Through Darkened Halls chapter 12
Hello, all! I'm sorry this took so long, but I hope I've done a good job with this chapter!
Happy Easter to you all! :)
Through Darkened Halls - chapter 12
By Amanda Saitou
The young wizard's heart pounded in his chest so out loud that he was afraid that everyone in the castle would hear it. With hushed steps, Harry crossed the corridor that lead to Dumbledore's office ignoring the curious looks he gathered along the way.
I'm going to bond with Severus Snape! I'm going to bond with Severus Snape! This chant echoed in his mind time and time again, until he saw himself standing in front of the gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's office door. He'd never believed that the Potions Master would agree with the bond idea and the young man didn't know if he feared it or if he rejoiced at the fact...
Merlin, am I happy because I'm going to bond with Professor Snape? Harry hesitated before saying the password. His feelings towards Snape were making him very confused, but he didn't felt like dealing with whatever it was right now. He inhaled deeply and tried to clear his mind so that Dumbledore could not see his confusion.
At seeing who his visitor was, Dumbledore smiled. "Come in, Harry! Lemon drops?"
Harry smiled back. "No, sir. Thank you."
"So your presence here means that Severus has agreed with the bond idea. To be bonded with you, to be more exact."
Harry blushed. "Er - yes, sir, he has agreed. But he wants to be sure that the bond may be reversible. I'm going to the library with Hermione so that we can research more on the safest bond ritual to be performed."
"Wonderful, Harry." Dumbledore had that mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "I am deeply happy that you and Severus have got into better terms, Harry. There was no reason for that hatred that existed between you two and it was about time that you learned to work together."
Harry felt trapped but pretended he didn't. "Right. If you excuse me, sir..."
"Go, Harry. Ms. Granger is already awaiting for you."
Harry nodded silently and left. However, the twinkle in Albus eyes remained there for a very long time after the young wizard's departure.
~~~
Harry and Hermione, joined later on by Ron Weasley, spent the two following days at the library rummaging through all the bond spells books available in there. It was a frantic search but in the end Hermione discovered a very ancient spell that sounded as the perfect one for Harry and Severus' bond.
"Here, Harry. From all the spells we've gone through this seems to be the most reliable one."
Ron gave a look at the ancient Latin and frowned. "Wow, can you understand what's written here?"
"It's a very rough Latin, but it's not that hard to understand, Ron."
"Mione, you're really a genius!"
Hermione smiled very proudly of herself, but she soon turned to Harry very serious. "Harry, I think it's better you take this book to Professor Snape and discuss the spell with him. It's quite simple, but it requires complete willingness from both the bonded ones. That mean you and Professor..."
Harry sighed and rested his chin into his hands. "I know, we have to agree in every term to this bonding or it will not work."
"But you and Snape are in better terms, aren't you mate? You said he agreed to the bond."
"He did, Ron. However, a bond is a much more intimate thing, something like soul mates share. That's why the bonded have to be so willing to do it."
Hermione closed the book and placed it on Harry's hands. "Well, the sooner you two get to an agreement, the sooner this ceremony can take place. Besides, it's been two days you don't check on Professor Snape and I know you are anxious to do that."
The embarrassment that took Harry made his clever friend smile. "Go, Harry, Ron and I are going to eat something and then go to sleep."
Harry hugged his friends briefly, murmured a 'thank you' and ran to the dungeons.
"Hey, Mione, what is this smile on your face? What's going on?"
"Nothing that you'd be happy to know, Ron. Come on, let's see if Dobby can get something for us to eat."
~~~
It had been two days! Two days that he had to deal alone with that bloody incomprehensible snake by himself. Where the hell had Potter been? His old friend had been talking to him for hours and he had paid no attention to whatever he had said during all this time. For his abhorrence his mind seemed to be employed only in thinking about Potter...
"Severus? My boy, what is wrong?" Albus had been lecturing Severus on the advantages of having a bond mate during the whole day and he had been amused on realizing how his friend had been annoyed by the absence of Harry. "Severus?"
"What, Albus?" Only then Severus noticed he had actually growled at Albus. "I- I'm sorry, it's just this bloody snake, she can't understand a single word I say."
Albus smiled back in a sympathetic way. "Be patience, Severus. Soon you will be able to talk to the snake so well as Harry does."
Severus stiffened. "As well as the Dark Lord does ... Albus, have you received any news of his steps? With all this attention centered on me, I really hope you haven't slackened your vigilance on him, Albus!"
