Inamorato

A/N: Okay, I'm jumping time a little here. During the week, the boys had class, Harry got tears from Fawkes and filed some papers with the MOM, and the boys basically just talked a lot. They kissed, touched a little, and slept naked in each others arms. They've not progressed sexually past the point they already were, except to occasionally jerk each other off. Hermione is still being a bitch and Severus still hasn't told Draco he's a spy. Since nothing major happened, I decided not to waste chapters on filler. ^_^ So please, enjoy this chapter and don't bug me about the skipped week!

http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/kickass_red_mist.jpg A picture of what Chris's hair looks like! ^_^

Yay!!! Please review! ~ FA

~*~*~*~*~*~

“Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?” Draco asked, kissing the top of Harry's head as he hugged him.

“No.” Harry smiled, clutching the stack of papers tightly in his hands. “No, I need to do this alone.”

Harry didn't remember much of his walk through the castle. His mind was focused on what he was about to do. He knocked on the door. It was only 9AM on a Saturday, but Draco had assured Harry that Snape would be awake. Sure enough the door swung open, revealing a surprised Potion's Master.

“Yes, Mr. Potter?” He purred silkily. “What can I help you with?”

Harry swallowed hard and shoved the stack of papers – about an inch thick – at his teacher. Surprised, Snape stared in shock at the official MOM letterhead. “Er...when I filed as a Creature I found out I'd need to file with another person. Someone who's a fully trained Witch or Wizard, who will be my legal guardian until I'm 21, when I'll be considered in full control of my Creature nature.”

Severus nodded slowly, his eyes still glued to the packet of papers he was holding in his hands. “I am aware of the law, Mr. Potter. In what way does this involve me?”

“Well, my relatives are Muggles so I was told I could choose any fully trained Witch or Wizard I wanted for my guardian.” Harry bit his lip, then said softly. “I chose you. If you don't want to, I understand and I'll go with Albus, but...”

“You wish for me to be your legal guardian?” Severus looks like Harry had slapped him. “Potter...” He stopped, then amended. “Harry...is this because of Draco? Or is it because of Black?”

Harry sighed. “Sirius, Snape. You can say his name in front of me. And it's because of both of them, in a way.”

Harry shifted his wings restlessly, a bit uncomfortable with the intense stare Snape now had fixed on him. “I just feel like...like it should be you. If Siri had been free and you weren't a spy, you two would have adopted me. Siri talked about it. I never got a chance to say yes, but I was going to. After he died...” Harry's voice wavered.

“Come sit down.” Snape gestured and Harry stepped into his sitting room, perching awkwardly on the arm of the sofa while Snape sat in a comfy armchair. “You were saying?” He asked once Harry seemed more composed.

“You were so stoic.” Harry explained. “I know you're a private person, but part of me felt like you couldn't be so cold about it unless you hadn't really loved him.” Harry looks at Snape with wide, damp eyes. “And then Draco described your Patronus.”

Pain and longing flashed briefly in Severus's dark eyes. “I loved Sirius very much, Harry. But grief is private and while a part of me desperately wanted to comfort his pup, I just couldn't. I still can't.”

Harry bit his lip again, a tear falling down his cheek when Snape referred to him as Sirius's 'pup'. “I don't expect you to.” Harry smiled weakly. “But Snape...Severus...Siri wanted you to be my guardian as well. He didn't want me to be his pup anymore. He wanted me to be both of yours. I want a chance to know that 'Severus' that he knew...the one Draco knows. Please?”

Severus stood and set the papers on the coffee table. Harry held his breath and Severus approached him. “Harry, I...” He took a slow, controlled breath and said. “I would be honored to be your guardian, but the Dark Lord...”

“The records are completely private. No one except a single Ministry official, who Albus already cleared, will ever see them.”

Severus seemed to steel himself. Then, before Harry knew what was going to happen, he was being hugged. By Severus Snape. Tentatively, but still. Just as tentatively, Harry hugged back. He sniffled a bit, feeling suddenly closer to Sirius than he had in a long time. This was what his godfather had wanted. For Harry to know the Severus he knew; for Harry to have 'parents' who cared for him. Half of the intended set was better than none.

