Exsecratum (The Accursed) Snape/Bill NC18
Title: Exsecratum (The Accursed)
Author: Irana Potter-Snape
Gift For: Author 096, Venetia Ravenshire
Rating: NC18
Pairing: Snape/Bill
Disclaimer: Don't sue me. I'm just playing with them. Really.
Feedback: Oh please.
Summary: Can two curses bring together two lonely souls?
A/N: Written for the reversathon fic exchange. The request was: verbal fight for dominance before or during foreplay/the act - your choice which man wins, first time gay sex for one of them. I've taken the liberty of combining parts of several curses found in Egyptian tombs for the purposes of this story. I mean no offense to anyone who has a fascination for Egyptology. I think this is the longest one shot I've ever written. I hope you enjoy it.
Beta(s): Thank you so much love, for the incomparable help with the weakness I have known as UST. I appreciate your help, so very much. Angel sweets, thanks for the encouragement.
Word Count: 7,101
Bill lay on his bed, listening to Gaurauk explaining the nature of the curse he'd been felled by. Of all the ways to get himself cursed, he'd managed to do it quite by accident, saving someone else. One of the young goblin apprentices had been slow getting out of the tomb. He'd reached through to grab him and haul him out, the goblin had overbalanced them both, and he'd gone flying into a pedestal, a ceremonial pot of some sort falling as he did so. Instinctively, he'd reached to catch it, and it wasn't until the bloody thing connected to his palm that realised what he'd done. Mercifully, he'd blacked out immediately after. Unfortunately, at that point, the damage had already been done.
"And you're sending me back home. Why? What possible purpose could going home now serve?"
"We are not equipped to help you here. You should be seen by your own sort. Perhaps there you will find a solution to your current problems."
Bill stared balefully at the goblin. Gaurauk had an annoying resemblance to Albus Dumbledore at times, and this was one of them. There would be no point in arguing, the goblin had clearly made up his mind, and would likely have already arranged transport. His next words merely confirmed Bill's suspicions.
"A portkey will take you to your former place of education. Someone will meet you at the gates. A job has been arranged at Gringotts, though we would prefer you stay at Hogwarts. The library there should be of use to you, and I am told there is a potions master there who can brew the potions you may require."
Bill just nodded. Not much else he could do really. It seemed one part of the curse had already been fulfilled. He had lost his job, his office, as a curse breaker, at least until the curse he carried was broken.
***
Snape was waiting for him at the gates. Severus Snape, of all people. Bill smothered a groan and struggled with his hormones, something he did whenever he was near the man. For the life of him, Bill couldn't understand or explain it. There was simply something about the man that drew him. No, scratch that. He could explain it. It was the hands, the voice and the damn silky way he moved. It was the intelligence expressed in vitriolic snark. It was the essence of Severus Snape that drew him like a moth to the flame. More fool he. Snape seemed immune to those sorts of things.
He opened his mouth to form a greeting, but Snape simply said, "Weasley", and with a curt nod had turned and was striding toward the castle. Bill shook his head and followed. At least some things never changed. He smiled for the first time since being told he'd been cursed. Maybe being home wouldn't be such a bad thing after all. At the very least, perhaps now he could get to know what went on behind the façade that was Severus Snape.
"You've been given a room on the main floor. Pervious teacher's quarters," Snape called over his shoulder. "I've been told you are to have access to my personal library as well should you need it." Plain in his voice was the fervent hope that Bill wouldn't, but Bill was determined to end this bloody curse as soon as possible.
"Thank you," Bill murmured, just loud enough for Snape to hear him. There was a small break in Snape's stride at that and Bill hid a smile. Apparently the man had never been thanked for anything before, or simply hadn't been expecting it.
"Thank me if it proves to be of use," came the acerbic response, and Bill's smile escaped to split his face.
***
Bill closed yet another useless tome. He was beginning to think he'd need Snape's library after all. He'd begun his search in the Hogwarts library several weeks ago, and to date had yet to find even a mention of the curse he'd been hit with. He sighed, and looked up at the clock on the wall. It read 'almost bedtime'. He shook his head, standing and collecting the books to return to their proper place. He'd missed dinner, again. Poppy was going to be most displeased with him. The words of the curse floated back into his mind.
His affairs will be judged by the Ennead and he will be nowhere and his house will be nowhere; he will be no one. His office shall be taken away before his face and it shall be given to a man who is his enemy does he not make amends. His heart shall not be content in life does he not return a gift freely given.
The entire bloody thing was maddening. He had no notion what any of it meant at all. He left the library and returned to his rooms, a tome tucked under his arms. Summoning a house elf, he requested sandwiches and pumpkin juice and cracked open the dusty book. Three hours later he was still at it, eyes red and burning, the candles burned low. Wearily, he shifted the book and made to close it when his eyes were caught by another curse.
Of the one who defiles my resting place for his own gain a curse upon him. His estate shall belong to the fire, and his house shall belong to the consuming flame ... His relatives shall detest him. His firstborn shall be miserable and persecuted. The face of the firstborn shall be spat upon and his heart shall not be content in life. So he will continue unless one can be found who shares in his fate.
Bill frowned. For some reason the image that came to mind upon re-reading the curse was that of Severus Snape. But it wasn't possible? Was it?
***
Three weeks later and Bill had forgotten all about the curse he'd seen. He'd finally exhausted the resources in the Hogwarts library and had gotten notification that his job had been assigned to the only other human curse breaker in Egypt. A man he devoutly despised. He shook his head as he realised that yet another portion of the curse had come true. Had he known how to make amends, he would have done so, if only to keep his ruddy job. Sighing in frustration he turned the corner and bumped into a warm body. A body that sent tingles up and down his spine as he drew in a shocked breath.
Severus Snape.
"Must you careen about the halls without a care for anyone else, Weasley?"
"Must you always assume you know the situation before you speak, Snape?"
A black brow rose into equally dark tresses. "Touché." With a mocking bow, Snape was gone, after steadying Bill on his feet. Confused, he looked behind him as the man walked away, then shook his head and continued on his way.
Several hours later, he ran into Severus again.
"Merlin," Bill swore when he recovered his balance. "I am sorry, I really wasn't paying attention."
"Do you ever?"
Bill grinned. "Not when I'm thinking. Look, let me buy you a drink. To make up for running you over twice," he added.
Severus looked at him appraisingly. "I think not."
"Why not?" Bill asked, nonplussed.
"Because I would prefer to maintain my equilibrium for the rest of the evening. With you about, I doubt it would be possible." And I mean that in more ways than I care to examine, William Weasley.
"Oh," breathed Bill, a little surprised he'd gotten an answer.
"Indeed. Good night Mr. Weasley," Severus said before he swept off.
Bill couldn't decide if that was an improvement over 'Weasley' or not. He shook his head and headed back to his rooms.
***
Severus swept into his rooms in the dungeons and closed the door quietly. This situation was entirely untenable. He had no idea how well William's research progressed, but he was aware that the man had read every book on the topic he could find in the library, and knew it was only a matter of time before the man came requesting the use of his. He would simply need to be certain he wasn't about when the younger man needed access to his precious books. He wouldn't be able to bear being constantly around him, particularly now that he knew what the man smelled like, and felt like, even through the mere instances they'd been slammed together.
He poured himself two fingers of scotch and sighed. Of all things to be doing at his age, he was moony over another man and a sodding Weasley at that. What in Salazar's name was the matter with him?
Admit it old man. You wanted him before. You've dreamed of it often enough.
Severus refused to do something as mundane as argue with his inner voice. He would likely only lose in any case. How very lowering to know he couldn't win an argument against himself. He tossed back the scotch and banished the empty glass to the kitchens. It was past time he was abed. He had the delight of teaching a Ravenclaw-Gryffindor class first thing after all. He headed for his bedroom and prepared for bed, resolutely NOT thinking of William Weasley at all.
***
Another week passed before Bill gathered the nerve to corner the serpent in its nest. He stood outside Snape's door for a full three minutes, and had just raised is hand to knock when it was yanked open, Snape's scowling face in the gap.
"Did you plan to spend the night gathering what passes for your courage or did you actually intend to knock?"
Bill blinked. "How did you know I was here?"
Severus' sneered and stepped back, pulling the door wider. "I'd rather not have any sort of discussion in the hall so if you plan to enter, do so now."
