Death Eater Takes a Holiday

Hi, Lee Lee here, *waves* I don't add notes too often, please read.


There is a picture you may have seen before called 'slow shag' by the talented undun.
It sends a shiver down to my toes.
I just had to write a scene for it. Hope you like it and tell me so. I'll forward all kind words to undun.


Thanks, Lee.


xikum pipes in: OMG! Yes!!!! Not only Hot!(NC-17) but actually high-quality artwork, of the adult persuasion. I only wish I had the talent to draw the human form that well. ;)


Chapter 59 Home


Harry hung up his suit like he'd promised Hermione he would do when he got home. Severus made a comment about what it would be like for Ron once those two were married.


"What do you think you're doing?" asked Severus accusingly, his lover grinning mischievously.


Harry snorted. "Sorry, but that one's worth saving. I want to look at it again later," chuckled Harry touching his head with his wand, pulling a memory and placing it in the mini travel Pensieve he referred to as a brain box.


"I hardly think it appropriate for you to use those for your personal amusement. Albus acquired them for the use of reporting your visions and nothing more," huffed Severus,


"Oh, hush. At least you were still Polyjuiced as Charlie," Harry tried consoling his lover.


"It was very liberating," admitted Severus. "I've used that potion many a time, but never in a situation where half the group knew my true identity."


The gathering at the Burrow was a long day, but went well. It was far easier for the Weasleys to relax around Severus while he looked liked a sibling. Severus, too, had relaxed more than usual. Since most of the guests who'd come to offer their condolences hadn't met the two eldest Weasley brothers, Severus didn't have to worry about trying to act like Charlie while looking like him.


It had been an interesting experience being introduced to people he'd been teaching only five months earlier, even a few who were still students. Some had begun friendly conversations with Severus, while many had stayed nearby their friends. One person in particular had caught Severus off guard. It was one of his seventh year Gryffindor students, a close friend of Ginny. He'd been particularly excited about meeting Charlie.

~Flashback~


Ginny had introduced them with pink cheeks and an apologetic expression.


"I'm so psyched to be meeting Charlie 'The quidditch legend' Weasley in person," the boy shook Severus' hand vigorously.


Severus smiled, knowing how horrified his admirer would be if he knew it was his Potions professor he was gushing over.


"Keeping on the broom? How often do you fly?"


"Not nearly as much," he answered vaguely, and suddenly remembered the exceptional broom maneuvers he and Harry performed together. "I try not to get too rusty," he added. Harry, who must have been reminded of the same memory, made a choked cough. Severus grinned evilly.


"Did you go to Ginny's game this weekend? She mentioned one of her brothers had been at Hogwarts for the game,"


"I was there, yes. It was an impressive game. I hear it was one of Ginny's better games, though I've not gotten to many of them," he said, taking Ginny by surprise.


"We've got great beaters this year, allowing the chasers good time to score without as much interference," the youth said excitedly, referring to Gryffindor, then paused, waiting for Charlie's assessment.


"Gryffindor kept the score in their favor, but it was Ravenclaw's pathetic attempt at the Wronski Feint that lost them the game." Severus' knowledgeable answer shocked a few listeners in the room. Harry hadn't realized his mouth was hanging open until he felt a finger beneath his chin, closing it. Harry shook his head to clear it.


"Charlie? Can I have a word with you? In private," he added. Harry pulled Severus around the corner to a little out of the way nook behind the stairs. Harry enjoyed the extra height he seemed to have, since Charlie was a few inches shorter then Sev. "When did you become so well versed in the world of quidditch?"


"I've attended the Slytherin games since before you were born. Did you not think I'd pick up a few things?"


"Odd I didn't notice before now how knowledgeable you were on the sport," said Harry offhandedly.


"Not very observant, are you?" Severus was about to comment on Harry's increased potions knowledge, but was distracted by a warm body pressed against his own.


"Hmm," Harry sighed against his neck. "Thank you," he murmured in between kisses up to Sev's chin. "You went to a lot of trouble being Charlie, and spending the day by my side today. I love you so much." Severus replied with a deep, passionate kiss. It had been a long, stressful day. Harry whimpered, happy to lose himself in the kiss. Severus leisurely tasted his lips, dipping his tongue in to languidly explore Harry's mouth.


