So this is Love

Severus walked into the headmaster’s office, forgetting to knock but knowing the headmaster would know of his arrival. He sat in one of the chairs opposite the headmaster and Minerva and buried his head in his hands.

Albus and Minerva looked at the stoic man, and were slightly shocked to see him this way. The only time he every looked this defeated was when he came to them after getting the Mark. Albus offered Severus some tea, and became slightly worried when the man took it. Severus knew that Albus laced his tea with a calming draught.

“Severus, what’s wrong?” Minerva asked, her concern coloring her voice and face.

Severus looked up at the woman and sighed again. “I am an idiot. I managed to hurt Harry. And I don’t know how to fix it.”

Albus was a little angry, but knew that whatever happened was unintentional. “What happened, my boy?”

Severus looked at his mentor and the man he practically considered his father. He told the story of last night, blushing only slightly as he mentioned the sibilant tongue. He had put his head back down as he mentioned his run in with Lucius. Severus looked back up looking for advice from the headmaster.

Albus had listened to the explanation, and could understand the need for Severus to leave. “I think you need to talk to Harry, my boy. Explain things to him.”

“I can’t, the door won’t open for me. And I don’t know how else to reach him. I don’t think Cissa would actually deliver a note for me. I know that she is just as stubborn as Lily was. I don’t know what to do.” Severus had such a look of helplessness on his face that it threw the other two for a loop.

Minerva looked Severus and gave him a small smile. “Why don’t you leave a note here? I know Harry was planning on coming to talk to me and Albus later, especially with school starting next week. We had a few things to finish up on.”

Severus looked to Albus and when he nodded he relaxed slightly. Albus handed him a parchment and quill and he quickly penned out a note. Severus then looked around the office. “Where is Fawkes?”

Albus looked just as perplexed as him, “She left last night and I haven’t seen her since. I know she is alright, but I don’t know where she is.”

Severus looked a little shocked at that. “I know she was with Harry and I when the egg where hatching, but I expected her back sometime ago.”

Albus opened his mouth to ask a question, but was cut off. “She is with the hatchlings. Fawkes won’t leave the hatchlings for about a month, they need her warmth. Then the hatchlings will stay with Harry at all times.”

Everyone in the office had turned to see Rowena calmly addressing them. Godric and Salazar were glaring at Severus, while Helga and Rowena just looked a little agitated. Rowena looked at the potions master in the eye, “We heard your explanation and while we can accept it we are still angry that you handled the situation last night in such a manner.” Severus nodded to show his acceptance of the lecture.

Godric though was still glaring at the man, his gruff voice cut into the office, “We know what you are to Harry and we accept that. We actually promote it, but you had better be careful. He has cried more than enough tears to last a life time and I don’t enjoy watching him cry anymore.”

Severus was nodded, but the sadness and regret was easily seen by all. Salazar smirked at the vampire. “If you make a mistake like this again, I’ll make sure Mrs. Weasley gets wind of it.” All the founders smirked. They might have been hidden within the school, but they had watched the students of each generation and knew what a spitfire she could be.

Severus shuddered and quickly nodded. “I think I am going to go read on some notes, assuming I can get back in my room?” Salazar reluctantly nodded, and Severus turned back to Albus. “Please let me know what he says.” Albus nodded and Severus stalked quickly out of the room.

Albus turned to Minerva a small smile playing on his lips, “At least we’ll never be bored with those two.” Minerva just chuckled and shook her head at the man.

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Harry was left alone now, his friends had left an hour ago. The day had been entertaining to say the least. Ron had practically beaten down the bathroom door after three hours of the triad being in there. Hermione, the twins, and Draco had fun pursuing the books in the library, while Harry got to show off his training by beating Ron at a game of chess.

Astrum, Altor, and Fawkes were cuddled in the trunk with Fawkes giving silent little trills every now and then. Harry smiled at the animals and decided to visit his Granddad and get Fawkes some treats. Even though it was fairly late he knew the old man would be awake.

‘Serenity is Granddad in his office.’

‘Yes little founder, they have been waiting for you.’

‘Who is they’

‘Your granddad and grandma.’

Harry let out a sigh of relief and apperated to the door to the headmaster’s office. He raised his hand to knock when it was pulled open. Harry smiled as his Granddad pulled him in the room.

“Hello my boy, I was wondering when you would come visit me.”

Harry just smiled and hugged the old man before turning to hug the transfiguration professor who was watching them with a resigned smile on her face. “I came to ask you for a favor and explain Fawkes’ disappearance.”

Albus nodded and went to sit down in his chair. “I was wondering where she went off to, Severus said that she went to go watch the eggs. Then Rowena said that she would be staying with the hatchlings for a month.”

Harry ignored the slight pang in his chest, even though Hermione explained it earlier he still didn’t believe what she told him. Harry smiled at the man though trying not to let any negative emotion show. “Yes. Fawkes was complaining earlier about missing her little yellow treats though so I was wondering if I could get some to take back to her.”

Dumbledore smiled and fetched out a small blue drawstring bag before handing it to Harry. “I have something else for you as well.” He slid the note from Severus over to Harry.

Harry saw his name etched across the front in the unmistakable writing of Severus and picked up the parchment. He pocketed it though not wanting to read it in front of his grandparents and started talking about the start of school. Minerva and Albus both knew that Harry wanted to avoid the subject and quickly went along with it.

Harry confirmed that only about six student returning had wanted to take the Dark Mark and the castle had put a watch on them. Harry would know their every movement. Albus confirmed that all the students were slightly aware of the new changes and would come knowing that the school was changing. Every teacher with the exception of the muggle studies professor had agreed to take on an apprentice. After an hour Harry made his excuses and apperated to his quarters, he could practically feel the note burning in his pocket.

