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A Most Trusted Soldier	By : Rettavex Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Snape Views: 58683 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 4
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
- 1-A Most Trusted Soldier
- 2-2
- 3-3
- 4-4
- 5-5
- 6-6
- 7-7
- 8-8
- 9-9
- 10-10
- 11-11
- 12-12
- 13-13
- 14-14
- 15-15
- 16-16
- 17-17
- 18-18
- 19-19
- 20-20
- 21-21
- 22-22
- 23-23
- 24-24
- 25-25
- 26-26
- 27-Author's Note: update
- 28-Still getting reviews...
- 8
- 9
- 10
First, as always I must send a warm and fuzzy to by beta, Slyth, who turned this lengthy chapter around in under 24 hours. Belt up cynics! So I worship my beta--what's it to you? **snarls**. I want to warn you all to strap in as this is a super long chapter. I wrote it that way because the next update may be a while in coming, as my infant son is having minor surgery this week. So I will be "off" for a while tending to my little "Popkin". I thought about breaking this into two chapters, but it seemed to flow so much better to me as one, as it all happens over the course of a single afternoon. Hope you like. Thanks to all of you who reviewed previously. Stop off and review again if you get the notion.
For Bones: ***Rettavex belches loudly, before passing out tummy up and covered in popcorn crumbs. A lone, buttery, salt-covered finger just visible pokes out from beneath the sofa. *** Thanks for the sustenance. You are a doll and you make me laugh!

It had been a week and a half since Severus and Hermione had set upon him like politicians at a thousand-Galleon a plate fundraiser. In that time Harry had managed to fill Luna in on the upcoming changes due to being off the inhibiting potion, as well as his agreement with Severus. He�d also managed to get some additional work done on his house, which was a labor of love for him. He had never owned anything of his own prior to buying the place, aside from a few tattered pieces of clothing and his Firebolt. The farmhouse was safe, secluded, comfortable and most importantly� his very own.

Harry was in the process of fixing himself a light lunch in the kitchen when he heard the rare sound of someone stepping out of his Floo. Placing his ham and cheese sandwich back on the counter, Harry padded barefoot into the hall and peered around the corner to get a look at his visitor only to see the long, dark, lean figure of Severus Snape standing in his parlor.

�Severus, hi. I wasn�t expecting you until tomorrow,� Harry said, clearly surprised.

Severus, in an uncharacteristic display of unease, fidgeted minutely before meeting Harry�s eyes. �I�I was ready, so I saw no need to wait. If this is a bad time I can leave and return tomorrow as we had originally agreed.�

�No. No, that won�t be necessary,� Harry replied, walking further into the room. Something was off only Harry couldn�t quite put his finger on it. For starters Severus looked completely uncomfortable and uncertain. It was almost as if the man expected Harry to turn him away, or renege on their prior agreement.

�Severus, what�s wrong? You seem�I don�t know, not yourself.�

Severus looked ready to bolt. Harry was awed at the sight of the normally cool-as-a-cucumber ex-spy looking as if he�d wilt before his very eyes. After receiving no response from the man, Harry stood and waved a hand, muttering a complicated series of detection charms over the taller, agitated wizard. The mere act of having magic used upon him seemed to jerk Severus out of his anxiety-induced bout of silence.

�Stop that,� Severus ordered, drawing in a deep breath as though trying to steady his nerves. Harry immediately stilled and took up a seat on the sofa.

�I�m fine. I am just a bit� nervous, I suppose. I find myself not as surefooted as I would like considering that in stepping through your Floo on this day I have in effect stepped into a new existence,� Severus explained, unconsciously smoothing nonexistent wrinkles from his robe.

�Oh. I see. I can understand, then,� Harry said, a little disappointed. He had finally begun anticipating this new path his life was now on in a way that didn�t make him nauseous, but a bit excited. �If you have decided differently then we can call this all off.�

Severus hung his head a bit and gave a slight shake of his head. �I have not changed my mind about this, Harry. I only ask your patience. I would also remind you to be open-minded as you promised before. I will not continue to be all that you once thought I was. I am not here to be that man. I am here to be me, or rather to learn how to be the me I have always secretly wanted. Just..let me. Alright?�
Severus let out a anguished breath and tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling, frustration and defeat displayed in his posture.
It was at that moment that Severus� words hit Harry like a Bludger. No one had ever simply let the man be Harry realized, and every line of Severus� body absolutely begged Harry to not be like the other powerful wizards in his life. Severus needed Harry to do what none of the others had, to allow him room to spread out or curl in, to expand and contract at will and not on command. To rediscover his hidden self without fear of being cast-out or judged or ridiculed. Harry almost chuckled at the irony.