"I'll just leave it back here," Molly said as she reached into the nook to store a broom. Her audible shock was almost laughable. She gasped with a choking sound like she'd just caught a snitch with her tonsils. "Excuse me, Harry... Severus?" she added the second name with a questioning tone, looking to them desperately for confirmation she'd not caught her son snogging Harry twice in one lifetime.


"Sorry," Harry pulled the corner of his lower lip in his teeth and ducked past her.


Severus remained. "I am not your son," he assured her. "Molly," Severus began again before she had a chance to deny her thoughts. "I wanted to express my appreciation for your graciously offering your home once again. I know it means a great deal to Harry to be a part of your family."


"Now I know you're not my son," she chortled. "It was very kind of you to say, Severus." Molly handed him a jug off the floor and stepped out from behind the stairs; Severus followed like a good son. "Charlie, be a dear and bring this to your father in the kitchen," she said, beaming.


"Yes, Mum," he said obediently, and wondered if she'd die of shock if he kissed her on the cheek as he'd seen the real Charlie do before leaving Order meetings. Realizing his thoughts, Severus scowled inwardly. He didn't know what was more appalling, the fact that he'd actually thought of kissing Molly for a joke, or how pleased he'd been pulling off the quidditch conversation earlier. Harry was certainly rubbing off on him. He took comfort in knowing that after he returned to Hogwarts, he could give out a few detentions and a pop quiz and be back to feeling like his old nasty self again.


"Dad," Severus handed over the jug with a smirk. Arthur did a double take before going back to his dessert.


"This is the best cheesecake I've ever had. I prefer blueberries on top, nevertheless, this is a treat." Arthur glanced around to be sure they were alone. "How are things with you and Harry?" he asked between bites.


"Getting back to normal," Severus said, releasing a sigh. Though he was used to spending time with Arthur and Molly in the Order, it was still a little odd to be at their home with no business to attend to.


"I think I surprised poor Severus, asking for the recipe," Molly said as she entered the room to put on tea. Severus had been expecting her to contact him with Charlie's answer regarding the day's arrangement, not to discuss recipes.


"But did he look surprised?"


"Just ignore Arthur. We recently discussed how well you maintain an unemotional expression on your face. Of course, you would have to, with the work that you do," she added, hoping he wouldn't be offended.


Severus scrutinized her for a moment, and then smirked. "What you mean is, the two of you debated over what it would take to make the git show emotion unintentionally?" Severus sipped his tea, and enjoyed watching Molly try not to reveal that was indeed how it went. "Was there a bet, too?" Severus asked into his teacup.


"Certainly not," Molly flustered.


"Five sickles," said Arthur simultaneously. Severus chuckled, and Arthur looked up from his dessert. Severus wondered if trying to shock him would become Arthur's new pastime. Perhaps if it actually happened, sooner than later, he'd forget all about it. Arthur was more entertaining when he wasn't trying to be.


"I didn't really have the time to try out a new recipe today. I do appreciate you bringing the cheesecake," said Molly, clearly changing the subject.


"It was my pleasure. I seldom have the occasion bake it for anyone, but that makes twice now, in one week."


Arthur hummed his approval around his fork. "If I'd have known you were such a good cook, and things were going to turn out the way they did, I'd have asked you to kill Dursley long ago," Arthur said offhandedly.


Though he would probably never know if it was expressed intentionally, Arthur would continue to rejoice in knowing he'd caused Severus to appear shocked, if only for a moment.

~ ~End of long flashback~ ~ ;)


Severus realized the two noteworthy moments of the day for them had both involved Molly and Arthur. "Merlin, it's true. I've got in-laws," groaned Severus.


"It could have been worse," Harry added comically. He didn't have to say 'James' aloud for Severus to know to whom he was referring. "OK. We're home, the sofa has all spells removed, and the Floo is closed." Harry declared happily. Severus' heart warmed when Harry included him with 'We're home'.


"We don't have to use a silencing charm, either," green eyes sparkled with mischief and enthusiasm.


"Shall I continue as Charlie for the night?" asked Severus, knowing the answer.


"Don't you dare," Harry growled seductively. "I've missed you," he purred, pulling Severus atop him.


"You had me all day," he said, perfectly aware of what Harry meant. "It's all the same in the dark," he teased.


"I did like feeling not so short," he referred to the fact that Charlie was shorter then Sev, making him seem taller by default.


