A Painful Choice
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Snape
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
10
Views:
21,853
Reviews:
55
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Snape
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
10
Views:
21,853
Reviews:
55
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter Four
A/N I wish to thank all those that took the time to read and review. I am grateful for your input and Constructive criticism is always welcome. A special thank you to Annie, I always look foreword to your reviews. Thank you for sticking with me and feel free to throw in your two cents wherever you see fit.
Chapter Four
He had no idea how long they had been sitting there silently listening to the crackle of the fire. He continued to stroke Draco’s hair as he tried to figure out what had just happened. He could feel apprehension coming from the man in his lap and he would have liked to reassure him, but he didn’t think that anything he might say at this moment would have the desired effect. He didn’t think that he was gay even after his physical response to their mutual groping. It mattered very little anyway in light of his upcoming move. He hoped that Draco wasn’t looking for something that he couldn’t provide.
Eventually he could feel Draco’s breathing even out, and found himself amused that he could just fall asleep like that. He didn’t move the now dead weight of his companion, but he knew it wouldn’t be long before his legs fell asleep and he would have to. He felt rather than heard when Snape entered the study and made his way over to their resting place. Harry raised his eyes and they locked with the charcoal black irises of the potions master.
“Well isn’t this sweet? I didn’t know that you two were so close.”
Draco jerked awake looking blearily at Harry and then following his gaze to Snape. He grabbed Harry’s glasses and slipped them onto his face before removing himself from his lap and looking back up at Snape. “If I didn’t know better I would think that you were jealous, Severus.” Draco’s smirk seemed to further anger the older man.
“Did you need something?” Harry interrupted the potions master before he could respond to Draco’s comment.
“Yes. I just wanted to let you know that I will take you up on your generous offer.”
Harry blinked a couple of times before he realizing that Snape was referring to the house. “ Good. I will have one of the Goblins at Gringotts draw up something to make it legal.” Harry waited for the man to take his leave, but it appeared that he had no intension of doing so. Glancing at Draco he could see that he was still smirking up at the dark man. “Am I missing something?” He asked to no one in particular as he tried to analyse the emotions that were swirling around the room. He could sense anger and strangely enough sadness from Snape and smug amusement from Draco.
Trying to hide his confusion he addressed Draco. “We still need to talk about the bomb that I dropped on you yesterday, perhaps you would join us for dinner this evening and we can continue the conversation then.” Draco’s Silver eyes flickered to Harry as he nodded and then returned to his staring contest with Snape. Realizing that he would get nothing else in the way of consent he turned his attention to Snape. “ Severus, I would like a moment of your time if you are amenable.”
Snape seemed to consider the request for a moment before he started walking towards the hall. Green eyes met grey as he stood to follow. At a loss Harry squeezed Draco’s hand in reassurance.
“What was it that you needed Potter?” Snape snapped at him as soon as he reached to hall. Feeling the irritation radiating from the man Harry decided that he was glad that he was leaving soon. He wondered if knowing how everyone else was feeling had driven Dumbledore insane. He would have to give that theory some thought but not until he had dealt with the two Slytherins who seemed intent on throwing off his balance.
“I was thinking about our conversation this morning. I want to give you a choice. I don’t know how much Draco told you about the letter that I received from Albus, but Since you know that it exists I will allow you to read it if you really want to. It upset me and it clearly upset Draco, so please understand that if you decide to read it, your memories of a man that I know you loved could be injured. I would also have to insist that you do not discuss its contents with anyone but the three of us who have read it.”
“I will read it.”
Harry had expected the man to take more time to make his decision, but hid his surprise by taking the crumpled parchment from his pocket and handing it over. “I am still tired from last night, so I am going to take a nap before dinner. I will see you and Draco then.” He didn’t wait for a response as he made his way up the stairs to his room. He reminded himself that he only had to survive for a little less than two weeks before he could make his escape. He had inherited several properties from both his parents and Sirius and had chosen a small vacation home in the states as his destination.
He lay on his bed fully clothed and daydreamed of finally finding peace. He would live like a Muggle not using any magic while his body adjusted to the raw power that he had absorbed. He had found a passage in an old medical text that suggested that when a wizard absorbed too much power that their magic became unstable and they could be a danger to themselves and others. It was recommended that they be isolated from both the use of magic and others who might use magic around them until the foreign energy could be fully assimilated with their core.
He had made a point of remaining calm since the final battle and so far had managed to keep everything in check. He had hoped that by sharing the letter that was eating him up inside with Draco, who had no close tie to Dumbledore, he would be able to safely vent a little. That had turned out to be another of his many miscalculations. He still didn’t know what to say to make up for his folly and the situation was made infinitely worse by whatever had passed between them in the study. Harry felt another headache approach as he thought about how to make things right.
Not having realized that he had fallen asleep he was startled awake by Dobby gently shaking him. “Mr Harry Potter should come to dinner now sir.”
Harry took a quick shower and made himself at least semi presentable before heading for the dining room. He had argued with Dobby when the elf had insisted on working for him part time while he stayed at the Black residence, but he was grateful that he had failed to dissuade him. It was very nice not to have to worry about every meal and spooky house had never been cleaner. He made a mental note to ask Dobby to stay and help Snape while he was gone.
It felt a little like being hit in the head by a Bludger when he walked into the dining room and felt the strong emotions swirling around the two men already seated at the table. Draco looked up at him when he entered but Snape didn’t redirect his scowl from the blonde. Harry unsteadily made his way to his seat before daring to greet his guests. “Would it be presumptuous of me to ask what I am interrupting this time?”