Harry nodded in understanding, because he mostly did understand even if he was not fully able to reconcile the man who returned to his home this day with the self-assured, quick-witted, hard-nosed wizard of just a week prior.

�Very well,� Harry said. �Have you brought your things?�

Severus nodded and patted his pockets, indicating the shrunken trunks and boxes hidden therein. �I have secured the remainder of the summer away from Hogwarts. Minerva consented but asked that I continue to provide the infirmary with the potions I normally help Pomfrey stock over the summer in preparation for the fall.�

�That should be easy enough. I�ve a lab in the cellar you are welcomed to use. You should find it fairly well equipped and anything additional you might need I can get. I�ll take you to it later. For now, let me show you around outside,� Harry said, getting up from the sofa and exiting the room with Severus following closely.

Severus was especially pleased to see the full extent of the garden Harry had managed to cultivate. The garden held an abundance of herbs and plants he could make use of should Harry be willing to share. Severus also noted while they walked leisurely around the grounds that there were also several species of flora growing that typically cost him dearly when he acquired them from the merchants in Diagon Alley.
The two men ventured back inside where Harry gave Severus the rundown of the main floor, which housed the parlor, a separate formal sitting room, a combined study and small library, the kitchen, and a guest bathroom. Severus was preoccupied mulling over why Harry had such an enormous larder in the kitchen when Harry offered him a drink.
�Severus? Professor!� Harry shouted, jarring Severus out of his circular thoughts.

�Yes?�

�Drink?�

�Oh, certainly. If it�s no bother,� Severus replied, taking a seat at the thick, wooden kitchen table.

Harry retrieved two glasses and a bottle of whiskey from a cabinet below the sink. As he poured he noticed that Severus had slipped back into his head, obviously thinking hard over something.

�What�s on your mind, Severus? You obviously have a question you are attempting to browbeat for an answer,� Harry said with a smile as he pushed one of the filled glasses towards Severus.

�I was just wondering why your larder is so huge. You live alone. It seems rather excessive,� Severus stated, careful to keep any hint of criticism out of his tone. The last thing he wanted was to anger the younger man. He felt he was done baiting �Potter�; He wanted to know Harry.

Harry bristled a bit at the question, shifting a bit on his feet and eyeing Severus as though waiting for some vindictive barb about his wealth. When it did not come, Harry relaxed.

�Well, despite what you have previously thought about my attitude towards my fame, I detest it. Always have. Yet, it does come in handy from time to time. Still, makes it hard to go to the market for a gallon of milk sometimes,� Harry said wryly. �I shop in Muggle places mostly. Since I don�t like shopping all that much I stock up when I do. Saves trips, ya know.�

Severus made a noncommittal noise. He could tell there was more to this little oddity than an aversion to grocers. Thinking back to Hermione�s rather acerbic diatribe about how little of his impressions of Harry held any truth, Severus thought no time like the present to set a tone.

�Harry, I realize that I have not encouraged friendly or honest dialogue in our past dealings. However, if we are to go forth I feel that we should endeavor to be as open and honest with one another as either of us can stomach,� Severus stated before knocking back the remainder of his whiskey in a single gulp. �I do not mean that we should both cut open a vein and bleed all our secrets in a single night, but I want to�I want to know what I don�t know about you. I realize that while I have been hiding and playing a role, that perhaps you have as well. So, tell me. Why is the larder so huge?�

Just that quickly, as if he had the sharpest axe in hand, Severus had cut to the quick and Harry found himself rather thankful. This was a challenge and it felt familiar. Honesty. There was a concept. It had been so long since Harry had been able to be truly open and honest with anyone aside from Luna. Hermione and Ron he trusted, but sometimes they were not the easiest people to talk with about personal things. Hermione was sure to overanalyze it, then research it, talk Harry�s head off about it for weeks and finally settle into watching him like a mother hawk over her nestling. Ron was just plain thick and as much as he loved his best friend, he often really did have the emotional range of a teaspoon.
Yet, here was Severus asking Harry for honest and open dialogue of a personal nature. Severus had always challenged Harry, rightly or wrongly. He had never sugar coated the truth, often willing to tell Harry things pertinent to the war effort when all the other adults wanted to keep him shuttered from reality. This bluntness was the part of Severus that Ron had always thought Harry hated. In fact it was the part of the man�s personality he liked most. The man may not tell you everything, but what he told you was the truth and it came at you unvarnished and brutal, and it left a mark. Harry knew he could never bullshit the Severus of old and by the look in Severus� eyes at the moment it seemed that was one trait that carried over to the new Severus.
�What I just told you was true. I hate shopping,� Harry said, glancing sideways at Severus only to see a cynical expression plastered on the man�s face. �I suppose I like the idea of having more than enough,� Harry added as he looked down into the table surface as if tracking the wood grain.
�Why?� Severus knew he was pushing but he felt a bit desperate. Harry was right next to him but inside Severus felt the younger man could have been on the other side of the world. He wanted to close that gap and quickly.
�I�ve never had enough�of anything, really. Hell, I got my first ever hug, birthday cake, and pet from Hagrid all in the same day when I was eleven. Growing up I never had enough clothes, hugs, food, presents, pats on the head, pets, friends, or... � Harry tailed off, sipping from whiskey and taking a moment to collect his thoughts.
�Unless it was at Hogwarts or the Burrow I never had access to a lot of food. I guess when I began living on my own I sort of took it upon myself to make sure I at least had enough of something and food was the easiest to acquire.�
�Your relatives I take it?� Severus asked, reaching for the bottle and refilling his glass and Harry�s, who just nodded at the question.
�I always suspected the Muggles were not kind to you, but I admit I never put too much thought into a lot of what I gleaned during your Occlumency training,� Severus said quietly, unpacking disjointed images from his memory that now spoke so loudly about the green eyed wizard next to him. He was unable to hide his own embarrassment at having been in a position where it was his duty to see to the well-being of children and had not noticed that the one student he encountered so often and who their world depended on so much was suffering unfathomable neglect at the hands of relatives.
�I �� Severus couldn�t even bring himself to utter the too little, too late apology.
Harry just shrugged. �It�s done. Besides, I never told anyone. So, now you know. Satisfied?�
Severus nodded, once again feeling like a stranger in his own skin. Harry recognized that Severus was slipping back into unease and quickly sought a change of topic.
�So, I read the book you left and the terms of your Right. I also�um� I drew up a list, as you requested of some preliminary requisites. Have you done the same?� Harry asked.
�Yes. Did you have any questions about the book?� Severus asked looking into Harry�s eyes. They really are like emeralds, he thought, wondering what those eyes looked like glazed with lust, or if those green eyes clouded or dilated at climax.
�Some, but we can discuss them later if you like. We have not quite finished the tour and I�d like to show you to your rooms so that you can get settled before supper,� Harry said, holding out a hand and summoning a few sheets of parchment from the study.
To say Severus was struck stupid would not have been an erroneous characterization. Harry had given him his own set of rooms, plural. At most Severus had expected a bed and perhaps a wardrobe, but rooms.
�What?� Harry asked when he finally noticed the doe-eyed look on Severus� face.
�You�ve�given me rooms?�
�Of course. I mean you are staying here for months and depending on how this goes we could be sharing a lot more than the chores,� Harry said flippantly.
�But you could have easily just given me a bed, or required me to sleep�elsewhere,� Severus stated, not daring to look at Harry.
Harry sat up straighter at that point, the implication of Severus� words not going unnoticed. �We are not there yet,� Harry stated firmly. �I have agreed to a lot, but I am not jumping in head first. We have a lot to discuss and we both have a lot to adjust to in the coming weeks. I took my last monthly dose of the potion the day you and Hermione came to me. The potion will be completely out of my system in just over two weeks. I�ll likely begin showing signs even prior to that though. We need to be careful.�
�Of course, Harry. I did not mean to push or assume. I want this, very much, but you are right. Rushing things would not be prudent given all the baggage we carry between us.�
�Thank you for accepting that. I have given you rooms for several reasons. First off, I want you to have your privacy. I have not forgotten how important that is to you. Secondly, you may need a way to get away from me during breeding; by having your own rooms you can ward me out if you need. Lastly, we are going to bond, in a few different ways if the fates have their way it seems. Therefore, I want to begin as we mean to go. You are not a guest, an unwanted visitor, a boarder, nor a pet. You may be submissive to me, Severus, but I will not see you debased, ill-treated, or disrespected. We will be equals in so much as my nature and the bond allow,� Harry said.
Severus was once again at a loss for words, which was becoming a rather irritating habit whenever Harry spoke. He nodded when the act of formulating words became rather cumbersome. Leave it to Potter to turn me into Longbottom when asked to boil water in a cauldron.

�While we are on the subject of breeding, you realize it will be here full on around the time the potion is completely gone? We will have to decide how to handle that,� Harry stated, looking down at the table again, his brow furrowed.
�Perhaps you can take a small three day trip or head back to Hogwarts,� he added somewhat hopeful.

