Current mood:

accomplished

Divine Child Part 3
Title:Divine Child
Author: lilyseyes
Pairing: HP/SS
Rating: NC_17/Adult
Highlight for Warnings: *Wanking, fellatio, frottage, rimming, manipulative!Dumbledore*
Summary: In the aftermath of Chamber of Secrets, Harry gets help from the last person he would have ever expected.
Prompt: #125:Dumbledore tells Severus to mentor Harry. Severus interprets that according to an ancient practice that Muggles would never understand.
Word Count: 27,357
Disclaimer: JKR owns all that is the Potter Universe– I just play in it. No money is made from these amateur works.
Betas: rakina and jadzia7667, all my thanks and the_minx_17 and calanor thanks for the feedback!







The first thing Severus became aware of was the weight pressing against him. Draped across his chest, the wonderfully warm flesh had made Severus aware and he was thankful that both of them were still breathing. The memory of a magical blast was among his waking thoughts and he struggled to open his eyes. His body felt relaxed and surprisingly pain-free considering the experience and his general everyday aches. Darkness greeted his eyes as soft hair tickled his throat and Severus reached out to stroke the Harry’s back, only to find the child was not so small anymore.

With a genuine grin, Severus struggled to sit up. His hands ran up and down the sides of a lean, but definitely older, torso and Severus felt like throwing his head back and laughing. The potion had worked! Shifting the weight in his arms, Severus reached for his wand.

“Lumos!”

His wand tip flared, flooding the immediate area with harsh light and Harry murmured a protest, burying his face deeper into Severus’ throat. The small child who had wormed his way into Severus’ well-fortified heart with his quiet innocence and unconditional acceptance had been replaced by the slender, lithe body of a boy on the cusp of manhood. The lean plane of a trim back tapered to a slim waist before disappearing under the bedding, slender arms wrapped around Severus’ chest. His Divine Child had been restored to his almost normal form and Severus smiled. There had been no sexual attraction to the child Harry, but this Harry was one that he could slowly start tutoring in the art of love along with the many other lessons he was now charged with teaching him. The Slytherin in him turned his smile predatory.

“Sev’rus?” The green eyes still held the innocent child in them as Harry lifted his head.

Severus moved the wand away a bit, his other hand moving to stroke Harry’s back. “How do you feel?”

“Loads better now.” Harry shifted, throwing a leg over Severus’ in a move that almost made him groan. “Still sleepy, though.”

Waving up the torches, Severus extinguished his wand tip. Glancing at the hint of gray light outside the window, he estimated they had been unconscious over twelve hours. His bladder was confirming this with an insistent protest as to how full it was and his stomach seconded the protest with a rumble. Harry remained curled against him as he had while a small child and Severus had a brief bad moment when he considered the boy’s reaction to him now that he was re-aged. The logical portion of his brain reminded him that Harry had never lost his memories throughout the ordeal and should remember what had happened.

“I believe I need to use the loo and get a spot of something to eat.” Severus told him carefully. “Would you like something as well?”

Blinking sleep out of his eyes, Harry brought a fist up to rub one as he had done as a little boy and Severus remembered the glasses in the drawer of the bedside table. Gently shifting Harry to the side, Severus retrieved them and placed them in Harry’s hand, before sitting up. Clad only in his boxers, Severus slid from the bed and walked to the bathroom on surprisingly shaky legs. Whatever had happened to Harry during the burst of magical energy, Severus had also been affected in some way. Leaving the door open as had become their habit, Severus hurried, knowing Harry was likely confused.

As he stepped back into the room, Severus saw Harry had got out of bed and was standing next to his trunk with a pair of boxers in his hand. The underwear had once been white and originally made for someone much larger than this boy, clearly hand-me-downs were the only clothing that Harry had been supplied with. It was strange to see him standing there, so tall and straight, his expressive eyes hidden behind the round glasses. Severus blinked, refocusing on the cloth in Harry’s hand as his lip curled.

“Don’t wear those, Harry.” Severus pointed towards the doorway. “The clothes we bought yesterday are especially charmed to fit to any size, remember?”

Stepping into his trousers, Severus summoned the parcel they had never unwrapped from their trip into the village the morning before. Removing the wrapping from the bundle, he looked up to find Harry watching him, a closed, guarded look on his face. There was a painful twinge in his chest that Severus couldn’t explain and he stood up straight as Harry took the new boxers from his hand and slid them on.

“Ask me the question, Harry.” Severus said softly.

“Why…why did you help me?”

Harry’s face had a hopeful, yet fearful look as he faced Severus, who knew he should have been prepared for the question, but wasn’t. As he formulated a response that he though was appropriate, Severus watched Harry’s face tighten at his hesitation. The mask of insolence and impertinence that Severus was more familiar with fell into place, a mask that Severus knew by now covered Harry’s hurt and insecurity with sheer bravado.

“Oh, I forgot, I’m bloody special, aren’t I!” Harry said scathingly, turning away from him. “Only reason you’d do it!”

“Yes, you are special.” Severus answered truthfully, laying a hesitant hand on Harry’s shoulder, the magic flowing between them. “You are Lily’s son, Harry, who I made a vow to protect the night she and your father were murdered.”

“Why?”

Severus closed his eyes, laughing green eyes and flying auburn hair flashed through his memories. “Lily Evans was my best friend and I loved her very much. Rather in the manner that Hermione Granger is your best friend. It has little to do with the specific circumstances, and everything to do with the fact that you are hers.”

The shoulder relaxed, the magic swirling through Severus and back to Harry, immediately calming both of them. “How much do you remember of the last two weeks, Harry? Do you remember Fawkes being here or the trees at the edge of the forest?”

Harry turned slowly towards him; his eyes haunted as he looked up to met Severus’. “I think I remember it all, I think, although it seems more like a dream than real. The tree talked in…I think it talked in my head and said I was, uh, yours.”

The boy moved closer with a hesitant step until he was practically pressed against Severus’ chest, in the position the child Harry had often adopted when in pain or upset.

“And you yelled at Professor Dumbledore for me yesterday.” Harry frowned, “I think it was yesterday, after he got mad at you for taking me from my aunt and uncle.”

“I could not stand by and watch you be hurt, Harry, I have had too much first hand knowledge of how that feels,” Severus told him quietly, slipping an arm loosely around Harry’s shoulders.

