Pledges

Part 31

They stood in silence outside of the Headmaster's office.

Harry looked at him, "You probably shouldn't wait around here for Sirius to come out."

He nodded dumbly, at a loss for words.

Married?

His life was spiraling out of control.

Harry spoke again. "We should probably...uh... talk about this, but..."

"You can't be seen following me back to the Dungeons." He thought for a few moments. "As we
said earlier, tonight. Try not to be followed."

"I'll wear the my cloak."

He nodded, "Don't bother knocking."

"Ok."

They stared at each other awkwardly.

Harry's eyes darted around the room. He seemed to make a decision of some sort because those
green eyes settled back on him.

Quickly, Harry darted forward and kissed him soundly before pulling away and walking down the
hallway.

Oh, this was going to be interesting.

In an act of self-preservation, he too walked away from the door and down to the dungeons.
_________

Harry returned to his common room only to be faced with nearly a dozen curious stares.

Ah. The hospital must have just let more people out today.

Ok, it wasn't a dozen. It was seven and out of those seven there were only two he really needed
to worry about.

Though he didn't want to worry about any of them. He wanted to go back to bed and forget
about things for a little while. Then, maybe try to understand the implications of everything
without an audience.

"Hello Harry." Fred? No George.

"Where've you been?" George? No, Fred.

Oh, his head was already beginning to spin.

"Headmaster's office." Well, the truth was better than nothing.

"Why?" This from Lavender who had that gleam in her eye again.

"Fudge wanted to talk to me." He looked her in the eye. "Apparently there are some vicious
rumors going around."

She had the grace to blush.

"I thought you were my friends. I can't believe you would DO something like that. Risk a
Professor's JOB for a crude, malicious joke."

"His job?" Parvati had the look of someone who hadn't thought that far ahead.

"Yes!" He answered vehemently. "His job. That rumor is the type of thing that gets teachers fired
and students EXPELLED."

Lavender looked appalled. About damn time. "Harry, you didn't-"

"No." He interrupted. "I didn't. Very nearly did, though. Seems Fudge got a number of Owls
from very irate parents." He noticed it was getting easier to stay mad. Maybe he had it coming.
"Oh, and Professor Snape still has his job, not that any of you care." Where had that bit of anger
come from?

"If you would just tell us what happened..." Parvati began.

He shook his head. "Since when is m life an open book? Don't I get some privacy? Why do I have
to report to you," he waved his arms around to indicate the whole of Gryffindor, "about my
PRIVATE affairs. No, that does not mean the rumor is true." He quelled the questioning looks. "I
have appointments with the Headmaster, appointments with Madame Pomfrey and even
appointments with Professor Snape. Not that its any of your business."

"You have to admit that it looked-"

"I don't CARE what it looked like! It was none of your GODDAMNED business. If you were
really that worried you should have gone to a teacher, like our head of house. I don't see how any
sort of rational thought process could have led you to the conclusion that spreading a rumor was
the best way to go."

It felt ridiculously good to let that out. To let something out. Catharsis, thy name is anger.

He really had been spending too much time with Snape.

"Harry, why do you have all those appointments?" It was Dean who asked this time.

"What part of, none of your business, do you not understand? All you need to know is that the
Headmaster found nothing wrong. Because there was NOTHING TO FIND!"

Oh. Skirting the edge on that one.

Silence reigned for a few moments, then Ron spoke up for the first time. "Harry, Hermione, lets
go up stairs."

He gave one last glare to everyone in the room and then nodded.

Once up stairs and behind closed doors, Harry collapsed onto his bed, hands covering his face.

"You ok, Harry?" Ron asked.

"I don't know, ask me again in six months."

"Harry?" He opened his eyes. Hermione was looking at him curiously. "What really happened in
Dumbledore's office?"

"What didn't?" Oooh. MORE Sarcasm.

"Harry?" Ron again. They really must practice this in their off time. It was getting scary.

"I know, I know. I just. Lots of things ok. Give me a minute."

They nodded in unison. He shivered a bit. Very scary.

A few deep breaths. " I'm..." It wouldn't come out. Another deep breath. "I'm... I'm getting..."
Don't hyperventilate. "I'm getting married."

Synchronized eye blinks greeted that statement. He wished they'd stop that.

"I'm not kidding."

"You're getting married." Ron looked... confused.

"Yes."

"Why?" Hermione had the same look of determination she got when she was studying. He
preferred it when they were reading each other's minds.

"Fudge is making us." It disturbed him that, that was the most normal answer of the bunch.

"Making you?" Ron at least wasn't exploding... yet.

"He said, he didn't care how many loop holes we'd managed to create, he won't have a student
and teacher... carrying on." He shrugged. "So he wants us to create one more."

"The Prat is probably enjoying putting you through hell." Ron decided.

Dryly. "You couldn't tell from the color his face turned during the conversation."

"So when's the big day?" Hermione asked.

"According to Fudge, as soon as- wait. You're being very... accepting. Both of you." He eyed
them suspiciously.

They both blushed furiously.

Oh. Not a good sign.

They remained obstinately silent. He was getting a VERY bad feeling.

"Well?" He prompted feeling for all the world like a scowling school teacher. Bad habits definitely
rub off.

"Erm." Hermione began very articulately. "We.. Er.. Well, that is... Last night... we were
talking..."

"You were talking... and?"

Ron spoke up. "I was trying to understand... You know. What you're going through..."

"Uh huh..." He urged them on. Oh this could be very interesting.

