Happy Daft Day, alliekatgal! Recipient:alliekatgal Title: Taking Care of Harry Author:jean_c_pepper Rating: NC-17 Warning: Fluffy, very fluffy. Prompt/Summary: Clueless Harry, sexy bare feet, first time and fluff. A/N: Thanks to the Wonderful Mayphoenix for the beta job. I should also add that this was influenced by "I want to be your rentboy" but I had started this before I realized that was written by my recipient.
Taking Care of Harry
Harry Potter swayed with exhaustion as he approached Spinner's End. It had been six months since the final battle and he was so tired. Everyone needed something. Hermione needed him to help her get her parents re-acclimated. Ron and the Weasleys needed help dealing with Fred's death. Andromeda needed help with little Teddy. Minerva wanted help rebuilding Hogwarts.
The only one who hadn't asked him for something was Severus Snape. Snape had surprised everyone. After Voldemort's death, he appeared in the Hogwarts Infirmary, where it was discovered that he had a bezoar in his mouth. Minerva McGonagall explained that she had known all along that Snape was loyal to Dumbledore, and Dumbledore's portrait had confirmed this. Far from being branded a traitor, Severus Snape was hailed as a hero of sorts. He accepted it graciously, stayed a week in the infirmary recovering from the residual effects of Nagini's poison and then disappeared for parts unknown.
Harry didn't see him during this time, but thought that Snape would want his memories back. When the professor didn't contact him, Harry had borrowed Hermes from Percy (he hadn't even been able to get a new owl) and sent Snape a note. Snape had responded that he could bring the memories to him and named a time and date. Harry was glad for the excuse to get away from everyone for a while.
*
Severus had sensed Harry's arrival and opened the door. He was shocked at the boy's appearance, but hid it well. He's not a boy anymore, he told himself. He's eighteen now, a legal adult in both the Muggle and Wizarding world. He wouldn't admit it under Crucio but he had been in love with Harry ever since the boy had returned from fighting Voldemort with the Tri-Wizard cup in one hand and the dead Cedric Diggory in the other.
"Come in, Mr. Potter," he told Harry gravely.
Harry did come in and practically collapsed into the chair that Severus offered him in his sitting room. It was a nice chair, stuffed and comfortable. "I brought your memories back." Harry held out the vial to Severus.
"Thank you." Severus tucked the vial away in his pocket.
Harry really didn't want to leave. He felt that there was so much more he wanted to say to Severus, but he couldn't think of anything. He felt stupid just sitting there. "Well, I better go." He stood up and found himself swaying again.
In an instant, Snape was there. "Sit down, Mr. Potter," he said. Harry did as he commanded. The older man bent and peered into his face. "When is the last time that you ate? Or slept, for that matter?"
"I don't know," Harry said. "There's so much to do. Everyone needs me."
"Yes, but you need to rest and take care of yourself. I'm going to get you something to eat. Stay right here."
Harry smiled to himself at the absolute incongruity of Severus Snape ordering him to take care of himself. Severus' sitting room had a roaring fire going and Harry snuggled up to the warmth. His eyes drifted shut and he dozed until he heard Severus returning.
Snape placed a large bowl of stew in front of him, along with a small loaf of bread that was still warm and a small crock of butter. He left briefly, but returned with a pot of tea. He poured out cups for Harry and himself and sat watching Harry eat.
When Harry had eaten as much as he could, Severus sent the empty dishes to the kitchen with a flick of his wand. "Now, Mr. Potter," he said. "I want you to talk to me. Why are you so tired and hungry that you practically fainted in my lap?"
Harry found himself explaining that he was up early every morning and in bed late every night. Everyone wanted him to help them with the rebuilding or with putting their lives back together. Others asked him to intercede with the Ministry for him. He couldn't get anything to eat at any sort of public eatery because he was mobbed by desperate fans, all wanting something, too. He had tried to go to Diagon Alley twice, to buy some new clothes and a new owl and had been so mobbed that he couldn't get any shopping done at all and it was all he could do to get away.
"Well, that does it," said Severus decisively. "You are staying here. You are obviously too weak and too kind-hearted to take care of yourself so I shall do it for you. Come along."
Harry followed Severus up a flight of stairs to a bedroom. It was a nice room done in shades of brown, with accents in green and beige.
