Severus, Albus, Minerva, Arthur, Molly, Sirius, Remus and Hagrid all sat in the living room, thanking the house elves as they served them tea. Charlie, Bill and Percy had decided to stay with the teenagers. Bill and Charlie didn't get to spend a lot of time with their younger siblings, and Percy stayed to spend time with Bill and Charlie.
After the house elves disappeared, Molly Weasley asked the question that all of them wanted the answer to. "Mr. Snape, how is Harry, really?"
Severus looked at the others. Each one of them had the same question in their eyes, even Sirius.
"As well as can be expected. He's taking it better than anyone thought he would, I can assure you of that. He has nightmares, though they are lessening as time goes on, and they are not as violent anymore."
"How do you know when he has nightmares, Severus?" Minerva asked curiously.
"Harry generally comes to me when he does. He knows which room is mine, and it's only when this happens that he ventures into the east wing. He and Draco steer clear, otherwise I put them to work." Severus smiled lightly as everyone laughed. "I usually give him a sleeping potion, after he's calmed down. He hasn't had a nightmare in several days now, or if he has, it hasn't been gruesome enough to come to me about it. I do know he talks to Draco, when he doesn't come to me and Black."
"Do you think he'll be able to handle things once he gets to school?" Albus asked.
"Yes, I think so. He's got Draco to focus on, and with Ron and Hermione's help, I think things will be fine." Severus turned to the headmaster. "How are the rooms coming, Albus?"
"They are very nearly done. They will then need to be furnished. I've added windows to mirror the outside so they don't get stir crazy."
"Are you sure it's wise, to let Harry leave the safety of Gryffindor Tower?" Minerva questioned the headmaster. "I would think that it would make him more vulnerable."
"He'll be fine. He has a teacher at his disposal at all times, he'll have Draco, and his friends won't abandon him. It will be okay."
Minerva nodded that she understood. She was about to say something else when the door to the living room opened.A red-faced Harry and a sadistic-looking Draco came walking into the room. They could see several faces cramming themselves into the doorway. Draco held a watch in his hands.
"What can we do for you?" Albus asked, wondering what they had planned.
Harry's chest heaved as he took a deep breath. He strode determinedly towards Remus, who was sitting on the couch between Severus and Sirius. Severus and Sirius stared at Harry, thunderstruck, as Harry straddled Remus' lap. Harry looked at Remus, slightly apologetic, as he lifted Remus' chin and brought their lips together in a searing kiss. Remus sat there surprised, but soon found himself responding in spite of himself. Harry was quite the kisser. Fred had taught him well.
Severus could only sit there watching, looking hurt and shocked, and not in any condition to hide it. Sirius looked somewhat amused by what was happening, as well as confounded. No one saw this, because they were too enthralled with the kissing couple.
After what seemed to be an eternity, Draco said, "Time!" and Harry broke the kiss, blushing furiously. He abruptly jumped off of Remus' lap, mumbling an apology.
For the moment, Albus seemed to be the only one who could speak. "Would you like to explain yourself, Harry?"
Harry looked at Remus, his face glowing. "Bill had the great idea of playing 'truth or dare'. Draco asked a question he knew I wouldn't answer," he explained, giving Draco an evil look. "He dared me to kiss Remus for a full minute."
"And what did he ask, Harry?" Remus smiled at him, reassuring Harry that he wasn't angry. He found the fact that Harry was comfortable enough to get that intimate with him, knowing what he was, strangely comforting.
"He um, asked...who I was in love with." Harry looked up at Severus briefly before looking over at Sirius. He breathed a sigh of relief when he realized Sirius wasn't mad.
"Just stay away from my man from now on, and we'll have no problems," Sirius said playfully, pulling Remus into his embrace. Everyone laughed.
"Sorry to bother you." Harry practically ran out of the room, trying to catch up to Draco, who was already down the hall, laughing.
Harry ran up to Draco and grabbed him by the arm. "Why did you do that?"
