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Slytherin Match	By : Pat Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 14200 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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.

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Neville's heart beat faster with excitement. That was the first praise Snape had ever given him. He grinned at Harry.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"No, Siri, there are no excuses this time," said Dumbledore in a stern voice. "When you were young and foolish I covered up your mischief with Severus, but you are a grown man now. You will suffer the consequences of your actions. I have left it up to Harry and Severus. You'll await their judgement."

Sirius Black sat in one of Dumbledore's chairs, tied to it through an immobility spell. His wand was long gone.

"I was protecting Harry! Someone had to. You've obviously been complicit in this little sick joke," he protested vehemently.

"Yes, I'm happy to say I was, but only after the fact," Dumbledore said with a glint in his eye. "If you had waited to find out what really happened, you might not have been so eager to exact an unwarranted revenge against Severus," he continued.

"You've always had a soft spot for that bastard, haven't you? I admit he makes a good spy, but he was a death eater, for God's sakes. Don't you understand what that makes him capable of? Fine, use him as a tool, but don't give him my godson as a reward!" Sirius fumed.

Dumbledore arched an expressive eyebrow. "Do you take me for a fool, Siri? Even if I did not care for the boy as much as I do, I would still do everything in my power to protect him and make sure he gets every advantage possible. If for no other reason than he is invaluable to the Order and our long term chances of victory against Voldemort."

Dumbledore shook himself. "Since you are Harry's Godfather, I will try to explain the situation to you. Severus wasn't the one who initiated the bond. It was Harry's decision," he said.

Dumbledore reached into his candy tin on the desk before continuing.

"Harry was having some romantic troubles at the time and chose to use magic as a solution. Foolhardy, of course, but then many Gryffindors have looked before they've leapt, eh Siri?" he said with a sideways glance at Black.

"He managed to find an old and powerful spell in the restricted section of the library. The spell had some dark magic components to it, as it used blood magic and did not require the consent of either party. It was commonly used in the 18th century by powerful wizards and witches to find and bind their magical love matches to them," Dumbledore said as he calmly popped a piece of candy in his mouth.

"Once enacted, the spell finds the perfect mate and the bonding is complete. The spell chose Severus and tied both he and Harry together, both magically and emotionally. Any attempt to interfere with it would only bring about devastating results to both of them," Dumbledore said thoughtfully.

Sirius paled a little at that. "That's a lie, Harry would never do that," he said in a low voice.

"Is it? I suggest you ask Harry the next time you see him. If you ever see him again, that is. Now be silent. I've heard more than enough from you."

At the word silent, Sirius was unable to utter another syllable. He watched Dumbledore calmly eat a chocolate frog. All he could think of was that Dumbledore had not even used his wand.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry stumbled towards the dungeon, his legs and arms feeling like heavy weights. The Quidditch practice had run long, but it had given him time to think. Severus had asked that he wait at least twenty-four hours before making a judgement about what to do with his godfather.

"That's more of a chance than Sirius gave Sev," he thought bitterly.

Harry wasply ply angry and the sting of betrayal was ever present in his heart. Sirius had never even bothered to talk to Harry or Dumbledore about the situation before acting so rashly. Severus might have been killed by Siri's wild temper and thoughtlessness.

"Damn him," he said aloud. He stood before the blank wall and tried to recall the latest password. Ah, yes. "Bracelet," he said.

The wall moved back and allowed him entrance to their quarters. Sev was still in the infirmary recovering from his injuries, much to his chagrin.

He packed a few items and some books to keep Severus' mind busy, at least through the additional night he had to spend in the care of Poppy Pomfrey. Harry was afraid that, if his husband didn't have some distraction, he'd hex poor Poppy right out the door.

The fire was burning merrily in the hearth. As Harry glanced its way, the fire's flames turned a shade of green. Someone was trying to reach him through fire talk.

"Harry, are you there?" came the voice followed by the face of the Headmaster.

"Yes, sir. I'm just packing up a few items for Severus. I'll be going up to the infirmary in a couple of minutes to visit him," he said.

"Wonderful. I'm pleased to hear that he's going to make a full recovery. I wanted to ask you..." he began

"No, sir, Severus and I haven't made any decision yet on what to do with Siri. We'll talk about it this evening and give you our decision tomorrow."

"Ah, good. But that really isn't what I was going to speak to you about," he said and then paused.

Harry felt twitchy. Dumbledore had another more important agenda item than whether or not Siri went to Azkaban?

"Nothing very big, Harry. Just a small favor I'd like you and Severus to indulge me in," he said in a brisk tone.

Harry waited for the other shoe to drop.

Dumbledore smiled widely. "I'd like to ask you both, for the moment at least, to curtail your activities in the Dueling Club," as he said that, Harry's ears pricked up.

"May I ask why, Headmaster?" he said.

.

"Security purposes, Harry. Severus has probably told you by now that I am initiating overall stronger security measures here at Hogwarts," he continued in his jovial tone. "You're aware, I'm sure, that your bonding hasn't been well-received in certain circles."

Harry sighed. He knew that Dumbledore wouldn't tell him anything more. Maybe Sev would have some ideas about what was going on.

"Of course, sir, I'll tell Severus tonight. Who shall I tell him is taking over as instructor in the meantime?" he said with a small shade of malice.

Dumbledore visually winced. "Ah well, umm as to that, schedules were not easily re-arranged," he started.

"Yes? Who had the time to devote to it?" Harry continued to press. He knew this was going to be good.

"Well, Professor Sprout will take over for Severus while he has this little hiatus."

Harry held in the little rifts of laughter that were trying desperately to escape.

Dumbledore recovered a measure of his poise. "Well, on your way, my boy. Have a nice visit," and with that he disappeared from the fire.
He re-opened the warded door, threw the supply bag over his shoulder and headed off to the infirmary.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"My Lord, how may I serve you," Lucius Malfoy bowed low before the dark figure wrapped in shadows. Despite the cold, Nagini lay coiled around his master. His forked tongue flickered out in interested fashion towards Lucius.

Peter shivered off to the side, unnoticed but listening intently.

Voldemort stroked the snake's head. "A small favor, Lucius, but important."

"Anything, my Lord," Lucius said in relief. He had another chance to prove himself. He would not be fed to Nagini, at least not yet.

"This parchment must reach the hands of my spy in Hogwarts safely. Only they may open it. It must reach them on Samhain. Do you understand?" Voldemort's hood slipped back on his head and his reddish eyes gleamed in the dark.

Lucius shuddered and averted his Lord's direct eye contact. "Yes, my Lord," he said.

"Do not fail me in this, Malfoy...I am not likely to forgive again," the voice came out like shards of glass, sharp and dangerous.

Peter crouched and then squatted, listening avidly.

