Secret Snarry Swap: FIC: Begin the World All Over Again Title: Begin the World All Over Again Author:goddess47 Rating: NC-17 Word count: 10,500 Content/Warning(s): None Prompt: From suitesamba: After the war, with the Horcrux in Harry gone, Harry finds that his magic is affected by the loss of the Horcrux. Apparently, he had to work harder to learn light/positive spells (like healing, repairing, Patronus, etc) to counteract the effects of the Horcrux, and now, without the negative effect of the Horcrux, these spells are extremely powerful. Back at Hogwarts studying for his N.E.W.T.s, he realizes that these spells are more tempered when Snape is around. Summary: Having growing problems with his magic, Harry goes back to Hogwarts in search of answers. When Severus Snape turns out to be part of the answer, Harry is both intrigued and confused. A/N: I turned your prompt around a bit, but hope you like it anyway!
Begin the World All Over Again
"Ready?" Harry asked, holding his wand up. He was nervous for an instant, standing in the Transfiguration classroom at Hogwarts. It felt like he was taking a final exam again. One he had not studied for.
Minerva McGonagall nodded her head.
Harry took a steadying breath and barely breathed the word. "Lumos!"
Harry's eyes blinked rapidly at the overly bright light that appeared at the end of his wand. Professor McGonagall - Please, Harry, call me Minerva -- threw up a hand to shield her eyes.
"Finite." Harry quickly ended the spell. He was glad it would end gracefully. Which it did, most of the time. Usually.
"Can you cast spells non-verbally?" she asked.
"It's actually worse," Harry admitted. "I can perform the spell, but I don't seem to have any level of control over it. At least verbally I have a modicum of control."
"Interesting," she murmured. "Have you consulted a Healer?"
"Several, most of whom were only interested in meeting The-Boy-Who-Lived and weren't of any help." Harry recounted in faintly embarrassed frustration. "The two that were the most helpful couldn't find anything wrong or give me any explanations."
"Let me get Professor Flitwick, maybe he has some ideas," Minerva suggested.
Resigned to having to tell his story again, Harry agreed. "I guess it can't hurt."
"Dansi!" Minerva called. A house elf appeared. "Can you bring us some refreshments? Sandwiches and something to drink?"
"Yes, Missy Min! Just a few minutes," The elf answered cheerfully and popped away.
She then turned to the fireplace and threw in some Floo Powder. "Filius, are you available?"
Harry could see Professor Flitwick's face in the fire. "Yes, Minerva?"
"Could you come through, and help me with something?" she asked.
"Certainly!" he agreed. "Give me a minute and I'll come around."
"Thank you." Minerva stepped away from the fire and let it go out.
The elf was back shortly with a tray of food and drink that she set on a table. "Anything else?" she asked.
"No, thank you, Dansi," Minerva said. She turned to Harry and gestured to the table. "Sit. I suspect you should eat something."
It really wasn't an invitation and, in spite of the full breakfast Kreacher had given him before he left London, Harry realized that was long ago, since it was now the middle of the afternoon. He placed sandwiches on a plate, and took the cup of tea he was handed.
Harry had eaten a sandwich and downed two cups of tea when there was a tap at the office door.
"Enter!" Minerva called and Filius Flitwick entered the room.
"Harry! Good to see you!" Filius greeted him.
"Good to see you, too," Harry answered.
"What can I do for you?" Filius asked, looking curious.
"Harry has a problem, and is looking for assistance," Minerva explained.
Harry briefly recounted his experience with Healers and demonstrated the Lumos spell again.
"Oh, my!" Filius said after Harry doused the bright light. "That is fascinating!"
"It's been getting worse since... the end of the War," Harry admitted. Saying Since I killed Voldemort was still difficult. "Anything I try to do is... magnified, I guess is the best I can describe it. It started small at first and has been growing out of control over time. I can't risk Apparating anywhere, I tend to overshoot my destination by a serious distance. I took the train to get here, it was the safest."
"Do you have any ideas?" Minerva asked Filius.
"Several ideas, but nothing specific," Filius admitted. "Can you stay for a few days so we can do some tests?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't have anyplace to be, really. So, sure, I can stay." He had brought a bag, figuring he'd have to stay at least one night. He'd planned to take the morning train back to London if no one had any ideas.
He saw Minerva frown for a moment at that, but she called, "Dansi!"
"Yes?" The house-elf appeared.
"Harry will be staying for a few days," she told Dansi. "Make up one of the guest rooms and assign someone to him if he needs anything."
"Owan can help Mr. Harry," Dansi said. "Call him, and he will come."
"Thank you," Harry replied. "If I can borrow your fire for a moment, I'd like to let Kreacher know that I won't be home for a few days."
"Certainly," Minerva agreed.
Kreacher frowned at Harry but nodded agreement when Harry promised that he would be back by the end of the week.
"I know you've recently eaten, but join us for supper?" Minerva offered. "There's only a handful of students and a few of the staff." It being the start of the Christmas holidays, Harry wasn't surprised. It was also why he timed his visit for today.
"Sure," Harry said. "Let me drop my things off in the room first and wash up?"
"That should be fine," Minerva said. She gave him directions to the guest room he would be using.
The room was pleasant with a window that overlooked the lake. The en suite bathroom was small but more than sufficient for just himself.
"Owan!" Harry called.
An ancient looking elf popped into the room. "Mr. Harry would like something?"
"I brought clothes for one night," Harry said, holding up his knapsack. "Can you take care of my things? Prepare a clean shirt for tomorrow?" He knew the house-elves liked to keep busy.
"Not a problem!" Owan nodded enthusiastically. "Anything else?"
"That should do it for now," Harry promised.
"I'll take care of that during dinner," Owan replied.
Harry took his time walking to dinner, enjoying the stroll through the corridors. It had been three years since the end of the War, and he hadn't seen all of the changes that were a result of the necessary repairs.
There were ten students gathered at one end of the long table. Three each from Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Gryffindor, and a lone Ravenclaw, made up the group. Minerva and Filius were there, as well as Professors Snape and Sinistra. Madame Pomfrey rounded out the group. The students went silent until one recognized Harry and whispered excitedly to his friends.
"Hagrid is away with Madame Maxime and will be sorry to have missed you," Minerva offered as Harry sat down between her and Professor Snape.
"Potter." Severus greeted him baldly
"Professor." Harry nodded his head. "How are you?"
"What brings you back to Hogwarts?" Severus asked, ignoring Harry's question.
"I'm doing... a research project," Harry said. He glanced briefly at the students at the table. "Not something ready for public discussion."
"Perhaps you could join us in my classroom after dinner," Minerva offered. Severus looked up sharply. "You may have some ideas for Harry." She looked in the opposite direction. "Poppy, we'd like to have you join us, if you're available."