“Our magic…” Harry hesitated, seeming to gather his breath before launching into speech. “I did that, didn’t I? I tied our magic together because it hurt so much and you made it feel better when we were touching.”

Severus nodded as he maneuvered the boy out of the bedroom when Harry’s stomach gave an ominous rumble. Directing him to sit at the table, Severus summoned a blanket before turning to make them sandwiches. Twin spots of color appeared on the boy’s cheeks as Harry ate hungrily and Severus recognized that they were not yet done. Upon closer inspection, Harry appeared to be around the age he was when he had arrived at Hogwarts, albeit a little taller. Perhaps two solid weeks of being fed regularly would have a beneficial overall effect on Harry’s stature.

Sending Harry ahead to the bedroom after they had straightened the kitchen, Severus did a cursory check of the cauldrons of Wolfsbane Potion before retrieving a fever-reducing potion. If they had another episode to go through, Severus wanted to be well-prepared for anything. He sincerely hoped that it would not be a repeat the past re-aging sessions, as Harry needed only another year or so of growth to return of to a normal state, but the combination of substances had been unpredictable enough that anything could happen.

Harry was already back in bed, one arm flung over his forehead as he lay against the pillows. Severus sat down on alongside him and gently removed the obstructing arm, brushing back his fringe in order to lay an assessing hand on the boy’s forehead. The skin was definitely warmer now, Severus thought, as his fingers lingered in the soft hair.

“Head’s starting to hurt again.” Harry told him quietly, opening his eyes.

Nodding, Severus started to pull his hand back when he caught sight of the thin pink line where Harry’s prominent lightning-bolt scar had been. He leaned down to study the mark. It appeared that the potion had somehow cleansed the scar of the Dark magic that had kept it swollen and irritated for almost a dozen years. He traced the fine line with a feeling of amazement. Perhaps it was a result of the magical burst of energy that had rendered them unconscious or possibly a combination of that and the potion that had been powerful enough to purge the scar.

“Sev’rus?”

Harry’s voice held a question, but Severus knew the explanation would have to wait. He felt the emerald eyes follow his movement as he retrieved the precious potion from the bedside table and handed it to Harry.

“Take the rest of this as I think we have one more stage to go through before you are completely restored to normal.”

Harry frowned, but downed the contents before handing the vial back to him.

“What’s that?” Harry asked, pointing at his bare left forearm.

Glancing down, his mouth already opening to deliver a scathing retort about the hideous faded brand on his arm, Severus froze. The Dark Mark, the black stain that had blemished his very soul was gone and in its place was a small golden lightening bolt just above his wrist. Like Harry’s scar, it appeared that the brand that had caused his best friend to turn from him all those years ago, had been removed, purged by the same incredible magic. A feeling of euphoria swept through Severus, so strong that his head seemed to spin as he stared at the new mark. Severus swallowed, twice, before he was able to speak.

“I believe we’ve both been given a great gift, child.”

Harry looked bemused. “The tree called me that. Child, I mean, Divine Child or something, said I was yours now to guide.” He yawned widely.

Severus waved down the torch and settled into bed, pulling Harry close to his side. “I am not quite sure who is whose here but I do know that we are now tied together by ancient, as well as magical, bonds. No one will ever be able to separate us, Harry, and I will do all I can to prepare you for whatever the future brings.”

Slender arms and legs entwined around him and Harry snuggled close as if daring anything to try to come between them. “Good.”

Severus smiled as he stroked a hand down the lean back and followed Harry into slumber.

~~~*~*~~~>>

The bed dipped next to him and it woke Severus. Blinking his eyes against the bright light, he rolled over on his back with a groan, ignoring the snicker from Harry as he threw an arm across his face.

“What time is it?” Severus asked, his nose twitching at the smell of tea and scones.

Another pillow was shoved under his head, jarring him as Harry practically straddled his face in his enthusiasm. “It’s gone ten, and I didn’t think you wanted to sleep all day. Doesn’t your potion need to be checked?”

Squinting, Severus frowned as he tried to sit up and in the process sent Harry tumbling off his chest. “Insolent brat,” he grumbled as he finally managed to prop himself up.

“Yeah,” Harry readily agreed, handing Severus the mug he used every morning with exaggerated care. “But I brought hot tea and warm toast, so you’ll forgive me, won’t you?”

Severus grunted as he blew across the steaming surface, studying Harry from under his lashes. He definitely looked far better then he had the morning after his foray into the Chamber of Secrets. He winced at the thought of this boy alone in the bowels of the dungeons, slaying a basilisk and a piece of the Dark Lord preserved in an old diary with only the Sorting Hat and Fawkes to help him. For all the pain Harry had suffered during that incident and the re-aging process, the combination of powerful magic and phoenix tears had since helped to reverse the effects of years of malnutrition. Harry’s face seemed less like a carbon copy of James Potter’s now. His face was softer and slightly longer, the brilliant green eyes more almond-shaped, very much reminiscent of his best friend’s beautiful features rather than Potter’s courser ones.

Lily.

Severus sat up abruptly, knocking the tray askew and sloshing his tea. Oh, Merlin, what would Lily say if she knew what he was planning to teach her precious son? He winced, still able to feel the right hook he’d taken all those years ago when his auburn-haired friend had found out that Severus had taken the Dark Mark. Surely she would have condemned him again, cursed him as she had before, for even contemplating this course of action. Had she known about the legend of the Divine Child? Would she have ever thought him a worthy mentor or been pleased with the bonding of their magic that Harry had accomplished?

“No!”

The strident tone of Harry’s voice startled Severus, the mug ripped out of his hand and slammed back on the tray. Looking up in surprise as he was pushed against the pillows, Severus was stunned by the anger he saw on Harry’s face and the fire in the depths of those green eyes.

“Stop whatever it is you are thinking of right now! You are not going to second-guess your decision or the promise you made me and leave me all alone!” Harry snapped, but Severus could see the unshed tears that clung to the dark lashes. “I can take the beatings, the not being allowed to eat, and even being called abnormal and a freak, but I don’t think I’ll survive if you take away the closest thing I have ever felt to being loved…”

The devastated look on Harry’s face tore at the walls he’d been trying to resurrect around his heart. “Are you sure you want this, Harry? Are you sure you want me? You know I’m not a nice man, rather on the sarcastic, cold side…”

“The side you show everyone else, but that is not the side of you that took care of me!” The emerald eyes met his, the boy kneeling beside him on the bed. “Even you said that my magic chose you, Severus, and bound us together! Please!”

Severus reached out and swept the ball of his thumb across one cheek. “It won’t be pleasant, Harry and I will be a hard taskmaster as there is much that you must learn.”

Moisture clung to the edge of Harry’s lashes as the boy crept closer. “I’ll work hard, Severus, I swear!”

Somehow Severus knew he’d lost the argument the minute he caught the glimmer in Harry’s eyes. He had made a vow to Lily, to the boy himself, and to himself as well. Merlin knew that with Sirius Black loose, Harry needed to be protected and needed to learn to defend himself against anything. Albus Dumbledore was a master strategist, Severus knew, and he would not easily tolerate any interference with his carefully scripted plans. The Boy Who Lived was to be a major pawn in what was to come, another war that Severus would be caught in the middle of. Trepidation tore at Severus whenever he allowed himself to think about Dumbledore’s insistence that the Dark Lord was not truly dead.

Warm skin brushed against his chest as Harry hesitantly crawled up his prone form, as if he expected to be rebuffed. Mindless of the mess they were making of the tea tray which was jostling on the bed, Severus pulled Harry up onto his chest and wrapped his arms around him with a sigh. The warmth of their skin pressed together and a swirling current of magic flowed between them. Severus stroked his hand through the tousled hair as Harry nuzzled the hollow under his ear, sending a fission of feeling along his nerve endings. Harry felt it as well, his hips twitching against Severus’ stomach before he could stop the frotting with a hand lying across the lean back. They lay like that for long minutes, Severus relishing closeness he’d never felt with anyone before, including Lily.

“Severus?” Harry’s voice was muffled against his throat,

“Hmm?”

“Voldemort isn’t truly gone, is he?” Harry asked quietly. “It was him under Quirrell’s turban first year, wasn’t it?”

Severus sighed as his hold on his Divine Child tightened. “That is what the Headmaster suspects. His body was vanquished, but somehow he was able to preserve his soul and is looking for a way to regain a corporeal body.”

Harry wiggled, his thigh slipping between Severus’ legs as he snuggled closer and Severus swallowed hard at the sensation it sparked. “Then we will have to start training right away, as Voldemort always manages to turn up when I am alone and unprepared.”

Severus closed his eyes as cold dread squeezed his heart and he rubbed his cheek against the soft hair. “And yet you have been able to escape somehow.”

“Sheer dumb luck, Professor McGonagall says.”

A smile twitched at the corner of his lips. “Then I suppose we will need to start your training immediately, won’t we.”