"I'll get you a box to stand on," growled Severus.


"You were the one pointing out it was all the same in the dark," Harry enjoyed seeing him change his tune when it wasn't in his favor. "That's OK Sev, you keep the box. And you know it's not the same with the lights out. I missed feeling your nose against my face when we kissed."


"Now you're just being unkind. You don't see me pointing out your shortcomings." Severus raised said nose in the air. Harry knew he wasn't hurt, but would make it up to him regardless.


"When you press your lips to mine, your nose presses into my cheek. When you trail kisses along my neck, I feel it caress my sensitive skin," he accentuated his words by doing all he described. "See, I feel you shiver when I nuzzle my nose in your ear. Wouldn't I feel the same?" Still nuzzling, Harry pulled him close, whispering into his hair, "When I awake with a cry and you hold me close, I can hear you behind me, taking in my scent while your lips press comforting kisses to the top of my head."


Severus rolled them over and kissed him hard. His hair fell forward, creating a black curtain framing both their faces.


Harry held his lover's cheeks, catching is breath from the intense kiss. "I love you. I love the whole package, including your nose."


"You're just saying that so I'll make passionate love to you," purred Severus, nipping his earlobe.


"True," Harry thrust his hips up.


"Did you think flattery would get you somewhere?" he asked accusingly, with one brow raised.


Harry whimpered as Sev's mouth continued to trail lower, and lingered around the curve of his hip. "Yes," he hissed, though Severus didn't think Harry was answering the question. Panting, Harry lifted his head to see why the mouth had stopped moving, but he could feel teeth. The bastard was grinning.


"Please, Sev," he begged. "Would it help if I said the reason I love your nose is because it reminds me how big your cock is? ... Oh, God. Yes!" he yelped with a startled gasp.


Severus continued to grin, his teeth purposely scraping lightly as he took Harry into his mouth. Eventually, when Harry began to beg again, Severus turned him over to continue his ministrations.


Harry was happy to just lie on his bed and enjoy. Severus prepared him thoroughly, leisurely massaging Harry's firm cheeks with his free hand. It was not a rushed sexual frenzy like they'd recently had in the shower at Hogwarts. Normally, Harry would have been begging when Severus took his time, but sometimes slow was good.


Harry whimpered, feeling Severus fill him so completely. He was content to lie there letting Sev do all the work, but only for a little while. Soon, he pushed away the pillow beneath his hips, and with Sev's assistance he was on his hands and knees. Harry liked to help set the pace, rocking along in synch with him. He felt Sev's hot breath on his back, softly whispering words of promise and love.


They made love at a leisurely pace. Harry managed to actually hear Sev's words and not just the mesmerizing voice that insinuated itself deep into his core. Severus knew his young lover's body well, knew just the right angle to make Harry shiver and cause him to curl his toes. Harry's hand reached up blindly behind his head to touch his lover, to feel the longer black hair between his fingers. Words that had been on the tip of his tongue were lost along with all conscious thought when Severus wrapped a steady hand around Harry's stiff shaft. His fingers clenched the sheet beneath him as Severus brought him nearer to completion. Not until the last several strokes did they urgently increase the pace, brining their slow shag to a satisfying finish.


http://undun.arithmancy.net/imagery/slowshag.html

~*\~/*~

Severus awoke when his wand began to vibrate beneath his pillow. Harry groaned and rolled over, and wrapped his leg over Sev's. Severus leaned over and kissed him before he untangled himself.


"Leaving?" asked a sleepy voice. "Good night, love."


"Good morning," Severus nuzzled his neck. "I'll see you tonight?"


"Hmm? Oh, yeah, full moon. See you 'nite," mumbled Harry. Severus smiled, amused by his sleepy lover. Looking out the window he could see it was beginning to get a little light. That tranquil time just before the sun rises. The quiet ended with a snort, or possibly a snore from Harry before he rolled over, grabbed Sev's pillow, and settled in again. Severus shook his head, smiling again. Those insufferable brats had better learn a great deal, since they were the reason he was made to leave Harry's warm bed to return to Hogwarts.


