Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

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

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
AN: Since the review board wasn�t working when I posted Chapter 5, I hope, if any of you had comments, you will take the time to post them now. I do love and appreciate your opinions. This chapter also earns the rating. (Can�t seem to get them out of bed now.)

Special thanks, much chocolate and many donuts to my betas (Laura and Brenna) who, through their insight and patience, helped to bang this chapter finally into shape.

Enjoy.
Chapter 6

Betrayal I
Severus watched Potter doze.

Harry.

I know his bloody name.

Then use it.

Severus smirked, recalling that when he had used it for the first time, Harry had climaxed.

Well we can�t have the boy ejaculating all over the place, now can we?

Severus grinned at that. Pushing a stray lock of hair away from Harry�s eye, he admired the serene picture the brat made. His face relaxed, his lips slightly parted.

Those lips had begged him, gasped out his name, mutilating it in passion. Had said they wanted Severus. He ran his fingers ever so lightly around the stubborn jaw line, his eyes drawn to the circle of bruises around Harry�s throat.

Sort of like a collar�

Severus frowned as he traced the pattern with a gentle touch. As much as he fancied the image, he would have to heal them. The brat�s skin was so sensitive. His responses were totally instinctive and sensual as well, yet he was clueless as to how alluring he was. It was endearing really. Harry�s entire character was one contradiction after another.

"What?"

Severus� eyes jerked up to meet apprehensive green ones.

"Have I done something wrong?" He shifted to pull out of Severus� arms. "You want me to go."

It hadn�t been a question. Severus instantly tightened his arm around Harry and pulled the lithe form back against his body.

"No."

"You were scowling at me," Potter said, as if it were a foregone conclusion.

"You should know by now that my scowls have very little to do with any given current scenario."

"Maybe you should do something about that, then."

Severus� lip twitched. "Are you mocking me?"

"No," Harry said bravely. "Actually, I was trying to be cheeky."

Severus moved the arm Harry was laying on and ran a hand down his back to rest over one arse cheek.

"Really?" He squeezed firmly and Harry�s hip jerked forward towards his own. "I suppose I will have to concede. I like your cheeks, especially spread open for me."

Color infused his face and he turned his head. Severus wasn�t having any of that. He took a hold of Harry�s chin and turned it back. Potter�s bottom lip was caught tight between his teeth.

"You are allowed to laugh."

Harry snorted on it. "You have an evil, wicked, perverse sense of humor."

"Among other things," Severus said suggestively.

"So, um, what were you scowling at?"

"Myself."

"Oh?"

"Seems I�ve developed a very annoying inner voice."

"Oh? Attack of conscience?"

Hardly.

Severus grimaced. "Quite the opposite actually."

A smile bloomed on those cherry lips. "Really?"

Severus shifted and rolled to straddle Harry�s hips. "And quite a possessive one as well."

"Really?"

Severus nodded seriously. "You do realize, that I do not share what is mine?"

Harry blinked. Then that mischievous gleam lit his eye again. "Oh well. I�ll have to tell Ron that the bet�s off then."

Severus scowled again as his fists clenched on either side of Potter�s head. "Oh?"

"Yes, to see how many teachers we could score with," Harry said lightly. "Ron�s winning. He�s already had Flitwick and Hagrid so�"

Severus burst out laughing. He wouldn�t admit that he was worried for a moment. He had at one point feared that Potter�s attention was just that � a bet. His relief was tangible.

Getting as insecure as Harry?

"I really did not need that imagery," Severus said, containing his amusement. His attention was turned to Harry�s hands, which ran up and down the outside of both of Severus� thighs.

Harry smiled. "I made you laugh."

"I am permitted to laugh as well, Mr. Potter," Severus said.

Harry�s smile faded to a scowl. "Sorry, Professor."

Severus lifted a brow at the tone.

"Can we have a rule or something about calling me Mr. Potter when I�m naked in your bed?"

Severus smirked. "Impertinent brat," he said, but he ran his hands over Harry�s chest to diminish the malice. "I�ll call you what ever I bloody well choose to when you are naked in my bed."

Harry sighed but his expression relaxed. He stretched under Severus� roaming hands then gasped and froze.