~~~*~*~~~

And start they did, beginning the next morning with a trip into the village. Severus insisted that Harry buy clothes that actually fit him properly, smirking over the boy’s discomfort as the proprietor’s wife measured him in much the same fashion as Madam Malkin did. A hand on Harry’s shoulder reassured him as Severus coached him into ordering what he needed. Merlin knew he would never again allow Harry to wear the cast-off rags of his wretched, obese cousin. Another conjured black hat covered Harry’s hair and what was left of the famous scar, lessening any chance of recognition as they went about their shopping. A venture into the back-room apothecary and a stop at the small bookshop where Severus put in an order for several books he felt Harry needed to study, before they started back towards the cottage.

There were many things Severus needed to teach Harry and he fell back on years of habit as he scratched out lesson plans. Severus had rather expected Harry to revert to the insolent brat he’d taught for two years, but had been pleasantly surprised by what he recognized as the boy’s true personality. It wasn’t as if their days were completely without strife, hormones and a teenaged temperament combined with his own sardonic nature guaranteed the occasional misunderstanding. The sweetness of the little boy had continued on in the youth and Severus was astounded that the years of abuse Harry had endured hadn’t embittered him like it had Severus himself. Perhaps it wasn’t too late for the older man to learn from the younger, Severus thought as he watched Harry practice wand motions for his spell casting.

Harry had been reluctant to practice any of the defensive spells Severus had started to teach him, explaining the circumstances of the prior summer and the retribution he’d paid after the warning from the Ministry. Aghast as he thought of all the magic he and Lily had done over the summer holidays when they were in Hogwarts, Severus was even more appalled to realize that the Privet Drive house had been spelled to detect any magical use. Tamping down the now familiar surge of anger as Harry told him the punishment he’d received for the magic cast by a house-elf, Severus considered swallowing a calming draught at the thought of Dumbledore’s manipulations.

Explaining it while watched by those fearful emerald eyes was an experience that Severus didn’t want to repeat. Granted, Severus had not chosen his words as carefully as he might have done and consequently had to threaten Harry with the same calming draught as he wrapped his arms around the infuriated boy. The uncontrolled magic that swirled around them was destructive and Severus quietly talked Harry through how better to control his magic when it surged. Severus suspected there were a number of situations that Albus Dumbledore had manipulated to his own advantage where both of them were concerned and knew that this was another skill Harry needed to master quickly.

Another of the skills that Severus wanted Harry to learn immediately was the art of Occlumency. It was something Harry would need to protect himself, as Severus did, against Dumbledore’s probing long before Harry would ever need to use it against a resurrected Dark Lord. Beginning with simple meditation before bed, Severus had taken the time to explain to Harry how best to clear his mind. He could tell the boy struggled with the concept at first and had allowed Harry to lean against him as he emptied his mind, the physical contact a powerful conduit between them. The sly brat had even used it as an excused to continue to occupy Severus’ bed, not that Severus could think of any reason for Harry should not.

Severus was certain Harry’s wand had been spelled with a detector charm in case he performed under-aged magic. In the end it was their proximity to the enchanted forest that solved the problem. The formidable oaks that lined the edge of the woods seemed to part enough for Harry to discover a clearing that masked his magical signature. It was there they spent every other afternoon learning the practical application of the spells and charms Severus was teaching his young protégé. Harry seemed to flourish in the tranquil surroundings and soon learned to ignore the barbed comments Severus used to point out his flaws. Narrowed green eyes also prompted Severus to learn that a quiet word of encouragement went a long way as an incentive to Harry.

It was the night before Harry’s birthday that the relationship between them was irrevocably changed.