Envy and malice worked its way into Peter's heart. All that he had left was his service to his Lord. Something nibbled at the back of his mind. No, he had one other thing. His life debt to Harry Potter. Maybe the two weren't as incompatible as they seemed.

As Peter watched Malfoy depart, his mind spun with the possibilities.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry and Severus walked into Dumbledore's office after getting off the moving staircase. Dumbledore waited behind his desk. Sirius was seated in one of the three chairs placed directly in front of him.

Harry moved the remaining two chairs further away from his godfather. Then he and Severus sat down.

Sirius grimaced at Harry's action, but held his tongue. Dumbledore had made it very clear he would not tolerate any outbursts.

"Have you and Severus decided what action you'd like to take, Harry?" Dumbledore said in gentle tones. He knew this could not be an easy decision for Harry. Despite everything, he did love his godfather.

Harry looked at Severus and then down at his hands. "Yes, we have," he said. "We will not press official charges, the Ministry will not be involved."

Sirius released a breath he had been holding.

"Harry," he began.

"But, there is a condition," Harry interrupted.

Harry turned and looked at his godfather.

"Sirius, I don't believe you're an evil man at heart. However, you have shown me more than once that you will never give Severus the chance he deserves. Your blind hatred of him is well documented," Harry paused, looking tense.

"Harry, it was a mistake..." Sirius tried once again to speak.

Harry shook his head negatively at Sirius. "Siri, you are my godfather, but Severus is my husband. By your actions, you have made me choose-and I choose my husband. As of this moment, I want you out of my life for good."

"No, Harry!" Sirius said. "Don't let this one mistake tear us apart. I love you," he said in the throes of deep emotion.

Severus could not stand to stay silent longer. "Harry, I will say this, I feel I have to," Severus began. "Right now neither of us wants Black in our lives, but there may come a time when you do. All I ask is that you leave that possibility open. Forr owr own sake if for no other reason," he said.

Dumbledore shifted noisily in his seat as he read the unspoken message from Severus. Three heads turned towards the Headmaster.

"Harry, my boy, I believe Severus may have the right of it. Don't completely shut the door on a reconciliation," he said.

Harry looked troubled, but said, "Alright, I'll agree to that, but only if Siri will respect our privacy and our marriage vows."

Sirius started to open his mouth to protest, but silenced immediately after a look from Dumbledore.

"You have my word, Harry, I will personally make sure Siri respects those boundaries or he will have to deal with me," a wave of powerful magic seeped into all corners of the room.

Severus looked up sharply.

Sirius slumped back in his chair. He did not like the decision, but at least he had a small chance to regain his godson's love, even if that meant accepting Severus into the family. He would make it work; he had to.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was two days before the Halloween ball, and excitement among the students had risen to a fever pitch. Many had rushed off to Gladrags in Hogsmeade to get new dress robes for the festivities. The seamstresses' were busy night and day trying to keep up with the orders.

Dumbledore had agreed to allow the first and second years to have their own little parties in their common rooms after the traditional Halloween Feast. The older students would have the use of the Great Hall for the ball until midnight.

At the Gryffindor table the talk was only of the upcoming Ball.

Ron was excitedly examining the brand, sparkling new galleons he had just received via owl mail. His mother had managed to scrape up the money to pay for new robes.

"Its brilliant. Mione, what shall I get? Maybe green, no, red, no.."

Hermione giggled at Ron's enthusiasm. "Ronald Weasley, if you think I'll allow you to pick out your own robes, you're mad. I'll go with you this morning, since your Quidditch practice has been canceled and I am free the first period."

Ron goggled at Hermione. "Mione! You giving up a chance to study? The world must be coming to an end," he teased her.

"Not at all," she said, unruffled. "I want my date to look presentable," she said in a stern tone, but her eyes sparkled.

Harry smiled at both of his friends. Some things never changed. He turned his attention to Neville.

"And how are your plans coming along, Neville?" he asked.

Neville flushed with pleasure. "I'm very excited. Blaise has told me to save all my dances for him," he said shyly.

Hermione saw the lovely white rose pinned to Neville's school robes.

"Ooohh, how lovely, Neville. A gift from Blaise?" she said in a teasing voice.

Neville flushed a deeper shade of red. "Yes, he gave it to me this morning on the way to breakfast," he said, glancing towards the Slytherin table.

A snort came from Dean Thomas further down the table. Seamus frowned at him.

Lavender spoke up. "Well, I think it's very nice of him. I wish every boy were so thoughtful," she said to distract Neville from Dean's scowl.

Hermione then rounded on Harry. "Harry, will Professor Snape be coming, too?"

Harry paused in bringing a spoonful of porridge to his mouth. He had never thought of that before. Professors were usually there in the capacity of chaperones to make sure the punch didn't end up being magically enhanced, but other than that they seldom partook in the festivities.

"I'm not sure, Mione. I'll have to ask him," he said doubtfully. He thought wistfully of dancing in Severus' arms, but he knew Sev would be unlikely to agree. Severus was a stickler for maintaining his professional demeanor among the students. He only became Harry's Sev behind closed doors.

"Well," Ron said cheerfully. "At least we won't have to go blind watching Snape trying to dance," he grinned.

Ron yelped as Hermione elbowed him in the ribs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry studied his new robes critically. He and Hagrid had made a special trip to Diagon Alley to get them. They were green with silver embroidery in deference to Sev's house colors. This might annoy or irk some of his Gryffindor mates, but Harry had been adamant with Madame Malkin. He wanted Severus to see that he was committed to this relationship and he felt this was one small way of showing it.

Severus entered their bedchamber as Harry was putting away his new robes.

"Interesting color choice for the Ball," he said dryly.

"You don't like it? I can always wear my old robes," Harry replied in a teasing tone.

Severus ran his eyes up and down Harry's body.

"No, I like it very much. I assume you know, however, that some of your housemates won't be too pleased with your immersion into all things Slytherin," he replied.

"In for a penny, in for a pound," Harry replied cheerfully.

Severus' mouth twitched trying to hold back a smile.

"I had Madame Malkin make you up a new set of robes as well, Sev," Harry said slyly.

Severus' head snapped to attention. "And why, pray tell, would I need new robes?" he said in silky tones.

Harry's eyes danced merrily, but he replied in solemn tones, "Because I want to be the envy of everyone at the Ball. When they see you in your new robes I'll be beating them off with a stick."

"I think I'd best see these new robes, don't you?" Severus said in challenging manner.

Harry opened the closet and drew out black robes with silver embroidery. They were elegant, understated and what Madam Malkin and Harry had decided upon for Severus. She had been itching to get the Potions Master into her robe shop for years. She had been more than eager to conspire in helping to outfit the dour Professor.

Severus drew off his working robes and took the new robes from Harry.

"I'll just try these on, shall I?" Severus said agreeably.