"Take a nap, Harry," Severus said. "I saw that you were almost asleep when I brought you your food. When you wake up, it will be supper time and we'll eat. Then, we'll talk some more."
Harry obeyed and Severus left the room, fuming. How could Molly and Arthur not look out for the boy? What the hell was wrong with Minerva? He grabbed some floo powder and spent the next hour calling the Weasleys and Minerva to tell them that Harry Potter had practically passed out in his sitting room and that he would be taking care of him. He gave the three of them a good tongue-lashing as well before drawing his head out of the fire and going to check on his new charge.
He found Harry thrashing in the throes of a nightmare. Poor Harry was crying out and tossing in his sleep. "Harry, wake up. It's all right," Severus said, sitting down on the edge of the bed and shaking Harry by the shoulder.
Harry's eyes opened and looked at Severus. Snape noticed that Harry had taken off his glasses in order to go to sleep. He found himself mesmerized by the green glow of the younger man's eyes.
"It's all right. You seemed to be having a disturbing dream." Severus couldn't stop himself from pulling Harry into his arms, and Harry buried his face in Severus' chest. The professor allowed himself to embrace Harry for a few minutes before holding him at arms' length and looking down at him. "How long have you been having these nightmares? Are they similar to the ones you had in school?"
"No." Harry blinked at him myopically and Severus handed him his glasses. "It's not like the times that I dreamed about Voldemort. It's different. I keep dreaming about the final battle at Hogwarts. I dream about Fred dying. And Remus and Tonks."
"Well, that's understandable," said Severus. "I can brew you some dreamless sleep potion, if you like. You need to have complete rest."
"I like that you're taking care of me," said Harry shyly.
"Good," said Severus as he stood up. "I suggest that you have a wash, too. It will help you to relax. When you are done, come downstairs and we will have a long talk over supper." He turned and left the room.
Harry did as suggested and took a long soak in the large, sunken tub in his bathroom. Afterwards, as he stood in the guest bedchamber dressed only in his underwear, Snape walked in.
"Harry, I…" The professor's voice trailed off.
Harry turned around and saw Severus staring at him. He felt himself get hard under that gaze, which he prayed the older man didn't notice. Harry knew that he did, though. "What is it, Professor?" Harry licked at his dry lips, watching Severus watch him.
"Supper is ready." Snape shook his head and left the room. Harry sighed and ducked into the bathroom to get dressed. He knew he wanted Severus, but he didn't think that Severus wanted him.
Dinner was very awkward. Both men were quiet at first. Finally, Severus looked directly at Harry and cleared his throat. "It is clear to me that you need someone to look after you. You'll be of no use to anyone if you allow your health to break down. I shall take care of you. I will feed you, make sure you rest properly and keep the rest of the wizarding world from intruding unduly upon you. I can make sure that you get the rest and privacy that you need."
Severus paused and looked at Harry. "Do you have an objection to this?" he asked.
"No," said Harry.
"Good. In a couple of days we can go to Diagon Alley and get you the things that you need."
"A new owl?" asked Harry.
"Yes," said Snape. "And you definitely need some clothing." He looked at Harry's ill-fitting garb with distaste.
"I have money," said Harry. "I just couldn't make it to Gringotts."
"Well, if I am with you, no one will dare approach. You know I am very good at keeping people at bay."
Harry smiled at Snape. "Thank you, Professor."
"You may call me 'Severus'. You're not my student anymore."
They actually saved the trip to Diagon Alley until three days later. Severus insisted that Harry rest and eat during those three days, but Harry didn't mind. He liked having Severus to take care of him. Harry had never had anyone, save Molly Weasley, look out for him before. Sirius had tried, but they hadn't had a long enough time together for Harry to feel truly looked after.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Harry asked on the second day.
"Because I can now," answered Severus. "You are no longer my student. I am no longer a spy. I am not being mind-probed by the Dark Lord and you are not my irritating student being pushed into dangerous mischief by Dumbledore himself. It galls me that Dumbledore used you so thoroughly."
"But, weren't you used, too?"
"Yes, but I am an adult," Severus said. "I became his tool, willingly."