Severus knew Harry had serious, and likely prudent reservations about being off the potion, with breeding being the most onerous to the younger man. However, unbeknownst to Harry, Severus had no intention of fleeing during breeding. What better time to get a clear picture of Harry�s nature at its most feral. It didn�t hurt that Severus hadn�t been properly and thoroughly bedded in almost a year, the passable rent boy he had attempted to slake his needs with last Boxing Day notwithstanding. Yet, Severus wasn�t a Slytherin for nothing. He knew that arguing the point before the time was upon them would only reinforce Harry�s resolve and give the reticent wizard more time to thwart any plans Severus would make of his own. No, it would do well to simply make a noncommittal sound and be done, which Severus did.
�So, shall we finish the tour or quickly go over our respective lists?� Harry asked, looking rather eager to do the latter Severus was happy to see.
�Let�s not bother about my rooms just yet. There is plenty of time for that. The rooms are not going anywhere. I would very much like to discuss the lists and the questions you had from the book,� Severus said.
Harry agreed, but stood to finish making his sandwich, adding another for Severus. After they lunched on the simple, yet tasty meal Harry called for two beers before leading Severus back out onto the porch. Seated in padded wicker chairs at the side of the house overlooking the garden and out towards the pond, Severus noticed that the wraparound porch was really very beautiful and well cared for. The wood was sturdy and stained a deep mahogany. There was a soft, whisper-like breeze in the air that carried the sweet earthy, dewy scent that seemed to permeate the property.
Having taken off his outer robe before coming out onto the porch, Severus found himself feeling far more relaxed as the breeze snaked beneath his collar and tickled the back of his neck. Severus stretched his long legs out in front of him and crossed them at the ankles as he drank in the sight of his new companion. Harry looked the epitome of leisure; barefoot, dressed in worn, fitted jeans and faded moss green t-shirt, he looked completely edible. Severus was slowly coming to realize that he might just have a foot fetish, as he could not take his eyes off of Harry�s. They were not manicured per se, but Harry obviously took care of them. The nails were neatly trimmed and held a natural sheen that made them look almost buffed. The skin was unblemished and kissed as golden as the rest of the younger wizard. Severus thought those feet, which now rested atop the small glass table with toes wiggling in an effort to get comfortable, looked incredibly soft and very suck-able. When had feet become so damned sexy.
�Would you like to begin, Severus? You are after all the professor,� Harry said with a smirk. Severus found that smirk rather cute, but decided it would be a long, long time before he told Harry if he could help it.
�Actually, I think we should begin with your questions,� Severus countered, the professorial posture unconsciously sliding into place.
�Alright. That�s as good of a place as any,� Harry said, summoning a small bound journal from the house. �I wrote down the most important questions in this journal so I wouldn�t forget. I know, it�s shocking that I actually took notes, right.� Harry joked.
�Indeed. Who knew that all I had to do was offer to let you have your way with me to get you to pay attention.�
Harry blushed at the implications of that statement. �Please. I was a teenage boy with a death wish. The only thing that could get me to pay attention back then was the threat of imminent danger or sex. Actually, I kind of revert back to that quite often, so you�re warned.�
Severus snorted into his beer before taking a swig.
�Okay. First question, what is your safe word?�
�James.�
�What?� Harry was about two-seconds from hexing when Severus explained.
�It�s not for the reason you think. I hated your father; that will not change. Deal with it. I chose that as my safe word because the word should be something that one would not say casually when in the moment or at play. You know I would never willingly say your father�s name, least of all during intimate relations. Plus it is of significance to you, therefore it will be more likely to register should you be worked-up or in some type of Amoral frenzy.�
�That�s�ridiculously well thought out, Snape. Do you ever not have some insanely logical, yet complicated rationale for everything?�
�I have tried all my life not to act without sound reasoning. However, I am hoping that our involvement will perhaps allow me to indulge in a little bit of impetuousness now and again.�
�Good to know. Moving on. I�m not sure I would want a 24/7 lifestyle, but I realize the Amoral heritage, as well as the Dark Sought may both seek such a condition. Would you be amicable?�
�Yes.�
�Right. Um� I don�t know how to ask this so I�ll just do so,� Harry began before stopping to draw a ragged breath. �This is just incredibly uncomfortable. I am actually about to ask my former professor a very intimate question.�
�Get on with it then,� Severus snapped but without any true venom in the words.
�Bottom or top? It was never made clear in the book whether the submissive partner could only be the bottom and if it was always that way.�
�Bottom, always. However, there is no reason a submissive could not top if the dom so requested. Some submissives find the act of topping disconcerting. The same for some doms. It is not common for submissive to take a dominant sexual position, but it is not so far outside of the norm as to be unheard of,� Severus answered.