"Are you sore?" Severus asked.

"I guess a little," he admitted. "It�s to be expected though, isn�t it?"

"Indubitably," said Severus, reaching into his night table again. He pulled out what he always referred to as the �good stuff.� "Turn over."

"What?"

"I said turn over."

Harry looked at him skeptically and eyed the jar in Severus hand. With a sigh, he complied and Severus settled himself on his knees between Harry�s legs. He rubbed the oil between his palms then started at Harry�s shoulder blades, rubbing the massaging oil in.

"Oh God," murmured Harry. "You should have said."

Severus chuckled. "And spoiled the surprise?"

*******

Tingles were spreading over every inch of skin that Severus touched. The man�s hands were incredible. Harry had learned that earlier, but now he felt like his flesh and bones were melting into the mattress.

Severus continued to rub the oil down his back, into every muscle, and started on his arse. All Harry could do was sigh. He had been half hard since Severus had woken him with the gentle touch on his face but now he was fully aroused and boneless. He groaned.

A finger ran down the crack of his arse, coated with that miracle oil and Harry instinctively ground his cock into the bed.

He heard a chuckle behind him.

"Nof thf that," Severus said, and pulled Harry�s hips off the bed until he was on his knees. "You will save that for me."

"But-"

A finger breached him, cutting off Harry�s words. The oil soaked into the soft lining inside him, massaging and easing the tense muscles from within.

"Oh God," Harry choked, pressing his hips back onto Severus� hand.

A groan came from behind him and Severus� other hand stroked up Harry�s back. Severus turned his hand, his fingers hitting something inside Har Sev Severus had hit that spot earlier and it had Harry seeing double.

Harry saw stars this time, crying out. "S-Sev, what is that?" he gasped.

Severus leaned over him, his erection rubbing under him, against Harry�s own. He kissed Harry�s shoulder.

"That is your prostate," Severus told him and touched it again.

Harry�s eyes rolled and closed as Severus continued to kiss his back, while his fingers worked oily magic within him.

"Please," he choked. "Do something." Harry didn�t think he could feel this way again in one night. Need, desire burned within him, almost to the point of pain. "Please. Need you."

Severus groaned behind him, teeth sinking into Harry�s shoulder blade. The fingers withdrew and Harry leaned his hips back, chasing after the contact. Then he felt something large and blunt pressed against his entrance. He tried to press back again, but Severus� hands gripped his hips.

"Yes," Harry begged. Slowly, Severus pushed in. As much as Harry loved how careful Severus had been, he was about to die from need. Harry started to rock and soon Severus picked up the rhythm.

When Severus was fully inside him, Harry sighed, his body quivering. There was no greater feeling than being connected like this. Harry felt closer to Severus than to anyone ever in his life. Those magnificent hands continued to run over Harry�s back as he plunged in and out, occasionally stroking over that spot which spread electricity all over his body.

"Harry," his name was whispered close to his ear in that confection covered tone. "So beautiful." Lips touched his jaw, the back of his neck. The thrusts became harder and Harry moved his hand to his own throbbing erection. Severus pushed it away. "I told you to leave that for me."

Harry was gasping for air. "Please, Sev�rus. Please."

Two arms circled him, one hand came to his chest to fondle a nipple, the other cupped under his balls. They tightened under the caress and Severus pressed the patch of skin behind them.

Harry sucked in his breath as white heat spread through him. Severus� other hand finally gripped Harry�s cock and with one stroke, Harry came.

"Sev," hied ied out breathlessly, his entire body quaking in the wake of the climax that hit him.

He vaguely heard his own name being called as well as Severus hands gripped him, locked in his own completion.

Harry�s breathing evened out as Severus settled beside him, pulling him close. Harry turned in his arms and nestled under Severus� chin. A strong arm tightened around him and fingers moved through his hair, petting his head. Harry didn�t think he had ever felt so secure, so � so�

He couldn�t name it. It was wonderful though and he�d give anything to feel this way for the rest of his life.

"You really should go."

Harry frown. "You sure know how to ruin a moment."

The chest against his cheek shook slightly. "It will ruin a lot more than that if someone finds you missing."

