Another Kind Of Magic

AN: This is a chapter I had a lot of fun with and I had it in my mind from the time I started writing this. Major OOC-ness ahead, but what else is new? I hope you like it as well.
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At long last the day of the feast to end the term had arrived.

One after the other the seventh years gathered in the common room and together they went down into the Great Hall. It was decorated in red and gold as Gryffindor had once again won the House Cup (only by some twenty points though).

Most of the students were already seated. Harry has just taken his seat as Snape entered. He was wearing his tailored and snug fitted robe today and he looked very handsome in it. As a matter of fact he looked so good that Harry had to rub his hands on his robe after watching him stride through the hall. He sighed and returned his attention back to the others around him.

Unlike Dumbledore, McGonagall preferred to do the official stuff before the meal. So at first she said a few words and after that the Head Boy (from Ravenclaw) and Head Girl had their go. Usually that was really dreary and Harry played with his goblet unless he had to clap. Hermione, as Head Girl, was the last one to speak. She started of with her and her classmates being grateful for having had the opportunity to study at Hogwarts and learn as much as they had.

Harry tried to stifle a yawn.

"But we did not only learn about the History of Magic or Ancient Runes, we learned a lot about life itself. Unfortunate events have taught us that life is not as simple as we think and not everything is simply black or white."

Harry looked at Ron but his mate only shrugged his shoulder.

"I have no idea," he mouthed.

Harry looked up to where Hermione was standing.

"... and we Gryffindors do not only stand for bravery, we also believe in justice. Therefore we think it is unjust and not right to judge someone for the wrong choices he or she has made nearly two decades ago. We all make mistakes in our life."

Harry turned his head quickly to Snape who was staring at Hermione. He probably thought the same as Harry did: that Hermione was talking about the teacher.

"For that reason the students of the House of Gryffindor believe that Professor Snape should be judged upon what he is: a brave man who has done good deeds and helped the wizarding world to become a much more peaceful place. Thank you."

With that Hermione left her place and headed back to the Gryffindor table.

For a few moments it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Professor McGonagall had a hand clasped over her face and Snape was still staring at Hermione.

Harry looked at Neville and lifted his hands to clap loudly. Neville chimed in, as did Hermione when she had reached the table. Harry looked at the staff table. Professor McGonagall was just getting up and turning towards Snape, clapping fervently. One by one was following suit, first of all the Gryffindors who were soon even hooting and yelling.

~

Severus couldn't believe his eyes. He wasn't surprised to find most of the Slytherins standing on their benches; it was his House after all. But even the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were applauding, not as enthusiastic as the Slytherins or Gryffindors, though.

He didn't know what to say. Once again he was speechless (and once again because of a ruddy Gryffindor!). He turned his head towards Minerva in astonishment. The witch just beamed at him and he thought she had even tears in her eyes.

Finally the students settled down again and Severus sighed in relieve. Maybe they could move to more enjoyable topics now.

"I am delighted beyond measurement about the words of the Gryffindors," the Headmistress addressed everyone and Severus looked sceptically at her.

"And it is not only because it's my former House. It is because it really is time that every witch and every wizard recognises what Severus Snape has done for all of us." Minerva turned towards Severus. "I know you will hate me for this, Severus, but I'm sure eventually you'll get over it."

Laughter erupted from the students right at the front who had heard the Headmistress. Severus shot them a murderous glance before he turned back to Minerva. "Don't bet your life on it," he snarled.

But the witch only smiled brightly as she turned her head to the students. Severus sighed defeated and shook his head. Gone was his evil reputation, tattered to pieces.

"I agree with Mrs Granger that the wizarding world should finally acknowledge the fact that Severus Snape has risked his own life on many occasions to help us all to win the war against Voldemort."

As usual at the sound of the name there were some gasps.

"And if there is still someone out there who is convinced that Professor Snape has murdered Albus Dumbledore, so let me assure you once and for all that he did not willingly follow the plea from our former Headmaster. Severus Snape was asked by Dumbledore himself to safe him from suffering the consequences of an incurable intoxication."

Severus arched an eyebrow and nearly snorted. Plea my eye! Order was more like it. His thoughts went back to the discussion he had had with Dumbledore regarding his approaching death. He had tried to convince the elder wizard to take a potion. But Dumbledore had been stubborn and calmly said that there would be another excellent way which would strengthen his cover as a spy. And he had been right about it. Severus sighed. The manipulating old bastard had been right so many times.

Severus came out of his reverie as the room exploded with applause once more. He looked to Minerva who was smiling down at him. Was he expected to say something? Surely not. What could someone say after this? "Thank you."

~

Harry grinned brightly. "That look on Snape's face is priceless," he whispered to Hermione. "I bet anything he's never felt so weird in his life."

She snickered. "I guess it's quite a sudden change from being the most hated teacher at school to being a praised hero."

After everyone was settled again it was time for the seventh years to receive their diploma. The teachers were now standing in a row and the Headmistress called out every student.

Finally it was Harry's turn and he went up to Professor McGonagall. She handed him his diploma with the best wishes for his future. He then had to pass every teacher and shake hands until he reached Snape who was the last in the line.

"Congratulation, Mr Potter," Snape said and hold out his hand.

Harry took the offered hand and a pleasant shiver ran down his spine. He cleared his throat twice before he could reply.

"Thank you, sir."

It took Harry some effort to let go of Snape's hand and he could feel the same resistance from the older wizard. But slowly they pulled their hands apart, fingers sliding against each other like soft caresses and a promise for more. Harry's heart thumped heavy in his chest as he stalked back to his place.

~

Hermione Granger was the last student to come up as she had earned herself an award for her outstanding exam.

Severus watched her slowly making her way towards him. As she stood before him he simply looked at her for several moments.

