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To Have and To Hold	By : MontanaDan Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 67410 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
Author�s notes: Remember, the basis of this story is Harry�s and Severus� relationship. I did not have any grand scheme for Voldemort�s demise, therefore I hope you�re not disappointed by Voldemort�s death. There is one more chapter left of To Have and To Hold.

Thank you all for your patience with this chapter. I hope you enjoy it.

I must thank xikum and a brighter dawn from live journal for the BZ/LV idea.

To Have and To Hold

Chapter 13 � Confrontations

"What do you mean Voldemort wasn�t angry?"

"Calm down, Potter," Severus said, leaning on the desk. Harry was pacing back and forth on the small throw rug in his office, quite livid over the new developments.

Severus had left quickly after filling Albus in on the details of the meeting. Severus needed to see Harry and Dumbledore had acquiesced. Harry was going to be angry about the alterations to the plan and Severus wanted to be the one to break the news to him.

He is an entrancing sight to behold in all his passionate fury.

Severus ignored his bloody inner voice. As much as he would like to get to address Harry�s passions, he would wait if necessary. This was the first time he�d been alone with Harry since the attack. Severus was most eager to touch Harry again, but he wanted to ensure there were no psychological traumas associated with the assault. Severus needed to know that Harry still wanted him, but he wouldn�t rush him. Not for anything.

He needs wild monkey sex. You heard him.

But there were more important issues to deal with. Severus had to be sure Harry would be ready. It was imperative that Harry felt loved before he went to face the Dark Lord. His magic and his strength were back to normal, but what about his emotions?

Harry stopped his pacing and turned to Severus. "Didn�t Zabini get punished at all?"

"Not exactly."

A frowned shadowed Harry�s features. A number of expressions crossed his face, including anger and frustration but it was curiosity that won the battle. "What does �not exactly� mean?"

"Well," Severus explained. "The Dark Lord seemed to think that Blaise had a very plausible plan to debilitate you."

"Plausible?"

"Yes. As we had planned, Draco told him that the attack had weakened you," Severus continued. "So he considers it an opportune time to proceed."

Harry fell into a chair and dropped his head into his palms, as if it had finally sunk in. "Voldemort put the plan into action," he said grimly. "Instead of buying us more time, now we�re out of it." He looked up, his expression serious. "And Zabini?" he asked, his eyes tired.

"He was rewarded," Severus told him and he smirked. "If you could call it that."

That news distracted Harry and he lifted his head. "What do you mean?"

"Blaise�s obsession with you was obvious. Quite frankly, it excited the Dark Lord."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning the Dark Lord decided to reward Blaise by allowing him to pleasure him."

Harry�s jaw dropped open. "You mean�"

Severus nodded. "Oh, yes," he said. "Blaise will have the Dark Lord�s complete attention tonight."

Harry blinked, staring at the floor as if considering the image. His expression was suitably horrified, but Severus wasn�t sure if the revelation pleased Harry or disturbed him. Severus decided to change the subject.

"The good news is, if you can call it that, I don�t think Blaise mentioned the wandless magic you performed."

Harry looked up. "I didn�t even think of that," he murmured.

Are we surprised?

"Maybe I shouldn�t have-"

"No!" Severus shouted and stepped towards Harry. Cupping Harry�s chin with his hand, Severus lifted it and gazed into the anxious green eyes. "You defended yourself the only way you could. Even if the Dark Lord knows of that particular talent, he still thinks you�re an emotional wreck."

Harry nodded and stood up. He moved into Severus� arms, which closed around his waist, and coiled his arms around Severus� neck. "I don�t know if I�m ready," Harry said, searching Severus� face.

Merlin, he still feels perfect in your arms.

Severus leaned forward and kissed his scar. "You are," he said. "We are to discuss the details tomorrow morning with Dumbledore."

Don�t worry him now.

Severus was worried enough for both of them, but Harry needed to feel confident, self-assured. Severus would do anything to ease Harry�s burden. He would have preferred to take Harry away and hide for the rest of their lives rather than send him to face the Dark Lord again.

Harry squeezed his eyes closed, pressing his face into Severus cheek.

"What is it, Harry?"

"I need you." Harry�s breath whispered across his throat.

Thank Merlin.

