Back to Hogwarts: FIC: What I Did On My Summer Holiday Title: What I Did On My Summer Holiday Author:slu64 Rating: NC-17 Word count: 7,000 Warning(s): (highlight for spoilers) *Slash, Anal, and all that male/male relationships entail.* Summary: After an customary night of drinks with Harry, Severus has an important gap in his memory. A/N:Thanks so much to my Brit-picking beta starstruck86 for all her work and support.
What I Did On My Summer Holiday
Distracted, Severus straightened his ornate silverware, as the hundreds of students made their way into the Great Hall. The floating candles burned brightly from above, their faces, aglow with anticipation, greeted their friends and exchanged stories of their holiday, but their Potions professor gave them barely a glance from his place at the head table.
As Headmistress Minerva McGonagall made her way to welcome the new arrivals, the students fell quickly to their seats. They quietly watched as she arranged the Sorting Hat on the trodden down stool. It was then that the silence finally caught Severus’ attention, forcing him to focus more on the proceedings at hand.
As the Deputy Headmaster, it had been Severus’ duty to welcome the students and perform the sorting of the newer ones. However, when Minerva had expressed her desire to continue the tradition herself, Severus hadn’t questioned her motives, feeling it left him more time for other things; opportunities that he had not been afforded in the past.
The Ministry had seen fit to allow him more privileges upon his return to Hogwarts. For the past six years, he had been allowed more freedom with the school’s brewing facilities, using them for private contracts as long as the school received a portion of the proceeds. And now, without the constraints of the war, he was free to travel and participate in the numerous magical conferences abroad during school holidays. He had first been approached to speak at a Potions seminar in Munich, Germany, five years before and from there he had participated in numerous conventions in Potions, the Dark Arts and even Arithmancy.
Sharing ideas with other wizards of elite status within their fields of expertise was something Severus had not had the time or inclination to pursue in the past. Now, he found these gatherings to be not only intellectually stimulating, but enjoyable as well. At least he had, until he had shown up. Severus should have known better than to attend a convention evolved around the Dark Arts so near the downfall of the Dark Lord. At the time he had hoped to gain more information into the dark uses of certain hellebore root derivatives. But the other Potions Masters, as well as everyone else, had been too interested in the lecture of one Harry Potter.
He had not planned to attend The-Boy-Who-Lived-Twice's lecture; however, everyone else had, and the convention had basically shut down while the Auror spoke. He had stood in the back of the darkened lecture hall and became mesmerised by the young man. While they had reconciled their differences after the war, they had not maintained contact afterward. Severus was content to have buried the hatchet before moving on with his life. So it was quite the revelation to hear the events of the recent past from the likes of its main character. The tales of how his encounters with Voldemort over the years were never planned and completely impromptu were reiterated in the young hero’s humble and self-deprecating manner. He shared details of all the work done behind the scenes and gave credit to almost everyone he had ever known, including his Potions professor - Severus Snape. Who worked tirelessly from inside Voldemort’s lair to secure the information necessary to defeat the Dark Lord.
Minerva began to call the names of each of the children. After they had settled upon the aged stool, she then gently placed the Sorting Hat upon their head. Severus ignored the festivities for the most part, only taking note of the happenings when a cry of “Slytherin” filled the air.
It was only by chance several months later that they crossed paths at another convention.
“Professor Snape,” Harry greeted, as they stood alone in the corridor.
Severus, having no other choice, nodded his head in acknowledgement. “Mr. Potter.”
“How are you? I understand you have returned to Hogwarts. Are you still Deputy Headmaster?”
Harry had grown into a full-fledged man, but Severus could still see the boy with the unruly black fringe and the round-rimmed glasses framing his mother’s eyes. Slightly taller and broader, Harry’s few years as an Auror had helped him substantially with his ease of poise and confidence.
“Mmm, yes, in these last years since the war,” Severus agreed; them both knowing Potter was partially responsible for the position. “I understand you spoke at the Maladies of the Dark Arts conference in Madrid several months ago?” Severus returned the subtle admiration.
Potter grinned widely. “Yeah, er, yes, I’ve made several…public service appearances. I’m speaking tonight too. Do you think you could come?” Harry asked, not knowing Severus had already heard him speak.