The day they decided to go to Diagon Alley, it was cold but surprisingly sunny. Harry didn't have a heavy cloak, so Severus decided that flooing to Diagon Alley would be the best way. Harry still hated traveling by floo powder and was disoriented when he came out of the fire. Immediately, excited witches and wizards spotted Harry and started to surround him.
Severus came out of the floo right behind Harry and took charge. "Mr. Potter is here to do some shopping," he told the small crowd. "Please don't mob him. He needs to be able to go about his business. Your admiration is appreciated, but Mr. Potter has to have his needs tended, as well."
With that, Severus took Harry's arm and escorted him to Gringotts Bank. They did their banking quickly and came back out. Harry had filled his moneybag in order to buy new clothes and a new owl.
First, Severus took Harry to Twilfitt's and Tattings for new robes. Harry had never shopped there, but he had to admit that the robes were much more elegant that Madame Malkins. Mr. Twillfitt himself waited on them.
"The boy needs an entirely new wardrobe," said Severus. "Everything – over robes, pants, shirts, outside cloaks, shoes... Money is no object."
Harry, who thought that he would be paying for his own clothing, was surprised. "But, Severus…"
"Don't worry about it, Harry," Severus assured him.
"Mr. Snape has spoken," said Mr. Twillfitt, who spent the next three hours fitting Harry with a new wardrobe, including a handsome, fur-lined cloak. Severus also bought some new clothes. Harry thought that they were very dashing, even if they were in black. They were much nicer than the robes he had worn as a teacher.
After buying clothes, they went to Eeylops, where Harry bought a magnificent tawny owl. Their arms were full of packages and Severus decided to side-along apparate them back to Spinner's End.
"Why did you buy my clothes?" Harry asked, as they settled down to lunch.
"Because I could. I got a great deal of gold from the Dark Lord," said Severus. "Why shouldn't I spend it on you? You deserve it."
Harry beamed at Severus through the rest of lunch, making the older man feel that the expenditure was worth it. After lunch, Severus sent Harry upstairs to take a nap. Harry surprised him by leaning over and kissing him swiftly before going upstairs.
Severus was both shocked and amused. He went out to work in his greenhouse, but couldn't concentrate. He came back into the house and decided to look in on Harry.
Harry was lying peacefully asleep on his bed. Severus couldn't resist going in to take a closer look at him. Harry had taken off his glasses for sleep and he looked very peaceful. Three days of rest had had a remarkable effect on him, and Severus was glad that the clothing made Harry happy. He wished that he could take care of Harry all the time. Potter deserved to be petted and spoiled and pampered and loved. Severus reached out to stroke Harry's hair and the young man's eyes opened.
"Severus," he breathed. "What is it?"
"Nothing, Harry. I was just checking on you. Did you have a nice nap?"
"Not really," said Harry. "I didn't get much sleep. I think I am going to get up."
He reached out and grabbed Severus' hand and held it as he slid out of bed. Then he kissed Severus again.
"Harry," said Severus. "It's not necessary to pay me for the clothes." He was immediately sorry when he saw the hurt look on Harry's face.
"I wasn't trying to pay you back. I have had a crush on you since fifth year," said Harry.
"You have?" Severus looked confused. "I think we should discuss this. Come downstairs and we'll have some tea."
Severus served tea in silence. Harry was miserable at what he perceived as Severus' rejection.
"I've noticed that you don't seem adverse to physical contact between us," Snape said suddenly. "I, too, would have no objection to a physical relationship with you. My only stipulation is that we wait a few days before initiating intimacy. I want to be sure that a physical relationship with me is what you want." He tried not to look too unhappy as he finished. Why couldn't he simply tell Harry that he loved him and wanted him to stay forever?
The next few days passed very quickly for Harry. He used his new owl, Batu, to send notes to Ron and Hermione. He helped Severus in his greenhouse, even though herbology had never been his strong point. He helped Severus brew potions and he read a bit. He ate everything Severus set before him and he slept when Severus told him. He enjoyed being cared for and the only dark spot was that he really wanted to have sex with Severus, but the older man insisted on waiting. He was adamant that Harry be sure.
Finally, after Harry had been there three weeks and put on some healthy weight, Severus announced at dinner that if Harry still wanted a physical relationship with him, then he should come to his room that night.
