Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/10190060.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Harry_Potter_-_J._K._Rowling
  Relationship:
      Harry_Potter/Severus_Snape
  Character:
      Harry_Potter, Severus_Snape
  Additional Tags:
      Sexual_Content, Humor, Parody, Romance
  Collections:
      HPFandom
  Stats:
      Published: 2005-09-19 Completed: 2005-10-06 Chapters: 12/12 Words: 16950
****** Grounded ******
by sweet asphodel [archived by HPFandom_archivist]
Summary
     Upon returning to Hogwarts for his seventh year, Harry finds that his
     magic is failing him. Even more disturbing to the Boy-Who-Lived is
     the discovery of the solution to his problem.
Notes
     Note from SeparatriX, the archivist: this story was originally
     archived at HP_Fandom, which was closed for health and financial
     reasons. To preserve the archive, I began manually importing its
     works to the AO3 as an Open Doors-approved project in August 2016. I
     e-mailed all creators about the move and posted announcements, but
     may not have reached everyone. If you are (or know) this creator,
     please contact me using the e-mail address on HP_Fandom_collection
     profile.
***** Surprises *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not.
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Unbeta’d
 
Chapter 1 Surprises
“Mr. Potter, you will remove yourself to the infirmary immediately,” Professor
McGonagall tersely clipped.
Sighing, Harry gathered his belongings and walked out of the Transfiguration
classroom and made his way up to see Madame Pomfrey. He should have expected
this really, he thought to himself. Lately, the seventh year student couldn’t
seem to control his magic. It was mostly the little things, but Harry was
beginning to worry that something was seriously wrong with him. Even while on
the train to Hogwarts his magic had seemed fine, but after leaving the Great
Hall that first evening, he had noticed that something just didn’t seem right
about his magic. At first the changes were subtle and Harry had been able to
shrug it off as just getting used to using magic again, but now it had gotten
to the point that even his professors were noticing. Reaching the infirmary,
Harry quietly entered and politely greeted the medi-witch.
Greeting the young Gryffindor, Poppy wondered what had brought her all-too-
frequent patient in this time. “Well, Mr. Potter? And to what catastrophe do I
owe this visit?”
Harry hung his head and steeled himself for a trying time. While he appreciated
the medi-witch’s skills, her examinations tended to be tedious and invasive.
“Sorry, ma’am. Professor McGonagall sent me up here. There seems to be
something wrong with my magic. Since I arrived here this year even the simplest
of spells have been going wrong. I guess the last straw was when I turned my
teacup into a spider instead of a skillet today in Transfiguration,” Harry
finished miserably.
Madame Pomfrey clicked her tongue impatiently and asked, “And you did not see
fit to see me before, why? Don’t you realize that any small change in your
magic could be a sign of a significant problem?” Motioning to her patient, the
witch waited for Harry to sit on the nearest bed so that she could begin her
scans.
Harry knew the drill by now and sat on what they laughingly referred to as ‘his
bed.’ He certainly felt as if he had spent enough time in it over his Hogwarts
years. Maybe Madame Pomfrey could put up a plaque declaring that ‘Harry Potter
slept here’ and charge admission, he thought amusedly.
Sitting as patiently as he could, Harry worried his lower lip as he waited to
hear the prognosis. The truth was that he was afraid of what she would find.
How was he supposed to face Voldemort if he couldn’t even perform a simple
charm?
After what seemed far too long, Madame Pomfrey straightened and smiled tightly
at her patient. “Please remain seated, Mr. Potter, while I summon the
headmaster.”
Panicking now, Harry raised wide vibrant green eyes to the medi-witch. What was
so wrong with him that Professor Dumbledore needed to be called?” Pulling his
arms tightly around his body, Harry tried in vain to comfort himself as he
rocked silently on the small hospital bed. Wondering what abnormal occurrence
had manifested itself in his life this time, Harry once again felt the weight
of his existence pressing down upon him. Nothing could ever be simple for the
young man who just wanted to be loved and accepted for who and what he was. Yet
at every turn, he was shown to be an unnatural freak of nature who could never
seem to fit in. More than anything, Harry wished for an uneventful and serene
life. He didn’t want the notoriety that came with being The-Boy-Who-Lived. He
didn’t want to be known by the jagged scar on his forehead. No, more than
anything, Harry wished for someone to simply see Harry. Not his parents, not
the enemy of Voldemort, not the Savior-of-the-Wizarding-World. Just Harry. But
Harry had had enough experience in the wizarding world to know that that was
just a pipe dream. Everyone he had come in contact with since entering the
wizarding world seemed to be in awe of his scar and his history with Voldemort.
Frowning, Harry had to amend that statement. One person never seemed to be
impressed with either his name or his accidental accomplishments: Severus
Snape. No, the acerbic, irritable, irascible potions master would never see
Harry as anything other than the attention-seeking, irresponsible son of his
hated rival in school. Harry sighed. Growing up unloved and unwanted, Harry
tried his best to please others. But he had quickly learned that nothing he
ever did seemed to please the head of Slytherin House. Even after six years at
Hogwarts Harry could not explain why it mattered so much to him that he earn
the potions master’s respect and approval. He only knew that the knowledge that
the man hated him hurt him in ways that he couldn’t even begin to understand.
 
Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and
the head of the Order of the Phoenix, hurried up to the infirmary as fast as
his older body could manage. The news that young Harry was once again in
residence in the infirmary was troubling indeed. Pausing outside the hospital
wing, Albus pulled his wits back around him before resolutely pushing the doors
open. Striding confidently into the infirmary, the headmaster cast his eyes
about before settling upon the small figure of the young man who held the fate
of the wizarding world in his hands.
 
Poppy Pomfrey glanced up as the headmaster entered the infirmary. Walking over
to her young patient, the medi-witch watched the older wizard approach. Laying
a calming hand on the trembling young man, Poppy spoke, “Headmaster, Mr. Potter
has come to me with a rather perplexing problem and I must admit that the
findings are somewhat shocking. Mr. Potter has come to me with the complaint
that his magic has been off since returning to Hogwarts. Running my medi-scans,
I have found that there is a very good reason for the anomalies. In short, it
would seem that Mr. Potter has come into contact with his true mate. As they
are not yet united, Mr. Potter is unable to control his powers at this time.
Only after he has finalized the bond with his mate will he be able to regain
control of his magic.”
Nervously, Harry looked from the medi-witch to the headmaster, trying to sort
out what all this meant for him. Albus took pity on the confused young student
and tried to explain, “Harry, my boy. This past summer you came into your
magical inheritance when you reached the age of 17. As a wizard, this means
that your powers are reaching their full potential. But only after you have
bonded with your mate will you be able to regain control over your abilities.
Now, normally this causes no problems for the newly matured witch or wizard.
They will simply be instinctively drawn to their true mate. But, as you are a
most powerful wizard, your symptoms are rather more pronounced than your
classmates’ are likely to be.”
Seeing a small light of understanding glimmering in the emerald eyes, the older
wizard continued, “There is a reason most wizards and witches bond soon after
their 17th birthday, Harry. Of course, there are always those who for whatever
reason choose not to, but they are rather the exception. Now, since your
problems have popped up since arriving at Hogwarts, I do believe that we can
safely assume that your mate is here also. We can also assume that your
recognition of your mate will have likewise affected his or her magical
abilities. Therefore, for both of your sakes, you will need to bond as soon as
possible.”
Harry gulped. This was just too much to try to process. He had a mate and he
had to bond? And of course, he would have to be an extreme case. And as if that
was not enough, his problems would cause someone else problems also. How was he
supposed to find that person? And what if he didn’t like the person? What if
they didn’t like him? What if it was a girl, when he really liked guys?
Harry was abruptly brought out of his panicked thoughts by a soft chuckle. “My
dear boy. Everything will work out just fine, you will see. But for now, I
would suggest that you try to refrain from performing any magic until we are
able to locate your mate. Madame Pomfrey will write you a note for your
professors. Now, it is already late in the day. Why don’t you just take the
rest of the day off and go rest in your dorm room? I am sure that Dobby can be
persuaded to bring you a dinner tray later on.” Albus’ blue eyes twinkled as he
watched the quiet student shoulder his school bag and walk desolately out of
the infirmary. The wise old headmaster had the feeling things were about to get
very interesting indeed.
 
Not for the first time, or even the umpteenth time, Harry wondered why he
couldn’t be normal. So it was with a heavy heart and dark thoughts that the
young Gryffindor threw his bag down next to his bed before throwing himself
onto his bed. Idly waving his wand, he finally managed to spell the bed drapes
closed and set a privacy spell. The miserable young man hoped his dorm mates
wouldn’t mind the hideous neon orange drapes now adorning his bed. He had no
desire to answer the questions Ron and the others were sure to lob at him.
Exhausted after all the recent revelations, Harry fell into a deep sleep,
relieved of his worries for at least a little while. Unfortunately, the young
man only succeeded in trading in one problem for another, as his dreams were
once again invaded by a shadowy lover who brought his body to completion even
while he slept.
 
