Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/10064582.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Rape/Non-Con, Underage, Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence
  Category:
      M/M
  Fandom:
      Harry_Potter_-_J._K._Rowling
  Relationship:
      Harry_Potter/Severus_Snape, Sirius_Black/Remus_Lupin
  Character:
      Draco_Malfoy, Albus_Dumbledore, Harry_Potter, Hermione_Granger, Remus
      Lupin, Ron_Weasley, Severus_Snape, Sirius_Black, Vernon_Dursley, Blaise
      Zabini
  Additional Tags:
      Explicit_Language, Slash_sex, Self-Harm, Sexual_Content, Alternate
      Universe, Bonding, Romance
  Collections:
      HPFandom
  Stats:
      Published: 2008-12-12 Completed: 2009-02-24 Chapters: 20/20 Words: 27787
****** Somewhere ******
by Isisfiredancer [archived by HPFandom_archivist]
Summary
     Harry comes into and inheritance and love ensues... and what's that
     about a blackbird?!
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.
***** Chapter 1 - The First Time *****
Disclaimer: I don't own or make money from anything in the potterverse it all
belongs to JK and the film people respectivly... if I did own them and had my
own way Sev would be chained, bound and gagged in my wardrobe for my own
perverted pleasures
---------x---------
Hello wonderful people.
This story actually already exists over at AFF and it's 40 chapters long
already.
I will endever to put a chapter up each week but once you get level with AFF
it'll slow down as i'm currently doing my degree and i'm VERY busy with the
work load
Ok so the story.
It was inspired by the song 'Somewhere' by Within Temptation and as with my
first poor attempt at snarry i knew the ending before anything else!!
As for HBP or DH... they never happened!! seriously i think you're imagining
things!
Ok on with the show
!!WARNING!! -- this first chapter contains rape so if you don't like it don't
read it
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
“Boy!” an angry voice shouted from the kitchen. A few seconds later the sound
of feet could be heard on the stairs as they rushed to answer the summons.
A boy, skinny for his age, came into the kitchen and stopped in front of the
whale of a man, his head down staring meekly at the floor.
“Yes Uncle Vernon?” he said.
“Did you finish all the jobs we set you?” he man boomed.
“Yes Uncle Vernon.”
“Good. Make me something to eat. Your Aunt and Dudley won’t be back till
later.”
“Yes Uncle Vernon,” the boy said as he moved over to the stove.
Putting a pan on the hob he turned on the gas and cracked two eggs into the
pan. When they were done he slid them onto a plate and put bacon and mushrooms
into the pan. Adding them to the mushrooms, he poured a fresh cup of coffee and
took them over to his uncle at the table. When he was but a few steps from the
table he stumbled and fell loosing his hold on the things he was carrying, both
of which landed on the huge man in front of him.
“BOY!” he roared, jumping from his seat, coffee and food falling from his lap.
He strode over to the now cowering boy and grabbed a fistful of hair, using it
to slam him against the wall.
“You’ve done it this time boy,” he whispered, voice as cold as ice. This scared
the boy even more than if he’d have shouted at him. The first punch was to his
stomach stealing the wind from his lungs. Over and over the punches rained down
on him. Eventually they stopped, but it wasn’t over, no it had just begun. He’d
been beaten before, sometimes to unconsciousness, but his uncle had never gone
this far. The meaty hands pulled at his shirt and trousers, ripping them from
his body. He knew what was going to happen to him and he fought it with all his
might, kicking and lashing out at anything within reach. A sudden cuff to the
side of his head dazed him enough to allow the hand to grab hold of his hair
again. Next thing he knew he was suddenly slammed against the still burning hot
stove. There was a searing heat and a white hot pain as he felt the skin on his
back start to burn. Thankfully he was pulled away, but not before the damage
was done, only to be forced face first onto the table. A second passed and then
something forced its way past his entrance, brutally and painfully. He started
to scream but a hand came to his throat and squeezed, cutting off his air. His
uncle grunted and thrust into him again and again. He tried to scream again but
the hand tightened even more until, eventually, the welcome darkness washed
over him.
 
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
He lay on a bed, naked, surrounded by darkness. Somewhere nearby he could sense
someone else, watching him, just out of reach.
“Hello,” he called, “Who’s there?”
There was no answer but he felt the person move closer. He held his breath,
listening for the other person but there was nothing. When the hand first
touched him he nearly jumped off the bed. It touched the bottom of his foot
first, gentle and feather soft, moving slowly up his body. A second hand joined
the first and together they caressed every inch of his skin. When the mouth
descended on him he nearly lost it completely, crying out in pleasure. Looking
down he tried to get a look at this mystery person but all he could see in the
darkness where long ebony locks and elegant, nimble fingers caressing his
thighs. He was so close, he could feel it. That overwhelming sensation, that
bubbled up inside him, from deep within.
“Please. Please I need to come,” he pleaded.
“Then come for me my Harry,” the mystery figure whispered.
That was all he needed. That voice rolled over him, like melted chocolate, rich
and smooth, making him shiver and gasp and then he was there, falling over the
edge of oblivion, sparks behind his eyelids. His orgasm ripped through him,
wave after wave of pure ecstasy. The fingers smoothed down his legs while the
mouth cleaned him up before moving away and then the other person was gone,
disappearing into the dark again.
“Wait, please. Who are you?” he cried, but it was too late and the darkness was
starting to recede.
“You already know who I am,” the other voice said and then it was gone.
 
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
“Get up boy,” the voice growled.
When he didn’t respond a foot kicked him, jarring his ribs and ripping a scream
from his lungs. He felt himself being rolled over and screamed again when the
rough carpet came in contact with the burn on his back.
“Good for nothing freak,” said the voice again as there was another kick to his
ribs before he heard footsteps receding away.
Rolling onto his side, he cracked open his eyes and looked around. His uncle
had obviously moved him back into his room because he could see Hedwig watching
him from on top of his wardrobe with sorrowful eyes.
“It’s ok girl,” he croaked as she flew down to land next to him, nuzzling her
soft feathery head against his cheek, “we’ll get through this. Only another
week and then someone will come and get us.”
That next week took every bit of his strength to endure though. He’d thought
that rape had been a one off thing, but he was wrong. Now his uncle came every
night, sometimes during the day as well when his aunt and Dudley weren’t home.
He was locked in his room at all times and soon enough he couldn’t move, even
when his uncle came for him. So he’d lay there, unmoving and silent, retreating
into his mind, oblivious to the blows and kicks, the blood and waste that caked
his body. Then, the day before they came to pick him up, he didn’t come back
from the place he retreated to.
 
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
well hope you like it and hope you stick around to read it
don't forget to feed the muse :D
muse: i like cookies!
isis: hush
muse: you just told them to feed me!
isis: i ment R+R!
muse: your just an R+R whore
isis: well.....
***** Chapter 2 - Discovery *****

Author's notes: Harry comes into and inheritance and love ensues... and what's
that about a blackbird?!
===============================================================================
DISCLAIMER: I don't own or make money from anything in the potterverse it all
belongs to JK and the film people respectivly... if I did own them and had my
own way Sev would be chained, bound and gagged in my wardrobe for my own
perverted pleasures
yeah i know i said one a week but knowing that i have this already written up
makes me want to put them up quicker... but i will resist... a little
anyway.... yeah....
enjoy!!
------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
There was a pop and two men suddenly appeared in an alleyway on a seemingly
ordinary street. One was dressed head to toe in black, a stark contrast to his
companion who was wearing a garish set of crimson robes, complete with tiny
flashing shooting stars. They stood for a few moments studying the seemingly
ordinary house opposite them on that seemingly ordinary street.
“Come Severus. Let’s go and fetch Harry. I’m sure he’ll be glad to see us,”
said the extravagantly dressed older man, stroking his long silver beard in
contemplation.
“Glad to see you I’m sure Albus, less so when it comes to me I should think,”
replied his more sombre companion.
“Oh I don’t know. Your training together has been going well has it not?”
“Well enough I suppose. Anyway, let’s get this over and done with,” he said
before striding out of the alley and across the seemingly ordinary street
towards that seemingly ordinary house, his robes snapping behind him.
The older man chuckled and followed him towards the, not quite as ordinary as
you’d think, house. No, not that ordinary at all. After all, this was the house
that currently housed one Harry James Potter, saviour of the wizarding world
and perhaps one of the most powerful wizards of all time. So not that ordinary
after all. Upon reaching the door the man in black knocked three times and
waited. From inside voices could be heard and then silence. A few seconds later
the door open to reveal a whale of a boy.
“D…dad. Freaks!” it screamed, running down the hall as quick as it could, hands
over its monstrous backside.
Seconds later and an even bigger man appeared in the hallway.
“What do you want?” he demanded.
“We’re here for Harry. I’m Albus Dumbledore,” said Albus.
“He’s not here. Ran away he did. Haven’t seen him for weeks,” he muttered, a
sweat breaking out on his forehead.
“He’s lying Albus,” whispered the man in black.
“So it would seem Severus, so it would seem.”
“Where is the boy’s room?” Severus growled, glaring at the fat man, then pushed
past him.
“I’m telling you he’s not here.”
“Very well. I shall find it myself,” he said walking up the stairs.
Making his way down the hallway he came to the end and a door, a door that was
locked and bolted from the outside. A faint but foul smell was emanating from
the cracks, enough to make him recoil. Pulling back the bolts and casting
Alohomora on the locks he opened the door and gagged on the stench that erupted
from within. Casting a freshening charm into the room he turned on the light
and stepped inside, wishing almost immediately that he’d never set foot inside
this seemingly ordinary house. What lay in front of him, horrified him. In all
the years he’d been in Voldermort’s service he’d seen and done some terrible
things, never though had anything affected him quite like what he saw now.
The one and only Harry Potter lay on his side, naked and curled into a ball,
covered in bruises, dry blood and his own waste. Rushing to his side Severus
cast a cleaning charm and gathered the pitifully thin young man into his arms.
Moving him he felt a bump on his back and gently lifted him up to look. There,
from one side to the other was a horrific wound, raw and infected. Laying him
back down he summoned a blanket and draped it over the thin figure.
“Wake up Harry. You’re safe now,” he whispered.
The hate he’d felt for the boy had long since passed, replaced by a tentative
friendship of sorts that they’d struck up last year. Smoothing the now long
hair out of the young mans eyes he gently shook him, but still he didn’t wake
up. Closing his eyes he reached out with his mind, searching for Harry’s. It
took some time but suddenly he found it, surrounded by walls. Briefly he
wondered when the boy had got so good at shielding his mind. Gently prodding at
the wall he looked for any weakness, any way to get in and came up blank.
Sighing he called out to Harry, asking for permission to enter. At first there
was nothing, but then he felt something and a crack began to form, small at
first until finally he could get through.
“Harry? Are you there?” he asked.
“Professor?” came a whispered reply.
“Yes, it’s me. You’re safe now. What did they do to you Harry?”
“He beat me sir and he… he raped me,” said the quite voice.
“Oh Merlin. Harry, why didn’t you let anyone know?”
“I couldn’t. He kept the windows and the door locked so Hedwig couldn’t get
out. He was the only one with a key. After the first few times I couldn’t move
anyway. I came here after that whenever he came for me. After the last time
though I couldn’t get back out.”
“You’re ok now Harry. We’re here to get you. Just follow the sound of my
voice,” he said, retreating from Harry’s mind, all the time talking to him,
coaxing the other from his own subconscious, until he finally felt the body in
his arms move ever so slightly. Opening his eyes he looked down into familiar
orbs of jade.
“Hello Sir,” Harry croaked.
“Hello Potter,” he replied making Harry smile before he finally lost
consciousness.
Gently picking him up, Severus carried him to the bed and carefully laid him on
it, mindful of the wound on his back. Pulling himself together he walked out of
the small room and went downstairs into the kitchen to find Dumbledore sat at
the table drinking tea, while the other three occupants of the house cowered at
the other end of the room.
“Albus we need to talk,” he growled glaring at the fat man. Going into the
hallway he quickly filled the other man in on what had happened to Harry. It
took a lot to shock Albus Dumbledore but this defiantly fit the criteria.
“I claim the Right of Retribution Albus.”
“Severus that law hasn’t been enforced in over a thousand years.”
“I don’t care Albus. It still exists so it’s still legal.”
“Very well my boy. At least wait until we have Harry safe though.”
“No Albus. This happens now,” he replied reaching into his robes and retrieving
his wand and two small bottles. Shoving the bottles into Dumbledore's hand he
stalked into the kitchen and up to Vernon Dursley.
“For crimes of unspeakable horror against a minor I claim the Right of
Retribution,” he said. Leaning in closer he whispered in his ear, “You Dursley
are going to die for what you did to that boy,” and grabbing hold of the mans
arm they disappeared with a pop.
 
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
looks like dursley is gonna get his comupance!
don't forget R+R is always nice *grins*
muse: *cough* review whore *cough*
isis: shut it!
***** Chapter 3 - Right of Retribution *****
Disclaimer: I do not own or make profit from any of the characters etc in this
story, they belong to JK and the film producers respectivly (i just play with
them!)
there you go now you get to see what happened to the fat man!
it's not a lot but i didn't really want to dwell on it
let me know what you think
 
------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
“Harry my boy, can you sit up for me?” asked Albus, gently taking hold of
Harry’s arm and helping him to sit up against the head board.
“Drink these, they’ll make you feel better,” he said handing the young man the
potions.
“What are they Sir?” he asked.
“A muscle relaxant and a pain reliever.”
Taking the stoppers out of both bottles, he chocked them back, gagging at the
foul taste. Almost immediately he felt a difference. His muscles relaxed from
what had been their constant clenched state and the pain receded to a dull
niggling at the back of his mind. Taking a proper look around he saw Hedwig
watching him from the desk and Dumbledore sat on a chair next to his bed.
“Where’s Professor Snape? I was sure he was here earlier.”
“He was Harry. There’s something you should know. Professor Snape has invoked
the Right of Retribution. It’s a little heard of law and few know of it but it
does exist. It means he can punish your uncle as he sees fit. Vernon Dursley
will die tonight Harry,” he explained gently.
“It’s ok Sir. My uncle deserves everything that’s coming to him. There are more
than enough men like him and even one less on the streets is a good thing. If
he did it to me he could do it to others as well. I will ask one thing though.
Obliviate my aunt and cousin. She tried to help me when she could and Dudley
might have beaten me up but that was his father’s doing as well. They didn’t
know anything about this. Make them think he left or even make them forget him
all together, I don’t care just make them think something.”
“I’ll see that it’s done my boy. Now sleep for a bit and I’ll come wake you
when Professor Snape returns,” he said as he left the room.
 
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
The fat man sat on a chair in an abandoned warehouse, rats scuttling around his
feet. His hands were tied behind his back and the fat under his chin quivered
as he sobbed, watching the man in black circle him like a hawk. He was bloodied
and bruised from the beating that Severus had already inflicted on him. Blood
trickled from a cut over his eye, his nose was broken and his lip split. It had
disgusted Severus to touch him in the first place but after everything he had
done to Harry he knew it was worth it. Wiping his hands on his robes he stepped
up to the whale of a man and dug his wand into his temple. He so wanted to cast
the Cruciatus on him, but knew that neither Dumbledore nor Harry would want him
to do anything illegal. So instead he’d settled for a physical beating, with a
little touch a magic here and there, like the Sectumsempra he had cast earlier
with a smile on his face as cuts started to litter the man’s body. Personally
he couldn’t think of a more appropriate use for the spell that he had invented
all those years ago. Now though he was beginning to tire of watching the man
sob.
“This isn’t right. You’re breaking the law you freak,” he cried, just before
Severus slapped him hard across the face again making him whimper.
“How dare you call me a freak when you get your kicks from beating and raping a
minor. You disgust me to my very core and if it makes me a freak because I will
enjoy watching you die then so be it. I believe that I will still be able to
sleep at night. As for breaking the law, I am afraid you are wrong my repulsive
friend. This is perfectly legal and binding in my world. You will pay for what
you did to Harry and you will pay dearly. Everything you did to that boy you
will feel, every beating, every rape, every taunt and jib. Yes I believe I will
enjoy this greatly. Firmus preteritus malum,” he said with a twist and flick of
his wand, an evil sneer on his face.
A scream was ripped from Vernon's lungs as he felt everything he had done to
his nephew over the last sixteen years of his life. Very soon he was shriek and
screaming, crying like a baby and soon after that he pissed himself. As he
relived all this, Severus paced and watched a sneer still on his face.
Eventually the spell came to an end and the whale of a man sat in the chair, a
quivering mess. Walking up to him Severus looked the man in the eyes one last
time before spitting at his feet and finally casting a severing charm on the
mans throat, leaving him to drown in his own blood.
“Goodbye Dursley,” he muttered.
No one would ever find, see or hear from Vernon Dursley again.
 
