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To Have and To Keep	By : MontanaDan Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 15257 -:- 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.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
AN: It seems I've been bad. I've forgotten to post these chapters. So here are two more for you. Chapter 5 is almost ready for beta.

Chapter 3 - Inklings

Draco sat down at the table, trying to decide which topic to broach first. His father poured them each a glass of wine and their dinner popped onto the table before them. Draco definitely had to do something about Lucius' pining for Potter. Perhaps he could suggest his father redecorate the manor. That would keep his father occupied. Lucius had always hated the reminders of his mother's influence around the house.

That might keep him from thinking about Harry all the time, and then maybe, Draco could bring up his current relationship, a subject he was both dreading and anticipating with equal amounts of emotion. He wanted to share his excitement with his father, having possibly found the woman of his dreams�but knew that his choice may not be what his father wished for him.

"Harry promised to stop by tomorrow," Lucius said, drawing Draco's attention from his ruminations. "I think we'll go riding. Harry always liked to ride, now that he knows how. He loves his horse, too. He's quite ardent regarding animals, don't you think? I find it rather endearing. Also, I think it's time I got him a mate for Saruman. I did say I would." He smiled fondly. "I do so love hearing him speak Parseltongue."

Draco flinched at the subject; Potter, again. Wishing to change the recurrent theme of the evening, he broached the subject of his father's social status, which was greatly improved. "You've had many invitations to social events recently," he said. "As I have."

With a shrug, Lucius waved if off, uninterested. Not a good sign. "Yes, it seems my time with Harry has restored my place in society. As neither of us publicized the reasons for our break up, the wizarding world just viewed it as an amicable split." He paused to smile. "The press will love it when we re-unite. They are sentimental fools."

Undaunted, Draco continued, "Are you going to go to any of them? You always enjoyed the Parkinson affairs," he added suggestively.

Lucius tilted his head, considering. "I think I'll ask Harry if he'd like to attend that one with me. I enjoy dancing with him. He fits so perfectly in my arms."

"Maybe, you'll meet someone else at-"

His father looked at Draco with surprise. "Why would I want someone else?"

"Er-"

"Harry will come back, my dragon. Fear not," Lucius assured him. "I am the best choice for him. Once he sees that, he will return to me."

Draco sighed. Some things were just beyond his expertise.

*******

"You've really out done yourself, Harry," Remus said, sitting back in his chair.

"It was nothing," Harry replied. "Really." Dobby had prepared a feast, consisting of all of Harry's favorite foods.

"Of course, we know you had to cook for those awful Muggles," Sirius said. "Don't down-play your talents, Harry."

"Actually, Dobby did most of it," Harry explained. "I had a lesson with Bill, and Draco stopped by the shop." He shrugged. "I was running late."

"Malfoy?" Sirius said, suspiciously.

"So, how is Bill?" Remus asked to redirect the conversation.

Harry was grateful. "Great. He says I'm doing really well and that I'm a natural."

Tell them how cute he is.

That would certainly curtail their endless intrusions into his love life. But Harry didn't want to use Bill like that.

"So, who was your date with last week?" Remus asked, pouring them each a cup of tea.

You knew it had to happen.

Harry would rather have talked about dinner. "Actually, that date got postponed," he hedged. "I'm actually sort of seeing a couple of guys right now."

"Really?" Sirius said with interest. "Who?"

"Well, I had lunch with Lucius-"

"Malfoy?" Sirius growled again. "But I thought-"

"It was just lunch." Harry stopped the rant before Sirius could get going. "And I had drinks with Grant Montgomery. You remember him, the one you kept shoving at me at my own engagement party."

Sirius had the grace to flush. "You could hardly blame me," he mumbled.

"Plus, I think Bill's been flirting with me," Harry admitted.

"I thought he was interested in Fleur Delacour," Remus said.

Harry shrugged. "Maybe. He could just be teasing. With some of the Weasleys, I never know."

"That's understandable," Sirius said with a laugh. "Bill's quite good-looking."

Harry had to agree. "Enough about me," he said, hoping to get them off the topic of his love life. "What about you two? What have you been up to?"

By the time they left, Harry was tired but content. He'd had a nice visit with his godfather and Remus, and the subject of Severus hadn't come up once.