Severus Snape, potions master and master spy for the Order of the Phoenix
frowned as he regarded his wayward wand. Surely the thing must be defective,
for he had certainly never before had a problem casting such a simple charm.
And yet here he was, looking at an obviously fake bunch of flowers which had
appeared instead of the mealy bug flour he was attempting to conjure. Scowling,
the potions master tossed the offending bouquet into the rubbish bin. Mealy bug
flour was a most useful potions ingredient and he had once again been unable to
transfigure the dust motes from under his bed into the correct form.
Stopping to take a cleansing breath, Severus once again attempted the spell
that any incompetent sixth year student should be able to master. With a
thoroughly irritated growl, the potions master firmly tucked his faulty wand
back into its holster and turned his back on the ladybugs he had mistakenly
created. If glaring could have done the job, the ladybugs would have cooperated
by turning into mealy bug flour by now. Narrowing his dark eyes, Severus
reluctantly reflected that perhaps it was time to visit the infuriating medi-
witch on the off chance the problem was him and not his wand. Then, after she
had helped him, he would hex the annoying matron. Nodding in satisfaction at
his plan, the potions master swept out of his rooms and strode through the
castle until he reached the infirmary.
***** Revelations *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not.
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Unbeta’d
 
Chapter 2 Revelations
Severus settled his expression into place before storming into the infirmary.
He hated this place, he really hated this place. Poppy looked up in surprise to
see the surly potions master enter her territory. Wondering what could have
brought the man here, she straightened from making ‘Harry’s bed’ before
greeting her colleague.
“This isn’t a social call, Madame. There is no reason to pretend otherwise,”
was the growled response.
The medi-witch straightened her back at the acerbic words. She was used to such
nonsense spewing from the stern professor’s mouth and not for the first time
wondered what it would take to get the man to unbend. “Whether you choose to
believe it or not, Severus, pleasantries are a necessity in life and I will
thank you to treat me with some respect,” the woman firmly replied. “Now, may I
ask why you have come to see me? Or would that be out of the question?” Without
a doubt, when provoked, Poppy could hold her own against the difficult man.
Pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration, Severus decided that discretion
just might be the better part of valor in this instance. “Forgive me, Poppy,”
he managed to grate out. “But I feeling rather at a loss at the moment. It was
not my intention to take out my frustrations on you.”
Knowing better than to believe that Severus was truly sorry for being an arse,
Poppy nonetheless nodded and waited for the man to sit down so she could begin
her examination. Taking out her medi-wand, she silently indicated that she
expected his full cooperation.
Sighing in exasperation, Severus again wondered why he had thought coming here
was a good idea. As he stoically submitted to the dratted woman’s
ministrations, he pondered possible potions mishaps for the infuriating medi-
witch.
Standing back, Poppy frowned at her findings. Shaking her head in disbelief,
she tucked her wand back into her apron pocket. Sternly regarding her reticent
patient, Poppy said, “Severus. I need to go into my office for a moment.”
As the potions master made to rise from the hospital bed, the medi-witch firmly
rebuked him, “Oh no, Severus Snape. You will sit right there and not move until
I tell you to move. Do I make myself clear?” Seeing a surprisingly meek nod,
the woman spun around and stormed into her office, slamming the door behind her
in irritation.
Taking a moment to compose herself, Poppy then fire-called Albus for a second
time that day. “Headmaster, I would greatly appreciate it if you would once
again come to the infirmary. I believe I may have found Harry’s true mate. But
I think that you will want to see for yourself who it is.” With that cryptic
statement, the medi-witch pulled out of the fire and brushed off her robes.
Planting a carefully neutral expression on her face, she returned to face her
annoying patient.
 
Albus sat back for a moment, before deciding that Harry should be present as
well. Sending a school owl with the message to meet him back in the infirmary,
Albus stood and popped a lemon drop into his mouth before making a second trip
to the hospital wing. Blue eyes twinkled merrily as the old wizard strolled
through the castle. From Poppy’s brief statement, he had deduced that the
excitement was just beginning.
 
Harry arrived at the doors to the infirmary just as the headmaster ambled up to
him. “Ah, Harry, good to see that you received my owl. I do thank you for
coming back up here.”
“But why do you need me to come back here, sir?” Harry asked. The owl had
awakened him out of a rather enjoyable dream and the young Gryffindor would
have preferred to continue dreaming than having to deal with a barmy old
headmaster and a cantankerous medi-witch.
Smiling brightly at his student, Albus opened the door and motioned for Harry
to precede him into the room. “I do believe that we are about to find that out,
Harry,” he slyly commented.
Frowning at the enigmatic wizard’s words, Harry pulled up short when he saw the
potions master sitting on a bed and scowling. The man looked as if he wished to
be anywhere but there as his arms were folded primly across his chest and his
dark eyes glittered dangerously at the infernal medi-witch. Madame Pomfrey for
her part was studiously ignoring her patient’s foul attitude.
Severus looked up as his mentor entered the infirmary, accompanied by the
Potter brat. Just great, he thought to himself. Not only do I have this
infuriating witch, but now the barmy old coot and the aggravating golden boy.
“Ah, Severus, my dear boy, so glad to see you. I do hope that everything is all
right with you?” the headmaster inquired.
“No, everything is not all right or I would not be here,” came the irritated
response.
“Now, Severus,” the medi-witch admonished. “I do believe that we have discussed
your attitude?”
Harry determinedly held back a snigger at witnessing the potions master being
upbraided. He really didn’t think it was worth his life to openly laugh at the
man. Harry may have been brave, but he liked to think that he wasn’t stupid.
The headmaster chuckled to himself as he pulled another lemon drop out of one
of his numerous pockets. Popping the delicious treat into his mouth, Albus
wondered how his two favorite boys would handle the news that they were meant
for each other. Thinking on their shared history, he reflected that it should
have been obvious to him all along that they were in fact soul mates. Why else
would the two have clashed so spectacularly so many times over the years?
Clearing his throat, Albus caught everyone’s attention. “Severus, do I
understand correctly that you have been experiencing difficulties with your
magic?”
Harry suddenly had a horrible thought and paled. Oh, surely not. No, the fates
just couldn’t be that cruel, could they? Sweat broke out on his brow as he
stood waiting for the world to end. As in a fog, Harry watched as the potions
master numbly nodded in answer to the query. The world dimmed to a single white
point as the courageous Gryffindor fainted and fell to the floor.
Poppy clucked her tongue in annoyance as she and the headmaster bent to pick up
the unconscious student. “Really, Albus. Was it necessary to bring him just
yet? After all, we only have a suspicion that they are mates.”
“What!” the potions master roared. Turning to Poppy, Severus demanded, “What is
going on and what does it have to do with Potter?”
“Now, Severus. Please calm down,” the headmaster intervened.
Obsidian eyes glared at the old wizard who seemed to delight in torturing
innocent victims. “Albus, what is this about?” Severus gritted his teeth as he
waited impatiently for one of them to answer.
Poppy took pity on the formidable man and after making sure Harry would be all
right when he awoke, she straightened up to speak. “Severus, Mr. Potter was in
here earlier because his magic has been off since returning to Hogwarts. After
running scans on him, I determined that he has come into his magical
inheritance as expected, but that he cannot control his magic because he has
not yet bonded with his true mate. Now, I am sure that you realize that for
most witches and wizards this presents no real problems, but as Mr. Potter is a
singularly powerful wizard, the difficulties have been greatly magnified. It is
also to be assumed that his mate is here at Hogwarts as well and that that
person would also be having difficulties with their own magic.”
“No, no. Oh, Merlin, no,” Severus shook his head in disbelief and horror. “You
are not saying…”
“My dear boy, that is exactly what we are saying,” Albus interrupted, the
twinkling in his eyes threatening to blind all present. Unfortunately only one
was able to witness the sight, as the potions master’s own eyes rolled back
into his head and he fell back onto the bed in a faint.
Shaking her head in exasperation, the medi-witch arranged the second
unconscious man on the bed. “Albus, you really do enjoy this, don’t you? ”
Chuckling at the state of the two men, the headmaster replied, “Now, Poppy. I
have no idea what you are talking about. But you must admit that this is a most
amusing turn of events. And I for one, cannot think of two who would be better
suited for one another, if they could but see it.”
***** Reactions *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not.
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Unbeta’d
 
Chapter 3 Reactions
Harry slowly became aware of his surroundings, and seeing that he was back in
the infirmary, groaned. “Mr. Potter,” came the crisp tones of the medi-witch.
“So glad to see that you felt fit to rejoin us.”
“Um, Madame Pomfrey? I was just imagining all that, wasn’t I?” Harry prayed
that the answer would be yes. Much more preferable to be crazy than…
Smiling thinly at the young man, Poppy patted his arm as she straightened. “I
am sorry Harry, but it is true. Apparently, Professor Snape is your soul mate.”
Sternly glancing down at her patient, she added, “And don’t you dare faint on
me again. Once was quite enough, thank you very much. Now, if you would lie
there quietly for a moment, I must check on your mate. It would seem that he
too thought that fainting was the correct course of action.”
Harry obediently lay still, knowing quite well what the woman was capable of
when she was upset. Turning his head, he watched silently as the medi-witch
tended to the potions master. As the man regained consciousness, Harry wondered
once again why his life always had to be so complicated. And of all the people
in the world did his mate have to be him. Sighing, the young wizard decided
that somebody had it out for him. Or perhaps living without magic might not be
that bad after all.
 
Poppy ran her wand over Severus and set her face into a tight smile as she
noted that the stern man was stirring. Knowing that he would likely explode
after he had a chance to process the news, she kept a firm grip on her wand.
Poppy knew well enough that this particular patient was always a challenge and
she had had enough experience with the man over the years to know how to
effectively deal with him.
Severus cautiously kept his eyes closed and his breathing even as he tried to
decipher his whereabouts. Recognizing the cluck of the medi-witch’s tongue, he
deduced that he was still in the infirmary and that he probably didn’t want to
know why.
“I know that you are alert, Severus Snape, so you might as well rejoin us,”
Poppy impatiently snapped.
Opening his eyes slowly, the potions master groaned as the recent events washed
through his mind. Of all the horrible, disgusting things to happen to him, this
surely had to top the list. Potter? And him? Mates? Impossible. Ridiculous.
Insane. Idiotic. Shaking his head in denial, Severus turned his head toward his
mentor as he heard that insipid chuckle issuing from the barmy old man’s lips.
Sighing at the antics of the meddling headmaster, Poppy snidely commented for
all of them, “Honestly, Albus, if you don’t stop chuckling, I just may force
feed you a calming draught.”
Severus grimly smirked and Harry grinned at the medi-witch’s words. She had
said exactly what both had thought many times over about the older wizard.
Albus for his part successfully held back another laugh as he regarded the
three before him. Two who were very much alike and one witch who watched over
her patients like a mother dragon.
Struggling to sit up, Severus ignored the glare he received from the medi-
witch. “There must be some mistake. I cannot be Potter’s mate. I refuse to be,”
he stated emphatically.
Albus answered before Poppy had a chance to cut in. “There is a simple enough
method to determine whether or not you are Harry’s mate, my boy.” Turning to
Harry, Albus asked Harry to perform a levitating charm on the pillow on the
opposite bed.
Determinedly, Harry did as he was told, hoping against hope that the headmaster
and the medi-witch were wrong about things. As expected, the pillow refused to
levitate, and instead turned a brilliant canary yellow.
Nodding, Albus addressed his protégé, “And now, Severus. Your turn to do the
same.”
All three watched as the pillow once again refused to cooperate, but this time
it turned a midnight black. Scowling, the potions master wished serious harm to
the dratted pillow.
“All right. Now for the test,” the headmaster said. “Severus, come over here
and sit next to Harry.”
Waiting patiently for the petulant man to comply, Albus took the opportunity to
snatch another lemon drop. Once Severus had reluctantly sat near the boy, the
headmaster then instructed, “And now, Severus, grasp Harry’s wand hand with
yours.” Nodding when he had done so, Albus directed Harry, “My boy, now try the
same spell.”
Sighing, Harry once again tried to levitate the pillow and was dismayed to see
the item immediately obey. Turning troubled eyes to the headmaster, Harry
silently pleaded with the man.
Albus reassuringly patted the student’s arm before instructing the potions
master to repeat the charm. Seeing that Severus also had no difficulties with
the charm, the headmaster smiled at the two men. “That does indeed prove the
matter, my boys. I know that you think that things look very bleak right now,
but I have faith that everything will work out for the best.”
“I grew up as a muggle, I could easily go back to being one,” Harry mumbled
disgustedly.
“As much as I am loathe to admit it, I would have to agree with Potter. It
would indeed be preferable to live without magic than to be bonded to the
child,” Severus averred.
“So I gather that you both would rather be the equivalent to squibs, then?”
Giving each man a hard look, the headmaster continued, “And, Severus, what do
you think Lord Voldemort would have to say about that? Do you honestly think
that you could keep your place as one of his trusted Death Eaters if he found
out? And what of your potions, my boy? You know as well as I do that your
potion making skills will begin to suffer from your lack of magical control.
No, I am afraid that neither of you has any choice in this matter. Now, I will
leave you both to consider your options.” With that the headmaster nodded at
the stubborn men and bade the medi-witch a good day. Soon the brilliantly
clothed old man passed out of sight as he sought the refuge of his office.
 
