Entry tags:

creation: fic, ivylady, rated: nc-17

Happy Daft Day, venturous!
Recipient: venturous
Title: Fools No Longer
Author/Artist: ivylady
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: AU, Legilimency, bottom!Snape, Slash Sex, First Time.
Prompt: Legilimency reveals true feelings.
Summary: Ten years after the end of the Second Voldemort War, Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts to seek the aid of the Headmaster, Severus Snape.
A/N: venturous, I tried to work in as many of your kinks as I could, and I hope you enjoy the story! Thanks to pisceskp and snapessecret for reading over my story and offering advice. Any remaining mistakes are my own. A big thanks to f13tch3r and svartalfur for hosting this fest and giving me a week extension.



Fools No Longer


'Why now?' he thought. 'After all these years, why did he contact me?'

Headmaster Severus Snape stalked around the boundaries of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was an early winter afternoon, and much too cold for the Headmaster to be out. A heavy snowstorm had deposited over two feet of snow overnight, and the cold was seeping past his warming charms, yet Severus could not feel it. Just that morning, he had received a letter from someone he had never expected: Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived, turned Vanquisher of Voldemort, had written him out of the blue, asking for his assistance. Apparently, during one of the shows he gave in his work as a snake charmer at the Zoological Society of Wizarding London, he had been severely hexed by someone in the crowd. Severus had always wondered why Potter had chosen such a dangerous profession after he returned from his travels abroad, but he chalked it up to Gryffindor foolishness. Potter had gone to several Mediwitches and healers, but none of them could help. The fever, chills, and lethargy that had begun soon after his hexing continued to plague him and the young man felt himself growing weaker by the day. Severus could feel Potter's desperation in every word he wrote.

Severus could not contain his scowl.

'Leave it to the boy to go to those incompetent quacks that St. Mungo's calls healers,' he snorted. 'I wonder what mayhem has befallen that fool now, and why he thinks I can help him. Merlin forbid I cannot. Albus will never forgive me.'

As he walked along the wards, Severus could feel the apprehension draining out of him. Being at Hogwarts calmed him. He could feel the life force of the castle, enfolding him in warmth and chasing away the cold air. Severus knew he had no reason to feel anxious, but it had been so long since he had seen Harry…no, Potter, and he did not know quite how he felt about the young man.

*

"Harry, are you sure that's a good idea?" Hermione asked. "The Healers said that potion was the best chance of you getting better."

Harry snorted. "If they knew what they were doing, I would be cured by now, Hermione. That potion is disgusting, and I can't go outside while I'm taking it."

"Harry," sighed Hermione, "I know you're tired of being cooped up in the house, but I really don't think you should stop taking your medicine."

"It's a beautiful day, and I'm going outside. Besides, I'm meeting someone tonight," he said.

"Who?"

"Headmaster Snape. I sent him a letter asking for his help, and he has agreed to see me."

"I'm surprised you'd ask him, Harry. I know the two of you were friendly for a while, but you haven't spoken to him in years," Hermione mentioned.

"I'm desperate and he's my last hope," Harry stated.

"Well, I'm sure it will work out. After all, Headmaster Snape is the foremost Potions Master in Europe and he's one of the best spell crafters as well," Hermione stated. "Why, he just recently published preliminary results on the interaction of asphodel and moonflower in the treatment of magical influenza. It's absolutely groundbreaking…"

Harry tuned her out. Once Hermione got started on one of her technical explanations, nothing could stop her. As he looked around the kitchen, he realized how ready he was to leave. Harry really loved staying with Ron and Hermione, but their hovering was beginning to be too much. Hermione badgered him every morning to take his potions and eat his breakfast. Ron hid his broom and would not let him overexert himself, no matter how much he protested that he felt fine.

Harry knew why Hermione was shocked. She and Ron had known that the animosity that previously colored Harry and Severus's relationship had cooled, but they did not know that the two men became each other's confidants during those last days of the war. As Voldemort's attacks became more frequent and deadly, Harry would find himself holed up in an unused room in Grimmauld Place lamenting his inability to kill the bastard while Severus castigated him for such maudlin thoughts. Harry would tell Severus of his hopes and dreams for the future, while Severus would tell Harry stories of his childhood with Lily.

Sometime during their talks, Harry and Severus had grown close and become friends. Harry had wanted to help Severus avoid Azkaban. Harry and Hermione (once Harry told her the truth of Severus's allegiance) had made it their personal mission to exonerate and reward Severus Snape. Severus, for his part, declined their help, telling them that he could save himself.

Harry smiled as he thought about the outcome of the trial. Severus had certainly taken care of himself, and had shown himself as one of the most intelligent and capable wizards of all time. Harry had thought of him often during his time abroad and once he had come back, yet something prevented him from contacting Severus. Harry could only hope that his friend would be happy to see him again after all these years.

He felt hopeful for the first time since he had been cursed. Tonight, he was about to meet with the one man who had the potential to change his life.

*

Severus sat at his desk, filling out yet more Ministry forms. Normally he would have finished them by now, but his excursion outside took up that time. Hogwarts was quiet—the vast majority of the students and teachers were gone for the Christmas holidays. Those students that remained were out with Minerva and Filius purchasing last minute Christmas gifts. Many of the portraits were attending a party hosted by the founders down in the dungeon mural, and the ghosts were all in the carriage house celebrating Yule. Severus enjoyed the silence.

Most people around him could not understand how such a successful man was still alone, but Severus craved the solitude. It gave him time to reflect, to be himself without having to keep up his guard. He could let his hair down, literally and figuratively. Severus had grown out his hair so that it was halfway down his back. He kept it pulled back in a neat ponytail when he was around other people, but in the privacy of his rooms, he let it loose, the long, silky locks flowing over his shoulders. He would remove his robes, unbuttoning the first few buttons on his crisp, white shirt as he settled himself into his chaise with a snifter of brandy and a good book. It was nice, being released from the constraints of his positions and others' preconceptions.

In fact, Severus was contemplating doing just that when a voice cut through his silence like nails on a chalkboard.

"Was that a letter from Harry I saw?" asked the portrait of Albus Dumbledore.

'That man always knew how to ruin a moment,' Severus thought. 'So much for peace and quiet.'

"You know it was, you old meddler. You were reading it over my shoulder!"

Albus ignored his jibe. "Is he coming for a visit?"

"Yes. He'll be here this evening. Anything else you want?" asked Severus.

