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To Have and To Keep	By : MontanaDan Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 15257 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
To Have and To Keep

Chapter 8 - Perspectives

Severus stared at Harry.�
Harry stared back, and fortunately for Severus, he was just not fast
enough to keep Severus out.� It�s my fault.� Harry�s shields went up fast but Severus had
seen enough.

Harry launched himself at Severus and pounded on his
chest.� �You bastard!� he spat.� �How dare you use Legilimency on me!�

Severus grabbed his shoulders.� �It's not
your fault,� he said, ignoring the blows to his person.� �Do you hear me?� Do you understand?�

Harry stopped struggling and stared at the floor. �I killed
them,� he whispered.� �I'm sorry.�

So, that's why
the first thing out of his mouth when he woke up was an apology.

�You didn't!� Severus insisted.� �It was a tragic accident.� It's no one's fault.� If it's anyone's fault, it's Lucius'!�

�But you knew I
had taken the potion and you still made love to me,� Harry argued, looking
up.� �You must have wanted-�

�Potter, I was out of control,� Severus interrupted.� �You
were out of control.� The potion would
have made you do it.� It would strive to make you complete the
act.� I felt it but I couldn't stop
myself.� I wanted you that badly.�

Harry searched Severus� face, not sure what he was looking
for. �But the baby-�

�I would choose you,
Harry!� Severus snapped.� �That pregnancy
would have torn you apart.� If I had lost
you, it would have torn me apart.�

�Don't you get it?� I
didn't want it,� Harry cried.� �Cassi
told me that the baby wanted to be born, but I didn't want it to be born.� I-�

Severus crushed Harry in his arms, locking him in a tight
embrace.� �Don't do this to yourself,
Harry.� Just like everything else, you
would have grown used to the idea and you would have accepted it.�

Harry pulled away, as hard as it was.� �I didn't want
to accept it.� Don't you understand?� he
begged Severus.� �I was sick of having to
just accept everything that happened to me.�
It was just another one of those things thrust upon me and I didn't want it.�
That is not how a child should
be brought into the world!�� Harry was
shouting now, but he couldn't stop.�
Tears streaked down his face.

�I know what it's like to be unwanted,� he went on, �unloved
by people who are supposed to give a fuck whether I live or die.�

Severus grabbed Harry by the arms and shook him, stopping
his tirade.

"You are not
the Dursleys, Potter," Severus spat.�
�How dare you think you would be anything like them?� You are not the only person in the world who
ever got pregnant at a bad time, at an inconvenient time.� Did you think about that? �Did you think about all the young couples who
find themselves expecting earlier than they wanted to start a family?� It happens.�
Quite frequently, from what I hear.�
And those mothers are just as bitter and resentful as you were at first,
but they get over it, just as you would have.

�And they love their babies, just as you would have.�� Severus' face became pained.� �Just as your mother did.�

Harry blinked, drawing his sleeve across his face.� "What?"

�Did you think that your mother was any different?� Severus
sneered.� Harry flinched.� �It was war, for Merlin's sake.� Did you think that Lily wanted to stop
fighting because she was pregnant?� Did
you think that she and your father wanted to have a family just as a maniac was
trying to take over the Wizarding world?�

Numbly, Harry stared.�
�And what about you?� he whispered.

Severus straightened. �What about me?�

�Were you ready to have a family?�

Severus mentally had to change gears.� �I had never considered the long term
consequences of having a family.� It
wasn't something I ever had to imagine.�
I was, in fact, too shocked that it occurred at all to think of the
repercussions.� I think that, like you, I
would have had to become accustomed to the idea.�

Harry turned away.

�But, Harry,� Severus moved before him again and lifted his
face.� �If the Fates are determined that
we have a child together, then we will
have a child together.�

Something warm washed over Harry.� Places deep within him that had been cold
since the miscarriage suffused with heat.

�But for once, Mr. Potter,� Severus said, his eyes intense
as he met Harry's.� �You can say with
complete accuracy that it wasn't your fault.�

Was it possible that Harry had acted normally?� And that his
actions hadn�t actually caused the miscarriage?�

Cassi told you that,
his inner voice reminded him.� The two
pregnancies couldn�t co-exist.�

And Severus didn�t hate him.�
�I would choose you,� he�d
said.�

Harry searched Severus� face again and found assurance and
concern.� �You don�t hate me?� he
whispered.