Harry was nervous, and with good reason. He had never done more than kiss anyone in his entire life. He bathed and dressed in one of the silk nightshirts. Now that it was actually time to go to Severus' room, he was shaking with nerves and fear.
"Come in, Harry," Severus answered his knock. Immediately, he noticed Harry's shaking. "We don't have to do this, you know."
"No," Harry said. "I want to. It's ... just ... I've never done this before ..." His voice trailed off.
"This is your first time?" Severus sounded surprised. He wrapped his arms around Harry and held him tight. "And you're giving this gift to me." He leaned his head down and kissed Harry on the lips. For the first few minutes, Harry was still too nervous to do much more than allow the kiss, but Severus was gentle and not demanding and it wasn't long before Harry found himself responding.
"Lie down," Severus instructed, standing up and removing his dressing gown and nightshirt. He didn't ask that Harry undress as well and Harry was grateful. The nerves had returned, although he was aroused.
Severus used his wand to change the lighting in the room to a soft glow and then he climbed on the bed, nude, and covered Harry with his body, his lips seeking out Harry's again. The young man opened his mouth to the onslaught of kisses. He moaned as Severus lifted his nightshirt and grasped his cock.
"Beautiful, so beautiful," Severus murmured as he stroked Harry. Harry groaned and shifted his hips to give better access. "Here, let's take this off." Snape's hands ceased their stroking for a moment as he unbuttoned the nightshirt.
Once Harry was naked, Severus took him in his arms again. Harry gasped as their skin slid together. Severus' hands didn't return to Harry's cock, much to the younger man's disappointment, but instead explored his chest, pinching his nipples and making noises of approval when Harry moaned in appreciation at the touch.
"I want to suck you," Severus hissed in his ear. "When I am finally inside you, I want you to last and you'll never last like this. So, I am going to make you come and then make you hard again and then I will have you."
Harry shivered at Severus' words. In the next second, he was gasping in pleasure as the older man's mouth engulfed him. Harry tried not to thrust but Severus grasped his hips and seemed to be encouraging him to do so. Harry let himself go, bucking his hips with abandon, and Severus took it all. It was only a few minutes before Harry was moaning and gasping and releasing his seed down Severus' throat. Severus swallowed it and then released Harry's cock and kissed him. Harry could taste himself in the kiss and it turned him on all over again.
"Turn over," Severus instructed. Harry obeyed and shivered as his lover kissed his neck and then began to kiss his way down his spine.
Relaxed after his orgasm, Harry was very much enjoying Severus' attentions. He was surprised when he felt strong hands part his cheeks and blow on the pucker of flesh found there. He was even more surprised when he felt Severus' tongue.
"Relax," Snape told him. "You'll like this." His soft tongue continued to lick at Harry's opening and Harry relaxed even further, moaning as he thrust his hips into the mattress. He heard Severus whisper a spell and felt something wet trickling from him. Gently, Snape inserted one finger inside him, then two. Harry tensed against the intrusion, but Severus was gentle and he hit a spot inside Harry that made him moan and forget about the discomfort. When Harry was comfortable with two fingers, Severus added three and then four. He continued to stroke Harry's prostate, as Harry fucked himself on Severus' fingers.
"Turn over," Severus commanded. "I want to see your face so I can make sure that I am not hurting you."
Harry obeyed, rolling onto his back. He spread his legs on request and Severus slowly, slowly pushed into him. He gasped. It hurt, but not bad and he forced himself to relax.
Snape continued to push until he was fully inside of Harry. "Is that all right?" he asked, leaning forward to kiss the young man's temple.
"Its fine," Harry gasped. "Really, you can move now."
And Severus did, slowly. He didn't want to cause Harry any pain. It wasn't until Harry moaned, "Harder!" that he began to move more forcefully. One hand tangled in Harry's hair and the other entwined with the young man's fingers.
"Yes, yours," Harry moaned, his hips canting up to meet Severus' thrusts.
Soon, even with Severus' ministrations, it got to be too much for Harry and he moaned as he spilled onto his own stomach. Severus came, too, breathing harshly through clenched teeth as if he didn't want Harry to hear him. Harry reached up and pulled Severus down and curled up in his arms sleepily.
"Thank you," he whispered.