"Want anything? Of course not. I just wanted to know what was going on. I must admit that I am surprised Harry has not visited before. You two were quite close after the war, and I thought you might have been good friends. Pity," Albus said.

"We have discussed this before, Albus," Severus said through grated teeth. "Potter decided to go out and explore the world. He was eighteen and knew nothing of life. You cannot have expected him to stay at Hogwarts, no matter how much you wished it."

"You mean no matter how much you wished it, dear boy. I know how you felt about him leaving."

"I do not know what you mean, Albus," Severus said stiffly.

"So you say, Severus. So you say," came the response.

Severus once again turned his attention to the mountains of paperwork on his desk, studiously trying to avoid Albus's portrait. His mind, however, would not concentrate on his task, and Severus thought back to when he had last seen Harry Potter.

*

It was two months after the end of the Battle of Hogwarts and the Second Voldemort War (as Rita Skeeter and her ilk liked to call it), and Severus Snape was on trial for the murder of Albus Dumbledore and other high crimes against the Wizarding World. Potter had pledged his help—he would not allow his friend to be punished unnecessarily—but Severus had informed him that he did not need any aid. The trial was closed to all save the highest-ranking members of the Ministry and the Wizengamot. Harry Potter was also sitting in on the trial, at his request. As he stared at the thunderous faces of the select members of the Ministry and Wizengamot, he almost regretted not allowing Granger and Potter to help. The prosecuting barrister—a smug young man Severus remembered as being absolutely hopeless in potions—laid out his case and Severus could feel himself growing more apprehensive.

"Does anyone have anything to say in this man's defense?" the judge asked, seemingly daring the crowd to speak.

"I do," called out a high feminine voice.

"And who are you?" asked the judge.

"I am Madame Cassandra Cassiopeia Fiddlesworth, Head of the Unspeakable Division of the Department of Mysteries," she replied.

"And what do you have to say, Madam Fiddlesworth?"

"Severus Snape is innocent of all charges. He was acting on Ministry orders when he allegedly committed all of those crimes," she stated.

Everyone gasped.

In the silence, Madam Fiddlesworth detailed how she sent Unspeakables to Spinner's End the summer before Snape's seventh year to discuss with him the possibility of becoming an Unspeakable. It was rare that the Department would approach someone so young, but Severus was extremely talented and magically powerful. Severus readily agreed, and his last year was spent studying for N.E.W.T.s and his Unspeakable exam. Just after graduation, he was inducted into the Unspeakables, and began his mission: infiltrating Voldemort's Death Eaters.

"Do you have any proof?" demanded the judge once he stopped staring at Madam Fiddlesworth.

"Of course I do," she snapped, indignant that anyone would insinuate that she was less than prepared. "I have an abridged version of his Ministry contract—for I cannot show you all as it is forbidden—and I have a special dispensation from former Minister for Magic Aurelius Smythwick."

Madam Fiddlesworth handed over the documents to the court clerk who rushed them over to the judge.

"As you can see, Minister Smythwick and myself realized how dangerous Operative Nighthawk's mission would be, so we sought to protect him to the best of our abilities."

The judge frowned as he read the papers, before handing them to the court clerk to give to the prosecutor.

Murmurs could be heard throughout the court. With this new evidence, there was doubt in some of their minds that Severus Snape could be held accountable for his actions. He was acting under Ministry orders, was he not? Others thought it all a clever ruse to help him escape punishment.

The prosecutor, feeling his victory slipping through his grasp, jumped up.

"Even if what you say is true, Severus Snape is still guilty of the murder of Albus Dumbledore. I highly doubt that the Ministry would condone that!" he stated.

"Actually," another voice began, "Dumbledore asked it of him."

From behind Harry Potter, Professor Filius Flitwick moved to stand next to Madam Fiddlesworth.

"And who are you?" asked the judge. This case was quickly turning into a circus.

"Filius Flitwick, my good man. Charms Professor and Head of Ravenclaw at Hogwarts. I'm also an Unspeakable."

The level of chattering by the courtroom audience grew louder.

"Silence!" the judge commanded, looking at Flitwick. "What do you have to say?"

"I'm the one that recommended Severus for the position of Unspeakable. As a sixth year student, he was creating and manipulating spells on a master level, and I thought he would be useful to us. I'm also the one who witnessed the Unbreakable Vow between Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape."

At this pronouncement, the courtroom erupted in a cacophony of noise.

"Silence! Quiet down!" yelled the judge. "If you cannot be quiet, I will clear the court and seal the records!"

Everyone quieted down after his threat.

Filius told them about the Unbreakable Vow that forced Severus to do whatever Albus asked of him, even murder. He also spoke of the memories Albus left to corroborate his story, in the vial in his pocket. After turning over the pensieve memories, Filius nodded to Madam Fiddlesworth and Severus and returned to his seat.

The judge placed the memories in a special bowl that projected them onto a screen for the entire courtroom to see. There, the judge, audience, and prosecution were able to see various scenes of Albus and Severus discussing tactics, and Albus and Filius discussing strategies. Albus Dumbledore had been a conniving bastard, but everything he had done had been for the good of the Wizarding world. Even forcing Severus to kill him served a purpose. It made Severus the most trusted Death Eater in Voldemort's service, giving him unbridled access to the evil wizard's schemes. Severus was then able to relay those plans to his contact in the Department of Mysteries, Flitwick, who then told the rest of the Order.

The plan worked so well because no one would have expected those two—Snape and Flitwick—to be Unspeakables: Snape because of his acerbic nature and fascination with the Dark Arts, and Flitwick because of his diminutive stature and general affability. The assumptions of others, however, made them perfect Unspeakable candidates. Unspeakables needed to hide in plain sight, and that is exactly what Flitwick and Snape did for years, working behind the scenes to bring down Voldemort and others.

After the memories ended, Severus rose and spoke in his defense—filling in a few holes in the story—before sitting again.

The Wizengamot spent very little time deliberating on Severus's case before proclaiming him innocent. They could not convict such a courageous and dedicated man. They decided that they would award him an Order of Merlin, First Class, and continue his appointment as Headmaster of Hogwarts (with the Board of Governors in such disarray, the children would need firm guidance, in the court's opinion).

Before they could leave, they were faced with one final dilemma: what to disclose to the Wizarding world? They had to tell the public something, but most of the information presented that day was classified. Madam Fiddlesworth suggested a geis that would prevent those present from revealing all but a select few memories, keeping Severus, Filius, and herself safe and able to work. The court would only allow some of the details of the pensieve memories and Flitwick's testimony on the Unbreakable Vow.

