

"But once you two were brought together, everything went back to normal?"

"Pretty much," said Harry, "Although… there was one thing. I mean… it was weird. We sparked again when we were in the hospital wing. Apparently, all this time… it was all me."

Hermione sat back in her chair, looking at Harry oddly. That meant that… "So… Snape…"

"He only just accepted the bond," said Harry. "I mean, Kingsley ended up giving us some information that he had locked away—which would have been nice to know before all of this—and it explained that bonds happen for a reason. That… although Snape hadn't accepted it, it just wasn't accepted fully. We were still partway bonded, it was just mostly me and it hadn't formed that completion until a few days ago."

Hermione was silent for a moment as she took every little bit of information in. "Well, I suppose thinking Snape would accept something like that so easily is a bit foolish," she chuckled, Harry nodding heavily. She meant no offence by it, Snape just… Well, everyone knew Snape and Harry had a very negative past. It must have taken something huge (like the risk of being locked away) for Snape to realise just how much Harry meant to him.
"But this is a good thing," she started, "It means that Snape really does care for you. Even more so, he's completely accepted his feelings now which has finalised the bond. That's great news! You two are completely bonded."

Harry felt his cheeks burn lightly. Yeah, it did. It was great news, actually. He knew when he first found out, he was worried. But why worry? The bond was completed! It meant Severus loved him. He'd finally let go of whatever was holding him back and fully accepted him into his heart.
"I'm really sorry about Ron…" he murmured. "You know what he's like, though. Give it a few days and it'll all be over, I'm sure. I mean, how many times has it happened before?" he chuckled.

Hermione just nodded. Unfortunately, it was what she was afraid of. "Thanks, Harry. You're a great friend."

"I have to pay you back sometime, don't I? After everything you've done for me. Snape and all… I really don't know how I could have gotten through all of this without you," he laughed, though taken aback when Hermione lunged forward to wrap her arms around him in a tight embrace.
He smiled lightly, patting her gently on the shoulder. "Thanks, Hermione…"

Pulling back out, the witch's cheeks were slightly pink. "We have classes tomorrow, we best get to bed." She stood up and said a goodnight before heading up to the girl's dormitory.

Harry returned upstairs to his own room, sitting himself on the bed. Even with all the other boys up here, it felt empty almost. This was the first night away from Snape since the holidays. The Gryffindor bed just didn't seem the same. It was so small. It was so empty… cold, even. Despite Severus' thin, pale body, he was actually very warm and comfortable to lay against. Now he had nothing but his pillow to hang onto.
Sighing, he looked over at Ron. "Hey… you okay?" he asked. "I didn't mean to get on your nerves before… I just thought, well, you're my friend, I thought you should know."

Ron, who was already tucked beneath his sheets just grunted. "S'fine, Harry. Sorry, I know you got real things happening in your life."

Harry pretended that he knew nothing about the letter from Viktor. If Ron wanted to tell him then he would, but he rolled over—a clear sign he didn't want to talk about it. "Well… good night… It's nice having you around again." The only reply was a grunt and Harry realised he really missed the simple company of Severus.

