What the Devil Wants

Harry sat alone at the end of Gryfindor’s table staring at his plate and wishing he hadn’t turned up for breakfast. He knew it would be hard and a lot of people would find it difficult to understand but he hadn’t counted on it being this bad. It was Monday morning, the first day back at Hogwart’s after the weekend at Grimmauld place, and the first day he’d be seen wearing Snape’s gift. If the world didn’t know he was owned by his potion professor it certainly did now. He’d come down into the great hall only to find silence and stares at his entrance. There were a few who muttered things as he passed them by, but most just stared at him. The awkwardness had continued at the Gryfindor table. Where usually his friends would have left a space for him, there was none forcing him to sit alone at the far end of the table. Harry hadn’t spared the faculty a second glance after he’d sat down, the boy ignoring Snape’s entrance despite the whispering that broke out at the potion professor’s appearance. Thankfully Dumbledore began breakfast with the usual notices, and for a while Harry thought he wasn’t the center of attention. Then his meal arrived.

Two slices of toast with plum jam, a bowl of muggle fruit loops and a bowl of scrambled eggs with tomato sauce. They were his favorite things, things he would only get to eat during the summer at the Dursley’s when the family was away. Harry swallowed nervously as he braved a glance up at the head table, to where he knew Snape would be sitting having ordered him the special breakfast. Snape however wasn’t paying Harry any attention and continued to read his newspaper as he ate his own meal. Harry turned back to his meal and jumped a little when someone sat down opposite him.

“So it’s true then?” Harry stared at Ron who was sat stoically on the opposite side of the table. Harry desperately searched his best friends expression for some kind of sign as to what mood the red head was in, but it was pointless as Ron stared at him waiting blankly for an answer. Choosing the safe option Harry nodded in silent reply as he chewed a mouthful of fruit loops cautiously. There was a strained silence that hung in the air before Ron let out a heavy sigh. “I knew you were queer mate, but Snape?” Harry couldn’t help but snort in amusement into his bowl of cereal as Ron screwed up his nose in disgust. Harry shook his head and rolled his eyes as he passed Ron a spare fork and let his friend share some of his eggs.

“It’s complicated Ron, besides I chose him…” Harry paused as he thought about how his current situation had come about. “Well, sort of anyway.” Harry muttered as he glanced over his shoulder towards the Slytherin table, noting acutely the absence of Draco.

“It’s kind of weird trying to think of you that way, I mean your Harry bloody Potter you shouldn’t bow to anyone.” Ron muttered around another mouthful of scrambled eggs. Inwardly Harry sighed, no one was ever likely to understand how he felt.

“That doesn’t mean I don’t want to though Ron,” Harry whispered as he finished off his plum jam toast before taking a swig of pumpkin juice. “Besides I don’t bow to him Ron, it’s a mutual relationship with certain boundaries.” Feeling suddenly under scrutiny again Harry rose from the table intent on leaving early for Potions. Ron followed his best friend however determined to get answers from Harry.

“Is he good in bed?” Ron muttered cheekily as the pair sauntered down towards the dungeons. Harry barked loudly in mock amusement and looked knowingly over at Ron who was still staring at him.

“Is that really something you want to know about Severus Snape, Ron?” Harry inquired, his eyebrow rising in challenge. Ron paused for a second before groaning in disgust and shaking his head vehemently.

“On second thought don’t tell me, Potion’s would never be the same.” Ron laughed as he pushed open the door to Snape’s classroom and the pair took their seats in the empty lab.

“So does this mean we’re still friends?” Harry hesitated as he pulled his books free of his bag and glanced sheepishly across at his friend.

“ Of course it does Potter, just because you’ve got some new wardrobe accessories,” Ron paused and gestured at Harry’s collar before continuing. “And a boyfriend doesn’t mean we aren’t friends. Besides, I figure now you and he are together I’d be in my best interests to keep on the good side of you both.” Ron chuckled as the classroom began filling up as students rushed to beat Severus to the classroom and avoid detention. Harry smiled and nodded in understanding before relaxing a little as they waited for class to begin.

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TBC>>>