Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Lost and Damned	By : danniperson Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 24087 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, the characters or the world or anything, and I make absolutely no profit from this.

Chapter List
- 34
- 35
- 36
LOST AND DAMNED

To Keep From Floating Off Into Romantic Speculations

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Being a sixth year had its benefits, Harry learned the following day. After meeting with McGonagall to get his schedule (and a list of hopefuls for the Quidditch team) he had a free period that he got to spend in the common room. It felt a bit lonely and Harry found himself thinking about his best friend again…Ron should be here. They'd be able to have fun together before classes…Harry had a feeling the first bit of school was going to feel like this…Doing things and literally feeling Ron's absence. Luckily seventh year Katie Bell, the only remaining member of the original Gryffindor Quidditch team that Harry had joined his first year, was in the common room and Harry was able to occupy himself by discussing Quidditch tryouts and plans for this year's team with her. Towards the end of his free hour, a few others came up to mention they were interested in joining and started sucking up a bit, which Harry found annoying.

Eventually he broke away to head to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom where he found Hermione waiting anxiously outside. "We got so much homework for Runes! A fifteen inch essay, two translations, and I've got to read these by Wednesday!"

Harry eyed her armful of books and didn't envy her at all. "Wow."

"I bet Snape gives us loads," she groaned.

Harry smiled, ready to make a response when the classroom door opened and Snape stepped into the corridor. Silence fell over the queue immediately. Harry swallowed hard, letting his eyes trail over the dark figure before them. His authority and power were clear and Harry didn't think he had ever found it so damned attractive before.

"Inside," Snape said.

Harry looked around the classroom as they entered, barely noticing as Hermione took his hand. He was used to her need for touching and closeness these days, and he didn't mind it so much, as long as she didn't try going too far. Harry was more interested in the room they were now in, gloomier than usual with the curtains drawn over the windows and dramatically lit by candlelight. Gruesome pictures adorned the walls, many showing people in pain or sporting grisly injuries or strangely contorted body parts. The room remained quiet as everyone settled down. Snape really did like setting a mood, didn't he? Harry looked around to the faces of his classmates, a few of them looking very nervous where they sat.

"I have not asked you to take out your books," Snape said, closing the door and moving to face the class from behind his desk. Hermione quickly dropped her copy of Confronting the Faceless back into her back and used her feet to kick it under her chair. "I wish to speak to you, and I want your fullest attention."

His black eyes roamed over their faces and Harry couldn't help but think that the man didn't have to ask to have his attention…Though Harry wasn't sure how well focusing on his little speech would go. He had to push thoughts like those out of his head…Of everything, this would probably be one of his most useful classes. He had to face Voldemort and probably before too long. He'd have to take this just as seriously as their private lessons. Harry sat up straight and tried to keep his mind focused where it should, and he couldn't help but notice the way those black eyes lingered over him a few seconds longer than anyone else, something very intense deep in those eyes that took his breath away. Then he glanced away and Harry could breathe again, feeling more confused than ever.

"You have had five teachers in this subject so far, I believe," he began. "Naturally, these teachers will have all had their own methods and priorities. Given this confusion, I am surprised so many of you scraped an OWL in this subject. I shall be even more surprised if all of you manage to keep up with the NEWT work, which will be much more advanced."

Snape began moving slowly around the edge of the room, speaking in a lower (and more seductive, if Harry dared to think it) tone. Harry found his eyes and body moving easily and eagerly to follow the man's every move.

"The Dark Arts," said Snape, "are many, varied, ever-changing, and eternal. Fighting them is like fighting a many-headed monster, which, each time a neck is severed, sprouts a head even fiercer and cleverer than before. You are fighting that which is unfixed, mutating, indestructible. Your defenses must therefore be as flexible and inventive as the arts you seek to undo. These pictures give a fair representation of what happens to those who suffer, for instance, the Cruciatus Curse, feel the Dementor's Kiss, or provoke the aggression of the Inferius." Each time he indicated a different picture on the wall as he swept past it. Harry only offered each picture a glance before his attention was stolen away again by Snape. He swallowed hard, his entire body alert and tingling with anticipation. For what, he wasn't exactly sure.

"Has an Inferius been seen, then?" Parvati Patil asked in a high-pitched voice. "Is it definite, is he using them?"

"The Dark Lord has used Inferi in the past, which means you would be well-advised to assume he would use them again. Now…" Snape said, walking around the other side of the room towards his desk. "you are, I believe, complete novices in the use of nonverbal spells. What is the advantage of a nonverbal spell?"

Hermione's hand instantly shot into the air and Harry had to lean to the side a bit, in fear that it might accidentally hit him. Snape took his time looking around the class and Harry couldn't help but smirk and glance to Hermione, who looked patiently at Snape before he gave in and finally called upon her, though he looked anything but pleased. "Very well-Miss Granger?"

"Your adversary has no warning about what kind of magic you're about to perform," said Hermione, "which gives you a split second advantage."