"I'd be delighted!" Poppy replied eagerly.
Severus didn't speak to Harry except to request the salt be passed. He didn't speak to anyone, so Harry didn't feel ignored. Much.
It was an odd feeling that he wanted to explore, but later. Not with Sev- Snape sitting right next to him. He was glad Minerva had asked him to join them later, so the invitation didn't actually come from him.
Dinner was good, as usual, and the students kept their questions to a minimum. Mostly because Severus glared at them whenever they started to get carried away.
"Mr. Potter?" one of the Slytherin boys finally got up the nerve to ask. "Would you play Quidditch with us tomorrow?"
Harry hesitated. He didn't trust himself on a broom, especially with young children around. "I'm not sure I'll have time," he had to say. "Let me see if the project I'm working on will let me do that? Okay?"
The groans of disappointment told Harry that there might have been a bet on whether he'd go out to the pitch with them or not. Or maybe just that none of the adults would play, something Harry was familiar with. He was disappointed himself; he hadn't had a chance to play Quidditch in ages.
"We can meet in an hour?" Minerva asked the adults around the table, after dessert had been served. The others nodded agreement, and Harry followed Minerva to her classroom.
Filius and Poppy arrived at the same time, curious expressions on their face.
"We'll wait for Sev—" Minerva started but halted as Severus came into the room. "Close the door and ward it, please. I don't think we want any listeners."
Severus did so, and sat slightly apart from the rest of the group.
"It's best to demonstrate," Harry decided. He stood in the front of the room. He held up his wand. "Lumos," he said.
"What the fuck?" he said without thinking. Then realized his audience. "Sorry!"
His wand was slightly brighter than normal, but not the explosion of light it had been earlier.
"Most unusual," Minerva said. She turned to the others. "Harry's magic was essentially out of control earlier."
"I saw it, also," Filius added. "It was quite spectacular."
"How long have you been having problems with it?" Poppy asked.
"Essentially since the War," Harry reiterated. "I thought it was just inexperience at first, but it's grown significantly worse lately. To the point that I really can't use magic at all."
"Put up a shield," Severus commanded, eyes narrowed in thought.
"Protego." Harry obeyed. A shimmer of silver taller than he was became almost solid in front of him.
"Filius," Severus directed. "Would you send a hex at the shield?" Filius fired a hex at Harry and the shield essentially absorbed the hex.
"Interesting!" Filius observed, looking between Harry and Severus. "I've never seen a shield do that!"
"Poppy, if you would join me in the hall for a moment," Severus commanded. "Potter, try the Lumos charm again, and Filius, if you would try the hex. Give us a moment so Poppy and I can move down the hall." As he was leaving, he turned to say, "Make the hex fairly benign, if you would. I don't want to have to clean up after you."
"What?" Minerva huffed as Severus closed the door behind himself and Poppy.
Harry counted to twenty in his head. "Now?" he asked.
Minerva nodded.
Harry put up his shield, and Filius sent the same hex toward Harry. He ducked quickly when the hex bounced off the shield and headed sharply back toward him. It finally fizzled in a corner of the classroom.
"Harry, do the Lumos again?" Minerva requested, eyes narrowed in thought.
It was just as bright as it had been earlier in the day.
She went to the door of the classroom, and called, "Poppy, come back here, please?"
Poppy returned, eager to see what was going on.
"I think we can simplify this," Minerva said. "Harry, another Lumos, please!"
Again, a bright light. Harry thought it was getting brighter, but he didn't want to think about what that meant.
"My word!" Poppy breathed. She started a diagnostic spell on Harry as Minerva went to the door.
"Severus, you can come back now," Minerva called.
Severus stepped into the room.
"Harry, once more if you would," she directed.
The light was just a shade above normal.
"That's... unexpected," Minerva murmured.
"How fascinating!" Filius said. "Severus, could you..."
"I think not!" Severus growled.
"Perhaps Professor Snape and I could... talk tonight," Harry suggested, baffled. "And if we decide we would like assistance, we could call on you?" He looked around at the others. "I suspect we can come up with some tests we'd like to do tomorrow."
"That is probably a good idea!" Minerva replied, watching Severus carefully. "If you need any of us tonight, just call. Otherwise, we'll see you at breakfast."
"I'd like you both..." at Severus' glare, Poppy amended, "if you would, please, come by the Infirmary so I can take some baseline scans."
Harry said brief goodnights to the others, and followed Severus out of the room. They walked in silence to the dungeons.
Severus placed a hand on the wall to activate a portrait Harry had not seen before. The woman in the picture looked up from her work and said, "Good evening! Have you had a good day?" The portrait was of a middle-aged woman working in a potions lab, stirring something in a cauldron.
"It was tolerable, until a little bit ago." Severus sighed. "Clementine, this is Harry Potter. I suspect you will be seeing him several times over the next few days."
"Good evening, ma'am." Harry nodded his head at her.
"Polite, isn't he?" she teased. "And good looking!"
"Clementine!" Severus snapped.
"All right, all right." She laughed as the portrait swung open.
"Have a seat, if you would." Severus pointed toward the living room. "While I would like a drink, I suspect right now isn't the time. Tea?"
"I'll be fine," Harry replied. "We did just eat."
"Just a moment, then." Severus went into another room off the sitting room.
Harry looked about the sitting room. It had two comfortable overstuffed armchairs, a lumpy looking couch and two walls of overflowing book cases. One armchair was obviously the place Severus used regularly, based on the items littering the table and floor around it -- books, quills and papers spread about the chair. The fireplace at the far end had a small fire burning.
Severus came out of the room -- a bedroom, Harry surmised -- without his robes, wearing just slacks and a worn, warm-looking sweater over his white shirt. It made him look... younger, somehow.
"Sit, please." Severus waved a hand at the armchairs. He took his chair and Harry sat opposite.
"I'm guessing you have a clue about what's going on?" Harry hazarded.
"Yes," Severus replied. "I've read about this but have never seen it."
"What are you thinking?" Harry was intrigued.
"A bond of some sort," Severus said softly. "A... connection between us."
Harry closed his eyes, in dismay. A bond? WIth Severus Snape of all people? This was the last thing he had expected. Despite his vague fantasies involving Severus, it wasn't what he expected.
"Can it be broken?" Harry asked, then realized how that might have sounded. "I mean... not that it's awful, or anything, but... it's not..." he cast about for a word, "fair, I guess."
"Until we can figure out what kind of a bond it may be, I cannot answer that question," Severus replied calmly. "That may take some time."
Oh. Harry hadn't thought.... and he should have known better when the Healers he had consulted with couldn't come up with a solution. He should have thought about a curse-breaker instead. Hermione should have thought of a curse-breaker. No, that wasn't fair. For as much as Hermione knew, she didn't know everything.