Harry had to smile at the amusement in Severus� voice. "I know but�" He let the thought trail off as he lifted his head and looked at Severus. The dark eyes were shining with an understanding light.

Harry let his gaze move over the other man�s face, the hooked nose and the sallow skin. He drew his hand over it, wiping aside several strands of greasy hair. He was perfect, as far as Harry was concerned. This man was perfect and he wanted Harry, the real Harry.

"What are you looking at brat?"

Harry met those eyes again and a soft smile pulled on his lips. He smoothed the lines on Severus� forehead away with his fingers. "Stop scowling at me," Harry said resolutely. "It�s bad for your sex drive."

Severus gripped his hair and pulled him down for a fierce kiss, then gently pushed him away. "Now, go."

Harry sighed and forced himself out of bed. Severus pointed to an open door across the room, which Harry assumed, correctly, was the bathroom. "Is it always freezing down here?" he commented.

"Sometimes I have to remind myself that you are a wizard," Severus muttered.

With a chuckle, Harry waved a hand around the room over the discarded clothing. His wand leapt out of the wreckage and snapped into his palm.

***********

Did you see that?

Severus watched wide eyed as Harry threw a spell at the hearth. Light and heat filled the room.

He disappeared into the bathroom but Severus was still startled by the unconscious display of wandless magic.

Severus propped himself up on his elbow as he waited. He wondered if Harry even knew it was significant. How long had he had the ability? How much could he do?

Potter emerged and began picking through the clothes strewn about the floor. The fire light danced over the smooth planes of Harry�s body as he pulled on his underwear and jeans. He was so achingly�

Enticing? Lovely? Yummy?

Oh, Merlin. He had not just thought the word �yummy.� Although as Harry bent over to retrieve a sock�

Severus pushed the thoughts aside. "Potter," he began, intending to broach the subject of his wandless abilities.

But Harry straightened and glared at him. "I am still weak from the best orgasms of my life, which you brought me to, and you still address me by a name I share with my father?"

Ouch.

"Harry," Severus reiterated.

The smile was positively smug.

Devious little whelp.

Harry sat down on the bed, still smiling. "What?" he asked as he pulled on his socks.

"How long have you been able to summon your wand?" Severus asked carefully.

He shrugged, leaning over again to drag his trainers closer. "Since the Triwizard Tournament, I can summon almost anything."

"I mean without a wand."

"So do I," Harry said lightly. As a demonstration, he raised his hand and spoke almost unintelligibly. The jar of lube flew from the bedside table to his hand. He looked at the label, still smiling. "You make this stuff, don�t you?"

Severus reached out and took it from him. "Yes," he said, annoyed that Potter wasn�t catching on. He placed it back on the table and turned back. Potter was leaning over him.

"Maybe you could show me," he said suggestively. "Homework for remedial potions?"

"Po � Harry, what other spells can you do without a wand?"

Harry frowned. "I don�t know," he admitted. "I never really tried anything."

"It didn�t occur to you or your friends-"

"I don�t think any one has noticed it."

Severus didn�t believe that. Granger would have noticed and said something. "So you don�t practice magic without a wand?"

Harry studied him. "My wand is always handy," he said. "Why?"

"Because it is a gift, Mr. Potter," Severus told him. "I�m sure you�ve seen the Headmaster do it, but it is in fact uncommon."

"Oh great." Potter sighed and sat up. "Something else." "I supposed it will alienate me again, like being a Parselmouth."

Time to re-direct, I think.

Severus grabbed Harry�s arm and pulled him back onto the bed. He flipped them over so he could look down at Harry�s face.

"It is something we will investigate together," Severus said. "But it would be wise to keep it hidden."

Harry nodded, his hands reaching up to hold Severus� head. Severus didn�t resist as Harry pulled gently. Their mouths met and Severus could feel Harry taking an interest in the kiss. He lifted his head.

"You really have to go."

"I know."

"Well," prompted Severus.

"Um, well, you have to move first."

Severus realized he was laying on top of Harry, his fingers stroking through the soft midnight locks again. With a long-suffering sigh, Severus moved and watched Harry roll out of bed and straighten out his clothes.

Harry was tucking in his shirt, eyeing Severus cautiously. His bottom lip was caught between his teeth again.