"An answer copied almost word for word from The Standard Book of Spells, Grade Six," said Snape dismissively. A few Slytherins sniggered. "but correct in essentials. Yes, those who progress in using magic without shouting incantations gain an element of surprise in their spell-casting. Not all wizards can do this, of course; it is a question of concentration and mind power which some," his black eyes lingered over Harry and Harry rolled his eyes, feeling his face heat up a bit. "lack."

Snape was probably thinking of their many failed Occlumency lessons from last year, though he had to bite his tongue to keep from reminding Snape that he had started getting better towards the end. Snape continued looking at him and Harry met his gaze, glaring at him a bit in annoyance. The Slytherins all had a good laugh until Snape finally looked away.

"You will now divide into pairs," Snape said. "You must attempt to jinx your partner without speaking and the other will attempt to repel asid jinx in equal silence. Carry on."

Harry found himself partnered with Hermione, feeling a bit nervous. Last year, Snape had attempted on a few occasions to get him to work on nonverbal spells, but hadn't had much luck with them. He had tried disarming nonverbally, mostly, but hadn't done much more than make Snape's wand twitch (which was quite the feat for him, at the time). A lot of people were cheating, whispering incantations under their breath. Snape walked around the room, though, and was sure to call anyone out who he caught doing so.

"Ten points from Gryffindor, Finnigan, for not following simple instructions!" Snape barked.

Harry was doing his best to perform a Jelly-Legs Jinx…He doubted Snape would show any approval in class, but he did want to impress the man. He couldn't help himself. It was, however, hard, when he wanted to keep watching the man. Harry had barely seen him for two months, barely heard from him at all, and they wouldn't be starting lessons for another two days.

"Careful, Harry," whispered Hermione, "people might talk if you get caught staring."

Right. Harry cleared his throat and forced himself to focus more. He pressed his lips tightly together, hoping to reduce the temptation to whisper the words like so many of his classmates were doing. He repeated the words over and over again in his head, wand held out, focusing all of his energy into what he wanted to happen. After a few minutes he finally felt something happen, almost surprised as a shot of light headed towards Hermione, only to be deflected by her wordless Shield Charm.

"Oh my God, Harry! That was amazing!" Hermione squealed excitedly, running forward to throw her arms around him. Harry grinned proudly and hugged her back excitedly. Snape was just behind them, looking away the moment Harry looked up at him. If Harry didn't know any better, he would say Snape almost looked proud.

"Potter. Granger. Please refrain from these childish public displays of affection in my classroom," Snape snarled instead. "Twenty points from Gryffindor."

Hermione blushed and stepped back and Harry looked around. Everyone was looking at them now, smiling and whispering and Harry could have groaned. As if he didn't have enough attention. Ever since boarding the train yesterday everyone had been watching him. With what had happened at the Ministry at the end of last school year, it wasn't much of a surprise.

"Maybe he's jealous," Hermione said with a hopeful smile. Harry was sort of surprised she was still so encouraging about the whole matter, but he was grateful for it. It was better than being scolded about school rules and such things.

"Maybe," Harry agreed, smiling in return. "Guess it's your turn to jinx me, huh?"

Hermione just grinned. Harry made the mistake of panicking and saying his Shield Charm out loud when Hermione cast a nonverbal jinx in his direction. That cost Gryffindor another ten points and Harry felt a bit disappointed in himself. Hermione was encouraging, though, and he managed to one more nonverbal spell before class ended. He left the class feeling a bit elated and had to resist the urge to stay after class. He wanted to talk to Snape, but it's not like he had a good enough reason to do so.

"No offense, but I'm surprised you managed so well. Hardly anyone did an actual nonverbal…I think we were the only ones!" Hermione chirped happily. "I'm so proud of you!"

"I'm proud of me," Harry grinned. "Snape tried to teach me nonverbal a bit last year…Not much, but a little bit…Never did much. I think he looked pleased when I managed it," he confessed. He was probably just being hopeful, but he could have sworn he saw something of that nature in the second he had looked at the man's face.

"Well it's great…You're just taking everything more seriously," Hermione replied. Harry was tempted to defend himself, but she was right. He thought he had been doing a lot last year, but towards the end, when he was really putting all he had into his lessons, he knew he hadn't been trying hard enough from the start. "Though you should be more careful with your…ogling, Harry," Hermione teased.

"I couldn't' help it," Harry said with a sheepish grin. "I think everyone was a bit nervous when he started talking about the Dark Arts, but…I dunno, I just thought it was sexy."

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, blushing madly.

"Well," Harry said, chuckling nervously. The only other person Harry had been open with about his feelings for Snape had been Draco, and even then, most of the time he was too upset to talk about him. Now, though, he felt a bit liberated and excited that he could share this with someone.

"I suppose he does have a rather…nice voice," Hermione admitted.

"He makes everything sound so seductive," Harry said.

"He really does! No worries, he's all yours, but I have to admit…I don't entirely blame you for being so attracted to him," Hermione said. "I mean, he's not…attractive by most modern standards…But well, I've started to see it a bit," she admitted.

