Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/9893573.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Rape/Non-Con, Underage
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Harry_Potter_-_J._K._Rowling
  Relationship:
      Harry_Potter/Severus_Snape
  Character:
      Dobby_(Harry_Potter), Albus_Dumbledore, Fred_Weasley, George_Weasley,
      Ginny_Weasley, Harry_Potter, Hermione_Granger, Molly_Weasley, Remus
      Lupin, Ron_Weasley, Severus_Snape, Arthur_Weasley
  Additional Tags:
      Slash_sex, Mpreg, Sexual_Content, Angst, Tragedy, Bonding, First_Time,
      Hurt/Comfort, Romance
  Collections:
      HPFandom
  Stats:
      Published: 2007-06-25 Completed: 2008-02-18 Chapters: 24/24 Words: 77960
****** Puppet On A Chain ******
by Ami_Mtchll [archived by HPFandom_archivist]
Summary
     When Harry is required to spend his summer holiday with Snape he
     thinks it will be awful, however after a dramatic incident things
     begin to change between the two.
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.
***** Have A Happy Holiday *****
Please note that I own none of these characters, sadly that pleasure goes to JK
Rowling.
Puppet On A Chain comes from Alistair Maclean’s novel, once again having
nothing to do with me :( .
“….” = speech
*.....* = thoughts
 
 
Chapter 1 – Have a happy holiday
“No Headmaster, you are asking too much of me this time. I have had enough!
Years I have spent my life watching and saving Potter from every adventure he
turns into a nightmare and I will do so no more. He is not staying with me for
the summer and that is final.” Snape firmly responded to Dumbledore, who
seconds earlier had informed Snape that Potter was to be his house guest for
the next few weeks.
“Calm down Severus, it’ll only be for a few weeks and I’m sure Harry will keep
out of the way in that large house of yours. I know I am asking a lot, but he
really has no where else safe to go and as you are a strong wizard and are used
to looking after yourself in the most dangerous situations, having a teenager
around will hardly compromise your security.” Dumbledore replied with that mad
twinkle in his eye.
*It’s not my security I’m worried about, it’s my privacy. Potter has a nack for
getting into unwanted places, and in my house there are many*, Snape thought as
he stood in front of the Headmaster. “Headmaster, with all due respect,
wouldn’t it just be easier to leave him here over the summer with you, where he
could get into as much unnecessary trouble as a boy his age might wish.” Snape
asked hopefully, though he knew that against Dumbledore he would never win, and
so was already resigning himself to spending his summer with Potter.
“Severus, my dear boy, Harry can’t spend the summer here, he needs company and
with me leaving the castle all the time to get work done it really wouldn’t be
suitable. Besides, I’m sure when you get to know him a little more personally
you will see that he is not at all as you expect him to be and has turned into
quite a mature and sensible young man.”
*Yeah right* thought Snape *and house elfs might fly*. However just as he began
to respond, there was a knock at the door, and although it was shut, Snape knew
immediately who it was from.
**************************************************
Harry began climbing the spiral staircase up to the Headmaster’s office where
he had been summoned just 10 minutes before with a note sent with Hedwig. As he
climbed he had a good idea of why he was required as a week ago came the death
of his godfather in the ministry of magic and with it the downfall of Voldemort
at his own hand. Because of this Harry no longer had to stay at the Dursleys’
for summer for blood protection and even though he expected to stay at the
burrow with Ron it now seemed unlikely as he had left Hogwarts 3 days ago with
the rest of the student population. As Harry reached the top and knocked on the
door he was surprised to here another voice. With a swift ‘enter’ the door was
opened and Harry was extremely shocked and somewhat nervous to see his hated
potions professor standing on the other side.
“My dear Harry, please come in and take a seat” said Dumbledore, looking far
too jolly for the horrendous news which Harry was sure he was about to receive.
Snape having never once took his eyes off him stood ramrod straight and ever
foreboding to his left as Harry took the seat in front of Dumbledore’s desk.
“Harry as you know, the Dursleys’ are no use to you for protection now as
Voldemort is dead and they can not protect from magical beings. However, you
are still in danger from the remaining death eaters and so, for your own
protection you are going to be spending the rest of your summer with Professor
Snape.” Dumbledore’s twinkle increased tenfold and for a moment he looked like
a 5 year old boy at Christmas receiving his favourite present.
“WHAT! You have got to be kidding. Snape hates me and it is pretty obvious that
I -“
“Harry” Dumbledore cut him off in a gentle yet authoritative tone. “Professor
Snape has been kind to agree to let you stay with him for the summer and as
such you shall be grateful. Professor Snape does not hate you as it was just an
act he had to play in the war (Snape’s eyebrow rose, and Harry himself was more
than a little sceptical) and so, take this time to reacquaint yourselves with
each other, and you never know, you might just be surprised!”
This, Harry somewhat doubted, however 2 hours later he was standing in the
entrance hall packed and ready to go.
**************************************************
Severus ascended the dungeon stairs and walked over to Harry by the large oak
doors ready to leave the castle. With a flick of his wand Harry’s trunk and owl
cage disappeared leaving Harry bare and slightly nervous.
“Your luggage has been sent ahead and shall be in your room and unpacked by the
time we arrive. Before we leave I will inform you of my rules. You will do well
to follow them.” Snape’s mouth twisted into an ugly smirk and Harry had no
doubt at all that it would be wise to follow them whatever they may be as
living in close confinement with an angry Snape was not on his lifes top 10 ‘to
do’ list.
“Firstly, it is now 11am, lunch will be served in 2 hours, if you don’t attend,
you will have to serve yourself in the kitchen. Dinner is at 6pm, the same
applies. Breakfast is served between 6am and 10am, if you miss this then there
will be no food until lunch. To call a house elf click your fingers once,
however please remember that they have a job to do, and are not there to
satisfy your every whim Potter.” At this Severus smirked and continued. “You
are not to enter my personal lab under ANY circumstances unless it is a life or
death situation, the same applies for my bedroom and personal study and if you
choose to leave the grounds you are to inform me first. If you remove a book
from the library then please mark its title and author in the book by the door
and make sure you put all books back in their correct place. I expect you to
use your common sense and not do ridiculous things such as play loud music and
leave your belongings everywhere. Do I make myself clear?” Snape finished his
lecture and glared at Harry as if daring him to say no. When Harry nodded his
head Snape pushed open the front doors to the castle and steamed off leaving
Harry to follow.
Just as Harry stepped over the threshold, Snape turned around, several meters
ahead with a smirk on his lips and called “Oh, and by the way Potter, have a
happy holiday”.
***** Snape Manor *****
Chapter 2 – Snape Manor
 
Harry fell to the ground after his sidelong apparition with Snape and before he
could even get up (and rub his bum) Snape had already stalked away towards what
Harry now saw was a very large and beautiful manor house. In the distance Harry
could see what looked to be a small village, however it looked like miles away
and so Harry knew that no-one would be able to see them apparate from that far
away. As Harry walked towards the manor he realised that what Snape had just
apparated them into was a large field of grass with a few trees scattered here
and there. As Harry passed through what he recognised as the magical wards he
felt a little tingle through him as if they were collecting his magical
signature for future entry. *Snape must have set the wards to allow me entry*
Harry thought, as he realised that without Snape’s permission he wouldn’t have
even got this close. As Harry neared the house he realised that the grassy
field finished and gravel began about 20 metres in front of the house in an
oval shape around the front of the manor. The property seemed to be situated in
what used to be another field, but now the perimeters of it were surrounded by
a 15 foot high hedge and a large steel gate completed the circuit of the hedge
border at the front. The Manor itself had a large oak door (*much like a
smaller version of the ones at Hogwarts* Harry thought and above them, in the
centre of the house was the Snape coat of arms. The Manor itself looked to be 3
stories high and to Harry was nothing like the dive he expected Snape to live
in.
As Harry passed through the gate towards the house he noticed smoke coming from
several chimneys and suddenly realised that even though it was summer, the
house was made of stone and so it could probably still get quite nippy inside.
As he reached the front doors he turned the handle and that too seemed to be
collecting his magical signature. When he walked inside he noticed the most
beautiful marble floor and a grand staircase straight in front of him which
split into two at the top. Snape’s voice suddenly made him jump and he turned
to see him standing to his right, arms folded, no robe and a smug smile;
however the words that came out of his house were less than amused.
“Potter, what on earth took you so long?”
“I’m sorry, I was just a bit…. overwhelmed” Harry replied trying to sound at
least a little bit repentant.
“Yes, well, I am about to take you to your room, please try to keep up” and
with that he was off once again, expecting Harry to follow.
As Harry reached the top of the stairs and followed Snape to the right he
finally took in how large the Manor actually was. Along the corridor there were
three doors to the left and three to the right, each with around 10 metres of
wall space between them and at the end of the corridor they turned left into
another corridor, except in this one there were around 10 doors on the right
and to the left were some exquisitely designed railings with the room beyond,
obviously a magnificent library, so large and posh it rivalled Hogwarts own.
From the railings Harry could see that he was facing the first floor of the
library and if he stepped through the gap in them and to the right he would
then be on a platform, from which he could peruse books on the walls and walk
down the staircase at the far end onto the ground floor. Harry, noticing that
Snape had steamed ahead quickly put the library to the back of his mind, though
knew he would take a closer look later. The railings ended and a wall began
which Harry knew there would be books on the other side. Snape then turned left
at the end of the corridor and stopped in front of the second door on the
right.
“These will be your rooms for your stay, treat them with respect and keep them
tidy” Snape then pointed to the first door on the right which they had walked
past just a couple of seconds ago. “These are my rooms, and like I said
earlier, they are not to be entered at any time by you, if you do…., well,
suffice it to say that you won’t want to experience the consequences. Lunch is
at one” and with that he turned and swept away along to the end of the corridor
and around the corner.
As Harry entered his rooms he gasped and awe filled his head at the beauty he
was standing within. Along the left wall stood a large, double four poster bed
with thick, rich navy blue drapes which hung to the floor and a plump cream
duvet. At the end of his bed was his trunk and to the left of his bed was a bed
side cabinet and to the left of them a mahogany wardrobe which included two
drawers. To the right of his bed was another bedside cabinet and to the right
of that a desk where his school equipment and various photos sat for him to
arrange. Opposite his bed was an open fireplace with book shelves on each side,
though they were only sparsely filled with his few school books and in front of
the fireplace sat 2 tub chairs and a coffee table. Opposite the door were some
French windows framed by thick curtains which matched the drapes and the
carpet. Through the French windows was a small balcony and beyond was a view of
a lake in the distance with a willow tree hanging over it at the far end and a
bench near the edge. Harry continued viewing his rooms and the cream walls
which were such a contrast to the blue curtains. At the far end of the room on
the right was another door and when Harry opened it, revealed a large, fully
furnished bathroom with black marble floor, sink and toilet. Opposite the door
was a shower cubicle and to the right a sunken bath tub which Harry was sure he
could swim around in if he tried. Going back into the bedroom he sat by the
fire and just silently tried to process it all.
*I am here in the most beautiful house, SNAPES beautiful house, what the heck
is happening to me?*
As lunch time arrived a small house elf popped up to show Harry to the dining
room.
“Hello Master Potter, my name is Letty and I’m here to show you to lunch” said
the small house elf.
*Trust Snape to get a grammatically correct house elf* snorted Harry and
introduced himself to Letty before following her to the dining room.
**************************************************
Severus sat at the far end of the long dining table which could easily hold 20
people and waited for Potter. As the door opened Severus could hardly keep the
smirk off his face at seeing Potter gaping at the long table.
“Hurry up Potter, the tables at Hogwarts are far larger”
Harry, gob smacked responded with astonishment in his voice. “Yes sir, but at
Hogwarts there are a lot more than two people and are in a far larger hall.
This whole place is just …. wow” .
Harry sat across from Snape and immediately a plate of sandwiches popped up in
between them and a small side plate in front of each of them. They both tucked
in, however there was a terse silence hanging over them and so Harry, ever the
Griffindor, bravely attempted to break it.
“I’m sorry for being so amazed, it’s just not what I am used to and I …. I am
sorry for ruining your summer” Harry said a little bit quieter.
Snape was a bit surprised at this admission and so quickly brushed it aside
with a “Forget it, I had nothing better to do anyway” and continued on eating.
After the sandwiches were all eaten and the fruit that had appeared for pudding
had been devoured too, Snape stood up from the table, making his excuses and
left saying something about a potion to finish.
Harry went in search of the library, and not knowing how to enter from the
ground floor had to enter on the first floor and walk around the edge to the
far side to descend the staircase and admire the view from below.
To the left of the staircase was a large open fire with a dark green
chesterfield sofa and two tub chairs and a coffee table in front of it. The
whole room was covered in books, from floor to ceiling and further on into the
room around a shelf of books another chesterfield, however with only one tub
chair came into view. On the coffee table by that sofa was an open book and on
taking a closer look Harry saw it to contain different potion ingredients so
walked off to go and have a look for a book which might interest himself. Harry
soon found a small section on quidditch. *I’m surprised to see that Snape has
quidditch books* thought Harry and took one to go and read over by the fire.
Harry soon becoming engrossed in the book read well on into the afternoon and
hours later looked up to view the time. *5pm, hmmm, it’s been a long day and I
want to go to bed but I can’t really excuse myself from dinner on the first
night, then again, Snape didn’t say I had to turn up, only that I would have to
make my own dinner if I didn’t* With that Harry decided to call Letty.
“Hello Master Potter, how may I help you?” Said the diminutive creature.
“Hi Letty, ummmm, can you please inform Professor Snape that I won’t be
attending dinner as I am tired and so will be in my room if he needs me” Harry
asked, a bit nervous about her response.
“Yes Master Potter, I will do that straight away, have a good night. Goodnight”
“Goodnight Letty” and with that the little elf popped away.
Harry then walked back up to his bedroom, had a shower and went to bed.
Exhausted from the long and unfamiliar day he fell straight to sleep as soon as
his head hit the pillow.
***** A New Dawn, A New Day, A New Life *****

Author's notes: When Harry is required to spend his summer holiday with Snape
he thinks it will be awful, however after a dramatic incident things begin to
change between the two
===============================================================================
Chapter 3 – A New Dawn, A New Day, A New Life
Please Review :)
 
The next morning Harry woke early and so at 6am he decided to get up, have a
shower and go down to breakfast. On entering the dining room he found Snape, at
the other end of the table, reading The Daily Prophet and eating toast.
Somewhat surprised to see him up so early, Harry cautiously went over and took
the seat opposite him, grabbing himself some toast from the rack in the centre
of the table and pouring a glass of pumpkin juice.
“I’m surprised to see you up so early Potter, I would expect a Prince like
yourself to stay in bed until noon” Snape stated rather noncommittally, whilst
keeping his eyes on the paper.
Harry’s hands slowly turned to fists, however he would not rise to the bait and
so just as calmly replied “I had an early night and so woke early. As you said
breakfast started at 6am, I thought that I’d come down and get some.”
“Mmmmm” Snape answered half heartedly and then continued, “I suppose you will
be doing your summer assignments today then?” However this was more of a
statement than a question.
*It seems like I have no choice* Harry thought and nodded his head. Even though
Snape wasn’t looking, he seemed to notice this and no longer than a second
later he folded the paper, stood up and said “Good, well then I’ll leave you to
it Potter” and walked out the door.
**************************************************
Harry finished his breakfast quickly and went to his room to collect a quill,
ink, parchment and books before retiring to the library in peace. As Harry sat
in front of the fire and spread out his work, he decided that this part of the
house had already grown on him and that he could quite easily spend most of his
day in here, perusing the shelves and basking in the cosy warmth of the fire.
As the morning wore on he finished his 3 foot transfiguration essay on
conjuring an object out of thin air and started on his 4 foot potions essay on
the different types of dragon’s blood and how they may affect a potion. At 12:
50 am he looked up to the clock on the mantel piece and realised that lunch
would be served in 10 minutes. Putting his nearly finished potions essay down,
he stood up and went towards the dining room to wait for Snape and lunch. Dead
on the dot Snape turned up and swiftly took his seat.
“I trust that you have been working hard this morning Potter” Snape said whilst
pouring a cup of tea.
“Yes sir, I have finished my transfiguration essay and have nearly completed my
potions one”
At this Snape nodded his head and thought for a moment before replying, “If you
look hard enough in the library I’m sure that you’ll find some useful books
which may help with it and some of your other respectable assignments. A good
one will be ‘A Basic Wizards Book Of Ingredients & How They Affect Potions by
Ruzendale Hillop’. Please note, that you will find nothing on divination” With
this Snape sneered and turned to his salad which had just arrived.
“Thank you” Harry responded, although he was unsure of whether the ‘basic’ book
had been a dig at his potions abilities or whether it was actually just wrote
to be, well, basic.
With this, both continued to eat their lunch in silence.
Half way through the meal Harry had a thought and so decided to question Snape.
“You know the lake at the end of the garden”
“I am familiar with it, yes” Snape replied sarcastically as if talking to an
idiot.
Ignoring this Harry mustered up his will power and continued. “Can I swim in
it?”
“You may, however if you do, please ask Letty for an old towel as I don’t want
the ones from the bathroom down by the lake”
Harry nodded. He completely understood this. When he had been thrust into
Snape’s world he had expected doom, gloom and blackness. However, all his
expectations had been turned upside down and even though the bathroom was
black, it was tastefully done in such a way that it held elegance in its right
hand and beauty in its left. The towels matched that beauty and were the
softest and fluffiest that he had ever touched and so he could absolutely
understand why Snape wanted them preserved.
After lunch was finished and both set about to their respective tasks, Harry
went in search of the book Snape had suggested in the library. Luckily for him
the books were sorted by category and so after he located the potions section
he made short work of finding the book. *Ah ha* Harry thought as he found the
book and took it off the shelf to sit with the rest of his work by the fire. As
Harry looked for dragon’s blood in the content and riffled through the pages
until he reached the one it was situated on, he suddenly realised that Snape
had in fact not been mocking his potions abilities at all by advising him to
use the ‘basic’ book. As Harry read through the 6 pages covering it, he
realised that all though it might have been basic for an accomplished potions
master like both Hillop the author and Snape, for him it was pushing his
knowledge to the limit, and although it all made sense, he had to read each
sentence a couple of times to get to understand its meaning. After Harry had
got to grips with the text he started altering his essay to fit in the extra
information the book provided. 45 minutes later it was complete and once he
returned the book to its correct place he decided to go for a swim.
Taking all his equipment back to his room he found an old pair of shorts and
transfigured them into some trunks. After calling Letty and requesting an old
towel he headed down to the lake to begin his early afternoon swim.
When nearing the lake, he realised that Snape was there sitting on the bench
reading a book, looking rather engrossed and so without trying to startle him
Harry dropped his towel to the ground and swam over. As he neared Snape looked
up, obviously hearing the splashing.
“Good afternoon Potter. I take it all your assignments are complete?”
“Yes sir, no-one else set me any as the rest of my work is just really
practising. Thank you for the suggestion of that book it helped a lot.”
“You’re welcome Potter, however I think I’ll be the judge of how much help it
gave when I mark it” Snape smirked and continued on with his reading.
As the afternoon wore on Harry swam around in the lake, watching the fishes and
just generally trying to relax. For a while Harry consciously forgot that Snape
was there and just imagined that he was by himself, in a bay, on the edge of
the island of Gozo in the Mediterranean. That was until Pig, Ron’s owl, passed
overhead with what looked to be a letter strapped to his leg, hooting loudly.
Harry swam over to the edge and made a grab for the little bird, however it
hovered just out of his reach and so when he went to make another grab he
lunged forward and slipped on the soft silt beneath his feet. Hearing a snicker
from behind as he rose from making an almighty splash and landing underwater,
he turned to look at Snape, who, unless Harry knew better *which I do* had not
seen or heard a thing. Once again grabbing for the owl (and catching him this
time) Harry undid the letter and walked out of the lake to sit wrapped in his
towel on the grass.
“I’ll send a letter back with Hedwig. There are some treats in my room if you
can find it. They are on the windowsill” and with that Harry turned his
attention to reading the letter.
 
‘Dear Harry,
I’m sorry you couldn’t come and stay with us at the Burrow but Professor
Dumbledore told mum that it wouldn’t be safe enough and that you needed to stay
with Snape where you will be secure. Mum was upset as she thought that now you
– know – who is dead that you could stay with us for the holidays. Poor you, I
don’t know how I’d cope with living with the greasy bat for over a month, it
must be a nightmare. Fred and George said that they’ll send over some of their
latest inventions, however don’t tell mum as she’ll kill them! Hermione is
coming over in two weeks time to stay for the rest of the holidays.
Well better go, dinner’s ready.
Ron’
 
Harry laughed when he read that Ron had to go for dinner, *trust him to put his
stomach before me*, though he slowly sobered up when it sunk in that Hermione
was staying over and he would be here all by himself with Snape. Putting that
thought aside he decided to go in and take a shower as dinner would be ready in
an hour’s time. As he got dressed and went down to dinner he decided that after
he had eaten he would reply to Ron in the lounge which he had previously
discovered that morning before breakfast.
**************************************************
Both Harry and Snape ate their dinner in silence and when Harry had finished he
made his excuses and left to retrieve a parchment, ink and quill from his room
before entering the lounge on the ground floor on the left hand side of the
stairs. As he opened the door he noticed that the fire was going and that in a
chair on the left hand side of the fireplace was Snape, who had looked up at
hearing the door open.
“Sorry sir, I’ll go to the library” and Harry started to retreat.
“Nonsense Potter, you have disturbed me now. You may as well come in”
Harry replied with a quiet ‘thank you’ and went to sit on the right hand side
of the sofa. The room that he was sitting in was fairly small and due to this,
felt quite cosy. The walls were papered in a scarlet red, just like the
Gryffindor colours, which surprised Harry, however he soon realised that even
though Snape was a Slytherin at school, at home he just wanted to relax and
have a nice house and so the colour scheme in that room, to Snape was not
important or significant of anything other than comfort. As Harry looked around
he noticed that there were more books on shelves on each side of the fireplace
with the shelves at the right stopping half way down the wall as the bottom
part was filled with numerous decanters filled with various spirits in a glass
cupboard. As Harry slipped his shoes off and lay back against the arm rest with
his legs on the sofa he noticed a medium sized set of mahogany draws further
along to the left of the same wall as the door. There was also another door
into the room at the far end, which Harry presumed lead out to the main
hallway, which would give a person a choice of whether they wanted to enter the
lounge from by the bottom of the stairs or from the front door. As Harry
settled into his new environment he took out the parchment and placed a spell
on it to make it firm to write on so he wouldn’t need to lean on anything to
write his letter, then he got started.
 
‘Dear Ron,
I wish I could come over and stay with you and Hermione, however Dumbledore is
right, it wouldn’t be safe, although I’m sure he could have found me someone
nicer to stay with. Maybe Tonks, that would be fun! You should see the size of
this place, it is MASSIVE!!!! Snape owns a manor and unlike him, it is very
bright and beautiful. My bedroom has an en suite which is the bigger than the
size of a normal bathroom and the bath I could swim in. He also has a really
large library which rivals Hogwarts and a lake in his garden! Snape hasn’t been
too bad, but then again we haven’t really spent much time together other than
meals and so there still is time for it to get worse. I can’t wait for Fred and
Georges’ new inventions although I’ll have to try and make sure Snape doesn’t
find them else he’ll think I’m up to something.
Tell your mum and Ginny hi.
Harry’
 
As Harry finished the letter he decided to put it aside and pick up that
morning’s Daily Prophet which was lying on the coffee table. As he opened it to
the first page he saw a large picture of an aeroplane with the headline ‘UFO
SPOTTED?’ As he read on, it turned out to be a wizard, with no idea what an
aeroplane was and sent in the picture to the Daily Prophet to be the first to
ever spot one. As a light chuckle escaped himself, Snape looked up to see what
was so funny and Harry pointed to the headline.
“Ahhhh, yes, it was rather amusing. I taught him around a decade a go, it turns
out he is still incompetent”
“I don’t know how he managed to get through his life so far without seeing one,
even Mr Weasley knows what one is” Harry was still quite perplexed by how he
could’ve managed it.
“Quite” Snape replied “Although Mr Weasley does make it his business to learn,
this man (he said glaring at the article) was always too lazy to bother”.
“Well in a way I understand, because muggles manage to ignore wizarding ways,
even when they hit them in the face. Take the Knight Bus for instance, no
muggle ever spots it even though it is just as visible as all the other buses,
and when Voldemort was attacking muggle areas, they always just put it down to
natural disasters.” Harry sat there contemplating for a moment, before Snape
broke his thoughts with his reply.
“Yes, but when the Dark Lord was around the muggle prime minister had a hand in
covering up the effects and although you are correct in saying that the Knight
Bus is just as visible as any other bus, it also has a strong ‘notice me not’
charm on it to hide it from the muggles. In fact, that is why the muggles don’t
see us. We ‘hide’ from them to a certain extent. The muggles on the other hand,
don’t know we are here and so have no reason to hide from us. This means that
they can be as brazen as they like and not worry about us seeing. Due to this I
would expect every wizard to have seen an aeroplane, as they are not being
hidden and pass over wizarding communities every single day.”
This Harry thought was a fair argument and to it he had no response apart from
the obvious “Oh, I hadn’t thought of that”.
“Quite” Snape again replied, although it didn’t seem to come out as mockingly
as it usually would, but more of an agreement.
Both Harry and Severus settled back into their respective reading and it was
only an hour later when Harry yawned that he bothered to look up at the time.
Although it was only 9pm, it felt much later to him, having got up earlier than
usual that morning and so he sat up and stretched, deciding then and there that
he should soon go to bed. Thinking back on the day, he felt it had been rather
successful, from Snape informing him of the book, to reading by the lake and
finally chatting by the fire. As he stood up and collected up his letter to
send to Ron and the rest of his equipment, he made a decision to try and engage
in more conversations with Snape, as even though they would probably never see
eye to eye, he thought that he could at least try to make their companionship
for the summer a little more comfortable. With a final goodnight to Snape and a
‘goodnight Potter’ in return, he headed off to his room to see if Hedwig was
back from her hunt to take the letter to Ron and then finally go to bed.
***** All Things Bright And Beautiful *****

Author's notes: When Harry is required to spend his summer holiday with Snape
he thinks it will be awful, however after a dramatic incident things begin to
change between the two
===============================================================================
Chapter 4 – All Things Bright And Beautiful
 
Please review :)
 
The next morning Harry once again woke up early and came down to breakfast at
6am, however this time he reached the dining room at the same time as Snape,
who came from the opposite direction. This indicated to Harry that he had been
up for a fair amount of time already as their bedrooms were next door to each
other and so they would’ve gone the same way if he had only just got up.
“Good morning Potter” Snape greeted him sounding wide awake and alert.
“Mor…mor…morning sir” Harry yawned out
Snape only quirked an eyebrow in reply before opening the dining room door and
letting Harry precede him in. When Harry walked into the room the table was
already filled with cereals, toast, bacon, eggs and the like and so Harry
walked up to his usual seat and sat down. Snape followed and sat opposite him,
pulling the toast rack towards himself to get 2 slices.
As Harry went to grab some toast Snape stopped him with his words.
“Please Potter eat something else first, they only do all this for you. If you
only want toast then call Letty after breakfast and let her know, other wise
start eating it.”
“Ummmm, okay, thanks”, though he was not quite sure what he was thankful for
and started pulling the bacon and eggs towards him.
As they ate in silence Harry pondered a thought which had been bugging him for
a while and finally decided to ask.
“Sir, why do you always sit at this end of the table even though there is no-
one else to occupy the rest of it? Why don’t you just sit at the end by the
door?”
“Because Potter, I don’t like sitting close to the door, and prefer to view the
whole room from here” Snape replied as if the answer was obvious.
“Oh” Harry replied but was saved from saying any more when the Daily Prophet
popped onto the table and Snape snatched it up to read.
**************************************************
After breakfast Harry decided to go and sit in the lounge and practise some
spells. Normally he would’ve done it outside in case he made a mistake, but
last night it had rained heavily and it was still raining in dribs and drabs
this morning. Firstly Harry moved all of the furniture to the edge of the room
so that he would have lots of space to practise and then he put a shield charm
around it all, due to the fact that the furniture radiated wealth and he didn’t
want to break it.
Next he took off one of his trainers and put it at the other end of the room.
Walking back into the middle he thought with all his might, ‘accio trainer’
however it didn’t budge an inch. *Dam, this will be harder than I thought*
“Okay, lets try again” and he attempted a second go, however, once again
nothing happened “need not have bothered with the shield charm” Harry said in a
sarcastic voice and tried again.
*ACCIO TRAINER* Harry shouted in his mind whilst thinking strong thoughts of it
coming to him. Ever so slowly the trainer picked itself up and flew for about a
metre, before it dropped.
“YES” Harry shouted with glee and punched the air and then tried again.
It took several more attempts before it reached him, but once it did, he put it
back on the other side of the room and called for it in his mind. Within
seconds it was sitting in his left hand and with a sloppy great smile on his
face he put it back on. He then spent another hour practising with various
objects before deciding to move onto another spell. After a while he had got
the hang of saying them in his mind and had accomplished small things such as
cleaning his shoes with a scourgifying spell to making a spider disappear.
The hours flew by and at 12:30 Harry was busy making his jumper dance when
Dumbledore’s head popped up in the fire.
“Good afternoon Harry, having fun I see” Dumbledore greeted then chuckled.
The jumper fell to the floor and Harry twirled around. “Oh good afternoon
Professor, how are you?”
“I’m very good thank you Harry, and yourself? Dumbledore said stepping through
into the lounge.
“I’m good thanks. I’ll just go and find Snape” Harry started to move but
stopped as Dumbledore spoke.
“No need, it’s you I’d like to talk to, I will speak to him later and it’s
‘Professor’ Snape” Dumbledore added whilst looking over his glasses at Harry.
“Sorry, what do you need to talk to me about?” Harry asked questioningly whilst
taking the shield charms down from the furniture and charming the sofa and
chairs back into their normal positions.
“Oh nothing important, I just wanted to check that you were alright, as it
happens, all things seem to be bright and beautiful” He said thinking back to
the dancing jumper whilst taking a seat in a chair.
“I hope you are talking about the house” Harry muttered *As my relationship
with Snape could not yet be described that way* He himself sitting on the sofa.
“Pardon, did you say something?” Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled as though he had
heard, although he didn’t let on.
“Nothing Sir.” Harry replied and hoped that Dumbledore would just forget it.
“So, what have you been up to then?” Dumbledore asked far too innocently.
“Not much really, just inspecting the house, swimming in the lake and
completing my homework assignments” Harry wondered to himself where this was
going.
“Good, keeping busy I see. Have you spent much time with Severus?”
*What plan is the meddling old man cooking up* Harry thought though didn’t let
it show on his face.
“Not really. I have spent mealtimes with him and read in here with him last
night. Otherwise, he has kept to himself and so have I”. Not at all liking
where this was going, Harry thought he’d just ask and get it all over and done
with.
“Why?”
“Oh, no reason Harry, I just wondered if you were getting along okay. I know
that both you and he have had your ups and downs. I thought that I’d just check
that you are both okay and haven’t yet killed each other” after this Dumbledore
chuckled and looked at the time.
*’Ups’ is a bit optimistic, and downs are an understatement* Harry thought to
himself, though kept quiet. At seeing Dumbledore look at the time, Harry
followed his eyes and noticed that 15 minutes had passed since he had arrived.
“Lunch will be in 15 minutes, do you want to stay?” Harry asked, thinking that
if he did then he should let Letty know.
“Why thank you Harry, I would be much obliged, as long as there is enough”
“It’s fine, I’ll just let Letty know” and with a click of his fingers she
popped up to the left of him.
“Yes, Master Potter.” The small house elf stood there with a large grin on her
face seeing that they had a visitor and that she could go all out for lunch.
“Can you please make enough lunch for three Letty as Professor Dumbledore shall
be staying”
“Yes Master Potter” and with that she popped away again to get everything
ready.
For the next 15 minutes Harry and Dumbledore chatted away about inconsequential
things until Letty popped back into the room to inform them that lunch was
ready. When she had gone they made their way to the dining room to take their
seats and found Snape was already there.
“Good afternoon Headmaster. What brings you here” Snape said, sounding somewhat
suspicious as he rose from his seat to give it to the Headmaster, whilst he
himself moved to the head of the table.
Harry thought that Snape moving was pointless as there were another 18 seats he
could have chose from, but decided to keep his thoughts on the matter to
himself as he presumed it was done more out of politeness than necessity.
“I am very well Severus and yourself?” Dumbledore asked with a twinkle in his
eye.
“I am fine thank you” Snape replied as lunch popped up in front of them,
looking somewhat like a Hogwarts feast.
As they tucked in Dumbledore started a flowing conversation, trying to draw
them both in. Half way through the meal he suddenly looked like he had
remembered something and turned to Snape.
“Severus, I nearly forgot. Poppy has requested of me to ask you if you could
please brew some potions for the infirmary. None of them will take up too much
of your time and some, I am sure, Harry would be capable of brewing himself”
At that Harry immediately looked up and saw that the twinkle in Dumbledore’s
eyes had increased tenfold. As Dumbledore passed Snape the list Harry saw
Snape’s eyes quickly flicker over it before giving a snort.
“Headmaster, no doubt Potter could brew some of these, however, if you want
them to be effective then it would probably be best if they were left to me.”
At this statement Harry was somewhat annoyed with Snape believing he couldn’t
do it, but also happy that it would give him an out.
“Nonsense Severus, I’m sure Harry would do a fine job of it, all he needs is a
chance to do it outside the pressures of the classroom” With this Dumbledore
gave both Snape and Harry the same look as if to say ‘and that’s final’ and
then turned back to his meal.
After lunch all three returned to the lounge where Harry instantly realised
that he had left the coffee table against the wall where he had put it earlier
to keep it safe from flaying spells.
“Potter, why is my coffee table lying against the wall” Snape asked with a
glare as soon as he entered the room.
“Sorry sir, I was just practising saying spells in my mind and didn’t want
anything to get broken so I put everything against the wall and shielded it
with a charm.” Harry suddenly realised how quick Snape had noticed that and
realised why he had made such an excellent spy in the war.
“Then why, pray tell, did you put everything back except the coffee table?”
Snape said in an even tone whilst his glare increased by the second.
“I’m sorry Severus that was my fault. I interrupted him in his work and engaged
him into a full blown conversation straight away. We both just forgot” At this
statement Snape just turned and spelled the table back into its correct
position in front of the fire, before taking his seat furthest away from the
door. When Dumbledore took the other chair and Harry sat on the sofa there was
silence, before Harry broke it with a question.
“Professor, can I see Ron and Hermione just for a short while. Can’t I just go
over to the Burrow for the afternoon and then come back?” To Harry, this
sounded fair and he hoped Dumbledore would too see it that way.
“I’m sorry Harry, but even an afternoon could compromise everything. For all we
know someone could be surveying the Burrow and if we turn up with you, it would
be asking for trouble” At Harry’s worried look for the safety of the Weasley’s
Dumbledore quickly set him straight. “Look Harry, don’t worry, the Weasleys’
are safe, that is just a worst case scenario, however, it is always best to
think of the worst things that could happen, so we know what to do to rule them
out. No, the Weasleys’ are safe, they each have a portkey which will take them
to my office if there is any sign of trouble, but even though they would be
safe if you came, we don’t want to ask for trouble, do we now?” and with that
he gave Harry a look that clearly said that that particular idea was never
going to happen.
As the afternoon wore on Harry’s mind kept going back to the Weasleys’ and how
safe they really were. Even though Dumbledore had made it quite clear that they
were in no immediate danger, Harry wanted to be sure. After the deaths of his
parents, Cedric and now Sirius, he didn’t take anyone for granted and so felt
that he had a right to be worried, however, in his heart of hearts he knew that
Dumbledore was correct and that he wouldn’t let any harm get to them. *After
all*, Harry reminded himself, *we can’t keep living in the past. The war is
over and we must move on, there will always be a threat to them for being blood
traitors and worrying about it won’t help* and with that he consciously put the
thought to the back of his mind.
Dumbledore stayed for dinner, though left shortly after stating that he had
some paperwork for the recruitment of next years DADA teacher to finish. Now
that the curse on that position had been broken and the school governors
realised that Remus Lupin would be of no threat to the students as Snape was to
brew him the wolfsbane potion every month he had been rehired and was scheduled
to start in September. After Dumbledore left, Harry picked up the Daily Prophet
which had arrived that morning and began to peruse it whilst Snape read a book.
During this time Harry was only half conscious of Snape sitting across from him
and so when he spoke Harry gave a small jump.
“Potter, seeing that the Headmaster has left us little choice, after breakfast
tomorrow we shall begin brewing the potions for the infirmary. Make sure that
you are down to breakfast at six as I want to start brewing straight away to
leave the rest of the day free to do as I please. I will take no slacking or
messing about in my lab as it contains highly toxic and expensive items and so
I expect you to act maturely and respectfully to both the equipment,
ingredients and I at all times. Do I make myself clear?” and with that Snape
glared as if to make his point.
“Yes sir” Harry said, feeling as if he was being told off before he had even
started.
“Good” Snape replied and turned back to his book.
An hour later Harry finished reading the paper and looked up at the clock which
read 8:30 pm. Saying goodnight to Snape, Harry left to go to his bedroom and
have a shower before going to bed. At 9pm he was safely tucked up thinking
about the early start and feeling nervous about being alone in a potions
laboratory, correction, Snape’s potion laboratory, making potions with Snape.
That night he dreamt about blowing up cauldrons and Snape making him test his
potions on Madam Pomphrey’s patients who, as a result, were then poisoned. As
the morning drew closer Harry’s dreams started to settle down and by 4am he was
enjoying a restful sleep.
***** Learning To Love The Lab *****
Chapter 5 – Learning To Love The Lab
 
Please review (as I haven’t got many) :)
 
Sitting behind his desk that night Dumbledore thought back to that afternoon
and how Harry and Severus had interacted. *If only they could see how alike
they are. They could do well together*
Leaning back in his chair he looked at Fawkes who was staring at him with a
suspicious look.
“What?” said Dumbledore gently, “If working on a potion will help them earn
respect for each other, then so be it. What’s so wrong about me wanting to get
my two favourite men together? If only they saw what I saw. Hopefully with this
little push in the right direction they will become friends, and then more.”
Fawkes just stared at him as if not believing Dumbledore would go this far just
to get them together.
“Oh well. Think what you like, I’m going to bed” Dumbledore said in a tired
voice, and with that he spelled out the candles and walked upstairs to bed.
**************************************************
The next morning Harry rose at 5:30 am to have a shower and get ready for the
day. After leaving the bathroom he put on some old jeans and a plain black t-
shirt and quickly towel dried his hair. Slipping on his trainers he left his
room at five minutes to six and headed towards the dining room. When he opened
the door Snape was already there, head borrowed in the paper waiting for
breakfast. As Harry sat down the food appeared and with a quick exchange of
pleasantries they both tucked in.
After finishing his first slice of toast Snape looked up at Harry and smirked.
“So Potter, ready for some work?”
Harry groaned inwardly though managed to keep the displeasure off his face.
“What potions do I have to brew?” Harry asked, hoping it was something easy, as
he really didn’t want to make a grand mistake in front of Snape.
“Boil cure potion and a strengthening solution. Don’t worry Potter, nothing too
strenuous” Snape sneered as he said this as if he doubted that Harry could do
the former first year potion, let alone the latter that he learnt last year.
At this remark, Harry decided there and then that he would do his utmost to
prove Snape wrong and show that he actually could brew potions, whatever Snape
chose to believe.
“I’m sure I’ll manage” Harry replied with fierce determination.
“Cocky now are we? Well we’ll see how well you manage when it comes down to it,
but for now, hurry up eating to we can get started” and with that he took a
bite out of his second slice of toast and turned back to the paper.
Ten minutes later Harry took his last bite of food and looked up to see that
Snape had also finished though was still reading the paper. Snape however heard
Harry put down his knife and fork and looked up.
“All done?”
“Yes thanks” Harry said in a quiet voice as if he had just taken part in ‘the
last supper’ and was now getting ready for his death.
“Then follow me” and with that Snape rose and walked towards, and out of the
door.
Harry swiftly followed, going in a direction he had never been before, though
which he had seen Snape arrive from only yesterday morning. When they arrived
at the end of the corridor Snape opened a door on the right and spelled on the
lights. Harry followed him through the door and down a set of stairs into the
basement which Harry now realised was Snape’s potions lab. *Nice and dark, just
how he likes it* Harry thought as it reminded him of the dungeons at Hogwarts,
complete with stone floor. The room was as large as Snape’s classroom however,
unlike the classroom there was a lot more space due to the lack of desks. In
the centre of the room was a large wooden work table which half of his class
could probably work around with ample room. Around the edge of the room was a
table which was attached to three out of the four walls. On this table were
various sized cauldrons, scales, mortars and pestles and other useful equipment
and above it were shelves full of different jars of ingredients and other dead
things. At the far end of the room were two large sinks, one for washing and
the other for rinsing Harry presumed just like in class. On the final wall was
a large fireplace and to the right hand side of it a desk and chair with the
role of parchment Dumbledore had gave Snape yesterday on it. *That must be were
he does his research*, thought Harry as he continued to observe the room.
Behind the desk and to the other side of the fireplace were two large bookcases
which filled the rest of the wall and looked to be crammed full of potions
books. As Harry stepped further into the room he realised that Snape must have
been working here yesterday morning before breakfast and wondered what time the
man got up. *Why doesn’t he ever look tired? He goes to bed after me and gets
up before me, I know I would be shattered if I did that* Harry thought before
coming to a halt before the large work table.
“Okay Potter, which potion are you going to start first?” Snape asked, looking
somewhat dismayed that Harry had to work in here at all.
“Ummmm, boil cure potion I think” Harry thought it would be best to ease
himself in and show Snape that he could do something right before going on to
the more difficult one.
“And what ingredients will you need?”
*Snape seems to be testing me* “Dried nettles, crushed snake fangs, stewed
horned slugs and porcupine quills” Harry was immensely proud that he had got it
right considering that he hadn’t done it in years, Snape however just nodded
his head and pointed to where the different ingredients were.
Once Harry had retrieved them all he decided to start on crushing the snake
fangs, however no sooner had he started than Snape was criticising him.
“Potter you have to crush them not disintegrate them, if you carry on any
longer there will be nothing left.” Snape sneered and turned back to his work.
Harry started to become agitated but instead of being provoked he attempted to
ignore him and started on stewing the horned slugs. Once again, no longer than
a minute later Snape was again berating him.
“Potter, the cauldron needs to be hotter to boil, otherwise you will never be
able to leave them to stew.”
At this point Harry had had enough and could no longer keep his annoyance in
check. Turning around he opened his mouth and everything that he didn’t want to
say allowed he said.
“Look Snape, I am trying my hardest and even though I may not be a potions
master like you, I am able to make this potion, though I could probably do it
better if I didn’t have you breathing down my neck. Can’t you just leave me
alone for two seconds?” Once the words had tumbled out he immediately regretted
them, though knowing that there was no turning back now, he waited for Snape’s
wrath to hit full force.
“How dare you speak to me like that Potter, who exactly do you think you are?
If you think that you can work better without my input then fine, go work over
there, but be warned, if you make a mess of this potion and waste my
ingredients, you will be scrubbing my cauldrons for a week!”
Harry was somewhat surprised how lightly he had got off, though knew that Snape
could do what ever he wanted whilst Harry was here with him alone and there
would be no intervention. Harry knew that Snape was totally serious about the
whole scrubbing cauldrons issue and so was more determined than ever now to get
it right. Picking up all his ingredients he took them to where Snape had
pointed before returning for his cauldron. When he was settled at his new work
station he discreetly turned up the heat on the cauldron *well, know point
proving to Snape that I’m rubbish if he gives me a tip* and carried on working.
Now and then he felt the flicker of Snape’s eyes on his back though it didn’t
worry him as he knew that Snape was only doing it now not to berate him but to
check that what he was doing was safe and that he didn’t accidentally make a
fatal mistake. After a while Harry forgot Snape was there and worked on his
potion in peace.
Once the boil cure potion was finished, bottled and labelled Harry began to
start on the strengthening solution. However, this potion he had only done last
year and at the time it had been totally ruined so he knew that he’d have to
ask Snape whether he had a book with it in. Yet, after his little ‘set to’ with
him, he thought that getting a book might be harder than one would think.
“Professor” Harry said whilst turning to face Snape who was busy stirring his
own potion. “Do you have any books with the recipe of strengthening potion in?”
“I thought you didn’t want my help Potter” Snape all but sneered, eyes glaring
deep into Harry’s head and if looks could kill, Harry thought, he would be
blasted into smithereens by now.
“Yeah, ummmm, sorry about that Professor, I just let my mouth get carried away,
ummmm, I would really like a book please” *Why don’t you just make me grovel*
“As it happens, you’re out of luck Potter, I don’t keep books on basic potions
that any 6th year should be able to do” Snape said this with a smirk, clearly
enjoying taunting Harry over his lack of ability.
“Ummmm…. well…. I’m afraid I can’t make it then” Harry was sure Snape was going
to have a field day with this comment, however he was pleasantly surprised.
“Come here Potter. What would you do if Weasley needed it to get better and you
didn’t have a book with it in, how would you make it then?”
Harry walked over to Snape and muttered “Well then I wouldn’t be able to”
“He could die then, correct”
“Yes sir” Harry replied, feeling slightly guilty that he hadn’t learnt it
properly the first time around, though in all fairness he couldn’t think of a
time when it would only be himself and Ron and Ron be ill, because if he was
Harry doubted he’d have any of the ingredients near by to make it with anyway,
even if he did know how
“Help me bottle this up and then I’ll help you” Snape said pointing to the
potion he had been previously stirring.
With Harry ladling it up and Snape labelling the bottles the job only took half
the time as usual. Once everything had been cleaned or cleared, Snape then
asked Harry what the main ingredients for the strengthening solution were.
“Errrr, some kind of juice and some kind of blood, but I’m not sure which”
Harry said feeling very stupid.
“Listen carefully and remember. It is pomegranate juice and salamander blood.”
Snape said enunciating every word. He then pointed to the shelves they were on
and put the cauldron on a flame.
Harry went to collect the ingredients and brought them back to the table to
wait for his next instructions.
“Okay Potter, slice the pomegranate in half and collect the fruit out of the
centre into this mortar” Snape said passing him the bowl.
Harry quickly sliced the fruit in half around the edge and then grabbed each
side and twisted. He remember Snape saying last year that to slice all the way
through would damage the fruit in side which would then lead to the loss of
juice. As Harry twisted it open he was careful to not lose any of the fruit and
so when it was fully separated he scooped it out and put them in the dish.
“Sir, do I next use a pestle to grind the juice out?” Harry thought that some
of what he had to do was coming back to him.
“Correct” was all that Snape said, however to Harry that was a complement.
As Harry used the mortar and pestle he saw all the juice escaping its skins and
swishing around the bowl. When he was sure that it had been ground enough he
put the contents into a sieve and watched the juice flow out into the cauldron
below.
“Okay, now draw the pipette full of blood 5 times and pour it into the
cauldron”
As Harry did this he heard the hissing noise made by the contact of the two
ingredients and remembered Hermione’s cauldron doing the same thing last year
so he was sure he was doing it right.
“Now leave it to simmer for ten minutes” Snape said and with Harry’s help they
started clearing the mess away. 8 minutes later it was all tidy again and they
were getting the bottles prepared for the ladling. As soon as that was done it
was time for the final stage of brewing. Stirring the cauldron 5 times
clockwise and 5 counter clockwise the potion was finished and Harry felt
immensely proud that it had turned out perfect (even with his help from Snape).
After the ladling and labelling they packed them into a crate with the other
potions ready to be taken to Hogwarts in September.
“Thank you Professor for helping me. I’m sorry I was rude earlier but I seem to
understand it better when we do it one on one, not one against one. I know you
didn’t have to take me in and I am grateful, really.” Harry said feeling rather
repentant after the help Snape had just gave him. He had enjoyed the experience
far more than in class and guessed that Snape had found it less stressful too.
“Don’t concern yourself over it Potter” Snape said feeling as if something had
changed, only minutely, between the two. As if Potter had grown some respect
for him and Snape too had returned it after seeing Harry’s abilities with the
first potion and capability to follow instructions on the second. The dour
potions master saw the difference in Potter’s work instantly with the guidance
rather than criticism and vowed in future to try and help more.
Snape looked at his watch and noticed that it was nearly one o’clock.
“Come on, it’s time for lunch” Snape said and headed up the stairs to the
ground floor with Harry in tow. The walked to the dining room in silence,
however when they were seated and the food appeared, Snape began to speak.
“Potter, as you can’t go and visit Weasley and Granger I thought that maybe you
might like to invite them here” Snape said sounding somewhat nervous though
trying to hide it.
“Really?” Harry asked, and with a nod of Snape’s head Harry carried on in
excitement. “Wow, thanks Sir, you don’t know how much this means. Great!”
Harry’s whole face lit up with the thought of seeing his friends though was
waiting for the catch.
“Ummmm, is there anything you want from me in return?” Harry asked, feeling a
fool that he had not thought of that earlier.
“No, but they are only staying for an afternoon, no longer. They will not enter
my lab, my bedroom, or my study and you will not be loud and won’t run around
the place causing havoc. Do you understand?” Snape said, already wishing he had
not said anything.
“Yes sir, thank you” Harry said and quickly ate his meal so he could go and owl
them.
**************************************************
Sitting in his bedroom, behind his desk Harry wasn’t exactly sure what to write
in his notes. He had agreed with Snape over lunch that they would come the day
after tomorrow if they were free and so now he was trying to find a way of
phrasing two notes to make spending an afternoon in Snape’s house sound fun.
 