"Spit it out, Potter."

"We are going to do this again, right?"

Severus laid back on the bed, arranging the sheet over his chest. "I believe that can be arranged."

That smile bloomed again. "And can I call you Sevvie?"

Ack.

Relaxing into the pillow, Severus closed his eyes. "Only if you want your tongue included in my next potion," he said mildly.

"Check, no Sevvie," Harry said seriously enough although there was humor in his voice. "I�ll just see myself out then?"

"You do that."

"Don�t bother to get up."

"Fear not."

"Maybe I should-"

"Just go," Severus said impatiently. The door to his bedroom creaked as it was opened and closed and Severus heard the wards snap on as Harry left his chambers. "Impertinent brat," Severus murmured, sleep settling over him.

Your impertinent brat.

Severus was not inclined to argue as a smile crept over his lips.
**************
Harry wasn�t sure if he was ever going to stop smiling. It was like he had finally gotten everything he wanted. Severus was amazing.

And it wasn�t only the sex. Harry could understand why Severus preferred his dungeons now. They were quiet and peaceful and like living in your own little world. It had been like that. When they were alone, they could both be themselves.

Maybe he had finally found someone that he could be with.

Harry made his way up the stairs to the dorm and only then realized he had wandered through the castle again without his Invisibility Cloak. He�d forgotten to get it again. True after mind blowing sex, who needed to think�

"You did the deed, didn�t you?"

Harry turned to see Ron�s head sticking out his curtains. He peered around, making sure everyone else was asleep, then approached Ron�s bunk. He nodded unable to suppress his smile.

"How was it?"

Harry lifted his brows at his best friend.

"I don�t want details, mate. Just the results."

"Awesome."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Severus-"

"Severus?"

"It is namename, Ron. I�m not calling him Snape or Professor or Sir in bed."

Ron snorted. "Why not? It might turn him on."

"I�ll try to remembert.&qt."

Flushed and looking as if he regretted giving Harry ideas, Ron asked, "So tell me. Did it hurt?"

"Not really. He prepared me really well and I wasn�t scared."

Ron nodded thoughtfully.

"What?" Harry said fighting his annoyance. He was not ready to hear disparaging remarks against Severus right now.

Ron shrugged. "Nothing. I just thought I�d be first."

Harry almost laughed. Leave it to Ron to be more concerned about who lost their virginity first. Then he said, "I thought you and Mandy were going to do it."

"We got interrupted," Ron grumbled.

"Maybe next time."

"Maybe."

"Well, there�s always Zabini."

Ron shrugged. "That wasn�t so hot. I told you that. Besides, I heard he had his eye on Dean now."

Good, Harry thought. Dean would shag his brains out and he�ll move o&quo"Poor Hermione."

Ron shrugged. "Nah. Hermione�s too smart. She doesn�t want a guy like that. I�ve caught her looking at that Ravenclaw beater."

Ron was so predictable. He didn�t know his name but knew the Quidditch position he played.

"Night, Ron."

Ron disappeared behind his curtain. "Night, Harry."
*************
Harry was having one of the best days in his life. He had slept soundly the rest of the night and woke up in plenty of time to shower and get down to kfaskfast, where they served all his favorite morning foods. Severus didn�t look at Harry once, but he�d almost smiled once at the staff table.

Harry had managed not to blush in potions and Severus had ignored him for the most part, only delivering a comment about his potion being barely sufficient in his most scathing tone, which Harry sneered at.

Charms had been a breeze and he had won 5 points for Gryffindor for mastering the chameleon charm first.

McGonagall had given them a pop quiz, which Harry was confident he did well on. Harry was hungry again and couldn�t wait until lunch.

"I�m starving," Ron muttered beside him as they packed up their books from Transfiguration.

"Me too," said Harry.

"Mr. Potter, stay behind for a moment please."

Harry looked across the room to where McGonagall sat at her desk and sighed.

"I�ll be down in a few minutes," Harry told Ron.

The rest of the class left and Harry dragged his pack to McGonagall�s desk and dumped it in front of it as he waited for the professor�s attention.

When she looked up, she removed her spectacles and regarded Harry with half a smile.