As they separated from the hug, Severus asked gruffly. “Does this mean I have to call you Pup?”

A surprised laugh escaped before Harry could stop it. “Er, you don't have to but I don't mind if you want to. Can I call you Severus when we're in private? Or do you prefer Sev?”

“Severus is fine.” The older man grimaced. “Draco calls me 'Sev' because as a toddler he couldn't say my full name and once he could, he stubbornly refused.” He rolled his eyes and Harry giggled a bit. Seeing this side of Severus was interesting. “I think...” He hesitated, then said. “I think I would like to call you Pup, if you're sure you don't mind.”

“Really?” Harry was surprised. He hadn't expected that. “No, I don't mind at all! But, can I ask why?”

“You just did.” Severus replied sardonically and for the first time Harry heard the teasing behind the sarcastic tone. “Sirius and I always called you Pup when talking about you and I've grown used to referring to you that way to myself. I feel it will be a simpler transition from Potter to Pup, rather than Potter to Harry, since I'm already accustomed to calling you Pup, if only in my head.”

Harry smiled brightly. “Alright, then. Just send me the papers after you've read them over and filled them out and signed them so I can file them, okay, Sev'rus?” The abbreviated name slid off his tongue so naturally that he wouldn't have realized what he'd said, if not for the stunned look on the older man's face. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...”

“Hush.” Severus admonished. His voice sounded tight, but Harry didn't think he was angry. “It's alright, Pup. I don't mind you calling me that. You just surprised me, that's all.

Harry nodded slowly and, after an awkward silence Harry stood and hugged him, “By, Sev'rus. I'll see you later. Draco said you're joining us for lunch with his mum, right?”

Severus gave Harry a light squeeze before stepping back. “That's right, Pup. I'll see you at two.” Harry left without another word, still fighting tears over being called 'Pup' again, for the first time since Sirius's death.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Draco closed the heavy wooden door and walked over to the table his mother was sitting at. Narcissa Malfoy was beautiful. Her white-blonde hair was curled and piled artfully on top of her head, a few loose curls framing her achingly-beautiful face. Her wide blue eyes were tilted up at the corners, lending an exotic look to her heart-shaped face. Her pale skin was nearly translucent and combined with the ten pounds she appeared to have lost in the last two weeks, Draco was worried. She wore no makeup and the only jewelry she wore was the citrine pendant Draco had bought her. Her sky-blue robes were loose and flowing and served to make her look even more fragile than she was. She smiled up at him as he leaned down and kissed her cheek.

“Mother.” He sat down next to her at the round table, which had four places set. “How are you feeling today?”

“Oh, not too poorly, Draco.” She smiled again and patted his hand. “A little tired and a little achy, but my breathing is okay today and no headache, so it could be worse.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small black box. “Here, darling. I thought you might want these.”

Draco took the box and opened it. Inside were two sets of Bonding rings...one was the Malfoy set, the other was a Black set and Draco couldn't help but grin. “Is it possible for me to use one of each?”

Narcissa blinked in surprise. “Oh, well. I suppose there's no reason why you couldn't, but why would you?”

Draco shook his head. “You'll understand when you meet my intended. He grimaced. “Which reminds me. There's something you should know.”

“What?” Narcissa tensed, worried. “Draco, you haven't decided to...to...”

“No!” Draco protested vehemently. “No, Mother, never! It's just that my intended is a Creature. A very rare, powerful one, made of ether, and I don't want you to be surprised. Well, no more surprised than you have to be.”

“Oh.” Narcissa pursed her lips, thinking. “A creature. Draco, are you sure? Being Mated to a Creature is a big decision...”

Draco nodded. “I know, Mother, but it's not a Mating. Peris don't have 'Mates' the way Veela or others do. We'll only be Bonded, which is still big, but I'm sure. I really am.”

“Well alright, then.” Narcissa smiled brightly at him. “Do I get to meet her now?”