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
don't forget R+R!
severus: your right she is review whore
muse: i told you she was
isis: shut up, both of you or no steamy sex!
severus: but... but... but...
isis: no buts!
***** Chapter 4 - Leaving *****
Disclaimer: - I do not own any of the characters nor do I make any profit out
of them
 
This chapter was brough to you by... lack of sleep!! *dances like a hippy*
OMFG Becky took my flamer virginity!
I had my first flamer ladies and gentlemen... and for some sick twisted reason
it made me smile and I loved it... probably cus I got to be a bitch back :D
Any way I've been neglecting you I know but I keep forgetting about this
account!
If you wanna read the rest I'm currently up to 47 chapters on AFF
Right oh all you who commented I've replied to them... especially you Becky!
Now on with the show
----------x----------
A hand gently shook him and a voice just reached the edges of his subconscious.
Desperate not to wake up, for once feeling warm and safe, he grabbed the hand
and hugged it to his chest.
“Could I please have my hand back Mr Potter?” came a familiar voice.
“No,” he mumbled, hugging it tighter.
“Potter, I would really enjoy getting the hell out of this place and as far
away as possible but I need my hand to do that,” came the voice again, “so if
you do not give me back my hand and wake up this instant I will douse you with
cold water.”
“Mmmm…”
“I did warn you,” said the voice, seconds before a shower of icy cold water hit
Harry in the face startling him and making him sit bolt up right, pulling the
wound on his back taught and making him yelp in pain and surprise.
“Arghh! What the fuck was that for?” he yelled blinking water out of his eyes.
Looking up he came face to face with one smug looking Severus Snape.
“Language and I did warn you Potter. Now please get ready, we shall be leaving
shortly, he said before leaving the room.
As he got up and collected some of Dudley's old cast offs, he muttered to
himself about crazy sadistic potions masters and revenge. Slipping on his
clothes, mindful of the burn on his back he began to collect the rest of his
stuff together. Over the last year at Hogwarts he’d been receiving extra
training from a lot of his tutors but especially from Snape. Although he’d
hated the idea in the beginning he had to say that the man knew a lot of things
and it also had the added bonus of them now having a somewhat tentative
friendship, or rather and understanding and civilness to each other. He was
just picking up a run away quill when something hit him. His uncle was dead.
That he didn’t mind, it was the fact that Snape had done it. For him. He sat on
the side of the bed, trying to digest it all when he heard footsteps and looked
up to see the object of his musings standing in the doorway.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“Just getting my things together Sir.”
“I can do that. You go downstairs to the headmaster.”
“Thank you Sir, for everything,” he said as he left.
“Your welcome, Harry,” he whispered to the now empty room.
With a quick flick of his wand he summoned everything of Harry’s and put it in
his trunk which he then shrank and pocketed. Taking a last look round the room
for anything that might have been missed he turned and with a mumbled spell,
sealed the room, the door vanishing, replaced by smooth wall plaster. No one
would ever set foot inside that place of torment again. Turning he went back
downstairs and into the kitchen.
“Ah Severus. Good of you to join us. I was just talking to Petunia here. If you
could take Harry to his new home I’ll see you tomorrow morning.
“Certainly. Come along Potter.”
“Yes Sir,” Harry replied meekly, head bowed, still used to serving his uncle.
“Potter. Listen to me. Your not under any ones control any more. Now if you
would care to join me, we shall leave,” Severus told him, the whole time
looking into his eyes.
“Yes Sir. I’d be glad to leave,” he replied with a slight smile.
Taking a last look at his aunt, who was now chatting animatedly with
Dumbledore, he picked up Hedwig’s cage and left Privet Drive for the last time.
----------x----------
Remember chaps R&R makes the world go round... ok it doesn't but they make me
happy :D
And fruit for the author and the muse pwease we has eaten far far to much crap
over the holidays!
 
The chapters do get longer Ipromise but at the beginning I just wanted to get
the ball rolling so they're pretty short.... sowwy
***** Chapter 5 - Home Sweet Home... Sort Of *****
Disclaimer -- I don't own the characters in this story they are the
intellectual property of J.K and the film studios respectivly... all I own are
my own perverted fantasies and thoughts and a few original characters later
on...
 
a massivly huge chapter for you in comparison to the others but not in
comparison to the ones that come later on!
funny really i've just been listening to my music and just as i was finishing
'somewhere' and 'the bell' came on, the bell being narrated by Alan Rickman.
*swoon faint die*
severus: whore
isis: why yes, yes i am. i can't help it if he and you are my weakness!!
------------------------------------x------------------------------------
They had walked together in a companionable silence, just the two of them, the
darkness and the sense that something monumental had just happened in that
seemingly ordinary house on that ordinary street. Eventually they left Privet
Drive and ducked into a deserted alley where they apparated away. Having no
idea where they were bound for, a side-along apparition was necessary, one that
Harry was somewhat apprehensive about. Putting his arm around the Severus’
waist he tried to stay as far away as possible until he was pulled tightly
against that firm side. Shocked by how comfortable and right it felt, even
after everything he’d been through, the actual apparition took him by surprise.
So much so that when they landed at their destination he stumbled and fell
heavily onto Severus. Looking up he found himself inches from coal black eyes,
suddenly acutely aware of the heat source next to him.
After his disastrous relationship with Cho and a brief fling with Ginny,
followed by a mutual decision to break up, he’d pretty much resigned himself to
the single life. Or at least he had until that night. At the end of his fifth
year he’d met John, the suave and friendly seventh year Ravenclaw. He’d bumped
into him, quite literally, at the Yule Ball. After a little too much spiked
punch and a stolen kiss from John, they’d stumbled back to the Gryffindor dorms
and fallen into bed amid a fit of giggles. Nothing serious had happened that
night but it did open Harry’s eyes. It seemed he did in fact very much swing
the other way. He’d never had a serious boyfriend, although he had got back
together with John a few times fro a fumble, but he’d never gone all the way,
keeping perhaps the one thing in his life that he could control for that
special person. Sure he liked John. He was a nice guy, always there with a kind
word and a smile, but he never really felt comfortable with him, always on his
guard, unable to let himself go completely. He realised it was because John was
so young. Ok so he was two years older than Harry but it didn’t feel that way.
He’d already done and seen so much in his life, been through so many things,
that he felt old inside, like he’d missed his childhood and would never recover
it. He needed someone he could relate to, someone who’d experienced some of the
things he had, someone older. It was then that he’d begun to notice the men
around him.
First it had been Sirius and Remus. After much searching, the trio and the
Order had found a book in the extensive Black library stating that the veil was
in fact not a one way death sentence, but more of a waiting room, somewhere the
souls of those that passed through were held, before they were judged. They
just had to hope that he was still waiting in line. With some careful planning
and a bit of grey magic, they’d pulled him back through a little over seven
months later. All things considered he was none the worse for ware, albeit a
tad on the pale side, but other than that he said he didn’t remember anything
since the last fight. He’d been giver a full pardon, as a month before hand
Pettigrew had been found dead in a ditch, some nasty looking bite marks on his
neck. It seemed that Voldermort had gotten tired of his accident prone,
spineless helper after all. So not long after he was back, Harry had received
‘the talk’ from him and Remus, along with an invitation to their formal bonding
the next month. After some consideration he’d outed himself to them and they’d
hugged him with smiles on their faces, telling him they’d always be there for
him. Not long after that he’d started to fantasize about being with them. At
the time he’d felt ashamed, dirty. They were his godparents, his father’s best
friends and they were married. Looking back now he realised he’d just latched
onto them because they were the same as him, they loved men. So the infatuation
hadn’t lasted long and not long after he met John he’d told Ron and Hermione.
Again he’d been confronted with hugs and smiles and a complete feeling of
acceptance. When he’d returned to Privet Drive for the holidays he’d met the
new postman. Tall, lean and handsome he was in his late twenties. That soon
ended though when Dudley caught him with one of the gay wizards magazines Ron
had got him and Vernon had beaten him with a belt, because of another one of
his ‘freakish’ qualities.
Through all the crushes and infatuations though there had been the mystery man
of his dreams. Always he was swathed in shadows, so that Harry could only see
the ebony locks and long, elegant fingers. There was always the smell as well,
the one that was suddenly so very strong. Sandalwood, spice and potions and
something else, vanilla perhaps? He thought that perhaps the mystery man was
Snape and he’d certainly been thinking about him enough. What had started as
another horny, schoolboy driven crush had developed into an infatuation and was
now slowly changing into something else. If he’d have looked back, he’d have
noticed that first shift into something different last year. Throughout his
sixth year he’d received extra help and training from a lot of his tutors in
different aspects of magic in the hopes of a quick defeat when it came to the
final battle. Of all of his tutors though, he’d spent the most time with Snape.
With the other mans help he’d learnt more spells than he knew what to do with,
both light and dark, potions that would pickle the brain, literally, meditation
and power focus techniques and muggle defence and hand-to-hand combat. It was
the hope that this year they’d carry on with the weapons training they’d
started and find his Animagus form and depending on time he’d start to learn
more advanced wandless magic. It was that close training throughout the year
that had led to the fragile friendship that had been struck up. He still wasn’t
sure what it was that attracted him to the pale, stubborn, rude, sarcastic and
moody man. Maybe it was exactly that. He’d always been that way. A constant in
Harry’s life his temperament was unwavering and almost comforting. Or it might
have been the dark sense of humour, the innate wittiness, or maybe it was the
eyes that could almost see into your very soul and the voice that could stop
someone in their tracks. Who knows, maybe it was all of those things and more.
Pushing himself upright he looked at the floor to hide his blush and mumbled an
apology.
“Potter, you don’t have to apologize for everything. There are some things in
this world that even you can’t control,” came a stern voice.
“Your right. I’m sorry Sir,” he mumbled again, still looking at the floor so
that the hand that suddenly grasped his chin gently but firmly took him by
surprise making him jump and let out a small involuntary yelp. Slowly the hand
forced him to look up into Severus’ eyes.
“Harry stop it. You’re safe now. No one is going to force you to do anything,
you’re safe and you need to stop apologizing for everything. Don’t look down,
look straight ahead and face what comes. It’s not always pleasant, believe me I
know, but you have to fight through it or it’ll destroy you Harry. Now if you’d
like to follow me,” he said softly, his voice low, letting go of the boy’s chin
and making him shiver.
Following behind the other man, he kept his eyes fixed on the black clad back.
Merlin’s beard. Here he was weak at the knees already and there was still
another week till his birthday and then the rest of the holidays. How was he
going to cope! He was so lost in though, trying to think of ways to stop
himself molesting his Professor, that he nearly bumped into the back of said
Professor when he stopped suddenly. Peering round him he took a look at the
cottage that stood in front of them. It was small and dingy, possibly painted
white originally, although now a strange grey-brown colour, with mouldy thatch
and dirty smeared windows. Lovely.
“Welcome to your new home,” Severus sneered, clearly not impressed with the
current arrangements.
“Errr… thank you, I think,” he replied.
“I tried to find somewhere better, but with the recent influx in Death Eater
activity the headmaster seemed to think that this would be more appropriate, so
I am afraid that we will be here until term starts again. It will be just me
and you,” he said walking towards the front door.
Harry followed him with a gulp. He was doomed.
“Ummm… what about my birthday Sir? I was supposed to be going to Ron’s for the
rest of the holidays. He was throwing me a party.”
“I’m afraid that it will have to be cancelled. Only myself, you and the
headmaster know of this location and that is the way it must stay. I’m sure the
headmaster will bring your presents with him.”
“Oh… Ok, thank you Sir.”
They steeped through the front door of the cottage and Harry breathed in the
heavy musty smell that comes from a building that hasn’t seen the light of day
for a long, long time. As he stood there in the hallway he heard muttering
behind him then felt a sudden flare of magic.
“I just set the wards. Now the only person that come in or out of the area is
the headmaster. He should be coming by once a week with news and food supplies.
The wards surround the cottage and the garden. Feel free to explore within the
limits. We’re to continue your training while we’re here. There is supposed to
be a fully stocked training room in the basement along with a small potions
laboratory. There are two bedrooms, a bathroom and a study upstairs. The room
next to the bathroom is yours, mine is opposite. You are not to enter there
unless expressly told to. There is also and outdoor training range, a small
garden and a pond. As I said feel free to explore. I’m afraid that the entire
interior and exterior will need a clean before we can get settled though. Is
everything clear?” he asked.
“Yes Sir.”
“We’re going to be here for a while so for the time being you may call me
Severus.”
“Then you should call me Harry Si… I mean Severus,” he said with a grin.
Although they’d spent the previous year training together they’d still always
referred to each other as Mr Potter and Sir. Now it seemed their enforced
confinement had changed things, hopefully for the better. Maybe there was hope
for a real friendship after all.
“In that case Harry, do you feel up to cleaning this place up a bit?”
“Sure,” he said. The burn on his back was still just a dull throb, the
painkillers doing their job well.
“Stop if you feel any weakness, pain or dizziness,” he said.
“I will do. Don’t worry though. I’ve cleaned with worse injuries and no pain
relievers.”
“You can use magic here as well. It’s been masked from detection so the
ministry won’t know. So any household cleaning spells you know I would suggest
you use,” he said, worried about Harry’s joke about his pain and injuries.
Pushing it to the back of his mind for the moment though he set off on a
cleaning spree, thanking his mother silently for her wisdom.
With a few quick and simple spells he had the windows clean, paint fresh and
new and the thatch repaired. Now it truly looked like a cottage and he headed
back inside to finish the job. Going through the living room and kitchen he
cleaned it of dust and cobwebs, shooing the spiders outside. Meanwhile Harry
was upstairs giving the bathroom a final once over and checking the study one
last time before going to his room. Spelling clean sheets onto the bed and
cleaning the drapes of dust he cracked the window slightly and lay on the bed
for a few minutes, enjoying the luxury of feather pillows and super soft
sheets, soaking in the details around him. The bed itself was huge, dominating
the room. On either side was a small table, a huge wardrobe stood near the
door, a small desk opposite the window, along with a chest of drawers and under
the big bay window was a little loveseat. The whole room was done in the same
earthy tones, deep green walls and rich chocolaty carpets. The drapes around
the bed were deep green and the sheets were crisp white cotton next to the dark
brown coverlet. Casting a few little spells to get everything right he finished
putting the last of his things away and headed back downstairs. It wasn’t just
his room that was done in earthy colours. The whole cottage featured the same
colour scheme, one of greens, browns and creams. Going into the living room he
found Severus sat in one of the two slightly worn, brown leather armchairs
while he sank onto the couch and got comfortable.
As he sat there he reflected on what had happened and what would happen next.
Vernon was dead and his aunt and cousin were none the wiser and never would be,
instead thinking that he’d walked out on them years before, Harry also leaving
to live with friends. He never had to go back to that house of evil and bad
memories. This was his last year at Hogwarts and when he was done he’d be
setting off into the open world, if he was still alive. He wasn’t really sure
what he was going to do when he left. He’d thought about being an Auror, but
he’d seen enough death in his life already without then contributing to it
later. Now he thought more about just travelling for a while, then perhaps
settling down somewhere. He dreamed of one day finding a partner, a soul mate,
making a home somewhere, maybe adopt children. It was the one thing he wanted
at the end of all this. Peace, happiness, a family. He knew likelihood of
getting that though was slim to nil. Even if he made it through this more and
out the other side alive, most people only wanted him for his money or his
fame. He wanted someone who saw Harry, not his scar or his name, someone who
wanted him, not the idea and illusion of him.
As he turned over on the couch he winced and let out a little hiss of pain as
the burn on his back pulled taught. Obviously the pain reliever was wearing
off. He’d been given several nasty tasting potions before they left Privet
Drive to stabilise and start to heal him. One he knew was a potion to combat
malnutrition, the same one Madame Pomfrey gave him when he returned at the
beginning of each year. Another he recognised as one that would heal minor
injuries, one that would start healing broken bones, one would heal his
internal injuries, one cleaned out infection and there were a few other he
didn’t recognise. The burn however had been to large and to serious to treat
all at once so for that he’d just had to grin and bear it with the help of a
splendidly good pain reliever.
“Are you alright?” came a voice, just tinged with concern.
“It’s my back,” he replied.
“Roll over and lay on your stomach. I have a salve that will help it heal
faster.”
Doing as he was told he heard the faint rustle of fabric followed by the sound
of a lid being unscrewed and then the sudden strong scent of oranges. Cool
hands lifted his overly large shirt and started to smooth a thick salve over
the burn. At first it was cool and eased the pain from the burn itself, then
slowly it warned up, seeping into the skin and easing his muscles, taught from
pain and fear that he didn’t realise he was still feeling. The feeling of those
cool, long fingered hands running over his back was so good that he had to bite
back a moan of pleasure as they soothed and eased. All too soon though it was
over and his shirt was gently put back into place, the cool hands moving away.
“Thank you,” he said rolling over onto his back, feeling nothing but the
clamminess of the salve.
“You’re welcome. The salve will help speed up the healing process and should
limit the scarring. It’ll clear up any infection as well and keep the pain at
bay. With regular applications it should be healed almost fully by the end of
the week.”
“Excellent.”
“Now if you don’t mind I’m going to turn in for the night. Dawn is in about an
hour and contrary to common belief I am not nocturnal. I know you’ve slept
already today but I suggest you try to rest some more. You’ve been through a
lot and your mind and body need time to rest and recuperate. I’ll wake you when
the headmaster arrives tomorrow.”
“Ok,” he said just before a huge yawn overwhelmed him. Getting up he headed
towards the stairs then stopped and turned to look at the other man. “Thank you
Severus, for everything. I’m in your dept and I truly don’t know how I could
ever repay you,” he whispered before turning and leaving.
“You’ve already have. You’re alive Harry and that’s payment enough,” he sighed
to the empty darkness around him.
-----------------------------x------------------------------
someone asked where the more up to date version of this is and I can appily
tell you that it can be found here
http://hp.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600013772&chapter=1
that is the up to date one with 47 chapters of goodness...
the problem is I keep forgettin I have an account on here so I forget to load
new chapters!
terrible I know you should all spank me *assumes the position*
severs: you are such a whore!
isis: not just any old whore I'm the whore!!
***** Chapter 6 - Nightmares *****
I'm bored witless and once more I CANNOT sleep!
I think I've made the final tranasition to nocturnal!
I must have been a vampire in a previous life or something... I've got the damn
fangs and the fascination with blood... and the fangs are real!
*sigh* oh well
6 Days I think I love you :D
I haven't had many reviews on here but your'shave made me smile yup yup they
have *hugs you* thankies
------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
He’d always been a light sleeper, his second profession meant he was always
alert, always on edge. He was instantly awake then when a loud pop emanated
from downstairs. One hand clutching the ever present wand below his pillows,
the other shoving back the covers he felt for the wards, worried they might
have been breached somehow. He didn’t relax until he heard Albus calling his
name from the foot of the stairs. Climbing out of bed he put on a dressing gown
over his sleep shorts and went to greet the other man.
“I shall be down in a moment Albus,” he called as he passed the stairs.
“Ok my boy. Tea?” came the reply.
“No, coffee please. Strong and black, one sugar.”
Walking across the hall to Harry’s room he knocked on the door lightly. When
there was no reply he quietly opened the door and crept inside. The curtains
around the bed were drawn but from within their embrace he could hear whimpers
and soft cries. Going to the bed and pulling back one of the drapes he saw
Harry, covers tangled around him, twisting and turning, obviously having a
nightmare. Sitting on the edge of the bed he tried to wake the boy.
“Harry, Harry wake up. It’s just a nightmare,” he said. Reaching out a hand to
wake him, he no sooner touched the others arm when the owner curled into a
tight ball.
“Please, no, don’t,” he whimpered.
“Harry it’s me, Severus. You need to wake up,” he said, gently stroking the
boys back. After a while the whimpers stopped and the muscles unclenched.
“Harry look at me,” he whispered, gently rolling the other over, looking into
pain filled eyes. The famous scar on his forehead was red and livid, a
startling contrast to the pale, clammy skin.
“He won’t leave me alone. He’s dead and he still won’t leave me,” he whispered.
Moving closer he grabbed hold of the front of Severus’ robe and held onto it
like a lifeline. Awkwardly the Potions professor wrapped his arms around the
shivering boy and let him cry. He was really worried about him. The physical
scars might be healing, but only time would tell when it came to the
psychological wounds. Soon the sobs subsided and he heard Harry sniffling,
trying to compose himself. Pushing him away a little he rummaged in his robe
pocket for a handkerchief before presenting it to the other.
“Don’t worry, it’s clean. Are you ok now?” he asked, knowing that he wasn’t.
“For now, yes. Thank you Sir.”
“Sometimes it helps just to talk Harry. You know I’m here if you need help,
don’t you? I know we’ve had our differences in the past but I’m here now and I
promise nothing will leave this house, it will stay between the two of us.”
“Thank you Sir.”
“Severus.”
“Sorry?”
“You’re supposed to be calling me Severus.”
“Sorry, old habits die hard.”
“I understand. Now if you are feeling up to it the Headmaster is downstairs and
he’d like to talk to us. If not I shall make an excuse for you.”
“That’s alright I’ll be down soon. I want to shower first though.”
“Ok. I shall let him know.”
Getting up from the bed, he walked out the door and down the stairs. This was
going to be a long holiday.
 
