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Walking In His Shoes	By : HPRndRobin Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 6572 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
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
- 6
- 7
- 8
Walking In His Shoes

Chapter 7

By Corgi

"This is awkward." Harry said when he noticed the positions they were in, though he had a huge grin on his face.

"Indeed." Severus was ready to threaten the brat occupying his body with bodily harm if he mentioned this to anyone.

"It was nice not having any nightmares for a change." Harry said in a quiet voice as he rolled out of bed.

"How often do you have them, Harry?" Concern colored Severus' voice as he looked sharply at the other man.

"Every night they come and it's either something to do with the lunatic or Cedric's and Sirius' deaths. Nothing I do stops them and Dreamless Sleep only stops the regular ones. Voldemort's dreams come straight through."

"What do you do at your relative's home when you have a vision?"

"Do my best not to scream and hope that it didn't wake my uncle when I do scream out loud." Severus didn't need to comment on Harry's uncle's reaction, he could guess well enough.

"Are you ready to set your plan into motion this morning?" Severus thought it would be prudent to change the subject and allow Harry to regain his equilibrium.

"I think so. Would you call a house-elf and request breakfast, please?" Severus raised an eyebrow, an awkward maneuver in Harry's body. "I don't know how to. Dobby usually comes to me on his own accord."

Severus snapped his fingers twice and a small crack of displaced air heralded the arrival of a house-elf. The one that answered his summons was an odd looking fellow. The little elf was dressed in mismatched socks, a child's football shorts, a brightly colored vest and a knitted cap on its head. The elf looked at Severus, in Harry's body, then at Harry, in Severus' body, and back and forth several times before turning to Harry.

"Master Harry Potter, why you wearing Professor Snape's body? Isn't Professor Snape angry?" The house-elf situated itself in front of Harry and faced Severus as if to defend the young wizard from attack.

Severus was flabbergasted at this latest development. He didn't know house-elves could do something like this. He was, for the first time in years, at a loss for words. Harry on the other hand was able to deal with the hyperactive elf easily.

"Dobby, Professor Snape is helping me. The evil wizard that's after me is going to try to kidnap me soon and Professor Snape is pretending to be me because he knows a lot of ways to escape that I don't know yet."

"Alright, Master Harry Potter. Dobby not say a word to anyone."

"Thank you, Dobby. Would you get Professor Snape and me some breakfast, please?" Dobby gave Harry a quick hug and before he could react, Severus was bestowed with an energetic huge from the small creature. The house-elf popped out of sight before Severus could retaliate.

"How do you think he was able to tell we switched bodies?" Harry asked with a puzzled look. Severus didn�t like that look on his features, not at all.

"I don't know. A situation like ours has never come up before in my experience. My father sold all our house-elves off when I was three or four years old."

"I guess I'll ask Dobby when he returns with our breakfast."

No sooner than the words left his borrowed mouth the excitable elf returned with an overloaded breakfast tray containing all Harry's and Severus' favorite foods.

"Can Dobby get Masters anything else?"

"Professor Snape needs a full set of my clothes, Dobby, and bring me a pair of socks from the bottom of my trunk. They're still in the store bag. I do have something to ask before you go."

"Yes, Harry Potter, Dobby will answer if he can."

"How did you know who was who when you arrived?"

"Dobby's grandfather was Potter family house-elf and Dobby can tell where all Potter's are because of the bond house-elves have with the families they serve."

"Ah, so that's how you managed to find where I lived during my second year."

"Yes, Master Harry Potter. Also in places like Hogwarts house-elves have special affinities for their favorite people. Dobby and Winky can find Harry Potter anywhere in the world." Dobby exclaimed with pride.

"Thank you, Dobby. The information was quite helpful."

"Dobby is happy to help. Dobby be right back with clothes for Professor Snape." Dobby left the blink of an eye as Harry headed to Severus' wardrobe and removed clothes for the day.

Harry headed for the shower while Severus spelled the food to keep warm. As Harry showered, Severus thought back to this morning. Waking up with someone in his arms was a pleasant experience, one that hasn't occurred in years. It's been years since he's had a decent relationship and a memory burst forth as Severus dwelled on his past relationships. Lucius Malfoy wasn't a problem any more, but there were others that he's been with among the ranks of the Death Eaters. So much for leaving Harry in the dark about his sexual orientation, he was going to have to tell him or something horrible will happen to the boy the next time the Dark Lord called. It was bad enough that Severus noticed how well Harry's body fit against his own. Severus shook his head, trying to get his mind off this morning. There was no need to get himself emotionally entangled with someone who may never return his feelings. He's been on the receiving end of way to much hurt in that aspect of life. No, he'll let Harry know the facts and bury the rest, just as he's done in the past.

Harry returned to the sitting room to see Severus sitting on the couch, his thoughts turned inwards. Harry wondered what the man was thinking about. Harry shrugged off the curiosity he was feeling as futile, because he knew Severus wouldn't tell him anything if he could help it. Harry cleared his throat to get Severus' attention and to indicate that the bathroom was clear. Harry began setting up the water for the last two potions he needed to make for the infirmary. He pulled the ingredients from their shelves and set them on the table before returning to the sitting room to review the instructions before he started them.

Severus barely took anytime in the shower and as soon as he sat down they began to eat their breakfasts. Severus took the time, between mouthfuls, to remind Harry about the Aurors he's supposed to track down and 'kill' as well as other details the younger wizard should remember. Harry bit down the urge to retort and calmly reminded Severus of several crucial facts about himself and how to deal with the various quirks of Ron, Hermione and Ginny.

"There is one thing I do have to tell you and I'm loathing doing so." Harry just looked at him patiently waiting for the information. "I, like you, am gay and unfortunately had some liaisons with a few of my fellow Death Eaters. Now that Lucius Malfoy is dead, some of the others will come forth once again."

"Would it cause problems if I refuse them if they come sniffing around? I know how some of the like to 'play'. Malfoy was the worst of the lot; I just didn't know it was you he was cornering every time."