Severus smirked.� It
was a soft smirk, filled with affection.�
�Hardly.�

A smile quirked on Harry's lips.� �Thank you,� he murmured, leaning up.� Severus met him halfway and as their mouths
met, that spark of heat spread through the rest of Harry's body, filling him
with comfort and self-forgiveness.��

God, he loved kissing Severus.� Harry clutched at him, desperate to hold onto
that heat, that feeling of completion that he always felt in Severus�
arms.� Not that Severus was letting him
go far away.� Severus� arms tightened,
molding Harry�s form against his own.

Severus� kisses became impassioned and
Harry submitted to the domination as Severus tore into his flesh with need.
Within seconds, they were naked on the bed, passion-swept with overwhelming
urgency to possess each other�s souls with ardent touches and searing kisses.
It was far too quick for Harry�s liking and out of his control, but he couldn�t
find fault with such perfection.

As they lay wrapped around each other
afterward, Harry sighed.� He couldn�t
recall actually moving from the study to the bedroom and he wasn�t looking
forward to hunting down his clothes.� He
was pretty sure his shirt had been destroyed in the process.�

He ran his fingers over Severus� chest, thinking about all
that Severus had said.� �You're really
getting better at this.�

Severus didn�t open his eyes. �At what?�

�Expressing your feelings.�

That got his attention, in fact, he snarled.� �Tell anyone and I'll turn you into a newt.�

Harry blinked.� �A newt?�

�Yes, a newt.�� When
Harry only stared, Severus went on, �Doubt me?�
Ask Lucius.� He smiled smugly. �Lucius made a fine newt.�

�You turned him into a newt?� Harry asked shocked.

Severus� eyebrow rose.�
�He got better,� he grumbled.

Harry fell into helpless giggles.� �You know Monty Python?�

Severus sighed patiently and closed his eyes. �All wizards
know Monty Python, you dolt.� John Cleese
is a wizard.�

�He is?�

�I believe he is actually a direct descendant of Sir
Nicholas.�

Harry laughed.� He had
almost forgotten about Severus' bizarre sense of humor.

So much for no sex,
and no Severus.

The smugness of his inner voice grated on Harry�s nerves and
he pulled away from Severus' chest, silently cursing his own weakness.� He had done it again.� Why did he find Severus so irresistible?� He moved to sit up but Severus grabbed his
arm.

�Harry Potter, you will stay in this bed and engage in
sentimental, after-sex talk with me or, by all that is magical, I will tie you
to the bedposts and let you rot there.�

Biting his lip, Harry slid back to the pillow.� Severus snuggled down next to him and pulled
him close until Harry's head rested on his chest.

�Impudent brat,� Severus muttered, �trying to deprive
himself of an activity he loves��

Harry couldn't help it, he burst out laughing.� �Severus,� he said carefully.� �You do realize that you just demanded that I
cuddle with you.�

�I trust you will not tell anyone.� I'd rather not have a newt as a -- dear
Merlin,� he swallowed, �boyfriend.��

Arms tightened arms around Harry and he sighed contentedly,
trailing his fingers lightly over Severus' chest again.� �Um, Severus, about your sister��

******

Harry woke up immediately aware of how hard he was.� Severus� mouth continued on a journey that
moved from hip to hip, down, and around his erection.� Severus� fingers fondled Harry�s balls while
his other hand stroked leisurely around his chest, teasing his nipples.� Clutching the bed, Harry moaned, opening his
legs.�

�I see I am no longer the only one enjoying this,� Severus
drawled and Harry looked down, meeting his gaze.� The black eyes were intense.

Harry sucked in a breath. �Are you?� he asked.� �Enjoying this?�

Severus smirked, dropped a kiss on the tip of Harry�s cock
and crawled up his body.�� It didn�t take
long before Harry felt how much Severus was enjoying his play.�� Cradled between Harry�s thighs, Severus�
hips moved sinfully, rubbing their erections together.

Harry moaned, pressed his hips up against the firm
friction.� Severus moved his mouth around
Harry�s face, pressing a moist trail to his ear.� �Harry,� he breathed softly, �I want you.�

Harry grinned, wrapping his arms around Severus� shoulders
to stroke his hands down his back.� �I
don�t think that�s going to be a problem,� Harry replied.