Draco winced, nodded, and – tucking the box of rings into his pocket – called out. “You can come in!”

Draco held his breath and Severus walked in, followed by Harry who was clinging to Sev's hand. Severus led Harry over to the table and transferred the boy's hand to Draco's. Then he pressed a kiss to Narcissa's cheek. “Cissy. Lovely to see you.” He intoned solemnly, ignoring her stunned look.

“Severus.” She whispered, though everyone heard. “That's Harry Potter, isn't it?” Severus nodded and asked. “Why was he holding your hand?”

Severus smirked. “Because, Cissy, I am a spy and I'm also going to be his legal guardian.”

“Excuse me?” Narcissa snapped. “Did you just say you are a spy, Severus?” When he nodded, she glared at him. “Well you might have told me sooner!”

Severus shook his head. “I couldn't until Draco chose a side. He's chosen Light, so he know I'm a spy, so I can tell you.”

“How did you know I knew?” Draco asked, frowning around Harry who was perched sideways on his lap. “Did Harry tell you?”

“Are you mad that I told him?” Harry whispered, looking nervously at Snape. “I wouldn't have, but he was upset about maybe having to face you in battle and I just wanted to reassure him...”

Severus smiled and shook his head. “No, Pup, I'm not angry. I realize he must know when I was invited to this lunch. I'd been trying to find the right way to tell him anyway, so you really just saved me the trouble.”

“Oh.” Harry smiled brightly. “Well, then, you're welcome, Sev'rus.” He heard Draco choke and nudged him with his elbow. “Bite me, Draco. It's not any funnier than 'Sev'.”

“Of course not.” Draco grinned cheekily. “Except that I came up with 'Sev' as a child and you gleaned 'Sev'rus' from his lover. So actually, it is funnier. Sorry.”

Narcissa raised an eyebrow. “Severus, dearest, does you calling Mr. Potter 'Pup' have anything to do with my cousin?”

Severus sighed. “Yes, Cissy, it does. Can we leave it at that, please?”

“Oh certainly.” Narcissa smiled at Draco. “No I understand about before. You'll wear the Black one?”

“Precisely.” Draco shook his head at Harry. “I'll explain later. For right now we have other things to discuss.”

“Of course.” Harry relaxed in Draco's arms, watching Narcissa Malfoy closely. Something wasn't right, but he couldn't tell what. “Er, Mrs. Malfoy, can I ask you something?”

Narcissa laughed, a bright and bubbly sound that reminded Harry of Tonks. “Please, call me Cissy or Mother. You're going to be family, after all! Shall I call you Harry?”

“Oh, er, sure.” Harry smiled back, a bit nervously. “So, I wanted to ask about your illness....when did it start?”

“Well, some time at the end of Draco's Fifth Year.” She tugged on a long blonde curl in an absent-minded way. “I don't remember the exact date, but it was right around the time Lucius was imprisoned. I remember because Bella came and told me the news and when I started feeling sick she blamed stress and asked if I wanted her to stay. I said no and put the Manor under Fidelus to keep Lucius and the others away. When Draco came home I had started getting worse and after a few weeks we decided to try going to Bath. I've been sick ever since.”

Harry nodded and drew a small vial out of his pocket. “Well, Cissy, I hope this helps...” He held out a vial of clear liquid.

Narcissa took it and held it up to the sunlight streaming through the window beside her. The clear liquid shimmered a rainbow of colors in the light and she gasped. “Is this...”

“Phoenix tears.” Harry answered. “From Albus's phoenix, Fawkes. I don't know if they'll help, but I figured it can't hurt to try, right?”

Narcissa uncorked the little bottle and swallowed the tears in one quick motion, then beamed at Harry. “Thank you, Harry. I'm feeling stronger and less achy already.” She touched his arm lightly. “I'm hopeful that you and my son will be happy. It's what every mother wants, you know. For their child to be happy. I think you will be. Now then.” She sniffled, a bit emotional, and addressed the table. “Who's hungry?”