Harry goggled at that, he'd expected at least an argument.

"Yes," he squeaked. "That would be brilliant," he said as his right eye began to twitch nervously. He kept expecting an explosion of some sort from his husband.

Severus seemed to be reading his mind, because he produced a wry smile.

"Harry, I'm honored that you're going to be wearing my House colors to the Ball. That is a very special gift from my bond-mate. The least I can do is to reciprocate and wear the robes you have picked out for me."

Harry moved forward to embrace Severus. His throat was tight with emotion.

He heard a muffled voice from the area of his shoulder continue. "However, Mr. Potter, don't assume that you can play dress-up with me every day."

Harry lightly bit his husband's neck, eliciting a growl. "Now that's the Sev I know and love," he said lightheartedly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dumbledore paced around the top of the Astronomy Tower. He looked thoughtfully out at Hogwarts' grounds. Information had come to him from his highest source in Voldemort's circle that an attempt on Severus' life would be endeavored on Halloween.

No further information was forthcoming. Apparently, the mole didn't know who the traitor was. Normally, Dumbledore would have taken any information from this source with a grain of salt, but he knew the power of the life debt.

Wormtail had been a Gryffindor once. Maybe there was some small spark of that honor left.

He heard the clack of high heels on the stairs. Minerva walked slowly, almost reluctantly, into the tower room.

"You wanted to see me, Albus," she said coolly.

"Yes, Minerva. I have important information that has come to my attention," he stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"And you trust me enough to inform me? How very kind of you," she said in a sharp tone.

"My dear," he said. "You'll never know how sorry I am I had to "test" you the other day. But in these matters I have no choice. The interests of the Order must override my own personal feelings. No matter how painful..."

Dumbledore turned away in the grip of the strongest emotion he had felt in many years. Minerva had been his companion, his lover, his best friend for over three decades. He stayed silent for a few moments, studying the Quidditch practice on the field.

Minerva studied the old man for a few moments.

She walked silently over to where Albus stood and slipped her hand quietly into his.

"Whatever it is, Albus, we'll handle it together," she said with beginnings of a small smile.

Dumbledore gripped her hand tighter. "Yes," he said in an emotion-laden voice. "Together."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Severus sat in his favorite chair in front of the fire. Harry sat coiled around him in his lap. His husband carded his fingers through Harry's dark hair. The warmth of the fire and his husband's gentle touch was soothing to the young man.

Severus had just broken the news to Harry that Dumbledore feared an "attack" within the confines of Hogwarts sometime on Halloween. Severus had not elaborated. He refused to heighten Harry's anxiety level with the information that he was the target. It was enough that Harry would be alert and on his guard.

"Keep your wand with you at all times, Harry," Sev said calmly. "We don't know exactly how this threat is to be carried out, so don't assume you're safe in any part of Hogwarts, or with anyone for that matter."

Harry lifted his head off of Severus' shoulder and looked gravely at him. "I'll stay here with you, Sev. I won't go to classes or the ball," he said.

Severus gently shook his head. "No, Harry, that's the worst thing you could do. It would alert Voldemort to the fact that we're aware of the attempted strike. Albus has asked us to continue our normal day-to-day activities," he said with a light kiss to Harry's forehead.

"I guess he's right," Harry said grudgingly. Frankly, he was relieved. Harry assumed that the attack would be against himself, as usual. Voldemort was nothing if not persistent. If the Headmaster couldn't find this traitor in time, he didn't want Sev caught in the crossfire. He felt a pang in the region of his heart.

Severus tightened his arms around Harry. His bond-mate was taking this better than he expected.

"Sev," Harry began.

"Yes, Harry?" Severus replied.

"Could we...make love tonight?" he said with a slight pinkening in his cheeks.

Severus growled. "I could think of nothing I'd like more," he said, running his hands over Harry's buttocks.

Harry raised his head again. "I mean," he stuttered slightly. "I want you inside me, Sev," he said quietly.

Severus abruptly set Harry on his feet and rose from the chair.

Looking down on Harry from his additional height, he studied him carefully. "Harry, as much as I'd love to do that with you, I don't think you're ready for anal sex," he said slowly.

Harry shuffled his feet a bit.

"Sev, I've been practicing a bit," Harry said in a choked voice.

"What?" Sev's voice rose several octaves.

"Mmm...with my fingers, like the books say," Harry said with a nervous smile.

"What books?" Severus said with the start of a scowl. He feared Harry had left Hogwarts to obtain them, thereby compromising his safety again.

As if reading his husband's mind, Harry immediately sought to relieve his anxiety. "I didn't personally get them, Sev," he said.

Sev looked horrified. "Good God! Don't tell me Weasley got them for you!"

Harry chuckled a bit. "No, I had a little discussion with the headmaster and he got them for me. Strictly for research purposes, of course," Harry bashfully grinned at his husband.

Severus dipped his head down and started to lick his way into Harry's mouth. Harry immediately entwined his arms around Severus' neck. After several minutes of impassioned snogging, Severus broke gently away.

"Alright, Harry," he said, stroking his face gently. "If you feel you're ready...but I want you to tell me if you feel uncomfortable or awkward at any time. I won't be able to enjoy this if you aren't," and with that he used his hands to pull Harry hard against him.

A breathless Harry squirmed and brought his burgeoning erection against Sev's leg. "The sooner, the better," he said in a small voice.

Severus brought Harry's hand to cup his own hardened cock. Harry rubbed and marveled that he could bring this kind of pleasure to his normally reserved husband.

Severus growled as Harry's fingers continued their play. "Time for bed, Harry," he panted. He put his arm around Harry's waist and led him into the bedroom.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Voldemort walked the forest, wrapping himself in the darkness and shadows. Wildlife, sensing his approach, fled to their burrows. Peter walked behind his master, shivering in the cold.

"Tomorrow, Wormtail," he intoned. "Severus shall pay for his perfidy," he laughed as he took a piece of parchment out of his cloak. "Send this by owl to Malfoy. He will make sure it gets to Hogwarts by morning," he said in a dismissive manner.

Peter scuttled forward to take the parchment. He hesitated and then, greatly daring, asked a question. "Master, is the new servant to be trusted?" hked,ked, lowering his head, prepared for the Cruciatus curse to be thrown at him.

Voldemort silently stared at him, long enough to make Peter shake uncontrollably.

"Yes," came the hissing voice. "I can always count on a lust for power to provide me with many servants. Dreams and portents indeed. Fool," he said in an almost a reflective voice. Voldemort flowed into the darkness of the deep woods, leaving behind the least of his followers.

Peter twitched. He knew who the traitor was. The question was, could he get the information to the Order in time? Did he dare try? The leaves crackled and snapped under his feet as he hurried after his master.

