Gleanings - Chapter Four
Jun. 10th, 2008 09:44 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
drachenminaTitle: Gleanings
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
drachenmina
Word Count: ~26,600 total
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Harry Potter/Severus Snape, *past Snupin*
Warnings: Slight BDSM
Chapters One and Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
The next few days were, Harry reckoned, some of the best of his life. Snape – no, Severus (“Harry. Given all that your mouth has shown itself to be remarkably adept at accommodating recently, I should not have thought the syllables of my given name would present any insurmountable difficulty”) seemed, with the air of one resigned to his fate and determined to make the best of it, set on having him at every available opportunity.
He also proved to have rather more imagination than Harry would previously have given him credit for – although it could just have been experience, but Harry found he preferred not to consider that possibility.
Harry had just put Teddy down for his afternoon nap, and was heading to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, when he found himself grabbed and slammed against the wall.
“Little slut,” Severus growled at him. “I wonder what you’re after, hmm?” One long-fingered hand crept down to fondle his arse. “I’d wager you’re just gagging for someone to come and show you what that’s for, hmm?”
“Yeah,” Harry breathed, intoxicated.
Strong hands grabbed Harry’s wrists with bruising pressure, forcing his hands above his head. Severus held them there with one hand as, with the other, he wrenched Harry’s jeans undone and pushed them down to his knees, taking the underpants with them. Harry’s cock was almost painfully hard and he moaned in protest as that cruel hand gave him only one vicious stroke.
“Do you deserve this, Harry? Do you deserve my hand on your cock?”
“God, yeah!”
“I must beg to disagree. If you want me to touch you, Harry, you will have to do better than this.”
Harry could feel Severus undoing his own clothing behind him, and the anticipation of what was to come was so great that he cried out again when he finally felt Severus’ cock spring free and press against his arse.
“I do hope that wasn’t a word of protest, Harry. If it was, I am afraid I will have to punish you most severely – “
“GET AWAY FROM HIM!”
They both froze, and turned in horror to see Ron staring at them, aghast, his wand out and pointed firmly at Severus.
“Harry – mate – you OK?” Ron turned to Severus. “You bastard! How could you – “
“Ron! Wait! It’s not what you think!” Harry was frantically pulling up his trousers, whilst a white-faced Severus made similar moves to cover himself.
“Not what I – mate, he was fucking assaulting you!”
“No! Ron – I’m sorry you had to find out this way, but we’re – we’re lovers. Me and Severus. We’re together.”
“That’s – no. NO. He’s Confunded you mate – “
“No! Ron, I know it’s hard to accept, but – “
“Hard to – you’re joking, right? You can’t – I mean – it’s not – fuck, Harry, he’s done something to you! Made you think - ”
“NO! Look, just listen, Ron! I’m gay, all right? And Severus is my lover. You – you’re going to have to accept that. I’m sorry, OK? But it’s what I am.”
“No. No.” Ron was backing away. “No. He’s done something to you. And he’s going to bloody pay for it. Bastard!”
There was a loud crack as he Apparated away.
Severus turned on Harry furiously. “I warned you, Potter! I warned you this was folly – and now we will all have to pay!
Stunned at the unfairness of it, Harry could only stare as Snape stalked off to his room.
He didn’t know what to do. Should he go after Ron? Try and calm him down, explain… explain what? He’d told the bloke just now he and Severus were lovers, but Ron hadn’t believed him. Hadn’t wanted to.
Would he tell anyone? Harry was afraid he knew the answer to that. Much as he wanted to believe his friend would keep his secrets, Ron had just looked too upset, too horrified. And he’d said Severus would pay. Harry didn’t like to think what that might mean.
Walking into the kitchen, Harry kicked one of the chairs halfway across the room in frustration. What was wrong with the whole bloody Wizarding World? Why the fuck should anyone be so upset just because he happened to like blokes better than girls? It wasn’t like he’d rubbed their bloody noses in it – they’d been in their own home, for fuck’s sake!
In the end, Harry did the only thing that seemed to make sense. He owled Hermione, and then warded the Floo so it wouldn’t admit anyone but her.
Harry had been nervously awaiting a reply from Hermione for some time before it occurred to him that Teddy should have woken up from his nap by now. He headed up to the little boy’s room, stopping short when he saw Severus there, sat on the floor beside the cot, cradling the sleeping Teddy in his arms. Apparently he hadn’t stomped off to his own room to sulk, after all.
Harry hesitated, then stepped softly into the room and sat down beside Severus. “Do you think – if this gets out, I mean – do you think they might take him away from us?”
Severus’ voice was low, measured. “I do not think so. It would be different, of course, were Teddy a normal boy. But as it is, I do not think young Teddy will be the major concern of the Wizarding World.”
“So what do you think will be?” Harry was a bit confused.
“You, Harry. As always.” Severus looked away. “It will be said – rightly, as it happens – that I corrupted you, seduced you into a vicious and perverted relationship. And they will do all in their power to take you away from me.”
Harry laughed incredulously. “You corrupted me? Into a – what – perverted relationship? Bloody hell, Severus, you don’t actually believe that, do you?” His voice softened. “And you’re worried they’ll take you away from me?” Harry smiled a little, at that. “After the way you were downstairs, I wasn’t sure you’d care about that.”
Severus gave him a withering glance. “If I am away from you, I will also be away from Teddy.”
Oh.
“However,” Severus continued, although it sounded like he was saying it against both his will and his better judgement, “I confess I should also be sorry to see our… liaison… at an end.”
Oh. Harry took a deep breath. “Look, they can’t do anything unless we let them, right? So we won’t let them.”
Severus sent a look Harry’s way that he was all too familiar with from innumerable potions classes. “Harry. This will not be some faceless, nameless they. This will be your friends, your surrogate family. Aided and abetted by the Daily Prophet and the groundswell of opinion in the Wizarding World.” He looked away. “I am not fool enough to imagine my rather dubious charms to be proof against the blandishments of all whom you hold dear.”
“No?” Harry’s tone was fierce. “Well, we’ll just have to see, won’t we?”
“Don’t be a fool, Potter!” Severus snapped, shocking Harry. “You would throw away all your friends for a mere… dalliance? I had thought your intellect to have improved in recent times – clearly I was mistaken.”
“Is that all I was to you? A fucking dalliance?” Harry shot back furiously. In Severus’ arms, Teddy stirred uneasily. “Just a bloody legover? God, I can’t believe you sometimes! No wonder Remus left you!”
Severus had gone white, and Teddy stirred again as his arms tightened convulsively. “Get out!” he hissed. “I should have known it – you’re just like your father – get out!”
Horrified at the look in Severus’ eyes, but more so by what he himself had just said – God, he was worse than Snape – and how could he have been so stupid as to believe the bloke when he’d said he didn’t have feelings for Remus any longer – Harry fled.
It was the worst possible time for there to be a knock on the door – so naturally, that was what happened. Numbly, Harry went to see who was there.
It was Arthur Weasley.
Harry hesitated, then opened the door. He was going to have to face this sometime – might as well get it over with now, when he was already feeling like shit anyway.
“Ah, Harry. Good, good. Er, Ron was a bit, er, worried about you, so I, er, thought I’d better – ah. Thank you.”
Working on autopilot, Harry showed him into the kitchen and put the kettle on.
Sitting down at the kitchen table, Arthur began a little hesitantly, “Now, Ron seemed to think that, er – “
“Snape was raping me. He wasn’t. We’re lovers. Disgusted?” Harry’s tone was flat and unemotional, but the effect was slightly ruined by the way he slammed Arthur’s mug of tea down on the kitchen table.
Arthur regarded the little puddle of spilt tea for a moment, then took a deep breath. When he spoke again, all hesitation in his voice had gone. “Harry. I don’t want you to think I’m condemning you. Ron is – well, rather young, and I suppose his upbringing has in many respects been rather sheltered. I make no apology for that – I’m sure you, of all people, can understand a parent’s wish to protect his child.” He paused, stirring his tea. “When you get to my age, you realise that questions of morality are not always clear-cut.” He smiled at Harry encouragingly. Harry didn’t smile back. “I’ve known for a long time that Severus is not, shall we say, the marrying kind. And I sincerely hope I haven’t thought any the less of him because of it.”
Harry said nothing. Was he supposed to give the bloke a pat on the back for not being a bigot?