*****
In the dungeons, Severus put his coat up on the rack as he was retiring for the night. Before the students had all arrived, he'd had meetings about classes and been planning lessons for the following semester.
Harry had moved his trunk out this morning before the students' arrival to not arouse any more rumours and drama of their relationship—considering what had been posted in the Prophet all over the holidays of them.
The room was empty now. Spells was gone but Fawkes remained down here. Even if the phoenix was originally loyal to Potter, he seemed to enjoy staying here. He was probably used to it now. Plus, Fawkes wasn't technically allowed to stay in Gryffindor Tower with all of the other students. He wasn't a simple owl. He seemed to like his peace and quiet, too.
Unbuttoning his sleeves, he looked at the empty bed. By now, Potter would be messing it up, his clothes everywhere, books all over the place. But it was clean, smooth and crisp. So silent that he could hear his own breathing.
He missed Harry. He'd become quite used to the Gryffindor parading around in his underwear or something in his quarters. Something to make a smirk crease his lips. Something to lighten his day.
Potions was the first class they shared tomorrow. Was he looking forward to it? Honestly, not really. Potter, perhaps, but the other students? There was no telling what would be said and done since the holidays. Had the rumours calmed down? Would they pick back up? Honestly, he didn't really have room in his head to think about the childish things the students would be saying. He was more focussed on the trial that was coming up in three days with Desiree.
It wasn't really a matter of him being locked up—that was completely off the table with the discussions he'd had with Kingsley and Desiree being caught. It was more the sentence he was waiting for. The anticipation of her being locked away for this or not. He preferred she was. She deserved it. How dare she ruin his life, his relationship with Harry? Just for her own gain.
Huh… how Slytherin of her…
Severus rubbed his forehead as he moved over to the bedside table and waved his hand, the candle going out. Something caught his eye, though. Something brightly coloured that was hiding almost out of sight beneath the bed.
Leaning down, he grabbed the red and gold scarf that Harry must have missed whilst packing. Damn Gryffindor. He knew there would be something left here. Harry wasn't too thorough when he had been packing—even though he'd tried telling him to do it the previous night so he wouldn't have to rush. Yeah, right, because Gryffindors listened.
Feeling the soft fabric between his fingers, he almost melted into the last bit of Harry he had tonight. Potter only left this morning but it had felt so rushed. Not really a proper goodbye. Well, it wasn't really a goodbye anyway—but still. He had no idea he would become this attached.
Lifting the scarf, he found himself leaning into it, the scent of Harry lingering on it. It was soft, a little piece of fallen hair on the material. He pressed his face into it just to remember last night when Harry had been sleeping beside him. How odd that it was so comfortable now. He never would have thought that he would share his bed with anyone, and yet here he was, missing the very person that had been sharing his bed for the last few weeks.
They would no longer be able to share quarters while school was on but the both of them knew this already. The next time they would be able to share a bed was when Harry graduated his final year, and then he wouldn't even be here. He supposed Harry would stay back whilst he got a small town job or something as training to be an Auror started at the beginning of each year. He'd have half a year to sort things out and get accepted before he'd be off once more.
It was a nice feeling, though. Even if he knew Harry and he would be working in different field, not always spending the night together, it was still nice to know that he could share a bed with someone if they were both home at the same time.
Home? He hadn't forgotten about selling the house in Spinner's End, there just hadn't been much time lately, with Desiree and everything.
A hot sensation flowed through him at the thought of that witch. How petty of her to try and take everything away from him. What in the world had ever made her so jealous? So against him? So bitter towards him and Harry? To try and split them up? Why was this so personal? Even before she was sacked, it was simply because of her actions towards the both of them—and other students. Did she perhaps just like chaos? Something told Severus it was more than that.
Maybe she really was a follower of the Dark Lord. Still, coming here and taking his job, taking over? Why bother do it the slow way? She could have just taken him out if she wanted him gone. Why do it slowly? Maybe that was what she wanted, for him to suffer slowly? To slowly go insane while the bond was broken between he and Harry from being separated for so long and so unwillingly. He'd go mad in that cell. Harry would go mad, too.
Looking back at the scarf in his hands, he mentally sighed. Tonight was not the night he should be thinking about all of this. He had a few days until the trial, but until then he needed to be concentrating on his students. Even if he had personal things going on, it wasn't like Snape to show them in public view—especially not to students here at Hogwarts.
He got changed and went to bed.

*****
The following morning, Harry was heading to the Great Hall when he was stopped as a hand swept up his neck. He instantly turned around and was about to swat the hand from him before he stopped, realising who it was.
"Professor!" he hissed as his cheeks burned a ruby shade, "I thought you knew better than to do something like that where others could see you."

"Relax, Potter," Snape snorted, holding up the scarf that was missing from Harry's neck, "I merely wished to return this to you before you froze to death. If you hadn't noticed, it is winter outside."

"Yeah, well… it's hard to tell the weather when you're underground in the dungeons," Harry retorted.

"Perhaps it was just your professor who kept things warm."

Harry smirked. Since when did Severus get so cocky? "Well, I have to admit… you're a lot warmer than people think."

"Yes, I don't burn when I walk into the sunlight," Severus muttered with a roll of his eyes. Harry just laughed. A noise he missed last night. It was a pleasure to his ears and eyes, hell, his whole body even. With the bond being complete, they were both quite sensitive, which was probably why it would be best for them not to be seen in public.
"Here," he said, lifting the neatly folded scarf. "I wouldn't want you falling ill again."

Taking the scarf, Harry wrapped it around his neck with the help of Severus. He felt Snape's fingers softly move against his skin and his breath hitched. Not being able to spend the night with Severus had killed him. He wasn't afraid and the bond wasn't like that, it just wanted him back. Not anxious or scared, just… want.
Biting his lip, he looked up at the Potions master who was dressed in his teaching robes for the day. They had Potions first—at least they had that. But at the end of the day he knew they had to go their own ways.
"Sev…"

"Don't," Snape stated, taking his hands back. "We have class soon and if you wish to get any food into you, you best head to breakfast. I will see you in class."

As Snape moved away, Harry sighed, watching his robes follow after him as he headed to the Great Hall. He knew it was their magic acting up but feeling and being near Severus again felt like it was happening all over again—just stronger. Snape hadn't accepted the bond the first time, it had all been Harry. Snape was stronger than he was; this meant with their new complete bond, it was going to be even worse than before. Hell, they already slept together because of this bond. What was going to happen now that it was ten times stronger?
Swallowing hard, he realised his pants were feeling tighter than usual, his cheeks going hot. He immediately spun around and headed for the Great Hall. Food would definitely make him feel better.

