Okay, first of all, I would like to thank all the kind people who have given me links to where I can find Mirror of Maybe. It is greatly appreciated.
Secondly, I was stunned by the amount of requests I got for my unedited version of chapter nineteen. I didn't realize that many people were reading my story. I'm truly touched. Thank you for the wonderful reviews. And thanks to Leone for some sound advice. It was greatly appreciated.
Okay, as far as archiving this fic goes, there are two people who are going to archive this. Unfortunately, my email messed up and I lost their addresses. You know who you are. Could you email me the links of your sites where you are going to put them up? (Or in a review) I would appreciate it. When I get the chance, I'm also going to archive this on Inkstained.
Until then, when you need to find the unedited chapters of OW, there are three sites where you can find it.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/snapeslash
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SnapexHarryML
If you don't belong to these groups (what's the matter with you, lol!) then you can find it at this address:
http://www.oocities.org/miss1417/Star_Index.html
I have started a group myself.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/starkindler
You will be able to find my fics there as well. It is still a work in progress, so bear with me. I just started it this morning.
Wherever else it goes, I'll let you know.
FYI: Chapter 21 will be NC-17; R and edited on ffnet. Look for it on one of the above sites.
I'm still working on chapter 21, and I probably won't get it out until next Thursday or next Saturday. My aunt is coming this weekend from California, and I have a huge history test on Tuesday (20% of my grade), not to mention regular homework, so it may take some time. I thank you for your patience.
Star
After everyone left Sirius and Severus' houses the next day, Harry, Draco, Severus, Sirius and Remus sat around Severus' living room relaxing from the tiresome day before.
"So, Harry, what was your favorite part of your birthday?" Sirius asked.
Draco spewed a little of the butterbeer he had been drinking from his mouth as he choked back a snicker.
Harry ignored him, looked at Severus pointedly, making sure Severus got the true message, before answering, "I think it could possibly have been when you, Sev, and Remy got up and sang 'Satisfaction'. I swear, you guys just don't know how sexy you looked up there."
Harry knew that Severus knew what Harry's truly treasured memory was. It was apparent by the deep blush rising up from his neck to the tips of his ears.
Sirius pretended to be embarrassed. "We weren't that good...you're just biased."
Harry smiled. "Possibly, but I stand by my answer. Or it could have possibly been Draco's striptease-slash-streak across the lawn."
"Hey, I've got nothing to hide. There was no one here that hadn't ever seen what I put on display. Anyone who was here that said they've never seen a naked man was lying."
Severus chuckled. "If there is one thing my nephew isn't, it's shy."
Remus nodded. "I'll agree with that. Seeing him in all his glory, trotting across the yard, singing 'The Sound of Music' wasn't something I was prepared for, though."
"Yeah, well, that's what he gets for making me kiss my godfather's lover," Harry said, playfully jabbing Draco in the ribs.
Sirius looked at Harry. "Are you sure you're okay with Remus and I being together? You're not mad?"
"Why in the name of Merlin would I be mad, Siri? You know I love you both. I'm happy that you two are together. You two were made for each other."
"I thought you might be mad that I didn't tell you sooner."
Harry laughed. "Sirius, I've known for a long time. I suspected it even during my third year. I saw a couple of the looks you two gave each other before the shit hit the fan. I was certain of it the next time I saw you two together. I didn't say anything, because you didn't seem like you were ready to tell me. I just figured you'd let me know when you wanted me to know."
Remus looked at Harry. "I meant to ask you yesterday. What was it that you wished for when you blew out the candles?"
Harry sighed. "I wished for the one thing that I never seemed to be able to have: an ordinary life. One where I don't have to be the 'Boy Who Lived', to have someone that loves me, that sees me and not my scar. I want to have a normal job and a home where I can come home and not have to worry about anything. You know what I want most of all? Stability. All I keep hearing from people is 'when you graduate, go out and see the world. You're young, experience life to the fullest while you can.'"
Harry rolled his eyes and glared at the ceiling. "Um, hello? Where have these people been? I've had more experience since I was one than most have had their entire lives. I've never had a home. I've lived in a cupboard for most of my bloody life. The rest of my life has been spent trying to dodge my wannabe killer. I don't want to travel the world and 'experience life to the fullest'. I've experienced life, thank you very much, and without friends and family, it sucks. Meet new people? HAH! Show me one person out there that will look at me as something other than the scar on my forehead. I've had enough of these people in my life. Yeah, I would love to 'see the world', but I want to experience it with someone I love, not alone, and not now. Later, much later."
"And what is it you want to do with your life?" Sirius asked, impressed that his godson had thought things over so thoroughly.
"I've been thinking about that. I know I do not want to be an Auror, contrary to popular belief. I also don't want to spend the next few years chasing after a snitch. I was thinking of something along the lines of a teacher." Harry grinned wickedly. "Or, I could just go and work at the WWW with Fred and George."
Sirius and Remus both groaned. Severus glared. "You do that, and I'll put you out of our misery. Just what we need, a third Weasley twin." Sirius and Remus nodded their agreement.