Harry just nodded. �Well, the Amoral will require near total domination, but I am not sure on the sexual stuff. Apparently we will battle for it. It is rather non-negotiable I�m afraid. Since you are quite strong it is possible you will win. Should that happen you�ll be dominant sexually except during breeding. Would you be able to handle that if it were the outcome?�
�I would wish it otherwise, but I would not turn away if it were to be so. Don�t fret though; I don�t plan to take a dive to get my way. I will battle true when the time arrives, but I sincerely doubt I�ll beat you.�
�How can you be so sure?� Harry asked.
Severus almost choked at the genuine curiosity Harry showed.
�You know Harry, based on that question one would think you did not single-handedly destroy the greatest evil our world has ever known while on a power-inhibiting potion to boot. You can�t be serious?�
�Yes, I know I am powerful and all, but you are highly skilled. You may not have my raw power, but you are as skilled as I am, if not more,� Harry said taking a moment to swig from his beer. �Plus, you have an advantage. You trained me, so you know a lot of my strengths and weaknesses. Never mind the fact that at the time I�ll probably be hopped up on Amoral lust and hormones. Not a good combination when one wants to remain mentally acute. Besides, Hermione reckons the fight can�t be solely magical. She thinks that my nature won�t allow me to seriously harm a potential mate, so any magic will probably be defensive or benign. She says that the battle will likely be physical, as Amorals prized physically strong mates as indicative of strong offspring. Go figure.�
�I see. Well, I haven�t been tested in a hand-to-hand combat in quite some time but I believe I will be up to the challenge. Any more questions?�
�Yeah. One last. Will you� what would you like as a symbol?�
�I take it the idea of a collar makes you uncomfortable?�
�Yes, as a matter of fact. However, so does a tattoo. You�ve been marked once, Severus. Do you really wish to be so again?�
�This mark will not bring me pain and will not be used to control, but as a symbol of my pride in being yours and your acknowledgment of your responsibility to me. It is important to me, Harry that I have a symbol if we are to proceed,� Severus stated seriously.
�Why is it so important?�
Severus narrowed his eyes at Harry for a moment, not in anger but in a way that told Harry the man was deciding how best to answer. Severus rose from his seat and walked across the porch to lean one hip against the wooden railing, his arms crossed protectively across his chest.
�Because it means you chose�me. The feeling it evokes, the significance cannot be put into simple terms, I�m afraid. Being marked by Voldemort held that quality in the very beginning, because he chose, but it faded quickly becoming something tainted and worthless. Something shameful. He chose a lot of people and he never cared for them at all. I found out too late,� Severus stated, before he turned away to look out across the yard, eyes focused but unseeing on the distant horizon.
�When I first met Voldemort I thought he was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Prior to his first demise he truly was quite handsome and could be enthrallingly charming. He simply drenched the air with power; it hung thickly all around like humidity on a sweltering Summer day,� Severus said in a strained whisper as he remembered the man who had shaped his adult life in the most twisted and profound ways. �I suppose when I joined up I was even then searching for a place where I belonged and someone to attend my needs.�
At this point Severus grasped the railing with both hands, his knuckles white with tension as he leaned his upper body even more forward towards the grounds. �This will not be that kind of mistake, Harry. I don�t want that. I want�this�us, whatever we are to be.�
Harry thought about what Severus said for a few moments, time during which Severus began leisurely pacing the porch near where they sat. Harry was conflicted. The Dark Mark had been so insidious and it had taken over both their lives, although in vastly different ways. Harry was loath to even consider involving himself in something like that. Before he read the book on Dominant/Submissive relationships that Severus had loaned him Harry had felt as though Severus was giving up a lot of power and control. Having spent a week reading and re-reading portions of the text Harry realized that the submissive actually wielded a great deal of control and power, although on the surface it was not obvious. The mere act of Severus making Harry the offer was a form of control. Nothing could go forward without Severus� say so. Harry thought it was kind of a mindfuck, but such was his life sometimes. Still, to mark another�
�I will consent to a collar, but it will be discrete and I will design it,� Harry finally said after watching Severus pace for several long minutes. Severus was facing away from him, looking out over the yard, but Harry could almost feel the man�s relief. He was certain something that passed for a smile was on his former professor�s face.
�Thank you,� Severus said. It was said quietly, but sincerely. He was gratified that Harry was willing to compromise. This would be a doubly hard endeavor if either of them resorted to petulant name-calling and obstinacy as they had been so wont to do in the past.
�Well, that concludes the most pressing questions. The rest I suspect will evolve as we discuss the contract and our lists, right?�
�Yes.�
The sun was beginning to ease lower, painting the sky in dusky orange and pale yellows.