“Mmm, I’m sorry, I must return to Hogwarts this evening before Minerva leaves for her summer holiday.” Severus explained. Potter looked a bit crestfallen. “Maybe another time perhaps,” Severus tacked on politely.
Potter nodded. “Yes, of course. We’ll see each other again. Won’t we?”
Severus made no reply to the question instead offering his final farewells before striding away.
“Slytherin.”
Severus brought his eyes back into focus as the small girl slipped into the last seat on the Slytherin bench. Severus took a mental head count of the new faces noting four boys and four girls. He would get a better look at them in the common room after dinner, he thought, as the dishes around him filled with food.
Minerva settled herself back into her seat at the center of the table, directly to Severus’ left. She filled her bowl slowly as she watched the first years’ acquaint themselves with their fellow housemates, their dinner and the grandeur of the Great Hall.
Scanning across the front of each table, Minerva took in the Slytherins. “Your first years look promising, Severus,” Minerva observed as she ladled the soup. “Do you not think so?” She hedged at his lack of response.
Severus’ eyes cast back across the eight children he had just been bestowed. “They all look promising to you Minerva, so my opinion is of little consequence.” Severus poked his potatoes firmly.
Minerva smirked and began to eat. “And how was Greece, Severus? Most lovely I would think with the warm climate and beautiful sea. Did you see Harry in Greece? I believe he was to attend the Masters’ Conference as well.”
Severus stabbed his meat with more force than necessary, causing the tines of his fork to screech painfully across the china and him to scowl. He shifted in his seat uncomfortably; his trousers suddenly feeling restrictive. The events of a fortnight ago were still fuzzy, but one thing Severus knew for sure was that he had indeed seen the man in question.
Maybe too much.
“Severus?”
Severus cleared his throat. “Yes, Minerva, I saw your Golden Boy. We shared a drink, as we have for the last few years, as you well know.” Severus went back to his dinner without another word.
Harry persistently tried to engage Severus at the following seminars, but Severus kept their meetings simple and direct, and detached himself as soon as readily possible. His reactions to the powerful wizard were alarming and forced him to avoid any encounters with the accomplished man whenever possible.
But this particular evening would not be his lucky night, he could tell.
The dinner had been more than satisfactory, and as his discussion with the Swiss Potion Master Gehrig on the proper use of powdered Graphorn grew to a close, Severus spotted the dark haired wizard greeting colleagues and heading slowly towards him. With only a brief salutation to his companion, Severus retreated, manoeuvring his way around the ballroom. Trying not to look like he was running away, Severus engaged several of his peers as he passed.
His hand upon the door, his escape a breath away, Severus heard the call of his name. Determined, he ducked his chin and stepped into the quiet corridor. The door slid closed and ended the polite calls.
Until the bang of the door filled the hall. “Snape!”
The hiss of his name stiffened Severus’ spine before he turned. “Potter.” Severus growled in response.
The man had the wherewithal to look uncomfortable and flush in his discomfort. “I’m sorry, but you were obviously ignoring me. Am I so offensive?” The green eyes didn’t waiver as they searched his for an answer. The younger man was not intimidated when Severus glared back.
“I was hoping we could have a drink…or tea. A coffee?” Harry shrugged.
“Why, Mr. Potter?” Severus crossed his arms in an attempt to distance himself.
“Does there have to be a reason?” Harry smiled before shaking his head. “I just wanted to…get to know you.”
The door behind Harry opened abruptly forcing him forward into the older man. Severus stepped back immediately as if scalded, but not before his olfactory senses told him more about Harry Potter than he ever wanted to know. The hint of vanilla that wafted from the dark locks-which would be considered too long by some and not long enough by others- as it slid around the stiff collar of his robes warmed Severus’ belly and made his fingers ache to touch the silkiness. The woodsy cologne that clung to his robes was weak and tempered from the day’s activities, but it still wrapped them both in a cocoon of scent that Severus was sure would cling to his own robe, but underlying it all was the headiness that was purely Harry. Severus savoured the smell, knowing it would only grow stronger as Harry’s layers of clothing were stripped away.
Severus realized that the man was watching him and he repeated himself. “Why?”
Harry sighed, throwing up his arms. “I’d like to do more than say hello when we meet. We’re obviously going to run into each other, so… I… just…thought -” Frustrated, Harry stopped.
Noting Harry’s earnestness, Severus, beyond his better judgment, nodded in agreement. “Very well.”