‘Dear Ron,
Dumbledore said I couldn’t even visit you for an afternoon when he came over
yesterday as it would be unsafe, so I think I have a solution, I just hope
you’ll agree. Snape said that the day after tomorrow (Wednesday) he will be
making the Wolsbane potion for Remus and so he will be in his lab all day. This
means that if you want, you and Hermione can come over. If you don’t want to
that is okay too, but I just thought that this was the only option and so I
would give you the chance. Please reply soon. If you do want to come over Snape
will come and pick you up at 12pm.
Harry’
*There* Harry thought *That is the best way to put the point across that Snape
won’t be around. I just hope that they agree*
Harry then copied the letter, only this time switching the name to Hermione’s.
When they were all rolled up Harry called Hedwig over to tie them to her leg,
before stroking her head and sending her off. Having not decided what to do
with the rest of his afternoon Harry went outside to lay in the sun, though he
quickly dozed off and only awoke when he felt the pecking of a beak against his
ear.
“Oww, Hedwig” Harry whined rubbing his sore ear though quickly noticed that she
had two replies tied to her leg and so gently undid them and sent her away to
her treats in his bedroom. Unrolling them quickly Harry skimmed the notes and,
when seeing that they both agreed he jumped up to go and tell Snape.
When he got inside however he suddenly realised that he didn’t have a clue
where Snape would be and so looked at his watch to see if it was near dinner.
When he saw the time he was shocked to notice that he had slept all the way
through dinner and that it was now 8 o’clock. Heading to the lounge he hoped
that Snape would be in there reading and wasn’t disappointed when he opened the
door and saw the dark head leaning over a book.
“Hi Sir” Harry said “Sorry I missed dinner but I dozed off in the garden”
“It doesn’t bother me” Snape replied, truly not caring whether Potter ate or
not.
“Anyway, I owled Ron and Hermione and they are both free, so thanks”
“Just remember that this is a one off and will not be happening again” Snape
said, though whether he was telling Harry or reassuring himself Harry wasn’t
sure.
Harry whiled away the rest of the evening reading the paper while Snape read
*which* he thought *was becoming a bit of a ritual* before turning in for bed.
***** Friends Reunited *****
Chapter 6 – Friends Reunited
 
Thanks for all your reviewing on the last chapter. Please be kind and review
again :)
 
Snape had gone to pick up Ron and Hermione ten minutes ago and so Harry was
sitting in the lounge waiting for their return. Two days ago Harry had owled
them asking if they wanted to come over and they had agreed whole heartedly
leaving him excited ever since. All morning he had been waiting for this moment
and due to this build up he was now pacing the floor of the lounge waiting for
their arrival. Just as he was about to firecall the Weasleys to see if Snape
had already been, he heard the distinctive click of the front door and the
sound of Snape ushering his two best friends indoors. Quickly Harry turned from
the fire and headed towards the door. Opening it he could see both Ron and
Hermione staring in awe at the magnificent house until they spotted him.
“Harry” Hermione squealed as Snape inwardly cringed and she ran over to him
nearly knocking him over with her enthusiastic hug. “Oh it’s so good to see
you” she mumbled with her head in his sholder.
“Hi” Harry said to her with a smile in his voice and looked over to Ron with a
grin.
“Now” Snape interrupted. “You will both listen to me very clearly. You are not
to enter my bedroom, study or lab. You are not to run in the house or scream
and shout, you will be leaving after dinner and whilst you are here I would
appreciated if you do not get up to any of your normal ruckus. If I here that
you have been aggravating the house elves or causing any mishap you will be out
of here at once. Understand?” Snape said whilst using the glare he usually
saved for his most troublesome students.
“Yes sir” Hermione promptly answered whilst Ron just nodded his head.
“Good” Snape replied and headed off in the direction of his lab.
“Core mate, how do you cope living with him 24/7?” Ron asked as soon as Snape
was gone seeming somewhat perplexed.
Harry just laughed and turned to Ron smiling. “He’s actually quite okay when
you get used to him. It was him who suggested that you come over in fact, I
hadn’t even thought about that option until he said.” At this both Ron and
Hermione looked surprised.
“But why would he do that, he seems to have made it quite clear that he doesn’t
really want us here, I don’t really understand what compelled him to do such a
thing.” Hermione stated looking in the direction that Snape had just left.
“I don’t know either really. I mean a couple of days ago we worked together on
some potions because Dumbledore requested us to, and from then he has seemed to
have more respect from me and vice versa, however I was quite surprised when he
offered as well.” After that Harry gave them a quick tour of the parts of the
house that he himself now knew well and finished off at his bedroom.
“Come in guys” Harry said after opening his door and leading the way. As his
friends entered and looked around, they oowed and ahhed as if they were at
Buckingham Palace and after Ron had seen the en suite he was green with envy.
“This is your room?” Ron asked totally flabbergasted.
“Yep” Harry replied “I thought the same when I first arrived. Anyway, I was
thinking that after lunch maybe you would fancy going for a swim in the lake”
Harry said as if it was what he had normally done after lunch for the past 15
years.”
“Wow, great, but I don’t have any trunks and neither does Hermione” Ron said a
bit saddened as he realised that they probably couldn’t go swimming after all.
“That’s okay, I’ve done a spell before that turns your underwear into swimming
trunks and a bikini” Harry said with a happy grin on his face. At this Ron’s
face lit up and Hermione smiled too.
“Nice to see that ‘you’ took some notes in transfiguration last year” she said,
with only a slight hint of a reprimand in her voice.
Ron looked at Harry with a grimace and hung his head, trying to keep the
attention off of himself.
Soon it turned 1 o’clock and they headed down to lunch.
Snape had reached the room before them and was waiting patiently in his usual
seat for them to arrive.
“Good afternoon Sir” Harry greeted him, knowing that if it wasn’t for him none
of this would be happening.
“Good afternoon Potter” Snape greeted in return and bowed his head to Ron and
Hermione.
Harry took his usual seat with Ron to his right and Hermione to Ron’s right. A
strained silence fell over the room which Harry was unused to as even though
much of his meals with Snape had quite a bit of silence in them it seemed far
more comfortable than at the moment. Harry felt like he needed to ask Snape how
his potion was going, however he restrained himself feeling that it would seem
far too familiar and that Snape may make a cruel remark in reply to embarrass
him in front of his friends.
A minute or so later a chicken Cesar salad was served for lunch and they all
began to eat in peace. Only the clattering of knives and forks was heard and
after a while Snape began to get frustrated seeing that it was his house and he
didn’t feel comfortable to speak in it.
“Potter speak” Snape commanded
“Ummmm, what do you want me to say?” Harry asked feeling confused at the odd
request.
“Anything, you usually manage well enough” Snape replied as if the fact that
Potter didn’t know what to talk about was ridiculous.
“Okay, ummmm” Harry thought for a moment and decided about asking after the
potion after all.
“How’s the potion coming along?” He felt like a fool considering he never asked
this and he probably wouldn’t understand much of a sensible answer about it
anyway. As it happened he need not of worried as Snape gave a berating reply
that was perfectly clear to Harry anyway.
“I’m sure you would not understand if I did waste my breath going in to detail,
however Granger might.” And with that he went into a lengthy description about
what he had done and how the potion was performing with Hermione butting in now
and again to ask questions. Harry just looked at Ron who shrugged his shoulders
minutely as if to say ‘who knows’ and carried on eating.
After lunch Snape returned to his lab and Harry, Ron and Hermione to the
bedroom.
“Wow, I never thought Snape could have a civilised and two way conversation
with a student.” Hermione said whilst Harry and Ron looked at each other in
frustration. All they had heard over lunch was her and Snape talking about
potions and now it seemed Hermione wanted to carry on that conversation. Well
they had had enough even if she hadn’t and decided on a change of conversation.
“Hermione” Harry said. “How about we get changed now and go down to the lake.
You can use the bathroom to get changed and we’ll stay in here.”
“Sure, I won’t be long” and with that she left to get changed.
“I hope she doesn’t start that conversation up again, it was bad enough to hear
it through the entire lunch, let alone when we are meant to be having fun
together” Ron cringed and Harry chuckled before pulling off his t-shirt and his
trainers and socks and then undoing his jeans. Soon Ron was joining him
undressing and when they were both ready Harry did the spell.
“Mutatio” Harry said and Ron’s pants turned into dark blue swimming trunks
which nearly went down to his knees.
Harry then pointed at his own boxers and repeated the spell. Harry’s pants
turned into the same ones that they had last time. They were dark green and
knee length just like Ron’s except his had pockets by his hips, whereas Ron’s
had none.
Harry clicked his fingers once and Letty appeared.
“Yes Master Harry” Letty replied obediently.
“Can you please fetch me 3 old towels to take down to the lake”
“Yes Master Harry, at once” and with a pop she was gone.
As soon as Letty had returned with the towels and then left again Hermione came
out of the bathroom wearing brown bikini bottoms with a light pink thick
waistband and a brown bikini top with light pink straps.
They each collected a towel transfigured there shoes into flip flops and headed
towards the lake. Hermione feeling quite vulnerable due to wearing so little
was still conscious that she was in fact wearing her transfigured bra and
knickers whilst walking around Snape’s property. To rectify this she tied the
towel around her hips like a sarong and hurried to catch up with the lads. As
they reached the lake they dropped the towels to the floor and slipped out of
their flips flops before running into the cool water.
“Harry, your so lucky to stay here for the summer, it’s like living in a 5 star
hotel for weeks, you can’t thank Snape enough” Hermione said as if he wasn’t
grateful.
“Hermione, I would still thank Snape for allowing me to live with him even if
the place was a right dive, the fact that it’s beautiful only makes it more
pleasant, but I’d still be grateful whatever it was like.” Harry said a bit
defensive worried that Hermione was telling him off.
“Oh Harry, I’m sorry I know you would be, I just wanted to remind you how lucky
you are this summer even if you do have to stay with Snape”
“I know, but anyway, lets not think about that, lets have fun we’ve only got
“I know, but anyway, lets not think about that, lets have fun we’ve only got
four hours before dinner, and then after that you have to go. Come on I’ll race
you.” and with that Harry took off swimming to the other side of the lake with
Ron and Hermione close behind. Every now and then Ron kept trying to grab
Harry’s ankle to slow him down so he could get past however he never succeeded
for very long as Harry’s foot kept squirming out of his grasp. Reaching the
other side of the lake Harry turned round to see Ron just behind him and
Hermione about 5 meters behind Ron.
“Guess I’m the winner then” Harry gloated with a smirk however it didn’t last
long.
“Only because you cheated and started first” Ron said laughing and grabbed
Harry by the shoulders ready to dunk his head under the water in revenge. Harry
came up sputtering to the sound of Ron and Hermione laughing hard at his
‘drenched rat’ look.
“Oh very funny” Harry said looking at Ron and retaliated in turn. Soon they
were spending longer under the water than on top and Hermione was having fun
just watching on, until they realised and turned on her.
“What? I didn’t do anything” She said and started to swim away however she
wasn’t quick enough and soon they had grabbed her by the ankles and were
pulling her under. Soaking wet and with her hair in her face she stood up
whilst Harry and Ron burst out laughing at how silly she looked.
“Glad…. I’m…. a…. bloke” Ron gasped through his laughing whilst pointing at her
hair.
Though Hermione was quick with her comeback to which Ron had no sensible
answer. “Then what is Snape. He has long hair.” and then she lunged at them
trying to tackle them both under the water at once. Much of the afternoon was
spent the same way and at 5 o’clock they headed in so that they could each have
a shower and dry their clothes before dinner.
At 6 o’clock they returned to the dining room with wet hair ready for their
evening meal.
“I see you have been exploring the lake” Snape said as way of greeting when he
entered the room a few moments later.
“Yes Sir, it was beautiful and a good way of cooling down. We enjoyed it
immensely” Hermione replied.
Snape just nodded and waited for dinner to be served. After a while the
conversation turned the same way it had at lunch and Ron and Harry decided that
this time they would hold their own conversation instead of listening in
boredom to Hermione’s and Snape’s.
“So Harry” Ron whispered quietly, “Do you think we’ll be able to come again?”
Harry wasn’t sure. On one hand Snape had said that this was the one and only
time that they would be visiting, however after seeing how well today had gone
Harry was hoping that he’d change his mind with a bit of gentle persuasion
nearer to his 16th birthday.
“I don’t know Ron” Harry whispered back. “We’ll just have to see” and with that
they turned the topic to something a bit more fun whilst continuing with their
dinner.
All too soon it was time for Ron and Hermione to leave and so they entered the
entrance hall waiting for Snape to arrive after quickly seeing to the final
part of his potion.
“Thank you Harry for a lovely day, I hope we’ll see you again soon” and with
that Hermione flung her arms around his neck just as Snape turned the corner.
“Are we ready to go?” Snape asked when Hermione let go and straightened out her
clothes.
Both Ron and Hermione nodded and with a ‘bye mate’ from Ron they turned to
Snape.
“Thank you Professor Snape for letting Ron and I come to see Harry, it means a
lot to all of us” Hermione said whilst Ron followed on with a small but sincere
‘thanks’.
As they left through the front door they both turned to give Harry one last
wave before they were gone and Harry suddenly felt greater loneliness than he
could ever imagine. *It was nice having them both here, it livened the place up
a bit, but now when I go to my room it’ll seem so quite and the same with the
lake and the dining room. Oh well, it’s only for a few more weeks and with any
luck I can persuade Snape to let them come over again, maybe for longer next
time.* With that Harry headed towards the lounge to wait for Snape to return.
Sitting on the sofa leaning against the arm rest with his legs spread out on
the rest of the seat he began to read the morning newspaper which was habit by
now. Ten minutes later Snape returned and picked up the book he had nearly
finished reading and took his usual chair however before he could open it Harry
had began to speak.
“Thank you Professor for allowing them to come over, like Hermione said, it
meant a lot.”
“Your welcome” was all that Snape replied and Harry wondered if they had done
something to annoy him.
“Is everything okay Professor, were we too loud or something?” Harry asked,
unsure of what was wrong.
“No Potter, I am just tired from working on the potion all day long” *and I
will miss the house feeling so lively again. I’ve always wanted children to
make this a happy place, one where all they would experience is fun, now it
seems at my age I am far too old to carry a baby and no one in his right mind
would want to set up home with me. Oh well, I’ll just have to settle for Potter
for now and maybe his friends if they come again in a couple of weeks.* Snape
thought but made sure that none of this showed on his face.
After that both Harry and Severus settled down for the night to their
respectful reading, each contemplating on the day and its success.
 
Mutatio = Transform/ alteration
***** Alone In The Dark *****
Chapter 7 – Alone In The Dark
 
Please be kind and review :)
 
IMPORTANT NOTICE - towards the end of this chapter is a RAPE scene, though you
will be warned before you get there. If you do not wish to read that part then
once you get to it the chapter will be finished and you can carry on reading
from the next chapter.
 
The next morning Harry rose and went down to breakfast like usual at 6am,
however when he arrived Snape wasn’t there. He took his seat and waited, though
when the food popped up he realised that Snape would not be coming and so began
to tuck in. Contemplating on what he should do for the day he finally decided
on going for a little fly around the grounds. After finishing his breakfast he
headed back to his room to fetch his broom and stuff his invisibility cloak
into a backpack then walked down to the garden.
*Up* Harry thought and the broom came into his hand. Proud that he could still
do silent spells he straddled the broom and kicked off. He first flew around
the manor looking at it from all different angles and then decided to explore
the grounds. Flying over the various gardens that Snape owned, half of which
Harry had never seen before he began to discover various new places to visit
over the course of the summer. Passing over a tall hedge he saw an old
bandstand on the other side. It looked Victorian with its dome roof with a
cross on top and beautiful swirling designs on the pillars. The wall around its
edge had a date inscribed on one of the bricks and as Harry neared he could
make out the date as being 1871. *Wow, that has been there so long and still
looks in great condition* Harry thought as he swooped around it and back up
into the sky. Heading off he then saw what he had presumed to be someone else’s
land as it was so far from the house but looking at it now it was not a house
as he had suspected, but instead a summer house. It didn’t look as old as the
bandstand but was still fairly ancient and was made out of brick, unlike the
modern wooden ones. The roof was pointy and it had windows going all the way
round the edge giving a 360 degree view. Heading back towards the lake he flew
over it seeing all the fishes swimming around in the cool, clean water and
thought back to the day before when his friends had joined him in having fun in
there. Thinking for a moment about the joy he had felt yesterday at seeing his
friends again he felt a pull at his heart knowing that next week they would be
spending time at The Burrow together whilst he was here with Snape. Pushing
that thought aside he decided to fly off past the house in the opposite
direction of the village he had first saw when he arrived and went in search
for the next settlement. Passing through the wards he felt a tingle as if they
were acknowledging that he was leaving and he flew off as fast as he could
across the open countryside.
Hours later he came across a small village and pulling his invisibility cloak
out of his bag he pulled it around him so he could fly nearer. He saw a couple
of cars driving down narrow roads and some horses in a field. Looking closer he
saw some young girls playing with a skipping rope and boys with plastic swords
and eye patches, obviously pretending to be pirates. He decided to fly on and
see what else he could come across. Soon he was at the seaside and landing on a
sparse piece of land where there were no buildings or people. Taking off his
trainers and socks he hopped back on his broom and went to fly over the water.
Letting his toes tickle the waves he flew around for about ten minutes before
returning to the beach. *My own private beach* Harry thought once he lay down
to bask in the midday sun after hiding his broom and backpack under his
invisibility cloak. Shutting his eyes against the brightness of the sky he
promptly fell into a relaxed sleep.
Hours later Harry awoke feeling somewhat refreshed and as it was still very
sunny he thought he hadn’t slept that long, however when he looked at his watch
and it said half past two he began to panic. He had planned to be home by half
four at the latest, though seeing as though it was half two at the moment and
the fact that it had took him four hours to get there he realised that the
earliest he was going to be home was 6:30. *Snape’s going to kill me. I wasn’t
there for lunch and I won’t be there for dinner either, he’s bound to start
looking and when I’m not found he’s going to call Dumbledore. Oh no, everyone’s
going to be searching and it’ll all be my fault.* Just then Harry remembered
that he was supposed to have told Snape before he went off the grounds but with
all the excitement he had just got so caught up in it all and forgot. *Great,
another reason for him to have a go at me* and with that he hurriedly wiped the
sand off of his feet and slipped back on his shoes and socks. Stuffing the
cloak in his bag he put it on his back and mounted the broom. Kicking off he
soared high up into the sky and attempted to navigate his way home without
Snape realising he was ever gone.
**************************************************
Back at the manor Severus decided to go looking for Potter after he had
finished his potion which had took all morning and some of the afternoon.
Considering that he wasn’t there for lunch Snape thought perhaps he was
sleeping on the lawn again and as the sun was hot the last thing he wanted was
to have to brew an aftersun potion if Potter got sunburnt. Seeing no sign of
him there he decided to head to the lake to see if he had lost track of time,
as it was now three o’clock and he should really be getting something to eat.
*Since when did I care whether he ate or not?* Snape thought, though quickly
shook it aside realising that he had reached the lake. Skimming the surface
with his eyes he could see no sign of Potter and after waiting a little while
to see if he would come back up for air it was quite obvious that he wasn’t
there. Turning towards the house he decided that the library was his next port
of call in case he was absorbed in a book and so went in to check. However when
he reached the room there was no one there and so he turned around to go and
check the lounge. Once again Potter was no where to be found and Snape was
getting rather aggravated. *Where the heck can he be, the only places left are
his bedroom and the kitchen and I don’t know why a boy his age would want to
spend his Friday afternoon there*.
Reaching Potter’s room he knocked once and when there was no answer he entered,
only to find a tidy bed and no recent sign of a 15 year old boy. Stalking into
his room he walked straight over towards the bathroom and called out, but when
there was no response he opened the door to once again find the room empty.
Beginning to worry a bit now he finally headed towards the kitchen in a final
attempt to find the cretin, however it was all in vain as Potter was nowhere to
be found. When Snape looked at his watch it was half past three and so he
decided that Letty would go and search the manor and its grounds for the boy
whilst the other house elves made a start on the dinner preparations.
Clicking his fingers Letty popped out of thin air to be greeted by the annoyed
and slightly worried look of Severus Snape.
“Yes Sir” Letty said looking rather worried.
“Have you seen Potter at all today Letty?” Snape asked hoping for a positive
answer.
“He attended breakfast but since then I have not seen or heard from him” Letty
said looking slightly confused.
“Then I request that you go and do a full search of the manor and grounds for
him, for I have not seen him either.” Snape said letting only his annoyance
shadow his voice.
“Yes Sir” and with that she was off.
Knowing that a thorough search of the grounds and manor by just one house elf
would at least take two hours Snape went off to his lab to try and take his
mind away from the thought that Potter may not in fact be in the manor or
grounds and may well have been snatched.
Attempting with all his might to keep his mind on the task at hand he became
rather unsuccessful and ruined three potions whilst thinking where Potter might
be. At 6 o’clock Letty returned to Snape to confirm the worst, Potter was
nowhere to be found.
“Thank you Letty” Snape said and dismissed her back to the kitchen. Snape
nervously walked to the dining room praying to any deity that would listen that
Potter sit on the other side of that door, however when he opened it there was
no sign of Potter and so Snape sat down to give him a chance to turn up. At 6:
15, having done nothing put push his food around his plate Snape stood up and
went to the kitchen.
“Martha” Snape said to a younger house elf, can you please contact Professor
Dumbledore and tell him….” Snape trailed off seeing a figure walking across the
lawns in the distance.
“Never mind” he said and went to open the back door.
**************************************************
As Harry got closer to the Manor he could see the silhouette of Snape standing
at the back door, arms folded. *Uh oh* Harry thought *I am really in trouble*
and braced him self for the onslaught that he knew would come.
“Where the heck have you been” Snape hissed at him as he got closer and Harry
could clearly tell that he was raging. Without having the chance to answer
Snape carried on. “Get inside NOW” and swirled around to storm off in the
direction of the lounge.
Harry followed quickly knowing that it would not do to anger him further and
entered the lounge behind him.
“Where have you been Potter” Snape asked in a deadly whisper and Harry knew
instantly that he was not going to like his answer.
“Ummmm, I went flying and I sort of forgot to tell you and I ended up at the
east coast” Harry said rather meekly.
“AT THE EAST COAST” Snape bellowed “WE ARE 200 MILES FROM THE EAST COAST” and
Harry knew that that was definitely the wrong answer to give.
“AND HOW, PRAY TELL, DID YOU FORGET TO TELL ME” Snape roared though allowed no
time for an answer this time as he carried on in his tirade. “I HAVE HAD LETTY
SEARCHING FOR YOU FOR OVER TWO HOURS AND I MYSELF HAVE ALSO LOOKED. I NEARLY
SENT DUMBLEDORE A MESSAGE TO SAY THAT YOU WERE GONE. THE ENTIRE ORDER WAS
NEARLY DISPENSED TO LOOK FOR YOU AND ALL YOU CAN SAY IS THAT YOU FORGOT!” At
this point Snape whirled around and headed towards the fire clearly fuming.
Putting his hands on the mantle he lowered his head and took deep breaths to
try and calm himself down. In a quite yet perfectly clear voice Snape whispered
“I have had enough Potter. Get out” and stood stock still waiting for Harry to
leave the room.
Harry walked out the room with tears in his eyes and shut the door behind him.
Collecting his bag and broom that he had left outside the lounge he headed
towards his bedroom. Once there he sent Hedwig away to go hunting and then told
her to return to the Weasley’s house and made a start on shrinking his
belongings. 10 minutes later he looked around the room to check that he had got
everything though his eyesight wasn’t very clear due to his tear covered eyes
and glasses and stuffed his bag with his shrunken items before heading towards
the floo.
Standing inside the fire he threw down the floo powder and tried to call out
‘The Burrow’, however due to his crying his words came out between gasps and
just like for Diagon Alley all those years ago, he called out the wrong name.
“The Bu…..Burrow” Harry called and began swirling through the floo system
before being chucked out into a dirty looking pub.
*Where the heck am I?* Harry thought whilst lifting himself off of his sore bum
which he had just landed on. Walking through the pub he realised that he had a
good idea where he was and immediately realised his mistake. Leaving the pub as
not wanting to attempt the floo system again he turned to look up at the sign
hanging outside the door and realised he was correct. He was at the ‘Bub
Barrow’. The Bub Barrow was one of Knockturn Alley’s most notorious pubs, which
many criminals and shifty people go for a drink.
Walking through the little alleyways he attempted to find his way out, however
ended up going deeper into the maze that was Knockturn Alley. Trying to look
like he knew where he was going he turned right at the next alleyway and
following it round until he ended at a dead end. However when he turned around
his exit was blocked by a tall, broad man with medium length, light brown hair
and light blue coloured eyes. The man was only about 30 though looked slightly
older due to his old, ragged clothes.
“Excuse me” Harry said starting to panic though trying to keep it out of his
voice and tried to squeeze past, however the man grabbed hold of his arms and
pushed him back against the wall. Before Harry could do anything he was
apparated away to a place he didn’t recognise. He could hear people on the
other side of the wall he was facing walking along happily enjoying the evening
air. When he tried to scream nothing came out and he realised that his attacker
had cast a silent ‘silencio’ on him to prevent him from calling out. He was
then turned around and whilst struggling to get free he noticed that he was in
the corner hidden behind a toilet block in some kind of muggle car park. He
kicked his attacker and scratched the only part of his arms that he could reach
however it was not enough and before he could try anything else he felt his
body go stiff and fall to the ground. Screaming out in his head, he hoped that
someone would come soon and see what was happening and call the police, but
then he realised that that would be of no use against a wizard and hoped that
some wizard, somehow, would find him and help him.
Feeling his body go limp, though he still had no control over it, he wondered
what the man was doing and looked up just as the man started to talk to him.
“My dear pretty Potter, what where you doing all alone down Knockturn Alley,
anything could have happened to you” and he began to laugh manically and
without restraint leading Harry to believe that there was a privacy bubble
around them so that no one could hear or see them. Panicking even more Harry
realised that the likelihood of him being found and saved now was virtually
zero and he began trying to take in the mans features to tell the aurors in
case he got away alive.
 
RAPE SCENE*************************RAPE SCENE*************************RAPE
SCENE
 
Pulling off his backpack and vanishing Harry’s t-shirt, the attacker then
started taking off his shoes and socks. At this point Harry had an idea of what
was going to happen and tried with all his might to move a limb, any limb or to
scream, anything that could get rid of his attacker or get help. The man
whispered in his ear whilst undoing his jeans and Harry could smell the putrid
breath over his face.
“My pretty Potter, won’t you sleep with me tonight?” and then he chuckled and
began pulling the jeans down Harry’s waist.
*LET GO, LET GO OF ME! HELP, SOMEONE HELP ME!* Harry screamed inside his head,
though he knew no one could hear and all he could do was let it happen as he
had no control.
“Why my pretty Potter…. Aren’t you going to resist” and he again laughed
manically.
Pulling his jeans from his legs he then started on Harry’s boxers. Slowly he
lifted Harry’s hips and began to pull down his pants teasing Harry by making
the suspense last longer. Harry was all the while screaming in his head. He
screamed for Snape. Over the past few days he had begun to trust Snape more
than anyone else in the world. Snape had always saved him when something went
wrong and had been at his side fighting with him against the death eaters and
Voldemort at the ministry. Now that he had taken him in Harry realised that he
was indeed a good man and wanted to see him now more than ever.
*PLEASE, SNAPE, I NEED YOU, HELP ME, SNAPE, PLEASE* Tears leaked from Harry’s
eyes as he cried out in his mind, but his thoughts were cut short when he heard
the noise that had been petrifying him all evening. The attacker started to
undo his own trousers.
Pulling out his erect penis he lent over Harry and forced himself in.
*STOP* Harry screamed in his mind. Pain ripping through him worse than he had
ever felt before. He felt like he was tearing and the man was going to break
him and he screamed out again in his head whilst tears gushed down his face.
“So tight” whispered his attacker into his ear. “Merlin you’re tight, who
would’ve thought eh?” and with that he pulled back out and thrust back in
causing Harry to scream silently again whilst another shot of pain pierced
through him.
*SNAPE, PLEASE, HELP ME, SNAPE* But Snape still didn’t come and Harry thought
that he could take no more. His attacker was thrusting fast and Harry could
feel blood trickling out of his bum. He hoped the man would finish soon though
he was unsure of what would happen to him next and that was what terrified him
most. He was worried that after all he had survived this would be what killed
him.
The man gripped his arms so tight that he would undoubtedly leave bruises, and
the penis in Harry’s body felt like it was slicing him in half. Just as he
thought it would never end, the man gave one final thrust and groaned out his
release falling flat on Harry.
After laying there about ten seconds the man pulled out and tucked himself back
in.
“Not the best I’ve ever had, but it certainly gave me the most satisfaction
mentally” He said in a matter of fact tone. Standing up he looked down at Harry
giving a smug grin seeing the tears coming from his eyes and began to rifle
through Harry’s bag to see if there was anything worth nicking.
Looking slightly annoyed that there was nothing worthy he dragged out the
invisibility cloak.
*Please* Harry silently begged whilst weeping *Please don’t take that*, though
he knew his thoughts could not be heard.
The attacker then vanished all his clothes that were scattered on the floor and
laid the cloak over Harry.
“No one will see you now my dear pretty Potter” and with that, he took down the
privacy bubble and apparated away.
Harry just lay there silently sobbing and wishing that Snape would come.
But he never did.
And as the night grew nearer Harry just lay there, all alone in the dark.
***** You're Safe Now *****
Chapter 8 – You're Safe Now
 
Please review for me :)
 
As the door clicked shut Severus let go of the mantle and sank into his chair.
*How could he have been so stupid* he thought. *Anything could have happened to
him*.
“Accio firewhiskey and glass” he said in a tired voice and they both soared
into his waiting hands. After pouring himself a large measure of the spirit he
sipped it slowly thinking back to how worried he had been.
*Can’t let the brat out of my sight for one minute before he goes and does a
grand disappearing trick. Well no more. In the morning I will have a proper
chat with him about all this and make sure he sees sense. He can’t keep
worrying people like that*
Severus relaxed into his chair knowing that Potter was safe and sound and he
could just forget about the whole thing for a while. Picking up his book from
the coffee table he began to read whilst every now and then taking a sip of his
warm drink. As the hours passed he got deeper into his book and so when Molly
Weasley called him through the floo at 11pm it gave him a startle.
“Severus” Severus jumped slightly and looked up.
“Hello Mrs Weasley, what may I do for you at this hour” Severus said seeming
somewhat confused at both why she would be calling him and why it was at this
time of night.
“May I speak to Harry please. His owl has turned up and is refusing to leave,
but there is no note.” Mrs Weasley said sounding a bit perplexed.
“He has gone to bed. Can it wait until morning?” Severus said wanting anything
more than having to go up and speak to a sleepy, sulky teenager at this time of
night.
“Well I just thought that it may have been important that was all, but I
suppose it can wait if he is asleep” Mrs Weasley said however she didn’t sound
too convinced.
“Wait there a minute and I will see if he is up” Snape said whilst rising from
his chair and heading towards the door.
“Thank you”
When Severus reached Harry’s room he knocked but received no reply. Assuming
him to be asleep he opened the door quietly however the lights were still on.
Walking towards the bathroom he again knocked on the door but to no reply.
Entering the loo he saw that every trace of Harry was gone and turning back
into the bedroom he then noticed that his trunk had also disappeared. Opening
the wardrobe he found empty hangers and looking around he noticed that Hedwig’s
owl cage had disappeared. Turning towards the door he spelled out the lights
and headed back towards the lounge.
“It seems as though he is coming to you” Snape said a bit annoyed that he
hadn’t been told of his departure.
“Pardon” Said Mrs Weasley not sure that she had heard correctly.
“All his things are gone. Presuming that he sent the bird to you he should be
expected there soon” Snape said in a cool voice, though unsure as to why Potter
would only just leave now and not hours ago after their argument.
“Hedwig arrived fifteen minutes ago. He should be here by now if he is flooing.
Maybe he has gone by broom” Mrs Weasley said looking slightly worried.
“Wait there a second. I shall consult my wards” and with that Snape performed a
complex spell that only the owners of the house can do.
“Exhibeo Tutela Hodiernus” and the list of entrances and exists for that day
were appeared. When Severus skimmed the very short list he noticed that Harry
had in fact left straight after the argument at 6:55pm through the floo.
Beginning to become very worried Severus cancelled the spell and looked at Mrs
Weasley.
“It seems that Potter left here at 6:55 tonight and so has in fact been missing
for four hours. I will floo Lupin at Grimmauld Place at once to see if he has
gone there. You check your wards to make sure that he didn’t slip in unnoticed”
and with that he cut the floo connection to the Burrow and called out for Lupin
through the floo at Grimmauld Place.
Lupin was sitting at the kitchen table and so immediately walked over to the
fireplace before greeting Severus with a genuine smile.
“Good evening Severus, how are you tonight?”
“Is Potter here?” Severus asked without greeting him.
“No, I haven’t seen him since school, why?”
“Are you sure?” Severus asked getting a bit agitated now.
“Yes Severus. I have sat here all evening reading the paper. He couldn’t get in
through the front door as it can only be opened from the inside and the floo
hasn’t activated at all as I only just started a fire ten minutes ago because I
was cold. Why, what’s wrong?” Lupin asked now beginning to sound concerned.
“He is missing. He left my house at five to seven this evening through the floo
and hasn’t been seen since. He took all of his belongings with him”
“Oh dear, have you contacted Professor Dumbledore yet?”
“No, but Mrs Weasley is checking her wards at the moment. If there is no record
of him their then I shall. You stay where you are in case he turns up there”
“Inform me when you find him” Lupin said before the connection was cut.
Sitting back on his haunches, Severus grabbed some more floo powder and
contacted Mrs Weasley, however the news was as he’d feared and Potter had never
been there. Telling Mrs Weasley to stay where she was in case he turned up and
telling her that she would be informed when he did, he cut the floo connection
with her and began to contact Dumbledore.
“My dear Severus, how are you?” Dumbledore said looking as jolly as ever whilst
coming over to the fireplace.
“I have bad news Professor. Potter left this evening at 6:55pm by floo and
neither Mrs Weasley nor Lupin have seen him, though his owl did turn up, and
refuse to leave The Burrow” Snape said, finally glad that Dumbledore was
involved so that the search for Potter could begin.
“Oh my. I will come over at once”
Snape moved away from the floo and a couple of seconds later Dumbledore stepped
through.
“Please Severus, take a seat” and Severus did, whilst Dumbledore sat on the
sofa.
“Okay, tell me everything that happened”
And Snape did. He gave him the details of the day the best he was able and then
sank back in his chair thinking of something.
“I told him to get out” Snape said tiredly.
“Pardon” Dumbledore said as if not quite sure what he had heard.
“After the argument I told him to get out. I meant the room, not the manor. I
said that I’d had enough. He obviously took it the wrong way” Snape said
feeling so stupid that he had not thought about how it would sound earlier.
“Well, presuming he left through the floo and attempted to go to The Burrow,
there is the possibility that he might have, in his anger of sadness got the
name wrong and ended up somewhere unknown” Dumbledore said, only making Severus
feel worse.
“Now, lucky for us I know a highly protected spell that will tell us where in
fact he ended up. It is used by the ministry to check up on criminals and so
on, but me being me, well….lets just say that it wasn’t too hard to find. If
you take me to the floo that was used then I can perform it”
Severus swept out the door and headed towards Potter’s room with Dumbledore in
tow.
Reaching the fireplace Dumbledore took out his wand and cast a silent spell. As
soon as the purple smoke shot out of his wand it turned into writing.
“Bub Barrow” Dumbledore said in a grave voice as the smoke disappeared.
“What!” Snape exclaimed “Bub Barrow, as in Knockturn Alley Bub Barrow” Severus
said, suddenly fearing for Potter a great deal.
“The very same” Dumbledore said before standing in the floo and calling out
“Bub Barrow” in a clear voice.
*How the heck did he get there. I’ll kill that boy when I get my hands on him
if someone else hasn’t reached him first* Severus thought whilst a protective
feeling crept up inside him.
Following Dumbledore into the floo he stepped out into the pub to see
Dumbledore talking to the barmaid. Walking over to them both he saw the lady
point to the door before serving her next customer.
“It seems Severus that he left the pub as soon as he arrived and that all we
know is that he turned left.”
Severus growled in frustration and exited the pub after the Headmaster to try
and follow Potter’s track from there. Walking down the alley they stopped when
they came to the end not knowing whether to turn left of right. On seeing a
beggar Severus had an idea and walked over to him asking if he had seen the
young boy – who – lived.
“Sorry, nope. I ain’t seen nothin’, heard nothin’, or done nothin’, “ the
beggar said in a far to innocent voice
At this Severus lost his internal fight and his anger won out. Grabbing the
mans shirt he hissed. “Look here you filthy beggar. I want to know where he is
immediately or else your menial little life won’t be worth living” and with
that he let him go but pointed his want at him instead whilst Dumbledore looked
on.
“Okay okay!” said the beggar and began to talk. “He turned right and carried on
into the heart of Knockturn Alley. A man followed him though kept back in the
shadows so he wasn’t seen. I don’t know who he was though.” The man finished
quickly.
“Well then what did he look like” Severus said as if talking to a dumb first
year whilst jabbing his wand into his chest.
“Tall. Broad, but not fat. Light brown hair that went down just past his ears.
Scruffy and wore old raggedy clothes, maybe late twenties early thirties. Grey
trousers and a long grey ripped cloak. I don’t know nothing else.”
Severus just cursed and led the way through the allies until he got to the very
core.
“Where the heck is he. This is like looking for a needle in a haystack, what
has he done” Severus said in an exasperated voice which held a tint of fear.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll get him back safe and sound” Dumbledore said
although it wasn’t too convincing.
They walked around the centre for nearly an hour before they reached a dead
end.
“Come on lets go back and take another route” Dumbledore said already turning
around to go back. As Severus turned however a glint of silver caught his eye
and he immediately turned back to where he had been previously facing.
“Wait!” Severus called and stopped Dumbledore in his tracks. As Severus leant
down he looked closer and realised it was a watch that he had seen. The same
watch that he had seen whilst Potter ate at lunch, the same watch he had seen
whilst they made potions together and the same watch that he had seen on Sirius
Black. Picking it up he looked at it to see that the silver buckle had broke
and that it had a scorch mark from where Black had caught in on a flame whilst
cooking dinner at Grimmauld Place. Knowing that this was Potter’s he knew that
he had been here, though was not sure why the buckle had broke as it was a
quality watch that seemed to have suffered some mistreatment recently. Showing
it to Dumbledore he watched as it was took from him and a spell was put on it.
The spell worked in the same kind of way the one on the fireplace had except it
was blue smoke this time that came from the end of Dumbledore’s wand.
“Layton theatre car park, Ryford.” Dumbledore said and gave it back to Severus.
Before apparating away Severus looked at the time, which the watch told was 1:
30am. Having been missing for 6 and a half hours Snape was growing increasingly
worried and quickly apparated to the car park that Dumbledore had told him. On
reaching it he saw the Headmaster looking around and under a few of the cars
that were left. He then went and walked to the far corners to get a good look
around. Severus followed him and became unsettled at his next statement.
“There is every possibility Severus that he may not be here and may have indeed
left, as the watch can only tell us where he was if he had walked. Considering
that he apparated it can only give us this location even if he has left.
However, what worries me most is that I am now positive that he did not get
here alone as that would require the art of apparition which he has not yet
accomplished. Noticing the toilet block in the opposite corner Dumbledore
walked over it and searched the gents. After no luck he cast a ‘notice-me-not’
charm onto himself and headed into the ladies. Searching every cubicle he found
nothing and so decided to look on the outside of the block. Walking round the
block he immediately saw Potter lying under the invisibility cloak bloodied and
bruised. Hurrying over he called to Snape who quickly followed whilst casting a
privacy bubble around that area, not knowing for sure where Potter was, as
unlike Dumbledore, he couldn’t see through invisibility cloaks.
Kneeling down Dumbledore pulled off the cloak to reveal a naked Harry Potter
with tears down his face, bruises on his arms and blood between his legs lying
next to his backpack.
“Oh Harry” Dumbledore said and quickly cast ‘Finite Incantatem’ whilst Severus
kneeled at his other side.
When the spells were released Harry howled in pain and carried on sobbing.
Taking him into his arms Severus held him close and let him cry whilst never
taking his eyes off of Dumbledore. Slowly Dumbledore ran his wand down Harry’s
bottom cheeks to numb the area whilst Severus just held on tight to the shaking
boy.
“Shhhh, shhhh, shhhh” Severus said feeling protective fury for Potter over
whoever did this to him. “It’s okay, you’re alright, you’re safe now, I’m
here.” Severus kept on muttering trying to calm the boy down.
“Snape” Harry cried, “Snape” though that was all he managed as he burrowed his
head into the man’s chest and clung onto his shirt for dear life.
“It’s alright, I’m here, I’ve got you, no-one can touch you now.” Snape said
though to him it was more than words. It was a promise. A promise to both
himself and Potter that whilst Potter was around he would do everything in his
power from now on to protect him and keep him safe.
Wrapping his cloak around the two of them he lifted Potter up whilst Dumbledore
grabbed his bag and apparated them both back to the safety of their home.
 