Severus. Harry sighed. There were three other men - attractive men - flirting with him and trying to spend time with him, yet all he could think about was Severus.

So�call him?

Harry's gaze floated over to the Floo. It would be easy enough. He made himself turn away. He really shouldn't.

Why not?

Harry didn't have an answer. He cleaned up from dinner; reflecting over the last few times he'd seen the usually surly Potions master. On those occasions, Severus had been�

Nice?

Not that 'nice' wasn't good, it was just that Harry had always loved their bantering and bickering. It always kept him on his toes; it was challenging, exciting.

So, call him. Catch him unprepared, in his own environment.

It was tempting, really tempting.

Magic made cleaning up a breeze, really. It was not yet ten o'clock. Between his restlessness and his inner voice, Harry finally gave in. Tossing in a handful of Floo powder first, Harry stuck his head in the fire.

"Severus Snape's private rooms, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"What?" came a very irritated voice and Harry almost smirked.

"Hi, Severus," he said. "Can I come through?"

"Potter? What do YOU want?"

So, it was like that tonight, eh? Harry couldn't help the pounding of his heart. "Just answer the damned question, Snape."

Severus waved his hand at the Floo, opening the ward. "Oh, by all means. What Harry Potter wants, he gets. Come through, if you must. Please refrain from exuviating an exorbitant amount of ash on my rug, if you will."

"You're cranky tonight," Harry said with a grin, stepping out of the hearth.

"Very perceptive," Severus snapped. "Did you come here just to disparage my mood?"

"No," Harry replied and grinned. "How about a good fuck?"

Very smooth, Harry.

Severus' jaw dropped open. When it snapped shut, his eyes were shining. "I'll not use you for sex."

Harry sighed. Maybe he shouldn't have used that reference. "I know that, but you've obviously had a bad day. That always used to help," Harry defended. "I want to help."

"Of course, you want to help," Severus said with a sneer. "Noble Harry Bloody Potter with his 'saving people thing'."

Despite his annoyance at Severus' words, Harry couldn't help but think how nice it was to have Severus snapping at him again. Earlier in the week he'd been pleasant and apologetic, and it seemed a little unnatural. Harry had to admit that he liked Severus just as much when he was cranky and sarcastic after a hard day. "Oh, so you want to be miserable?" Harry challenged.

"What I want is to be left alone. I know how hard that is for your miniscule intellect to conceive but-"

"You bastard," Harry cut him off without much heat. The heat in other places, however� "I'd forgotten what a prick you could be when the kids get you down, but you don't have to take it out on me."

You obviously haven't forgotten how much fighting with Severus turns you on.

"I didn't ask you to call."

"Fine," Harry snapped, turning away. He moved back across the room, towards the hearth. "Drink yourself into a stupor or knock things over in your temper. I'll just go back to my flat and wank."

Harry turned back from the fire in time to see Severus blink.

Someone must have been hurt in class.

Harry considered the possibility. Severus was always the most surly when things in his class got out of control. Harry had to redirect Severus' thoughts or he'd eat himself up with guilt. "Have a nice night and I'll see you tomorrow." Harry turned back to the fire. "I hope you're in a better mood for our date."

Digging into the bowl of Floo powder, Harry made a show of preparing to leave.

It shouldn't take too long.

*******

You bloody fool. He's leaving.

"Potter."

Harry turned back, his brows raised in response.

"Why did you call?"

"Because I wanted to see you tonight," Harry replied.

"Why?"

Harry flushed a bit. "I just spent a couple of hours with Sirius and Remus," he said as if that should explain it all.

Doesn't it?

Unfortunately, it did. Spending any amount of time with those two doting lovebirds would make anyone feel incomplete. Harry must have been feeling lonely.

And who is the first person he calls?

Severus' chest didn't feel quite so tight after that thought. "So, your first thought is to call me for 'a good fuck'?" Severus inquired.

He still blushes so fetchingly.

"Well, no, but�" He seemed to recover from his embarrassment and he straightened. "I just wanted to talk, but when I sensed your mood, I knew you must have had a rough day."

He always did have a knack for sensing your moods.

"Indeed," Severus admitted.