Severus' borrowed eyes widened in surprise at the other's revelation. Harry smirked at the shock the older man was outwardly displaying. Then again, Harry was never able to hide his emotions. His eyes always gave him away like they're doing to Severus now.

"I see a lot through Voldemort's eyes whether I'd like to or not. I've seen way to much over the past year or two. It's quite put me off having sex after watching that lot. I'm half afraid that anyone I get together with would be like those animals."

"Not everyone is like that, Harry, and no it won't cause any problems if you brush them off. I'm much higher ranked than they are now. Most of those who joined the Death Eaters enjoy rape and torture. Others just want power." Harry detected a hint of jealousy in Severus' expression when the man looked at him.

"And some joined for camaraderie; to be a part of something, to belong. If I had let the hat sort me into Slytherin I would have been one of those, just like you, Professor." Harry said quietly in Severus' deep voice.

"Slytherin?"

"Yeah. That's something Hermione and Ron don't know about."

"Why wouldn't you let the hat sort you into Slytherin?" Severus sounded shocked and a little angry at the revelation.

"I was told that Slytherin produced more dark wizards than any other house and that Voldemort was sorted into Slytherin. Also I met Malfoy twice before we got to school and I didn't want to be in the same house with him. He truly rubbed me the wrong way from the onset."

"Who told you about the Dark Lord and the Slytherins?"

"Hagrid. He took me to get my school supplies when my relatives tried to keep me from coming to school here."

"Draco never understood why you wouldn't be friends with him."

"When he offered me his hand on the train was the second time I've met him. The first was at Madam Malkin's. He reminded me so strongly of my cousin Dudley that I didn't want anything to do with him then. On the train he insulted the very first friend I've ever had and that was the death of any chance he would have of me being his."

"And here Draco thought you were jealous of him."

"Hardly. The only person I've been jealous of since I found the wizarding world is Ron. He's got everything I've really wanted." Harry sighed and walked towards the lab. "I've got two potions left to do for Madam Pomfrey."

"I'll do one of them. There's no need for me to get rusty because I'm running around as you."

"Thanks." Harry smirked at Severus' comment, but didn't say anything further.

"So does Weasley have that you would be jealous of?"

"He's got his parents, brothers and a sister. Something I'll never have and something I would trade all the money in my vault for."

"Something money can't buy."

"Yeah, it's something Ron never sees past. Sometimes all he sees is the vault my parents left me piled with gold and the fame I want nothing to do with. I'd rather be the sixth son who's been eclipsed by his older siblings than me."

"Why do you stay friends with him if he turns away from you?"

"He's only turned on me once and that was during our fourth year and the Tri-Wizard Tournament. It took my playing chicken with the Hungarian Horntail to bring him around. Why I tolerate him and his idiosyncrasies is mostly because he was the first person my age willing to be my friend and I'm not going to abandon him because of a few faults that he eventually works through. I don't want another Wormtail on my conscience."

"You think he'd go that far?"

"He's a prime candidate for recruitment just because he's my friend and 'in my shadow'. So is his brother Percy. Ron's got the desire to outshine those who overshadow him and Percy's ambitious enough to put a Slytherin to shame."

"Straight-laced Percy? You may be right there. He's definitely in a position to be of use to the Dark Lord, especially given the way he cut ties with his family. I'd be suspicious if there's a sudden reconciliation with the rest of the Weasleys."

"I'll keep that in mind. One of the people at the meeting the other day sounded very familiar and I haven't seen Percy since my fourth year so it may have been him. If it was he's tried to get Ron to see things his way at least once that I know of."

"That's not good. Keep your eyes and ears open."

"I certainly will." Harry looked at Severus before asking a question. "Why were you so surprised to hear me say I could have been in Slytherin? You didn't seem to be happy about that fact."

"I'm more upset that you were manipulated before you even arrived at the school. Between Hagrid's statements and the behavior of Mr. Malfoy, Slytherin has lost its only chance at redemption. It would have balanced much if you were in my house and defeated the Dark Lord. It would have removed much of the taint on my house."

"You're right, now that I'm thinking from your point of view. It would have made more sense along with the fact my wand is the brother of Voldemort's."

"Yes, that would be a problem for you in a duel with him."

"It's the reason I got away after he was resurrected."

"That explains a lot."

They quietly began to work on the last two potions for the Hospital Wing, each lost in his own thoughts. Once the potions were at their simmering stage Harry looked up and noticed the time.

"It's time for me to see the Headmaster, Ron and Hermione. Oh, where are the socks I asked Dobby to bring?"

"'re 're on the bed. What are you going to do with them?"

"When I have a few moments, I'll probably skip lunch; I'm going to play with Fluffy."

"Fluffy?" Severus shocked surprise made it hard for Harry not to laugh uncontrollably.

"Hagrid's three-headed dog. I'm going to make these socks look lived in. When Voldemort does what ever he's going to do with them no one, hopefully, is going to get hurt."

"Why didn't you use any of those ratty looking socks in yorunkrunk? I know you don't use them all and they're hand-me-downs."

"I may not like my relatives, but I don't want them dead, not even Vernon. Him I'd like to see locked in Azkaban with his own personal Dementor."

"Good luck."

"Thanks. I'll need it more to survive teaching your classes. Have fun driving your colleagues nuts."

"I just hope my charms are up to par. I was never good at them."

"Neither am I. The only reason I do so well is Hermione. If you haven't noticed, she makes sure Ron and I do all our work. Just be glad I flunked my Divination O.W.L."

"I would certainly hope you'd drop it whether you passed your O.W.L. or not. I can not fathom why you took that class in the first place."

"I took some bad advice from Percy."

"I see. You'd better get going."

"See you later, Severus!"

Harry strode quickly through the halls, scattering the students with his very presence, on his way to the Headmaster's office. He paused before saying the password to the gargoyle and made sure he would do his best impersonation of Severus when he faced his friends. Hopefully the headmaster will do most of the talking. He muttered the password and took the moving stairs two at a time. He didn't need to knock on the door for it opened once he reached it. Fawkes trilled a welcome as he entered the office. The Headmaster sat behind his desk with his eyes twinkling madly. Harry restrained himself from smacking the old man just to get rid of that maddening twinkle.