"Hermione," he scolded teasingly with a smile.

"What?" she exclaimed, face still red and giggling. She reached out and took his hand and Harry gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Harry! Hey, Harry!"

Harry looked around. Jack Sloper, a Beater from last year's Quidditch team, was jogging towards him, holding a roll of parchment.

"For you," Jack panted. "Listen, I heard you're the new captain. When are you holding trials?"

"I'm not sure yet. I'll let you know."

Jack continued speaking, but Harry didn't pay him much mind as he took the parchment. Recognizing the thin, slanted writing, he quickly unrolled it and left Jack mid sentence.

Dear Harry,

I would like to start our private lessons this Saturday. Kindly come along to my office at 8 P.M. I hope you are enjoying your first day back at school.

Yours sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

P.S. I enjoy Acid Pops

Harry and Hermione spent the whole break discussing what Dumbledore might teach him and afterwards moved on to talking about his lessons with Snape that would begin Wednesday. Harry was free to tell her all of the things he loved about Snape and even caught her up on when the man had kissed him during their trip to Diagon Alley. Hermione seemed so excited for him and eager to contribute to the conversation and Harry was glad for it, though towards the end he began feeling a bit too much like a girl for being so giddy over a guy. Hermione assured him that there was no shame in expressing ones feelings, especially to their best friend. Eventaully, Hermione had to leave for her Arithmancy class and Harry headed up to their common room to work on Snape's homework, which was harder than he imagined it would be. Hermione wasted no time helping him while starting on hers when she returned.

Eventually the bell for their double Potions class rang and they headed down the familiar path to the Potions classroom. Not many people had made it into the NEWT class. Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, Daphne Greengrass, and Blaise Zabini had all made it from Slytherin. Four Ravenclaws and then Ernie Macmillan from Huffelpuff. Ernie greeted Harry and Hermione, but they barely had time to talk before the door opened and Slughorn let them all in.

Hermione had taken his hand again and Harry was well aware of all of the stares they were getting. As they walked in, though, his attention was taken by the large cauldrons stationed in the room, all emitting vapors and odd smells. Harry sniffed at them, especially when they sat at the table by the golden cauldron. It was the most tantalizing scent Harry could ever remember smelling, somehow reminding him of his favorite treacle starts, broomstick handles, and that strong musky scent that made him think of Snape. He sat slumped in his chair, feeling very relaxed as he breathed in slowly and deeply.

"Now then!" said Slughorn when they were all seated, instructing them to take out their things. Harry pulled out his scales and potions kit, but couldn't find his book anywhere. Frowning, Harry raised his hand. "Sir?"

"Harry, m'boy?"

"I haven't got my book, I-" he began.

"Oh, it's fine," Slughorn said, waving his hand dismissively. "You can borrow one from the cabinet." He strode over to the cabinet and after a moment of searching he pulled out a very battered copy ofAdvanced Potion-Making and handed it to Harry.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Severus had made it through the day without doing anything stupid and felt a bit more relaxed as he walked to the Great Hall for supper. He had held class with Harry Potter without shoving the boy into the wall and snogigng him senseless. He also managed not to take a hundred or more house points, detention for a year, and hexing the Granger girl for her overly affectionate nature with Harry. He had also been lucky enough not to be cornered by the brat alone. Yes, it had been a very productive and very good day, all in all.

"You know, Minerva, I heard that Harry Potter and Hermione Granger are dating again!" Aurora Sinistra was saying.

Severus's hand tightened around his fork.

"Yes, I believe that I, too, have heard such a rumor," Albus was saying and Severus ignored the man's twinkling glance.

"Yes…Though she was so smitten with Ronald Weasley, I'm a tad surprised she's moved on," Minerva was saying with a disapproving frown, glancing towards her House table. Severus resisted the urge to do the same.

"Perhaps they are merely looking to one another for comfort in such a tragic time," Sibyll said with a nod of her head. "Very Dark times lie ahead for them both…They must take joy in one another while they still can."

"Of course," Minerva said dryly.

"They do make a rather cute couple, though," Charity Burbage was saying.

Severus wanted to stab her in the eyes with his fork.

"What do you think, Severus? Do you think they make a cute couple?" Albus was asking quietly, so that none of the other teachers and their silly gossip could hear them.

"Stop with your bizarre games, Albus," Severus muttered. "It's not going to work."

"I was merely asking a question," Albus said innocently.

"Of course you were," Severus muttered.

"So…Do you have anything planned for your lessons with Harry on Wednesday?" Albus asked conversationally. He could play innocent all he wanted, Severus still knew what he was playing at.

"I intend to hex, jinx, and curse him so much that he will regret having asked me for lessons in the first place," Severus grumbled.

"Hmm," Albus said with that insufferable smile of his.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Author's Note:

Chapter title lyrics from "I Didn't Say I Was Powerful, I Said I Was a Wizard" by Chiodos.
- 34
- 35
- 36
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Lost and Damned