Severus continued his firm rocking as he traced his mouth
around the shell of Harry�s ear.� �I
mean,� he whispered.� �I want to feel you
inside me.�

Harry stiffened when the words registered and Severus moved
to peer down on him.� �You want me t-to- to-�

Severus nodded.� Harry
swallowed and blinked, and then he pushed Severus off and jumped out of the
bed, heading for the bathroom.

�That can�t be the vaunted Gryffindor courage fleeing?�
Severus called behind him, but Harry ignored it.

What the hell is wrong
with you?� You�ve wanted this for over a
year.�

Harry wasn�t sure why he was so nervous.� For Severus to accept Harry like that�� To open himself up to such vulnerability
placed a lot of trust in Harry.� Harry
wasn�t sure he deserved it.

A gentle knock came at the door.� �Harry?�

Harry looked up.� He
hadn�t shut the door.� �Are you sure?� he
asked.

Severus crossed his arms and Harry couldn�t help noticing
that Severus was still hard.� �If you�d
rather not��

Embarrassed now, Harry said, �No, no.� I mean, I want to.� It�s just that-�

Severus turned around.�
�I�ll be in the bed.� Do return
when you make up your mind.�

Harry stared after him for a second, admiring the view and
then he launched himself after him, tackling him so that they both ended up
sprawled on the bed.� Without hesitation,
Harry trapped Severus against the mattress and covered his mouth with his own.

Harry vowed, as he began the assault on Severus� lips, that
he would make it worth it.

As Harry�s hands began exploring his body, Severus sighed,
hoping this didn�t kill him.� Harry�s
touches always lit fire in his veins, which is why Severus always restricted
the amount of time he allowed Harry to �play�.

The combination of innocence and reverence with which Harry
explored was enough to drive a man insane with want.� Severus restrained it, letting his body go as
Harry caressed and kissed his skin, rubbing his tight body over Severus�
sensitized nerves, and pushing his control to limits he�d never experienced.

Harry�s mouth, his swollen red lips and firm pink tongue
moved down, first paying homage to Severus� nipples before traversing over a
concave stomach to the dripping cock.�
Severus sucked in a breath as that tongue teased the slit, slurping at
the pre-come like it was pumpkin juice.

�Harry,� Severus growled.�

�Patience,� Harry said, winding his mouth down underneath
Severus� throbbing cock to his balls.�
Harry toyed with them with his tongue, shifting them this way and that,
while his hands snuck underneath Severus to knead his arse cheeks.

A finger stroked down Severus� crack and Severus was glad to
note that it was covered with lubrication.�
Severus didn�t know how long he was going to last.� He was ready to come right that second but he
didn�t want to disappoint Harry.

Harry nudged him and Severus rolled onto his stomach,
grateful for the reprieve from the sweet torture of Harry�s mouth.� Harry pulled up Severus� hips, running his
hands over his back and arse with a loving touch.� Harry�s hand slid beneath and closed over
Severus� cock, and Severus groaned.

�Harry-� Severus� words strangled off as moisture pressed
into his opening.� It flicked and
squeezed in again, sending a jolt of pleasure through him.� The hand left his throbbing cock and his
cheeks were pushed open as Harry�s tongue continued to thrust into his hole,
licking and flicking.

�Fuck,� Severus gasped.�
�Please.�� Severus would kill
Harry if he heard a giggle.� He didn�t
but Harry did take pity on him, and the torturous mouth left his ass to press
kisses on his back.� A finger moved to
replace that probing tongue, forging an opening and stretching the
muscles.� Soon another finger was added,
while Harry�s other hand moved around to Severus� chest.

Severus panted, willing Harry to hurry and praying he would
last.� He would not disappoint Harry.� It would be as perfect as Harry expected.

Harry�s finger brushed his prostrate and Severus let out a scream
from deep in his throat as his body bucked.�
His arms buckled and he buried his face into the pillow, breathing
thickly.

�Fuck, Harry.� Hurry,�
Severus pleaded, but Harry didn�t.�
Another finger was added and more stretching ensued.� �A newt, Potter.� I swear it,� he growled.

That got a laugh and the fingers retreated.� Severus almost regretted it, but Harry�s cock
quickly replaced them.� At the edge of
his hole, Harry added more lube and started to push.� Severus tried to push back but Harry held his
hips.

�Easy, Sev,� Harry whispered.