“But what does concern me, Harry, is whether or not Severus may have persuaded you into something you are not old enough to deal with.” He held up a hand to forestall Harry’s protest at this. “At your age, it’s often hard to stop and think through the consequences of a particular course of action.” He leant forward to look at Harry intently. “You were happy enough with Ginny, weren’t you? Now, I’m not suggesting you should get back together with her, necessarily, but there must be other girls you could – “
“What is going on here?” Severus’ voice was cold. Teddy squirmed in his arms, pleased to see his honorary Uncle Arthur.
“Ah, Severus! Good – er, good to see you. Harry and I were just – “
Severus turned to Harry, ignoring Arthur. “So. Has he managed to persuade you back onto the path of righteousness yet? Or should I leave you two a little longer?”
Harry’s mind was a churning mess of emotions – indignation at Arthur for trying to talk him out of being gay, embarrassment at having to discuss the matter with him at all, worry that he’d be rejected by the only family he’d ever really felt he had – but through it all flooded relief, that Severus apparently did still care about them being together, even if Harry was a stupid thoughtless git.
Harry wasn’t aware just how much this showed on his face as he spoke to Severus. “Arthur was just worried about me. But he doesn’t need to be,” he added for their visitor’s benefit. “I’m fine.”
Arthur’s face fell at this. “Severus, I wonder, could I have a word with you?”
Severus’ gaze was fixed on Harry as he answered. “I regret, Arthur, that that will not be possible at present. Teddy needs his tea. You will give my regards to your family, of course.” He swept out of the kitchen.
Harry turned to Arthur and spoke firmly. “Look, I do appreciate you being worried about me. But this isn’t something that needs fixing, OK? Tell – tell Ron I’m sorry he got a bit of a shock.” Harry bit his lip. “How many people know about – you know?”
Arthur grimaced. “Well, the family, of course. I’m afraid Ron was a bit, well, vocal. Ginny was rather upset about it, I should tell you. And Molly too, of course.”
Harry fought down his anger. “But you haven’t told anyone else? I’m not – I’m not ashamed of me and Severus, but - you know what it’s like, with me and the Prophet. It’s not fair on Severus or Teddy if this gets splashed all over the front page.”
Arthur’s look was sympathetic. “Of course not, Harry. You can count on us. Our lips are sealed.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After Arthur had left, Harry walked into the sitting room, where he found Teddy playing cars whilst Severus sat and stared out of the window.
“I’m sorry,” he blurted out. Severus looked at him, and nodded curtly.
“Arthur is gone?”
“Yeah. Finally.” Harry laughed shortly. “He was trying to persuade me to give girls another go, can you believe it?”
“Arthur Weasley is a sensible man.”
Before Harry could ask Severus what the hell he meant by that, the Floo flared into life and Hermione’s head appeared in the flames. Resignedly, Harry waved at her to come through.
“Harry, Professor Snape. I’m sorry I didn’t come earlier. I thought maybe I should go to Ron’s first, try and calm him down.”
“Have any luck with that?” Harry asked cynically.
Hermione looked away. “He can be very pig-headed sometimes. I’ll keep working on him.” When she turned back to Harry he could see she had tears in her eyes. “I’m so sorry it’s turned out like this. For both of you. I know I wanted you to come out – but I never would have wanted it to happen like this.”
“Have you quite finished reminding us of the seriousness of our situation, Miss Granger?” Severus turned to Harry. “May I enquire how many other people you informed of our relationship without consulting me?”
“Oh, for – it’s not like it matters now, anyway! And I didn’t tell Hermione about us, I just told her I was gay.” He gave Hermione a sharp look. “So did you know before today? And how?”
Hermione shrugged impatiently. “Oh, I didn’t know know. I just – well – thought it was likely. Knowing the two of you.”
At their incredulous looks, she carried on. “Well, you know. All that passion. Tension. And you’ve really got quite a lot in common, and what with living together – well, quite frankly it was only a matter of time.”
Harry felt faintly stunned. God knew what Severus was thinking.
“So what’s it like at the Burrow?” he asked, not wanting to dwell on the fact that Hermione had been way ahead of him with this relationship. “Does everyone hate us?”
“No! No, of course not, Harry. Everyone’s – well, to be perfectly honest, I think they’re making far too much fuss about it. I tried to explain that homosexuality is regarded as quite normal in the Muggle world these days – “ Severus snorted at that “- but Molly won’t stop crying, she seems to think she should have looked after you better, as if that would have made an earthly difference, and Ginny ran up to her room and won’t talk to anyone. George was quite supportive, actually, but Percy’s just –well, just being Percy, I’m afraid. And of course Charlie and Bill aren’t home.”
“No doubt they will be receiving owls as we speak,” Severus muttered darkly.
“But Arthur was all right about it, wasn’t he? Hermione asked anxiously.
“Oh yeah, apart from trying to talk me out of being gay and suggesting Severus had, I don’t know, coerced me into this, or something.”
“Oh!” Hermione tossed her head in frustration.
“But at least he promised not to tell anyone,” Harry continued.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Over the next few days, it seemed that Arthur had kept his promise. No Howlers arrived, and the Prophet was mercifully free of sensational articles. Well, ones about Harry, at any rate; there was a rather salacious piece hinting at all kinds of naughty goings-on at Malfoy Manor that Harry found himself guiltily fascinated by, although he wasn’t a bit surprised when they printed a grovelling apology the next day.
Harry was still worried about what the Weasleys thought about him and Severus, but hadn’t dared make contact with them for fear of what he might find.
But by the end of the week, Harry had relaxed enough to suggest to Severus that they take Teddy out to the park together.
“Come on, you’ve got to take a break from brewing sometime. And it’ll be nice. You know, to do something as a family.” Not to mention Harry was getting heartily sick of being cooped up in Grimmauld Place.
He’d had the foresight to suggest it while they were in bed together, Severus having just been furthering Harry’s education in the matter of fellatio. It seemed he was doing rather better at this than he ever had at potions, as Severus merely heaved an exaggerated sigh, saying, “If we must.”
Actually when they saw how excited Teddy was to be going out with both his dads, Harry suspected he wasn’t the only one feeling a little guilty that they hadn’t done this before. The kid was literally bouncing up and down in his pushchair. Harry still had a huge grin on his face as they manoeuvred the buggy down the steps of Grimmauld Place. They’d just set the wheels down on the pavement, when they were blinded by a sudden flash of light.
Severus had his wand out in an instant, whilst Harry moved to protect Teddy.
“Now then, folks, no need to panic. Just doin’ me job.”
Harry’s stomach felt like it had just booked a short cruise on the Titanic. He recognised the Prophet’s photographer from countless Ministry functions. The man’s magical flashgun was still smoking.
“You will leave this instant or I will not be responsible for my actions!” Severus hissed.
“Right-oh!” The photographer gave them a cheery smile and tipped his hat to them before Apparating away.
Feeling sick, Harry turned to Severus. “It could just be a coincidence, him turning up for a photo today, couldn’t it? It doesn’t necessarily mean…”
“Only a fool believes in coincidence, Potter!”
Harry winced. “Are you going to blame me and storm off again?”
Severus took a deep breath. “I believe we promised our son an outing,” he said, taking hold of the pushchair. “The pun, by the way, being most definitely not intended.”
Harry managed a weak smile at this, as they set off towards the park together.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The rest of the morning turned out to be blessedly free of photographers, reporters, or, as far as Harry could tell, anyone from the Wizarding World at all. They had fun on the swings – well, Harry and Teddy did, whilst Severus actually allowed himself to be drawn into conversation by one of the mums sitting on the bench whose kids were old enough to play by themselves. Harry knew her slightly – she was a friendly sort, who seemed a bit lonely. She’d smiled sympathetically when Harry had talked about Severus working a lot, saying she didn’t see a right lot of her husband either.
At the time it’d just seemed hilarious to Harry, to think people saw Snape as his husband. Now – it gave him a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach. Could they really make this work? Be a proper family?
Was the Wizarding World prepared to let them?
Teddy was happily exhausted after his outing – Harry had his work cut out to stop him falling asleep in his buggy on the way back, making faces and singing silly songs to him, whilst Severus muttered, “Just cast an Ennervate, it’s not going to kill him.” The little boy was quite happy to go for his nap as soon as they’d got some lunch inside him.
Which left Harry, and presumably Severus as well, free to think about what the photographer’s presence might mean.