Poppy sighed as she was left to deal with two very upset men. Not for the first
time she wondered if the headmaster wasn’t missing a few chocolate frogs from
his deck. How ever did Albus expect these two to accept that they were soul
mates? Poppy had no doubt that even if they did eventually agree to bond that
it would be a difficult relationship. These two were undeniably her most
difficult patients and both were far too much alike to get along easily.
Harry had crossed his arms petulantly as he sat stiffly on his bed. Severus had
quickly moved back to his own bed as soon as he was able and was scowling at
the world in general. The medi-witch decided she had better put a stop to this
immediately or there would be even more trouble ahead. “Now, I want no trouble
from either of you, and, yes, you are both to stay here until further notice.”
Hands on hips, the woman silently dared the men to object.
Harry knew better than to argue with the obstinate woman, but it seemed that
the potions master had forgotten that particular lesson. As he opened his mouth
to object, the medi-witch waved her wand and immobilized the older man. Smiling
grimly, she asked if there would be any more problems. Dark eyes glittered
dangerously while emerald eyes held no challenge for the irate medi-witch.
Nodding in satisfaction, Poppy turned on her heel and went to her office. At
the door she stopped and remarked over her shoulder, “Oh, and Severus? I will
release you once you have had a little time to consider your behavior.” So
saying, the medi-witch entered the room and left her hapless patients to their
own devises.
Plucking at the threadworm blanket adorning his bed, Harry tried to figure out
what he had done in life to deserve such a fate. Catching sight of the still-
irate man out of the corner of his eye, Harry sighed. He knew that Madame
Pomfrey would be angry with him, but he couldn’t just leave the other man like
that, even if it was Snape. Making up his mind and drawing on his Gryffindor
courage, Harry pulled out his wand and crossed over to the bed holding the
potions master.
“Sir, if you will agree to remain calm I will release you. But please don’t
give me reason to regret helping you. If it is any consolation, I am not
exactly thrilled about this either.” Running a hand through his wayward locks,
the young wizard continued, “If there is a way out of this, I am sure that we
will be able to find it. But it does look as if we will have to work together
in order to find a solution.” Harry thought for a moment and then grinned. “And
personally, I think that Professor Dumbledore is enjoying the situation
entirely too much for my liking.”
Finally the student waved his wand and undid the spell containing the potions
master. Growling, Severus rubbed sore muscles as he had been fighting the
spell. Closing his eyes, the potions master gathered his thoughts before
speaking. “I must admit that I am pleasantly surprised to hear that you have a
valid point, Mr. Potter. I will agree that we need to work to find another
solution to this dilemma, as I am sure that neither of us would prefer to be
bonded to the other.” Not knowing why he said it, Severus added, “Of course,
the fact that you are a male has nothing to do with my objections as I am gay.”
Surprised by the admission, Harry could only blink before smiling. “Well, maybe
the headmaster was correct in saying that we have some things in common, then.
To tell the truth, I was terrified that my soul mate would turn out to be a
girl.” Shuddering at the thought, the young man didn’t realize what he had
implied.
Severus wondered at that; did that mean that even he would be preferable to a
woman? Filing the thought away for later contemplation, the potions master
attempted to regain some control of the situation. “I do believe that we will
need to spend a bit of time researching bonding rituals and other ancient texts
for a possible answer.”
Laughing morosely, Harry couldn’t help but comment, “Are you sure you wouldn’t
want a girl? Cause you sound just like Hermione.”
Giving a glare worthy of a feared Death Eater, the potions master crossed his
arms and huffed in annoyance. Want a girl, indeed. And Granger. No, that just
did not bear thinking about.
***** Schemes *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not. Any questions?
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Unbeta’d
 
Chapter 4 Schemes
A tentative truce made, the two finally allowed themselves to relax slightly.
Harry bemusedly realized that they had actually been able to agree on
something, even if that something was that neither wanted to bond with the
other and that they now both wished all sorts of ill will against the
headmaster. Shaking his head, Harry wondered how many more surprises lay in
wait for them.
 
Severus turned his mind towards finding a possible loophole. The idea that he
would have to bond with the boy was horrendous. Frowning, he thought that there
is absolutely no way I am bedding that brat, no matter how adorable he looks. I
categorically, absolutely, emphatically refuse, he determinedly stated to
himself, before bringing his mind up short. No, I did not just think that, I
did not think that, he decided fiercely.
Firmly setting his mind against such wayward and unwanted thoughts, the potions
master instead imagined all sorts of possible mishaps for an impossibly
cheerful, meddling old man. Contentedly ensconced in such delightful daydreams,
Severus missed the speculative glances being shot his way by a certain young
Gryffindor.
 
Poppy efficiently made herself a pot of soothing chamomile tea, adding a nice
wedge of lemon to her favorite teacup. Sitting comfortably in her cozy
armchair, she reflected on the events of the past couple of hours. While there
was no real medical reason why the men needed to be in the infirmary still, she
wanted to keep both in sight in case either decided to hex the other in their
agitation. Sighing, the medi-witch also knew that for both of their sakes, the
news of their misfiring magic needed to be kept a secret. Merlin only knew what
would happen if the Dark Lord or his followers caught wind of that.
Once again wishing that there was a cure for barmy old headmasters, Poppy
sipped her tea. Trying to decide how best to help her two favorite (and don’t
repeat that to anyone) patients, the medi-witch sighed. Neither had had an easy
life and in so many ways each was a lost soul. Shaking her head, Poppy thought
that maybe Albus had been wearing off on her as the thought crossed her mind
that perhaps each needed someone to balance their energies. Wonderful thoughts
of righteous retribution danced through her head as she partook of her
afternoon tea.
 
Albus absently stroked the colorful plumage of his pet phoenix, Fawkes. As
expected the day had yielded rather unusual results. The wily old headmaster
and master manipulator knew that there was no such thing as coincidence. That
Harry and Severus should turn out to be soul mates meant that events had been
in motion for quite some time now. After all, Albus knew that his protégé had
been the exception, in that he had not found his mate when the rest of his year
mates had in his final year at Hogwarts. That meant that he had either not yet
found his mate or that his mate was not yet born or of age. Then, even after
meeting Harry, the bond had not kicked in because Harry was not yet of age.
Chuckling once again, Albus thought back to the moment he had found his own
mate. His discovery was akin to Severus’ in that his mate was several years his
junior, but looking back on the years, the headmaster reflected that the wait
had been well worth it. Now, he simply couldn’t imagine life without Minerva.
He knew that once the two men accepted the inevitable that they would find the
happiness and peace that each so desperately needed. The trick would be to
survive the fallout until the pair could be convinced to bond.
 
Severus Snape was occupied by thoughts of revenge against a certain barmy and
manipulative old man. Those thoughts were much preferable to ones centering on
the young man in the next bed. Resolutely, the potions master turned his
attention back to his mentor.
 
Harry silently grumbled that once again he was stuck in the infirmary. And to
make matters worse, he was stuck here with Snape, and to make matters even
worse, Snape was his mate. Arrgh! Come to think of it, giving himself up to
Voldemort might just be better than this. Yep. That’s a plan, Harry thought
petulantly.
Determined to find something other than Snape for his mind to ponder, Harry
turned his attention to Professor Dumbledore. The old wizard was enjoying their
predicament entirely too much, Harry decided. A slow grin broke out on the
young Gryffindor’s face as he contemplated various ‘accidents’ for the
headmaster.
Brought out of his musings by a quiet snort, Severus turned to his companion.
“And what reason do you have to interrupt my thoughts, Mr. Potter?”
Still amused green eyes turned to regard his professor. “Sorry, sir. I was just
imagining the headmaster accidentally getting a hold of a canary cream. And the
idea rather amused me.”
Arching an eyebrow, the potions master felt compelled to respond, “Indeed? And
what, may I ask, is a canary cream?”
“Oh, it’s an invention of Fred and George Weasley for their store. The treat
turns you into a canary temporarily when you eat it,” Harry offered.
Raising a long-fingered hand, Severus nodded. “Enough said. May I inquire as to
why you were contemplating such a possible scenario?”
Ruefully, Harry rubbed his neck. “Oh, sorry, sir. It’s just that the headmaster
seems to be having too much fun at our expense.” The young man hoped he wasn’t
in for a lecture about respecting his professors from the snarky potions
master. Instead, Harry was surprised to see a slight smirk, no, almost a smile,
grace the face of the surly man.
“That certainly paints an interesting picture, Mr. Potter. What other
delightful ideas have you managed to come up with?”
With the professor giving every indication that he actually expected an answer,
Harry hesitantly launched into a few of his more inventive schemes.
Surprisingly, the potions master then shared a few of his own ideas. Neither
man noticed a rather amused medi-witch poke her head into the room to check up
on her patients. Shaking her head, she wondered if all they really needed was a
common enemy, or in this case, headmaster.
 