Still dazed - both from lack of sleep as well as the speed with which the door had been yanked open - Bill stepped inside Severus' sitting room, eyes roaming in stunned appreciation.
"Sit down, Mr. Weasley. I suppose you'll be wanting a drink before you request the use of my library," Severus added as he stalked over to the cabinet, pulling out a bottle of scotch and pouring two fingers into glasses before turning with the intention of handing one to Bill. His steps were arrested by the sight of Bill sprawled in a chair by the fireplace, legs stretched out slightly apart, head leaning back against the upholstery, neck exposed and eyes closed.
Snape scowled. If he hadn't known better, he would have sworn Bill had seated himself in that sprawl of open invitation to sin on purpose. Then his gaze flicked from the carelessly displayed limbs to the dark circles under Bill's eyes and the hollows in his cheeks, which more than told the tale of not enough sleep and too much stress. A sudden and unaccustomed pang of concern shook him and his gaze softened, as he looked his fill for a moment before averting his eyes. He seated himself in the chair opposite, one hand outstretched with Bill's glass.
"As I have already granted you leave to use my library, I would suggest you have your drink, choose a tome and return to your rooms. Preferably to sleep before you attempt to handle one of my possessions."
Bill's eyes had snapped open by the end of the first sentence, and he took the glass and nodded. He gazed up at Severus from under lowered lashes, taking in the way the light glinted in his hair; the way the firelight seemed to soften his features. He took a deep swallow and looked away, annoyed once more at his inexplicable desire.
He felt himself flush, and hoped that Severus would either not see it, or believe it to be the heat of the fire. Turning slowly to face his host, he was grateful to see Severus staring into his glass, even though he found himself wondering what the other man was thinking.
Severus looked up and found his gaze caught by piercing blue eyes. For a moment, his breath caught and he lowered his gaze to his glass, taking a sip and using the moment to compose himself.
"You are not to allow anyone else to touch whichever book you choose, including the house elves. I expect it returned to me in the condition in which it was removed, is that clear?" he demanded, retreating to lecture mode. It was far simpler to treat the man as a student than acknowledge he had any feeling for him at all save mild respect.
"Of course." Bill finished his drink and moved to stand, swaying slightly with exhaustion.
"For Salazar's sake, you look disgraceful. Have you slept at all Mr. Weasley?" The moment the words left his lips Severus wondered why he should care.
Bill, too tired to understand the breech in character simply responded. "Not much."
Growling, Severus stood and transfigured the settee into a day bed. "You will sleep there Mr. Weasley. I will not have you walking the halls in the state you are currently in bearing one of my possessions. Indeed, I doubt you are even capable at this moment of choosing the correct text." That said, he warded his door shut for the night and stalked into the bedroom, closing the door firmly behind him as he did.
Bill watched in shock before stumbling tiredly to the bed and collapsing onto it. For the first time in weeks, he had a night of dreamless and restful sleep.
***
They never discussed that night, not the morning after or at any time in the next several weeks. Severus had left the next morning to teach his classes and returned to his rooms to find Bill ensconced in the re-transfigured couch, legs tucked up under him, head buried in one of Severus' books. Severus stilled in shock in his doorway, stepped back outside to check that his wards had indeed not been disturbed, then stepped inside his rooms once more and allowed the door to bang shut.
Eyes narrowed he snarled as he advanced upon Bill, who lifted his eyes and calmly watched Severus approach. "Explain yourself this instance, Weasley."
"Explain what exactly?" Bill returned.
Struggling to maintain some semblance of control, Severus hissed, "Explain to me how you came to be in my rooms, my wards undisturbed, in such a blatant violation of my privacy."
Bill closed the book after marking his page and locked eyes with the older man. "Simple. I never left."
"You. Never. Left" Severus gritted out.
"No, I haven't. I went to use the loo this morning and by the time I returned you'd already gone. Rather than take the time to undo your wards, I chose to use the time to do my research, without having to worry about removing your precious texts from your room."
Severus sneered at Bill and stalked into his kitchen. In truth he was more angry with himself than anything else. The rush of warmth he'd experienced at the sight of Bill sitting so calmly in his home as though he belonged there had immediately set Severus on edge. Loath though he was to admit it, he liked having William in his home, in what had become his sanctuary. It wasn't the other man's fault Severus had basically locked him in. The Floo wasn't keyed for him, so he couldn't have left that way, and Severus knew the dearth of wards would have taken considerable time and energy to remove.
He made his way back to the sitting room to ask tersely, "Have you eaten?"
Bill, knowing that was as close to an apology as he could expect, nodded his head. "I had a house elf bring me lunch, but I've not eaten since."
"You may take your evening meal here if you wish. I find I prefer to have my possessions where I can see them." He waited long enough for Bill to nod before moving to his desk and beginning his marking. They shared dinner, Bill did some more research, making notes on parchment loaned to him by Severus, and left when it approached curfew.
And so it went for the next three weeks. Bill would leave to go directly to Severus' chambers after work, eat dinner, research some more and then retire to his rooms. He had no idea when they began talking and the routine changed. These days it was the same until Severus completed his marking, and they would discuss whatever he'd found or not found. Somehow, he'd come to learn much about the other man during that time, and had even begun thinking of him as a friend.
It wasn't until Severus keyed his Floo to allow Bill to Floo directly into his quarters from Gringotts that Bill realised the other man must see him as a friend as well. He resolutely ignored the warmth that thought brought the day he realised it, and determinedly focused on his research.
The next night, as they sat in the quiet comfort of Severus' chambers, Bill exclaimed in surprise then gave a muffled shout. "By Merlin, I think I've found it."
The noise penetrated Severus' concentration and he looked up. "Is there a reason for this disturbance Mr. Weasley?"
Bill looked up, excitement flushing his face, and Snape imagined for a moment that he had been the one to put that sparkle in Bill's eyes and the flush on his cheeks before he shook himself free of the disturbing thoughts. Those sorts of thoughts were occurring far too frequently these days and he found himself constantly battling desire for the curse breaker.
"I've found it, Severus," Bill smiled, using the man's given name in his excitement. "I think I've finally found it. It seems to be linked with another curse."
"Linked how?" Severus asked ignoring the tingle that went through him at hearing his name from those lips he'd been doing his best to avoid looking at.
"There's apparently another curse with some of the same parameters of mine. I think I've seen it before as well," Bill replied, getting more excited as he spoke. He carefully set the book down and stood, heading for the fireplace. "Be back just now, I think I've got it in my room."
Bill stepped through the Floo and Severus found himself alone with the silence. He was shocked to realise he no longer welcomed it as much as he once had. It felt empty, as though something vital had left with Bill, and he fell heavily into his chair when he realised why that was.
He'd gotten used to having William Weasley about.
He frowned. This wasn't like him at all. Certainly he'd found other men attractive before, but had chosen not to act on any of those feelings. Yet not only did William Weasley tempt his body, he tempted his mind and what passed for his heart as well. Once he'd managed to break the curse, Bill would no longer be required to stay at Hogwarts and could return to Egypt, leaving Severus with nothing but this ridiculous longing he'd done nothing about, and curious thoughts about what it would have been like, had he chosen to display his interest.
What in Salazar's name do I do now?
The fire flared and Bill stepped out holding the book, rapidly turning pages until he found the one he wanted. "Here it is," he said, and read the curse aloud. A sharp intake of breath had him jerking his head toward the sound and his eyes locked with Severus' wide and terrified ones.
"Severus?" Bill asked, his grip on the text tightening. "Are you alright?"
Severus merely stared at him, unmoving, and Bill carefully set the book down to walk over to the other man, one hand waving in his face. When that prompted no reaction, Bill located Severus' liquor cabinet and poured the man a hefty drink. He returned to Severus and set the glass in his hand, curving his fingers around it. "Drink, Severus," he said softly, and watched as slowly Severus did just that.
"Merlin, you look like you've seen a ghost."
"I'm not so certain I haven't," Severus replied dully, his tone of voice far away.
Unthinking, Bill stepped closer to Severus and placed a hand under his chin, lifting his face, their eyes locking. "I need you here with me, Severus," he murmured. "I can't do this by myself."
They stayed that way for long moments before Severus shook his head and came back to himself, dislodging Bill's fingers in the process. His skin tingled where Bill had touched him and Severus quickly brought up his glass and swallowed the rest of the amber liquid.
