Where Others Fear to Tread

Chapter 46
Harry sat quietly on the couch watching the small muggle television Sirius had sent him for Christmas. Severus had absolutely thrown a fit at the contraption in his living room and had promptly banned it from working while he was in his chambers. Harry had complied with his lovers rules, knowing how much Severus liked his peace and quiet, not that Severus was in his rooms much anymore, with school having begun back. It had been strange sitting at the head table at the start of year feast, all the new and old faces present even if Harry’s own friends were no longer there. After the war the numbers of students had been severely cut down but the castle had still come alive again with the sounds of laughter and chatter. Albus too, it seemed was brighter with the students having returned and Harry considered things were slowly beginning to move on, in life after Voldemort.

Harry too was moving on, and with the arrival of his wizarding certificate of education, he was now no longer a student. The headmaster had been delighted to hear of Harry’s wish to become a teacher and had set about finding Harry a mentor from among the professors at Hogwarts. Minerva McGonagall had volunteered and Harry had jumped at the chance of having his old head of house as his tutor. With that sorted and the ministry having approved his petition to become a teacher, Harry was now set to begin his study as soon as the baby was born in May. He was pleased, and so apparently was Snape, who as usual was back to terrorising a new bunch of first years, and tormenting all those not of his Slytherin house.

“Bloody imbeciles, I swear on Merlin’s grave these students become more incompetent every year!” Harry startled as the door to the chambers swung open and Severus strode in angrily, his face like thunder and the remains of his billowing teaching robes still smouldering in patches. Harry hid his smirk behind his hand as Snape threw off the ruined robe in disgust and strode into the bedroom to retrieve another. From the smell of the burnt robes Harry assumed that the accident had resulted from a botched watering potion, which turned to acid if left too long to simmer. It had been a mistake he himself had made in first year and paid for with 30 points from Gryfindor and two weeks detention after the acid had burnt right through the bottom of the cauldron and desk top. It was one of his more spectacular mistakes in potions class. “One wonders if there is a brain cell between them at all sometimes, and then to drop it!” Severus strode back out of the bedroom a fresh teaching robe slung about his shoulders neatly. “What are you doing? I thought you were watching the Gryfindor Quidditch team try outs.” Still irate at his students Severus stopped briefly by the small kitchenette and poured himself a glass of juice, swallowing it in one go while he glanced at Harry sitting on the couch.

“I was but I got cold so I came in, it’s pouring with rain out there. I’m writing a letter to Ron and Hermione instead.” Putting aside his empty glass Snape approached Harry and glanced down at the half scrawled letter on the page in Harry’s lap, briefly reading the first few lines before Harry self-consciously covered it up with his hand. “If you don’t mind Severus.” Snape sniffed indignantly, not fussed by the fact Harry had chastised him.

“I’ve got sixth years now anyway, god knows if any of them have actually read the text book but perhaps I can still hope.” Snape rolled his eyes down at Harry who chuckled cheekily remembering all to well Snape’s positively distasteful irritation of his students.

“I’ll see you at dinner then?” Harry leaned up and drew Severus’ lips to his own, passionately kissing him before catching the man’s bottom lip between his teeth and nipping at it playfully as he pulled away. Harry smiled to himself as he watched Severus sigh heavily, his eyes opening slowly after the kiss had ended.

“Yes I’ll see you at dinner.” Severus reluctantly headed towards the door, leaving Harry smiling quietly to himself. He and Severus hadn’t had sex in weeks, what with the students returning to school and Harry being tired but Harry was getting edgy, and judging from that reaction so too was Severus. Just as Severus reached door and it swung open, Snape turned around as if an after thought. “The Slytherin prefect meeting is tonight after dinner.” Harry’s smile faded and the boy sighed heavily. Snape smiled at Harry apologetically before disappearing from the room, the sound of the class bell echoing down the corridor as the door shut closed again.

“Fuck.” Harry swore to himself and threw his pen across the room in anger. He wanted some time with Severus and he wanted it now! Retrieving his pen with a quick flick of his wand Harry turned back to his letter to Ron, and continued to write. If he got this done quickly he could spend the rest of the afternoon working out a way of getting some time alone with Snape.

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Harry was just waddling down the staircase from the owlery when he met Ginny Weasley and a few of her now seventh year friends in the corridor outside Professor Binn’s classroom.

“Harry!” Harry smiled widely and accepted the hug from his honorary ‘little sister’, blushing a little as she rubbed his swollen stomach. Ginny’s friends hung back a little giggling girlishly and blushing slightly in the presence of Harry Potter. Ginny however didn’t pay them any attention and linked her arm with Harry’s leading him towards what Harry assumed was the Gryfindor girl’s next class of the day. “I haven’t seen you all week, I was beginning to think you were avoiding me. Ron says to say Hi.” Harry nodded quietly comfortable in the presence of the young red head, despite the fact he could hear her friends whispering behind them.