Exhibio = show Tutela = wards Hodiernus = today
***** Lying In Your Arms *****
Chapter 9 – Lying In Your Arms
 
Sorry it took so long but I have been very busy this past week.
 
Please review :)
 
Once outside his mansion’s wards Severus ran towards the house as fast as he
could with Dumbledore following. As soon as he was inside he sent the
Headmaster off to firecall Madam Pomphrey whilst he took Harry to his room.
“It’s alright. You’re safe now. You’re home” Severus said to Potter as he laid
him on his bed. As Snape moved away to fetch a blanket to cover Harry lightly
Harry called out in anguish begging Severus not to leave.
“Please don’t go, don’t leave me, please, I don’t want to be left alone.”
Potter called sobbing.
“I am just going to my bedroom to fetch a blanket for you, I will be straight
back” Severus said, stopping still in his tracks.
“No, send Letty, please” Potter cried and Severus began to worry about him
being all het up as he was beginning to hyperventilate.
“Okay, but you must calm down, you will make yourself ill” Severus said coming
over to him and taking him in his arms and onto his lap.
Severus clicked his fingers and Letty appeared.
“Yes Sir” Letty said looking worriedly at Potter.
“Can you please fetch me a couple of light blankets from my bedroom”
“Certainly Sir” and she popped away, then a couple of seconds later popped back
again with them.
Wrapping Potter in a blanket as best he could to protect his modesty he set the
other blanket on the bed just as Professor Dumbledore walked in with Madam
Pomphrey in tow.
“Oh dear me.”, Said Madam Pomphrey hustling over to the bed. Severus laid
Potter down and walked over to the door with Dumbledore.
“I’ll be right outside.” He assured whilst Potter just nodded and looked at the
mediwitch.
**************************************************
Laying on his back with the blanket threatening to fall open any second and
expose himself Harry watched the mediwitch prepare her quill and notebook to
take notes through teary eyes.
“Right Harry. This won’t hurt a bit. Though I’m sure you know that already with
the amount of times I’ve done it to you in the past” Madam Pomphrey said giving
a small smile. She then ran her wand from head to toe, the quill writing down
all the injuries that he had sustained and then the cure needed next to them.
After she was finished she laid the blanket on the bed over his lower body and
began to unwrap the one we was currently ensconced in. Looking at the bruises
on his arms she waved her wand and they both disappeared. She then took out 2
potions from her bag and a small tub.
“This is a dreamless sleep potion. Take 10ml worth before you go to bed. This
(she said pointing to the next potion) is a pain relieving potion. Take 10ml up
to four times a day.” Finally pointing at the tub she said “This will help your
torn ‘lower half’ repair. I know it will be difficult but you must apply it
around your entrance twice a day for 3 days to help the skin heal. I will
repeat all this to Professor Snape so that you don’t forget. You are to take
each potion until the bottles are empty and then that course of treatment will
also be done. Okay?” She said knowing that all he probably wanted to do was get
into a dreamless sleep.
“Thank you” Harry said as he nodded his head and asked if she could send
Professor Snape back in.
“Certainly” Said the mediwitch and walked out the door.
A few seconds later Snape walked back into the room, and came to stand by
Harry’s bed.
“I want to go to sleep now but I don’t want to be alone. Will you stay with me
until I am asleep?” Harry asked worried that Snape would say no.
“Certainly, but I think it’s best if you take your potions first. I’ll wait
outside whilst you do” As Snape said this he remembered how Harry had felt the
last time he was going to be alone and so quickly added “Or would you rather I
just turn my back?”
“Can you just turn your back please” Harry said not wanting to be alone. He
knew that no-one could hurt him here but he still didn’t want to be by himself.
As Snape walked over to the fire with his back facing Harry, Harry picked up
the tub and stood from the bed. Squatting a bit he reached through his legs and
rubbed the cream in. Within seconds he felt a soothing feeling around his
entrance and reached for some more from the pot. When he was all finished he
stood back up straight and realised for the first time that there was no blood.
*Madam Pomphrey must have cleared it away silently* He thought and got into
bed. Leaning over he picked up the pain relieving potion and suddenly wondered
how he was supposed to measure out 10ml.
“Professor, how do I get 10ml of this medicine?” Harry asked
Turning around Snape walked over to Harry and took the bottle out of his hand.
Unscrewing the lid he took it off and poured out the potion up to an indented
line, then passed it over to Harry.
“One cap full is 10ml, the same with the dreamless sleep” and whilst Harry
drank the first potion Snape poured out the second.
Drinking them both quickly Harry lay down on his back and looked up at Snape,
never being so glad to see him in his life.
“Professor, why did Madam Pomphrey tell me to only take 10ml of the medicine,
when usually I take 20ml?”
Snape looked at him as if he knew something but was unsure. “I don’t know
Potter, I am not a mediwizard, I only brew the potions not dispatch them” and
then he lowered the lights and went over to sit in a chair by the fire waiting
for Harry to fall asleep. It did not take long and as soon as he heard the soft
snoring coming from the bed he headed to his own bedroom to rest.
**************************************************
Severus woke up to the sound of screaming though to start with he was unsure of
where it was coming from. *Harry!* he suddenly thought and rushed out of his
bedroom dressed in only his dark blue cotton pyjama bottoms and ran into
Harry’s room to see him tossing and turning in his sleep whilst letting out an
ear piercing sound. Shaking his shoulder Severus began to call his name hoping
that his nightmare would soon end.
“Come on Harry wake up, it’s Professor Snape, it’s not real, it’s not
happening, wake up” Severus sat on the edge of the bed continuing his mantra
until Potter awoke.
Crying, Potter called Severus’s name finally understanding that it was all a
dream. Severus moved until he was sitting next to where Potter was laying and
pulled him onto his lap. Severus encircled Potter in his arms and let him rest
his head on his bare chest and just weep.
“I kept calling you Snape, but you didn’t come! Why didn’t you come? I kept
calling you Snape, I kept calling” and he again broke into a flood of tears.
At this Severus’s heart broke in two at hearing the anguish in his voice.
*Harry should never have had to experience this* he thought, and then he
realised *when did I start thinking of him as Harry not Potter?*
“I know, I’m sorry I wasn’t there, I’m sorry I didn’t save you from that cruel
man. I’m here now though, come on shhhh, I’m here now, you’ve nothing to worry
about now” and with that he began rocking Harry back and forth, like a mother
would a small child.
They sat in that position together for at least half an hour before Harry’s
tears stopped, and they only stopped because he had cried himself to sleep.
Laying Harry back down Severus went back into his own bedroom and for the first
time realised that it was time to get up. Getting washed and dressed he headed
downstairs for a late breakfast and then firecalled Kingsley Shacklebolt to see
how far into the investigation they had got after Dumbledore spoke to him in
the early hours of that morning.
“I’m sorry Snape, but until we can speak to Harry we can’t properly
investigate. The people in Knockturn alley are less than willing to help us and
the attack took place in a muggle area at night and so the man could’ve done a
number of things so that there were no witnesses. We have brought the beggar in
for questioning, but like I said until we speak to Harry about everything we
are really limited.”
“Thank you Kingsley, I will speak to him to find out if he is ready when he
awakens next, though I rather think that it would be better, if he agrees that
is, to take a copy of the memory and put it in a pensieve for you to use as I
don’t want him going through it all again.”
“Good idea, let me know when he awakens” and with that the connection was lost.
Next he firecalled Lupin to let him know that Harry had been found and inform
him of the attack. At his retelling of the story Remus just sat back on his
haunches with a single tear trickling from his eye.
“Dear me, is he okay now, is he healed?” Remus asked voice full of concern.
“He is taking medicine though within a few days he should be as right as
rain……physically”.
“Should I come over?” Remus was desperate to see that he was okay for himself,
though he understood if Snape didn’t want him there.
“He is asleep at the moment however you may come and sit with him so that
someone is there when he wakes if you wish”
“Thank you” Remus said and stepped through the fire.
“I will show you to his room and then I will return to inform Mrs Weasley”
Snape stated and then led the way ahead.
Upon reaching Harry’s room Severus opened the door and allowed Remus in. Remus
walked over to the bed and sat down very gently watching Harry’s chest rise and
fall and wiped at his tear stained cheeks. Stroking his hair he muttered ‘oh
Harry’ whilst Severus left the room to allow Remus some privacy in his sadness.
Returning to the lounge Severus threw some floo powder into the fire and called
out ‘The Burrow’. Soon enough Mrs Weasley’s head popped up in the fire and
Severus began recounting to her the previous night’s events. After hearing the
end she burst into tears and insisted on coming over, however Severus put her
off saying that Remus was here at the moment with Harry and it was probably
best to give them some time alone. Reluctantly agreeing she went to go and cook
an apple pie (Harry’s favourite she informed him) to drop by for his tea though
Severus didn’t bother telling her that he probably wouldn’t be up to eating
much, if indeed he was awake, thinking that the cooking would occupy her mind
on other things than the pain Harry had endured.
Severus then spent the rest of his morning in his lab brewing the next few
potions Harry would need after he had finished his first set. At lunchtime
Severus was quite surprised although pleased to see Harry sitting at the dining
room table with Remus waiting for lunch.
“Good afternoon” Severus greeted them both trying to keep things as normal as
possible and so sat down and read the paper which he was too preoccupied to do
at breakfast. News had travelled fast and The Daily Prophets front page
headline was ‘BOY WHO LIVED ATTACKED!’ Deciding to read this and see how much
of it was true, he was unaware when the lunch popped up and it was only with a
polite cough from Lupin that he put it down in favour of the food. That
afternoon Remus went home and Severus asked Harry if he was ready to speak to
Kingsley.
“Ummmm, sure, might as well get it over and done with” and with that they
entered the lounge, Harry taking a seat on the sofa whilst Snape firecalled
Kingsley. Soon enough a potions bottle was on the table ready for Harry’s
extracted memory and when he was prepared, it was taken and sealed and Kingsley
transported it back to the ministry to be examined and stored.
The rest of the afternoon was spent in the lounge with Harry occasionally
speaking and Severus thinking about what else might help the investigation.
“Professor” Harry said looking up from where he had been sitting on the sofa
with his legs drawn up close and his arms wrapped around them ”I just can’t
help thinking, what if I had just got back in the floo or if I had never left
in the first place. If I had stayed, would you’ve kicked me out yourself?”
“Firstly” Severus began “We can’t live on ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ else we wouldn’t be
living at all. If you had got back in that floo then you may have got your
destination wrong again and ended up in a mad mans house just the same.
Secondly, (and this was where Severus was lost for words *How do I tell him
that none of this need not have happened if he had only not misinterpreted my
words*) I never intended you to leave (at this Harry looked like he was about
to butt in but soon stopped at Severus’ glare) I had meant that you leave the
room, that I was sick of the argument, not sick of you. I just thought that you
would go to your room and sulk.”
Harry opened his mouth gob smacked, and then tears begin to trickle down his
face.
“If only I hadn’t been so stupid, this never would’ve happened”
Severus quickly stood up from where he had been seated and moved over to the
sofa. Sitting down next to Harry he pulled him against his side and held him
close. “Like I said, there are no points to ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. You thought that
what you were doing was right and that I had wanted you to leave. I believe
that it has turned out this way for a reason (Harry looked up sceptically but
didn’t say a thing), a reason that we just don’t know yet. I trust that it will
all turn out well in the end, whether that is in a year’s time, ten years time
or even a hundred years time. Just know for now that this is not your fault and
so don’t ever blame it on yourself. Okay?” Severus said and gave a small
squeeze.
Harry just nodded his head and lent into him, burying his head in the robe the
potion master was wearing, and then finally fell asleep again. Severus not
wanting to disturb Harry spelled his book to him so that he could carry on
reading in peace until Harry awoke.
As dinner approached Severus thought about waking Harry, however it was the
most restful sleep he had had all day and so decided against it settling on
getting something to eat when he awoke.
**************************************************
At 7pm Harry awoke, and no sooner than he had sat up from the comfy shoulder
and chest he was leaning against had 2 bowls of vegetable soap and an apple pie
appeared (courtesy of Mrs Weasley).
“Mmmmm, smells good. Haven’t you eaten” Harry said suddenly realising why there
were two bowls.
“No, I didn’t want to disturb you, you seemed to be sleeping peacefully”
Severus said leaning forward to grab a bowl to pass to Harry.
“Thanks” He said receiving it. “I slept great, I don’t know why, I think I felt
safe being able to feel that you were there” Harry said blushing slightly.
“Probably, you certainly look better for it” and with that Severus picked up
his own bowl and began to eat.
As soon as dinner was over they carried on talking for a little while about
inconsequential things, both seeming to consciously keep away from the subject
of the attack. They then began their normal nightly routines of Harry reading
the paper and Severus a book.
Looking at the front page article of himself Harry quickly turned over, not
wanting to read about the attack from the media. Settling into the newspaper
Harry only looked up again when Severus began to shift.
“Sorry, am I squashing you?” Harry said, only just realising that he had been
leaning slightly against Severus’s side.
“No, you are fine. I am just tired and need to go to bed.” Severus said putting
his book on the coffee table and standing up.
Harry quickly stood up too, not wanting to be left alone just yet. “Will you
stay with me until I fall asleep again please?” Harry said, worried about the
answer.
“Of course” Severus replied and led the way to Harry’s room. Once there Harry
went into the bathroom to apply his cream and get changed quickly before
returning and getting into bed. Downing his pain potion he then took the
dreamless sleep and lay on his back ready to be taken into oblivion by the
darkness of the night. Severus sat in a chair in front of the fire like early
that morning and dimmed the lights, except this time it was nearly half an hour
before he heard the tell tale signs of sleep coming from Harry and was able to
go to bed.
**************************************************
At 2am Severus was once again awoken by the sounds of screaming coming from
next door. Hurrying into Harry’s room he sat on the bed and pulled Harry into
his arms trying to quieten him.
“Shhhh Harry, it’s just a dream, just a dream, I’m here, you’re alright, you’re
safe” and ever so gradually Harry began to quieten and his tears slow down to a
trickle.
“Snape” Harry said quietly. “Why can’t I sleep properly, I took the potion and
it doesn’t work, after a while they all come back.” Tears still coursing down
his face.
“I don’t know Harry.” Snape said, somewhat mystified. He knew that with the
lower prescription of dreamless sleep he would have less peaceful dreams than
if he took the full dose, but it should still work better than it currently
was.
“I was alright earlier when I was with you and I didn’t take any of it then, I
just don’t understand, I was fine then, but tonight when I took it and was
alone I had nightmares.”
Severus suddenly had an idea. He had studied subconscious magic years ago but
never really thought about it since. “Do you feel safe with me Harry?” Severus
asked.
Harry looked at him a bit puzzled, though replied honestly. “Yes, of course I
do”
“Well then maybe that is it. Earlier when you were with me you could feel me
there with you and so subconsciously knew that you were safe and so could sleep
easily even without the potion. Now however, even though you took the potion
you didn’t feel safe and so subconsciously your body and magic were breaking
down the potion with your survival instinct setting in. However, your body
didn’t wake you up, you just had bad dreams.” Severus said with a touch of
achievement in his voice, proud that he had still remembered it.
“So you’re saying that I will only get a good night’s sleep if I sleep next to
you?” Harry said suddenly realising that it all made sense.
“Correct Mr Potter” Severus said in his teaching mode.
“Ummmm, how are we going to do that then?” Harry said blushing slightly.
“You will come and sleep in my room from now on until you can sleep alone with
ease, though these will still remain as your rooms. Will that suffice?” Severus
asked a bit nervous himself. He wanted to sleep in his own rooms as they had
been his ever since he gained the manor in his mother’s will and would not feel
comfortable sleeping anywhere else. Besides it would be easier for Harry to
just not come to his room when he was ready to sleep alone than the
embarrassment (which he knew Harry would feel) at kicking Severus out.
“Yes thank you” Harry said and got out of bed to follow Severus into his own
room. Walking inside he was far to tired to take it all in and so just walked
round to the far side of the bed and got in. When Severus climbed in the side
nearest the door Harry felt a bit awkward and so just lay on his back facing
the canopy of the four poster bed.
“Come here Harry” Severus said holding his arm out in invitation, sensing the
nervousness coming off of Harry in waves. Harry scooted over and leaned his
head on Severus’s bare shoulder, tentatively resting his hand on Severus’s
stomach. Severus then wrapped his left arm around Harry’s back lightly rubbing
it up and down a couple of times over his thin t-shirt waiting for Harry to
fall asleep.
Harry felt protected in the arms of this man knowing that whilst he was there
he would never be hurt. Snuggling up against him he fell asleep in a matter of
seconds, safe in Severus’s warm embrace.
***** Pillow Talk *****
Chapter 10 – Pillow talk.
 
Please review :)
 
Harry felt something firm but soft beneath him and the warmth around him was
drawing him in closer. His legs were already entwined within it and he became
reluctant to open his eyes and face the reality of his harsh life. Wrapping him
self around it more he snuggled in close and fell back into a peaceful sleep.
A few hours later Harry felt the firm thing beneath his head move and he opened
his eyes in surprise. Staying still for a moment he let his bleary eyes focus
as best they could due to not having his glasses on and looked out to see a
pale chest with a medium amount of dark wispy chest hairs. Looking up he could
see Snape’s face clearly due to the fact that they were so close and noticed
that he was still asleep. The whole night suddenly came flooding back to Harry
and he became unsure of what to do next. *Should I pretend to go back to sleep
or should I try and ease myself out. Maybe I should wake him up. No he needs
his sleep after I woke him up both last night and the night before. I’d rather
not pretend at all and just stay in his safe arms. That’s what I’ll do. I’ll
just lay here and enjoy it until he wakes up naturally* On this decision Harry
moved his head back to its previous position on his shoulder and cuddled back
into the warmth and security of, ironically, his usually most coldest and
scariest professor. An hour later Harry was in a state somewhere between asleep
and awake when he felt the arms around him tighten a fraction. Looking up his
eyes were captured by the midnight black ones of his teacher, except unlike
before where they just seemed to be cold and harsh, today they were just
mysterious and welcoming.
“Good morning Harry” Severus said in a sleep roughened voice.
“Good morning Professor” Harry replied, feeling a bit weird waking up wrapped
around his (until the holidays) most hated professor.
“Please, call me Severus when we’re alone. It makes me feel like a dirty old
man having you call me Professor in bed however innocent it may be” and then
for the first time Harry had ever seen, Severus gave a proper smile, with no
smugness or malice shadowing it.
“Okay, ummmm, good morning Severus” Harry said with a small smile tugging at
his lips.
Looking at the clock on the bedside table he saw that it had already gone 9am,
much later than they would both normally be up.
“Ummmm, can we stay in bed a bit longer. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want
to, we don’t have to, it’s just that I am really comfortable at the moment and
that was one of the best night sleeps I’ve ever had.” Harry said blushing
slightly.
“Okay, I’m rather comfortable myself too” Severus said
It was only then that Harry realised it was Severus’s legs that his own were
entwined with and feeling slightly over personal he started to retract them,
however he was stopped as Severus’s legs grabbed them with his own and pulled
them back down and wrapped his own legs in between them again so that it was
impossible to tell who’s legs were who’s.
“Leave them there, I don’t mind” and his face suddenly lit with honesty.
“Thanks” Harry said, feeling the best he had in ages, even considering the past
few days.
They both just lay still together, Harry resting his head on Severus’s shoulder
and hand on his stomach. Severus with his arms wrapped around Harry ever so
lightly. Yet enough to feel their strength and protection.
The silence between them became tense and Harry tried desperately to try and
find something intellectual to say, however it wasn’t needed as Severus started
up a conversation.
“This afternoon I thought about going down to the lake, would you like to join
me?” Severus said feeling somewhat nervous that Harry would reject his idea.
“Great” Harry said and his whole face lit up. “I wanted to too but I didn’t
want to ask you because I thought that you’d be busy.”
“Good, that’s settled then. We’ll go after lunch.” And Severus began rubbing
Harry’s back again, just like the night before.
“Do you mind me being topless?” Severus said, suddenly thinking about how Harry
might be feeling being near a half naked man after just being attacked.
“No, why” Harry said genuinely perplexed.
“I just thought that after all that’s happened, well….” And Severus cut off not
knowing how to phrase the last bit of his statement.
“It’s fine. I know you, and I know that you’d never hurt me. I trust you.
Besides, it’s kind of nice feeling skin underneath my body, I never have before
and I kind of like it, it makes me feel… I dunno….special. Is that the right
word?” Harry said a bit embarrassed.
Severus just looked at Harry with utter horror on his face.
“You were a virgin” He said sounding angry.
“Ummmm, yeah” Harry replied, not knowing what to say or do in case he riled him
up any more. Severus’s arms began to tighten around him and he began muttering
under his breath, though due to Harry being so close he heard every word.
“That utter bastard! I’ll kill him”
Harry knew exactly to whom Severus was referring and understood that the anger
wasn’t aimed at him.
Thinking about what to say he began explaining what he felt about the whole
situation now to do with his virginity, or lack there of.
“To me, I still feel like I have my virginity, more so now than before. His act
wasn’t with love or kindness, it was out of spite and as such I didn’t even
take part in the sex, all I did was lay there. To me that doesn’t count as
making love. To me I still have a first time to get through with a person I
love, I still have a first time to learn everything I’ll need to know about
what to do and how to do it. My first time will be even more important now
because it will have to be with someone I trust and so I think that will make
it more special, not less. I hate what that man has done to me and how I know
that I won’t be able to give my body over to anyone else now unless I trust
them explicitly, and that how I’m technically not a virgin anymore, but the
fact of the matter is, is that it takes more than him sticking his penis in me
to take it away. It takes love and trust from another human being as well. It
takes learning what to do and actually taking a part in doing it. And even if
them things don’t count to some people they count to me and there is always the
fact that I myself have never taken another person and so am still
‘technically’ a virgin in that respect.” Harry said to Severus, truth shining
in his eyes.
Severus nodded his head, seeing Harry’s point and finally understanding how far
Harry had grown up in the last few months.
Harry got comfortable again against Severus’s chest and lay there thinking
about all that he had just said and where it had come from. After a few moments
it was Severus’s turn to speak.
“I just hate the idea that he has took away your choice that you now can’t have
a one night stand for a first time if you want and that the person has to be
extra special to you. I know that a special person to be with is important to
you, but I still hate what he has done, and he has made it ten times worse
doing it to a virgin. At least if you had had sex before you would have known
how joyful it can be and how much pleasure it can give. Now you will be going
into it with the totally opposite views, worrying about pain and memories.
“I know” Harry sighed, but then he looked up and smile cheekily. “But remember,
we can’t live our lives on ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ else we wouldn’t be living at all’.
Severus just rolled his eyes and smirked, glad that Harry had remembered what
he’d said and was finally starting to look happier.
They continued to lie together for quite a while, until Severus decided that it
was time to get up. Untangling himself from Harry, Severus headed towards his
en suite to have a shower, quite sure that when he returned Harry would still
be in bed, not wanting to leave without him.
**************************************************
Harry, for the first time since he had been there took a good look at the room
he was in. He knew what a privilege it was to be there considering only a few
days ago he was told to only enter in a life or death situation and now he was
lying in the bed as if he had been there all his life.
The room was a lot smaller than his own, however it was definitely not small.
It was more the size of a large muggle master bedroom. The walls were painted
in a cream colour and the lush carpet was a dark shade of green. The curtains
hanging from the bed were emerald velvet, which exactly the same as in his own
room, matched the curtains by the window. However, Harry realised that the
window must be magical as it was on the wall that separated Severus’s and
Harry’s rooms. In front of the window was a dark wooden desk with a wooden
chair pushed in. On top of the desk were an inkpot and a few scrolls of
parchment however none of them seemed to be written on and in the far corner of
the desk was an old photograph of a lady, which Harry guessed to be Severus’s
mother. Opposite the bed was a large fire place with two Victorian spoon back
chairs, again in an emerald velvet and in front of them was a coffee table
which’s dark wood matched the desk. On the left hand side of the fireplace was
a floor to ceiling bookcase and on the right hand side stood a single wardrobe.
On the wall to the right hand side of the bed was a door by the wardrobe, which
Harry guessed was the bathroom as that was where Severus had entered and
further along on that wall was a chest of drawers. On either side of the bed,
was a bedside cabinet and to the right of the bed was the door to the bedroom.
Looking at the room in more detail now, he noticed that there were some more
magical photographs scattered around. Moving off of the bed and walking over to
the fire, he observed that on the mantel over the fireplace were some more, one
of which contained what looked to be Severus as a young child sitting on the
same lady’s lap as on the desk smiling. Now and again the photograph Severus
turned towards the lady and gave her a kiss on the cheek. In return she gave
him a small squeeze and a kiss on his hair. In the next photograph was a man
who looked just like Snape except it was an old photograph and so Harry guessed
him to be Severus’s father. He looked stern and formidable, much like Severus
in front of a class of rowdy fourth years. The people in the next few
photographs meant nothing to Harry and so he skipped over them until he
recognised someone else. Harry was totally gob smacked when after a couple of
smaller photos that he couldn’t quite see properly he came across one of his
mother with one of her arms around Severus’s shoulders, both laughing happily.
Severus and his mum looked to be about a year older than Harry and were both
having a great time. *Why is there a photograph of them together? I thought
they hated each other* Harry pondered this for a few minutes before moving onto
the last photograph. In this one Harry didn’t recognise anyone either and so
went back to sit on the bed.
**************************************************
Five minutes later Severus walked back into the bedroom with a towel around his
hips and his hair dripping over his shoulders. Collecting some clothes he went
back into the bathroom, not really paying much attention to Harry and got
dressed. On returning he noticed that Harry looked distant and so went over to
sit next to him.
“What’s the matter?” he said slightly worried.
Harry looked up for the first time and gave a small smile.
“Why do you have a photograph of my mum up there?” Harry said nodding toward
the photo.
“Because contrary to popular, belief your mum and I were very good friends. Oh,
James and I despised each other, but no, after 6th year Lily and I became very
good friends until she died.” Severus said smiling slightly as if reminiscing.
“But you were a death eater” Harry stated a bit perplexed.
“Yes” Severus said, his smile leaving his face. “But Lily was my friend all
through them years and she was the one who eventually got me to change sides
and spy for the Order. She was there for me when everyone else had deserted me”
“But you told Voldemort the first part of the prophecy, why would you do that
if she was your friend?” Harry said a bit heatedly but Severus just replied in
a calm voice.
“At that point I did not know it was you the prophecy would apply to, no-one
did. As far as we knew it could have been anyone. The prophecy was made before
you were born and so we did not know who, or how many babies were to be born
then. The prophecy was made a year before your parents deaths. At that point I
had not changed sides, however if I had known that it would have affected her,
or even James, I would not have repeated it as however much I hated him, I
didn’t want him dead. “, Severus finished, looking Harry in the eyes.
Harry could see and hear the honesty behind those words and knew that Severus
was telling the truth.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude, I was just confused” Harry said looking
slightly abashed.
“That’s ok, I understand.” And with that Severus stood up. “Anyway, it’s about
time you got washed and dressed” he said as he led the way into Harry’s room.
**************************************************
Upon entering Harry grabbed a pair of jeans and t-shirt out of the wardrobe,
pulled some boxers from his drawers and went into the bathroom to get changed.
Ten minutes later he returned, hair soaking wet to see Severus sitting by the
fire reading Harry’s potions book. Grabbing his glasses and then picking up his
pain relieving potion and taking his allotted amount he stood still looking at
Severus.
“Nice to see that you have made some notes, even if they are not your own”
Severus said with a teasing tone and a smirk plastered all over his face.
“What? They are my notes” Harry said walking over and coming to stand by
Severus’s left side. “Look, that’s my handwriting” and he pointed to the
scrawling script.
“I never said that it wasn’t your handwriting. Merely just not your notes, for
instance, what does macerate mean?” Severus said knowing that he wasn’t going
to get the correct answer, if any answer at all.
“Ummmm” *Dam* Harry thought *Why didn’t I read through what I copied off of
Hermione*
“Don’t know?” Severus said all but laughing.
Harry shook his head and let Severus continue.
“It means mash or squash”
“Oh” was all Harry could say feeling rather stupid.
“Harry, if you’re not going to take your own notes then there isn’t much I can
do, but if you are going to copy them then please check that you can understand
them first else you might as well not have them at all.” Severus said sounding
a bit tired.
“Sorry” Harry said, though knew that it wouldn’t really matter as Severus
wasn’t really annoyed, just informing him for his own good.
“As long as we’ve got that sorted we might as well go down to breakfast” and
with that they headed out of the door.
Sitting opposite Severus at the breakfast table Harry was slightly surprised
when Severus put aside the newspaper in favour of talking to him.
“Are you going for a swim in the lake today?” Severus said sounding genuinely
interested.
“Yeah, I’ll have to get a towel from Letty before lunch so I can get ready to
go straight after if that is okay with you”
“Certainly”
Harry thought for a moment before deciding to ask. “Ummmm, will you come for a
swim too?” Guessing that Severus would probably say ‘no’ he was quite surprised
when he answered positively.
“I think I might go for a small one as I haven’t been in ages, yes, though I
don’t believe I have any swimming trunks so will have to do that spell which I
absolutely detest.” Severus said turning up his nose.
“Why don’t you like it? I think it’s fine and it worked out well for Ron and
Hermione the other day.” Harry asked intrigued.
“Because for some reason every single time I do it I get a different colour of
florescent trunks.” Severus said with a scowl.
Harry tried not to laugh imagining Severus in a florescent anything, let alone
trunks. However he failed miserably and Severus scowl only deepened.
After breakfast Harry followed Severus down to his lab not wanting to be alone.
They spent the morning brewing a potion that would come up in Harry’s 6th year
so that he might be a bit better at it when he did it again. Soon lunch
approached and they cleared away before heading up.
Sitting at the dining room table waiting for lunch Harry suddenly had a thought
and called Letty for the two towels they requested. Once he had received them
he put them on the chair beside him and almost a second later lunch popped up.
Harry didn’t eat that much during lunch because he’d only had breakfast a few
hours before. After half a sandwich and a yogurt he was full and so waited
patiently for Severus to finish. When they were both ready they headed upstairs
to Harry’s room so that he could have his potion again and then get changed.
“You can take the bathroom if you like” Harry said, thinking that Severus might
not want to disrobe in front of a student.
“Thank you” Severus said and headed away to get changed.
When the door was shut Harry began pulling off his clothes until he was down to
his boxers. Saying the spell in his mind his pants soon turned into a pair of
brown knee length trunks. Picking up his towel it wasn’t long before Severus
returned with an arm full of clothing and wearing a pair of bright pink trunks.
At Harry’s look Severus sped over grabbed his towel to tie around his waist and
glared at Harry.
“Not a word Potter” Severus hissed and Harry began to silently chuckle when he
wasn’t looking, knowing better than to be too loud.
Following Severus out the door and down to the lake Harry dropped his towel on
the grass and walked in. Severus untied his, walked in and when it got deep
enough, swam out to the middle. Swimming after him Harry began to tread water
once he had caught up and for a few moments they just bobbed there in silence
taking in their environment.
“Severus” Harry said not knowing how far he could push their new found
friendliness.
“Yes” Severus said looking across as the manor.
“What happens if I can’t sleep properly alone anymore? If I keep on having
nightmares, what will we do then?” Harry said with a tiny bit of anxiousness
touching his voice.
Severus turned to look at him contemplating for a moment and then began to
speak. “Then we will have no choice but to proceed as we currently are”
“But we can’t at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore wouldn’t allow it and neither
would the governors however innocent it was.”
“Harry, the Headmaster would allow it because he would have no choice. I won’t
let him leave you alone to sleep unless you want it and he wouldn’t do anything
to you if he knew it would hurt you. The governors on the other hand may be a
bit of a problem but I’m confident in Dumbledore’s abilities to get past them
and if the worst came to the worst you’ve always got your invisibility cloak to
get you to my chambers and Mr Weasley and Miss Granger to cover for you.”
Severus said with an air of protection.
“Thank you” Harry said truly meaning it.
“Your welcome” Severus replied and lay on his back to swim.
Harry floated there thinking for a moment before diving underwater to explore.
*Everything looks different from down here* Harry thought as he swam around
some water plants and saw some fish. Heading along further he tried to chase
some more fish, however he was soon out of breath and had to come up for air.
Quickly gulping he went straight back down and headed further along the lake to
see things he had never noticed from the surface before. While he was down
there he noticed other various water animals that he had never seen before
though guessed Severus knew they were there considering it was his lake. Half
an hour later Harry was still investigating the lake and so didn’t notice when
Severus swam to the edge and got out. Sitting under the tree in the shade he
called Letty and got her to fetch him his book which he read whilst drying off
in the afternoon sun.
The time flew by and an hour had passed since Severus had got out the lake.
Harry was now becoming wrinkled and so decided to get out. Coming up for breath
Harry looked around but couldn’t see Severus anywhere. Starting to panic he
swam to the edge, worrying about being left alone out there. Walking out on the
side near the manor he looked around but couldn’t see Severus anywhere.
“Severus” Harry called lightly but when he got no reply he became more alarmed
and started to hyperventilate. “Severus” Harry called louder grabbing his towel
and clutching it tight but there was still no reply. Not knowing if Severus was
still outside or had returned to the manor he didn’t know what to do in fear of
becoming more isolated.
“SEVERUS” Harry shouted again but when he once more got no reply he became
petrified and tears started to leak from his eyes.
“SEVERUS” Harry practically screamed turning around in circles trying to find
the man.
**************************************************
“SEVERUS”
Severus’s head snapped up from the book at the scream and stood up immediately.
Looking around he noticed Harry standing on the other side of the lake
frantically searching for him and he immediately began to run towards the boy.
It took him 5 minutes to run around the edge of the lake and he was so glad
that he had still kept fit after finishing his spying. Getting nearer to Harry
he called out and saw Harry shoot around to look in his direction immediately.
Harry dropped his towel and ran towards Severus. When they got close Harry flew
against Severus’s chest and into his arms. Severus just held him close as he
wept against his shoulder and began gently rocking side to side and rubbing his
back to try to calm him down.
“Where were you?” Harry sobbed. “I looked around and I couldn’t see you. I
thought you were still in the lake with me, but when I looked I couldn’t find
you” Harry kept on crying against Severus’s chest and clung to his body whilst
Severus just held him close until he’d calmed down.
When Harry stood peacefully in his arms ten minutes later Severus began to
speak.
“I’m sorry Harry. I was sitting under the tree reading. I should’ve told you
before I got out, I just didn’t think.” With that Harry pulled back and looked
up at Severus with read rimmed eyes and puffy cheeks.
“Are you okay now?” Severus asked, hoping that Harry would forgive him.
Harry just nodded his head and then lent back in for another hug against
Severus. Severus just held him close and let him relax after the small bit of
trauma.
After letting go again they both went inside and headed towards Severus’s room.
Severus took a shower first and after he was finished and came out with a towel
around his hips he let Harry enter the bathroom to take his own shower. Ten
minutes later Harry came back out wearing only towel and they then went to his
bedroom for him to get dressed and take his pain potion.
“5 o’clock” Severus said as Harry entered from the bathroom all dressed and
ready to take his potion. “What would you like to do for the next hour before
dinner” Severus asked.
“Ummmm, could we go to the lounge so you can read the newspaper before I read
it after dinner?” Harry asked not wanting to have to give it up later because
Severus hadn’t read it.
“Of course” Severus said and they both headed towards the lounge together.
Severus sat in his chair reading whilst Harry contemplated the afternoon. He
knew he had over reacted when he couldn’t find Severus and if only he had just
stayed clam he probably would’ve saw him. Feeling a bit stupid about all the
fuss he had made he became even more annoyed by the fact that just 5 days ago
he could’ve gone down there all by himself without a care in the world. He was
worried that Severus would soon get tired of his clinginess and push him away,
however his heart kept telling him that that would never happen because he had
now seen the true man that Severus was and pushing away a vulnerable person was
not in his nature.
An hour later it was dinner time and they went to the dining room to eat. Harry
had become hungry after his hectic afternoon and so ate all of his main meal in
only ten minutes and so had to wait for Severus to finish before the pudding
arrived.
Later that evening Harry lay on the sofa reading the newspaper as usual whilst
Severus read his book. Both became absorbed and before they knew it, it was 11:
30pm and time for bed if they were to get up early in the morning. Putting down
their respective reading material they both headed towards Severus’s room and
upon entering, Harry stripped down to his boxers. Severus went into the
bathroom to get changed into the pyjamas bottoms that he had been wearing that
morning and so had left in there and when he came back out Harry was already
lying on his back under the covers waiting for him. Severus crawled in next to
Harry and pulled him close adopting the position that they had lay the previous
night, except this time Harry entwined their legs before they went to sleep.
Back again, lying comfy in the safety of Severus’s arms Harry said goodnight
and snuggled down.
“Goodnight Harry” Severus said and with a flick of his wand the lights went
out. Returning his wand under his pillow he put his arm back around Harry and
each fell into a peaceful sleep.
***** Always Welcome *****
Chapter 11 – Always Welcome
 
Please review :)
 