"Mr. Potter, I�m very pleased with your marks this term," she began. "You have shown that you�ve been working hard and the results have been more than acceptable."

"Thank you, ma�am," Harry said cautiously, wondering where this was going.

"But it has been brought to my attention that perhaps you possess more talent than you have displayed in class."

Harry blinked. "I don�t understand what you-"

"Transfiguration," she clarified. "Professor Snape said that you are hiding some of your skills."

Harry�s jaw dropped open. "Pro-Professor Snape said?"

McGonagall stood up behind her desk. "Yes, he said he had come across some of your various hidden skills and-"

McGonagall went on but Harry couldn�t hear her through the blood pounding in his head. Snape had told her? His secret was out?

Severus had betrayed him?

Harry didn�t want to believe it, but McGonagall stood there, arms crossed, waiting expectantly for Harry to do something.

Harry swallowed hard. A lump had formed in his throat. Snape was supposed to protect his secrets. Severus had said� Harry had trusted him. He began to shake as hurt and rage built within him.

"So impress me, Mr. Potter," McGoll bll bade.

"But-"

"Now, Mr. Potter."

Harry pulled himself together, securing his mask. With a sigh, he transformed and paced several times in front of McGonagall�s desk.

She gasped and held a hand to her heart. "Wonderful, Mr. Potter. I am impressed. Your father would be so proud."

Transforming again, Harry picked up his bag. "May I go now, ma�am?" Harry asked, the comment about his father completely missed. "I�m hungry." That was a lie now. Harry�s appetite was gone and he felt rather nauseous.

McGonagall dismissed him, a look of surprise on her face, and he raced out of the class before he got sick.

Harry didn�t go to the main Hall for lunch. Instead he went to the library, allegedly to work on his History of Magic essay, but as he had all ready finished it, he ended up brooding.

He couldn�t understand how Snape could do that. Snape was the one who had been stressing the secrecy. He acted as if their lives depended on it. Snape assured Harry he could trust him. Why would he-

"What�s the matter, Potter? Sulking because I�m not pursuing you anymore?"

Harry glanced up and saw Zabini�s smug grin.

"Hardly," Harry afforded him before turning back to his books.

"Thomas is hung like a centaur."

Still not looking up, Harry smirked. "I hope you�re very happy together."

He heard what could have been a growl from Zabini but fortunately Pince shushed them and told Zabini to �move along.�

Zabini did, but he reached out dra dragged his hand through Harry�s hair as he did.

In one smooth movement, Harry grabbed Zabini�s wrist and shoved him against the table.

"What the fuck are you doing, Potter?" Zabini hissed.

"I could ask you the same question," Harry snarled, Zabini�s hand still locked in his own. "You bloody well stay away from my hair."

"What-" Zabini cut himself off as he watched Harry brush any stray hairs off his hand. Then he pulled away, holding his wrist as if Harry had broken it. "You�re bloody paranoid, you know that."

"Maybe," said Harry. "But I know what Polyjuice potion can do."

Zabini smirked. "Potter, I�m a Slytherin," he reminded. "If I wanted your hair for something as devious as that, I wouldn�t be so obvious."

Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw Pince rounding her little desk. "Jkeepkeep your hands to yourself, Zabini," Harry muttered. "Or you�ll find yourself without them."

Harry sat back down, shuffling through his books.

Harry watched him disappear within the stacks and shook his head.

Damn Slytherins. None of them could be trusted. And their head of house was the worst.

Harry tried to convince himself that it was all for the best. At least he wasn�t a virgin anymore and he�d been introduced to some great sex. But he couldn�t shake the feeling of togetherness he�d always felt when the two of them had been alone.

Wtheythey were alone, Harry was able to drop his mask, be himself, and Snape did too. Harry had made Severus laugh and he had made Severus want him. Harry had told Severus things he�d never have told a teacher.

And they�d shared something. Harry could have sworn it. Beyond the sex had been something else. Harry wasn�t sure what it was, but he knew it was real, honest.

The anger came back again. He shouldn�t have trusted Snape. He shouldn�t have let his guard down so quickly or completely.

And why did he still want the greasy git?

***********

"What the hell was that all about?" Draco pinned down Blaise in a dark corner of the library.