It was some time later that the headmaster in question returned to the
infirmary. Albus was of the opinion that the two reluctant mates should spend
as much time in each other’s company for their own benefit. Not only did they
need to bond, but there was also the problem of Lord Voldemort and his Death
Eaters to consider. Both men would be in danger especially until they managed
to settle their differences and ground their magic.
Smiling broadly at his two boys, Albus brightly greeted the men. He pretended
to not notice that he had walked in on a rather interesting conversation.
Turning at the interruption, Severus grudgingly greeted the headmaster. The old
wizard certainly knew when to show up when he was least wanted, the potions
master snidely thought. “Headmaster,” he said simply.
Sitting next to Harry on his bed, Albus popped another lemon drop in his mouth.
Harry valiantly worked to hold back his laughter, as he and the potions master
had just been talking about sabotaging said lemon drops.
Smiling at the young man, Albus asked Severus to explain the Gryffindor’s
mirth. Smirking, the potions master decided to comply. In clipped tones he
explained how they were planning his imminent demise. Settling back with his
arms crossed, Severus waited to see his mentor’s reaction.
Eyes twinkling brightly, the headmaster laughed at the idea. “Oh, my dear boys.
That is certainly an interesting thought. I must say; I am pleased that at
least you have found common ground, even if it is me.”
Two incredulous pairs of eyes disbelievingly stared at the headmaster. They
were busy plotting the old wizard’s demise and he was pleased that they were
working together? Shaking his raven-haired head, Harry wondered if they could
book a suite for the old man in St. Mungo’s psych ward.
Severus frowned. Even at the best of times the barmy old coot gave him a
headache. It was no wonder the potions master had long ago perfected his
headache potion.
***** Objections *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not.
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Unbeta’d
 
Chapter 5 Objections
Transfiguring a hospital chair into a soft, cozy chintz covered armchair, the
headmaster sat down and made himself comfortable before addressing his boys.
“Severus, Harry. I do understand that this is difficult for the both of you,
but unfortunately I can see no other options. Both of your magical abilities
will continue to suffer until you agree to bond, thus grounding your magic. And
we cannot forget that Lord Voldemort will certainly use this opportunity
against you if word is spread about your condition. To that end, Harry, your
classmates have been told that you are suffering from Wizard’s flu. Now while
not dangerous, it is highly contagious, so that you may have no visitors.”
Seeing the Gryffindor’s face fall at that prospect, Albus smiled warmly at the
young man. “I am sorry for that, my boy. But I feel it is necessary in order to
protect both yours and Professor Snape’s safety. I do not believe that I have
to tell you what the Dark Lord would do with the information that his servant
needs to bond with the Boy-Who-Lived.”
Harry frowned at hearing that insidious phrase. How he hated all the titles
others had insisted on giving him. Closing his eyes tiredly, Harry wondered why
he couldn’t be Harry, just Harry.
Severus Snape watched the interplay between the headmaster and student with a
neutral face. The flit of emotions crossing the young man’s face surprised him
as Severus began to realize that the Gryffindor was not all he had seemed to
be. Deciding to use this situation to better his understanding of the whelp,
Severus continued to quietly observe.
By this time Poppy had reappeared in the infirmary. She felt that her presence
might be required if things got out of hand. Listening to the headmaster use
the excuse of Wizard’s flu, she nodded to herself. If anyone else had noticed
Harry’s lack of magical control, it could easily be attributed to the flu, as
it did affect one’s magic.
Turning to the potions master, Albus continued. “Severus, I do believe it would
be prudent to also claim that you have come down with a case of Wizard’s flu.
Therefore you also would need to be quarantined and no one would question the
fact that you and Harry are spending time together, seeing that you are both
suffering the effects of the same illness. That will give us the time we need
for you to be able to bond and ground both of your magic.” Seeing both men
ready themselves for more objections, the headmaster raised his hand. “Please,
my dear boys. I must insist that you at least try. After all, I did come in
here to find you in rather amiable conversation a little while ago.”
“We were busy plotting ways to off you, headmaster,” the potions master
growled. “I hardly would call that amiable. It just happened that we both
agreed that you have finally gone around the bend and needed some help getting
there.”
Harry smirked at the acerbic professor’s words. He shook his head as he
realized that he and Snape actually had been able to hold a decent conversation
without resorting to harsh words and insults. That brought to mind a potential
problem if they truly were to be forced to spend a lot of time together.
“Professor Dumbledore, what happens when Professor Snape and I argue? I think
we all know that we will, no matter how hard we try not to.”
“I do believe that you are correct, Harry. But what are you worried about
specifically?” Albus asked, genuinely perplexed by his student’s observation.
“Well, sir. Given that we are likely to clash, I just don’t think it would be
fair to Gryffindor house if Professor Snape were allowed to take points for any
arguments we might get into.”
Ignoring the snort from the potions master, Albus considered for a moment.
“Yes, I do believe that would only be right considering the circumstances.
Wouldn’t you agree, Severus?” Though the question was asked in a benign tone of
voice, the hard look the potions master was receiving gave no doubt what the
correct answer was. Reluctantly, Severus nodded in agreement, earning another
bright smile from his mentor. “Very good. Oh, and another thing. I do believe
that Harry should not have to worry about receiving detentions from you either.
Of course, while you are in the classroom, the standard teacher-student
relationship will apply. Is that satisfactory, Harry?” At the young man’s
bemused nod, the headmaster beamed at them both.
Severus gladly turned his mind back to thoughts of accidents mysteriously
befalling the headmaster. Keeping only half an ear on the conversation between
his student and the older wizard, the potions master again wondered why his
life always seemed to be so difficult. This was only the latest in a long
series of misadventures and calamities in a rather bleak and miserable life.
Holding back the sigh that threatened to escape, Severus forcibly turned his
mind back to the conversation at hand.
“… and I think that we can ask Dobby to move your things down to Professor
Snape’s chambers this evening. There is an extra room that can be turned into
your bedroom. Dobby can help Severus’ own house elf, Tizzy, in arranging
everything for your arrival.” Albus finished. Addressing his protégé once more,
the headmaster continued, “Severus, I know that you are upset about this
situation, but you must see that there is no choice in the matter.”
“Sir,” Harry put forward timidly. There was something he still didn’t
understand, and quite frankly, he was afraid of the answer he would receive.
“How will spending time together help us? I mean, how will we be able to ground
our magic? I just don’t understand.”
Eyes twinkling brightly now, the headmaster chuckled lightly. Oh, yes, this
would be quite interesting, the old wizard thought happily. “My dear boy, what
you must understand is that spending time together is to help you and Severus
to get to know one another better. Then after that you will need to bond and
then your magic will be grounded.”
“Bond, sir? How?” the perplexed, and yes, naïve young Gryffindor asked.
“That means that you and Severus will join together,” Albus purposely hedged on
the answer.
Frowning, Harry tried to work that out. “Does that mean that he will have to
hold my hand when we want to do magic? I can just see asking Voldemort if he
will wait for a minute so that Professor Snape can come over and help me.”
Albus chuckled while Poppy tried to hold in her laughter and the potions master
sputtered in surprise. Finally the headmaster took pity on his student and
endeavored to educate his befuddled student. “I am afraid that there is rather
more to it than that, Harry. You see, by bonding, I mean that you and Severus
will need to join your hearts, minds and souls together. Then, after the
ceremony, you and your mate will consummate the relationship by joining
together physically.”
Harry paled during the explanation, the realization finally sinking in. “Oh,
no, no, no. You can’t mean… I mean…” Trailing off, Harry once again felt the
earth slip away from underneath his body and everything went dark.
Clucking her tongue in annoyance, Poppy tended to the young man who had once
again fainted. “Really, Albus. Was that absolutely necessary? I swear that you
really do enjoy doing this.”
A clearly amused chuckle was the only answer the medi-witch received as she
worked to revive the poor young man. Albus popped a lemon drop in his mouth as
he watched the matron work. He didn’t answer because it was all too true. He
really did enjoy stirring the cauldron as it were. The results were always
unexpected and always entertaining.
Severus scowled and folded his arms across his chest. So now the brat
understood exactly what faced them, he thought derisively. Figures the Boy
Wonder would faint at hearing that he would have to bed his greasy git of a
potions master, he snorted to himself. It really was too pathetic for words.
***** Discoveries *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not.
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Unbeta’d
 
Chapter 6 Discoveries
Poppy roused Harry, much to his consternation. Foggily he tried to remember why
his stomach felt twisted up in knots. Shaking his head in confusion, it hit
him. No way did they expect him to do… that… with Snape. Looking up helplessly
at the medi-witch, the young Gryffindor gulped in dismay. Why did his life
always have to be so complicated? Why couldn’t he have found his soul mate the
regular way, and why that person couldn’t have been someone he actually liked,
and who actually liked him, and what were they going to do now…
“Harry, breathe,” the medi-witch firmly commanded. She could see that the young
man was in the process of panicking and was in danger of hyperventilating.
Struggling to obey the formidable woman, Harry tried to calm his frenzied
thoughts while bringing his breathing under control. Closing his eyes, he
wondered if surrendering to Voldemort was still an option.
 
From his own bed, Severus disdainfully watched the foolish brat panic. Snorting
himself, the potions master reflected that if anything, he should be the one
upset. After all, he was expected to bond with a young, handsome man who just
happened to be the sexy son of his childhood enemy. In his righteous
indignation, Severus neglected to realize the slant of his thoughts.
 