Bill stepped back and returned to his book, although inside he was shaking. He'd been so close to kissing the man, to leaning down and capturing those lips with his own, to plundering what he was certain would be a highly addictive mouth. He doubted that would have gone over well and knew if he stayed a moment longer, he would try it.
"I think that's enough for the night," he said shakily. "I'll come by tomorrow and you can tell me what happened…"
"If you wish to hear that particular story," Severus interrupted, "you'd do well to remain while I am of a mind to tell it."
Severus stood and Accio-ed the bottle of scotch, as well as another glass. He poured Bill a drink and filled his glass with a larger measure than what Bill had given him before. As much as he would prefer nothing so much as to throw William out, Severus knew he could not, as it would simply be delaying the inevitable.
"The curse you read is mine," he said baldly, then tossed back the rest of his drink. If he were to spend the night baring his soul he'd bloody well be pissed while he did it.
Bill's knees gave out and he sat in shock on the settee. "Yours? How?"
"My father," Severus replied flatly, eyes black and empty in the firelight, causing a shiver to run the length of Bill's spine.
The words of the curse flowed through Bill's mind as he sat there, attempting to form some sort cohesive response. Of the one who defiles my resting place for his own gain a curse upon him. His estate shall belong to the fire, and his house shall belong to the consuming flame ... His relatives shall detest him. His firstborn shall be miserable and persecuted. The face of the firstborn shall be spat upon and his heart shall not be content in life. So he will continue unless one can be found who shares in his fate.
Bill stood and refilled his glass, filling Severus' as well. The very idea that Severus' reputedly miserable life was because of his own flesh and blood was staggering. "Does the Headmaster know?" he asked softly, for lack of anything better to say.
"He does," Severus answered. "It would seem, Mr. Weasley, that our paths were destined to cross."
The laugh that followed that statement was bitter and filled with pain, as this was not how Severus would have imagined them coming together at all. He knew well that part of breaking the curse involved certain… intimacies, and was certain William had no yet reached that stage in his research. While he would not have minded an encounter with this man, he did not wish for it to be like this; some emotionless sex magic to break a curse that would result in neither of them having any further need for each other. It galled him beyond words to admit he wished for something more… some with meaning, and depth of feeling. How pathetic for one such as I, he thought.
Bill took a bracing drink, then spoke. "Have you any notion how to counteract your curse?"
Severus snorted. "It seemed to be a simple matter of sex magic of some sort when researched on its own; however, as I have no information on the particulars of your specific curse, I cannot say."
Bill squirmed in his seat at the word 'sex' escaping Severus' lips. He knew perfectly well just how willing he would be to engage in sex with Severus under any terms. The images that sprung to mind had parts of his anatomy sitting up and paying attention, and he shifted once more in his seat, hoping that Severus would not at any point glance in the vicinity of his groin.
Clearing his throat, he attempted speech once more. "I know a part of mine requires I accept a gift freely given," he said, and then quoted the entire curse back at Severus. "His affairs will be judged by the Ennead and he will be nowhere and his house will be nowhere; he will be no one. His office shall be taken away before his face and it shall be given to a man who is his enemy does he not make amends. His heart shall not be content in life does he not return a gift freely given. "
He shook his head and sipped at his drink. "The first bits have already come true. I'm suspended from being a curse breaker until I've broken the curse on me, and a man I loathe was given my position in Egypt. I'm not certain about the bit that makes me no one, and I'm not in a hurry to find out if you take my meaning."
Severus shook himself free of his memories, and looked at Bill. "Perhaps you are correct, William. We should end our evening now and continue tomorrow when we are less likely to fall prey to our memories."
Bill stood and nodded, walking carefully by Severus after placing down his glass. He stopped, turned, and brushed a quick kiss across Severus' cheek, muttering goodnight and steeping into the Floo before Severus could call him on it. It was a long time before he fell asleep that night.
Neither mentioned the brief kiss the next day, focusing instead on working together to solve the mystery of how their prospective situations affected the other. It took them two weeks to figure out the necessary course of action in its entirety and once they had they separated to think, each with mixed feelings about the results. In order to break the curse, they would need more than the ritualistic sex of sex magic. It would require a bonding on all levels; soul, heart, mind, magic and body. It was a lot to take in.
They sat in silence on the fourteenth day after the initial disclosure of the joint curses, and drank fire whiskey in lieu of the scotch. Bill was the one to break the silence after several hefty glasses of the whiskey.
"So. To break the curse - both of them - we need to be emotionally, physically, mentally and magically attached," he murmured softly, stating what they both knew.
"Indeed, Mr. Weasley. You have a gift for stating the obvious."
Bill sighed. "Severus please, my name is Bill."
"Your name is William. I will not use that appallingly common pet name."
"No matter how prettily I ask?" Bill teased, shocked at himself for being so bold. He attributed it to the fact that they had drunk more than they had eaten.
Something kindled in Severus' eyes, and setting down his glass he hissed out, "Do not begin something you have no intention of finishing."
"I have never begun something and not finished it Severus. This I am looking forward to finishing."
The air crackled with sexual tension, the magic flowing between them. Severus couldn't remember the last time he was this aroused, and never by another male.
"Then what are you waiting for, Mr. Weasley? Afraid you're not up to the task?" Severus taunted.
Bill put his glass on the table, and turned to Severus, his hands fisting in the older man's robes as he yanked him forward. They lips crashed together, and Bill bit back a moan at finally doing what he'd been wanting to do for as long as he could remember.
He licked at Severus' bottom lip, the taste of fire whiskey and cinnamon exploding across his taste buds as Severus' lips parted in surprise. He moaned as he deepened the kiss, tongue mapping the inside of Severus' mouth and his fingers tightened when Severus' tongue began to battle his for dominance, long fingers twisting into his hair.
Severus' response was blinding in its intensity and Bill hung on to his control out of sheer bloodymindedness. His lips left the other man's to trail along his jaw, behind his ear, where he whispered, "Gods, you have no idea how much I want you."
Severus turned his head and captured Bill's mouth once more before whispering against his lips, "I beg to differ." He slid a hand into the hair at the nape of Bill's neck, the ribbon holding it in place having come undone from the earlier attack on Bill's hair, his lips and tongue burning a path of fire across Bill's skin.
It took every ounce of control Bill had to pull back and away. "I want this. I want you, have done for a very long time," he said. "But not like this. Not under the influence of the drink. I want you sober and aware of what I'm doing to you, begging for me to take you, from passion, not from intoxication."
"What makes you believe it will not be the exact opposite, with you begging me to have you?"
Bill laughed and pulled further away, resisting the desire to dive back into Severus' mouth and strip them both of their clothing, alcohol be damned. "I suspect we'll see, won't we?" he asked, standing and heading for the fireplace to return to his rooms. "Good night Severus. I'll see you tomorrow."
Severus watched him go and then allowed himself to slump into the settee. His hands came up to cover his face as he wondered what in Salazar's name had he been doing. He'd never so much as kissed another male before, despite his desire to do so, and yet here he'd been acting the wanton for a man seven years his junior. And sparring with him - no, flirting - with him to boot.
He stood shakily, body swimming in sensation and made his way to his bedroom. He had no illusions about who would be gracing his thoughts tonight as his hand wrapped around himself, and didn't find the idea as appalling as he'd suspected. Thank Salazar the next day was a Saturday, and as such he had no classes to worry about. It appeared he had a bit of research to do.
***
That evening saw Severus as prepared as he was likely to be given the things he'd discovered during the day, and not a little turned on. He'd chosen to forgo his usual mountain of clothing, instead wearing a pair of trousers and a button down silk shirt under his robes. He wasn't certain if Bill knew just what sort of gift he'd be getting this evening, but decided not to trouble himself about it. It would happen as it would and given his desire for the redhead, Severus was determined to enjoy it.
Bill decided to forgo his robes this evening, to give Severus a glimpse at what he'd be having later that evening if all went well. He wore a pair of faded jeans, and a jumper, his hair loose and the dragon fang earring winking with each movement from between strands of hair. Satisfied, he Floo-ed into Severus' rooms and smiled, eyes raking over Severus, pleased with the opened robes and what lay beneath them.
