Somewhere

I'm here!!
Yes i'm still alive... just.
i finally got my coursework completed and now i just have exams to contend with.
sorry you've had to wait so long but i've been so busy and my get-up-and-go had got-up-and-gone!
other than that though i hope you enjoy this chappy, it's the longest one i've written so far.
next chapter is the whole coming of age ordeal!

muse: and an excuse for you to be a sadistic bitch
isis: you have no idea *evil smirk*
muse: you're more and more like him everyday!
isis: who?
severus: i think she means me
isis: oh...
severus: you're a bit dense cometimes aren't you?
isis: hey! take that back or you can be celibate for the rest of your life!
muse: i'd listen to her!

dedicated to Vy and 'Ol Red and LilRinnieB because it was reading EVERNIGHT that made me get off my ass and write this!!

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“Gah… stop… please… can’t… take… anymore,” he gasped between breaths.

“You should have moved faster then shouldn’t you? If you had it might have been me in your position right now,” said the other man who was leant against the wall, his wand trained on the squirming figure on the floor.

“I c… can’t move any… faster damnit!!” he managed to say just before another wave of giggles left him incapacitated once more. Finally the other man lifted the hex and helped him to his feet.

“In that case learn. Next time I’m going to use something worse than a tickling hex and the Dark Lord isn’t going to stand around and wait for you to curse him.”

“I’m trying as hard as I can.”

“Then try harder. This is your life we are talking about,” he said making the other glare at him.

“Oh stop sulking. Come on let’s finish and go eat.

“I wasn’t sulking.”

“Of course not. Dumbledore isn’t a meddling old coot either.”

“He’s not that bad!”

“Need I remind you of my wardrobe?” he asked with a raised brow.

“True. What’s for dinner anyway? I want to shower before we eat.”

“Pasta.”

“Yum. Ok shout me when it’s ready,” he said as they exited the basement and headed upstairs.

Going to his room he grabbed a towel and went to the bathroom. Turning the water up to full he stepped under the spray and let the hot water ease away the aches and pains of another days training. Taking his time he washed his long hair and scrubbed the sweat and grime from his body. Leaning back against the cold tile wall he let the water beat down on him while he thought about everything that had happened. Looking at the faded scars on his wrist he thanked whoever was listening for Severus. Even if the man didn’t realise it he’d saved him from probably doing something stupid. Finishing up he turned off the water, stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel loosely around his hips. Putting his dirty clothes in the hamper he headed down the corridor and into his room.

Severus had come up the stairs just in time to see a tanned and nicely toned body cross the hall, skin glistening with water, long hair stuck to the almost flawless surface, only for the beautiful creature to enter Harry’s room. He hadn’t realised until that moment just how stunningly beautiful the young man was. He’d noticed him that was for sure, but never in this way. It made something stir in his groin that he thought was past its time for fleeting fancies. Shaking his head to rid himself to such thoughts he disappeared into his own room and changed into a clean pair of jeans and a tight fitting black shirt. He was starting to get used to this muggle clothing thing, the only problem was that there just weren’t enough pockets and it was incredibly difficult to store and hide things in them he thought, looking down at the unsightly bulge. With no time for a cold shower he thought of anything he could to get rid of the problem, including a naked Filch and Minerva making out in the broom closet. That doing the trick he fought back the urge to vomit, tucked his wand into his back pocket, crossed the corridor and knocked on Harry’s door.

“Come in,” came a muffled response.

Opening the door he found Harry sat on his bed in nothing but a pair of rather tight boxers with “Bite Me” emblazoned across the back, towel drying his hair.

“Yeah?” he said, looking up at the man standing in his doorway, his hair creating a frizzy halo around him.

“Dinner shall be ready in roughly ten minutes and may I suggest brushing your hair before you come down?”

“Huh?”

“You look like you have just been ten rounds with a hippogriff.”

“Oh,” he replied, getting up and walking over to the mirror, stretching as he went with the grace and elegance of a sun warmed cat. As he cast a quick spell to finish drying his hair and started to brush it, Severus merely stood and watched the play of muscle under skin. He really was stunning and although he was still a little on the thin side he’d filled out considerably and thanks to the training he was now toned, muscle becoming more pronounced. Add to all that the lusciously long hair, with its slight wave, thick and shiny and the mesmerising emerald green eyes and he really was a modern day Adonis.