"Good morning, Harry." Albus flashed him a brilliant smile. "How are you and Severus getting along?"

"You mean besides our plotting against Ron and Hermione?" Harry smirked at Albus, whose smile widened in response.

"Yes, I was quite pleased that you two managed to work together for this little plot of yours."

"We, we are getting along and we've found a small bit of common ground to stand on." Albus' smile brightened even more when he hear that and gave Harry a look that said please elaborate. "No I'm not going to tell you what it is; it's none of your business."

Albus' twinkle brightened until it rivaled that of a nova at Harry's comment and silently offered the younger wizard lemon drops and tea, while they waited for Ron's and Hermione's arrival. While they drank their tea they chatted about inconsequential things. Ten minutes passed before a knock on the door announced the arrival of Ron and Hermione.

Harry stood up and backed into the shadows beside the fireplace as Ron and Hermione entered the room. Both of Harry's friends were agitated and Harry guessed that Severus' empty bed in Gryffindor Tower was the cause. Sure enough, Hermione confirmed his suspicion when she started talking the moment the Headmaster offered them seats.

"Professor Dumbledore, we can't find Harry. He wasn't in his bed this morning and we looked in all of his usual haunts. There isn't any sign of him any where."

"That's provided that Harry was really Harry." Ron added in a grim tone.

"Now, why would you suspect something like that, Mr. Weasley?" Albus asked the young red-head and Harry got a bad feeling when he saw Ron's face, though he couldn't put his finger on what bothered him.

"Yesterday Harry beat me at chess and he's never come close to doing so, even when I purposely make mistakes. Also he didn't fight at all when Hermione made us do our homework. It's not like him; no matter how tired he was he would have protested a little bit."

Harry rolled his eyes at the comment and had to restrain a snort of disgust at it. There have been times when he willingly did his homework when Hermione insisted and he didn't complain when she presented them with her N.E.W.T. study schedule.

"Well you were right. The person walking around as Harry is a member of 'the old crowd'. We received intelligence that a kidnapping attempt was to occur on the school grounds this week and we sent Harry to a safe house. We disguised a reliable person as Harry in hopes of preventing the plot."

"A plan which will no longer work because you two had to go running around shooting your mouths off. I warned you not to go off on any of your goose chases." Harry glared at his friends and allowed a sneer to curl his lips. When he saw Ron and Hermione jump at his sudden entrance into the conversation he could see how Severus could enjoy terrorizing the students on a daily basis. "Your little ancemncement to your year mates ended our attempts to keep your friend safe, Weasley."

"Regrettably that is the case, Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley. Harry will return to classes this morning, but he will no longer be living in Gryffindor Tower."

"Why not?" Ron sputtered in disbelief. Harry couldn't believe it himself. He looked at Ron's face and noted a touch of panic in his friends face and that bothered him to no end. He made a mental note to discuss this with Severus later.

"Who's he going to be staying with, Professor?" Hermione looked worried and Harry knew she was concerned about their study schedule.

"Harry will be staying in Professor Snape's quarters for the rest of the school year." Harry eyebrows nearly flew off his face in shock and he wondered if Severus would be angry or relieved at the new housing arrangement.

"Will Harry be able to study with us in the common room?" Hermione asked and Harry was sure she was starting to adjust their study schedule in her head.

"No you must visit with Harry in Professor Snape's rooms. He's too exposed in Gryffindor Tower."

"Will that be alright with you, Professor?" Hermione asked anxiously while slapping Ron for his foul look.

"As much as I'd hate this I will allow you to visit with Potter, if only to keep him from destroying my rooms. You will be given times that you'll be allowed entry. I don't wish to have my privacy disturbed by having you lot running in and out." Harry hit them with Severus' most intimidating glare.

"You can't do that! We've got every right to see him and you can't keep him a prisoner!" Ron leapt to his feet and his face turned red with anger. He was acting as if the new sleeping arrangements were interrupting some scheme of his. A little trill of alarm ran up his spine at the thought.

"He has no choice in the matter, nor do you." Harry said in that low dangerous voice Severus used when angry as he moved closer to Ron. "He will remain in my quarters when he isn't in class or at meals. I h I had my way he wouldn't be in the Great Hall either. Let me elaborate since you're so thick-headed, Weasley. Potter is not allowed in the library, on the Quidditch pitch and stands, Hogsmeade or anywhere else with out a significant escort of adults." As Harry moved with in conversational distance of Ron the Dark Mark Severus took in his youth flared to life. Harry struggled not to show any indication of discomfort or pain as he continued his rant. "Potter's unerring ability to find trouble and tendency towards heroics is going to stop even if I have to lock him in a cell."

"You can't do that! It isn't right," Ron spat and glared back at Harry.

"Given the way you're behaving now I won't hesitate to give you detention with Filch until school lets out for the year." Harry could see out of the corner of his eye Ron's left hand clenching in pain. Harry felt his world crumble as his mind processed what the mark's reaction meant. He leaned closer to whisper menacingly into Ron's ear. "If your actions upset my plans and my mission for the Dark Lord, I will make your end the most painful one possible." Harry hissed at Ron and watched in satisfaction as his face went from the red of rage to the pasty white of shock.

Ron quickly grabbed Hermione's arm and literally dragged her out of the office. Harry and the Headmaster dimly heard Hermione's goodbye as the redhead yanked her down the stairs to their first class. Harry hoped that Ron wasn't going to give Severus any trouble. Once he was sure the two left Harry allowed his reactions to show. He shakily sat down as his thoughts ran riot. He barely noticed the Headmaster drawing his wand and casting wards around his office.

"Harry, what is wrong?"

"Severus' mark reacted when I got close to Ron. If I remember correctly Ron's either got a mark or he's being controlled by Voldemort or another Death Eater. I won't know for sure until I speak with Severus." Harry didn't try to hide the pain he felt.

"It will be alright, Harry."

"Not if Ron acts first. He could do some serious harm to Hermione or Ginny just to get at me. He, thankfully, won't catch Severus unaware."

