Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Thicker Than Water	By : harriet Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 9575 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: I don't profess to own any of the characters or plot co-incidents with the Harry Potter series written by JK Rowling, contained within this story. I do neither profit monetarily nor legally from anything contained within these pages.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
CHAPTER 8
“You’re sweating.” Trust Snape to state the obvious as they stood at the bottom of the staircase leading up to the headmaster’s office.
“Shitting bricks if you must know.” Harry muttered in reply as he waited for the potions professor to speak the password and step up onto the staircase before following a little reluctantly. Snape scoffed at the young wizard’s turn of phrase but chose to ignore the use of foul language. It had become blatantly obvious to the professor that Harry had become accustomed to the muggle way of living far easier than he’d ever taken to the wizarding way. The boy who’d grown up in his Muggle relative’s home as a child had fallen so easily back into their way of life after the other world had turned their back on him. “They don’t know.” Harry’s voice was barely above a strained whisper as they reached the top of the staircase. Snape paused as he went to step off into the short little hallway, and glanced across at his charge. Harry was of a similar height to Snape now, if still a little shorter but it was far easier to stare into the emerald depths of Potters eyes than it had been when he was a child. Snape caught himself doing just that as the young wizard waited for some sort of reply. The reply was a long time coming, and at length Snape drew his gaze away from Harry’s to stride down the little hall towards the door of the headmasters office.
“The truth is often a bitter potion to swallow Harry, and if they truly love you, like they profess to still do, then they will accept you as you are now, scars and all.” Harry was floored, his mouth hanging agape as he came to a complete stand still halfway up the hall to stare at Snape’s back. Never in his entire life had someone said something so profound. Tears prickled at his eyes as he watched Snape glance for the briefest of moments back over his shoulder at him, their gaze once again meeting. In the split second it took for the professor to look away the moment was gone as Snape pushed open the door to the office and strode inside, leaving Harry to steel himself against his nervous and follow him inside.
There was a warm buzz of conversation as he stepped into the room and Harry took the opportunity to take off his leather coat and hang it on the hooks by the door, as his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the headmaster’s office. He had yet to see who was present and so took a little longer than necessary to straighten his coat on the hook before taking a deep steadying breath and looking up into the room. Unsurprisingly it was full of witches and wizards all of whom had now ceased their conversations and were staring at him in silence. The only movement was that of Snape as he strode uncaringly through the silent unmoving crowd towards where tea and biscuits had been laid out on a table near the corner of the room. Harry managed an inward smirk to himself and shook his head at the professor in question who was already in the process of tipping a generous swig of whisky into the cup of tea a house elf dutifully poured for him.
The silent stare grew awkward and Harry shifted under the gaze of so many. Daring their disapproval after 8 years in hiding Harry straightened his back and met the stares straight on as he swept the room, assessing who was present. The majority of the surviving members of the Order of the Pheonix were present, including familiar professors. Hagrid, McGonagall, Flitwick, Hooch and Prince. His friends from school elder but not unrecognizable. Ron, Hermione, Seamus, Neville and Luna. Remus Lupin sat in a chair by the fire a young pretty woman perched on his lap, whom Harry assumed was Alice. Finally Harry’s gaze came to rest on the Weasley clan and the familiar face that had begun this mess in the first place. Charlie Weasley was biting his lip nervously and Harry knew he’d break first, as he softened his own gaze towards him and sighed audibly.
“I’m so sorry Harry.” Charlie rushed out, the sound echoing in the still silence of the room. Harry closed his eyes against the hurt in his chest as Charlie moved on instinct. It took but a few short strides across the room before Harry found himself enveloped in Charlie’s arms the ghost of a kiss brushing his lips before Charlie hugged him so tight it hurt. It took but a moment, but in that instant the silence broke and Harry found himself engulfed suddenly in the arms of Mrs. Weasley her familiar perfume surrounding Harry in a warm embrace he’d forgotten he loved so dearly. Charlie and Mrs. Weasley stepped back dutifully and Harry’s eyes swam with tears as guilt and apology radiated from them both.
“I miss Ginny too.” Harry whispered, the young red head’s name catching in his throat as he looked from Charlie and his mum, to Arthur Weasley, Bill and Ron. The family he once thought of as his own nodded and as if he’d never left he was welcomed back into it with open arms. Before Harry could move however Hermione strode over to him, tears leaking down her face as she embraced her friend.