Harry had spent the evening reading the book Severus had ordered from Flourish and Botts, Sacred Bonds of Boeotian Wizards. It was the closest representation of the relationship between mentor and Divine Child that Severus knew of. The ancient wizard Boeotians and Muggle Spartans had built elite armies on the same pederastical-type relationships, pairing warrior-lovers to fight side by side in battle. Severus did his best to ignore the sidelong looks Harry sent him as he worked on refining his calculations on the proportions of Silver Agave in anticipation of another round of Wolfsbane Potion brewing. Hiding a smile as Harry shifted in his seat, Severus studied him from under his lashes, delighted by the flush coloring the boy’s cheeks. This particular book had explicit descriptions of various intimate acts and Harry’s reactions were encouraging.

Sending Harry in to get ready first, Severus made sure a small window was open for the owls that would soon find their way to the cottage. Harry had described his single experience with having his birthday acknowledged the previous year and Severus truly hoped the boy’s friends would remember him again this year. An owl to Poppy Pomfrey brought several gaudily wrapped packages which Severus was careful to set on the small coffee table where Harry would see them first thing in the morning. There would be none of the midnight nonsense that Harry had spoken of doing in the past, as he had Severus now and there was no need to for a solitary celebration.

The boy appeared to be asleep when Severus silently crept into bed half an hour later, smugly anticipating the look on Harry’s face when he realized Severus had remembered his birthday. With a sigh, Severus settled into bed, a hand brushing lightly down Harry’s arm. He was pleased with their progress over the last weeks. They had been at the cottage for almost a month now, but there was still much more to do. In addition to Harry’s training, they needed to go through the formal ritual which would complete the inseparable bond between mentor and protégé. Severus just wasn’t sure Harry was ready to move into that realm.

Just as he was sliding into slumber, a movement woke Severus. It took him a moment to figure out where the motion had come from, when a stifled gasp from Harry focused his attention. The slow slide of a hand immediately identified the activity Harry was engaging in and Severus barely contained a groan as his cock reacted instantly. He must have twitched as Harry froze and held his breath. It became readily apparent that they were at a stalemate and Severus was glad the teenager couldn’t see him roll his eyes. Idiotic Gryffindor.

Rolling onto his side, Severus brought his hand up and let his fingertips brush the warm thigh as he pulled back the sheet, moonlight spilling in through the window illuminated the pale flesh.

“Severus?” Harry’s voice broke in an oddly endearing way as he yanked his hand off his erection.

Catching the fleeing hand in his own, Severus sat up before guiding it back down towards Harry’s groin. “Did you not read the book I gave you, Harry? This is one of those lessons I am charged with teaching you when you are ready.”

He could just make out the glare in the brilliant eyes as Harry tried to tug his hand away. “I don’t want you to have to teach me!”

Stilling the hand, Severus drew it to his own cloth-covered cock and curled Harry’s fingers around him, allowing the groan caught in his throat to erupt as the grip tightened and moved. “Yes, you can no doubt tell the idea is obviously repugnant to me.”

Severus suffered through several jerky strokes, reminding himself forcefully that he was not the teenager here, before he gently unfurled the warm fingers. His cock protested the loss of the warm touch as Severus concentrated on Harry. Entwining their fingers, he cupped Harry’s balls, weighing them before drawing their hands up to curl around the eager prick. He was delighted to find that Harry’s body had matured from the de-aged little boy’s genitals and while not as large as it would be as an adult, but it was a well-proportioned, functioning cock, surrounded by a swirl of soft hair.

Harry moaned as Severus squeezed and stroked upwards, sweeping his thumb across the head. It was all he could do not to moan himself as he spread the wetness there around the sensitive tip, before pulling the foreskin down. Scrabbling closer, Harry ended up in his lap, his back to Severus’ chest as he gripped his forearms while Severus stroked him. Legs spread over Severus’ thighs, feet tucked under his legs for a better grip, Harry arched upward, thrusting his cock into the tight grip Severus maintained on him. With his free hand Severus lightly pinched one nipple and then the other before trailing it down across Harry’s flat belly, all the while extremely conscious of his own boxer-clad erection that rubbed delightfully against the cleft of Harry’s arse.

Rolling Harry’s balls gently, Severus sped up his strokes as Harry threw his head back against Severus’ shoulder and cried out. An unexpected amount of warmth flowed over his hand as Severus milked Harry’s cock, completely unprepared for the climax that exploded through his own body. Grinding against the firm arse nestled in his lap, Severus held Harry tightly, burying his face in the soft hair as he spilled into his pants. With a silent Scourgify Severus cleaned them up, before settling back into the bed, Harry tucked against his chest.

Severus nuzzled the sweat-damp hair cautiously; waiting for Harry to push away, but the teenager only snuggled closer, muttering, “Brilliant.”