Harry stepped up to him, eyes searching his dour expression. Severus hoped it was dour. He was stressed and tense from the day, but Harry's earlier suggestion brought back some memories that were far from dour.

"Severus, you idiot," he said with a soft smile. He draped his arms over Severus' shoulders. "I remember what it was like. Sometimes I'd barely be in the room and you'd be all over me."

Severus' hands moved to Harry's waist as he watched the green eyes consider him. Then he leaned forward and kissed Severus' neck. The heat from those moist lips shot straight to his groin.

"Potter," he growled a warning. Any more teasing might snap the tight control he had on his responses.

Why are you fighting it?

Harry's mouth moved with painful purpose around his collar. "You used to tell me that having me around always saved the house elves a lot of work, cleaning up after your angry tirades."

Sex is better than destroying your lab.

Severus smirked. It was true. Severus wasn't feeling the slightest bit angry now.

Harry always could redirect your passion elsewhere.

Harry had Severus' waistcoat off and the top buttons of his shirt open and Severus still couldn't think of anything to say. He wanted Harry fiercely, but he struggled with the ethics of using him for release. He said as much as Harry's mouth wound around a rigid nipple.

"Then let me use you," Harry said between licks. "Tell me what happened?"

Severus vaguely noticed that they were moving across the room. "Three exploded cauldrons and one severely burned third year Hufflepuff," he said as Harry maneuvered them through the study. He could still see the horror on Betina Richard's face as she saw the charred skin of her partner.

Harry continued to unbutton Severus' shirt. "Was Pomfrey able to heal them?"

"Of course."

"Then stop worrying. It wasn't your fault." Harry's lips moved up Severus' throat to his ear.

"Brainless, inattentive fools. I should have-"

Harry bit down briefly on Severus' earlobe. "You can't be everywhere at once," he insisted, taking advantage of Severus' open shirt to run his hands over more of the pale skin. "You have less injuries in your class than any other Potions class in the world."

Severus did recall boasting about that once. Nonetheless� "I know but-"

"But nothing. If you don't get my clothes off me, I'll assume you don't want me and I'll leave you to your bottle of Ogden's."

How can you ignore an invitation like that?

Severus couldn't. Noticing that they were in the hall by his bedroom, he decided to accept. With an evil smile, he pushed Harry backward down the hall, through his bedroom door, which he closed with a firm kick, and to the bed. The back of Harry's legs hit the side of the bed and a small shove helped him onto his back.

Severus surveyed Harry sprawled on his back and immediately swooped down on him. His trousers and pants were tugged off and a sharp glare from Severus stopped Harry from removing his shirt.

"Leave that to me," Severus growled, leaning over and running his hands over Harry's thighs. From his hip to his knees, his fingers stroked down the smooth skin, and then back up on the inside, pushing Harry's legs apart. He gently caressed the delicate skin around Harry's balls and around his burgeoning erection to his stomach.

Harry was on his elbows watching and holding his breath, Severus noticed, meeting the green gaze. Slowly, Severus ran the tip of his tongue over the leaking tip until Harry groaned and dropped back onto the bed.

Holding Harry's hips, Severus took the swollen cock into his mouth and slid his tongue around while sucking. Harry's breathing became erratic and Severus stopped what he was doing to rise up and lean over him.

Ignoring the weak whimpers of protest, Severus began slowly unbuttoning Harry's shirt. Once the beautiful chest was bared, he began his assault on the sleek muscles and dark nipples. Biting and licking his way up to Harry's jaw, he found the sensitive spot on Harry's throat and sucked. Harry's limbs closed around him as his body arched into Severus, embracing him with his need.

Harry's hands fisted in his hair and tugged until Severus lifted his head. "Are you quite finished playing?" he rasped.

Severus raised a brow. "Not remotely."

Harry returned a beatific smile and pulled him down into a kiss. The power of Harry's kiss coupled with Harry's entire body being wrapped around him filled Severus with fire and he had no more need for 'play.' The desire to possess his Harry again overwhelmed his senses and he stood up, shucking the remainder of his clothes with all speed. Harry either sensed or shared his urgency because he moved up onto the bed and reached over to the nightstand to retrieve the lubricant.