~*~*~*~*~*~

It wasn't until they were leaving that Harry finally realized what was bothering him about Narcissa. “Cissy.” He asked, pulling her gently off to the side of the room. “Have you had a Healer or someone else cast a Concealment Charm or a Glamour on you?”

Narcissa blinked. “Why, no, Harry. Of course not. What a strange question!” She looked at him oddly. “Why do you ask?”

Harry sighed. “I'm sure it's nothing. I've just recently started being able to sense different types of magic. Glamours and Concealment Charms have a sort of shimmery, slick quality to them. Like a film of grease on top of the person.” Harry shrugged. “It's the whole ether thing, but I'm not good at it. I'm probably just...I dunno...wrong. It's fine.”

“Of course.” But Narcissa looked skeptical. “Well, if you think of anything else it could be...”

“I'll let you know.” Harry smiled weakly at her, adding. “It might just be that you being sick has affected your magic in some way, like it did your body.” Narcissa merely nodded. “Right, well. It was nice meeting you.”

“And you, Harry.” She gave him another funny look. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to say goodbye to Draco and Severus.”

After she walked away, Harry spent the few minutes before Draco came and dragged him out of the private dining room, out of the restaurant, and out into Hogsmeade berating himself for worrying Narcissa. So what if something that felt like an oil spill seemed to be clinging to her magic? She was sick, for Merlin's sake! Of course her magic didn't seem quite right; nothing about her was quite right! She had some sort of unknown illness eating away at her body and, obviously, her magic. He hadn't needed to point it out! And then it hit him.

“Harry?” Draco asked, for about the fifth time. “Harry? Are you feeling okay?”

“What?” Harry forced his eyes to focus on Draco. “I'm sorry. I was just...thinking.” He realized they were at the Gates to Hogwarts already and he couldn't remember the walk. “Sorry.”

Draco smiled and squeezed Harry's hand. “It's fine. You just had me worried for a moment. You were so quiet and looked so intense.”

“Yeah, sorry.” Harry smiled back, but it slipped quickly. “Look, Draco, we need to talk. Can we go back to the room?” Draco just nodded.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The boys settled onto the bed, in just boxers and tee-shirts, as had become their habit when alone and talking. Draco lay on his back, half-propped up by pillows. Harry lay on his stomach, his head resting on Draco's chest. The blonde had his arms loosely around Harry's waist and Harry was idly tracing patterns on Draco's right shoulder. Though the fabric of his shirt helped dim, the sensation, his skin still tingled.

“What do we need to talk about?” Draco's voice was soft, but Harry could hear the fear in it. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes, Draco. Something's wrong.” Harry squeezed his eyes shut. “I think...” He stopped and corrected himself. “No, I know that someone has cursed your mother. And I don't want to point any fingers without proof but if I had to guess, I'd say it was Bellatrix Lestrange.”

“Aunt Bella? I mean, I know she's insane, but Harry.” Draco's voice was tight and angry. “She's my mother's sister!”

Harry bit back a sharp comment; he knew Draco was just too upset to be thinking clearly. Instead, he replied softly. “She killed her cousin.”

Draco opened his mouth to respond but stopped himself. Finally, after a long moment, he said. “Why do you even think she's been cursed?”

Harry rubbed his forehead against Draco's chest with a sigh, his hot breath ghosting over the blonde's pale skin. “I don't think, Draco. I know.”

“How?” Draco bit out the word from behind clenched teeth, his voice cold and sharp.

Harry sighed again. He'd known this wouldn't be easy. “Because I can see the foreign magic sitting on her, like a layer of shiny black oil.”

“What?” Draco was stunned. “You can see magic, Harry? Were you planning on telling me?”

“Of course I was going to tell you!” Harry snapped indignantly. “It only started a few days ago and I'm not good at it yet! I can't see it head-on or when I want to. It's just a glimmer I catch out of the corner of my eye and sometimes it's more of a sensing than a seeing.” Harry huffed out a frustrated breath. “It took me until the end of lunch today to figure out what I was seeing.”