Harry snorted. "I thought you guys would like that." Harry turned to Severus and Remus. "So, when do you two have to start getting ready for the new school year?"
Remus answered. "Actually, I think we have our first staff meeting this week, don't we, Severus?"
Severus nodded, sipping on his tea. "Yes, on Thursday. But I have to go tomorrow and start inventory on my storage room. I also have to get a more thorough list of potions Poppy needs."
Harry smiled at Severus. "Can I come help you? I'm pretty good at inventory, since I've done it for detention several times."
Draco could tell his uncle was going to decline, so Draco said, "That's a nice offer, Harry. We'll both go and help him."
Harry smiled gratefully at Draco. He knew Severus was going to say no as well. Now he would get to spend time with Severus, even if it was doing something boring.
Severus sighed. "Very well. I'll be leaving at seven, so be at breakfast by 6:30." Severus looked at Sirius and Remus. "Are you two going to stay for dinner, or do you have plans?"
"Actually, we have plans. We just wanted to see Harry before the day was over. In fact, we'll be leaving now." Sirius got up and pulled Remus up. Severus, Harry and Draco all stood to say goodbye.
Severus shook hands with the two men. Harry gave them each a hug. He hid a chuckle at the look of surprise on Draco's face when Sirius and Remus pulled him into a hug as well.
When Sirius and Remus left, Draco let out a fake yawn. "Well, I'm sleepy. Too much happening and all that. I think I'll take a nap." He ran up the stairs, not letting Severus have the chance to escape.
Harry snorted, and looked at Severus. "He's subtle, isn't he?"
Severus looked shocked. "He knows?"
Harry nodded, amused. "Of course. You think he wouldn't figure it out? Besides, you're the one who sent me back to Sirius' last night. Draco had come in to talk to me, but I wasn't there. He fell asleep on my bed waiting for me."
Harry stepped closer to Severus, playfully tugging on Severus' high collar. "Hiding something?"
"You would know," Severus responded, stepping back. "After all, you're the one who did this to me." Severus pulled his collar down and showed Harry the bite mark on his neck.
Harry gave him a wide smile. "Yes, I remember. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it to you, almost as much as you enjoyed receiving it." Harry stepped closer to Severus and slid his arms around Severus' waist, pulling him close.
"Harry, we can't-"
Harry lifted one hand and pulled Severus down. He kissed him sweetly. "I know what you're going to say, so don't. I'm not going to attack you right now. Despite what you may think, I do have control over my body and mind. As much as I would love to feel you inside of me this very moment, I have some thank you notes to write." Harry pulled Severus down again and kissed him again, this time more eagerly. "Mm. You taste good. I love you. See you at dinner."
Severus watched Harry walk out of the room. "I love you, too," he whispered. * * * *
"Explain to me again why we are here doing something so bloody boring," Draco said, glancing over at Harry, who was looking through some glass bottles on a shelf on the other side of the room. It was Thursday and they were still helping with inventory of the Potions ingredients. Severus had gone to the staff meeting, leaving Harry and Draco alone.
"Well, I volunteered so I could spend time with Sev. I don't know why you volunteered. I probably could have talked Sev into it without your help. I know you don't like doing this. Why don't you go home? I'll tell him you weren't feeling well or something. Besides, I haven't been alone with him for days. You know he's avoiding it."
Draco laughed. "Okay, I'll take you up on that. I'll see you at home."
Harry watched Draco leave and then turned back to the inventory.
He didn't realize how much time had passed until he heard a voice say, "Where's Draco? He's supposed to be helping you."
Harry felt a pleasurable shiver trickle down his spine. He turned and smiled warmly at his love. "He went back to the Manor. He was feeling a little under the weather, and I told him to go. It's probably just a little summer cold."
"Mm. Maybe I should go and see if he's..."
"Sev, he's fine. You know, you don't have to go running every time we're alone." He turned and looked at Severus, letting a little of the hurt he felt show. "If you don't want me here, just tell me and I'll go. This is your job, not mine. I just wanted to help."
Severus looked away, feeling guilty for having to hurt Harry's feelings. "Maybe it would be best. It's almost done anyway. I appreciate your help though."
Harry sighed, defeated. "Fine." He put down the ledger he was holding and walked towards the door. "I'll see you at home," he said quietly, not looking at Severus.
Severus grabbed Harry's arm before he could walk out the door. He couldn't let Harry leave feeling as bad as he did. He lifted Harry's chin with one finger and kissed him gently. "Thank you. Make sure Draco's lying down."
Harry nodded, leaning in to kiss him again. "I love you. Bye."
"See you at home." Severus walked over to the table and picked up the ledger abandoned by Harry. He didn't see the triumphant grin that spread across Harry's face. * * * *
Sunday morning, Severus was swimming laps in the pool. He loved to swim, ever since he was very young. Swimming was the one escape he had from his father. Darius Snape had hated the water. He feared it, and as a result, he never had learned how to swim. Whenever Severus wanted to get away, he always went to the pool or the lake.