Scooping out a dollop, he reached between his spread legs and began stretching himself. Stunned, Severus could only watch as Harry inserted his finger and began to move it in and out. A second finger entered and Severus shook off his daze to slowly crawl across the bed towards his prize.

"Severus."

He looked up at the whispered word and found Harry's eyes on his. They were bright and filled with want and it sufficiently snapped Severus completely out of his trance. He swiftly took over, filling Harry with his own fingers until he found the spot that lifted Harry's hips off the bed.

"Hurry," Harry implored. "Need you." He lifted his legs to wrap around Severus' waist as Severus positioned himself and pulled Severus in as he lowered his head, joining their bodies and their mouths at the same time.

There was no time for adjusting as the need for completion ricocheted through both of them. They clutched each other tightly and they thrust together, their bodies slick and smooth as they moved together towards the precipice.

Severus was close and he felt Harry tense as his hold around Severus tightened, keeping their bodies firmly together as he thrust against Severus' stomach. With a soft cry, Harry arched and came and Severus pumped faster and harder until he followed Harry over the edge.

Shuddering through the remainder of his climax, he rolled to the side, pulling Harry with him until they nestled together, their breathing and their limbs heavy. Harry lifted a sluggish hand and brushed the hair back from Severus' face. With a smile, he lifted his face, offering his sweet lips, which Severus eagerly took.

Severus tasted Harry's lazy kisses, exploring his mouth and stroking his tongue with his own. Harry melted into them, returning with nips as he ran his hands gently over Severus' back.

It was a gentle comedown after their heights of passion and Severus felt mellow and sated. He felt immensely better and it made him wonder.

Severus leaned up on an elbow and peered down at Harry. "You played me, didn't you?"

Harry grinned. "I know you. You would have torn yourself apart with guilt, blaming yourself. Now that you're calm, you can think about it rationally and logically. See what went wrong. Correct anything that needs correcting. You'll see it for what it was - an accident."

Magnificent.

"Very Slytherin." Severus smirked. "When did you get so wise?"

Harry leaned forward and kissed his nose. "I've had some great teachers."

"Are you suggesting that Hagrid taught you wisdom?"

Harry snorted. "No, the 'calm down and think' I got from you. The 'unbiased observer' thing I think I got from Albus." Rising, Harry began to gather his clothing.

Severus admired the view, leaning up on several pillows, hands behind his head. "So, he's got you calling him Albus now?"

"Yeah," Harry said, pulling on his trousers. "Although that annoying inner voice that I told you about - that I also got from you, thank you very much - wanted to call him Wulfric but I'm not that bold." He sat down on the edge of the bed to pull on his shoes.

Severus laughed, sat up and turned Harry's face. "That's your Slytherin side showing, Potter." He kissed him firmly on the mouth then looked down at Harry's swollen, scowling lips.

You called him that on purpose.

Severus' brows shot up at Harry's disgruntled look. "You're perfectly welcome to undress and come back to bed if you object to what I call you."

Harry dropped a kiss on his forehead. "Nope. No sentimental, after-sex talk for me anymore."

Ah. A clue.

"Why not?"

Harry pulled his tee shirt over his head.

Pity, really. He has such a lovely chest.

He looked at Severus pointedly. "It's too painful."

"Potter-"

But Harry was already moving towards the door. Opening it, he glanced back. He still looked the picture of debauchery: his hair an even greater mess, his lips red and puffy, his clothes askew. He flashed a perfect smile. "I'll see you tomorrow night."

Severus fell back into his pillow as he heard the Floo flare indicating that Harry had left.

We'll have to rectify that new little quirk.

Indeed. Harry always used to love to cuddle. Once Severus had become accustomed to it, he found their post-coital concourse to be as fulfilling as the activities preceding them.

Maybe, it's one way of Harry ensuring he won't get hurt. Not letting others get close. By denying himself that closeness, he's protecting himself.

Hmm. That was certainly a logical explanation, in a Harry sort of way.

*******

"I'm telling you, Severus, my father is losing it," Draco was droning on. "He's completely around the bend about Potter."

Severus smiled smugly. "Is he?"

"Yes, I think he actually loves him," Draco said, amazement in his tone.

Severus shrugged. "There is certainly nothing I can do about that." Nor did he have to. The memories of the previous night were still fresh in his mind and in the pleasant ache of his body.