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
be warned in the next one there will be self harming
if you're touchy about that subject don't read it
I'll warn you at the beginning of the next one as well
***** Chapter 7 - Relief *****
Disclaimer: I don't own or make money from anything in the potterverse it all
belongs to JK and the film people respectivly... if I did own them and had my
own way Sev would be chained, bound and gagged in my wardrobe for my own
perverted pleasures
 
!!WARNING!! there is self harming in this chapter... if you don't like it don't
read it!
other than that sorry for the wait but it took me ages to wright up this
chapter
lovey dovey feelings are on the horizon... for both our favorite leading men,
sooner for one than the other of course but one is a little slow.... no action
for another 25 chapters though!
This chapter also brough to you by lack of sleep since it's 6:08AM and this is
the second time I've tried to upload this cus my interent is on the fritz!!
 
-------------------------x------------------------
 
Sitting on the bed, hair wet and plastered to his back, towel wrapped around
his waist, he sighed. No matter what happened Vernon was never going to leave
him in peace. Getting up from the bed he walked over to his bag and rummaged
around inside for a hair tie when his hand hit something cold. Pulling it out,
he saw that it was the pen knife that Sirius had given him in his fourth year.
Flicking it open he looked at the glittering blade and remembered something he
had seen in a magazine a few years back. It had been an interview with a cutter
that had wanted to dispel the attitudes towards people that did cut. Where as
most believed that it was done as a way of seeking attention, he’d explained
that it was in fact a physical need, something that they had to do, a release
that helped them cope by making them realise that the pain was real, it gave
them something to focus on. As for the attention seeking he’d said, why do most
people try so hard to keep it hidden, a secret from those around them, if they
wanted attention? Putting the blade to his wrist he pushed down and drew it
across the skin, hard enough to hurt and draw blood but not hard enough that it
did any real damage. As he watched the blade cut the fragile skin and the blood
blossom to the surface he agreed with the person in the magazine. That pain
gave him something other than his fear and despair to focus on, it made him
realise that he was still alive. With each cut a little of the anguish faded.
After the third time he stopped and finding an old shirt ripped it into strips.
Going into the bathroom again he made sure that the cuts were clean, then
carefully he took one of the makeshift bandages and wrapped it tightly around
his wrist. Putting on a long sleeve shirt he made sure everything was hidden
then hid the knife under his pillow and went downstairs.
It was when he got to the foot of the stairs that he heard the voices coming
from the next room.
“I’m worried about him Albus. I know how he’s got to be feeling, yet he’s
holding it all back. It’s not good for him.”
“Don’t worry my boy. He just needs time. Things will work out, they always do.”
“But what if they don’t this time,” came a quiet reply.
“They will.”
Snape was worried. About him?! At that thought there was a small flutter of,
something, in his stomach. Maybe he cared for him after all, even if it was
only a little bit. Waiting in the hall for a minute to see if there was
anything else to be said he checked his bandage and headed into the living
room. As he walked over to the vacant couch he could feel both sets of eyes
burning into him the whole way. He knew he should talk to them. Dumbledore had
become like a grandfather to him and Snape he trusted with every fibre of his
being.
“It’s nice to see you Headmaster,” he said, albeit a little too cheerfully.
“And you Harry. How are you feeling?” he asked, the ever present twinkle in his
eyes as he peered over his spectacles.
“Better, thank you.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear it. We were just discussing the arrangements of your
training. I believe there is a stocked training area that you are planning to
use?”
“Yes Sir. We’re going to start some weapons training. I’d like to turn part of
the training area in the garden into an archery range as well,” he said.
“That sounds like a fine idea. I’ll be popping in at least once a week to bring
you anything you’ll need, so you can show me how you’re progressing. In the
mean time don’t let his grumpy demeanour get you down. He can be a foul
tempered monster sometimes,” smiled the Headmaster.
Harry sat looking at him, mouth agape. Turning slowly he looked at Severus, who
was glaring daggers at the older wizard.
“Ummm… I’ll try not to Sir,” he said, his mouth suddenly very dry.
With a loud chuckle Dumbledore changed the subject and started talking about
muggle sweets. Soon enough though, he announced that he had to leave and after
a few quick goodbyes, he apparated out of the room with a pop. After he’d left
they sat in silence for a while until Harry’s stomach decided to fill the room
with a loud growl. Going red he looked up to see Severus smiling at him.
“Well it appears that breakfast is in order,” he said, getting up and heading
for the kitchen.
Soon enough toast, cereal, fruit and bacon sandwiches sat on the table, Harry’s
stomach growling in delight as Severus finished cooking the scrambled eggs.
“I didn’t know you could cook Sir,” he said.
“It’s not that different to potion’s making really. It’s all about proportions
and combining ingredients to get a desired effect.” He said, ignoring Harry’s
slip back into formality, “Now I know that you might be hungry, but you need to
take it easy. Your stomach will have shrunk so eating too much will only make
you sick. You need to eat, but it needs to be small amounts through out the
day, for the first few days at least.”
“Ok, thank you for the warning.”
They sat and ate in a comfortable silence, the only sound the quite chew of
food and the chink of cutlery on plates. When they’d done Harry automatically
got up to wash the plates but Severus stopped him.
“You’re not at home any more. Use magic Harry,” he said, banishing the plates
to the sink where they began to wash themselves.
“Sorry, habit,” he mumbled.
“I understand. I can put some more of the salve on your back if you’d like.
With regular applications it should be healed by tomorrow night.”
“Wow, that’s quick.”
“It’s very strong stuff. I often need it when… never mind. Come on and I’ll
apply some more,” he said.
After another application of the salve by those wondrously cool hands, they sat
in the living room, Harry doing his homework and Severus reading a new potions
journal Dumbledore had brought him.
“You said your birthday was at the end of the month didn’t you?” Severus asked.
“Yeah Thursday the 31st. I’ll finally be coming of age. Why do you ask?” he
said.
“That’s what I was thinking about. When people come of age in the wizarding
world they experience an influx of power. Up until then it is stored and
inaccessible. Everyone reacts to this release in a different way, for some it’s
a very easy affair, experiencing no more than a headache for a few hours, but
for others it can be excruciatingly painful, the general rule being the more
powerful to begin with, the harder the change will be. I am loath to say it but
with your power I think you will have a hard time,” he frowned.
“Oh. Ummm… is there anything I can do to make it easier?”
“No, not really I’m afraid. Pain potions and muscle relaxants would help but
only to a certain point.”
“Looks like I’m in for the long haul then huh? Good thing my pain threshold is
pretty high,” he replied with a forced grin.
“I’ll help you in every way I can but I’m afraid for the main part you will be
on your own,” he said chewing on a piece of toast thoughtfully, “If you feel
ready, I thought that perhaps we could start your training later. We can start
with something easy, let you get adjusted and then move on from there.”
“Sure. I think I can manage it and besides, I don’t want to get flabby sitting
round here doing nothing. What are we going to cover this time?”
“Well you know nearly everything I can teach you on potions that’ll be of any
use. I think we’ll focus on weapons training, hand-to-hand combat and duelling
to increase you strength, agility, dexterity and endurance. We might go into a
bit more advanced magic and look at some wandless casting if we have the time
as well. We’ll see what happens once you come of age.”
“Cool. Come on then,” he said with a grin, getting to his feet.
“Now?!” Severus asked with a hint of shock.
“Why not? I’ve done my homework and now I’m getting bored. I need to keep
active, it’s just the way I am. Besides it stops me thinking about it,” he
said, his voice barely a whisper by the end.
“Very well. You have to talk about it at some time though Harry. Keeping it
bottled up will just make it worse. Trust me.”
“I will… just… give me some time,” he whispered.
 