There was a prodding at his shoulder and he tried to bat it away and snuggle
back into the warmth, however he failed and soon the prodding became more
insistent.
“Mmmmm” Harry moaned, as the prodding continued and opened his eyes to see what
it was.
“Ah, your awake, good, it’s time to get up.” Severus said smiling at the look
of displeasure on Harry’s face.
Pulling the alarm clock right to his face to make out the time Harry realised
that it was only 5am and that there was plenty more time before they had to get
up.
“No. Only 5 o’clock. Sleep” and with that he shut his eyes and left the clock
on Severus’s chest.
With a small chuckle that Harry had never heard from Severus before, Severus
put the clock back on the bedside table and prodded him again.
“Come on, we need to get up else half the day will have been wasted” Severus
said with a light tone to his voice.
“Then waste it” Harry said, clearly not going to budge.
Severus untwined his legs from Harry’s and pulled out from underneath him. As
he left the bed Harry groaned at the loss of his warmth though soon enough
turned over and went back to sleep. Getting his clothes from his wardrobe and
drawer Severus headed to the bathroom to have a shower and get ready for the
day. On his return fifteen minutes later he saw Harry fussing around a bit in
bed and so decided to stop what was happening before it turned into a full
nightmare. Sitting on the edge he stroked Harry’s hair and called his name
gently.
“Harry, wake up”
Opening his eyes and looking up into Severus’s, Harry knew what must have
happened and so gave a small smile and a whispered ‘thanks’.
“Come on, get up, bathroom’s free” and with that Severus began doing up his
shirt buttons.
“Severus” Harry said, hoping what he was about to say didn’t come out wrong.
“Why do you wear your smart clothes when you’re at home, why don’t you wear…I
don’t know…jeans and t-shirt?”
Severus smiled and looked down at Harry as if it was obvious.
“Because, before your attack I was only getting to know you and didn’t want to
come across as too informal and today Mrs Weasley is coming over to check that
you’re alright and so I don’t want to be wearing my casual clothes”
“Oh, I wondered if you actually had any and that is why you always wore your
shirt and trousers.”
“No” Severus chuckled and pointed towards the wardrobe. “They’re all in there.
And believe it or not I have more colours than just black”
“What like….Green?” Harry said and quickly moved out of the way before Severus
could swat him for presuming they would be Slytherin colours.
“Get out of here and have a shower” Severus said and dragged the duvet off of
Harry which he looked to be clinging to for dear life. As Harry left to go to
the bathroom Severus quickly went and fetched some clean underwear and a
different t-shirt for Harry to put on for the day from his room.
**************************************************
After breakfast Harry and Severus made their way into the lounge to wait for
Mrs Weasley to arrive. Sitting down and picking up the newspaper which Severus
had just deposited, it wasn’t long before they heard the sound of Mrs Weasley’s
voice coming from the fire.
“Harry dear, how are you?” Mrs Weasley said as she bustled over and pulled
Harry into a hug.
“I’m fine thank you” He said not knowing what else to say.
Holding him at arms length Mrs Weasley began to give him a proper examination,
looking him down and up carefully making sure that everything was in place.
“Oh it was so terrible to hear what happened dear. I wanted to come over a
couple of days ago but Remus was here so I thought it was best to leave you two
alone.” Mrs Weasley smiled at him, though not wanting to completely let him go.
“Please, take a seat” said Harry and once she was sat in the chair opposite
Severus, Harry called Letty to get some drinks.
“Yes Master Potter” Letty said with a large smile on her face when she noticed
they had a visitor.
“Can I have some tea and biscuits please?”
“Certainly Sir” and away she popped, returning a few moments later to deposit
it on the table.
“Thank you” Harry said, and then turned towards Mrs Weasley.
“Harry dear, would you feel more comfortable back at the burrow? I know
Professor Snape has been good to you (she said looking in Severus’s direction)
but would you feel better with your family around you? You’re like a son to me
and I hate having to leave you here alone” Mrs Weasley said in a mothering
voice.
Harry thought about everything for the moment. At the start he would’ve done
anything to live at the Burrow but now he wasn’t so sure. *I love this place
it’s beautiful and has real character. But what’s more beautiful is the owner.
He has been so kind to me recently and we have finally started to form a
friendship, I don’t want to lose that. What would happen if I couldn’t sleep at
the Burrow? Who would comfort me then? Mrs Weasley would be caring but she
isn’t what I need. I need Severus to make me feel safe. Anyway, like Dumbledore
said I would be ‘compromising their safety by staying there’ and that would
make me feel even less secure*
Looking up at Severus he noticed that he looked slightly nervous, as if worried
what Harry’s answer would be. Not sure if his answer was going to make Severus
feel any better or worse he turned towards Mrs Weasley and just came out with
it.
“Ummmm, I’m fine here thanks. I am beginning to enjoy it here and I feel safe.
Not that I don’t at yours, just that I would feel like I was putting you in
danger if I went” Harry said hoping Mrs Weasley would understand.
“Harry, you wouldn’t be putting us in danger, none more than we are already in”
Mrs Weasley said, sounding as if she’d beg in a minute.
Harry looked at Severus as if hoping for some help and was pleased at what he
saw. Severus seemed to be more relaxed now that Harry had said he wanted to
live with him and even looked like he was trying to hide a smile.
“Mrs Weasley, Harry will be perfectly fine here. If he needs you he can use the
floo, or vice versa. You have nothing to worry about” Severus said in a serious
voice.
Mrs Weasley just looked at Severus and then quickly turned to Harry.
“Harry dear, are you sure this is what you want. It’s not too late to change
your mind” Mrs Weasley said as if Harry wasn’t thinking straight.
“Mrs Weasley, I will be fine, besides, like Professor Snape said, I can always
contact you by floo.”
Mrs Weasley gave a sigh, though didn’t protest any more. The conversation soon
began to flow and Mrs Weasley began to ask how Harry had spent his time. At
12pm she left, having to go back to the Burrow to prepare lunch.
“Take care Harry and keep in touch” She said before stepping into the floo and
calling out ‘The Burrow’.
Once she had gone and Harry had sat back on the sofa Severus began to question
him.
“Why do you really want to stay here Harry?”
“I just… I dunno. Like I said, I feel safe here, but it is also more than that.
I was worried how I would sleep at night there, and even though I knew I would
receive comfort from Mrs Weasley I realised that it wasn’t her who could help
me, it’s you. I feel like I am getting to know you better now and I don’t want
to ruin that. I enjoy it here and if I go there I know that I’ll be smothered
like a small child, she just won’t let me deal with it my own way, she’ll want
me to be sad and ‘let it all out’ she just won’t let me forget about it. I
mean, I love her to pieces and she is the mother I never had, but it isn’t a
mother I need anymore, I needed that years ago, now I need a friend. That’s
where you fit in.”
**************************************************
Severus had never felt so happy before. It had been years since he had been
considered a friend. Since Lily’s death in fact. Oh, Dumbledore was a friend,
but his friendship was more fatherly, more like a mentor than an equal.
When Harry had been given the choice on whether he wanted to leave, Severus was
sure he was going to say ‘yes’ and at that point he realised what he would’ve
missed if he had gone. When Harry had said he wanted to stay with him Severus
was surprised and so wasn’t keen on Mrs Weasley trying to change his mind. Now
that Harry was staying, he felt as if he had found something that had been
missing for years, and he finally realised what it was. Companionship.
“Thank you Harry” Severus said, not quite sure how to phrase the gratitude he
felt for Harry considering him a friend.
“For what?” Harry said, unsure of what he had done that deserved one.
“For allowing me to be your friend” Severus felt as if he was 11 years old
again and trying to make friends at Hogwarts.
“That’s ok, but I couldn’t have allowed you if you hadn’t allowed me first”
Harry replied with a smile.
Severus thought about this and realised that he had indeed let Harry become his
friend. He was now sure that he would miss him if he went and that when they
went back to Hogwarts to spend most of their time apart he would feel even more
alone than ever.
“Severus”
“Yes” Severus answered
“Can we make dinner tonight instead of the house elves. I love cooking and I
hoped that maybe for just tonight we could do it ourselves. If you don’t want
to then it doesn’t matter, you can just watch, but can I?” Harry asked
hopefully.
“What were you planning on making?” Severus said, quite intrigued.
“Sheppard’s pie, if that’s okay with you?”
“Okay, but you can be the one to tell Letty and the rest of the house elves”
Severus had a smirk on his lips, knowing that they would be most displeased.
**************************************************
At four thirty Severus and Harry headed towards the kitchen from the library
where Severus had been doing some research. Entering the kitchen the last of
the house elves left with sad faces and Harry’s smile widened with the
knowledge that he was getting to do something that he loved. All the time at
the Dursleys’ this had been the only chore that he had enjoyed because it meant
he could feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of it all with the final
product. Opening a cupboard he pulled out 4 potatoes and 3 carrots and grabbed
the peeler from the draw. Putting them on the island in the middle of the room
he filled the washing up bowl with water and set it next to the vegetables and
then sat down opposite Severus.
“Would you like some help peeling?” Severus said thinking that such a tedious
task should obviously be done by magic, but if not then he would help to get it
done quicker.
“No thanks. As long as I have someone to talk to I don’t mind doing this alone”
and with that he dunked a potato into the water and started to peel.
“Severus, I noticed that you looked kind of nervous earlier when Mrs Weasley
asked if I wanted to go and stay at the Burrow. Why was that?”
Severus sat for a moment pondering how much he should say, however he realised
that if Harry was a friend then he should tell him it all.
“I just expected you to leave that’s all. I have grown accustomed to having you
around and I think that if you left now I would feel rather lonely”
“Oh, well lucky I said ‘no’ then” Harry smiled and carried on peeling.
Ten minutes later all of the vegetables were peeled and so Harry but them on a
chopping board and went to throw the peelings in the compost pot and the water
down the sink. Fetching two sharp knives he returned to his seat and passed one
to Severus. They both chopped away, and soon they were ready to be cooked.
Pulling out some peas from the freezer Harry set the kettle to boil and before
long the vegetables and boiling water were added to a saucepan to he cooked.
Harry left Severus to the vegetables whilst he cooked the minced beef in a
frying pan and soon enough everything was ready to be put together.
“Where do you keep your large glass dishes?” Harry said wanting one to mix the
vegetables and meat in.
“In the cupboard down their” Severus said pointing to the one beneath the work
top.
As Harry leant in to reach it from the back he banged his head on the top of
the cupboard and cursed.
“Are you okay?” Severus asked coming to his side and leaning down to inspect
the top of his head.
“Yes, but that really hurt” Harry said rubbing his head after putting the dish
on the floor.
“Come here” Severus said, helping Harry up and looking down on his head. The
top of Harry’s head reached Severus’s chin and so he was able to see quite
clearly if there was any real damage.
“Looks like you’ll live” he said giving the quickly forming lump a small,
gentle stroke.
Harry just turned and smiled before picking up the dish and taking it over to
the cooker. Pouring in the meat and the vegetables he mixed them around before
mashing the potato and putting it on top.
“Okay just leave it in the oven for ten minutes to crisp up and then it’s
ready” Harry said rubbing his head now and again.
Sitting back at the island Harry began to speak.
“I’ve enjoyed doing this, can we do it again”
“Depends how this one tastes” Severus said, giving a small chuckle at Harry’s
look of displeasure.
“Oh ha ha, very funny. Like to see you do better” Harry replied.
“Have you momentarily forgot what I do for a living Mr Potter?” Severus said
with a smirk on his lips.
“You’re a potions master. You make potions” Harry said in a sarcastic voice as
if talking to an idiot.
Severus chuckled and replied.
“Correct. I am a potions master. As such I am practically ‘cooking’ every
minute of the day. I know ‘you’ may create a deathly mess, but some of us do
manage to make a potion digestible. Due to this, it would be pretty lax of me
to not be able to cook a meal to the same standard” Severus said as if the cat
had got the cream.
“Oh” Harry replied, not being able to think of a better response.
When the dinner was cooked and ready to be served Severus called Letty to dish
up whilst they went to take their seats in the dining room. When the food
popped up and they had each took a bite they looked at each other to get their
opinion.
“Well Harry, carry on like this and the house elves will be out of work”
Severus said before he took another bite.
Harry’s smile widened at the complement and they both tucked in to the well
prepared meal.
After dinner they retired to the lounge to perform their nightly routines of
reading and talking by the fire.
“Harry, I’ve been thinking. If you don’t want to it’s fine but how about we
move some of your belongings into my room. Just some clothes, toothbrush and so
on. Everything really that you’ll need at night and in the morning” Severus
said a bit nervous in case of rejection.
“Sure, that would be great .Then I won’t have to have a shower in your room and
get changed in mine in the morning. Ummmm, can I bring in a couple of
photographs as well. You see I have three that usually stay on my bedside
cabinet, however once you see who they contain it doesn’t matter if I can’t”
Harry said, glad that Severus had thought of the idea and just hoping he would
say ‘yes’ to the latter.
“Who do they contain” Severus said in a calm tone.
“One is of my parents, one is of Sirius and the other is of Ron, Hermione and
I” Harry said nervously.
“Then yes you may. It doesn’t matter how awfully I got on with your father, he
is no longer here and so a photograph of him will not hurt or anger me, the
same with your godfather. You are welcome to have photographs of your family
around the house the same as I. The one of your friends is also acceptable”
Harry grinned from ear to ear and said a heart felt ‘thank you’ to Severus.
After Severus had called Letty to come and move some of Harry’s belongings they
both settle down to their respective reading materials.
**************************************************
That night as Harry got into bed he saw the three photographs which had been
put on the bedside cabinet on what they now both thought of as ‘his side of the
bed’. Smiling a small smile at seeing all their faces again he turned over when
he felt the bed dip and Severus get in the other side.
“Thank you” Harry whispered crawling up to him and leaning his head on his
shoulder whilst entwining their legs which was now their customary sleeping
position.
“It means a lot to me”
“I know” Severus replied, truly understanding how good it felt for Harry to
have his family accepted in the house, even if they were no longer alive and
the fact that Ron and Hermione were also welcome. Gently kissing Harry’s hair
Severus spelled out the lights and they both settled down to sleep.
***** Fate's Cruel Tricks *****
Chapter 12 – Fait’s Cruel Tricks
 
Please review :)
 
Three weeks had passed since Harry was attacked, and during that time he had
began to get his life back on track. Harry still slept with Severus at night
however during the day he was beginning to feel comfortable spending short
amounts of time on his own knowing Severus was somewhere in the vicinity. Often
he would find himself in the library whilst Severus was in the lounge and if he
ever felt uncomfortable he knew he could call Letty to go and fetch Severus for
him. The last couple of mornings he had began to feel a little bit queasy,
however after lying still for a while he felt better. Today however was
different.
Untangling himself from Severus he shoved back the duvet and ran from the bed
to the bathroom where he leaned over the toilet and was promptly sick. Lowering
himself to his knees he heard the sound of the bed springs move slightly and
before he knew it Severus was kneeling behind him rubbing his back as he threw
up again.
When Harry had finished Severus grabbed a wet flannel and handed it to him to
wipe his mouth on.
“Uhhhh” Harry groaned sitting back whilst Severus flushed the chain “I feel
terrible”, though before he could get up to go another bout of sickness over
took him and he leant forward again to throw up the remainder of his stomach.
After a while there was nothing left and he was just gagging.
“All done?” Severus asked as he continued to rub his back and stroke his
fingers through Harry’s hair.
“I think so” Harry whispered and took the flannel again to wipe his mouth
before standing up.
“Can you cast a breath freshening charm on me as I think I may be sick if I
brush my teeth?”
“Sure” Severus said flushing the chain and leading Harry back into the bedroom
where his wand was.
Severus cast the charm on Harry and they both crawled back into bed. Lying on
his back Harry just begged for his stomach to settle as he detested being sick.
“Later I’ll call Madam Pomphrey” Severus said, looking knowingly but worriedly
at Harry. “But for now you should just rest as it is only 5:45 am” Coming to
lay by Harry Severus turned on his side and watched him as he went back to
sleep. When Harry awoke an hour later with the feeling of sickness, he just lay
there trying to push the illness back. Severus stroked his hair and went to
fetch him a glass of water, hoping for the sensation to abate. After ten
minutes Severus began to speak.
“How are you feeling?” He said, concern lacing his voice.
“Better thanks” Harry said softly.
“Ok, I’ll just go call Madam Pomphrey, I’ll be right back” and with that
Severus left to go to the lounge and use the floo.
**************************************************
Reaching the lounge Severus threw some floo powder into the fireplace and
popped his head in, calling out ‘Hogwarts Infirmary’.
“Madam Pomphrey” Severus called at the top of his voice.
Bustling over in her dressing gown the mediwitch stood in front of the fire.
“What’s the matter?” She said sounding worried.
“Harry keeps being sick. I think….well…come through and take a look at him
please”
Severus moved out of the way to allow Madam Pomphrey to come through. When she
arrived she had her medical bag with her and was ready to go visit Harry.
Following Severus up the stairs they went to his room and he led her inside.
“Harry, how are you feeling?” Madam Pomphrey said whilst walking around to his
side of the bed.
“Better now, but I was sick about an hour ago and I felt sick a few minutes
ago” Harry said quietly.
Severus sat down on his side of the bed, suddenly aware that he was only
wearing his pyjama bottoms. Madam Pomphrey took out her wand and used a general
diagnostic spell over his abdomen. Severus paid great attention to her face,
and noticed when there was a slight shift of her features. Doing the spell
again Madam Pomphrey looked up at Severus and then down at Harry with a sad
look.
“Harry dear, I’m afraid I have some news for you which you might not like”
Harry just looked up at her waiting for it, though feeling slightly nervous.
“I’m afraid you’re pregnant……..with twins”
“WHAT” Harry shouted. “But that’s impossible, I’ve only ever been with a person
that one time. I can’t be, do your spell again” Harry said as if not believing.
He of course knew that men could get pregnant as he had seen many wizards like
it, however he just couldn't believe it was happening to himself.
“Harry, I’ve done it twice. You are having twins. Would you like to know the
sexes?”
Harry just slumped in his bed, not quite taking it in. “I thought you couldn’t
tell this early?”
“Not with muggle children, but with magical ones you can. Their magical
signatures tell us”
“Go ahead then” Harry said sounding rather defeated.
“A little boy and a little girl. Now, I want you to eat regularly and have
plenty of rest. It might be best to eat something small before bed so that you
always have something to throw up in the morning. Don’t take any potions unless
Professor Snape or I deem them safe and don’t have any heavy weights on your
stomach. Okay?”
**************************************************
Harry just thought for a moment *Hang on Severus did look at me funny when I
asked him why I had to take half the regular dose of a potion and this morning
after I was sick Severus looked as if he knew something I didn’t. Oh my gosh,
he knew!*
Turning to look at Severus Harry’s anger boiled. *How could he have known and
not said anything, how could he have let me carry that evil man’s kids and not
told me?* Harry instantly rounded on Severus.
“You knew didn’t you? You knew and you didn’t tell me. DON’T YOU THINK THAT I
HAD A RIGHT AFTER ALL THAT I WENT THROUGH? HOW DARE YOU? WHO THE HELL DO YOU
THINK YOU ARE!” and with that Harry threw back the duvet and climbed out of bed
with tears streaking down his cheeks. Walking out the door he went into his
bedroom and slammed and locked the door behind him. Throwing up strong
protective wards and a silencing charm he went to lie on his bed and weep. No
sooner had he lay down than he heard Severus trying to turn the door knob and
when it failed to open he knocked gently and called out Harry’s name.
“Harry, please let me in. Let me explain to you. I didn’t know for sure. I
could only use my knowledge to make an educated guess, nothing rock solid.
Please let me come in and explain properly”
Harry just ignored him and carried on crying. He was carrying the kids of his
rapist. *After everything, now this. I’m not even old enough to be a dad, I’m
only 15, in a few days I’m going to be sixteen. That wasn’t even an adult. What
the hell am I going to do?*
Harry eventually cried himself back to a restless sleep where he dreamed of
going down that dark alley and into the car park again for the first time in
weeks.
**************************************************
Severus was in the lounge seeing Madam Pomphrey off after having a long chat
about how to look after Harry when he heard a faint scream. Running out the
room and towards Harry’s he went to open the door and realised that it was
still warded *Bugger* Trying every spell he knew it took him 5 minutes to take
them all down before he could enter. Running in he saw Harry tossing and
turning on the bed whilst screaming out Severus’s name. Coming to sit on the
bed, he lay down and pulled Harry against him into their sleeping position
whilst gently talking to him.
“Shhhh, Harry. I’m here. Come on it’s me Severus. I’ve got you. Wake up Harry,
come on wake up”
Harry began to quieten and soon he lay there silent, letting tears fall from
his eyes.
“Severus, why didn’t you tell me? What am I going to do?”
“Harry I didn’t tell you because I myself wasn’t sure and I didn’t want to
worry you if it all turned out to be nothing. As it is, you have four choices.
You can either abort them, put them up for adoption, keep them or wait until a
little bit later into your pregnancy to decide.”
“I can’t abort them. They may be his children, but they are also mine and I
can’t kill my own child. I couldn’t give them up for adoption either, I’d hate
to think that my children were out there somewhere and I didn’t know them, that
I couldn’t watch them grow up, but keeping them is just too difficult. I am too
young, I couldn’t look after them at Hogwarts as well as attend my lessons and
I would have nowhere to live with them as we couldn’t stay in the dorms. When I
leave school I will have enough problems finding my own place to live, let a
lone trying to find a place for three of us. Every day I will look at them and
be reminded of their other father and what he did to me, and how will I tell
them that they were an accident, that they are only here because I was raped? I
know though that if I leave the decision until later in my pregnancy I’ll just
become attached to them and so won’t be able to make any other decision than
keep them. What am I going to do?” and with that he leaned his face into
Severus's still bare chest and cried.
“Harry” Severus said gently and lightly tilted Harry’s face up to look at him.
When he had grabbed his attention he began to speak.
“If you want to keep them then keep them. Don’t worry about how you’ll cope and
what they’ll look like. With his light hair and blue eyes your features will be
dominant and I’ll help you look after them if need be. When we return to school
if you still can’t sleep alone then you will be staying with me and when your
children are born, they will always be welcome. The same applies to this house,
both you and your children will always be welcome here and I’m sure that Mrs
Weasley would be up for babysitting whilst you are in lessons”
Harry just blinked up at Severus thinking about what he had said. *If I want to
keep them then I should keep them and he’ll be there to help. I want my own
family, but I didn’t think it’d come this quick. How can I abandon them as if
they’re not loved, when I myself know what it feels like to have people who
hate you around? Anyway, what would happen if they didn’t get adopted and
turned out like Voldemort. I would never be able to forgive myself.*
“I….I think I’ll keep them for now” Harry said quietly.
“Good choice, you won’t regret it” Severus said already thinking about how he
could help Harry get through it all.
“Are you still tired?” Severus asked, concerned.
“Not really tired, more worn out” Harry said laying with his head gently down
on Severus’s chest.
“Would you like us to go back to bed in my room?”
“Please” Harry replied whilst getting up.
Looking at the clock on the mantle he noticed that it was only half past eight
and already he felt like it was the afternoon. Walking back into what they both
now thought of as ‘their room’ they got back onto the bed and pulled the duvet
up from its heap at the bottom. Lying down Severus held Harry against his
chest, one hand stroking his hair, whilst the other wound its way around his
back and over his abdomen to the two babies inside. As Harry went back to sleep
Severus planted a kiss on his head whilst a tear trickled from his eye.
**************************************************
*Why did that cruel man have to make him pregnant? What the heck did he do to
deserve it? Harry is so young and does not need the responsibility. Why does
fait have to play cruel tricks? I am old and have not much time to create a
baby of my own. Why can’t I have someone to love, who’ll love me back for who I
am, is that too much to ask? Why can’t the babies Harry is carrying be mine?*
and with that Severus wept quietly so as not to awake Harry, thinking about all
he had ever wanted and what he was likely never to have.
***** Birthday Surprises *****
Chapter 13 – Birthday Surprises
 
Please review :)
 
Harry woke up again around 11am and was still lying in the same position that
he had fallen asleep. Looking up he noticed that Severus seemed to be thinking
deeply and so did not notice that he was awake.
“Severus” Harry called gently and Severus jumped slightly out of his reverie to
look down at Harry.
“How are you feeling?”
“Better thanks, though I think I need a shower” and he got up and headed to the
bathroom.
Turning on the shower he let it warm up whilst he went to fetch his clothes
from the bedroom. After he had pulled out his clothes for the day we glanced
back at the bed to notice that Severus was once again reflecting on something.
Heading back to the bathroom he took of his boxers and stood under the warm
spray.
*What on earth is happening to me? One day I’m a normal teenager, the next I’m
a dad. Wow, that sounds weird. Makes me feel kind of old. Now that I’ve
accepted you two as mine though, I’m just going to have to try and get on with
life the best I can, starting with making sure that you are well looked after
in there. From now on I am only going to think about you as mine and not his
and so start looking at the positives.*
“Don’t worry, I might be young and make plenty of mistakes, but at least I’ll
love you, which is more than my aunt and uncle ever did. Severus said he’ll
help too, so you’ll never be short of support”
Harry looked down at his tummy whilst he thought and said all this and then he
very gently began to stroke it, somewhat scared about what was happening, about
how they would look and how they would act. He still worried about the money
situation and if he could raise them well though he was also slightly excited
about having a family of his own to love and to be loved in return.
Finishing his shower quickly he got out and dressed. Walking back into the
bedroom he sat down on Severus’s side of the bed next to him.
“Are you okay with all this? If you want me to leave I will” Harry said toying
with the duvet. Severus hadn’t looked happy at all since he had woken up and
Harry was beginning to worry that it was due to the babies.
“I’m fine Harry, just thinking. Don’t even suggest leaving. How are you feeling
about the babies?”
“I’m still nervous but I listened to what you said about the dominant features
earlier and realised that you were right. They will look like me and I can make
them be who I want them to be. They will be nothing like him, they will be kind
and helpful and fun, I will raise them well I hope into civilised adults.”
“I think by the term ‘fun’ you mean destructive, insolent and always the centre
of a dangerous situation. Just like their father in actual fact” Severus
smirked and was swatted lightly on his arm by Harry who held a glare in his
eyes but a small grin on his lips.
”I am none of those things…….well…….maybe the latter, but that is all and I was
trying to save everyone else that’s why” Harry said.
“And I’m sure they too will have plenty of good excuses for being in places and
circumstances that they should never have been involved in” Severus said, his
smirk increasing tenfold.
“Oh haha” Harry replied sarcastically.
“By the way, I have been thinking. I read this in a book many years ago and
thought it may be of use to you. When a baby is born they like listening to
sounds that they are used to as it makes them feel safe e.g. the parents voice,
however if the parent who carried the baby is away a lot due to work etc then
babysitters and so on may find it hard to calm the baby without the comfort of
the mother or father’s voice. To overcome this, if you play the same piece of
music to the child a lot whilst they are in the womb, when they are born anyone
can play that piece of music and it will help the baby feel secure”
“Wow, that’s clever, so I could just play the music and they would stop
crying?” Harry said thinking that that would help a lot.
“Not exactly, you have to make the baby feel safe as well by rocking them etc
like you normally would, though it does contribute to the process of calming
them down, however nothing is ever ‘work free’”
“Well anything that can help is worth a try in my opinion. Thanks Severus, all
I need to do now is choose a piece of music” Harry said with a large smile on
his face about being able to listen to his favourite song all the time without
Severus moaning about the noise.
“Not so fast Harry. Make sure you choose a suitable piece of music for a baby
to listen to, not something that is too loud or will make them hyper when you
want them to go to sleep. How about a nursery rhyme?”
“I have just the thing. My mum and dad used to play it to me when I was little
however my aunt just used to let me play it to myself. It is a wind up toy that
plays ‘teddy bears picnic’ and has a drawing of the picnic around the edge. I’m
sure that I can find a spell so I don’t have to keep on winding it up”
“That sounds like a great idea and don’t worry about the spell, if you find the
toy for me I know one that I can put on it for you” Severus said as he got up
to go to the bathroom and get ready for the day.
**************************************************
After lunch Severus and Harry sat in the lounge together listening to the music
from the toy that Severus had charmed just a few seconds before. He made it so
that once it was wound up it would carry on playing until it was wound up again
and then it would stop.
“Harry” Severus said looking slightly anxious.
“Yes”
“How would you like a small party for your birthday, not much, just the
Headmaster, Lupin, Granger and some of the Weasleys’?”
Harry looked gob smacked for a moment and then jumped up from the sofa to go
and hug Severus.
“Thank you so much. I have never had a proper party before.” And he leant over
Severus to give him a large hug full of thanks.
“Can I send out the invites now and have the party on Tuesday? What time can
they come?” Harry said in excitement.
“They can come at 2pm and stay for dinner” Severus said and called Letty to
fetch him some parchment, a quill and some ink.
Harry sat on the floor and leant on the coffee table to write his invites,
starting with Remus.
 
‘Dear Remus,
I am having a party at Snape Manor on Tuesday for my birthday and I was
wondering if you’d like to come? It starts at 2pm. I have something private to
tell you.
Harry’.
 
Harry then copied this letter out (minus the private information part) to
everyone else invited. He then got Letty to bring him Hedwig and strapping the
letters to her legs he set her free out of the front door to send the
invitations.
The rest of the day they spent talking about what the party would include and
sent Letty to go and retrieve the items. Before she went Severus pulled her
aside to whisper in her ear and then let her go off on her errands.
**************************************************
Tuesday morning soon arrived and Harry awoke safely ensconced in Severus’s arms
as usual. Running to the bathroom with Severus close behind as was habit he
threw up last nigh’ts cheese and crackers which he had had to line his stomach
before he went to bed. Severus kneeled behind him rubbing his back and stroking
his hair, as was routine by now and when he was done he gave him a flannel to
wipe his mouth and flushed the chain before casting a breath freshening charm.
Walking back into the bedroom Severus led Harry to the bed and they returned
under the covers however both remained in the sitting position. Leaning over
Severus opened the top draw on his bedside cabinet and pulled out a small box
wrapped in red shiny wrapping paper which was held together by a silver ribbon.
Passing it to Harry nervously he couldn’t watch as Harry unwrapped it. Opening
it up Harry gasped at what was inside.
“Thank you, thank you so much” And gave Severus a warm hug.
Looking back into the box Harry immediately recognised the present as a
protection ring. To anyone else it would look like a normal silver band but to
the person who received it, it glowed slightly with a white light to show that
had not been tampered with. Putting it onto his middle finder on his left hand
Harry felt it tighten to fit his finger and the light dimmed to show that it
had now been worn.
“This ring can only be removed by yourself and if you ever, for any reason lose
the finger that it is on then it will automatically relocate to another part of
your body, whether it be to another finger or a toe. It may even transform into
a necklace or a bracelet, but know that it can never be removed unless you so
wish. I have spelled it to my watch and so I will know if you are in danger and
vice versa by the feeling of it heating. It will also act as a portkey and all
you need do is think the words Dumbledore’s office, Snape Manor or Grimmauld
Place with the intent of being portkeyed and it will send you to the location
out of them three that you choose. You may portkey as many people as you like
however it will only include people you want with for and so for instance if
you portkey from a death eater who is attached to you, they will not be
included in the journey and so will be left behind. I hope it will make you
feel safer”
Harry just looked at Severus and thought about how much effort Severus had gone
to, to make him feel safe again. Not being able to put into words how much it
meant to him he turned towards Severus and gave him another hug, except this
one lasted longer than the first and was full of everything he couldn’t express
in words.
A few moments later Dobby popped into the room and made Harry jump.
“Dobby, how did you get in here?” Harry said with a large smile on his face.
“Letty let me in. Happy Birthday Master Harry, your present is downstairs.”
Dobby said nodding his head enthusiastically for no particular reason.
“Thank you Dobby. How are you?” Harry replied, genuinely happy to see the
little elf again.
“I am very well thank you Master Harry but I must get back as I have Winky to
look after” Dobby said climbing onto Harry’s side of the bed and giving him an
energetic hug.
Harry hugged back tightly and answered “Ok, thank you for coming to see me and
thanks for the present”
Dobby smiled up at him and with a click of his fingers he was gone again just
as quick as he came, leaving Harry and Severus alone in the room once more.
**************************************************
The rest of the morning was spent blowing up various coloured balloons and
putting up banners. The house elves got to work on the party food and no-one
was allowed in the kitchen as the cake they were making was to be a surprise.
As the time for the party started to roll round Harry became even more excited
so after lunch he went upstairs to take a quick shower and get ready before the
guests arrived. Severus after Harry’s persuasion changed into a pair of black
trousers and a casual long sleeved, black shirt for the party. As Harry
returned from the bathroom dressed and ready to go downstairs to wait for the
first of the guests he noticed that Severus hadn’t rolled his sleeves up on the
warm day likely he usually would.
“Severus aren’t you going to get hot with the sleeves down?” Harry said, unsure
of why he was doing it.
“I don’t want them all to gawk at me” Severus said in a low voice.
“Why would hey gawk at you any more with your sleeves up? They are going to be
surprised at what you are wearing to start with, I don’t think that having your
sleeves rolled up will make much difference” Harry said, completely confused on
why it should matter.
“Because you idiot they will see my dark mark” Severus hissed, already feeling
nervous at wearing casual clothes in front of everyone.
“Oh, sorry, I didn’t think. Though if I were you I wouldn’t worry what people
think. You should be proud of it as it shows all that you did for the Order and
all that you risked. The people coming are friends and already know about it,
they won’t say anything” Harry tried to reassure him.
“I am not worried about them saying anything as I know they won’t, I just don’t
want them staring, especially Mr Weasley, Miss Weasley and Miss Granger”
“Severus, if you want I’ll have a word with them when they arrive, but it would
mean a lot to me if you would roll up your sleeves. It makes you look more
relaxed and….I dunno….I guess that I just feel proud of what you did for the
war effort and think that you should too” Harry said coming close to Severus
and lifting up his arm.
Severus looked down at Harry for a moment and thought. Deciding that he trusted
Harry would make it alright he let Harry roll up his sleeves. Harry took his
left arm first and rolled the sleeve to just below his elbow and fixed it to
stay with a spell, he then did the same with the right.
“That looks much better” Harry said and leant in for a hug whilst Severus
wrapped his arms around him.
Whilst Harry was standing there he realised that he had grown accustomed to
hugging Severus and that when he was in his arms he felt loved and protected.
Severus also enjoyed holding Harry, feeling that for once in his life he was
accepted for who he was and wasn’t seen as dirty or cruel. Pulling away they
headed downstairs to wait in the lounge for everyone to arrive.
**************************************************
Remus was the first to turn up and so Harry invited him into the library to
have a chat whilst everyone else appeared. Walking over to the fire Harry
offered him a seat on the sofa and then sat next to him.
“I found out something a couple of days ago, but you have to promise me that
you won’t say anything as I don’t want anyone else to find out just yet, as I
am only just coming to terms with it myself” Harry said looking Remus in the
eye.
“I promise Harry, whatever it is you can tell me” Remus said seriously.
“You know I was raped, well…..that was my first time……and……..ummmm……..I’m
pregnant…….with twins”
Remus just stared at Harry trying to take it all in.
“Your pregnant…..with twins!” Remus exclaimed.
“Yeah, but I am scared and excited. I hate what the man did to me and I so
wanted to get rid of them at the start, but they are my children too and I
can’t abort or give away my own child. Tell me that you’ll support my decision”
Harry said nervously.
“Oh Harry, of course I do. I’ll be with you through it all, don’t worry” And
then Remus leant over and took Harry into his arms.
“You know, if Sirius was still here he would be so proud of you, and he would
have killed that man and got himself locked back up in Azkaban” Remus said with
a small smile on his lips.
“Yeah, I know” Harry smiled “Do you want to know the sexes?”
“Please” Remus said with a large smile on his lips
“One of each”
“Great, so you’ll get a son and a daughter together. You know, however unlucky
you are, there are many people in our world who don’t get the chance to have
children. Cherish the twins, as whatever the circumstances they came from, they
are yours and with them you are getting more than most” Remus said.
Harry thought about this for a moment and realised it was true. *Whatever I
have suffered, many have suffered more and although I have the right to hate
what he has done to me, I can’t hate the fact that I now have twins*
“Your right Remus, thank you. Don’t tell anyone else though, because I want to
get past the three month stage first”
“Of Course” Remus said, and with that they headed out to greet the guests that
had arrived.
**************************************************
“Ron, Hermione, Ginny” Harry called as he walked through the throng of people
to reach them.
“Harry” Hermione and Ginny both called whilst Ron added a cheerful “Hi mate”
Before anyone could intercept him he pulled the three of them into the library
for a chat. Closing the door he walked them over to the fireplace and offered
them all seats on the sofa before he sat in the chair by the fire.
“I just wanted to ask a favour from the three of you” Harry said, hoping that
it wouldn’t become a big deal.
“Sure” Hermione said and then let him speak.
“You may have noticed that Professor Snape is wearing his sleeves rolled up
today. Well this means that you can see his dark mark. He is kind of nervous
about people seeing it so all I am asking is that you don’t make a big deal
about it and just ignore it. Don’t say anything about it and don’t stare at it
please”
“Ok” The three of them said in unison and Harry was quite surprised at how
easily they accepted it. Leading them back out into the hallway they noticed it
had all cleared. Looking into the lounge Harry found nobody there so guessed
that they must be in the garden. Heading outside he found them all chatting
away with each other looking quite content. Walking over to where Severus was
standing talking to Dumbledore he began to chat with them whilst Ron, Hermione
and Ginny went over to see Remus.
“Hi Professor” Harry said to Dumbledore
“Good afternoon Harry, happy birthday” Dumbledore said with his usual twinkle
present.
“Thanks” Harry said and the rest of the afternoon was spent with people wishing
him a ‘happy birthday’ and making his way around his guests.
**************************************************
At 6pm they headed indoors to the lounge to get some dinner. Walking through
the door to the room Harry noticed that the table on the wall to the right of
him was groaning under the weight of all the food it was carrying. Making his
way over Harry noticed the cake that the house elves had baked for him was the
largest cake he had ever seen for a birthday. The cake was three stories high
and each layer was designed to look like a present. The bottom tier was a large
round box with blue ‘wrapping paper’ and a tag hanging off the side saying that
the present was for him and wishing him a happy birthday, the middle tier was
slightly smaller and in a square shape, the ‘wrapping paper for this one was
red and had an envelope made out of icing next to it with his name wrote on the
front, the top tier was a small rectangular box ‘wrapped’ in orange paper and
had a yellow ribbon made from icing wrapped around it and a bow sat on top.
*Wow* thought Harry as he took a closer look before standing at the end of the
line making their way across the table to get something to eat. Filling up with
lots of his favourite party food he went to sit on the floor in front of the
fire whilst putting his plate on the coffee table on which he could lean on to
eat. All the adults had taken the seats even though more had been added and
soon his friends came to join him around the small table.
“This food’s great Harry” Ron said before stuffing another small triangular
sandwich into his mouth whilst Hermione and Ginny looked on aghast. Harry just
chuckled and carried on eating before going up for a second plateful. When
everyone was finished it was time for the cake and so the coffee table was
cleared of cups and plates to make way for it. Mrs Weasley covered it in
candles and then brought it over alight to sit in front of Harry. Everyone
began to sing and Harry’s cheeks went slightly red as the song continued. As
soon as they had finished Mrs Weasley said ‘Make a wish Harry’ and he did.
*I wish that my babies are born safe and sound* and with that he blew most of
the candles out in one breath.
After the cake had been distributed and every one had settled down to eat it
Letty removed the remainders, wiped down the coffee table and brought over the
presents. Harry sat looking at the enormous pile in front of him quite
surprised that they were all his. Opening then one by one he received the
typical but always welcome gifts from Mr and Mrs Weasley (a couple of various
bags of his favourite sweets), a book on Quidditch from Ron and a book on
himself from Hermione (which he found rather amusing after he flicked through
the first few pages reading all the exaggerated rumours about how he had got
rid Of Voldemort and the like). He also received a box of new tricks from the
Weasley twins and a new set of chess players from Ginny (after watching his old
ones get smashed up so many times at school from losing against Ron that they
were now failing to repair properly). Remus gave him a photograph in a frame of
Harry’s parents which Harry had never seen before and so adored and a present
Sirius had already bought for him which was an alarm clock with lots of vulgar
wake up calls that Mrs Weasley tutted at, though everyone else tried not to
laugh at the one they heard before Harry quickly turned it off. Harry found it
especially amusing as the wake up calls had been recorded by Sirius himself and
even though Harry missed him so much, the words ‘get up you lazy bugger’ only
made him want to laugh. The next present was from Dumbledore and contained a
wand cleaning kit as Harry’s seemed to get everywhere and so needed a good
polish now and again. The final present had been sent by Dobby and was a pair
of odd socks, the first being red with a golden snitch, the second being gold
with a red Griffin.
After the presents had been opened everyone carried on with their conversations
that they had been having and Hermione turned to Harry with curiosity on her
face.
“So Harry, did Professor Snape get you anything?”
“Yes, he got me this protection ring” and Harry proudly showed her, Ginny and
Ron the ring.
“Wow Harry that must have been really expensive, I know my Uncle Hector bought
my Aunt Muriel one and he nearly had to use up all his life savings. It is
because they are so good” Ginny exclaimed, looking at the ring with
appreciation.
Ron just gawped at it, looking as if he had never seen anything like it in his
life.
“He must really like you mate to buy you that, core your lucky” and Ron gave
him a friendly slap on the back, never taking his eyes off the ring.
“Ron’s right Harry, you must really mean something to him if he bought you
that, I don’t know anyone else that’s got one. Of course you realise that to
everyone else it’ll just look like a normal ring don’t you?” Hermione said, not
quite sure if Harry knew or not.
“Yes Hermione, I know” Harry chuckled as the Weasley twins came over.
“So mate, like our gift?” Fred said
“Yes thanks, they were great, though I think I’ll wait to try them out back at
school as I don’t think Professor Snape will appreciate them here” Harry said
smirking, thinking about what Severus would say if one ruined something.
“Good idea mate” George replied and then the six of them began to chat.
At ten o’clock everyone began to leave and Harry was starting to feel tired.
Standing by the fire place to see off the last couple of people Mr Weasley came
over and began to speak to him.
“Just thought I’d let you know Harry, that we’ve caught the man that attacked
you and he is currently being held at the ministry to await trial. You won’t be
needed in the stand as we have got your memories in the pensieve so I am happy
to let you know that he will very likely be sent to Azkaban for life and you
are now free to live the rest of yours” Mr Weasley said with a smile on his
lips.
Harry’s whole body radiated happiness at that point and he shook Mr Weasley’s
hand with such energy that he was worried it would fall off.
“Thank you” Harry said and Mr Weasley only nodded before stepping into the floo
and calling out ‘The Burrow’.
**************************************************
Dumbledore was the last to leave and as soon as he’d gone Severus informed
Letty that the tidying up could be left until morning and then they both headed
up to bed.
As they lay together that night, Harry safely ensconced in Severus’s arms they
began to talk.
“When I was outside with Dumbledore earlier, I informed him about the twins, I
hope that’s ok?” Severus questioned.
Harry nodded and then thought. “What did he say?”
“He said that there will always be room for the three of you at Hogwarts and
not to worry. He’ll sort you out some accommodation which will have everything
you’ll need for the babies instead of the dorms when they are born and that
he’ll check with the DADA Professor that all the spells you’ll be learning will
be safe for the babies to be around. If you require anything else then all you
have to do is fire call him. I also heard the news from Mr Weasley about your
attacker. Congratulations”
“Thanks” Harry smiled, feeling the most content he had in ages. Looking up at
Severus he noticed that he too looked satisfied with the turn life had taken
and Harry began to turn on his side and move up to rest his head on his pillow
to take a better look at the man before him. As he looked into his eyes, he
began to get lost in their beauty and felt as if there was something missing in
his life, something that all he had to do was reach out and grab and he could
have it. Then he realised what it was. It was Severus. *Ever since I’ve lived
here I have felt the most loved I have ever been in my life, I have felt safe
and protected and cared for. All I want is for him to feel for me the same way
as I have begun to feel for him*.
Getting closer Harry’s and Severus’s lips touched lightly and they began a
gentle kiss. After a few moments Severus pulled away and looked deeply into
Harry’s eyes.
“Are you sure?” Severus said, not wanting to push Harry into it.
“More than I’ve ever been” and with that they both shut their eyes and began to
kiss again.
Carefully Severus wound his right hand up around the back of Harry’s head to
tangle gently in his hair, whilst his left hand stroked over Harry’s right
cheek. Harry held Severus’s face lightly with both his hands and concentrated
on the kiss that was occurring between them. Severus licked Harry’s lower lip
seeking permission and slowly he opened his mouth allowing Severus to enter.
Severus’s tongue glided over his teeth and then softly licked the roof of his
mouth before enticing Harry’s tongue back into his own mouth. Harry tenderly
began to investigate his tongues new surroundings by slowly sliding over his
teeth and then entangled with his tongue. Soon the kiss began to break and
after a couple more kisses on the lips they both opened their eyes.
Harry just smiled at Severus feeling so wanted that his heart threatened to
explode. Severus replied with his own heart felt smile and just looked at
Harry, savouring the moment before he began to speak.
“We’ll talk more about this in the morning Harry, for now you need your rest”
and with that he gave him another quick kiss before Harry snuggled back into
Severus and lent his head on his shoulder again. Entangling their legs they
both soon fell asleep, dreaming various dreams about the kiss they had just
experienced.
***** The Decision *****
Chapter 14 – The Decision
 
Please review :)
 