Albus sat back and watched his two favorite boys struggle with the information.
While it was quite apparent that young Harry was an innocent, Severus was
holding his thoughts and emotions in tightly. However, the headmaster had spent
years learning his protégé and his responses. Even if Severus did not yet
realize it, Albus had the distinct feeling that the potions master would soon
come around and accept, albeit grudgingly, the situation. Smiling to himself,
the older wizard knew that the acerbic man would be very unlikely to admit that
he had indeed gotten what he truly wanted and needed in the end. But that would
be all right as far as Albus was concerned. Just the knowledge that his young
protégé would finally be happy would be enough for the old wizard.
Clearing his throat, the headmaster gained the attention of the other three in
the room. “I do believe, Poppy, that if your patients are ready, it is time for
them to retire to their chambers. They of course will use the floo in your
office to avoid being seen by the other castle inhabitants.”
Harry groaned while Severus Snape closed his eyes in defeat. The barmy old man
was determined to destroy him.
 
Madame Pomfrey nodded grimly and ushered the men into her private office.
Despite the circumstances, Harry curiously took his first look around the medi-
witch’s sanctuary. Unsurprisingly, the office was filled with shelves holding
medical tomes and various potions. In addition, a comfortable chair sat by a
cheery fire opposite a tidy desk area. Standing back, Poppy held out the pot of
floo powder and waited for the potions master to take a handful.
Stepping forward, Severus took a handful and threw the powder into the fire,
calling out “Severus Snape’s chambers, Hogwarts dungeons.” Striding confidently
into the green flames, the potions master disappeared into the fire.
Swallowing nervously, Harry followed suit. Not only was he traveling by one of
his least favorite modes of transportation, but he was going into a place where
the sane fear to tread.
Stumbling out of the dungeon fireplace, Harry cautiously looked around. The
room was cool and dank, but what most impressed the intrepid Gryffindor was the
surprising overall coziness of the room. Overfilled bookshelves lined two of
the walls while several doors along with the aforementioned fireplace and a
window with an up-close and personal view into the body of the lake lined the
other two walls. A well-worn sofa and chair in deep forest greens sat in front
of the fireplace. A desk was placed nearby, its surface covered by rolls of
parchment. Underfoot was an old Oriental rug in muted shades of deep greens and
reds and golds. Who knew that the man had such refined taste?
Looking over to the enigmatic man gazing at him, Harry blushed. He realized he
had been caught studying the man’s environs and felt as though he had just
violated some taboo. Hoping to diffuse the situation, Harry spoke, “Sir, what
room is to be mine?”
Dark eyes calmly regarded the young Gryffindor who had unwittingly invaded his
private domain. If he were absolutely honest with himself, Severus would have
to admit that the prospect was not entirely without merit, but he didn’t feel
up to facing those particular facts at that moment. Instead, the tall Slytherin
pointed out the door to the left on the facing wall and watched as the young
man shyly smiled his thanks before disappearing through the doorway. Sighing,
Severus went over to his corner liquor cabinet and poured a double shot of
scotch for himself. Downing the amber liquid, the potions master allowed the
alcohol to course through his system, mellowing his mind and soul.
 
Harry made his escape into the room that was now to be his. Closing the heavy
door behind him, he leaned against the cool wood and sighed. How was he
supposed to do this? It was asking enough just for him and Snape to be in each
other’s company without one trying to off the other without asking for more.
But more was exactly what they were asking for; he and Snape were expected to
bond and then consuma – yeah, uh, whatever – the relationship. Running a weary
hand through his unruly raven locks, Harry wondered why it always seemed to be
him.
 
Severus poured himself another glass of scotch and it too was quickly history.
He had faced many demons and many dangerous situations, but this was an
entirely different thing. The man who had stood by him for too many years and
in too many times of trial was now telling him that he was to bond with a
student; but not just any student. No, that student would have to be Harry
Bloody Potter. Wishing he could just drink his problem away, Severus sighed and
got up. Knowing that no amount of alcohol would not help the situation, the
potions master retired to his bedroom for the night. Too much had happened
today and he had much to consider.
 
Trying to get comfortable in the over-sized bed, Harry sighed. Nothing about
his life ever seemed to be easy or normal. Idly, the young Gryffindor wondered
if he would even recognize normal if it bit him in the arse. As the events of
the day closed in about his weary mind, Harry found his mind wandering to
strong arms, firm chests and dark haired lovers. Finally falling asleep, the
young wizard dreamed of obsidian gazes and soft lips grazing his as erections
pressed hungrily against one another.
***** Intentions *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not.
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Unbeta’d
 
Chapter 7 Intentions
Harry awoke the next morning, feeling more rested than he had in quite some
time. Opening his eyes, he tensed for a moment as he struggled to recognize his
surroundings. Remembering at last where he was and why, he threw his arm across
his eyes and groaned. Then, the thought that he was stuck down here with Snape
for who knew how long hit him and he growled in frustration.
Determinedly lying in the warm bed for a few more minutes, Harry considered his
situation. He was stuck here with Snape, they were expected to bond, his
friends didn’t know what was really going on with him, and somehow he and Snape
had to keep from killing each other. Grinning suddenly, Harry had an evil
thought. With that, the young Gryffindor got up and grabbed fresh clothes for
the day. Coming out of his bedroom, he stood for a moment, trying to decide
which door might lead to the bathroom. Finally deciding to just try his luck,
Harry cautiously opened the door next to his room. Sighing in relief, Harry
slipped into the empty bathroom and closed and locked the door behind him.
Having taken advantage of the luxurious appointments, Harry toweled off his
hair and dressed for the day. Pulling on clothing that actually fit his slim
form, he grinned at his reflection before shrugging on his school robe. Harry
picked up his discarded clothing and left the room to find a rather irate
potions master impatiently waiting for the bathroom. Smiling, Harry bade the
surly man good morning before returning to his own room. If Severus Snape could
have seen the predatory look on his student’s face he might have had reason to
worry, but as it was, he was blissfully unaware of the dangers lying ahead.
 
Severus growled as he finally was allowed entrance to his own bathroom. What
was Albus thinking? Couldn’t the old coot have at least provided a second
facility? Sighing in righteous indignation, the potions master took care of his
needs and stepped into the large and decadent shower. Taking care to generously
lather his hair, he snorted at the widely held notion that he didn’t even know
what shampoo was, and the potions master rinsed his long locks. Realistically
Severus knew that no one had ever been close enough to find out that his hair
wasn’t really greasy, but rather fine and silky, but that didn’t help his
pride. Despite his chosen occupation, he took great pains in his appearance, to
only hear snide comments deriding his looks coming from his students.
Dressing in his usual black trousers and a comfortable white button-down cotton
shirt, Severus decided to forgo his black overcoat and robe. As he was expected
to remain in his chambers with the Gryffindor golden brat, he saw no reason to
dress as usual. This coming day already promised to be trying, so he might as
well be as comfortable as possible.
 
Severus called his house elf, Tizzy, and asked for a carafe of coffee along
with a hearty breakfast for two. As the diminutive being softly popped out to
obey her master, Harry shook his head in bemusement. Who knew that Snape could
be so nice, and to a house elf, no less? The young Gryffindor thought that his
friend Hermione would be pleased to hear that the potions master treated his
house elf kindly.
Making his presence known, Harry moved into the sitting room and sat at one end
of the old sofa. Deciding that the seat was rather comfortable, he sat back and
relaxed slightly. Tizzy popped back in with the requested food items, and
placing the heavily loaded tray on the coffee table, bowed to her master and
disappeared just as quietly as the first time.
Severus poured two cups of coffee and offered one to his guest. Despite all
claims to the contrary, the potions master did indeed possess some social
skills and set about proving the matter.
Harry gratefully took the cup and murmured his thanks to the older man. At his
professor’s invitation, Harry loaded a plate with eggs, bacon and toast. Tizzy
had provided a couple of pots of jams and jellies, and the young man helped
himself to the strawberry jam. Surreptitiously watching his companion while he
ate his breakfast, Harry pondered his next move. He fully intended to take
advantage of the stipulations the headmaster had placed on the potions master
in not allowing him to take points or assign detentions to the young man. The
thought of being able to taunt and bait his professor without fear of
retribution was just too good to pass up. Briefly the thought that the snarky
man might still find a way to retaliate crossed his mind, but Harry wasn’t a
Gryffindor for nothing.
Finishing the last of his breakfast, Harry sipped his now cooling coffee and
placed the mug down on the tray. Settling back on the sofa, he considered how
to begin. “Sir,” he asked innocently, “While we are stuck here together, do you
think you might try to teach me some defensive moves for dueling?”
Blinking in surprise, Severus thought for a moment before answering. The
erstwhile Death Eater tried to decide what the boy was up to, for he didn’t
believe for a moment that the request was without wile. Smirking, the potions
master finally rejoined, “Have you forgotten, Mr. Potter, that you and I
currently are having some difficulties with our magic?”
Harry grinned in response. Actually he had remembered and had taken that fact
into consideration. “Yes, sir, I do remember. But I thought that you might
teach me how to dodge spells and how to react physically when dueling.” Putting
on his best guileless expression, the young man waited for an answer.
Narrowing his dark eyes at the Gryffindor, Severus tried to figure out what he
was up to. Sighing, he nodded and asked when he would like to start practicing.
A large smile broke out on the green-eyed wizard’s face as he responded, “How
about right now?”
The potions master finished his coffee and stood. “Very well, Mr. Potter. If
you will follow me.” So saying, Severus strode across the sitting room to one
of the other doors and entered it.
Harry followed behind and reached up to undo the clasp on his school robe,
Harry paused inside the door when he realized that they had entered what seemed
to be a workout room. Surprise colored his expression and the potions master
smirked in amusement. Figures the brat wouldn’t have thought that he would have
such facilities, much less make use of them, he thought to himself.
Flexing his shoulders, Severus crossed to the far side of the room and turned.
Harry pulled his robe off and hung it on a hook near the door. Taking his own
place across from his professor, Harry waited for instructions.
 