Harry lay awaiting Sev's return from the shower. He was feeling in turns both nervous and anticipatory . Tonight, he and Severus would consummate their bond. He sat up in bed and put his arms around his legs, listening to the sounds of Severus finishing his nightly ablutions.

In a stroke of daring, he had not put on his nightshirt. It made him feel wickedly sexy. The feel of the sheets on his naked body was arousing, but the thought of his husband and what was to happen soon, even more so. Harry's cock was already leaking with excitement.

The door to the bathroom opened and Severus strode out nude and unconsciously beautiful. Harry caught his breath. Sev looked like some kind of Roman God of War. His shoulder-length dark hair swung like a curtain framing his face. He was tall and lean, but the curves of his muscles were defined in the dim light. Harry sucked in a breath: and well endowed.

Sev walked slowly, prowling like a giant feline over to their bed. He drew back the coverlet and threw it to the end of the bed, leaving Harry's body exposed.

Harry saw Sev's cock twitch and start to harden.

"Sev," he said quietly.

Severus put one knee on the bed and lent down to kiss his young husband. Harry's arms curled around his neck.

As Severus began to straddle his body, Harry's hips automatically bucked up, looking for the delightful friction that would ease his ache.

"Easy, Harry," Sev said as he pulled out of the kiss and reached over to pick up a small blue bottle off the night table.

Harry's eyes were almost completely dilated to black as he stared hungrily at his husband.

"Turn over, Harry," Sev ordered.

Scrambling to obey, he could not help but tense a bit. He wanted this, but he knew at some level it would hurt, at least the first time.

"Relax, Harry," Sev said soothingly. "Nothing will happen before you're ready for it."
Harry heard a small clink of glass as Sev took the stopper from the bottle. His nose picked up the clean smell of herbs.

Severus poured a little of the oil onto his hands and gently warmed it. Then he started to massage Harry's shoulders. He could feel the tenseness and knots located there. Harry grunted as his hands dug deep into the tightness. As Severus' strong hands continued to stroke and pamper him, Harry let out a breath he did not know he had been holding. This felt wonderful.

Sev's hands continued to work their way down his back. Harry felt his husband dribble a little of the oil on the small of his back. Severus' fingers gently parted his buttocks and began to gently massage the puckered entrance secreted there.

Harry pushed back into his husband's hands. He wanted more.

"Sev," he said in a rusty voice. "Please."

Severus seemed to understand because after a few more tantalizing strokes he pushed one finger gently into Harry. He tensed slightly, but felt no pain. Severus worked the finger back and forth, looking for the gland that would bring his husband pleasure.

"Ahhhh!" Harry cried. "That feels so good..."

Severus smirked and introduced the second finger, again making sure to curl the fingers to stroke the prostate.

Harry almost bounced up off the bed this time. "Severus, gro ground out. "More! I want more," he said, panting.

Sev pushed a third finger in and this time Harry definitely felt a burn accompanying the stretching, but he was beyond caring.

Severus withdrew his fingers entirely and Harry whimpered. Then his husband pulled him up onto his knees with his head resting on his arms.

"It will be easier like this, love," he growled. "Keep breathing, and push back against me, that will make this a little easier," he continued. "I won't lie. It will hurt a bit the first time."

Harry knelt arching his bottom back towards his husband. "I don't care. Do it, Sev!"

His husband was not about to reject that invitation. He had waited long enough to claim Harry.

Slowly, but surely, Sev pushed past the first ring of muscle. With a pop, the head of his cock was in. He paused, waiting for Harry to signal his readiness to continue.

Harry pushed back slightly and Sev continued to gently push forward.

There was a definite burning sensation now and Harry bit his lip. He wanted this, though, and nothing was going to stop it.

Finally, with some gentle rocking motions, Sev ended up all the way in, his balls resting against Harry.

He pulled out slightly and began to thrust gently back in. *There * thought Harry with a mental whimper, that feels fine.

"Harder, that feels so good," he said in an almost slurred voice.

Severus obliged by pulling almost entirely out and pushing back in with more force. Harry saw stars, as Sev nudged his prostate again. Sev started to thrust and Harry began to move in concert with him.

Severus reached around and his right hand wrapped around Harry's cock. Harry gasped. The sensation of being filled to the hilt and having his cock touched at the same time was almost indescribable.

Sev started to growl and he moved against Harry with less restraint. His instinct to "claim" what was his seemed to grow with every second. He wanted to touch, taste and mark his husband so that nothing would ever separate them.

As their frantic coupling continued, a heavy feeling of magic started to grow in the room

In some part of his mind that was still aware Sev could feel the spell's final bindings coming into being.

Harry started to grunt and cry out. He keened and moved like some demented wild creature.

Severus started to lose the rhythm of thrusting and knew he was close. His hand stroked Harry's cock even harder.

With a loud wail, he felt Harry's cock pulse once, twice, three times over his hand. Harry's body tightened around Severus' cock and he roared his approval. He thrust once more as deeply as he could and then stilled as his cock pulsed his cum into his husband's body.

Harry collapsed back on to the bed and Severus lay supporting his weight off his husband, unwilling to give up their connection just yet.

As he finally softened and slipped out of Harry, he heard Harry give a small whimper of pain.

He rolled them both to their sides and held Harry, now wet and sticky, against his chest.

"Sev, that was..."

"Yes," Severus said in a raspy voice.

Severus murmured something in low tones and Harry felt all the stickiness disappear.

"Wandless magic, Sev?" he chuckled. "You said that was showing off when Dumbledore did it."

Severus nipped at Harry's chin.

"The difference is I'm not doing it to impress, or would you have rather stayed messy?" his husband said, arching an eyebrow.

Harry tucked his head under Sev's chin; he could still feel the lingering magic from the bonding spell tingling along his skin.

"I love you, Sev, and it's not because of any spell. I love who you are, and what I am when I am with you," he said in a quiet tone. "You make me happy, and I haven't had too much real happiness in my life."

Severus reached down and pulled Harry's chin up so that he could see his expression. What he saw shining there gave his heart ease. "I think it's safe to say that it's mutual," he said gruffly.

Tears pricked Harry's eyes. He curled tighter around Sev's body but said nothing. Words were unnecessary.

As their breathing slowed and they slipped into sleep, the last of the bonding magic seeped into the walls, flooring and inanimate objects in their quarters.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As the pink rays of dawn began to spread over Hogwarts, a snowy owl made its way towards a window. It flew in the open window and landed on a table. A hand reached out and took the parchment message off the owl's leg.

The parchment had a red wax seal. The recipient got a small, sharp knife out of a drawer and opened the sealed message.

The parchment crackled loudly in the early morning air. On the parchment was one word in black lettering.

"Cassandra."

The hands began to tremble and a long, eerie moan issued forth.