As he stood there Severus let his mind wander and quite suddenly he began to imagine what it would be like to take the younger man to bed, feel that hard body under his as he filled him inch by inch, hearing him pant and moan, gasp his name and shout as he came. He knew Harry was gay, he’d told him, but then there was this mystery man that he had his heart set on. Still he’d never try anything, he didn’t want to ruin their fragile friendship, but it was nice to dream.

“HEY!” a voice shouted rousing him from his musings.

“What?”

“That’s the third time I’ve called you. What were you thinking about?” Harry said with a grin.

“Nothing. Come on, the food should be done by now,” he said turning and all but fleeing form the room. As he walked down the stairs he mentally slapped himself. He was old enough to be his father and what could such and amazing young man see in a grouchy old death eater like him? Standing in the kitchen he plated up the food and levitated it over to the table while he collected the other things they would need and the hidden bottle of wine Albus had bought them. Pouring two glasses he placed them on the table and sat down just as he heard Harry on the stairs.

Bounding down the steps two at a time Harry heard another loud growl emanate from his stomach at the thought of the food waiting for him. Finally hitting the bottom step he shot round the corner and tripped on the edge of the rug just outside the door, falling with a thud.

“Merlin’s balls! Are you ok?” came a concerned voice as he lay there trying to collect his thoughts.

“Urgh,” he said dragging himself to his feet and dusting himself down, “I’m fine, just give me a minu… Woah.”

The room was softly lit by a few torches scattered about. The majority of the light however, came from the moon, which could now be seen clearly through the seemingly transparent ceiling. Somewhere he could hear the sound of waves hitting a beach as well and the lonely call of a bird.

“What… how did you…?” he gasped.

“Albus. He seemed to think that you might like it.”

“It’s amazing. Everything is just so… beautiful,” he said, looking at the man sat across from him.

“Come and eat then you can open your presents.”

“But my birthday is tomorrow.”

“Yes, but we don’t know how long you will be incapacitated do we?”

“Ok, fair point. Let’s not talk about that tonight. Now give me a fork and that wine, because this smells amazing.”

Sitting across from one another, they enjoyed the food and the newly created mood, sitting in the comfortable silence of two people who get along. After finishing the last of his sorbet, Harry sat back contented and happy, a smile on his face.

“Thank you. That was delicious.”

“You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Come on, you can open you’re presents now,” Severus replied, banishing the dishes to the sink with a flick of his wand and picking up the bottle of wine as he walked through to the living room.

Picking up his glass, he followed the taller man into the other room and looked at the small array of presents sat on the low table. With a look at Severus and a small answering nod, he dove in and began ripping paper from his gifts. From Mr and Mrs Weasley he’d got the usual assortment of baked goods, along with a small gold watch, very similar to one he’d seen Ron wearing. It was slightly scratched and had dents on the back and instead of numbers there were little stars around the outside edge. A not with it said that it was tradition to receive a watch when coming of age from family or friends and since he was both they hoped he’d like it. From Hagrid he’d got another batch of rock cakes that he was pretty certain he could have killed Voldermort with and a book on defence. Hermione had got him a whole stack of books on muggle and magical defence techniques, as well as a framed photo of her, Ron and himself that they’d had taken last year. Ron had got him a brand new broom cleaning and tuning kit and another defence book and Fred and George had sent him a selection of the latest WWW products as well as his latest cut of the profits and a book on kickboxing. Sirius and Remus had got him a new two way mirror to replace the one that he’d smashed when Sirius had first fallen through the veil and some more books on defence, including a rather charming issue called ‘1001 To Kick The Other Guys Arse.’ There was even a present from the Headmaster, a small, yet perfect, replica of the Hungarian Horntail that he’d faced in his forth year after the one that he’d got at the competition had broken last year, along with yet another book on defence. When he’d opened the last present he sat on the floor, surrounded by paper, watching the Horntail snap and snarl at a passing fly before it yawned and curled up next to his leg.

“I think people are trying to say something,” he said, plucking a book from the top of the pile.

“Well at least you have a use for them. You do have another present actually. I errr… bought you something,” he muttered.

“You bought me something?! You shouldn’t have,” he said as a blush crept over his face.