That day, as Severus left the Ministry a free man, Harry Potter walked by his side. The two did not say anything, but Severus could feel the younger man's eyes on him. As they arrived at Hogwarts, Harry congratulated Severus on his accomplishments and thanked him for all he had done before he left. Severus knew the young man had plans to travel, and he wished him well.

*

The clock on the wall chimed the time, breaking Severus from his reverie. He looked down at the paperwork in disgust before setting it aside. It was clear that he was not going to get any more work done, so he set about getting ready for Potter's visit. The younger man was due to arrive at eight o'clock, so Severus called a house elf to have refreshments brought to his office. He lit the fireplace as he felt a chill in the air and did not want to exacerbate Potter's condition.

Severus tried to ignore Albus as he commented on all the fuss Severus was making over Harry. He told himself that it was something that he would do for any colleague, let alone someone he had called friend (begrudgingly so) and that it did not mean anything. Albus simply nodded his head and agreed with him while smiling serenely. Severus was tempted to hex the portrait, but knew it would do no good. Albus Dumbledore was convinced he was right, and he would find a way to return and make Severus's life that much more miserable.

*

At exactly eight o'clock, Harry Potter arrived at the Headmaster's office. He could not describe how he felt at returning to Hogwarts. He had not realized how much he had missed the place until he stepped upon the grounds. It felt like…home. All of the unease and discomfort that Harry had felt at Ron and Hermione's flat melted away, leaving him feeling relaxed and ready to face whatever Snape had to say. He smiled and knocked on the Headmaster's door.

The door opened and Harry walked in. He saw two chairs in front of the fireplace, with tea and a small platter of cakes and sandwiches sitting between them. He saw Dumbledore beaming at him from a portrait above the fireplace. The old man beckoned to him to take a seat, so he did.

"Hello, Harry. It has been a while," Dumbledore said.

"Yes, it has. It's good to be back," Harry told him. "I've missed this place."

Dumbledore smiled and inquired about Harry's travels. The two indulged in idle chitchat for a few minutes until Harry inquired about the Headmaster.

"He had to attend to a situation with a few Ravenclaw fifth years," Dumbledore told him. "Apparently, the three that are staying decided to get a head start on their N.E.W.T.s and tried to brew polyjuice. They mixed up a few of the ingredients and ended up blowing off their eyebrows and dyeing their skin fuschia."

Harry chuckled. "Sounds like fun."

"Not any more," a deep voice stated from behind him.

"Headmaster Snape!" Harry startled. "I didn't hear you come in."

Harry wondered how the man was still able to sneak up on him.

"Ah, I do apologize, Potter. I had not meant to scare you," Severus said.

"It's okay. Thank you for seeing me."

"Your letter sounded urgent, Potter," Snape replied, studying Harry. "Looking at you, I can only ask why you did not think to come see me sooner."

Harry blushed. He knew that he looked terrible. His skin was ashen and his eyes sunken, dark circles ringing them. His hair was limp and his hands were clammy. Even though it was cold outside, Harry was dressed as if he were in the Arctic. He wore four layers of clothing underneath his heavy wool overcloak and he still shivered. Sweat trickled down the sides of his face.

"I didn't want to bother you, sir," Harry muttered. "I thought it would get better."

"Clearly you were wrong. Now, Potter, tell me everything that you remember about the day of your hexing."

Harry looked at the Headmaster, seemingly studying the man. He was silent for a long while before he began to tell the story.

Harry had gone to work like always, arriving half an hour before his shift started. He liked to talk to the snakes every morning and tell them what he would be doing that day so that they would be prepared. That particular day, Harry was to explain the hypnotic abilities of the runespoor, a little studied phenomenon that was important because of the similarities between the runespoor's hypnosis and the Inferius curse. He fed all the snakes and ran through the demonstration a few times before he was scheduled to talk to the audience that had gathered in the herpetology atrium.

Harry had looked over the crowd as he always did, not seeing anyone he recognized, before he began his lecture. He spoke about the general history of runespoors and answered a few questions from the schoolchildren. He was about to demonstrate the hypnosis on Sylvia, one of his co-workers, when he suddenly felt lightheaded. He tried to stay on his feet, but he swayed. Sylvia asked him what was wrong, but before he could answer her, he fainted. Later, they told him that he was lucky that Sylvia had been there because she managed to summon the runespoor that he had dropped in his confusion before he could land on it, causing it to bite him.

"And you saw nothing out of the ordinary?" Severus asked, after writing down some notes.

"Nothing. Someone did leave in the middle of the demonstration, right before I got sick, but at the time I just thought they were afraid. We have a lot of people come in thinking that they can overcome their fear of snakes if they just sit through a session. Most of them leave before it's over," explained Harry.

"Hmm," Severus said, still writing in his notebook.

"Harry, when you woke up, how did you feel?" Albus asked.

"I hit my head when I fell, so I had a huge headache, but I also felt achy and my bones hurt. The staff Mediwitch examined me and said that I probably had the flu bug that was going around and that I should just take a few days off the next time I felt ill instead of scaring everyone half to death. That was a Monday, and I didn't go back to work until the next week."

Severus gazed at Harry with a look of intense concentration.

"Potter, how is your Occlumency?"

"Huh?" Harry responded.

"I asked about the strength of your mental shields," Severus sighed, seeing the incomprehension on Harry's face. "I would like to see the events of the day from your perspective to ensure that we have all available information. I was asking about your Occlumency shields so I would know how much force will be needed to view that day. In your condition, I do not want to weaken you any further by using unnecessary force.

"Oh," Harry said, finally understanding. "Do you have to look?"

"It would be best if I could see for myself, Potter."

Harry was silent for a minute. There were some things in his head that he did not want anyone to see, especially the Headmaster. Certain thoughts and fantasies that he would like to keep private. Snape must have seen the internal struggle on his face, for his next words put Harry at ease.

"I will not rifle through your memories, Potter. I just need you to bring that day to the forefront of your mind, and I will only look there," Severus reassured him.

"Okay," Harry agreed.

Harry closed his eyes and concentrated for a minute, bringing himself back to that fateful day. When he got there, he opened his eyes and looked directly at Severus.

"I'm ready."

"Legilimens," he heard Snape say.