After a hard hour, the two men were hot and tired. Severus had shown Harry some
fairly standard and useful defensive moves. Surprisingly, the arrogant brat had
actually listened to his instructions and had worked hard to emulate his
teacher. Now, they had stopped and Severus pulled a couple of towels off a
shelf. Handing one to his student, he used his own to wipe his face and neck.
Harry took this opportunity to put his plan into motion. After grabbing the
towel handed to him he started to unbutton his own shirt. Pulling the garment
off, Harry then started to wipe his body off. He knew that though he was still
thin, his muscles had started to fill out. If the appraising looks and catcalls
from his dorm mates were anything to go by, he looked fairly good.
Severus turned and saw his student. The insolent whelp had taken off his shirt
and the slim muscles were playing across his back. His mouth suddenly dry, the
potions master could only stare.
Somehow Harry could feel the instant his professor’s eyes turned onto him.
Struggling to keep an even expression, Harry turned and looked up innocently at
the older wizard. Seeing the smoldering dark eyes, the young man shivered.
Still determined to have his fun though, Harry took a deep breath and walked
slowly over to Severus. Smiling up to the taller man, he handed his towel back.
Severus swallowed nervously when the young man took his own towel and used it
to wipe the older man’s cheek. Obsidian eyes locked with emerald ones as Harry
reached up to brush a strand of hair out of the potions master’s face. An
elegant hand caught the smaller one and Severus pulled the young man tight to
his body. Panic flared in the emerald eyes as Harry realized that he had just
fallen in over his head. Looking up, he saw the thin lips curl into a sneer. He
was caught and he knew it. They both knew it.
“Not quite what you had planned, Mr. Potter?” the silky voice inquired. “If you
play with fire, you should expect to get burned,” Severus murmured as he bent
his head toward his student before claiming the innocent lips.
***** Reflections *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not.
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Unbeta’d
 
Chapter 8 Reflections
Wondering how his simple plan to put Snape off balance could have gone so
terribly wrong, Harry felt warm lips press against his even as the firm body
melded itself to his. As the sweet lips and questing tongue acquainted itself
with his, Harry gave up trying to justify his body’s responses as he returned
the kiss. Tentatively at first, the young Gryffindor soon gained courage and
confidence, accepting the mouth and hands learning his body. Twining his
fingers into the long dark strands of hair, the young wizard lost himself to
the temors sweeping through his body. What had started as mere tingles were now
turning into raging infernos as his body and mind slowly accepted the feeling
of his professor’s body against his.
Hands roamed freely across the naked torso of his student even as his mouth
claimed its sweet prize. Only intending to frighten the young man, Severus
quickly lost control as he gave into the trembling forces coursing through his
body. This felt so right, so absolutely necessary that he gave up trying to
think and lost himself in the incredible sensations. Pulling the delectable
body closer to his, he felt an unmistakable hardness against his leg. Rubbing
his own hardening erection into the hip of his partner, Severus moaned hungrily
into the warm mouth enveloping his.
Harry had never felt this way before and he wasn’t sure he wanted this to end.
He forgot that it was Snape he was kissing or that it was Snape’s hands that
were roaming over his sides and back. He forgot that it was Snape who was
pressing against him, his erection digging into his own body. The only thing
that mattered now was that this kiss and these feelings never ended.
Finally the need for air forced the pair apart and dazed green eyes met
startled onyx ones. Harry clung to the shoulders of the man he had just been
kissing even as Severus attempted to pull away.
 
Severus gathered what was left of his wits as he managed to find the fortitude
to step away from the temptation that was Harry Potter. He simply could not
afford to feel this way about his student, no matter what the circumstances.
Severus Snape may be many things, but a pedophile was not among that number. He
would not fall for this young man, regardless of what his heart told him.
 
Severus agitatedly paced the length of his bedroom after fleeing rather
spectacularly from his personal demon. I did not just kiss Potter. No, of
course not. You were just doing an emergency tonsil inspection, his
subconscious chided. Oh, shut up, he rejoined. Well, I certainly did not enjoy
it. No, but they were rather nice tonsils, weren’t they, the annoying little
voice inquired. I thought I told you to shut up, the potions master growled to
his subconscious mind.
 
Harry was left standing alone, confused and lost. He had no idea what had just
happened. One minute they had been blended together; bodies, minds and souls
merged as one and he for one could have gladly stayed there forever. For the
first time Harry knew what it was like to be a part of something larger than
himself and he had no desire to return to his former state of being. For the
first time in his life, Harry understood what it truly meant to belong to
someone, to be a part of something larger than himself. It was not a feeling he
was anxious to give up.
But standing here alone after Severus had stormed off in a fit of fury, Harry
had to close his eyes against the sudden and unexpected pain. He had lived in
this state of being for most of his life, so why was it suddenly affecting him
so badly? Harry could never remember a time when he was loved and adored and
wanted, so why did this hurt so very much? Honestly, he had tried so hard to
protect his heart and had limited his dating experiences accordingly. But now
he felt as if he had placed his heart on a large target, inviting all to take
pot shots at him.
Dejectedly Harry retraced his steps back to the room he had been assigned.
Seeing no sign of Sev – Snape, he regained the solitude of the four walls that
marked his territory. Harry sat on the bed and placed his head in his hands.
Still unsure of exactly what had happened, the young Gryffindor struggled to
calm his nerves and heart rate. Harry was not completely inexperienced and had
shared a few kisses with a couple of girls, but he had never felt the
compulsion to lose himself so absolutely before. Who knew that Snape could
bring out such strong feelings or make him feel so bloody alive?
Sighing, Harry lay down on the bed and pulled his robe around his still
unclothed torso. The dampening chill of the dungeons seeped into his bones and
threatened to take up permanent residence in his heart and soul. He should have
known better than to think that anyone would want to be with him, Harry thought
angrily. He did know better; he had certainly been told often enough by his
relatives that no one would ever want a worthless freak like him. Hot tears
burned his eyes as the young wizard curled up in a tight ball of misery.
 
In the adjoining bedroom a fierce internal war was being waged. Severus was not
used to being out of control, but that was exactly how he felt now. Utterly and
completely out of control and adrift in an unfamiliar sea of emotional turmoil.
He had always prided himself on his iron self-control and strong sense of right
and wrong. While others around him had succumbed to temptation and sold their
souls for a cheap and temporary thrill, he had stood fast and had refused to
compromise his values. Disgustedly, the potions master and master spy had to
accept that all it had taken was the touch of soft and forbidden lips to make
him forget all of his lofty ideals. Once Severus had tasted the sweet nectar
that was Harry Potter he had fallen into the abyss and he reluctantly had to
admit that he could gladly stay there for eternity.
Frowning at nothing and everything, Severus Snape crossed over to the night
table by his bed and pulled out his emergency stash of fire whiskey. Normally
he would have denied himself the luxury of drinking his troubles away, but the
Boy-Who-Lived seemed to bring out the worst in him. Conjuring a glass, Severus
poured a generous amount of the potent libation and tossed back the alcohol.
Allowing the liquid fire to temper the fire burning his soul, Severus closed
his eyes against the loneliness battering his heart. What the hell was Albus
playing at? Hadn’t he given everything and more in atonement for his father’s
sins? How much more must he do before he could be forgiven for the mark marring
his arm and his soul?
 
Albus chuckled once again as he petted Fawkes. Thinking over all the recent
developments with his boys, the headmaster knew that things had just started.
Oh, to be sure, it would be rough for a bit, but the venerable wizard had faith
that things would work out in the end. “It seems that the fun is just beginning
for our boys, doesn’t it?” he asked the colorful phoenix. Bright eyes regarded
the powerful wizard and Fawkes trilled a cheerful tune. Nodding in agreement,
Albus smiled. “Ah, yes. They are even now starting to realize the attraction of
the bond and the needs of their souls and magic. It will compel them to seek
out the other, despite their protestations. Oh, to be a fly on that wall…” Here
the headmaster had the good sense to reconsider that option. “Well, perhaps
not. Might not wish to see quite so much of my boys, after all.” Popping a
lemon drop into his mouth, the wizard sat in his favorite chair and pulled the
never-ending paper work associated with being the headmaster of a prestigious
wizarding school to him.
***** Decisions *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not.
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Unbeta’d
 
Chapter 9 Decisions
Harry stretched tiredly after a restless night. His mind had refused to allow
him to sleep and he had replayed the events of yesterday over and over. Very
early in the morning he had finally reached a decision. There was no other
option, really, as Harry saw it. Now, lying on the comfortable bed, Harry went
over the details in his head. Accepting that this was the right decision, the
young Gryffindor resolved to gather his courage and go through with it.
Carefully choosing his clothing for the day, Harry slipped out into the quiet
sitting room and entered the bathroom. He quickly stripped and stepped into the
large and decadent shower. Water heated to just the right temperature danced
down his body and the young man happily washed his hair and body. Soaping his
hands once more, Harry trailed firm fingers down his abdomen and traced the
line of his hips. Leaning back against the wall of the shower, he began slowly
stroking his awakening erection. He ran a thumb across the slit, drawing a gasp
of pleasure from his mouth. Harry allowed his other hand to reach down and
cradle his ball sacs. Gently rolling the heavy sacs in his hand, Harry sped up
his exploration of his now turgid cock. With every stroke he swept his thumb
across the sensitive head, wringing a moan from his lips. Thrusting now into
his hand, he lost himself in the building pleasure until his climax was forced
through his trembling body. Crying out his release, Harry limply sagged against
the wall, allowing the water to rinse the evidence away.
A now smiling Harry Potter carefully dressed in a pair of worn, but fitting
jeans and a soft jumper that accentuated his body and matched the brilliant
green of his eyes. Not for the first time Harry was thankful that Hermione had
taken him in hand and had dragged him shopping before the school year. Now that
he no longer had to return to the Dursleys, Harry had no desire to continue
wearing his obese cousin’s hideous cast-offs and he and Hermione had taken
great pleasure in casting ‘incendio’ on the blasted rags. They had toasted each
other with bottles of butterbeer as they watched the pile of old clothing burn.
Raking a hand through his terminally unruly hair, the young wizard cast one
last look in the large mirror before leaving the sanctuary of the bathroom.
Severus had emerged from his own bedroom and looked rather ill at ease with the
arrival of the young Gryffindor. Smirking, Harry cheerfully greeted his
professor and sat down on his end of the sofa. He watched the older man move
quickly through the room and disappear into the relative safety of the
bathroom. Snapping his fingers as Severus had taught him, Harry summoned Tizzy
and asked that she bring them both a hearty breakfast.
The small house elf nodded enthusiastically and popped out to prepare the food
and coffee. Tizzy had hopes that her master could finally be happy and she was
hoping that young Master Harry would be the one who could bring a smile to her
master’s face. She had known Master Sevvie all his life and she knew how
difficult and lonely his life had been. Even now, Tizzy knew that her master
would not allow himself to seek happiness, believing that he did not deserve
such a luxury. As the loyal house elf placed the carafe of strong coffee on the
tray, she wondered what she could do to help her master see that he needed
Master Harry.
 