Draco smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, but I wanted to gauge my uncle's reaction, to see how much feeling he had for you. I'm sorry I did it, too. You didn't see the hurt on his face. If I had known, I wouldn't have done it. I'll have to make it up to him."
Harry looked shocked. "He was really that hurt?"
Draco nodded. "He was. I didn't realize..." Draco shook his head, irritated with himself.
"I'll make it up to him somehow. If seeing me kiss Remus hurt him, I'll figure out a way to make it better."
"Shh, the others are coming." Draco nodded towards the others that had followed them at a slower pace.
"Well, who's next?" Seamus asked.
Harry turned to Draco, grinning maliciously. "Who are YOU in love with? Truth or Dare?"
Draco gulped. "Um...dare!" * * * *
"Well, that was certainly interesting," Severus said, getting up and walking towards the window.
"It most certainly was," Minerva said, laughing. "I didn't think they had it in them to think about pulling something like that on a teacher."
"Well, Remus is a close friend. If it had been someone else, he may not have done it," Sirius mused, pulling Remus closer and kissing him on the temple.
"Mm." Severus pulled open the curtains and started. "The kids are all outside. I wonder what they are doing."
The others got up and joined him by the windows. Severus opened them wide, and they watched.The women turned, faces turning red, and the men howled with laughter as a stark naked Draco sprinted across the yard singing, "The hills are alive, with the sound of music, with songs they have sung, for a thousand years..."
Ten minutes after the incident outside, Bill Weasley came into the room where Severus and the others were, clucking and walking like a chicken. He made his way around the room twice before leaving the room and the adults inside it roaring with laughter.
~*~*~
Harry gave everyone a forced smile as they sang, 'Happy Birthday,' to him. Of course, Sirius was the last to finish, since he decided to sing the song to the tune of 'Stairway to Heaven'. Harry had never been sung to, and he decided that for some odd reason not known to him, he didn't like it all that much. But they were his family and friends, and he wouldn't begrudge them this chance, ever. He had already opened his remaining gifts.
Severus had bought him all of the supplies he would need for his potions class, an official World Cup snitch, and a copy of the Quidditch Weekly with the entire England team on it. All the players had signed it. Sirius bought him a new stereo system that was run by magic, and enough CDs to last him all year. When Harry counted them later, there were over 250 in all. Sirius also bought him a pendant as well. It was a silver wolf's head that would howl when struck by moonlight. Remus and Sirius had also bought him a black floor-length leather coat. Harry loved it.
He had received a baby boa constrictor from Seamus, Dean, and Neville. They joked, telling him that whenever he was lonely, he would always have someone to talk to. Everyone watched, enthralled, as Harry spoke in Parseltongue to the small animal. Harry told the others that the snake's name was Luthien.
Remus gave him a jersey from the Chudley Cannons. Sirius, Severus and Remus all groaned inwardly when Harry opened his gift from Hagrid: a large box of goodies from the candy store in Diagon Alley. They just knew that Harry and Draco would be bouncing off the walls for the rest of the summer.
Arthur and Molly, (being told by Severus that he and Draco had bought him a new broom) had bought him a broom maintenance kit. Lavender had bought him a new deck of tarot cards and his Divination supplies. He thanked her, not having the heart to tell her that he wasn't taking Divination this year. He had decided that he'd had quite enough with Trelawney's death predictions, so he was taking Muggle Studies instead.
Draco had asked him why, since he was born and raised in much of the Muggle world. Harry told him that Professor Sinclair, the Muggle Studies teacher, had asked him to consider taking it. It would be easy for Harry, since he did know so much, and Harry could earn an exceptional grade if he would help him with the class. So once Harry got to school, he would be helping Professor Sinclair go through the different gadgets and whatnot, so that Sinclair could better teach his students to function in the Muggle world.
After dinner was served, cake was eaten, and more karaoke and games were played, it was time for the teenagers to make their way to the Black House. They said goodbye to the adults and left, Sirius and Remus following them. The adults sat around for a while before retiring.