-------------------------x-------------------------
***** Chapter 8 - Scars Of The Past *****
Disclaimer -- *damn this gets boring writing this each time!!* Right so I don't
own the majority of this so don't sue me it belongs to J.K
------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
“Faster, harder. I can take it,” he panted.
“Don’t push yourself to hard,” came the reply.
“I can handle it, I’m a big boy now, remember!” he said with a grin as the
sword whipped towards him again. With a quick step to the side he dodged the
blow and moved in to make a strike of his own. Sweat dripped down his neck and
his hair was stuck to his face. He’d let it grow over the last year and now it
reached the middle of his back. Normally he kept it bound, but during their
sparring it had come loose and now flowed freely around him as he moved.
“Well if you think you can handle it, who am I to refuse?” the other man
replied with a slight smile as he redoubled his efforts. The end of his sword
flashed this way and that, trying to find a way past the young man’s defences,
only to be blocked each time. Finally they both struck each others swords with
such ferocity, that the impact caused them to drop their weapons. The younger
man yelped as the hilt of his sword hit him on the toe, leaving him hopping
round the basement, clutching his throbbing foot. A snort from the other side
of the room alerted him to the other man once more.
“What are you laughing at?” he scowled.
“You, prancing around like a new born colt,” he replied with a smirk.
“I am not prancing, I’m hopping and it’s because that sodding sword fell on my
FUCKING TOE!” he shouted.
“There’s no need to yell,” replied Severus. Pointing his wand at Harry’s foot
he muttered something under his breath and suddenly the pain was gone.
“What did you do?”
“It was a simple pain relieving spell designed for minor injuries,” he said,
stressing the end just a little.
“THAT WAS NOT MINOR!!” Harry shouted. Turning around he made to storm off, only
to trip over his discarded sword, landing in an undignified heap on the floor.
“Fuck.”
A deep, rich laugh suddenly filled the room, echoing off the walls. Rolling
onto his back he stared at the other man in disbelief. This was the man that
he’d never even seen smile fully, let alone laugh, but there he was lent
against the far wall laughing, albeit at Harry’s misfortune, but laughing all
the same. When he finally stopped he looked at Harry and pushing himself away
from the wall he offered a hand to help him up.
“Close your mouth you look like a fish,” he snorted.
“But… you… you laughed!”
“Observant aren’t you. Did you think I was incapable of laughing?” he asked
with a smirk.
“No, it’s just… I’ve never even seen you smile properly.”
“Just because you’ve never seen something does not mean that it can never
happen. Before you came to Hogwarts did you ever think that unicorns were real
or that you could kill a man with a single word? Do not dismiss things so
easily.”
“Your right. I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions,” he said dusting himself off.
“Apology accepted. Now that the amateur dramatics are over however, shall we
continue?” he asked with a raised brow and a smug smirk.
“You just can’t help yourself can you? You love to torment me. I can see this
is going to be a long holiday,” he replied walking over to pick up his sword.
It had been nearly two weeks since he’d got here and they’d first started
training and he was already beginning to feel the effects. He was starting to
fill out again, what with all the meals he’d been eating, plus his muscles were
becoming more defined, thanks to his training and helped along by Severus’
nutrition potions to help combat any underlying problems caused by his earlier
malnutrition. The scar on his back would always be there but true to his word,
the salve that Severus had repeatedly put on it during the first two days had
healed it by the end of their third night and the scar wasn’t all that bad. He
still had nightmares and twice he’d woken Severus with his screams. He hadn’t
stopped cutting himself either. He knew he shouldn’t do it but he couldn’t
stop. It was like a physical outlet for the pain he felt inside himself. It
meant that he didn’t break down completely. The first few, small and shallow,
were healed now, thin brownish lines that marred his skin. Along side these
were newer ones, some partly healed and some like the ones from this morning
along just starting to clot, red and raw, much deeper than before. So far he’d
managed to keep them clean, hidden and under control and they’d passed by
unnoticed by Severus.
“Come on then, into position. This time attack more instead of just defending,”
Severus said as he readied himself.
“Whatever you say,” he said a split second before he charged the older man, his
sword aiming for his middle.
They sparred for some time, dancing around each other, dashing in to attack,
retreating to block and parry. Finally Harry moved in to end it but tripped in
the process. Seeing him start to fall Severus automatically reached out and
grabbed him by the wrist to stop him, only to let go at Harry’s sharp yelp of
pain. The younger man hit the floor with a thud, his arm clutched to his chest,
teeth gritted against the sharp stab of pain that had torn through him. He
could feel a warm stickiness starting to seep through the bandage and he knew
that the cuts from this morning had reopened. Severus dropped to his knees in
front of him, concern evident on his face, thinking he’d hurt him in some way.
“Are you alright?” he asked, “let me have a look.”
“No! It’s ok, honestly. It’s nothing,” he said quickly, unable to look the
other man in the eye.
“Harry. What’s wrong? What are you hiding from me? Let me have a look… please,”
he said gently.
“No, please don’t. Just leave it.”
“Harry if there is something wrong you can tell me. I will do everything in my
power to help you.”
Looking at the sincerity in the other mans eyes he gingerly held out his arm
and pulled back his sleeve to reveal old scars and the bandage, its crisp
whiteness spoiled by a red patch that spread as they watched. He was surprised
by how quickly it spread, amazed there could be that much blood and as he
watched his head felt a little light.
“You stupid, stupid boy! Why didn’t you come to me? I could have helped you!
Anything would have been better than this Harry,” he growled, his voice filled
with anger, frustration and worry and there was something else as well,
something he couldn’t quite put his finger on.
“I’m sorry.”
“Why did you do it?”
“I needed it. The pain made me realise I was still alive,” he whispered, all
the time staring at the floor as the tears began to form, slowly creeping down
his nose to land on his leg, “I’m sorry.”
“Oh Harry,” he said pulling the younger man into his arms, simply holding him
as he cried, acting as a force to ground him. When the sobs finally died down
he pushed him back a little and holding his chin looked him in the eyes as he
wiped the tears away with his sleeve.
“You have to talk to me Harry.”
“Ok.”
“Promise me you’ll stop cutting yourself as well.”
“I’ll try, I promise.”
“Come on, we’re done here. Let’s go talk.”
Getting to his feet he pulled Harry up with him. With a quick spell he healed
the cuts and led him upstairs to the living room where he sat him on the couch.
When he made to move away Harry whimpered and clutched at his hand, begging him
to stay. So there they sat, Harry lent against him, his arms wrapped around the
trembling young man as he recounted his past. He listened as Harry told him
everything, from living in the cupboard under the stairs for the first eleven
years of his life, then how when he came to Hogwarts he was regularly beaten
and half starved during the holidays. His perception of Harry changed once
more. He knew that he’d had a hard time, much different to his first idea of a
pampered and privileged child, spoilt by relatives who loved him and catered
for his every whim, a boy wonder, adored by all, but this, this was something
he’d never thought of. By the end he wanted to bring Dursley back from the dead
just so he could deal with the repulsive man properly this time. When Harry had
finished he looked up at Severus and smiled ever so slightly.
“Thank you. No one has ever just listened to me before. You were right though.
I do feel better now someone knows. It’s like a weight’s been lifted.”
“It’ll take time before you really feel comfortable but don’t worry. Things
will turn out alright.”
“I know,” he mumbled. It was strange. After all that had happened he never
thought he’d feel this comfortable next to another man again, not even Severus,
the secret man of his dreams and fantasies, but here he was wrapped in arms
that made him feel warm and safe. He could feel the heat radiating from the
body next to his and it made him feel whole, loved. It didn’t matter that the
feeling wasn’t mutual, he just enjoyed it while he had it, so he didn’t notice
when his eyelids grew heavy or when he finally fell asleep or when those same
strong arms lifted him up and carried him to his bed. He certainly didn’t
remember the way he whimpered when the warmth of that body started to pull away
or how he clutched at it like a lifeline, how the source of the warmth slipped
into the bed beside him where he snuggled nearer and how those arms pulled him
closer. He didn’t remember any of it. Well not tonight anyway.
 
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
*sigh* I'm bored cold tired and feel like I've been punched in the chest....
pretty crap over all
Please review it only takes a few seconds and so far I've only got one regular
reviewer and Becky the ditzy flamer
I know you're reading so couldn't you just take a second... pwease? *big puppy
dog eyes*
***** Chapter 9 - Thud... *****
Disclaimer -- I still don't own them J.K does
Just a quick one because it fits with the last one and it's only tiny
------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
He woke slowly, layer by layer. What woke him first was the irritating bit of
hair that kept tickling his nose. Next he become aware of a familiar smell,
then the warm body next to him shifted and everything rushed back to him and
his eyes snapped open, only to meet a dark, sleepy onyx gaze. Letting out a
yelp he rolled over and fell out of bed with a thud.
“Ow,” he moaned. Oh dear Merlin. What was he doing in bed with Severus? Not
that he really minded, he’d have done anything to get him there but not like
this. He didn’t even remember falling asleep. Suddenly a head popped over the
side of the bed and looked at him in concern.
“Are you ok?” Severus asked in a sleep roughened voice that sent shivers down
Harry’s spine.
All he could manage to do was squeak and nod his head.
“In that case either go away or get back into the bed. I, personally, am still
tired,” came a reply as the head disappeared back over the edge.
Getting up onto his knees, Harry stopped and gawped at the man who was lying on
the bed. Flat out on his stomach, one arm under the pillow, the other wrapped
around it, nose buried deep in its midst, he was a tempting sight for sure. An
eye cracked open to look at him before shutting once more.
“Well? Make your mind up and stop gawping like a dying fish. Get into the bed.”
And not knowing what else to do, he did exactly that. Inching in beside the
other man he put as much distance between them as he possibly could or at least
he did until an arm snaked out and pulled him flush against a very warm, very
firm side. Biting back a moan he settled down. This was heaven. Who cared if
they both had their clothes on? It was still nice.
“Don’t say anything and just go back to sleep. Feet to yourself as well,
they’re ice cold,” the other man muttered into the pillow.
“Ok,” he squeaked.
Lying as still as possible he daren’t even breathe. Maybe it was a dream, his
subconscious playing vicious, evil tricks on him. Finally closing his eyes he
begged it to be real. After a few minutes he was sure it was though. The slow,
even breathing, that wonderfully familiar smell and the warm breath tickling
the back of his neck was all still there. Letting out a long breath he didn’t
realise he’d been holding he relaxed fully, smiled happily and let sleep claim
him once more.
 
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
Go on review you know you want too
***** Chapter 10 - The Morning After *****
Disclaimer: *sigh* still don't own them JK does and the other various
respective people that i can't be bothered to list or research... why must this
be on every chapter again?
 
ow ow ow ow OW!! stupid cut of unknown origins why do you choose to start
hurting NOW?!
gah!
ok update time just to you know this is a pretty clow paced story
I believe it's 32 chapters till they finally realise what's in front of them
and 38 chapters till they do the dirty... although for all that it's a very
short time scale... i haven't reached christmas yet andi've got i believe its
69 chapters.... to say it's going to be a long one is an understatement! i have
two other notebooks on stand by and there is a sequel planned as well!
so if you start reading this you're in for the long haul my friends!!
-----------------------x------------------------
 
When they both woke up for a second time, not a word was said about the
previous night. Severus knew that Harry needed to come to terms with everything
and the only way he could do that was to talk about, but it also meant that he
had to initiate the talk himself. When they’d both washed and changed they
headed downstairs for breakfast. It was only when the paper popped onto the
table, as it did every morning, that Harry realised what tomorrow was.
“It’s my birthday tomorrow,” he said to himself.
“Sorry, what did you say?”
“It’s my birthday tomorrow,” he repeated, looking up at the man seated across
from him, “I guess I lost track of time.”
“So it would seem.”
“Well what are we going to do?” he asked.
“I beg your pardon?” asked Severus, clearly bemused.
“Well I know I’ve got this whole coming of age and extreme pain thing on the
horizon but I don’t want to spend the whole day cooped up in bed. So what are
we going to do? I want to celebrate,” he finished with a grin.
“I’m sure we could arrange something. For now though hurry up and finish that,
Albus should be here soon.”
“M’kay,” he muttered through a mouthful of toast.
“Heathen.”
As soon as they had finished they washed the dishes, this time by hand, Severus
occasionally quizzing him on spells and when he should use them. A brief second
before he arrived they felt a disturbance in the wards and then Albus stood in
the middle of the kitchen.
“Albus. We’ll be with you in a second.”
“No hurry boys. I’ll make tea.”
A few minutes later and they were finished, all walking through to the living
room, tea tray bringing up the rear. It was then that Harry’s trousers chose
the rather inappropriate time to fall slowly to his ankles, leaving Severus
with a wonderful display of firm tight buttocks as he bent down to pull them
back up.
“Stupid bloody clothes,” Harry muttered angrily.
“What’s the problem my boy?” asked Albus.
“It’s Dudley's cast offs. He’s built like a small whale but when it comes to
casual clothes, they’re all I have.”
“Well we shall have remedy that later, won’t we? Other than that though how are
you two doing?”
“We are as well as to be expected. Did you know it’s the boy wonders birthday
tomorrow?” said Severus, looking up from the potions journal he’d picked up
from the table.
“Hey! Don’t call me that you great bat,” Harry complained as he threw a cushion
at the other man, who with a flick of his wand stopped it in mid-air and sent
it hurtling back into Harry’s face.
“Well you seem to be getting along,” said Dumbledore with a smile.
“We haven’t killed each other yet if that’s what you mean,” he said with a
wicked smirk.
“Excellent,” said Dumbledore with a smile, before turning to Harry. “Now then
Harry, I shall pop back in later with your gifts so you can have them for your
birthday.”
“Thank you sir.”
They sat for a while, Albus filling them in on the things they’d missed,
important news and mindless gossip, before Severus asked if he could talk with
the headmaster alone for a while.
“Sure. I’ll be in my room.”
Getting up he left them to it and headed up to his room. Throwing himself onto
the bed he got comfortable and retrieved the book he’d been reading from the
table. It was a muggle novel Hermione had lent him called “Of Love and Men” by
Cadence Cropley. It was about a man who went in search of his father with the
help of his best friend, how they gradually fell in love and the problems they
faced in medieval England trying to keep it a secret. He liked it, could
identify with the main character, how he’d had to keep his feelings and his
true character secret from the world. He only hoped that he got his happy
ending like they did in the book.
The knock at the door startled him out of his musing. Jumping up he went to
open the door, only to come face to face with a t-shirt clad chest emblazoned
with ‘Don’t Annoy Me, My Backyard Is Already Full’. As his eyes travelled
upwards he found himself looking at a rather disgruntled Severus.
“Albus has gone,” he huffed.
“What happened?” he snorted, earning him a glare.
“It appears the wardrobe problem has been solved, mine as well as yours. I am
now left with these abominations,” he said as he sat on the bed and Harry went
to inspect his new wardrobe.
“They suit you… errr… I mean… you wear too much black. I don’t think I’ve ever
seen you in anything other than your robes. They look good,” he finished in a
rush, a blush just starting to stain his cheeks.
“I suppose they are cooler. It shall just take some time to adjust to them,” he
replied, lying back on the bed, hands under his head, t-shirt rising a little
to grace Harry with a glimpse of firm stomach and a thin trail of hair
disappearing into jeans.
Fighting back a moan of desire he went around the bed and retrieved the knife
from under his pillow. Going to sit next to Severus he waved the knife in front
of the other man’s face. As the dark eyes opened and focused on the knife, he
sat up and took the knife from Harry.
“You should have that. At least then there’s no temptation and besides I’ve got
no need for it now, I’ll keep my word,” he said as he lay down next to the
older man.
“Thank you Harry. That’s a big step to take,” he said slipping the knife into
the back pocket of his jeans, “Don’t worry, things are getting better.”
“I know.”
Picking the book up that lay discarded beside him, Severus turned it over to
inspect the cover.
“Mindless muggle drivel,” he muttered.
“It’s not drivel. It’s a really good book I’ll have you know. Besides I like
the characters.”
“What is it about then?” he asked sceptically.
“The importance of family and the love between men. I can relate to the main
character in a way.”
“Oh?”
“Well we both have to hide who we really are and how we feel, only he gets a
happy ending and some how I just don’t think I’ll be that lucky.”
“Why not? Everyone deserves a chance at happiness.”
“Yeah well he’s not being chased by a deranged mad man and the person he falls
in love with actually loves him back, while I seem to have picked the one
person on earth I’ll never be able to have,” he muttered darkly.
“Well then use your Gryffindor charm to woo her.”
“Not a her.”
“Oh. Then use your Gryffindor charm to woo him.”
Harry Potter was gay. The press would have a field day if they ever found out
about that. It seemed like things just kept piling up on the young mans plate,
threatening to unbalance him at any time.
“He’s not exactly fond of Gryffindors.”
“Well you appear to be… how should I put it… stuffed?”
Harry looked at the other man in shock. That wasn’t what he was supposed to
say!
“Don’t look at me like that. It sounds as if you are going to have to make the
first move if you’re going to get his attention. What do you like about him
anyway?”
“He’s always treated me the same way. When everyone else was tripping over
themselves to get to know me or when they were trying to stab me in the back,
he’s always been there, a constant in my life for the last six years. He’s kept
me grounded. He’s smart and handsome and witty and he has the most fantastic
sense of humour. He smells fantastic and the way he moves is amazing, like a
cat. If I was to make the first move though, I think he might hex me with
something nasty.”
“Sounds like a perfect man, apart from the hexing part.”
“Mmm… you have no idea,” he said as they lay there.
 
-------------------------x----------------------
 
More shameless self promotion that book harry is reading is another one of mine
that i have in the works... never got any further than the first chapter...
must fish it out
Review please... keep the muse happy
muse: i don't care about reviews
isis: yes you do now shut up
severus: vicious isn't she?
isis: yes!!
***** Chapter 11 - Birthday Suprises *****
Disclaimer: don't own themjust playing with them make no money belong to JK and
the other people like the studios etc etc.... oh wait i do own one of them now
You get a job lot today because i'm bored, suffering insomnia again and i have
four new chapters ready to put up on AFF but i need to eek them out so you get
the benifits of lots of chapters instead
i hope you enjoy this chappy, it's the longest one i've written so far.
next chapter is the whole coming of age ordeal!
muse: and an excuse for you to be a sadistic bitch
isis: you have no idea *evil smirk*
muse: you're more and more like him everyday!
isis: who?
severus: i think she means me
isis: oh...
severus: you're a bit dense cometimes aren't you?
isis: hey! take that back or you can be celibate for the rest of your life!
muse: i'd listen to her!
 