*

Suddenly, they were thrust into that summer day. Severus saw Harry talking to the snakes, and heard their inane responses. He saw Harry feeding the snakes and caring for the animals. Harry exchanged a few pleasantries with his co-workers, turned down the guy in accounting for the hundredth time (just because he was gay did not mean he was desperate, and Harry refused to date a man who was thirty-five and still living with his parents), and set up the stage for his presentation.

Severus listened to the runespoor complain about having to perform for the strange smelling creatures outside. He heard Sylvia tell Harry that everyone was ready. He scanned the audience, noticing nothing out of the ordinary. He listened to Harry talk about the runespoors, watching the crowd. Out of the corner of Harry's eye, Severus saw a woman dressed in a dark cloak whose hood obscured her face.

'There!' he thought. Severus wanted to get a better look at the woman, but Harry's gaze was already sweeping over the rest of the room. Severus made a note to look at the woman more closely when Harry looked in her direction again.

Before he could see her, Severus felt Harry get weak. Everything became blurry, and the images lurched as Harry tried to walk toward the table. The last thing he saw was Sylvia's worried face as he fainted.

*

"Finite," Snape whispered.

"Did you find anything interesting?" asked Harry.

"Yes. There was a woman sitting in the back on the right side of the stage. She was wearing a dark cloak—possibly blue or black—that hid most of her face and body from view," Severus told him as he frantically wrote notes in his book.

"Oh."

The room was silent while Severus recorded his observations. He also wrote a few preliminary potions that he wanted to try on Harry, or at least his blood. He needed certain questions answered, and the only way to get definitive responses was to test Harry's blood.

"Potter, does the Zoological Society maintain any records about who attends these lectures?"

"Uh, I don't know. I would have to ask Martin, he's the guy who sells and counts the tickets to make sure that we don't overbook a presentation," answered Harry.

"Contact him tomorrow," Severus ordered. "In the meantime, I would like to run a few tests on your blood. As we do not know what spell hit you, I need to rule out some of the more obvious ones."

"I brought my medical records from St. Mungo's, if you'd like to go over them," Harry offered.

"No. I doubt that anything those incompetent imbeciles at that sham of a medical center have done will be relevant for you. I am trying to cure you, not kill you," Severus told him, once again writing in his notebook.

Harry laughed, and Severus felt a curious sensation in his chest. He could not name his feeling; he only knew that he wanted to make Harry laugh again.

"They are pretty useless, to be honest. I've seen almost every healer there, and in six months, all they've managed to do is stop my nose from running all the time. Now it only runs when I'm asleep," Harry said, yawning.

Severus looked up, hearing Harry yawn. He gazed at the young man, and could tell that even in the short time they had been talking—an hour—Harry had gotten paler and looked more run down.

"To bed with you, Potter. You should rest. The next few days will be trying for both of us."

"Yes, I suppose I should go to bed," Harry mumbled, already half-asleep. "Where should I sleep?"

"You can take the spare bedroom in my quarters. Follow me." Severus got up and led Harry through a hidden door that connected his office and his quarters.

"The bathroom's the first door on your left. Your room is next to it and mine is across from it. Fresh towels are in your wardrobe."

Harry nodded his head and stumbled toward the room. Severus anxiously watched him, poised to intervene if it looked like he needed any help. Just as he reached the door to his bedroom, Harry turned and spoke.

"Thank you for helping me, Headmaster Snape. I know you're busy, and I just want you to know that I appreciate what you're doing."

Harry turned and entered his room, shutting the door behind him.

A few minutes later, Severus could hear the light snores of the exhausted young man. He poured himself a glass of brandy and settled on his chaise. Staring into the fireplace, he contemplated all that had happened tonight.

"You are welcome, Harry," he whispered.

*

The next morning, Harry woke feeling hopeful. One night with Snape, and he was already feeling better. The questions Severus had asked the night before were more thorough than anything the healers at St. Mungo's had asked. Maybe Snape would be able to help him after all.

Harry showered and made his way to the sitting room. He was not surprised to see Severus was already up with three bottles in front of him.

"Good morning, Headmaster," Harry smiled.

"Potter," Snape nodded his head.

"What are we doing today?" asked Harry.

"I need to take blood, urine, and semen samples from you before you have breakfast. The process of metabolism will produce by-products that will contaminate the sample and skew my results," Snape told him.

"Semen? Why do you need that?" Harry's face was beet red.

"I need to check the protein and magic levels, among other things, in your major body fluids," Severus explained, matter-of-factly.

Harry blushed even more. He had left out one important fact last night because he was embarrassed, but it seemed now that he would have to tell the Headmaster.

"Erm, I have to tell you something," he started. "It's rather embarrassing, and I didn't think it was important but now you want something that I can't give so I have to tell you."

"What are you babbling about, Potter?"

"Ihaven'thadanerectionsinceIwascursed," Harry rushed out.

"I don't speak fool, Potter, so please tell me whatever it is in English," Severus scowled.

"I said that I haven't had an erection since I was cursed," whispered Harry.

"Ah."

Both were quiet for a while—Harry staring at his feet while Severus gazed at him. After a few minutes, Harry worked up the courage to look up and saw Snape looking out the window. There was a faint dusting of pink on his cheeks that Harry found utterly adorable.

"I assume you have already tried to…stimulate yourself," Snape said, the blush deepening.

Harry felt just as uncomfortable as Snape looked discussing his lack of a love life.

"Yes. It felt good, but I couldn't get it to respond," Harry told him.

"Have you tried having someone else stimulate you?" Snape asked.

"No!" Harry screeched. "I don't want anyone to know about this!"

"Having someone else stimulate you might work as many curses and hexes contain a shame component that prevents the victim from seeking appropriate aid," Severus explained.

"I-I never thought of that."

"That is the point, Potter," Severus said disdainfully. "Now, is there any one you could ask to aid you in your predicament?"

Harry felt as if he would spontaneously combust. He had not even confided to Ron and Hermione about his dysfunction, and even if he had, he could never ask either of them to help him. He had broken it off with his last boyfriend a couple of months before he got sick. The sex was good, but Harry did not feel connected to Phillip and had the sneaking suspicion that the other man was using him for his money. He had other friends, but he could not imagine asking them to do something so personal.

"No."

"Well then, I guess you will have to make do with me," Snape told him.

"What?" Harry choked.

"Potter, I need that semen sample to help me analyze the course of the hex in your body. The fact that you are now unable to have an erection makes it even more important for me to attempt to coerce a sample from you."