"No, thank you," said Severus. "I wonder if you know how much I love you."
Harry didn't seem to hear him, for he had fallen asleep, content and sated.
*
When Harry woke up the next morning, he looked at Severus fondly before snuggling up close to him. He had heard what Severus had said the night before and he wanted Severus to wake up so he could tell him that he loved him too.
The professor began to stir. Harry embraced and kissed him, and they quickly moved on to more pleasant activities. "Turn over," Snape growled, before taking Harry from behind. Harry moaned and pushed back into Severus thrusts until they were both satisfied. Afterward, Severus drew Harry into the bathroom and they took a bath together. Severus massaged Harry's feet with oil and then proceeded to suck on his toes, which led to more sex.
Following the bath, they went downstairs to have breakfast – and that's when all hell broke loose. Pigwigeon was flying around the sitting room. He dropped a note on the overstuffed chair before flying off again. Harry picked up the note, addressed to him, and read.
Harry-
Where have you been? Mum says that you're staying with Snape? What's that about? I need you back here. I need your help with Hermione and George. Come as soon as you can.
-Ron.
"You are not going, "said Severus. "This is exactly what I was talking about. He most likely wants you there for moral support, which is fine as far as it goes, but he also needs to know how to stand by himself."
Harry, who was inclined to just drop everything and go, looked at his lover.
"Why don't you floo call Molly Weasley," Snape suggested. "She will tell you if everything is all right or not."
Harry decided that was a good idea. While Severus ordered breakfast from the ever-invisible house elves, Harry contacted Molly.
"Harry!" she exclaimed delightedly. "You look much better. Severus must be taking very good care of you. He gave me the dickens, you know, and he was right ..."
"Mrs. Weasley," Harry interrupted. "Ron sent me a letter. Is everything all right?"
"Everything is fine, dear," said Mrs. Weasley. "George moved back to Diagon Alley and Ron is helping him. Ron sent you a letter? Did he ask you to come and help?"
"Yes," said Harry.
"Well, that's rubbish," said Mrs. Weasley. "You stay where you are and let Severus continue taking care of you. I haven't seen you looking so relaxed since before your fourth year."
"If you say so, Mrs. Weasley," said Harry.
"Everything is fine," she repeated. "Just rest and have a good time. Severus was right. Your friends depend on you too much and you're too nice about it. Enjoy yourself and get rested. We'll take care of ourselves."
Harry nodded and drew back out of the fire. Severus was sitting in the overstuffed chair with a tray next to him. He had the chair pulled up next to the hearth as it was a very cold day. Harry went to get the other chair and pulled it next to the heavily laden tray. The elves had gone all out and there were rashers of bacon, fresh fruit, grilled tomatoes, kippers, croissants and two separate pots of tea, one for Severus and one for Harry. They ate and enjoyed themselves.
Severus had just reached over to give Harry a bite from his croissant when the flames in the fire roared green and Ron's head appeared. "Harry!" Ron gasped. "Where are you? I sent you the letter. When are you coming?"
"I'm not, Ron," said Harry patiently. "Your mum said everything was fine without me. I am enjoying the rest and I need it."
"But ... but ... but!" Ron sputtered. "We need you. I need you. Come right now." His head left the flames. Harry shrugged and resumed eating his breakfast. There were strawberries with breakfast, which Severus insisted on feeding to Harry. This necessitated Harry coming over and sitting on his lap, which then led to kissing, which lead to ...
"Oh, dear Merlin!" Ron's voice screeched in the fireplace. Harry and Severus leapt apart and tried not to blush.
"Ron!" Harry exclaimed. "What do you want?"
"When are you coming? You should be here!"
"I said I wasn't coming, Ron. I will not come to London. Take care of it yourself. I'm resting."
"That didn't look much like resting," Ron said jealously.
"Talk to your mum, Ron," Harry said, ignoring his friend's tone.
Severus grabbed his wand and blocked the floo, but Harry caught his hand.
"Let's continue this upstairs," Harry suggested.
Severus followed and the two spent a pleasant hour in bed, where they drowsed after their lovemaking.
Suddenly, the wards began screaming. Severus jumped up and grabbed his wand.
"What is it?" Harry asked sleepily.