* * * *
Over at the Black House, the teens had all gone to bed, being tired from the hectic day. That is, all except Harry. He just couldn't get comfortable. He had gotten used to wearing his flannel pajama bottoms, which he had forgotten, at Severus' house.
/Forget this/ Harry thought, getting up off the bed. He knew it was stupid and trivial, but he didn't care. He walked to his fireplace and threw in the powder, saying "my room at Snape Manor" before jumping in.
Harry landed in his room, managing to stay on his feet for once. He dusted himself off, and went to look for his pajama bottoms. He remembered that he had taken them off in the bathroom, but with the house elves so diligent in their duties, you never knew where anything was. He looked in the bathroom and no pajamas. He sighed and started walking towards his closet, but something on his bed caught his eye.
He walked over to the bed. There were three gifts sitting there. Harry knew they were from Severus. Only Severus would give him gifts wrapped in Slytherin colors. On top of the gifts sat a note that simply said 'Harry' on the front. Harry opened it.
Harry,
I just wanted to tell you happy birthday once again. I thought of giving two of these to you first, but knowing how you might react to these, I thought it best to let you open them in private. I know how much having your parents' things meant to you, and how much it hurt to lose them in the fire. I can't replace what you have lost, but I hope that these will help you heal, just a little. Use them well, and with my complete acquiescence. The third is something I knew you'd cherish with all your heart. Hagrid and Remus helped me with it, though they did not know it. I hope that these will make your day a little brighter.
Severus
Harry smiled to himself. He looked at the pile curiously, and decided to open the smaller one first. He slid the green and silver ribbon off and tore off the paper. He opened the box and laughed out loud. Sitting there was the Marauder's Map. He picked it up and saw a small note at the bottom of the box.
Harry,
You are going to have to tell me how that damned map works when we get to Hogwarts. I can't figure it out. The one time your father and his mutt could outmaneuver me.
S.
Harry chuckled and put the map aside. He'd definitely show Severus how to work the map. It was the least he could do, since Severus was so kind as to return it.
Harry picked up the next gift. He opened the box. On the tissue covering whatever it was that was inside, was another note.
Harry,
I know that this will not replace what you have lost, but I think that you will find it will help you in the coming year. It's as close as I can get to the one you lost.
S.
Harry lifted the tissue paper and gasped. Tears welled up as he picked up an almost exact replica of his father's invisibility cloak. It was nearly the same, only a minor difference or two. He went and stood in front of the mirror and tried it on. Everything but his head disappeared as he slung the cloak around his shoulders.
/Oh, Sev.../ Harry took off the cloak and sat down to open the last gift. This time Harry did cry as he opened the photo album that Severus had made for him. Inside was a collection of photographs of his parents and himself, his parents by themselves, and his parents with Sirius and Remus, and even pictures of himself as a baby with Remus and Sirius. Harry giggled through his tears at a picture of himself giving Remus a kiss.
Harry sat there for a few moments, looking through the photo album and debating with himself. He came to a decision and put on his invisibility cloak, quietly sneaking down the hall.
* * * *
Severus sat in front of his fireplace, sipping on a glass of wine. It had been a long day, and he had to admit that he was glad it was over. He had enjoyed himself, much to his surprise. The teens had behaved themselves surprisingly well, and he had enjoyed spending some time with adults outside the workplace. It had been a long time since he'd had guests in his house. Much to his utter shock, he'd even enjoyed Sirius and Remus' company, for the most part.
The only thing he hadn't enjoyed was the kiss Harry had bestowed upon Remus. It had bothered him much more than he would have expected. He hadn't expected that seeing Harry kiss someone else would hurt so much. He had been hurt, and jealous. Harry had kissed him this morning, but it had been a soft, short kiss. The one with Remus had been a long, searing kiss. Remus had obviously enjoyed it, though Severus couldn't see how anyone wouldn't.