“It could just have been – I don’t know, they’re short of news right now, or something, couldn’t it? I doesn’t have to mean they’ve found out about us.” Harry tried to keep his voice sounding hopeful, but was all too aware he’d failed.
“Believe that if you wish, Harry. However, I consider it would be more fruitful to prepare ourselves for an exposé in tomorrow’s paper.”
Harry bit his lip. “I’m sorry.”
Severus looked at him almost affectionately. “Despite what I may occasionally claim, Harry, not everything is your fault.”
“No, but – if I was anyone else, no one would care about it, would they?”
Severus snorted. “I flatter myself that the sexual exploits of an ex Death Eater turned war hero would merit at least a couple of lines.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A couple of lines wouldn’t have been so bad, Harry thought the following day. It seemed half the bloody paper was devoted to him and Severus. And Teddy.
Not only was there a leading article accusing them in coy tones of being unnaturally close, illustrated by yesterday’s picture, which showed a goofily-grinning Harry seeming to gaze besottedly at an impassive Severus, there were numerous features on the inside pages dredging up every single incident from the past that either of them might wish to be forgotten.
Harry’s mental instability was a favourite theme. The writer (and Harry didn’t need to look at the by-line to recognise Rita Skeeter’s poison quill up to its old tricks again) gushed in tones of cloying sentimentality over this poor, bruised, abused young man.
Severus’ Death Eater past was salivated over, of course, and the articles somehow made it seem as if he had turned coat only at the last minute, in order to save his own skin, brushing aside the fact that he’d been spying for the Light for years.
And Teddy – here Harry’s blood really boiled, as the Prophet had the bloody nerve to suggest that it might have been kinder, given all that he’d been afflicted with, if Teddy had died with his mum and dad.
Sickened, Harry threw the paper on the fire with trembling hands.
“Harry. It is no more than we expected.” Severus’ voice was unexpectedly calm, if bitter.
Harry looked up at him. “Aren’t you mad about this? I could bloody kill that Skeeter bitch!”
“Satisfying though that might be, I fear it would only add to our problems. We need to decide upon a course of action.”
“You mean, whether we’re going to deny it?” Harry stared at the kitchen table for a moment. “I don’t want to lie and say we’re not together. Hermione was right, you know – if no one ever stands up to these bloody bigots people like us will be hounded forever. Werewolves, queers – it’s all the bloody same to them, isn’t it? I used to think wizards were so… different, you know? All the weird clothes and stuff. Like they didn’t care what anyone thought of them. But that’s just crap. They’re even worse than Muggles – they want everyone to be the same as them, and if you’re not, there’s something wrong with you.”
Harry looked up at Severus fiercely. “I did a lot of thinking last night. I’m not going to let them split us up. And we’re not going to hide that we’re a family, all three of us. Not any more.” Suddenly assailed with uncertainty, Harry bit his lip. “That’s – if you agree. If this is what you want, too.”
His face more stone-like than ever, Severus simply nodded, and put his arms around his lover. Overcome with relief and reaction, Harry clung to him feeling as if he never wanted to let go.
Then Teddy knocked his Cheerios halfway across the kitchen to get their attention, and the mood was broken.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Harry had settled down to do a jigsaw with Teddy, whilst Severus brewed, although he’d muttered darkly on the way down to the laboratory that he fully expected to receive owls cancelling all outstanding commissions.
Half-way through trying to persuade Teddy the idea was to make a picture with the puzzle pieces, not eat them, Harry had a nasty thought. Owls. God, the Howlers would start arriving any minute!
Harry hurtled down the stairs to the cellar, Teddy bouncing excitedly on his hip. “Severus! We’re going to be knee-deep in Howlers after that bloody Prophet report! Is there anything we can do to stop them getting through? We can’t have Teddy listening to the kind of crap they’ll be spouting – “
He stopped, as Severus gave him the kind of withering look he was only too familiar with from his schooldays. “I took steps to address this yesterday, of course. Only owls sent by a selected list of people will get through to us; the rest will simply find themselves compelled to return to whoever sent them.”
“Oh.” Harry felt a bit of an idiot. “So who’s on the list, then?”
“My customers, of course. I cannot therefore guarantee that we will be Howler-free. Your friends, including Miss Granger. And the Weasleys.” Severus looked hard at Harry as he said this.
“You think one of them talked to the press, don’t you?” Harry asked, his heart heavy.
“It would seem most likely. However, it is not certain. Your acquaintance in the park appeared to consider our relationship as quite an established fact.” He glared at Harry, who flushed. “You were indiscreet.”
“Look, I didn’t say anything to any of the mums, they just assumed, all right? And that was way back before we were even together, and it all seemed like a bit of a joke…” Harry trailed off as he saw the tightening of Severus’ lips. “Well, it did, all right? How was I to know we’d end up… I mean, you’ve always hated me!”
Harry could see by Severus’ expression that his little attempt to paint this in colours more acceptable to the older man hadn’t worked. “So. I am to understand, then, that this whole sorry mess may in fact have been caused by your wish to have a bit of a joke with the neighbours?”
Harry blanched, as Severus stalked towards him. “Um, I think Teddy needs a change. Better go. Bye!” He fled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once safely out of reach of Severus’ wrath, and hoping it would turn out to be short-lived, Harry got Teddy occupied with a couple of boxes and some things to put into and take out of them, and grabbed a quill and parchment. He was halfway through a letter to Luna, offering the Quibbler another exclusive, whilst keeping the fingers of his left hand crossed that she wouldn’t turn out to be a bloody homophobe too, when he heard the Floo flare into life. Hermione – it had to be, as the wards were still up.
“Harry? Are you all right? Can I come through?” Her voice was anxious, and Harry felt a rush of warmth for her.
“Course you can! We’re – OK, I s’pose. But come on through.”
Hermione hesitated. “Can I bring Ron? He really wants to talk to you.”
Harry wasn’t sure he was up for this. “If he’s just here to shout at me, or try and talk me out of it like his dad did, or something – “
“No! No of course he’s not, Harry. Can we come through? Please?”
Reluctantly, Harry agreed, and within minutes he was face-to-face with the flushed features of his former best mate.
“Harry?” Ron seemed to have trouble meeting his eyes. “Look, I’m sorry about – last time I was here, OK? I got the wrong end of the stick.” He turned an even brighter shade of red when he realised what he’d said, which made Harry feel better, somehow. “And I’m really sorry about all the stuff in the Prophet.”
Harry felt his blood go cold. “You? You talked to the papers - ?”
“No! Bloody hell, Harry, no!” Obviously shocked, Ron finally looked Harry in the eye. “But – but it was sort of my fault. For mouthing off about it. I was a bit, well, you know, and then Ginny – “
“Ginny?” Having felt relief at Ron’s denial, Harry abruptly felt like he’d been kicked in the gut once more.
“She didn’t mean to, mate, I swear it! It was that Ravenclaw friend of hers, Paloma – Ginny was crying on her shoulder about you and, well, it seems that bitch wants to be a reporter, thought if she grassed you up, she’d get a break – bloody will if I get hold of her!” he ended menacingly.
Harry was embarrassed to find his eyes getting a bit moist over this evidence that Ron still cared. He cleared his throat and hoped it didn’t show. “So… are you OK about it?” he asked. “Me and Severus, I mean.”
Ron looked distinctly uncomfortable. “Well, I’m not sure about him – but the gay thing, yeah. ‘Mione made me read all these Muggle books about it – and she tested me on them afterwards to make sure I hadn’t been skiving.” He gave Harry a sheepish grin, and sent Hermione a mock glare. “So yeah, I’m OK with that, I s’pose.” At Hermione’s dark look, he corrected himself. “Yeah, course I’m OK. We’re mates, right?” He clapped a hand on Harry’s shoulder. It was an awkward, self-conscious gesture, and Harry appreciated it immensely.
“So, Harry, have you and Severus decided what you’re going to do now?” Hermione asked, her voice just the tiniest bit wobbly, but in a pleased way.
“Yeah. We’re going to follow your advice.” Harry grinned. “And one of your old plans, too. I’m going to give an interview to the Quibbler and tell them it’s all true, and that anyone who thinks there’s anything wrong with two blokes being together can just get stuffed.”
“Oh, Harry!” Hermione hugged him, speechless for once.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
They were still making plans when Severus emerged, prompting Ron to turn a deeper shade of beetroot red than Harry had previously thought physically possible as he determinedly looked anywhere but at the man whom he’d last seen in the middle of committing a sex act on his best mate.