The next morning Harry awoke like usual and headed straight to the bathroom
where he promptly threw up. Severus was there as was customary by now and after
their normal bathroom rituals they headed back to bed.
Harry got back into position against Severus’s chest and was starting to fall
asleep again when Severus began to speak.
“Harry, we need to talk about last night” Severus said with a tense sound in
his voice.
Harry was confused for a moment trying to think back to what had happened. *Oh*
He thought when he realised what Severus was referring to and then sat up to
answer.
“Ummmm, I was wondering if we could talk about this after breakfast I’d like to
clear my head first and have a shower if that’s ok” Harry said, hoping he
wasn’t causing offence.
“Look Harry, if you don’t want to go any further just tell me, I won’t be
annoyed” Severus said starting to feel stupid.
“Wha- no, No! Don’t be silly, of course I enjoyed the kiss last night and
everything, I just want to talk about it with a clear head, that’s all, I’m not
rejecting you if that’s what you think” Harry replied hastily.
Severus began to relax and for a moment they both just sat there in silence
before Harry got up to have a shower.
**************************************************
After breakfast they headed to the lounge. Severus sat on the sofa which was
unusual as Harry had never seen him sit anywhere other than his chair before.
Sitting beside him in his usual place Harry waited for Severus to start.
“I need to be sure that you totally understand what a repeat of last night
involves. Not just the kissing aspect but the fact that I don’t just want a bit
of fun, if you are willing to continue I will be looking for a proper
relationship. As such I am willing to give you an ‘out’ right now, if you so
wish” Severus said in all seriousness whilst looking into Harry’s eyes.
Harry thought for a moment knowing that this was an important decision. *I
enjoyed last night, I felt wanted for the first time in ages and since I have
been here I have loved the increasing closeness between the two of us. I don’t
want it to stop but I’m scared of where we are going, what will happen between
us, then again if we are in a relationship I should be able to trust him and
know that he will look after me and do nothing that I don’t want him to. I know
that already though, but what happens if the time comes when he wants to go
further intimately and I can’t, that’s not fair on him. But what if I can? What
if he teaches me? Like he said, I can’t live my life on ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. I
need to talk to him about it all and then I can decide.*
“Can I ask you a couple of questions before I decide please?” Harry asked
“Of course” Severus said though was beginning to feel nervous about the answer
he was to receive about whether they could be together or not.
“If we were together would you want to sleep with me after a while, and if I
said ‘no’ would you leave me?” Harry asked.
Severus took Harry’s left hand and in his right and began to speak.
“Harry, I can not deny that I am merely human, and as such, yes I would want to
sleep with you after a while, there is no doubt about it, however, I will wait
until you are ready. I will not force you and I will not push you, all I will
do is wait for you and when you feel the time is right I will then guide you
gently through the process. Until then I will be patient and if you are never
ready, then no, I won’t leave you. Harry, there is more to a relationship than
sex, and even though making love to you would be a bonus, it wouldn’t be the
foundation of our relationship and as such I could cope without it.” Severus
said honesty evident in his voice and eyes.
“Thank you” Harry said but before he could ask anymore questions Severus began
to speak again.
“I will warn you now Harry that there may be times that I become aroused, but I
promise you that you have nothing to be scared of as I will do nothing to you
without your permission. However, I may still seek release myself when I am
alone. Ok?” Severus said, making sure Harry knew about this now so it was less
of a shock when the time came.
Harry nodded, thinking about this for a moment and then decided that he would
ask his next question.
“If we are still together when the babies are born, would you accept them to
the same extent as you accept me?”
Severus didn’t even have to think about this and gave an immediate reply.
“Yes, of course. I would love them as if they were my own. You don’t have to
worry about that Harry. They will always be welcome in my world, whether I am
in a relationship with you or not”
“Thank you Severus that means a lot to me” Harry said, and deciding that he had
nothing else to ask he gave Severus his answer.
“Severus, I would like to start a relationship with you, all I ask is that we
go at my pace and that you are patient like you said”
“Of course Harry” and then they both smiled at each other.
Leaning closer Severus’s lips brushed Harry’s gently before pulling back. Harry
smiled his small sweet smile and leaned towards Severus. Resting his left hand
on the back of Severus’s neck he gently tangled his fingers through his hair
whilst his right hand lightly held his chin, shutting his eyes he brought his
lips towards Severus’s and slowly let them meet. Severus wrapped his left arm
loosely around Harry’s back and let his right cradle the base of Harry’s head.
Closing his eyes Severus met the kiss with enthusiasm. Slowly their tongues
tangled and they were fighting a tender battle of claiming each others mouths.
Severus began to pull back a little to catch Harry’s bottom lip and slowly
nibbled, enticing a soft moan out of Harry which somewhat surprised Severus.
Soothingly licking the lower lip Severus ran his hand on Harry’s back up and
down his spine a couple of times before once again entwining their tongues.
After a while they both needed air and so reluctantly broke the kiss, quickly
placing a small kiss on Harry’s lips Severus pulled back and looked into
Harry’s eyes.
“Okay?”
“Mmmmm” Harry replied and took hold of Severus’s left hand, linking fingers
with his own.
Lifting his right hand Severus brought it forward until it was just a couple of
centimetres from Harry’s tummy.
“May I?” Severus asked
Harry just nodded and watched as Severus put his hand against his stomach and
stroked with his finger tips ever so lightly. Severus thought about the lives
beneath his touch and how special they were going to be to so many people.
Knowing that Harry would find it hard to try and balance school and family
Severus vowed to be there for him as much as he could be and when the babies
were born he would look after them as much as Harry would let him so that Harry
could stay on top of all his work.
Looking forward to seeing a bump Severus looked up at Harry and felt the
happiest he had in ages.
**************************************************
After lunch Harry and Severus decided to read in the library.
“Do you have any books on pregnancy?” Harry asked, wanting to find our how long
his morning sickness would last for.
“There should be one or two in the medical section over there” and Severus
pointed to the books over by the fire. Going over to have a look, Severus
followed Harry and sat down in the chair by the fireplace whilst Harry perused
the shelves.
Looking up and down he found a few that interested him and pulled them off the
shelf. Dropping them on the coffee table he sat on the sofa and pulled the
first one up. “Daddy to be: All you need to know about being pregnant by
Friggul Kude”
Severus looked over at the chosen few and snorted.
“What?” Harry asked rather indignantly.
“Nothing” Severus replied with a smirk on his lips.
“No, tell me” Harry said getting more annoyed.
“That book (and Severus pointed) contains about the equivalent of Lockhart’s
knowledge on Defence Against The Dark Arts. It is absolutely useless”
“Then why do you keep it?” Harry queried.
“It is a family book, that’s all. It has no real academic value”
“Oh. What about the others I picked?”
“Useless” and then Severus stood up and went over to the shelves to take a look
for himself. Pulling two out, he passed them to Harry before taking the other
books and putting them back.
“Thanks” Harry said and then opened ‘Male Pregnancies: A Guide by Ortus
Phlegmt’.
Settling down again Severus began to read a book on pregnant partners that he
had picked up for himself and soon there was silence in the library except for
the turning of pages every so often.
After a while Severus heard Harry moan and looked up.
“It says here that because I am pregnant with twins, I am likely to get double
the normal dose of morning sickness” Harry groaned out.
“Ahhhh, but with every pregnancy there is the chance that you may get none at
all, so you might not get double the dose after all. It could be over sooner
than you think”
“I doubt it” Harry moaned and then turned back to his book.
**************************************************
Just as the clock struck 3pm Letty popped into the room.
“Master Snape and Master Potter, a letter has arrived for each of you from the
Ministry of Magic” and then she passed them out.
“Thank you Letty” Severus said when he received his whilst Harry just said a
quick ‘Thanks’ and began to tear his open.
 
 
‘Dear Mr Potter,
I am pleased to announce that the Ministry will be holding a ‘Dinner and Dance’
evening on the 7th August this year to celebrate our victory in the war. Due to
the major role you played in the battle, I humbly request your presence as
quest speaker at this up coming event and hope that you can attend. You will be
required to make a short speech before dinner and are permitted one guest of
your own. The evening will start at 7pm and the dancing will conclude at 2am.
The event will be held in the ‘Hall of Congress’, on the third floor. The dress
wear is formal.
Please find in closed your invitation which you will need to bring with you.
Minister of Magic,
Cornelius Fudge
 
 
Harry looked up at Severus and by the look in his eyes he too was surprised by
the invite.
“Do we have to go?” Harry asked, hoping that Severus would say ‘no’.
“Yes, everyone will be expecting to see you there”
“But we don’t have much time, I mean, I don’t have proper dress robes, well,
none that fit me anyway (Harry said thinking back to the Yule Ball) and it is
under a week away” Harry stated, wishing Severus would agree.
“Harry, like I said, you are required attend. We will get some new dress robes
tomorrow from Madam Malkins. We have plenty of time”
“Ok” Harry answered half heartedly then thought.
“Severus, you won’t leave me tomorrow when we go to Diagon Alley, will you?”
Harry said, somewhat nervous about being in large crowds of unknown people
close to the site of where he was kidnapped.
“No Harry, I won’t. You have my word on that. As long as you are with me, you
will be safe, and I won’t leave you anywhere” Severus said.
“Thank you” and Harry began to think about the trip they would have.
**************************************************
The next day Harry walked with Severus out to the apparition point and thought
about how much had happened in the month he had been there. *I’ve been raped,
got pregnant, slept in Severus’s bed, had my first birthday party and started a
relationship. Must be the busiest month of my life.*
Taking Severus’s arm, Harry felt the typical squeezing sensation of apparition
and then before he knew it he was standing in front of Madam Malkins.
“Ummmm Severus, I need to go to Gringotts and get some money” Harry said.
“Don’t worry about that, I’ll pay for them both” and with that he opened the
door and let Harry precede him into the shop.
Stepping inside, the shop looked the same as usual except it seemed a bit
cheerier since the downfall of Voldemort. Due to it being a weekday morning
there was no-one else inside as most people were probably at work. Hearing the
bell over the door ring as they entered, Madam Malkin came out from the back
room to attend to her customers.
“Hello gentlemen, what may I do for you today?” She said in a pleasant voice.
“We are looking to acquire a pair of dress robes each to wear to the ministry
ball.” Severus said making sure she knew it was for the ministry so they needed
the best.
“Certainly Sir, please step this way” and she led them over to a large metal
cube to stand on.
Harry went first and as he stood on the box of metal he watched as Severus took
a seat to the side. Madam Malkin took out her tape measure and with a flick of
her wand it began measuring Harry’s inside leg, outside leg, waist and so on.
Floating by the side of her was a quill and parchment recording the
measurements of Harry’s body.
After it had finished on Harry it was Severus’s turn, and when he too was
finished he stepped down so the three of them could arrange the style of their
robes.
“I would like a white shirt and black trousers made of the finest cotton. I
would also like a black waistcoat in cotton with small gold buttons. I will
need a long, dark forest green tie and a robe in the same dark forest green. I
request that the robe be made out of velvet and that I have one gold clasp at
the top. The trimming of the robe will be black. I would also appreciate the
robe to have many layers of the velvet but no hood. My sleeves shall be average
size and I request a wand pocket in my right sleeve and two more pockets on the
inside of my robe. Thank you”
Harry was amazed. He never realised so much went into choosing a dress robe. He
thought that you just got measured up, picked a colour and then took the robe
that you liked best. When Harry looked around at Severus and Madam Malkin again
he realised that they were both looking at him expectantly.
“Ummmm, Can I have……..a white shirt and trousers made of cotton and
ummmm…………..a gold waist coat I think with gold buttons and a long gold tie,
ummmm………….can I have a black velvet robe with gold and black trim in a kind of
I dunno…swirly pattern….and can I have a gold clasp please” Harry said, hoping
it was alright.
“What material would you like your waistcoat and tie to be made out of? We have
velvet, cotton and silk.” Madam Malkin said kindly.
“Ummmm silk please”
“And what colour gold would you like? We have feather gold, champagne gold,
white gold or rich gold.”
Harry looked at Severus somewhat daunted. *All I want is gold, why is that so
hard? Why are there so many choices, and how did Severus know to ask for ‘dark
forest green’?*
Madam Malkin saw his dilemma and pulled a book of fabric over to him. Opening
it up to the gold section she showed him all the colours and let him point to
the one he wanted.
“Champagne gold, good choice. Now, you will need a gold clasp to go with the
rest of your outfit and how many pockets would you like?”
“Ummmm, can I have a wand pocket in my right sleeve, which can I have at an
average size, and two pockets on the inside please”
“Okay, finally, you say that you want a swirly gold and black trim, can you
please point to one” and she turned to a page of trims.
Harry did as he was told and was pleased when it was all over. After Severus
paid for them they left the shop and headed for the shoe makers. Harry found
this shop a lot more comfortable as all he needed to do was have his feet
measured and then choose a design from the shelf. When they were finished they
went back outside and bought a pack of owl treats for Hedwig and Severus’s owl
Krieg before going to the apothecary for Severus to buy a few ingredients, and
then they apparated home.
When Harry walked through the front door he was starving as it was four o’clock
and they had been out since 11am and so hadn’t had any lunch. Leading the way
to the kitchen Harry fixed himself and then Severus a sandwich and then sat
down at the island in the middle of the room to eat it. As he took his last few
bites he began to feel a bit sleepy and decided he needed a lie down.
“Severus, I feel tired, would you mind coming to bed with me for an hour or
so?” Harry asked, though felt certain that Severus would have things to do and
so say ‘no’.
“How about the lounge or the library? Then I can get some work done whilst you
sleep, would that be okay?” Severus replied.
“Okay” Harry said, though wasn’t sure how well he would sleep on a sofa, but
thought that he could easily have Severus transfigure it into a bed if he
wasn’t comfortable.
Severus chose the library to work in and so as Harry lay down on the sofa
Severus went off to collect a couple of books, parchment and a refilling quill.
When Severus returned he put the books and equipment on the coffee table and
then gently lifted Harry’s head to take the cushion out from underneath it.
“Hey, what are you doing?” Harry asked his head still in Severus’s hand.
Severus just chuckled and told Harry to sit up. Doing what he requested Harry
watched as Severus sat down and then leant forward to retrieve his belongings
before spelling them to stay in the air. Laying Harry back down again so that
his head rested in Severus’s lap, Severus transfigured the cushion into a light
blanket and placed it over Harry to keep him warm as he slept. Leaning down,
Severus gave him a gentle kiss on the lips before returning back to his work.
Opening the books at the pages he needed he cast a spell on them to not
accidentally turn and then began to read. Every now and then he would stroke
Harry’s hair with his right hand whilst his left rested on Harry’s stomach
protecting the babies within.
***** The Ball *****
Chapter 15 - The Ball
 
Please Review :)
 
At six o’clock on Tuesday night Harry left Severus in his laboratory to go
upstairs and get ready for the ball. Deciding to leave his dress robes in the
wardrobe to keep them clean he got undressed in the bedroom as Severus was
still downstairs and walked into the bathroom naked. Heading towards the shower
Harry quickly changed his mind and decided to have a bath instead to make sure
he was properly clean for the occasion. Filling the tub he got in to the hot
water and let it prickle against his skin as he soaked. *Mmmmm, I haven’t
relaxed in the bath in ages. Should do it more often* He thought before closing
his eyes and letting the water sooth him. After a few minutes lying like that
he sat up and washed his hair before picking up the flannel and soap to wash
his body. As he was washing his legs there was a knock at the door which made
him jump and then he heard Severus’s slightly annoyed tones coming through the
wood.
“Harry, how much longer are you going to be in there? I need a shower and I
can’t have one if you’re using it”
“Sorry, I’m just having a bath, won’t be long” and with that he began to
quickly wash the rest of his body ignoring the huff on the other side of the
door.
Standing up from the bath a minute or so later he got out and wrapped a towel
around his waist before heading out the door and into the bedroom so see
Severus sitting on the bed wearing only his trousers.
“Finished? Good” Severus said without giving him time to answer and swept past
him into the bathroom.
When Harry looked at the clock he noticed that it was already twenty five past
six and it was starting in thirty five minutes time so he had better hurry up.
Quickly towel drying his hair he grabbed some clean underwear and put it on
before walking to the wardrobe to remove his shirt and trousers. Quickly
spraying some antiperspirant he got on his clothes and then went back to fetch
his tie.
Just then Severus walked into the room and watched Harry do up his tie. Coming
over Harry was shocked when he undid it and pulled it off.
“Hey, we don’t have much time and I just did that” Harry said rather
indignantly.
“I know, but sadly for you, we are not going to Hogwarts and as such it needs
to look respectable” Severus said with a small smirk before putting it around
his own neck, tying it and then slipping it off and over Harry’s.
When Harry saw the improvement in it he was quite pleased. “Thanks” He said and
smiled.
“Your welcome”
Soon Harry was fully dressed and ready to go though was still waiting for
Severus. Going down to the lounge he picked up his speech and put it in the
inside pocket of his robe. When he walked out to the entrance hall he saw
Severus walking down the stairs, except he looked different than usual. He
looked elegant with a gentle undertone of strength and commanded authority
without a glare from his eyes. To Harry, he looked like a proper gentleman.
“You look great” Harry said with a large sincere smile on his face.
At this Severus felt touched as no-one had ever said he looked great before,
not even any of his past partners. Oh they had all complimented him, but that
was mainly either just before or after they had slept with him. Since Severus
knew that this was not Harry’s main objective, he felt ecstatic in the
knowledge that it was heartfelt.
“Thank you Harry, you look good too” and with that they left the Manor and
headed to the Ministry.
**************************************************
When they arrived at the Hall of Congress Harry couldn’t believe his eyes.
Silent fireworks were going off in the ceiling and there were drapes of gold
hanging around the windows. The room was an explosion of colours and all Harry
could do was gawk at the fabulous display of wealth the ministry had.
“Close your mouth Harry” Severus whispered with a smirk on his lips and led the
way over to the seating board to find out where they were sitting.
Looking up at it with Severus he found that they were sitting at the top table
right next to the Minister of magic. *Great* thought Harry sarcastically *Just
what I always wanted, to sit next to Fudge for dinner, oh well, at least I’ll
have Severus*
Moving away from the board they walked on up to the top table and sat down in
full view of everyone.
“I don’t like this Severus everyone’s going to be staring at me the whole
evening” Harry whinged to Severus’s amusement.
“After we’ve had a couple of dances we can leave” Severus said quietly so as
not to attract attention.
“Thanks, but can I dance with you, or do I have to dance with a girl I’ve never
met before?” Harry said resigned to his fate.
“You can’t dance with me because our relationship needs to stay secret for a
while else there will be uproar in the wizarding world, however it is your
choice whether you dance with a stranger or if you dance with Miss Granger and
Miss Weasley” Severus replied, pointing to them walking in the door.
At once Harry’s mood started to lift, knowing that he could indeed dance with
someone he knew, and not just get palmed off onto any single witch available by
the minister. Giving them a small wave and a smile they replied in turn and
went over to their seats on one of the round tables near the front with the
rest of the Weasley clan.
Soon the evening began and Harry stopped paying attention after the first
twenty minutes of speeches so doubted whether there would be any point in him
making one because the only people probably listening would be the minister,
Severus, the Weasleys’ and the few other people invited that he knew. When it
was his turn Severus prodded him to let him know and Harry was profoundly
grateful that at least one of them had been paying attention. Standing up he
held his wand to his throat and cast the sonorous charm on his voice before
pulling out his speech to begin.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am glad that I can be here with you today and that I
have the immense honour, and pleasure of making a speech *Not*. Whilst we are
here we should remember those that can’t be, those that died to allow us to
have this day and those that are still in hospital. Many of you will know
someone that died in the war, whether it be that they were fighting for the
light, or even if they were perhaps just victims of the battle enraging around
them. All I want to say is thank you for those that stood up and fought in the
face of evil, those that were willing to give their life to all of us here,
whether they died or not, and those that were brave enough to stand up and be
counted and stay by my side though the darkest times of our lives. You know who
you are and who they were. Thank you the Order of the Phoenix.” And with that
Harry sat back down to the clapping of the people he knew and the slightly
enraged face of Cornelius Fudge.
After a couple of seconds more of the crowd started to clap and soon everyone
in the room had their hands together thanking him for his job as ‘hero’.
“Well done Harry” Severus whispered in his ear and as Harry turned to look at
him he saw a glint in his eye which was usually customary of Dumbledore who was
sitting on the other side of Severus.
Shortly after his speech dinner began and Harry tucked in because he was
starving since he hadn’t eaten much at lunch due to his nerves. Half way
through the meal when he was talking to Severus Fudge started calling his name.
The first few times Harry pretended he couldn’t hear him but as Fudge’s volume
increased Harry thought he’d better answer.
“Sorry Minister, I didn’t hear you” Harry said politely.
“That’s quite alright Mr Potter, may I call you Harry?”
*Don’t think I’ve got much choice* Thought Harry though answered ‘yes’.
“I just wondered what your speech meant”
“Ummmm, it didn’t mean anything, only what I said” Harry replied
conversationally but didn’t like where this was heading.
“It just seemed to me that maybe there was a message behind the words” Fudge
pushed.
Harry heard Severus and Dumbledore stop their conversation and knew that they
were there to help if he needed it.
“Nope not at all. Maybe you’re just reading too much into it.” Harry said
praying that he would leave him alone, however he was not so lucky.
“Sorry, I just thought that maybe you were insinuating that the Ministry didn’t
help with the war effort, because I can assure you we did our utmost to protect
the wizarding world.”
“Honestly Minister, there was nothing behind my words, I said what I meant and
that was all” Harry replied turning to get a glass of water and looking at
Dumbledore out of the corner of his eye as he did so.
“Ah Minister, I’d just like to take this moment to tell you that I have found a
Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher for next year” Dumbledore said leaning
around the back of Severus.
“Good, good” Fudge said distractedly not taking his eyes off of Harry however
Dumbledore being a good friend never let up.
“Do you want to know who it is?” Dumbledore carried on.
“Yes, yes” Fudge replied though once again not paying a blind bit of attention.
“It’s Remus Lupin” Dumbledore continued.
At this Harry’s head jerked round and he held a somewhat astounded yet happy
smile on his face.
“But Professor-“ Harry began but one look at Dumbledore told him instantly to
keep quiet.
“You remember Minister. The werewolf” And Dumbledore finally smiled as Fudge
all but spat his tea across the table.
“Werewolf did you say? There shall be no werewolf working at Hogwarts, remember
the last time you employed one, nearly bit our Harry here to shreds” Fudge said
as if suddenly caring for Harry’s wellbeing whilst making it perfectly clear it
was not acceptable.
“Well actually Minister, it will be the same one, and I can assure you that
there shall be no such problems this time as Severus will make sure he gets his
potion and Harry will hopefully have no need for going off on dangerous
adventures” Dumbledore said eyes twinkling as he looked at Harry.
“He is a danger to the student population” Fudge said adamantly
“Oh, on the contrary, last time he was with us he hurt no-one and he actually
managed to help save lives during the war. The governors believe him to be no
liability what so ever, and neither do I. The students enjoyed his teaching
methods and learnt a lot from him. No, he is staying this time” and with that
Dumbledore turned back to face the front as pudding popped up.
**************************************************
Once the dinner and the toasts were over the band began to play. Harry waited
until the dance floor had livened up before he said goodbye to Severus and the
Headmaster (Fudge now ignoring him) and went down to visit the Weasleys’.
When he arrived Remus and Tonks had also come over from another table and
pulled up chairs. Harry sat down next to Remus and in a quiet voice began to
talk.
“I hear that you are the new Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher next year”
“Yes. Did Dumbledore tell you?” Remus asked, quite surprised that he knew.
“Yeah, the Minister wouldn’t shut up about my speech so he told him to gain his
attention” Harry replied.
“And did he?” Remus said with a small chuckle in his voice.
“Oh yes, more than you could believe. I hope that was ok?” Harry asked only
just thinking that Remus might have liked to keep it from the Minister for a
little longer.
“That was fine Harry. Tonks will be working there too you know?”
“How come?” Harry inquired, not sure why an Auror was needed there anymore.
“Well, we needed an excuse for her to stay with me and so Dumbledore made up a
job for her. All it entails really is being there if there are any serious
mishaps, otherwise she can happily carry on working at the ministry”
“That’s great news.” Harry enthused, genuinely happy that Remus had found
someone to love and love him back.
Before he could say anything else Ginny had began speaking to him.
“Will you come and dance Harry?”
“Ummmm, sure” Harry said quickly turning to Remus to say goodbye before getting
up and walking to the dance floor. As soon as they began to dance the music
changed and they found themselves surrounded by loving couples who had just got
up for the slow dance.
*Great* thought Harry. *I am dancing with my best mates sister to a slow dance
whilst Severus is watching on and so are half of the ministry, not to mention
the press*
Harry held on to Ginny and began to talk to her quietly while they danced.
“Sorry, but I’m really rubbish at dancing like this” he said as he stepped on
her foot.
“I noticed” She laughed but didn’t seem to mind. “You and Snape seem to be
getting on better. Do you think it will last when we go back to school?” She
asked
“I hope so” Harry replied however he himself was actually thinking more of
their relationship lasting than their actual getting along.
As they gently made their way around the dance floor with the occasional mishap
Harry was pleased when the music changed and something a bit livelier came on.
Soon more of the Weasley siblings and Hermione came up and Harry was having
fun, totally forgetting the reason for the ball and the fact that he originally
didn’t want to come. Now and again he would look back up to check that Severus
was alright though was always happy to notice he looked content in chatting to
the Headmaster.
As the evening wore on Harry began to get tired and so at midnight he headed
back over to the top table to find Severus and see if they could go home.
“Have you had a good night?” Severus said as Harry came over to sit in his
seat.
“Yes thanks. You?”
“Better than I thought I’d have”
“Good” Harry said pleased that Severus had enjoyed it too. “I was wondering if
we could go home in a minute as I’m feeling really tired”
“Of course. Come on, let’s go and say goodbye to the Weasleys and then leave”
and with that Harry said goodnight to Dumbledore and after saying farewell to
the Weasleys they left to go home.
**************************************************
When they arrived home they took it in turns to have a shower after feeling hot
from wearing their dress robes in the heat of summer.
As Harry lay in bed waiting for Severus to finish his shower he thought he
heard a voice coming from the bathroom, but as he listened again he heard
nothing so carried on reading the newspaper to occupy his time whilst Severus
washed.
About twenty seconds later he heard it again except this time it lasted longer.
Folding the newspaper and putting it on the floor by the bed he began to listen
properly. Soon Harry realised that the noises he heard were moans however Harry
instantly understood that they weren’t ones of pain. Not knowing whether he
should try to cover his ears, let Severus know he could hear him or just listen
Harry began thinking.
*I can’t exactly tell him whilst he is in the middle of it that I can hear him,
but if it was me I would be so embarrassed to find out that someone had heard
me, not that I want to anymore but that’s beside the point. Ok so I won’t tell
him now but what if he carries on tomorrow and the next night? I’ll have to
tell him when he comes to bed tonight, anyway if we are going to sleep with
each other eventually, hopefully if I can, then it shouldn’t be too difficult
letting him know, I mean he is my….boyfriend, partner? Partner, I should be
able to tell him. Should I try and stop myself listening? Well it won’t make a
difference anyway because he will know I’ve heard when I tell him.*
As Harry thought this the moaning from the other room seemed to be getting
louder and more constant and Harry thought about how Severus seemed to be
enjoying it.
*I wish that I would feel comfortable doing that again, I know there’s no pain
involved in it but it might bring back memories. I hear him getting pleasure
from it and I want to do it so much but I don’t want to be alone when I do in
case I get scared. However much it is a private thing, I don’t think I can do
it alone anymore, just because of that cruel man who hurt me and the terrifying
visions he left behind.*
As Harry stopped thinking about the painful memories he realised that Severus
seemed to be becoming out of breath and so knew he was close to the edge. Soon
he began to hear his own name being moaned and even though it was in somewhat
strange circumstances it made him feel kind of special knowing that Severus
wanted him even with his faults and fears. A few seconds later his name was
called loudly and then with a loud groan from Severus everything went silent.
Harry began to think of how to tell Severus that he’d heard him however by the
time Severus came out of the bathroom he still hadn’t come up with a suitable
idea.
Laying down Harry waited until Severus had got into bed and spelled out the
lights before he began, thinking that it would be easier to talk in the dark.
Not looking up from where his head rested on Severus’s chest he started
talking.
“Severus, ummmm, I……..you might want to use a silencing charm in the bathroom
next time” Harry said somewhat nervously.
Severus just lay still for a moment before answering.
“I’m sorry Harry, I thought I had” Severus replied in a rather embarrassed
voice.
“It’s ok. I just thought you ought to know”
“Are you sure you’re okay? Did I scare you?” Severus asked in a concerned
voice.
“No, I wasn’t frightened. I trust you and know that you won’t hurt me. Besides,
you already told me that you would do it in private so it wasn’t totally out of
the blue.”
They both lay there in silence for a couple of minutes before Harry began to
speak again.
“You sounded like you enjoyed it” He said simply, not quite knowing if he would
get an answer.
“I did” Severus replied after a few seconds. “How much did you hear?”
“Quite a lot and I………I heard you call my name”
“Oh Harry, I’m sorry. Are you sure you are okay?” Severus said whilst turning
his head to look down at Harry.
“Don’t be sorry, you did nothing wrong. You didn’t hurt me or scare me. You
thought that I couldn’t hear. Everyone makes mistakes, I’m fine really. When
you called my name I felt….I dunno, special kind of, in a weird way. As if I am
worth something still, even though he hurt me. As if you still want me. I also
felt kind of jealous too, that you could still do that and get enjoyment and I
can’t.” Harry said hoping that Severus would understand why he wasn’t upset.
“Why do you think you can’t get enjoyment out of it Harry? No one else would be
there to hurt you and so there would be no pain involved. It would just be you
alone.” Severus said slightly confused.
“That’s why I can’t. If I’m alone, what happens if I start thinking about that
night? What happens if the memories come back and I get scared, what will I do
then? If I don’t do it then I don’t have to worry about that happening.”
“Harry, you’re 16years old, you shouldn’t just write masturbation off like
that. You may not need to do it, but you should be able to feel like you could
if you wanted to. I know it isn’t an important thing to be able to do, but it
offers a pleasurable way to relax after a stressful day and after all the
things you’ve been through in life I think you need that. I know it won’t be
easy to start with because of the attack but please don’t rule it out
altogether” Severus said understanding where Harry was coming from but hoping
he’d see sense.
“I’m scared Severus” Harry said with a single tear slipping from his eye. “I
know it feels good but I am just so scared of my memories and the fact that
they might come back whilst I’m doing it. If I’m alone then I might not be able
to control my emotions. I might get sucked into the nightmare”
Severus just held Harry for a moment and thought. He had an idea but it would
take a tremendous amount of trust and courage from Harry which Severus was
unsure if he’d be willing to give. Looking down at the outline of him on his
chest he knew he had to ask just in case Harry said yes.
“Harry, I want you to listen to me carefully. What I have to say is important
however once I have said it, just remember that you always have the right to
say ‘no’ and decline. Okay?” Severus said looking down to around about where
Harry’s eyes would be. Once he had nodded Severus began.
“I will help you if you like. I will stay with you or stay in the vicinity so
if you encounter any problems you can just call my name and I will be there.
You don’t have to answer straight away, just think about what I am offering”
For the first time since the discussion had started Harry tilted his head and
looked up. Turning over onto his stomach he was only a couple of inches from
Severus’s face and looked into his eyes only just seeing them clearly since the
lights were spelled out.
“You would do that for me? You would stay with me to make sure I’m okay?” and
Harry began to smile.
When Severus nodded his head and whispered a small ‘yes’ Harry lent down and
kissed him on the lips. Severus wrapped his arms around Harry and held him
whilst they embraced, each beginning to realise how much the other meant to
them. When they separated Severus gave him the little extra kiss that he always
added and then Harry turned again to snuggle into Severus’s chest.
“Thank you” Harry gently whispered back and felt so lucky to have Severus
around.
As Harry relaxed and thought about the discussion they’d just had he welcomed
the feeling that he’d took another step on his road to recovery. Both were glad
knowing that they could comfortably have conversations about such intimate
things with each other and finally went to sleep.
***** Thank You *****
Chapter 16 – Thank You
 
Please review :)
 
The next day Harry and Severus woke up late and so spent the morning relaxing
in the sun by the lake. Every now and then they would stop to chat, but most of
their morning was spent reading.
“Severus” Harry said looking up from his book whilst he rested against the
tree. “How long are we going to keep our relationship a secret for and when
shall we tell everyone I’m pregnant? I don’t mind not telling people now as I
hardly see anyone but I don’t want to have to lie to my friends at school”
Harry asked, the thought suddenly popping into his head.
“Hmmmm, well I would like to keep our relationship private from everyone except
Dumbledore, Mr Weasley and Miss Granger and I suppose Lupin and Tonks as I
think that with it soon being obvious that you’re pregnant we should only
promote one piece of information at a time, however I do believe that as far as
your pregnancy is concerned you may tell your friends about a week before you
go back to school, but the rest of our society will have to wait until it
becomes obvious.”
“Why can’t we just get it all out in the open? Then everyone will be able to
gossip about it for a couple of weeks and then forget about it.” Harry said,
thinking that it was best to just let everyone get over it as soon as possible.
“Because it won’t die down will it? Whilst you are pregnant you will be
constantly getting bigger and needing more assistance especially as you’re
carrying twins. People will be continually talking. Then when your babies are
born everyone will be watching closely to see how you cope and how well the
babies develop. That is something that will always be present and so will be
hard to forget. Surely it would be best to wait a bit longer before the havoc
commences?” Severus said reasonably.
“Then why can’t we just tell them about our relationship? We won’t be obvious
in public and so that won’t always be at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”
“Because Harry, even though a relationship between a teacher and a student who
is over the age of consent is permitted at Hogwarts, it is not exactly
encouraged. Add to this that you are the savior of the wizarding world, well I
don’t believe people will take kindly to you going out with an ex-death eater.”
“But surely they’ll remember all the good you did for everyone. Your spying on
Voldemort and protecting me, surely they won’t just brush that aside.” Harry
said quite certain that people wouldn’t be so forgetful.
“Harry it is easier to remember the bad that someone has done than the good.
Remember at the end of your 4th year when Voldemort came back, everyone quickly
forgot the good you did for them when you were a baby and soon began to see you
as a liar? People will see the same with me, especially since my spying against
Voldemort was obviously not out in the open. They will just ignore it. Coupled
with you being pregnant, well let’s just say that it would take a lot longer to
die down. Harry, our relationship’s announcement must wait until either people
start to become suspicious about the two of us and guess themselves or until
further along in your pregnancy when you need more help and are close to the
birth, that way it can all be dispelled just before the babies are born and
then I can help you take care of them without secrecy. It’s best to stagger
these announcements. Okay?”
“Okay” Harry said, trusting that Severus would make it work.
“Severus” Harry said thinking suddenly. “I knew that wizards could have babies
before I became pregnant because Ron told me a couple of years ago, but he
didn’t tell me how exactly they gave birth”
“Wizards can give birth exactly the same way that witches can except that
towards the end of the pregnancy i.e. the last month, wizards begin to form a
birth canal. This birth canal is formed in exactly the same place that it would
have been before it was covered over when the man was growing in his own
parent’s womb.”
“You what? I had a birth canal when I was a baby?” Harry said with a slightly
shocked look on his face.
“Yes” Severus chuckled. “Although our gender is decided immediately after
conception, we all actually start off with the female body shape and then when
we develop our birth canal closes up and our penis and testes emerge. The month
before birth this will then reopen allowing enough time for it to become a bit
more flexible, after the birth it closes up again. That is why many doctors
suggest witches and wizards have sex towards the end of their pregnancy, as it
allows the canal to become suppler for the baby.”
“But what if I’m not ready for sex? Will it still work okay?” Harry said
becoming slightly worried.
“Of course it will Harry, don’t worry. Many witches and wizards in your
position manage just fine and so will you. Having sex helps, but is not
necessary. It’s more of a bonus.”
“I read that with twins I am likely to give birth slightly prematurely. Does
this mean that my birth canal might not be ready?”
“No Harry, like I said, your body has got it all sorted out. You body will know
when it feels like it’s time and will begin to get ready. If you give birth at
nine months, it will form at eight. If you give birth at eight months it will
form at seven. Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”
Harry was glad that he had got that cleared up and turned back to his book.
Lunch arrived outside for them at one o’clock at Severus’s request and once
Harry had eaten he was ready for a nap.
“You know I’ve been tired these last few days, is that normal?” Harry said
moving over to let Severus rest his back totally against the tree before lying
down and resting his head on Severus’s thigh.
“Yes, it’s completely normal, especially amongst male wizards. You body is
transforming inside to help you look after your babies this means that with out
you personally doing exercise, your body is doing lots. You will be more tired
the first few months due to the fact that you’ll be trying to get used to
supporting two more lives, and then in the months after that you may feel
better until towards the end of your pregnancy when due to the weight you’ll be
carrying you’ll once again feel tired.”
“How do you know all this?” Harry asked quite surprised at the extension of his
knowledge.
“I am a potions master, so I need to know about all types of potions and the
need for them. In the first stages and last stages of pregnancy some people
need pepper up potion to keep them going, like you might when we’re back at
Hogwarts, however it is no substitute for real rest and so whilst we are here
it is best for you to just nap instead. Some bits of information I picked up at
school in sex education and some I learnt naturally through my life. I also
took it upon myself to read every book in the library when I was younger to
know what information it contained.” Severus said simply.
“Sex education at Hogwarts, I’ve never heard of that” Harry said somewhat
surprised.
“That is because it doesn’t begin until your 6th year and only happens for a
few short weeks. Each year a teacher is chosen to instruct the students on the
mechanics of having sex and the precautions they must take, they then swap over
with Madam Pomphrey who educates them on the stages of pregnancy and birth.
Sadly this year my luck has not held out and I have the misfortune of teaching
your rowdy year group ‘how to have sex’.”
“That’ll be fun to watch” Harry joked at seeing the displeasure on Severus’s
face at having to instruct a bunch of hormonal teenagers on the process of
lovemaking.
Harry then closed his eyes and quickly drifted off into a light sleep.
**************************************************
When Harry awoke around 3:30pm they went inside so that Severus could do some
work in the lab. Harry helped chop up some of the ingredients and both worked
harmoniously until dinner. After they had eaten they retired to the lounge to
read before bed. As Severus sat down in his usual chair and picked up a book
Harry lifted the paper to read, however soon his thoughts were sidetracked.
*I wonder if Severus is still up for what he said last night about staying with
me whilst I masturbate. I feel ready to give it a try I think considering it
has been just over a month since the attack. If anything goes wrong I can trust
him to look after me, but how do I bring it up? I mean I can’t exactly just ask
him right now whilst he’s reading as it isn’t exactly the right time or place,
maybe I should ask him in the dark tonight, just like I told him last night. It
seemed to lessen the embarrassment for us both and made it more comfortable. I
wonder why? Maybe because we didn’t have to see each others faces, what ever it
was it seemed to work.*
Deciding that that was what he’d do, he turned back to the paper and read about
how he and ‘Miss Ginny Weasley’ were an item, due to the fact that they
couldn’t keep their eyes off each other at the ministry ball last night during
the slow dance and beyond.
**************************************************
At eleven o’clock they headed up to bed and whilst Severus changed into his
pyjama bottoms in the bathroom Harry stripped down to his boxers and nervously
climbed into bed. When Severus crawled into bed and spelled out the lights
Harry got into his usual position before speaking.
“Severus, you know last night when you said that you’d stay with me whilst I
masturbated, did you mean it?” Harry said quietly.
“Yes I did. I promise you that when you are ready I’ll be there.”
“Well……ummmm………I think I’m ready” Harry said looking down at Severus’s chest.
“Now or in the next few days?” Severus asked, making sure that he understood
correctly.
“Errrr, now if that’s ok” Harry replied whilst feeling a blush heat his cheeks
and butterflies in his stomach.
“Okay, do you want to keep the lights turned off or shall I spell them on
again?”
“No, can we leave the lights out please”
“Sure Harry, just tell me what you want, this is your time and your experience,
you’re leading”
“Okay, ummmm can you hold me whilst I do it so I know that you’re there. I
mean, I obviously know that you’re there, but just so that it makes it even
more obvious. I want to have this experience swamp my other memories and stop
them penetrating my mind. Does that make sense?” Harry said, hoping that
Severus would understand.
“Yes it does. How would you like me to hold you?” Severus asked gently.
Turning over Harry lay on his side facing away from Severus and lent down to
pull off his boxer shorts. Once he had them in his hand he threw them out of
the bed and onto the floor before turning his head back to face Severus.
“Can you spoon up behind me please and just place your hand on my hip or
something.” Harry asked nervously.
Severus moved up behind him with his chest touching Harry’s back and gently
rested his right hand on his’s hip whilst his left softly stroked the hair on
the back of Harry’s head. Soon Harry’s legs entwined with his own and Severus
realised it was so that he could feel as much of him as possible to remember he
was not alone. Lightly stroking his hip Severus heard Harry’s breathing
increase, testament of his nervousness.
“Would you like me to speak to you or not?” Severus asked, trying to make him
feel the most comfortable he could.
Harry nodded his head and Severus began to try and calm him down.
“I’m here with you just remember that, there is no way that man can get to you,
you’re safe just relax and enjoy it.” Severus whispered into his ear. In reply
Harry just nodded his head, before speaking.
“I don’t know how to start, I’m scared” A trace of anxiety in his voice.
“Just touch, there is nothing to be scared of, no-one will hurt you I’m here,
I’ll talk to you, it’ll just be you and I, no-one else, no other memories, just
right here right now”
And with that Harry began to stroke. Gently he ran his fingers up and down his
flaccid penis slowly coaxing it to life. Soon it became erect and Harry wrapped
his hand around it gradually running it up and down pumping it lazily. After a
few minutes Harry was feeling pleasure that he hadn’t felt in over six weeks
and with the reassurance from Severus he began to speed up his strokes.
“You’re doing great, well done” Severus whispered in his ear still stroking his
hip whilst placing a kiss on his right shoulder.
As the feeling slowly built up Harry began to quietly moan and started to enjoy
what he was doing without the worry of fear.
“Feels so good” He moaned.
“Good” Severus replied with a touch of a smile on his lips all the while
stroking his hair and his hip.
Lightly Harry ran his thumb through the pre come on the tip of his penis and
began to swirl it around the head before beginning to caress his shaft again.
Moaning a little bit louder he slowly began to move his hips forward and
backward running his cock through his hand whilst he squeezed gently.
“Ahhhh, yes, ahhhh, so good” He moaned and began to squeeze a little harder
feeling the pleasure inside him begin to build up.
“That’s it Harry, you’re doing well, make it feel good” Severus whispered
whilst Harry’s breathing began to speed up and his moans got louder.
Reaching down with his left hand Harry began to fondle his balls.
“Ahhhh” He groaned loudly and carried on whilst he continued to thrust forward
and backwards, his speed starting to gather as his pleasure increased.
“Severus, ahhhh, Severus” he called louder his breathing intense and his
pleasure soon to reach its peak.
“I’m here. You look so beautiful Harry, beautiful” Severus said, proud of how
far Harry had come.
Letting go of his balls he moved his left hand up to his pillow to take
Severus’s hand from the back of his head and tug it forwards a bit so it was
easier to hold whilst he entwined their fingers. With piercing thrusts he
squeezed his penis as he pumped it through his other hand and shouted Severus’s
name whilst he felt the tell tale signs of a pending orgasm.
“Kiss……..Kiss me” Harry gasped and turned his head to the right, feeling his
balls tighten.
Severus leaned down and immediately felt Harry’s tongue slip into his mouth,
whilst his lips sloppily moved over Severus’s in a rush. Continually stroking
his hip with his right hand his left one felt Harry’s hand tighten and knew
that in any second he would come.
Feeling a powerful surge of pleasure rush up from his toes all the way through
his body Harry tightened his grip on Severus’s hand and erratically thrust into
his own whilst screaming into Severus’s mouth. Ejaculating, semen shot from him
as he continued to thrust and rode his orgasm out.
Slowing down the kiss and lazily pumping his penis he felt his orgasm subside
and began to break the caress. Lying still for a moment he loosened his clasp
on Severus’s hand, though still continued to hold it. Turning over he placed a
small kiss on Severus’s lips.
“Thank you” He whispered, the words heartfelt.
“You don’t have to thank me, it’s what partners do for each other” and with
that he gently muttered a cleaning charm on both Harry and the bed sheets.
Leaning in for a hug Harry noticed for the first time that Severus was aroused.
Looking up into his face he could see when Severus understood that he knew.
“I’m sorry Harry, I didn’t mean to-“ Severus said quietly, but Harry cut him
off.
“It doesn’t matter, I don’t mind. Why don’t you go into the bathroom and sort
yourself out” Harry said with a small smile.
“Thank you” And after pecking Harry on the lips Severus got up. Harry noticed
the outline of the tent in his pyjama bottoms in the darkness of the room and
smiled to him self, thinking about how he had made Severus feel that way and
how even though Severus was aroused he had still done nothing, solidifying
Harry’s trust in him.
This time Severus did remember to put up the silencing charm.
On returning to bed five minutes later, Severus was pleased to feel Harry curl
up around him like usual, happy in the knowledge that even when he had become
excited Harry wasn’t scared of him and still wanted to be close.
Harry finally felt content, knowing that he had already gone further than he
thought he could and that Severus had come with him. Giving Severus one final
kiss he said ‘thank you’ again and drifted into a peaceful sleep.
***** Perfect *****
Chapter 17 – Perfect
 
