To Have and To Hold

Severus hid his smirk. He had an idea now. Had Potter not opened up to him, Severus would have been totally bewildered. He shuddered just thinking of what the Dark Lord could be planning.

Severus brought forth a visage of thought. "You are already aware of Black and Potter’s friends-"

"I mean of a romantic nature," the Dark Lord specified impatiently.

Severus mentally sighed. "Not that I know of, my lord. He-"

"There is someone," he insisted. "I know it. Find out who the boy is enamored of, Severus. Find out who it is."

"As you wish? Um. Bait, my lord?"

"Perhaps. Leave me."

Severus knew better than to push. "Yes, master." He bowed low and retreated.

Severus left the audience room muttering silently about obsessive lunatics.

Severus didn’t feel the need to point out to the irritating voice that he was not obsessed, he was attracted. And it didn’t matter because the feeling was mutual. He was pleased with his own skill of Occlumency, however, because he had once again kept the Dark Lord out of his mind. If he found out that Harry Potter was his – his…

Severus didn’t have the opportunity to consider a response as a figure fell into step beside him as he moved away from the castle. The height and build suggested the figure was Lucius Malfoy.

"Care for a drink, Severus?" It was Lucius.

"It’s late," Severus replied. "I need to return to Hogwarts."

"It isn’t very late." Malfoy took hold of his arm and brought them to a halt. "Come back to the Manor with me. Have a drink," he urged.

Severus looked into the eyes, the only feature visible through the mask and saw determination, hope and a flicker of desperation. Yet Lucius was nothing if not persuasive. He was also cunning enough to contrive any necessary reason to be alone with him.

Was Severus under suspicion again?

Resigned, Severus agreed and focused on Lucius as he apparated them both through the wards to Malfoy Manor.

*****

Severus relaxed into the leather sofa in Lucius’ study and took the snifter of brandy he was offered. Lucius took a deep drink of his glass and began to pace.

Something was very wrong. "What is the mater, Lucius?" Severus asked outright.

"The master is ready to initiate Draco."

"So soon?" This alarmed Severus. He didn’t want Draco a part of this monstrous cult, but he figured Lucius would be overjoyed by it. Lucius looked far from pleased.

"Yes. He thinks that having Draco as a Death Eater, he may have a better chance at capturing Potter." The sneer was present as Lucius growled the intent.

Which of course was absurd. "But they despise each other," Severus said simply. "You know that."

"Of course, I know that," Lucius snapped. "But the Master’s perceptions and sentiments are distorted and illogical when it comes to Potter. He seems to think Draco may have more of an opportunity to get close enough to him, to mislead him."

Potter fortunately was too smart for that.

"And what do you think?" Severus ask/P> /P>

"I think it’s ridiculous," Lucius agreed. "If Potter were that stupid or that gullible he’d be dead by now."

"But?" Severus prompted, having heard one.

"But the master insists that Draco could," Lucius grimaced, "seduce him."

That got Severus’ attention. Draco? Seduce Harry? It would never happen but the thought of Draco trying, touching his Harry…

Severus controlled his thoughts and schooled his features. "It is well-known that your son is a sexual predator. He can, and does, shag anyone at school." Severus dared to tease. "You should be proud. He’s even surpassed your exploits."

Lucius couldn’t help his smirk but Severus had thprespression there was more. He was right.

"I want my son safe, Severus," he stated emphatically. "My fate is tied to the Dark Lord. Narcissa doesn’t see how maniacally obsessed the master’s become with Potter since the Ministry." Lucius took another long swallow of his drink. "I will accept defeat with our Lord, but I’ll do everything in my power to keep my Dragon out of this war, which I’ve begun to question."

Severus blinked. He’d outright declared that he questioned the Dark Lord’s goals.

"Why are you telling me this, Lucius?"

"Severus, we used to be friends," Lucius said, turning back to face him. "We were close. You are Draco’s godfather."

"You know I would do-"

"I know, Severus," Lucius interrupted with a sigh, "but I want you to tell Dumbledore that I will do all I can to keep Draco safe."

Severus stood up. Lucius was considering treason to the Dark Lord? "I beg your pardon."

"The manor is safe, Severus," Lucius snapped impatiently. "Let us talk plainly. I know the Dark Lord thinks you are a double agent and I have, on more than one occasion, assured him of your loyalty."

"You have?"

"Oh yes. But I know you, Severus, and I know that you favor the side of light, a kno know several reasons why."

Now Severus was suspicious. "Do you? How?"

"I don’t wish to argue point, but let us just say that Draco is as fine a spy as you are."

"It doesn’t matter," he spoke with finality. "What matters is Draco. I don’t want the master to get his hands on him. Understand?"