Zabini�s eyes narrowed. "You saw?"

"Of course," Draco said with disgust. "You know I have to keep an eye on Potter." He eyed Blaise suspiciously. "You weren�t actually thinking of using a potion on him were you?"

"I hardly thing I need to," Blaise said indignantly.

"From where I was standing that doesn�t seem the case," Draco taunted. "It doesn�t look like he�s interested."

"Oh, he�ll be interested," Blaise assured. "I guarantee it."

"Really?" Draco crossed his arms. "I think he�s already interested in someone else."

"Oh?" Blaise�s brows shot up. "What makes you think that?"

"I pay attention," Draco said evasively. "I think you should back off."

"Do you now?"

Draco nodded. "There�s a lot more going on than you think."

"Look," Blaise eye�s flashed, "You said you weren�t interested so just butt out."

Draco smirked. "Don�t say I didn�t warn you."

"Noted," Blaise muttered and then stormed off.

Draco sighed. "Bloody fool," he murmured.
***********
Severus covertly watched as the three moved to the Gryffindor table for lunch. The bloody brat was avoiding him. There was no other excuse. Potter had not come for his Occlumency lesson last night (claiming illness), nor had he come to the dungeons on his own the night before, as Severus had expected him too.

They had parted on highly amiable terms when Harry had left his chambers the other morning. What could have happened since then to spook the boy?

Potter looked rather tired presently but his damn mask was firmly in place, so Severus could see little else. Double potions with Gryffindor and Slytherins was this afternoon. Severus would just have to force the brat to open up again.

Severus didn�t like not knowing what was going on, and he liked it less that Potter was avoiding him.

After their night of passion, Severus had counted on the fact that Harry was normal hormone driven 17 year old, and that he�d be back for more. Why couldn�t Potter do what was expected of him?

That would be too boring, Severus. You know that. You thrive on the challenge.

Minerva interrupted his thoughts as he stood to leave the table.

"A word, Severus, if you don�t mind?"

Severus nodded and walked silently with Minerva to her classroom. As she closed the door, Severus turned to her expectantly.

"I�m glad I finally got the chance to speak with you, Severus," she announced. "I have been meaning to since-"

"Please get on with it then," Severus said abruptly.

Minerva nodded. "Very well, I confronted Mr. Potter on his improving grades and was quite astounded by what he showed me."

Severus blinked.

"Severus, why didn�t you tell me the extent of his skill?"

Confused now, he demanded, "What are you talking about Minerva?"

She smiled with pride. "His Animagus form of course."

Severus felt his stomach clench. "His what?"

Minerva flushed slightly. "Oh, dear, didn�t you know?"

"I, er." Severus took a breath. "What did you tell him?"

"I merely told him that you had informed me that he had quite a bit more skill at transfiguration than he�d let on. And I told him to show me."

Bloody hell.

"And he transformed?" Severus asked cautiously.

Minerva considered him. "Well he looked rather upset by the request. So I insisted. And he showed me. Then he returned to human form and excused himself. Why didn�t you tell me?"

He thinks you betrayed him.

Severus thought fast. "No one was meant to know," he told her. "For security reasons, obviously."

"Well that explains his upset," Minerva concluded. She sent a portrait off to find Potter then turned back to Severus.

"I�m very surprised he showed you," Severus added.

Minerva appeared affronted. "I am the head of his house, Severus," she sniffed. "My students do trust me."

Severus could have gone off on that particular subject but Potter�s entrance prevented it.

"You sent for me, Professor?" Potter said, stepping into the room. He stopped dead upon seeing Severus. His mask firmly in place, he nodded and acknowledged him with a curt, "Professor."

"Yes, Harry, come in," Minerva told him. "I fear I�ve done you a disservice."

Harry looked at her, clearly confused.

Look #5 of the standard Harry Potter Expressions.

"I did not realize that your ability to transform was a secret," she explained.

"Oh?"

Vague interest. #2.

"Yes," Minerva admitted. "Professor Snape and I were just discussing it."

Potter blinked. "Oh?"

Severus could see the miniscule movement of Harry�s jaw as he ground his teeth.