�Get,� Severus breathed, �the fuck,� he breathed again, �in
me.�

�Please,� Harry begged, clutching Severus� hips and Severus
heard the catch in his voice.� Looking
over his shoulder, he saw his Harry.�
Sweat dripped down his upturned face and his eyes squeezed tightly
closed.� His muscles locked tight with
the strain and Severus realized the rigid control Harry had been
maintaining.� The two of them were a
pair: both afraid to hurt and disappoint the other.

�Harry,� he whispered.�
Harry opened his eyes, they were glazed with desire and hunger and
Severus� chest clenched.� That desire was
for him.� �I love you.�

Harry growled and thrust, impaling himself deeply and
Severus cried out in pleasure.� Pulling
out swiftly, Harry thrust in again.�
Severus rocked forward and pushed back, meeting Harry�s rhythm.� Draped over Severus� back, Harry�s hand found
Severus� cock and pulled.

Severus� climax hit hard, washing over him in wave after
wave of pleasure, prolonged by Harry�s steady thrusts.�

�Severus,� Harry cried as his body locked, his hips spasming
as he came too.

Together they sank into the mattress, spent and sated and
too tired to even untangle their limbs.

******

�I didn�t hurt you, did I?�

Severus snorted.�� On
the contrary, you were so bloody gentle it almost killed me.�

Harry looked away.�
�I�m sorry.� I guess I wasn�t very
good.�� He moved the half of his body
that was still on top of Severus.

Severus cast a spell to clean them up and then pulled Harry
to him.� �Again, you are mistaken,� he
announced.� �I did use the word �killed� in a good way.� In fact, I never had such a considerate
lover.�

Harry peered up at him, his bottom lip caught between his
teeth.� �So it was okay?�

With a smirk, Severus leaned over him and suggested, �I dare
say we could use some practice with that particular position.�

Harry grinned at the implication and leaned forward to kiss
his lover.

�Master Harry,� Dobby said as he popped into the room.� �Breakfast is��

Suddenly, Severus flew off Harry taking a blanket with
him.� He landed on the floor several feet
away from the bed, his face becoming quite livid.

�What is you doing to my master?� Dobby raged, his hand outstretched
towards Severus until he recognized who it was.�
�OH!� Professor Snape, sir.� Dobby is not knowing it was you.� Dobby was thinking it was that other wizard.� Dobby is sorry.� Dobby will fix breakfast.�� Dobby is so happy to see Master Harry with
his professor.�

Dobby blinked out and Harry stared at the space as Severus
pushed himself to his feet. Angry and now jealous, Severus began pulling on his
clothes.� �Just how many men do you bring
to your bedroom, Mr. Potter?�

�None, if you must know,� Harry said defensively.� �Dobby just has a thing against Grant.� I think he may have thought you were
him.� Not that I�ve done anything with
Grant.�

Severus appreciated Harry�s tendency to ramble when he was
embarrassed.� He was honest and
forthcoming during those times and at this point, it saved Severus a jealous
rage he could ill afford.� He and Harry
had reconciled Harry�s guilt, Severus was sure, and Severus didn�t wish to do
anything to disturb their truce.

�So,� Severus said, pulling on his robe.� �Dobby doesn�t like�� he trailed off, not
recalling the name.

Montague.

�Grant.� Grant
Montgomery,� Harry supplied.� �Yeah.� He�s been helping me with a potion.� Dobby popped in while we were working and
kicked him out.� We had an argument about
it.�

Severus blinked.� �An
argument?� You fought with Dobby?�

Harry shrugged and Severus wished he didn�t look so young,
laying half exposed on the bed.�
�Yeah.� I told him Grant was
alright, but he didn�t believe me.�

Severus focused on the subject.� The elf disliked Montague enough that he had
actually argued with Harry about him.�
�And that didn�t alert you that there actually might be a reason?�

Harry sat up in bed.�
�Like what?�

�Potter, that particular elf arguing with you is tantamount to the first sign of
the apocalypse.� It didn�t occur to you
that he may be onto something?�

Harry flopped back into his pillow.� �Please, we argue all the time.�

Severus raised an eyebrow.

�Like when Dobby kept insisting that I had to leave Hogwarts
in my second year,� Harry said.� �We
fought all year over it.� He kept
insisting it was for my own good.� He
wouldn�t listen to me.� He has his own
ideas of what�s good for me.�

Oh, do tell him how
the elf hexed your Floo just so it would backfire on Harry�s � for his own
good.