Confident, are we?

Draco scowled, as if frustrated. "And Harry," he announced. "Did you know he's seeing other men?"

That gained Severus' attention. "Pardon?"

"Yes, he's seen that Grant Montgomery fellow a couple of times. And did you know his instructor in curse-breaking is Bill Weasley?"

Severus frowned.

That young Montague fellow could be a problem.

"And Weasley flirts with him."

Severus scowled now. That particular Weasley was not the type to tease. "He flirts?" he specified. "With Harry?"

"Oh, yes," Draco confirmed. "I saw it with my own eyes. He touches him and praises him, and you know Potter. He eats it up."

Starved for attention. I dare say, he would eat it up.

The oldest Weasley son? Now, there was a man of whom everyone Harry cared about would approve. And a fellow Gryffindor. The mutt would certainly approve. Molly would burst with pride over it, having Potter finally in her family.

Great Merlin, the competition was becoming stiff.

*********

Harry Apparated into his flat in time to hear the wards signal that someone was at his door.

His morning meeting with Lucius had been pleasant. They'd ridden over Malfoy grounds, chatting about benign things, and had stopped for brunch in a climate-controlled garden. Harry had been happy to see Persephone, and found he had missed the serenity of the Manor grounds. Lucius had kissed him once, but didn't press him for more. Harry's scar hadn't hurt, so Harry felt the outing was acceptable as dates went.

A spell on the doorway revealed Hermione standing in the hallway and Harry opened the door.

"Hi, Harry."

Inviting her in, he replied, "Hey, Hermione. I just got back. I hope you weren't waiting too long "

"No, only a couple of minutes," she dismissed his concern as she looked around the flat. "The place is really shaping up."

"Thanks." Harry waved towards the couch. "Make yourself at home. I'm going to have a quick shower."

He showered and pulled on some from fresh clothes. Pottery clanked in the other room and Harry figured Hermione was making tea.

"So, where were you?" Hermione called.

Harry stepped out of his bedroom, rubbing a towel over his head. "I went riding with Lucius," he said.

"You went riding with Lucius?" she repeated, sounding surprised.

Harry returned to the sitting room, eyeing the tea set with disappointment. He really was in the mood for something stronger. "Yeah. Why?"

Hermione turned from the bookshelf where she was looking at pictures of them from school. "As in horse riding?"

"Yeah. I have my own," Harry said with a shrug, moving to the bar and finding a glass. "Lucius gave her to me. Her name is Persephone. She's really a sweet horse." He poured a measure and took a sip.

"Harry, what are you drinking?"

Replacing the bottle, he turned to his friend. "Scotch. You want some?"

She scowled and took the glass away from him.

"Hey!"

Hermione had one of those 'lecture' expressions on her face. "You shouldn't be drinking. Or horse riding, for that matter."

"What? Why not?" Finally taller than Hermione, he managed to retrieve his glass.

"Because you're likely pregnant, remember."

Harry stiffened. "I am not."

Hermione blinked, looking disappointed. "You're not?"

You're not?

Harry ignored his inner voice. "Certainly not."

"Oh, well�that's all right then." As Harry sipped at his glass, Hermione looked suspicious. "Um, you've had the test done?"

"Well, no," Harry admitted. "But I'm not pregnant."

"Then how do you know for certain?"

"Well, I, um� I don't have any symptoms," he said proudly.

"Symptoms? Harry, it's not a disease."

"Well, I'm not doing - well - anything pregnant-like."

As if you would know.

Hermione smirked at that. "Like what?"

"Well, er-"

Sicking up?

Right. "I don't have - what do they call it? - morning sickness. Yeah. That's it."

Shaking her head, Hermione sighed. "It's too early for that," she told him.

"Well, anything else then." In a spurt of brilliance, he added, "I'm not getting fat."

Good one.

Hermione shook her head patiently. "Harry, do you even know what characteristics a wizard exhibits when he's pregnant?"

"No," Harry grumbled, feeling that he was going to find out any moment.

"Well, I looked it up."

Of course she did.

"Well, in the first trimester - first three months - there's tiredness - which is pretty standard-"

"See," Harry interrupted with relief. "I haven't had any lack of energy."