Harry was amused to note Severus’ cheeks had turned slightly pinkish too. He budged over to make room for Severus on the sofa and looked at him pointedly until he gave in and sat down.
“I take it my future has now been minutely planned out by the famous Gryffindor Trio?” Severus asked sardonically.
Harry grinned. “Pretty much. I’m giving an interview to Luna for the Quibbler, but I’d already decided that.” He paused; knowing what he was about to say would go down like a lead broomstick. “She’ll probably want to talk to you too, and they’re bound to want pictures.”
To his credit, Severus didn’t actually explode, but the working of a muscle at the corner of his jaw semaphored to Harry that he would most definitely be hearing about this later. “I see,” was all he said on the subject. He then astonished Harry by asking, “Will your… friends be staying for lunch?”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lunch was as strained as might be imagined, but Harry was incredibly grateful to Severus for making an effort, and they could always count on Teddy to help out when conversation flagged, the little attention-seeker, Harry thought fondly. Ron and Hermione didn’t linger too long after they’d finished eating, which was probably just as well, all things considered
After all, Teddy would get really cranky if he didn’t get his nap.
After they’d Flooed away, Harry grabbed Severus in a fierce hug. His lover regarded him in some surprise. Harry shrugged. “Hey, I just want you to know I’m grateful, that’s all. You know, for being nice to Ron and Hermione. Well, nice for you. And for not hexing me when I said about that interview.” Harry hesitated. “Um, are you mad about that?”
Severus looked stern. “I should prefer you, in future, to consult me before making any decisions of that nature. Nevertheless, unpleasant though the process will undoubtedly be, I concede that your idea may have some merits.” His eyes narrowed. “However, I believe you mentioned gratitude? I confess some curiosity as to its extent.”
Harry felt himself getting hard. Shifting in Severus’ grasp, he replied a little breathlessly, “Oh, I’m very grateful.”
Thin lips curved upwards in a wicked smile. “Then perhaps you should escort a certain young man to his cot, and join me in the bedroom.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lying spread-eagled on the bed ten minutes later, blindfold in place, Harry reflected that if anyone had told him a few years ago what an excellent education he’d be getting from Snape, he’d have laughed in their face.
Of course, if anyone had told him it’d be a sexual education, he’d probably have screamed in their face.
He wondered with a shiver if he was going to be screaming today.
Severus hadn’t told him what was going to happen, only that it would be a little… different. And sure enough, they hadn’t experimented with bondage before. Flexing his wrists against the soft cords binding them to the bedstead, Harry tutted to himself at such a loss of time. His cock felt so bloody hard he reckoned you could use it to crack rocks with.
Suddenly he gasped, hips bucking off the bed, as he felt something cold on his stomach.
“Careful, Harry, or you’ll spill it,” came Severus’ velvet voice, warm with silent laughter. “I should have to… punish you for that.”
OK, now you could use his cock to cut diamonds.
“What is it?” he asked, curious.
“Delicious,” came the uninformative reply, as Harry felt Severus move toward him. He could feel warm breath on his skin, as Severus’ face came down and – oh god – started to lap whatever it was out of Harry’s navel.
Bloody hell, what was that stuff? Harry could only catch the faintest scent of something that seemed vaguely familiar, and frankly, what Severus was doing was anything but conducive to coherent thought, so he gave up struggling to place the smell. He shivered as something cold teased his nipple. An ice-cube? No, wrong shape – hell, it was Severus’ tongue, after he’d been drinking whatever it was. Harry could feel it warming now.
“Bloody tease!” he gasped, as Severus moved onto the other nipple. Harry strained his hips up as far as he could, but his bastard lover refused to make any contact with his cock.
“Perhaps I should let you have a taste?” Severus suggested in a low, seductive purr that made Harry want to scream with need.
“God – yeah – anything!”
The bloody git actually chuckled at that. Harry could feel him moving around the bed, could hear the faint glug of a bottle. Then he felt Severus kneel astride his chest and slide an extra pillow under his head. The bottle glugged again, and suddenly the smell was overpowering; yet frustratingly Harry was still unable to identify it.
Severus didn’t leave him to puzzle over it for long, as almost at once Harry felt something press against his lips. He had a pretty fair idea of what it was, and opened his mouth obligingly, to be rewarded with a mouthful of Severus’ cock, which had been liberally coated in –
Harry nearly choked with laughter when he realised what it was. Baileys’ Irish Cream. His aunt had had some in for Christmas one year, and he’d sneaked a taste in the kitchen. It didn’t taste quite as sickly sweet as he remembered – trust Severus to have improved the recipe.
Or maybe it was just what you, er, mixed it with. Harry sucked enthusiastically, and then ran his tongue all over the head of Severus’ cock, the taste becoming saltier by the second. Mmm.
“Greedy brat.” Severus’ cock withdrew abruptly, ignoring Harry’s protests.
“Hey, not fair! I only got a taste!”
“You would have been tasting something rather different if you’d kept that up much longer.”
“Oh, does that mean you’ve got other plans?”
“Oh yes.” Suddenly, Harry felt the cords binding his ankles slip away, and his legs were pushed up and back against his chest. Severus’ finger began to circle his entrance, and then quickly slipped inside. Harry could feel his heartbeat speeding up, and moaned as the finger was joined by another.
“In – in a hurry?” he gasped, struggling to think of the words.
Abruptly, the fingers were gone as swiftly as they had arrived. “Of course, if you prefer me to take my time…” Harry would have sworn he could hear Severus’ evil grin.
“Bastard!”
“Why, Harry, is there something you want?” God, the bastard was a tease, sometimes.
“Yes, you bloody git! You know what I want!”
“Then say it, Harry,” Severus hissed.
“Your cock, all right? I want your cock!” Harry was dismayed to find himself sounding so frantic and needy.
“Where would you like it, Harry? Would you like it in your mouth, thrusting down that pretty throat of yours? Or would you like it between your thighs, or rubbed against your own cock?” He leant closer to Harry, bending him almost double. “Or would you like it pounding into that beautiful, tight arse of yours, like the wanton, filthy little slut you are?” he whispered.
“Yes! Yes, OK? Your cock. My arse. Please, Severus…” Harry whined, not caring any more how he sounded just as long as that git would hurry up and bloody fuck him.
“Acceptable,” Severus growled, and thrust inside Harry savagely. As he did so, the blindfold undid itself and fell away from Harry’s face, and he found himself looking into eyes that were darker now than he’d ever seen them.
Gasping with the pleasure/pain of his lover’s entry, Harry felt like he was falling into Severus’ soul. Does he know? Harry wondered. Does he know how much I love this, love him?
He felt like he’d drunk a pint of Firewhiskey and then gone flying on a half-wild Hippogriff. When Severus snarled at him, “Touch yourself,” he had trouble understanding the words. When he started to stroke himself, it was almost painful, the amount of sensation. Totally unable to keep up any sort of rhythm, he nevertheless found himself rapidly approaching climax.
“Going… to… ahhh!” As he spilled over his hand and his belly, Harry felt Severus shudder, and knew he was coming too.
As they collapsed in a sticky, sweaty mess, both of them panting heavily, Harry felt confused. Should he tell Severus how he felt? Would he believe him?
Sod it. They were lovers. How hard could it be to tell your lover you, well, loved him? “Severus?” he began, uncertainly.
The older man looked at him, his face still flushed from their activities.
“I,” Harry bit his lip. “I love you.”
Severus stiffened. He looked at Harry for a long, long moment, and a muscle in his jaw twitched slightly. Harry found he was holding his breath. Then Severus leant down, and kissed him gently. “I… am fond of you also, Harry,” he said, sounding like it cost him a great deal to admit it.
Harry reckoned it took him several hours to stop grinning, afterwards.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Five
Author:
drachenminaWord Count: ~26,600 total
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Harry Potter/Severus Snape, *past Snupin*
Warnings: Slight BDSM
Chapters One and Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
The next few days were, Harry reckoned, some of the best of his life. Snape – no, Severus (“Harry. Given all that your mouth has shown itself to be remarkably adept at accommodating recently, I should not have thought the syllables of my given name would present any insurmountable difficulty”) seemed, with the air of one resigned to his fate and determined to make the best of it, set on having him at every available opportunity.