Severus withheld the smirk.�
�And what did he say about Montgomery?�

�Just that he was false.�

�And what does that mean?� Severus asked curiously.

�How would I know?� Harry replied, stifling a yawn.

Severus sighed and called the elf.� Dobby popped in and he repeated the question.

�Dobby is just knowing that he is false,� was Dobby�s
explanation.

Somewhat frustrated, Severus pressed on.� �False? How?�

�Dobby is not knowing how a wizard thinks.� He is wanting something from Harry Potter.�

Harry made a �you see� gesture.� Of course, it was obvious what Montgomery
wanted from Harry, but Severus was paranoid enough to wonder further.� He let it go for now.

�So what is for breakfast?� Severus inquired.�

Dobby looked at him as if he were daft for asking.� �Everything,� he replied and popped out.

Harry laughed and jumped out of bed.� He pressed his naked form against
Severus.� �Are you going to stay?�

Severus cupped the perfect arse in both of his hands and
pulled Harry�s hips firmly to his own.�
�Will you come to the table dressed as you are?� he dared.� �Of course, then I�d feel obligated to make
you come at the table.�

He still blushes so
fetchingly.

With a grin, Harry said nothing.� He pressed a kiss to Severus� mouth and moved
away to collect his clothes.� Not finding
all of them, he raised a hand and summoned his shirt.� When nothing happened, he sighed and looked
to Severus.

Severus moved to the door.�
�You have a house-elf, Potter,� he reminded.� �He will clean up your mess.� Just get dressed.� Breakfast awaits.�

****

Harry emerged from the bedroom in a robe and found Severus
at the table set for two.� Severus had
already started, which Harry assumed was because he had to get back to
school.� Harry took a seat and studied
the dishes laid out before them.� Dobby
wasn�t kidding about �everything.�� Harry
helped himself to some bacon and eggs and snagged a couple of slices of toast.

Severus wiped his hands on a serviette as he finished up and
Harry glanced at the clock.� He should be
more tired, he considered.� They didn�t
get much sleep last night and it was still early enough for Severus to make it
to class, despite their early morning activities.�

Harry felt his face heat up just thinking about it.�

Wild monkey sex and no
headache.

Harry frowned at the thought. It had to be Severus.

You think?

�What are your plans for today?� Severus asked, interrupting
his thoughts.

�I have some little things to do,� Harry said.� �I have to do some reading for my
curse-breaker class and then see Neville so I can pay my staff.� Nothing exciting.�

Severus stood up.� �I
have a staff meeting this evening,� he informed Harry.� �This one was scheduled,� he added sardonically.� �Would you like to come to the castle tonight
afterward?�

Harry couldn�t help his grin.� �Your place, tonight?� he asked.

Severus inclined his head.�
�If you have no other plans.�

Harry agreed and Severus kissed him firmly and left through
the Floo.� Harry sighed and returned to
the table to finish breakfast.� On the
way, he noticed the box sitting on the table beside the sofa.

Isn�t that the box
Lucius gave you?

Harry picked it up and shook it.� He almost dropped it as it rattled and
screamed at him.� Opening it quickly, the
small snake inside it poised to attack him.

~I�m sorry,~ Harry said.�

The snake cocked its head at him.� ~You speak?~

~Yes.� My name is
Harry.~� He let the snake slither out of
the box onto the table and glanced around for his pet.� Saruman was in his usual place on the window
seat, soaking up the morning sun.� Harry
retrieved him.

~A mate?~ Saruman asked.�
He sounded pleased.

~Do you like her?~

After a moment of inspecting the other snake, Saruman said,
~She will do.~� But when Harry put him
down next to the other snake, she hissed at him.

~I will do?~ she
mocked.� She looked at Harry.� ~Why would I stay here?~

~Because Master can speak to us and he gives us white
mices,~ Saruman said.

The new snake sent Saruman a glance and then looked at
Harry.� ~Very well.� He
will do.~

Harry withheld his laughter.�
She agreed to be called Sauri and Harry picked them both up and put them
on the window seat.� They curled up and
went to sleep.� Harry stared at them
entwined together and sighed.� He wished
it were as easy for him.