He knew the pool like the back of his hand. He instinctively knew when he was reaching the end, he knew exactly when to flip over and push off the wall to change directions. Often times, he would swim with his eyes closed, just as he was doing now.
Knowing the pool as well as he did, Severus was surprised when his head ran into something hard. Severus surfaced, sputtering water. He pushed his hair out of his eyes and stared at a very amused, scantily clad Harry.
"Harry! What are you doing here? I thought you were at Black's house."
Harry's eyebrow arched. "Back to Black again, I see. I'll be offended later. Yes, Draco and I were at Sirius', but we felt that it would be more prudent to be here, at least until Sirius and Remus rouse themselves from their room."
Severus swam over to the side of the pool, Harry following him. Severus faced Harry, looking confused. "I don't get it."
Harry chuckled and moved closer, snaking one arm around Severus waist while the other hung on to the side of the pool. Severus didn't have the heart to move. Not that he could with the death grip Harry had on him. It had been days since Harry had touched him at all, and he realized how much he missed even the smallest contact with the young man. "Apparently, whatever silencing charms they had been using wore off sometime between last night and this morning. You could hear them throughout the entire house."
Severus tried to hide a giggle, unsuccessfully. "That bad?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "God, yes. At first it was funny, and rather sweet. I like seeing, or hearing as the case may be, them so happy together. After twenty minutes of listening to them, it got downright embarrassing. Finally they shut up, only to start up again less than five minutes later. Draco and I finally had to leave, before either of us became really depressed. Draco went to his room to sleep some more."
"Why would you be depressed? I thought you said you were happy for them."
"Oh, I am. It's just listening to someone having that much fun when you yourself aren't getting any is really kind of depressing, if you think about it. Draco's pining for..."
"Fred."
Harry nodded. "And since I promised I would be a good boy, at least for the moment, neither one of us is too keen on listening to Sirius or Remus howl with pleasure."
Severus sneered. "Awww...poor baby."
"Making fun of me, are you? You are the reason I'm not getting any, if I remember correctly." Harry slid closer to Severus, bringing their bodies into contact. Harry rubbed himself against Severus seductively and purred into his ear. "If you don't quit while your ahead, I might change my mind about being a good boy."
Severus groaned, wrapping an arm around Harry. Harry traced his jaw line with feathery kisses. When he reached Severus mouth, Severus kissed him passionately, Severus' tongue diving into Harry's mouth, eagerly exploring every inch.
Harry broke the kiss, gasping for air and laughing. "I thought I was going to have to fight. You're making this quite easy for me. What happened? Not that I'm complaining mind you," Harry said, nuzzling Severus neck.
"I know what I said. Don't remind me. It's just..." Severus said quietly, trailing his hand up and down Harry's back.
"Just what?" Harry asked, looking into Severus' eyes.
"Well, I, um..."
Harry grinned. "There's that excellent vocabulary again. What is it, love?" Harry rubbed his back, slowly making his way downward. He slid his hand into Severus' trunks and kneaded his rear gently with his fingers.
Severus groaned, dropping his head on Harry's shoulder. After a moment, he regained what was left of his resolve and pushed away from Harry. "Nothing. Forget about it. I better go. I have things to do for the upcoming school year, and I need to get them done. I'll see you later."
Harry watched Severus swim to the end of the pool and pull himself out of the water. He smiled as he watched Severus quickly leave the pool area. Harry knew it would only be a matter of time before he wore Severus down.
Harry chuckled. Apparently, the loss of contact between the two in the last couple of days had taken its toll on the potions master. Harry decided that it might be to his advantage to keep up the no-contact scenario. After all, it was Severus' idea in the first place.
* * * *
Three days later, after the pool incident, Severus was in his laboratory awaiting the arrival of Draco and Harry for their potions lesson. They were going to make a potion that the sixth years would be working on this year. It was Severus' hope that by teaching them some of these potions early, they would be able to help those who weren't so good at the class, such as Neville Longbottom.
Severus cringed at the name. It wasn't that he really had anything against the boy, aside from the fact that he was Gryffindor. After all, no one was perfect. He had been well behaved and not annoying at all when he was at the party for Harry. It was the fact that when he was in potions he was just so...ARGH! There was no word that could exactly describe the irritation he felt whenever the boy was in his class. Perhaps if Harry or Draco could pair up with him from time to time, on the more complicated potions especially, then perhaps he would have his classroom and sanity still in one piece by the end of the year.
Severus shook off the feeling of dread that Neville caused and sat down on the stool, drumming his fingers against the table impatiently. He tried to convince himself that his impatience was because he knew that Draco would waltz in here ten minutes late just to spite him, but he knew better. He was anxious because he knew Harry would be on time. He hadn't seen much of Harry since he pushed him away in the pool.