Throwing the parchment into the fireplace flames licked at it for a few seconds, before it, too, was gone.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Gryffindor students tumbled into the Great Hall for their breakfast and admired the Halloween decorations all ready in place. Each long table had matching black and orange linen and plates. Even each glass at the table was magically enhanced to reflect different denizens of the Forbidden Forest every few seconds. Vampires, unicorns, trolls and centaurs paper decorations ran up and down the tables.

"Dumbledore's outdone himself this year," said Seamus.

Ron came in yawning and plunked himself down by Hermione, who already had her books propped up in front of her.

"Harry's not here yet?" Ron asked.

Hermione looked up from her potions text. "Not yet, Ron. I expect he'll be here soon."

"He always used to be here before me," Ron said in a grumbling tone.

"Ron," Hermione began softly. "Harry is a married man now..." she pinkened with the unspoken sentiment.

A hoot came from Seamus. "Harry and Snape, what I wouldn't giv be be a fly on the wall for that," came from the boisterous Irish lad.

"Seamus!" came in shocked tones from Hermione.

Just at that moment, Neville came up to his friends adjusting his robes. He looked both flustered and flushed.

"Hello, and what have you been up to Neville?" Seamus slyly began.

"Err...nothing," said Neville.

Hermione noticed a love bite on Neville's neck but just bit back her smile.

"Come and have breakfast, Nevvy, we were just about to start," she said kindly.

Hermione reflected that Neville seemed a far happier and more secure boy since he had started seeing Blaise. So Snape and Harry were not just an aberration, sometimes a Slytherin Match could be just the ticket.

With a sigh, Hermione turned her attention back to the brisk conversation.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry listened, or tried to, in his History of Magic class with Professor Binns. He felt a certain amount of fondness for the old ghost. It was here that his greatest mistake had started him down the path to his true love -- Severus.

Harry shifted on the hard seat a little delicately.

He looked up to see Draco Malfoy glaring at him. It was almost as if Draco knew the reason for his momentary discomfort.

Harry broke out into a smirk. Malfoy, looking discomfited, turned his gaze back to his Slytherin friends.

Harry sobered as he remembered that today he might be fighting for his life. His hand slid into his robe pocket and fingered his wand anxiously.

.

Harry felt Hermione give him a poke in the ribs. He grinned at her.

Well, it's nice to know that some things never do change.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Snape glared at the tiny first year Hufflepuff. The little girl nervously shifted from foot to foot, awaiting his answer to the note.

Snape grabbed a quill and piece of parchment from his desk and quickly began to scribble a note.

"Madam," it read. "As I neither have the time nor the inclination to discuss this issue in your tower, I beg that you will excuse me. If you cannot wait for a more convenient day and time, I will have a few minutes after I complete my choninoning duties this evening at ten p.m. Meet me in the Great Hall. SS."

Severus quickly tied green ribbon around the parchment and handed it back to the little redhead.

He scowled down at her, and her tentative smile fell apart. Severus slowly winked at her with his back to the class. Her shy smile came back.

"Be off with you," he san a n a curt tone and, with a shooing motion, sent her scrambling on her way with the return message.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lucius Malfoy bowed low to the ground.

"It is done, Master," he said.

"Good...good...Severus shall be an example of my power to reach anyone at anytime," Voldemort hissed.

Peter, sitting next to his Master's legs, privately thought that if that were so Harry Potter would be dead ten times over by now but, wisely, kept his thoughts to himself.

"Master, Snape's death will be your masterpiece," Lucius began.

The hooded figure turned its full attention to Lucius.

"Did I say Severus would die?" came his wintery voice.

Lucius looked momentarily puzzled.

Lord Voldemort stood up and began to pace through the darkening woods; Peter and Lucius scrambled to keep up with their liege lord.

Voldemort turned suddenly and both men stopped dead in their tracks.

"That ignorant woman is incapable of casting something as complex as the Avada Kedavra, so I had to improvise," he said with his reptilian eyes burning in the depths of the hood over his face.

Peter grew excited and he forgot himself enough to blurt out, "Then why use her if she can't cast?"

Voldemort grabbed Peter by the shoulder and his claw-like hand tightened to the point of pain.

"Because the sd cod cow has proximity, you fool," Voldemort hisse
Lu
Lucius understood now that the woman was doomed. His master had never planned to use her as one of his spies; he had others to do that. She was just a pawn in his long-running battle with Dumbledore and the Order.

Since his Master's attention was diverted to Wormtail, he asked carefully, "Is that why she is casting on Samhain, my Lord?"

Lucius flinched as Wormtail was brutally shoved aside and Voldemort turned his full attention back to him.

"I see that you have not forgotten everything I taught you, Malfoy," he said with a sneer. "Even the weakest caster can be helped by the natural boost in power that can be achieved by doing the spell on this day. That is why the timing was so essential. It is an ancient spell that can only be cast on Samhain."

Peter shivered in the cold, he did not dare ask directly but he knew that his master loved to gloat, and so, he used that knowledge.

"Master, I'm sure Severus will suffer enormously. Your wrath will be mighty," he said from a cowering position.

"Not enough," he said sourly. "But then he will be an example. Caught between the living and dead, forever."

Lucius ears pricked up at that. A memory was niggling at him, trying to come to the forefront of his consciousness.

"Enough. Malfoy, you must return to your estate to avoid suspicion. Go now," Voldemort commanded.

Lucius backed slowly away, bowing as he went. He remembered now. The Phoenician spell... it could only be used on Samhain. It would have been considered one of the unforgivables except for the fact that it was only workable on that one day. He smirked to himself, Severus would indeed be paying a high price. The spell drove the soul of the wizard from his or her body and, while the body might continue to exist, kept alive by spells, the spirit would forever wander among the dead. A true living dead. How appropriate for one of his Master's enemies.

As soon as he was far enough away from his meeting site with Lord Voldemort he apparated back to Malfoy Manor. Lucius had much to discuss with Narcissa.

The combined Gryffindor/Slytherin class spilled out into the corridor after their last class of the day. Charms had never seemed so long or so dull. Ron was very excited about his "date" with Hermione and his spanking new set of robes.

Leaning down to whisper in her ear, he said, "Mione, maybe we can find some time to ourselves before the Ball."

Hermione lightly slapped Ron's arm, but smiled.

"Ronald Weasley! You know I am on the decorating committee. I won't have the time," she said.

Ron tried out a mock scowl.

"Why does it always have to be you, Mione? Can't we have some time together, too?" he said with a pout.

"Honestly, Ron," she said fondly. "You know I'll make the time for you before the night is out," she said with a shy smile.

Ron perked up at that and hooked his arm through Hermione's.

As they turned the corridor, Hermione slowed.

"Ron, Harry was right behind us. Where did he go?"

"Dunno. He should be right here."