The sight of Severus beneath him, the feel of him around
Harry still lingered.� Severus had
finally let Harry top.� And it had been as wonderful as he�d thought it
would be, but it was so hard.� Harry had
known that Severus had a bad experience bottoming and Harry had been as gentle
as he could.

If that was how Severus thought every time they made love, then Harry admired him even more.� Controlling your desire was almost as
torturous as being the one not in control.

And you actually try
to get Severus to lose control.

Harry grinned at the thought.� It was true.�
Though Severus had done it too.�
His declaration when Harry entered him had undone Harry, making Harry
lose it.� And, it had been good.

Wild monkey sex.

And no headache.� Harry
frowned.� He�d have to test his theory
about that too.

You do have to
thank Lucius for his gift.

Harry sighed.� It
would be a good way to start.� Lucius
usually gave him a headache. Resigned, Harry finished breakfast then went to
shower and dress for a trip to the Manor.

*****

�Master Harry!� Frozzy exclaimed after opening the door.

�Hi, er-� Harry was cut off as the house-elf dragged him
into the house.

�We is so pleased to welcome you back to Malfoy Manor,� Frozzy
said, pushing him towards the library.

�Um, is Lucius available?� Harry managed.

�Yes, yes,� Frozzy assured, pushing Harry into a comfy
chair.� A tray of refreshments appeared
on the table before him.� �Frozzy will
fetch the Master immediately.�

*****

Lucius stared at the invite.�
It could be the opportunity he�d been waiting for; a chance to show
Harry that he was the better man, the better choice.

�Master!�

Lucius frowned.�
�Frozzy, I have told you not to disturb me when-�

�Master Harry, Master,� the elf interrupted
breathlessly.� �He�s here, sir.�

Lucius stood up, instantly forgetting the house-elf�s
transgressions.� �He�s here?�

Frozzy bounced on the balls of his feet.� �Yes, Master.�
I showed him to the library and left him with refreshments.�

�Very good, Frozzy,� Lucius said and waved a hand.� The elf left as Lucius turned to a
mirror.� He cast a refresher charm on
himself, smoothing out his trousers.� A
quick comb through his already impeccable hair completed the picture of relaxed
yet elegant he wanted to display.

He rushed to the library and paused at the door to collect
himself.� Harry stood up as he entered
and Lucius felt a tightness in his chest.�
One he�d felt many times in Harry�s presence.

�Hello, Lucius.�

Lucius couldn�t help the smile that grew on his lips.� Harry was here, had come to see him.� He walked directly to Harry and embraced him.
�It is good to see you.�� He held the
smaller man away and looked down into the green gaze.� �What can I do for you, Harry?�

�I just wanted to thank you for the new viperine,� Harry
said.� �She decided to stay with us,
despite Saruman being rude.�

Lucius laughed and hugged Harry again.� �I miss you, Harry,� he said, inhaling the
scent of cocamile always prevalent in Harry�s hair.�

Harry�s scar gave a throb and he sighed.� Lucius invited him to sit and they relaxed on
the sofa as Lucius poured tea.� Harry
visited for about an hour, during which Lucius asked him to move back in and
managed to kiss him twice.� By the time
Harry left, he had a constant ache in his head that was caused by more than his
scar.

As Harry walked away from the manor, he marveled that Lucius
still wanted to resume their relationship.�

He Apparated to Neville�s new office and signed the
authorization for the payroll to be transferred into his employees�
accounts.� As both Cassi and Millie lived
in the Muggle world, it was quite a process to have the money deposited into
their Muggle bank accounts.� For ease, they
paid Jack in cash whenever he worked.

Neville cast his Harry Carlson glamour for him and Harry
Flooed to the shop.� Two customers
browsed the makeshift aisles and Harry was surprised to note that one was
magical, the other was not.� His magic
was restoring itself.� His conscience
spell work was still crap, but at least his normal capabilities were returning.

Right, because everyone
can tell who�s a wizard by just looking at them.

The ladies were helping the customers so Harry went into his
office to check his messages.� His mind
kept returning to the fact that he never got a headache when he was with Severus
but whenever he was with anyone else, his head would pound.� And it grew worse if the other person really liked Harry.

It is all about
Severus.

He guessed he�d have to have another conversation with Hermione.� This time he�d have to tell her everything.