Severus Apparated to the gate at Hogwarts, and as he began to walk, pondered Albus' reaction if he were to call in 'horny'. 'Sorry Albus, I can't come to work today. It can't be helped; Harry is lying there so very seductively. It was all I could do to tear my eyes off of him just to make this call. No, I'm afraid this afternoon is out of the question too, since I've taken a vitality potion and plan on pounding him for hours.' He snorted, laughing at his own joke when abruptly, a distinct 'Pop' was heard. Someone else had Apparated to the gate just moments after Severus.


In a second, he'd darted into the shadows, trying to get a look at who was coming up behind him. Severus cringed when a mouse squeaked and scurried out from its bed where he'd stepped. The approaching footsteps stilled. Knowing it could be anything from an attack to simply a student having snuck out, he did the only safe thing he could do.


"Stupefy." He heard a crash in the bushes as he quickly ducked in anticipation.


"Stupefy."


He heard the same spell repeated shortly after his. If it had been an attack, they wouldn't have used that spell.


"Severus, it's me, Remus," called a gravelly voice. Severus wasn't sure if the wolf's voice sounded like that due to the upcoming full moon, or perhaps over use.


"What the Hell are you doing Lupin, trying to get yourself killed?" he settled for berating the wizard instead of pondering the question of Remus being a screamer in bed.


"Mine wasn't the only Stupefy that missed its mark," Remus said in defense. He was glad Snape had yet to comment about where he'd been. "I needed to speak with you anyway, Severus. Mr. Flynn came to see me earlier today, and had some very interesting things to say."


"What gave you the impression I would care what that wretched boy had to say?" asked Severus snidely.


"I suppose you may not care but..." Remus' spoke casually, not allowing Severus to ruffle his feathers, "as per his demands, if I don't give him highest marks, he will tell our little secret." Remus winked to annoy him.


"What are you going on about, Lupin?"


"He's blackmailing me. Technically us, since he's convinced you're the one I'm shagging." Remus smiled. Severus hadn't shown any reaction, but his silence spoke volumes. "He came to me asking some general questions about Lycanthropy. I may have said a few things that could be misconstrued, though I think he'd already made his assumptions."


"Dare I ask?"


"Mostly general questions, one in particular regarding the wolf instincts and how much they affect me throughout the lunar cycle. His words were careful, but it was clear he was asking about sexual urges and how much control I had over them, or not. I assured him I was in complete control of all aspects as a Lycanthrope and was no threat to the student population."


"Indeed," Snape deadpanned. "While it may be perfectly obvious to the general public that you've rediscovered the joys of sex..." his voice dripping with sarcasm. "How, pray tell, did he get the impression that I would be intimate with the likes of you?"


"You wound me, Severus," Remus' comment equally sarcastic. "Flynn asked what it was you got in return for making the Wolfsbane potion for me. He was sure you wouldn't do such a thing without getting some sort of benefit. He also noted you aren't as grouchy on the morning after the full moon."


Severus had to admit that waking up with Harry's mouth around his cock did seem to put him in a good mood. But did taking a few less points in one class, one day a month, mean he was shagging a werewolf?


"Flynn recalls one morning in particular when we arrived at breakfast together. He said you were looking very smug and had washed your hair in the short time since he'd seen you earlier in your office."


"You and I don't walk in together..." he began, but realized they were doing just that. "The morning Albus had me retrieve you from the Ministry. We came in at the end of breakfast." He remembered.


"Was there a potion accident? Why else would you shower after..." he paused, remembering Harry had been at breakfast that morning. Severus' smug expression confirmed it. "What do we do about Flynn?" Remus wanted to claw that smug look off Snape's face.


"I'll speak with him. It may be wise to let him think he's figured us out."


"Are you suggesting I allow him to blackmail me? Why would I want him to think I would be intimate with the likes of you?" Remus used Snape's own words, grinning.


"If we don't deny it, Flynn will have no need to look for any further clues. But if he feels the need to prove his theory, he may try to follow you the next time you decide to have a sandwich," commented Severus, referring Remus' threesome with Will and Basil. "I don't want him or anyone else looking too deeply into my private life. I will not risk Harry's safety if I can help it," he said seriously.


______________

Fred and George, the entrepreneurs of the Weasley family, stood over a large cauldron, stirring up another batch of Canary Creams.


"We've spent a long time thinking up new products while Harry's place was unavailable, but sometimes it's the classics that keep you in business," remarked Fred.