Bill sidled up to the other man and backed him against the wall. "No alcohol tonight. Just you and me." He licked at Severus' ear and smiled at the sharp intake of breath.
"Indeed," Severus agreed and reversed their positions, taking Bill's mouth in a fiery, needy kiss.
Bill slid his hands beneath the robes and around Severus' waist pulling him closer as the battle was joined by their tongues. Determined to be the one in control of this seduction, Bill slid one hand up Severus' back and the other down to his arse and squeezed, eliciting a gasp before he flipped their positions on the wall once more, sliding a leg between both of Severus' and resting his thigh squarely against the significant erection he found there.
"I'm seducing you remember?" Bill rasped against Severus' neck, his fingers moving to undo the buttons keeping him away from Severus' skin.
"Is that so?" Severus replied with a gasp. "I've seen little to support that claim."
Bill pulled back and smiled; a wicked grin that promised Severus untold pleasure. "Stop fighting for control and let me do what I've wanted to do every night for the past month."
He pulled completely away and hauled the jumper over his head, displaying to Severus' surprised glance a silver nipple ring, glinting in the firelight. "Take off the robes."
Severus took his time complying, the shirt gaping open where it had been all but undone to reveal silky skin and a glimpse of hard brown nipples. Bill licked his lips and smiled, prowling over to where Severus stood and flicking over the rest of the buttons before he hauled the shirt down Severus' arms and trapped his hands behind his back.
"Mine," Bill whispered possessively as he leaned down and licked at a pert nipple, sucking it gently into his mouth before moving to the other to lave and suck at it as well.
Severus' gasp of surprise turned into a hiss of pleasure as Bill's mouth bit and nibbled at him, leaving tiny red markings along his torso and on his hips before finally settling to the task of laving his belly button. Nimble fingers undid his trousers and pushed them over his hips and Severus groaned at the feel of a hot mouth closing over the head of his cock through the light silk of the pants he wore.
Tugging the boxers over Severus' hipbones, Bill reached inside to free the other man's fully engorged cock. Glancing up, Bill locked eyes with Severus before he leaned forward and sucked him into his mouth, moaning at the taste, at the feel of Severus in his mouth. Licking up the shaft, Bill tasted musk, arousal and something spicy that could only be Severus, and his cock hardened further in his jeans.
Severus had never felt anything like it. He'd gotten blow jobs from women before, but nothing, nothing, had ever felt the way this felt. This was outside his experience, his expectation. It occurred to Severus that the difference lay in the fact that the women he had been with had been paid to do this, William was doing it because he wanted to, and Severus groaned with the pleasure of it.
The sounds Severus made were intoxicating, and Bill thought he could happily do this forever, suck Severus' cock. Then something else occurred to him, something he'd had done but had never done to anyone, and he slowly pulled off, sucking the entire way up.
"We need your bed," he said, voice husky and throat scratchy.
Severus nodded and stepped out of his trousers and pants, toeing off his shoes as he headed for his bedroom. He turned and stared as Bill came through the door behind him and said softly, "You are wearing far too many clothes. Take them off."
Bill decided that was one order from Severus he would fulfill tonight, as he'd been planning to do that anyway. He hurriedly peeled out of his jeans, gasping as his cock was released from its restriction and stepping out of jeans, shoes and socks as he made his way over to Severus.
Severus' eyes traveled the length of Bill's body, and Bill felt it like a caress. Bill wanted this to go well, to be perfect, to be a night they would both remember vividly. He closed the small distance and pressed his lips to Severus', licking teasingly at his upper lip, enjoying the tiny shocked sound Severus made.
"Get on the bed, on your stomach," he rasped, voice almost gone under the weight of his desire when he broke the kiss.
"Do you not have something planned to make my compliance worthwhile," Severus snarked as he climbed unto his bed and stretched out on his stomach, "I shall see to it you are unable to ever perform in such a manner as this again."
Bill followed him onto the bed, moving to straddle Severus' hips as Bill's lips toured the skin of Severus' neck and shoulders, tongue slipping out occasionally to lick at the creamy flesh. He worked his way down Severus' spine, closing his mouth and sucking at each vertebrae, nipping and laving the small of his lover's back until Severus was writhing beneath him.
"You'll like this," Bill promised as he gently parted Severus' cheeks. The older man tensed underneath him and he quickly reassured him. "Relax. I promise, if you don't like it, I'll stop."
Severus pulled in several ragged breaths in an attempt to calm himself. He'd agreed to this, planned for this. The least he could do now was relax and enjoy it, and trust William to make it good for him. I can do that, he told himself. I can, and I will. Slowly he forced his body to relax, and settled deeper into the sheets. He shifted his hips a little to let William know he could proceed, and settled down to experience whatever William had in store for him.
Bill had stilled completely, waiting for Severus to relax once more before he continued his task. He licked a stripe from the small of the Slytherin's back to his balls, and back again, stopping briefly to circle the tempting little hole before he made his journey back down to suck at Severus' perineum.
Severus gasped. This was… dear Salazar he hadn't the words to describe it. For the first time ever, Severus gave himself over to sensation, believing for no conceivable reason that not only would William not hurt him, but he would find great pleasure in anything they did together as well.
Bill circled the puckered entrance gently, teasingly and smiled when Severus pushed back against his tongue. He pushed until the tip breached the muscle, slowly pushing farther in before pulling back out. He fucked his way inside Severus' body, listening as the sounds of need ratcheted up to fever pitch, evident in the ragged pleas - read demands - that erupted from Severus' mouth.
"Weasley if you do not get on with it this instance that ruddy curse will be the last thing you need have a care about," Severus growled.
Bill grinned and slid off the bed to rummage inside his jeans pocket, pulling out a small vial of lube. He returned to his place on the bed and slicked his fingers, sliding one gently inside Severus' body, holding it still until the flesh relaxed around the intrusion. Slowly he pulled it in and out, adding another and circling slowly.
"Salazar man! Are you seeking my death or my pleasure?"
Deciding Severus was ready; Bill slicked himself and brushed up against Severus' opening. Slowly he pushed in; gasping as his cockhead was swallowed by the first ring of muscle, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Shit," Bill gasped, the tight heat overwhelming. He pushed in a bit more; careful to keep his pace slow, stopping when Severus tensed and moving forward when he relaxed until he was fully seated inside his lover's arse.
"Perfect," he breathed. "So fucking perfect."
Severus groaned, surprised to find himself non verbal and pushed back against Bill, signaling his readiness for more. Gasping as he pulled out, Bill gave it to him, driving deeper, and harder, and faster with each thrust, reaching around to stroke him with each thrust. A strangled sound escaped Severus when Bill brushed over his prostate and Bill kept to that angle, groaning as he felt his lover's arse clamp down around him.
Severus came silently, his entire body convulsing, wringing Bill's orgasm from him viciously, and they collapsed - spent, sated and exhausted.
"Fuck me," Bill panted, unable to grasp the strength and power of his release.
"Perhaps once I have rested," was Severus' weak reply.
Bill pulled out slowly and curled around Severus' form, ignoring the muscle that went rigid on contact until the other man slowly relaxed into the embrace. "I look forward to it," he whispered before he fell asleep. Severus following him not long after.
***
The next few days brought several surprises - most of them pleasant - for Bill. They had indeed broken the curse, both curses, as was evidenced by the owl Bill received offering him his job back in Egypt. The Prophet ran a front page exposé on the Spy Who Stood Against Voldemort. The article detailed the role Severus had played in the war against the Dark Lord, praising him for his valour and bravery. Harry apologized to Severus and Bill had the pleasure of knowing the man he cared for finally was being granted the accolades and acknowledgement he deserved.
Best of all, they had discovered that not only did they care for each other, but that in order for the curse to have been broken, they needed to have fulfilled the unnoted parameters of the counter curse. They needed to be connected by mind, body, heart, soul and magic, and have the desire to spend the rest of their lives with each other.
Severus had looked away when they had been told that piece of information, but not before Bill saw the surprised gleam in his eyes. He'd ushered the Headmaster from the room before the older wizard quite knew what was happening, and turned to Severus.
Slowly he walked up to the other wizard and wrapped his arms around him. "I wanted you before the curse, Severus. Wanted more than a single night. I'd like to give this a go, if you are willing."
Bill waited in silence for long moments before Severus finally spoke. "I find I wish more as well," he replied quietly.