"You've read about this sort of thing?" Harry asked. "Where?"
"That is the problem," Severus replied. "I'm pretty sure it was in the Hogwarts library, but I cannot be certain. I will have to look for it."
"How long?" Harry asked. "A guess, if you have one."
"At least a week, maybe a month," Severus replied. "Or two. You-- we are not in immediate danger." He went on. "I would rather approach this cautiously."
Fuck! Harry thought. He took a deep breath. "Okay, then, where do we start?"
"With a good night's sleep," Severus answered, surprisingly. "You've been dealing with this for a while now?"
Harry nodded. "The worst of it has been in the past year, but it's been for at least the three years since the end of the War." That should have been a clue, Harry realized. Since the last time he had seen Severus.
"Not unusual," Severus said. "Well, then, one more night won't make that much of a difference."
"No, you're right," Harry agreed. "Minerva has given me a room not too far off the main hall, I'll ask her tomorrow if I can stay for a while."
"If I may make a suggestion?" Severus offered.
"I guess." Harry was wary.
"Ask Minerva for something to do, to explain your presence here," Severus suggested. "If we figure this out quickly, then you're done. But I'm suspecting we will need some time and if you're here, then that puts a control on your magic, as well as keeps you busy and out of trouble."
"Me? Cause trouble?" Harry smirked. He hesitated. "I don't mean this the way it's going to sound but, well, why are you being nice to me? We really haven't talked since... since right after Voldemort died."
Severus stilled for a moment, and took his own breath. "We were both pawns in that war, you as much as I. I had a part to play and, forgive me, but you were the victim of some of the acts I had to carry out," Severus murmured. "I had to... distance myself from you right from the beginning, hoping we would both survive."
"You really were a git," Harry observed without heat.
Severus gave a small shrug. "We're both alive, and Voldemort is not," he reminded Harry. "That was the only goal."
"Well, we've made it this far," Harry agreed. "I would like to see if we can start again."
"We can do that," Severus agreed.
Harry's room was warm and inviting when he got back. Owan had left some lights on, and turned down the bed for him. There was a plate of biscuits and a glass of milk on the side table.
Severus was already at breakfast as Harry arrived. None of the students were present, but he remembered getting late breakfast in the kitchen from the house-elves regularly when he had stayed over the holidays.
"Good morning," Harry said.
"Good morning," Severus replied. "Coffee?"
"Yes, please!" Harry begged. Since leaving Hogwarts he had become quite addicted to his morning coffee. It turned out that Kreacher had known how to make some excellent coffee. Severus passed a pitcher to Harry, who took it gratefully.
Breakfast was quiet; only Aurora Sinistra joined them. "Sorry I didn't get to chat with you yesterday," she said. "I hope we can visit before you leave."
"I suspect I'll have some time," Harry replied. "Looks like I'll be here for a bit."
"Good, then," she said. "I'll look forward to talking with you."
When they had finished breakfast, Harry asked Severus, "Any idea when Minerva might be available?"
"Lunchtime, I would think," Severus replied. "She likes to work late at night and sleep into the morning on breaks."
"Okay, then, what next?" Harry asked.
"Did you take your N.E.W.T.s?" Severus asked.
Harry shook his head. "Hermione nagged, but, no, never got around to taking any," he admitted.
"We'll start there," Severus declared.
"What?" Harry was confused.
"You need to sit at least some of the tests," Severus explained patiently. "Even if Minerva comes up with something for you to do, it will be good for you."
Harry sighed. "Thought I was done with studying," he admitted. "Well, formally. Been reading a lot of books out of the Black library. So it's not like I haven't been learning new things."
"I suspect the Black library has a number of... interesting books," Severus mused.
"I'll agree with you on that." Harry grinned.
"And what have you been doing with yourself? Besides reading?" Severus asked.
Harry looked around the empty hall. "Umm.. can we have this conversation somewhere else?" he suggested.
"We can go back to my rooms," Severus offered.
"Sure!" Harry agreed readily.
Clementine smiled upon seeing them together. "Harry! Good to see you again!"
"Good morning to you, too!" Harry greeted her.
They sat in the same chairs they had the previous night.
"What is so special that you need privacy for?" Severus asked.
"Well, you know Sirius made me his heir?" Harry asked.
Severus nodded.
"So that left me the Black family vaults," Harry elaborated. "As well as several properties. Grimmauld Place, of course, but also a house outside of London, one in France, and one outside of Florence."
"Managing all that would take some time," Severus agreed.
"Then there's the Potter holdings," Harry continued. "I actually own most of the village of Godric's Hollow, another house in Ireland, and several working farms that are rented out to tenants."
"Impressive," Severus agreed.
Harry took a deep breath. "Arthur Weasley helped me find a solicitor who would help me make amends with the goblins. That took a year of negotiations and lots of groveling."
Severus laughed.
"Yeah." Harry grinned. "The good news was that I also inherited Bellatrix Lestrange's vaults, somehow. The Lestranges that survived the War didn't want to make any claim on what might be in her vault, for obvious reasons, and because I was the Black heir, her vault came to me."
"That was unexpected," Severus agreed.
"Well, the good news was that she had several goblin-made artifacts that I gratefully gave back to the Horde," Harry replied. "And I took one look at the inventory -- I know some of what she had was pretty Dark -- turned the contents of her entire vault over to them, also, as compensation for the damage done when we escaped from the vaults on their dragon."
"You'll have to tell me that story at some point," Severus said.
"Will do," Harry promised. "What all that got me was clear access to the Potter and Black family vaults. And more money than I knew what to do with."
"Most people your age would have taken the money and had a good time with it," Severus observed.
"Well, most people my age didn't have every move they made reported in the Daily Prophet," Harry retorted with a frown. "I couldn't even walk down the street without someone following me."
"There are charms..." Severus started. "Oh, sorry."
"Now you see my problem." Harry nodded. "But I fixed them. I bought the paper."
"You did what?" Severus was astonished.
"You're looking at the not-so-proud owner of the Daily Prophet." Harry laughed. "I don't do much besides own it," he admitted. "And no one at the paper even knows I'm the owner. I had my solicitor find an honest person to actually run the paper and we made an Unbreakable Vow so he would not be able to reveal my part in the paper. They can print things about me, but only real news and not just anything they make up."
"That explains the general upgrade of the quality of the news over the past couple of years," Severus admitted.
"Reporting news instead of made-up gossip goes a long way to making it better," Harry agreed. "And I've made sure there's more international news. Britain has been too isolated for too long. Voldemort wouldn't have gotten anywhere near as far as he did here if he had been anywhere else in the world."