"FORGE!" roared Harry. Hedwig took flight, escaping the kitchen and her annoyed owner. As she flew, a flurry of yellow feathers followed in her wake. Flinching, the twins tried to feign innocence, but didn't manage it as well as they had in the past. In fact, Harry thought they looked oddly nervous. "I have to meet Kieran in fifteen minutes for training," growled Harry. He knew they were doing something different from their usual training. He had been warned not to be late, and he still had an errand to run. "Pluck, if you don't mind!" Harry turned around abruptly, so they could help remove any stray feathers stuck in his hair and clothes.


"Just two more," George said in a calming tone, picking downy fluff from his hair. "Alright there, Harry? You don't usually get yer knickers in a twist over a prank." George thought it was a real disappointment Harry wasn't in the room with them when he'd turned into a canary.


Harry sighed, shaking out his head. "My mind is on the training. It feels like it's been forever since I had a decent training session. That, and Dudley said something that got Albus started on a new mystery," Harry didn't want to say more on the 'healing' subject until he knew what it was they were dealing with. He knew he was out of sorts, but the twins also seemed to be a little off.


"You know we would never do something to put you in danger, right?" said Fred sincerely.


"Not on purpose, anyway," added George thinking about the many cauldron explosions.


"Of course. We're not family," laughed Harry. They had once joked about how the Weasleys had been like family to him, but in a good way. "Even better than family," he added, knowing the twins siblings had often taken the brunt of their experimentation. Still... he eyed the twins with a tilt of his head. "What's up?" he asked cautiously.


"Nothing," they chorused. "We appreciate the use of the 'lab' here," added George.


Harry left through the back door with a chuckle, realizing Severus must have threatened them again. Why else would the twins act so strangely? He stepped into the antique shop downstairs to pay his landlord a quick visit, along with the rent. Mr. Jennings gave him an update on his niece Gwen and then started nattering on about an antique he'd acquired. Harry was trying to politely say he was late for a meeting when a large barn owl flew in through the transom over the door.


"Looks like you have some mail. I'll just go while you take care of business," Harry edged nearer the door. Having learned his lesson the hard way several times, he would not be late for Kieran if he could help it.


"Looks like she's looking for you, Mr. Potter," smiled Mr. Jennings, watching the owl circle the shop and land on a high-back chair next to Harry. "Don't keep her waiting; those talons aren't doing the leather on the chair any good."


Harry took the letter cautiously, but didn't open it right away. He could sense magic coursing through it, but the magical signature was vaguely familiar.


"Something wrong?" asked Jennings, peering over a logbook. Harry shook his head. The magical signature was not quite Ron's, but different, Ginny's maybe. The twins each had their own magical signature, but occasionally when they performed magic simultaneously it was hard to tell them from another Weasley.


Harry quickly excused himself, leaving the antique shop. If it was a prank, he didn't want to open it inside the store. Mr. Jennings was already giving him a hard time about having to clean extra dust off the furniture after a few explosions that had been felt below, even through the protections on his upstairs flat. It seemed the wards that encompassed his flat kept everything contained, but a big enough blast would shake the building enough to cause bits of plaster to rain from the ceiling all over the fine furniture and glassware below.


He still hadn't deciphered whether the letter was from the twins or not. It felt familiar, showed no sign of dark magic, and was most likely safe to open. Ready to shield himself from whatever magic he could feel flowing through the parchment, Harry readied himself for a possible prank. With a crack, the wax seal was broken.


Everything went black.


~*~*~


...ate." Harry showed no signs of waking when he came to. Thinking he heard the last syllable of 'enervate' he thought it might be pointless to act like he was still out.


"He's up." A pointed boot pushed his head aside, making Harry painfully aware of a recent head injury or an excruciating headache; he wasn't clear which. "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" a man's boot connected with Harry's ribs.


Harry said nothing. He raised his head just enough to see around the small room, but not his captor's face. A thousand thoughts ran through his mind. Was the letter a Portkey? Was it from a Weasley? He'd been hoping the wizard would morph into Kieran, but an hour had come and gone, eliminating the possibility of Polyjuice. A second wizard entered, gestured for the other to move aside, and raised Harry's head up by his hair.


The wizard dropped Harry's head back down again as he spoke. "I expect you to be cooperative, Potter!"


"How, by dying?" Harry's snarky tone lost something when his head hit the stone. The headache was agonizing, but not in one place like an injury; instead, it had an odd quality, making him think it was magically induced.