Severus had felt a little better when he'd found out it was a dare from a stupid game they had been playing. Apparently, Draco was the one who dared Harry to do it, because Draco had apologized to Severus for hurting him before he took his leave to go to Black's house.
That also explained why Draco went streaking across the yard wearing nothing but a proverbial smile, singing 'The Sound of Music'. Severus guessed by the malicious grin on Harry's face that Draco had experienced Harry's bit of revenge for the Remus fiasco.
Severus chuckled to himself. He was sipping his wine when he heard a knock at the door. He jumped a little, the unexpected knock startling him. He put down his wine and walked to the door, vaguely wondering who was knocking at his door at this hour. It was after one o'clock in the morning.
Severus opened the door and looked around. There was no one there. He stepped back to close the door, stood there for a moment, then stepped out the door and looked up and down the hall, to see if there was someone hiding. There was no one there. Severus shrugged to himself and stepped back into the room, closing the door. The thought that he was losing his mind flittered across his brain as he stepped into the bathroom to take a shower.
He slowly undressed, in no hurry. His guests had all gone to sleep late and would not be up at an early hour, so he could afford to sleep late in the morning. He tossed his shirt, trousers and boxers into the hamper. He turned on the shower and stretched idly as he waited for the water to warm up. He stepped into the shower after making sure that the water was hot, but not hot enough to burn. He ducked his head under the water and let the water run over his head and down his back.
Severus thought he heard something and snapped his head around quickly. There was nothing there. Perhaps he really was losing his mind. He grabbed the shampoo and lathered his hair. He started humming to himself as he rinsed the shampoo from his hair.
Severus nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt two hands slide around his waist and travel lightly up his torso. He spun around and looked down into the emerald eyes he had been dreaming of for weeks.
"H-harry," he managed to croak out. Severus stood there, not quite able to register the fact that Harry was in his shower, completely naked and running his hands lightly up Severus' back. Harry's hands slid back down, trailing his fingers down Severus' crease. Harry cupped his cheeks and pulled Severus' body up against his own.
Severus and Harry's erections brushed together. Harry rocked up against Severus so that their cocks rubbed against each other, the friction causing the most delicious sensations Severus had ever known. He gasped, not believing this was happening. /If I'm dreaming, never let me wake up,/ he thought to himself, even as Harry's lips met his in a searing kiss.
Severus gasped again when Harry ran his tongue gently across his bottom lip. Harry's tongue slipped inside his mouth and rubbed against his own, massaging it tenderly. Severus felt the last ounce of protest he could muster crumble at the sweet taste of Harry's mouth mingling with his, Harry's tongue skillfully exploring every inch of his mouth.
Severus wrapped his arms around Harry and pulled him even closer, bringing their body into full contact. He slowly slid down to the floor of the shower, pulling Harry on top of him. He spread his legs open and Harry's body slid between them, bringing them into a closer, more intimate contact.
When the need for air became to great, they broke their kiss, gasping for air. Severus melted completely as Harry's mouth traveled down his jaw and neck. A small yelp left his mouth when Harry bit down on the base of his neck, thus marking Severus as his own.
Severus looked at Harry through hooded eyes, watching Harry nip, suck and kiss his way down to his nipples. Severus' eyes clenched shut and his entire body arched as Harry's wicked little mouth fastened on to his left nipple and sucked hard. A shiver ran down his spine when Harry let go of the abused little peak, only to blow on it lightly.
"Oh!" was all Severus could say as Harry's mouth traveled to the other side of his chest and flicked Severus' nipple lightly with his tongue. Severus' breath quickened as Harry suckled his nipple. Severus shuddered pleasantly when Harry's hand traveled down between his legs and cupped his sacs, massaging them softly, occasionally rubbing his thumb against his prostate, causing Severus to buck up against Harry each time.
Severus pulled Harry's hand away and flipped them over, knowing that if Harry didn't stop, he wouldn't last long at all. He looked down into those lust-filled green eyes and smiled. He leaned in and pressed his mouth to Harry's, his tongue dipping in to explore Harry's mouth.