He knew Harry wasn't avoiding him. It was the other way around. Still, he found himself being the object of Harry's attention on numerous occasions. He would look up from a book he was reading, or turn down a hallway and there Harry would be, staring at him with those beautiful green eyes, the desire and love apparent for all the world to see. But Harry had not touched him for the last three days. Not a hug, a kiss, or even a brush of their hands. Now he realized that not only did he miss it, but also he had come to expect and anticipate the contact, and he needed it much to his chagrin.
Severus ran his hands through his hair, silently cursing himself for his weakness. He had told Harry he was going to fight him on this, and he had yet to do so. Every time Harry came around, he melted completely, almost all of his resolve to leave the young man alone gone in an instant. It had taken all of his strength and energy not to take Harry in the pool a few days ago.
He had to do what he had resolved to do. He couldn't let Harry ruin his life by chaining himself to an old, ugly Death Eater. It wasn't fair, and it wasn't right. He just hoped Harry would see reason very soon.
"Hello, sexy."
Severus jumped slightly, startled from his thoughts. He turned to see Harry staring at him, smiling softly. "Hello, Harry. I see Draco isn't with you."
Harry chuckled, walking into the room and sitting on the stool next to Severus, pulling the Potions textbook towards him. "Of course not. You know how much Draco loves to make you wait. He does it simply to annoy you."
"Yes, I know that very well. What I don't get is why you are on time, when you know Draco is never on time? Why don't you just wait for him?"
"And miss the chance to spend time with you? Never." Harry smiled warmly, leaning over and kissing Severus' cheek.
Severus blushed and cursed himself for doing so. "I don't see why you would want to spend time with me."
"Because I love you," Harry said with simple earnest.
Severus shifted uncomfortably. "I don't see why you would."
Harry sighed. "We've been over this before. I'm not going to sit here and listen to your self-deprecation, so if you don't stop, I will just have to climb on your lap and shut you up myself."
Severus grew hard at the thought. "I'd prefer you didn't."
"Oh, that's gonna keep me away from you," Harry said, jumping off his seat and hopping into Severus' lap, straddling him before Severus could react. He wrapped his arms around Severus' neck and twirled his fingers in the long, silky hair. "Sev, didn't anyone tell you that the one way to get someone to do something is to tell them not to do it. Talk about giving an open invitation."
Severus groaned, dropping his head on Harry's shoulder, defeated once again. Harry's touch was just simply too delicious. Severus wrapped his arms around Harry's waist and pulled him closer. "Why do you do this to me? Why must you torture me? You know that it can't last, won't last. Don't do this to me, please."
Harry lifted Severus' head, looking deep into his eyes. "I do this because I love you, not to torture you. Torture is keeping to myself, not touching you, kissing you, and holding you. It can last, and will last, if only you will allow it without reservation. I'm not going anywhere. I want no one else. I have the best right here. Why in the world would I ever go away, knowing I have everything I've ever wanted right here? You don't go off looking for beauty when you already have it within your grasp."
Severus looked at Harry, completely speechless. He couldn't believe the words that had come from Harry's sweet mouth. He didn't have to say anything. He melted under Harry's kiss, opening his mouth invitingly to Harry's probing tongue.
"Aww, isn't that sweet?" Draco teased, standing in the doorway.
Harry and Severus broke apart. Harry sent him a mock glare and said, "Thanks for ruining the moment, Malfoy. I'll remember that!"
"Oh, boo-hoo. I'm sure you'll have other chances. We're supposed to have a tutoring session now, if I remember correctly."
"Oh, all right. Really, Draco, I would have thought you would stay away as long as you could without risking death by an irate Slytherin. Anxious to learn a new potion?"
Draco chuckled, walking into the room. He stood next to the stool Harry and Severus occupied. "Well, I knew you'd be down here on time, and I really didn't relish the thought of coming down here too late to find the two of you going at it like rabbits on the very surface that I have to work on."
Severus turned bright red and pushed Harry off his lap. Severus stood and straightened his robes. Harry and Draco stood there waiting patiently. Severus felt them staring and snapped, "You two can manage to get your supplies yourselves, can't you?"
Harry grinned. He knew Severus wasn't angry, just a little embarrassed. He wasn't used to these sorts of public displays of affection, even in front of his own nephew. Harry raised up and kissed Severus lightly on cheek before retrieving his supplies.
Severus sighed. He knew that he would have to get used to the affection Harry loved to show if he and Harry were going to be together...
/What the hell are you thinking, Severus? You cannot be with him. It wouldn't be fair to him, despite what he says. You can't let him latch into you!/ Severus rubbed his temple and looked over at his two charges, who were looking over the potion they were about to make.
"Are you two ready?" They nodded. "Good, then let's begin."
* * * *
The rest of the summer passed in much the same way it already had. Harry and Draco spent a good deal of time in animagus training, with a great deal of help from both Severus and Sirius. Severus and Sirius were quite proud of the two. They were getting through their lessons very quickly.
