Where Others Fear to Tread

Chapter 21

Harry was drunk.

Very drunk.

In fact the boy was so drunk he could barely stand.

Harry had just experienced the best week he’d ever had in his life ever, and now he was ending it lying against the porcelain basin feeling thoroughly ill. The twins were going to die when Harry next had the strength to lift his wand.

“Harry?” There was a tentative knock at the door before it creaked open revealing a sympathetic Remus. “How are you doing?” Harry groaned sickly swallowing the vile that threatened to rise in his throat. “Here take a couple of swigs of this it should help settle your stomach.” Not bothering to look at the label on the potions bottle Remus was handing him, Harry merely swilled from the bottle quickly grimacing a little at the mint milky taste. The potions seemed to take effect immediately and Harry felt the swirl of his stomach begin to settle and his head clear a little, enough at least for him to sit up. “I’ve fire called Severus again but I’m getting no response.” Harry managed to school his features into a frown of concern but that faltered quickly as he head began to throb again. Harry had been trying to contact Snape all week just to check in but it seemed the man was doing just fine without Harry, just as he’d said he would. Harry wouldn’t let on that it irritated him not knowing what Snape was doing, and he certainly hadn’t told anyone he was worried. “I think it’ll probably be best if I just took you back tonight.” Harry nodded weakly as Remus helped him to stand. Wrapping his arm supporting around Harry’s waist Remus guided Harry out of the bathroom and onto the silent landing.

“How’s Ron?” Harry whispered softly remembering the state of inebriation that his red haired friend had gotten into, having drunk far too much of the twins ‘special’ fruit punch.

“Passed out in the spare room. Molly will be back for him tomorrow morning.” Remus chuckled softly as he aided Harry down the stairs, the boy’s trunk already waiting by the door.

“Sirius?” Harry inquired softly as Remus shrank Harry’s trunk and dropped it into the boy’s jeans pocket before they stepped out onto the darkened street.

“He’s sleeping it off in the lounge with Arthur.” Harry nodded again and clung tightly to Remus’ waist as they apperate away. It was only moments before they arrived just outside Hogwarts grounds the gates of the school automatically opening as they sensed a student approaching.

“I think I’ll be alright from here on my own Remus.” Harry let go of Remus’ waist and stood steadily on his own feet, the potion he’d swallowed before leaving Grimmauld place beginning to take more of an effect.

“Are you sure Harry? I can walk you to the entrance?” Harry shook his head but leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to his godfather’s best friend’s cheek.

“Nah, its fine Remus and thank-you for having me. It was fun.” Pulling his jumper down over his hands Harry slowly walked his way through the gates and up towards the castle briefly hearing the pop as Remus apperate away. In the slightly chilly breeze Harry felt the effects of the alcohol dull in his system. The night air helped to clear his mind and vision. By the time Harry reached the entrance into the castle he was feeling at least 50% better than what he had been like.

Pushing his way into the castle through the side door Harry made his way slowly down the quiet corridors towards the dungeons, his thoughts now focused on Snape, whom he hadn’t seen for a week. As always the doors to Snape’s chamber opened for him and Harry smiled half expecting Snape to be sitting in his arm chair waiting for him, but Harry was disappointed when he took in the deserted living room. Frowning a little Harry noticed acutely that there was no pillow of blankets on the couch, which had indicated last time Draco had spent the night in the rooms. Becoming suspicious Harry walked across the living room and glanced into the bedroom. The bed was unmade something Severus hated was an untidy room but that was not what caught Harry’s attention. Instead it was the way both sides of the bed had been used it obviously having clearly contained two occupants the night or day before. Like a sweeping tidal wave all Harry’s built up jealousy from the week just gone swept through his body. So instead of sleeping on the couch Draco was actually sharing a bed with Snape. Clenching his fists tightly together Harry checked the bathroom, lab and closet for signs of the two other wizards but found nothing. It was no wonder that Severus was not responding to fire calls when he was out with that blonde git.

Storming over to the door Harry was heading towards the headmasters office to ask if he knew where Snape was, when he heard a rush of flame from the fireplace. Instinctively Harry grabbed for his invisibility cloak, which was housed on the hook by the door. In no less than a second Harry and wrapped his up in it making himself invisible to the two people he watched step out of the fireplace. While it was with some relief that Harry recognized the two people entering the room, it did little but ignite his anger and jealousy even more as he watched the scene unfold.

“Oh come on Sev, like you didn’t see that coming.” Draco drawled childishly as he flopped down into what Harry had come to know as ‘his’ armchair. Harry watched Severus carefully as the man wandered over to the kitchen, pouring two glasses of his favorite brandy before returning to sit on the end of the couch. Harry felt his fists clench tightly in rage as he watched Snape hand Draco a glass of the brandy, a gesture he’d never offered Harry. Draco took the glass and swilled from it as if he’d been weaned on the stuff from birth.