Severus ignored the platter of rich desserts at his elbow and reached for his coffee.
Admittedly, their time together had gotten easier, to the point where Severus actually looked forward to the simple drink and conversation. They had surprisingly found numerous things on which they agreed and just as many they enjoyed debating because they did not. More often than not, one drink turned into an evening.
“You’re late.” The boyish grin usurped the clipped tone as Severus removed his cloak and laid them over a vacant chair.
“Not all of us come to socialise, Mr. Potter. I was attempting to secure a new supplier for some of my rarer ingredients. The businessman in question was not familiar with Hogwarts’ standing in the Wizarding community and had numerous inquires into the school’s status and stability.”
“In other words, the twat had never heard of you.” Harry swirled the glass of brandy under his nose as his eyes stared innocently up at his past professor.
“Brat.” Severus dropped into the comfortable leather chair before picking up the matching drink.
Harry and Severus shared an affinity for darkened corners or the most secluded table, and tonight was no different. The alcove was lowly lit with its own fire, giving the tavern a homey feeling, a stark contrast to the rest of the Paris hotel and its modern décor. The hotel was full of Potion suppliers and their ilk, and the reason for Severus’ stay.
The brandy was smooth and rich on Severus’ tongue and he peered at Harry in question.
Harry shook his head gently. “No, not our usual. I thought we should try the local brew. The French are quite proud of their cognacs and Courvosier is one of the best Muggle examples I’ve found.” Harry raised his glass in salute to the older man across from him.
“It is quite superior.” Severus admitted watching the firelight dance through the amber liquid before glancing back at his companion. “I was surprised to hear from you. I did not expect to see you at a supplier exhibit. Is there a need for Ministry propaganda at such an event?”
Harry took the light jab at his extra-curricular activity without comment, instead choosing to stare into the fire as he sipped.
“Harry?” Severus raised his voice a bit to attain the man’s attention.
“I’m sorry. Just a few things on my mind.” Harry shrugged; his nose all but buried in his drink.
“Work? Is that why you’re here?” Severus prompted.
“Er, uh, yeah. I had to escort a detainee back to France when I heard about the show and took the chance you’d be here. We haven’t talked since we were in the Netherlands around Easter and I…”
Severus watched Harry turn away again. Their friendship had grown beyond acquaintances over the past couple of years. In fact, Severus had worked hard to keep it that way. He had subdued the fantasies and illicit attraction he felt for Harry to keep their relationship uncluttered of complicated feelings and attachments.
However, with all his new travels and contacts, Severus was still alone. He enjoyed these brief interactions, even looked forward to them, but in the same token he feared losing them if Harry were to discover his secret.
“So you have something you want to discuss with me?” Severus prompted.
Harry shook his head with a small smile as his attention returned to the man across the table.
“No, not now, face to face. It seems ridiculous and horribly intrusive.” Harry smirked into his sip. “Besides, I like my bollocks right where they are, thank you very much.” Harry raised his glass in salute.
Severus couldn’t help himself. Unsure whether it was his subdued frustrations of dealing with the inane supplier or the shock of hearing from Harry, but the comment about his bollocks made Severus laugh - out loud for the world and Harry to hear. He was often amused by his present companion and smirked at the ironies of his peers, but he seldom laughed at anything.
Seldom was probably too often by the look on Harry’s face. His look of awe made Severus uncomfortable, and his mirth came quickly to an end.
“Mmm, yes, no doubt you probably do, but I assure you, they are safe with me.” Severus took a gulp of the fine amber liquid letting the burn bring him back to his somber senses.
Harry recovered himself quickly. “We thank you, but I will just have to come to terms with my time alone on my own.” Harry’s mood turned pensive as he sipped his drink again.
‘How can the Boy Who Lived Twice be alone?’
Severus had always wondered about Harry’s personal life. It was one of the very few subjects they had never discussed, but Severus never dreamed he was alone.
“Alone? What of your time with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley as well as the other Weasleys?” Severus noticed Harry wince at his friends’ names.
“You frequently spend time with your colleagues at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and you’re telling me you have no friends to speak of?” Severus inquired. “You’ve complained many times about your public speaking engagements and shuffling your busy schedule. How can you bemoan being alone when you are anything but?”
Severus had leaned forward as if anxious for an answer – which he was.