Hermione scowled at him. " Another sign is fluctuations in your magic."

Harry smirked then. "Again - none whatsoever."

"Over emotional? Irritable?"

"Nope."

"What about your temper?"

"That's normal for me anyway though, isn't it?"

Hermione was frowning now. "Everyone is different though, too," she pointed out. "And I still think you should get tested anyway. Just to know for sure. That way you won't have to worry about your diet or drinking or anything."

Harry sighed. "All right, Hermione. I will."

She brightened. "You will?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"As soon as I have the time."

Ha! Good answer. When do you have any time?

She sent him a scowl. "You promise?"

Harry smiled. "Yes, Hermione. I promise I'll get tested, first chance I get."

Somewhat pacified, Hermione allowed him to change the subject.

"So, when were you going to tell me about you and Malfoy?" Harry jumped right in as he fell into one of his matching winged-back chairs. They really were quite comfy. "And does Ron know?"

Hermione lowered into the other chair more gracefully and turned Weasley red. "How did you find out?"

Not really a good look for her.

"I saw him yesterday at the shop. He said he'd been spending time with you."

"Well, we have been doing a lot of research on your curse." She grinned. "It sort of blossomed from that, I guess. I hadn't realized how far until - well, until he kissed me. I was going to tell you. I swear. But this is the first time I've seen you since you left the Manor."

"And Ron?"

She bit her lip. "He'll be a little harder to tell."

Harry snorted.

"Well, we don't hear much about his love life," Hermione argued. "I know he's had about two more girlfriends since Christine."

"Really?"

You're a bit out of touch.

"Yes," Hermione went on, "and the thing with Draco just sort of snuck up on me."

"He said he was 'so bloody happy' with you."

"He did?" Hermione sighed happily and Harry was afraid she'd start giggling any minute. "What else did he say?" she asked with excitement.

What is it with girls?

Harry sighed. Yep, she was a goner. And it had to be Malfoy? But since Harry had almost married one, he guessed he should be somewhat understanding. "Just that he didn't know how to tell his father."

Hermione nodded vigorously. "Yes, poor Lucius. He's really pining over you, Harry."

"What?"

"From what I've heard he's not going to be happy until you're back together."

Harry sighed. "What should I do?"

"Maybe, you shouldn't see him so much," she reasoned. "It might give him false hopes."

"Who says they're false?"

She gave him an owl-eyed look. "When are you seeing Severus again?" she asked suggestively.

Harry shrugged, returning to his drink. He didn't feel like talking to Hermione about Severus either. "Hey, speaking of Severus," Harry asked. "Do you want to help me ward my flat? He told me about these blood wards and gave me some instructions."

"Really? I'd love to help."

Harry dug out the instructions and the two spent the next couple of hours brewing. The blood wards Severus had told him about back in school were a potion and spell combination, which would seal the flat from anyone whose blood wasn't included in the ward, unless invited. Severus had told him that many wizarding homes had this kind of protection, but it was a complex potion and a difficult spell, so many people had to hire a security wizard to install it. Harry figured that between him and Hermione, it should be relatively easy.

After the potion with Harry's blood in it had set and turned clear, they marked out the perimeter walls, windows and fireplace with the thick paint-like potion.

When Harry cast the spell, a network of magic, like a web woven through the air illuminated the rooms. Hermione turned a circle in the center of his sitting room, looking around. "Wow," she said. "That's amazing."

Harry thought so too as he watched the beams fade.

Looking at the instructions, Hermione said, "Now that the web's gone, it should be set. Shall I do the test that it says here?" Harry nodded and Hermione cast the test spell. The webs of light flashed and went through a spectrum of colors before fading again. "Wow, they're really strong," she said.

Fluctuating magic?

Harry shrugged it off. He couldn't see how it could be inconsistent. Everyone always said he was powerful. He felt normal enough. Why shouldn't his wards be strong?

Because you weren't even trying?

Hermione didn't question their strength, so he put it out of his mind and they chatted while they cleaned up the potion mess. Harry declined Hermione's suggestion of going out to eat and as he walked her to the door, she sent him a knowing grin.

"You have plans for dinner?" she surmised.

"Yeah. So?"