Please review :)
 
Harry awoke the next morning lying in Severus’s arms. When he looked up he
noticed that Severus was awake and seemed to have been for quite a while.
“How long have you been awake?” Harry asked in a raspy voice.
“About an hour”
“Then why didn’t you wake me?”
“Because you need your sleep and after last night I thought you might feel even
more tired”
Harry thought back to last night remembering how good it had felt both
physically and emotionally.
“I enjoyed that, thank you” He said giving Severus a quick peck on the lips.
“You don’t need to thank me, I did nothing but hold you. You made it feel good
all by yourself” Severus said as a smile touched his lips.
“Mmmmm, yeah. Can we do it again?” Harry asked, hoping Severus would say yes.
“Now?” Severus replied in a gentle tone.
“No tonight, if that’s ok”
“Of course Harry. I would like to talk to you a bit about it first anyway. Not
right now but maybe we could visit the summer house later and talk there”
“Yep, sounds good” and with that Severus got up from underneath him and stood
to have a shower.
When he returned fifteen minutes later with a towel wrapped around his waist
Harry realised that he must have forgot to collect his clothes for the day and
watched him pull a pair of black jeans and a casual black shirt out of the
wardrobe, all the while contemplating.
“Severus” Harry said as Severus began walking back to the bathroom. “Why don’t
you get changed in here today? I don’t mind” Harry asked lying on his back and
watching him.
“Okay, if you’re sure”
“I’m sure” and with that Severus dropped his clothes on the bottom of the bed
and unwrapped his towel. Wrapping the towel behind him he began to move it side
to side to dry his back. Severus watched cautiously as Harry eyed him up and
down, for the first time seeing him completely naked.
As Harry finally saw Severus fully exposed he realised how beautiful he was.
Severus’s soft yet strong chest had always made Harry feel safe and when he
cuddled against it he felt warm and protected. Moving down Harry saw Severus’s
penis encased in a bed of black curly hair and even though it was slightly
bigger than his own it was still normal. As Severus moved the towel down to dry
his crotch Harry began to look at his legs. They were both slightly muscular
and long. Each was covered in back hairs yet both looked beautiful. After Harry
had looked he decided to say what he felt.
“Wow Severus, you look beautiful” Harry said sitting up in the bed.
“Only to you” He replied.
“Well then good, it means no-one can steal you away from me” Harry said with a
smile on his lips and was pleased when Severus smiled back.
As Severus began to dress he noticed Harry’s boxers lying on the floor still
from last night. Walking around to the side of the bed he picked them up.
“Do you want them?” Severus asked thinking that Harry might not feel
comfortable getting out of bed naked.
“No, I’ve seen your body, it’s only fair that you see mine.” And with that he
lifted the duvet and got out of bed. Heading towards the bathroom he knew
Severus was gazing at his body but he didn’t mind. Once he was in there he had
a shower, dried himself off and came back out naked to fetch his clothes.
Severus was sitting in a chair by the fire fully dressed. Harry felt happy in
the knowledge that he could walk around naked without embarrassment and so in
some way he felt liberated. Walking over to Severus he leaned down and gave him
a kiss on the lips, whispering ‘thank you’ and then went back to the wardrobe
to get ready for the day.
**************************************************
After breakfast they walked through the gardens until they reached the summer
house. Harry had only seen it briefly once before on the day he’d gone flying
and so it was still relatively new to him. Walking inside he was amazed at the
view due to the windows the whole way around the perimeter. Underneath the
windows was a large brick ledge that also encircled the room and had a long
cushion on it to make it comfy. The room was bare other than this due to the
fact that it was made only for the view. Severus sat down on the right hand
side of the room and Harry followed him over, sitting in silence for a few
minutes purely just taking in the view of the gardens and the fields beyond.
“Okay, let’s talk about last night” Severus began after a while and wrapped his
left arm around Harry trying to make him feel comfortable. Harry snuggled in to
Severus and started.
“Last night I………I dunno, I felt scared, but then when you held me and whispered
to me I felt safe and comfortable. It allowed me to relax and just enjoy it. I
was a little bit worried before I began that it would be embarrassing doing
that in front of you but then when I started I realised that there was nothing
to be embarrassed about. You’re my partner and as such we are meant to be able
to do that in front of each other. It wasn’t like you’d never done it yourself
before. I liked holding your hand as I came as it made me feel that even though
you weren’t experiencing any of the pleasure with me and you weren’t
stimulating me you were still part of it, part of the cause of the pleasure. It
was also like extra support and like I just said, it made me feel that you were
there and even more involved than just holding me. Does that make sense?” Harry
said not being able to fully convey his feelings.
“In sex I would be part of the process too but last night I wasn’t. Holding my
hand as you came made you feel as if I was part of it too, even if I wasn’t
experiencing the same feelings that you were, or giving you those feelings.”
Severus replied.
“Yes exactly. You holding my hand through my orgasm made me feel that you were
drawn in and whilst I was getting the physical pleasure of coming, I also felt
the emotional pleasure of you going through it with me. That’s why I also
enjoyed kissing you whilst I climaxed. It made me feel that you were more
involved even though you weren’t stimulating me and it was also somewhat of a
victory kiss for the orgasm I had generated.” Harry said finally able to
express his feelings properly.
“Good, I’m glad you felt that I was involved as that was the next step forward
– letting me be involved. Allowing me with you whilst you initiated such a
private act made me feel honoured that you trusted me enough to be there. I
know that you felt like you needed me there, but to me it was a privilege after
your attack to let me be close whilst you touched yourself intimately. I can
not thank you enough for that.” Severus said looking deep into Harry’s eyes
trying to convey his gratitude through his speech and eyes.
“I do have one question however” Severus said and as Harry nodded Severus
carried on.
“Why were you not scared when you felt that I was erect afterwards?”
“Because you must have been aroused when I was masturbating and didn’t do
anything so I knew you wouldn’t afterwards. It kind of made me feel good
knowing that I could do that to you by just doing it to myself which made me
feel even better as I knew that even if I could never make love to you I would
still be able to excite you.”
“Don’t worry about making love to me, it will come naturally when the time
comes, and if it never does then we already have enough stimulus in the bedroom
department to keep me satisfied” Severus said, smiling down to Harry before
once again planting a small kiss on his lips.
Harry turned around to properly face Severus and began to say something that
had been nagging him now and then since last night.
“About stimulus in the bedroom department, well I have been thinking and have
decided that I trust you won’t hurt me which you proved last night, so I was
wondering that maybe if you become aroused tonight you might want to sort
yourself out in the bedroom rather than the bathroom.” Harry said hoping that
this would be acceptable.
“You mean masturbate in front of you?” Severus said checking that he had
understood correctly.
“Only if you want to, I would understand if you don’t, it’s just a thought”
Harry rattled on though was quickly cut off by Severus.
“Thank you Harry. That would mean a lot to me if you felt comfortable enough to
let me. All you have to do is tell me to stop if you change your mind and I
will”
“I know” Harry said having enough faith in Severus to know that he would. “I
was thinking that ummmm, maybe I could stay close to you as well like you were
close to me last night. It would make me feel like I was more of a part in what
you were doing and that our pleasure was not so separate, but I’ll understand
if you say no” Harry asked nervously fiddling with Severus’s shirt buttons.
“Harry” Severus said and Harry looked up. “I would love that. I have never felt
cared for by someone before whilst I masturbated. Oh I have masturbated in
front of someone before, yes, but I have always just felt that that was merely
for each of us to experience pleasure, not just for the progression in the
relationship. You staying with me tonight would mean a lot to me”
Harry smiled up at Severus and radiated happiness. He welcomed the idea that
Severus could feel comfortable enough around him to lay there and show his most
vulnerable and private side. Harry knew that he wouldn’t feel comfortable doing
this with anyone else, but he trusted Severus with his life and knew that he
would never physically hurt him. It was a month since his attack and in that
month Severus had held him whilst he cried, stayed by his side when he was
scared and supported his decision to move on with his future and keep his
babies. Harry still felt nervous when it came to the idea of sex and sexual
explorations, but he knew that Severus would look after him and make the
experience as pleasurable as he could and so he had nothing to fear as long as
he was with Severus.
The rest of the morning they spent chatting about various small things and
looking at the landscape. Cuddled up together Harry began to feel love for the
man that had turned his life around.
**************************************************
That evening as they sat in the lounge and read, Severus looked up at the clock
and then at Harry. It was 9pm.
“Harry, are you ready to go to bed yet or would you like to wait a while
longer?” Severus said, thinking that if they went to bed earlier they could
then chat through the experience afterwards before going to sleep instead of
waiting until tomorrow when the event wouldn’t be so fresh.
“Yep, I’m ready” Harry said, putting down the paper and standing up.
As Severus stood he walked over to Harry and took his hand before giving it a
quick kiss.
“If you want me to stop tonight or change your mind just tell me and I will
okay?” Severus said.
“Uh hu” and with that they left the room hand in hand and headed upstairs. When
they reached the bedroom each stripped so that they were naked and then climbed
into bed. Harry crawled into Severus’s arms and for a moment they just laid
together. Severus then kissed Harry on the head and began to speak.
“Would you like the lights out again tonight?”
“Ummmm, no thanks, I think I’m ready for you to see me tonight and I see you”
With that Harry sat up and pushed the duvet down to the bottom of the bed.
“I thought we might get too hot with that on us, I hope that’s ok?” Harry said
already feeling warm.
“That’s fine, after all we have already seen each other naked” and with that
Severus rolled onto his side to face Harry. “How would you like to start?”
“Ummmm, tonight I want to lie on my back and see you. I don’t need you to hold
me but I did quite like you stroking my hip last night and so I thought that
maybe you could talk to me again and stroke me like yesterday.”
“Sure” Severus said and then thought. “Do you mind me watching you touch
yourself or would you rather I just look at your face” Not quite sure how Harry
would feel.
“I don’t mind” and with that he looked into Severus’s eyes as he began to
stroke his already erect penis. Wrapping his hand around it he felt Severus
stroke his thigh and whisper into his ear how beautiful he looked. Pumping
himself at a steady speed he watched as Severus began to observe.
Severus watched Harry’s hand go up and down with slow strokes and knew that
soon Harry would feel comfortable enough to do it to him. Kissing him gently on
the lips he watched Harry’s other hand tug at the bed sheet.
“Would you like to hold my hand?” Severus asked remembering how Harry said he
had liked it as it made them feel closer and more involved with each other.
“Yes” Harry said quietly and rested his hand on his pillow where Severus took
hold of it and entwined their fingers.
Harry began to gently squeeze his penis as he pumped it and watched as Severus
observed. Turning his head he noticed that Severus now sported his own erection
and enjoyed the knowledge that it was all down to him. As Severus bent down to
kiss him again he felt great. He was lying there pleasuring himself with the
man he was growing to love next to him and feeling as if he didn’t have a care
in the world.
Stroking himself faster he knew that like last night he wouldn’t last long due
to the amount of time it had been since he had done this often.
“Are you enjoying it?” Severus asked though already knew the answer from the
look on his face.
“Ahhh” Harry moaned, “Very much so. I love looking at you while I do this. It
makes it feel even better”
“Good, I want you to feel perfect and take lots of pleasure from it” Severus
replied and continued to stroke his thigh with his right hand whilst hold his
left.
Harry’s hips began to move slightly and he started to moan more.
“Mmmmm, yes, Severus, ahhhh, it feels good, so good” Harry said in between
gasps for breath.
“Excellent Harry, make it feel good” Severus said as he continued to watch
Harry’s hand pump up and down.
“I need……ahhhh…….I need, to touch………to touch my balls…..but I want, ahhhh……..I
want to hold your hand” Harry said looking into Severus’s eyes gasping for
breath.
“Do you trust me enough Harry?” Severus said, wanting to help pleasure Harry so
that this was the best experience of his life.
“Yes……….. Yes Severus yes” Harry said loudly his hand still pumping fast and
his hips gently bucking.
Severus moved his right hand off of Harry’s thigh and brought it up to his
balls, taking them both gently in his hand he began to roll them watching as
Harry’s eyes shut tight and he opened his mouth wide in a silent scream.
“Severus, ahhhh, so close, nearly there, Severus” Harry called louder and began
to erratically thrust his hips and pump his penis.
Tightening his hold on Severus’s hand Harry knew he couldn’t last much longer.
“Ahhhh, mmmmm, yesssssssss, ahhhh, yessssssss” Harry called.
“Come for me my beautiful Harry, let go and come for me” Severus whispered into
Harry’s ear, all the while rolling his balls and holding his hand.
“SEVERUS, AHHHHHHH” Harry shouted at the top of his lungs and Severus watched
as the seed spurted from his penis as he continued to pound into his fist.
Harry felt his orgasm rip through him like nothing he had ever experienced
before and carried on pumping his penis to make it last as long as possible.
When it started to fade he could feel Severus still rolling his balls also
trying to make it feel as good. When he had finished Harry just collapsed into
the bed and felt Severus take his hand away. Opening his eyes he looked up at
Severus leaning over him and gave a huge smile.
“That was brilliant, thank you.”
“Your welcome” and with that Severus cast a silent cleaning charm on Harry,
himself and the bed, even though they would just get dirty again in a few
minutes.
Harry lay still for a few moments before rolling over to face Severus.
“Your turn”
“Yes, however I warn you now that I won’t last long, what I have just seen has
already got me somewhat excited and mixed with my age, well it will be short.”
Severus said as he stayed on his side facing Harry.
“It’s what it feels like, not how long it lasts” Harry said and was beginning
to look forward to being the one in their relationship who wasn’t vulnerable
for once.
He knew that Severus didn’t need him like he needed Severus but he wanted to
make the experience just as good for him as Severus had for himself.
Harry was laying opposite Severus their faces nearly touching and watched as
Severus put his hand down between them to pleasure himself. Harry knew as soon
as he had started because his face immediately changed into one of relief at
finally being able to touch himself, and Harry mentally made a note to tell
Severus that in the future if he was aroused when Harry was masturbating then
he shouldn’t wait but instead just start making himself feel good.
Severus stroked slowly to start with as if teasing himself but after a few
minutes he began to pump faster.
Harry lifted his left hand and stroked Severus’s arm that he was using to
masturbate with whilst his left one stroked his cheek. Severus stared into
Harry’s eyes and smiled slightly knowing that he would no longer have to do
this alone.
As Harry stroked his hand down Severus’s arm he got to his wrist and was unsure
of what to do next. He wanted to do it for Severus and look after him like he
knew he never had been before but was unsure whether Severus would say no.
Looking into his eyes he moved his hand further down and gently tugged
Severus’s off to replace it with his own.
“Are you sure?” Severus said, not wanting Harry to do it if he wasn’t
comfortable.
“Yes, just hold me or something and enjoy.”
As Harry began pumping Severus’s penis with his left hand he felt Severus’s
legs entwine with his own and felt his hand reach up to stroke his face.
“Thank you” He said and then moaned as Harry gently tightened his fist.
Harry sped up his strokes and watched as Severus began to screw up his face and
buck his hips.
“Mmmmm, Harry, that’s perfect” He said and continued to thrust forward. Harry
leaned in and kissed him on the lips and as he did this he snaked his other
hand down to roll the man’s ball just like he liked his own.
Severus immediately broke the kiss and pulled Harry closer wrapping his right
leg over the top of Harry’s trying to get as near as he could. Harry didn’t
mind however and smiled at how good he was making Severus feel. Soon he began
to feel Severus’s left hand on his back stroking up and down whilst his hips
bucked forwards and backwards. Severus’s breathing became laboured and Harry
knew that he was close.
“Harry, oh, Harry, ahhhh, yes, ahhhh” and with that he tightened his hold on
Harry and thrust harshly into his fist.
Harry felt the semen from Severus’s penis spray over the top of his thigh and
carried on pumping to milk as much of the orgasm from him as possible.
Slowing his thrusts Severus moaned, loosening his hold on Harry and kissing him
gently on the lips.
“Wow Harry, that was…..Wow” and after a quick cleaning charm Severus pulled
Harry to him. Harry nuzzled his head into Severus’s throat for a moment before
lifting his head up and giving Severus a long slow kiss. He put as much love
into the caress as possible gently sliding his tongue over Severus’s and then
drawing it back into his own mouth before breaking it. After another quick kiss
Harry looked into Severus’s eyes and truly didn’t want to move from that
position for the rest of his life.
Summoning a light sheet to cover them Severus turned onto his back and pulled
Harry down with him into his normal sleeping position.
“Thank you Harry, you certainly took better care of me than any of my previous
partners”
“I wanted to. You are always the one that is looking after me and I felt that I
wanted to repay that with this being the only way I knew how. You are so strong
normally that you don’t need any help and I just felt that this was somewhere
that you lacked the tenderness that you deserve and I believed I was ready to
give you that.”
“And were you ready?”
“Oh yes. I enjoyed knowing that I was doing that to you. That all the pleasure
you were experiencing was from me and it made me feel more comfortable with the
whole situation, made me feel like I was in control.”
“You were Harry. I put my trust in you just like you did me. I knew that if you
wanted to you could take advantage of the situation, with me being at my most
exposed but you didn’t. You made me feel special and safe knowing that you were
taking care of it all and the only thing I had to do was sit back, relax and
enjoy.” Severus said this feeling more loved than he had in years. No-one had
ever done that for him and so when Harry did he felt so warm inside that he
thought his heart would melt.
“Did you mind me touching you?” Severus said wanting to be sure that it had
been okay.
“No, I liked it. It was good feeling you do it, it made it more intimate I
think. Oh and by the way, if you feel aroused in the future whilst I am
masturbating, don’t wait for me to finish, just start. I think it would be nice
for us to both be able to pleasure ourselves at the same time.”
“Mmmmm” Severus said as he nuzzled Harry’s hair with his nose. “Thank you”
“Thank you too. Come on, let’s sleep, I’m tired” Harry replied and holding
Severus’s right hand with his left they both fell asleep.
***** Daddy And Papa *****
Chapter 18 – Daddy And Papa
 
Please review :)
 
 
Severus woke up the next morning to the feeling of something moving. Opening
his eyes he noticed that the sun was only just starting to come up and so it
was still early. Looking down he saw Harry grinding himself on his leg. Severus
watched for a moment unsure of whether he was asleep or awake though soon
realised that Harry was indeed dreaming and so decided to wake him up.
“Harry, wake up, come on, Harry” Severus called gently and watched as Harry
stopped what he was doing, opened his eyes, and after a moment he realised what
he had done.
“Sorry, I didn’t realise” He said meekly with a shy smile on his lips.
“I know, you were dreaming and a good dream it looked to be too” Severus
chuckled.
“Uh hu” Harry said wiggling about a bit needing to carry on but feeling like he
shouldn’t.
“I just woke you up to ask if I could join in too” Severus said already feeling
his penis going hard.
Harry smiled up at Severus and nodded before thinking. “How can you join is as
well, how would we have to position ourselves?”
“Lay on top of me Harry” Severus said and helped Harry move. “Good, now move up
a bit so our penises are against each other. That’s right” He said as Harry did
as he was told. “Okay, now continue what you were doing before. If you hold
onto my shoulders it might give you better leverage”
Harry wrapped his arms around the side of Severus with his hands on his
shoulders. Rubbing himself forward and back he began to feel how much better it
was.
“Mmmmm, that’s perfect Harry, feels great” Severus said looking up into Harry’s
face and smiling to let him know that what he was doing was right.
“Yes” Harry replied leaning down to kiss Severus on the lips quickly.
Severus laid his hands on Harry’s back and began to run them up and down before
resting them on his buttocks. “Is that ok?” He asked wanting to make sure that
Harry was comfortable with it and when he nodded Severus twined their legs and
began to help him thrust forwards by pulling him up by his cheeks in time with
Harry.
“I like it this way” Harry said after a rather powerful thrust which encouraged
Severus to rock his own hips to increase the friction. “I get to see how much
you enjoy it whilst experiencing the same feelings myself”
“Yes, Harry, yes……I agree” and Severus began to suck on Harry’s neck marking
Harry for himself.
“Severus I need more leverage, ahhhh” Harry said trying to thrust harder but
needing some way of holding onto Severus better.
“Here” Severus said lifting up his arms allowing Harry to put his own through
them and grab Severus’s shoulders from the back. “Better?”
“Much” Harry gasped and continued on in time with the rhythm.
The next few minutes were filled with moans and groans as each carried on
moving their hips to create an increase in pleasure.
Suddenly Severus heard a pop and saw Letty standing to the right hand side of
the bed. Harry stopped immediately and turned to look as well.
“Oh dear, I am so sorry Master Snape and Master Potter” She spluttered
realising what she had walked in on.
Severus however was in too much need to stop and so decided there and then that
she would have to talk through their intimacy. “Harry carry on” He said needing
the pleasure more now than life itself. Harry looked down at him, saw his need
and began.
“Mmmmm, yes,” Severus moaned before turning back to Letty.
“Wha….ahhhh, what’s the, mmmmm yes…….what’s the matter?” He said through gasps
and moans.
“Dumbledore is here to see you Sir, he says he has good news” Letty said
blushing.
“Well………ahhhh…….well tell, mmmm, yes Harry, ahhhh, tell him we are busy
and……..oh don’t stop, don’t stop Harry………and to……..just, ahhh, just there
Harry……….to come back in an hour” Severus said feeling Harry’s thrusts increase
in force and new he was coming close to the edge.
“Yes Sir” She said and popped away just as quickly as she came.
Harry lowered his head into the crook of Severus’s shoulder and began giving
the sharpest and quickest thrusts he could.
“Oh Severus, ahh yes, oh, push me down, push my bum down, I want, ahhhh, I want
more friction.” Harry gasped needing to feel his penis being rubbed as much as
possible.
Severus complied and instantly noticed the difference. “Ahhhh Harry, yes,
ahhhh, faster. Faster!”Severus called and felt his balls begin to tighten.
Harry thrust as fast as he could and felt Severus rocking up to meet him.
“Ahhhh, Harry I’m gonna come, oh I need to, AHHHH” And with that his semen shot
from him up onto both of his and Harry’s stomachs. Severus carried on rocking
as hard as he could to ride out the waves of his orgasm. Once it began to
subside he slowed his hips totally worn out but knew that Harry needed more.
“Severus, ahhhh, it’s not enough………I need more” Harry said so close to his
orgasm and yet so far.
Severus had an idea and quickly told Harry to stop. When he did Severus put his
hand around the top of Harry’s penis creating a tunnel for it to thrust into to
whilst the underneath rubbed along Severus’s stomach to give more friction.
“How’s that?” Severus asked as Harry started again.
“Ahhhh, better, Severus, yes. YES!” And Harry was finally there. Screaming out
Severus’s name he came into his hand and onto both their stomachs. Riding out
his orgasm he decided he could get used to waking up like this and slowed down
his thrusts. When he had finished Severus performed a cleaning charm and then
just laid there holding Harry.
Harry just lay with his head in the crook of Severus’s shoulder peppering
kisses on his neck.
“I must say that I loved doing that and do believe we should try it again
sometime” Severus said holding Harry to his chest.
“I agree. I loved feeling so close to you, so intimate” Harry replied.
“Anyway beautiful, what has made you so horny, not that I’m complaining?”
Severus asked with a smirk on his lips.
“Severus I am 16 years old, haven’t masturbated in six weeks and have never had
a partner to do it with. Especially not someone as good as you, of course I’m
going to be horny.” Harry replied with a smile.
“True, and I do enjoy your enthusiasm, especially your vocals” Severus said
whilst Harry blushed.
“Hang on, you’re not exactly quiet yourself.” Harry replied in a mock tone of
reproach.
“No, indeed I am not” Severus answered and then kissed Harry lightly on the
lips. Half way through the kiss Severus remembered that Dumbledore was
downstairs and pulled away.
“Hey, I was enjoying that” Harry said stroking Severus’s cheek.
“So was I, but I just remembered that Dumbledore is waiting for us downstairs.”
“No he isn’t, you told Letty to tell him to come back in an hour and we have
bags of time left” Harry replied.
“Yes, but if I know Dumbledore he will have waited instead and so it would be
rather rude for us to lay here kissing, whilst he was lingering downstairs.”
“Severus, we have just been having the best orgasms of our lives whilst he is
down there, if he’s down there. I’m sure a few kisses won’t hurt” and Harry
stole a quick one before rolling off of Severus to allow him to get up and have
a shower.
Severus just smiled before getting out of bed and walking naked to the
bathroom.
**************************************************
At 5:30 am Harry and Severus walked into the lounge and Severus found that he
was correct in presuming Dumbledore would stay.
“Good morning Harry, Severus” Dumbledore said standing up from his chair by the
fire. “Hope I didn’t interrupt you, Letty said you were busy” He carried on
whilst coming over to greet them and noticing the love bite on Harry’s neck.
His eyes twinkled at the mark and Severus immediately knew what he was looking
at.
*Oh well, nothing I can do about it now* Severus thought before replying. “Good
morning Headmaster. Yes, sorry we were a bit tied up when Letty called but
don’t worry you didn’t interrupt.” Severus said, thinking that he’d better have
a word with Letty about what she saw to try and remove any of her
embarrassment.
Dumbledore sat back in the chair and Harry and Severus both sat on the sofa.
Severus decided it was probably best to not call Letty for refreshments and so
asked the Headmaster what the good news was.
“I was informed by Mr Weasley that the man responsible for your attack has been
tried and found guilty. He has been sentenced to Azkaban for life. He will
never be let loose in society again.”
At this Harry forgot that Dumbledore was there and turned to Severus throwing
his arms around him. Severus hugged back not caring that the Headmaster was
watching as he knew that he already knew about the two of them.
Severus just held Harry for a moment, pleased that he was finally free of that
man. Turning his head he gave Harry a light, yet intimate kiss on the lips and
was delighted when he responded in kind even with their audience.
Dumbledore watched the exchange in silence, thrilled that they had found each
other. Soon their kiss broke and they turned back to the Headmaster with huge
smiles on their faces.
“Would you like to stay for breakfast Professor?” Harry asked whilst discretely
taking Severus’s hand.
“Why thank you Harry” Dumbledore replied and Harry led the way.
**************************************************
After breakfast Dumbledore had to return to Hogwarts to prepare the letters for
next years first years leaving Harry and Severus alone.
“What are we going to do this morning then?” Harry asked standing by the fire
in the lounge after seeing Dumbledore off.
“I think I need to have a little word with Letty about what she saw, do you
want to stay?” Severus asked, taking a seat in his chair.
“Sure” Harry said sitting on the sofa and waiting for Severus to summon the
house elf.
“Yes Master Snape” Letty said after she was called, still somewhat embarrassed
about what she had seen earlier.
“I just wanted to speak to you about what happened this morning. You are not in
trouble” and at this she seemed to relax.
“This morning what you saw when you came into my room will be happening more
frequently now as Harry and I have entered into a relationship together. You
did nothing wrong coming into my room as you didn’t know, however next time it
might be a good idea to knock on the door first, though of course if you do
need either one of us urgently don’t hesitate to enter whatever we may be up
to. You have no need to feel embarrassed about this morning though I do request
that you keep what you saw to yourself.”
“Yes Sir” Letty said and then Severus dismissed her glad to see that she looked
better when she went.
“What would you like to do today then Harry, seeing as we are up?” Severus
asked though laughed when he heard Harry mutter ‘I’d rather still be in bed
curled around you’.
“Yes, but then we would never get anything done, especially with you being as
frisky as you are”
“I’m not frisky. I’m just catching up on lost time. I do however like sliding
against you, rubbing my penis against yours and stroking you until-“ Though he
was soon cut off.
“Stop there Harry, I want to do something productive today rather than end up
back in bed however pleasurable it may be” Severus said whilst smiling at
Harry.
“How about a massage then? I bet you haven’t had one in ages” Harry suggested.
“Maybe tonight Harry, for now I want to keep my clothes on” He said and stood
up coming over to where Harry sat. Taking his hand he pulled him up and then
drew him close.
“Mmmmm Harry, you have become so special to me these last few weeks, whatever
did I do without you?” Severus said as he nuzzled his nose in Harry’s hair.
“Me too Severus. I don’t ever want to lose you. I’ve been thinking and if we
are still together when the babies are born then I would like for them to call
you their other parent if that is okay with you?” Harry said, unsure how
Severus would respond.
Severus pulled back and looked into Harry’s eyes. “You really mean that?” He
said, not wanting to get his hopes up.
“Yes. I don’t want them to know us as ‘Daddy and Severus’ or ‘Daddy and his
boyfriend’. If we are living together I want us to be a family and that family
will include you. I don’t want any exceptions in our family, I just want there
to be lots of love and I know that you will give them that. You would be a
perfect father as you could be loving yet still be strict enough to help them
develop into beautiful adults. I also know that you could be strong and help
them through any troubles they may face. I’d love for you to accept them as
your own and for us to call them ‘our children’.” Harry said hoping that he’d
agree.
A single tear trickled from Severus’s eye at the thought of having his own
family. They may not have his blood, but he could still teach them how to act
and behave, he could shape their personalities, like only a present father
could and he could receive love from them that they’d only show to a parent. He
could also share his interests with them and mould their futures. They didn’t
have to biologically be his children, because emotionally they would more than
make up for it. After all, just because he didn’t lay the first brick in the
wall doesn’t mean he couldn’t build the rest of it and call it his.
Harry brushed the tear away with his thumb and knew that he had made the right
choice.
“Thank you Harry, you don’t know how much this means to me, I will love them
with all my heart and protect them with my life” Severus said and then ran his
hands over Harry’s stomach where ‘their’ children grew beneath.
“How do you feel about being called Papa?” Harry said with a smile on his lips.
“Love it” Severus replied and smiled back.
“I love you Severus” Harry whispered knowing that the timing was right.
“I love you too Harry” Severus responded and then leant down for a kiss.
***** Prove It *****
Chapter 19 – Prove It
 
Please review :)
 