"I need you with me." The words were as soft as they were desperate and Severus fought his body�s trembling.

"I will be there," Severus promised, silently telling his inner voice to sod off.

"I need," Harry said again, pushing his face into Severus� neck. "I need to know�"

Severus held Harry away, then took his face in his hands.

"Need to know what?"

Harry�s bottom lip was caught between his teeth, his eyes were wide and more vulnerable than Severus had ever seen them. "It�s just that," he eyes drifted away, "that I wanted him to pay."

"I know, Harry," Severus responded, nudging Harry�s face up until he met Severus� gaze again. "Zabini will pay. I promise you that."

Severus frowned as Harry�s averted his eyes once more.

Here it comes.

"It�s just that when he touched me�well, I-I�"

"What, Harry," Severus said coaxingly. "You can tell me."

Oh, and it was so easy for you to talk about?

Severus sighed and ran his thumb over Harry�s trembling lip, trying to remember how he felt. "You felt dirty," Severus said softly, knowingly. "As if the feel of his hands would never wash off." Harry eyes widened as Severus continued to speak. "As if no one would want you again, because somehow, even though you know if wasn�t, you think it could have been your fault."

Lowering his mouth, he gently touched his lips to Harry�s. Harry didn�t pull away. Lifting his head, Severus stared down into the intense green eyes of his young lover. "Nothing he, nor anyone else could do, could ever diminish your worth, Harry," Severus said, dropping small kisses over his face. "Not as a wizard, not as a man and certainly not as a lover."

Harry�s eyes blazed with relief and gratitude. Fingers entwined in Severus hair, pulling his head down again.

Well said, old man.

*********

Harry sighed into the perfection of Severus� kiss. God, Severus was incredible. He understood Harry better than Harry understood himself. Severus had lived it all, knew how it felt. He could be supportive and guiding without pity or judgement.

There were so many layers to the man and with each discovery, Harry was burying himself further and further into a pit of incredible awe and adoration.

So, this was love?

Harry pressed against Severus� body, arms tightening and clinging to his body. He wanted more, but Severus was holding back. Harry could feel it.

"Severus, I want you," he murmured against an ear. "Please, don�t push me away."

Severus did hold him away then and he stared down at Harry with an intensity that reminded Harry of his Occlumency lessons.

"Harry," Severus said. "You�ve been through-"

"Just stop," Harry interrupted. "I know better than anyone what I�ve been through. I�m tougher than I look, you know."

"I know, Harry, but-"

Harry launched himself at his over-protective lover, his kiss voracious as his mouth melded with Severus�. Severus� reaction was instant, his tongue following Harry�s in a sensual dance. Harry�s fingers began a mission on Severus� buttons while their mouths continue to kiss and nip.

"Harry," Severus groaned.

"Severus," Harry said, his voice taking on a pleading tone. "Dark Lord tomorrow," he said with another kiss. "Tonight, just us."

Severus made a sound that could have been a growl as he took control of the kisses, steering Harry through Severus� rooms. Harry had to catch his breath as Severus� mouth moved down to nip and worry at the spot on his neck which made his legs turn to mush. Harry vaguely felt his clothes being peeled away from his body, lost in the sensation of Severus� lips on his skin. The mattress was soft beneath them as Harry was lowered to his back.

Harry remained submerged in sensations as an eager mouth and skillful fingers continued to caress and stroke against him. The reverent fingers reminded Harry of how caring Severus always was in their lovemaking. How thoroughly he prepared him, how carefully he entered him.

They had had sex countless times, but never had it felt like this. Even the first time, when Harry was so impatient, wasn�t so sensuous and slow.

Soon, the need was upon him. The need for more touches, more closeness, more everything. His hands roamed over every bit of skin he could reach but it wasn�t enough. The need drove him on until he was begging.

"S-Sev, want you," Harry panted. "Need you."

Severus� mouth wound its way around a nipple, licking and sucking and causing Harry to arch into the warm moisture. Harry felt Severus hands at his bowed back as Severus pulled Harry closer, sliding effortlessly into him.

Harry groaned at the final wholeness he felt at being filled by his lover and he wrapped his legs around Severus� waist. Severus sat up on his knees, pulling Harry with him. Harry clutched at Severus� shoulders, his head thrown back in response to the fire coiling in his groin. The friction of Severus� stomach rubbing on his cock and Severus� position within him, stroking against his prostrate filled him with molten desire.