Breaking the kiss, Severus traveled downwards, paying special attention to each peach-colored nipple before making his way down to Harry's navel. Severus dipped his tongue into Harry's bellybutton, and began thrusting his tongue in and out slowly, enjoying every moan and cry of ecstasy coming from Harry's mouth. Severus kissed his way further down.
"Oh, god, Sev!" Harry groaned.
Severus chuckled lightly, running his tongue up and down the underside of Harry's shaft. Severus very lightly nipped at the tip of Harry's cock. The scream of ecstasy escaping Harry's mouth went straight to his cock. Severus pulled the tip into his mouth, ran his tongue around the head, and then sucked gently. He held Harry's hips down as Harry involuntarily bucked his hips,trying to fuck his mouth. Severus felt Harry's hands entwine in his hair as he slid Harry's entire shaft into his mouth, taking him deep down his throat. He pulled back up slowly,until the tip was the only thing left in his mouth. He sucked gently and slid back down slowly, massaging Harry's rock-hard shaft with his tongue.
"Yes...oh, yes, Sev....oh...more, love, more...faster..." Harry moaned, as Severus continued his attentions on Harry's erection. He waited until Harry was a writhing, quivering mass of flesh before increasing his speed. He kept one hand on Harry's hips to keep Harry from accidentally choking him, and the other hand traveled down between Harry's legs, searching for his opening. He slid his wet finger slowly into Harry's entrance and sought the gland that would bring Harry the most pleasure. He knew he found it when Harry screamed incomprehensibly. He slid his finger in and out, brushing against Harry's prostate each time, as he bobbed up and down Harry's shaft.
Sensing that Harry had reached the edge, Severus took him deep into his throat and hummed. With a scream, Harry exploded violently. Severus swallowed down every drop, relishing in the bittersweet taste of his lover. He slid his mouth up and down Harry's cock a few more times, making sure that not a drop of Harry's seed remained.
Severus slowly kissed his way back up Harry's chest. He looked down on Harry's face, and watched as the cloud of ecstasy cleared from Harry's eyes. He found himself utterly amazed at the love and trust he found there.Harry pulled him down for a long, tender kiss, his fingers traveling tenderly down Severus' spine. Severus shivered. He was still as hard as steel, but he didn't want to rush anything. Somewhere in the very back of his mind, he knew that he could not allow what was happening to happen again, and he was going to make the best of it.
"I want you in me," he heard Harry say. He looked down into those beautiful green eyes and read the desire there. He felt Harry push down on his finger that was still embedded deep inside Harry. "Please, love, I want you inside me...I want to feel you come inside me, feel you make love to me."
Severus couldn't believe Harry was saying these words to him. How many nights had he dreamed of hearing these words come from the object of his love and desire? Looking at the want in Harry's eyes, he knew he could not deny Harry what he asked of him.
Severus nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Harry smiled seductively, purring, "I want you to take me in your bed," into his ear before running his tongue along the shell of Severus' ear.Severus nearly came right then. He pulled his finger slowly out of Harry and pulled himself off of Harry with a great effort. He helped Harry up off the floor. He grabbed some towels and hurriedly dried them off before grabbing Harry's hands and pulling him into the bedroom. He pushed Harry down onto the bed gently and lay down next to him.
He smiled, seeing that Harry had fully recovered and was hard again. Severus ran his hand down Harry's chest, admiring the supple muscles playing Quidditch had given him. Severus wanted to memorize every inch of Harry, knowing that it would have to last him forever. He slid his hands down lower, trailing his fingertips along Harry's inner thigh, smiling as every deft movement his fingers made caused Harry's cock to involuntarily jump.
"Sev, please. I need you." Harry held out his arms invitingly. Severus laid himself on top of Harry, his legs slipping between Harry's. He kissed Harry sweetly, passionately. When Harry thrust his hips upwards, grinding their erections together, Severus reached for the drawer of the bedside table, unable to wait any longer. He rummaged through the drawer, his lips not leaving Harry's, and finally felt the small bottle he was looking for. Breaking the kiss, he pulled back and sat on his knees between Harry's legs. After coating his fingers with the oil, he opened Harry's legs a little wider and slowly slid a finger into his opening.