"Flattery won't get you anywhere in your training, Mrs Granger," he said. He could feel his lip curl into a tiny smile and didn't try to smother it.

"Well, since you are so worried about my reputation I had do to something," the young witch replied smugly.

Severus chuckled for a moment. "Thank you," he then said sincerely, offering her his hand.

Granger took his hand and smiled. "My pleasure, Professor."

~

Dinner was served at last. It was way past the usual eating time and everyone was starving. Students and teacher alike helped themselves and soon the sound of cutlery and the buzz of conversation filled the hall.

An hour later Harry was pleasantly filled up. The tables were cleared and afterwards changed so that there were no longer the four long table but smaller ones scattered all through the hall. Even the teacher had come down from the raised platform.

There was an area for a dance floor in the front of the room and music was playing (not too loudly though).


It was close to midnight as Harry spotted the Headmistress on her own and he hurried over to her.

"May I ask you a rather weird question, Professor?"

"I hope it's not too weird, Mr Potter. What is it?"

"Am I still a student of Hogwarts?"

The Headmistress smiled at him and shook her head. "Since you have received your diploma I would say you are not officially a student anymore." She put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it slightly. "Good luck to both of you."

"Thank you, Professor."

McGonagall left him and Harry went back to the others all the while turning his head from left to right to see if he could see Snape somewhere.

He approached Hermione with a grin. "Guess what? I'm no longer officially a student."

Hermione turned to face him grinning broadly as well. "That's great, Harry!"

"Have you seen Snape somewhere?" Harry wanted to know while his eyes scanned the room.

"Harry?"

Harry hadn't really paid attention to his friend and he did not see the look from her in his attempt to make out the form of his previous teacher.

"Now that I'm finally able to do what I want, I can't find him."

"Harry!"

"I want to know how it is to kiss the sexy bastard," Harry said, not even aware of talking out loud in his increasing impatience.

"I believe you are looking for someone, Potter."

Harry froze. He swallowed and then his eyes darted to Hermione who was looking at someone over his shoulder.

"It's not him standing behind me, is it?" He asked Hermione almost pleadingly even though he knew very well that it was Snape. He would recognise that voice out of a million others.

Hermione just nodded.

"Bugger!" He muttered. He took a deep breath and slowly turned around to face the dark haired wizard. Snape had his arms crossed in front of him and looked at Harry with an unreadable expression.

"Actually I am looking for you," he said quietly, taking a step forward. With one trembling hand he reached out and touched Snape's face softly. "I can't believe I'm able to touch you at last," he whispered.

Snape lowered his arms and Harry moved closer to him. He tipped his head back a little so he could look into those incredible eyes. It was the first time he noticed that they weren't really black but had the colour of dark brown velvet.

Strong arms moved around him and pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Are you going to merely stare at me, Potter, or are you going to kiss me as you have just announced in front of your classmates?" Snape wanted to know tauntingly. "And you are hopefully aware that I am going to kill you afterwards because of the humiliation you have caused me?"

Harry snickered regardless of the heat that was creeping into his head. "That's not quite what I had in mind when I wrote that I'd die to kiss you."

Snape tilted his head. "Well?"

"Are you in a hurry, Professor?"

Snape chuckled softly. "Since we're already down to you calling me sexy bastard, I do believe it is appropriate to call me Severus now," he said. "And no, I'm not in a hurry. But I do admit that I'm rather curious to feel your lips on mine."

Harry gasped and his eyes darted down Severus' mouth. He moved his hand from Severus' jaw to his neck and pulled him down softly until he could brush his lips lightly against Severus'. He felt the warmth of the other man's lips and the soft texture of them as their lips kept touching lightly. Harry's skin was covered in goosebumps from this sensual contact. He pressed his lips against Severus' and opened them lightly as an unspoken invitation.

Severus didn't hesitate for long. Just a heartbeat later Harry could feel the tip of Severus' tongue on his lips. A bolt of lightning shot through Harry as he felt that and he couldn't withhold a surprised gasp causing him to back off a little. But he was right back at those waiting lips, eager for more.

~

All of a sudden hell broke loose around Harry and Severus. People where hooting and clapping and you could even hear catcalls. Harry moaned and buried his face against Severus' shoulder. He wrapped his arms around the other man. Tilting his head a little he whispered: "Please get me out of here, Severus."

Severus snorted. "I'm afraid that might take a while. Your classmates are inclined to give us a hard time escaping."

Harry frowned and turned around in Severus' arms to see what he was talking about.
Hermione, Neville and Ginny were standing right in front of them, laughing and clapping loudly. Most of the other Gryffindors were gathered as well. Even Ron was there although he was staring at them with a shocked expression on his face.

At least he wasn't attacking either of them, Harry thought, and gave him a small smile.

"All the best for you two," Hermione said.

Harry turned his face back to her and saw that she had tears in her eyes.

"Thank you, Mrs Granger. Even though I have to admit that I am a little surprised. You all are behaving like Harry and I had just given our vows to each other," Severus drawled.

Hermione shrugged her shoulders, still beaming. "It looked so sweet and happy I just felt like saying it."

"What a shame that you won't remember it tomorrow after I've oblivated you," Severus said smugly. "I can't have students think I'm sweet and happy, can I?"

Harry nearly toppled over with laughter as he saw the shocked faces of his classmates. Everyone except a grinning Hermione and a chuckling Neville had stepped back.

"Precisely the space we needed," Severus whispered into Harry's ear. "Let's move."

The older wizard let go of Harry and took his hand instead. Harry stepped forward but Severus hesitated for a moment, turning back to Hermione.

"And don't wait for Mr Potter tomorrow. I tend to keep him busy for a couple of days."

Harry blushed furiously but also couldn't keep himself from grinning sheepishly as he followed Severus.

tbc