Bill smiled. That was good enough for him.
~ Fin ~
Author: Irana Potter-Snape
Gift For: Author 096, Venetia Ravenshire
Rating: NC18
Pairing: Snape/Bill
Disclaimer: Don't sue me. I'm just playing with them. Really.
Feedback: Oh please.
Summary: Can two curses bring together two lonely souls?
A/N: Written for the reversathon fic exchange. The request was: verbal fight for dominance before or during foreplay/the act - your choice which man wins, first time gay sex for one of them. I've taken the liberty of combining parts of several curses found in Egyptian tombs for the purposes of this story. I mean no offense to anyone who has a fascination for Egyptology. I think this is the longest one shot I've ever written. I hope you enjoy it.
Beta(s): Thank you so much love, for the incomparable help with the weakness I have known as UST. I appreciate your help, so very much. Angel sweets, thanks for the encouragement.
Word Count: 7,101
Bill lay on his bed, listening to Gaurauk explaining the nature of the curse he'd been felled by. Of all the ways to get himself cursed, he'd managed to do it quite by accident, saving someone else. One of the young goblin apprentices had been slow getting out of the tomb. He'd reached through to grab him and haul him out, the goblin had overbalanced them both, and he'd gone flying into a pedestal, a ceremonial pot of some sort falling as he did so. Instinctively, he'd reached to catch it, and it wasn't until the bloody thing connected to his palm that realised what he'd done. Mercifully, he'd blacked out immediately after. Unfortunately, at that point, the damage had already been done.
"And you're sending me back home. Why? What possible purpose could going home now serve?"
"We are not equipped to help you here. You should be seen by your own sort. Perhaps there you will find a solution to your current problems."
Bill stared balefully at the goblin. Gaurauk had an annoying resemblance to Albus Dumbledore at times, and this was one of them. There would be no point in arguing, the goblin had clearly made up his mind, and would likely have already arranged transport. His next words merely confirmed Bill's suspicions.
"A portkey will take you to your former place of education. Someone will meet you at the gates. A job has been arranged at Gringotts, though we would prefer you stay at Hogwarts. The library there should be of use to you, and I am told there is a potions master there who can brew the potions you may require."
Bill just nodded. Not much else he could do really. It seemed one part of the curse had already been fulfilled. He had lost his job, his office, as a curse breaker, at least until the curse he carried was broken.
***
Snape was waiting for him at the gates. Severus Snape, of all people. Bill smothered a groan and struggled with his hormones, something he did whenever he was near the man. For the life of him, Bill couldn't understand or explain it. There was simply something about the man that drew him. No, scratch that. He could explain it. It was the hands, the voice and the damn silky way he moved. It was the intelligence expressed in vitriolic snark. It was the essence of Severus Snape that drew him like a moth to the flame. More fool he. Snape seemed immune to those sorts of things.
He opened his mouth to form a greeting, but Snape simply said, "Weasley", and with a curt nod had turned and was striding toward the castle. Bill shook his head and followed. At least some things never changed. He smiled for the first time since being told he'd been cursed. Maybe being home wouldn't be such a bad thing after all. At the very least, perhaps now he could get to know what went on behind the façade that was Severus Snape.
"You've been given a room on the main floor. Pervious teacher's quarters," Snape called over his shoulder. "I've been told you are to have access to my personal library as well should you need it." Plain in his voice was the fervent hope that Bill wouldn't, but Bill was determined to end this bloody curse as soon as possible.
"Thank you," Bill murmured, just loud enough for Snape to hear him. There was a small break in Snape's stride at that and Bill hid a smile. Apparently the man had never been thanked for anything before, or simply hadn't been expecting it.
"Thank me if it proves to be of use," came the acerbic response, and Bill's smile escaped to split his face.
***
Bill closed yet another useless tome. He was beginning to think he'd need Snape's library after all. He'd begun his search in the Hogwarts library several weeks ago, and to date had yet to find even a mention of the curse he'd been hit with. He sighed, and looked up at the clock on the wall. It read 'almost bedtime'. He shook his head, standing and collecting the books to return to their proper place. He'd missed dinner, again. Poppy was going to be most displeased with him. The words of the curse floated back into his mind.
His affairs will be judged by the Ennead and he will be nowhere and his house will be nowhere; he will be no one. His office shall be taken away before his face and it shall be given to a man who is his enemy does he not make amends. His heart shall not be content in life does he not return a gift freely given.
The entire bloody thing was maddening. He had no notion what any of it meant at all. He left the library and returned to his rooms, a tome tucked under his arms. Summoning a house elf, he requested sandwiches and pumpkin juice and cracked open the dusty book. Three hours later he was still at it, eyes red and burning, the candles burned low. Wearily, he shifted the book and made to close it when his eyes were caught by another curse.
Of the one who defiles my resting place for his own gain a curse upon him. His estate shall belong to the fire, and his house shall belong to the consuming flame ... His relatives shall detest him. His firstborn shall be miserable and persecuted. The face of the firstborn shall be spat upon and his heart shall not be content in life. So he will continue unless one can be found who shares in his fate.
Bill frowned. For some reason the image that came to mind upon re-reading the curse was that of Severus Snape. But it wasn't possible? Was it?
***
Three weeks later and Bill had forgotten all about the curse he'd seen. He'd finally exhausted the resources in the Hogwarts library and had gotten notification that his job had been assigned to the only other human curse breaker in Egypt. A man he devoutly despised. He shook his head as he realised that yet another portion of the curse had come true. Had he known how to make amends, he would have done so, if only to keep his ruddy job. Sighing in frustration he turned the corner and bumped into a warm body. A body that sent tingles up and down his spine as he drew in a shocked breath.
Severus Snape.
"Must you careen about the halls without a care for anyone else, Weasley?"
"Must you always assume you know the situation before you speak, Snape?"
A black brow rose into equally dark tresses. "Touché." With a mocking bow, Snape was gone, after steadying Bill on his feet. Confused, he looked behind him as the man walked away, then shook his head and continued on his way.
Several hours later, he ran into Severus again.
"Merlin," Bill swore when he recovered his balance. "I am sorry, I really wasn't paying attention."
"Do you ever?"
Bill grinned. "Not when I'm thinking. Look, let me buy you a drink. To make up for running you over twice," he added.
Severus looked at him appraisingly. "I think not."
"Why not?" Bill asked, nonplussed.
"Because I would prefer to maintain my equilibrium for the rest of the evening. With you about, I doubt it would be possible." And I mean that in more ways than I care to examine, William Weasley.
"Oh," breathed Bill, a little surprised he'd gotten an answer.
"Indeed. Good night Mr. Weasley," Severus said before he swept off.
Bill couldn't decide if that was an improvement over 'Weasley' or not. He shook his head and headed back to his rooms.
***
Severus swept into his rooms in the dungeons and closed the door quietly. This situation was entirely untenable. He had no idea how well William's research progressed, but he was aware that the man had read every book on the topic he could find in the library, and knew it was only a matter of time before the man came requesting the use of his. He would simply need to be certain he wasn't about when the younger man needed access to his precious books. He wouldn't be able to bear being constantly around him, particularly now that he knew what the man smelled like, and felt like, even through the mere instances they'd been slammed together.
He poured himself two fingers of scotch and sighed. Of all things to be doing at his age, he was moony over another man and a sodding Weasley at that. What in Salazar's name was the matter with him?
Admit it old man. You wanted him before. You've dreamed of it often enough.
Severus refused to do something as mundane as argue with his inner voice. He would likely only lose in any case. How very lowering to know he couldn't win an argument against himself. He tossed back the scotch and banished the empty glass to the kitchens. It was past time he was abed. He had the delight of teaching a Ravenclaw-Gryffindor class first thing after all. He headed for his bedroom and prepared for bed, resolutely NOT thinking of William Weasley at all.
***
Another week passed before Bill gathered the nerve to corner the serpent in its nest. He stood outside Snape's door for a full three minutes, and had just raised is hand to knock when it was yanked open, Snape's scowling face in the gap.
"Did you plan to spend the night gathering what passes for your courage or did you actually intend to knock?"
Bill blinked. "How did you know I was here?"
Severus' sneered and stepped back, pulling the door wider. "I'd rather not have any sort of discussion in the hall so if you plan to enter, do so now."