Harry moaned and opened his legs as wide as possible, moving his hips to allow Severus' finger deeper into his body. Severus hit Harry's prostate again and again. Soon a second and a third finger was inserted, scissoring Harry's opening to prepare him, and thrusting in and out, hitting that most pleasing gland in his body.Severus, sensing that Harry was ready, pulled his fingers out. He smirked when Harry growled at the loss. Severus coated his cock fully, wanting to hurt Harry as little as possible.He positioned himself between Harry's legs, lifting one leg and setting it on his shoulder, allowing a more comfortable access to Harry's opening. He wrapped Harry's other leg around his waist and slowly started penetrating Harry.Harry let out a small hiss when Severus pushed the tip of his cock through the tight ring of muscle. Severus moved slowly, inch by inch, until he was fully embedded inside Harry.
He stayed still for a moment, both to allow Harry to get used to the intrusion and to keep him from coming right then and there, thus making a huge embarrassment of himself. Harry was so hot and tight. Black eyes looked down to meet green eyes, and Severus knew that no matter what happened, his heart was lost forever to this vision of beauty underneath him.
A few moments later he slowly started moving, pulling almost completely out and then thrusting back in again. Angling himself so that he hit Harry's prostate over and over again, Severus set a slow pace, relishing every movement, every sensation. Being inside Harry was heaven on earth, feeling the heat surround his cock as he thrust in and out was more satisfying than anything he had ever felt before. Soon he had Harry moaning and writhing underneath him, his body moving to meet Severus' thrusts. Severus started thrusting harder and faster, his hand eventually moving to Harry's cock, pumping it in time with his thrusts.
Harry screamed and came, his come spurting out all over their chests. Severus thrust inside Harry one last time and came with an almost violent shudder, his seed filling Harry completely. He collapsed on top of Harry, moving only when his clouded mind cleared. He slid out of Harry and rolled off him, turning away from Harry without really meaning to.
He smiled to himself when Harry scooted up behind him, wrapping his arm around Severus' waist and entwining his fingers with Severus'. Harry kissed the back of Severus' neck before falling asleep. Severus soon followed behind, after finding his wand and muttering a spell to clean the both of them.
An hour later, Severus woke to the sensation of a well-oiled finger massaging his opening. He turned his head slightly, and Harry leaned down, kissing him softly.
"My turn," Harry whispered, sliding his finger into Severus' hole. He thrust his finger in and out slowly, allowing Severus to relax around the intrusion. He added a second and a third finger, preparing Severus thoroughly.
Severus moaned, loving every touch, every sensation Harry was bestowing upon him. He cried out as he felt Harry's oil-slickened cock slowly start to penetrate him. He lifted his leg, allowing Harry easier access.
Once Harry was fully sheathed, he wrapped his arm around Severus, entwining their fingers. Severus mewled lightly as Harry placed soft kisses on the nape of his neck and on his shoulder blades.
"Please, Harry. Move," Severus said, pushing back against Harry.
Harry complied. He pulled out slowly and thrust back in just as slowly. They kept this motion for several minutes, allowing the pleasure they were both feeling to build. Harry quickened the pace, just a little, as they got closer to their release.
"I love you, Sev," Harry whispered, causing Severus to go over the edge. He clenched around Harry as he climaxed, pulling Harry over the edge with him. Harry cried out as he spent himself inside Severus' body. Exhausted and completely sated, they both fell asleep; Harry still buried deep inside Severus and fingers entwined.
*~*~*~*~*~
Harry was shaken awake a few hours later. "What is it, Sev? It's still dark out."
"I know Harry, but you're supposed to be at Sirius' house. You need to go."
Harry groaned and looked at Severus. Severus was lying next to him, his head propped up on his hand. Harry reached over and pulled Severus closer, snuggling into his chest. "Don't want to leave. Wanna stay."