"Yes Lucius, I understand." So it’s to be blackmail. Help Lucius or die when Lucius tells the Dark Lord of Severus’ true allegiance.

"This is not a threat, Severus," Lucius assured him. "It’s an old friend asking for help for his son. A son who is still naïve in many ways, and yes, spoiled even, but his son nevertheless."

Severus studied Lucius intently. There didn’t appear toany any subterfuge in his expression. "I see."

"So will you help me, Severus?" Lucius implored.

Sev nod nodded. "Yes, Lucius. I will help you."

**********

By Care of Magical Creatures the next afternoon, Harry was near frantic. He hadn’t seen Severus at all the entire day. He didn’t show up at breakfast or lunch and Harry was almost ready to storm the dungeons.

Both Ron and Hermione reassured him again that Snape was probably fine because his classes weren’t cancelled and the Slytherins were all acting normal. This eased most of Harry’s fears but he knew he wouldn’t be convinced that everything was fine until Severus was sucking on his neck again.

That thought also brought on Harry’s resolve that he was going to have sex with the man that night even if he had to do the seducing himself. He wasn’t sure what that was going to entail, but he knew he would figure something out. He knew Severus wanted him and Harry figured it couldn’t be too hard to entice him into bed.

Yes, his nerves were definitely shot and just the state of events in the world demanded that Harry latch onto these new feelings he had been assailed with and explore them to their fullest. The slow progression would be fine for ordinary people but neither one of them were ordinary and Harry knew he was ready to share the experience with Severus.

The sheer horror he had felt at seeing that empty seat at the head table that morning was telling. He definitely needed more from Severus, and he wanted it now.

Whatever the relationship was, it needed to move forward.

***************

As soon as Severus closed the door and turned around, his arms were filled with one very enthusiastic Harry Potter.

Between kisses, he heard, "Are you alright?" and "I was so worried when you weren’t at any of the meals." And finally, "I’ll kill him, I swear it."

"Potter," Severus finally got a word in edgewise. He held him away by the shoulders. "I’m fine."

Intense green eyes studied his face as if looking for signs that he was not ‘fine.’

A tentative hand reached up and brushed a strand of hair out of Severus’ eyes. Severus searched Harry’s expression and found the mask shattered, leaving open concern and a surprising fear.

Wow.

"I’m fine," Severupeatpeated, stressing it with kiss.

When he lifted his head and looked again, the face was better prepared, but Harry’s bottom lip was pulled between his teeth.

"Sorry," Harry mumbled and he glanced away.

"As honored as I am to have the famous Harry Potter concerned over my well being, we have work to do."

Green eyes snapped back to meet and and y loy looked ready to either shy away or explode. Severus’ smird wod wonders to prevent either occurrence.

A grin appeared on his lips. "Honored, are we?" he quipped. "Professor Snape, I’m shocked."

Severus lifted a brow. "Don’t be shocked, Mr. Potter," he responded. "Be afraid." He pulled Harry close again and kissed him forcefully. "Be very afraid."

"Yes, sir."

Severus nearly groaned at the deceivingly innocent reply, which was accompanied by a knowing smile. Just where was the brat learning these techniques? He held him away again and put some distance between them, reminding himself that they had work to do.

Right, work first, ravish later.

Severus put Potter through a series of defensive tests, which Severus was pleased to see, Harry did well with. The repertoire of protection and counter spellster ter knew wasse tse to that of a junior Auror.

They worked on refining a few of them, paying particular attention to some of the nastier ones that a Death Eater might use. While they had worked a lot on Harry’s reflexes last year, to keep him from being surprised by anything, they needed to increase the power and difficulty of the hexes now that Severus knew that Potter was capable.

"So, are you going to tell me what happened?" Harry asked as they moved back into Severus’ private study.

"No," Severus replied simply.

"No?" Harry turned back to him. "What do you mean, ‘no,?"

Severus smirked. "No means-"

"Spare me the sarcasm," Potter retorted.

"Dumbledore doesn’t think-"

"Dumbledore?" Harry said his anger growing. "Dumbledore only tells me things when someone dies," he added harshly.

Severus flinched.

"I’d rather skip that part if you don’t mind," Harry said.

He has a rather valid point.

"I thought you were one of the people on my side. Who thought I should know what was going on. Not always be kept in the dark."

Fire leapt into the green eyes in his anger, his emotions taking full control of his expression. He used to yell at the boy for wearing his heart on his sleeve, but now he preferred to see the brat lit up with passion. His mask still had its uses but it made Severus smile that Harry dropped it so readily in his presence.

"What are you smiling at?" Potter demanded.