Harry pushed his glass to the table and sat back with a sigh. “You’re right Severus, I have nothing to complain about. I’m busy from sun up to sun down. My day is full from the minute I leave Grimmauld Place to the minute I return to its boring four walls.” Harry pouted and ran his finger along the long armrest of his chair.
“There’s no one at home at the end of the day, no one to share my day with, and no one to share dinner with or even a fucking bottle of wine.” Harry sat up straighter in his agitation which appeared out of nowhere. “I go out with my two best friends once a week so they can throw some unsuspecting man at me…”
Man? Severus’ cock twitched.
“…and the minute they find out who I am they get all weird – they either want me for my money or my fame - neither of which makes for a very good lover.”
A light bead of sweat raised on Severus’ lip. Quickly, he wiped it away as he shifted in his now too-tight trousers.
“I’ve had more sex with my hand this month than I’ve had with another human being in my life.” Harry’s discourse came to an end.
Severus was shocked. He never dreamed Harry’s life was so devoid of companionship. His friends were obviously eager for his company. His colleagues were full of respect and admiration for his work, as was the Wizarding public. How could he not have someone to share it with?
It seemed to Severus that Harry must see them as compatriots lingering in the same empty existence. He supposed it was true to some extent, they both had busy lives but no one to share it with, but Severus had chosen this way of life long ago and had rarely noticed the loneliness until Harry had stepped into his life.
Severus searched for the words of reassurance he was sure that Harry was longing for. The words that said it wouldn’t be like this forever, that someone somewhere would appear and make his life complete, but he didn’t know where to begin.
“Harry- ” Severus began, but Harry was already on his feet and dropping Muggle francs on the table for their tab.
Harry glanced at Severus with a sad smile. “Sorry to intrude on you this way. I didn’t mean to be such a twat. Come to London at Christmas and I’ll buy you dinner; can’t be scaring off my friends with my crap problems. I’ll owl you.”
Before Severus could reply, Harry turned on his heel, and pressing a light touch to Severus’ shoulder was gone. The warm touch seemed to linger in Severus’ mind, as he contemplated his brandy and his friend.
“I suppose it's time to put them to bed.” Minerva rose from her seat. “But a bit of a surprise first, I think.” She winked at Severus.
He had spent too many years as a spy he supposed; Severus did not react to her comment.
Surprise?
The room quieted as the Headmistress faced the students.
“Before I release you to your houses, I would like to announce a surprise for the new school year.” Only their shifting in their seats disturbed the student’s silence. “For those of you facing your NEWT’s this year, the Board of Governors has arranged for guest speakers to visit us throughout the year. These speakers will provide some insight into the careers you might wish to pursue after Hogwarts. Seventh years will be given priority in attending those speakers they wish to hear and the rest of the student body will be allowed to attend as space provides. However, this will not be an issue with our first speaker, who will be speaking tomorrow evening here in the Great Hall. I’m sure you will all want to attend so please be here promptly at 7:30.” The students began to whisper amongst themselves creating an undercurrent of noise over which Minerva needed to speak. “You are all dismissed.”
Teachers began to rise and exit the hall from the side entrances that afforded a more direct route to their private quarters. Severus took one last sip of coffee as he watched his Slytherins move towards the large doorway whispering with excitement at the Headmistress’ news. News he knew nothing about.
“Minerva.” Severus called as he circled the Head Table to follow his house.
Minerva shooed more students out and then turned to him. “Yes, Severus?”
“Wouldn’t it have been prudent to inform the Deputy Headmaster of the curriculum changes prior to the Opening Feast?” Severus began. “Who is this-?”
Severus was interrupted as a skinny girl with a blonde ponytail hurried through the large entrance to the hall. “Professor McGonagall. We’ve lost two first years. They didn’t make it to the Gryffindor common room.”
“Oh my. The trouble has already started!” Minerva muttered, turning back to Severus. “I’m sorry, Professor, we can talk about this in the morning in my office?”
Severus was still muttering about the lack of communication when he entered his private quarters. His first years had been eager to please. They had sat quietly during his annual dissertation of his expected academic goals and appropriate behavior, and to his satisfaction, his promise of extra work for those inattentive to their work and behavior, did not go unheeded.
