Saving the World is Really Annoying

Disclaimer: See first chapter.

Chapter Four Enter the Potions Master


Severus Snape the most hated potions professor in Hogwarts long history, sat in his office reading the drivel that his students seemed to think passed for essays. He wondered not for the first time what had provoked him to return to this drudgery. It might have something to do with not having anything better to do, he reminded himself. He wouldn’t admit even to himself that the alternative was to be entirely alone. At least here he could have verbal battles with Minerva about who would win the infernal house cup, and torture wayward Gryffindors. Hearing a knock he sighed and called for visitor to enter.

He nodded his head in recognition to his ex-student, as Blaise strode into the room. He couldn’t say he knew the man well, but he had developed some respect for him during the war. He had approved of the changes he had seen in Harry as the two had become friends. The true story of the boy who lived had come out in bits and pieces over the years, and Severus had been bitterly regretful over the way he had treated his dead rivals son. His own childhood had been difficult and his misguided belief that the golden boy would be a spoiled brat like his father, had blinded him. Now he found it easy to admit that he actually admired Harry Potter’s strong will and his uncanny ability to remain a kind and decent person no matter what happened to him.

He grimaced a bit at the memory of finding the boy after he had been captured by death eaters. Voldemort was already dead, but a group of the ever faithful, had managed to corner Harry in Diagon Alley. He didn’t know the details, but Harry was missing for four days before he showed up bloody and near death outside number twelve. Snape, himself, was the one to carry the unconscious and unresponsive body into the house screaming for someone to get Poppy. He had been raped, beaten, and subjected to a large number of dark curses. It took several days just to stabilize him. He wouldn’t talk about what had happened and when asked how he got away he had simply stated that they had underestimated him. Severus had watched him carefully after that, worried that the boy would become depressed or suicidal. He had been shocked at how quickly he seemed to get over it. It wasn’t long before he could even joke about his time as a Death Eater sex slave.

“Mr. Zabini. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

Blaise smiled lightly at the reminder of the frightening potion master and the head of Slytherin. “I just wanted to talk about Draco. What do you think about his recent marriage?”

Severus Snape,being the Slytherin that he was, wondered what angle Zabini was going for. “I try not to think about it.”

“He is your godson. I just thought you might have some insight into why he petitioned for the hand of his arch rival.”

“I would think that you would find it obvious. His family will greatly benefit from the arrangement. Being part of the treaty that brought us all peace, would I am sure bring him and his family satisfaction.”

“Ah. So he doesn’t have any interest in Harry personally?”

“While this conversation is incredibly stimulating, why don’t you get to the point?”

Blaise smirked. “Professor, I do believe that your inner Gryffindor is showing.” Deciding that it was probably in his best interests not to let the man reply he chose to be blunt. “I want Harry to be happy. I think that this marriage might provide what he needs, but I need to know what Draco is looking for. If he is only interested in the social ramifications and maybe a little recreational sex, he needs to leave Harry alone.”

Raising an eyebrow, he contemplated the man in front of him. “Could that be a bit of jealousy, rearing it’s ugly head?” He was slightly started at the laughter that followed his question.

“I would have been disappointed in you, if you hadn’t caught on to my feelings for Harry, but I can assure you that I have a genuine interest in his happiness. I have come to terms with the fact that I cannot provide what he needs. Out of curiosity, why didn’t you petition?”

The change in conversation threw Snape a bit. “Why on earth would I have done that?”

“I don’t know, but I do know he would have selected you, if you had.”

“What?” This conversation was quickly getting out of control, and Severus could feel the pressure of a migraine developing. “I really don’t know what you are after, Zabini, but you are treading on very thin ice. Lying to me, certainly, isn’t going to help.”

“It is the truth. He said that you would have understood, the polite but distant concept that he was going for.”

Severus found that he needed to sit down. He knew why Zabini had come to him, and he knew what he wanted. After everything that Harry had been through, no one deserved happiness more, and he was hiding himself to avoid being hurt. He was finally free to find happiness and between this forced marriage and his own fear, he was going to alone, or worse have more of himself stripped away by a husband that only wanted to play with him. “What do you need from me?”

Blaise smiled in relief and began the long, detailed, and thoroughly embarrassing discussion of Harry’s needs.


Harry was responding ardently to the kiss before his mind caught on to what was happening. He couldn’t help but explore that sweet mouth, running his tongue along the other man’s teeth and the so soft lips. He pulled Draco closer and deepened the kiss while running his hands through glorious pale strands of hair. He reveled in the feeling of Draco’s body molded so completely to his own. A harsh cough made him jerk back only to realize that they were standing in the middle of a muggle zoo, and were receiving several harsh glares. Clearing his throat, he took Draco’s hand and walked to the nearest exit.