"Yes, Potter. He had told me of some of your extraordinary skill. I had no idea to begin with that you were an Animagus. Professor Snape just told me you had improved, he didn�t tell me how much." She turned to Severus. "I�m assuming Professor Dumbledore knows?"

"Er-" Harry opened his mouth to answer.

"Not yet," Severus inserted swiftly. "I only just discovered it myself and have yet to actually see the transformation."

"But you will tell him," Minerva pressed.

Severus inclined his head. "The Headmaster and I will discuss it."

"Very good," Minerva said, then looked back at Potter. "Well done, Potter."

Harry nodded. "You won�t tell anyone else though, right?" he said, looking at the floor.

Humble shyness. #4

Minerva smiled. "Of course not, Harry. Skill such as that should be concealed at such times. Especially for you."

Harry gave a resigned nod and sighed. "May I go now, ma�am?"

"Certainly. You have a class."

Severus opened his mouth to instruct Potter to wait, but the brat was gone in a flash.

Double Potions was hell. His bloody inner voice wouldn�t stop nagging him with ways to reassure his Harry that he hadn�t betrayed his confidence. As much as Minerva�s little confession helped, Severus was sure Harry would be in defensive mode.

They managed to get through the class without blowing up or melting anything or anyone, so it was with great relief that Severus dismissed them.

He moved to his desk, noting that Potter was rushing to pack his things together.

He�s trying to escape.

Severus� need to right the misunderstanding took precedence over all else. Even the delicious images of last night, replaying in his mind, making the class and Potter�s presence a wonderful torment, couldn�t distract him from straightening up this mess.

Harry almost got away. After a quick spell at Potter�s workstation, Severus called him back.

"Mr. Potter, you will remain and clean up your mess."

Dumbfounded, Harry turned and looked at his desk. His jaw dropped open and his eyes widened at the mess Severus had magicked.

At least you can still surprise him.

Severus had to concur. Harry�s mask had totally slipped off just then.

Potter stood, his body rigid with anger, fist clenched and jaw closed again but locked, as the other students exited the room.

When they were alone again, he glared at Severus.

"That�s bloody unfair," he said loudly.

"Too bad," Severus replied. He sent a locking spell at the door and, as an after-thought, a silencing spell as well. "Why didn�t you come to me when-"

"How could you tell her?" Potter shouted.

"I didn�t," Severus snapped. "You heard her."

"You must have said something," he insisted.

"Small concessions, Potter. Remember, small," Severus growled. "It is possible to appease the curious with only parts of a larger secret. Have you not been paying attention?"

"Why did you have to tell her anything?" Harry demanded.

"Because, Mr. Potter," Severus snarled. "McGonagall doesn�t believe the remedial potions excuse. She went to the Headmaster and demanded an explanation as to why the Gryffindor darling is out of his secure little tower and down in the dismal dungeons almost every night."

Severus saw the anger literally drain from Harry�s body. "I�m sorry."

But Severus was not done. "You simply assumed I�d told her everything. You should have found out before trustingly transforming in front of her � in front of any one."

"I�m sorry."

"You must discover exactly how much information a person has first, before you give them anything else."

"You�re right."

"There is no excuse for it," Severus continued, undaunted. "Then you wasted two days sulking when you should have come to me."

"I�m sorry."

"You would have found out the truth and we could�ve discussed damage control and future preventative actions."

Severus would have continued but he was interrupted by Harry�s mouth on his own. Then that silken tongue slid between his lips and he forgot all about the reprimand.

Such a heavenly mouth.

When Harry pulled away, his hand slid from around Severus� neck to his chest and he looked up with that innocent expression. He licked his lips.

"I said I was sorry," he said. "You�re right, I�m an idiot."

"Indeed," Severus murmured, drawing the compliant body back into his arms. "My idiot," he murmured, lowering his head.

Oh, yes. Kiss first, berate later.

.

*Author�s Note: What Minerva actually said to Harry about his Animagus form:

"Harry, I totally didn�t realize that your incredibly cool Animagus form was a secret. Sev just told me you were good, he didn�t tell me how good. Just want to let you know that you can count on me, I won�t tell anyone."

-Courtesy of beta Laura at 5 am her time.
- 5
- 6
- 7
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

To Have and To Hold