They could already partially change into their forms. It usually took several months to get this far, but both students were diligent and determined. Their concentration was essential, and they put their all into each and every session, sometimes studying two or three times in a day if they didn't have potions tutoring. With two people who had already been through the training, Harry and Draco had a definite advantage that neither Severus nor Sirius had. It wouldn't take Harry or Draco nearly as long to learn. Severus wouldn't be surprised if Harry and Draco finished training by Christmas.
Severus and Harry had had a number of encounters since the day in the potions lab. Every time Harry instigated the contact, and Severus succumbed every time. They never did anything more than kiss or caress each other, but Severus cherished every moment, despite the fact that when it was over, he spent hours berating himself for his weakness.
The time Severus didn't spend tutoring Harry and Draco in potions or animagus, talking with them, or snogging with Harry, he was working on Poppy's potions and flooing to Hogwarts and back trying to get things together for the new school year.
Before anyone knew it, it was the last week of summer. It was Sunday, and the next Sunday would find the students of Hogwarts on the train headed towards school.
Harry and Draco woke up early, eager to start the day. This was the day they finally got to go into Diagon Alley to buy their school supplies.
They each showered and dressed quickly, both in leather. Of course, Harry wore leather to entice Severus. Harry had given Draco the pair he had worn at Harry's party, along with the shirt. Draco wore this outfit in the hopes that he would run into Fred at Diagon Alley.
Draco and Fred had been owling each other since Harry's party, talking about Quidditch, school, and other things not related to romance. Harry thought it was cute that the two were still so unsure about each other. Fred had promised Harry he would come and visit him at Hogwarts, and Harry planned to use those visits to get them together.
They met at the top of the stairs, sped down them and the hall, skidding to a halt in front of the dining room. Severus, Sirius and Remus were all there, waiting for their 'children' as Sirius referred to them. Harry had requested that they all go together and they had complied with his wishes, once again agreeing to put aside all differences.
Harry and Draco went around the table, kissing each of them good morning before sitting down and inhaling their breakfast.
Sirius watched them with amusement. "You two better slow down. It wouldn't do you any good if you choke to death."
Severus nodded. "Listen to Sirius you two. I don't treasure the idea of carrying your carcasses around Diagon Alley."
Remus chuckled. It still surprised him to see Severus and Sirius get along, even if it was just for the sake of Harry's feelings. He turned to Harry. "So, where are the Weasley's going to meet us? They are coming, are they not?"
Harry swallowed. "Yes, they're meeting us this morning, at 10:00. They said they'd meet us outside Gringott's, after we've gotten our money."
"Then we're gonna go shop for our things, while all you old people reminisce about the good old days," Draco quipped. Sirius and Remus chuckled, while Harry and Severus gave him identical glares, for the same reason: bringing to light the age difference between them yet again.
Harry didn't care that Severus was older than he was, but Severus did care. Since the ugly Death Eater thing didn't work with Harry, Severus was trying the 'I'm old enough to be your father' ploy. Harry wasn't biting; he was now trying to get Severus over that, and Draco wasn't helping.
"Sorry," Draco mumbled, paying close attention to his eggs.
"That's perfectly all right, Dragon," Severus said, diffusing the situation. Draco looked at Harry. Harry smiled softly at Draco, who sighed with relief.
"What time is it anyway?" Sirius asked. He had forgotten to put his watch on this morning.
Severus looked at his watch. "It's 8:45. We'll leave here around 9:15. That way we'll have enough time to get into our vaults. Do you have your key, Harry?"
Harry started to nod, but Sirius interrupted. "I'm buying everything he needs."
"You don't have to Sirius. I have plenty of money. My parents left me a ton."
"I know, but I'm your godfather, and I want to do this. I have more than enough money and I want to spend some of it, a lot of it, on you. Don't take away my right to spoil you rotten," Sirius told Harry, ruffling his hair playfully.
Harry smiled at his godfather. "I love you, Sirius. You are going to spoil me, but I won't stop you. I know I can't."
"You bloody well know you can't," Sirius said, laughing.
Once they were done with breakfast, it was time to go. They flooed from the living room into the Leaky Cauldron. The five of them made their way down to Gringott's bank, pretending to be oblivious to the staring and gawking at each of them: Harry for the most obvious reasons; Draco, because everyone knew who the Malfoy boy was, and the looks weren't kind. Severus was given awed looks, because the papers had done a story on him earlier that summer, about how he was a spy for Albus Dumbledore in Voldemort's circle and was really one of the good guys. Sirius, because he was Sirius Black. And Remus because it was known that he was a werewolf, and many had not met a werewolf before. Every Hogwarts student who hadn't been at Harry's party stared in open shock, not really believing they were seeing Harry Potter walking between Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy happily.
They walked into Gringott's together and went about getting their money. Harry insisted on getting some money out of his vault. He needed to buy gifts for Remus, whose birthday was in ten days, and for Severus and Sirius, who both celebrated their birthdays in October. He wasn't sure if he'd have a chance to come back to Diagon Alley before October, and they had a bigger selection than they did in Hogsmeade.