Harry tucked his leg under him and stared into the fireplace. Watching the
flames dance in the grate, he wondered how so much in his life could have
changed in such a short amount of time. A couple of days ago he only had to
worry about classes and dodging his dorm mate Seamus’ rather lewd and lecherous
advances. Well, okay. So there was that slight problem with his magic being all
wonky, but that seemed so trivial now. Now, he found himself actively trying to
figure out how to seduce his snarky potions master. That one kiss they had
shared had been just amazing and Harry had quickly decided that he wanted more
of that. He figured that there was more than just kissing, but first things
first. So now that his insecurities of last night had effectively been dealt
with, the young Gryffindor was determined to win his own potions master. He
just hoped that he could convince the older man to cooperate with him. So now,
‘Operation Snatch a Snape’ would soon commence.
The young wizard was startled out of his reverie when the house elf popped back
in with the heavily loaded tray. Despite himself, Harry chuckled. Honestly,
those house elves must think that humans were all stomach, he thought amusedly.
Politely thanking the small creature, Harry watched as she bowed low before him
and then quietly popped out of the room.
Knowing that the older wizard could not hide in the bathroom forever, Harry
poured two cups of steaming hot coffee and sat back to enjoy his own. Soon his
patience was rewarded when the scowling dark eyed man emerged from the confines
of the bathroom. Smiling once again at his stern professor, Harry indicated
that he expected the potions master to join him for breakfast.
 
Severus scowled when he saw the younger wizard. After his impulsive actions
yesterday he had immediately fled to the safety of his bedroom and had spent
the remainder of the day in strategic retreat. Fortunately, Tizzy made sure
that he had eaten at least a bit, but he now found that he was once again
hungry. And, damn it, he could no longer stay in his room without it looking
like he was hiding from Har – Potter. Severus Snape does not hide, he firmly
told himself. Well, he would just have to behave as if nothing had happened
between them. Yes, that’s it, he decided. He would act as if he had never
claimed those sweet, heavenly lips. Ahem, yes. Scowling even more fiercely now,
Severus strode over to his chair and was surprised to see that the young man
had already poured him a cup of coffee.
Primly sitting down in his chair, Severus could not help but feel the
expressive eyes of his companion on him. Deciding to stick with his original
plan of ignoring the brat, Severus picked up his coffee and began to drink it.
Damned if he would thank the whelp for such a common courtesy, he thought
angrily. Both sat silently for a time, drinking their coffee and taking a bit
of the breakfast banquet that had been provided for them.
Harry looked through his fringe to see that the professor had eaten a good
portion of his breakfast. Having finished his own, Harry decided it was now
time. Smiling to himself, the young man spoke, “Good morning, Severus. I trust
you slept well?”
Dark eyes turned to silently regard his unwelcome roommate. He ground his teeth
for a moment before answering. “Mr. Potter, I was not aware that I had given
you leave to use my first name. I will ask that you show me the proper respect
or you can just contain yourself to your own bedroom for the duration of your
stay.” There, thought Severus. That will put him in his place.
Pausing to take another sip of coffee, Harry quickly decided that this attitude
problem of Sev’s just wasn’t going to do. Setting his cup down, Harry rose and
went over to stand in front of the potions master.
Severus looked up in surprise when Har – Potter stood in front of him. Too
shocked to offer any resistance, Severus simply allowed Po – Harry to take the
cup from his hands. The potions master watched as the young man carefully
placed the cup on the table before turning back to him. Without a word, Harry
slipped into his lap and took his lips in a tender and sweet kiss. Moaning into
the warm mouth, Severus decided that the young Gryffindor had the right idea.
Pulling the slim body closer, the potions master gave himself into the kiss.
Sighing as he tasted the coffee-tinted mouth of his companion, Harry allowed
the older man to pull him into a tighter embrace. Yes, this was all right after
all, the young wizard happily decided.
***** Inclinations *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not.
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Sorry for the delay in getting this out, but my computer was being guarded by a
rather jealous cat who bit me every time I tried to write something. Black cats
are so high-strung…
Unbeta’d
 
Chapter 10 Inclinations
After several moments Harry pulled back to look at his professor. Drawing a
deep breath, he decided to plunge in. “Severus, maybe we wouldn’t have thought
to do this ourselves, but this does feel good. I have never felt like this
before. And you have to admit that having our magic being out of control is not
the best situation for either of us.” Looking shyly at the man in whose lap he
still sat, Harry waited nervously for an answer. While the older man’s reaction
to their kisses was obvious, Harry knew that the potions master would likely
still fight his attraction to his student.
Closing his eyes, Severus thought a moment before answering. “Po – Harry, this
isn’t right. I am old enough to be your parent and I am still your teacher. It
would not be proper.” Silently praying to any deities who might be listening,
Severus hoped that he could easily convince the younger wizard to abandon this
dangerous idea. The reluctant Death Eater and spy for the light was in danger
of losing his precious control. The control that he held so dearly was slipping
away, all thanks to one barmy old man and one impertinent brat.
He reopened his eyes to see questioning green eyes staring into his. Tilting
his head to the side, Harry asked, “Why? This isn’t as if we just decided to
have a torrid affair, consequences be damned. Sorry, sir. But both of us are
lost without our magic right now, and if we can help each other, then why not?
I like how it feels when we kiss, and I think that might be our magic trying to
reach out to each other and telling us that we belong together.” Ageless eyes
regarded his older companion for a moment before Harry continued. “You know, it
would never be boring with us. I mean, you’re still you and I’m still me and I
think we would still clash. And I have heard that make-up sex is rather
wonderful,” Harry shyly finished.
Wondering why he wasn’t putting up more of a fight, Severus sighed. If there
was a hell then he was surely headed there, the potions master thought wryly to
himself. But still… “Mmm, Mr. Potter, you may have a point,” Severus
reluctantly allowed. If he were being absolutely truthful with himself, he
would have to admit that the idea of being with Po – Harry was not entirely
without merit. “I think that in the name of honor and duty we both owe it to
the wizarding world to regain control of our magic. The fate of our society may
very well rest on our ability to properly wield our wands.” The potions master
gave no indication of whether he was teasing or not, but Harry couldn’t help
but snicker at the innuendo. An elegant eyebrow arching upward was the only
response the younger wizard received.
Now smiling, Harry settled himself more comfortably on his professor’s lap and
dove in for another searing kiss. This time the older man made no effort to
resist and the two quickly lost themselves to the new and intoxicating
sensations. The young Gryffindor grinned to himself when he thought that even
two days ago he would have seriously considered hexing someone for even
suggesting that he would want to kiss Snape. But now, it seemed the most
natural thing in the world.
In the back of his mind, Severus wondered if he had lost what little pride he
had left. But the larger part of him didn’t care, as long as he could keep
those lips on him and that body next to his. The worst thing was that he knew
that the Gryffindor was right; they really had no other choice but to give in
to the bond that their magical cores was trying to create between them.
Hands stroked and fingers caressed as the two men explored the other’s body.
Harry moved down to kiss across a cheek before dipping his head to lavish
attention to the wonderful neck. He began working on the man’s button down
shirt, carefully exposing the creamy toned flesh. Lips followed hands as the
younger wizard became acquainted with his professor’s body.
Leaning his head back, Severus allowed himself to enjoy the ministrations of
his young companion. The smaller body felt so right next to his, almost like
they were meant to be together. When Harry began to unbutton his shirt, the
potions master decided it was time to reciprocate and began the process of
undressing the younger man. Soon torsos were bared and fingers, hands and lips
appreciated the naked skin.
The sensations washing over him, Harry began to rock his hips against Severus.
He wanted, oh, he needed more. Just what he wasn’t quite sure yet, but he knew
Severus could give it to him. Moaning into the warm mouth that had moved back
up to claim his, Severus pulled a hand down to the hips thrusting into his and
he met the thrusts with his own. Dimly he was aware that it would be more
enjoyable if they were to move elsewhere, but the need was becoming too great
to worry about that now.
Both men were now panting and moaning as their hips danced against one another.
Harry pushed into Severus as Severus pulled the young man close to him and they
moved in concert, approaching their climax. Harry gripped the shoulders of the
older wizard as his hips rocked faster and faster. He felt a hot coil of
tension deep in his belly and with a loud cry, he felt his orgasm leave him.
Severus continued to pull the slim hips against his and moments after Harry had
shuddered his release, Severus groaned and his body stiffened as he also
reached orgasm.
Harry laid his head on the taller man’s shoulder as he struggled to regain his
breath and composure. Sure he had masturbated before, but it had never felt
like this. He wasn’t even sure there could be a comparison. Deciding that
having sticky pants was not the way to go, the young man whispered a cleaning
spell, ridding them both of their mess. Closing his eyes, Harry sighed and fell
into a peaceful sleep. Neither man noticed in that moment that Harry had just
successfully accomplished not only a spell, but a wandless spell at that.
His head back against the back of the chair, Severus closed his eyes and calmed
his breathing. He hadn’t done anything like that since he was a teenager
himself and right now he was feeling a bit out of sorts. How could this young
man cause him to so completely lose control? And how could he get back at Albus
for putting him in this situation? But even more importantly, how could he make
sure that they would be doing this again?
Realizing that the young man had fallen asleep, Severus allowed a rare smile to
cross his face. Harry must have slept as badly as he had, he thought tiredly.
Bringing a hand up, he softly caressed the tousled head of hair. For the first
time in so very long the potions master felt a small fluttering of hope beating
in his heart. Gently picking up his precious cargo, Severus stood and carried
his young lover into his bedroom. If he had anything to say about things, Harry
would not be going back to his old bed any time soon.
***** Negotiations *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not.
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Unbeta’d
 