A few days later Severus lay awake in bed. It was still early though there were
already shards of sunlight piercing through the curtains. Looking down at the
still sleeping Harry Severus couldn’t believe how lucky he was. Merely two
months ago he was sitting in his chambers at Hogwarts thinking about how he was
unlikely at his age to ever have a family. Even though wizards lived to nearly
twice the age of muggles it was still within those first 40 years you were
expected to have a family.
Whilst his left hand rested on Harry’s back his right moved its way to his
stomach and the children beneath.
“Hello, I’m your Papa” Severus said stroking his hand gently trying not to wake
Harry. “You two have already made me so happy and when you are born in around 8
months I’ll be the proudest man on earth” He whispered. “Sometimes I might get
angry with you and shout but that will only be because I was worried about your
safety or want you to turn out well however I will always love you no matter
what. You couldn’t do anything that would make me turn my back on you because
you are already so precious to me. If you ever have a problem I want you to be
able to tell me because I will always try and help you fix it. Just remember
that I’ll always be there for you whether your daddy and I are together or
not.” Severus felt so happy that the new little lives growing in Harry were
going to be his. That other man may have helped create them but he was nothing,
he was scum and Harry’s children deserved better, he only hoped that he could
be better, that he could be a good Papa to his beautiful little children.
**************************************************
At breakfast that morning Harry was busy eating whilst Severus read the
newspaper after finishing his food. All of a sudden there was a pop and Letty
had arrived next to Harry.
“Good morning Master Snape, Master Potter. This letter has arrived for you” and
she quickly handed it over to Harry before leaving.
When Harry turned it over he noticed that the wax seal had an official crest of
the ministry imprinted in it.
Opening it up he had a good idea what it contained and when he pulled out the
letter he was not disappointed.
“It’s my OWL results” he said to Severus without looking up. Reading down the
column of grades his lips turned into a smile and he began to read them out.
“Astronomy I got an ‘A’, Care of Magical creatures ‘E’, Charms ‘E’, DADA ‘O’,
Divination ‘P’ (at this Severus muttered ‘pointless subject and Harry smiled.)
Herbology ‘E’, History of Magic ‘D’, Potions ‘E’ (Severus nodded his head) and
Transfiguration ‘E’” Harry said and looked up at Severus.
“Come here” Severus said in a soft voice and as Harry moved around the table
Severus pushed back his chair though remained seated.
Taking Harry’s hands he led him to his lap and once there he put his arms
around him and leant forward to kiss him. As their lips touched Harry knew that
he had done well and allowed Severus to control the kiss. Entwining their
tongues they gently held each others faces and expressed their love. A little
while later as they broke apart Severus looked into Harry’s eyes and smiled.
“I’m so proud of you Harry. Well done.” Severus said.
“I failed Divination and History of Magic” Harry said not wanting unfair
acceptance.
“And you passed the rest, you even got an ‘O’. Well done for potions too, I
knew you could do it” Severus said as he held him loosely.
“On every piece of my work you gave me a ‘D’, you know, Dreadful.” Harry
laughed but Severus only smiled.
“But at that point I was still a spy for Dumbledore and didn’t want to arouse
suspicion by suddenly giving you good grades. The death eater’s children may
have got suspicious.” Severus said.
“But you only gave Hermione A’s and she is far better than acceptable.” Harry
replied.
“The whole Griffindor section of the class was treated like that. I couldn’t
seem to be favourable, but you have done well and Voldemort is no more. Let’s
put it behind us and concentrate on your good grades.”
Harry smiled, but then he thought.
“What grades do you accept in Potions next year?” Harry asked, thinking that if
he had heard correct he wouldn’t be able to enter. He needed potions to be an
Auror and even though he was going to have children and live with Severus and
would probably never become one, he still wanted to have the accomplishment of
saying if he wanted to attend Auror training he could.
“Well usually it has been ‘O’s but since the fall of Voldemort I am reducing it
to an ‘E’” Severus said.
Harry’s smile widened before he quickly kissed Severus on the lips again and
stood.
“I’m going to go and floo Ron and Hermione. Maybe I’ll let Remus know as well,
I’m sure he will be happy.” As Harry walked towards the door he suddenly
stopped and turned, thinking for a moment.
“Severus, will it be alright for me to tell them now that we are in a
relationship instead of waiting until the week before we leave. I won’t tell
them I’m pregnant yet but please can I tell them?”
Severus thought for a moment and deciding that it would make no difference if
they were told now or in two weeks time he nodded his head.
“Can I tell Remus also that we are in a relationship? I think it might be best
so that he can be there when Ron finds out” Harry said with a small smile.
Once again Severus agreed and Harry turned to go to the lounge to call Remus.
When he stepped through the fire place Harry gave him a quick hug before
leading him over to the sofa.
“I have news” Harry said with a smile and Remus looked inquiringly.
“I got my OWL results this morning and I got 1 ‘O’, 5 ‘E’s and an A, though I
failed history of magic and divination” Harry said sheepishly as if telling his
father which was what Remus was kind of like to him.
“Congratulations Harry” Remus said and then noticing Harry look away for a
moment he knew there was more news to come.
“Please don’t be mad Remus but there is something else I would like you to
know” Harry said and then began.
“Severus and I……..we have started a relationship together.” Harry said waiting
for Remus to shout, but instead he should have remembered he didn’t act like
Sirius and just sat looking at Harry for a moment.
“When?” was all he asked.
“Well we first kissed on the evening of my birthday however we didn’t decide
until the next day that we would start a relationship.” Remus just nodded and
sat thinking for a moment before speaking again.
“Is it serious?”
“Yes, Severus said to me before we started that it would not just be a bit of
fun. He is going to be named the other father of my children. Please support my
decision” Harry said hoping that Remus would understand.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” Remus asked wanting to be perfectly clear
on how Harry felt.
“Yes Remus, I have never been so sure of anything. I have known him for 5 years
now. I have seen his worst, and I have just started to see his best, I know
what I am doing, what I am taking on.” Harry said and then in a smaller voice
“I love him, and he loves me too.”
Remus stood and Harry was worried he was going to leave, but instead he just
looked at him for a moment before speaking.
“Where is Severus? I would like to have a little word with him” at Harry’s look
Remus added some more.
“I am not trying to stir up trouble for the two of you Harry, I just want to
ask him a couple of things, that is all” Harry had learnt to trust Remus and so
told him that Severus was last in the dining room and watched him leave.
**************************************************
As Remus opened the door to the dining room he saw that Severus was still in
there reading his paper.
“Good morning Severus” He said as he went over to sit where Harry had been
previously sitting, except his plate had already been cleared away.
“Remus” Severus said nodding his head and folding the paper before casting it
aside.
“Harry tells me he loves you, I have just come for your take on it all”.
“He does, and I love him back. We have not stepped into this lightly if that is
what you’re worried about.”
“As long as I have your word that you love him and will look after him then I
have no objections. He is nearly an adult now and free to make his own choices,
all I ask if that you take good care of him and the babies.”
“You have my word”
“Then congratulations on finding a relationship with him and becoming a dad.”
Remus said and stood, turning to leave.
“Thank you” Severus replied as he watched him walk out of the door.
**************************************************
On returning to the lounge Remus saw Harry sitting where he had left him. Going
over and sitting next to him he began to speak.
“Congratulations on your OWLs and your new relationship with Severus, I hope it
works out well for you both”
“How can you accept it so easily, I thought at least you would complain about
our age gap, or the fact that he is my Professor?” Harry said, somewhat
surprised.
“Don’t you think me complaining about your age gap would be a little bit
hypocritical considering I am in a relationship with Tonks and she is only
eight years older than you? You are over the age of sexual consent. Hogwarts
accepts what you are or will be doing and so do I. There is nothing against the
law stating that at your age you can’t have a relationship with a teacher and
so if he makes you happy who am I to say no?”
Harry felt a rush of love for Remus rise up in him and he leant over for a hug.
Sitting in Remus’ arms he understood what it would have felt like for his
father to embrace him like this. Remus always looked out for Harry, tried to
keep him safe and Harry knew that if he ever needed anything he could always
count on him to help. Harry knew that Remus would lay down his life for him if
need be and because of all this Harry trusted him as much as he did Severus.
His love for Severus was new and fragile and because of this Harry knew that in
a fatherly way he loved Remus most and in a life or death situation he would
chose him. However, once his love for Severus had strengthened he knew that he
would love them both equally in two completely different ways and that other
than his children, Remus, Severus, Ron and Hermione were the most important
people in his life.
“I want to tell Ron and Hermione, will you stay?” Harry said as he continued
leaning against his chest.
“Of course” He answered instantly.
“Thanks” and Harry stood up to fire call the Burrow where he knew that they
were staying. Before reaching the fireplace he quickly turned round and added
“By the way, they don’t know I’m pregnant” and then turned back to make the
call.
When they came through they quickly compared grades said hello to Remus and
then sat in the two chairs available.
“I have something to tell you both. It may seem odd at first but I really mean
what I say and I hope that you’ll accept my decision” Harry quickly looked at
Remus for reassurance and receiving a small nod of the head he continued. “I
have started a relationship with Severus”
“HIM……..what! Why?” Ron said and Hermione just looked too shocked to speak.
“Because since I have been here I have seen a different side to him, one that
is caring and loving. Since the attack he has looked after me, spent time with
me and was kind to me. I never thought he could change and he didn’t he is
exactly the same except now he is able to show the true side of himself because
Voldemort has gone, and whilst he was around he had to be harsh, but now he’s
gone and Severus has shown me who he really is.”
“So you’re saying that the last five years are a lie, that Snape never really
acts like that at all, that he is all sweetness and light?” Ron said his voice
rising.
“No, I didn’t say that. I said he hasn’t changed didn’t I, that he could still
be like that if he wanted to, it is part of him, except that it was exaggerated
whilst Voldemort was around, that he had to intensify it. He wasn’t able to
show his kind side then because if he did and Voldemort found out he would have
known that he wasn’t really on his side at all. Since I have been here he has
shown me his other side too, he has been loving and kind. I know Ron that at
school he probably won’t be anyone’s favourite Professor if they’re not in
Slytherin, but he will be more bearable”
Hermione after taking all of this in began to speak. “So you’re saying that he
will be able to express himself better now than he could before, that he will
probably still be mean at school because that is who he is, except he won’t be
quite like before, not quite as harsh. You’re saying that like every teacher he
has his professional side and his casual side, that his professional one might
change slightly but must still remain the same because that is who he is as a
teacher, but at home he shows his casual side, and that part of him is
different. At home he is loving, happy and relaxed?”
Harry was so grateful that he had made friends with Hermione in first year and
that she had extra intelligence.
“Yes Hermione, that is exactly what I am saying. Will you allow me to prove it
to you?” Harry said, hoping that first they would agree and then Severus.
“How can you prove it?” Ron asked seeming a bit happier that Hermione had
explained it all.
“Stay with us, just for a couple of days. Let him show you his different side.
If you still aren’t convinced then ok, but for the moment can you just stay and
see?” Harry said watching Remus out of the corner of his eye.
“Okay, we’ll stay but we then get to still not like him at the end if there is
no difference between him here and at Hogwarts.” Hermione said and Ron didn’t
look altogether too pleased but refrained from saying anything.
“Thank you” Harry said then just wondered how he was going to get Severus to
agree to the idea.
Remus watched with a smile on his face and also listened to his explanation of
why Harry liked Severus. To him it all made sense, except he was not sure how
Severus would take the unauthorised introduction of two more Griffindor
students into his house however he guessed that with Harry being his partner
Severus was likely to be more lenient.
“I’d better go now Harry I have more decorating to do” Said Remus as he stood.
Currently he was living at Grimmauld Place as he couldn’t afford the up keep of
any other house due to the fact that since he had last worked at Hogwarts he
had had no job. Nobody wanted to employ a werewolf and as such Harry allowed
him to live in his house, the only request he made was that Remus decorated it
to make it look homier. Tonks had also moved in with him and as far as Harry
was concerned it was now their house, all he did was own the deeds. Harry had
told Remus that he would need to live there after he finished school until he
could find himself a new house due to the enormous amount of gold his parents
had left him but other than that they should consider it theirs. Remus had
began to call it his home and although he knew it was in actual fact Harry’s
property he felt safe in the knowledge that he would not be kicked out.
Harry gave Remus another quick hug and after he’d left he told Ron and Hermione
to stay where they were whilst he went in search of Severus.
**************************************************
Finally he found Severus in his lab and walking over he sat on a stool on the
other side of the work bench watching him cut up some type of plant.
“Ummmm, Severus I think your going to hate what I’ve just done” Harry said
shyly and watched as Severus put down his knife and looked up.
“What have you done?” Severus said in a tired voice as if talking to a child
that kept breaking ornaments accidentally.
“Ummmm, well I was trying to show Ron and Hermione why I like you and I sort of
said that you are different at home, and then, well, I sort of told them that I
would prove it and I,….ummmm, asked them to stay over for a couple of days”
Harry finished his voice getting quieter as he spoke so in the end Severus had
to strain to hear it.
“You didn’t” Severus said in his worn out voice again.
“Afraid I did” Harry replied and Severus called him over. Harry walked around
the edge of the worktop and came to stand in front of him.
“Did you think I’d shout?” Severus asked as he took Harry’s face gently in his
hands. All Harry felt like doing was nod.
“Harry whilst we are here or in my chambers at Hogwarts, you and I are equals,
that means that I’m not going to tell you off like a naughty school boy. In our
relationship I will have no power over you and so if you do something that I
may dislike I’m not going to shout like I would at school. I might get angry
sometimes and disagree, I may shout if you worry me or I think what you did was
dangerous, but I will never shout at you in the same way I would a student. As
my equal you also have the right to shout back, I can not take points or give
you detentions in this house or in my chambers at Hogwarts. Please remember
that. I would have liked it if you’d discussed your idea with me first so we
could talk about it as partners but now that we are in a relationship I will
not say no to you inviting them over, all I ask is that you inform me first so
that if I really don’t like the idea we can compromise on something else
instead.”
Severus then leaned down and kissed Harry gently on the lips letting him know
that he was not annoyed. Pulling back he began to speak again.
“Go and tell them to fetch enough clothing to stay tonight and tomorrow night.
I will be up in about twenty minutes”
Harry smiled at him and left the room heading back to where his friends sat in
the lounge. Sending them to go and collect their stuff he called Letty to make
sure the two rooms the other side of his were ready for them. Picking up the
paper he sat down on the sofa to wait.
**************************************************
Fifteen minutes since he had sent Ron and Hermione to collect their stuff Harry
was still sitting on the sofa reading. Severus walked in a couple of minutes
later and came to sit by Harry on the sofa.
“How long do you reckon they’ll take?”
“Probably another ten minutes” Harry replied moving closer to Severus. Severus
wrapped his arm around Harry thinking that they could have a last bit of
intimate time together before his friends came and they were surrounded for a
couple of days when their only alone time would be at night.
“Can you make sure that they don’t go in my lab or study and they stay away
from our bedroom please? I know they are your friends and that it is your room
too but I’d rather keep it private if that is okay with you?” Severus said
hoping that Harry would understand.
“Of course Severus, don’t worry, they won’t enter it, we can go in my old room
or the rooms set up for them. Our room is ours and like you said, it’s personal
for us and so it’s private to anyone but us and our children.” Harry said and
then leant into Severus’s chest.
“Thank you Harry” Severus said and then leaned his back against the arm of the
sofa pulling Harry down to lean on his chest ever so slightly. Wrapping his
left arm around Harry’s left shoulder and taking hold of his hand his right
hand moved to Harry’s tummy where the babies resided. Gently Harry lifted his
own right hand and entwined his fingers with Severus’s over his stomach.
They just sat there for a few minutes listening to the silence and thinking
about small insignificant things when Harry sat up properly and then turned to
face Severus.
“Can I have a quick kiss before they arrive?” Harry asked knowing that this was
their last amount of time alone until tonight.
“Quick” Severus said as he leaned forward, however when his lips started moving
against Harry’s it was anything but quick. Leaning in Harry wove his left hand
into Severus’s hair and rested his right hand on his cheek, battling with
Severus’s tongue trying to withdraw it from his own mouth so that he could
enter Severus’s. In the end Severus drew Harry into his mouth and they had just
forgotten where they were when they heard a noisy landing in the fire place.
Breaking apart gently so as not to look like they were a pair of kids caught in
the act by their parents they turned and saw Ron lying on the ground. Standing
up he pulled his bag with him and went to sit in Severus’s chair.
“Hi Professor” He said blushing slightly, realising that they had just been
kissing.
“Good morning Mr Weasley” Severus replied just as Hermione came through with
about 5 bags compared to Ron’s one.
“Staying for a week?” Severus said in a light but sarcastic tone which made
Hermione blush.
“Hello Professor, sorry about all the stuff, I just didn’t want to forget
anything.” Hermione said noticing how close they were sitting.
“Lunch will be in one hour” Severus stated and then Harry turned to the pair of
them.
“Come on, I’ll show you to your rooms so you can get unpacked” Said Harry
before getting up and grabbing two of Hermione’s bags whilst Ron took one so
that they were each carrying two. When they got to the corridor where their
bedrooms were situated Harry stopped in front of his and Severus’s room and
began to speak.
“Guys, Severus and I would prefer to keep this room private so please don’t
enter it, if you need either of us just knock, though obviously if there is a
serious problem you can come in.” Harry then moved passed it to the next
bedroom door which was his own. “As you know this is my room, but I don’t sleep
in here any more, actually I’m hardly ever in here so I would check Severus’s
room first if you want me” He said, though he was sure that they would rather
check in his room first knowing that Severus wouldn’t be on the other side. He
then carried on walking to the next door. “Ok, this room and that one (he
pointed to the next one along) are for both of you, it doesn’t matter which,
just let Severus or I know who’s where so that we can inform Letty. The rooms
are identical except for colour schemes, I think this one (he said pointing to
the one he was standing next to) is red and white and the other is yellow and
white.”
“How do we get to the dining room, I’ve forgot” Hermione said whilst opening
the door to the room nearest Harry’s.
“Letty will come and get you, don’t worry” Harry said and then saying a quick
goodbye he headed off back to Severus.
**************************************************
An hour later Severus and Harry were sitting at their usual seats at the dining
table chatting, waiting for the others to arrive.
“What are you planning on doing this afternoon?” Severus asked Harry.
“Ummmm, dunno, but do you want to spend some time with us? I know it isn’t the
most ideal situation in the world but I need them to understand you a little
bit better than they currently do” Harry said reaching across and taking
Severus’s right hand with his left and gently stroking his thumb over the back
of it.
“Ok, as long as they are fine with it. I don’t want to intrude” Severus replied
lightly squeezing Harry’s hand.
“Severus, I want you there, I want you to spend time with us. I know when we
get together you probably just see us as a bunch of kids but treat them like
you treat me and it’ll be fine. You won’t be intruding.”
A couple of seconds later the door opened and Ron and Hermione walked in.
Severus tried to retract his hand but Harry held it tight giving a small smile
that only Severus noticed. Relaxing his hand he permitted Harry to hold it in
front of his friends knowing that they wouldn’t say anything whilst he was
there. As Ron came to sit by Harry, Hermione walked down the other side of the
table to sit by Severus, thinking it would be rude to leave him all by himself
and noticed their joining hands.
“I hope the rooms are acceptable” Severus said not addressing anyone in
particular and felt Harry squeeze his hand in a show of support and thanks.
“Yes thank you Professor they are wonderful” Hermione replied just before the
food popped up in front of them. Harry released Severus’s hand so they could
eat and the conversation slowly started to take off.
“So, what are we going to do this afternoon then Harry” Hermione asked as soon
as the lunch plates where cleared away ready for dinner to be served.
“I dunno yet, haven’t really thought about it. Severus is coming too if that’s
ok” Harry said, his eyes quickly flickering towards Severus and then away
again.
“Sure“ answered Hermione with a smile on her face. Ron muttered his agreement
but didn’t look quite so excited.
“I know, how about a wizard’s duel in the garden” Said Ron looking quite
thrilled at the idea.
“Ron!” Hermione whispered fiercely. “We can’t have a wizard’s duel in someone
else’s house”
“But we have them at the Burrow all the time” replied Ron, not even trying to
hide his voice.
“But the Burrow is your family home, you are not a guest there” She said her
voice increasing.
“I think a duel is a great idea” Harry chipped in though Severus’s eyes were
murderous. Harry knew immediately that he was thinking of the babies and was
worried that they’d get hurt but Harry thought he could see a way around that.
“Okay if I pair Severus and you two pair each other then we can take it in
turns and see who wins.” Harry said thinking that if he paired Severus then he
would be less likely to be jinxed in the abdomen and he would use lower level
curses.
“Brilliant” Said Ron and as soon as lunch was finished they stood up to go
outside. Severus and Harry hung back as they walked so they could chat
privately.
“What the heck do you think you’re doing Harry, risking our children for a bit
of fun! I will not permit it” Severus hissed in to Harry’s ear as they walked.
“Severus, cast a shield charm around my abdomen area and then just go for my
legs, arms or chest. Don’t worry, we will be fine” Harry whispered rubbing his
stomach.
“You had better be, because so help me Merlin, if anything happens to them
babies you are dead Potter” Severus said before stopping them both, casting all
the shield charms he knew and then storming off ahead.
**************************************************
Once they reached the garden furthest away from anything that could be damaged,
but near enough to the house in case of an emergency it was decided that Harry
and Severus would go first. Taking up their positions Harry suddenly had a
thought.
“Don’t use legilimency on me Severus to guess what I’m casting, that’s not
fair”
“I’ll allow you to use it on me” Severus said smirking.
“Oh haha, very funny” replied Harry as Severus knew full well that he was
rubbish at it and he wasn’t much better at occlumency.
They then began to walk away from each other and quickly turn. Pointing their
wands Harry attempted to jinx Severus first, however knowing what a great
dueller he was, Harry was unsurprised when he missed.
“Expelliarmus” Severus called but Harry jumped out of the way.
“Levicorpus” Harry returned but Severus just flicked his wand and the spell
dissolved.
“Come on Severus, have a bit of fun” Harry called as he stepped easily out of
the way of a silent spell.
“Stupefy” Harry shot back and Severus side stepped it. Harry was getting a bit
bored now with the low level jinxes so stepped it up a notch, nothing too
dangerous, just a stinging hex and some others that might give a bit of fun to
the duel. He knew Severus would not send anything like that for fear of hurting
the babies but soon as the spells were increasing in intensity from his side it
became a bit livelier. Before long each of them were running and jumping both
having been hit a couple of times, but by nothing too serious.
As the afternoon wore on Harry began to get tired and asked to call a truce.
Severus stopped immediately and they both walked over to where Ron and Hermione
had been sitting under an old oak tree. As they sat down whilst the others
stood Harry realised that he really needed a nap and so sitting between
Severus’s legs he slithered down until his head rested in Severus’s lap and
then turned onto his right side. Resting his left hand on Severus’s right thigh
he snuggled his head in to Severus, creating a comfy pillow. As he settled down
he felt Severus tug his cloak from where he had dropped it before duelling and
laid it over Harry. Listening to Ron and Hermione duel in the background Harry
fell asleep.
**************************************************
Late that evening as they sat in the lounge reading, Harry started to feel
exhausted from his energetic day. Standing up he wished Ron and Hermione
goodnight and then followed Severus upstairs to bed. About ten minutes later
Hermione also wanted to go to sleep and as Ron didn’t want to sit down there
alone he decided to go to bed too. Entering the corridor on which their rooms
were situated all of a sudden they heard a moan, unsure of whether it was one
of pain or pleasure they stopped to listen though it wasn’t long before they
heard their Professor gasp and then call.
“Yes Harry……oh, that’s perfect, ahhhh”
Ron and Hermione looked at each other in shock at what they had just heard from
Hogwarts most hated Professor.
“Severus, mmmmm, Severus……..feels so good”
Quickly they scurried up the corridor and after swiftly saying goodnight they
shut their doors hoping to block out the sound. Hermione with her room nearest
however could hear them getting louder and louder and after what she figured to
be their release and the house go silent she decided to have a little word to
Harry in the morning about silencing spells.
***** Activities In The Great Outdoors *****
Chapter 20 – Activities In The Great Outdoors
 
Please review :)
 
The next morning Ron woke around eight and after having a shower and getting
dressed he decided to go and see Hermione. Knocking on her door she called out
to come in and he walked in to see her brushing her hair.
“Hi ‘mione, I didn’t really want to go down alone after what we heard last
night. I thought my door would block it, but after a while the sound came
straight through.” Said Ron cringing at the thought.
“I have decided to have a word with him this morning and let him know. You try
and talk to Snape so I can talk to Harry alone”
“But Hermione, you know he doesn’t like me, he won’t want to have a
conversation. Maybe I should talk to Harry” replied Ron thinking that it was a
good idea.
“No, you don’t know how to be tactful, I can just imagine you blurting it
straight out at the top of your voice.” She answered and from the look on Ron’s
face she new she was right.
Standing up and pronouncing that she was ready to go down they walked to the
door and headed to the dining room. When they got there Harry and Severus were
already there. Severus looked to have finished and was reading the paper and
Harry was still eating. Walking over Ron went to sit by Harry again whilst
Hermione sat by Severus. After everyone had said good morning they started to
tuck in and the room went quiet.
“I need to go and start my potion now” Severus said a few moments later and
then left.
“Harry, can we have a word with you after breakfast outside?” Hermione started.
“Sure. What about?”
“I tell you then, it’s nothing bad” and with that they carried on eating.
**************************************************
Half an hour later they were sitting on the grass by the lake, Hermione looking
nervous and Harry curious. Ron just sat there rather embarrassed.
“Harry, there is something you need to know. Ummmm, last night when you went to
bed, well Ron and I went up ten minutes later and, well, let’s just say that
maybe tonight you might want to use a silencing charm.”
Harry looked at her for a moment and then groaned. “How much did you hear?”
“Quite a lot, I mean when I shut my bedroom door the sound still travelled
through and Ron began to hear it in his room too when you got louder.”
Harry sat there blushing for a moment and then muttered a small ‘sorry’.
“That’s ok we just thought that you should know. Besides, I feel better knowing
that after the attack, you still feel comfortable doing that.” Hermione
replied.
“Yeah, I wasn’t at first, but Severus helped me start to overcome my fear”
Harry said smiling but still had red cheeks.
“Sounded like you’d overcome it perfectly to me” Ron muttered and whilst Harry
laughed Hermione just elbowed him.
“So, what shall we do this morning then?” Harry said wanting to change the
topic.
“Let’s make something, I dunno, like a go kart and then have a race” Ron
suggested.
“How old are you?” Hermione said thinking that the idea sounded rather
childish.
“Come on ‘mione, it’ll be fun” and then Ron turned to Harry trying to gain his
support.
“I agree with Ron, it’ll be something different” Harry added and Hermione
realised she had no choice.
“Fine” and with that, they headed off to find some material to use.
**************************************************
About 15 minutes later when they were heading through some gardens that Harry
hadn’t seen before they spotted an uprooted tree.
“Can we use that?” Ron asked.
“Don’t see why not, it can’t grow any more now.” Harry replied and together the
three of them went over.
Cutting the trunk into three they each took their section and began stripping
it of bark with their wands and then cut it into strips.
Harry decided he wanted his Kart to look good even if it worked rubbish so he
gave it sides and large wheelchair type wheels to make it look more like a car.
The wheels would also help him to slow it down at the end. Once he had finished
building it he began to paint it and decided on the colours of Griffindor with
an overall red body and gold flames painted on the side as if coming from the
wheels with the word Griffindor along the bottom on one side and Harry on the
other. He then conjured up some gold rope to help it steer and placed a
cushioning charm on the seat.
“All done” He said looking properly for the first time at the others. Ron had
an orange kart with ‘Chudley Cannons’ along the side which looked a bit
unsteady and Hermione had swirls and patterns covering hers.
“Shall we have the race here or by the lake?” Hermione asked but Harry had an
idea.
“Why don’t we race back to the lake?”
“Great one mate, that’s an excellent idea and it’ll be quicker” Ron replied and
then quickly hopped into his Kart. Harry also got in his and thought about how
comfy it was considering it was made out of wood.
Once they were ready Hermione counted to three and after spelling their karts
to move, they were off. Ron began to take the lead and turned around the edge
of the hedge to make his way back to the Manor. As Harry followed he was glad
he had put the cushioning charm on it due to all the bumps. Quickly turning his
head he noticed Hermione wasn’t far behind and so started willing it to go
faster to at least stay in second place. Turning round the edge of the hedge he
noticed that Ron was now far in the distance and wondered how that was
considering it look like the one most likely to fall apart. After a while he
noticed that either he was beginning to speed up or Ron was slowing down. As he
got closer he noticed that Ron’s back wheels had fell off, and his kart had to
drag itself along the ground. Whizzing past Harry was in first place and soon
he reached the garden containing the lake. Seeing Severus in the distance
sitting by the tree he headed that way and it wasn’t long before he was close,
so began slowing himself down by wrapping his hands over the metal on the
wheels gently letting the friction help decrease his speed. Stopping in front
of Severus he got out and came to sit by the side of him, feeling Severus wrap
his arm around his waist and draw him close whilst watching Hermione come
second. In the distance he saw Ron’s kart bumping along with Ron hanging on
tight.
“Well done Harry” Hermione said trying not to laugh as Ron came closer with
flaming red cheeks looking mortified.
“Thanks” he said and watched Ron come to a holt, stand up and kick his kart
which promptly fell to pieces.
“Stupid thing” Ron muttered before coming to sit with the rest of them.
“Can we have lunch out here today Severus?” Harry asked noticing the time.
“Ok, I’ll call Letty now” Severus said and clicked his fingers.
“Harry, can we camp outside tonight?” Ron asked whilst Severus’s attention was
diverted.
“Ok, I’ll ask Severus if he has a tent. Is it ok if Severus camps too? It’s
just I get nightmares when I sleep alone now” Harry asked feeling sure that
they’d say no but hoping they’d agree.
“Yeah” said Ron which somewhat surprised Harry. “I think you’re right, he does
seem to be different when he’s here, I mean he hasn’t shouted at me or been
rude once.”
“I agree, you were right when you said he hasn’t changed, because he hasn’t,
he’s just I dunno, softer around the edges” Hermione added.
Harry felt his heart swell at the fact that his friends approved of him and
couldn’t resist giving Hermione a quick hug and smiling at Ron. Pulling back he
turned to see Letty leave and then watched lunch arrive.
**************************************************
After everyone apart from Ron had finished eating Harry decided to ask Severus
whether he would agree to camp for the night.
“Severus” he said to get his attention and then carried on. “Can I have a word
with you in private?”
Standing up Severus lead him away to further around the lake so they couldn’t
be heard and then asked Harry what the matter was.
“Ron, Hermione and I wanted to camp out here for the night and we were
wondering if you had a tent we could use and if you’d like to camp too.”
“Yes you may borrow my tent, but I only have one and no, I would rather not
camp thank you”
“That’s the problem. I thought you’d say no but I was hoping that maybe you’d
change your mind. You see, you remember what I was like when I slept away from
you, I kept having nightmares, and I don’t want to start screaming in front of
them”
“Harry, I’m sure you’ll be fine because you’ll have a body next to you to help
you feel safe and I’ll only be in the house if there are any problems.” Severus
said trying to persuade Harry that everything would be ok, but knowing that in
the end he would probably be sleeping under the stars.
“Severus, please. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t have to but I really don’t want to
sleep without you and I really want to camp as I never have before. It would
mean a lot to me if you said yes.”
“Harry………ok, but only because I love you” Severus said
“Thank you, I love you too” and with that Harry stretched up on his tip toes
and ignoring their audience gave him a quick kiss on the lips.
Leaning down Severus decided that Granger and Weasley would just have to get
used to them kissing because it was his house and so his choice. Pressing his
lips against Harry’s he began to lick his bottom lip and when he was allowed
entrance he swiped his tongue against Harry’s teeth before tangling with his
tongue. Drawing the tongue into his own mouth he kissed Harry gently before
pulling away and after planting another small kiss on his lips he stepped back.
Harry smiled up at him and took his hand in his own before walking back to the
tree and his friends. Sitting down next to Severus he told them the good news
and then watched as Severus called Letty to clear away the plates and then
fetch his tent.
“I am afraid that I only have one tent” Severus said looking at Hermione, “and
it is not magical, however it is large enough for 6 people, so there should be
plenty of room for one night.”
“Cool, I have only slept in a wizard’s tent before” Said Ron, looking excited
about the prospect of being squashed in together.
“I don’t mind Sir” answered Hermione and Harry was pleased knowing that she
wouldn’t be alone.
**************************************************
That evening after dinner they all went upstairs to collect their belongings
ready for the night ahead. As Harry went into the bathroom to go loo, he
suddenly had a thought. Washing his hands and moving back into the bedroom to
watch Severus packing their stuff in a bag he stood next to him and spoke.
“What am I going to do about my morning sickness? I mean when I throw up it is
bound to give it away that I’m pregnant.”
“I have a potion for you to take which will dissolve any matter that you would
usually throw up. I made it in case for any reason you were allowed to stay at
the Burrow and did not wish to be sick.” Severus replied not turning around
from what he was doing.
“But then why can’t I take it normally? I hate being sick” Harry asked somewhat
annoyed that he had not heard of such a potion earlier.
“Because like with anything else to do with pregnancy, it is best to let your
body work naturally.” Severus replied and zipped up the bag, turning to look at
Harry. Leaning down to give him a quick kiss, Severus picked up the bag
containing their belongings and followed Harry to the door.
Down by the lake Severus had just popped up the tent when Harry spotted Ron and
Hermione leaving the house. As Harry walked inside he noticed that there was a
kind of foyer where they could dump their stuff and then behind that was the
bedroom. Hearing Severus call him he came back outside to receive his and
Severus’s sleeping bags which Letty had just brought and then took them inside
to place in the bedroom. On his return he saw Ron and Hermione just arriving
and watched them also take in their borrowed sleeping bags after dumping their
stuff.
Starting a small fire to keep them warm in the fresh night air Severus sat down
on a log he had transfigured into a small wooden stool and began to think.
*I haven’t felt this included with people in ages. I know Granger and Weasley
are only accepting me because of Harry but even so, I am still made to feel
welcome. Maybe they’re not so bad after all.* Hearing Harry call his name, he
turned around to see him making his way over. Sitting on his knee Harry smiled
up at him and whispered ‘thank you’ before turning to look at the fire.
Soon they all sat there chatting quietly and watching the sun go down.
“Severus” Harry said still sitting on his lap a couple of hours later. “I feel
tired, especially since I didn’t have a nap this afternoon, can we go to bed?”
“Sure Harry” and with that Harry stood and said goodnight to the others, going
in the tent to change and then get into bed.
“Professor, do you mind if we go to bed now too as I feel tired?” Hermione
asked, hoping not to intrude on them.
“Of course not, why don’t you go in Weasley and get changed” Severus said and
watched as Ron walked in.
Five minutes later Hermione went to get changed in the foyer whilst Severus
cast a couple of intruder alarms on the surrounding garden and then a couple of
protection ones on the tent. Satisfied that everything was as it should be he
put out the fire and went into the foyer to get changed into his own pyjama
bottoms after Hermione had finished.
As he walked into the bedroom Severus noticed Harry gaze up at his chest
appreciatively whilst Ron blushed and Hermione tried not to look. Smirking to
himself he laid down in his sleeping bag at the edge and heard Harry complain
as he couldn’t get close enough to give him a proper cuddle like they usually
did at night.
“Hang on a second” Severus said and sat up to undo both his and Harry’s
sleeping bags. He then zipped them together to make one large one and lay back
down, feeling Harry curl around him.
“Better?”
“Much” Harry replied and leaned forward for a kiss, ignoring Ron and Hermione
behind him. Breaking apart a couple of minutes later they all said good night
and Harry got into his usual position against Severus before the light was
extinguished and they all settled down for the night ahead.
***** Relax, You Deserve It *****
Chapter 21 – Relax, You Deserve It
 
Please review :)
 
The next morning Severus woke early feeling his back ache. Wondering why as it
usually felt just fine in the mornings he quickly remembered where he was and
turned his head to see Harry snuggled up to him looking restful.
*Better see what time it is so he can have his potion before he gets ill*
Severus thought and then pulled out his wand from under his pillow in the early
morning light. Severus cast a spell and the time floated in the air, telling
him it was just gone 5am and nearly time for Harry’s potion. Gently he unzipped
his sleeping bag and crawled out towards the foyer where the bags had been left
to retrieve the potion and then came back zipping their sack back up before
gently shaking Harry awake.
“Hmmmm, what?” Harry groaned, not once opening his eyes.
“Come on, it’s time to take your potion, I have it right here” Severus
whispered so as not to wake the other two and then handed it to Harry.
“Mmmmm, thanks Sev” Harry replied and swallowed it down, grimacing slightly
before handing back the bottle and falling asleep.
Putting the bottle aside to the corner of the tent, Severus pulled Harry close
and thought. *He called me ‘Sev’. No ones ever felt close enough to call me
that before, especially with such casualness. He honestly feels comfortable
around me. Well I knew he did but the fact that he said that in a sleepy state
really proves it* Softly kissing Harry’s temple Severus settled back down and
fell asleep with a slight smile on his lips.
**************************************************
Severus kept waking up on and off for the next few hours due to the ache in his
back. Knowing that he couldn’t get out and stretch in case Harry had nightmares
he sat up quietly, gently dislodging Harry and tried to massage the bottom of
his back himself. Although it began to feel slightly better he decided that
what it really needed was the touch of someone else, someone like Harry,
especially since it was only a few days ago that he had offered and so Severus
immediately decided that this evening after Harry’s friends had gone home he
was going to take Harry upstairs and ask for a proper massage.
Watching Harry sleep he began to gently stroke his hair and went into a day
dream about his current situation. How he, Hogwarts most formidable potions
master was sitting in a muggle tent with his young partner who was pregnant
with his children and his two friends, or from a different view he was camping
with three of his students. Now and then, he would look down at the three of
them watching them sleep, imagining what it would have been like for he himself
to have friends at their age, or at least proper friends that wanted him for
who he was, not just to get him into becoming Voldemort’s supporter.
After a while he heard a soft voice and looking down he saw it was Harry, eyes
half open and already beginning to sit up.
“How did you sleep?” Severus asked as Harry pushed up his pillow to act as a
backrest before settling in by the side of Severus.
“Well thank you, not as comfy as our bed though. How about you?”
“It was alright until I woke up to give you your potion and experienced lower
back ache. Since then I kept waking up so decided to see if sitting up would
make it feel better”
“And did it?” Harry asked slipping his hand round the back of Severus and
starting to gently knead his lower back.
“A little, I am more comfortable, but the ache is still there” He answered
“Mmmmm, that feels good” He groaned quietly, however the touch was soon lost as
the others began to wake.
“I’ll carry on later” Harry softly replied before turning to the other two to
say good morning.
“Good morning Miss Granger, Mr Weasley. I’m going to go and call Letty for
breakfast” and then Severus got up to leave. When he was outside he stretched
his back and then clicked his fingers, summoning Letty.
“Harry” Ron whispered inside the tent so as Snape couldn’t here him. “Were you
and he…….you know”
“Ron” Hermione hissed though Harry wasn’t sure what he was on about.
“What?” Harry asked perplexed.
“Were you and Snape getting it on whilst we were sleeping? I mean I heard him
groan something about it feeling good, just like the other night and then you
said you’d carry on later.” Ron said going red in the face.
“Ron, that is none of our business” Hermione continued hoping he’d just shut up
however was rather surprised when Harry began to laugh.
“No Ron, we might kiss in front of you, but we wouldn’t go that far. He had
back ache from sleeping on the floor so I was giving him a small massage,
nothing explicit.” Harry chuckled and watched as Ron gave a little smile as if
to say ‘whoops, sorry’.
As Harry climbed out of the tent in his boxers he began to feel slightly cold
due to the light breeze so headed back into the foyer to get a t-shirt to put
on.
“Severus, do you want a t-shirt” He called and when Severus answered ‘please’
he got one out for him also before returning outside just as Ron and Hermione
came out of the bedroom. Passing Severus his, he slipped his own on and then
transfigured a small stool just like Severus’s to sit on before picking up a
plate and filling it with bacon and toast.
**************************************************
After breakfast they packed up the sleeping bags and tent and then called Letty
to clear the dishes away and take the camping gear in whilst they walked in, in
their pyjamas with their overnight bags. Once inside they each went to their
own rooms to have a shower and get ready for the day ahead.
When Harry stepped out of the bathroom naked to see Severus sitting in front of
the roaring fire keeping the room warm for them whilst he waited for Harry to
get ready, Harry came over to him and sat on his lap.
“Get off of me, your wet” Severus grumbled though lacked any real venom.
“At least I’m clean” Harry replied before leaning into his chest knowing that
Severus didn’t really mind because he could easily cast a drying charm over
himself afterwards. Severus wrapped his arms around the damp body and splayed
his hands over Harry’s abdomen whilst kissing his dripping hair.
“You’re so beautiful Harry, and you’ll be even more gorgeous when I can see the
bump of our children growing inside you” Severus muttered quietly.
“Thank you, I can’t wait for that too.” Harry smiled and then continued.
“Thanks for last night also, it meant a lot that you did that for me. I promise
I’ll give you a proper massage later when Ron and Hermione have gone home”
“Can’t wait” Severus replied in a tender voice before giving Harry a light tap
on the thigh and helping him up so he could get dried and dressed.
Harry quickly got himself ready and they headed down to the lounge to meet Ron
and Hermione. Whilst Severus sat in his chair and picked up his book Harry went
to sit in the other one opposite him to discuss with Ron and Hermione what they
wanted to do with the rest of the day before they went home after dinner.
“Have you got any spare brooms we can use to play quidditch?” Ron asked though
Harry knew that it was more of ‘has Severus got any spare brooms’ though Ron
obviously didn’t want to say that in front of him.
“Do you want to play quidditch Hermione?” Harry asked not wanting her to feel
left out.
“Yeah ok, though it might be a bit difficult with three of us” She said.
“Well how about we do ‘first to catch the snitch?’” Ron suggested knowing that
he had an old snitch from home with him just in case they played.
“Sounds good, I’ll just ask Severus about the brooms” Harry said and then went
over to sit on the coffee table in front of him to talk.
“Do you have any spare brooms for Ron and Hermione to use so we can play ‘catch
the snitch’?”
“I have my current one and my old one if they will suffice?” Severus replied.
“That’d be great” Harry answered enthusiastically.
Severus clicked his fingers and Letty appeared.
“Yes Master Snape”
“Can you please fetch me both my old and current brooms and Harry’s please?”
Severus asked and as soon as Letty nodded her head she was gone, then in no
longer than a minute she was back handing the brooms to Severus before popping
off again.
Standing up Severus walked over to Ron and Hermione with the brooms in his
hands and spoke.
“Which one of you two is the best flyer?”
Ron put his hand up whilst Hermione stated that he was.
“Ok, then you can have my current broom, make sure you look after it” Severus
said before handing it over and then giving his older (yet still good quality)
broom to Hermione. Passing Harry his own broom he whispered ‘be careful’ so
only Harry could hear before retreating to his seat.
**************************************************
As they went outside after collecting the snitch, Ron was still in shock that
Severus had entrusted his best broom in him.
“I mean, I thought he hated me, I would never have expected him to let me have
his best one, wow” Ron said enthusiastically.
Standing in the middle of the garden they each mounted their brooms and kicked
off. Letting the snitch go they flew about 10 metres away from where it had
been to make it fair before beginning to circle the boundaries of that
particular lawn. Harry soared high thinking it would give him a better view,
after all, he was a seeker, and then started to search. Ron too seemed to have
the same idea whilst Hermione wanted to keep closer to the ground, not being a
fan of heights. Each began flying around the perimeter casting their eyes over
every detail trying to find the little golden ball.
After about twenty minutes of nothing, but still enjoying the ride Harry saw a
flicker of gold out of the corner of his eye and turned sharply to take another
look. Ron seemed to notice this and accelerated to try and follow Harry in his
attempt to catch it, Hermione however was flying away from them and saw
nothing.
Quickly descending Harry followed the little ball avidly, trying to make sure
he didn’t lose sight, though knew Ron was on his case. Whizzing past Hermione
who now realised that they had found it she also began to give chase though at
a somewhat slower pace. Flying further down he noticed it was heading over
towards the lake and so began to speed up knowing that this was the perfect
place to catch it as he wouldn’t have to worry about falling. With Ron by his
side they were each flat on their brooms with an arm outstretched, knees
skimming the surface of the water and only a few feet away. Harry confident in
his abilities to catch it if he jumped, lunged forward and grasped the
fluttering object before falling with a gigantic splash into the water soaking
both himself and Ron, Hermione far behind.
“GOT IT!” He called at the top of his voice before grabbing his broom, forcing
it underwater so he could get on it and then flew to the edge where he landed
and cast a drying charm over himself. After they were all back together he
released the snitch again and went off to search for it once more.
**************************************************
At 12:50 they flew to the back door so they could put the snitch and Harry’s
broom away in time for lunch. Calling Letty, Harry returned Severus’s brooms
and then the three of them headed towards the dining room, meeting up with
Severus at the door who had been coming from the direction of his lab.
“Have fun?” Severus asked to no-one in particular.
“Yes thanks Sir, thanks for allowing us to borrow your brooms, we have returned
them to Letty.” Ron replied, starting to find it easier to talk to Snape now
that he had spent a couple of days with him in a friendlier atmosphere.
“Your welcome” Severus responded and opened the dining room door, permitting
them to precede him.
As lunch appeared, Harry started telling Severus about how many games he had
won and lost and what events took place whilst they were searching. Soon
everyone was involved in the conversation and the dining room became alive with
joyful chatter.
The moment Severus had finished eating he excused himself from the table
stating that he was working on an important potion which would soon be coming
to a crucial stage of the brewing process. Once the door was clicked shut Ron
turned to Harry and began to speak.
“I know at the start I wasn’t too pleased about you and Snape but now, since I
have seen another side of him I think that you two will be good together.”
Harry sat there for a moment gob smacked that Ron was being mature about the
whole situation and that he had agreed to their relationship.
“Thanks Ron, I’m glad you approve, I would have hated the thought that my two
best mates were against me in all of this” Harry said and then looked to
Hermione just to check that she was ok with it as well.
“Don’t worry Harry, I agree with Ron. In a casual environment he seems rather
relaxed and that’s with us two around. When you’re by yourself I bet he is
totally different than the scary potions master. You both look comfortable
around each other I just hope that it continues like that for you back at
Hogwarts.” She said smiling.
Harry looked at them both for a moment pleased with the way their stay had
turned out before suddenly thinking about what he had forgot to tell them.
“Oh, by the way, when we are back at Hogwarts I will be staying with Severus in
his rooms at night. I’ll be in the common room and stuff the same amount as
normal and my bed will still be in the dorm with my trunk to make it look like
I’m still staying there until everyone finds out about our relationship. If you
want I’ll ask Severus if you two can also come to his chambers sometimes so
that you can still spend time with me when I’m down there and we can work in
peace.” Harry finished hoping this would be acceptable.
“Oh Harry that’ll be great, then we can revise in private without the extra
chatter of other people” Hermione said though Ron looked less impressed.
“So you won’t be there at night then and we probably will see you less at
weekends and stuff” Ron said in a rather childish voice.
“Look Ron, what does it matter whether I’m there or not when you’re asleep and
I’ll probably have to stay in the common room quite late anyway otherwise it
will be obvious that I’m not in bed if I pretend to go up at 8pm every night or
something. At the weekends I might be around the common room less but that will
be because we’ll be outside or something, I mean it’s not like we spend much
time in the common room at the weekends anyway unless we’re doing homework.
Severus will be busy too so it won’t be as if I will be spending my days with
him because he’ll still have to mark homework, supervise detentions, teach and
brew potions. Anyway knowing Hermione the three of us will be down there
together doing homework and revising most of the time so I wouldn’t worry about
us not spending time together.” Harry said hoping that Ron would understand.
At Hermione’s scowl Ron laughed and figured that what Harry had just said was
the truth.
“Yeah mate, just try and get Snape to agree to it eh.”
“Don’t worry Ron, after having the two of you here for nearly three days I’m
sure he won’t be as daunted at the idea as he might have been before.”
“But what are we going to do if he doesn’t agree?” Hermione asked, ever the
realist.
“He went camping didn’t he? Look, if he doesn’t agree then I’ll talk to him, I
know it’ll have to be his decision but I’m sure he won’t mind too much” Harry
said tying to placate her.
“Oh, but then we’ll be pushing ourselves on him” She muttered to herself
however Harry heard.
“No you won’t be. If he really doesn’t want you there then he’ll tell me and
I’ll accept it” Harry said hoping that at last she’d see sense.
“Fine, but if he says he doesn’t want us there, yet permits it you will tell us
won’t you, so we don’t come too often”
“Yes Hermione, he will” Ron answered getting a bit annoyed at her wittering.
They then went upstairs so that Ron and Hermione could pack up their belongings
before heading outside to relax in the sun and talk.
**************************************************
After dinner they all headed towards the lounge where Ron and Hermione’s bags
were left ready for them to floo home. Giving Harry a hug and saying goodbye
and thank you for letting them stay to Severus Hermione got in the floo, called
out ‘The Burrow’ and was off. Ron followed quickly and soon Severus and Harry
were left in the lounge all alone.
“Thank you for letting them stay Severus it was great, and so were you” Harry
said leaning up to give him a swift kiss on the lips and then pulled him down
to sit on the sofa next to him.
“I have something I need to ask you” Harry said
“What?” Severus replied
“Well when we are at Hogwarts, seeing as I’ll be staying in your chambers is it
ok if they come down sometimes, you know to revise and do homework and stuff?”
Harry said hoping it would be acceptable.
Severus sat silent for a moment before speaking.
“So long as you’re not too rowdy and when I am marking they either do homework
with you or leave as I want to be able to concentrate. Remember Harry that I am
only agreeing to them two and perhaps Miss Weasley, not the whole Griffindor
common room.”
Harry was ecstatic. Severus had given him what he’d asked for and more. *Ginny
can come too, great that means that she won’t be left out.*
“Thank you Severus so much, we won’t get in the way, I promise”
“Well at least like this when you get further along in your pregnancy I’ll be
able to keep an eye on you and you won’t be so worn out having to go to the
common room and back all the time” Severus said trying to make out he had
agreed for his own benefit, though he knew that Harry saw straight through him.
“Whatever your reasons, thank you, it means a lot to know that my friends are
welcome. I know it’s early still, but how about we go up for that massage?”
Harry said taking Severus’s right hand and entwining their fingers.
“Sounds like a great idea” and with that they both stood up and headed to their
bedroom.
Once they were inside both of them began to strip, Harry thinking that if he
only had his boxers on then they could go to bed straight away afterwards,
knowing Severus would be tired.
Pulling back the duvet, Severus got on the bed naked and lay on his front
whilst Harry sat down on the edge next to him and after stroking Severus’s hair
back behind his ear Harry began to speak.
“Do you have any oil I can use for the massage?”
“Massage oil? There is some in the bathroom cabinet” Severus answered and then
acciod it.
“Why do you keep it in there, I mean do you massage yourself?” Harry asked
finding that a bit odd.
“No, an old partner of mine enjoyed me massaging him however he wasn’t so kind
as to reciprocate.”
Harry thought about this. Even though he knew Severus had slept with other
people he still didn’t feel so good knowing that they were in the bed he shared
with Severus. That Severus had memories of other men lying with him, doing
things with him that Harry couldn’t do yet in exactly the same place as he sat
now. But then he also thought about what Severus had just said and about what
he had told him before. How his old partners had never complemented him, had
never gave him massages or in any way just shown how much they loved him, if
they even loved him at all. Harry decided that from now on he would show
Severus how much he was worth as a person and as a partner. He would tell him
he loved him at every opportunity and inform him of how beautiful he was. The
men Severus had been with before had seemed to use him to get what they wanted,
whether it was sex or just Severus to relax them. Harry saw how much Severus
gave and how little he received in return and so vowed that from now on he
would make sure that Severus was made to feel loved, wanted and cherished
especially in everyday life when he did nothing spectacular which demanded
credit, he would show him these things when he marked essays, after he’d
supervised detentions and just generally when the situation was ordinary and he
would be least expecting it.
Stroking a hand down Severus’s back Harry leant down to his ear and whispered
in it.
“You are so beautiful Severus don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise. Every
little part of you, from the scars on your back to the dark mark on your arm
radiates beauty, and what’s best, is that this beautiful form in front of me is
all mine.”
“How can my dark mark be beautiful Harry? It is ugly and my scars are no
better” Severus whispered back, though with a catch in his voice from what
Harry had just said and how it shone with love.
“Your dark mark shows the beauty of your personality, how you’re willing to
fight for what is right and the bravery you display whilst doing it without
asking for anything in return. I know you got it before you changed sides, but
the fact is that you did change and that you went further than anybody else I
know in the war effort to help keep us free and to protect me. It is a reminder
of what you’ve done for everyone. I think that is beautiful. Your scars show
exactly the same, how you stood up to Voldemort and even though you were hurt,
you came back fighting each time with more determination. I see your beauty
everyday and that is why I love you”
“Thank you Harry, thank you” and a single tear slid down Severus’s cheek which
Harry quickly kissed away before collecting the oil from Severus’s hand and
moving to the bottom of the bed.
Pouring a small amount of oil into his hand he put the lid back on the pot and
dropped it on the bed before gently picking up Severus’s left foot into his
lap. Starting with the toes he began to knead each one individually, making
sure that every little bit of Severus was attended to. When he finished the
last one he moved onto the foot. Pressing his thumbs into the arch he began to
draw them up the length of his foot and then back down the edge to the starting
point where he began again. He carried on with this for a couple of minutes
before moving on up to the calf. Applying more oil he encircled his hands
around it and gently squeezed as he dragged them up and down. Once this had
loosened his muscles he began to work the leg with his thumbs and heel of his
hands, pressing them down and rubbing in circles until they reached the knee.
“How’s that?” Harry asked
“Perfect” Severus all but purred in reply and then gave a gentle moan.
Moving on up to his thigh he used the same techniques as with his calf to start
off with and then added a bit more oil before taking the leg in his hands and
lightly squeezing areas whilst applying the heel of his hands. As soon as he
had finished that leg he moved onto the next and repeated the process until he
reached the top of his thigh. Kneeling on either side of his right thigh he
poured some oil onto Severus’s lower back and began to work the flesh. Lightly
he put his hands on his back and then dragged his heels up to meet his fingers
and then back down again. After doing this for a couple of minutes Harry put
his hands on either side of Severus’s spine and began to swipe outwards
applying light pressure.
“Feeling better?”
“Yes Harry, mmmm, feels great” Severus said just relaxing into the bed and
wishing it could go on forever.
“Good, you deserve to be pampered” Harry replied smiling knowing that he was
giving Severus something that no one else had ever bothered to make the time
for before.
Turning his hands into fists he drew his knuckles up his back a couple of
times. In one long stroke, he slid his palms down either side of the spine to
the pelvis; then scooped out around the hips and went back up the sides to the
shoulders. Laying a hand on each shoulder blade and kneading them with his
thumbs and heels he heard Severus groan and knew that it felt good. After Harry
had done that for a few minutes and knew that Severus was ready for him to move
on he began making an alternating chopping motion up and down his back.
“I like that” Severus moaned and Harry was pleased that it was going well. He
kept up with this motion for a couple of minutes and then moved Severus’s hair
to the side of his neck. Wrapping his hands over his shoulders he began
kneading them lightly before giving his neck a quick kiss and massaging that
before moving onto his arms.
Moving to the side of Severus he added more oil and then stroked up the length
of his left arm and back down again gently applying pressure before taking his
hand and rubbing slow circles with his thumbs. Finally he moved onto his
fingers, rubbing his thumb over them and then sliding them through his hand.
After he had finished he moved onto Severus’s over arm and repeated it all
again. Once that was complete he put down Severus’s hand and lay next to him.
Severus kept his body totally still and just moved his head to face Harry.
“Thank you. That was brilliant. No one has ever done that for me before”
“Well they should have. You always take care of everybody, now and again I want
to take care of you, let you relax whilst I do all the work. You deserve it”
Leaning forward to give Severus a heartfelt kiss he pulled back after a little
while and just stared into his eyes.
“I’m so lucky to have you Severus, so I’m going to keep on showing you how
grateful I am”
“This morning when you took your potion you called me ‘Sev’, I liked that, it
made me feel like you knew me well and that to do that you were more
comfortable around me than anyone else as no one has ever called me that
before.”
Harry smiled at him only just remembering that he had in fact called him that.
He had been tired and it just sounded right at the time, though knowing Severus
liked it he would begin to call him it more often.
“Ok Sev” Harry said and saw Severus smile.
“Mmmmm, I could just fall asleep.” He said as he looked at Harry too relaxed to
even try and move.
“Then do, you have done so much for me these last few weeks, it’s was my turn
to give you something back. Now that I have I think it’s time that we just
settle down and sleep.” And with that Harry leant down to the bottom of the bed
and pulled up the duvet to cover them. Using his wand he spelled out the lights
and snuggled up to Severus. Slowly he felt him turn onto his side and slip one
arm under Harry’s head whilst the other wrapped around his back drawing him
close.
Entwining their legs Harry enjoyed this new sleeping position as he could hold
Severus too and so laying his left arm over Severus’s shoulder down to his
back, he kissed him on his lips which were now very close.
“I love you Sev”
“I love you too Harry” and then each fell into a peaceful slumber.
***** Doing Whats Right Is Not Always Easy: You Brave Man *****
Chapter 21 – Doing What’s Right Is Not Always Easy: You Brave Man
 
Please review :) P.s. Sorry for it taking so long but I have been away to where
there was no internet and my pc keeps restarting whilst I am working. Then
there was the problems with getting on to Hpfandom, lol.
 