“I would have had you not rammed me into the trees Draco.” Severus replied easily no hint of malice or even sarcasm in his tone, only good-natured laughter. It was then that Harry noticed the pair’s attire. Both wizards were dressed in Quidditch leathers; an outfit Harry had never in his life seen Snape wear before. Draco was naturally in his Slytherin team jersey and trousers but Snape was wearing a black pair of leather trousers and a tight fitting gray and white jersey, his hair tied back with a strap of leather.

“You’re just a sore looser Sev, besides I’d have thought you’d have been able to dodge my attempts at cheating, being the grand ‘Quidditch’ star you keep bragging to me about.” Draco drawled as he sipped again from his brandy. Severus snorted and sipped from his own brandy.

“I never bragged Draco Malfoy, I simply mentioned I was on the Slytherin team when I was in school but that was a long time ago. I’m out of practice.” Snape laughed jokingly and Harry watched carefully as Draco laughed out loud as well. Enviously Harry listened as the pair talked easily about Quidditch together. Snape knew Harry enjoyed Quidditch but he’d never talked about it with him, ever. As the laughter and friendly taunts of skill and ability died down the topic of conversation changed, Harry all the while standing by the lab door listening to everything.

“So do you think they’re going to come after me?” Draco inquired as he allowed Snape to pour him another glass of brandy. Severus relaxed on the couch, something he never did in Harry’s presence.

“Expect it Draco, the dark lord doesn’t like being stood up and what you did on Monday won’t go unpunished.” Severus had turned serious but he was still relaxed on the couch, which irritated Harry further.

“But I’ll be safe here right? I mean you promised me if I did it you’d look after me.” Harry screwed his nose up with disgust at Draco’s innocent act, really now fighting the urge not to wrap his hands around Draco’s throat and squeeze the life out of him.

“Yes I promised but he can’t know it’s me you’ve come to. I’ve only just gotten myself out of his bad books without this as well. Dumbledore has to be your main protection.” Harry frowned as he listened to the conversation progress, Draco having moved over from the armchair to sit easily beside Snape on the couch.

“I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been there. I probably wouldn’t have said no.” Harry tightened his fists angrily as he watched Draco’s hand slip from his own knee onto Severus’ the man not even flinching as he reached and placed his own hand comfortingly over Draco’s.

“I understand Draco and your welcome although you’ve got to keep your wits about you now. No stupid business.” Draco nodded at Snape’s stern gaze and Harry could hardly breathe with anger as he watched Draco’s hand slide up Severus’ thigh, the elder wizard not even acknowledging the move.

“That’ll be easy and I’m looking forward to spending time with you. It’ll be strange sleeping in the Slytherin dorms alone this summer. Can’t I stay here?” Harry’s eyes narrowed the blood raging through his body and pounding in his head so loud as he watched Draco pout dramatically. Snape seemed completely oblivious to Draco’s advances and everything Harry had learnt now began to fit into place like pieces of a jigsaw.

“No, I need time to myself but we’ll spend some time together I promise. Besides Potter is here this summer as well.” Harry silently slid forward as he watched Draco nuzzle up into Severus’ side the man chuckling and brushing Draco away with a playful swat.

“Potter?” Draco spat nastily his hand still resting on Snape’s upper thigh, his thumb drawing circles on the leather. “Why would I want anything to do with him. If he keeps out of my way then I’ll be happy.” Draco continued to nuzzle into Snape’s side the man eventually giving up on pushing the boy away and instead allowing him to settled against him. “You know what, I’ve been watching him and I think he’s got a secret crush on you.” Harry’s rage was now just boiling beneath the surface as he watched Draco’s spiteful face smiling sickly sweet up at Snape. Snape rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“Don’t be stupid Draco, Potter’s hatred of me exceeds even the hate he has for you.” Snape replied casually as he drained what was left of his brandy and set it aside. “Anyway what does it matter to you?” Snape inquired casually his legs still stretched out in front of him. Harry knew what was coming and he froze completely consumed in fiery rage as Draco sat up and swung his leg over Snape’s lap surprising the potions master a little, who’s hand came up to sit on Draco’s waist automatically.

“I’m jealous of course.” Draco pouted his back now to Harry who was standing in front of the fireplace still invisible. Snape tutted as if what Draco had said was just a joke.

“Don’t you think you’re a little old to be sitting on my lap Draco?” Snape inquired his hand still resting on Draco’s hip. Harry watched as Draco leaned forward so that his lips were resting just below Snape’s ear lobe. Harry had to listen closely to hear what Draco said.

“That’s not what I want to be sitting on.” Was the husky reply. Harry watched as Snape’s eyes widened impossibly the man’s hand instantly falling from Draco’s waist as the blonde pulled back from him a little. “I’ve been wanting to show you this for months but I wasn’t sure.”

“Draco what are you doing?” Snape’s voice had lowered a little to a suspicious growl. Harry watched as Draco took off his shirt revealing the tattoo on his shoulder.

“I got it done last summer after the week we spent in Spain. I missed you so much while we were there, I knew I had to be yours.” Draco picked his wand up from the coffee table and performed a complex revealing spell on his shoulder before leaning forward to display the tattoo to Snape, who was obviously seeing it for the first time. Harry watched as Snape’s mouth fell open the spark of realization beginning to filter into the man’s obsidian gaze.