Standing up Severus went to retrieve a large box that he hadn’t seen from behind a chair. Putting it in front of Harry he perched back on the edge of his seat and watched as Harry reached out to unwrap the plain green paper. Just as his hands touched the top, Harry pulled back in surprise as the whole thing shuddered slightly.

“Ummm… I shouldn’t be worried should I?” he asked.

“No, but I’d open it fairly quickly if I were you.”

Pulling it closer he ripped the paper away to reveal a plain brown box with holes punched around the top edge. Again it shook slightly and a quite rustle came from within. Gingerly he opened the top and peered inside, only to find himself looking into bright blue eyes. It took him a few seconds to comprehend what he was looking at when all of a sudden, a mew pierced the air. Reaching In he pulled out a tiny grey kitten that now sat in his lap looking up at him.

“You… you… you bought me a kitten?!” he said in shock.

“Yes. You do like him don’t you? If not I can get you something else. I’ll find a good home for him,” he said in a rush.

“No! I just… I can’t believe you bought me a kitten. He’s adorable. What’s his name?” he asked.

“He doesn’t have one.”

“Then I’ll call him Shale.”

“Shale. It’s a good name. He seems to like it anyway,” he said with a nod at Harry’s lap where the kitten lay happy and contented, kneading the little bit of leg he could reach and purring loudly.

“Thank you. He’s the best present I’ve ever had,” he mumbled with a blush. At that comment there was a loud hoot from the other side of the room, “Well, him and Hedwig,” he smiled.

Seeing that smile sent shivers down Severus back. So sweet and innocent, completely real, not a hint of falseness anywhere. It was nearly his undoing, the need to sweep the young man into his arms and protect him from everything bad in his life suddenly so strong.

“You’re welcome. You deserve him, I just hope he’ll make you happy.”

“Now I just have to get him and Hedwig to make friends.”

“That should be interesting. I look forward to the show.”

Harry looked at the older man and laughed, startling the kitten, who dashed across the room and hid behind the chair that Hedwig was perched on. Turning, she looked down at the shaking kitten. Looking back at Harry she let out and angry hoot and fluttered down to comfort her new charge.

“It was an accident Hedwig! I’m sorry, I didn’t do it on purpose,” he shouted from across the room.

Another angry hoot came from behind the chair and a few seconds later she hopped into view, giving a low hoot of reassurance. Slowly but surely a small furry bundle appeared from behind her. Giving another low hoot of reassurance, she gently nudged the kitten with her wing towards Harry.

“Come on Shale. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

Slowly the kitten made its way over to Harry, where it crawled back into his lap and sat looking at him again with wide eyes.

“I’m sorry boy,” he whispered, stroking the silky fur.

“Well that was easy,” came a voice from behind him.

Harry had to stop himself from laughing again. Picking up the kitten he took him into the kitchen and gave him a saucer of milk, nearly colliding with Hedwig as he came out as she went to check on her charge. Moving back into the living room he sat on the sofa and looked at the other man.

“Thank you Severus.”

“You’re welcome. Now, not wishing to push, but you should try and sleep, at least for a while. I think you’re going to be in for a rough ride tomorrow.”

“Ok. Well, goodnight then,” he said as he left the room.


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you know how much i like reviews :D

to my luberly reviwers

mis -- no i just think sevvie is ebing a bit dense this time (ha! got my own back!!)

Nikte -- grrrr *growls at you* my sevvie *squeezes him* he's wonderful *sigh* i suppose i could let you borrow him... one night only... and no tongues!! ok that's an inside joke so never mind.

Mie -- lol my conversations with my muse is just a little insoght into the weird vortex that is my permanently screwed up mind... glad you enjoy it! i'm really glad everyone likes my sev. i wasn't sure how ell he'd go down.

verdastii -- lol i like you *huggles you* i don't have the patience to teach myself to be ambidextrous but i can type a lot faster now :D yeah college is a bitch but so is thy muse... i think i've got a handle on both now

Rin -- yeah sorry about the short chappies but i hand write everything first and thats just the way it flows other wise it's be a bit weird... and you'd have to wait twice as long!!

Nickie_Macht -- lol love your addy :D don't be embarresed it's different... be proud!

Angela -- yeah he's as clueless as a clueless thing at a clueless fair... on clueless day... on clueless people get in free day... anywho... i think harry is gonna have to tell him... or show him... *cough*... yeah

spikesbitch -- glad you like it and yeah harry does deserve him :D