------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
“Gah… stop… please… can’t… take… anymore,” he gasped between breaths.
“You should have moved faster then shouldn’t you? If you had it might have been
me in your position right now,” said the other man who was leant against the
wall, his wand trained on the squirming figure on the floor.
“I c… can’t move any… faster damnit!!” he managed to say just before another
wave of giggles left him incapacitated once more. Finally the other man lifted
the hex and helped him to his feet.
“In that case learn. Next time I’m going to use something worse than a tickling
hex and the Dark Lord isn’t going to stand around and wait for you to curse
him.”
“I’m trying as hard as I can.”
“Then try harder. This is your life we are talking about,” he said making the
other glare at him.
“Oh stop sulking. Come on let’s finish and go eat.
“I wasn’t sulking.”
“Of course not. Dumbledore isn’t a meddling old coot either.”
“He’s not that bad!”
“Need I remind you of my wardrobe?” he asked with a raised brow.
“True. What’s for dinner anyway? I want to shower before we eat.”
“Pasta.”
“Yum. Ok shout me when it’s ready,” he said as they exited the basement and
headed upstairs.
Going to his room he grabbed a towel and went to the bathroom. Turning the
water up to full he stepped under the spray and let the hot water ease away the
aches and pains of another days training. Taking his time he washed his long
hair and scrubbed the sweat and grime from his body. Leaning back against the
cold tile wall he let the water beat down on him while he thought about
everything that had happened. Looking at the faded scars on his wrist he
thanked whoever was listening for Severus. Even if the man didn’t realise it
he’d saved him from probably doing something stupid. Finishing up he turned off
the water, stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel loosely around his
hips. Putting his dirty clothes in the hamper he headed down the corridor and
into his room.
Severus had come up the stairs just in time to see a tanned and nicely toned
body cross the hall, skin glistening with water, long hair stuck to the almost
flawless surface, only for the beautiful creature to enter Harry’s room. He
hadn’t realised until that moment just how stunningly beautiful the young man
was. He’d noticed him that was for sure, but never in this way. It made
something stir in his groin that he thought was past its time for fleeting
fancies. Shaking his head to rid himself to such thoughts he disappeared into
his own room and changed into a clean pair of jeans and a tight fitting black
shirt. He was starting to get used to this muggle clothing thing, the only
problem was that there just weren’t enough pockets and it was incredibly
difficult to store and hide things in them he thought, looking down at the
unsightly bulge. With no time for a cold shower he thought of anything he could
to get rid of the problem, including a naked Filch and Minerva making out in
the broom closet. That doing the trick he fought back the urge to vomit, tucked
his wand into his back pocket, crossed the corridor and knocked on Harry’s
door.
“Come in,” came a muffled response.
Opening the door he found Harry sat on his bed in nothing but a pair of rather
tight boxers with “Bite Me” emblazoned across the back, towel drying his hair.
“Yeah?” he said, looking up at the man standing in his doorway, his hair
creating a frizzy halo around him.
“Dinner shall be ready in roughly ten minutes and may I suggest brushing your
hair before you come down?”
“Huh?”
“You look like you have just been ten rounds with a hippogriff.”
“Oh,” he replied, getting up and walking over to the mirror, stretching as he
went with the grace and elegance of a sun warmed cat. As he cast a quick spell
to finish drying his hair and started to brush it, Severus merely stood and
watched the play of muscle under skin. He really was stunning and although he
was still a little on the thin side he’d filled out considerably and thanks to
the training he was now toned, muscle becoming more pronounced. Add to all that
the lusciously long hair, with its slight wave, thick and shiny and the
mesmerising emerald green eyes and he really was a modern day Adonis.
As he stood there Severus let his mind wander and quite suddenly he began to
imagine what it would be like to take the younger man to bed, feel that hard
body under his as he filled him inch by inch, hearing him pant and moan, gasp
his name and shout as he came. He knew Harry was gay, he’d told him, but then
there was this mystery man that he had his heart set on. Still he’d never try
anything, he didn’t want to ruin their fragile friendship, but it was nice to
dream.
“HEY!” a voice shouted rousing him from his musings.
“What?”
“That’s the third time I’ve called you. What were you thinking about?” Harry
said with a grin.
“Nothing. Come on, the food should be done by now,” he said turning and all but
fleeing form the room. As he walked down the stairs he mentally slapped
himself. He was old enough to be his father and what could such and amazing
young man see in a grouchy old death eater like him? Standing in the kitchen he
plated up the food and levitated it over to the table while he collected the
other things they would need and the hidden bottle of wine Albus had bought
them. Pouring two glasses he placed them on the table and sat down just as he
heard Harry on the stairs.
Bounding down the steps two at a time Harry heard another loud growl emanate
from his stomach at the thought of the food waiting for him. Finally hitting
the bottom step he shot round the corner and tripped on the edge of the rug
just outside the door, falling with a thud.
“Merlin’s balls! Are you ok?” came a concerned voice as he lay there trying to
collect his thoughts.
“Urgh,” he said dragging himself to his feet and dusting himself down, “I’m
fine, just give me a minu… Woah.”
The room was softly lit by a few torches scattered about. The majority of the
light however, came from the moon, which could now be seen clearly through the
seemingly transparent ceiling. Somewhere he could hear the sound of waves
hitting a beach as well and the lonely call of a bird.
“What… how did you…?” he gasped.
“Albus. He seemed to think that you might like it.”
“It’s amazing. Everything is just so… beautiful,” he said, looking at the man
sat across from him.
“Come and eat then you can open your presents.”
“But my birthday is tomorrow.”
“Yes, but we don’t know how long you will be incapacitated do we?”
“Ok, fair point. Let’s not talk about that tonight. Now give me a fork and that
wine, because this smells amazing.”
Sitting across from one another, they enjoyed the food and the newly created
mood, sitting in the comfortable silence of two people who get along. After
finishing the last of his sorbet, Harry sat back contented and happy, a smile
on his face.
“Thank you. That was delicious.”
“You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Come on, you can open you’re presents
now,” Severus replied, banishing the dishes to the sink with a flick of his
wand and picking up the bottle of wine as he walked through to the living room.
Picking up his glass, he followed the taller man into the other room and looked
at the small array of presents sat on the low table. With a look at Severus and
a small answering nod, he dove in and began ripping paper from his gifts. From
Mr and Mrs Weasley he’d got the usual assortment of baked goods, along with a
small gold watch, very similar to one he’d seen Ron wearing. It was slightly
scratched and had dents on the back and instead of numbers there were little
stars around the outside edge. A not with it said that it was tradition to
receive a watch when coming of age from family or friends and since he was both
they hoped he’d like it. From Hagrid he’d got another batch of rock cakes that
he was pretty certain he could have killed Voldermort with and a book on
defence. Hermione had got him a whole stack of books on muggle and magical
defence techniques, as well as a framed photo of her, Ron and himself that
they’d had taken last year. Ron had got him a brand new broom cleaning and
tuning kit and another defence book and Fred and George had sent him a
selection of the latest WWW products as well as his latest cut of the profits
and a book on kickboxing. Sirius and Remus had got him a new two way mirror to
replace the one that he’d smashed when Sirius had first fallen through the veil
and some more books on defence, including a rather charming issue called ‘1001
To Kick The Other Guys Arse.’ There was even a present from the Headmaster, a
small, yet perfect, replica of the Hungarian Horntail that he’d faced in his
forth year after the one that he’d got at the competition had broken last year,
along with yet another book on defence. When he’d opened the last present he
sat on the floor, surrounded by paper, watching the Horntail snap and snarl at
a passing fly before it yawned and curled up next to his leg.
“I think people are trying to say something,” he said, plucking a book from the
top of the pile.
“Well at least you have a use for them. You do have another present actually. I
errr… bought you something,” he muttered.
“You bought me something?! You shouldn’t have,” he said as a blush crept over
his face.
Standing up Severus went to retrieve a large box that he hadn’t seen from
behind a chair. Putting it in front of Harry he perched back on the edge of his
seat and watched as Harry reached out to unwrap the plain green paper. Just as
his hands touched the top, Harry pulled back in surprise as the whole thing
shuddered slightly.
“Ummm… I shouldn’t be worried should I?” he asked.
“No, but I’d open it fairly quickly if I were you.”
Pulling it closer he ripped the paper away to reveal a plain brown box with
holes punched around the top edge. Again it shook slightly and a quite rustle
came from within. Gingerly he opened the top and peered inside, only to find
himself looking into bright blue eyes. It took him a few seconds to comprehend
what he was looking at when all of a sudden, a mew pierced the air. Reaching In
he pulled out a tiny grey kitten that now sat in his lap looking up at him.
“You… you… you bought me a kitten?!” he said in shock.
“Yes. You do like him don’t you? If not I can get you something else. I’ll find
a good home for him,” he said in a rush.
“No! I just… I can’t believe you bought me a kitten. He’s adorable. What’s his
name?” he asked.
“He doesn’t have one.”
“Then I’ll call him Shale.”
“Shale. It’s a good name. He seems to like it anyway,” he said with a nod at
Harry’s lap where the kitten lay happy and contented, kneading the little bit
of leg he could reach and purring loudly.
“Thank you. He’s the best present I’ve ever had,” he mumbled with a blush. At
that comment there was a loud hoot from the other side of the room, “Well, him
and Hedwig,” he smiled.
Seeing that smile sent shivers down Severus back. So sweet and innocent,
completely real, not a hint of falseness anywhere. It was nearly his undoing,
the need to sweep the young man into his arms and protect him from everything
bad in his life suddenly so strong.
“You’re welcome. You deserve him, I just hope he’ll make you happy.”
“Now I just have to get him and Hedwig to make friends.”
“That should be interesting. I look forward to the show.”
Harry looked at the older man and laughed, startling the kitten, who dashed
across the room and hid behind the chair that Hedwig was perched on. Turning,
she looked down at the shaking kitten. Looking back at Harry she let out and
angry hoot and fluttered down to comfort her new charge.
“It was an accident Hedwig! I’m sorry, I didn’t do it on purpose,” he shouted
from across the room.
Another angry hoot came from behind the chair and a few seconds later she
hopped into view, giving a low hoot of reassurance. Slowly but surely a small
furry bundle appeared from behind her. Giving another low hoot of reassurance,
she gently nudged the kitten with her wing towards Harry.
“Come on Shale. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
Slowly the kitten made its way over to Harry, where it crawled back into his
lap and sat looking at him again with wide eyes.
“I’m sorry boy,” he whispered, stroking the silky fur.
“Well that was easy,” came a voice from behind him.
Harry had to stop himself from laughing again. Picking up the kitten he took
him into the kitchen and gave him a saucer of milk, nearly colliding with
Hedwig as he came out as she went to check on her charge. Moving back into the
living room he sat on the sofa and looked at the other man.
“Thank you Severus.”
“You’re welcome. Now, not wishing to push, but you should try and sleep, at
least for a while. I think you’re going to be in for a rough ride tomorrow.”
“Ok. Well, goodnight then,” he said as he left the room.
 
------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
meet my new character the much loved and adored Shale
over an AFF he has been fought over... he's been to australia so far and just
you wait for a couple of chapters then you'll get to know him a lot better
he's so cute! *huggles her kitteh*
you know how much i like reviews :D
***** Chapter 12 - It Begins *****
Disclaimer: I don't own any of them except my orginal characters other than
that they belong to their respective owners like JK who gets all the cash from
them... she must be rolling in it *sigh*
 
mwahahaha... hahaha.... hahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!
time to let my evil side free!!
muse: crazy nut job
isis: don't you know it!! it's why you love me though
severus: weeeellllll
isis: agree!!
severus: was that a threat?
isis: no i believe it was a promise!!
severus: i agree... we love her beacause she's nuttier than squirrel shit
isis: why thank you *blushes*
---------------------------x------------------------
The scream pierced the air and tore about the cottage as the clock struck
midnight. It was one of the most heart wrenching sounds he had ever heard.
Flinging himself out of bed he ran across the landing, threw open the door
opposite his and lit the lights with his wand.
“Harry!” he shouted. Sitting down hastily on the side of the bed, he cast a
spell to restrict the young man’s movements. Grabbing hold of his head he
looked into scared, pain filled eyes.
“Harry you have to listen to me. Try to calm yourself. Take deep breaths,
listen to my voice,” he murmured quietly, summoning various potions from his
room, uncorking three with his teeth, “take them, they’ll help.”
All Harry could do was nod weakly as another wave of pain came crashing down on
him. Helping him swallow each potion in turn, Severus watched him relax ever so
slightly. Tears collected at the corners of his eyes and a single large drop
fell down one cheek as a sob escaped from between parched lips.
“It… hurts Sev’rus,” he whispered.
“I know Harry, I know,” he said, smoothing a few strands of stray hair away
from the sweaty forehead. “I’ll try and help you as much as I can but there
isn’t a lot that I can do. I have to go and fetch a few things but I’ll be
right across the corridor,” he said releasing the bind on Harry’s body.
“No… please. Don’t go,” he croaked, grabbing hold of Severus’ arm, crying out
in pain, his entire being protesting the sudden movement.
“Harry, I have to…”
“Please. I don’t want to do this alone.”
He’d never seen Harry like this before, not after all he’d been through, all
he’d suffered. He was such a strong person, it shocked Severus, scared him even
to see him this afraid and showing this much pain, when he usually kept it so
hidden.
“Ok Harry, I’m here,” he said, getting into the bed beside him, holding him
tight, stoking his hair, whispering words of comfort. Soon the dreamless sleep
potion took hold and Harry mercifully slipped into a restless sleep. Picking up
his wand from the bedside table, Severus summoned all the things he was likely
to need from his room and waited.
The next hour passed relative calm, then Harry awoke once more, screaming in
agony. He wanted to help him, give him something to ease the pain, but it was
still too soon after the last potion to give him anything else. So instead he
held him close and tried to comfort him as best he could.
It hurt, it hurt so damn much. It felt like a thousand red hot knives were
trying to cut the flesh from his bones while at the same time a pressure was
building inside him that threatened to explode at any moment. It was an agony
that he had never felt before and that included the Cruciatus. unrelenting it
went on and on for hours on end until finally he could no longer scream or cry,
but just lay there and pray it would end soon. By noon he’d spent twelve hours
in this pain filled world and he didn’t think he could take much more and yet
there was no end in sight. As Severus trickled water into his parched mouth he
looked at him and begged.
“Make it stop,” he whispered.
“I can’t Harry. My potions can only do so much.”
“Then kill me.”
“”No. you can’t talk like that. There are people out there that need you
Harry,” he said angrily.
“They can find another saviour,” he said bitterly.
“I meant Ron and Hermione, Sirius… me,” he said whispering the last part.
“I can’t do this anymore. Please… do something,” he pleaded.
“There is one thing I could try. It’s only a theory and it’s never been tested.
It would be risky Harry and it might not even work.”
“Anything.”
“If I add a small amount of foxglove to the Draught of the Living Dead, it may
put you into a forced coma. It might not work however or you might not wake up
for years… if at all.”
“I don’t care, please just do it.”
“Then I have to leave for a few minutes. I won’t be long,” he said getting off
the bed.
“Please hurry,” he whispered to the retreating back.
--------------------------x------------------------
come on i'm a review whore and you know it XD
***** Chapter 13 - Waiting Game *****
Disclaimer: again JK owns them and gets the cash except for my OC's they are
mine
This is the last one for you for now... mainly to leave you in a state of angst
ridden suspense as to what is going to happen to our dear dear harry
short i know but the next one is worth it and longer
*jumps up and down in glee*
muse: please stop
isis: i can't
severus: then i shall stop you
isis: ooo does that mean you'll beat me?
severus: no. why ever would i do that?
isis: shame *sigh*
muse: just don't ask sev
------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
He was worried. This could go wrong in so many ways. He carefully measured out
two grams of dried foxglove and added them to the potion. It hissed for a few
seconds, smoking ever so slightly, then turned an angry shade of red. That
worried him most. Only poisons turned red, but that was what it was really, a
mild poison that forced the body to shut down. Merlin he hoped this worked.
Picking up the bottle he headed back to Harry’s room. He was dismayed to find
him curled in a tight ball, muscle taught, shaking with pain. Putting the
bottle on the table, he ran a soothing hand over Harry’s back, easing him over
to face him.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“There are so many things that could go wrong with this Harry. It could be
years before you wake up. You might not wake up at all.”
“How long should I be out,” he asked.
“Two days maximum.”
“Then I’ll see you in two days,” he said, forcing a small smile. Taking the
bottle from the table he downed the contents and grimaced slightly at the
taste. He started to feel it take effect immediately. His whole body seemed to
slow down, his heart, his breathing, his thoughts. Vaguely he felt fear in the
back of his mind.
“Severus,” he whispered.
“It’s ok, I’m here Harry,” he murmured softly stroking the unruly hair.
“Just in case…” he slurred, “Severus… think I… love…” but he never managed to
finish as the dark void that had been closing in finally crashed over him.
“Harry. Harry!” he shouted. What had he been about to say? Something about
love. Could it be that…no, surely he just wanted Severus to tell the mystery
man something. It was nice to imagine though, for those few seconds, that it
was Severus he was confessing his love to. Merlin he hoped this worked.
He kept himself busy for the next two days, trying not to think about the what
ifs. It was during that time, when he would sit next to the lifeless form and
trickle a nutrient potion between breathless lips, that he realised something.
He was falling in love with him. He wasn’t sure when it had happened. When the
friendship had changed into something more, a need to protect the young man
from the cruelty of the world. Still he wasn’t about to do anything. This
friendship was too precious to him, he wasn’t about to ruin it. So instead he
sat by him for hours on end praying to any deity listening that Harry would
wake up. That was what he was thinking as he sat in front of the fire. Checking
the time he realised that Harry should wake up in about an hour, so putting
down his tea, he trudged up the stairs to maintain a constant watch over the
object of his affections.
An hour came and went and Harry didn’t so much as twitch a muscle. Two hours
passed, then three, then six, then ten and sill nothing. He hadn’t moved from
the chair in all that time and it wasn’t until he felt the hand on his shoulder
that he turned around. There stood Albus in a surprisingly sombre set of
charcoal grey robes dotted with tiny, twinkling stars.
“I take it the time has come and gone?” he asked quietly.
“He should have woken up hours ago Albus. What am I supposed to do?”
“There’s nothing you can do my boy. We must just sit and wait.”
“I don’t know how much more waiting I can do.”
“I shall make us some tea,” said Albus as he headed back downstairs.
Soon enough he reappeared with a tea tray floating behind him. Pouring two cups
he added a generous helping of Firewhiskey to Severus’ before handing it to
him.
“Thank you Albus.”
“You’re welcome my boy.”
Together they sat and watched they boy, no the man, they’d both become so fond
of in such different ways.
“I have to go Severus but I shall be back soon. Have faith my boy. It will all
turn out alright, you’ll see,” he said before he disappeared with a pop.
“I hope you’re right Albus. I truly hope you’re right.”
 