"I was just admiring the emotion on your face without the mask," Severus replied matter of factly.

Harry flinched. "You don’t like my Harry Potter mask?" he said sarcastically. "It comes with five standard expressions: basic anger, vague interest, deplorable cheerfulness, humble shyness and rapt curiosity, which doubles as innocent confusion."

Severus bit his lip to keep in his snort. "Very well rounded," he managed. "And no, I do not like it used in my presence."

Potter smiled. "You should-" He cut himself off and glared. "Very unfair," he snapped. "Stop trying to change the subject."

He catches on fast.

"Very well," said Severus with a sigh. He leaned against his desk. "The Dark Lord is aware that you have romantic feelings for someone."

Harry’s jaw dropped open. "How can he know that? It’s impossible. He has not been inside my head since, well since that night in the lab. He can’t know."

Severus absorbed the information silently. "Per he he could just read your emotions and just feels a marked difference," he suggested rationally. "Is that possible?"

"I don’t think so," Potter said after a moments thought. "I mean it’s not impossible but it’s unlikely. We’ve both been able to block that out."

"It is possible that he has inside information," Severus told him.

"What? Who? Wait, you don’t think it’s Malfoy do you?"

Severus stared hard at him. His face showed open curiosity although no contempt.

"All right, Potter," said Severus. "But what I am about to tell you does not leave this room. And that includes your fellow Gryffindor secret-keepers."

"All right."

Severus explained it all to him. He listened diligently through it, showing surprise only when Severus told him about Lucius wanting to protect Draco. Then he burst out laughing.

Severus crossed his arms and waited while the mirth ran it’s course.

"I’m sorry," he sputtered. "It’s just so ridiculous. Vold-the Dark Lord thinks Draco Malfoy could seduce me? That’s just so, so – well, absurd. We can’t stand each other."

Severus scowled. For some reason, he expected more of a reaction about Lucius, as a father, protecting his son from Potter. But maybe that part hadn’t sunk in.

"Oh maybe we could use it," Potter went on. "Yeah." He seemed excited now, like he had come up with a plan. "It would be the perfect cover up. I pretend to be seeing Malfoy while we-"

Severus’ scowl was getting worse.

"What? It would give me an additional reason for being in the dungeons. Plus in the end, I can always say that it was protecting Malfoy. He’d be doing Vold – I mean the Dark Lord’s biding so he couldn’t punish him or his father. And Dumbledore could tell me enough stuff to feed Draco to tell Lucius to tell Voldemort. Everyone is covered."

"Do you realize that the more people involved in a lie such as that, the more things can go wrong?"

Harry frowned thoughtfully. "I guess."

"In addition," Severus stepped in front of Harry. "In the scenario you are suggesting, you would have to act as a couple. Do you think you are that good of an actor, Mr. Potter?"

Harry blinked.

Severus leaned close to him. "Could you do that? Pretend that you don’t hate him? Tolerate his constant company?" That made Harry flinch. "Hold hands in the hallways?" Severus lifted his face, his fingers splayed over his cheek. "Allom tom to kiss you?"

"I wouldn’t like it, but-"

Severus shook his head. "No, Mr. Potter," Severus murmured against his lips. "That is unacceptable."

Most assuredly unacceptable.

Severus lowered his head, crushing Harry’s mouth. Holding Harry firmly, his possessive kiss demonstrated just how unacceptable Severus found the i

"Well, it was just a thought," Harry said after a shuddering breath.

Severus smirked. "Let me do the thinking, Potter," he said and lowered his mouth again.

His lips claimed Harry’s mouth possessively and their tongues danced. Severus didn’t let up until Harry was clinging and panting.

"Could you maybe not call me Potter when you’re sucking my lungs out through my mouth?" Harry said breathlessly.

Severus smirked. "That can be arranged," he paused succinctly, "Brat."

Harry frowned but his eyes were alight with humor. "You’re such a bastard," he growled and attacked Severus’ lips again with his own.

Harry pressed bodybody tightly against Severus’ and both their erections strained towards each other between far too many layers of clothing. Harry’s fingers were working on the front of Severus robe.

Not here.

Harry must have had the samoughought because he turned his head to look around. Severus took the opportunity and latched onto his throat.

With a groan, Harry gasped, "Bed."

"Potter," Severus growled the warning. Must the young rush everything?

"Fine, the floor then."

Severus certainly had no intention to continue on the floor. With a sigh, he moved Harry backward through the study and into the bedroom, without taking his lips from the smooth skin of Harry’s throat. By the time the back of Harry’s legs hit the bed, he was making raspy sounds of need.