“Well I haven’t exactly been in the position to be running about the school, and as Sev puts it I need to spend my confinement in solitude.” Ginny laughed and rolled her eyes as she continued to lead Harry in the opposite direction to which the boy needed to be going. Not that Harry minded, Ginny and Colin Creevy were about the only two students left in the school who Harry was even remotely friendly with.

“Confinement? You’re only having a baby Harry, you haven’t got some hideous disease. Although mum reckons it’s catching. She’s hoping the time you spent with us at Christmas has rubbed off on Charlie and Suzette.” It was Harry’s turn to laugh, as he remembered having spent Christmas listening to Mrs Weasley’s hints to her son’s about giving her grandchildren to look after.

“What class do you have now?” Harry inquired, changing to subject as he heard a few whispered comments behind him about how stunned they were that their potions professor was married.

“Oh defence. The new professors an absolute scream. Hasn’t a clue what he’s teaching us but it’s worth going just for a laugh.” Ginny smiled brightly as they drew up to the defence class door, most of the class were inside already.

“Can’t be any worse than Lockhart.” Ginny looked sceptically back at Harry who laughed out loud and shook his head in amassment. He’d met the new defence against the dark arts teacher briefly at the start of year feast and he’d seemed a quaint fellow by Harry’s standards. Severus had hated him instantly calling him an imbecile and a blithering idiot. Harry had liked him but it was clear he wouldn’t turn out to be the best defence teacher Hogwarts had ever seen, even if he lasted till the end of the year. “Go on, or you’ll be late.” Harry let go of Ginny’s arm, accepting the soft kiss on his cheek as she wandered past him into the classroom. Before Harry could turn to leave however, the podgy, red faced defence professor appeared spritely in the doorway.

“Mr Potter, we are honoured by your presence, please come and sit in on our little class. We’re discussing blood curses today, and the proper defences against it.” Harry hesitated on the threshold of the classroom, very much conscious of all the eyes in the room staring at him.

“Um, I shouldn’t really Sev forbid me to……” Harry rested his hand on his stomach remembering very clearly the warning Severus had given him about over taxing himself by using magic.

“Nonsense my lad, I won’t hear of it. We’ll keep you well out of the way of the practice but you’re expertise in the subject will be greatly appreciated in our class forum, now come along and have a seat.” Before Harry could protest again he’d already been hustled into the classroom and the door had shut behind him, leaving Harry with no excuse. With a sigh Harry sat down in the spare seat beside the Gryfindor girls, Ginny seemingly thrilled at having Harry in her class. Harry was in a different mind entirely and sat quietly observing proceedings, and adding his piece when called upon for the rest of the class period.

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“See I told you he’s a complete lunatic.” Ginny laughed as she led Harry away from the classroom, and through the bustling corridors towards the great hall. Harry was now in complete agreement having seen first hand Professor Wing’s teaching techniques.

“Completely.” Harry laughed back as they entered the busy hall. Harry smiled and followed Ginny to the Gryfindor table to say hello to Colin, but as Harry stood laughing with the group his gaze caught that of Severus who was sitting at the head table, staring at him with a look of thunder. “Oh shit.” Harry whispered midway through the conversation, drawing Ginny and Colin’s attention.

“What’s wrong?” Ginny inquired quickly worried Harry wasn’t feeling very well.

“He’s pissed.” Harry whispered gesturing with his head towards the staff table. Ginny bit her lip worriedly as she glanced at Snape, before turning back to Harry sympathetically.

“Isn’t he always pissed?” Ginny whispered making Harry roll his eyes and sigh.

“No, I’ll see you later.” Ginny nodded understandingly as Harry took a deep breath and headed for his seat beside Snape at the head table. Snape watched him the entire way and by the time Harry reached his seat, his head was practically buried in his chest with guilt. There was complete silence as Harry sat down awkwardly beside his mate, Snape predictably ignoring him. Dumbledore made the necessary notices of the evening before summoning the meal. When everyone was engrossed in their meals and their own private conversations, Snape finally broke the silence between them, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Rumour is that you’re paying visits to Professor Wing’s defence classes.” Harry swallowed his mouthful of chicken careful to wash it down with a little juice before replying to Snape’s comment.

“It wasn’t intentional, I tried to get out of it but he just…..” Harry was cut off by an irritated snap from Snape.

“Not hard enough obviously. I warned you to stay out of that man’s way, he’s a liability with a wand and completely unpredictable.” Harry wasn’t going to argue with Snape’s logic, especially having seen the defence Professor’s disaster riddled lesson.

“Sorry.” Harry whispered before turning back to his meal. Snape seemed to accept the apology but it was clear he was still mad at Harry. They ate in relative silence for the rest of dinner. When the meal came to an end Severus was the first up from the table and out of the entry door, sweeping off to his Slytherin prefect meeting. Harry sighed heavily and shoved the last mouthful of peaches and cream into his mouth. Harry had hoped for a little intimacy tonight with his lover, but after that little episode that was looking slim. With a resigned sigh Harry bid Albus, and Minerva goodnight and retired for the evening with a book about the history of hogwarts teachers, McGonagall had leant him for some background reading.