The Headmaster's smile faded for a second but soon returned to its place. "Don't you worry with Riddle, Severus. The Order has kept a good eye on him since... that night."
"Oh, damn, Albus! You don't have to behave as if the world has ended! The Dark Lord cursed me and blinded me for Merlin knows how long; I had to drop my classes, bond with a snake and have the bane of my existence getting into my skin! It may sound terrible... well, it is terrible, but we still have a battle do go through!" Severus' eyesight was blurring but even so he was pacing back and forth nervously and passing his hands through his hair all the time. "I mean, you all have a good fight ahead, especially Pot- Harry! The Dark Lord must have plans for a new attack, Albus." He stopped his pacing very suddenly.
"I've already told you to not worry about Riddle, Severus. You and Harry are both safe while inside Hogwarts walls." Albus stopped thoughtfully for a moment. "Besides... after you are bonded you will be able to know when the other is in danger and both yours and Harry's power will be increased. This is certainly going to be a most useful toll against Riddle."
"The Dark Lord has spies everywhere, Albus. He can set a trap for Harry too easily." The snake moved towards Severus' neck and hissed something at his ear. "What the hell..." Then, he heard a sound coming from the doorway and his heart somewhat beat out of his control. He didn't need to have his vision back to know who now was standing at his door.
"Hello, Headmaster! Hi... Severus!"
"Oh, I see that you must have found what you were looking for, Harry."
~~~
Voldemort was burning with anger. No, not anger. It was pure hatred. He had meant to destroy Severus Snape completely that day. Not his body, worse, he wanted to torn his soul apart. However, what he now felt from his uneasy connection with Harry Potter was disgusting him the most, and his contorted snaky face was intriguing all the cloaked figures around him. The dark wizard felt like ripping up from the inside out all of them at that moment, but with a hissing deep breath Voldemort forced himself into some sort of calmness. It would be of no use the loss of so many minions in such a decisive time in battle as it was now. He remembered himself then that the ones he really wanted to break and bleed until death were the traitor and Harry Potter!
Lucius Malfoy, recognized as the favorite among Voldemort servants, boldly enough raised from his place and reached closer to his master. "I see something is plaguing you, my Lord! Could we do anything to lessen your burden?"
The evil creature that one day was a man stared at Lucius and curved his lips in what was supposed to be a smile. "Yes, my friend, I believe there is something you can do for your Master. However... I have heard you failed in your attempt of having Mr. Potter taken by the Ministry of Magic."
"Indeed, my Lord. Dumbledore interfered and saved Potter's skin once again." The blond man bowed very respectfully.
Voldemort's face turned into an ugly mask of abhorrence and yelled, "Dumbledore!"
All Death Eaters present had to suppress the urge to run away from their Master. They knew too well how Voldemort used to relieve his anger on them.
"That old fool. Does he really think he can protect Potter from me forever? Tell me, McNair, can he?"
"No one is above your reach, my Lord!"
"Oh, indeed, my bloodthirsty servant. My power is above all, as soon Dumbledore will discover."
Lucius reached closer again despite the fear pounding into his chest. "What are your orders, my Lord?"
"No move for now, Lucius. Simply tell your son to keep a close eye on Potter and on the traitor. Something very ... interesting is arising on my enemy's mind... something I can use on my own advantage in a near future."
The curiosity was clear on Lucius face but he decided not to push his luck any further. He knew that whatever was on his master's mind, soon it would be acknowledged to him.
Voldemort sat on his parody of a throne and remained there thinking for a long time.
~~~
"Urgh, Ron! Please, could you at least stop eating before speaking?"
Hermione and Ron were sitting and talking while Dobby was running from one side to the other bringing them the whole kitchen supplies for them to eat.
"Come on, Hermione! I don't see why you think that Harry bonding with Snape is a good thing. I think it's terrible!"
"Shhh, be quiet, Ron. Do you want the whole school to know about that?" She looked around the silent kitchen and glared at Ron. "It is a good thing and I am sure Professor Snape is going to agree with me."
"Poor Harry... First linked to You-Know-Who and now bonded to the greasy git! What an unlucky bloke!"
Dobby started to run happily around the room. "Harry Potter is so lucky! Professor Snape is going to be so happy! Dobby is going to be very happy too! Dobby is already happy!" The house elf went to get some new food and quickly returned with it, still singing the same sentences like it was a real song and waltzing through the room thanks to the many colorful socks he had put on.
"Bloody hell, what's wrong with Dobby?" He looked back at Hermione. "And what about this smile on your face? You were smiling like this when you were talking to Harry about Snape..."