Smiling, Severus lightly kissed his temple. “Happy birthday, Harry.”

~~~*~*~~~

Twenty-four hours later they were in the enchanted forest, Severus teaching Harry how to properly harvest the Silver Agave and the other magical herbs that had to be picked at the moon’s apex. The forest itself seemed to embrace the Divine Child, the plants they needed within easy reach of the clearing. Severus could feel the weight of many watching eyes, but knew there was nothing to fear within the realm of the Oak King. A shape separated itself from the shadows cast by the moonlight and light gleamed off the golden hooves of a unicorn foal. It trotted hesitantly up to Harry as Severus sealed the dragon-skin bag filled with potion ingredients.

Shooting him an uncertain look, Harry stood still while the foal sniffed at his shirt. Severus barely contained a snort, only a Muggle-raised child wouldn’t realize the trust the herd was putting in him.

“Raise your hand slowly, Harry, and stroke its nose. Unicorns are magically powerful creatures and to have one approach you is indeed an honor.”

Harry did as he was instructed, speaking softly as the foal butted its head against his hand. “I remember what Hagrid said my first year about unicorns and how pure they are. I didn’t realize they were this friendly.”

“They aren’t,” Severus told him as he slowly moved to stand behind the teenager. “Quite the opposite, actually.”

He nodded towards the edge of the clearing where a powerful stallion stood watching, golden horn silhouetted in the moonlight. Dropping his hand when the larger unicorn whinnied softly, Harry stepped back as the foal tossed its head before returning obediently to the herd. Severus put a hand on his shoulder as they watched the creatures melt back into the forest. Harry turned and slid an arm around his waist, pressing against him. Severus quirked an eyebrow at him.

“Is that the position I just taught you for side-along Apparation, Mr. Potter?”

“No, but I bet it will work just the same,” Harry replied cheekily and Severus sighed as he Apparated them back to the cottage.

There was someone waiting for them as they popped into the sitting room. Albus Dumbledore sat on the couch with a cup of tea and the remnants of a piece of the birthday cake Severus had procured from the village. Harry stiffened against him, letting go but not moving away from Severus’ side. Setting the spelled bag on the floor, Severus stood tall as they watched the headmaster banish the dishes back to the kitchen.

“Ah, there you are, Severus! And Harry, my boy! You are looking hale and hearty, not worse for wear after your latest adventure, I see.” Dumbledore looked at him over the top of his half-moon glasses.

“Headmaster,” Severus acknowledged formally, checking his Occlumency barriers and hoping Harry was doing the same. “To what do we owe this unexpected late-night visit?”

“I knew you would be gathering on the night of the full moon, Severus, and therefore it would be the perfect time to come and check on young Harry,” Dumbledore said smoothly, smiling at the boy.

Narrowing his eyes, Severus easily read the message in the manipulative bastard’s words. Dumbledore had chosen tonight believing Harry would be alone in the cottage, as he had been four weeks ago. Harry shifted next to him and Severus knew he’d deciphered it correctly as well. With smug satisfaction Severus could see that Harry was looking at the tip of Dumbledore’s hat rather than his eyes.

“Potter had expressed his desire to see the enchanted forest by moonlight,” Severus sneered. “And I was not going to turn down a willing laborer.”

“Excellent, my boy, a nocturnal adventure to help celebrate your birthday!” Dumbledore said jovially as he sat forward to set his teacup down on the table. “I did want to give you a bit of news, Severus.”

Dumbledore stood up, shaking crumbs from his beard and brushing the front of his robes. Silently, Severus waited for whatever pronouncement the headmaster had, Harry close enough to his side for him to feel the reassurance of his body heat.

“Sirius Black was seen near Privet Drive and the Ministry…”

“How would Black know where to look, Albus?” The words hissed out from between Severus’ teeth, his anger swelling. “I was under the impression that the location of his relatives’ home was privileged information to keep Harry safe from loyal Death Eaters!”

Harry looked up at him sharply before looking at Dumbledore. “Is that why no one ever came to see me when I was little?”

Severus laid a soothing hand on Harry’s shoulder, not surprised when the headmaster ignored the teenager’s question.

“The Ministry of Magic has insisted that Harry be protected at all times, therefore Dementors from Azkaban will be stationed around Hogwarts until such time as Sirius Black is apprehended.”

The chill of dread ran through him. Severus had been introduced to the horrific creatures that guarded the wizard prison during his thankfully short but memorable stay after the Dark Lord’s demise. There were few things in the world that were Darker than those soul-sucking monsters and the thought of them guarding an emotionally charged environment like Hogwarts was like setting wolves to guard lambs.

“Headmaster,” Severus said as another thought occurred to him. “Harry’s magic is extremely Light, he will be more susceptible to the Dementors than most.”

“Harry notwithstanding, Severus, the decision was not mine to make,” Dumbledore told him with an apologetic smile. “Minister Fudge is quite insistent that Harry and the other students receive adequate protection. I have persuaded Remus Lupin to change his plans, so he will be arriving early for the term.”

His hand tightened on Harry’s shoulder as Severus sensed what was coming next. The smile on the powerful wizard’s face had turned patronizing as he looked between Harry and Severus.

“Remus has expressed his desire to take the responsibility for Harry off your hands, Severus, as we know how busy you are with your research, after all. And Remus is the last of James Potter’s closest friends, it only seems fitting that he mentor young Harry.”

“I don’t believe that will be necessary…” Severus began, only to have Dumbledore cut across his protest with a dismissive wave of his hand.

“Nonsense, my boy, we both know how bitterly you hated James Potter. I was wrong for me even to suggest that you take this on.”

The earnest look on the older man’s face turned Severus’ stomach, but he didn’t seem to be able to articulate his outrage. Harry had stiffened beside him as Severus struggled with his inability to get words out of his mouth.

“Head…”

“No need to thank me, Severus,” Dumbledore again cut across his efforts. “We’ll just retrieve Harry’s things and be on our way.”

Severus found a surge of strength, hand pulling Harry closer. “Lupin’s a were…”

A gleam of triumph lit the cold blue eyes. “Remus’ unique strengths will help protect Harry better…”

“No!”

The word exploded from the teenager with the force of a hex, causing Dumbledore to take a step back and blink with surprise. Harry leaned against Severus’ side, sliding his arm tightly around his waist.

“Severus and I have made a Boeotian Bond, Professor, and I am staying with him.” Harry’s tone was even and respectful but matter-of-fact and Severus held his breath as he felt the contained anger in his Child.

Albus Dumbledore looked at Severus sharply, eyes narrowing as they took in Harry’s stance and lingered on the proprietary hand Severus had on his shoulder.

“Severus? Is this true?”

Severus could feel the brush of Legilimency in the eyes that focused on his. “Yes, last night at the stroke of midnight when Harry attained the proper age.”

The Headmaster’s face hardened briefly as his plans were thwarted, before it assumed its normal open, warm expression. “Excellent, my boy, I didn’t think you had it in you to persuade the boy! Congratulations, Harry, on your choice of mentor.” The warmth failed to make it to the clear blue eyes as they bore into Severus’. “I will still expect you back in residence at Hogwarts as soon as you have prepared a fresh batch of Wolfsbane Potion. Goodnight, gentlemen.”

Dumbledore was gone with a flash of garish robes, leaving Harry and Severus frozen in place. Taking a deep breath, Severus turned Harry in his arms and embraced him, not at all surprised to find the teenager shaking. His hand came up automatically to stroke the soft hair reassuringly.

“What do we need to do?” Harry’s voice was muffled against his robes.

“We have potion ingredients to prepare and a ritual to complete,” Severus told him, tugging gently on Harry’s hair to tilt his face upward. “Then no one will ever be able to separate us.”