Hermione dragged Ron back down the corridor. They could hear only the slightest sounds of rustling as they turned the corner. The sounds seemed to be coming from the deserted Charms classroom.

Ron and Hermione peeked into the classroom.

Ron gawped. Professor Snape and Harry were engaged in a passionate snog at the front of the classroom.

Hermione gasped and grabbed Ron by the collar, dragging him away from the door.

"Mione! Did you see...Harry...Snape....gah!"

"Ron, hush!" she giggled. "I think it's very sweet," she continued.

"Argghh..."

Hermione continued to giggle and proceeded to drag Ron back to the Gryffindor Tower.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Severus growled as he heard Hermione and Ron retreating. It would not have done for Weasley and Granger to hear the discussion of information just received from Albus. Reluctantly, he pulled away from Harry's luscious mouth.

Harry moaned slightly.

"Not that I don't appreciate the snog, Sev, but what was that in aid of?" he gasped.

Severus took his wand out of his pocket and quickly cast a silencing spell around them.

"Weasley and Granger returned. It wouldn't be wise for them to become involved."

Harry protested. "But they can be trusted, Sev. They are my best friends. Maybe they can help."

Severus grabbed Harry hard by his upper arms.

"Harry, would you put your friends at risk? Voldemort, as you well know, will kill whoever gets in his way. Is that what you want?" Severus said with a grim expression.

Besides, Harry, Voldemort is after my head. All I want is for you to be safe with them tonight.

Harry felt a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach as he remembered Cedric. No, he did not want anyone else to fall victim to Voldemort because of him.

"Alright, Sev, what did Albus say?" Harry looked at his husband with a worried expression.

Severus lightly brushed back Harry's hair from his forehead in an almost tender gesture.

"The attack will come tonight at the Ball, or at least that's the information Albus' mole gave him," he said. "Albus has laid a trap for the traitor. That's all he would tell me."

"We'll be ready, Sev," Harry said grimly. "Voldemort won't get away with it this time."

Harry reached up with both hands and pulled Severus' head down for a hard, passionate kiss. With a pang in his heart, he realized that these could be his last moments with his husband.

Severus gently disengaged himself from Harry. "Mr. Potter, I believe it's time we went to our rooms to prepare for the evening's festivities," he said with a teasing drawl.

Harry pushed down his fears and responded with a grin.

"I don't suppose I could talk you into doing me a favor, Sev?" he said, running his fingers up and down his husband's arm.

"What kind of favor?" Severus said with a tinge of suspicion.

"Well, I was wondering if you'd save one dance for me at the end of the evening, when your chaperoning duties were done," he blurted out.

"Harry, you know I don't..." he began.

With a sigh Harry looked away and studied the chalkboard.

"I guess Ron was right," he said in a wistful voice.

"Mr. Weasley? What has that freckled nightmare to do with this?" Severus said in ominous tones.

"Oh, nothing really, forget I said anything," he said.

"Harry...I insist you tell me what that crack brain said," he said, tapping his foot.

Harry smiled inwardly but turned an innocent face towards Severus.

"Only that we'd go blind seeing you attempt to dance," he began, watching his husband's face turn a lovely shade of purple.

He continued in a teasing tone. "Ron doesn't think you even know how," he said blithely.

Severus snorted like an angry bull.

"Just think. Ron would have apoplexy if you stood up with me before the evening was out," he said.

Severus shook his head. "The cheek of that boy..." he began.

Suddenly, Severus' eyes narrowed.

"Mr. Potter," he said in a most predatory manner. "You almost accomplished your goal, almost." He cupped Harry's face with his hands. "But you are no Slytherin, that ploy was pathetic."

A grin broke out on Harry's face. "Well, you can teach me. I'm willing to learn. I'm only a poor, honest Gryffindor," he said, batting his eyelashes.

A bark of laughter came out of Severus that startled Harry.

"I'll see to it that I have time to stand up with you for the last dance of the Ball, once my chaperoning duties are completed," he said as he lightly kissed Harry.

"Thank you Sev, that means a lot to me," Harry said in a quiet voice.

"Harry, if that's the most you ever ask of me you're asking for very little," he said brusquely. "Besides, I wouldn't want to miss Mr. Weasley's vapid expression for the world," he said, nibbling a bit at Harry's neck.

Harry smiled and snuggled into his husband's arms for a few more minutes of peace.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The Great Hall had been set up for the Ball after the Halloween Feast. The first and second years went back to their common rooms to hold their own little celebrations.

The decorations, as usual, were top of the line. Hundreds of live bats cruised the top of the ballroom, occasionally resting on the mock flaming orange streamers that were draped from the ceiling. Small pumpkins with candles in them illuminated the tables where the food and drink was available.

The Hogwarts' ghosts floated serenely among the celebrants, stopping occasionally to speak with the House Prefects as well as some of their favorite students. Nearly headless Nick kept a sharp eye on a disgruntled and pouting Peeves, who'd been stopped from dumping the punch bowl on the Slytherins in attendance.

Professor McGonagall had already set up a close watch on the punch table, since Crabbe and Goyle had already made several unsuccessful attempts to spike it.
The musicians hired were a local product known as the 'Bean Sidhe' and were quite good according to Hagrid. As the group started to tune up, couples made their way towards the center of the ballroom.

Blaise grinned down at his dancing partner. He had dragged Neville out into the center of the dance floor, despite his flustered protests, when the first reel was announced.

Neville looked flushed and very handsome with his new robes and his slightly longer hairstyle. How anyone could ever think that Neville wasn't adorable was beyond Blaise.

It was true that Neville was shy, but he was really quite brave when given the opportunity. After all, he had taken on that madman Black, hadn't he? The tall, sandy-haired boy pulled his new boyfriend closer. He would see to it that Neville got the respect and affection that was his due.

Hermione, dancing with Ron, looked over his shoulder at Blaise and Neville. At first, she had been a little nervous for Neville, hoping that Blaise would not break his heart. But it seemed that Blaise was quite serious about his Nevvy. She smiled contentedly and moved closer to Ron.

Draco Malfoy was fuming in the corner of the ballroom. True to her word, Pansy Parkinson was kicking up her heels with Seamus. Flaunting her date, really.

Draco scowled as Pansy giggled at something Seamus whispered to her.

Across the ballroom, Harry stopped to greet the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall. Contrary to tradition, the Headmaster and the faculty had not left the ball early. Typically, only the chaperones would have stayed, but Dumbledore had declared that, as this was Hogwarts' Inaugural Halloween Ball, the staff would stay this one time. At least that was the excuse Dumbledore had given for the presence of the staff.

Harry was bristling with energy and tension. It was nearly ten o'clock and nothing had happened yet. He fingered his wand inside his robes anxiously. He really did not know how Dumbledore seemed to remain so calm. His nerves were beginning to fray badly.