"Too true," Severus replied. "Back to my original question. What do you do with yourself?"
Harry laughed. "Well, I keep busy but I do have to admit that I'm not doing anything that could be considered constructive."
"Hence the N.E.W.T.s," Severus said with a general wave of a hand.
"Damn, you're good," Harry said.
"Experienced," Severus replied gravely, with a small grin.
"Okay, you've made your point," Harry agreed. "Which ones?"
"Why not all of them?" Severus asked.
Harry boggled. "All of them?"
"Any reason not to try?" Severus persisted.
"Well, I absolutely refuse to do Divination." Harry grimaced.
"That's acceptable," Severus agreed readily.
"You going to tutor me in Potions?" Harry asked.
"I am qualified." Severus smirked.
"You git, you know what I mean," Harry shot back. "You willing to put up with teaching me?"
"I suspect I can manage," Severus replied dryly.
"Okay, then," Harry said. "Tell me what I'm going to need."
Severus outlined books and supplies Harry would need, not only for Potions but for some of the other courses Harry would be taking. Harry borrowed a quill and parchment to make a list.
"I can send an owl for a lot of this," Harry decided. "And I can get the rest in Hogsmeade."
"We can go after Christmas, if you'd like," Severus offered. "Make a day of it. You can buy me lunch."
Harry stared for a moment. "That would be nice," he said. "Thank you."
Severus got up and went to one of the bookcases. He gathered several books and brought them over to Harry. "These are not official textbooks, but you may find them helpful."
"Thank you," Harry said taking the small stack of books carefully. "I'll take good care of them."
"I have some work to do in the lab," Severus went on. "You may come with me, or I will meet you for lunch so we can discuss your study plans with the headmistress."
Looking at the stack of books, and thinking about some things he needed to organize, Harry replied, "I think I'll meet you for lunch. I need to make out a list of things I need to do."
"Certainly," Severus replied. "I will meet you at lunchtime."
Harry gathered his books and went back to his room.
"Owan!" Harry called.
"Yes, Mr. Harry! What do you need?" Owan asked.
"Looks like I'm going to be staying for a while," Harry explained. "Will you be available to help me?"
"I be glad to do that!" Owan replied cheerfully.
"I'll be going down to the Hall for lunch, so I don't need anything now," Harry explained. "I'll be having some packages sent to me; can you check them when they're delivered?"
Owan frowned. "Mr. Harry in danger?"
"There's always someone looking to cause problems," Harry said resignedly. "Anything that's to be delivered to me needs to go to a secure room first. You need to check for any charms, hexes or potions. Can you do that?"
Owen's face cleared. "Yes! I can do that!"
"Contact Kreacher at Grimmauld Place," Harry suggested. "He can show you what we have there and help you set up a room here."
"I will do that!" Owan bounced in place.
"Let me know when it's ready, so I can send in some orders I need to make," Harry requested.
Owan's head bobbed in agreement. "Anything else?"
"Not right now," Harry replied. "Thank you."
Owan left with a small 'pop.'
Harry looked around the room. He wondered if he could ask Minerva for a bigger room. If he stayed and studied for his N.E.W.T.s -- and until the problem with his magic was solved, he wasn't going far from Severus -- he'd need a bigger space to work in. Hopefully, there should be some rooms suitable for professors available.
Setting Severus' books on the small table next to the bed, Harry was sorry he didn't bring back some parchment so he could make a list. He could ask Owan for some, but he decided he could wait until after lunch.
Harry took the book on the top of the stack. Medicinal Potions. Okay, if he was going to do this, he'd have to start somewhere. He settled on the bed and opened the book.
A tapping at his door woke Harry from a doze.
"Coming!" he called groggily. He opened the door to find Severus standing in the hall.
"I thought you might need a reminder of the time," Severus offered. "Lunch is about to be served."
"Thanks." Harry yawned. "The last time I cast a Tempus, I got a clock the size of a couch and it wouldn't quit chiming. Kreacher had to banish it for me. Come in while I wash up."
"No hurry," Severus replied, closing the door behind him. "I just wanted to make sure we met up with Minerva sooner rather than later."
"Two minutes, then," Harry promised. He used the bathroom and splashed some water on face to help wake up.
"Have you not been sleeping well?" Severus asked as they walk to the Great Hall.
Harry shrugged. "I want to say it's more uneven," he admitted, suspecting he had to be pretty straightforward with Severus if they were to figure out what this bond between them was all about. "I'll be fine for several days, then I'll either have horrid nightmares or not be able to sleep at all for several more days."
"And lately?" Severus persisted.
"Actually, I think this is from the travel," Harry offered. "It took me all day to get here on the train, after traveling across London to get to the station. And since the Hogsmeade station is actually on the other side of the lake, I walked over." He gave a small grin. "More fresh air and exercise than I've had in a while."
"Interesting," Severus murmured. "Remind me to give you a couple of vials of Dreamless Sleep."
"I've actually been doing relatively well lately," Harry demurred. "Not sure I need that."
"I will make sure you have a mild dose," Severus responded.
"That sounds reasonable," Harry agreed. He appreciated the thought.
"Harry. Severus," Minerva greeted them. "How are you doing?"
"We are well," Severus replied. "If it's not a problem, may we stop by your office after lunch?"
She looked curious but nodded. "Certainly! It'll be a nice break from the reports I need to do for the Governing Board. You're both always welcome!"
The students ran in breathlessly about the time the professors were finishing their meal.
"Great day for Quidditch!" one of the Slytherin boys claimed. "No wind and a sunny sky!"
Harry laughed. "Still working, I'm afraid," he replied. "If I do get some time, I'll come looking for you. How's that?"
"All right!" he said, helping himself to a plate of food.
"You enjoy your meal." Minerva stood. "I'll see you shortly."
"We won't be long," Severus promised.
Harry finished the dessert he had taken and washed it down with pumpkin juice. "I normally don't drink this, but it's part of being at Hogwarts," he admitted, enjoying the cold drink. "I never had it before I came here."
"If you're ready, then," Severus replied.
As they left the table, Harry waved at the students, who cheerfully waved back.
They settled into chairs in the headmaster's office. It was very different from what Harry remembered as Dumbledore's office. The missing toys and gadgets were replaced by static sculptures and abstract wall hangings that made it warmer and more inviting.
"What can I do for you?" Minerva asked.
Harry looked at Severus and nodded.
"I'm pretty sure there's a bond of some sort involved," Severus reported. "What kind and how it developed will take some time to determine."
"A bond? How interesting!" She beamed at them. "How much time?" Minerva asked.
Severus gave a small shrug. "No idea," he admitted. "It may be weeks. Or longer, depending on how much free time we can devote to determining what might be going on. Since Mr. Potter is in no immediate danger, I would rather be cautious than rush to any conclusions."