"But, but…" Harry stuttered.

"Do you want me to help you or not?"

"Yes, but," began Harry.

"No 'buts', Potter. If you want my help, I require a semen sample. If you can not provide one on your own and have no one to help you generate one, then I must do so. It is purely a clinical matter. Trust me, I will not derive any pleasure from the act," Snape sneered.

Harry closed his eyes and breathed deeply.

'I have to do it,' he thought. 'Besides, it's only once. I really don't want to spend the rest of my life like this.'

Keeping his eyes closed, Harry quickly removed his jeans and pants, leaving him standing before Severus in a tee shirt and socks. He heard the Headmaster opening a drawer then coming to stand next to him. Snape gently guided him to a nearby chair.

Harry could feel the heat pouring off the older man's body, smell the unique scent that was Severus Snape. The Headmaster smelled clean, of the forest with a faint hint of citrus. He could feel the man's breath against his thighs as he kneeled in front of Harry. Harry could feel a slight stirring in his loins, but still no erection.

Hands settled on his knees, causing him to jump. They moved up and down his thighs, massaging the muscles and getting Harry accustomed to his touch. Up and down, they moved, fingers trailing languidly along his skin. Harry moaned. He let his legs part naturally, exposing himself to Severus. The hands caressed the inside of his thighs, moving in a circular motion closer and closer to his balls. Just as he thought those glorious hands would touch them, they moved away. Harry groaned in frustration.

The teasing touches continued for what seemed like an eternity. With each caress, Harry felt himself responding more. When Severus skimmed his nails across Harry's inner thigh, Harry thought he would explode.

"Please," the words escaped before he could think about them.

The hands stopped, and Harry groaned in frustration. He was so hard he was going to explode if he did not get release soon. He just needed a few strokes, just enough to take him over the edge.

And then, slick hands were on his cock and balls. His eyes flew open, and Harry saw Severus's hands on him. The long, slender fingers of the Headmaster looked gorgeous in the morning light. The nails were tapered and clean. Light blue veins stood out on the back of the hands, flexing with each movement. Harry was entranced. Harry wanted nothing more than to take one of those fingers into his mouth and suck on it.

He watched Severus's hands as they expertly stroked him. Severus held him firmly, sliding one hand up to the top of Harry's shaft while the other fondled his balls. Pre-come leaked from him, lubricating Severus's hands even more.

"More," he begged.

Severus sped up his ministrations, pulling back the foreskin to tease the head of Harry's shaft. It was agony. He could feel his pleasure building, long and deep, but he wanted it now. It had been six months since his last orgasm, and he had not come yet.

"Please," he moaned.

Severus lifted his head and his eyes met Harry's. Their eyes locked, and Severus moved his wonderful hands even faster.

"Yes," panted Harry. "Yes, yes, yes!"

Faster and faster those long fingers moved—teasing, titillating, tantalizing. Harry bucked his hips, trying to find more of that marvelous friction. Severus moved his hands even faster, Harry barely coherent from the pleasure.

Suddenly, he felt his balls tighten, then the world exploded in white.

*

Harry did not know how long he was unconscious, and he did not care. He felt like a cloud, floating on a sea of ecstasy. He was boneless. He could not move even if he wanted.

Eventually, as his bliss wore off, Harry realized where he was and what had happened. He had just let Severus Snape give him a hand job. Not only had he enjoyed it, Harry had come so hard that he passed out. It was weird and comforting at the same time.

Harry had harbored conflicting emotions for Severus for years. Before he left, he felt like he did not know the man at all, which was true, but he also admired him. Severus had worked so hard and had sacrificed so much that most people would never know, but he still did what he thought was right. Harry was in awe of him.

He was also in love with Severus. As the years passed, Harry had several relationships. Most were short—a few months here or there—but a couple made it for over a year. Yet, they all ended the same way: Harry breaking up with his partner. He would tell them that it was not them, but him, and that was true. He liked most of his former boyfriends, but he always felt there was something missing. Some kind of connection that should be there but was absent.

Now he knew why. He had never been so intimate with someone before, especially wearing so many clothes. Severus was dressed in his traditional teaching garb, yet Harry felt like he saw into Severus's soul. It was earth shattering and more than a little terrifying.

Once Harry was certain that he could walk without falling over, he gathered his clothes and dressed. He looked around and noticed that Severus was no longer in the room. He did not want to leave without talking to the man because it might make things awkward between them, and that was the last thing he desired. Harry wanted Severus to know that he was fine with what happened (and would not mind it happening again). He picked up a magazine off the table and settled himself onto the sofa to wait for the Headmaster.

*

In his workroom, Severus was currently working on quite a headache.

"That was quite a show you two put on," quipped Albus.

"Shut up, Albus," Severus ground out.

"I was just commenting on the show that occurred," Albus said, smiling.

"It was not a show!" roared Severus.

A raised eyebrow was his response.

"I was simply collecting a medical specimen. He needed my help since he was unable to perform by himself," Severus told him.

"That's not what I saw."

"I really need to remove the portraits from my sitting room," Severus groused.

Albus laughed. "That won't do you any good, Severus. Even if I hadn't seen that exact interaction, I would think something was happening between you and Harry."

"What are you talking about, old man?"

"Oh, nothing."

Severus wanted to scream. He also wanted to rip Albus's portrait from the wall and burn it with fiendfyre. He did neither. He concentrated on testing each of Harry's samples.

As he worked, Severus calmed and he could rationally think about what occurred between Harry and himself. Harry. He was Harry now, after what had happened between the two of them. Severus started out just trying to get Harry used to his touch so he would become aroused, but each sound from Harry made Severus want to hear more of them. He kept touching him—even when it was not strictly necessary as Harry was fully aroused—just to hear another sigh, another plea.

'Stupid fool,' he berated himself. 'Why would the Savior of the Wizarding World want a bitter man like you? Stop this madness! You have made it fifty years controlling your baser urges, no need to throw all of that away for a short fling.'

"He probably was thinking of someone else. That's why he kept his eyes closed so long," Severus sighed, not realizing he had spoken aloud.

"I don't think so, dear boy. I believe Harry knew exactly who was touching him, and he enjoyed it quite a bit," Albus grinned.

"Meddlesome old man," Severus muttered, continuing with his work.

*

Harry waited in the sitting room all day. Severus did not emerge from his lab for lunch, refusing the house elf that Harry sent in after him. He knew Severus was avoiding him, but he was not about to let the older man get away with it. He would drag him out of there, if necessary.