"Sev�rus, oh God," Harry rasped, riding Severus� cock with small rocking thrusts.

Severus moaned into Harry�s throat as his mouth moved back up to Harry�s face. Finally, their mouths met again and they devoured each other with the intensity of both physical and emotional passion.

Severus� hands moved again, one to Harry�s lower back the other to the back of Harry�s head, pulling him incredibly closer, impaling him deeper.

Harry�s orgasm blindsided him, and with a gasp, he was thrown over the edge, arching into Severus� chest as he exploded.

************

Severus watched as Harry�s climax was ripped from him. Harry�s head was again thrown back in rapture, his swollen red lips parted in his silent cry of fulfillment. Even Severus� inner voice was strangely quiet as Severus lowered Harry�s limp form back down to the mattress.

Too impassioned to linger on the sight of Harry�s beautiful, debauched appearance, Severus shifted Harry�s legs and thrust back into him. Harry arched to it, moaning as his hands clenched into the bedding.

"Fill me, Severus," Harry whispered, his eyes opening to watch Severus� face. "Leave a part of you with me."

Severus closed his eyes with a groan and thrust again and again until his body spasmed with release, coating Harry�s tight channel with his essence.

Spent and exhausted, he gathered Harry into his embrace and kissed him tenderly.

"That was brilliant," Harry murmured sleepily.

Indeed.

"Go to sleep," Severus whispered, reaching for his wand. He cleaned them up with a spell, replaced his wand and then tightened his arms around his lover. "We are expected at the Headmaster�s office first thing in the morning."

I hear America is a good place to go if you want to disappear.

"If only�"

Harry muffled incoherently and nestled close to Severus� side. His breathing became deep and even. Severus kissed his head.

It�s bloody big enough.

"We must do our duty."

For the greater good and all that rot.

"Mm yes." Not that the world deserved this particular hero. Severus� arms tightened around his lover. "I love you, Harry," he whispered.

Bloody coward. Should have said it before.

Severus didn�t bother arguing with his inner voice. He sighed deeply, the scent of cocamile filling his nose. His eyes closed as he succumbed to sleep.

He didn�t notice the green eyes that had snapped open, round as saucers.

*******************

"Excuse me," said Harry, clutching at his hair. "This is all very nice. But how am I supposed to kill him?"

"I�m afraid you�ll have to use the Killing curse," Dumbledore said, his face sad.

Harry stood up from his chair in front of the Headmaster�s desk with a frustrated gesture. Severus had rushed him when they awoke and Harry�d hardly had time to think. Harry had hurried through a shower, donned clothes that Dobby had fetched for him then been ushered to Dumbledore�s office.

Draco was already there. Harry had also been told that Lucius Malfoy had conversed with the Headmaster, via the floo, last night and this morning as well.

"Due to the ritual at the graveyard," Dumbledore explained, "Voldemort is mortal again. As long as you cast the containment around the both of you, then you should be able to kill him."

"But what if he tries to possess me again?" Harry asked.

"As evidenced by the last time he tried, Harry, there is far too much love inside you for him to remain. As long as there is no other form for him to possess within the field, Voldemort will have no choice but to return to his own body."

Angry now that it could be this simple, Harry continued to rant. "So why didn�t you do it?"

"I could not, Harry," Dumbledore told him. "I don�t have the strength, the will, to kill him like that."

Harry�s jaw dropped open in amazement. But then he remembered Voldemort taunting Dumbledore in the Ministry about how Dumbledore wasn�t fighting to kill. "And I do?" Harry asked.

The Headmaster nodded, looking weary. "Yes."

"After all he has done to you, don�t you want to see him dead?" Draco challenged.

Harry sent Draco a glance. "Of course, but-"

"But what?" Draco asked, as if Harry was dim-witted.

Obviously these people thought nothing about striking someone down in cold blood. He wanted to pull Severus up out of his chair, where he�d been sitting so silently, and shake him until the �real� plan fell out of his mouth. "How?" Harry asked again.

"Avada Kedavra."

Harry glared at Draco. "I know the damned words, Malfoy." He looked back to Dumbledore. "You�ve never taught me how to cast that spell."