His duties complete for the evening, Severus settled into his favorite chair. Reaching for his cognac he contemplated the flames as if they alone held the memories he searched for. He remembered walking with Harry along a path beside the sea to a small taverna that sat on the beach. They had watched the Greek sun set over the picturesque sea while the proprietor tried to convince them to try the local brew known as Ouzo.
Severus stared at the snifter of brandy in his hand as if seeing it for the first time.
When did I pour this?
Severus turned his head to the warm flames.
When have I ever left the flames this high while I was out?
Severus slowly placed the glass beside his chair. The room seemed to be in perfect order except for the fire and the drink.
Have I finally slipped or have I been too preoccupied with this loss of memory?
My wards should have-
Severus jumped to his feet and circled his sitting room. Someone had been there. Finally taking notice, he could feel the magical signature on the fringes of his own as his eyes flew to the closed bedroom door.
Drawing his wand, Severus listened at the door.
Nothing.
Something.
Something magical was on the other side of the door, something familiar; it was like a smell that triggers a memory. His body tense on high alert, Severus stepped to the side of the doorway before opening the door. No flying curses or hexes greeted him. Relieved, but still alert, Severus looked into his bedroom.
There were clothes scattered on the floor around the bed, an open bag beside his dresser and suddenly Severus felt the dizziness of déjà vu swamp him. He had seen the bag before. He had seen clothes strewn in the same pattern before. Severus’ eyes scanned the room.
He had seen the partially nude man asleep in his bed - before.
Severus braced himself in the open doorway as he watched the rise and fall of the man’s back as he laid spread eagle across Severus’ large bed. The one clear memory he had came rushing back to him.
Severus thanked Circe for the overly soft pillow cradling his pounding head. Not moving seemed the best plan of action, but it wasn’t working, nor were his eyes. They were dry even under his lids, and when he found the cretin that had glued them closed, they would duel to the death. His tongue felt dry, and his mouth full of chalk, as he pried his eyes open with his fingers using them as a shield from the morning brightness. His whimpered gasp jarred his head and made him groan louder.
Where was he?
The hotel room was simple but luxurious. The plush carpet was littered with clothing in a path from the door to the bed as if someone had stepped out of them along the way; beside the path was a pile of black clothes. His black clothes.
Severus pushed his way to a sitting position and noted a bag on the foot of the bed. He could just make out the monogram ~ HJP.
Severus’ heart began to beat faster at the thought of his being naked in Harry Potter’s bed. What happened and how had he come to be there? Severus searched his memories and found nothing but snatches of sounds, lights and…feelings.
His body had been cleaned by a cleansing spell; a poorly performed spell at that. The skin of his stomach felt sticky, as did the clumped hairs of his groin, but the stretched feeling of his rectum told him everything he needed to know. He would never have given himself knowingly to Harry, fantasies aside. Harry Potter must have slipped something into his drink the evening before and used his incapacitation to his advantage.
He refused to think otherwise. He couldn’t.
The sound of a shower began to prickle his senses and he realized Harry must be in the bathroom. Moving as quickly as he dared with his head pounding, he gathered his clothes and donned several garments at once. Luckily his wand still remained in the special sleeve pocket of his jacket and with a wordless Accio, his boots were summoned just moments before he made his escape.
There was no escape. The man was in his quarters – his bed. There was nowhere to run. He would have to face whatever had happened.
Severus cleared his throat.
“Harry.”
The man on the bed breathed on as the smooth curve of his buttocks barely hidden by the boxers pushed low across his hips left almost nothing to the imagination.
Ignoring the jerk of his cock, Severus spoke more sternly. “Harry.”
The man grumbled and tossed his head the other way; his hand sliding under his hips as a purr slipped from his lips.
Severus watched the man fondle himself briefly. With grim determination, Severus let go a stinging hex. “Harry!”
The man in question flipped over, his Auror instincts still intact as his wand arm reacted with deadly accuracy. Only Harry’s sharp reflexes kept the curse from reaching its fatal destination even without his glasses.
“What the fuck, Severus?” Harry fell back against the pillows breathing hard.
As Severus watched the mortar and bits of brick scatter beside his shoulder, as he stepped into the room. “I believe that is my question? What are you doing here?” Severus watched Harry’s slim physique stretch to the bedside table for his glasses.
Still panting, Harry sat up, grinning. “Where the hell else would I be?”