When they finally walked out of Gringott's it was five minutes until ten, and the Weasley family were all waiting for them, including a certain redhead fancied by Draco.
"Hey, Fred!" Harry said, grinning like a maniac as he headed towards the Weasley clan, dragging Draco along with him. "How ya been?"
"Fine, Harry. Hello, Draco," Fred said, looking at the blond god standing next to Harry, a cute blush tinting his cheeks.
"Hey, Fred," Draco said, a rare shyness overcoming him.
"So, what are you doing here today, Fred?" Harry asked, rolling his eyes at Draco's shyness.
"I have to buy supplies George and I needed for some new items we're working on for WWW," Fred told Harry, his eyes never leaving Draco.
Everyone laughed as Severus let out an audible groan. "You know, Fred Weasley, you and your brother are going to be the death of me. It seems that most students are intent on using your products in my classes."
Fred looked over at his former potions professor and smiled brightly. "Hey, we just make 'em. I can't help it if others use them to torment you. We always tell them not to use them in your class."
Severus stared at Fred, eyebrow raised, not believing Fred's 'I'm so innocent' act. "Really? I believe someone once told me that the one way to get someone to do something is to tell them not to do it." Severus looked towards Harry as he said this. Harry gave him a 'Who, me?' look.
Fred chuckled. "Touché. So, are we all going to shop or what? I've got to get back to the store after lunch."
Harry nodded. "We're splitting up. The older children here," Harry said cheekily, gesturing towards Severus and the other adult wizards, "are going to let us go off and do what we must do. We're to meet at the Leaky Cauldron at noon, right Sev?"
Severus nodded. "Don't be late. We'll have lunch on the table by the time you show up. If it gets cold, that's your fault."
Harry and Draco looked at each other conspiratorially. "Yes, Uncle Sevvy!" Harry grabbed Ron and Hermione, and Draco grabbed Fred and Ginny as they ran off laughing, undaunted by Severus' glare.
Severus watched them leave, ignoring the chuckles of the other four adults with him. "It irritates me when they call me that. Draco's father used to always call me Sevvy. How I despised him."
Sirius sobered up slightly. "Why don't you tell them not to call you that?"
Severus shrugged indifferently. "Because Draco doesn't know why I don't like the name, and it would hurt him if he knew why it bothered me, so I put up with it. It's not a big deal. I know Draco means it affectionately."
The five agreed to go do what they needed, and they would meet in the Leaky Cauldron in an hour.
* * * *
"Do you have any idea what you're going to buy my uncle for his birthday?"
Draco, Fred and Harry were standing in the bookstore getting the last of their supplies. Sirius had given Harry more than enough money to buy his school supplies, more clothes, and anything else he wanted. They were almost done shopping, and now Harry just had to buy the gifts he needed.
"Not sure. I think I'm gonna go check out the jewelry shop across the street."
"Okay, we'll meet you outside the shop," Draco shouted as Harry walked out the door. Harry waved his hand in concurrence.
Harry went into the jewelry store. He found a gold pocket watch with a wolf's head on it for Remus. He special ordered two gold rings with Sirius and Remus' birthstones embedded inside the band. On the inside he had engraved "Sirius Loves Remus' in one and 'Remus Loved Sirius' in the other. He looked around for a while. He looked at the antiques that were stored in the back of the room and his eyes lit up when they set sight on the perfect gift for Severus.
He walked over to it and examined it a little more closely. The owner of the shop came over. "Ah, this has caught your fancy, I see."
"Yes it has. What is it made of, exactly?"
"It's made out of a mixture of gold, platinum, brass and diamond dust, fused together by powerful ancient spells. It's one of only four in the world. It's used for very special potions."
"How much is it?"
"Two thousand eight hundred galleons."
Harry looked up, eyes practically popping out of his head. "That much?"
"Yes, but I can tell you really want it, so let me make you a deal, Mr. Potter. I will let you buy it for one thousand seven hundred galleons."
"Why would you do that?"
The shopkeeper smiled down at him. "Why, because you saved my shop, and most likely my life when you rid the world of that monster. It's the least I could do."
Harry smiled. "I'll take it, but I have to go to Gringotts first. Tell me, do you know if Severus Snape has one of these?"
"No, he doesn't. He's been debating for the three months I've had it whether or not to buy it. It is a lot of money, even for someone with a great deal of money. I think he would have eventually bought it. I don't think he thought anyone else would buy it. Tell me, is this for him?"
Harry nodded. "Yes. He's been a remarkable help in my life, and I wanted to give him something special for his birthday. Don't tell him who bought it, okay?"
"Of course not, Mr. Potter. I tell you what. You go to the bank, and I'll wrap up your purchases. The other two rings I will send to Hogwarts as soon as they are finished."
"Very good. I'll be right back!" Harry ran out of the shop, passing by Draco and Fred without a word, and dashed into the bank. He went to his vault and got out the money he needed, and dashed back to the jewelry shop, where he paid the shopkeeper.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Potter. Here it is. I've put a shrinking spell on it so it won't be so conspicuous."