"Well I'm glad I made the rooming change. I will speak with Minerva during lunch."

"Yes, now it is a good thing you have Severus back in the dungeons, though I'm sure he would have been jubilant either way. I definitely want to keep Severus away from Ron. Speaking of which, we need to get my trunk from my dorm room." Harry snapped his fingers twice to summon a house-elf. He was very relieved to find that Dobby was the one who answered his call.

"What can Dobby do for Master Harry?"

"Dobby, would you please pack my belongings and bring my trunk to Professor Snape's quarters? Also, please search through Ron's belongings and make sure none of mine are in his possession."

"Yes, Master Harry, Dobby will do so right away."

"Thank you, Dobby." Dobby disappeared immediately and Harry looked up to see a very shocked expression on the Headmaster's face. Harry made sure to memorize the expression. Maybe Severus still had the Headmaster's pensieve so he can share the memory with his fellow victim. He allowed a smirk to spread across his face. "I didn't think it was possible to ever get one over on you Headmaster." Harry watched as the Headmaster struggled to form a coherent sentence and laughed. "I wish I had Colin's camera. This is definitely something I wish to share with Severus. He'd be disappointed that he didn't get to witness this."

"You certainly aren't surprised by Dobby's knowledge." Albus replied in a bit of a huff. He didn't like it when events happened that he had no knowledge of.

"I was when it happened this morning. It caught Severus off guard too." Harry smirked at the Headmaster, whose eyes were twinkling wildly after Harry called the Potion Master by his first name once again.

"Did Dobby give you an explanation?"

"Of course he did, once we held him still long enough to ask. It seems Dobby's grandfather belonged to my relations and as a result he has a bond with the Potter family as well as his former family."

"That sort of bond should have dissolved when he was freed." Albus wore a slightly puzzled frown and Harry marveled at the fact the man was showing more than his usually cheerful mask.

"I have the feeling that they want us to believe that. I've known for a while now that Dobby can still find any member of the Malfoy family no matter where they are in the world. The connection with my relatives came as a shock, but does answer how he managed to find where I lived in my second year. Honestly the house-elves keep any secrets their masters or former masters had no matter what. While Dobby doesn't like the Malfoy's because of their treatment he still won't tell anyone Lucius' activities. Winky, on the other hand, is still blindingly loyal to the Crouches."

"That is something I want to discuss with Dobby in more depth. It could be a useful ability if they are willing to help us. We'd be able to recover you if you're taken by Voldemort. No one thinks to block a house-elf's abilities when they ward an area. I'll have to try and find the Snape family elves or their decedents for the same reasons." Harry could see the mental gears moving in Albus' head as he planned. "Now about Ronald Weasley�"

"I'd rather not discuss it right now." Harry interrupted, "I still need to talk to Severus and deal with Voldemort's task. Also I have a class to teach. At least Ron's possible treachery has put me in a bad mood. I'll be able to do a decent Snape-in-a-snit act for my victims." Harry gave the Headmaster a slight smile as he turned to leave.

"I'll see you later then, Harry."

"Have a nice day, Headmaster."

Harry swept down the stairs and quickly made his way to his office. He gathered his notes for the first class of the day and re-read them to make sure he knew them backwards and forwards. Once he was done rechecking his facts he went to the classroom to set up the ingredients that weren't part of the student stores. When he completed that task he pulled out another pile of student essays and began leaving massive amounts of red ink on them. He could hear the first class gathering in the hallway. As he marked the papers and waited for the first warning chime his thoughts returned to Ron and the mark Harry was sure he now bore.

His thoughts turned inward and anger started coming to the forefront of his mind as he dwelled on Ron's apparent betrayal. Dimly he heard the chime ring out and he got to his feet to swing the door open. Harry glared at the chattering bunch of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws as they scurried into the classroom. Once the final chime rang through the halls Harry slammed the door shut and started the lecture. He went through the whole class without a hitch and no one noticed anything out of the ordinary. Harry stifled the urge to sigh in relief as the first years filed out with no more than two boiled over cauldrons. Harry braced himself for the arrival of the 4th year Gryffindors and Slytherins and prayed for no major accidents or bouts of hexing. Fate was kind to him and thee students performed with no mishaps or minor wars.

Harry sat there a few moments before setting up for the invasion of second year Gryffindor and Slytherin students. This time the class didn't run so smoothly. Three near catastrophes endangered the lives of the students. Two he was able to neutralize with the addition of a counter agenThe The third, the error made by a Slytherin boy, he was unable to figure out the needed ingredient to stop the reaction. He declared to the class that it was too late to neutralize the problem and if they didn't leave in two seconds they would have a month's worth of detentions with Filch.

Harry dismissed the class after making sure none of them were hurt. Harry stepped cautiously into the classroom and sighed as he surveyed the mess. He drew his wand and began repairing the broken furniture and vials. Thankfully the ingredient stores and Severus' private work area were warded against accidents. As he contemplated the best method to remove the remains of the exploded potion from the ceiling and walls Dobby arrived with a crack. The elf looked around the room with wide eyes before turning his attention to Harry. Dobby looked around before speaking and with a snap of his fingers set up privacy wards around the room.

"Dobby has done what Master Harry has asked. Dobby could not find Master Harry's broom though."

"Damn. Thank you, Dobby, for collecting my belongings. Would you and Winky search the castle for my broom? My godfather gave it to me and I don't want to lose it."

"Dobby and Winky will search the school for Master Harry, but first Dobby will clean Professor Snape's classroom. No magic can be used so Master Harry will go to lunch while Dobby cleans." Dobby made shooing motions with his hands.

Harry laughed helplessly so the house-elf started pushing him out of the room. Harry snagged an empty specimen jar from a nearby shelf and handed it to Dobby. "Take a sample of the mess, please. I need to show Professor Snape so I can prevent it from happening again later this week."

"Dobby will save some, Master Harry. Dobby will put the jar on the desk in Professor Snape's rooms. Now, Master Harry will go to lunch." With another shove, Dobby succeeded in throwing Harry out of the classroom and Harry was struggling to keep his laughter at bay.