"There is no real methodology to be learned," Severus said - finally. "You simply need intent."

"So, what exactly?" Harry turned to Severus then. "I just have to really mean it?"

Severus nodded, but he looked sad. "Precisely."

Harry tossed his hands in the air. "You know what? This plan really sucks!"

"Look, Potter. It�s really simple. I bring you to the Dark Lord. You cast the containment spell, me, my father and Professor Snape help keep it in place and keep everyone else from interfering, then you cast the curse and hold it until he�s dead."

Harry stared at Draco as if he had grown two heads.

"Don�t be such a baby, Potter."

"Why don�t you just shut the hell up, Malfoy. It�s not you he�s after."

"No, just my arse," Draco retorted.

"Gentlemen, if you please," Albus settled them in his fatherly fashion. He turned to Malfoy. "Draco, where is the Portkey?"

Draco pulled a small book out of the pocket of his robe.

"Very good." Dumbledore took the book and picked up his wand.

"So, that thing�s on some kind of timer?" Harry asked. Dumbledore nodded. "What are you going to do then?" Harry asked.

"I will place a tracking charm on the Portkey," Dumbledore told him.

"But a tracking charm won�t get through the wards on the house, sir," Draco quickly said.

Dumbledore looked over his glasses at Draco. "I�m sure you will not be transported directly into the manor. Just make sure you drop the Portkey outside before you enter."

Harry looked back and forth between the two. "How can you be sure?" he asked.

"Because, Harry, it would take a great deal of effort to synchronize the place and time to Voldemort�s wishes," Dumbledore told him. "It�s easier to let you enter from outside, allowing the wards to alert him to your arrival."

"Oh," said Harry, watching with fascination as Dumbledore set the spell on the book and returned it to Draco.

"We already have a location from Mr. Malfoy, but the tracking spell will be quicker and easier to follow." Dumbledore stood up, leaning heavily on the desk. "Listen carefully, Harry," he said. "You are not going to be alone. We now know the time and the place. The whole Order will be right behind you. We, I, will be there. I can�t stress that enough.

"Draco will bring you to the hidden castle just before dinner, and the whole Order will follow. Sirius is being sent ahead to watch, and as soon as you and Draco enter, he will signal the Order forward in a full assault."

Harry studied Dumbledore and noticed that it was The Only One that Voldemort Feared standing before him. He drew comfort from that but�

"So, all I have to do is kill him," said Harry.

"Yes, Harry," Dumbledore told him. "We will take care of the rest."

Harry still thought the plan sucked. It was too cut and dry and there were too many things that could go wrong. He knew he was no strategist, but he wasn�t entirely without cunning. Even if most of his own plans involved plowing forward without any actual thought.

They were shooed out of Dumbledore�s office and Harry moved down the stairs looking tentatively after Severus whose quick strides had carried him fast and furiously toward the Great Hall. Harry would have given his Firebolt for a few words of reassurance.

Severus hadn�t even looked at Harry, but Harry could forgive him because last night had been theirs. Last night Harry had found out that Severus loved him.

"Look, Potter," Draco said, grabbing Harry�s arm and pulling him to the side of one of the staircases. They both looked around to make sure they were alone. "I just wanted to apologize."

Harry blinked. "For what?"

"For Blaise."

Harry scowled. "It was hardly your fault," he said. "It is neither your place nor your right to make apologies or restitution for someone else." Malfoy looked shocked. "What?"

"Nothing," Draco replied. "It just sounds like something my father, or Severus would say."

That got Harry�s attention. "Severus?" he choked. He�d never heard Malfoy call their Professor by his first name.

"It�s not as if it�s any big secret," Draco said imperiously. "He is my godfather."

"He is?" Harry sputtered. Well that certainly explained a lot. Why the hell didn�t Severus tell him that? Harry�d been worried to death over the Malfoys� allegiance and now it comes out that they�re practically Severus� family?

Draco gave him a curious look. "He�s not such a bad person you know," he said.

"Well, I know that," said Harry and almost smacked his hand over his mouth. "I mean, with all the extra training, I�ve noticed that he�s not a complete bastard."

Malfoy smiled benignly. "Right," he muttered. "Anyway, I just wanted you know that I am sorry � not for him � but because Blaise has been acting weird about you and I really should have done something more to stop him."