"Your attitude will change very soon," the strange wizard warned. Harry didn't recognize either of his captors. He'd seen a third figure walk by the doorway, but he could only make out the shape of a Death Eater robe. Harry was left on the floor for another hour with only one wizard watching from the door. He got a better look at his face, but didn't recognize him. He could sense some minor concealing charms, but that didn't help his situation.


When the second wizard returned, he asked several questions about Dumbledore's group. When Harry remained quiet, the interrogation was intensified with various forms of torture. Harry wondered if the man was muggle born, as he seemed to enjoy beating him up more than the magical forms of punishment. When it was clear Harry wouldn't tell them much more then the name of the Order, they stopped asking questions. The beating continued until they were disappointed with his reaction to physical abuse. The standard punishments using magic were far more satisfying as far as Harry's reaction was concerned, but he still hadn't answered any questions. Harry wasn't even sure he understood all of what they were asking, or if he was simply there for entertainment value until they found a better use for him.


He came to once again with the help of an ice-cold bucket of water. Harry gasped to catch his breath. The water was so cold it caused his chest to constrict.


"You could have delayed your death by answering a few questions. Bring in the potion!" he called out the last part. "My Lord is ready to see you now."


A tall, masked wizard entered, carrying a steaming potion vial. "Be quick about it. He will not be kept waiting," the wizard scowled before leaving Harry alone with the tall one.


With a flash of a wand the door was closed and locked, and a silencing spell cast. Harry's eyes widened when the mask came off. Severus' face looked pale and anxious.


"You bastard!" Harry shouted, and spat in his face. "How dare you live under Albus' protection all these years?! Fucking Death Eater!" he shouted, and took a swing at him. The punch landed squarely to blacken his eye nicely. Harry didn't like the anxious look on the man's face. It either wasn't his Sev, or they were being watched, testing if he was the spy. Harry winced as a runnel of blood spilled from a split over the cheekbone near the blackened eye, but knew it was better safe then sorry.


"Very nice!" came an exuberant voice from behind him. Harry looked to see where the voice came from, and the walls dissolved. Kieran strode over with a huge grin. "Ah, get over it John," Kieran said to the whimpering 'Snape' who was on the floor holding a hand over his black eye.


Harry pressed himself against the wall behind him only to find that it, too, had dissolved. He stumbled and he toppled over. Kieran held out a hand, helping Harry up. Harry looked around, dumfounded, his heart still racing. "Merlin, I'm glad that's over," he held his hand over his ribs.


"You did good, Fawkes! Did you know it was us? Ya weren't sure, were 'ya?" he asked with a laugh. Harry shook his head.


"I wasn't sure. I thought so at first, but then I - I wasn't sure," he stammered, with a wince.


I'll fix you right up," Kieran promised. Harry wasn't even sure when the others had left, just that only he and his trainer remained. He happily sat down while Kieran serenely held his hands over Harry. "They really did a number on you," he said with a shake of his head. "A lot of people have trouble getting through this test," he explained. Kieran transfigured the chair into a table for Harry to lie down on while he healed the young wizard's injuries. Harry saw him wince once or twice, and wondered if that meant he'd been more injured then expected. "Stay here for a minute, Fawkes," he said gently.


Harry watched him start a fire in a grate. He heard Kieran singing his praises. He hadn't given any details, only that Harry had come through with flying colors.


"You're done," he proclaimed. "I'm going to catch up with you in awhile for that meeting Albus wants us to have. Snape's pretty anxious to see you. Couldn't tell him ahead of time what we'd do to 'ya. He only knew the test was today. Albus figures you're exhausted, and suggests you use the stone to get to his office." Harry nodded. "What stone was Albus talking about?" Kieran asked curiously.


"This one," Harry said with a smile, pulling a tissue from his pocket. The stone fell from the tissue into his hand and Harry was gone.


The trip was much longer than the time he traveled with Nott from the team showers to the safe room in Albus' tower. He'd been impressed with himself for staying standing when he landed, but then remembered the spell on the room guaranteed you to be in the same position as when you left, in case of injury. He could feel his heart beating against his chest, and could hear it loud in his ears along with his breathing, which still hadn't leveled out. Only five or six minutes earlier he was hurt all over, punching a stranger that looked like his lover. He hadn't been positive, but either way he wasn't going to blow Sev's cover as a spy.