Ron and Hermione, breathless from their last dance, joined Harry by the refreshment tables.

"Harry," began Hermione.

"You're in for it now, Harry," grinned Ron.

Hermione glowered at Ron and he gave her an unrepentant grin.

Hermione cleared her throat, turning her attention back to Harry.

"You haven't danced once this evening, Harry. Aren't you enjoying yourself?" she gently scolded.

Harry smiled over her head at the faces Ron was pulling.

"Of course I am, Mione, it's just that I want to dance with my husband," he said in soothing tones.

"I understand, Harry, but it doesn't seem right that you shouldn't dance at all because Professor Snape can't or won't," she said in aggrieved tones.

Harry smirked at his best friends. "What makes you think Severus isn't going to dance with me?"

"Really, Harry?" Hermione squealed with enthusiasm. "When? When?"

Harry laughed at the horrified expression on Ron's face.

"Soon, Mione. Right after he gets through with his chaperoning duties."

Hermione fluffed out her new crimson robes and sketched a curtsey to him.

"Then may I please have the pleasure of your company on the dance floor until then?" she said with a genuine smile.

Harry heard the next reel starting up. He bowed to her.

"It would give me the greatest pleasure, Mione."

"Bloody hell," muttered Ron, who was still anticipating the apocalypse when Snape stood up with Harry.

Hermione gently pushed Ron down into one of the chairs lining the ballroom as Harry offered her his arm.

Dumbledore watched the dancers and hummed off key to himself. Everything was in place, all they could do now was to wait.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Severus, I must speak to you," Sibyll fluttered about like a nervous moth.

Severus sighed.

"Sibyll, surely this discussion can wait? I have promised to spend time with Harry after my stint at chaperoning," he said with a grimace.

"No, it cannot," Sibyll said sharply.

Severus arched an eyebrow at her tone.

"It doesn't mean anything to you, does it?" she said in bitter tones.

Severus carefully studied the middle-aged woman.

"I beg your pardon," Snape said in his chilliest tones.

"Divination, it means nothing to you lot," she continued. "It's all just some huge joke to you, isn't it," she said, her voice rising.

"Madam, control yourself. You are drawing attention to us," he snapped.

Sibyll Trelawney vibrated with rage.

"Well, then be prepared for Harry to fail his divination class," she said in spiteful tones.

Severus took her firmly by the arm. "Sibyll, you are causing a scene," he hissed.

"Very well, we'll speak about this in the antechamber,"

With that Severus lead Sibyll, towards the entrance of the antechamber.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry was standing with his fellow Gryffindors listening with half an ear to their excited chatter.

Harry's eyes strayed again to seek out his husband. He saw him speaking animatedly for a few minutes with Professor Trelawney. Severus' expression looked thunderous. He then proceeded to move off with her in the direction of the antechamber.

Suddenly, Harry's bond bracelet began to burn on his wrist. He looked down and saw the little snake come to life and hiss and undulate wildly.

Harry's heart suddenly thundered and threatened to burst out of his chest.

Harry screamed, "Sev!" and began to dash wildly through the crowd of dancers. He felt as if he were running in slow motion, it seemed to take forever to cross the room. His heart pounded loudly in his ears.

He drew his wand as he ran and terrified students fled before his maddened expression. Draco Malfoy fell into the pumpkin cake at the long refreshment table in an attempt to dodge anticipated curses.

Dumbledore raised his wand in signal to the rest of the staff. The detection wards signaled the use of dark magic by a reddish glow that appeared in the ballroom near the antechamber. The Professors began scrambling towards the source of the glow.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As soon as they stepped into the antechamber, Severus felt his bracelet begin to burn. Distracted, he turned his back on Sibyll, looking towards the ballroom.

In the stuffy room, Sybill whipped out her wand and began to chant in a harsh and guttural language.

At the same time, Severusnaksnake bracelet bit him hard on the wrist. He turned and automatically began to draw out his wand in a defensive posture.

"Sev!" he heard his husband's scream.

.

A blast of reddish yellow light erupted from Professor Trelawney's wand and started to encase Severus.

Harry entered the chamber just as the reddish-yellow light was encompassing his husband.

Harry screamed in despair and aimed his wand at the traitor. She would die for this.

Before Harry could utter the killing curse, the reddish gold light surrounding Sev broke apart and fell from him like ice cracking in the spring.

The stunned divination professor didn't move.

Severus pointed his wand at the dumbfounded Sibyll and shouted, "Stupefy!"

The wispy woman collapsed to the ground motionless, her robes fluttering as she fell.

"Sev!" Harry choked out as he threw himself into his husband's arms. Severus pulled Harry close.

"I'm alright, Harry. It's over," he said, breathing unsteadily.

As he did so, Professors Flitwick, Sinistra and McGonagall ran into the room, followed more slowly by Dumbledore.

Minerva removed Sibyll's wand from her frozen hand and began to magically bind her so that they could release her from her suspension later for questioning.

Dumbledore turned to Harry and Severus, who had yet to pull apart.

"Ah, I see my little spell worked, then," he said with a twinkle in his eye.

Studentd std started to gather at the entrance to the antechamber and were gaping at the scene before them.

"Albus, I believe we might discuss this later. We are attracting somewhat of a crowd. This is not something I believe the students should see," began Minerva.

"Quite right, my dear," Dumbledore said. "Professors Flitwick and Sinistra can handle the chaperoning duties while we meet in my office. Severus, I will need your help to move Sibyll to a secure location for questioning," he said with a frown.

The Headmaster moved slowly out into the ballroom and, with a grim face, made an announcement.

"Wizards and witches, there has been an attempt made on the life of Professor Snape tonight," he paused as several loud gasps were heard from the crowd gathered around him.

"But, it was singularly unsuccessful," he said glancing towards Draco Malfoy, who squirmed a bit under his sharp gaze. Draco looked away and finished the cleaning spell to take the pumpkin remnants off his newest robes.

Ron, with his arm protectively around Hermione, spoke up.

"Headmaster, is Harry alright?" he asked, voicing his immediate concern.

"Yes, my dears, our brave Gryffindor has come through with shining colors once again," he said with an impish smile.

Chatter started to break out in the crowd.

"What happened, sir?" Blaise asked.

"As to the details, I'm afraid that's for myself and the Ministry to know. There is no need to burden you all. Please go back and finish your ball," he said.

As Dumbledore looked at their disbelieving faces, he gently continued, "It's rather important that we show that our lives will go on as normal. That's what our enemy wants, to disrupt us, make us afraid and take away our freedom. That, we cannot and will not allow."

Seamus Finnigan snorted. "Not bloody likely. That tosser isn't going to ruin our ball."