Still dazed - both from lack of sleep as well as the speed with which the door had been yanked open - Bill stepped inside Severus' sitting room, eyes roaming in stunned appreciation.
"Sit down, Mr. Weasley. I suppose you'll be wanting a drink before you request the use of my library," Severus added as he stalked over to the cabinet, pulling out a bottle of scotch and pouring two fingers into glasses before turning with the intention of handing one to Bill. His steps were arrested by the sight of Bill sprawled in a chair by the fireplace, legs stretched out slightly apart, head leaning back against the upholstery, neck exposed and eyes closed.
Snape scowled. If he hadn't known better, he would have sworn Bill had seated himself in that sprawl of open invitation to sin on purpose. Then his gaze flicked from the carelessly displayed limbs to the dark circles under Bill's eyes and the hollows in his cheeks, which more than told the tale of not enough sleep and too much stress. A sudden and unaccustomed pang of concern shook him and his gaze softened, as he looked his fill for a moment before averting his eyes. He seated himself in the chair opposite, one hand outstretched with Bill's glass.
"As I have already granted you leave to use my library, I would suggest you have your drink, choose a tome and return to your rooms. Preferably to sleep before you attempt to handle one of my possessions."
Bill's eyes had snapped open by the end of the first sentence, and he took the glass and nodded. He gazed up at Severus from under lowered lashes, taking in the way the light glinted in his hair; the way the firelight seemed to soften his features. He took a deep swallow and looked away, annoyed once more at his inexplicable desire.
He felt himself flush, and hoped that Severus would either not see it, or believe it to be the heat of the fire. Turning slowly to face his host, he was grateful to see Severus staring into his glass, even though he found himself wondering what the other man was thinking.
Severus looked up and found his gaze caught by piercing blue eyes. For a moment, his breath caught and he lowered his gaze to his glass, taking a sip and using the moment to compose himself.
"You are not to allow anyone else to touch whichever book you choose, including the house elves. I expect it returned to me in the condition in which it was removed, is that clear?" he demanded, retreating to lecture mode. It was far simpler to treat the man as a student than acknowledge he had any feeling for him at all save mild respect.
"Of course." Bill finished his drink and moved to stand, swaying slightly with exhaustion.
"For Salazar's sake, you look disgraceful. Have you slept at all Mr. Weasley?" The moment the words left his lips Severus wondered why he should care.
Bill, too tired to understand the breech in character simply responded. "Not much."
Growling, Severus stood and transfigured the settee into a day bed. "You will sleep there Mr. Weasley. I will not have you walking the halls in the state you are currently in bearing one of my possessions. Indeed, I doubt you are even capable at this moment of choosing the correct text." That said, he warded his door shut for the night and stalked into the bedroom, closing the door firmly behind him as he did.
Bill watched in shock before stumbling tiredly to the bed and collapsing onto it. For the first time in weeks, he had a night of dreamless and restful sleep.
***
They never discussed that night, not the morning after or at any time in the next several weeks. Severus had left the next morning to teach his classes and returned to his rooms to find Bill ensconced in the re-transfigured couch, legs tucked up under him, head buried in one of Severus' books. Severus stilled in shock in his doorway, stepped back outside to check that his wards had indeed not been disturbed, then stepped inside his rooms once more and allowed the door to bang shut.
Eyes narrowed he snarled as he advanced upon Bill, who lifted his eyes and calmly watched Severus approach. "Explain yourself this instance, Weasley."
"Explain what exactly?" Bill returned.
Struggling to maintain some semblance of control, Severus hissed, "Explain to me how you came to be in my rooms, my wards undisturbed, in such a blatant violation of my privacy."
Bill closed the book after marking his page and locked eyes with the older man. "Simple. I never left."
"You. Never. Left" Severus gritted out.
"No, I haven't. I went to use the loo this morning and by the time I returned you'd already gone. Rather than take the time to undo your wards, I chose to use the time to do my research, without having to worry about removing your precious texts from your room."
Severus sneered at Bill and stalked into his kitchen. In truth he was more angry with himself than anything else. The rush of warmth he'd experienced at the sight of Bill sitting so calmly in his home as though he belonged there had immediately set Severus on edge. Loath though he was to admit it, he liked having William in his home, in what had become his sanctuary. It wasn't the other man's fault Severus had basically locked him in. The Floo wasn't keyed for him, so he couldn't have left that way, and Severus knew the dearth of wards would have taken considerable time and energy to remove.
He made his way back to the sitting room to ask tersely, "Have you eaten?"
Bill, knowing that was as close to an apology as he could expect, nodded his head. "I had a house elf bring me lunch, but I've not eaten since."
"You may take your evening meal here if you wish. I find I prefer to have my possessions where I can see them." He waited long enough for Bill to nod before moving to his desk and beginning his marking. They shared dinner, Bill did some more research, making notes on parchment loaned to him by Severus, and left when it approached curfew.
And so it went for the next three weeks. Bill would leave to go directly to Severus' chambers after work, eat dinner, research some more and then retire to his rooms. He had no idea when they began talking and the routine changed. These days it was the same until Severus completed his marking, and they would discuss whatever he'd found or not found. Somehow, he'd come to learn much about the other man during that time, and had even begun thinking of him as a friend.
It wasn't until Severus keyed his Floo to allow Bill to Floo directly into his quarters from Gringotts that Bill realised the other man must see him as a friend as well. He resolutely ignored the warmth that thought brought the day he realised it, and determinedly focused on his research.
The next night, as they sat in the quiet comfort of Severus' chambers, Bill exclaimed in surprise then gave a muffled shout. "By Merlin, I think I've found it."
The noise penetrated Severus' concentration and he looked up. "Is there a reason for this disturbance Mr. Weasley?"
Bill looked up, excitement flushing his face, and Snape imagined for a moment that he had been the one to put that sparkle in Bill's eyes and the flush on his cheeks before he shook himself free of the disturbing thoughts. Those sorts of thoughts were occurring far too frequently these days and he found himself constantly battling desire for the curse breaker.
"I've found it, Severus," Bill smiled, using the man's given name in his excitement. "I think I've finally found it. It seems to be linked with another curse."
"Linked how?" Severus asked ignoring the tingle that went through him at hearing his name from those lips he'd been doing his best to avoid looking at.
"There's apparently another curse with some of the same parameters of mine. I think I've seen it before as well," Bill replied, getting more excited as he spoke. He carefully set the book down and stood, heading for the fireplace. "Be back just now, I think I've got it in my room."
Bill stepped through the Floo and Severus found himself alone with the silence. He was shocked to realise he no longer welcomed it as much as he once had. It felt empty, as though something vital had left with Bill, and he fell heavily into his chair when he realised why that was.
He'd gotten used to having William Weasley about.
He frowned. This wasn't like him at all. Certainly he'd found other men attractive before, but had chosen not to act on any of those feelings. Yet not only did William Weasley tempt his body, he tempted his mind and what passed for his heart as well. Once he'd managed to break the curse, Bill would no longer be required to stay at Hogwarts and could return to Egypt, leaving Severus with nothing but this ridiculous longing he'd done nothing about, and curious thoughts about what it would have been like, had he chosen to display his interest.
What in Salazar's name do I do now?
The fire flared and Bill stepped out holding the book, rapidly turning pages until he found the one he wanted. "Here it is," he said, and read the curse aloud. A sharp intake of breath had him jerking his head toward the sound and his eyes locked with Severus' wide and terrified ones.
"Severus?" Bill asked, his grip on the text tightening. "Are you alright?"
Severus merely stared at him, unmoving, and Bill carefully set the book down to walk over to the other man, one hand waving in his face. When that prompted no reaction, Bill located Severus' liquor cabinet and poured the man a hefty drink. He returned to Severus and set the glass in his hand, curving his fingers around it. "Drink, Severus," he said softly, and watched as slowly Severus did just that.
"Merlin, you look like you've seen a ghost."
"I'm not so certain I haven't," Severus replied dully, his tone of voice far away.
Unthinking, Bill stepped closer to Severus and placed a hand under his chin, lifting his face, their eyes locking. "I need you here with me, Severus," he murmured. "I can't do this by myself."
They stayed that way for long moments before Severus shook his head and came back to himself, dislodging Bill's fingers in the process. His skin tingled where Bill had touched him and Severus quickly brought up his glass and swallowed the rest of the amber liquid.