"Harry?" Severus said softly, not wanting to startle him. He wasn't sure how long Harry was going to stand there, seemingly lost in thought. He knew Harry would have been healed, but that didn't stop him from wanting to run his hands all over his lover's body checking for injuries. "I hear it went well," he added when Harry just stared at him, his eyes scanning over every inch of him as if he wanted to make sure it was really Sev. Harry finally nodded.


"Yes, it went well," he answered proudly. "I can't tell you how glad I am that's over," he felt so relieved. He began to settle, his heart no longer pounding in his ears. Severus was just about to suggest they go talk to Albus before returning to his room for dinner when he was almost barreled over by Harry wrapping his arms around him tightly.


Severus was still in his teaching robes as he'd had a full day of classes. Harry could care less. The smell of potions ingredients only served as a comfort, confirming this was his Sev. Long, strong arms wrapped around him, holding him close. "I'm home." 'I'mhomeI'mhomeI'mhomeI'mhome' continued racing through his mind.


"You're home," Severus murmured into his hair, feeling Harry wrap his arms tighter. He was trembling. Severus wanted to hold him for the rest of his life. Harry stirred, holding his head up for a better look. Severus gazed down at him curiously when Harry tenderly ran a hand over his left eye. A gentle finger slid along his brow tentatively, before pressing his palm on his high cheekbone, confirming it was somebody else's eye he had blackened.


"Not you," Harry said with a contented sigh of relief, once again pressing his cheek against Sev's chest.


"Come, you can eat a bit and get some rest before the meeting," Sev placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. He'd meant it to be comforting, but Harry had tensed and flinched away from the touch. "Donnelley, you Bastard," growled Severus under his breath. "He promised they wouldn't use me to hurt you," he was seething.


"Donnelley?" Harry looked confused.


"Kieran's surname," hissed Severus.


"You, I mean he, the guy that looked like you didn't hurt me." Harry stammered to interrupt his tirade. "It's just that I was cut there for so long," he looked to his shoulder where the clothes were slashed, but the shoulder was healed perfectly. "I'm still trying to get my bearings and I was expecting that to hurt," Harry explained. The adrenalin rush had passed, and he looked like he was about to drop; yet his fervent hold on Severus hadn't let up.


Severus had lead others in similar tests, but had always sent those being assessed off while their adrenalin was still running high, to get them home or someplace safe before they crashed. He had never given much thought to what it would be like on the other end. Kieran had made it clear that Harry had done well, and held up fine. No less than he'd expected.


Harry was mature beyond his years. It was a maturity to which he had become accustomed, and occasionally took for granted. Yet, there were times, however few, that it was painfully obvious to him how very young Harry really was. He held on tight, trying to squeeze the tremors out of his Harry.


"I regret that you must endure events like this," Severus sighed into his hair.


"It's what we've been training for, to make sure I'm ready," Harry said with no regret, and snuggled closer. "Hmm, you always make me feel safe," he mumbled into Sev's robe. Now that he'd calmed down substantially, he wished Severus had thought to perform a cleaning spell in his clothes after class.


"You're too young for all of this," Sev said with a sigh. "Kids your age usually think themselves invincible and don't worry about such things."


"Only I'm not a kid, and when you talk like this I get nervous you're going tell me you don't want to be dating a child," Harry said quietly, and Severus noticed the trembling hadn't completely stopped. As resilient as Harry had appeared earlier, he was still clearly shaken.


"No, you're not a kid. I may regret that you didn't have a chance at a normal childhood, but that doesn't mean I wish for you to be different. Also, I'm far too selfish to ever let you go," Severus held him possessively.


"Even when I'm acting like an insecure prat?" asked Harry coyly.


"It is an honor that you feel safe enough with me and our relationship to be so open with your feelings. I know that I seldom show a vulnerable side of myself; that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Don't let my hang-ups about expressing myself make you think it's wrong to exhibit your own feelings, or to allow me to comfort you.


"You can, you know, express yourself, I mean. Maybe not today," Harry said ruefully, but smiled. "You don't always have to be the strong one," he said. He hoped one day Severus would allow him to be there for him emotionally, and not only when he awoke from a bad dream. He wasn't expecting that to happen any time soon.