“How can you be sure it's a curse?” Draco persisted. Harry knew he was just scared. Sick was one thing; cursed meant she'd made Voldemort's hit list – or at the very least Bellatrix's, which was almost as bad. “I mean, if you're new at this, how can you be sure?”

“It's obvious. What kind of magic sits on a person, layering itself over them? Concealment Charms, Glamours, and curses.” Harry pushed himself up slightly so he could meet Draco's eyes. “I asked her if anyone had put a Concealment Charm or a Glamour on her and she said no. So it has to be a curse.”

“And did you ask if she'd cast one on herself?” The blonde demanded stubbornly. “Or did that possibility not occur to you?”

Harry rolled his eyes, then rested his head back on Draco's chest. “It wasn't her magic, Draco. I could smell how it wrapped hers, choking it. Hers almost smells like yours. Clean, like yours, but sweeter – yours is more crisp. This magic smelled thick and cloying and tainted.”

Draco frowned. “Okay. Say she is cursed.” Harry sighed in relief – it wasn't quite acceptance, but it was no longer denial. “Why Aunt Bella?”

“Because she was around your mother at the time she got sick.” Harry explained, hoping Draco would accept that reasoning and he could leave it at that.

“So?” Draco demanded, a hint of annoyance in his voice. “Before she put the house under Fidelus, Mother entertained all the time. She was constantly surrounded by people anyone could have cursed her. Why Aunt Bella?”

“Because of the tainted smell!” Harry snapped, tired of Draco talking to him like he was stupid. “It's the smell of a Death Eater and Bellatrix is the only one your mother let near her, except your father, and Lucius was in Azkaban!”

“How the hell do you know what a Death Eater smells like?” Draco demanded sharply. Before Harry could answer, Draco figured it out. “Sev. You know what the Dark Mark smells like because of Sev.”

Harry nodded. “Exactly. Some of Voldemort's magic winds around the Death Eaters' magic and I can smell it on them. It's cold and it stings my nose a little and it's got a kind of damp, rotting edge to it and it taints the magic of every single person who bears his mark. That's how I know it was Bellatrix.”

Harry heard the stutter in Draco's breathing just before he asked. “But why? Mother is her sister! Why would she have cursed her?”

“Because you were torn in your loyalty and with Lucius in Azkaban and Narcissa against you taking the Mark, she was worried you'd defect to our side.” Harry explained gently. He'd worked out the 'why' almost as soon as he'd figured out the 'who'. “She must have figured that if your mum died you'd be forced to follow in Lucius's footsteps. After all, who would be left to guide you the other way?”

Harry sighed again and nuzzled Draco's chest lightly. “The curse should probably have killed her shortly after you returned to school, but you two spent the second half of the summer in Bath.” Harry had worked out nearly everything. Who said Hermione was the smart one? “Then she kept going back and Sev'rus was feeding her potions, not to mention she hid under Fidelus so Bellatrix couldn't reapply the curse or strengthen it.”

“Okay.” Draco swallowed hard, determined not to cry. “So what do we do now? Do we go to Sev or Dumbledore or what?”

“We'll go to Albus and I'll have him ask Bill Weasley to look at her.” Harry explained his plan calmly; he could practically taste Draco's panic. “He's a Curse Breaker for Gringotts and he's one of the best in the world. He even studied in Egypt for a while.”

Draco nodded and held Harry tightly. “She's going to be alright, isn't she, Harry?”

“Yes.” The Gryffindor boy said confidently. “We know what's wrong now and we'll fix it, not matter what it takes. I promise.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

A/N: Wow. Went a bit off-track with that one! Harry was originally supposed to tell Sev about the curse first...oops. And Draco was supposed to give Harry the rings in this one...again, oops. Eh...it's okay. My stories almost never stay on-track the way I want them to. It's the cross I bear for having plot bunnies. I used to have a Muse, but the bunnies ate her. *mourns the loss of my Muse* So...did you like the chapter? I hope so! Some fun stuff is coming in the next one, but it might take a little while to get it written; it's a bit complicated! Please review; they make me SOOO happy! ~ FA