"Are you all right with this, Harry?" Minerva looked at Harry.
"There are worse things," Harry admitted. "In the end, it will depend on what we find."
"What do you need from me?" she asked.
"First of all, Harry needs to stay at Hogwarts," Severus said. "We've decided that he should study for his N.E.W.T.s, if nothing else."
"Harry! You never took your exams!" Minerva exclaimed.
"Never got around to it," Harry admitted. "Kept busy enough, and didn't need the exams for what I was doing."
"Better late than never, then," Minerva said. "Which exams will you be preparing for?"
"To start, everything except Divination," Severus jumped in. "I'll help Harry get started in all of the areas. I'm hoping that you and the other faculty would be willing to assist us."
"I certainly will," Minerva agreed readily. "As will the others." She opened a drawer and rummaged through it. "Here is the book list for the seventh year. It should be helpful."
"Thank you," Harry replied, taking the list from her.
"I had thought that perhaps you would be interested in offering some discussion in the Muggle Studies classes," Minerva suggested. "Your experience in living as a Muggle would be of interest to our students."
"How about a study group outside of the classroom?" Harry countered. "That way it can be less formal and we can involve the Muggle-born students. And if I have to leave, I won't leave the instructor in a lurch."
"That's certainly reasonable," Minerva agreed. "Work that out with Professor Bending. She'll be glad to have you."
"If it would possible?" Harry started diffidently.
"Go on..." Minerva encouraged.
"Since it looks like I will be here for a while, might I get a larger room? Or a suite of some sort?" Harry asked. "I need a desk for studying and some work I'll have to do. And space to have occasional visitors would be nice." He figured Ron and Hermione would insist on coming to see him at some point.
"I think we have something suitable," she agreed.
"And, sorry, I need a secure room where anything sent to me can be handled," Harry went on. "I've already asked Owan to find a room and to handle anything sent to me."
"A secure room?" Minerva's eyes narrowed.
"I'm a public figure," Harry admitted reluctantly. "Packages often have charms, or hexes, attached to them. Sometimes it's just a simple tracking charm, but there have been some nasty hexes. Or the package has a touch-activated potion." Harry sighed. "So far, there hasn't been anything terribly dangerous, but I have to be careful."
"Oh, my," Minerva sighed. "I'm sorry!"
"Nothing you can do," Harry replied. "But let Owan handle anything that has my name on it."
"I can do that," Minerva agreed. "Anything else?"
Harry looked at Severus, who shook his head. "Nothing else at the moment, I think."
"I'll have the house-elves set up a suite for you to stay in," Minerva said. "That should be ready tomorrow, and you can have Owan move your things. If he would let me know what room he's selected for your deliveries, I'll have that warded to keep the students safe."
"That's fine," Harry agreed.
"And I'll have an additional list of Transfiguration books you need to study from for you later," Minerva promised with a small smile. "I'll be glad to set up a schedule for regular tutoring once classes are back in session."
"Thank you." Harry grinned back at her. "I think."
"Off with you both." She made a shooing motion. "Unless you want to help write reports?" She eyed them merrily.
"I suspect we can find something productive to do," Harry said, standing.
"I... I can help if you need assistance," Severus offered softly. Harry had forgotten Severus had been headmaster at one point, and had probably completed those same reports.
"No, but thank you," Minerva replied sincerely. "Although, perhaps, you could look them over for me when I'm finished. A second set of eyes would be welcome."
"Any time," Severus replied.
"You were reading Medicinal Potions," Severus said to Harry as they left the office. "You may come down to the lab with me and assist with some things Poppy needs for the Infirmary."
"I'm not ready for that!" Harry protested automatically. "I haven't done any serious brewing since I've left Hogwarts. And I fell asleep before I got through the first chapter."
"I can use the assistance in preparing ingredients, if nothing else," Severus pointed out. "And tell me what you have done."
Harry explained about the simple household potions he worked on, mostly with Kreacher's help.
Severus set Harry preparing ingredients for pain potions, as well as for Skele-gro, as he did an inventory in the storage room. Harry found the physical work soothing and soon had the ingredients diced, chopped and shredded as Severus had requested.
"What else do you need done?" Harry asked, finding Severus still working on his inventory in the storeroom.
"Nothing for today," Severus replied. He cast a quick Tempus. "Dinner is not for two more hours, would you like me to come and get you when I go?"
"You don't have to bother," Harry suggested. "I can get Owan to remind me."
"It's not a bother," Severus replied.
"Okay, then," Harry replied with a smile. It felt nice to have someone take care of him for a bit. "Yes, please, come and get me for dinner."
Back in his room, Harry opened the Medicinal Potions book again, and soon fell asleep.
Tapping at his door woke Harry.
"I'll be glad to have a proper desk so I stop trying to read on the bed," Harry muttered as he let Severus into the room. "Just a moment."
"I am a few minutes early," Severus admitted. "I suspected you might fall asleep."
"Thanks," Harry said. He went into the bathroom and washed up. He grabbed his robe from the hook on the wall and put it on.
Dinner was pleasant. The students were in good spirits and their good humor carried over to the instructors.
"You might as well come down to my room," Severus said as they moved away from the table.
"Thanks," Harry replied. "If I go back to my room now, I'll just fall asleep too early and then I won't sleep all night."
They reviewed the list of textbooks and materials Harry would need for his N.E.W.T.s studies, Severus making several of his own suggestions.
The next day, Owan helped Harry move to the suite of rooms Minerva had assigned to Harry. It was on the third floor and looked over the owlery. It was at times like this that he missed Hedwig fiercely. He'd considered getting another owl on occasion but never could follow through on the thought.
The rooms were airy and spacious, with a generously sized room that had a desk and a wall of bookcases at one end, and a sitting area around a fireplace at the other. A small pantry space with makings for tea and hot cocoa, with packaged biscuits on a shelf, was unexpected.
The bedroom had a window, also, admitting the afternoon sunlight. The oversized bath had both a large tub and a shower.
At lunch, Harry asked Minerva. "Would there be any problem if I have the fire in my room connected to the Floo network?"
"I can set that up for you, if you need," she admitted cautiously. "May I ask why?"
"I have multiple business holdings that require regular meetings," Harry found himself needing to explain. "I don't need to travel that often, but I do need to talk to a number of people in person on a regular basis." He hoped that Minerva didn't ask what kind of businesses.
"A connection for just talking is safe enough to set up," she admitted. "That way no one can come to the school grounds that shouldn't be here."
"I can work with that," Harry agreed.
After lunch, Harry issued an invitation to Severus. "Now that I have more space, come to my room. If you would like, that is."
"I would like that," Severus agreed.