Chapter 11 Negotiations
Harry could never recall being so comfortable before. Cautiously opening an
eye, he tried to figure out where he was. Nothing looked familiar and he felt a
warm weight against his back and over his side. Turning slightly, he was
startled to see that Severus was spooned behind him, sleeping peacefully.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Harry quietly observed the sleeping man.
While awake the potions master kept a stern countenance, but in repose the
man’s formidable features relaxed enough that he actually appeared younger and
even somewhat handsome.
Smiling to himself, Harry wondered how he could have had such a radical change
of heart in such a short period of time. Somehow he suspected that their magic
was working to bring them together, despite their initial feelings. But the
young Gryffindor just couldn’t find it within himself to really care that his
emotions were being manipulated by his and Sev’s magic. The prospect of not
having to be alone again was soothing and the thought that they could explore
these new feelings together was rather exciting.
Bemused obsidian eyes opened to see emerald ones watching him. Arching an
eyebrow in silent question, the potions master simply watched the expressive
face of the young man lying in his arms. Raising a long finger, Severus traced
along the firm cheek and jaw of the man he now knew that he could love.
Giving himself over to the tender caress, Harry smiled shyly up at the older
man. Tentatively, the green-eyed man brushed a stray strand of silken ebony
away from the striking face opposite him. Severus surprised him by turning his
head and kissing the open palm. Shuddering in appreciation, Harry closed the
distance and pulled his professor down to him. Lips met and Severus slid his
tongue along the younger man’s soft mouth. Groaning, Harry opened his mouth,
allowing entrance. Savoring the potions master’s taste and the texture of his
lips and tongue, Harry melted against the taller man’s body. Severus responded
by more firmly pulling the lithe body to him.
Kisses steadily turned more passionate as the two men explored each other.
Gathering what was left of his addled senses, Harry managed to break the kiss
long enough to pull back and look at the older wizard. “Severus, can you feel
it? Do you feel our magic trying to connect?”
Struggling to regain some semblance of sanity, Severus finally answered, “Yes,
Harry, I feel it. Does this frighten you?”
Tracing a finger tenderly along the older man’s prominent nose, Harry thought
for a moment. Then, “It should, but it doesn’t. I find that I want what is
happening between us. What about you?”
Smiling slightly, Severus responded, “I too find that I do not mind quite as
much as I would have believed. I do think that we could make this work between
us.” Eying the younger man, the potions master continued, “Though, we still
must decide on a suitable manner of ‘thanking’ our esteemed headmaster.”
Smirking in silent agreement, Harry decided they had talked enough. Reaching
back up, he pulled the older man back down to him and proceeded to become
intimately acquainted with his mate.
Filled with need, hands stroked across warm flesh and Harry fumbled with the
older man’s trousers. Sharing his mate’s impatience, Severus helped shed the
superfluous clothing and then began working on ridding the younger man of his
own until both men were only clad in their boxers.
Harry reveled in the silky texture of the older man’s firm skin as he arched up
into the larger body. Severus allowed his hands to wander freely, exalting in
the ripples of desire coursing along his skin. The Gryffindor evidently felt
the same sensations as he keened in obvious pleasure. Knowing that they both
wanted and needed this, Severus began to properly seduce his mate; kissing,
licking and nipping his way down the desirable body. Reaching the boxers, he
looked up to see lust-glazed eyes staring down at him. Gently, the potions
master caressed the hard length through the silky fabric. Harry moaned and
lifted his hips in silent supplication. Smirking, Severus acquiesced and slowly
pulled the remaining clothing off his mate.
Licking his lips, Severus could not suppress a shiver of desire as he regarded
the leaking, pulsing member awaiting his attentions. Looking up through his
long lashes, Severus noted that Harry was eagerly watching his actions. The
potions master bent down and lapped at the moist tip of the beautiful cock. He
wanted nothing more in that moment than to ravish this young man gracing his
bed. Severus brought a hand up to gently caress the heavy sacs even as he began
licking along the length of the hard flesh. Hands came down to weave into his
long locks as the potions master introduced his student to the pleasures of
fellatio.
The young man thrashed his head about helplessly as the fiery sensations lit
his nerve endings. He ran his fingers through silky hair as he tried
desperately to fill his need. Gasping as the hot mouth swallowed him whole,
Harry arched into that wondrous wet cavern. Feeling a gentle prodding, he
allowed his legs to fall open and was rewarded when the older man began
stroking his fingers along the sensitive flesh behind his balls.
Severus pulled off the delectable cock long enough to summon a jar of lubricant
he always kept on hand for his private, solitary ‘sessions.’ Too caught up in
the desire pumping through his veins to notice that he had performed simple
magic, the potions master opened the jar and generously coated his fingers.
Moving back down to lay claim to that tempting prize standing at attention,
Severus bobbed his head up and down the hard length. Carefully trailing a long
finger back along the tender skin, he found the wrinkled flesh surrounding
Harry’s hot channel. The slick finger gently poked in the resisting hole and
began stroking the tight orifice.
Harry wailed first in surprise then pleasure as the finger worked to loosen
him. He had wondered how it would feel, but had never had the nerve to breach
himself. New and wonderful sensations assaulted his mind and body and soon he
realized he was pushing back against the invader. Severus didn’t let up in his
ministrations to his cock and when a second finger was added to the first
questing one, Harry moaned in appreciation. He knew he couldn’t last long now
and began begging to be taken by the older man. Severus smirked around his
mouthful, and in answer added a third finger and then stroked a place in Harry
that had the young man seeing stars. Severus began humming around his lover’s
cock and the young wizard stiffened and then pulse after pulse of creamy liquid
erupted from his heated erection. Crying out his undeniable pleasure, Harry
still wanted more even as his cock began to soften.
Pulling back from the now sated member, Severus smiled up at his young lover.
“Liked that, did you, Harry? There is more, love.” And with that he removed his
fingers from Harry, much to the Gryffindor’s displeasure. Quickly pulling off
his own boxers, he returned to kneel between the young man’s legs. Slicking his
own throbbing erection with more of the unctuous liquid, Severus pushed Harry’s
legs back so that he could gain entrance to his destination. Locking gazes with
his mate, Severus slowly pushed into the tight channel, careful to avoid
unnecessarily hurting the young man.
An intense look of concentration furrowed the potions master’s brow as he tried
to control his body’s response to being sheathed in the beautiful young man’s
heat. Allowing them both the time to adjust to the sensations, Severus then
began to slowly build the pleasure by thrusting in and out of his lover’s body.
Harry gripped the older man’s strong arms as he again felt the desire rising
from his core. As the thrusts gained in strength and momentum Harry began to
push back and was rewarded with a soft gasp from his mate.
Too soon Severus felt the familiar coil spiraling upward as his body sought
release. Reaching down, he firmly stroked the young man’s now reawakened
erection. Grunting in need, Severus pulled Harry’s second orgasm from him and
in the aftermath, gave himself over to the spasming muscles grasping his cock.
One final thrust sent him into completion and he shouted out his lover’s name
as he pumped his seed into the tight channel. Both men stiffened as an
unbearable heat engulfed them and for a moment it seemed as if they were one
instead of two. Dancing tendrils of magic skittered across their skin, finally
moving to where the men were joined. Gasping, both felt their magic merge
together before melting back into their bodies.
Taking a moment to regain his breath, Severus pulled out of his lover’s body
and weakly lay down next to Harry. Pulling the smaller man into his arms, he
muttered a cleansing spell and was pleased to note that the spell worked
perfectly.
Harry thought for a moment before asking, “Was that what I thought it was? Did
our magic just join and then return?”
Carding a hand through the messy locks, Severus looked over to his lover and
smiled. “Yes, love. I do believe that we have been ‘cured’ of our ailment.”
Smirking, he added, “No doubt the headmaster will be pleased. I do believe that
we owe him now.”
“Mmm,” was the only reply he got as Harry snuggled into the side of the man he
now knew he loved.
***** Just Desserts *****
J. K. Rowling owns the Potterverse. I do not.
HBP? What HBP? Spoilers for the first 5 books only.
Unbeta’d
 
 
Chapter 12 Just Desserts
The school populace was assembled in the Great Hall for dinner and the
headmaster was engaged in conversation with Professor McGonagall when he paused
long enough to place a lemon drop into his mouth. Just as he began to answer
her question, Albus popped and turned into a parrot. The brightly colored bird
looked around in what appeared to be amazement as an unnatural stillness fell
over the hall. Curious eyes watched as the parrot squawked and ruffled its
feathers. Minerva gasped as she regarded her colleague and lover of many years.
Soft sniggers were heard around the hall as the students tried rather
unsuccessfully to rein in their amusement at the headmaster’s predicament.
Poppy put her napkin up to her face to hide her rather obvious laughter. As far
as the medi-witch was concerned, it was about time that the old manipulator got
his comeuppance. An expressive eyebrow raised was the only indication that the
potions master had even noted the spectacular change in his employer’s
appearance. At the Gryffindor table, Harry and his friends gave up the battle
to hold in their laughter and soon the rest of those assembled followed suit.
Even Minerva allowed a small chuckle to pass her tightly drawn lips. Only
Severus Snape managed to maintain control and he leveled a searing scowl over
the students’ heads.
The confused parrot flapped its wings in agitation until the deputy
headmistress decided to take matters into her own hands. Standing, she gathered
the confused bird and tersely announced that the students return immediately to
their common rooms. The stern woman then exited the room with the unfortunate
headmaster.
The students knew better than to disobey the witch and quickly cleared the
hall. Harry bade his friends good bye and turned to descend down into the
dungeons and his mate’s chambers.
Quietly entering the welcoming sitting room, Harry smiled over at his mate. “A
parrot, huh?” Crossing the room to hug his lover, Harry said, “So how long do
you think before he will turn back into himself?”
Severus smirked before answering, “The potion should wear off in an hour.
Perhaps the meddling old fool will learn not to laugh at the expense of
others.” Quirking an eyebrow at the young Gryffindor, Severus replied, “That
potion was one of my more inspired ideas. But now I have another.” So saying,
the potions master captured the tempting lips of his life mate with his own.
Soon the pair forgot all about meddling old headmasters and plans of revenge,
instead focusing all their energy on their love.
~The End~
 
A/N: At this point, I consider this fic to be finished, although I am planning
to revisit our boys from time to time as we peek in at their further
adventures.
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