Harry considered him. "I�m not sure you could have done anything."

"Probably not," said Draco. "But there was a certain amount of jealousy involved. Blaise hated playing second string to me. And I should have warned you."

Harry recalled Zabini�s comments during the attack and had to agree. "I see your point."

They entered the Great Hall together. Draco whispered, "See you later," into Harry�s ear making it look like he was kissing him on the cheek and then moved over to the Slytherin table while Harry sat down at the Gryffindor table.

Harry did not expect to be able to eat. Using a distortion spell on their conversation, he quietly told Ron and Hermione about the alleged plan during breakfast. Both his friends were furious that they weren�t going to be allowed to go and fight with the Order.

Hermione went into lecture mode, reciting as much information as she knew about the Killing curse. As always, her knowledge was extensive, but Harry was having trouble focusing. His mind was a maelstrom of mingling thoughts and feelings.

Severus loved him.

He had to face Voldemort tonight.

Severus loved him.

He would have to kill someone.

Severus loved him. Severus had made slow passionate love to Harry and then had said he loved him.

Then it was time for classes.

For a day that would probably end up going down in history, the morning started out as normally as any other. And yet, today would be remembered as the day that changed the world. It had a marked affect on Harry. After he messed up his Protean Charm in transfiguration, Harry decided to skive off History of Magic.

He was staring idly into the lake when Draco approached.

Harry sighed. "Are you as nervous as I am, Malfoy?" he asked.

"You have no idea," Draco said, grabbing Harry�s arm.

"What-"

Before Harry could finish, something was shoved into his side and he felt a very familiar tug behind his navel. Bugger.

It was one of his better �landings� as Portkeys went, but as he pulled his wand, Draco grabbed Harry�s arm and started dragging Harry toward the small castle.

"What�s going on, Malfoy?" Harry demanded, tripping along behind Draco. He stashed his wand up his sleeve, figuring it would be better to appear unarmed. It surprised him how calm he felt.

"Change of plans," Draco said, thrusting him inside the doors. Harry felt the crackle of wards as they closed off behind him and a sharp pain in his scar.

Harry staggered a bit then turned to face Draco. Malfoy�s eyes were glazed over and there was a vacant expression on his face. Imperius? Fuck. He was so screwed.

And no one knew. Harry guessed it shouldn�t take too long before someone noticed that both he and Malfoy weren�t on the grounds. But how could he buy time if Voldemort simply killed him? Draco prodded him, at wand point, through the hall.

Why were castle halls so long? Double doors opened before them and Harry felt another rustle of magic moving around them as they entered a large audience room. It appeared like it could have been a ballroom, but little remained of any ornamentation save from a few tapestries and a huge chandelier suspended in mid-air high in the middle of the room.

Otherwise the room appeared to be empty, no tables and chairs, no dressers or paintings and no people.

"Ah, come in, Draco," Voldemort said from his � was that a throne? "Hello, Mr. Potter. It is a pleasure to see you again."

**********

"I think it is imperative that you send Black now," Severus snapped. "I don�t think you should wait."

Albus sighed. "This is an unusual attitude for you, Severus."

"You?" scoffed Minerva. "You wish to bring in Sirius?"

"We�re talking about Potter�s life, Headmaster," Severus insisted. "Black is the obvious person to send."

"I agree-"

Weasley and Granger burst into McGonagall�s classroom, silencing the three teachers within.

"Miss Granger, Mr. Wea-"

"Harry�s gone," they both blurted out.

"What?"

"We�ve searched everywhere, he�s not here," Weasley said, still panting.

Granger caught Severus� eyes. "No one has seen Malfoy either."

NO! It�s too soon!

The cold grip that tightened around Severus� heart was unlike anything he�d ever felt.

"Severus, come with me to my office," Albus said. "Minerva, please make the necessary calls."

"Immediately," Minerva replied and all but flew out the door.

Severus could only follow, fighting the numb feeling which threatened to overwhelm his senses. He vaguely heard Weasley and Granger being dismissed but his concentration was on his feet as they quickly made their way to the Headmaster�s office.

Albus went directly to his table of magical detectors, watching different objects spin and smoke.

Please let them be here.

"I�m afraid they�re gone," Albus said. He quickly moved to the hearth and threw a handful of powder into the fire. "Malfoy Manor."