------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
review whore!
***** Chapter 14 - Oh Nuts! *****
Disclaimer: Jk owns them I don't make any money from it
I HATE the uploading system on here! XP
*sigh* ok mass update time because I've reached a point in my notebook where
I'm not sure if what I just wrote was a good idea or not but I never scrap
anything so I'm trying to figure out where to go from here... *sigh*
this rule follows from now on
italics is mind speaking, at this point between harry and animals
normal is just normal speech
oh yeah by the way if the concept of wild magic seems familiar it's because i
took the idea from the Tamora Pierce books with daine and i've tweaked it a bit
 
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
 
Nothing. It had now been nearly two weeks and not a twitch. He couldn’t do this
much longer. Jumping at every movement and noise, hoping it was Harry up and
awake, but it never was. So once again he found himself sat beside the bed,
holding a cold and slightly clammy had.
“Please wake up,” he whispered, “I need you. Merlin you’re the only good thing
in my life. You’ve made me realise how much more there is out there. You opened
something in me that I thought had died years ago. I want a chance to make you
happy… I… I want you to love me like I think I love you,” he sighed as a single
tear trickled down his cheek. Some spy he was. The mask had been completely
obliterated by this one person who lay in front of him and he had no idea.
“Merlin, I’ll do anything if you just wake up,” he said closing his eyes and
squeezing the hand he was holding.
“Don’t talk to loud,” came a hoarse whisper.
“Harry!” he nearly shouted, making the other man wince, looking up so fast that
he was surprised that he didn’t get whiplash. Sure enough he found himself
looking into familiar emerald eyes.
“How long have you been awake?” he asked in shock.
“Long enough to have a stinking headache. Why is it so loud? Who else is here?
I thought only the Headmaster could get in?” he asked.
“Harry, we’re the only ones here.”
“I can hear other people,” he insisted.
“There isn’t anyone else within ten miles of this place.”
“Then who can I hear arguing over stolen nuts?!” he practically shouted, only
to stop and realise what he’d just said. Turning to look out of the open window
he could see a pair of squirrels chattering angrily on a branch in the tree
outside.
“Oh bugger,” he muttered, just before he fainted.
“What the…?” Severus said as he looked out at the squirrels in the tree, “No,
it can’t be,” he muttered in disbelief.
“Fawkes,” he shouted.
Almost instantly the brightly coloured bird appeared near the bed, flying over
to settle on the headboard.
“I’m glad that worked,” he mumbled, “I think you need to get the Headmaster
here.”
Fawkes let out a sharp trill in reply that woke Harry with a start.
”Awake at last I see,” came a voice.
“Who said that?!” asked Harry just as the Headmaster popped into the room.
“What’s the problem?” he asked, a slight look of worry evident on his face.
“The boy wonder is awake,” said Severus with a nod of his head to Harry, who
still lay in bed under the watchful eye of Fawkes.
“Don’t call me that,” Harry growled.
”Now, now, respect you’re elders,” came the voice again.
“Who the hell is that?!”
“I believe we may have a dilemma,” said Severus looking at the Headmaster.
“Oh?”
“I think he has wild magic.”
“Impossible, it’s merely a myth,” Albus replied with a look of shock.
”Not impossible, simply improbable. Tell him that the green socks really are
hideous,” said the voice.
“Apparently your green socks are hideous,” said Harry.
“How did you…?” asked Albus.
“I don’t know, the voice told. Do you know how crazy that makes me sound? Can
you make them stop? I’m going to go mad, if I’m not already that is!” he
shouted.
”Have you not realised who I am yet?”
“Obviously not or I would have told you were to stick it by now!” he growled,
just before a wing brushed his forehead lightly and all the voices except one
dulled to an annoying drone.
”That should keep them at bay for at least a while.”
“Did you just… are you?” he gasped.
”Yes and yes. Pleased to speak to you Mr Potter,” said Fawkes, trilling a soft
note.
“Oh holy cow. Fawkes is talking to me. How is Fawkes talking to me?!”
“I think you have wild magic Harry,” said Severus softly.
“What’s wild magic and why do I have it?”
“Wild magic is a myth, or at least it was. It was rumoured that Merlin had it
but there isn’t a single documented case of it being real. Supposedly those
with wild magic can converse with animals and it apparently gives you some
control over plants. Nobody really knows though. Like I said, it’s always been
a myth,” Severus explained.
“Well it obviously isn’t,” muttered Harry.
“This could be the power that Voldermort doesn’t know of,” said Dumbledore.
“But why have I got it now? How come I didn’t know about it before?”
“Like I said before, when you come of age the majority of your magic is finally
released. For some when that happens they also come into an inheritance. For a
lot it’s passed down through the family, like those with creature blood, but
for others, such as yourself, it just happens. A lot of Parseltongues only gain
the ability when they come of age.”
“So I’m even more of a freak than I was before,” whispered Harry, looking down
at his clenched fists in his lap.
“NO! Don’t let me ever hear you say that again. You’ve been blessed with a
great talent,” Severus shouted, angry at Harry’s slip into his former self.
Maybe the inner scars would take longer to heal than he thought.
“It doesn’t feel like it,” he mumbled, “Merlin I have voices flying round my
head, sorry Fawkes it didn’t work, telling me everything about anything. I can
feel them too. Did you know that there’s a cat out by the pond that’s just had
kittens? It’s her first litter and she couldn’t be happier. Or that right at
this minute there’s a sparrow in the field near here that’s dying? That I can
hear him calling out for help? I can feel his very life draining away. This may
be a blessing as you call it but it doesn’t much feel like one. It’s going to
send me mad,” he cried, tears now flowing freely down his cheeks, ones of
helplessness, anger and fear. By now Fawkes had flown down to perch nest to
him, brushing his feathery head against Harry’s chin.
”I’m sorry that I could not help. Ask the dark man. Tell him you need a wall.
Deep within you is your magical core. Your new magic is too much for you to
control at the minute. He needs to build a wall around it that will help you
learn to control it,” he said.
“It’s not your fault Fawkes, but thank you anyway,” Harry said stroking the
bird’s bright plumage, “Fawkes said that you can help me build a wall around my
core or something. That it’ll keep this all under control while I learn to use
it,” he said looking at Severus.
“I think I can do that. Albus can you leave us alone while we do this?” he
asked.
“Certainly my boy. I shall return to Hogwarts. If you should need me ask Fawkes
and he will contact me. Good luck my boys,” he said, disappearing with a pop
and leaving them in silence.
 