He also proved to have rather more imagination than Harry would previously have given him credit for – although it could just have been experience, but Harry found he preferred not to consider that possibility.
Harry had just put Teddy down for his afternoon nap, and was heading to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, when he found himself grabbed and slammed against the wall.
“Little slut,” Severus growled at him. “I wonder what you’re after, hmm?” One long-fingered hand crept down to fondle his arse. “I’d wager you’re just gagging for someone to come and show you what that’s for, hmm?”
“Yeah,” Harry breathed, intoxicated.
Strong hands grabbed Harry’s wrists with bruising pressure, forcing his hands above his head. Severus held them there with one hand as, with the other, he wrenched Harry’s jeans undone and pushed them down to his knees, taking the underpants with them. Harry’s cock was almost painfully hard and he moaned in protest as that cruel hand gave him only one vicious stroke.
“Do you deserve this, Harry? Do you deserve my hand on your cock?”
“God, yeah!”
“I must beg to disagree. If you want me to touch you, Harry, you will have to do better than this.”
Harry could feel Severus undoing his own clothing behind him, and the anticipation of what was to come was so great that he cried out again when he finally felt Severus’ cock spring free and press against his arse.
“I do hope that wasn’t a word of protest, Harry. If it was, I am afraid I will have to punish you most severely – “
“GET AWAY FROM HIM!”
They both froze, and turned in horror to see Ron staring at them, aghast, his wand out and pointed firmly at Severus.
“Harry – mate – you OK?” Ron turned to Severus. “You bastard! How could you – “
“Ron! Wait! It’s not what you think!” Harry was frantically pulling up his trousers, whilst a white-faced Severus made similar moves to cover himself.
“Not what I – mate, he was fucking assaulting you!”
“No! Ron – I’m sorry you had to find out this way, but we’re – we’re lovers. Me and Severus. We’re together.”
“That’s – no. NO. He’s Confunded you mate – “
“No! Ron, I know it’s hard to accept, but – “
“Hard to – you’re joking, right? You can’t – I mean – it’s not – fuck, Harry, he’s done something to you! Made you think - ”
“NO! Look, just listen, Ron! I’m gay, all right? And Severus is my lover. You – you’re going to have to accept that. I’m sorry, OK? But it’s what I am.”
“No. No.” Ron was backing away. “No. He’s done something to you. And he’s going to bloody pay for it. Bastard!”
There was a loud crack as he Apparated away.
Severus turned on Harry furiously. “I warned you, Potter! I warned you this was folly – and now we will all have to pay!
Stunned at the unfairness of it, Harry could only stare as Snape stalked off to his room.
He didn’t know what to do. Should he go after Ron? Try and calm him down, explain… explain what? He’d told the bloke just now he and Severus were lovers, but Ron hadn’t believed him. Hadn’t wanted to.
Would he tell anyone? Harry was afraid he knew the answer to that. Much as he wanted to believe his friend would keep his secrets, Ron had just looked too upset, too horrified. And he’d said Severus would pay. Harry didn’t like to think what that might mean.
Walking into the kitchen, Harry kicked one of the chairs halfway across the room in frustration. What was wrong with the whole bloody Wizarding World? Why the fuck should anyone be so upset just because he happened to like blokes better than girls? It wasn’t like he’d rubbed their bloody noses in it – they’d been in their own home, for fuck’s sake!
In the end, Harry did the only thing that seemed to make sense. He owled Hermione, and then warded the Floo so it wouldn’t admit anyone but her.
Harry had been nervously awaiting a reply from Hermione for some time before it occurred to him that Teddy should have woken up from his nap by now. He headed up to the little boy’s room, stopping short when he saw Severus there, sat on the floor beside the cot, cradling the sleeping Teddy in his arms. Apparently he hadn’t stomped off to his own room to sulk, after all.
Harry hesitated, then stepped softly into the room and sat down beside Severus. “Do you think – if this gets out, I mean – do you think they might take him away from us?”
Severus’ voice was low, measured. “I do not think so. It would be different, of course, were Teddy a normal boy. But as it is, I do not think young Teddy will be the major concern of the Wizarding World.”
“So what do you think will be?” Harry was a bit confused.
“You, Harry. As always.” Severus looked away. “It will be said – rightly, as it happens – that I corrupted you, seduced you into a vicious and perverted relationship. And they will do all in their power to take you away from me.”
Harry laughed incredulously. “You corrupted me? Into a – what – perverted relationship? Bloody hell, Severus, you don’t actually believe that, do you?” His voice softened. “And you’re worried they’ll take you away from me?” Harry smiled a little, at that. “After the way you were downstairs, I wasn’t sure you’d care about that.”
Severus gave him a withering glance. “If I am away from you, I will also be away from Teddy.”
Oh.
“However,” Severus continued, although it sounded like he was saying it against both his will and his better judgement, “I confess I should also be sorry to see our… liaison… at an end.”
Oh. Harry took a deep breath. “Look, they can’t do anything unless we let them, right? So we won’t let them.”
Severus sent a look Harry’s way that he was all too familiar with from innumerable potions classes. “Harry. This will not be some faceless, nameless they. This will be your friends, your surrogate family. Aided and abetted by the Daily Prophet and the groundswell of opinion in the Wizarding World.” He looked away. “I am not fool enough to imagine my rather dubious charms to be proof against the blandishments of all whom you hold dear.”
“No?” Harry’s tone was fierce. “Well, we’ll just have to see, won’t we?”
“Don’t be a fool, Potter!” Severus snapped, shocking Harry. “You would throw away all your friends for a mere… dalliance? I had thought your intellect to have improved in recent times – clearly I was mistaken.”
“Is that all I was to you? A fucking dalliance?” Harry shot back furiously. In Severus’ arms, Teddy stirred uneasily. “Just a bloody legover? God, I can’t believe you sometimes! No wonder Remus left you!”
Severus had gone white, and Teddy stirred again as his arms tightened convulsively. “Get out!” he hissed. “I should have known it – you’re just like your father – get out!”
Horrified at the look in Severus’ eyes, but more so by what he himself had just said – God, he was worse than Snape – and how could he have been so stupid as to believe the bloke when he’d said he didn’t have feelings for Remus any longer – Harry fled.
It was the worst possible time for there to be a knock on the door – so naturally, that was what happened. Numbly, Harry went to see who was there.
It was Arthur Weasley.
Harry hesitated, then opened the door. He was going to have to face this sometime – might as well get it over with now, when he was already feeling like shit anyway.
“Ah, Harry. Good, good. Er, Ron was a bit, er, worried about you, so I, er, thought I’d better – ah. Thank you.”
Working on autopilot, Harry showed him into the kitchen and put the kettle on.
Sitting down at the kitchen table, Arthur began a little hesitantly, “Now, Ron seemed to think that, er – “
“Snape was raping me. He wasn’t. We’re lovers. Disgusted?” Harry’s tone was flat and unemotional, but the effect was slightly ruined by the way he slammed Arthur’s mug of tea down on the kitchen table.
Arthur regarded the little puddle of spilt tea for a moment, then took a deep breath. When he spoke again, all hesitation in his voice had gone. “Harry. I don’t want you to think I’m condemning you. Ron is – well, rather young, and I suppose his upbringing has in many respects been rather sheltered. I make no apology for that – I’m sure you, of all people, can understand a parent’s wish to protect his child.” He paused, stirring his tea. “When you get to my age, you realise that questions of morality are not always clear-cut.” He smiled at Harry encouragingly. Harry didn’t smile back. “I’ve known for a long time that Severus is not, shall we say, the marrying kind. And I sincerely hope I haven’t thought any the less of him because of it.”
Harry said nothing. Was he supposed to give the bloke a pat on the back for not being a bigot?
“But what does concern me, Harry, is whether or not Severus may have persuaded you into something you are not old enough to deal with.” He held up a hand to forestall Harry’s protest at this. “At your age, it’s often hard to stop and think through the consequences of a particular course of action.” He leant forward to look at Harry intently. “You were happy enough with Ginny, weren’t you? Now, I’m not suggesting you should get back together with her, necessarily, but there must be other girls you could – “
“What is going on here?” Severus’ voice was cold. Teddy squirmed in his arms, pleased to see his honorary Uncle Arthur.
“Ah, Severus! Good – er, good to see you. Harry and I were just – “
Severus turned to Harry, ignoring Arthur. “So. Has he managed to persuade you back onto the path of righteousness yet? Or should I leave you two a little longer?”