Severus kissed Harry's nose. "And what about Sirius?"
"Don't care." Harry looked at him. "Why are you calling him Sirius? You never call him that."
"We decided that for your sake, we would try to get along, and that includes calling each other by our given names."
Harry grinned sleepily. "How sweet. Just for little ol' me."
"Glad you approve, brat. Now get up. You've got to go." Severus sat up and reached for his robe, which was sitting on a chair near the bed. After putting it on he pulled a protesting Harry up out of the bed.
"Harry, put your clothes on and sit by the fire. We need to talk before you go back."
Harry rolled his eyes. Knowing Severus as he did, he knew what Severus was going to say. This shouldn't have happened, it's not going to happen again, I'm too old for you, I'm an ex-Death Eater, blah, blah, blah. Harry was fully prepared for this speech. But far be it from him to keep Severus from a good rant. Talking about how undeserving he was, was Severus' favorite pastime. Harry did as Severus asked, and sat patiently, waiting for Severus to pull his thoughts together.Severus pulled an ottoman up to the chair Harry was sitting in. Harry sat back, looking at Severus, fully intending to let Severus say everything he needed to.
Severus took a deep breath. "Harry, I'm sorry. What happened here shouldn't have happened. I lost control of myself, and that was wrong. What we did was wrong. You're too young to be involved with someone my age. You're my student, for Merlin's sake! I take the full blame for what happened between us. I can assure you that it won't happen again. I would suggest that you spend the rest of the summer with Black. Draco can spend the days with you if he so wishes. I would completely understand if you don't want to live down in the dungeons now. Being molested by your teacher is not something one wants to remember. I can't tell you how sorry I am. But I can assure you that it will not happen again, I promise you that. I know the word of an ex-Death Eater isn't worth much, but that's all I can give."
Harry sighed heavily. It was just as he suspected. "Are you done now?"
Severus nodded, looking both guilty and angry with himself.
"Good, because now I have a few things to say, and you will do me the courtesy of shutting up and listening, as I did for you. First of all, your word is worth so much more than you think it's worth, especially to me, though I think you well know I don't intend to let you keep this promise. Remember that I know why you became a Death Eater. I've got a really good idea of what you've done in the past, and it IS the past. It's not an issue at all, and you have done more than enough to make up for it. Second, I don't know why you are apologizing to me. I can't think of a thing you need to be sorry for. Third, what we did wasn't wrong. I love you, and I know that you love me, whether or not you will admit it. Your age doesn't bother me in the least bit. There is nothing in the Hogwarts rulebook that rules out student/teacher relationships and we both know that Albus won't care."
Harry took a deep breath and continued. "You're taking the full blame for what? As I recall, I was the one who came into your room and invaded your shower, throwing myself at you, giving you no chance to protest. I'm not going to stay at Sirius' house unless you throw me out, and I am moving down to the dungeons. And if I ever hear you use the word 'molest' when it comes to describing the incredible thing that we did, or anything that you and I share, you'll find yourself facing a fate worse than Voldemort."
"Harry, I-"
Harry jumped off the chair and sat in Severus' lap, pressing his fingers to Sev's lips. "No, I don't want to hear all the self-deprecating things you have to say. You are a good man, Sev, and I won't hear it. I love you, and you can't keep me from loving you. No one can. I know what I want. I know I'm young. That's something that will change with time. My love for you won't."
Harry removed his fingers to let Severus speak. "Harry, you can't fasten yourself to me. You'll only regret it. I can't allow it. This will not continue on." Severus pushed Harry off his lap gently and got up to open the door for Harry. "I'm sorry. It just can't."
Harry picked up his invisibility cloak. At the door, he turned and smiled up at Severus. "You do realize I don't accept that. I know you love me. You will be mine, and I will fight for you every step of the way, for as long as it takes."
"And I will fight you just as hard, I assure you, Harry."