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Harry sat cautiously on the sofa and stared at the note in his hand. He knew it was stupid, but he feared what the potion master had written. Apparently Fawkes grew tired of waiting and squawked at him. Harry just chuckled at the bird and opened the note.

Harry,
I find myself having to explain my actions from last night. I was deeply enjoying my time watching the hatchlings and pursuing through Salazar’s library, with you.

But after you started talking to Astrum, I think her name was. I found myself getting…excited. I did not wish to expose the situation to you and tried to leave quickly.

I had forgotten that your Gryffindor qualities make you think that something is always your fault. I hope you can forgive me for my hasty retreat.

Severus Snape.

Harry smiled at the note. ‘Hermione was right, now how can I show him that I accept,’ Harry pondered. Harry didn’t know what to do, so he figured to wait. He turned to put the note on the side table when he remembered the treats for Fawkes.

“Fawkes, I got you some treats.” Harry held out a lemon drop for her.
Fakwes let out a small happy trill and gobbled down the treat. She settled back down in the chest contently. Harry chuckled at her, as he turned to get ready for the night, he saw something that made him smile.

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Severus was pacing his living room, how could he be so stupid. He growled and continued to pace. Salazar had long since given up on trying to talk to him and had left the portrait, claiming that if he was going to act like a caged animal he was going to make sure the cage stayed locked.

Severus had been pacing for five hours when a house elf popped into his room. Severus turned and growled at the small creature, “What?!”

The small creature gave a small squeak and put a package on the table, “Winky was told to deliver this, sir. So Winky be going now.” And with that the small creature was gone again.

Severus stalked over to the table and was getting ready to throw the package against the wall, when an unmistakable sent was caught in his nose. Severus hurriedly ripped open the package and grabbed the note from the top.

Severus
I am sorry I overreacted, but you must remember I am still a Gryffindor. I accept your apology and ask you to accept mine.

I asked you over last night for two reasons. One I had enjoyed your company and was keen on keeping it. And two, I thought you might enjoy the eggshells. But in the manner you left last night you weren’t able to collect them. So I have done it for you.

Harry

Severus collapsed in the chair behind him, and breathed deeply. He was so afraid that Harry would turn away from him. He chuckled as he read the reminder of being a Gryffindor. There was no way he could forget that. Severus laid the note aside and looked at the three bottles of eggshells. Already planning on what it could be used for.

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It had been a little under a week since the ‘incident’, as Harry called it. School was due to start tomorrow. Harry had seen still been avoiding Severus, due to his own embarrassment. He was slinking around the castle trying to avoid the man at all costs. Everyone was tiring of listening to Severus complain, that his mate was slipping through his fingers and didn’t know how to corner him.

Lucius was also worried about Severus, he hadn’t eaten since Harry fed him well over a week ago. Severus’ skin was a ghostly pale, and his breathe seemed a little labored, he tired easily, and would only go somewhere if there was a chance to see Harry. He had tried to get Severus to eat but the man wasn’t interested in his blood, he only wanted Harry’s. The worry for his friend lead to Lucius dragging Draco down the hall to Harry’s quarters, knowing his son had the password.

Draco knew why his father was worried and was worried himself, he quickly said the password and let his father lead the way. Upon entering the living room he say Harry sprawled out on the couch, gazing at them curiously.

“Is something wrong?”

Lucius sneered, shocking both boys, he hadn’t done that in a while. “Mr. Potter, I know that you are aware that you are Severus’ mate, and have let him feed from you.” Harry nodded. “You seem to have forgotten that once a vampire tastes its mate’s blood it will drink no other.” Harry had paled and was staring at them now. “So Mr. Potter, when was the last time Severus fed?”

Harry gasped and apperated out of the room. Lucius sighed and visibly relaxed. He turned to his son and gave a tiny smile. “Come on, I know your ‘boyfriends’” he gave a small shudder, “are waiting for you.”

Draco gave a slightly dreamy smile before he turned and hurried out of the room. His Father followed chuckling at him.

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Harry apperated outside the potion master’s room, to find a glaring portrait. “I was wondering how long it would take for you to realize what was going on.”

Harry sighed he knew he messed up, “Is he awake?”

“Yes, but he won’t answer the door.”

Harry looked confusedly at Salazar, “Why not?”

Salazar sighed, “Harry, it’s been a week since he fed, he has no strength. I can let you in as a founder, take a couple of blood replenishers with you.”

Harry nodded and the portrait swung open. Harry took a deep breath and entered his mate’s living room. He quickly accioed a couple vials of potion and ran to the bedroom.

When Harry opened the bedroom door, his heart lodged in his throat. Severus barley groaned but couldn’t seem do much more. The man gazed unseeing at Harry, before his head dropped down.

Harry gave a small cry and rushed towards the bed. Harry sat himself against the headboard and pulled Severus against his chest. Severus moaned, but that was all. Harry brought his wrist up to Severus’ chest, but the man didn’t seem to have to strength to bite him. Harry looked around before he called transfigured a small glass beside the bad into a knife and cut his wrist. Harry brought his wrist back down to Severus’ mouth and winced slightly when Severus attacked his wrist with vigor. Harry started to get dizzy and quickly downed a blood replenisher, he did that twice before Severus liked the wound close.

Harry was to tired to move but pulled Severus closer whispering apologies. Harry wrapped the blanket around them and drifted off to sleep.

Midka