�It�s beautiful here,� Severus said, leaning against the porch railing. �You�ve made yourself quite a nice refuge.�
�Thanks. I really needed a place to call home after the war. I could not live at Hogwarts forever, no matter what Minerva said. I thought about rebuilding Godric�s Hollow, but it just seemed like I�d be resurrecting ghosts. My parents are dead and rebuilding their home isn�t going to bring them back or make me feel any closer to them,� Harry said wearily.
�Took killing that demonic bastard for me to realize that, ya know. It was like once he was gone my head really cleared. Then the ministry descended wanting their living, breathing, bleeding, token hero. They were followed closely by the sycophants, suitors, press and pitchmen. I was suffocating. I found this place about a year after. An old Muggle owned it. Said the property was too big for him to keep up anymore and he wanted to retire to some place east of whereeverthefuck. So I bought it, charmed it, warded it, and have been slowly refurbishing it ever since. Only a select few know of this place and I�d like to keep it that way.�
The two sat in companionable silence for longer than either of them noticed, listening to the tree leaves rustling in the breeze and small birds chirping in various nests around the property. It was serene and something Severus had only rarely allowed himself to fantasize about. Serenity was an unattainable for him previously. At most he expected quiet, loneliness, but never extended periods of calm and true peace. Even at Hogwarts there was the stress of teaching and ensuring that lazy, inattentive students didn�t maim themselves or worse in his classroom. Severus found himself doing something he had not done since he was a child. He hoped. He hoped without a caveat and it was okay.
�I�ve an idea,� Harry said, breaking the silence. �It�s near supper time. I�ll Apparate off and grab us some take away for tonight. I usually cook, but time has gotten away from us. You like Chinese?�
�Done well, yes.�
�Good. I�ll grab a bunch of different dishes and be back in under an hour. For now, why don�t we trade our lists of wants, desires, restrictions etc. and read them apart while I�m off getting the food. This way you�ll have some time to unpack, perhaps wash up a bit or have a short lie down. When I get back we can discuss the rest over food. Sound good?�
�Sounds grand actually, I am getting rather peckish and a quick shower wouldn�t be refused,� Severus stated.
�Good. I�ll just show you to your rooms, then,� Harry said.
As they walked into the house Harry opened the door and ushered Severus in before him, placing a hand in the small of the taller wizard�s back. It was a simple gesture, but not one that had been so gently and unconsciously lavished upon Severus in some time. No one had touched him tenderly or offered him first at anything in so long. This is why Harry would not be like the others. This is why Severus could choose him, despite their past. Harry had not a selfish bone in his body. He had instinctively showed Severus the care and concern of not only accepting his Right, but he had also offered Severus free use of his lab, unfettered access to his home and refuge, and he had given Severus his own rooms with no restrictions. Severus found the fact that Harry was even now considering his comfort amazing. Harry would do well when trained up, Severus had no doubt. He was a born leader, a natural warrior, and Severus was sure once the Amoral heritage kicked in that Harry would be an excellent dominant. His very nature would near guarantee it. The fact that even with the potion in his system Harry was willing to entertain the idea of such a relationship with him was all the more proof that, while a challenge, this could work for them both. Harry was not appalled at the idea and in fact had shown quite a bit of studious interest. Severus thought that the physical interest was being repressed rather effectively. He would see about getting Harry to open up about that during dinner.
As they stepped onto the landing of the second floor, Severus had the most intense desire to pull Harry�s body into his. It was an overwhelming urge and it made his mouth go dry as he tried desperately to hold back. Harry had been adamant about not rushing and Severus was trying very hard to be good about it. However, he had been forced to watch Harry�s hips and ass sway on their walk up the stairs. Had watched the way his feet made small stroking motions against the other. Had watched as Harry sucked beer from the neck of a bottle in a way that made Severus� balls ache. The man was completely oblivious as to how much sex appeal he exuded performing even the most mundane tasks. It was all the more enticing because Harry was completely unaware.
Harry began moving to his left before he stopped and turned around to face Severus. His motions were almost mechanical. Something was off.
�You� You�ve got�Severus, why�� Harry stuttered, as unable to capture the words in his brain as one would be trying to capture fish with bare hands.
�I�m sorry, Harry. Give me a minute,� Severus panted, carefully walking backwards away from Harry. Putting a few feet between them allowed Severus to rein himself in and release Harry from his befuddled state.
�What the hell was that?� Harry asked, his breathing deep and labored.
�My thrall,� Severus said, swallowing audibly. �I couldn�t control it. My apologies. I didn�t mean to do it. I haven�t lost control of it in so long. It snuck up on me before I noticed. The Right�once we invoke it will help.�
�It�s� very strong,� Harry said. �I can throw of Imperious and that is exactly what that felt like. I felt like I was thirsty�like desert thirsty and you had the water. I�ve never felt so parched, even after being denied food and water as a kid.�
Severus cringed at the reminder of what Harry had suffered as a child. He had not wanted to put a thrall on Harry; there was no need. He had never betrayed a friend in his life and at this very moment that is exactly what it felt as though he had done.
Harry staggered a bit before leaning onto the wall. He looked at Severus and could see the guilt. It was painful to watch.
�Don�t do that, Severus. You didn�t mean it and I threw it off. Please, don�t,� Harry begged.
�I just want��
�Remember what you said in the kitchen about being open and honest, Severus? Tell me. If we are to be what you have suggested, then ultimately you will have to trust me enough to tell me what you want. You can�t hide it, or bury it,� Harry said, pushing himself off the wall and stalking over to stand in front of Severus. Once within arm�s reach he took his hand and lifted the dour face upward so that he could look Severus in the eyes.
�I have agreed to accept your submission, Severus. I won�t run away if you tell me something that you need even if I am unable to give it. Understand.�
Severus looked back into those virescent orbs and there he found all the warmth and sincerity he needed. �I just want you, so badly. I�m edgy with a need I cannot describe. It�s been�so very long, Harry. Will�will you please kiss me?�
The thrall had come as a shock, but had not felt completely bad. Harry could tell nothing sinister was intended when Severus unleashed his thrall. It was as if someone was trying to pull him into a warm bath, but not drown him. Harry had to admit that some part of him found the experience thrilling. Harry gazed back into those dark-as-night-without-stars eyes and saw only the need of which Severus spoke. It would only be a kiss.
Analyzing it no further, Harry moved like lightning. He wrapped an arm firmly around the thin waist, feeling the protrusion of hipbones just above Severus� beltline. Using his full body, Harry pressed himself and Severus back into the banister pushing their bodies flush against one another before capturing Severus� mouth with his own. Their lips met and it was all Severus could do not to rip every stitch of clothing from Harry�s body as his long arms wrapped around Harry�s back. He could feel the lean muscles playing across Harry�s lower back as he clutched onto the faded t-shirt for dear life, unwilling to let go even a moment sooner than he must.
Harry�s full, slightly moist lips slid into place over Severus� thinner, wider mouth. The kiss began simple, chaste, solid. Yet, almost as soon as they connected the kiss went from restrained to chaotic as their tongues delved deeper and deeper into the other�s mouth. They didn�t battle for dominance they shared it. One took and the other gave, taking turns sampling each other�s taste and finding new areas their tongues had yet to reach. Severus could taste the remnants of beer with cherry undertones and a hint of mint. It was divine. Soon their kisses turned brutal as they sucked and nipped at each other�s lips. They were unable to decipher where the moans of one ended and the other began as they succumbed to desire.
Every place they touched burned leaving patches of singed flesh behind; still their hands moved of their own accord, each one searching desperately for a way around or underneath their clothing. Severus felt feverish and breathless; He was dying by desire and it was glorious. Harry felt his cock begin to harden, his balls becoming heavy and full with need. He continued to kiss Severus like a man obsessed, savoring the taste that was unique to his submissive. He�s my submissive. He�s mine.
This was new, Harry recognized through the heavy haze of lust that was currently occupying his brain. He had never wanted to possess someone as much as he wanted to possess Severus at this moment. He wanted to own this man. It was a want that threatened to become all-encompassing� an obsession if he let it. His prize was so near, laid at his feet, his for the taking. And he took and took and took until soon he and Severus were frotting against one another like dogs in heat. Somewhere along the way Harry�s hand made its way down the back of Severus� trousers and beneath his underpants. Harry had one hand full of firm ass and the other was fisting the back of Severus� head as he tongue-fucked the taller wizard�s supple mouth. Severus was pliant, wanton and moaning like a whore, spouting nonsensical phrases while trying to undo the fly of Harry�s jeans. Harry found the sounds erotic and naughty. He loved naughty. Here he was dry humping his ex-teacher and trying to fuck him through the mouth. What could be naughtier? Gods, this is such a mindfuck
�We�ve got to stop,� Harry panted into Severus� mouth, unable to fully keep his pelvis from continuing to ride Severus� thigh. It seemed Severus was having the same problem.
�Why? No. We�no,� Severus breathed, becoming increasingly frustrated at not being able to maneuver the jeans open. Just as he was considering banishing all their clothes with a spell Harry, showing incredible force of will, pulled off and backed away onto the far wall.
For Severus it was like someone had sucked all the air out of the house. He held his breath, despite the hammering of his heart. His brain was urging him to breathe, but he couldn�t. He felt rejected. He had been so close. He had tasted perfection and no kiss from any other would ever be as sweet.
�We just need to slow down, Severus. Alright?�
Severus nodded and his shoulders slumped a bit. Harry immediately went back over and grabbed him up in a firm hug. �I�m not rejecting you. I�m asking that we pace things a bit. Remember that, yes?� Harry braved the waters and placed a quick, chaste kiss to the professor�s reddened lips, careful not to linger lest they end up back in a heated liplock.
That seemed to placate Severus well enough. They both fidgeted a bit as they righted their clothing and composed themselves before Harry led Severus to his rooms.
Severus had a large bedroom, complete with an en-suite bathroom containing both a shower and tub. He had a small sitting room and study, off which there was a balcony that he could get to through a set of floor to ceiling glass doors shrouded in soft, sheer, Persian red drapes. Severus was quite relieved to see that Harry had refrained from adorning his home with anything resembling house colors. Instead opting for understated earth tones and soft creams. The furniture was all honey-colored oak, which complimented the cherry wood floors. The d�cor was slightly rustic and homey, accented by refined touches in the form of expensive bedding and antique fixtures.
�Feel free to change anything you like. If there is something you would like in here that is not as of now just let me know and I will see about acquiring it. Dobby works for me part-time. He comes four times per week along with Winky. They do general upkeep� laundry, dusting, mending, changing the linen, replacing toiletries and towels and the like� that sort of thing. Otherwise we are left to our own devices and must feed and clean up after ourselves. If there is something you�d not like the elves to touch please leave them a note on your bed. They are instructed to look for notes on the bed at the beginning of each day�s shift.�
�Where are your rooms, if I may ask?� Severus inquired as he continued to rake is eyes slowly over the room.
�Down the hall in the opposite direction. I am all the way at the end.�
�So far?� Severus knew there were at least two other rooms closer to Harry�s on this floor. He couldn�t help but wonder why the young man had decided to put him so far away.
�Not so far. I just wanted you to feel like you had your own space here. This is my house, but I meant what I said earlier. You are not a guest or an unwanted visitor. You are welcome here. I would not have accepted your offer if I had planned to treat you as anything other than what you will be,� Harry explained.
He walked over to where Severus stood looking off in the direction of the balcony. He reached up and pushed a lock of long, silky, dark hair behind Severus� ear, which caused Severus to tilt into his hand like a cat when stroked. The fluid motion reminded Harry all too much of a big, black cat of prey; one that was allowing itself to be domesticated, tired of fighting in the wild. Severus was tired of fighting. Having seen as many glimpses inside Severus� head as the professor had no doubt seen in his over the course of their various training sessions, Harry knew full well just how long the man had been fighting. It made him inexplicably sad to think of how harsh the world had been to Severus Snape. Harry also knew Severus was as starved for true, simple affection as himself. They simply had to be careful. They were each so vulnerable and so damaged. No wonder fate had brought them together again.
�I�m going to pop off so that I can grab the food and get back. You should shower and relax� rest. I�d� ,� Well best to begin sooner rather than later, Harry thought. �It would please me to see you showered and refreshed when I return. You do want to please me right, Severus?�
It was beginning and Severus� stomach flipped like a pancake. Harry might have reservations and be a little green when it came to this type of relationship, but the poise in the man�s voice put all doubts at bay.
�Yes,� Severus answered as he closed his eyes, giving himself over to acquiescing so easily. It felt freeing, as though someone had lifted the lid off a crate he had been packed into far too long.
�Would you like some wine with dinner? I can pick something up while I�m out.�
Severus nodded reaching a finger out to stroke the back of Harry�s hand. The touch was feather light but said so much that Harry couldn�t help but feel completely desired and needed. He linked his hand in Severus� and led him towards the bathroom. He stopped at the threshold and ushered Severus on into the bathroom, promising to wake him when he returned if Severus decided to nap.
Seeing the cautiously expectant, if slightly overwhelmed look in Severus� eyes as he closed the door gave Harry a tingling feeling in the pit of his belly. His� well he didn�t know exactly what label to place on the man who was surely becoming foremost in his thoughts�seemed as disoriented as Harry felt at all that had transpired between then in a single afternoon. Harry carried the vivid image of those inky-black, seeking, knowing, wanting, warning eyes as he descended the stairs. No one had looked at him like that before, but he had seen that look in the eyes of others. He had seen Hermione give Ron the same sort of look the night of the final battle, just before Ron was to depart with a team that was in charge of taking out Greyback and his band of rogue werewolves. It was a look that held its focus in suspense; it was equal parts fear, protection, passion, unbridled lust, respect and desperation. It was a look that Harry had come to label love.

A/N: Well...??? **Hands on hips as foot taps a' la Molly Weasley**
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A Most Trusted Soldier