It was just over a week before Harry had to go back to Hogwarts as a student,
however since he would be staying with Severus, and Severus was a teacher they
would have to leave in a week’s time so that he could get his timetable and
prepare his lesson plans. This meant that today they were going to Diagon Alley
to fetch the items they required for the start of another year.
Walking to the apparition point, Harry held Severus’s hand firmly still rather
nervous about heading back to near where his nightmare had all started off just
6 weeks previous. Trying to take his mind off things he began thinking to what
awaited him at Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey had sent an owl yesterday to let him
know that when he arrived back at school he was to go visit her to receive his
6 week check up (even though it would be a week late) to make sure that
everything was changing and arranging correctly due to him being male. He would
then be able to see a projection of his and Severus’s children. Naturally
Severus would be going as well, so both were extremely excited.
When they reached past the wards Harry leant into Severus and felt his arms
wrap around him, with a pop they were gone and were soon standing in front of
Flourish and Blotts. Harry pulled out his list of school supplies and headed
into the shop in front of Severus. Harry watched as Severus made his way to the
potion isle to collect his 6th year book whilst he himself went to fetch
‘Transfiguration Made Easy: Volume 6 by Blenif Nog’ and the various other ones
he would need for his subjects. As he met Severus back at the isle he was quite
surprised to see Severus holding a copy of ‘All you need to know about Wizard
Sex by Kaitanne Flaggermouth’
“What’s that for?” Harry all but laughed thinking it was for Severus.
“If you had checked your list you would know that this is required for your sex
education lessons next year” Severus replied smirking as Harry realised it was
for himself and knew that Severus knew he wouldn’t even bother to read through
most of his list knowing some of what he’d need off by heart.
After Severus had shrunk their purchases they then moved on to Madam Malkin’s.
Luckily for him this experience was nothing like the last. All Harry had to do
was stand on the stool, be re-measured and then state his Hogwart’s house. His
uniform would then be sent to Snape Manor once it was finished. Severus didn’t
require new robes because he obviously hadn’t grown and last year’s ones where
still in good condition. Once Madam Malkin had been paid they then headed off
to the apothecary where Harry followed Severus around whilst he watched him
pick out the best ingredients for both himself and Harry. This made Harry feel
better, knowing that he no longer would have to worry about whether or not his
ingredients were of good quality and how much exactly he would need. His
Hogwart’s supply list always told him the amount he would need but Harry always
wanted to allow for mishaps etc and so was never sure how much more he should
buy. When he asked Severus however he was pleased to find out the amount stated
on the list already included this and so the previous years he had bought more
than was actually necessary.
They then left to buy some ink, quills and parchment before heading off to
Fortescue’s ice cream parlour which Harry loved to visit. Sitting down in a
booth by the window Harry looked at the menu of all the ice creams and
milkshakes they served. The list was endless and somewhat reminded Harry of a
shop he had entered in the muggle world a couple of years ago. It was called
‘The Crazy Udder’ and sold hundreds of different milkshakes, from mars bar
flavour (with actual chunks of the bar in it) to after eights. He had loved it
when he tried it though made sure never to tell the Dursleys what he had found
when they had gone to visit some of Vernon’s family in Kettering and went to
the shopping centre during their stay. As Harry picked up the list he decided
he wanted something unusual. Usually he stuck to chocolate frog flavour ice
cream but today he wanted something different. Perusing the list he came across
Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans ice cream, though after a minute decided
against it thinking that some of the more ‘unusual’ beans might make him sick.
Looking further down he decided to have the rather muggle ‘Ben and Jerry’s
Phish Food’ and then passed the menu to Severus who chose pistachio flavour
before going up to the counter and placing their orders.
As they waited for them to arrive they began talking about the twins and the
meeting with Madam Pomfrey in a week. Soon Severus’s face was alight with
enjoyment and Harry was pleased to see him so excited about what was to come.
He knew Severus wanted a family so much and was just glad that he had agreed to
be part of his. When their food arrived they stopped talking so that they could
eat. Harry began thinking about how in a week’s time he would no longer be able
to do this with Severus’s for a couple of months until the Christmas holiday
and so decided to savour it as much as he could.
“Severus, before we leave next week can we go out for a meal, like a proper
date?” Harry asked hoping Severus would agree.
“Where to?”
“Somewhere muggle I think so no-one recognises us, just something quiet which
we can enjoy before we have to be secretive together at school”
“We’ve probably given the game away by doing this but seeing as it will be
somewhere I muggle then I agree, it would be nice to spend some time together
as a couple in public where no one will recognise us.”
“Thanks Sev” Harry replied and then turned back to his ice cream.
When they were finished they headed home to relieve themselves of their
purchases. Sitting in the lounge Harry looked at the clock and realised that
they had spent all morning and nearly all afternoon in Diagon Alley. Looking at
Severus in his chair examining some of the items they had bought Harry began to
speak.
“Ummmm, I was wondering, well have been wondering about this for a while and
hoped you would talk about it with me.” Harry said making no sense at all.
“Talk about what?” Severus replied putting down the quill he was examining.
“Ummmm, about your time as a death eater” Harry said quietly whilst he looked
towards his hands in his lap, thinking for sure that Severus would not be
happy.
Severus just sat there for a moment knowing this day would come but not
realising it would be so soon. Standing, he came over to sit by Harry and then
waited for him to begin.
“Why did you join?” Harry asked tentatively looking into Severus’s eyes.
“Because I was young and stupid. When I was a student Slytherin house was full
of the admirers of Voldemort. He had only left a couple of years before and so
there were many people who still knew of his power and his ideas. A group began
to form in the upper years of his most loyal supporters who then began bullying
or seducing others to join. Weak people especially in the lower years were too
frightened to say ‘no’ and so began carrying out the older students’ orders.
They were nothing extreme, not like how we know the death eaters to be, they
merely told them to hurt muggleborns and the like. I however was seduced into
joining in. I saw the power the older students had over the others in each
house. I wanted to be recognised for being great, for showing that I also had
power. Voldemort at this point was rather separate from the happenings at
school. Yes, he had followers but he hardly ever told them to work for him
within Hogwarts, mainly he waited until they had left school and then recruited
them so help him build up the army. Because of what had happened in school and
the respect I was treated with once I had joined their group I decided to
become a death eater once I had left. However it was nothing like school, it
was far more dangerous and violent, though after you join you are asking for
trouble if you leave and so I was stuck.
Harry just nodded his head in understanding before asking a new question.
“Then how did you manage to persuade Dumbledore that you were really on the
side of light and why did you decide to spy, surely that was even more
dangerous than deserting.”
“Yes and no. It was safer in the fact that he wouldn’t be outright searching
for me to kill, except it was dangerous if he found out. Luckily Dumbledore
taught me occlumency and so I was relatively safe. I decided to spy because
your mother was a great friend of mine, my best friend in fact and when she was
killed I knew what it was like to lose someone close and didn’t want it to
happen to any more people. She was my friend even when I was marked and
continued to be until the day she died. It was then I realised how much I hated
what he was doing though knew I couldn’t leave so spoke to Dumbledore and
decided to turn spy. Dumbledore trusted me initially by performing legilimency
on me whilst giving me veriterserum. Although I am a great occlumens and can
lie to Voldemort, I am nowhere near matched to Dumbledore and he well knew it.
Because of this he knew that everything I showed him and said was the truth and
so he began to have faith in me. On top of this was the fact that I had lost my
only real friend and so would do anything to get my revenge.” Severus replied
with a rather sad look on his face.
“What did you do as a death eater? I mean I know the general job description,
but will you tell me what you personally did?” Harry asked, wanting to know a
bit more of what Severus had been involved in.
“My main job was to spy on Dumbledore and due to the fact that I was at school
most of the time I was not as involved in the violent acts to society as others
in case I was caught and then he would lose his spy on how the Headmaster was
progressing. However, before I turned and became a teacher I was not able to be
so innocent.” Severus said and then paused for a moment to pull Harry close
before continuing.
“As Voldemort got stronger and gained more support he became more brutal. Soon
he was sending us off to specific people that had betrayed him or just attack
occasional muggles. Often I was sent to watch and learn so that I too could
join in later, then one day it was my turn. Lucius and I were sent to a house
to kill the wife and children of a man who had betrayed him. When we arrived
they were asleep so we forced our way in. Lucius went to the woman whilst I was
sent after the children….
##FLASHBACK##
Opening the door into a small room Severus could see a bed on the left hand
side of the room with a little girl in who could be no older than three.
Walking over Severus could see the rise and fall of her chest under the thin
blanket on the warm summer’s night, her right arm around a soft teddy bear
whilst her blond locks splayed across her pillow. Walking to the right hand
side of the room he saw a baby lying in a cot. It looked to be a little boy
from the blue sleep suit that Severus could see from the shards of moonlight
dancing over him.
He knew that Lucius would be a while because he planned to have a bit of ‘fun’
with the woman before taking her downstairs to the lounge to be killed. Severus
looked down at the sleeping baby and knew what he had to do but even so he felt
something stopping him, something screaming inside him that these were only
children, that they were innocent and did not deserve this.
*But if I don’t I will be killed*
*But then how can I kill these children who have done nothing wrong, their only
crime being that their father betrayed Voldemort. At least I can fight, they
are so vulnerable*
*But I will be KILLED*
Leaning down Severus stroked the baby’s head and then pointed his wand however
he was unable to form the words needed, or even bring up enough hate to start
with.
“I’m going to die eventually” Severus said quietly and then rose his wand again
which he had slightly lowered.
“Stupefy” He whispered and watched as the baby became lifeless though Severus
knew he was very much alive. Turning to the little girl he cast the same spell
and then picked her up and lay her over his shoulder in a partial fireman’s
lift. Walking back over to the baby he leant down and picked him up, trying to
shift him a bit so as he wouldn’t drop him, then he went pack through the open
door and down the stairs to the lounge to wait for Lucius.
Once he’d entered the room he gently got down onto his knees and then carefully
laid the baby onto the carpet before lowering the child. Turning around to
check that he was alone Severus quickly bent over and kissed them both on the
head before silently wishing them luck. Hearing the stairs creak he stood up
and turned to watch Lucius dragging in the woman looking rather bloodied and
bruised. Her mouth was open and screaming silently before she was thrown to the
floor next to her children and the charm lifted. Noticing her children were not
moving for the first time she began to shriek.
“MY BABIES, MY BEAUTIFUL BABIES, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THEM” and her scream
pierced Severus’s heart, telling him that he had made the right choice.
Lucius turned to Severus, his face red with anger as he watched the woman
scrabble to them and hold their lifeless forms out of the corner of his eye.
“She was meant to watch them die, why didn’t you stick to the plan?” He spat
“I’m sorry, I forgot. It doesn’t matter too much though, does it? They are
dead, that’s all that matters” Severus replied, knowing he was pushing his
luck.
“The Dark Lord made it clear he wanted her to suffer” Lucius replied and turned
to the woman listening to her cry out for her dead children whist she held them
to her chest.
Pointing his wand Lucius shouted “Avada Kedavra” and her grip slackened on her
children, her eyes becoming blank as she stared into nothingness.
“The Dark Lord will not hear of your mistake, else we are both in trouble, do
you understand?” Lucius hissed and then turned to leave the house.
**************************************************
Three hours later, Severus returned to the house after seeing the Dark Lord and
telling him the news. Walking into the lounge he looked at the sight he had
left and revived both children to make sure they were alright. As he watched
the two of them breathe in their sleep he stupefied them again before writing a
note to their father which would appear in his hands wherever he was at that
moment it time.
 
‘Your children are stupefied, leave with them and head aboard where you can not
be found, somewhere far away. Change your name, your identities and let no one
know where you are. Your children are supposed to be dead, do not inform anyone
that they are not. Your wife has deceased, bury her at your house, or abroad,
but pretend your children are buried too and let no one here know otherwise.
Don’t tell anyone where you are going, but leave quickly, pack your things,
take your children and go, you are not safe, they are at home.’
 
After Severus had sent the letter to the man he left to make his own way home.
##END FLASHBACK##
Harry just stared at Severus for a moment and watched as he fought not to cry.
“You did the right thing” Harry whispered as he pulled him close and felt
Severus let go of his emotions.
“After Voldemort died I found them, I knew who they had become because I had
made it my business to track where they were through the war. I wasn’t going to
let them die after risking so much. The boy is 18 and the girl 21. I told the
man that it was me who had told him to leave and I was there the night his wife
died, I wanted to give him the chance to punish me for all that had happened
for what Lucius did and what I couldn’t stop, but instead he thanked me. It
hurt to hear his gratitude for saving his babies when I was sent to kill them
and nearly did. They gave me this watch” Severus said looking down at it,
thinking of their meeting.
“The children also thanked me for what they had been told had happened. They
only knew as much as their father, so I told them it all, everything from me
trying to kill the son to going back afterwards and sending the note. I had to
see them Harry, check that they were alright and give them the chance to make
me pay for what happened to their mother, but instead they treated me like a
hero and welcomed me to see them again. Every time I see this watch I think of
what I nearly did and remember seeing them again safe and sound all these years
later. From then on I promised myself that I would protect anyone who needed my
help because I saw how grateful they were and knew how much they had lost from
that one death, let alone three.”
“You did good” Harry said stroking his back. He was sad in a way that Severus
had to experience this but also happy that he had let him in.
They spent the rest of the day trying to talk through Severus’s past. Harry
went to bed that night pleased to know that Severus in actual fact had never
killed anyone or raped them and had never left permanent physical or mental
injuries under Voldemort’s leadership. He had of course performed the cruciatus
curse in his time as a death eater, but never to the extent that Bellatrix had
done on the Longbottoms, and only when forced. Harry felt proud of the man he
loved for being so brave and helping so much in those difficult times and made
sure Severus knew that what he had told Harry hadn’t changed anything between
them. Before he went to sleep he leaned up to Severus’s ear and told him once
again what a spectacular man he was.
“I will always love you Severus” Harry said shutting his eyes and felt the arms
around him tighten and slipped into a dreamless sleep.
***** Maloky's *****
----------- Just a quick note to say sorry for taking so long to update. I am
still having a few problems trying to go back and work out the timeline so
please forgive me if I am a bit vague in some areas. Hope you enjoy and please,
PLEASE review :) -----------
 
Chapter 23 - Maloky's
 
It was 2 days before Severus and Harry had to return to Hogwarts and as such
they were trying to make the most of their time.
At 5:30pm Severus came down the stairs and into the lounge to find Harry where
he had left him lying on the sofa reading a book. Looking up as he entered,
Harry noticed that Severus had showered and changed as his hair looked slightly
damp and he was wearing black jeans with a grey sweater, and a small patch of
white t-shirt showing under the v-neck.
"Looking good, what's the occasion?" Harry asked, dropping the book and taking
in the sight of Severus in front of him.
"We are going out to dinner. No-where posh, but nevertheless somewhere that I
am sure you will enjoy. Now hurry up and go and get showered, out table is
booked for 6:15" Severus replied with a slight smile on his lips.
"Really? Great! When did you organise this?" Harry said as he got up and walked
over.
“The other day when you said you wanted a meal out. I popped into the
restaurant the next day and made a reservation, anyway like I said, hurry up
else we'll be late ” Severus replied and gave Harry a small nudge towards the
door.
Harry bounded out the room and went to take a quick shower before getting
dressed. Deciding on a casual outfit like Severus, he put on a pair of navy
blue jeans, a white shirt with blue pin stripes and a medium blue jumper.
On descending the stairs he saw Severus standing by the front door, next to the
coat stand donning a black scarf and wool coat.
“Nice” Harry stated, genuinely impressed by how good Severus looked in his
muggle attire.
Severus just smiled before replying.
“It is raining out there and there is quite a bit of wind, not like the weather
we've been having, they reckon there'll be floods in some muggle areas, you'd
better put something warm on”
“I don't have anything warm, well, nothing muggle anyway. All I have is my
school cloak”
“Come here” Severus beckoned whilst lifting down a wool coat similar to the one
he was wearing from the coat stand.
Severus held the coat open and slipped it onto Harry's back before shrinking it
to fit. Whilst Harry did it up Severus opened the door and soon they both left
to cross the wards and apparate to their destination in the pouring rain.
**************************************************
When they arrived the sky was clouded over but there was no rain, the wind
however was still howling. Stepping out of the alley that they had apparated
into they entered into a throng of people walking into the restaurant that
Severus led Harry into.
As they got into the warm, Severus spoke to a waiter who then led them to their
table.
Taking them to a booth against the left hand wall, they sat down opposite each
other with an old fashioned, thick wooden table between them.
Looking around Harry loved the atmosphere. Along the back wall was a large bar
which came out in a square shape into the centre of the restaurant. Along both
the left and right walls were wooden booths with thick, old fashioned wooden
tables and red velvet bench seats. In the front of the restaurant by the
windows were slightly smarter tables that were a little bit more formal than
the booths but still in touch with the décor.
The walls were papered in a dark red and the carpet was dark green. To Harry,
the décor and the tables reminded him of an out of date pub with a slight
rustic feel. To him it felt old but welcoming, just like the Burrow.
The waiter gave them each a menu and took their drink orders before leaving.
When Harry returned his attention to Severus he noticed that he seemed a bit
stiff, a bit unsure as to whether what he chose was acceptable.
“I really like it here, where are we?” Harry said, trying to relax him.
“We're in a little town called Rushton, in the Midlands. This restaurant is
called Maloky's. I found it when I was searching for a muggle restaurant, I
wanted somewhere comfortable, not too formal.”
“It's nice, very homey.” Harry said and in the privacy of their booth, picked
up Severus's hand and rubbed it with his thumb.
“Good, I'm glad you like it”.
They then turned their attention to the menu. Harry perused it with care,
eventually deciding on a roast beef dinner with Yorkshire pudding. Severus
chose a Lasagna.
As the waiter returned with Severus's white wine and Harry's water, he took
their dinner orders and left.
“Sev, I just wanted to say thanks for taking me in and looking after me. 2
months ago I hated you, I thought you were sadistic and evil. However, you
still took me in, even though I was the bane of your life. You don't know how
much it means. People have took you for granted before, whether they were in a
relationship with you or not, I know I did. At school I just thought you were
the teacher that was there to catch me and the rest of Griffindor out, I
thought your main aim was to put us down and make our lives miserable. Over the
summer I have learnt that I was wrong and I will try not to take you for
granted anymore”.
“I have never heard a 'thank you' before that focuses mainly on the negative
side of a person. Congratulations, you are the first to achieve that” Severus
replied in a sarcastic yet appreciative voice.
“Shut up Severus” Harry laughed “You know what I meant”
“I do” and with that he took a sip of his wine.
Waiting for their dinner they quietly talked about small, inconsequential
things, which soon led onto bigger, more important topics, all the time making
sure that none of the muggles could hear them.
“What's going to happen at Hogwarts when we start doing more dangerous spells
and potions? I mean I can't exactly just stand up and say 'sorry, gotta go, I
don't feel well' each time we're asked to do them” Harry questioned.
“You have two options, though really only one. You can either put a spell on
yourself to protect the babies whilst in Potions and DADA or I can inform you
before we do a dangerous potion and so you can already have a pre-booked
meeting with the Headmaster. I would suggest however that you don't pretend to
feel sick because that will require you to keep up the pretense and miss more
lessons. I, however, doubt that either suggestion would work by themselves as
with the latter if Lupin did the same you would miss a lot of lessons and need
to make a lot of excuses for seeing the Headmaster as well as have to spend
your spare time catching up and with the former, it is not good to keep on
applying spells on yourself, whether they are for protection or not. No, I
suggest a mixture of the two. I will inform you when you will need to use
spells to protect yourself if the potion is of a medium risk, and if it is a
high risk, you can have a pre-booked appointment. I am sure Lupin would agree
to the same.” Severus finished in a teacher-like voice.
“But what about Quidditch? I mean I don't want to have to give that up, as well
as it looking rather obvious if I do, but surely it isn't safe to play whilst
pregnant?” Harry said, thinking that this pregnancy thing was harder to keep
under wraps than he first expected.
“Hmmmm you are correct there. I guess you will have to stop playing. You can't
risk our children's lives for a game and it is still far too dangerous to play
even with protection spells. Imagine what would happen if a bludger hit you in
the stomach. You will just have to inform the team that Madam Pomfrey has
deemed you unfit to play”
Before Harry had time to reply however, the waiter came over with their dinner
and so they tucked in in silence, too hungry to talk.
A little while into dinner Harry looked up at Severus and began to speak.
“Mmmmm, this food is so good, we have got to come here again.” Harry said
whilst putting another slice of roast potato into his mouth.
“I am pleased that you like it. I must admit I was unsure as to whether you
would prefer this or somewhere with crystal glasses and bone china”
“Here definitely. I do love all that fancy stuff but I kind of feel like I have
to be all prim and proper whilst I am there, like I can't be myself. Here I
feel happy to be me. This is what I wanted, just the two of us relaxing away
from school and home, enjoying the end of our summer” Leaning forward he gave
Severus a chaste kiss on the lips before going back to his meal.
Soon dinner was over and it was time to order desert.
“Great, they have profiteroles, they're my favorite” Harry said as soon as he
looked at the menu, Severus however spent a little bit longer deciding, before
finally settling on black forest gateau.
When their deserts arrived, Harry was overwhelmed by the amount he was given
and Severus couldn't help snicker to see the look on his face.
“It isn't funny! There is all this nice food which I know I will never finish”
Harry moaned, though bravely attempted to start on the mountain of the balls.
“Oh what a shame. If that is all you have to worry about in life then it can't
be too bad” Severus said whilst neatly slicing his cake with his fork.
Harry was unsure whether Severus was joking or not. He knew Severus had had a
harsh life and so didn't know if he was subtly reminding him of how lucky he
was, even taking into account Voldemort and the conception of the babies or
whether he was just mocking Harry like he usually would. Deciding to let it go
he digged deeper into the bowl, determined to finish them off whether it was
the last thing he did.
**************************************************
As the evening came to an end and Severus called the waiter over to pay the
bill, Harry reflected back on what a good time he had had. *I've been able to
go out with him and show the public that he is mine. Admittedly not the
wizarding public but even so it has felt great being able to hold his hand and
kiss him without the feeling that tomorrow I will wake up and it will be on the
front page of The Daily Prophet*.
Slipping the coat Severus had lent him back on and doing it up he got a whiff
of aftershave from the collar. Lowering his head he sniffed again and smelt the
lovely scent that was his Severus. *I might just have to keep this coat for
myself* Harry thought before taking Severus's hand and leading the way out into
the night air. Returning to the alley Harry wrapped his hands around Severus's
waist and held on whilst he was apparated back to Snape Manor.
Harry knew immediately when they returned as he began to get wet seeing as the
rain hadn't desisted. Holding onto Severus he just stood there for a moment,
relishing in the warmth and feeling of contentedness.
“Mmmmm, I could stand here forever” Harry said before looking up into Severus's
eyes and leaning up to kiss him wholeheartedly on the lips. When the kiss broke
Harry stepped back slightly and turned towards the manor. He felt Severus's
right arm wrap around his shoulders to keep him warm as they began their walk
back, feeling the mud and soil squelch beneath their feet.
When they got inside they removed their coats and hung them back up on the
stand, Severus also hung his scarf there and then headed into the lounge.
Sitting down on the sofa Harry looked at the clock. It was only 8:10pm.
“Severus” Harry said just as Severus was about to sit in his usual chair. “How
about we go upstairs and have an early night? I'd quite like to top the evening
off with a bit of intimacy.”
“Okay” Severus replied and reached out his right hand to Harry who took it and
stood up. Holding hands Severus led him up the stairs and into their bedroom.
Shutting the door behind themselves Severus turned to Harry and started to lift
his jumper before making quick work of his shirt buttons. Harry reciprocated
and soon both men were topless. Each slipped out of their shoes and then tugged
down the others jeans and pants before pulling off their own socks. Severus
then lent forwards and caught Harry's lips in his own before gently lowering
him onto the bed.
Breaking away from Harry's lips Severus moved to the right hand side of Harry's
body and began to pepper kisses down his neck before licking at his collar
bone. Gently nipping and kissing his way down Harry's chest Severus found his
way to his right nipple. Licking around it first to make it stand erect Severus
then gently began tugging on it with his teeth.
Harry moaned and arched his back.
Releasing his catch Severus looked up at Harry's passion filled eyes and
whispered. “Ahhhh, you like that” and as Harry nodded his head Severus moved
onto his left nipple.
Once he had finished on that Severus licked a long line straight down to
Harry's navel where he dipped his tongue in and swirled it around before gently
kissing it and moving further south.
As he got to Harry's erect penis he looked up, his eyes silently asking for
permission.
“Go ahead Sev, I trust you” Harry answered in a raspy voice and watched as
Severus brushed his nose up the side of his shaft.
He then kissed the tip before opening his mouth and gently sliding it all in.
“Ahhhh” Harry moaned and bucked his hips, not truly believing how good it felt.
Severus shifted his body so that he was laying in between Harry's legs whilst
holding his upper half up on his elbows. Seeing Harry's hands clasped on the
bedsheets and remembering what he had said about liking to hold hands he gently
loosened each one and held them in his own.
Severus's mouth then began sliding back up the penis with his tongue wrapping
around it as he went. Harry once again bucked his hips though Severus made no
attempt to hold them still, just glad in the knowledge that he was enjoying it.
“Wow Severus...........this is amazing” Harry rasped whilst releasing his hands
from Severus's to wrap them gently in his hair. Resisting the urge to push
Severus's head down, he watched as he once again lost his penis ever so slowly
into Severus's mouth. Lowering his hands he slid them down over his ears and
onto his cheeks, enjoying the feeling of holding Severus's head as it went up
and down over his shaft.
Soon Severus began to speed up and could no longer see anything except his hair
covering his face though knew Harry was enjoying it from the noises he made. As
he started to rub his own erect penis on the duvet he was stopped by Harry
calling his name.
“Severus don't............I want to...............to give this all ba -
ahhhhhhhhhhhh.............back to you later..............mmmmmmmmmm.”
Harry began to thrust harder and faster into Severus's mouth, with Severus all
the while keeping the rhythm.
“Ahhhhhhhhh...................Severusssssssss................feels so
good..................ahhhhhhhhhhhh – mmmmmmm-yessssssssss.......oh I'm so
close...........ahhhhhhhhhhh”
Harry's hands reached out and Severus took them in his own, knowing Harry was
soon about to come and wanted Harry to get the best feelings he could, though
from the sound of it he was already feeling great. Harry's hands squeezed
tighter and tighter and Severus knew he was so close. In his head Severus was
thinking of how proud he was that Harry had come this far. Weeks ago Harry was
too scared to try and experience an orgasm in case of the memories it would
bring, yet tonight he had initiated the intimacy and was now extremely close to
one of the best orgasms he had ever had.
“Ahhhhhhh........Severus........yessssssss.........Severus.......SEVERUS” Harry
screamed at the top of his voice whilst slamming his penis into Severus's mouth
as hard as he could. Severus however, didn't mind as he was used to it from
some of his previous partners who were too selfish to consider how it felt for
him. Severus knew though that it was Harry's enthusiasm and lack of experience
that led him to do it not selfishness and so despite the obvious discomfort, he
felt good.
As Harry rode out his orgasm Severus caught and swallowed all the semen. When
Harry had finished, his grip on Severus's hands slackened and he just lay there
panting with his eyes shut. Severus licked the tip of Harry's penis clean and
then crawled back up the bed. Lying on his right side he lifted his left hand
and stroked Harry's cheek.
“Was that okay my love?” He said when he saw Harry's eyelids flutter open.
“Okay? It was perfect, wow, it was incredible. I never thought it could feel so
good” Harry said smiling before leaning in for a kiss. Swiping his tongue
around inside Severus's mouth he instantly tasted his own come. Retreating, he
looked at Severus and said “right, your turn” before he himself slithered down
the bed and in between Severus's legs.
“I'm warning you now, I won't last long” Severus said, already feeling close to
orgasm before it had even began.
“When I tell you that I'm close, you will have to get off and use your hand
instead as it is best not to try and swallow on your first attempt” Severus
added. Watching Harry nod, he began instructing him on what to do.
“Ok, just lower your mouth onto me as far as you can without feeling your gag
reflex”
When Harry did that Severus was impressed because for his first ever attempt he
managed about 2 inches.
“Ok, now pull back up, you can use your tongue as well when you get more used
to it, or just use your tongue by itself if your mouth gets tired. With one of
your hands, wrap it around the bottom half of my penis and run that up and down
in rhythm with your mouth”
“Ahhhhh, that's right” Severus said as Harry did what he was told.
As Harry carried on Severus began to feel more and more aroused all the while
trying his hardest not to buck his hips until finally he was getting so close
he had to tell Harry to remove his mouth. When Harry licked up the underside of
Severus's penis, right along the vein, it all became too much and he let go.
“Ahhhhh....HARRY” He shouted and watched as Harry carried on pumping him whilst
he rode out his orgasm right to the very end.
When he had finished he pulled Harry up and cleared away their mess before
climbing under the covers. After a long, slow kiss Severus held Harry in their
customary bedtime position.
Resting his head on Severus's shoulder and his hand on his chest, Harry began
to think.
“Severus, do you think that I'm too vocal? I mean when I experience it, it
feels like I need to release everything in words and noises but now I kind of
just feel stupid”
“Don't feel stupid Harry. I love how loud you are, it tells me that you are
enjoying it and makes me even more aroused. Anyway like I have said in the
past, I'm not exactly quiet. Keep on making them noises Harry, I find it more
erotic than the sight itself” Severus replied before kissing him on the top of
his head.
Harry just smiled at the complement before beginning to speak again. “What
about my hips. When I did it to you, you looked like you wanted to buck your
hips but stopped yourself. Why did you stop?”
“Because Harry, when someone bucks their hips it can sometimes make their
partner gag or become too much for them. When you did it to me I was
experienced enough at it to cope just fine, but if I had done it to you I could
have made you ill by making you gag” Severus said, stroking Harry's hair,
knowing what was going to come next.
“So I shouldn't have done it? Sorry, I didn't realise” Harry said, feeling a
bit foolish.
“No Harry, there are no right or wrongs. Like I said, I was experienced and so
able to cope, it didn't cause me any problems. If I had wanted you to stop I
could easily have held your hips down, that is what many partners do. As it was
I let you carry on because it didn't really affect me.”
This made Harry feel better and so with this knowledge he settled down against
Severus's chest.
“Thanks for all this Sev, it was great” Harry murmured in a slightly sleepy
state.
“You have nothing to thank me for, I get as much enjoyment out of it as you, I
assure you”Severus replied with a smile in his voice.
Pulling the duvet slightly higher Severus spelled out the light.
Together they lay, silent and sated, each resting after their earlier passion.
***** Home Is Where The Heart Is *****
Chapter 24 - Home Is Where The Heart Is
 
It was Sunday morning and Harry was packing the last of his things ready for
his return to Hogwarts with Severus.
Picking up his three photo frames from his bedside cabinet he cast a protection
spell on them so they didn't break and then placed them into his trunk.
Taking one last look around the room to check he had packed everything, he
pulled the lid down on the trunk and locked it shut. Standing there for a
moment he just stared into nothingness and thought about everything that had
gone on in this house and this room since he had got there. This summer had
been both the best and worst he had ever had. This room was where he felt safe,
knowing that when he was here and in this bed nothing and no-one could hurt
him, not even his memories. Severus would take care of that. For the first time
in his life he was sad to return to Hogwarts, knowing that when he did both
Severus and himself would have to change into what was publicly expected of
them. For Harry he would have to keep his children and relationship a secret,
he would have to be happy living most of his time away from Severus during the
day and he would still have to pretend to live in Griffindor tower. Severus on
the other hand would still have to be relatively cruel in class and treat Harry
with only a minute amount of respect.
As Harry thought about this he realised what a big life changer the last 6
weeks had been, but also how much he had to look forward to. In some ways he
was lucky. Many people reach the age of 40 and still have no partner or
children and know that they most likely never will have a family. He on the
other hand was barely 16 and had both, as well as a beautiful home to live in.
*Snap out of it you idiot, Severus will still be at Hogwarts and I will still
be sleeping in the same bed as him, I can return here for the holidays. Going
back to Hogwarts will be fun, it'll just take some getting used to* and with
that he clicked his fingers to call Letty.
"Yes Master Harry" Letty said as soon as she arrived.
"Hi Letty, can you please check that I have not forgotten anything and then
take my belongings to Hogwarts"
"Certainly Master Harry" Letty said and then started touring the room to check
for any forgotten items whilst Harry went downstairs to meet Severus.
"All done?" Severus asked as he met Harry half way along the corridor by the
side of the library.
"Yep, Letty is just checking the room now" Harry said in a slightly saddened
voice.
"Are you ok, you sound upset?" Severus asked, concern lacing his voice.
"I'm fine, it's just that I'd rather be here sitting in the lounge reading or
in your lab watching you make potions than return to Hogwarts. I've grown
attached to this place, you know, I don't really want to leave" Harry replied
whilst leaning into Severus's outstretched arms.
"When we get to Hogwarts my chambers there will soon feel like home, you'll
see. Just give it time" Severus reassured him before kissing the top of his
head gently.
"I suppose" Harry said not entirely convinced but knew that he would be fine as
long as Severus was with him.
Breaking apart they headed down the stairs and to the coat stand. Severus put
on his outdoor cloak and scarf and Harry put on the muggle coat he had borrowed
from Severus to go to the restaurant the other evening seeing as the weather
was still bad.
Severus opened the front door and stepped out into the wet waiting for Harry to
follow. Harry just stood for a minute taking in the beauty of the house and
thinking back to the first ever time he stepped through that door. The awe it
created in him seeing the grand staircase and the marble floor. He knew he was
going to miss the luxury he had become accustomed to, but didn't doubt that the
chambers waiting for them at Hogwarts would be any less magnificent in their
own unique way. After all they were Severus's and anything that Severus owned
seemed to radiate beauty and warmth.
Walking through the door he took Severus's hand and left the only place that
had ever felt like home to him. Both the Burrow and Hogwarts were welcoming and
homey, but Harry always knew that he would have to leave the Burrow and return
to Hogwarts, the Dursley's or even when he was old enough, his own home. The
same applied to Hogwarts. Snape Manor however was secure, he knew that he and
his children would always be welcome there and as such this had become his
home.
As they stepped through the wards Harry took one last glance at the Manor and
then turned to wrap his arms around Severus.
With a quick turn Severus apparated them both to Hogwarts gates.
Letting go Harry watched as Severus spelled the gates open and then the pair
walked up the lawns together, no longer holding hands or acting anywhere near
as casual.
*Great, the unfamiliarity has already began* Harry thought sarcastically.
Once inside the pair descended the steps down to the dungeons. Following
Severus, Harry was led deaper and deaper into the maze of corridors that he
never knew existed, due to the fact that he was a Griffindor and so tried to
keep away from the snake pit as much as possible.
At one point he recognised where they were when he saw what he knew to be the
Slytherin common room, however they soon went past it and turned left at the
end of the corridor. Walking down some stairs they arrived in a corridor with
two doors, both on the left hand wall.
"Rest your hand on the door knob" Severus said pointing his wand at it.
Harry did as he was told and saw a flash of yellow light speed out of the wand
and warm up both his hand and the knob.
"You now have access to both this door and the next" Severus said nodding to
the other door on the corridor.
Harry twisted the gold, patterned knob and let them both in. Inside, it was
once again totally different to what he had expected.
The room he was in was large, with the main objects distributed in the left
hand side of it.
This was the lounge. It was rectangular and slightly dark, though that was due
to the lack of natural light and dark shades of decor.
On the wall in front of him were 3 dark wood doors each spaced out evenly,
though didn't go any further than two thirds of the way along the wall. On the
right hand wall was a large tapestry hanging on one side. It was brown, forest
green and dark red with small areas of blue and a dirty yellow shaped into a
pattern which included small flowers and some other shapes which were obviously
meant to be something, though he wasn't sure what. On the right hand side of
that wall was a door, though the rest of the wall was blank. The wall with the
door which he had walked through was packed however. All along the wall to the
left hand side of the door when he looked at it were bookcases full of plenty
of worn books and other bookcases full of strange looking ornaments and
pictures. To the right hand side of the door was where all the action was.
First, there was a bookcase, once again packed with books and then there was
the hearth. Above it was a mantle piece. In the centre was a clock with photo
frames either side and a pot of what Harry presumed to be floo powder stood on
the edge. To the right of the fire was an alcohol cabinet with a bookcase on
top. In front of it was a desk with a chair tucked in, facing the rest of the
room. In front of the fire was a dark green rug, a bit like the tapestry on the
wall and then a coffee table. On either end of the coffee table was a forest
green tub chair and in front of the coffee table was a forest green
chesterfield. Harry found that part rather welcoming as it reminded him of the
lounge back at the manor.
The place on the left hand side of the lounge where a wall would normally be
was open and led onto a kitchen. However, between the kitchen and lounge there
was a medium height wall with a small rectangular table in front of it. Around
the three sides that weren't against the wall were three chairs. At either end
of the half wall were two steps up so making the kitchen slightly higher than
the lounge. On the half wall on the kitchen side was an identical table and
chairs to the one on the lounge side. These tables were as small as the Manor
table was big. The left hand wall of the kitchen was just one long line of
cabinets. On the left hand side of the main kitchen wall, opposite the half
wall was a door. The rest of that wall was filled with cabinets, a cooker and a
sink. The right hand wall was also filled with cabinets. The kitchen was white
and fairly plain compared to the forest green wallpaper and dark wood in the
lounge. The floors were flagstone throughout.
"Through that door (Severus said pointing at the door in the kitchen) is my
office"
"As in the one that I have been in?" Harry asked.
"The very same"
"Then why didn't we just come in here through the office, why did we walk all
the way around?" Harry asked perplexed.
"Because it would be a good idea if you learnt your way around the dungeon
corridors abit before the students come back. If for instance you need to get
in or leave these chambers, it is no good if I am busy with a student in my
office, you would need to be able to leave this way" Severus said.
"I suppose" Harry replied before pointing to the three doors ahead of him.
"What's through them?"
"Come along and I shall show you" Severus said leading the way.
Through the first door was a bedroom exactly the same as the one they shared
back at the manor. When they walked through the door on the right hand wall
there was an exact replica of the layout of their bathroom, however the decor
was different. The floor was flagstone and there was a green clawfoot bath.
"You do like the colour green" Harry teased.
"Well I am the head of Slytherin, as such these rooms were decorated with a
Slytherin in mind. That is why green seems to swamp them, however I do feel
that it gives a warm and cosey atmosphere" Severus replied, thinking of how he
loved these rooms.
The second door along the wall in the lounge led into the bathroom so Harry
thought that he would need to remember to lock it when they had company as he
wasn't used to a bathroom having two entrances.
When they returned to the lounge they entered into the third door. On the other
side were two single beds facing them with a bedside cabinet in between. On the
right of the door was a wardrobe and to the left a set of draws. The carpet was
royal blue and the walls were cream. On the wall in front of them hung a
painting of a peaceful land far away. Other than that the room was empty.
"Do people stay over?" Harry asked, somewhat confused as to why he had a guest
bedroom.
"No, but we are given them to try and create the feeling of extra space. Most
teachers transfigure the furniture and turn the room into a study, but I prefer
it the way it is" Severus said before walking out and leading Harry to the door
on the wall with the tapestry.
"Through here is my personal lab" He said as he opened the door and allowed
Harry in.
The room itself was no where near as big as the lab in the Manor, in fact it
was about double the size of the kitchen that was attached to the lounge. In
the centre was a large thick wooden table. On the right hand wall stood a desk
and a chair in front of a blackboard. To the right of the blackboard stood a
door which obviously led back into the corridor outside. The wall opposite him
was empty except for a fireplace in the centre. The wall that separated the lab
from the lounge was surrounded by cabinets which only split for the sinks then
carried on all the way along the left hand wall.
"Severus, why do you have a blackboard in here" Harry asked, thinking that if
it was only him, then it was pointless.
"Because I like to write things down sometimes where I can see them whilst I am
making a potion. The blackboard allows me to do that" Severus said and then led
Harry back into the lounge.
"What do you think?"
"Ummmm, I'm not sure. After all the space I have got used to they are quite
small but for a set of chambers they are large. I think they feel cosey and
personal. I will just have to get used to not having a private library, dining
room or a lake anymore." Harry said, smiling.
*Not as bad as I thought. It already feels like home* He thought before going
to sit on the sofa.
Severus came to sit next to him.
"Tomorrow, I have a staff meeting and you need a checkup with Madam Pomfrey,
but for the rest of today I am free. What would you like to do?"
"Can we just sit here and relax? I'd like to just get more used to my
surroundings" Harry replied, hearing Letty unpack his belongings in the
bedroom.
"Ok, let me get a book" and with that Severus got up and went over to the
bookcase by the fire. Coming back he passed Harry that morning's newspaper
which he had brought with them and sat down again.
"Thanks" Harry said, surprised and touched at the fact that Severus had
remembered to think of him when he got ready to leave that morning.
Opening up the paper and leaning into Severus, the familiarity of the situation
quelled any fears he had of returning to Hogwarts and losing the Severus he had
come to know.
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