Draco covered Harry’s hand with his own in a possessive way before asking him if he was feeling alright. Harry went to nod, but the increased anger in the room proved to be too much and his head hit the table with a loud thump as he passed out.
TBC
Chapter Four
He had no idea how long they had been sitting there silently listening to the crackle of the fire. He continued to stroke Draco’s hair as he tried to figure out what had just happened. He could feel apprehension coming from the man in his lap and he would have liked to reassure him, but he didn’t think that anything he might say at this moment would have the desired effect. He didn’t think that he was gay even after his physical response to their mutual groping. It mattered very little anyway in light of his upcoming move. He hoped that Draco wasn’t looking for something that he couldn’t provide.
Eventually he could feel Draco’s breathing even out, and found himself amused that he could just fall asleep like that. He didn’t move the now dead weight of his companion, but he knew it wouldn’t be long before his legs fell asleep and he would have to. He felt rather than heard when Snape entered the study and made his way over to their resting place. Harry raised his eyes and they locked with the charcoal black irises of the potions master.
“Well isn’t this sweet? I didn’t know that you two were so close.”
Draco jerked awake looking blearily at Harry and then following his gaze to Snape. He grabbed Harry’s glasses and slipped them onto his face before removing himself from his lap and looking back up at Snape. “If I didn’t know better I would think that you were jealous, Severus.” Draco’s smirk seemed to further anger the older man.
“Did you need something?” Harry interrupted the potions master before he could respond to Draco’s comment.
“Yes. I just wanted to let you know that I will take you up on your generous offer.”
Harry blinked a couple of times before he realizing that Snape was referring to the house. “ Good. I will have one of the Goblins at Gringotts draw up something to make it legal.” Harry waited for the man to take his leave, but it appeared that he had no intension of doing so. Glancing at Draco he could see that he was still smirking up at the dark man. “Am I missing something?” He asked to no one in particular as he tried to analyse the emotions that were swirling around the room. He could sense anger and strangely enough sadness from Snape and smug amusement from Draco.
Trying to hide his confusion he addressed Draco. “We still need to talk about the bomb that I dropped on you yesterday, perhaps you would join us for dinner this evening and we can continue the conversation then.” Draco’s Silver eyes flickered to Harry as he nodded and then returned to his staring contest with Snape. Realizing that he would get nothing else in the way of consent he turned his attention to Snape. “ Severus, I would like a moment of your time if you are amenable.”
Snape seemed to consider the request for a moment before he started walking towards the hall. Green eyes met grey as he stood to follow. At a loss Harry squeezed Draco’s hand in reassurance.
“What was it that you needed Potter?” Snape snapped at him as soon as he reached to hall. Feeling the irritation radiating from the man Harry decided that he was glad that he was leaving soon. He wondered if knowing how everyone else was feeling had driven Dumbledore insane. He would have to give that theory some thought but not until he had dealt with the two Slytherins who seemed intent on throwing off his balance.
“I was thinking about our conversation this morning. I want to give you a choice. I don’t know how much Draco told you about the letter that I received from Albus, but Since you know that it exists I will allow you to read it if you really want to. It upset me and it clearly upset Draco, so please understand that if you decide to read it, your memories of a man that I know you loved could be injured. I would also have to insist that you do not discuss its contents with anyone but the three of us who have read it.”
“I will read it.”
Harry had expected the man to take more time to make his decision, but hid his surprise by taking the crumpled parchment from his pocket and handing it over. “I am still tired from last night, so I am going to take a nap before dinner. I will see you and Draco then.” He didn’t wait for a response as he made his way up the stairs to his room. He reminded himself that he only had to survive for a little less than two weeks before he could make his escape. He had inherited several properties from both his parents and Sirius and had chosen a small vacation home in the states as his destination.
He lay on his bed fully clothed and daydreamed of finally finding peace. He would live like a Muggle not using any magic while his body adjusted to the raw power that he had absorbed. He had found a passage in an old medical text that suggested that when a wizard absorbed too much power that their magic became unstable and they could be a danger to themselves and others. It was recommended that they be isolated from both the use of magic and others who might use magic around them until the foreign energy could be fully assimilated with their core.
He had made a point of remaining calm since the final battle and so far had managed to keep everything in check. He had hoped that by sharing the letter that was eating him up inside with Draco, who had no close tie to Dumbledore, he would be able to safely vent a little. That had turned out to be another of his many miscalculations. He still didn’t know what to say to make up for his folly and the situation was made infinitely worse by whatever had passed between them in the study. Harry felt another headache approach as he thought about how to make things right.
Not having realized that he had fallen asleep he was startled awake by Dobby gently shaking him. “Mr Harry Potter should come to dinner now sir.”
Harry took a quick shower and made himself at least semi presentable before heading for the dining room. He had argued with Dobby when the elf had insisted on working for him part time while he stayed at the Black residence, but he was grateful that he had failed to dissuade him. It was very nice not to have to worry about every meal and spooky house had never been cleaner. He made a mental note to ask Dobby to stay and help Snape while he was gone.
It felt a little like being hit in the head by a Bludger when he walked into the dining room and felt the strong emotions swirling around the two men already seated at the table. Draco looked up at him when he entered but Snape didn’t redirect his scowl from the blonde. Harry unsteadily made his way to his seat before daring to greet his guests. “Would it be presumptuous of me to ask what I am interrupting this time?”
Draco covered Harry’s hand with his own in a possessive way before asking him if he was feeling alright. Harry went to nod, but the increased anger in the room proved to be too much and his head hit the table with a loud thump as he passed out.
TBC