"Oh, Ron, you are the one who's really blind!"
"Why? Is there something going on? What am I supposed to know?"
Hermione sighed. "Nothing, Ron. Nothing." But I bet Harry already knows!
~~~
Harry had seen the door opened but he didn't expected to hear what he heard. Severus was speaking so out loud that he could hear him even before approaching the room. To his utmost surprise, his bond-to-be was worried about him! Really worried! A wave of tenderness towards the Potions Master washed over Harry, and when Severus focused his blinded eyes in his direction, Harry surprised the older man with the most beautiful smile Severus had ever seen. The young Gryffindor felt so happy that it had been impossible for him to suppress the smile. Actually, he hadn't cared at all that the Headmaster was looking at him with a most content face, and that Severus was stunned.
"Hello, Headmaster! Hi... Severus!"
"Oh, I see that you must have found what you were looking for, Harry. Please, join us."
"Where the hell have you been, Po- Harry?" Severus had not intended his voice to sound so possessive, but it did anyway, and through the snake's eyes he noticed the slight blush on Harry's cheeks. It somewhat calmed his anxiety allowing him time to a deep breath before speaking again. "Harry... do you know what I've been through with this snake without your presence here?"
"Er... I'm sorry, Severus. I spent this whole time with Ron and Hermione at the library. We've found this book, there is a spell that might work." Handing the book to Severus, Harry continued. "Hermione said it's not too complicated and it requires only the bonded ones to perform the spell."
The snake moved again around Severus neck focusing her eyes on the page that Harry had left opened. Both snake and Potions Master rummaged through it with curiosity. "It sounds like a very personal bonding." Severus lifted his gaze and turned to Dumbledore. "Albus..."
"No, Severus, that is something to be discussed between you and Harry. I will not be blamed on meddling this time." With that, the Headmaster left the guys alone and to their own luck.
"Bloody old meddler!" Severus murmured between clenched teeth. The snake gaze on emerald green brought Severus back to reality. "Harry..." Before he could go on he felt a strong grip led him to sit back on the bed and felt his companion settle himself by his side.
"Harry... did Miss Granger read the entire explanation about the spell?" He felt the young wizard tense and frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, really. Yes, Hermione read all of it and explained it fully to me."
"So you are aware that it's a permanent bond and that it requires a lot of trust between the partners..." Harry simply nodded."... and there's no way back once we are bonded. Do you really want to spend the rest of your life stuck with me?"
Harry saw the sadness and uncertainty crossing the man's eyes. He wondered what those feelings could mean. "If that means you're going to have your life back, then I do, sir... Severus."
A hissing interrupted the two men. "Speaker, my bonded is confused."
Snape frowned at the sound coming from the snake. It was irritating that he could not understand a single world from his 'bonded'.
Harry turned his attention to the snake and parseltongue talk followed. "What do you mean?"
"Whenever my bond is around you, speaker, he feels uneasy. His heart starts to beat faster and his mood changes at every minute. He seems to want..."
It was Harry turn to frown. "Want what?"
"My bonded sort of... no, he certainly likes you, speaker. These feelings seem scaring for him and he feels confused. He fears rejection. Why is that, speaker?
Blushing harder than he had ever blushed before Harry gasped. "WHAT? What... what do you mean?"
The snake hissed impatiently. "My bonded wants to mate with you, speaker."
Now Harry was beyond shocked. He was terrified but he was also... contented?
Severus, on his turn, was getting more and more annoyed since he couldn't understand anything of the conversation ahead of him. Through the snake eyes he had seen Harry change from seriousness to sudden complete embarrassment. The young man in front of him was as red as a Weasley hair could be, if not more. And the awestruck stare that Harry was giving him was certainly making him nervous.
"What's wrong, Harry? What has this bloody snake told you?"
Harry saw himself staring at his Professor with a very flushed face, still trying to elaborate the information the snake had split up. After the first shock a strange warmness possessed his insides and Harry started to feel a sudden desire to do something for what Snape would certainly hex him to death. The same embarrassing and confusing feeling he had felt when he was settled on Snape's lap. The same feeling he wasn't prepared to deal yet or ever. What he was going to do?
“Harry...?” There the brat was, gazing so intently at him with THAT look! “Is anything wrong? Is it about the bond?” Worry taking control, Severus unconsciously grabbed the boy’s hand.
And then there was THAT smile! Again! Harry responded to the unexpected gesture by leaning towards Severus and resting his head on Severus’ shoulder, tightening the grip on his hand. It was Severus turn to blush severely. He was at a loss of words. Nervous. Scared. Very scared. But of what?