"Thank you. Can you tell me what kind of potions are brewed in this cauldron?"
"I'm not really sure of the exact potions, but you can go to the potions shop across the street. They may be able to tell you. They probably have books for this."
"Thanks." Harry grabbed his bags and walked out the door, straight into Draco and Fred.
"What in the world were you doing? You shot out of there like a bat out of hell, straight to the bank. Then, before we could meet you at the bank, you dashed back." Draco stood there expectantly, waiting for Harry to answer him.
"I had to go get money to buy Severus' gift."
Draco's eyes went wide. "You didn't! Oh, you did, didn't you? You bought that cauldron?" he whispered, making sure no one else besides Harry and Fred heard him.
Harry nodded. "The shopkeeper gave me a great deal. Now I need to go to the potions shop for ingredients and books to go with it. Hey, Drac, you know what Sev has as far as books go. Does he have any books on potions for this kind of cauldron?"
Draco shook his head. "They're expensive and the shopkeeper won't sell them to him. He's not really all that welcome in the shop even now that he's been revealed as a spy, unless it's for more mundane ingredients, and Knockturn Alley can't afford them, considering few people would actually buy them."
"Well then, I say I make a trip across the street. What do you think?"
Draco nodded. "I'll meet you down by the ice cream parlor. They might not want to sell them to you if they see you with a Malfoy."
Harry grimaced but nodded. Any other time, he would have gone in with Draco and dared the shop owner to say something, but he knew he wouldn't be able to find the books elsewhere. He watched Fred and Draco walk away before he walked into the potions shop.
Harry asked the clerk about the books. The clerk showed them to him and he bought the five different books for the cauldron, as well as some of the rarer ingredients needed for some of the potions. It cost him around four hundred and fifty galleons.
Harry met Draco and Fred, and the three headed towards the tailor's. He knew that the tailor had Remus' measurements on hand, since Sirius had insisted on buying Remus some new clothes for his position at Hogwarts despite the werewolf's protests. Harry ordered some dress robes and regular robes, clothing and a velvet bathrobe for Remus. He also bought dress robes for Sirius.
They met Ron, Hermione and Ginny outside the store that sold Muggle items. They went inside, and Harry bought Sirius a new leather jacket, Severus some leather pants (he had asked the previous shop for Severus' measurements, and they had been more than happy to oblige). He also bought some Muggle clothing for Sirius and Remus; Muggle clothing he thought would look quite good on them.
By the time Harry finished buying out Diagon Alley, it was time to meet the older members of their group for lunch.
Severus and Sirius looked up from their conversation to watch the teens come bustling through the door.
Severus smiled at Draco. "Did you get everything you needed, Dragon?"
Draco nodded. "Yeah. Fred helped out a lot. Some of the people were kind of reluctant to help me, but it all worked out find."
Harry heard Severus mumble, "simple-minded morons," under his breath. Harry stifled a giggle while agreeing wholeheartedly.
Sirius looked at the enormous amount of packages Harry had drug in with him. "Did you buy out the entire Alley, Harry?"
"Yes I did, thank you very much. That's what happens when you have lots and lots of gifts to buy. But I think I'm pretty much done. Anything else I need can be bought at Hogsmeade."
"You still have money left?" Remus asked.
"Mm-hm. I had to go back to the bank, so yeah, I do."
Sirius choked on his butterbeer. "Merlin, Harry! How much did you spend? What in the world did you buy?"
Harry grinned. "I'm not telling, and none of your business, especially since some of it is for you."
After they finished eating, Arthur and Molly Weasley looked at Harry and Draco. Arthur told them, "Harry, Draco, we have been talking with these three, and we would be very happy if you two would come and spend the last week with us at the Burrow."
Harry grinned and looked at Draco. "What do you say?" Harry shifted his eyes quickly to Fred and back to Draco.
Draco got the message. "You know, that would be fun. It will give me a chance to get to know Ron better before school," he said, throwing a smile Ron's direction.
Severus sighed. "Then it's all settled. Harry, Draco, you come back with me and pack your things, and then you can floo to the Burrow."
Harry nodded. "Okay. Siri, you don't mind?"
Sirius pulled Harry into his lap and hugged him. "Of course not. You'll have fun, and it will give me a chance to get ready for my new job."
Harry stared at him, surprised. "You have a new job? That's great! Where is it? What do you do? When do you start? Have you met the people you'll work with? Are they nice? Do you think you'll like it?"
"Whoa, Harry! Slow down. Yes, I've met the people, and they are nice. I'm not going to tell you exactly what I'll be doing, because it's kind of a surprise. But as soon as I start, you can come see me at work, okay?"
"All right. In that case, I'd love to come to the Burrow, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."
"Fine, then. It's all settled. Hermione's already brought her stuff. She's staying as well. We'll meet you at home."
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione all flooed away, leaving Fred behind.