“God I’ve missed you, I swore to Ron I wasn’t going to have this baby without you being here even if I had to search the country side myself to find you. Oh Merlin I’m so emotional.” Hermione a little flustered fanned her face trying to dry her tears as Harry smiled and gently pressed a warm hand to her slightly swollen stomach. She couldn’t have been far along, Harry surmised, a couple of months maybe? The young curly brown haired girl he’d grown up with, now looked like a beautiful young woman and Harry smiled as he felt a warm hand join his own on top of Hermione’s belly. Harry looked up into Ron’s gaze and smiled, the youngest Weasley the image of his father, right down to the small mustache he’d obviously grown.
“Missed you mate, sorry about the search party.” Harry followed Ron’s nod towards the back of the room, and smiled ruefully to himself as Snape glared at the offending Weasley before pointedly turning his back on the room and moving over to the fireplace, his cup of spiked tea still in his hands. “Charlie didn’t breath a word until Gloomy Guts over there showed up last week.” Harry removed his hand from Hermione’s stomach as Ron entwined his fingers with Hermione’s at his side. “I really have missed you brother.” Ron reiterated sincerely as he gave Harry a one armed hug.
“Us too.” Harry stiffened a little as he felt two twin arms come to drape around his neck from behind, two familiar twin faces smiling at him from over his shoulders. “Didn’t leave us a forwarding address for your share of our profits you sneaky bastard.” George or maybe Fred said as they cheekily gestured to where Ron was walking Hermione back over to sit on a padded armchair beside the headmaster’s desk. “You missed all the fun too, should have seen Mum’s face when Ronnykin’s told Mother dearest he’d knocked up Granger.” Harry snorted into his hand as Fred, definitely Fred pointed accusingly at Ron and Hermione. George who now sported a serious collection of lightening shaped scars up his neck and left arm slapped Harry on the back good naturedly and nodded to his mum as Mrs Weasley went to chew them out for their cheek. “He’s been made to move back home till he’s proved he’s mature enough to handle his own cock.” This time Harry did laugh out loud, as Mrs Weasley stormed over and grabbed her two wayward sons by their ears.
For the next half an hour Harry was treated to warm hugs from familiar witches and wizards alike, all expressing their deepest regret for having sought him out sooner. It was as Snape had said a bitter potion to swallow, knowing that the majority of people now stood before him hadn’t seemingly realized he’d just disappeared from their lives until he’d gone. The headmaster had been absent in the room and now the first meetings were over everyone had moved to share the tea and sweets that had been left out for them.
“Harry, I’m Alice.” The young witch stood up from Remus’s lap as Harry approached. Harry had just poured himself a cup of tea and had sought out Snape who was standing by the fire talking quietly with Remus.
“Hi,” Harry transferred his tea to his left hand so he could shake the young woman’s offered hand politely. Remus and Snape paused in their conversation, Snape realizing what was about to happen and reaching out to stop Harry from touching Alice, a second too late. Harry was unprepared for what happened the instant his skin connected with Alice’s. It was like a wave of magic that came crashing down on top of him sucking him under and robbing him of breath. He was spiraling down and somewhere deep inside himself he could feel the familiar tingle of magic that he’d lost 8 years previously.
“Harry! Let go!” Severus’s voice was like a lightning strike to the brain and Harry could hardly believe what had happened as Snape pried his hands from Alice’s and dragged him down into the chair by the fire. Remus was clutching Alice to his chest the young witch shaking and staring at Harry as if he had two heads. Harry sat breathlessly on the floor, Snape’s hand resting carefully on his shoulder.
“Don’t say it.” Harry heard Remus speak softly to the young woman in his arms, but it was too late.
“He’s a squib!” In the silence the accusation was like a knife cutting through butter and did little to cover the shocked gasp that swept over the populace of the office. Harry closed his eyes and hung his head against his chest as whispered conversations began to break out across the room.
“Sorry I’m late, how is everyone this evening?” Everyone looked up as Dumbledore swept down the staircase from his private office to address the group still staring at Harry. “Are you okay Harry?” Dumbledore passed quickly between the group and kneeled down beside where Harry was still sitting on the floor staring at his knees, his hands shaking uncontrollably in his lap. When it was clear Harry was not going to speak the headmaster looked to the potions professor.
“It would seem Remus’ latest squeeze was just enlightening us on Mr. Potter’s latest predicament, and so eloquently too.” If it was even possible Harry’s head sunk lower into his chest, as Remus went to defend Alice who had clearly taken offence at Snape’s shortened version of events.