After mastering his mirth, Harry set Severus' habitual scowl across his face as he set off to the ground floor. He began to head to the empty classroom that opened up to Fluffy's alcove when he began to feel a dull pain in his head where his scar would be. After a few moments he started to feel the effects of the Cruciatus Curse, just like the time Voldemort summoned him his first day as Severus. Changing direction instantly, Harry headed straight to the Transfiguration classroom, where Severus currently was. As he neared the classroom he could hear Severus screaming in agony. An undercurrent of fearful whispering was evident as he reached the door.

Harry slammed the door open and strode to the spot where he saw McGonagall's hat. She, Ron and Hermione were futilely trying to stop Severus' thrashing. Harry raced the remaining distance and Professor McGonagall looked up at the sounds of his footfalls made as he approached the group. He did his best to hide the slight trembling of his body and ignored the flaring of the dark mark on his arm as he approached the group on the floor.

"Severus, can you carry him to the Hospital Wing. Using magic on Harry is making the convulsions worst."

Harry just nodded and picked Severus' thrashing body off the floor. As he tightened his grip on the pained body, he whirled and raced out the door. As soon as he left the classroom he broke into an uncharacteristic sprint for the Hospital Wing.

Severus watched as Harry left his rooms and noted with satisfaction that the younger wizard had mastered his walk. As he waited for the first class of the day tart art for him, he decided to check over his homework to make sure he had them all done. He knew that Harry had Charms first thing in the morning today and Severus was not looking forward to having that particular class today. He was never good at Charms and the only reason he passed as well as he did was Lily Evans. Once his head of house forced him to accept her help in exchange for him tutoring her in potions, he excelled rather well. James was always arrogant and stubborn, but Lily was even more tenacious. She wouldn't let him stop the tutoring despite the fact he was passing. She insisted he keep up the sessions with her and she turned out to be his one and only true friend. His forced relationship with her son was slowly showing him that he favored his mother in personality instead of his father. He had the same stubbornness as she did and it was proving useful with Albus' latest torture.

As Severus whiled away the time before he had to leave for Flitwick's classroom, his thoughts wandered to this morning. He tried to avoid thinking about waking up wrapped around Harry, but his mind wouldn't let it be. His absent mindedness last night was highly embarrassing, but the position he woke up in was far from it. It actually felt too good and he admonished himself for thinking that way about a student. He knew Albus wouldn't have a problem with that scenario if it ever came about, but Severus didn't think it would be a good idea to get attached to someone who wouldn't look twice at him. He knew damn well that when they returned to their proper bodies Harry would go on his merry way and Severus would continue to be his usual bitter self. As much as he would want to, he couldn't allow himself to fall for the young wizard. After all he'd only set himself up for a major fall and it would hurt too much as a result. Better to be alone and only allow a small friendship to bloom. They've already started the foundation for that in such a short time.

Jerking his thoughts away from that touchy subject, Severus thought about the things he and Harry discussed last night. It was very disturbing to find out how wrong he was about the young man's home life and how much they had in common. It was something he didn't wish to find any of his students sharing with him, but he was enough of a realist to know that there were many students, especially with in his house, that shared the same history of abuse from their guardians that he suffered through with his. Seeing those scars on Harry's body was such a shock, but to hear him tell of his family's, no not family, but relative's treatment and behavior towards him struck a blow to Severus' neatly ordered beliefs. What they shared set them on a path that there was no turning back on. Neither man could hate the other the way they had before Albus' forced this understanding upon them.

Severus sank deeper into his thoughts and was unaware of the passage of time until a phantom pain in his arm broke into his thoughts. He concentrated on the pain trying to determine if Harry was being summoned or if the Dark Lord was just in a foul mood. Once he concentrated on the dull feeling he found that the pain signified neither. Harry was standing near a Death Eater; he was sure of it. Fear ran down his spine since he didn't know if it was a student or a full member of the Dark Lord's ranks. Severus glanced at the clock, gathered the books he required for the day and headed up to the charms classroom.

As he walked he kept his eyes open for any of the Death Eaters he knew. His observational skills allowed him to identify all the Death Eaters that resurfaced after the Dark Lord's rebirth three years earlier, but he was at loss when it came to identifying those newly initiated ones. He spent much of his free time sorting through his memories of his students over the years and tried to match their voices to the newer members he's listened to at the meetings. Severus didn't run into anyone on his way to Flitwick's classroom and that fact bothered him greatly.

Severus arrived at the charms classroom long before anyone else and was glad Harry made it a point to tell him where the trio always sat during their classes. At least Severus didn't have to worry about sitting through Potions with Harry teaching the class. That would havusedused more trouble than he cared to think about. The phantom pain finally cut off and Severus breathed a sigh of relief. Moments later he was engulfed in an enthusiastic hug and it took all of his self control not to flinch away and hex the person. Mere breathes later he was released and saw the grinning visages of Harry's friends.

"Harry it's nice to have you back. Where were you staying?" Hermione asked with her typical curiosity.

"I don't know. They port-keyed me away and the people Dumbledore left me with weren't familiar."

"They must be Order members we haven't met yet," Ron said with what looked to be a calculating expression to Severus. "What did they look like, Harry?"

"I think they were wearing glamours, Ron," Severus hedged as all of his internal alarms flared into life.

"Tha"That's too bad. Did you learn any new hexes?" Ron's voice held false eagerness.

"No. They helped me so I didn't fall behind in my classes and help me write my speech for the Defence Conference."

"We're glad you're back, Harry. They had an order member impersonating you and he did a horrible job at it." Hermione graced him with a smile and slipped into the seat between him and Ron. Her comment aggravated Severus. Other than a few minor mistakes he thought he was doing a decent job at being Harry.