Harry reveled on his bond-to-be scent. Being that close to Severus was not so bad as he had imagined. On the contrary, his body was responding in a very nice way to the proximity to the Potions Master. The snake continued to hiss at Harry telling him about the feelings that Severus was experiencing through their closeness, motioning him to go on despite his evident fear of Severus reaction.
Severus didn’t move at all, he had no idea of what to do, of what was on Harry’s mind. The boy was there, snuggling against his side, caressing the hand Severus had put over his, making that warm sensation took over his body and provoke it into having the most improper thoughts. “Harry...?”
“Hum... sir... Severus...I...” Taunted too much by the new feeling of desire, Harry started brushing his mouth against the collar bone of Severus and to settle himself onto Severus’ lap, slowly but decidedly, breaking Severus’ walls too easily. The snake, perhaps sensing what certainly was coming to happen, left Severus' and the room, leaving the flushed men alone.
Severus couldn't see Harry anymore, but he could sense all the vibrations that the teenager's body was sending to his own, Harry's ragged breath in his neck. Once more his willpower betrayed him and Severus saw himself leaning down towards Harry.
To the younger man, though, from the moment he started touching Severus, it became harder and harder to refrain his desire of doing many more things than simply touch. He had planned only to initiate some contact with his Professor, but now Harry's feelings were in a turmoil and he had not much control over his actions. All he wanted was to keep tasting Severus with his mouth and to sense his silky skin into his hands.
"Harry, what are ... what are you doing?" The Potions Master was doing his very best to resist Harry, but he was failing miserably. It had been so long since someone had touched him like that and he longed so much for such loving caresses. "Harry..." Severus' voice came out more like a moan than the reproach tone he had intended. "You don't know what are you doing..."
Instead of answering Harry finally captured Severus' mouth initiating a very bruising kiss. It didn't take long for it to become heater than both men expected, with a dance of tongues battling and hands exploring each other's body. When they parted, both were breathless and rested their foreheads together, sighing. "That was bloody good, Severus."
"I... I didn't understand... why, Harry? So suddenly. We were talking and then you were... we were... you know..." Harry had never seen Snape embarrassed and it was an amusing view for the young man. Severus was blushing while trying to clear out his thoughts. "Why?"
"It was perfect, Severus." Harry threw his arms around the other's man waist and smiled. "Just the way you imagined, I suppose."
"The way I ... wait!" Severus pushed Harry away as abruptly as he stood up from his bed. "The snake! That bloody snake! So, that was what you were talking about." His confused expression soon changed to one of anger as he caught Harry by the shoulders and began to shake him. "What did she tell you? TELL ME, POTTER!"
Harry was taken aback by the so sudden change of mood of Severus and became as confused as the Potions Master previously was. "Nothing much, she... she only told me about you... that you liked me... but you were afraid of me rejecting you... and I... I just..."
"YOU WHAT? WAS YOUR GRYFFINDOR HEART SO PITYFUL TOWARDS POOR BLIND PROFESSOR SNAPE THAT YOU DECIDED TO MAKE SOME SNOGGING SACRIFICE FOR HIM?"
"No! I didn't..."
"THAT STUPID SNAKE TOLD YOU TO DO THAT, DIDN'T SHE?" Severus released Harry from his grip making the boy fall hard in the floor, and he turned away from Harry.
The Gryffindor still didn't know what to do or to say, but he forced his voice to sound as calm as possible. "It was not a sacrifice, sir... Severus. I like you too."
"Out of here, Potter!"
Harry stood up but remained close to Severus. "I won't go anywhere , Severus."
Severus turned again so he was face to face with his student. His face was contorted in a mix of anger and confusion and if he could have seen Harry's hurt face, maybe his heart could have softened a little. However, he scowled and made his way to the door, opening it and pointing for Harry to go out. "Yes, you are going somewhere. Out of here, now!"
"Please, Severus, we need to talk. You're mistaken and..."
"Out of here Potter, or I'll throw you away myself."
Harry sighed. He realized there was no point in arguing with Severus right now. "Very well, then, Severus. But..." He lift his hand to touch Severus' left cheek softly. "...I will come back. I care about you too much to let you give up just because of your foolish fears."
As Harry left, Severus closed the door to his rooms with a sound bump. He was so confused and scared... What had happened just now? Why had he allowed his most hated student to get into his skin so easily? It had been so good to be kissing and hugging Harry a few minutes ago... Severus sat back on his bed and rested his head into his hands. And for the first time in many years, Severus Snape cried.