Bill stepped back and returned to his book, although inside he was shaking. He'd been so close to kissing the man, to leaning down and capturing those lips with his own, to plundering what he was certain would be a highly addictive mouth. He doubted that would have gone over well and knew if he stayed a moment longer, he would try it.
"I think that's enough for the night," he said shakily. "I'll come by tomorrow and you can tell me what happened…"
"If you wish to hear that particular story," Severus interrupted, "you'd do well to remain while I am of a mind to tell it."
Severus stood and Accio-ed the bottle of scotch, as well as another glass. He poured Bill a drink and filled his glass with a larger measure than what Bill had given him before. As much as he would prefer nothing so much as to throw William out, Severus knew he could not, as it would simply be delaying the inevitable.
"The curse you read is mine," he said baldly, then tossed back the rest of his drink. If he were to spend the night baring his soul he'd bloody well be pissed while he did it.
Bill's knees gave out and he sat in shock on the settee. "Yours? How?"
"My father," Severus replied flatly, eyes black and empty in the firelight, causing a shiver to run the length of Bill's spine.
The words of the curse flowed through Bill's mind as he sat there, attempting to form some sort cohesive response. Of the one who defiles my resting place for his own gain a curse upon him. His estate shall belong to the fire, and his house shall belong to the consuming flame ... His relatives shall detest him. His firstborn shall be miserable and persecuted. The face of the firstborn shall be spat upon and his heart shall not be content in life. So he will continue unless one can be found who shares in his fate.
Bill stood and refilled his glass, filling Severus' as well. The very idea that Severus' reputedly miserable life was because of his own flesh and blood was staggering. "Does the Headmaster know?" he asked softly, for lack of anything better to say.
"He does," Severus answered. "It would seem, Mr. Weasley, that our paths were destined to cross."
The laugh that followed that statement was bitter and filled with pain, as this was not how Severus would have imagined them coming together at all. He knew well that part of breaking the curse involved certain… intimacies, and was certain William had no yet reached that stage in his research. While he would not have minded an encounter with this man, he did not wish for it to be like this; some emotionless sex magic to break a curse that would result in neither of them having any further need for each other. It galled him beyond words to admit he wished for something more… some with meaning, and depth of feeling. How pathetic for one such as I, he thought.
Bill took a bracing drink, then spoke. "Have you any notion how to counteract your curse?"
Severus snorted. "It seemed to be a simple matter of sex magic of some sort when researched on its own; however, as I have no information on the particulars of your specific curse, I cannot say."
Bill squirmed in his seat at the word 'sex' escaping Severus' lips. He knew perfectly well just how willing he would be to engage in sex with Severus under any terms. The images that sprung to mind had parts of his anatomy sitting up and paying attention, and he shifted once more in his seat, hoping that Severus would not at any point glance in the vicinity of his groin.
Clearing his throat, he attempted speech once more. "I know a part of mine requires I accept a gift freely given," he said, and then quoted the entire curse back at Severus. "His affairs will be judged by the Ennead and he will be nowhere and his house will be nowhere; he will be no one. His office shall be taken away before his face and it shall be given to a man who is his enemy does he not make amends. His heart shall not be content in life does he not return a gift freely given. "
He shook his head and sipped at his drink. "The first bits have already come true. I'm suspended from being a curse breaker until I've broken the curse on me, and a man I loathe was given my position in Egypt. I'm not certain about the bit that makes me no one, and I'm not in a hurry to find out if you take my meaning."
Severus shook himself free of his memories, and looked at Bill. "Perhaps you are correct, William. We should end our evening now and continue tomorrow when we are less likely to fall prey to our memories."
Bill stood and nodded, walking carefully by Severus after placing down his glass. He stopped, turned, and brushed a quick kiss across Severus' cheek, muttering goodnight and steeping into the Floo before Severus could call him on it. It was a long time before he fell asleep that night.
Neither mentioned the brief kiss the next day, focusing instead on working together to solve the mystery of how their prospective situations affected the other. It took them two weeks to figure out the necessary course of action in its entirety and once they had they separated to think, each with mixed feelings about the results. In order to break the curse, they would need more than the ritualistic sex of sex magic. It would require a bonding on all levels; soul, heart, mind, magic and body. It was a lot to take in.
They sat in silence on the fourteenth day after the initial disclosure of the joint curses, and drank fire whiskey in lieu of the scotch. Bill was the one to break the silence after several hefty glasses of the whiskey.
"So. To break the curse - both of them - we need to be emotionally, physically, mentally and magically attached," he murmured softly, stating what they both knew.
"Indeed, Mr. Weasley. You have a gift for stating the obvious."
Bill sighed. "Severus please, my name is Bill."
"Your name is William. I will not use that appallingly common pet name."
"No matter how prettily I ask?" Bill teased, shocked at himself for being so bold. He attributed it to the fact that they had drunk more than they had eaten.
Something kindled in Severus' eyes, and setting down his glass he hissed out, "Do not begin something you have no intention of finishing."
"I have never begun something and not finished it Severus. This I am looking forward to finishing."
The air crackled with sexual tension, the magic flowing between them. Severus couldn't remember the last time he was this aroused, and never by another male.
"Then what are you waiting for, Mr. Weasley? Afraid you're not up to the task?" Severus taunted.
Bill put his glass on the table, and turned to Severus, his hands fisting in the older man's robes as he yanked him forward. They lips crashed together, and Bill bit back a moan at finally doing what he'd been wanting to do for as long as he could remember.
He licked at Severus' bottom lip, the taste of fire whiskey and cinnamon exploding across his taste buds as Severus' lips parted in surprise. He moaned as he deepened the kiss, tongue mapping the inside of Severus' mouth and his fingers tightened when Severus' tongue began to battle his for dominance, long fingers twisting into his hair.
Severus' response was blinding in its intensity and Bill hung on to his control out of sheer bloodymindedness. His lips left the other man's to trail along his jaw, behind his ear, where he whispered, "Gods, you have no idea how much I want you."
Severus turned his head and captured Bill's mouth once more before whispering against his lips, "I beg to differ." He slid a hand into the hair at the nape of Bill's neck, the ribbon holding it in place having come undone from the earlier attack on Bill's hair, his lips and tongue burning a path of fire across Bill's skin.
It took every ounce of control Bill had to pull back and away. "I want this. I want you, have done for a very long time," he said. "But not like this. Not under the influence of the drink. I want you sober and aware of what I'm doing to you, begging for me to take you, from passion, not from intoxication."
"What makes you believe it will not be the exact opposite, with you begging me to have you?"
Bill laughed and pulled further away, resisting the desire to dive back into Severus' mouth and strip them both of their clothing, alcohol be damned. "I suspect we'll see, won't we?" he asked, standing and heading for the fireplace to return to his rooms. "Good night Severus. I'll see you tomorrow."
Severus watched him go and then allowed himself to slump into the settee. His hands came up to cover his face as he wondered what in Salazar's name had he been doing. He'd never so much as kissed another male before, despite his desire to do so, and yet here he'd been acting the wanton for a man seven years his junior. And sparring with him - no, flirting - with him to boot.
He stood shakily, body swimming in sensation and made his way to his bedroom. He had no illusions about who would be gracing his thoughts tonight as his hand wrapped around himself, and didn't find the idea as appalling as he'd suspected. Thank Salazar the next day was a Saturday, and as such he had no classes to worry about. It appeared he had a bit of research to do.
***
That evening saw Severus as prepared as he was likely to be given the things he'd discovered during the day, and not a little turned on. He'd chosen to forgo his usual mountain of clothing, instead wearing a pair of trousers and a button down silk shirt under his robes. He wasn't certain if Bill knew just what sort of gift he'd be getting this evening, but decided not to trouble himself about it. It would happen as it would and given his desire for the redhead, Severus was determined to enjoy it.
Bill decided to forgo his robes this evening, to give Severus a glimpse at what he'd be having later that evening if all went well. He wore a pair of faded jeans, and a jumper, his hair loose and the dragon fang earring winking with each movement from between strands of hair. Satisfied, he Floo-ed into Severus' rooms and smiled, eyes raking over Severus, pleased with the opened robes and what lay beneath them.
Bill sidled up to the other man and backed him against the wall. "No alcohol tonight. Just you and me." He licked at Severus' ear and smiled at the sharp intake of breath.