Half an hour before supper, Severus emerged from his lab. He nodded in Harry's direction before entering his room. When supper arrived, Severus had not emerged from his room, and Harry was tired of waiting for him. He marched over to the Headmaster's bedroom and knocked on the door.

"Headmaster?" he called. "Dinner's waiting."

No response.

Harry knocked again, and still Severus ignored him. Getting angry, Harry barged into the room. Severus was sitting on his bed, writing in his book.

"Severus," Harry began, "dinner is ready. Whatever you are doing can wait. You've not eaten all day, and I refuse to have you overwork yourself on my account."

Severus's head whipped up at the use of his given name.

"Severus?" he asked. "When did I give you permission to use my name?"

"When you gave me the best orgasm I've ever had," Harry retorted before walking out of the room.

The faint sound of Dumbledore's laughter echoed behind him as he sat at the table and served himself some food.

*

Severus did not even bother arguing with Albus—the man was insufferable. He left his room and joined Harry at the table where they had a mostly pleasant, if somewhat awkward, dinner. They did not mention what happened between them that morning or what Severus worked on that day (mostly because it would lead back to what happened between them that morning), so they got to know a little bit about each other.

Harry chatted about his travels, regaling Severus about his walkabout in New South Wales, his safari expedition in Kenya, and his swimming with the sea turtles off Galapagos. Severus found himself impressed with the sights the young man had seen, and the maturity he had gained from his travels.

"It was the best thing I could have done, to be honest," Harry told him. "Even though my relatives treated me like crap and the Wizarding world expected me to save them, I've always had someone looking out for me in some way. Mrs. Figg did what she could, and you and Professor Dumbledore made sure I didn't die while I was at Hogwarts.

"When I was traveling, I had to be completely responsible for myself. If I overslept and missed my flight or train, it was my fault. If I got swindled out of money when shopping because I didn't read the tourist book that said to stay away from that marketplace, I had to deal with the consequences. It was quite liberating."

"It most certainly sounds so," Severus replied, hoping Harry did not realize that he had been watching his lips the whole time Harry talked.

"It was brilliant!" Harry exclaimed. "When I came back to London, I knew more about myself and what I wanted and didn't want out of life. I knew being an Auror wasn't for me—I've killed once and that's more than enough."

"That was a necessity," Severus interrupted.

"True, but I would rather not have to do it again," replied Harry. "I also knew I didn't want to be a teacher. The DA was fun, but only because I was teaching my friends. I don't think I'd like other people's children as much."

Severus laughed. Harry beamed at him, and Severus could feel his face flush.

"I wanted a little excitement and to do something interesting. I was staying with Ron and Hermione while I looked for a place and Hermione mentioned that the zoo was having trouble keeping people in the herpetology department. The snakes were biting them all or acting so aggressively that they left after a few months.

"It sounded like something I wouldn't mind doing, so I applied and they hired me. I loved it, the snakes loved me, and everyone was happy," he finished.

"It is good that you have found a passion," Severus said.

The two men had finished dinner during Harry's stories and had moved into the sitting room. Severus poured them each a glass of brandy and Harry brought the desserts from the kitchen.

"What about you?" Harry asked. "How's your life been"

Severus told him about the changes he was implementing in Hogwarts, or wanted to implement but the Board of Governors or the Ministry or both were blocking for whatever frivolous reason. He talked teaching the sixth and seventh year classes because they had yet to find a competent teacher who could get the students through those years with excellent exam grades. He discussed the few trips he took, mostly for ingredients, and the potions he was developing.

"Don't you take time for yourself?"

"Rarely," Severus answered. "If I were to plan something, someone would need me to do something and I would have to cancel my plans."

"That's awful!" Harry proclaimed. "How are you supposed to have a personal life if you're always at someone else's beck and call?"

Severus stiffened. He never discussed his private life, and he had no intention of starting now.

"That is none of your affair, Potter," he sniped, a tad more harshly than he wanted.

The hurt look on Harry's…Potter's face told him that he had been excessively defensive.

"I should not have snapped at you, Potter," Severus said.

"It's okay. I shouldn't have been nosy."

Disaster averted, the two continued their conversation late into the night.

*

The next morning, Severus had Harry's test results.

"Potter, come with me," he commanded after they finished breakfast.

Harry followed him into the lab. There must have been a hundred vials in holders spread across the bench tables in the room. They had liquids of various colors and consistencies—from a vial that looked like it held water to a vial that looked like it contained sewage.

"In these vials are the results of the various tests that I have run on your bodily fluids," Severus told him.

"Really?" Harry was flabbergasted.

"Yes, Potter. And they have told me quite a bit more than any St. Mungo's report ever would," Severus sniffed in disdain. "What you have is a curse that is attacking your magical essence. Your body does not know what to do with it, so it is fighting it like it would any foreign invader—with your immune system. That is why you are continuously running a low-grade fever, and why you have chills and feel fatigued."

"Okay."

"Now that I know what is causing the symptoms, I am that much closer to developing a cure. The next step is to figure out the exact curse used," Severus said.

"You can do that?" asked Harry.

"Yes, I can. It might take me some time, and it will certainly require more Legilimency, but I am sure that I will be able to ascertain the spell," Severus informed him.

Harry smiled at him.

"Thank you," he said, walking to Severus and kissing him on the cheek.

Severus was stunned.

*

As the days went on, Severus and Harry developed a pattern. They would wake in the morning and meet for breakfast. While they ate, Severus would tell Harry what memories he needed to see before heading into the lab. Most of the memories were from the days immediately preceding and following the cursing, but some of them went back as far as several months before the incident.

After breakfast, Severus would explore the memories, writing notes about any relevant parts, and then end the spell. Severus would spend the rest of the day, until dinner, ensconced in his lab.

Harry, on the other hand, would spend his time either in the library or outside. Even though it was freezing cold, Harry wanted to enjoy the sunshine. He had been cooped up for months at Ron and Hermione's place, and he was not doing that again. He cast a few localized warming charms, brought out several blankets, and encased himself in a dome underneath the sun. Once outside, he would read books he had borrowed from the library or write letters to his friends. He had even napped outside a few times.

The two men would meet up again for dinner, discussing the progress of Severus's work. After dinner, they would enjoy brandy and dessert in front of the fireplace, telling stories of their lives.

It was a peaceful coexistence, and it brought pleasure to both men, although they would not mention it.