“Oh,” Albus looked from Snape back to Harry and then up at Remus who had lost a little of his fight as Alice stuck her nose in the air and walked over to talk with Nymphadora Tonks.
“Alice is Elvan Harry.” Remus spoke quietly as Harry continued to stare down at his chest unwilling to meet the gaze of anyone. Remus’ comment was obviously supposed to explain everything but when Harry continued to stare at the floor in silence, Snape sighed irritably above him.
“Her magic is born of her heritage, she doesn’t need a wand as we do and as such on occasions she can’t control it. A wizard or witch with their own magic would have a natural defense against Alice’s ‘Talent’ as the elvish call it, but one in your……” Snape paused and looked at Dumbledore for confirmation before continuing. “…situation is unable to protect themselves.”
“Oh Harry, we had no idea.” McGonagall spoke softly as Snape and Dumbledore helped Harry from the floor and sat him down on the armchair that Remus and Alice had recently vacated. Harry refused to speak his eyes still downcast in shame, a shame that he’d successfully tucked away for a long time in the depths of his emotions.
“So does that mean we’re on our own against Tom Riddle’s son?” A concerned voice spoke up from the back of the group, putting voice to what most were thinking but were too polite to say. Harry heard Snape tut loudly above him as concerned whispers broke out across the room once again. Dumbledore patted Harry’s shoulder in what he supposed was meant to be comfort but it was a hollow gesture as the man turned back to quell the rising concern of the populace.
“Vultures.” Snape muttered quietly to himself as he shook his head at the crowd who had now surrounded the headmaster, leaving Harry and he alone by the fireplace.
“I need to go.” Harry’s stomach rolled and lurched as he glanced up briefly to glance at the crowd, who just like before had forgotten he even existed. “Now.” Not waiting for a pause or lull in the crowd Harry shot to his feet and ran for the door, those now surrounding Dumbledore staring at him in shock. Dumbledore went to stop the young man but he wasn’t quick enough to move through the crowd surrounding him.
“Harry!” Dumbledore’s voice fell on deaf ears as Harry disappeared out of the door not even picking up his coat left hanging on the hook. When it was clear that the headmaster had no effect on the boy he looked sharply across to Snape, who was rolling his eyes and sighing. “Severus, please.” Snape shook his head in disgust of the quiet plea sent in his direction from the headmaster. Downing what remained of his tea in one gulp Snape sighed once more and strode through the parting crowd to the door where Harry had not a few moments ago disappeared through. The potions professor paused as he picked up Harry’s coat and slung it over his arm, before glancing back at the silent crowd staring at him and sneered.
“How quickly you forget what that boy has given up to protect you all. Cowards.” If looks could kill Snape’s would have committed mass murder in the instant his gaze swept over the crowd. It was with a small self-satisfaction that Snape saw more than a few heads drop, their guilt clearly etched on their faces. “And you….” Snape paused for effect his gaze finally reaching the headmasters. “Of all the people he should have been able to trust. You toss him aside and make him feel as worthless as he knows he now is. Shameful.” Severus shook his head and turned away not even looking back as he head the headmasters reply.
“Gone but not forgotten Severus, remember that.” Snape ignored the comment he’d heard earlier that week, as the elder wizard had tried to kill the young Potter. He may have lied to Harry about the emptiness of the curse but Snape knew better. The curse Dumbledore had aimed at Harry was meant to hurt, meant to test. Test what? Snape wasn’t sure but if he hadn’t been there to block it Harry would be in a different kind of pain now than he was at present.
Reaching the bottom of the stairs of Albus’ office Snape paused to look down the corridor. The way the boy was unsteady on his feet he couldn’t have run too far and so he strode off down the short corridor towards the Ravenclaw’s dormitories and common rooms. Turning the corner into the main corridor leading off the staircases Snape paused to glance either way up the corridor. He considered turning right back down towards the main hall but when he glanced left he saw the small gathered group of Ravenclaws standing in the entrance way to the 4^th year girls’ bathroom. Snape suspected he knew what had caused the commotion now standing whispered and twittering in the doorway to the bathroom. The whispering ceased as he strode towards the gathered group of girls all of whom stood up straight and stared up at him in fear, unsure of what was coming.
“Is Professor Evan’s alright sir?” The potions professor wasn’t expecting a comment and couldn’t help himself but look mildly surprised as a young brave 4^th year Ravenclaw dared to address him.