Happy Easter to you all! :)
Through Darkened Halls - chapter 12
By Amanda Saitou
The young wizard's heart pounded in his chest so out loud that he was afraid that everyone in the castle would hear it. With hushed steps, Harry crossed the corridor that lead to Dumbledore's office ignoring the curious looks he gathered along the way.
I'm going to bond with Severus Snape! I'm going to bond with Severus Snape! This chant echoed in his mind time and time again, until he saw himself standing in front of the gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster's office door. He'd never believed that the Potions Master would agree with the bond idea and the young man didn't know if he feared it or if he rejoiced at the fact...
Merlin, am I happy because I'm going to bond with Professor Snape? Harry hesitated before saying the password. His feelings towards Snape were making him very confused, but he didn't felt like dealing with whatever it was right now. He inhaled deeply and tried to clear his mind so that Dumbledore could not see his confusion.
At seeing who his visitor was, Dumbledore smiled. "Come in, Harry! Lemon drops?"
Harry smiled back. "No, sir. Thank you."
"So your presence here means that Severus has agreed with the bond idea. To be bonded with you, to be more exact."
Harry blushed. "Er - yes, sir, he has agreed. But he wants to be sure that the bond may be reversible. I'm going to the library with Hermione so that we can research more on the safest bond ritual to be performed."
"Wonderful, Harry." Dumbledore had that mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "I am deeply happy that you and Severus have got into better terms, Harry. There was no reason for that hatred that existed between you two and it was about time that you learned to work together."
Harry felt trapped but pretended he didn't. "Right. If you excuse me, sir..."
"Go, Harry. Ms. Granger is already awaiting for you."
Harry nodded silently and left. However, the twinkle in Albus eyes remained there for a very long time after the young wizard's departure.
~~~
Harry and Hermione, joined later on by Ron Weasley, spent the two following days at the library rummaging through all the bond spells books available in there. It was a frantic search but in the end Hermione discovered a very ancient spell that sounded as the perfect one for Harry and Severus' bond.
"Here, Harry. From all the spells we've gone through this seems to be the most reliable one."
Ron gave a look at the ancient Latin and frowned. "Wow, can you understand what's written here?"
"It's a very rough Latin, but it's not that hard to understand, Ron."
"Mione, you're really a genius!"
Hermione smiled very proudly of herself, but she soon turned to Harry very serious. "Harry, I think it's better you take this book to Professor Snape and discuss the spell with him. It's quite simple, but it requires complete willingness from both the bonded ones. That mean you and Professor..."
Harry sighed and rested his chin into his hands. "I know, we have to agree in every term to this bonding or it will not work."
"But you and Snape are in better terms, aren't you mate? You said he agreed to the bond."
"He did, Ron. However, a bond is a much more intimate thing, something like soul mates share. That's why the bonded have to be so willing to do it."
Hermione closed the book and placed it on Harry's hands. "Well, the sooner you two get to an agreement, the sooner this ceremony can take place. Besides, it's been two days you don't check on Professor Snape and I know you are anxious to do that."
The embarrassment that took Harry made his clever friend smile. "Go, Harry, Ron and I are going to eat something and then go to sleep."
Harry hugged his friends briefly, murmured a 'thank you' and ran to the dungeons.
"Hey, Mione, what is this smile on your face? What's going on?"
"Nothing that you'd be happy to know, Ron. Come on, let's see if Dobby can get something for us to eat."
~~~
It had been two days! Two days that he had to deal alone with that bloody incomprehensible snake by himself. Where the hell had Potter been? His old friend had been talking to him for hours and he had paid no attention to whatever he had said during all this time. For his abhorrence his mind seemed to be employed only in thinking about Potter...
"Severus? My boy, what is wrong?" Albus had been lecturing Severus on the advantages of having a bond mate during the whole day and he had been amused on realizing how his friend had been annoyed by the absence of Harry. "Severus?"
"What, Albus?" Only then Severus noticed he had actually growled at Albus. "I- I'm sorry, it's just this bloody snake, she can't understand a single word I say."
Albus smiled back in a sympathetic way. "Be patience, Severus. Soon you will be able to talk to the snake so well as Harry does."
Severus stiffened. "As well as the Dark Lord does ... Albus, have you received any news of his steps? With all this attention centered on me, I really hope you haven't slackened your vigilance on him, Albus!"
The Headmaster's smile faded for a second but soon returned to its place. "Don't you worry with Riddle, Severus. The Order has kept a good eye on him since... that night."