"I have a feeling that Mr. Weasley has decided to come and find you. The wards are alerted," said Severus. He donned his robes quickly.
Harry regarded himself, his skin still sticky with come. "If it is Ron," he said doubtfully. "I really need a shower."
"Go and bathe," Severus told him. "If it is Mr. Weasley, I will let him in and give him refreshments until you've finished and come down to join us." He grabbed Harry by the back of the head and lowered his mouth on his for a bruising kiss that lasted far longer than he intended. He let Harry go and pushed him on towards the bath.
The professor got downstairs. He found Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger standing outside. Ron looked angry, but Hermione looked embarrassed at Ron. When Severus opened the door, Ron demanded, "Where is he, Snape?"
"Ronald, please," Hermione admonished him. "Excuse us, Professor. Ronald here thinks that you've brainwashed Harry or something and insisted that we come and check. May we please see Harry?"
"Harry is bathing, Miss Granger," Severus said. "Why don't you both come in and have some tea? He will be down in a minute."
"Thank you, Professor." Hermione smiled at him. Ron simply glowered. Severus sat them both in the parlor and went to fetch a tray with tea and snacks.
When he returned, Ron Weasley still looked angry, but Hermione had removed her cloak and gloves and graciously accepted the tea and poured cups for all three of them.
"There you are, Harry." Severus smiled at Potter, who had just entered the room looking very elegant in his new clothes. He was wearing a black shirt and pants, covered by a black over robe shot through with green threads.
"Hermione!" Harry reached out and pulled his friend into a hug. Severus felt a spike of jealousy even though he knew it was irrational.
"Ron, what are you two doing here?" Harry sat down and poured himself a cup of tea.
"You didn't come to London and you weren't listening to me ..." Ron started.
"Ronald thought that Professor Snape was holding you hostage or something," Hermione said, rolling her eyes.
"Not at all," said Harry, smiling. "Severus has been taking very good care of me."
"Hermione," Ron whined. "I saw them kissing."
"Yes, Ronald, you've told me. Over and over again. As you can see, Harry is fine. He actually looks better than fine. Professor Snape is not holding him hostage. Now, can we leave?"
"But, Harry," Ron continued to complain. "I really need you in London."
"No, Ron," Harry said, kindly but firmly. "I was so worn out that I practically collapsed the day I came here. Severus insisted that I stay so he could look out for me. And I'm glad I did. I like it here. I will come and help but only when I am really needed. Right now, you don't really need me. You want me to come and help you deal with your problems, and that isn't fair. You should be dealing with them, on your own. If you don't want to help George, then don't – but that has to be your decision."
"But, Harry ..." Harry could see Ron's bleating visibly grated on Severus' nerves. "We were supposed to go and sign up for the Auror program next week."
"You go ahead, Ron," said Harry. "I've had enough of dark wizards. I don't know what I want to do, but I know that it's not that." He cast a fond smile in Snape's direction. "I think I'm just going to stay here with Severus for a while."
"Come on, Ronald," Hermione said firmly, grasping Ron by the elbow. "Let's go."
She turned to Harry and Severus and smiled. "Don't stay hidden away too long, Harry."
"I don't plan on it, but I am enjoying the rest just now," said Harry.
"I imagine." She smiled at both Harry and Severus and then led Ron out of the house.
"How can you stand him?" Severus asked once they were gone.
"Ron isn't all that bad. He's just jealous and upset right now," said Harry. "He'll settle down."
*
Two weeks later, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Andromeda Tonks and Teddy, George, Ron, Bill, Fleur, Hermione and Minerva McGonagall were sitting down to dinner at Spinner's End. Harry insisted, and Severus agreed that they serve Christmas Dinner to give Mrs. Weasley a break. It worked, sort of. Mrs. Weasley still showed up with a hamper full of food for them. The house elves had outdone themselves and there was turkey, duck and goose. There was stuffing and cranberry sauce. Mrs. Weasley had brought an enormous Christmas pudding and appetizers. 'Nibbles', as she called them.
They enjoyed a wonderful holiday, even though Ron still glowered from the corner and he didn't have much to say to Harry. Still, Harry knew him well enough to know that he would come around.
"I would like to propose a toast," said Mr. Weasley. "To Harry and Severus." He lifted his glass high.