Harry’s mind was a churning mess of emotions – indignation at Arthur for trying to talk him out of being gay, embarrassment at having to discuss the matter with him at all, worry that he’d be rejected by the only family he’d ever really felt he had – but through it all flooded relief, that Severus apparently did still care about them being together, even if Harry was a stupid thoughtless git.
Harry wasn’t aware just how much this showed on his face as he spoke to Severus. “Arthur was just worried about me. But he doesn’t need to be,” he added for their visitor’s benefit. “I’m fine.”
Arthur’s face fell at this. “Severus, I wonder, could I have a word with you?”
Severus’ gaze was fixed on Harry as he answered. “I regret, Arthur, that that will not be possible at present. Teddy needs his tea. You will give my regards to your family, of course.” He swept out of the kitchen.
Harry turned to Arthur and spoke firmly. “Look, I do appreciate you being worried about me. But this isn’t something that needs fixing, OK? Tell – tell Ron I’m sorry he got a bit of a shock.” Harry bit his lip. “How many people know about – you know?”
Arthur grimaced. “Well, the family, of course. I’m afraid Ron was a bit, well, vocal. Ginny was rather upset about it, I should tell you. And Molly too, of course.”
Harry fought down his anger. “But you haven’t told anyone else? I’m not – I’m not ashamed of me and Severus, but - you know what it’s like, with me and the Prophet. It’s not fair on Severus or Teddy if this gets splashed all over the front page.”
Arthur’s look was sympathetic. “Of course not, Harry. You can count on us. Our lips are sealed.”
After Arthur had left, Harry walked into the sitting room, where he found Teddy playing cars whilst Severus sat and stared out of the window.
“I’m sorry,” he blurted out. Severus looked at him, and nodded curtly.
“Arthur is gone?”
“Yeah. Finally.” Harry laughed shortly. “He was trying to persuade me to give girls another go, can you believe it?”
“Arthur Weasley is a sensible man.”
Before Harry could ask Severus what the hell he meant by that, the Floo flared into life and Hermione’s head appeared in the flames. Resignedly, Harry waved at her to come through.
“Harry, Professor Snape. I’m sorry I didn’t come earlier. I thought maybe I should go to Ron’s first, try and calm him down.”
“Have any luck with that?” Harry asked cynically.
Hermione looked away. “He can be very pig-headed sometimes. I’ll keep working on him.” When she turned back to Harry he could see she had tears in her eyes. “I’m so sorry it’s turned out like this. For both of you. I know I wanted you to come out – but I never would have wanted it to happen like this.”
“Have you quite finished reminding us of the seriousness of our situation, Miss Granger?” Severus turned to Harry. “May I enquire how many other people you informed of our relationship without consulting me?”
“Oh, for – it’s not like it matters now, anyway! And I didn’t tell Hermione about us, I just told her I was gay.” He gave Hermione a sharp look. “So did you know before today? And how?”
Hermione shrugged impatiently. “Oh, I didn’t know know. I just – well – thought it was likely. Knowing the two of you.”
At their incredulous looks, she carried on. “Well, you know. All that passion. Tension. And you’ve really got quite a lot in common, and what with living together – well, quite frankly it was only a matter of time.”
Harry felt faintly stunned. God knew what Severus was thinking.
“So what’s it like at the Burrow?” he asked, not wanting to dwell on the fact that Hermione had been way ahead of him with this relationship. “Does everyone hate us?”
“No! No, of course not, Harry. Everyone’s – well, to be perfectly honest, I think they’re making far too much fuss about it. I tried to explain that homosexuality is regarded as quite normal in the Muggle world these days – “ Severus snorted at that “- but Molly won’t stop crying, she seems to think she should have looked after you better, as if that would have made an earthly difference, and Ginny ran up to her room and won’t talk to anyone. George was quite supportive, actually, but Percy’s just –well, just being Percy, I’m afraid. And of course Charlie and Bill aren’t home.”
“No doubt they will be receiving owls as we speak,” Severus muttered darkly.
“But Arthur was all right about it, wasn’t he? Hermione asked anxiously.
“Oh yeah, apart from trying to talk me out of being gay and suggesting Severus had, I don’t know, coerced me into this, or something.”
“Oh!” Hermione tossed her head in frustration.
“But at least he promised not to tell anyone,” Harry continued.
Over the next few days, it seemed that Arthur had kept his promise. No Howlers arrived, and the Prophet was mercifully free of sensational articles. Well, ones about Harry, at any rate; there was a rather salacious piece hinting at all kinds of naughty goings-on at Malfoy Manor that Harry found himself guiltily fascinated by, although he wasn’t a bit surprised when they printed a grovelling apology the next day.
Harry was still worried about what the Weasleys thought about him and Severus, but hadn’t dared make contact with them for fear of what he might find.
But by the end of the week, Harry had relaxed enough to suggest to Severus that they take Teddy out to the park together.
“Come on, you’ve got to take a break from brewing sometime. And it’ll be nice. You know, to do something as a family.” Not to mention Harry was getting heartily sick of being cooped up in Grimmauld Place.
He’d had the foresight to suggest it while they were in bed together, Severus having just been furthering Harry’s education in the matter of fellatio. It seemed he was doing rather better at this than he ever had at potions, as Severus merely heaved an exaggerated sigh, saying, “If we must.”
Actually when they saw how excited Teddy was to be going out with both his dads, Harry suspected he wasn’t the only one feeling a little guilty that they hadn’t done this before. The kid was literally bouncing up and down in his pushchair. Harry still had a huge grin on his face as they manoeuvred the buggy down the steps of Grimmauld Place. They’d just set the wheels down on the pavement, when they were blinded by a sudden flash of light.
Severus had his wand out in an instant, whilst Harry moved to protect Teddy.
“Now then, folks, no need to panic. Just doin’ me job.”
Harry’s stomach felt like it had just booked a short cruise on the Titanic. He recognised the Prophet’s photographer from countless Ministry functions. The man’s magical flashgun was still smoking.
“You will leave this instant or I will not be responsible for my actions!” Severus hissed.
“Right-oh!” The photographer gave them a cheery smile and tipped his hat to them before Apparating away.
Feeling sick, Harry turned to Severus. “It could just be a coincidence, him turning up for a photo today, couldn’t it? It doesn’t necessarily mean…”
“Only a fool believes in coincidence, Potter!”
Harry winced. “Are you going to blame me and storm off again?”
Severus took a deep breath. “I believe we promised our son an outing,” he said, taking hold of the pushchair. “The pun, by the way, being most definitely not intended.”
Harry managed a weak smile at this, as they set off towards the park together.
The rest of the morning turned out to be blessedly free of photographers, reporters, or, as far as Harry could tell, anyone from the Wizarding World at all. They had fun on the swings – well, Harry and Teddy did, whilst Severus actually allowed himself to be drawn into conversation by one of the mums sitting on the bench whose kids were old enough to play by themselves. Harry knew her slightly – she was a friendly sort, who seemed a bit lonely. She’d smiled sympathetically when Harry had talked about Severus working a lot, saying she didn’t see a right lot of her husband either.
At the time it’d just seemed hilarious to Harry, to think people saw Snape as his husband. Now – it gave him a funny feeling in the pit of his stomach. Could they really make this work? Be a proper family?
Was the Wizarding World prepared to let them?
Teddy was happily exhausted after his outing – Harry had his work cut out to stop him falling asleep in his buggy on the way back, making faces and singing silly songs to him, whilst Severus muttered, “Just cast an Ennervate, it’s not going to kill him.” The little boy was quite happy to go for his nap as soon as they’d got some lunch inside him.
Which left Harry, and presumably Severus as well, free to think about what the photographer’s presence might mean.
“It could just have been – I don’t know, they’re short of news right now, or something, couldn’t it? I doesn’t have to mean they’ve found out about us.” Harry tried to keep his voice sounding hopeful, but was all too aware he’d failed.
“Believe that if you wish, Harry. However, I consider it would be more fruitful to prepare ourselves for an exposé in tomorrow’s paper.”
Harry bit his lip. “I’m sorry.”
Severus looked at him almost affectionately. “Despite what I may occasionally claim, Harry, not everything is your fault.”
“No, but – if I was anyone else, no one would care about it, would they?”