Severus watched Harry scoot off the bed, toss his wand onto a pile of denim that represented his jeans and stepped in front of Severus. The younger man reached up and wrapped his hands around Severus’ upper arms. “I’ve missed you these last two weeks.” The hands slid down Severus’ arms, lifting them, Harry joined their hands before pulling them all behind his back forcing Severus to encircle him in an intimate embrace.
“I’ve got a bone to pick with you; leaving me without a word. I thought we’d have breakfast together that morning, but you were gone when I got out of the shower.” Harry leaned upward kissing the underside of Severus’ jaw.
The warm breath tingled straight down Severus’ spine to his groin, and there was no hiding his reaction from the lithe body pressed against his own.
“Missed me too, I see.” A smile snaked across Harry’s face.
Severus looked down into the green eyes watching him. For a brief moment it felt perfect, they fit together in so many ways, but this wasn’t the time. He needed answers. Harry needed to answer for his actions. Severus tugged at his hands and removed himself from Harry’s space.
“Now. You will tell me why you are here and what it is you want.” Severus crossed his arms and stared down his nose ignoring the throb of his cock.
Harry looked a bit stunned, his mouth opening and closing, his eyebrows raising high before he could compose himself.
“Um, well, I told you in Greece that Minerva wanted me to come speak to the students about being an Auror. Some sort of speaker program she was working on. Don’t you remember?”
Severus shook his head once, as he watched Harry step into his jeans, his bare abs flexed with each move.
“Or the nasty things you called her?”
Severus’ only response was a cocked eyebrow.
“Okay, you didn’t call her anything nasty. I just wanted to see what you’d say.” Harry grinned, but without Severus’ response, his lips soured.
“Severus, we’d only had one glass of Ouzo at that point, how can you not remember that?”
“How much did we consume at the taverna?” Severus shifted uncomfortably at the answer.
“One bottle. You really don’t remember anything?”
Severus turned away shaking his head as he began to pace.
“But we had sex, you don’t remember it? Any of it?” Harry asked in wonder as his shirt dangled from his fingertips.
Severus was beginning to resent the digs on his memory. “I do not need to remember it, Potter. I awoke in the morning feeling quite violated. I know your penchant for local brews. We have sampled local specialties all over Europe, but you have never taken advantage of the situation as you did two weeks ago.”
Harry’s face began to redden. “I have never – ever – taken advantage of anyone…”
“So you thought you’d start with me.” Severus interrupted.
Harry’s face flushed with anger, he stared back at Severus. He raised his wand and with a snap of his wrist all his strewn items descended into his bag. Only the click of the bag’s latch broke the silence.
“No, I started with my husband.” Harry said quietly.
“We are not bonded.” Severus sneered.
Slowly Harry pulled a strip of black fabric from his pocket. Crumpled from its stay in Harry’s pocket, Harry handed the ribbon to him. “This is our bonding cord.”
“This piece of cloth means nothing…”
“Ah, but you’d be wrong Severus. The Wizarding Statutes of Family Law calls for the intent of a bonding ceremony. The body and procedure of bonding ceremonies is not relevant if it is the intent of both Wizarding parties involved to form a mutual bond and legal union between them,” Harry snapped. He picked up his bag, and moved to the door. Severus stared at the scrap of fabric in his hand. “It’s a binding contract Severus, no matter how it came about.”
Severus heard the door to his quarters rattle closed in the distance before he could bring himself to actually think to place the strip in his robe pocket.
And that’s where it has been since last night, hidden away in his deep pocket. Severus patted his robe innumerable times that day to ensure its presence. The first day of classes had been as it usually was - dull beyond words. The mandatory safety rules and guidelines were reviewed in every class. Everyone nodding their heads and making notes accordingly, but as was the rule every year some dunderhead found a way to destroy something the very first day. But he paid it no heed as his mind constantly turned to the ribbon he carried.
He had purposely missed dinner to avoid Harry. He had attempted to reach the library before the dining hour to check the facts that Harry had so easily thrown at him, but his work had delayed him and the library was closed for the hour. Although, he could have easily bypassed Madam Pince’s wards, he used it as an excuse for his indecision.
He had trudged back to the dungeons passing by the entrance to the Great Hall along the way. Students milled about waiting to re-enter the hall while others were already queued up at the open doorway. Pausing, Severus saw Harry sitting at one end of the long staff table surrounded by members of the faculty. He seemed relaxed, laughing at their questions and responding in kind, but even from this distance Severus could tell by his eyes he had other things on his mind.