Fred looked at the others, his gaze lingering on Draco. "Well, I have to go as well. I'll see you two at the Burrow sometime this week. It was nice to see you again, Sirius. You too, Remus. Mr. Snape, it is always a pleasure. I hope I'll see you when I come to visit Harry and Draco." Fred hugged Harry and Draco before apparating back to Hogsmeade.
Sirius hugged Harry. "We'll just say goodbye here. Don't worry about your things at the house. I'll pack them up and send them with Severus. The same with yours, Draco." Sirius let go of Harry and pulled Draco to him. "I'll see you guys soon."
Remus smiled at the two young men in front of him. "Harry, Draco, I'll see you in a week. Have fun." He hugged them as well and the two apparated away, leaving the remaining three to take the floo home.
* * * *
"Harry, are you sure you have everything?" Severus asked, coming into the room, holding up the guitar that Harry had been using all summer. "I found this in the music room."
"I know. I put it back there. It is yours, after all."
"Nonsense. You love playing, and it's doing nothing but gather dust down there. Take it. I insist. That way you can play and sing for me at Hogwarts."
Harry snorted, taking the guitar. "I knew there had to be an ulterior motive."
"Of course," Severus said lightly, sitting down on the bed next to Harry's trunk.
Harry closed the trunk and latched it. Severus shrunk it for him and he put it in his pocket. Then Harry straddled Severus' lap, wrapping his legs around Severus' waist. "Will you bring Lucifer to the school? I don't want to take him to the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley was kind of queasy when she saw him at my party."
Severus chuckled. "Yes, of course I will. He will be awaiting you in your room."
Harry twirled Severus' silky locks around his fingers and nuzzled his neck. "It'll be a week until we see each other next. What will I do without you?"
"Oh, I'm sure you'll manage," Severus mumbled, wondering what he was going to do without seeing Harry for a week.
"Well, I guess we'll just have to make the best of the time we have before Draco comes in," Harry said, pulling Severus' face close, locking their lips together. They battled for dominance for a moment, before Harry surrendered, sucking Severus' tongue into his mouth and allowing him to explore as he pleased.
Severus' hands trailed up and down Harry's back, memorizing every touch and every scent. Once the need for air overcame their desire, they broke apart.
"I love you, Sev," Harry gasped between the kisses he was trailing down Severus' neck.
"I love you, Harry," Severus moaned before he could stop himself.
Harry stopped and looked up, his eyes shining. "That's the first time you've said it."
Severus laid his head on Harry's shoulder and mumbled, "Actually, I've said it before, you just didn't hear it."
Harry smiled warmly and unwrapped his legs to push Severus down on the bed. "I knew you loved me. But hearing it is a million times better than just knowing," Harry told him, lying next to him. Harry pulled Severus close to him, and kissed him again, a slow, passionate kiss, unhurried and full of all the love he felt.
"Awww...Isn't that so sweet?"
Harry broke the kiss and looked over at Draco. "Do shut up," he said lightly, leaning over to catch Severus' mouth once again.
Draco pretended to gag. "Okay, now I'm nauseous. It's time to go, Harry. The sooner we go, the sooner we can get back to the school.
Harry nuzzled Severus' neck and teased, "You mean the sooner we get to the Burrow, the sooner you get to see Fred."
"That too," Draco said, undaunted. Severus and Harry laughed, getting up off the bed.
Severus strode over to Draco and pulled him into a tight embrace. "You're going to behave yourself, aren't you, my little Dragon."
Draco hugged his uncle back just as tightly. "Of course. I'll just put on the Malfoy charm," he said, ignoring Harry, who was pretending to throw up. "I'll be a perfect gentleman. Harry doesn't have the monopoly on missing you either. I'm going to miss you terribly. This has been the best summer I've had in a very long time. I'm so happy I get to live with you from now on."
Severus smiled, kissing Draco on the top of his head. "You're quite welcome. I just wish I could have taken you in earlier. I'll miss you as well, but it's only for a week, not forever."
Severus let go of Draco. Draco stepped over to the fireplace and picked up a handful of Floo Powder. He looked back at the two and smiled. "I think I'll give you a few moments. Don't be too long, Harry, or they will wonder what you're still doing over here. I may have to send Ron to find you."
"You would, too," Harry said, laughing. "I'll be there in a minute."
Draco nodded, waved to Severus and threw the powder into the fire, saying "The Burrow" before stepping into the fire and disappearing.
Harry walked over to Severus, wrapping his arms around him. "I have to go now. I'll see you on Sunday. I'll miss you."
Severus pulled Harry even closer and gave him a long kiss goodbye. "I'll miss you as well. Like I said, it's only a week, not forever. I'm sure you'll manage."
"I know, but I'll still miss you, probably more than you will me. You won't know what to do with yourself, with both us 'annoyances' out of your hair." Harry kissed Severus again. "I'll see you Sunday," he said, pulling out of Severus' embrace and walking to the fireplace.
With a handful of Floo powder in one hand and the guitar in the other, he turned around to look at Severus. "I love you. Bye."
"I love you, too," Severus said, watching Harry disappear into the fireplace.