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“I’m surprised you’re still up.” Harry ignored Snape as he swept into the bedroom, his teaching robes being discarded as he went. Snape it seemed was oblivious by Harry’s lack of reply and continued to talk as he stood in front of the wardrobe slowly undressing. “Slytherin’s finalized their Quidditch team today. The new seeker is quite the expert, just moved here from America.” Harry continued to ignore Severus, despite the fact his eyes had begun to wander from the book over to where Severus was now standing naked in front of the wardrobe. “We might actually have a chance of winning the cup this year, with you out of the picture.” Harry bit his tongue tightly determined to continue ignoring Snape. Severus closed the wardrobe and moved over to the bathroom door his silk robe barely tied together around his body. Harry tried to keep his eyes on his book but his willpower was wavering. “I can’t say that Ginny Weasley’s up to much standard, we’ll wipe the floor with Gryfindor’s team this year.” Harry knew he was being baited but tried desperately to remain calm, as Severus washed his face and cleaned his teeth in the bathroom before returning to the bedroom. “Won’t it be wonderful to see the entire Quidditch pitch draped in Slytherin colours….”

“No it bloody won’t, Gryfindor’s got far better tactics than Slytherin is ever likely to have and Ginny Weasley is the best captain Gryfindor has ever seen.” Finally the pressure of listening to Snape gloat was too much and Harry broke the silence with a frustrated groan. Severus smiled in success of having broken Harry’s resolve as he climbed into bed beside Harry. “You’re a complete bastard.” Harry put aside his book and turned over onto his side facing away from Snape with a huff. Severus chuckled and settled himself down beside Harry.

“I’m sorry I snapped at you Harry but I really don’t want you anywhere near Professor Moron’s defence classes. He’s accident-prone and curses often go astray during student practicals. I don’t want you getting hurt.” Harry sighed and turned reluctantly over onto his back again to look up into Severus’ concerned gaze.

“Are you saying I can’t protect myself from a few stray curses.” Harry accused carefully, watching as Severus rolled his eyes and tutted irritably.

“No, you’re completely capable of protecting yourself from stray curses, but accidents happen Harry.” Harry nodded understandingly.

“Yeah I know, I just had no way out, plus I was a bit lonely actually.” Harry hated admitting he was lonely especially because he didn’t want it to look like he was missing Severus’ company.

“Lonely?” Severus inquired watching carefully as Harry nodded.

“Yeah sad isn’t it?” Harry blushed guiltily, as he fiddled with the edge of the cream bed cover.

“No, it’s perfectly understandable.” Severus reached forward and wrapped his arm around Harry’s shoulder, drawing the boy up against his body and into a warm hug. Harry smiled faintly and snuggled up closer against Severus’ smooth chest, his hand coming to rest on the man’s taunt stomach. “I’m sure once you begin studying and teaching, you’ll feel better but until then why don’t you spend some time at the burrow and with Black. I’m sure Molly would welcome the help around the house, and she’ll look after you. Also despite my better judgement your godfather needs some help getting Grimmauld place back into some semblance of order.”

“You’d let me go stay with them for a while?” Harry inquired a little stunned Severus had suggested a holiday.

“Of course, you’re not a prisoner Harry. I’m going to be pretty feral to live with for a while until I get back into the routine of teaching again, and you need to get out of here for a while, you’re looking quite pale.” Harry blushed a little as Severus ran his hand down Harry’s cheek his thumb lingering lightly over Harry’s lips. “Besides I’m only a floo away and you deserve to spend some time with your friends.”

“Thanks.” Harry whispered pressing a soft kiss to the thumb pad of Severus’ finger resting against his lips. Harry watched as Severus’ irises darkened a little in lust as Harry flicked out his tongue and ran it seductively over Severus’ finger.

“You better fire call the Burrow in the morning then.” Severus spoke, his voice a little hoarse as Harry sucked Severus’ finger deep into his mouth. Harry didn’t answer and Severus merely stared as his finger disappeared into Harry’s mouth once more before finally Harry let the finger go from his lips with an audible pop. Licking his moist lips Harry looked up at Severus from beneath the fan of his lashes.

“Yeah, tomorrow.” Harry whispered as he flicked his hand at the candles in the room, plunging the room into darkness just as his lips met Severus’ in a passionate kiss.

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

A/N Well I hope that answers a few questions, we have yet to catch up with Draco but believe me when I say it\'ll be a spectacular meeting....we\'ve also get some baby action going and I think I can squeeze in one more sex scene just for the \'smut\' fans... all in all we\'ve got four chapters to go, and an epilogue if I think it needs it. Hope you\'re not too disapointed it\'s ending, but lets face it I can\'t keep tying forever no matter how long your whips....*Drags ball and chain around the room, attached to the computer.*

Hope you liked the update, I\'m looking at having this project finished by the end of next week. Thanks for all the reviews, and welcome to all those new readers who have just joined us. When I do come to the end of this story I am willing to accept all offers of archiving, which can be emailed to me at my profile address.

Cheers
RIFFRAFF