Harry gave Severus a grin. "I'm counting on it. The best things in life are always the things you fight for the hardest. Let the best man win, and I assure you, my love, I will win." Harry pulled Severus down for a kiss goodnight. "I love you. Oh, and thank you for the gifts. I will cherish them always, though not as much as I will this night."
Harry walked out of the room and down the hall. He dropped off the invisibility cloak in his room before flooing back to Sirius' house.
Severus stood in the hallway, watching Harry leave and thinking of Harry's words..."I assure you, my love, I will win."
Severus walked back into his room and shut the door, sighing heavily. He hoped to whatever god was out there listening that Harry's words would be proven true, whether he wanted it or not.
* * * *
Harry found Draco asleep on his bed. Harry walked over and shook him awake. "Draco, what are you doing here? Why aren't you in your room?"
Draco looked up sleepily. "I came in to ask you something, to talk with you. I couldn't sleep. Where were you? Did you go back to the Manor?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah, I did. I couldn't sleep, and it was bothering me that I had forgotten my pajama bottoms. I went back to get them, and I saw some gifts on the bed. They were from Severus. I opened them."
"What was in them?" Draco asked, his curiosity piqued. He didn't know about these gifts.
"The Marauders' Map was in one, a new invisibility cloak, and a photo album full of pictures of me and my parents, and Sirius and Remus. I couldn't believe he went through all that trouble for me."
"I told you he loved you, Harry. It doesn't surprise me that he put that much thought into his gifts. I'm assuming you went to thank him. What happened? Did you...?"
Harry nodded. "I wore the invisibility cloak to sneak into his room when he opened the door. I attacked him in the shower."
Draco gave him an approving smile. "And how was it? Was it everything you dreamed of?"
Harry fell back onto his pillows, a dreamy sigh escaping his lips. "Even more so. He was so gentle, so loving. I love him even more now than I did last night, and it has nothing to do with sex. He made love to me, I wasn't just a fuck to him. I could feel all the love he had for me coming through each touch, each caress, and each kiss. I could feel how much he truly wanted me. No one has ever wanted me like that. I'm glad I waited."
"Waited for...what?" Draco looked at Harry, confusion clouding his features.
"You know that Fred and I had sex, right?" Draco nodded. "Well, he never actually debauched me, so to speak. I actually fucked him."
"Ah, I see. So Uncle Sev was the one to have the honor of being your first."
Harry nodded, sighing dreamily. "The first, and the last. I will have no other, I can promise you that."
Draco smiled. "I'm glad. What happened afterwards?"
Harry chuckled. "Exactly what we thought. He apologized, berated himself, and assured me that he wouldn't disgust me by trying anything like that again. He even went so far as to say that he molested me, can you believe that?"
Draco rolled his eyes and shook his head. "And you said?"
"I told him he was being absurd, told him I wasn't sorry and I wouldn't give up on him, even if it took me the rest of my life. I also told him he would meet a fate worse than Voldemort if he ever used the 'molest' word again."
"Good for you. I'll help in any way I can."
"Thanks. So, what about Fred? I saw that you and he spent a lot of time talking. What were you two talking about?"
Draco shrugged. "You know, stuff. Quidditch, the store, the upcoming school year. Safe topics, ones that don't require deep thought."
Harry smirked. "Well, we'll have to do better than that. Good thing he lives in Hogsmeade. I'll have to have him up to the school for lots of visits," Harry said slyly.
"That sounds good to me."
"I'm surprised that you are taking the fact that Fred and I have been together so well. It doesn't bother you?"
"No, not really. I'd probably like it better if you two hadn't done it, but it doesn't bother me that you did. It's the past, and I know that you want Uncle Sev, and no one else, which leaves Fred all for me! Besides, there was no emotional attachment between you and Fred, other than friendship. I want more...I want what you and Uncle Sev have."
"Don't worry, you will. I just know it."
Draco yawned. "Thanks. I think I'll go back to my room now and get some more sleep. Good night...morning...whatever."
"'Night."