 ------------------------------------x------------------------------------
review please and I'm sorry if i don't reply it's just another thing i don't
like about this site
***** Chapter 15 - Your Very Soul *****
Disclaimer: Still don't own them they belong to JK [minus my OC's] and I don't
make any money from them
-----------------------------x----------------------------
They sat in silence for a few more seconds before Severus spoke.
“Harry I need to warn you first that doing this could have side effects.”
“What do you mean?”
“What I’m going to do means that I’m going to have to connect myself to your
magical core, in essence your life force. That intimate a connection could
leave behind a residual bond,” he explained.
“What do you mean by bond?”
“I can’t really tell you. It could be any number of different forms of bond or
it might not even happen at all, but I thought I should warn you first.”
“Ok, but theoretically, what could happen?”
“Any of a thousand different things. We may end up with some of each others
memories, powers or character traits. We could be able to speak mind-to-mind or
be able to locate the other with a thought. For all I know we could be bonded
to one another, unable to part from the others presence. Then again nothing
might happen. I just don’t know,” he said getting more and more restless. He’d
slipped in the physical bond mention as a warning of what could happen. He’d
heard of it before, couples being in effect magically married, without a
bonding ceremony. It was rare though and had only ever happened to couples in
long standing relationships when they truly opened to one another, body, heart
and soul, letting their cores meld and become one. It tended to only happen
when they made love as well.
“Oh, ok then. What do I have to do?” Harry asked. Being bonded to Severus
didn’t seem like that bad a thing. He thought back to the dream he’d been
having just before he woke up. Severus had been holding his hand and saying
that he loved him. He’d never felt happier or warmer than at that moment. No
being bonded to Severus wouldn’t be that bad.
“Just sit on the edge of the bed facing me and close your eyes,” he said
pulling his chair closer.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, his eyes closed, in nothing but his boxers he
suddenly felt very vulnerable. No matter how hard to tried not to, images of
Vernon clouded his mind and he tensed, expecting the worst.
“I’m not going to hurt you Harry. I promise,” came that soft, soothing voice.
Hearing that, that heartfelt promise he relaxed a little, taking a deep breath
and willing his muscles to untense, he waited for whatever was coming. As it
was he only jumped a little when two cool hands touched his face, one on either
side, rubbing gentle circles over his temples. Next a gentle murmur filled the
air, a chant in Latin, filling him with warmth from within.
”Can you hear me Harry?” asked Severus, his voice coming from inside Harry’s
head.
“Yes. Severus?”
”Yes. Try to answer in your mind. It’s how you’ll have to learn to speak to the
animals without arousing suspicions.”
”C… can you hear me?”
”Yes, that’s it. Remember that, that feeling.”
”Ok, I think I have it.”
”Good. Now I’m going to show you your core.”
Suddenly Harry felt himself move, yet at the same time he knew that he was
still sat on the edge of the bed in the cottage. It was like flying. On and on
they went, submerged in total darkness until finally, he saw a pinprick of
light in the distance. As they got closer he saw that the light was coming from
a vast, towering column of light, bright white and glistening. Around it were
twined shining strands of red, green, brown and black and as he watched a new
strand of fiery orange moved to join the others. The red strand was by far the
largest, but the orange one was growing bigger with every second and so to did
it seem was the black one, although at a much slower rate.
“What are they?” he asked.
“the auras of every person you have ever had a bond with. The red one is
yours.”
“What about the others?”
“The green one is your mother’s, the brown one your father’s and the orange
one…”
“Yes?”
A hand brushed his shoulder gently and he turned to find Severus stood behind
him watching the shining column.
“The orange one is me,” he murmured, sending shivers down Harry’s spine.
“Oh. I wonder what kind of bond it is?”
“I don’t know but I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.”
“What’s the black one?” he asked.
“The Dark Lord,” he spat angrily, “we always knew there was a connection but I
never dreamed it would be this bad. I can help you try and weaken the
connection thought,” he said watching the black strand as it twisted around the
column, growing slowly inch by inch.
“Can’t we just sever it?”
“No. The backlash of power would most likely kill you. We just need to weaken
it. I need you to help me weaken it. Feel for your magic and push it out
towards the connection. Imagine it slowly dissolving the strand until there is
only a little left. It’ll be hard but you mustn’t stop or he may realise what’s
happening. Not to fast either,” he said placing a cool hand on the back of
Harry’s neck, sending another shiver coursing through him. Again he felt that
warmth, this time accompanied by a tingling rush of power.
Closing his eyes he felt for his magic. Being so close to his core it was easy
and imaging it was a large ball he pushed it towards the connection, willing
with all his strength for it to weaken. His body trembled with exertion as the
connection fought his attempts, while the hand on his neck gently tried to
sooth away the growing headache. Finally he felt the connection stop fighting
him and opening his eyes he saw the black strand slowly start to shrink, almost
into nothingness. Breaking away with his magic, he stumbled and fell backwards,
straight into the waiting arms of Severus.
“Thank you,” he said, fighting a sudden wave of exhaustion, pain and nausea as
it suddenly crashed down over him.
“You’re welcome. Sleep for a while. I can build the wall by myself,” he said,
gently laying Harry down, “I’ll wake you when it’s nearly done.”
“Thank you Sev’rus,” he mumbled, before finally succumbing to the welcome
blanket of sleep.
-------------------------------x----------------------------
***** Chapter 16 - Introductions *****
Disclaimer: JK owns them except my OC's I just play with them and make no
profit
-------------------------------x-----------------------------
“Harry, Harry wake up. I’m nearly done,” said a voice, rousing him from his
slumber.
“Mmmm…”
“Come on, I need your help.”
Cracking open an eye he saw Severus standing over him holding out a hand.
“Ok, I’m up,” he said taking the hand. With surprising ease and strength he was
pulled to his feet. Still not feeling himself his head span, a wave of
dizziness swept over him and he fell forward into Severus’ arms.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, looking up through his lashes. Bracing his hands against
the firm chest he pushed himself away and stood upright.
Ignoring the slip back into apologising for things he couldn’t control Severus
turned to focus on the problem at hand.
“I need your help to finish this,” he said.
Turning to the column of light Harry saw that it had changed. Now it seemed to
be encased in a net of orange that the strands still moved freely through.
“Won’t they restrict my magic?” he asked.
“No, it’s simple to help you control it. Imagine a horse. You can put a hobbler
on it to stop it getting away and to keep it under control but it doesn’t
restrict it from moving. That’s all the net is doing, it’s your hobbler. You
will still be able to use your magic as you did before but your wild magic
won’t be uncontrollable like it was before. Now do you see the gap?” he said
pointing to a hole near them, “I need your help to close it. Hold my hand and
using a strand of your magic stitch it together with your mind.”
Taking the proffered hand he imagined a thread of his own magic separating from
his core. Using that he slowly envisioned the thread stitching the gap closed.
Sure enough he saw a thread of his magic separate, bright white with a red
sheen, move to the gap and slowly start to seal it shut. Soon it was done and
the white faded leaving a red that mingled and flowed with the orange.
“It’s done,” said Severus.
“Now to see what I can do,” smiled Harry.
“I think we’ll focus on getting control of your new power for now. I grow bored
of beating you. I can always do that when we return to Hogwarts,” he said
sending a shiver down Harry’s spine and images spinning through his mind at the
idea of being spanked by Severus. Covering a moan with a growl of discontent he
quickly turned away to hide his rising blush.
“Come on we should be going.”
“Ummm… how do we get out of here?”
“Just close your eyes,” he said and no sooner had he than he felt those cool
hands on his face again as though they had never left.
“Open your eyes Harry.”
Opening them he found himself inches away from Severus, looking into those
beautiful onyx eyes and from the briefest of seconds he thought he saw
something, the smallest of glimmers, but then it was gone.
“Can you hear anything?”
“No,” he said with a smile.
“can you feel the net around your wild magic?”
“Yes,” he said feeling inside himself.
“Now draw back on it.”
Reaching inside he felt the net surrounding his core, his own magical signature
mingled with another, Severus’. Gently pushing on one section of the net he
willed it to weaken and suddenly there was a rush of voices filling his head
and making it swim. Drawing the net a little closer the voices dimmed until
they became a low drone. He found that now he could pick out each one, bring it
to the front and hear the conversation clearly, then block them out. Focusing
on a blackbird in a nearby tree he called out to it.
“Hello,” he called.
“Hello. Who’s there?” came the reply.
“I’m from the cottage.”
“But only the humans live there.”
“I know. I’m the smaller one.”
“But, you speak to me. You must be people,” said the bird.
“Nope, I’m defiantly all human. The open window on the top floor, I’m in that
room. Come see for yourself,” he said with a laugh.
He opened his eyes, even though he didn’t remember closing them, looked at
Severus and smiled. A few seconds later the blackbird flew onto the window
ledge and whistled a greeting. Flying over to Harry, who still sat on the bed,
he perched on the headboard, warily eyeing Fawkes, then studied the smaller man
closely.
“You are human,” he said, almost in shock.
“I told you I was.”
“But you feel like wild one, like people.”
“Nope, I’m defiantly all human.”
“No, you must be part people. You are very strange.”
“Ummm… thank you… I think.”
“What about the dark man? Is he people?”
“No.”
“Then is he your mate? Can two males of your species mate? Where are your
children?” the bird queried innocently.
At that statement Harry nearly chocked and he turned a sudden vivid red.
“What?” asked Severus who had been watching the silent exchange closely and
wondered what could have caused such a reaction.
“You really don’t want to know,” he replied, finally regaining his composure.
“He’s not my mate, so we have no children, it’s just the two of us. Yes two
males of out species can mate, but they can’t have children,” he told the
curious bird.
“Then why would you live together if not to have children?”
“Love,” he whispered.
“What is ‘love’?”
“Needing someone so much that it hurts to be near them and they not notice you.
Experiencing the greatest happiness in the world, when they simply hold you.
Being willing to sacrifice everything, even die for them.”
“How strange. I’m not sure whether I’d like ‘love’ or not. Do you love the dark
man?”
He looked at Severus for a second. Did he? He'd do anything for him and he
trusted the man with his life. More and more he though and dreamed of him and
he felt lost without his presence.
“yes, I think I do,” he muttered.
“Then why do you not sound happy? You said that love makes you feel happy.”
“Because he doesn’t love me back.”
“Oh. Then you should attract him. Give him a gift. I have a very fine pebble I
could give you. I’m sure he would like it.”
“Thank, you but I think it will take more than a pebble to attract this man.”
“I shall see what I can do,” said the bird suddenly taking flight.
“Wait!” he shouted.
“I shall return,” came a quiet and distant reply.
“Well that was interesting,” he muttered.
“So it seemed.”
“Can I get up now? I need to shower.”
“I believe so. Lean on me though, your legs will be weak,” Severus said,
helping Harry from the bed and into the bathroom. Leaning against the firm
chest, Harry had to stifle a giggle at the thought of wooing this man with a
pebble.
------------------------------x----------------------------
AURA_EXPLANATIONS
ok so basically here it is....
harry's is red because he's a gryffindor....
lily's is green because of her eyes....
james' is brown because he was a stag....
moldyshort's is black because..... well take a wild guess!!
severus' though... i did actually choose that one because it fit
so here are the meanings of the colours
red = Powerful, energetic, competitive, sexual, passionate
orange = Creative, intelligent, detail oriented, perfectionist, scientific
green = A healer, also a love-centered person
brown = Represents the practical, a down to earth approach
black = Draws or pulls energy to it and in so doing, transforms it. It captures
light and consumes it. Usually indicates long-term unforgiveness (toward others
or another) collected in a specific area of the body
so like i say sev's was the only one i picked on meaning but the others do fit
aswell so it's all good!!
***** Chapter 17 - Hands Solo *****
Disclaimer: JK owns them except my OC's I don't make any money from them
Please excuse the lame ass title!
---------------------x------------------------
The shower made him feel like a new person… well actually it just made him feel
like a person again. Being stuck in bed for nearly two weeks had left him
feeling dirty and grimy. He was stiff and sore as well, all his muscles weak
and aching. Even standing in the shower for a short time had left him exhausted
so now he was laid on the floor, his legs stretched up the far wall, letting
the hot water beat down on him. Taking a deep breath he let out a heavy sigh.
Why did everything always happen to him? First his parents, then Voldermort and
the constant attempts to kill him since he’d started Hogwarts. If that wasn’t
enough he’d had to try and keep the fact that he was gay away from the press or
they’d eat him alive, the demanding and mentally exhausting training and now
this, this new power he had to contend with and the slow realisation that he
was in love with Severus Snape. He’d missed his childhood and he’d never get it
back.
Taking hold of the grab rail that Severus had transfigured the soap dish into,
he heaved himself up and turned off the water. Crossing the room on decidedly
unsteady legs he picked up a towel and wrapped it round his waist. With little
grace he half fell and half sat on the toilet before calling out to Severus,
who he was sure had been standing outside the door the whole time, just in case
something had happened. His own knight in shining armour.
“I’m done.”
The door opened a crack and a voice drifted through.
“Are you decent?”
“That depends on what you mean by decent,” he snorted.
“I’ll take that as a yes then,” he said pushing the door open, but stopping
short of entering. A shiver ran down his spine and he had to quickly suppress
the growl that threatened to escape his lips. There sat an Adonis, a beautiful
creature, the stuff of legends, all tanned skin and sculptured muscle. It was
amazing how quickly he’d put on the much needed weight he’d lost and their
training had toned him to perfection. Right now he sat wet and glistening, a
small towel wrapped precariously low around his hips, giving him a glimpse of a
dark trail of hair that disappeared under the fluffy cotton. Long lean legs
were carelessly splayed, sending images of them wrapped around Severus’ waist
running through his mind. Long, dark hair flowed messily down his back and over
his shoulders. Even as he watched Harry innocently ran his tongue over his
lips, making his breath catch and his mind wander. Merlin he was beautiful.
“Come on, I’m getting cold,” Harry complained.
Snapping out of his trance he strode across the room and helped the smaller man
up. Once again offering his support they made their way back to Harry’s room.
Severus could feel the heat from the others body seeping through his shirt,
along with a creeping dampness from where they were touching.
“I’ll be alright from here,” said Harry when they got to his door.
With a nod and a gulp Severus all but fled to the safety of his own room,
slamming the door shut and throwing up a silencing spell. With a slight groan
he looked down in disgust at the tent in the front of his suddenly far too
tight jeans. Moving to sit on his bed he pressed a hand hard against his groin,
hoping to quell the problem, but unfortunately only making it worse. Seeing
that the problem just wasn’t going to go away he lay down and unzipped the
offending garment, slipping his hand into the confines in order to reach his
goal. Wrapping his hand around his heated flesh he couldn’t help but think of
Harry, no matter how hard he tried, images of the young man in various
situations floating behind his closed lids. It didn’t take very long, not
considering the last time he’d done this had been quite some time ago, then he
was there, eyes squeezed shut, back arched and Harry’s name on his lips, body
taught and quivering as he fell head first into oblivion. As he lay there he
mentally berated himself, almost felt guilty and dirty. Harry would never want
him. How could something so pure want something as soiled as himself. Banishing
the mess he’d made he lay back and thought just how wonderful it would be to
have the young man in his arms. It was a dream that would never happen, but a
good dream none the less.
--------------------------x------------------------
***** Chapter 18 - Sparkle Sparkle *****
Disclaimer: JK owns them except my OC's I just play with them and make no
profit from it
------------------------------x----------------------------
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he whispered as he leant against the door frame,
surveying his room. There on his bed sat a small pile of objects, along with
the blackbird, a blue jay and a magpie.
“I tried to stop them,” said Fawkes from his perch on the headboard.
“Hang on, how can I hear you? I didn’t let you in.”
“I am a magical being Mr Potter, one of great strength. Your wall can do
nothing to keep me out.”
Harry had the sudden impression that Fawkes was a snob.
“Oh, I’ll remember that then.”
Opening up the net around his wild magic he focused on the birds sat on his
bed.
“We brought presents to help attract your man. All the wild ones wanted to help
when they heard that you were people,” said the blackbird.
“Ummm… thank you. I don’t think it will work though. You should keep them for
your own mates.”
“No we want you to have them. We all know how hard it is to attract a suitable
mate, much less one you like or ‘love’ so you must keep them to attract him.”
Walking over to the bed he sat down and surveyed the things they’d brought him.
Immediately his eye was caught by something black and glittering on the top of
the pile. Picking it up, he saw that it was in fact a small, oval polished
gemstone. Taking a closer look he realised that it was an opal and a black one
at that. He knew from Charms last year that opals, especially the black and
fire varieties, were highly prized because of their rarity and price along with
the properties and uses connected with them. Professor Flitwick had shown them
a black opal, the rarest variety, explaining how it could be used to channel
power and store magical reserves. To say he was surprised to see one here was
an understatement.
“That is my pebble,” said the blackbird smugly, puffing out his feathers, “I
found it in the field of stone tablets.”
“Stone tablets?”
Suddenly an image was in the forefront of his mind. rows upon rows of stone
slabs could be seen. They were in a graveyard. He was seeing the bird’s
memories, like a pensieve, only he was seeing it through the bird’s eyes. They
flew over row upon row of graves until something caught their eye. Swooping
down to investigate they saw the opal on a broken and rusted chain. Taking hold
of it in their beak they tugged at it until it broke free of its fixing.
Opening their wings they beat them hard, taking off, their prize held firmly in
their beak.
Instantly he was back in his own mind, looking down at the stone in his palm.
Inspecting one end he saw the remains of a pin wedged into a small hole. He
could turn this back into a necklace and he knew just who he’d give it to as
well. Along with this priceless gift from the blackbird he’d also received a
whole range of other things. The jay had brought him a large eagle feather, the
magpie a tarnished silver ring with runes etched onto its face and the cat with
the new kittens had sent a pretty shell. There was also a large selection of
feathers, pebbles, shells and gnarled pieces of wood, along with the odd piece
of human bric-a-brac.
“Thank you. This is… I don’t know what to say. If I can do anything at all
while I’m here, please just ask,” he said almost overwhelmed by the fact that
although these animals didn’t know him they had given their most prized
possessions to him in order to help him woo Severus.
“We ask of nothing, although the cat said that if you have any spare time she
would like it if you visited her so she can show you her kittens.”
“I’ll come and see her by the end of the week.”
“She’ll be happy to hear that.”
They spoke for a while, the birds telling him about their lives and what they
got up to on a daily basis. The magpies mate had just laid their first clutch
of eggs and he was incredibly proud. Soon they announced that they had to leave
though, with the promise that they would visit him again before he left.
Getting dressed he slowly walked downstairs and into the living room, calling
for Severus. Getting no reply he made his way into the kitchen only to be met
by a wonderful sight. There bent almost double was Severus, rooting around in
the cupboard under the sink, his jeans stretched delightfully tight over his
behind.
“Ummm… Severus,” he said.
There was a muffled sound followed by a loud thud as the mans head connected
with the underside of the sink.
“Oh my god, are you ok?” he said rushing to his side.
A few seconds later and Severus appeared from under the sink, a small trickle
of blood running down one side of his face. It made a startling contrast to his
pale skin.
“Merlin, you’re bleeding!” he said as he helped him to stand.
“I’ll be fine,” he said, just before he crumpled to the floor in an undignified
heap, dragging Harry with him. They landed together, Harry on top, his fall
cushioned by Severus who lay beneath him, limp and unconscious.
“Oh shit. Fawkes!” he yelled and a second later there was a flash as the bird
appeared on top of the fridge watching them.
“Yes?”
“I need you to fetch the Headmaster.”
“Just what have you done to that man?”
“NOW Fawkes,” he shouted at the bird.
With an indignant huff at being ordered around Fawkes disappeared with a flash
and a pop. Rolling off Severus he sat up and pulled the other man into his lap,
holding him tight while he tried to wipe away the blood. What had he done? This
was the man that could endure the Cruciatus and not utter a sound. How could a
bang on the head have knocked him out cold?!