Draco walked next to Harry all the way to an apparition point in silence. Leery of saying anything that might cause his hand to be dropped. He was hopeful that the amazing kiss they had just shared would be the beginning of something much more. His hopes were dashed when Harry turned to address him and released his hand.

“Draco, I ...look, we will have to live in the same house and spend time together for the rest of our lives. We shouldn’t become lovers, it will make things very difficult when we break up. I mean it would be a little rough to be married to your ex right? Let’s just pretend that didn’t happen, and go back to working on a friendship, okay?” He looked at the other man hopeful that he wouldn’t make this difficult.

The last thing that Draco wanted was to forget their kiss. He suspected that he would think about it constantly until he got what he wanted, but he knew that arguing about it would only prove that it would be a bad idea. He smiled weakly, and nodded. He was hurt that Harry didn’t want to pursue a relationship with him, but he knew that, just as he didn’t really know Harry very well, Harry didn’t know him either. He would just have to show him that it didn’t have to end.

Harry smiled warmly at Draco’s calm acceptance. He was relieved, but somehow a little disappointed that it had been so easy to convince the other man. They apparated to the Manor to be told by an house elf that the older Malfoy’s were entertaining a guest in the drawing room and they should join them there. Harry waved Draco ahead. “I need to change, I will meet you there.” Harry really just needed a few minutes to himself. He recriminated himself while he changed his clothes. He was appalled at his reaction to Draco’s kiss. They had been having a good time, and he really liked the man. It was hard to reconcile this Draco, with the idiot that he went to school with, or even the jerk that had called him a half blood his first evening here. Maybe he suffered from a split personality or something. Feeling like he had stalled as long as he reasonable could, he went to join the others.

Harry was a little startled to see Snape when he entered the drawing room. He barely managed to prevent himself from smiling when the man looked at him and sneered.

“Potter. I see that you have somehow managed to maintain your status as the boy who lived.”

“Snape. I have indeed, and you have managed to walk in sunlight and not burst into flames. Quite impressive.”

Severus’ lip twitched a bit before he managed to deepen his scowl to cover it. He really had missed the brat. He caught Lucius’ smirk out of the corner of his eye, but chose to ignore it. “Draco tells us that you dared to take him into London. How many muggles did you have to obliviate?”

Harry laughed at the question and the disgruntled look on Draco’s face. “Only a few. He did quite well in fact.” He smiled at his husband as he moved to sit next to Snape on the couch. He nodded at Lucius and Narcissa. “How is everyone at Hogwarts?”

“Good. Minerva is still mourning the Gryffindor loss to Slytherin.” He smirked at the pained look Harry gave him. “Bill Weasley is teaching a class on Egyptian Runes this year. He asked me to their party this week-end. Will I have to suffer your presence if I attend?”

Harry grinned. “Yes, but I would be more worried about the twins. They have been salivating over some new invention, and I am sure that they would love to test it on the greasy git. What better opportunity than if you attend a celebration on their turf.”

Draco had watched the interaction in confusion. He thought that they hated each other. Their bickering seemed more friendly than anything else. Harry shouldn’t have sat next to Snape when there was room next to Draco. He felt left out again and it irked him. “What prey tell, could those poor muggle lovers have to celebrate?”

Shocked silence followed that statement. Everyone, except for Harry looked extremely uncomfortable. Harry smiled coldly at Draco. “Nothing that you would understand, Draco.” He stood and addressed Snape. “Will you be staying for dinner?”

“I have been invited, yes.”

“Good. I will see everyone at Dinner. Lucius, you don’t mind if I go for a ride do you?”

“Of course not. Jason should be available to help you.”

“Thank you.”

Once Harry left, three angry faces turned to Draco.

A/N Thank you so much for the response:
Star55, Thank you so much for your continued support. vibora, thank you for taking the time to review. Sheree, you are right, but Harry doesn’t trust Draco yet. Ladynight, I am glad you are still enjoying it. Amessis, thank you for the review. fallangelsquill, I am sending the e-mail right after I post this. Anon, I was so surprised when I went to that movie. I thought it might be cute, but it was brilliant. I loved when Dwayne pulled out his pad. It was always a kick what he would choose to write. Heidi, You are the best little lurker. :) I am fascinated by Parseltongue concept. I couldn’t resist Harry showing off a bit. Vittani, I am glad you enjoyed it. :) rebel_mistress, thank you so much for the review. I love it when people tell me what worked and what didn’t. LoveGD, Thank you for the review. I will check out your fic when I finish this.