"I'm back," Harry hissed at the snake in the portrait guarding his room.
"Welcome, Speaker," The snake hissed as the portrait opened.
"You can still speak Parseltongue," Severus observed.
"It's actually fun," Harry admitted. "And it makes for great security without having to perform magic. You saw the shield I cast that first day I was here, it was opaque. I'm afraid if I cast wards, they would keep me in, or out, permanently."
"Owan should be able to help you with wards, if you need," Severus commented.
"The portrait should be sufficient for now," Harry replied.
Harry made them both cocoa and they settled in the sitting area.
"This is nice," Severus admitted, looking around the room.
"You could probably have something similar, if you wanted," Harry answered. "I don't think Minerva would actually make you stay in the dungeons if you didn't want to be there."
"I'm near the Slytherins where I am," Severus replied. "It's useful for me to be near them."
"That makes sense," Harry agreed. "Tell me about your students."
The afternoon passed quietly as they talked. Harry yawned at one point, which prompted Severus to say, "I have a potion I need to tend to. I'll come for you for dinner?"
"I'd like that," Harry admitted. There was something comforting in having Severus come for him.
Christmas Day was similarly low key. There were presents from Ron and Hermione, as well as the traditional Weasley sweater. Despite the fact that his 'romance' with Ginny had not survived the War, Harry was matter-of-factly included in all Weasley events. He'd have to talk to Molly and Arthur about his... relationship, he guessed he should call it, with Severus.
"Shall we go to Hogsmeade tomorrow?" Harry asked Severus during the Christmas feast.
"How about the day after?" Severus countered. "Since tomorrow is Boxing Day, the shops will be busier, and more people will be about. If we wait another day, the crowds should be smaller."
"That works for me," Harry replied. He patted his stomach. "It will also give me a chance to digest all this food."
"Sandwiches tomorrow," Severus predicted. "The house-elves have taken to enjoying the day after Christmas for their own holiday."
"That's interesting," Harry replied. "Good that they get to relax a bit."
Harry spent the time with Severus, assisting in the potions lab. They took a short walk into the Forbidden Forest to collect some potion ingredients.
"I'll meet you at the front doors?" Harry asked two days after Christmas, over breakfast. "I just need to grab my cloak."
"That will be fine," Severus agreed.
Harry went back to his rooms and grabbed his cloak, as well as a knitted hat and gloves. It was sunny but cold, and he couldn't trust himself to cast any warming charms. With his luck, he'd set himself on fire.
Severus was waiting, also warmly dressed, when he got to the hall.
"Shall we go?" Severus asked.
"Ready!" Harry agreed.
The walk to Hogsmeade was pleasant. Harry asked what he hoped were intelligent questions about some of the potions he had been reading about in the medicinal potions book he had been reading diligently.
Severus answered in detail, making Harry realize that Severus really had no one to 'talk shop' with. The staff used potions and relied on Severus to make them correctly, and the students followed his instructions to -- hopefully -- learn about potions. But it didn't seem that anyone cared about how and why potions worked.
"Why isn't there a Potions Club?" Harry asked before he could stop himself. "I mean, there's lots of interesting things students could learn and do outside of class."
Severus looked sharply at him.
"You think there would be an interest?" Severus asked.
"I don't know," Harry replied. "Wouldn't hurt to try."
"I will talk to Minerva," Severus replied. "Clubs are supposed to be approved by the headmistress."
"I don't see why she wouldn't approve one," Harry offered.
They arrived in town, and stopped for a moment on the main street.
"Where shall we start?" Severus asked.
"Scrivenshaft's first, I need quills and parchment, at the very least, as well as to order some of the textbooks I need," Harry outlined. "Then Glad Rags, for proper Hogwarts robes and some new clothes. And, if you don't mind, I'd like to browse at Dervish and Banges to see if they have anything interesting in stock."
"Not very often," Severus agreed. "But I also like to browse there."
"Honeydukes, on our way back," Harry added. "After lunch. If I go before lunch, I'll eat my weight in candy."
Severus grinned. "That sounds reasonable."
Severus made a good companion. He'd give an opinion when asked, but otherwise let Harry do as he pleased. Although he made a small moue at one of the robes Harry tried on.
"Don't worry, I don't like it either," Harry confided in a whisper when the proprietress was in the back getting more robes.
Harry kept Owan busy going between Hogwarts and town, taking packages back to Harry's rooms as they left each shop.
"If I try to shrink anything, it'll probably disappear," Harry laughed. As Severus raised an eyebrow, Harry went on, "Owan checks all my packages, anyway. Since I can't trust anyone to not put some kind of charm or hex on things I buy."
"I remember you telling Minerva," Severus replied. "How did you ever come to that realization?"
Harry shrugged. "Learned the hard way, when a 'fan' followed me home, via a tracking charm. She had delusions that she could chat me up, I'd eat her Amortentia laced candies and she'd be the next Mrs. Potter."
"That's... scary," Severus admitted.
"Don't I know it!" Harry agreed. "Talked to my solicitors, and they were the ones that recommended the screening process. House-elves are really good at that sort of thing, and no one ever thinks to allow for them. It's like they're invisible to most wizards and witches."
"That is true," Severus replied. "Most magical creatures are largely ignored. Unless, of course, there's some hysteria about a perceived dangerous creature."
"I'm working on that, too," Harry said. "Making sure any reports about dangerous creatures are triple checked before they're printed."
"It can't make it any worse," Severus replied.
"Okay, enough serious talk," Harry declared. "Now, the most important decision of the day. Where should we eat lunch?"
"If I were not a participant in this lunch, I would send you to Madam Puddifoot's," Severus said solemnly.
"Oh, goodness, no!" Harry protested automatically. "Oh, wait. Another joke!" He grinned. "I get it!"
"You are quite gullible," Severus replied with a small smile. "I would think that The Three Broomsticks would be acceptable. When it is not overrun by students, it is more than satisfactory."
"Three Broomsticks it is," Harry agreed.
They walked down the street in companionable silence. Severus held the door as Harry entered, and they stamped the snow from their feet.
"Sit anywhere!" Madam Rosmerta called from behind the bar. "Be right with you."
Harry let Severus choose a booth along the far wall. From his seat, Harry knew Severus could watch most of the tavern, and especially the entrances. Some habits were hard to ignore.
"What can I get you to drink?" Rosmerta asked when they were settled in.
"Hot butterbeer for me," Harry ordered.
"Hot cocoa for me," Severus added.
"Coming right up!" she nodded. "Specials are on the board." She pointed to a chalkboard to one side of the bar.
"Ohh, shepherd's pie," Harry said, reading the board. "I love the version they make here."
"I agree with you," Severus replied.
When Rosmerta brought their beverages, Severus told her, "We will both have the shepherd's pie."