“Draco get off…..” Snape went to say something but the blonde sat up quickly and pressed his finger to Snape’s lips silencing him effectively.

“Shh don’t say anything you own me, I’m yours, love me.” Harry practically exploded inside as he watched Draco lock his lips onto Snape’s the man seeming to struggle for a moment before surrendering to the kiss. Harry watched the kiss with anger as their tongues intertwined. Snape had never kissed Harry like that before, in fact he hadn’t kissed Harry since he had to at the ring ceremony. Unconsciously Harry had been twisting the ring around and around his finger since the scene between Snape and Draco had begun and now the boy had drawn blood with it, and had rubbed it raw of skin.

“Draco I don’t, Harry….” Snape went to push Draco away as the kiss ended but Draco was quicker the blonde’s hands instantly delving into the depths of the man’s trousers to stroke the lump they found beneath. Snape hissed in pleasure at the touch, his head lolling back at the touch. This alone was the final straw Harry’s rage and jealousy surging to the surface in an agonizing wave of emotion. Stepping up away from the fire Harry let the invisibility cloak slip from his shoulders and onto the floor his wand now out and pointed squarely into the center of Draco’s back.

“Get off him now!” Harry didn’t scream he simply growled low in his throat, so low in fact he sounded very much like Snape did when he was majorly pissed. Snape’s head practically snapped up his eyes meeting those of Harry’s as the boy glared down at them. Draco spun around on Snape’s lap as he felt Harry press the tip of his wand into the curve of Draco’s spine.

“Potter!” Draco spat nastily completely ignoring the way Snape was now desperately trying to push him off his lap.

“I wouldn’t Draco. Give me another reason and I won’t hesitate.” Draco went to spit more nasty comments at the other boy but Harry silenced him, his face schooled into complete hatred for the blonde. Draco glanced down at the wand pointed at him just as Snape pushed him successfully off his lap and stood up. Draco fell to the floor with a thud the stunned boy watching as Snape approached Harry, attempting and failing to get the boy to lower his wand.

“Potter, don’t do this. I didn’t….” Snape was cut off abruptly as Harry shook his head his gaze not leaving Snape’s.

“Yes that’s true you didn’t did you.” Snape frowned a little in confusion noting that Harry was still twisting his ring around on his finger and the blood that was dripping off the end of it. “You didn’t believe me when I told you I’d seen the tattoo, you didn’t believe me when I said it meant something, you didn’t come and meet me at the gates tonight like you were supposed to and you didn’t resist him when he kissed you.” Harry paused watching as Snape closed his eyes and took a deep steadying breath almost guilty at having done the last thing Harry described.

“Potter it’s not an issue, I wasn’t aware that he…..” Snape gestured at a stunned Draco who sat on the floor watching the exchange between his godfather and his enemy.

“No you’re not aware are you. I’ve made a fucking big effort to get to like you, I’ve lied to my friends, I’ve slept in your bed, I’ve even let you screw me because I thought this was what needed to happen but it’s crap isn’t it?” Harry was losing his resolve now and the jealous and anger was being quickly replaced by hurt. “I’m the only one suffering from this ‘bond’, I’m the only one who thinks I’m going insane because I’m beginning to get feelings for you I shouldn’t fucking have! I hate you! Go fuck the blonde if you want, I’m obviously not doing anything for you because I can’t even get hard!”

“What the fuck did he just say?” Draco stared up at Snape stunned having just taken in the extent of what the argument was suggesting. Snape didn’t have time to reply however as Harry turned his wand on the blonde and ‘Stupefied’ him where he sat.

“Oh shut up you stupid, slimy little wanker! He’s MINE and you can keep your fucking greasy, grubby, fingers to yourself.” Harry was completely not in control of his emotions as he screamed angrily at the frozen blonde, who despite not being able to move heard every single word Harry had screamed at him. Snape was stunned at what had just come out of Harry’s mouth and could only watch as the boy stormed over to the door grabbing his firebolt that leant against the coat stand. “You can both go FUCK YOURSELVES.” Harry screamed a final time as he slammed through the entrance out of Snape’s rooms leaving Snape standing shell shocked in the center of the living room. Snape had been aware acutely at how Harry had been handling the growing bond between them and he’d instinctively picked up on Harry’s jealousy but never had he imagined it would come to the surface so easily or so violently as it just had. Grabbing his coat quickly, Snape took his wand and un hexed Malfoy who fell like a rag doll onto the rug. Snape stared down at the blonde who stared up at him anger mixing with hurt behind his blue eyes.

“You’re bound to him aren’t you? That’s who you married after Voldemort gave you the ultimatum, you married Harry Potter!” Snape stared down at Malfoy who practically gawked at Snape like he was an alien.

“Yes, now shut up and sit here until I get back.” Snape growled angrily in his throat, suddenly very much aware of just what Draco had done and was likely to cause. Opening his broom closet Snape pulled out his own old broom and stormed off after his mate, leaving the blonde sealed in the room behind him….

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A/N *Laughs evily* FIG...... *Pushes pills across the table to Angel* There\'s medication for that luv...