The Christmas holidays had passed and Severus still had not found a cure. Harry offered to go home and come back at the end of the school year, but Severus turned him down. He was intrigued with his research, but more importantly, he enjoyed having Harry around too much to let him go home.

Severus did re-arrange his schedule. He got up earlier in the mornings so he could work before he had to tend to his duties as Headmaster and Potions Professor. Harry and Severus no longer shared breakfast and dinner, as the young man did not want anyone to see him in such a state. Severus did eat lunch in his office, as was his custom, so the two men ate together then unless something urgent occurred. After dinner, Severus would go into his lab for a couple of hours before emerging once more. He and Harry would talk and share dessert and a cocktail before heading to bed.

It was a wonderful life that neither man wanted to end.

*

One night, after Harry had been at Hogwarts for three months, Severus came out of his lab early.

"I believe I have discovered the culprit," he announced.

"Great!" Harry said.

"It is a variation of a Fidelitas charm whose original purpose was to keep men faithful to their wives. Once activated, it produces the symptoms that you are experiencing. Originally, only the caster could lift it, but the spell had to be modified since you are not married. Now that I know what is ailing you, I should be able to have an antidote within the next week," Severus told him.

"That's really good news," Harry lied, finally having an end date for his stay in tranquility.

"Yes, it is," Severus agreed, his heart hurting.

That night, the two men enjoyed a little more brandy than was entirely proper, but as it was a Friday night and neither one had anything to do the next day, they felt they were entitled.

*

The week passed quickly, and before he knew it, Harry had taken the antidote. He immediately felt his symptoms abate, but he did not feel better. He would soon have to leave Hogwarts, leave his home, and everything that it meant to him. The last few months with Severus had been the happiest of his life, and that was without sex. He knew he wanted to stay with the older man, but Harry had no idea how to broach the subject.

"Potter," Severus began.

"Harry," Harry interrupted. "I think you should call me by my name."

Severus colored a little before continuing. "Very well, Harry. I will need to monitor you for the next seventy-two hours for any adverse reactions. I do not expect any, so if all goes well, you may leave after that."

"Okay." Harry felt horrid. "I'm a little tired, so I'm going to lie down."

"Is it the potion?" Severus asked, looking concerned.

"No. I haven't been sleeping well in all of the excitement," Harry lied.

"Ah. You should rest then," Severus told him. "I must tend to my work. I have had a backlog of paperwork since I began working on your illness."

Harry walked into his room and threw himself on the bed, thinking about how quickly his life was about to change. He did not sleep at all that day or night.

*

"So Harry is cured then?" Albus asked.

"Yes."

"You should talk to him, see what he wants to do now," Albus prodded.

"Why? He will obviously return to his job in London."

"Are you sure about that? I think you would be surprised," the portrait said.

"I'm too old for surprises," Severus muttered.

Albus's portrait had a sad, faraway look on its face. "No, you aren't, dear boy. You just think you are."

"What does it matter what I say to him?" Severus demanded.

"Everything," replied Albus. "You deserve happiness, Severus. You just have to reach out and grab it."

"I am too busy to continue this discussion."

Albus understood the dismissal. He left his portrait to find Phineas so the two of them could commiserate about what fools their charges were.

*

"How are you feeling?" Severus asked Harry at dinner.

"Good," Harry lied.

"Are you sure? You look a little pale and the bags around your eyes have not gone down as much as I would have liked," Severus told him.

"I'm sure it's fine. I think it will just take a little longer for me to get back to normal."

"If you are certain…"

"Yes, Severus. I'm sure," Harry replied, wanting to end the conversation before he begged Severus to let him stay.

*

That night as the two men sat in the sitting room, there was a strained silence. Harry could tell that Severus was trying to figure out what was wrong with him. He caught the glances that the older man sent his way every so often, and it only made him feel worse. He could feel the tension in the Headmaster, and some of Severus's confusion seeped through the mental link that the two men had established with their repeated Legilimency. Severus was examining his actions, trying to see if there was anything he had done to offend Harry. Harry wanted to hold Severus and reassure him, but his own insecurities prevented him from doing so. The two men drank their brandy and ate their cake in silence.

Throughout dessert, Harry felt as if he were going to explode. He had never been good at holding in his feelings, and not telling Severus how he felt was eating away at him. He had never been one ruled by fear, but he was afraid of destroying the comfortable rapport that the two men had developed over the months of living together.

As the clock struck ten, Harry decided that he had to say something. He could not sit in silence for the next couple of days with Severus. They had to talk.

"Severus?"

"Yes?"

"I wanted to talk to you about something," Harry started.

"Go on," prodded Severus.

"First, I really want to thank you for all that you have done to help me. I don't think anyone would have gone to the depths that you have to help someone that they hadn't seen in a decade," Harry said.

"There is no need to thank me, Harry," Severus told him. "I could not leave you in such a predicament."

Harry smiled. Severus may be an unpleasant and acerbic person to those who did not know him, but he was a very good man.

"I know you wouldn't have," Harry replied. "I've been thinking about how much I've enjoyed my time back here at Hogwarts. It really does feel like home to me. My flat in London was never more than a place to sleep, and while Ron and Hermione are there, I really do like being here."

"I am glad you feel comfortable here," Severus stated, slightly confused.

"Me too. So I was thinking that since we get along so well and I'm not sure that I want to return to my old job where anyone can hex me as they see fit, that maybe I could stay here?" Harry finished.

"Are you asking for a job?" Severus asked.

Suddenly, Harry felt angry. He spent so much time dancing around the point and when he finally worked up his courage to say what he really wanted, Severus did not understand. A job? What could possibly give Severus the impression that he was asking for a job? Harry jumped out of his chair and loomed over Severus.

"No, you git, I'm not asking you for a job! I'm asking if I can stay with you, like a partnership. Of all the ridiculous, stupid ideas! How could you think I'm asking you for a job?" Harry ranted.

Severus's own temper flared to match Harry's ire. He stood from his chair and stared down his nose at Harry.

"Do not call me names, Potter! How was I supposed to understand what you were saying? You took forever to get it out!" he snarled.

"Oh, so it's my fault you don't understand when someone wants to be with you, and not as a friend. I wouldn't want you to misunderstand and think I was asking you to babysit me!" Harry yelled.

"Of course I do not know what it is like when someone wants to be with me. No one has ever wanted me!" screamed Severus.