Severus was spared from making more conversation with Ron and Hermione by the entrance of Filius and the rest of the N.E.W.T. level class. Severus paid a lot of attention to the lecture; probably more than Harry would have, taking copious amounts of notes. Filius was teaching a charm that Severus didn't master even with Lily's tenacious help. When they got to the practical portion of the class, Severus was hit with the familiar sensation of frustration as he tried the charm over and over without any results. He noticed Hermione mastered the charm on her second try and Ron mastered it a few moments later with Hermione's help. Once she observed Ron as he did the charm flawlessly a couple of times, she turned her attention to Severus and listen closely to his pronunciation before watching his wand movements. Without a word she corrected his wand motions and watched with a small smile filled with pride as his next attempt met with success. Severus gave Hermione a small thankful smile and continued to practice the charm until Flitwick halted them and gave them their homework prior to dismissing them.

Severus' next class went by with no trouble at all and his last class before lunch was Transfiguration. It was one of Minerva's more enjoyable lessons. Harry's class was starting human transfigurations and it was one of Severus' favorite lessons when he was a student. The class went by smoothly until a searing pain in his forehead sent him reeling in agony. His vision misted over and he found himself fall to the floor, but was unable to do anything to catch himself.

His vision darkened and when it cleared he noticed that he once again look out of the Dark Lord's eyes. There were four masked figures before him and two on either side of his throne. Pettigrew cowered on the left side of the Dark Lord's throne while Lestrange stood proudly on his right. At back of the room a fifth entered and waited patiently for his Master to acknowledge him. Severus turned his attention to the four in front and listened closely to what the Dark Lord had to say. Unfortunately for Severus there wasn't much conversation.

"Did you acquire the ingredients I sent you for?" The Dark Lord hissed at the four now cowering Death Eaters.

Nnn� No, Mmmaster," the one on the far right stuttered with his eyes firmly glued to the ground in front of him.

"That is not an answer I wish to hear. Crucio!"

The pain of that curse lanced through Severus and he was vaguely aware of his body screaming in agony, but there was nothing he could do to stop it. Two or three minutes later the Dark Lord lifted the curse from the offending minion before he turned his attention to the next in line. Again the Dark Lord received an unfavorable answer and applied hi favorite torture again. The process repeated twice more and Severus wondered how Harry manages to function afterwards. He remembered a couple of occasions when the young wizard was seated in the Headmaster's office when he'd return from a meeting. Now the extra potions he was required to make for combating the effects of the Cruciatus Curse made sense. Harry was using the majority of the potion. The Dark Lord stopped cursing the sobbing figures on the ground before him and dismissed them.

Severus watched and listened intently as the Dark Lord acknowledged the Death Eater standing in the rear of the room. The man, Severus was sure of that at least, moved forward swiftly, knelt on the floor, and crawled to the throne to kiss the hem of the Dark Lord's robe.

"Did you get a copy of those files?" Voldemort addressed the figure before him.

"Yes, my lord." The man bowed and handed the Dark Lord several paper filled folders.

"Excellent work. Did you find out anything from our other operative in Hogwarts?"

"Yes, it appears that Potter was taken to a safe house and was impersonated by a member of The Order of the Phoenix."

"Is that so? What else?"

"Potter was removed from Gryffindor tower and relocated to Snape's quarters in the dungeons." Severus' mind froze for several moments in fear when he realized that Weasley or Granger had betrayed Harry.

As Severus watched through the Dark Lord's eyes, Voldemort opened the top most file. Absolute terror took over as Severus saw his sealed trial papers. He was doomed and he knew it. He had to warn Harry! The Dark Lord closed the file after flipping through the papers contained in the folder.

"So, he had been against me all this time. He will pay with hi life. Order young Weasley to eliminate Dumbledore and Snape by any means necessary; it's time for him to prove himsef worthy of the time I spent training him. He is to capture and bring Potter here. It is time for me to finish the prophecy."

"Yes, my Lord."

Blackness started to fill his vision and slowly he became aware of the panic filled voices around him. Pain wracked his body as he heard the classroom door slam open. He heard silence descend in the room as footsteps hurried in his direction. As he felt arms lift him off the floor darkness claimed him.

He didn't know how long he was unconscious, but when he opened his eyes he was in the hospital wing and one blurry, dark clad form stood beside his bed. He groped for Harry's glasses and the person next to him placed a hand on his shoulder, retrieved the pair of glasses and placed them upon his face. His vision cleared to show his body occupied by Harry.

"Who were you standing next to this morning, when the mark activated?" Severus asked in a raspy voice.

"Ron," Harry said quietly, but his tone spoke volumes.

"Shit. He's being sent orders to kill me and Albus and to capture you."

"We'll have to get to the dungeons before he receives his orders then. Ron doesn't know the dungeons at all and it's easier for us to defend there."

"Yes, we'll have to do that. Your classes are cancelled for the rest of the day." Both Harry and Severus jumped as Albus joined the conversation. "You two are no to separate all week. All your meals will be taken in your quarters and only Winky and Dobby shall take care of you."

Both Harry and Severus nodded their agreement to the arrangement. Severus noted that Harry had positioned himself so he had a good view of the Hospital Wing doors. Severus commended the boy in his mind for his actions. After a few moments the door opened and Harry tensed and reached for the holstered wand in his sleeve. A breathe later he relaxed when he noticed Minerva entering the wing. The older witch bustled up to the bed Severus was in, concern written in all over he face.

"Harry, how are you?" Minerva asked anxiously.

"I've been better, Professor McGonagall." Severus watched as Harry stepped back so he wasn�t seen from the door. He wondered when Harry's friends were and decided to ask. "Where are Ron and Hermione?"

"They're waiting in the common room until they're allowed to visit you."

"That wone poe possible, Minerva. Mr. Weasley has been marked by Voldemort. He is to be sequestered immediately." Albus informed his Deputy Headmistress.

Minerva looked shocked at the revelation, but quickly shook it off and turned to do Albus' bidding. Severus watched as Albus walked towards Harry only to be shoved forcefully back as a voice shouted the killing curse. The beam of green shot between both men and Harry already was returning fire. Ron Weasley moved into sight and the two began trading curses. Severus watched with growing pride as Harry blocked and retaliated with ease. The castle's dark arts alarms were blaring full force and he heard several loud bangs on the wing's door. Weasley must have used a strong charm to keep the doors shut.