She kissed his cheek. "So, nothing," she said. "Have fun. And don't forget your promise," she added sternly. "I want to hear the results."

Harry laughed softly. "Yes, mother." He closed the door behind her.

She left without asking who you were eating with.

Hermione probably knew anyway. She could always tell.

No doubt.

***********

"I'd like to see you in my office, Severus. Before dinner is served, if you would."

Severus hesitated.

"Do you have plans, my boy?"

Severus frowned. "Would it matter if I did?"

"Oh, don't be dramatic, Severus. It shan't take long."

Oh, of course not. It never takes long.

Severus nodded grimly. "As you wish."

"Very good. I'll see you then," Albus said and strolled away.

********

By eight PM, Harry was pacing his living room. Severus was a half-hour late. His stomach growled and he knew he wasn't going to last without some food. Without being asked, Dobby laid out a spread of nutritious foods for Harry to snack on.

"Harry Potter must be eating good food. Dobby brings only the best for Harry Potter."

Harry frowned at Dobby's strange insistence but finished what the elf had brought. It appeared that 'Plan B' was unavoidable. Harry had hoped that Albus wasn't interfering, but it seemed that Severus' suspicions had been spot on. Harry sighed and finished his supper. He would talk about it with Severus at their second meeting place.

*****

O'Malley's was a small pub and thankfully, dark. Harry sat at the bar, nursing his pint and keeping his head down for fear of being recognized. He had felt the magic as soon as he'd entered it and most of it was malignant.

No one seemed to notice him as he finished his beer, but Harry couldn't help wondering if Severus had sent him to an old Death Eater haunt. The Dark magic seemed to call to him from the shadows. Ignoring it, he kept to his little corner and after an acceptable amount of waiting, decided he'd rather not remain at O'Malley's alone.

Leaving a substantial tip on the bar for the barman's discretion, Harry left the pub and Apparated outside Hogwarts' gates. Harry proceeded to the castle and meandered through its halls to the Headmaster's office. The gargoyle had already been moved so Harry headed up the moving staircase, and at the top, he noticed several teachers coming out of Albus' office.

"Oh, hello, Mr. Potter."

"Hello, Professor McGonagall," Harry returned. "Meeting?"

"Yes, the Headmaster called an impromptu meeting." She scowled. "He's been doing that a lot lately."

Harry watched her leave and approached the door, hearing voices raised from within.

"And now you've made me late."

"If you had plans, Severus, you should have said."

"I did say, but as usual you completely disregarded my schedule. Or could it be that you simply did not care for my agenda."

"What are you implying, Severus?"

"You knew I was seeing Harry tonight and you decided to interfere."

"Severus-"

"Albus, you condoned our affiliation last year. In fact, you admitted that it was essentially your idea. Why now-"

"If you recall, I was not the one who cruelly discarded Harry for no apparent reason, breaking his-"

"What I did or did not do is not your concern! Do you admit that you are meddling with us?"

"I admit to loving Harry enough to want to protect him from further heartache."

"For my actions to Harry, I have much to atone for, but I will do so to him. I had my reasons, which are personal, and I will not play these games with you. He is the one I must make it up to, not you."

"Perhaps, but I am the one that has been looking after him since-"

"Oh, and a fine job you've done-"

They're getting nasty.

The last thing he wanted was for two men he loved to be at each other's throats. He didn't want to come between them. They were close, had been since before Harry had known either of them. Anger at their bickering and at the subject of their debate flared through him and he opened the door with a kick.

"Will you two stop arguing about me like I'm a child!" he shouted, magic crackling the air around him. "For God's sake, you're worse than Sirius."

Startled, they both turned towards the door. "Harry," they gasped together.

"I am a grown man," he went on. "I took care of Voldemort and I can take care of-"

Harry doubled over as a spasm of pain hit in his lower gut. The muscles contracted like a vice. He hit his knees, shaking from the force of the pain.

"Harry?"

"Harry!"

The older men rushed towards him. "No, don't touch him," Severus said, holding up a hand. He wrapped an arm around Harry, trying to help him stand up or lay down on the floor.

Harry didn't want to be moved. Pain was coursing through him like noxious flames, enveloping his body. His body arched against it as he screamed in agony.

Fortunately, blackness took him.

TBC

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To Have and To Keep