Severus snorted. “I flatter myself that the sexual exploits of an ex Death Eater turned war hero would merit at least a couple of lines.”
A couple of lines wouldn’t have been so bad, Harry thought the following day. It seemed half the bloody paper was devoted to him and Severus. And Teddy.
Not only was there a leading article accusing them in coy tones of being unnaturally close, illustrated by yesterday’s picture, which showed a goofily-grinning Harry seeming to gaze besottedly at an impassive Severus, there were numerous features on the inside pages dredging up every single incident from the past that either of them might wish to be forgotten.
Harry’s mental instability was a favourite theme. The writer (and Harry didn’t need to look at the by-line to recognise Rita Skeeter’s poison quill up to its old tricks again) gushed in tones of cloying sentimentality over this poor, bruised, abused young man.
Severus’ Death Eater past was salivated over, of course, and the articles somehow made it seem as if he had turned coat only at the last minute, in order to save his own skin, brushing aside the fact that he’d been spying for the Light for years.
And Teddy – here Harry’s blood really boiled, as the Prophet had the bloody nerve to suggest that it might have been kinder, given all that he’d been afflicted with, if Teddy had died with his mum and dad.
Sickened, Harry threw the paper on the fire with trembling hands.
“Harry. It is no more than we expected.” Severus’ voice was unexpectedly calm, if bitter.
Harry looked up at him. “Aren’t you mad about this? I could bloody kill that Skeeter bitch!”
“Satisfying though that might be, I fear it would only add to our problems. We need to decide upon a course of action.”
“You mean, whether we’re going to deny it?” Harry stared at the kitchen table for a moment. “I don’t want to lie and say we’re not together. Hermione was right, you know – if no one ever stands up to these bloody bigots people like us will be hounded forever. Werewolves, queers – it’s all the bloody same to them, isn’t it? I used to think wizards were so… different, you know? All the weird clothes and stuff. Like they didn’t care what anyone thought of them. But that’s just crap. They’re even worse than Muggles – they want everyone to be the same as them, and if you’re not, there’s something wrong with you.”
Harry looked up at Severus fiercely. “I did a lot of thinking last night. I’m not going to let them split us up. And we’re not going to hide that we’re a family, all three of us. Not any more.” Suddenly assailed with uncertainty, Harry bit his lip. “That’s – if you agree. If this is what you want, too.”
His face more stone-like than ever, Severus simply nodded, and put his arms around his lover. Overcome with relief and reaction, Harry clung to him feeling as if he never wanted to let go.
Then Teddy knocked his Cheerios halfway across the kitchen to get their attention, and the mood was broken.
Harry had settled down to do a jigsaw with Teddy, whilst Severus brewed, although he’d muttered darkly on the way down to the laboratory that he fully expected to receive owls cancelling all outstanding commissions.
Half-way through trying to persuade Teddy the idea was to make a picture with the puzzle pieces, not eat them, Harry had a nasty thought. Owls. God, the Howlers would start arriving any minute!
Harry hurtled down the stairs to the cellar, Teddy bouncing excitedly on his hip. “Severus! We’re going to be knee-deep in Howlers after that bloody Prophet report! Is there anything we can do to stop them getting through? We can’t have Teddy listening to the kind of crap they’ll be spouting – “
He stopped, as Severus gave him the kind of withering look he was only too familiar with from his schooldays. “I took steps to address this yesterday, of course. Only owls sent by a selected list of people will get through to us; the rest will simply find themselves compelled to return to whoever sent them.”
“Oh.” Harry felt a bit of an idiot. “So who’s on the list, then?”
“My customers, of course. I cannot therefore guarantee that we will be Howler-free. Your friends, including Miss Granger. And the Weasleys.” Severus looked hard at Harry as he said this.
“You think one of them talked to the press, don’t you?” Harry asked, his heart heavy.
“It would seem most likely. However, it is not certain. Your acquaintance in the park appeared to consider our relationship as quite an established fact.” He glared at Harry, who flushed. “You were indiscreet.”
“Look, I didn’t say anything to any of the mums, they just assumed, all right? And that was way back before we were even together, and it all seemed like a bit of a joke…” Harry trailed off as he saw the tightening of Severus’ lips. “Well, it did, all right? How was I to know we’d end up… I mean, you’ve always hated me!”
Harry could see by Severus’ expression that his little attempt to paint this in colours more acceptable to the older man hadn’t worked. “So. I am to understand, then, that this whole sorry mess may in fact have been caused by your wish to have a bit of a joke with the neighbours?”
Harry blanched, as Severus stalked towards him. “Um, I think Teddy needs a change. Better go. Bye!” He fled.
Once safely out of reach of Severus’ wrath, and hoping it would turn out to be short-lived, Harry got Teddy occupied with a couple of boxes and some things to put into and take out of them, and grabbed a quill and parchment. He was halfway through a letter to Luna, offering the Quibbler another exclusive, whilst keeping the fingers of his left hand crossed that she wouldn’t turn out to be a bloody homophobe too, when he heard the Floo flare into life. Hermione – it had to be, as the wards were still up.
“Harry? Are you all right? Can I come through?” Her voice was anxious, and Harry felt a rush of warmth for her.
“Course you can! We’re – OK, I s’pose. But come on through.”
Hermione hesitated. “Can I bring Ron? He really wants to talk to you.”
Harry wasn’t sure he was up for this. “If he’s just here to shout at me, or try and talk me out of it like his dad did, or something – “
“No! No of course he’s not, Harry. Can we come through? Please?”
Reluctantly, Harry agreed, and within minutes he was face-to-face with the flushed features of his former best mate.
“Harry?” Ron seemed to have trouble meeting his eyes. “Look, I’m sorry about – last time I was here, OK? I got the wrong end of the stick.” He turned an even brighter shade of red when he realised what he’d said, which made Harry feel better, somehow. “And I’m really sorry about all the stuff in the Prophet.”
Harry felt his blood go cold. “You? You talked to the papers - ?”
“No! Bloody hell, Harry, no!” Obviously shocked, Ron finally looked Harry in the eye. “But – but it was sort of my fault. For mouthing off about it. I was a bit, well, you know, and then Ginny – “
“Ginny?” Having felt relief at Ron’s denial, Harry abruptly felt like he’d been kicked in the gut once more.
“She didn’t mean to, mate, I swear it! It was that Ravenclaw friend of hers, Paloma – Ginny was crying on her shoulder about you and, well, it seems that bitch wants to be a reporter, thought if she grassed you up, she’d get a break – bloody will if I get hold of her!” he ended menacingly.
Harry was embarrassed to find his eyes getting a bit moist over this evidence that Ron still cared. He cleared his throat and hoped it didn’t show. “So… are you OK about it?” he asked. “Me and Severus, I mean.”
Ron looked distinctly uncomfortable. “Well, I’m not sure about him – but the gay thing, yeah. ‘Mione made me read all these Muggle books about it – and she tested me on them afterwards to make sure I hadn’t been skiving.” He gave Harry a sheepish grin, and sent Hermione a mock glare. “So yeah, I’m OK with that, I s’pose.” At Hermione’s dark look, he corrected himself. “Yeah, course I’m OK. We’re mates, right?” He clapped a hand on Harry’s shoulder. It was an awkward, self-conscious gesture, and Harry appreciated it immensely.
“So, Harry, have you and Severus decided what you’re going to do now?” Hermione asked, her voice just the tiniest bit wobbly, but in a pleased way.
“Yeah. We’re going to follow your advice.” Harry grinned. “And one of your old plans, too. I’m going to give an interview to the Quibbler and tell them it’s all true, and that anyone who thinks there’s anything wrong with two blokes being together can just get stuffed.”
“Oh, Harry!” Hermione hugged him, speechless for once.
They were still making plans when Severus emerged, prompting Ron to turn a deeper shade of beetroot red than Harry had previously thought physically possible as he determinedly looked anywhere but at the man whom he’d last seen in the middle of committing a sex act on his best mate.
Harry was amused to note Severus’ cheeks had turned slightly pinkish too. He budged over to make room for Severus on the sofa and looked at him pointedly until he gave in and sat down.
“I take it my future has now been minutely planned out by the famous Gryffindor Trio?” Severus asked sardonically.
Harry grinned. “Pretty much. I’m giving an interview to Luna for the Quibbler, but I’d already decided that.” He paused; knowing what he was about to say would go down like a lead broomstick. “She’ll probably want to talk to you too, and they’re bound to want pictures.”