Off to Severus' right, Minerva was standing guard over Albus, who fell to the floor when Harry pushed him out of the way. Her stance also protected Severus as he fumbled for Harry's wand. Weasley shot off yet another killing curse, which Harry dodged easily. After Harry sent a low level dark curse at his former friend Severus realized that Weasley had some sort of charm protecting him from those curses. Severus watched with wand ready, hoping for a clear shot at Weasley. Harry dodged a partially to the left and when Weasley fired a curse at him he had already changed direction and scored a hit with a higher level curse that Severus taught him. It was then Severus noticed he couldn't hear what the combatants were casting. He looked closely at Minerva and noticed her lips moving. She was chanting a spell and Severus' respect for the witch rose several notches when he recognized the charm she was using. The shielding charm she was using wasn't a charm in the strictest sense, but a physical manifestation of her magic. She was weaving her very essence into a wall, which was the reason why Severus couldn't hear what was going on.

Severus turned his attention back to the combatants and watched as Harry dodged yet another attempt from Weasley to kill him. Weasley said something to Harry and Severus saw the boy stiffen in Harry's characteristic show of anger. While he watched the duel he noticed Minerva frown as she noticed the gesture of her prize student. She shifted position so she could watch Severus as well as the combatants while holding the shield wall in place. Severus ignored here and watched as Harry channeled his anger into a lighting fast barrage of spells. As Harry defended himself from another curse from Weasley, Severus noticed his features hardening, as if he was debating and finally came to a decision.

Severus could do nothing but watch as the battle escalated. Weasley had previously thrown curses in the direction of Minerva, Albus and himself, but currently gave up due to Minerva's wall. The two started to throw darker and dark curses at each other and Severus recognized, by the color of the beams of light from their wands, several deadly ones being cast by Weasley that he knew he didn't teach Harry the counters for yet. One spell came so close to hitting Harry that Severus' heart felt like it was lodged in his throat and he wondered for a mere fraction of a second why he had that reaction. Ruthlessly he set that thought aside for later and began to scramble off the hospital bed to aid Harry. A firm hand grabbed his shoulder and prevented him from moving. He looked up to see Albus at his side. The older wizard shook his head and turned back to the battle. Before he completely turned away, Severus saw the deep sadness in his eyes. It may be a long while before they saw the twinkle that annoyed them all in those eyes.

"Albus, I can't keep the shield up any longer." Severus saw Minerva shaking with the effort to keep the ier ier in place.

"Let it go Minerva, I doubt that Weasley will notice it's down. He's quite busy trying to keep his head on his shoulders." Albus told the weary woman.

Severus watched Minerva pull the magic back into her and the sound of combat roared into their presence. Harry was casting a high level dark curse at his former friend and Severus' eyes widened in surprise. He didn't teach the brat that spell. Harry must have actually read the damn book he gave him, much to Severus' surprise. Severus kept a firm grip on his wand, ready to help defend the bystanders against stray and ricocheted spells.

"You'll pay for your treachery, Snape." Weasley hissed at Harry while dodging a hex.

"You're the only traitor in this room, Ron. What were you thinking?" Harry snarled back; confusing both Minerva and Weasley with his words.

"Don't play games, Snape. You've betrayed our Lord and it's time to pay. I'll finally get the recognition I deserve."

"You won't be anything but reviled and despised, Ron. You've had everything and threw it all away. For what? You believe the promises of a madman, who'll throw you away once you've out lived your usefulness?"

The hexes still flew wildly between the former friends and Severus could tell that Harry's words were starting to rattle the red head. Whether it was the words themselves or just the confusion caused by the familiar address doing it, but Weasley's confidence was waivering as they continued to fight.

"I'm gaining more than I'm loosing, Snape. I won't have to live with hand-me-downs and second hand goods anymore."

"You're not gaining anything, Ron.ney ney isn't the answer to everything. You've got a family that cares for you. Who'll support you in what ever you chose to do with your life as long as it made you truly happy. Why would you throw something as priceless as that away?"

"What's so priceless about that? They expect me to be like all the rest and never see me as an individual. I'd never stand out with the rest of them."

"So you'll have them all killed instead? You've got no value to Voldemort. You're just the means to an end."

"He wouldn't have recruited me if I didn't have any value and he's got the ability to give me the power I crave."

"You're only uo hio him is your closeness to the Boy-who-lived. That's all. Once he's gotten his hands on him you'll be thrown to the wayside and forgotten."

"That's not true."

"It is and you know it. If he wanted someone of worth he'd recruit Percy if he hasn't already. He's close to the Minister of Magic and is worth courting."

Severus watched as Weasley's curses became erratic and missed by huge margins. During his last speech to Weasley, Severus noticed a movement of his wand and a mouthed spell and wondered if the motion was what he thought it was. The brat couldn't master Occlumency, but would it be possible for him to cast a Legilimens spell against his friend? The Legilimens spell sent Ron reeling as Harry searched through his memories. Severus wondered if Harry was finding any information on the Dark Lord's plans, but he didn't that it was a likely scenario. Weasley isn't known for his self control and the Dark Lord surely knew it. Severus saw Harry negate the spell and doge a panic thrown spell from Weasley.

"Give up while you've got the chance, Ron." Harry called out sharply to the wizard facing him.

"I won't give up until you're dead, Snape. You don't have the guts to kill me. Dumbledore wouldn't allow it."

"Wrong answer, Weasley." Harry snarled and his face set in a mask of rage. Harry feinted to the left and when Weasley moved in the other direction, Harry struck. "Avada Kevadra!"

The green beam struck Weasley in the chest and he fell to the floor. Severus sat there stunned and unable to move. He didn't expect Harry to kill the other boy. What ever information the Weasley boy had must have truly upset Harry. Though Harry managed to keep Severus' strong masks in place, Severus could see by his posture that he was livid and in emotional pain.

"Severus, how dare you! He was a student!" Minerva's outraged voice echoed through the Hospital Wing.

"Minerva, don't." Albus quietly spoke into the tension filled room.