~~~*~*~~~

The conversation Severus had been dreading since Harry had returned to his proper age started out innocently enough. Sure fingers were chopping and slicing while Severus prepared the potion base when Harry spoke quietly.

“Why did Professor Dumbledore want to give me to this Lupin bloke, Severus?” Harry asked as he continued to slice the Silver Agave.

Finishing his final anti-clockwise stir of the set, Severus gripped the crystal stirring rod tightly. Taking a deep breath, Severus attempted to order his thoughts in such a way that the loathing he felt for James Potter and Sirius Black wouldn’t color the facts of the story. His eyes focused on the gently shimmering potion.

“Your mum and I were in the same year as Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and your father. Lily and I were friends before Hogwarts. I was sorted into Slytherin and Lily was sorted into Gryffindor along with your father, Black, Lupin, and a mousey little wizard named Pettigrew. Potter and Black were both from wealthy, pureblood families and they felt they had a fundamental right to dictate to the rest of us.”

“They were bullies, like my cousin,” Harry interjected in a sure voice.

“Yes,” Severus acknowledged, keeping a tight grip on the hatred he still felt after all these years, “and I was a favorite target, having the brass to be friends with your mother.”

“And this Lupin was part of their gang?”

Taking a moment to stir the base three times clockwise, Severus glanced over at the teenager, who sat with knife poised in his hand.

“Yes, both he and Pettigrew were taken in eventually and the pattern of behavior continued to escalate until the animosity was very much mutual, with your mother often caught in the middle. It was in our fifth year that everything began to spiral out of control.” Severus stepped away from the cauldron, not sure whether the anger bubbling up in him would affect the potion. “I had fallen into a Slytherin crowd that was supporting a wizard who promised wealth and power, and Lily hated them as they believed that Muggle-borns were inferior. It was at this same time that Potter set his sights on Lily and I was in the way. Black decided I needed to be taught a lesson and set me up to die. Your father found out and alerted the Headmaster, narrowly saving my life.”

Harry looked up in horror. “Your worst enemy?”

Nodding slowly, Severus felt something loosen in his chest. Harry understood the ramifications of what had happened; perhaps the rest would go all right.

“Afterwards, I was stupid in the way only a teenager can be and called my best friend a foul name as she attempted to defend me from yet another embarrassing attack perpetrated by your father,” Severus told him sadly. “It wasn’t long after that, without her steadying influence, that I became more and more immersed in the Death Eaters' ideology, until finally I pledged loyalty to the Dark Lord when I was only sixteen.”

“This Dark Lord was Voldemort?” Harry asked quietly and Severus ignored the urge to snap at him.

“Yes, and I remained loyal until I overheard a prophecy that stated a boy would be born at the end of July who would defeat him.” Closing his eyes, Severus’ focus turned inward, remembering, until he felt arms slide around his waist. “I didn’t know that your mother was pregnant. When I relayed what I had heard I never for a moment imagined that the bastard would target Lily and your father.”

Severus brushed a hand awkwardly over the boy's unkempt hair before wrapping his arms around Harry.

“That was when I went to Albus Dumbledore and begged him to protect your mum. In turn, I became his spy, reporting all I could of the Dark Lord’s plans until the day Black, your own godfather, betrayed your parents.”

Harry’s grip tightened at his revelation. “You…you weren’t…”

“No, by then my loyalty was already being questioned, as I had begged him to spare your mother.” Leaning down, Severus rested his cheek on the top of Harry’s head. “In my grief, Dumbledore had me swear an Unbreakable Vow to protect you with my very life, even though I would have anyway – you were Lily’s son.”

“Why didn’t Lupin take care of me then, if he was my dad’s best friend? Or at least come to see me when I was growing up?” Harry asked.

With a sigh, Severus straightened and tilted Harry’s face up with a finger under his chin. “I can’t truthfully answer that question and, of late, have often wondered myself. I will tell you that Remus Lupin suffers from lycanthropy - he is a werewolf. It is he and others like him who will benefit from this potion.”

The brilliant eyes studied his face. “You don’t like him very much, though, why would you want to help him, Severus?”

“Because it was Lupin who almost killed me the night your father saved me and I don’t ever want to experience anything like that again.” A touch of the old injustice seeped into his voice despite his efforts to remain unemotional; the entire conversation was setting off unpleasant feelings.

Harry’s eyes searched his face before the teenager slowly pushed himself up onto the tips of his toes as he tentatively brushed his lips over Severus’. Heat and pleasure blossomed from the slight contact and Severus slid his hand around to cup the back of Harry’s head. With light, feathering touches, he kissed Harry back, increasing the pressure slowly until the tip of his tongue slid out to taste the forbidden fruit for the first time. One of them moaned and Severus was chagrined to admit he wasn’t sure it hadn’t been him. Then Harry’s lips parted and Severus was lost as he dove into the sweetness.

Some internal alarm brought him up for air and Severus was stunned to find he had almost missed the time to add the next critical ingredient to the potion. Keeping Harry pressed firmly against him, Severus managed, with years of hard-learned dexterity, to add the first allotment of the Silver Agave and stir it precisely twenty-eight times. Harry, it seemed, had no intention of going anywhere without him and fairly quivered against him as Severus attended to the potion. It would not do to poison the headmaster’s newest professor, Severus thought, as he lowered the flame and cast the proper monitoring spell around it.

He leaned down to kiss Harry slowly again, before straightening up. “Come, Harry, we have a cleansing to go through and then a ritual to perform.”

They made their way to the bathroom in a comfortable silence, Harry walking in front of Severus, shooting smoldering glances over his shoulder. Severus thought the mixture of sensuality and innocence was incredibly arousing, finally coming to terms with the step their relationship had to take. The ancient bonding ritual took in the tender age of the Divine Child and called for a mixing of seminal fluids but not penetration. It would be up to Harry to choose the time for that most intimate step, but in the meantime Severus would delight in teaching him the pleasures of the male form.

Harry was already in the shower when Severus stepped in, the special cleansing potion in hand. His eyes drank in the sight of the slender limbs, the swirl of dark hair cushioning the flaccid penis and the hairless plane of Harry’s chest. Not a man yet, but certainly not a boy any longer. The green eyes seemed to smolder with an inner fire as Harry met his gaze, and Severus’ cock twitched. No one had ever looked at him with that mix of hunger and need. Severus had to swallow the lump trying to form in his throat.