Me?.
Severus presumed, but he didn’t look angry or tense, just pre-occupied.
With a huff of disgust at his observations, Severus turned on his heel in retreat only to have his path blocked by a seventh year Gryffindor carting a leather satchel.
“Mr. Atwater, what is the meaning of this? Have you given up before your NEWT exams?” Severus looked down his nose at the rather squat young man.
“Um, no sir, I was retrieving Mr. Potter’s bag from the Gryffindor visitor’s suite. He’s leaving tonight. Bloody shame, too, if you ask me…”
Severus didn’t listen to the rest of the young man’s babbling as he pushed past him to reach his rooms.
He was leaving – tonight.
Severus began to pace his quarters. He had to speak to Harry before he left. He wanted to know how they had become bonded. Obviously sex had been a major incentive, but why would Harry bond with him, a man he didn’t love? They had never discussed such a relationship. He would have to find a way to talk to Harry before he left.
His intention to return to the Great Hall was halted when he found a note and a vial in the middle of his bed. Slowly, Severus retrieved both items. The large vial was filled with swirling white vapors.
Severus; I was completely surprised at your anger and accusations last night. I thought you knew me better than that, but now in the morning light, I understand your concerns. I admit I, too, was under the influence, but it did not sway my decisions in any way. The Ouzo only removed the walls between me, and something I’ve wanted for a very long time. I hope you find this helpful.
H
Severus gulped.
This was it.
This was everything he wanted to know; right in the palm of his hand.
Severus turned to the cabinet in the corner of the room, and pulled out the stone bowl. Slowly, the vapors mixed and swirled around the bowl as Severus emptied the vial before setting it aside.
Without hesitation Severus thrust his face into the pool of thoughts.
The sun was beginning to set, deep orange as it lowered into the sea. He saw himself sharing the bench on the patio of the Greek taverna with Harry.
“Harry, this is exquisite. You always find the most interesting niches; the sunset, the beach -even the company.” Severus watched himself raise his drink to Harry.
Harry blushed and returned the salute. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you like it.” Harry turned back to the view as Severus continued to watch his companion.
“I do, Harry. I always enjoy seeing you.” Severus glanced down at his hands as they fiddled with his glass. “I look forward to seeing you.”
Harry smiled at Severus. “I think you need to eat something,” he said pushing the mezedes in Severus’ direction.
“No thank you. I’m not hungry,” Severus replied watching Harry eat a bit of bread and cheese.
“Severus you really should eat something... the ouzo is very strong. I think it's going to your head a bit.” Harry snickered.
“Why, because I’m trying to tell you something?”
The two men stared at each other.
“Severus, you’re the only man I know who gets more serious as he drinks,” Harry teased.
Severus watched Harry glance around the patio. “Are you still alone?”
Harry’s head snapped back to Severus, but did not answer.
Severus nodded his head and sipped his drink. “You have no one to…share your nights with?”
Harry became agitated at the question. “It’s none of your-”
Severus watched himself grab Harry and snog him senseless before Harry could stop him. Harry squirmed a bit under the onslaught, but at last relaxed to it. The long kiss turned into a series of smaller kisses as they each enjoyed leading the other.
Harry finally pulled away, lips swollen and red, his eyes as round as his glasses. “Are you serious?”
Severus suddenly felt upended as the scenery around him changed.
They walked down the beach from the taverna. The sky was full of twilight as the first stars began to pop from the darkening sky. He watched himself stop Harry as the tide washed ashore near their feet.
“Sssseverussss. What are you doing? The hotel's down that way.” Harry pulled in the direction he pointed down the beach. His attempts had no effect on Severus so he changed tactics putting himself directly in front of Severus. “I thought you wanted to…” Harry let his hand push against the burgeoning crotch of Severus' trousers.
“Be that as it may, Mr. Potter.” Harry snickered. “I want to prove to you that my interest in you goes beyond the mere physical attributes you are offering. I want to make a commitment…to you.”
Harry looked up the dark eyes watching him. “You want a bonding?”
“Yes.”
Harry burst out laughing, as Severus grew more stern. “I’m drunk Snape, but I’m not stupid. It’s the middle of the night and we don’t have anyone to perform the bond.” Harry’s arms swung around with each statement as if it emphasised his words.