“Severus wake up. Come on, I need you. If I’m going to make it through this
alive, or at least sane, I’m going to need you. Merlin I love you, I realise
that now and I want to make you love me. Wake up god damn it,” he said angrily,
a tear sliding down his face as he gave the man a gentle shake.
A minute or two later Dumbledore appeared with a pop, Fawkes behind him. The
old man stood for a moment taking stock of the situation.
“Oh dear. What happened my boy?” he asked, moving to Harry’s side.
“He was looking for something in the cupboard when I startled him and he hit
his head. I thought he was fine but then he collapsed. What’s wrong sir? It was
only a knock on the head!” he said, now on the verge of tears.
Crouching beside them Dumbledore pulled out his wand and ran it down the length
of Severus’ body, before giving a gentle smile.
“He’s fine Harry, just exhausted. Helping build that wall depleted his magic
and put a bit of a strain on his body. He just needs some rest,” he said
standing up, his knees making a loud popping sound, “I forget I’m not as young
as I used to be. Come on and I’ll help you put him in his bed.”
“No, no it’s ok. I’m sorry I shouldn’t have disturbed you. I was just over
reacting. I’ll be fine, honest. You should go back to Hogwarts. I’ll make sure
he’s ok,” he said, rubbing his eyes.
“If you’re sure my boy. Never hesitate to call me though. I’ll always be there
for you.”
“Thank you Sir.”
“Think nothing of it,” he said, putting a hand on his shoulder and giving a
comforting squeeze, before apparating away. Looking at the man in his arms he
suddenly wondered how he was going to get the man upstairs.
“Can I apparate within the wards Fawkes?”
“I believe so.”
Focusing on the upper floor, he held the other man tight and disappeared with a
pop, only to reappear seconds later on the landing.
“Ha, I did it,” he said feeling a little triumphant.
Hoisting himself up, he propped the other man against his shoulder and half
dragged, half shuffled him towards his room. When he finally got there though,
he had a problem. The stupid, paranoid man had password protected his door.
With a sigh of defeat he turned and dragged him towards his own room. Opening
the door he banished the items on his bed to a draw with a flick of his wrist
then hefted the dead weight onto the now clear bed. Tugging off the man’s shoes
he pulled the covers up over him and smoothed the shiny black hair out of his
eyes.
“I really do love you Severus, I’m sure of that now,” he whispered, placing a
feather light kiss on the unmoving lips, before backing out of the room.
--------------------------------x-------------------------------
***** Chapter 19 - Stealy Thief *****
Disclaimer: JK owns them except my OC's I just play with them and don't make
any profit
-------------------------x---------------------------
He rolled over and clutched the pillow tighter, inhaling the smell of mint. It
was unexpected and yet comfortingly familiar. Opening his eyes a crack he saw
the green covers surrounding him. Defiantly unexpected. His room was decorated
in browns. Realisation hit him and he sat bolt upright. He was in Harry’s room.
Hell he was in Harry’s bed. Worst of all he couldn’t remember how he’d got
there. But where was the room’s owner?
Rolling over, he was relieved to find himself fully clothed, ruling out the
possibility that he’d done something he’d regret. Getting out of bed he pulled
on his shoes and headed downstairs. Walking into the living room he heard a
faint noise and went to investigate. Moving round the sofa he found a boxer
clad Harry, fast asleep, mouth open slightly and snoring softly. With a smile
he moved the blanket higher, his hand just brushing the skin of that tanned
chest, causing the owner to shift slightly. Heading towards the kitchen he
scratched his head and winched in pain. He’d forgotten about that. Pulling open
the cupboards he retrieved a pain potion and a tin of coffee. Downing the
bitter potion he made himself a cup of strong, black coffee and went back into
the living room. Settling into a chair he sipped from the mug and watched Harry
as he slept. He was beautiful, especially when he was asleep. He was completely
relaxed, so peaceful and at ease, at least when he wasn’t being plagued by
nightmares. Thankfully there had been a significant drop in those and none
involving his uncle as far as he knew. In fact to his knowledge since they had
weakened the connection between him and the Dark Lord, Harry had only had two
nightmares and they were no where near as bad as they had been. He just hoped
that it would stay like that.
That was one of the things that was worrying him though. The Dark Lord had been
uncharacteristically quiet all summer. Severus had informed him that he would
be under close supervision by Dumbledore over the holiday and that it would be
incredibly difficult for him to get away without blowing his cover. He’d said
that he was required to restock all of the castles potions and potion supplies
and then he would be visiting a potions conference in Germany with the
Headmaster. Even so he’d expected to have been summoned at least one. They’d
planned for it of course. He carried a pork key that would transport with in
and out of the cottage, at the same time alerting Albus so that he could come
watch Harry. He was worried. Something was up and he didn’t know what. It made
him feel useless not being able to tell the Order anything.
A husky moan brought him back to reality. Harry had thrown one arm over his
eyes while his other hand was creeping towards his boxers. For a second he sat
transfixed, his eyes riveted to the hand that slid slowly down the tanned
chest, only to pause to tweak a nipple before moving one towards its goal. His
senses suddenly returning to him he cleared his throat and opened the curtains
with a wave of his wand, letting in the bright morning sunshine. Harry
immediately went completely ridged, the hand on his hip stopping abruptly, then
with a groan he rolled over to back the back of the sofa and pulled the blanket
up over his head.
“How long have you been there?” came a muffled voice.
“Long enough,” he replied, fighting to keep the desire from his voice.
“Shit,” he muttered. Severus just nearly had a first rate showing. Merlin he’d
have killed him if he’d have heard him shout his name as he came. “Kill me
now.”
“I don’t think there’s any need for that.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Why? It’s perfectly natural. I’m sorry I invaded your privacy, after all it
appears that I spent the night in your bed,” he said, stopping himself from
adding ‘again’ on the end.
“Oh yeah, about that. You collapsed after you hit your head last night. I
called the Headmaster but he just said you needed some rest. I didn’t know the
password to your room though so I had to put you in mine. Sorry.”
“It’s quite alright. I thank you for your actions.”
“I suppose I better get up then,” he said, finally pulling the blanket away
from his face.
“Then I shall prepare breakfast.”
Wrapping the blanket around his semi-naked form, he sprinted upstairs to the
bathroom. Locking the door he sat down heavily on the toilet lid, feeling
slightly shaky and weak. Looking down at the tent in the front of his boxers he
heaved himself up and walked over to the shower, albeit on shaky legs. Turning
it on he stripped out of his boxers and steppe into the frigid spray. The less
he thought about it the less he fantasised about it and the less likely he was
to do something stupid. Quickly scrubbing himself down and washing his hair, he
stepped out, his teeth chattering ever so slightly, grabbed a towel and dried
himself with it vigorously until he turned a ruddy pink colour in places.
Walking back to his room he picked out a pair of loose combat trousers and a
tight black t-shirt with a bright pink cartoon kitten on the front saying
something explicit in Japanese. Where the Headmaster had got the idea from he
didn’t know and he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to know. Still at least all
his clothes fit him now and they were all pretty tasteful, if a little
questionable. Going back downstairs into the kitchen, he went in search of his
only vice. Rice Crispies. Five minutes later and having searched all the
cupboards, he could find neither hide nor hair of them. Turning on the other
man he glared at him.
“What did you do with them?”
“What did I do with what?”
“”My Rice Crispies. There was a full box here before you knocked me out.”
“You were out for nearly two weeks. I tried them and found them to my liking.
Quite a bizarre muggle invention really. Popped rice,” he said, muttering the
last part.
“YOU ATE THEM!!”
“I believe that is what I just said.”
“You… you… you… how could you!”
“I was hungry.”
“You were hungry! Get something else. No one touches my Rice Crispies!!”
“I’m sure the Headmaster will bring some the next time he comes.”
“That doesn’t help me now though!” he said sitting down at the table to sulk.
“Oh do settle down. Just be grateful you have something else you can eat. You
could be starving,” he said, shoving a piece of toast in Harry’s mouth just as
he opened it to start ranting again.
Pulling the piece of toast out of his mouth he glared at Severus some more,
just for good measure, then reached for the butter, eyeing the plate he could
see on the side. Opening the net around his wild magic he could hear an
abundance of animals chattering away as they woke up ready for the new day.
Finally a plate was set in front of him containing a full English breakfast.
Not normally his thing, his stomach growled in delight at the prospect of real
food after so long. Tucking in he heard and sensed Hedwig approaching, only to
have her land on the chair next to him a few seconds later.
“I hope he gives me the rind” she said happily, looking at his bacon.
He suddenly realised that she didn’t know he could hear her. Cutting the rind
from the bacon he pushed it to one side while he finished. When he was done he
speared it on his fork and raised it to his mouth.
“He knows that’s my favourite bit. He never eats it,” she whined.
“Maybe I’m just hungry,” he told her.
She screeched in shock and nearly fell off the back of the chair, making Harry
laugh out loud. Severus on the other hand looked at her in surprise and raised
an eyebrow.
“She didn’t know about the wild magic thing.”
“Oh.”
“You can hear me!”
“Yes.”
“How long have you been able to hear me?”
“That’s the first time.”
“Oh. Are you people then?”
“No. I have wild magic.”
“Oh. Can I have that rind then?”
Harry nearly burst he laughed so much. He happily gave her the rind after that,
although he did tell her that she was greedy. On hearing the noise a small
furry bundle bounded into the kitchen.
“He’s awake Hedwig, he’s awake,” it said.
“I know Shale,” she mumbled through her mouthful.
“Do you think he’ll play with me?” the kitten asked as he danced hyperactively
on and around Harry’s feet.
“I don’t know. Ask him.”
“Don’t be silly Hedwig. He can’t here me.”
“Yes I can,” he said.
Shale squealed and shot out of the room, his tail between his legs. He could
hear Hedwig giggling as he laughed and tried to coax the kitten back into the
room. Eventually a fuzzy little face appeared around the corner of the door.
“Come on Shale. I’m sorry I scared you… again.”
“I can hear you. You can hear me! How can you hear me? Mummy told me only the
wild ones can speak to each other, like me and Hedwig. Are you wild one?” he
asked as he crept closer.
“No. I have new magic that lets me talk to you.”
“Oh.”
“Come here Shale.”
Slowly the kitten walked over to him until eventually he could lean down and
scoop him up. Holding him in his lap he stroked the soft grey fur and stole a
piece of sausage from Severus’ plate for the kitten, earning him a glare in
response.
“Better? Not scared now?”
“No, not scared. Will you play with me later?” he asked brightly.
“Later, when I’ve done my training.”
“I’m glad you’re awake Harry. The other man wasn’t much fun. He’d just sit in
your room and watch you. I think he was really worried. Are you all right now?”
“His name is Severus and I’m much better now Shale, thank you. Now I can talk
to you,” he said as he tickled the kittens belly making him giggle. Giving him
a quick cuddle he set him down on the floor and told him not to get into
trouble.
“Are things all settled now?” asked Severus.
“Yeah. I’m surprised they didn’t know.”
“Well you said that the other animals only know because the blackbird told
them. I doubt he would have told Hedwig or Shale, they’ve been inside the whole
time.”
“I suppose so. Anyway what are we doing today?”
“Some light sparring to try and get your muscles back in shape. Then we can try
out the extent of your new powers. I think we’ll concentrate on that for now.”
“Ok, let’s get started then,” he said with a smile.
--------------------------x------------------------
***** Chapter 20 - Animal Magic *****
Disclaimer: JK owns them except my OC's and I just play with them and make no
profit
Ok this is your last one for today
On the upside the next batch will start with them returning to Hogwarts
------------------------------x-----------------------------
That was how they spent the following weeks, testing the range of Harry’s new
powers. He learnt how to call singular animals to him or entire groups. Soon he
had enough control that he could leave the net mostly open at all times,
meaning that he could call or speak to an animal at anytime but otherwise all
he heard was a soft kind of chatter, like being in the great hall, that he soon
learnt to ignore. If an animal addressed him directly however he heard it
clearly through the rest.
They also found out that he could heal animals. After the first incident with
the sparrow he was distressed to hear a fox calling out in pain near the
cottage. It had caught its leg in a rabbit warren and broken it. Searching out
for the animal with his magic he finally found it in the trees near the pond.
When he called to it, it asked for help, its voice filled with pain. Going to
it he knelt down to comfort it, stroking the soft red fur. Quite suddenly he
saw an image of the foxes broken bones flash before his eyes, then he felt an
involuntary sure of magic leap from his body and into the fox, just before he
blacked out. When he came to he felt dazed and weak. Rolling onto his side he
found the fox pressed up against him, completely uninjured.
“You fixed my leg. Thank you,” it yipped.
“Ummm… you’re welcome.”
He wasn’t sure how he’d done it but together with Severus they had worked on it
until he could do it of his own free will. Now he fixed the injury layer by
layer, setting bones and driving out infection, stitching back together muscle
and skin with his magic. By doing it little by little he didn’t pass out and it
didn’t drain his magic as much. There were still times when it nearly knocked
him out, like when he came across a rabbit that had been attacked by a passing
hawk. It was on the brink of death and took him hours to fix all of its
injuries and rid it of infection. By the end he was only just conscious and
Severus had had to carry him to his room. He’d woken up the next day with the
rabbit laid by his head on the pillow.
They’d continued their combat training as well and were now evenly matched in
most areas. He’d learnt how to use a sword, knife, bow, staff and his hands to
deadly accuracy. The blackbird had taken to watching their training sessions
and often sat on Harry’s shoulder as he walked around the garden, much to
Hedwig's displeasure.
The Headmaster had turned up a few days after Severus’ little mishap with more
Rice Crispies, which Harry had instantly taken and hidden in his room, only to
have the taller man summon them into the kitchen and pour himself a bowl.
Dumbledore had laughed till he cried at the ensuing argument. While he was
there he’d also told them that Harry would be returning to Hogwarts a day
early. They would be apparating to Diagon Alley in order for him to retrieve
his school supplies and then they would continue on to Hogsmeade before
returning to the castle.
As he walked around the garden with the blackbird on his shoulder he
contemplated all the things that had happened to him over the summer. He’d
finally admitted to himself that he was well and truly, completely and utterly,
head over heals in love with Severus and god how he hated it. Every moment
around the man was torture. The sound of his voice, the way he smelt, the ease
and grace in the way he moved. He was sin personified and oh how Harry wanted
him. It was just a shame he’d never see him that way. Life, he’d decided,
sucked and the gods hated him.
Taking a detour, he headed down to the pond to see the cat and her kittens.
Calling out she told him where they were hidden this time. As he got near the
kittens bounded out to see him. Getting on for five weeks old now they each had
their own unique personalities. The little black and white female he’d called
Bandit was a boisterous trouble maker, where as her sister Sookey was a shy but
incredibly sweet little thing. Their brother Fai was an all round happy and
hyperactive bundle of fluff like Shale. It still sometimes amazed him that
Severus had bought him a kitten, not that he’d be without Shale now. He’d come
to love the little kitten, now almost three months old, in the same way that he
loved Hedwig. He was family and he’d never give him up. While he’d grown up a
bit though, he certainly hadn’t lost any of his childish exuberance. On several
occasions he’d woken up to Shale perched on his forehead, peering down at him,
asking if they could play. He’d taken him down to meet the younger kittens once
and he was quite amazed at the size difference. Shale had really grown while
he’d had him and yet he was still a kitten in body and mind. He left after
playing with the kittens for a while, saying his goodbyes and heading for the
training range at the back of the cottage.
They’d pretty much covered all the combat training they could now, so they
continued simply for fun and exercise and to stop Harry getting rusty. Today
was one of his all time favourites. Archery. He loved the feel of the wood
beneath his hands, the strength and the power. When the range came into view he
saw that Severus was already there, firing at targets with his favourite bow, a
huge longbow, stained so dark it was almost black. They’d got a huge range of
bows in the basement, from longbows to regular ones, recurved kinds and
crossbows and he’d learnt to use them all. His favourite however was a longbow,
perfect for his height and strength, stained a deep cherry red colour. It felt
perfect in his hands and he was determined to take it with him… along with a
small armoury if he could get away with it. Picking a quiver he lined up next
to Severus and nocked an arrow on the string, putting three more into the
ground in front of him. While they’d been training he’d come up with the idea
of imbuing the arrows with different spells. Now, focusing on his magic, he
found a thread and mentally wound it around the shaft of the arrow.
“Look out,” he said to Severus, just before he swung the bow up, took aim and
loosed. The arrow flew straight and true, hitting near the bullseye, where it
exploded, turning the target into flying pieces of shrapnel.
“Well that’s a new one,” came a remark from next to him.
“Yeah, I just got the idea.”
“Well it was certainly effective,” Severus said as he walked over to poke at
the smouldering wreckage with the toe of his boot.
“What’s going to happen to all the stuff in the basement when we leave?” he
asked innocently, playing with the string of his bow.
“Nothing. I should think that it will just collect dust. The original owner had
no next of kin so he left it to the Headmaster instead. It will most likely
never see another human face after we leave. Why?”
“Well, I was just thinking that maybe we could take some of the weapons with
us. I’ll be able to keep training and I’ve gotten rather attached to some of
them.”
“You’d have to ask the Headmaster. Technically they belong to him.”
“I will do.”
So that was how he spent the rest of the week, eagerly awaiting Dumbledore's
next visit. Finally he arrived on the Friday with a pop and a flourish, grocery
bags floating behind him.
“Sir,” he said almost as soon as he’d entered the room.
“Yes my boy.”
“The weapons, in the basement. What’ll happen to them when we leave?”
“Nothing, there’s no need for them.”
“If you don’t mind may I take a few of them?” he queried innocently, praying to
any deity listening that the answer would be yes.
“My boy, take what you want. If you can get some use and enjoyment out of them,
better that than they sit here collecting dust,” he said with a laugh and a
smile.
“Thank you Sir, that means a lot to me,” he beamed.
“You’re welcome.”
As they waited for Severus, they talked about Harry’s departure the following
weekend. Eventually they heard footsteps on the stairs and Severus appeared
hair still damp from his shower. Politely excusing himself, Harry ran down to
the basement to pick out weapons. He started by picking out the things he
wanted to take but suddenly realised that it would be a lot easier to just
discard the things he wouldn’t take. He ended up with seven things that were
either unsuitable or broken that wouldn’t make it to Hogwarts. They consisted
of two children’s bows, a woodworm ridden longbow, a double headed axe with a
broken shaft, a child’s sword and two bent throwing knives. Briefly he wondered
who had owned the cottage before and just why they’d had all this in the
basement. He’d made sure that he’d put Severus’ favourites to one side as well,
hoping that their sparring sessions wouldn’t end once they got back.
Picking up a throwing knife he weighed it in his hand. It was perfectly
balanced, the hilt equal to the blade. Throwing it in the air, he caught it by
the point then span on his heel and threw it at one of the targets, straight
past the approaching Headmaster.
“That was close my boy.”
“That was nothing Sir,” he smiled.
“Oh?”
“Would you like to see close Sir?”
“Absolutely.”
“Do you trust me Sir?”
“With my life,” he said honestly.
“Then stand in front of the centre target and I’ll show you close,” he said
with a mischievous smile.
Waiting for the Headmaster to move into place he picked up another knife,
weighed it carefully, put it back and then chose another. Turning he focused on
the sparkling blue hat perched on Dumbledore’s head. Gauging the distance
carefully he never saw Severus on the stairs. With one final look he drew his
arm back and threw the knife across the room, where it plunged through Albus’
hat, an inch from his head, pinning the material to the target, the knife
deeply embedded in the woven straw.
“Now that’s close,” he grinned.
“My dear boy, that is quite amazing.”
“He seems to have a natural talent for muggle combat,” Severus said, making
Harry jump.
“Merlin’s balls! How long have you been there?”
“Long enough to have witnessed your feet of daring.”
“Oh,” suddenly embarrassed for some reason.
“Well if we’re all done here I must be leaving,” said Dumbledore as he tried to
pull the knife free from his hat, only to find it firmly wedged in place,
instead resorting to magic to pull it free, before sealing the hole in the
material and putting it back on his head with a smile.
“Thank you again for letting me take these Sir.”
“You’re most welcome. I shall see you next at Hogwarts then, so goodbye for
now,” he said before disappearing with a pop.
“Well. What now?” Harry asked with a grin.
----------------------------------x---------------------------------
Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed
their work!