The last comment blew away the rest of Harry's anger. He stepped back and looked at Severus, shocked.

"No one?" he asked.

Severus stiffened, and turned his back on Harry. Harry, not to be deterred, walked toward his friend and turned Severus around to face him.

"No, Potter. I have never had a relationship with anyone," Severus said, looking at his hands.

Harry did not know what to say. He wanted to apologize to Severus for his outburst and the misunderstanding, but he was afraid that Severus would take it the wrong way, and Harry would have ruined any chance he had to be with the older man. As he looked at the elegant hands clenched into fists and the stiff posture waiting for rejection, Harry did the only thing he could.

"I want to be with you," Harry declared, kissing Severus on the lips.

*

Severus was shocked. He was prepared for Harry to laugh at him, to pity him, to walk away from him. He was not prepared for the younger man to kiss him on the lips. The sensation was odd. Severus had only ever kissed his mother, and then on the cheek. To have someone else's warm, soft lips pressing against his felt foreign, yet right.

Harry's tongue ran across his lips and he gasped at the new sensation. Harry's tongue was inside Severus's mouth before he knew what happened. He felt the Harry's tongue massaging his own, coaxing it from its bed and encouraging it to dance. Severus moaned and leaned into Harry. The younger man's arms came around his back, pressing their bodies close together.

They kissed forever. Harry's tongue would dart into Severus's mouth, twisting and twining the two together, before leaving. His lips would feather kisses along Severus's neck and jaw before returning to the older man's mouth.

It was pure bliss. Severus felt giddy, lightheaded with exhilaration. His arms clutched at Harry's back, pulling the young man closer to him. He could not get close enough. He wanted to feel more of Harry. He wanted Harry to consume him.

Severus pulled at Harry's shirt, trying to remove it from Harry's pants so he could feel more of Harry. When Harry felt Severus trying to disrobe him, he pulled back from his exploration of the outer shell of Severus's ear.

"Wait," he gasped. "We should talk about this."

"What?" Severus asked, eyes glazed over with lust.

"We shouldn't just jump into bed. We should talk first," explained Harry.

Severus continued to pull at Harry's tee shirt.

"I'm fifty years old, Potter. I'm tired of talking," he declared, ripping Harry's shirt off him.

Harry took that as a yes. He grabbed Severus's hand and dragged him into Severus's bedroom.

Severus hungrily stared at Harry's naked torso, his mouth watering at the pert nipples and hard abs. He launched himself at Harry, his lips attaching to Harry's neck while his hands roamed Harry's back.

Severus's kisses were sloppy and his hands inexperienced, but Harry had never been so aroused. The hand job they had shared together had been nothing compared to this…inferno of need. He wanted to see Severus's body, taste it, claim it, mark it as his, but the teaching robes obscured it from his sight. With a thought, Harry and Severus's clothes disappeared.

Someone gasped, or maybe it was both of them. Neither one cared. Harry's hands and mouth were everywhere—Severus's neck, his jaw, his nipples. Any piece of flesh Harry could find he branded with his kiss.

Severus's hands roamed all over Harry's body, settling on his arse. He loved the feel of the hard muscle under his hand, and squeezed it. Harry groaned and rubbed their erections together causing Severus to pant.

"More," Severus moaned.

"Yes," hissed Harry.

Somehow they made it to the bed, Harry pushing Severus down before he jumped on top of him. They rolled around the bed, kissing and rubbing against each other. Harry licked a line from Severus's neck to his navel, relishing the taste of his lover. How he had done without such richness, such pleasure, Harry did not know. He would never deny himself again.

Spreading Severus's legs, Harry ran his hands up and down the older man's thighs, imitating their earlier hand job. Severus twitched and groaned, humping the air.

"Please," he begged.

With a devilish grin, Harry swallowed Severus's erection whole.

"Ahhhh!" Severus screamed, pleasure overwhelming him.

Harry sucked at Severus, enjoying the pre-come leaking from his lover. One of his hands fondled Severus's balls while the other summoned lube from somewhere. Severus bucked and jerked at Harry's ministrations, his body stiffening in pleasure.

Harry coated his finger with lube and ran it around Severus's anus. It was enough to send the man over the edge.

"Ah! Ah! I'm…Ah! Oh Merlin!" Severus babbled as he came.

Harry continued sucking, milking his lover dry and swallowing it all. The salty taste of come in his mouth thrilled Harry, and he had to share with it with his lover.

"Taste yourself," Harry whispered before kissing Severus.

They traded long lazy kisses as Severus fought to regain his breath and Harry prepared his mate. Severus was so tight that at first only Harry's pinky finger would fit in him. Severus hissed at the intrusion, but Harry kissed him to take his mind off it, and soon Severus's erection returned.

Harry's balls tightened as he imagined pounding into Severus. Gently, he loosened Severus's entrance until he could fit in three of his fingers. Harry was insane with need, his neglected erection standing tall. Detaching his mouth from Severus's, he looked into his lover's eyes to ask him the question. Severus nodded.

"Only you," he sighed.

With a groan, Harry eased himself into Severus. It was tight, warm, and perfect. He had to go incredibly slow so that he did not hurt Severus and he did not come too soon. Finally, he buried to the hilt. He waited for Severus to adjust to him before he started moving slowly.

The two men moved together somewhat clumsily, Severus taking some time to get used to the rhythm. Each thrust took them higher, Severus urging Harry on once he became accustomed to the intrusion. Harry moved faster, frantically stroking Severus's cock. Severus came hard, his back arching off the bed, come spraying all over stomach and Harry's chest. Harry pounded faster, grunting with exertion until he exploded inside his lover and collapsed on top of him.

*

The two men lay together still joined. Their gasping breaths the only sounds in the room. Finally, after a few minutes Harry pulled out of Severus and lay down next to him.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Severus said, a sated smile on his lips.

"Brilliant!" Harry crowed, turning luminous green eyes on Severus. "Does that mean I can stay?"

"Most assuredly," Severus replied, still smiling.

"Great. I think we'll be good together," Harry told Severus, kissing him gently. "Hmm, we're both a little dirty. Let's take a bath while I tell you all about how brilliant our lives will be."

Severus grumbled at having to move, but allowed Harry to pull him into the bathroom.

*

In the sitting room, the portrait of Albus Dumbledore smiled knowingly and popped a lemon drop into his mouth.

"Good show, my boys," he said before rushing out of his portrait. He had to let Phineas know that the two men were fools no longer.