Leaning over him, Severus lowered him onto the mattress, tugging at Harry’s t-shirt. Harry eagerly pulled it over his head. Severus ran his hands over the smooth skin, finally naked beneath his fingers. His palms memorized the flesh over the flat stomach, back up the sides and finally circling around both pebbled nipples.

Harry moaned, tugging Severus robe off his shoulders. Severus shrugged quickly out of it and laid down over Harry, renewing his assault with his mouth. Licking his way back down Harry’s throat, Severus found a nipple and played with it with his tongue and teeth. As he sucked, Harry arched into him with a groan, his hand fisting in Severus’ hair.

Severus pushed himself up, leaning on his hands.

Harry opened his eyes. They were glazed and passion heavy. His hands moved to clench in Severus’ half-open shirt. "Oh God, Severus," he rasped. "I want you."

Severus had never heard such a beautiful phrase.

"I want you to be sure," Severus said, trembling with his own want.

Oh, by all that is magical, please be sure.

Harry licked his swollen lips. "I’m sure," he whispered. "Either one of us could be dead tomorrow. I don’t want to miss this. I want you. Please don’t stop."

Eloquent.

And sweet Merlin, so accurate.

"Please," Harry whispered again, imploringly. "We deserve this."

Those words wergic gic to Severus and he sat up and began helping Harry with the buttons on his shirt. When he peeled it off, Harry reached out and ran his fingers down Severus’ now naked chest. Severus sucked in his breath to regain control then seized Harry’s wrists, pinning them to the bed on either side of him.

"I want to touch you." It was a soft plea that almost worked.

"No. If you started touching me now, I might lose control. I won’t hurt you unnecessarily."

He was wavering as it was. The brat, his brat, reclined in his bed, shirtless and begging was quite enough to push even the most pious to acts ofndonndon. Quickly reaching to the bedside table, he retrieved a jar and placed it on thd ned nearby.

"But-"

Severus shut him up in the way that worked the best. The brat talked too much anyway. Whe mhe moved his mouth back down Harry’s throat to the smooth expanse of satin across his chest, Harry was too busy trying to remember how to breathe to argue. Severus latched onto a nipple as he shoved Harry’s pants down, finding Harry helpful as he toed off his shoes and kicked the rest of the way out of his jeans.

Severus continued kissing and licking down the flat stomach, pushing the simple cotton boxers out of his path. His mouth wove a path around the dripping erection, causing Harry to groan and writhe with impatience. Severus ignored it, continuing his exploration of the smooth skin of Harry’s inner thighs. He pushed the knees apart, gently trailing his hands up and down the insides of Harry’s legs.

The delicious sounds Harry was making drove him on and he scooped up some lube onto his fingers as his mouth returned to lick Harry’s balls. Slowly he dragged his mouth and tongue arryarry’s cock, moving his oiled fingers up and down the crack of his arse. The multipurpose oil was one of Severus’ concoctions and did more than lubricate.

"P-Please." He heard the appeal as Harry continued to thrust for more contact. Positioned now, Severus took the length into his mouth and pushed one finger into the tight hole.

Harry gasped and panted as Severus slowly stretched him. Distracting Harry with sucks and with his circling tongue on his cock, Severus eased the intrusion of his fingers.

Dipping his tongue into the slit, Severus tasted Harry’s anticipation.

"S-Sev-Severus, please."

Severus’ eyes darted to Harry’s face. The exquisite features were strained with a pleasured tortured expression; head tilted back, lips parted, throat exposed in all its bruised glory. Severus smiled around the cock then hummed.

Harry came hard and Severus swallowed every drop.

Severus didn’t remove his fingers as he kissed his way back up Harry’s heaving chest. He stopped to give more attention to his brat’s throat before returning to his mouth.

"You like?" Severus murmured, kissing him leisurely to allow Harry to taste himself in Severus’ kisses.

When he lifted his head, Potter looked totally debauched but puzzled.

"Why did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Make me come," he said. "You still have your pants on, for God’s sake. Don’t you want me?"

By Merlin, even you are not that insecure.

"Did you think I was finished?" Severus inquired, lifting a brow and turning his hand. Harry’s eyes widened as the three fingers within him stretched the ring of muscle again. Severus withdrew them and moved up to look down on Harry’s face. "Believe me, Mr. Potter, by the time I’m through with you, you will be well and truly ravished."

Harry smiled, lighting up with hope and wonder. "Promise?" Then a spark of mischief lit his expression. He stretched languidly. "Maybe I should take a nap first then."

The little tease.

Severus raised a brow and ran his fingers down Harry’s form, from sternum to crotch. He pressed gently on the skin behind his balls, and then circled them around the still moistened opening. Harry’s cock twitched and he gasped softly.