"Good choice!" She nodded. "Just be a few minutes."
"Did you get everything you wanted?" Severus asked.
"I think so," Harry replied. "There were some textbooks I couldn't get here, but they're on order and they should be delivered in the next few days."
"Tell me why you think a Potions Club would be of interest to students?" Severus asked.
"Well, if nothing else, you always have two or three students who would love to show off what they know," Harry offered.
"That is too true," Severus agreed with a slight frown. "That is not always a good thing."
"Then there's usually another handful that really do want to be better at Potions but, well, don't want to come to you for help." Harry smiled to take the sting out of that statement.
"Until recently, I couldn't afford the time a Potions Club would take," Severus agreed. "And being unapproachable made it easier for me to come and go as I needed."
"Point taken." Harry nodded. "I really learned a lot about basic potions when I brewed my own with Kreacher," Harry went on. "You could explore more of the theory and application of potions than you probably have class time for."
"There was a Potions Club when I was a student at Hogwarts," Severus admitted. "It was only half a dozen students, but I did learn a lot from that."
"See?" Harry grinned. "And you could get some of the better students to work with the Muggle-born like me, who didn't understand the difference between dice, chop and mince -- and that those differences are important!"
"I will... think about it," Severus replied.
Harry shrugged. "Just an idea, is all."
They ate their meal chatting idly about a Potions Club, comparing it to any of the other clubs at Hogwarts.
"Anything else?" Rosmerta asked, when they had finished their meals. "I have some lovely apple pie for afters."
"If you have some ice cream to go with it," Harry asked. "I'd love a piece."
"Cheddar cheese with mine," Severus requested.
"Cheese and apple pie?" Harry asked. "What an odd combination!"
"No more odd than your ice cream!" Severus replied.
When Rosmerta served their dessert, Harry reached over with his fork and then stopped. "May I?" he asked.
Severus pushed the plate toward Harry. "Please," he offered.
Harry took a bit of pie and a piece of the cheese on his fork and then put it in his mouth. "Oh, that is good!" Harry said. He pushed his plate toward Severus. "You're welcome to a bit of mine, if you want!"
"No, thank you," Severus declined.
"Anything else?" Rosmerta asked when they had finished their dessert.
"Another drink?" Harry offered. Severus shook his head. "Put lunch on my tab, then," he directed. "If I send you a list of wines, can you get those for me? Most of what I like are Muggle vintages, not wizard, if that makes a difference."
"I'll manage," she told Harry. "Send me a list any time."
"I wouldn't take you for a wine drinker," Severus commented on their walk to Honeydukes.
"Butterbeer is fine some of the time, but Hermione introduced me to some Muggle wines that I like," Harry admitted. "I don't have a head for whiskey or liquors like that, so wine is a nice compromise for me."
Harry bought too much in Honeydukes, but he knew he could send some to Kreacher, to 'apologize' for being away. Kreacher had grumped at him when Harry had informed him that he'd be staying at Hogwarts for the foreseeable future. Harry knew some sweets would help soothe the slight.
With the start of classes, Minerva introduced Harry to the instructors he did not know and let them know he was interested in studying for his N.E.W.T.s. The other instructors were delighted to have Harry study with them. He was invited to drop into N.E.W.T. level classes as he wanted, but they all set up time to meet with him individually.
The Muggle Studies instructor welcomed Harry's help with her classes. Although Muggle-born herself, she found teaching pure-blood wizards and witches about Muggles was still something of a struggle. Having someone like Harry -- being famous was good for something, Harry realized -- helped her get the students to pay more attention.
January soon turned to February. Short days with cold temperatures and little sun made it easier for Harry to stick to his studies. Ron and Hermione wanted to come out to visit, but they didn't have any luck scheduling a weekend they could meet up. Harry made a point to talk to them through the Floo at least twice a week.
Somehow, he wasn't quite ready to tell them about the bond with Severus. He wasn't sure if he was too scared that they'd freak out, or that it was too new and he didn't want to spoil it. Soon. He'd tell them soon.
It was the beginning of March when Harry finally found what he didn't realize he had been looking for.
Harry stared at the entry in the book.
Between two witches or wizards of different ages, generally ten or more years of age apart, the bond between fated partners will not manifest until the younger partner has reached his or her magical maturity.
If the partners have not met, or if one partner dies, the bond will go dormant, leaving each partner to be able to move on and form other relationships.
If the fated partners meet, at any age, upon both partners reaching their magical majority, the bond will manifest between the partners. Upon consummation, the bond will provide stability of magical power as well of personality. Both partners will benefit from extended longevity.
If the fated partners meet, at any age, upon both partners reaching their magical majority, and the partnership is not consummated, there will be a loss of stability of magical powers as well as a decline in personality. The loss of stability will lead to early death of both partners.
"What the fuck?" Harry muttered. He re-read the passage again.
Harry looked again at the title of the book. It was one of the reference books Severus had given him the first day he was at Hogwarts. Traditions of Wizard Families, by Rance Finlan. No one he had ever heard of, but that didn't mean anything.
He put a bookmark at the page, then closed it. He carefully picked up the book and left his room.
Clementine waved a cheery 'Hello' as Harry entered Severus' rooms. Severus was correcting papers in his free time before dinner.
Harry gently placed the book on the essay Severus was grading and took a small step back. Severus froze in place.
"You knew," Harry said.
A small nod. Severus reached out toward the book but didn't quite touch it.
"Yes." A whisper. Severus didn't look up from the book.
"YOU KNEW!" Harry shouted.
Another silent nod.
Harry stopped. "Severus?" This silence was very unlike the Severus that Harry knew... oh, fuck. And loved.
The phrase decline in personality drifted across Harry's mind. He ignored it and focused on the man in front of him.
"I wanted to give you a choice," Severus said softly. "I hoped that because you had not gone through your magical maturity before... before you left, that the bond would not affect you."
Harry stopped and thought for a moment. He thought about what he had seen Severus do -- or not do -- since he had come to Hogwarts. "You haven't done any magic since I've been here," Harry said in realization. "How has the bond affected your magic?" he asked softly.
Severus sat back in his chair and ran both hands through his hair in a moment of obvious agitation before settling down.
"We seem to have suffered from opposite reactions," Severus admitted. "My casting has become weaker since the War. It has not been obvious, and I have been able to conceal my problem, since teaching Potions requires little to no actual magic. I can cast a shield in the classroom, when necessary, but I have been extra vigilant in watching the students so I do not need to do even that much."
"Severus!" Harry was shocked.
"Neither of us have had many choices in our lives," Severus explained, a thread of helplessness in his voice. "I made my own choice, and that was to let you go."
"You should have talked to me!" Harry protested.