“This bathroom is closed until further notice, you have my permission to use the prefect bathroom down the hall.” Pointedly ignoring the young witches’ question Snape flicked his hand in the direction of the Ravenclaw prefect bathroom he knew was just down the hall. When none of the witches made to move however, Snape glared down at them angrily. “Or shall I take house points for disobedience and ignoring a professor’s direct instruction?” With horrified squeaks the young Ravenclaw witches took off at a canter, none daring to look back at him as he stepped inside the girl’s bathroom, before closing, locking and warding the door behind him. Sighing heavily he shook his head, no doubt after this he would be hearing from Flitwick, Ravenclaw’s head of house, but he’d brave the man’s displeasure at disrupting the peace in the corridors of his house dorms.
The Ravenclaw girls bathroom was the same as all the bathrooms in Hogwarts. Its granite, sandstone and marble interior was punctuated with splashes of the respective house colors in the form of towels and lockers. Snape took a moment to glance around to ensure no wayward female students were still present before he walked silently over to the toilet stalls. All of the doors were slightly ajar but conscious of his position within the school and his presence in a female bathroom, Snape bent down and glanced along the stalls to see if he could see any feet in what might have been occupied toilets. As he glanced down the second row of toilets his gaze came to rest on a pair of muggle running shoes whose position told of their owner kneeling over the toilet bowl. Straightening up back to his normal height Severus heard the tell-tale sound of vomiting coming from the stall in question. As not to startle the young man Snape made a point of striding to the end of the set of stalls to where a row of sinks and some carved wooden benches were. The sound of his footsteps should have alerted Harry to his presence and so Snape sat down on one of the benches and waited. There was a brief pause in the vomiting and Snape tidied the pile of clean towels beside him as he listened to Harry’s staggered breathing before another round of vomiting ensued. Unlike the men’s bathrooms Snape was more accustomed to the female bathrooms smelt sickly sweet of flowery perfumes and powder. Snape was just contemplating women’s needs for such a large array of awful smelling cosmetics and perfumery when he heard the toilet flush and a very bedraggled pale Harry Potter emerged from the stall.
Snape schooled his facial features back to neutral as he watched as Harry walked over to the sinks and began washing his face and rinsing his mouth out with the water. For a moment Snape wondered if the young man was going to say anything to him but as he continued to watch Harry’s back, the young man slowly lifted his head up and stared at him in the reflect of the mirror in front of the sink. Snape held the reflection of the man’s gaze his face not betraying any of the emotions inside of him. Harry stared back into the inky black depths of his old professor’s onyx eyes but when it was clear they would tell him nothing he sighed heavily and shook his head. Snape was an unreadable book he always had been, it was what had made him a successful death eater and an even better spy. Harry envied the man’s cold regard for everything and everyone. Even if Harry had wanted to know the elder wizards opinion of what had just happened it was doubtful he would find answers just by looking at Snape’s face.
“Sorry,” Harry croaked out, his voice a little horse after his spectacular waterworks. “I thought it better than puking my guts up in the hallway.” Harry watched as Snape nodded but just barely, as he pushed himself away from the sink to come and lay down on the carved wooden bench opposite his once feared potions professor. Snape watched as the young man lay down on the bench a neatly folded towel under his head, his knees bent up, and his gaze staring blankly up into the torch lit arches of the gothic ceiling above.
“Indeed, Filch I’m sure would have had something to say about such a thing. But as it is, you merely spared your concerned audience of 4^th year Ravenclaw witches the sight of a professor up chucking in the hall.” Harry managed a small smile as he glanced across at Snape, whose dry wit and repartee was something he had to admit he hadn’t appreciated fully when he’d been a student here. Harry rolled his head back to stare at the ceiling the shadows flitting between the rafters of the stone cathedral style ceiling, unaware of the casual perusal that his potions professor was sparing him. The boy had grown. Not that Snape was denying the fact but the longer he took to take in the new form his student had taken, the more he came to realize to just what extent he had changed. Finding himself more contemplative than he really wanted to be considering the situation, Snape licked his dry lips and broke the silence with what he assumed was a neutral comment. “I believe Professor Longbottom’s class was pleased to have you observe their class today.” Harry huffed and rolled his head to the side to smile crookedly at Snape.
“Yeah, I never thought I’d see the day when a Longbottom was working alongside you.”