"Oh, damn, Albus! You don't have to behave as if the world has ended! The Dark Lord cursed me and blinded me for Merlin knows how long; I had to drop my classes, bond with a snake and have the bane of my existence getting into my skin! It may sound terrible... well, it is terrible, but we still have a battle do go through!" Severus' eyesight was blurring but even so he was pacing back and forth nervously and passing his hands through his hair all the time. "I mean, you all have a good fight ahead, especially Pot- Harry! The Dark Lord must have plans for a new attack, Albus." He stopped his pacing very suddenly.
"I've already told you to not worry about Riddle, Severus. You and Harry are both safe while inside Hogwarts walls." Albus stopped thoughtfully for a moment. "Besides... after you are bonded you will be able to know when the other is in danger and both yours and Harry's power will be increased. This is certainly going to be a most useful toll against Riddle."
"The Dark Lord has spies everywhere, Albus. He can set a trap for Harry too easily." The snake moved towards Severus' neck and hissed something at his ear. "What the hell..." Then, he heard a sound coming from the doorway and his heart somewhat beat out of his control. He didn't need to have his vision back to know who now was standing at his door.
"Hello, Headmaster! Hi... Severus!"
"Oh, I see that you must have found what you were looking for, Harry."
~~~
Voldemort was burning with anger. No, not anger. It was pure hatred. He had meant to destroy Severus Snape completely that day. Not his body, worse, he wanted to torn his soul apart. However, what he now felt from his uneasy connection with Harry Potter was disgusting him the most, and his contorted snaky face was intriguing all the cloaked figures around him. The dark wizard felt like ripping up from the inside out all of them at that moment, but with a hissing deep breath Voldemort forced himself into some sort of calmness. It would be of no use the loss of so many minions in such a decisive time in battle as it was now. He remembered himself then that the ones he really wanted to break and bleed until death were the traitor and Harry Potter!
Lucius Malfoy, recognized as the favorite among Voldemort servants, boldly enough raised from his place and reached closer to his master. "I see something is plaguing you, my Lord! Could we do anything to lessen your burden?"
The evil creature that one day was a man stared at Lucius and curved his lips in what was supposed to be a smile. "Yes, my friend, I believe there is something you can do for your Master. However... I have heard you failed in your attempt of having Mr. Potter taken by the Ministry of Magic."
"Indeed, my Lord. Dumbledore interfered and saved Potter's skin once again." The blond man bowed very respectfully.
Voldemort's face turned into an ugly mask of abhorrence and yelled, "Dumbledore!"
All Death Eaters present had to suppress the urge to run away from their Master. They knew too well how Voldemort used to relieve his anger on them.
"That old fool. Does he really think he can protect Potter from me forever? Tell me, McNair, can he?"
"No one is above your reach, my Lord!"
"Oh, indeed, my bloodthirsty servant. My power is above all, as soon Dumbledore will discover."
Lucius reached closer again despite the fear pounding into his chest. "What are your orders, my Lord?"
"No move for now, Lucius. Simply tell your son to keep a close eye on Potter and on the traitor. Something very ... interesting is arising on my enemy's mind... something I can use on my own advantage in a near future."
The curiosity was clear on Lucius face but he decided not to push his luck any further. He knew that whatever was on his master's mind, soon it would be acknowledged to him.
Voldemort sat on his parody of a throne and remained there thinking for a long time.
~~~
"Urgh, Ron! Please, could you at least stop eating before speaking?"
Hermione and Ron were sitting and talking while Dobby was running from one side to the other bringing them the whole kitchen supplies for them to eat.
"Come on, Hermione! I don't see why you think that Harry bonding with Snape is a good thing. I think it's terrible!"
"Shhh, be quiet, Ron. Do you want the whole school to know about that?" She looked around the silent kitchen and glared at Ron. "It is a good thing and I am sure Professor Snape is going to agree with me."
"Poor Harry... First linked to You-Know-Who and now bonded to the greasy git! What an unlucky bloke!"
Dobby started to run happily around the room. "Harry Potter is so lucky! Professor Snape is going to be so happy! Dobby is going to be very happy too! Dobby is already happy!" The house elf went to get some new food and quickly returned with it, still singing the same sentences like it was a real song and waltzing through the room thanks to the many colorful socks he had put on.
"Bloody hell, what's wrong with Dobby?" He looked back at Hermione. "And what about this smile on your face? You were smiling like this when you were talking to Harry about Snape..."
"Oh, Ron, you are the one who's really blind!"