To his credit, Severus didn’t actually explode, but the working of a muscle at the corner of his jaw semaphored to Harry that he would most definitely be hearing about this later. “I see,” was all he said on the subject. He then astonished Harry by asking, “Will your… friends be staying for lunch?”
Lunch was as strained as might be imagined, but Harry was incredibly grateful to Severus for making an effort, and they could always count on Teddy to help out when conversation flagged, the little attention-seeker, Harry thought fondly. Ron and Hermione didn’t linger too long after they’d finished eating, which was probably just as well, all things considered
After all, Teddy would get really cranky if he didn’t get his nap.
After they’d Flooed away, Harry grabbed Severus in a fierce hug. His lover regarded him in some surprise. Harry shrugged. “Hey, I just want you to know I’m grateful, that’s all. You know, for being nice to Ron and Hermione. Well, nice for you. And for not hexing me when I said about that interview.” Harry hesitated. “Um, are you mad about that?”
Severus looked stern. “I should prefer you, in future, to consult me before making any decisions of that nature. Nevertheless, unpleasant though the process will undoubtedly be, I concede that your idea may have some merits.” His eyes narrowed. “However, I believe you mentioned gratitude? I confess some curiosity as to its extent.”
Harry felt himself getting hard. Shifting in Severus’ grasp, he replied a little breathlessly, “Oh, I’m very grateful.”
Thin lips curved upwards in a wicked smile. “Then perhaps you should escort a certain young man to his cot, and join me in the bedroom.”
Lying spread-eagled on the bed ten minutes later, blindfold in place, Harry reflected that if anyone had told him a few years ago what an excellent education he’d be getting from Snape, he’d have laughed in their face.
Of course, if anyone had told him it’d be a sexual education, he’d probably have screamed in their face.
He wondered with a shiver if he was going to be screaming today.
Severus hadn’t told him what was going to happen, only that it would be a little… different. And sure enough, they hadn’t experimented with bondage before. Flexing his wrists against the soft cords binding them to the bedstead, Harry tutted to himself at such a loss of time. His cock felt so bloody hard he reckoned you could use it to crack rocks with.
Suddenly he gasped, hips bucking off the bed, as he felt something cold on his stomach.
“Careful, Harry, or you’ll spill it,” came Severus’ velvet voice, warm with silent laughter. “I should have to… punish you for that.”
OK, now you could use his cock to cut diamonds.
“What is it?” he asked, curious.
“Delicious,” came the uninformative reply, as Harry felt Severus move toward him. He could feel warm breath on his skin, as Severus’ face came down and – oh god – started to lap whatever it was out of Harry’s navel.
Bloody hell, what was that stuff? Harry could only catch the faintest scent of something that seemed vaguely familiar, and frankly, what Severus was doing was anything but conducive to coherent thought, so he gave up struggling to place the smell. He shivered as something cold teased his nipple. An ice-cube? No, wrong shape – hell, it was Severus’ tongue, after he’d been drinking whatever it was. Harry could feel it warming now.
“Bloody tease!” he gasped, as Severus moved onto the other nipple. Harry strained his hips up as far as he could, but his bastard lover refused to make any contact with his cock.
“Perhaps I should let you have a taste?” Severus suggested in a low, seductive purr that made Harry want to scream with need.
“God – yeah – anything!”
The bloody git actually chuckled at that. Harry could feel him moving around the bed, could hear the faint glug of a bottle. Then he felt Severus kneel astride his chest and slide an extra pillow under his head. The bottle glugged again, and suddenly the smell was overpowering; yet frustratingly Harry was still unable to identify it.
Severus didn’t leave him to puzzle over it for long, as almost at once Harry felt something press against his lips. He had a pretty fair idea of what it was, and opened his mouth obligingly, to be rewarded with a mouthful of Severus’ cock, which had been liberally coated in –
Harry nearly choked with laughter when he realised what it was. Baileys’ Irish Cream. His aunt had had some in for Christmas one year, and he’d sneaked a taste in the kitchen. It didn’t taste quite as sickly sweet as he remembered – trust Severus to have improved the recipe.
Or maybe it was just what you, er, mixed it with. Harry sucked enthusiastically, and then ran his tongue all over the head of Severus’ cock, the taste becoming saltier by the second. Mmm.
“Greedy brat.” Severus’ cock withdrew abruptly, ignoring Harry’s protests.
“Hey, not fair! I only got a taste!”
“You would have been tasting something rather different if you’d kept that up much longer.”
“Oh, does that mean you’ve got other plans?”
“Oh yes.” Suddenly, Harry felt the cords binding his ankles slip away, and his legs were pushed up and back against his chest. Severus’ finger began to circle his entrance, and then quickly slipped inside. Harry could feel his heartbeat speeding up, and moaned as the finger was joined by another.
“In – in a hurry?” he gasped, struggling to think of the words.
Abruptly, the fingers were gone as swiftly as they had arrived. “Of course, if you prefer me to take my time…” Harry would have sworn he could hear Severus’ evil grin.
“Bastard!”
“Why, Harry, is there something you want?” God, the bastard was a tease, sometimes.
“Yes, you bloody git! You know what I want!”
“Then say it, Harry,” Severus hissed.
“Your cock, all right? I want your cock!” Harry was dismayed to find himself sounding so frantic and needy.
“Where would you like it, Harry? Would you like it in your mouth, thrusting down that pretty throat of yours? Or would you like it between your thighs, or rubbed against your own cock?” He leant closer to Harry, bending him almost double. “Or would you like it pounding into that beautiful, tight arse of yours, like the wanton, filthy little slut you are?” he whispered.
“Yes! Yes, OK? Your cock. My arse. Please, Severus…” Harry whined, not caring any more how he sounded just as long as that git would hurry up and bloody fuck him.
“Acceptable,” Severus growled, and thrust inside Harry savagely. As he did so, the blindfold undid itself and fell away from Harry’s face, and he found himself looking into eyes that were darker now than he’d ever seen them.
Gasping with the pleasure/pain of his lover’s entry, Harry felt like he was falling into Severus’ soul. Does he know? Harry wondered. Does he know how much I love this, love him?
He felt like he’d drunk a pint of Firewhiskey and then gone flying on a half-wild Hippogriff. When Severus snarled at him, “Touch yourself,” he had trouble understanding the words. When he started to stroke himself, it was almost painful, the amount of sensation. Totally unable to keep up any sort of rhythm, he nevertheless found himself rapidly approaching climax.
“Going… to… ahhh!” As he spilled over his hand and his belly, Harry felt Severus shudder, and knew he was coming too.
As they collapsed in a sticky, sweaty mess, both of them panting heavily, Harry felt confused. Should he tell Severus how he felt? Would he believe him?
Sod it. They were lovers. How hard could it be to tell your lover you, well, loved him? “Severus?” he began, uncertainly.
The older man looked at him, his face still flushed from their activities.
“I,” Harry bit his lip. “I love you.”
Severus stiffened. He looked at Harry for a long, long moment, and a muscle in his jaw twitched slightly. Harry found he was holding his breath. Then Severus leant down, and kissed him gently. “I… am fond of you also, Harry,” he said, sounding like it cost him a great deal to admit it.
Harry reckoned it took him several hours to stop grinning, afterwards.
Chapter Five
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no subject
Date: 2008-06-10 02:16 pm (UTC)There's so much to enjoy here. The little details like Harry observing that Severus smiled, and then correcting himself to think 'un-frowned'. And I couldn't stop snickering with: “I,” Harry bit his lip. “I love you.”
Severus stiffened. He looked at Harry for a long, long moment, and a muscle in his jaw twitched slightly. Harry found he was holding his breath. Then Severus leant down, and kissed him gently. “I… am fond of you also, Harry,” he said, sounding like it cost him a great deal to admit it which is almost a word-for-word accounting of when I first became involved with my very Severus-like SO (whose birthday is 2 days after Snape's, although a different year) - just perfect. Lovely characterization, a great story. And I'm eager to read the next bit.
no subject
Date: 2008-06-11 03:05 pm (UTC)And wow, I wrote your RL romance?
*strenuously denies having been a fly on the wall, Rita Skeeter style!* ;D
no subject
Date: 2008-06-11 04:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-15 08:10 pm (UTC)hahaha I can just imagine harry dramatically holding his face and screaming like a girl, Laughed myself silly :P