“If you will move over here, Harry, you are to wash me first and then I will wash you.”

Severus slipped passed him to stand under the warm spray, the shiver that shook him having nothing to do with the temperature of the water. His eyes closed with the first hesitant touch of Harry’s fingers, his whole being focused on the feather-light strokes across his chest. A fingertip brushed a nipple and hesitated as Severus gasped at the sensations shooting straight to his groin. He could just imagine the impish grin as soapy hands began to stroke him in earnest, emboldened by his body’s reaction.

Stoically Severus suffered through the slow soaping, untutored hands sliding across his abdomen, down one leg and up the other. Detecting a slight tremor as Harry slid a hand under his testicles to thoroughly, but gently lather them up, and he steeled himself for the first brush to his throbbing cock. It was torture to suffer through the light touches and tentative strokes, Severus groaning as his hips thrust despite his best efforts to stay still.

A soft laugh from Harry had him cracking open one eye against the flow of water. The sight of the teenager on his knees in front of him, hands braced on Severus’ thighs as he rubbed his nose against Severus’ straining prick almost took him to his knees. With a growl, Severus pulled Harry to his feet, kissed him soundly before turning him to the wall.

Taking a moment to rinse the soap off him, Severus cast a cushioning charm on the tile floor and knelt on the cool tiles. Lathering up his hands, Severus treated Harry to the same light fingered torture as he washed his shoulders, arms, and back. The small noises Harry made were enticing and Severus gently massaged the perfect globes, spreading them to wash between them. Rubbing with his fingers to make sure all the soap was gone; the mewing sound Harry made had Severus leaning in and following his fingers with his tongue. Severus kept the strokes of his tongue light and brief, enough to get a taste of the teenager.

Knowing Harry had to be even closer to coming than he was, Severus turned him around and leaned Harry back against the wall. With even strokes, Severus quickly washed the thin shoulders and chest, down his arms and then his legs. His eyes kept straying to the patch of tight curls and the hard, twitching cock that begged for his touch. Severus leaned forward and rubbed his cheek along the length, loving the groan Harry made.

“I promise you that I will introduce you to the pleasures of fellatio soon, Harry, but tonight we will need all of our essence for the ritual.” Severus told him with a hint of regret in his voice.


Rinsing them both thoroughly, Severus toweled Harry dry just as he had done for the de-aged toddler he had taken to protect. Emerald eyes gleamed in a face struggling to remain solemn, but the teenager’s body betrayed his enjoyment of Severus’ touch. An affectionate swat to the arse drew a yelp as Severus sent Harry into the bedroom, taking a moment to dry himself and try to rein in his own excited body. Brushing his hair, Severus then shaved by hand, another component of the ritual, as he let his mind go over what they would need to do to bind themselves in a magical bond so old it seemed to pre-date time.

The ancient Celtic languages, both written and spoken, were used in the Divine Child ritual. Severus had discovered this while going through the only book he could find on the subject. The letters were known as Ogham, often referred to as Celtic runes; they were simplistic enough and Severus ran over the configuration of long and short lines in his mind. He must remember the symbolism as well as the lines: Duir, oak, for strength and Saille, willow, for its endurance. The alphabet would spell out the words for fealty, protection and love, which was gràdh in Gaelic. Severus offered a silent prayer that he would be able to get it all right.

Harry stood beside the bed, his cock still half-hard as he waited for Severus. The small crystal vial of specially made, aromatic oil sat on the bedside table with Harry’s glasses. Severus stepped up to his Divine Child, reading the apprehension through the connection they already shared, and almost laughed. Gathering the teenager against him, Severus rubbed his cheek on the top of the damp hair until the slight tremors running through Harry stopped and he relaxed.

“Why in Merlin’s name would you think this ritual was to be conducted with blood?”

The thin shoulders moved upwards and Severus rubbed a hand in soothing circles on Harry’s back. “There is no blood involved, my rash Gryffindor! There is but the one essence we’ll be using and I can promise you it won’t hurt.”

Harry tilted his head up and Severus could feel the uneasiness had faded as the soft lips pressed a kiss to the hollow of his throat. “All right.”

A finger under Harry’s chin brought those lips into position and Severus kissed them lightly. “You remember what you have to say?”

“Yes, Severus.” The green eyes gleamed now.

“Cheeky brat!” Severus kissed him again, harder, before stepping back and taking his hand. “If you are ready?”

Harry nodded and stood silently as Severus intoned the first phrase of the harsh-sounding Scottish Gaelic that he had learned from his mother so many years before. It was an invitation to the Oak King, the Mother Goddess, the Lord of the Wild Wood and the Lady of the Stars to be witness to their ritual. Their blessing would ensure the deep bond they were entering, the bond that would ultimately allow Harry to share Severus’ magic through the single magical core they now shared between them. A warm, swirling breeze stirred the curtains and made the tapers Severus had lit flicker. Relief flooded through him and Severus took a breath before moving to the edge of the bed, pulling Harry gently to him. Kissing him on one cheek and then the other, Severus knelt as he asked the deities in their infinite wisdom to allow one such as he to become protector-teacher to the Divine Child. The swirl of wind buffeted him, a chill to its edge, but Harry reached out and cupped a hand to his cheek, making his choice clear and the breeze settled.

Gratefully, Severus stood up and helped Harry onto the bed. Bracing his back against the headboard, Severus settled the teenager on his lap, facing him. The emerald eyes held his as Severus looped one arm around the slender waist and reached between them. Harry retrieved the vial of oil and let three drops drip down on the tip of his cock as Severus watched. Taking Harry’s prick in his hand, Severus squeezed gently and began to stroke him as he asked for strength and guidance from the Three Kindreds in turn: the Ancestors; the Earth Spirits and the Gods. Harry’s breath quickened with each pull and he reached down to stroke Severus’ erection with his fingertips. Watching him, Severus opened his hand as Harry pressed Severus’ cock against his own, but Severus’ groan was lost in the words he was chanting.