“Yes, I was I confess somewhat surprised by his aptitude in Herbology. I believe he intends opening his own greenhouses to grow and cultivate rare and unique plants.” Snape paused and flicked an invisible speck of dust from his robes as he avoided looking into Harry’s emerald gaze, unsure of what he’d find there and knowing it would be too easy to just look into his memories to find out what he wanted to know. “Professor Sprout assures me that Mr. Longbottom’s greenhouses will be of great value for my own potions.”
“God, I’d give anything for a ciggy right now.” Harry groaned as he sat up from the bench to sit opposite the professor, whom he glanced at desperately over the rims of his glasses. Snape tutted and rolled his eyes at the young man’s choice of phrasing, once again reminding him of his muggle crassness. Despite his better judgement Snape removed his wand from the sleeve of his robes.
“Accio Cigarettes.” Harry’s face beamed as a packet of cigarettes landed in Snape’s own open palm, and the professor tossed them gently across at him. “I thought you were only supposed to smoke after coitus.” Harry tapped a cigarette from the box and tucked it gently between his lips, leaning forward gently as Snape leant forward his wand outstretched to light the end of the cigarette. Harry smiled around the cigarette as he inhaled deeply and leaned back against the wall behind the bench, his head pressed back against the cool granite his eyes closed as he held the smoke in his lungs. Snape watched mesmerized as Harry lightly parted his lips and let the white trail of smoke drift out in a slender plume. The sight was entrancing and Snape forced himself to breath as the emerald green gaze fixed with his the slight upturned smirk gracing Potter’s lips.
“Are you suggesting something Professor Snape?” Harry joked as he watched Snape shift unconsciously under his gaze, the memory of the kiss in his flat above the club making him qwerk his eyebrow up in challenge. Harry couldn’t do magic anymore but he’d learned how to survive on his own, and one thing he knew he was very good at was manipulating men into doing what he wanted. That was essentially how he’d landed the job at the club in the first place.
“Don’t tempt me Potter, may I remind you my pockets are 3000 pounds lighter since I came to find you.” Harry ducked his head in embarrassment, feeling guilty that Snape had shelled out a rather large sum only to find he was useless to help in the situation currently plaguing this world.
“Sorry.” Harry muttered again taking the opportunity to take another drag of his cigarette. “I did offer a refund.” He continued when he’d sufficiently held the smoke in his lungs for a time, avoiding looking at the professor opposite him. Harry was shocked however when the Professor stood up and walked over to him, snatching the cigarette out of his hand and lifting it to his own lips to take a significant drag. Harry stared gaping at Snape as the wizard closed his eyes, seemingly enjoying the cigarette as if it was the finest wine around. Snape let the smoke drift and curl out of his lips and nose before opening his eyes to stare back at the shocked face of his young charge.
“Please Potter, spare me the dramatics. I was sucking cock before you were even thought of, and smoking these long before that.” Snape gestured to the cigarette in his hand before flicking it expertly into the bowl of one of the nearest toilets and flushing it away. Stunned Harry just stared at Snape’s figure unsure if he’d actually heard what he thought he’d heard. Snape, seemingly unaware of Harry’s shock turned around and began towards the door of the bathroom, the robes a swirl of majestic quality around him. “Now if you’ve finished feeling miserable for yourself I think it’s time we retired back to the dungeons for the evening. I have classes to teach tomorrow and my temper tends to rise when I’m tired.” Snape’s voice broke Harry out of his stupor and he quickly rose from the bench to follow. “Don’t forget those.” Snape gestured to the packet of cigarettes Harry had left carelessly on the bench. Dutifully Harry picked them up but tossed them back at Snape who caught them with ease.
“I’m sorry to say Professor they aren’t my cigarettes, I smoke clove.” Harry smiled at Snape as he approached, his own hands slipping into the pocket of his leather jacket, which he’d collected from the bench where Snape had left it earlier. From within the pocket Harry drew out his own packet of cigarettes and the small blue lighter, a smug smile twitching on his lips. Snape paused for a moment in confusion to look at the packet of cigarettes in his hand compared to the one Harry was currently holding. With a shrug Snape tossed the packet of cigarettes into the wastepaper basket by the door to the bathroom as he unlocked it and opened it.
“It’s a good thing this bathroom doesn’t belong to Slytherin then doesn’t it.” Snape smiled evilly as he strode out of the door, leaving Harry crying in fits of laughter, as he followed. Harry always knew Snape was never fair when it came to house points and it would be an interesting couple of days while Filtch and Flitwick tried to work out which Ravenclaw had been smoking in the 4^th year girls bathroom.
- 7
- 8
- 9
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

Thicker Than Water