Lucius� head appeared in the flames. "Headmaster, what-"

"No time for pleasantries, Lucius. The boys are gone."

Severus was glad to see Lucius� surprise. If Lucius had known, so help him�

"I will leave at once," said Lucius.

"Very good," Albus agreed. "We will meet you there."

Lucius disappeared from the flames and Albus pulled his wand, drawing a circle in the air before them. A strange glow emanated from the circle. "The tracking spell is still working," he said with relief.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Severus demanded.

Yes. We should be moving. Let�s go. Let�s go!

Albus looked at Severus. "Voldemort hasn�t called you?"

Severus blinked. Lucius hadn�t been called either.

By Merlin.

What was the Dark Lord up to now?

Should have gone to America.

*********

Harry�s scar was burning fiercely now as they approached Voldemort�s chair. He fought to ignore his fear, remembering that they were alone. And he wasn�t dead yet, so maybe he could buy time. Voldemort had yet to move.

"Where�s your family?" Harry said curiously. "I thought you wanted everyone to see you kill me."

Thin lips turned into what could only be called a smirk. "All in good time, Mr. Potter." He turned to Draco. "You may leave us, Draco. You shall receive your reward later."

"Thank you, my lord," Draco said blankly.

"Out!"

Draco backed from the room, bowing respectfully.

"Thanks for nothing, Malfoy," Harry called, hoping the spell would wear off and Draco would alert the Order. Unless their allegiance was all a lie�

No. Harry didn�t think it was a lie. It was Voldemort. Harry watched Draco leave the room and heard Voldemort mutter his own containment spell on the large room. Well at least that was part of the plan.

"Well now," said Voldemort. "What should I do with you?"

"Aren�t you going to kill me?"

"Are you in a hurry to die?"

"Not particularly."

"Good." Voldemort stood up and Harry took an instinctive step back. "I, too, am in no rush to encounter my demise." He paced a few steps. "So what to do? There is that irritating prophecy to contend with."

This was getting stranger by the minute. "Trelawney is an old fraud," Harry said.

"Mm, yes, I�ve heard that," he agreed. "Yet Dumbledore has taken this prophecy quite seriously."

"Haven�t you?"

"I have," he said. "I admit I was as eager to hear the specifics of the prophecy. Any Dark Lord would wish to know the details of his foretold destruction." He stepped towards Harry and Harry�s head gave a strong pang of protest. "And yet it seems that the entire prophecy revolves completely around me," he continued as he circled Harry, "and the person I choose as my �equal.� In this manner, you could say that I made you what you are today."

Voldemort still sounded the same as the arrogant, young Tom Riddle he�d met in the Chamber of Secrets his second year. Voldemort�s self-confidence was just as disconcerting.

"You could say that," Harry said, unnerved as Voldemort stopped in front of him. He tried to separate himself from the pain in his head, and focus on what Voldemort was saying and doing.

"I did say that. What do you think?"

Harry considered it, looking into those glowing red eyes. "I see your point. You could have picked Neville."

"Neville?"

"Longbottom."

"Ah," Voldemort said with dawning, as he resumed his pacing. "Indeed. He could have fulfilled the requirements of the prophecy. But I chose you, didn�t I?"

Harry nodded, hoping Voldemort felt inclined to be long winded today. Wiping his palms on his robe, he wondered how long it would take before the Order came running. They must know by now. He felt around for his wand, relieved that it was still in his pocket.

"So, Mr. Potter � Harry - I�d like to offer you another opportunity."

Harry blinked. "Another opportunity for what?" he asked with surprise.

The Dark Lord surveyed him curiously, his red gaze traveling over Harry�s face and form. The perusal made Harry shudder. "You have grown very powerful," Voldemort murmured. "And a Parselmouth as well, I�ve heard."

"So?" It was hard to keep the suspicion out of his tone.

"So, everything you are, you�ve received from me."

Anger began to build now, overcoming his fear. Just as when Tom Riddle had declared them alike, the animosity grew at any comparison to the Dark ugly creature before him.

"In fact," Voldemort went on, "there is as much of me inside you as anyone else, including your parents. We share the same blood, your mother�s protection, the link through your scar."

Impatiently, Harry said, "What are you saying?"