"Maybe not," he said then sat up. "But then I insist that you lose these," he announced, working again at the fastenings of Severus’ trousers.

"You insist?" Severus said with amusement as he watched Harry’s awkward fingers finally opening his pants. "Who do you think you are, giving orders in my bed?"

Harry freed Severus engorged cock, pushed the pants down as far as they would go and then gently wrapped his hand around the aching erection. He gazed up at Severus through his lashes and smiled.

"I’m the one who wants to feel this deep inside me," he said huskily.

Just who was seducing who here? At least Harry didn’t seem apprehensive or even shy about it.

Definitely not shy.

Severus was definitely looking forward to being buried to the hilt in the sweet young arse and hearing him beg again. But he was going to do it properly, unlike the first time Severus had been taken.

With a growl, Severus pushed him back down, shedding his remaining clothing at the same time. When he stretched out on top of Harry again, the skin on skin contact produced echoing groans. Severus covered Harry’s mouth again with own, rubbing their erections together and groping for the jar of lube.

Harry’s legs opened and Severus hips settled between them, the ache from his own desire growing to demanding proportions.

The kiss intensified as they ground their erections together, Harry clutching at his back.

"Oh God, Severus. Please. Now," Harry panted. His entire body was strung taunt with impending pleasure. Every muscle responded eagerly to Severus’ touch and every keening sound was music to Severus’ ears.

He was created for you. In every way.

"Don’t rush it," Severus implored, fighting his control again. The brat was going to kill him. Maybe-

"Now, damn it. I want you now."

Fuck.

Severus quickly covered his cock with lube and positioned himself. Leaning over Harry, he pulled his ankles up to his shoulders and slid slowly in.

"Relax," Severus urged as Harry started to clench up. "Let me in." Severus’ eye’s drifted closed as the muscles gave way and he sln win with aching slowness into the tight sheath.

So perfect.

Severus held completely still, savoring the feeling of being entrenched in the warm heat of Harry’s body. He breathed deeply then looked down and opened his eyes.

Harry was holding his breath, his body also frozen and his hands gripped tightly in the sheets.

"Are you all right?"

Harry nodded vigorously. "So good."

Severus pulled out half way then pushed in at a different angle, brushing over the sweet spot.

Harry sucked in a deep breath, crying out at the same time. He opened his eyes. "Can you do that again?" he said softly. Severus smiled and thrust in again. Harry groaned, throwing his head back in pleasure.

Severus leaned down and claimed Harry’s mouth again, moving in and out in rhythmic thrusts. Harry writhed against him, seeking friction. Severus eagerly complied, reaching between them to stroke Harry’s cock in harmony with his own thrusts.

"Sev’rus," Harry groaned, unconsciously biting at Severus’ lower lip. "I’m so close."

Severus increased his speed, pounding into Harry as he continued to pull at his brat’s cock insistently. Harry’s breathing became erratic, and Severus lifted his head and met the electrified green gaze. "Come for me, Harry."

Harry’s eyes closed and he cried out his pleasure. Severus felt the sheath clench around him as Harry came, spilling his seed between them.

Beautiful.

"Mine."

Severus thrust once more and came, lowering his mouth to devour Harry’s once a in in a climactic kiss. Harry returned the kiss ardently, his hands fisting in Severus’ hair as Severus rode out his orgasm.

When Severus was breathing normally again, he lifted his head and looked down at Harry. His eyes drifted open and there was a soft sated smile on his lips. Severus lowered Harry’s legs and gently pulled out, moving to Harry’s side to stretch out.

Harry extended his legs but didn’t move anymore than to turn his face toward Severus. He looked as boneless as Severus felt.

"That can’t actually get better, can it?" was his comment.

Severus snorted. "It can. Although not by much."<

"It didn’t even hurt."

Severus sighed, feeling pleased with himself. "You wouldn’t have even not if if it hurt," he retorted. "You were too bloody enthusiastic."

Harry grinned sleepily. "Well I’m glad I did something right."

"Brat," said Severus but he was entirely too mellow to put any venom in it.

"Can I top next time?"

Severus exhaled heav tig tightening his arms around his-

Lover.

"Impertinent brat," he corrected.

"Is that a yes?" Harry asked, laying his head on Severus’ shoulder.

"Go to sleep, Harry," Severus told him. "I’ll wake you when it’s time for you to leave."

"It was just a thought," Harry added softly as he drifted off to sleep.

Severus ran a hand over Harry’s head, soft hair fal thr through his fingers. "Anything you want, Harry," Severus whispered, dropping a kiss on his brow. "I’ll show you everything."