*****
Sitting down, Harry could hear the whispers in the classroom already. Hermione and Ron were either side of him, which made him in the middle. A bit uncomfortable considering they were clearly having a fight—still.

"Don't worry, Harry, as soon as Professor Snape comes in, they'll all keep quiet. It's just because of the papers," reassured Hermione.

Harry just rolled his eyes. Damn photographer. They couldn't get any privacy. Did people seriously have nothing better to do with their lives than stalk people just so they could write over romanticised columns on famous others?
He kept his mouth shut as the doors to the classroom burst open, a hush going over the students. Snape hardly had to say a thing to make them keep quiet and Harry was more than pleased to finally hear the silence—besides Snape's boots walking on the stone of the floor.

Moving to the front of the class, Snape whipped his robes behind him as he turned. "As you know, finals are approaching." There was a low murmur of groans in the room. His expression instantly went stern and the class was hushed again.
Moving up the steps, he waved his hand and the blackboard was covered. "You are to answer these quiz questions by the end of the lesson and hand them in to me for marking. Any chatter and you will get an immediate zero. Understood?"

Beside him, Harry heard Ron moan as he got his ink and quill from his bag. He did the same, watching as Snape turned to sit at his desk. He bit his lip as he watched Snape's hair drape around his pale face, intense eyes concentrating on whatever he was writing down on a piece of parchment.
He swallowed hard as he remembered this morning. His magic was still tingling around his body in want. It was hard not being able to sleep with Severus anymore down in the dungeons. He hated feeling so alone and empty—cold—in the Gryffindor Tower. He was surrounded by others, and yet… Severus seemed warmer than all of them these days.
Ron had been nothing but grumpy the last night and this morning at breakfast. Hermione wasn't exactly helping, either. He was stuck in a class where people were whispering oddities and his two best friends couldn't even get him out of it—not to mention his professor was making his magic tingle all the way down his stomach.
Looking at the professor, Snape's spare hand was curled on the desk, knuckles tight. Was he frustrated just like him? Sometimes he wished he could read Severus' mind just like he could his. It bothered him to not know what he was thinking in class. Maybe students still murmuring? He could hear them behind him. Maybe his magic was being just as potent?
From behind him, he heard his name being whispered and he turned to the Ravenclaws seated behind his desk.

"So… who's the bitch in the relationship? You or the professor?"

Harry's face went red with both embarrassment and anger. He felt Ron grab him by the shoulder and turn him back around.

"Don't worry about them, they're just so miserable about their own lives they have nothing better to talk about," he said loud enough for the Ravenclaw's behind them to hear.

"At least we're not being called 'Snarry'."

Harry turned back around. What in the hell was 'Snarry'!? "What?"

"You know… Harry and Snape… Put them together and you get-,"

"Snarry. Clever."

Harry turned back around, swallowing hard as Professor Snape was standing beside his desk next to Ron.

The Ravenclaw boys went stiff as Snape folded his arms. "I suppose putting three Ravenclaw's together you'd think would be quite an intelligent bunch. Apparently not. You'll all be serving detention with Filch after classes. And if I hear another word from anyone else in this classroom about 'Snarry' you'll all be serving multiple detentions. Oh, and that's a zero for the quiz. For all-of-you."

Harry's face went even more red. "But-,"

"I said any chatter will result in an immediate fail, that goes for you too, Potter and Weasley."

Ron gave Harry an angry look and he just looked back apologetically. If Ron hadn't have stuck up for him, he wouldn't be in trouble. Hell, it wasn't like the marks really went towards anything, just their egos. Ron was probably more than happy to just sit quietly the whole lesson than do anything. He had only said 'what' though!
When Snape turned back around and sat at his desk, Harry gave an angry sigh. As if his magic wasn't annoying enough, but now Snape was making him do nothing but concentrate on him! At least the quiz took his mind off the professor for a while and now he was deprived of that. And that damn tone! So strict and demanding.
Harry felt a warm flush go down his body, his skin prickling in delight. Oh no, not now! Not while the whole classroom was silent and working and Snape was looking ever-so-lovely seated at his desk. Curse this magic!
"Sir!" he yelled, the whole class turning to him. Severus looked up, a brow raised. "C-can I please use the bathroom?" He nervously looked over his shoulder as everyone's eyes were on him. Why he yelled, he didn't know. It was like he was losing control of himself all over again!

An annoyed sound escaped the back of Snape's throat, but he flicked his hand, the toilet pass shooting towards Harry.

Grabbing the piece of parchment, Harry awkwardly removed himself from the classroom before hurrying to the bathroom just so he could breathe!