"If you joined me now, we could be quite undefeatable."

Harry was startled. "Join you?"

"Yes." Voldemort raised a hand towards Harry�s face and Harry�s scar throbbed as if it was close to exploding. "The Dark Lord and the Boy Who Lived � together."

Voldemort seemed enthralled by the idea. Harry didn�t get it. "But the prophecy-"

"Made by an old fraud," Voldemort dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "Think of it, Harry. Unlimited power, immortality. Thousands bowing to your every whim."

"But I am a half-blood."

"As am I."

Harry leaned away from the hand by his face. "And what�s in it for me?"

Voldemort stared into his eyes and Harry quickly blocked his mind. Damn, he�d nearly forgotten the issue of Legilimency.

"Peace," Voldemort told him, lowering his hand. "No one trying to kill you anymore. I will arrange a house for you, a whole town if you desire, where you can live with anyone you like. All of your friends will be safe from harm."

"And what do I have to do?" Harry asked, unsure if he was actually faking his interest. The thought of being able to live in peace and safety with Severus was tempting.

"What ever you like," Voldemort replied. "There will be few, if any, demands placed on you by me."

Harry pulled himself from his thoughts. "At what cost?" he asked.

Voldemort seemed to be reading him, which made Harry nervous.

"Well, that�s the question, isn�t it, Harry?" he said. "Just how much do you care about a world which locked you away with people who hated you? A world that turns on you every other week? Calls you insane one minute, then toasts you the next?"

Voldemort began to circle him again, eyes fixed on Harry�s form. "They never really loved you, you know. Once you have served your purpose, what will you do? Have they ever bothered to consider what you would want to do with the rest of your life?

"They�ll toss you aside like yesterday�s Daily Prophet," Voldemort declared.

Oh God, he was pure evil. He was playing on Harry�s supposed emotional instability.

"All you need to do is live your simple, happy little life, and we needn�t have any more of these dramatic little showdowns."

"While you take over?"

"Even you have to admit, I�d be better than Fudge."

Harry snorted. He couldn�t help it.

"It�s a simple decision, Harry."

Dumbledore�s words from Harry�s fourth year came to him. "Remember, if the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember�"

Harry did remember. He recalled Severus� words as well. "He wouldn't let you get within 10 yards before transfiguring your big cat into a kitten. Then, being the nasty Dark Lord he is, he would promptly crush you under his heel."

But Harry was already within three yards� Maybe his original plan had merit now, especially since they were alone.

"You�re very good," Harry said.

Voldemort raised an expectant hairless brow.

"You�ve twisted the truth to make it sound as horrible as even I could imagine."

"Is it twisted? I think not."

"You�ve forgotten one little thing though."

"And what�s that?"

"You�ve killed or been responsible for the deaths of my entire family and made my life a living hell."

"So I have."

"If you think I�ll join you now, you�re deluded."

Voldemort drew his wand. "A simple �no� would have sufficed."

Before Voldemort could open his mouth, Harry sprung at him, transforming mid-leap.

Hatred and a sense of self-preservation guided him as his claws began to rip and tear at anything they encountered. Powerful jaws closed around a scrawny throat, which was easily rent under the onslaught.

Feeling the snap and tasting blood, Harry backed away from the sprawled, bloodied form. He transformed again and looked down at the broken body of the Dark Lord.

Voldemort took a wheezing breath. His lips mouthed the word "no" and he closed his eyes.

Sudden, intense pain brought Harry to his knees then to the floor. All-encompassing agony ripped through his soul as thoroughly as his teeth and claws had just done to Voldemort�s flesh. Torment identical to what he�d felt in the Ministry atrium locked his muscles. Dumbledore had said that Voldemort wouldn�t be able to possess him for long. It was already too long. Harry wanted to die, anything to end the pain.

Just give yourself over to me, Harry.

No, that he wouldn�t do. He wouldn�t fail now. Harry had too much to lose. He fought the pain, which was trying to overcome his senses.

He had Severus.

Severus?

Harry felt Voldemort�s surprise as memories of their times together sprung forth from his mind. The contentment, the caring�the love wrapped around him like a blanket, shielding him from all else. The memory of the whispered words�

"I love you, Harry."

Then blackness took him.

***********
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To Have and To Hold