"You weren't ready to listen at the end of the War," Severus said gently. "I was still recovering from Nagini's bite and you were the darling of the Ministry. I know it wasn't what you wanted, but... I really didn't have any voice in the matter at that point."
Harry stared. "You just made a joke."
Severus gave a small grin. "Vile accusation."
Harry moved to where Severus was sitting and held out a hand. "You also have not touched me."
"Because I have wanted to. Too much," Severus admitted, taking Harry's hand.
With that simple touch, something flowed between them.
That something -- magic? -- filled holes in Harry that he didn't even realize were there.
"Oh!" Harry said softly.
"Articulate as always," Severus replied. "But, yes. Oh!"
"Now what?" Harry asked.
Not letting go of Harry's hand, Severus stood. Harry was slightly shorter than Severus and he looked up at the other man.
"If you would like to?" Severus held his other arm out in invitation.
Harry moved closer and let Severus wrap his free arm around him. Harry let go of Severus' hand and wrapped both his arms around Severus.
The full-body contact was... amazing.
"You idiot," Harry muttered into Severus' shoulder. "We could have been doing this for years."
A small chuckle rumbled through Severus.
"Is this all it needed?" Harry asked, not moving from the warm comfort that he found being in Severus' arms.
"I'm afraid that the word consummate is quite literal." Severus replied.
Harry drew his head back. "You mean... uh, we need to..."
"There's the Harry I know best," Severus said softly. "Articulate as ever." He drew Harry close again. "Yes, that means sex."
"Bloody hell, yes," Harry muttered. "And now!"
"Harry..." Severus began.
Harry drew back slightly and looked Severus in the eye. "I really don't care why, or how, or anything. I need you to take me to bed and make love to me."
Severus drew Harry in for a soft, almost chaste, kiss. When Severus broke the kiss, Harry whined slightly at the loss.
"I would prefer our first time to be on a bed," Severus murmured, moving Harry toward the bedroom.
"Someday, I want you to fuck me over your desk," Harry replied, without thinking. Then blushed when he saw Severus smirking at him.
"A particular fantasy of mine, also," Severus agreed. "But for today, a bed."
Severus unwrapped Harry from about him, held his hand and led him to the bedroom.
It was hard to stay in contact and take off their clothes at the same time. They fumbled with each other's buttons for a moment before Severus placed both hands on Harry's shoulders and said, "Stand there and take you own clothes off. It will be faster."
Harry forced himself to stand still for a moment, taking a breath to center himself. He all but tore his shirt in taking it over his head, and almost fell over when he tried to take off his pants without removing his trainers.
Somehow, they both got their clothes off and onto the bed. Harry plastered himself against Severus, to get as much skin contact as he could.
"Oh, bloody hell, this feels so good," Harry muttered into Severus' chest.
"There's more," Severus replied silkily. He reached between them to take both of their cocks in one warm hand. Harry bucked in surprise for a moment but put his own hand over Severus'.
"Not going to last," Harry muttered, as Severus moved his hand with intent.
"That is the idea," Severus panted. "Neither will I, so..."
The combination of the warm hand on his cock and the freedom to touch Severus' skin hit Harry like a Bludger. He came hard and his vision grayed out for a moment.
Severus looked fairly smug when Harry opened his eyes. He decided it was a good look and he promised himself he'd put it on Severus' face as often as possible.
"Amazing," Harry said as he leaned in for a kiss. He didn't have a lot of experience but, as he tentatively opened his mouth, his tongue was quickly met by Severus'.
Severus re-arranged them so that Harry lay on top of him. From his vantage point, Harry hesitantly admitted, "I've, um, never done this before. With another man, that is. If there's something I'm supposed to do, you need to tell me." Harry wasn't -- quite -- a virgin, but the 'fated partner' bit explained why he really hadn't felt desperate to find a girl- or boy-friend.
"And you need to tell me if there's something you do or do not like," Severus answered.
Harry bit his lip. "Does it hurt?"
Severus understood immediately, thankfully. "We will work our way up to that," he promised. "A short nap is in order, I think."
Harry was alone in the bed when he woke, but the space next to him was still warm. He found a robe left for him on the end of the bed.
Severus was setting food out on a table when Harry came out of the bedroom in the robe. It was a little long, but it was comfortable.
"I had Owan bring us some dinner. I didn't think you would want to go to the Great Hall for a meal." Severus pointed. "Come and eat."
"Good idea, thank you," Harry replied. He considered for a moment, then waved a hand at Severus' chair. It enlarged itself to become comfortable for two.
"Oh, sorry," Harry realized. "I should have asked."
"No, it will be fine," Severus replied. He sat down and patted the space next to him. "Sit here."
Harry gladly snugged in next to Severus. "I don't want to stop touching you," Harry admitted.
"That is the bond settling," Severus said. He handed Harry a plate. "If you would like anything else, we can get Owan to get it for us."
Dinner was quiet. When they were finished, Severus wrapped an arm around Harry, who laid his head on Severus' shoulder.
"Now what?" Harry asked.
"We learn how to make this work," Severus replied. "Being fated doesn't mean perfect. In some ways, it is akin to getting married."
Harry snickered. "Which means when I drool on your pillows, that you'll growl at me."
"And when I get distracted by brewing, you will learn when to interrupt so you can drag me somewhere, and when to leave me alone," Severus replied. "You will get it wrong half the time, and I will be unreasonable about it."
"You will shout at me, and I'll be snarky back at you, which will drive us both spare." Harry grinned. He looked slyly at Severus. "Although I've heard that make-up sex can be amazing."
"I've heard that, also," Severus replied, dropping a kiss on the top of Harry's head. "Although I would hope we could wait a bit before we try that."
Harry laughed. "I'd like that, too."
"I suspect there are some people we should tell. About us," Severus offered.
"Minerva," they said together.
"Ron and Hermione," Harry added. "The rest of the Weasleys."
"Anyone else?" Severus prompted.
"Andromeda. Teddy's too young yet to really understand," Harry added. "Probably my solicitors. I'd like to give you access to some of my vaults."
"You don't need to do that," Severus murmured.
Harry shrugged. "You'd have to work hard to spend it all. I'd like to share what I have."
"Thank you, then," Severus replied seriously.
"Do you have anyone?" Harry asked softly.
"Not really," Severus said. "There are some distant cousins, but they would be more interested in your money than in you."
"We'll do what you think is proper." Harry settled in close to Severus.
"One more thing," Severus said. "I'd like you to move in with me."
Harry stretched up and kissed Severus. "I was trying to figure out how to ask that without seeming too forward."
"Lots to do," Harry murmured.
"Tomorrow," Severus said firmly.
"And all the tomorrows to come," Harry whispered against his lips.