Harry slowly walked towards the body on the floor. Severus watched with a pain filled heart as Harry bent over to close his friend's eyes and picked up the dropped wand, which he handed to Albus once he returned to Severus' hospital bed.

"Harry, my boy, are you all right?" Albus asked the younger wizard.

"As well as I can be, Headmaster." Harry spoke so low Severus had to strain to hear him. "If you don't mind, I'm going to return to the dungeons."

"Certainly, my boy. I'll be down in a while to speak with you." Harry left with a nod and a small wave to Severus.

"Albus, what is going on?" Minerva cried out in frustration after watching the last exchange. "Why are you calling Severus, Harry? Why did he kill Mr. Weasley instead of stunning him?"

"I switched Harry and Severus into each other's bodies in order to make them understand each other better. As to Mr. Weasley�"

"Ronald Weasley ceased to exist the moment he let Voldemort mark him. I'd rather have the rest of the Weasleys hate me forever than see any of them killed or Ginny turned into Voldemort's whore." Harry broke in and before he stormed out of the wing. "Better that he's dead than to have his family know how much he enjoyed torturing innocent people." The only sound left in the room after his exit was the squeak of the door's hinges as it closed.

"Severus, please change and return to the dungeons. I'll handle things here." Albus broke into the stunned silence and the silent order to watch over Harry was loud and clear.

Severus jumped out of the bed and quickly changed. He took several of the secret passages in the walls in order to intercept Harry on his way to the dungeons. He finally caught up with the younger wizard at the top of the dungeon stairs. They silently made their way to Severus' quarters and once inside Severus' wand clattered to the floor from Harry's nerveless fingers. Harry just stood, silently in the middle of the sitting room, staring off into space. Moments lahe bhe began to shake and Severus stooped to pick up his wand before turning to Harry.

"Harry, go take a shower and lie down for a while. I'll been in to check on you in a few minutes, okay?"

Harry nodded and stiffly made his way into the bathroom. Once the shower turned on Severus collapsed into a chair and wondered how the younger wizard was going to cope with this. Severus didn't know how he was going to handle this mess. As it was his confusion regarding his own feelings towards the boy was enough to drive him mad. He froze in place when he realized what he admitted to himself. He was falling for the Boy-who-lived. He didn't need to make his life more difficult than it already was, but was falling in love a bad thing or not? While chasing his thoughts in circles he dimly became aware of the silence from the other room. Harry must have finished his shower while he was debating whether he was in love or not. He levered himself out of the chair and headed into the bedroom to check on the younger wizard inhabiting his body and saw him curled into a fetal position staring blankly at the wall. Severus heaved a sigh and crossed to the bed, intending on forcing the younger man to talk to him.

"Harry, talk to me." Severus said softly into the silence as he climbed onto his bed next to Harry.

"There's nothing to talk abou Ha Harry replied in a dead voice.

"Yes there is. You can not keep your feelings bottled up. You will destroy yourself."

"Why bother. I'm destined to be alone. Everyone I care about is going to end up dead because of me."

"You will never be alone, Harry."

"I will always be alone. Once they all find out I killed my best friend, they'll never want to be near me again."

"If they do not understand that you were protecting them then they do not deserve to be near you." Severus rebutted softly as tears trailed down Harry's face.

"No one will ever see me as anything other that a monster, the next Voldemort." Harry cried into the silent room and Severus grabbed his chin to force him to look him in the eye.

"Did you enjoy killing Weasley?" A small shake 'no' answered him. "You regret it, yes?" A nod of his head answered Severus. "You're shedding tears over it aren't you?"

"Yes," Harry whispered in a shaky voice.

"Then you have no fear of being a monster. The day you do or do not feel this way is the day you truly become one." Severus watched closely as Harry digested his words. He saw that the younger wizard didn't quite believe everything he said.

"That still won't stop me from being alone. The only blood people want to see staining my hands is Voldemort's and I'll be reviled for every life I'm forced to take that isn't his."

"Then they are fools and don't know what they'd be missing." Severus hesitated a moment before diving forward.

He pressed his lips to Harry's and the other wizard stiffened in surprise. Severus continued to slide his lips over Harry's and soon he felt the other man relax and clumsily begin returning the kiss. Severus saw out of the corner of his eye own ebony irises wide with surprise before he allowed his borrowed ones to close. He slowly stroked the other's lips with his tongue and nibbled on Harry's bottom lip until the latter's mouth opened slowly to allow him entry. As he mapped the other's mouth and coaxed the other to return the favor, Severus felt fire run in his veins and shocks of electricity along his nerves as he deepened the kiss. His heart raced faster when his hand ran down Harry's back and the younger man moaned into his mouth. They continued their lazy mapping expeditions until the need for air over rode their wants and forced them to part. Severus pressed his forehead against Harry's as they panted for air.

Severus saw the wonder in the other's eyes as they came down to earth and he pulled the wizard occupying his body closer. It felt distinctly odd to have his own body curled up beside him, but then the whole situation was something out of that old Muggle T.V. show he saw ages ago. What was it called again? Yes, the Twilight Zone. Severus decided this whole absurd situation would be enough to distract Harry from his troubles.

"I feel like a rare breed of pervert lying here seducing myself." Severus whispered in Harry's ear with a small twitch at the corners of his mouth.

Harry stared at him in disbelief for a few moments before dissolving into laughter. His laughter had a hysterical edge to it, but it was enough to break the younger wizard's self hatred. Severus watched as Harry slowly calmed down and yawned. The stress of the day left both wizards exhausted.

"Go to sleep, Harry. If we're both feigning comas then perhaps the Headmaster will leave us be for now."

Once he said that he gathered the other wizard in his arms and with a quick spell summoned some blankets from the storage cabinet so they didn't need to . B. Before Severus even covered them with the blankets, Harry was sound asleep and once he settled the blankets around them Severus quickly followed. Neither saw the twinkling blue eyes that watched them from the doorway. Albus dimmed the lights with a wave of his hand and left the two men to their slumber.
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Walking In His Shoes