"Why? Is there something going on? What am I supposed to know?"
Hermione sighed. "Nothing, Ron. Nothing." But I bet Harry already knows!
~~~
Harry had seen the door opened but he didn't expected to hear what he heard. Severus was speaking so out loud that he could hear him even before approaching the room. To his utmost surprise, his bond-to-be was worried about him! Really worried! A wave of tenderness towards the Potions Master washed over Harry, and when Severus focused his blinded eyes in his direction, Harry surprised the older man with the most beautiful smile Severus had ever seen. The young Gryffindor felt so happy that it had been impossible for him to suppress the smile. Actually, he hadn't cared at all that the Headmaster was looking at him with a most content face, and that Severus was stunned.
"Hello, Headmaster! Hi... Severus!"
"Oh, I see that you must have found what you were looking for, Harry. Please, join us."
"Where the hell have you been, Po- Harry?" Severus had not intended his voice to sound so possessive, but it did anyway, and through the snake's eyes he noticed the slight blush on Harry's cheeks. It somewhat calmed his anxiety allowing him time to a deep breath before speaking again. "Harry... do you know what I've been through with this snake without your presence here?"
"Er... I'm sorry, Severus. I spent this whole time with Ron and Hermione at the library. We've found this book, there is a spell that might work." Handing the book to Severus, Harry continued. "Hermione said it's not too complicated and it requires only the bonded ones to perform the spell."
The snake moved again around Severus neck focusing her eyes on the page that Harry had left opened. Both snake and Potions Master rummaged through it with curiosity. "It sounds like a very personal bonding." Severus lifted his gaze and turned to Dumbledore. "Albus..."
"No, Severus, that is something to be discussed between you and Harry. I will not be blamed on meddling this time." With that, the Headmaster left the guys alone and to their own luck.
"Bloody old meddler!" Severus murmured between clenched teeth. The snake gaze on emerald green brought Severus back to reality. "Harry..." Before he could go on he felt a strong grip led him to sit back on the bed and felt his companion settle himself by his side.
"Harry... did Miss Granger read the entire explanation about the spell?" He felt the young wizard tense and frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, really. Yes, Hermione read all of it and explained it fully to me."
"So you are aware that it's a permanent bond and that it requires a lot of trust between the partners..." Harry simply nodded."... and there's no way back once we are bonded. Do you really want to spend the rest of your life stuck with me?"
Harry saw the sadness and uncertainty crossing the man's eyes. He wondered what those feelings could mean. "If that means you're going to have your life back, then I do, sir... Severus."
A hissing interrupted the two men. "Speaker, my bonded is confused."
Snape frowned at the sound coming from the snake. It was irritating that he could not understand a single world from his 'bonded'.
Harry turned his attention to the snake and parseltongue talk followed. "What do you mean?"
"Whenever my bond is around you, speaker, he feels uneasy. His heart starts to beat faster and his mood changes at every minute. He seems to want..."
It was Harry turn to frown. "Want what?"
"My bonded sort of... no, he certainly likes you, speaker. These feelings seem scaring for him and he feels confused. He fears rejection. Why is that, speaker?
Blushing harder than he had ever blushed before Harry gasped. "WHAT? What... what do you mean?"
The snake hissed impatiently. "My bonded wants to mate with you, speaker."
Now Harry was beyond shocked. He was terrified but he was also... contented?
Severus, on his turn, was getting more and more annoyed since he couldn't understand anything of the conversation ahead of him. Through the snake eyes he had seen Harry change from seriousness to sudden complete embarrassment. The young man in front of him was as red as a Weasley hair could be, if not more. And the awestruck stare that Harry was giving him was certainly making him nervous.
"What's wrong, Harry? What has this bloody snake told you?"
Harry saw himself staring at his Professor with a very flushed face, still trying to elaborate the information the snake had split up. After the first shock a strange warmness possessed his insides and Harry started to feel a sudden desire to do something for what Snape would certainly hex him to death. The same embarrassing and confusing feeling he had felt when he was settled on Snape's lap. The same feeling he wasn't prepared to deal yet or ever. What he was going to do?
“Harry...?” There the brat was, gazing so intently at him with THAT look! “Is anything wrong? Is it about the bond?” Worry taking control, Severus unconsciously grabbed the boy’s hand.
And then there was THAT smile! Again! Harry responded to the unexpected gesture by leaning towards Severus and resting his head on Severus’ shoulder, tightening the grip on his hand. It was Severus turn to blush severely. He was at a loss of words. Nervous. Scared. Very scared. But of what?