******

He arrived home on the irritated side.� Millie and Cassi had ribbed him about Severus
and Severus� sister, informing him that Abigail Snape was one of Cassi�s
�regular� clients.� Cassi �read� her
frequently, which was why Abigail knew there was someone �special� in Severus�
life.� They wouldn�t tell him any
details.� They claimed that �too much
information was not good for him.��

He took some potion, sick to death of people deciding what
was �good for him.�� Tossing his robe on
the chair, he called Dobby.� Dobby
removed his Glamour for him and Harry sent him for tea.

The Floo flared and Harry moved before it, hoping it was
Hermione.� Grant�s head sat within.� �Hi, Grant,� he said.

�Hi, Harry,� Grant said, not noticing Harry�s
disappointment.� �Did you get your
invitation, yet?�� Harry blinked.� Grant was certainly excited about
something.�

�What invitation?� Harry asked.

�For the Awards Banquet, silly.�

Oh, that.

�I haven�t checked the mail yet,� Harry said. �I just got
home.�

�We�ll go together, right?� Grant asked.

�Don�t you have someone you�d like to take?�

Grant frowned.� �I�m
not really seeing anyone special,� he admitted.�
�Are you exclusive with anyone?�

Harry thought about that.�
Severus knew he was seeing other people.�
He�d never asked Harry to stop.�
�Not really,� he replied.

�We don�t even have to go �together�, you know,� Grant
said.� �We are partners on the potion.�
It�s not weird or anything for us to show up together.�

That was true enough.�
Harry would love to go with Severus, but Severus was funny about public
functions.�� And about keeping his
private life - private.

Severus probably goes
every year anyway.

That was true enough also.�

�Besides,� Grant went on.�
�If I go with you, at least we�ll be able to sit at the same table.�

Puzzled, Harry asked, �What do you mean?�

�Because you�re a nominee,� Grant explained.� �You get your own table.� You get to invite eight extra people.�

�Oh,� Harry said.�
�And what about you?�

�I just have a general invitation, which means I�ll sit
wherever they put me.�� Harry was
thoughtful for a moment so Grant asked, �What�s the matter?�

�I was just wondering if Professor Snape would be there.�

�More than likely,� Grant said. ��The Potions Masters have their own set of
tables.� Some sort of hierarchy.�

�Oh.�

�Why?�

�Er. We did use one of his bases for the potion,� Harry
reminded.� �It would be nice to say thank
you.�

Oh, nice save.

Grant smiled.� �You�re
such a nice guy.�

Harry scowled.� �Quit
it.� I just like to give credit where it
belongs.�

�I know.� You�re
uncommonly fair,� Grant said.� �It�s one
of the things I like about you.�

If Grant had been in the room, Harry would have hit
him.�

�So we�re on for next Saturday?�

�Is it that soon?� Harry asked.

�Yup.� So is it a
date?�

�Yeah, sure.�

�Great.� I-�� Grant disappeared abruptly.�

�Grant?�

�I sent him away,� Dobby said, putting his tray down and helping
Harry to his feet.

Harry sighed. �Dobby, I told you to leave Grant alone.�

�Dobby did not touch him,� Dobby said indignantly.� �But Master Harry should not be talking to
him.� Master Harry has his professor and
does not need any false wizards.�

Angry, Harry said, �He�s not
a false wizard.�

Dobby crossed his arms.�
�He is.� Dobby is knowing.�

Again, other people were deciding what was �good for
Harry.�� How?� Tell me what you know!�

�Dobby just knows.�
Dobby cannot explain it.�

�That�s bullshit,� Harry ranted.� �If there�s a reason, tell me.� If you can�t, then you can�t expect me to
believe you.�

�Harry Potter is doubting Dobby?�

The elf looked truly hurt, but Harry�s anger and
frustration, coupled with his stubbornness wouldn�t let him acknowledge
it.� �How can I when you don�t give me
any proof?�

�Master Harry has to trust his elf.�

�Trust you?�

Suddenly, Harry felt faint.�
Dropping to his knees, he lowered his head as a wave of dizziness stole
over him.� Magic tingled over his body
and a shift Harry knew quite well stretched and contorted his body.

With a sigh that came out like a growled huff, he peered
down at his large furry black paws.�

Great.� Just fucking great.

*******

Author�s Notes:�
Thanks and credit go to Quinny for the �apocalypse� line.

You guys are the best.�
Thank you all for hanging in there with this story.� It will
be completed.
- 7
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- 9
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