Severus pulled at the hem of the cloak he carried over his arm. His wand made short work of the fabric cutting a long narrow piece of cloth from the hem. Grasping Harry’s left hand with his own, Severus watched himself wrap the ribbon around their hands. “Are you ready?” He asked.
“But it means nothing.” Harry slurred loudly. “It doesn’t mean …”
Severus glanced around the deserted cove. “The Wizarding Statutes of Family Law calls for the intent of a bonding ceremony. The body and procedure of bonding ceremonies is not relevant if it is the intent of both Wizarding parties involved to form a mutual bond and legal union between them,” Severus expounded knowingly.
Severus felt the cobblestones under his feet pitch as the beach disappeared.
The hotel room was as luxurious as he remembered, but the bed was fully occupied.
The expensive duvet had been pushed to the foot of the bed and the pillows barely hung from the edges where they had been pushed as the two naked figures were joined in a most intimate moment.
He watched himself thrust continuously into the young man. Harry’s face was flush, his lips red and swollen. Harry’s gaze upon the man above him was something Severus had only seen in his own dreams. The Severus on the bed must have realized the same thing as he leant over his lover who had arched up to meet him.
Caressing his open lips along the young throat, Severus heard himself whisper. “Come for me, Harry.”
Harry chuckled throwing back his head. “Not without that talented mouth of yours, again.” He panted.
“Insolence,” Severus hissed.
He grabbed the lean hips, changing their angle, and fell forward, pressing Harry back against the bed with his own body. This didn’t seem to upset Harry as he wrapped his arms around Severus’ shoulders in a fierce grip and captured the lips he had just been taunting.
Severus watched himself bury himself deeper into Harry. His own cock thickened as he watched the look of wonder cross Harry’s face as he dug his heels into his lover's arse. Severus could see his bollocks heavy with pent up need as his lover tended to him, touching him with wonder, tasting his skin, but most importantly holding his gaze.
His cock ached at the wordless communication between the men on the bed. Severus wondered when he had become so blatant.
“Se-, Sev-“
Severus watched as time stopped for the entwined lovers as they merged into one.
Severus felt the room tilt. The room lightened as the earliest of the dawn peaked from behind the curtains.
Harry snuggled deep into Severus’ side, his hand caressing the dark hairs of Severus’ belly.
“I have to be on assignment tomorrow, but I’ll be at Hogwarts on the first, by the second, at the latest.” Harry’s caresses began to have purpose. “I’ve never done a Q & A. I wonder what kind of questions the students will ask.”
Harry’s wandering hand was steered by Severus to his firming erection. “You need to worry less about the future and deal with the here and now.”
Harry’s mouth covered the closest pink nipple, tugging it gently before soothing it with the slide of his tongue. “Like this?” Harry’s hand eluded the straining erection to juggle the softness below. Severus spread his legs wider and Harry explored further, first the sensitive skin behind the sac and then gingerly around the puckered hole, but withdrawing quickly when Severus rolled to face him.
“Don’t Harry. Don’t stop.”
The room went black and Severus blinked several times as he realized he was back in his rooms.
“See anything important?” A warm voice asked.
Severus turned to find Harry sitting on the edge of his bed, biting his lip. His bag and robe by the door, Severus assumed for a quick retreat.
“Yes.” Severus stepped forward.
“And?” Harry’s nerves had him on his feet.
“I saw how you seduced me with drink.” Harry’s mouth fell open.
“I saw how you twisted my words and lured me into bonding with you.”
Harry’s face turned red with anger as he stormed towards Severus. “And I suppose I forced you to have sex with me too.”
Severus smirked. “No, I made love to you quite willingly; all of it, willingly.” Severus held Harry’s face between his hands and brushed his lips across Harry’s. Feeling the younger man relax, he smiled.
“You do realize the bonding is not exactly legal?” Severus kissed the willing mouth again pushing Harry back towards the bed.
Harry wrapped his arms around the taller man’s neck for support. “It doesn’t matter. It’s the thought that counts.” He panted, pulling Severus with him as the mattress forced his knees to bend.
“It does matter.” Severus argued as he nestled between the inviting legs and whispered, “The next time we bond we’ll both be sober.”
Severus’ lips began to memorize Harry’s throat.
“Mmm. Yes, it will be a bonding neither of us will ever forget.” Harry smiled.