It didn’t take long for Harry to stiffen and Severus could feel his own impending climax. Concentrating on opening the bond they already shared, Severus was stunned for a second at the flood of emotion Harry had held tightly to his heart. He met the emerald eyes as he repeated the Gaelic words for loyalty, strength, and love. As Harry gasped, Severus stroked their cocks faster, allowing them to move against each other in a delicious slide of hot flesh on hot flesh. Splaying his legs, he laid Harry on his back just as the boy's hips bucked and the teenager came. Angling them both towards Harry’s stomach, Severus added his seed to Harry’s, milking their cocks for a moment.

Harry’s eyes never left him as Severus took a deep breath and then leaned over him. With the tip of his finger, Severus mixed the semen together and still chanting in Gaelic, began to draw the symbols of the words he was saying. Starting on Harry’s chest, on the skin over his rapidly beating heart, Severus anointed Harry with their essence. The runes began to warm on Harry’s skin, turning it pink before being absorbed. Three times, Severus repeated the action and was almost done when Harry reached out to dip his finger into the cooling pool. Severus stiffened; this was where Harry was supposed to accept his vow of fealty. Even as Severus finished the last series of symbols, Harry reached up to draw hesitantly over Severus’ heart as he stumbled through the ancient language and said the phrase of acceptance.

As he did, Harry spelled out a single word in Ogham - gràdh.

It burned into Severus’ skin with a pleasant heat and thawed the last bit of ice from Severus’ soul.

Golden light burst around them and Severus instinctively threw himself over Harry. A flash of heat suffused them both and once again Severus didn’t know where he started and Harry ended; their minds, hearts and souls merging with a light caress before separating again. When Severus was able to focus outward again, the room was dark and they lay entwined on the bed. Although he was a separate entity again, Severus was very aware of Harry. He could feel the pull of each breath and the reassuring beat of his Child’s heart. Severus could also feel the peace in Harry’s soul, something it had never felt before.

Harry stirred against him and Severus pulled him up to lie across his chest as he had done that first night. He could feel the smile on Harry’s face as he nuzzled Severus’ throat.

“Are you all right?” His voice was husky with the emotion he didn’t know how to admit to.

“I’m more than all right.” Harry said sleepily. “I’ve never felt so free before. Thank you for chasing the loneliness from my heart, Severus. I think I could face anything now, with you beside me.”

Severus put what he was feeling into a soft kiss.

~~~*~*~~~

Epilogue: Three and a half years later

With a sigh, Severus entered the rooms he shared with Harry, tossing his cloak over the back of his chair. The Hogwarts Express had gotten a late start due to the blinding snowstorm that had whipped up overnight. For those who would celebrate the solstice, they would only just arrive in time. Severus smiled as he thought of the start of Yule and his Harry’s enthusiasm for this year’s celebration after vanquishing the last of the Dark Lord’s Horcruxes a month prior.

A shiver ran down his spine as he remembered the harrowing race to destroy the Resurrection stone in Slytherin’s ring. In the course of the fight, the head of the…of Voldemort’s loyal followers, Peter Pettigrew, who was consequently the latest wizard to host the evil one’s ethereal form, killed himself by attempting to use his master’s wand. Harry’s godfather had been exonerated, although he was still an arrogant bastard as far as Severus was concerned, even if Lupin had become somewhat tolerable.

“Severus?”

Harry’s voice floated out from the bedroom they had shared since the night after the ritual which cemented the bond between their magic and their souls, and somewhere along the way, Severus’ heart as well. His bonded was still a cheeky, impertinent brat at times, just as Severus was as sardonic and snarky as ever, but here in the privacy of their rooms they could drop the masks they wore for the public. On Harry’s coming of age, they had gone through a civil union so that not even the Ministry of Magic could ever separate them. His lips curled upwards, fingers already working the buttons of his high-collared robes as Severus stepped into the darkened room. And stopped short.

There propped up against the headboard of their bed, lay a very naked Harry Potter. The light from the flickering fire danced across his creamy skin in golden highlights, emphasizing the sixteen-year-old’s athletic build. Feet planted on the bedding, knees splayed open, Severus watched, mesmerized as one hand stroked his hard prick as the other hand pushed into his arse in slow deliberate strokes, fucking himself. Severus didn’t even try to stop the moan that tore from him, his own cock already hard and throbbing at the sight.

“I wanted to be ready for you.” The emerald eyes blazed.

Severus banished his clothing and climbed up from the end of the four-poster, stopping to nip and lick his way up Harry’s legs to his inner thighs. Pressing his legs further apart, Severus kissed the tip of Harry’s cock, drawing the tip of his tongue down the thickly veined underside. Gently, he stopped to gently suck one testicle and then the other into his mouth, before tilting Harry’s hips high. The fingers had slowed their motion, but sped up again as Severus lapped at the sensitive skin around them, loving the keening sound Harry made when he was incredibly aroused.

“Oh gods, Severus! Please! Fuck me!” Harry pleaded with him, pressing against Severus’ furrowed tongue.

The jar of lubricant Severus had brewed for them was pushed into his hand. Gently pulling Harry’s fingers out, Severus pressed a last kiss to the well-stretched hole. Gingerly coating his throbbing erection, Severus guided himself to Harry’s entrance and slid easily past the ring of muscles. Strong legs wrapped around him as Severus rocked slowly back and forth, pressing forward until he was completely encased in the velvety heat. Panting, Severus braced on his arms and leaned down to kiss his lover hungrily.

“Severussss.”

His name left Harry’s lips like a sibilant whisper as Severus pulled back, pushing the taut thighs up to Harry’s chest and began to thrust into him in slow, deep strokes. Unsatisfied with Severus’ slow torture, the brat opened the bond, sharing the sensation of Severus thrusting into him. Then Harry clenched the muscles around his cock. The sensual overload caused made him lose control and Severus pounded into his love. His climax slammed into him, pushing Harry over the edge as well. When he could get his breath back, Severus would smirk at that – generally it was Harry coming that finished him.

“A Blessed Yule, Severus.”

Severus smiled, burying his nose in the damp mop of hair. “It is you who have blessed me, my beloved. You have completely bewitched my mind and ensnared my senses.”

Harry chortled softly against his throat. “And you love me for it.”

“Indeed, my cheeky brat, indeed.”

---

Further research:

Boe/otian like the phoe/ of phoenix, sounds bee-ocean.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_the_militaries_of_ancient_Greece

http://www.tragicrabbit.org/stories/sacred_band_of_thebes.htm