~*~*~


Harry awoke in Sev's arms, an empty tray of food nearby. Severus told him Kieran was to meet them in the Infirmary with Madam Pomfrey. Since dinner in the Great Hall was over, there would be students roaming about. Harry walked with Albus, knowing Severus would take a different route and meet them there. They agreed the information should be kept quiet. For now, only Poppy, Kieran, Albus and Severus would know what was going on. Harry had to laugh to himself. He wished he knew what it was he wasn't telling anyone.


As they neared the Infirmary, Albus waved his hand. The doors opened for them.


"Show off," Harry whispered with a wink. Madam Pomfrey led them to a private room. Severus had already arrived and was speaking with someone. A man in white robes similar to those he saw the staff at St. Mungo's wear, but who didn't have the sterile, stringent look about him like the doctors he'd seen. "Who's that?" Harry stopped at the doorway, further observing the stranger. He felt Albus' hand on his shoulder, urging him into the room.


"Alright, Fawkes? I was just tellin' Snape about your test today," Kieran said before turning to Albus and Poppy with a respectful bow. Harry couldn't believe it was the same wizard he'd been training with all that time. He'd really cleaned up for this meeting. Kieran's hair wasn't so wiry, and not only was he clean, fingernails included, but his three-day-old beard was gone, too. He looked almost angelic. Almost.


"Do I know you?" Harry asked comically.


Before a witty retort could be made, Poppy gave Harry a gown and led him to a bed where he was to lie down after he changed. Harry raised a brow, asking if it was really necessary for him to wear a long silk robe that looked like a woman's negligee. What was going on, anyway? This was definitely not typical hospital garb.


"This will not be a superficial scan for bumps and bruises. Other fabrics would impede my work. Many Healers would insist you be completely free of barriers. I, however, can do without seeing your scrawny arse," Kieran whispered the last line with a smile, redirecting Harry to the slinky gown.


"Wouldn't be the first time you got me into a dress now, would it?" muttered Harry.


Kieran snorted and winked, remembering Harry in Jo's dress when they went out for his birthday.


"You know you won't get your wings with this attitude," Harry ducked into the loo to change before he got hexed for the angel comment. Standing in front of the mirror, Harry smoothed his hands over the white silk. "I look like a bride on her wedding night," he said, not caring if they heard him. He had to admit it felt good against his skin, and made a mental note to buy a few pairs of silk boxers.


Albus chuckled when the door to the loo flew open and Harry pranced out singing 'I feel pretty'.


"Now we know which one is the girl in the relationship," muttered Kieran, knowing better but wanting to antagonize his friend. He hadn't realized Poppy didn't know about them being a couple, but the jab of Snape's wand in the small of his back confirmed he had better not continue on that topic.


Kieran, once again serious, stepped up to the bed and placed his hands above Harry's head and abdomen. His breathing remained even as he moved his hands along. Harry could see the hands weren't touching, but he could feel warmth and the tingle of energy flow between them.


"You're not a Healer," Kieran said simply. He shook off the excess energy from his hands as if he were shaking water off after washing up. "Harry, when I do this, I can sense old injuries. It's like searching out scar tissue. If you were a true Healer, there would be no scarring. With your permission, I'd like to get a closer look at a few things," Kieran spoke professionally, surprising Harry.


"Closer how?" he asked nervously.


"Nothing painful. It just means that I'll be placing my hands on you instead of above you. Don't worry, you get to keep the dress on," Kieran added with a wink.


Serious again, he held his palms up and took a deep cleansing breath before placing his hands over Harry once more. He moved his hands over Harry's abdomen slowly, and paused before gently laying his hands on the silken barrier.


Feeling a hand on his side, Harry thought Kieran might have found where Dudley claimed he'd broken a rib. The exam continued similarly for quite some time. When Harry was asked to roll over, he felt fingers prodding, and assumed Kieran was looking for the tell-tail 'garden tool' scar he knew was on Harry's back.


Harry hadn't realized he'd fallen asleep until he heard Poppy tell him he could get dressed and head up to Albus' office to hear what Kieran had found.


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Kim~Calanor * Mel * Kim * Gina * Chyna * Gem * Mavencree * Pombagira * Maggie * emmaedwards * Bella The Dark * rhiandra * Sorry if I missed anyone.


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Here is the link again for 'Slow Shag' (yum)

http://undun.arithmancy.net/imagery/slowshag.html