"Indeed," Severus agreed and reversed their positions, taking Bill's mouth in a fiery, needy kiss.
Bill slid his hands beneath the robes and around Severus' waist pulling him closer as the battle was joined by their tongues. Determined to be the one in control of this seduction, Bill slid one hand up Severus' back and the other down to his arse and squeezed, eliciting a gasp before he flipped their positions on the wall once more, sliding a leg between both of Severus' and resting his thigh squarely against the significant erection he found there.
"I'm seducing you remember?" Bill rasped against Severus' neck, his fingers moving to undo the buttons keeping him away from Severus' skin.
"Is that so?" Severus replied with a gasp. "I've seen little to support that claim."
Bill pulled back and smiled; a wicked grin that promised Severus untold pleasure. "Stop fighting for control and let me do what I've wanted to do every night for the past month."
He pulled completely away and hauled the jumper over his head, displaying to Severus' surprised glance a silver nipple ring, glinting in the firelight. "Take off the robes."
Severus took his time complying, the shirt gaping open where it had been all but undone to reveal silky skin and a glimpse of hard brown nipples. Bill licked his lips and smiled, prowling over to where Severus stood and flicking over the rest of the buttons before he hauled the shirt down Severus' arms and trapped his hands behind his back.
"Mine," Bill whispered possessively as he leaned down and licked at a pert nipple, sucking it gently into his mouth before moving to the other to lave and suck at it as well.
Severus' gasp of surprise turned into a hiss of pleasure as Bill's mouth bit and nibbled at him, leaving tiny red markings along his torso and on his hips before finally settling to the task of laving his belly button. Nimble fingers undid his trousers and pushed them over his hips and Severus groaned at the feel of a hot mouth closing over the head of his cock through the light silk of the pants he wore.
Tugging the boxers over Severus' hipbones, Bill reached inside to free the other man's fully engorged cock. Glancing up, Bill locked eyes with Severus before he leaned forward and sucked him into his mouth, moaning at the taste, at the feel of Severus in his mouth. Licking up the shaft, Bill tasted musk, arousal and something spicy that could only be Severus, and his cock hardened further in his jeans.
Severus had never felt anything like it. He'd gotten blow jobs from women before, but nothing, nothing, had ever felt the way this felt. This was outside his experience, his expectation. It occurred to Severus that the difference lay in the fact that the women he had been with had been paid to do this, William was doing it because he wanted to, and Severus groaned with the pleasure of it.
The sounds Severus made were intoxicating, and Bill thought he could happily do this forever, suck Severus' cock. Then something else occurred to him, something he'd had done but had never done to anyone, and he slowly pulled off, sucking the entire way up.
"We need your bed," he said, voice husky and throat scratchy.
Severus nodded and stepped out of his trousers and pants, toeing off his shoes as he headed for his bedroom. He turned and stared as Bill came through the door behind him and said softly, "You are wearing far too many clothes. Take them off."
Bill decided that was one order from Severus he would fulfill tonight, as he'd been planning to do that anyway. He hurriedly peeled out of his jeans, gasping as his cock was released from its restriction and stepping out of jeans, shoes and socks as he made his way over to Severus.
Severus' eyes traveled the length of Bill's body, and Bill felt it like a caress. Bill wanted this to go well, to be perfect, to be a night they would both remember vividly. He closed the small distance and pressed his lips to Severus', licking teasingly at his upper lip, enjoying the tiny shocked sound Severus made.
"Get on the bed, on your stomach," he rasped, voice almost gone under the weight of his desire when he broke the kiss.
"Do you not have something planned to make my compliance worthwhile," Severus snarked as he climbed unto his bed and stretched out on his stomach, "I shall see to it you are unable to ever perform in such a manner as this again."
Bill followed him onto the bed, moving to straddle Severus' hips as Bill's lips toured the skin of Severus' neck and shoulders, tongue slipping out occasionally to lick at the creamy flesh. He worked his way down Severus' spine, closing his mouth and sucking at each vertebrae, nipping and laving the small of his lover's back until Severus was writhing beneath him.
"You'll like this," Bill promised as he gently parted Severus' cheeks. The older man tensed underneath him and he quickly reassured him. "Relax. I promise, if you don't like it, I'll stop."
Severus pulled in several ragged breaths in an attempt to calm himself. He'd agreed to this, planned for this. The least he could do now was relax and enjoy it, and trust William to make it good for him. I can do that, he told himself. I can, and I will. Slowly he forced his body to relax, and settled deeper into the sheets. He shifted his hips a little to let William know he could proceed, and settled down to experience whatever William had in store for him.
Bill had stilled completely, waiting for Severus to relax once more before he continued his task. He licked a stripe from the small of the Slytherin's back to his balls, and back again, stopping briefly to circle the tempting little hole before he made his journey back down to suck at Severus' perineum.
Severus gasped. This was… dear Salazar he hadn't the words to describe it. For the first time ever, Severus gave himself over to sensation, believing for no conceivable reason that not only would William not hurt him, but he would find great pleasure in anything they did together as well.
Bill circled the puckered entrance gently, teasingly and smiled when Severus pushed back against his tongue. He pushed until the tip breached the muscle, slowly pushing farther in before pulling back out. He fucked his way inside Severus' body, listening as the sounds of need ratcheted up to fever pitch, evident in the ragged pleas - read demands - that erupted from Severus' mouth.
"Weasley if you do not get on with it this instance that ruddy curse will be the last thing you need have a care about," Severus growled.
Bill grinned and slid off the bed to rummage inside his jeans pocket, pulling out a small vial of lube. He returned to his place on the bed and slicked his fingers, sliding one gently inside Severus' body, holding it still until the flesh relaxed around the intrusion. Slowly he pulled it in and out, adding another and circling slowly.
"Salazar man! Are you seeking my death or my pleasure?"
Deciding Severus was ready; Bill slicked himself and brushed up against Severus' opening. Slowly he pushed in; gasping as his cockhead was swallowed by the first ring of muscle, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Shit," Bill gasped, the tight heat overwhelming. He pushed in a bit more; careful to keep his pace slow, stopping when Severus tensed and moving forward when he relaxed until he was fully seated inside his lover's arse.
"Perfect," he breathed. "So fucking perfect."
Severus groaned, surprised to find himself non verbal and pushed back against Bill, signaling his readiness for more. Gasping as he pulled out, Bill gave it to him, driving deeper, and harder, and faster with each thrust, reaching around to stroke him with each thrust. A strangled sound escaped Severus when Bill brushed over his prostate and Bill kept to that angle, groaning as he felt his lover's arse clamp down around him.
Severus came silently, his entire body convulsing, wringing Bill's orgasm from him viciously, and they collapsed - spent, sated and exhausted.
"Fuck me," Bill panted, unable to grasp the strength and power of his release.
"Perhaps once I have rested," was Severus' weak reply.
Bill pulled out slowly and curled around Severus' form, ignoring the muscle that went rigid on contact until the other man slowly relaxed into the embrace. "I look forward to it," he whispered before he fell asleep. Severus following him not long after.
***
The next few days brought several surprises - most of them pleasant - for Bill. They had indeed broken the curse, both curses, as was evidenced by the owl Bill received offering him his job back in Egypt. The Prophet ran a front page exposé on the Spy Who Stood Against Voldemort. The article detailed the role Severus had played in the war against the Dark Lord, praising him for his valour and bravery. Harry apologized to Severus and Bill had the pleasure of knowing the man he cared for finally was being granted the accolades and acknowledgement he deserved.
Best of all, they had discovered that not only did they care for each other, but that in order for the curse to have been broken, they needed to have fulfilled the unnoted parameters of the counter curse. They needed to be connected by mind, body, heart, soul and magic, and have the desire to spend the rest of their lives with each other.
Severus had looked away when they had been told that piece of information, but not before Bill saw the surprised gleam in his eyes. He'd ushered the Headmaster from the room before the older wizard quite knew what was happening, and turned to Severus.
Slowly he walked up to the other wizard and wrapped his arms around him. "I wanted you before the curse, Severus. Wanted more than a single night. I'd like to give this a go, if you are willing."
Bill waited in silence for long moments before Severus finally spoke. "I find I wish more as well," he replied quietly.
Bill smiled. That was good enough for him.
~ Fin ~