Pansy grinned up at Seamus and grabbed his hand to drag him back to the dance floor. Other couples soon followed and the band began to pick up where they left off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Near dawn, the Order members gathered in Dumbledore's office. He had spent the night interrogating Sibyll Trelawney under the veritaserum that Severus had provided.

Tea and toast were shared among the exhausted group as they awaited the return of the Headmaster.

Harry and Severus sat on a small sofa in the edge of the room while Professors Sproutnistnistra and Flitwick pulled up chairs around the Headmaster's desk.

Harry leaned into his husband and asked in tired tones,
"You knew Voldemort was after you, didn't you?"

Severus didn't say anything, but slowly nodded.

"Why didn't you tell me? Didn't you trust me?" Harry said with a slight edge to his voice.

"Harry, it wasn't a question of trust in you. Albus had promised me that he had a trap set for the spy. I believed him. If I had told you, your actions would have given the game away and we wouldn't have been able to expose the traitor in our midst," he said gravely.

Harry turned a stern look on his husband.

"Sev," he said quietly. "I am not a child. I have faced Voldemort. I have bonded to you. You are my husband and I love you. How would you have felt if I hadn't told you something like this?"

Severus stared at his young bond-mate for a few minutes. Harry's sea-green eyes were as serious as he'd ever seen them.

"Fair enough, Harry," he said grudgingly. "You have my word that from now on we share both the good and the bad," and with that he kissed Harry lightly on his forehead.

In a lower voice he gruffly spoke directly into Harry's ear, "I love you, too, you know."

Tears sprang into Harry's eyes. He burrowed his face into Severus' neck, but said nothing more. Nothing more was necessary.

The sound of the moving staig ale alerted the group to the fact that Dumbledore and Minerva were arriving back.

A very tired looking Dumbledore and Minerva walked into the office. Harry, Severus and the rest started to get up.

"No, please, remain where you are. It's been a difficult night for all of us." Instead of going back to his desk, Dumbledore transfigured two pillows into comfortable chairs for himself and Minerva.

"What I have to say must not leave this room, as I am sure you're aware," Dumbledore began tiredly.

Heads nodded and Dumbledore continued.

"From what I understand from the information taken during the interrogation, Sibyll Trelawney was recruited some four months ago by Voldemort," he paused and gently took Minerva's hand in his and patted it.

"Why, Albus?" came Severus' cold voice.

"Sibyll has always been a bit of a silly woman, but never a danger to anyone, until..."

"Until Voldemort promised her something in return for her services. Am I correct?" Severus cocked his head in inquiry.

"Yes," Dumbledore said sadly. "The one thing that Sibyll lived for was her Divination Class. She had a small gift of prophecy, but she wanted more. She was tired of not being taken seriously by the rest of the staff and, sometimes, even mocked by the students."

"So Voldemort offered her..." Harry began.

"Dreams and portents," Dumbledore interrupted gently. "And for that she would follow whatever orders came her way."

"How did that silly cow ever keep such a plan from us?" Severus said sharply.

"The failure was mine, Severus. I used a truth serum on the staff but failed to recognize that Sibyll could not tell me what she didn't remember," Albus said gravely.

"A memory charm?" Professor Sinistra asked.

"Yes, a powerful one to cloud the mind. Voldemort made sure she would remember nothing until he sent the trigger word to her. Then she would proceed with his plans." Dumbledore said.

"Intriguing," said Severus thoughtfully.

"She received the owl yesterday morning. We have no way, of course, of tracing it. She destroyed the message. The spell she was to use against Severus is very old and powerful, but only can be used on All Hallows."

Severus looked sharply at Dumbledore.

"But it wasn't the killing curse, I heard the last part of what she said. What did she mean to do?" asked Harry.

Dumbledore glanced at Severus, who nodded his head.

"Harry, it was meant to detach Severus' soul from his body." Dumbledore said.

"But if she did that..." Harry began to pale.

"She didn't succeed, Harry. I'm still very much alive," Severus said, wrapping an arm around his husband's waist.

Professor Sprout began to stir in her chair and asked the question on all their minds. "Albus, how did you manage to protect Severus from that spell, then?"

"He took a very foolish chance," Minerva spoke up for the first time.

"Ahem, as to that, when I joined Harry and Severus together at their wedding, I threw in a little something extra during the marriage charms portion of the ceremony.

"What?" Harry began suspiciously.

"A very old but powerful anti-curse charm. It covered both of you, Harry. That is why I couldn't have you participating in the dueling club. It would have become obvious when curses started bouncing off both of you."

"But, Albus, what if she'd cast the killing curse? No anti-curse charm I know could have stopped that," Professor Sinistra probed.

Minerva looked at Albus and turned to the group. "That is because this was not a typical anti-curse charm. It was a form of dark magic."

Professor's Sprout and Flitwick gasped.

"Albus, you wouldn't," began Filius.

"Now, now, it's not as bad as Minerva is making out. It is only considered dark because it uses the wizard's life force to build the protective barrier."

Severus and Professor Sinistra immediately knew what Albus was referring to, but Harry and the others remained in the dark.

"Albus, you're barking mad to have attempted that. Never the less, I thank you. For both Harry and myself. I take it the effects are temporary?"

Albus nodded in his direction and smiled. "Yes, I would think yours has already been destroyed by the spell Sibyll attempted. Harry's will remain in place for a few more weeks and then will fade naturally."

Harry cocked his head at Severus in inquiry. Severus' expression let him know it would be explained later.

"Now, my friends, I fear I must see to the endless Ministry paperwork before the Aurors arrive. If you will excuse me, I'm sure all of you will want to catch up on a little rest," Albus said in dismissal.

As they got to their feet, Albus spoke again. "Severus and Harry, a moment please, before you go." Both men halted and sat back down again.

Albus turned and kissed Minerva's hand lightly and twinkled at her as she straightened her skirts like a ruffled bird. Minerva sniffed at him but seemed pleased. At least he and his ladylove were back on speaking terms. It all would come right in the end.

Minerva and the rest of the order members filed out, glancing backwards at the trio.

Harry looked at Severus with a quizzical expression. Severus arched his eyebrow in return.

"Now, gentlemen, I wanted to speak with you in confidence," Dumbledore slowly began.

Harry noticed the Headmaster twiddling with a Phoenix feather quill, which was not a good sign.

"I take it you have something further to tell us, Albus? Something you didn't want the rest of the staff privy to?" Severus said dryly.

Dumbledore shifted his fingers through his candy dish and pulled out a chocolate frog. Popping it into his mouth, he continued, "Well, that is, I had to make some minor adjustments to your bonding spell while I was creating the anti-curse charm. You may have noticed," he said more brightly.

"If you mean having my bracelet bite me, then yes, I noticed. That is a little out of the common way for jewelry," Severus said bitingly.

"And mine came to life and started to burn me to get my attention," interjected Harry.
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Slytherin Match