Harry reveled on his bond-to-be scent. Being that close to Severus was not so bad as he had imagined. On the contrary, his body was responding in a very nice way to the proximity to the Potions Master. The snake continued to hiss at Harry telling him about the feelings that Severus was experiencing through their closeness, motioning him to go on despite his evident fear of Severus reaction.
Severus didn’t move at all, he had no idea of what to do, of what was on Harry’s mind. The boy was there, snuggling against his side, caressing the hand Severus had put over his, making that warm sensation took over his body and provoke it into having the most improper thoughts. “Harry...?”
“Hum... sir... Severus...I...” Taunted too much by the new feeling of desire, Harry started brushing his mouth against the collar bone of Severus and to settle himself onto Severus’ lap, slowly but decidedly, breaking Severus’ walls too easily. The snake, perhaps sensing what certainly was coming to happen, left Severus' and the room, leaving the flushed men alone.
Severus couldn't see Harry anymore, but he could sense all the vibrations that the teenager's body was sending to his own, Harry's ragged breath in his neck. Once more his willpower betrayed him and Severus saw himself leaning down towards Harry.
To the younger man, though, from the moment he started touching Severus, it became harder and harder to refrain his desire of doing many more things than simply touch. He had planned only to initiate some contact with his Professor, but now Harry's feelings were in a turmoil and he had not much control over his actions. All he wanted was to keep tasting Severus with his mouth and to sense his silky skin into his hands.
"Harry, what are ... what are you doing?" The Potions Master was doing his very best to resist Harry, but he was failing miserably. It had been so long since someone had touched him like that and he longed so much for such loving caresses. "Harry..." Severus' voice came out more like a moan than the reproach tone he had intended. "You don't know what are you doing..."
Instead of answering Harry finally captured Severus' mouth initiating a very bruising kiss. It didn't take long for it to become heater than both men expected, with a dance of tongues battling and hands exploring each other's body. When they parted, both were breathless and rested their foreheads together, sighing. "That was bloody good, Severus."
"I... I didn't understand... why, Harry? So suddenly. We were talking and then you were... we were... you know..." Harry had never seen Snape embarrassed and it was an amusing view for the young man. Severus was blushing while trying to clear out his thoughts. "Why?"
"It was perfect, Severus." Harry threw his arms around the other's man waist and smiled. "Just the way you imagined, I suppose."
"The way I ... wait!" Severus pushed Harry away as abruptly as he stood up from his bed. "The snake! That bloody snake! So, that was what you were talking about." His confused expression soon changed to one of anger as he caught Harry by the shoulders and began to shake him. "What did she tell you? TELL ME, POTTER!"
Harry was taken aback by the so sudden change of mood of Severus and became as confused as the Potions Master previously was. "Nothing much, she... she only told me about you... that you liked me... but you were afraid of me rejecting you... and I... I just..."
"YOU WHAT? WAS YOUR GRYFFINDOR HEART SO PITYFUL TOWARDS POOR BLIND PROFESSOR SNAPE THAT YOU DECIDED TO MAKE SOME SNOGGING SACRIFICE FOR HIM?"
"No! I didn't..."
"THAT STUPID SNAKE TOLD YOU TO DO THAT, DIDN'T SHE?" Severus released Harry from his grip making the boy fall hard in the floor, and he turned away from Harry.
The Gryffindor still didn't know what to do or to say, but he forced his voice to sound as calm as possible. "It was not a sacrifice, sir... Severus. I like you too."
"Out of here, Potter!"
Harry stood up but remained close to Severus. "I won't go anywhere , Severus."
Severus turned again so he was face to face with his student. His face was contorted in a mix of anger and confusion and if he could have seen Harry's hurt face, maybe his heart could have softened a little. However, he scowled and made his way to the door, opening it and pointing for Harry to go out. "Yes, you are going somewhere. Out of here, now!"
"Please, Severus, we need to talk. You're mistaken and..."
"Out of here Potter, or I'll throw you away myself."
Harry sighed. He realized there was no point in arguing with Severus right now. "Very well, then, Severus. But..." He lift his hand to touch Severus' left cheek softly. "...I will come back. I care about you too much to let you give up just because of your foolish fears."
As Harry left, Severus closed the door to his rooms with a sound bump. He was so confused and scared... What had happened just now? Why had he allowed his most hated student to get into his skin so easily? It had been so good to be kissing and hugging Harry a few minutes ago... Severus sat back on his bed and rested his head into his hands. And for the first time in many years, Severus Snape cried.