"See... the thing is," Ron started again, "it wasn't just us talking. We were visiting Draco."

Draco?

"We've been friends this year." Hermione answered his unspoken question. "He's been helping
Ron in transfiguration and I was paired with him for my Arithmancy project..."

"Uh huh... Go on."

Ron picked up the train again. "I know he's... you know... kind of like you, I guess... So I talked
to him about it."

"Ron!" Couldn't ANYONE keep a secret.

Ron shook his head violently. "Nothing specific. He's not going to spread rumors anymore. He
didn't even try to guess who. Though he probably knew."

"Uh huh." This was getting better and better.

Ron went on. "An hour or so into it... he offered to... kiss me..."

"Uh huh..."

"And I accepted..."

"Uh huh..." He looked over at Hermione who was slightly flushed. The glazed look was back in
her eyes.

Blink.

His eyes narrowed. "You were there for this weren't you." He accused.

She let out a big breath. "Oooh yeah."

He looked at her, thoughtfully. "So that explains this morning... what I whispered... wasn't just
the big words was it?"

She nodded her head.

Interesting. "So why is that making you more.. Agreeable today?"

They both blushed scarlet. It was nice being on the other side of this conversation.

Ron mumbled something.

"What?"

He repeated it. "Didn't stop with kissing."

Blink. Well.

He resisted the urge to laugh out loud. "Ok then, where does your newfound tolerance fit in?"

Ron shrugged. "I just... I understand circumstances overwhelming you, that's all. Plus, I'm finally
able to admit to myself that Snape has great hands."

Understatement of the bloody year.

Part 32

Despite the sheer ridiculousness of the situation, Harry couldn't help but wonder what had
happened between their awkward conversation where Ron was worried he wanted to kiss him and
today's sentiments of understanding.

"Ron. You're my best friend, so I don't want you to take this the wrong way but..."

"What, Harry?" Ron looked anxious.

"You..." he began, "you hypocritical, sexual deviant you!" Despite the accusation and some
feelings of hurt, he couldn't repress the smile on his face.

"Hey!" Ron could do indignant with the best of them. "Speaking of hypocrites."

He shook his head. "Sorry, its just... Is it me or does the irony in this place seem to have its own
personality?"

Dryly Hermione answered him. "Its not just you."

"I feel like a horrible friend." He felt dejected. What happened to knowing everything about each
other.

A coed eed expression crossed Ron's face. "Why?"

He shrugged. "I had no idea that was anywhere near happening."

Ron snorted. "You weren't the only one."

Harry continued. "I knew Draco wasn't that obnoxious little boy from first year, or even third
year, but I didn't know you were friends." He didn't know they talked outside of class. He didn't
know they talked inside of class.

Hermione spoke up. "The time we spend with him is time that you're not around." She shrugged.
"You're not in advanced Arithmancy with me and why would you be anywhere near Ron's
tutoring sessions?"

He continued on. "You'd think I would have noticed, though. I mean. I know you guys talk about
him. I feel like I haven't been paying attention."

Hermione offered a comforting hand, he again noted that the touch felt uncomfortable, but he
didn't shrug it off. "You're a busy person and you have a lot of things to worry about. I'm not
upset."

"Neither am I." Ron added.

"You should be." He contradicted.

"Ok." Hermione agreed. "Maybe we should be, maybe we are, give my body a few more hours to
recover from last night and I might have the energy to get upset."

"RECOVER?!"

Ron blushed again. "Long night." Was all he offered.

"Yes," eyes narrowed, "speaking of that night. I think I deserve some details."

Ron looked at him like he was nuts. Hermione, on the other hand... Hermione just gave him a
knowing smile.

"Ok Harry," she said, "you can have details."

So, she began.
_________

Hermione was sitting in the common room reading the book that Dumbledore had given her when
a disruptive rocking of the couch she was sitting on brought her out of her fog. She looked up to
see Ron grinning innocently from the other cushion.

She gave him a disinterested stare. "Can I help you, Ron?"

"Come with me." He smiled again.

She knew this was going to be a bad idea. "Why?"

"Because."

"That's a very compelling reason. Let me stop everything I'm doing and follow you on your
whim."

"I knew you'd see it my way."

She sighed, a little melodramatically, but a girl deserved one of those now and then. "Why am I
following you Ron?"

Ron's face sobered for a minute. "I want to go visit Draco."

Worried now. "I thought he wasn't in the hospital wing."

Ron shook his head. "He's not. I... I heard a rumor."

"A rumor?"

"I overheard two professors talking. They say... they say he killed his own father."

"Overheard?" She knew him better than that.

He flushed. "Ok, eavesdropped. Anyway, I have bottle of something special and I thought we
could go share it with him."

Teasing. "Something special?"

His eyes narrowed. "You know what I mean."

She smiled at him. "Ok. Lets go."

"That easy?"

"I doubt our prime wanderer of the Slytherin hallways is out tonight."

Ron blink and shuddered a bit. "Right. Thank you for reminding me."

She shook her head. "Grow up, Ron."
_________

They hesitantly knocked on the portrait in front of them. After a few tense moments it opened to
reveal a tired, disheveled Draco Malfoy.

"Weasley, Granger." He greeted them.

"Cut the last name stuff, will you." Ron showed off his prize. "We come bearing gifts. Let's take
advantage of the fact that you're Head boy and get pissed in privacy, eh?"

Draco looked at them carefully for a moment before nodding sharply and walking away from the
open doorway.

As close to an invitation as they were going to get, apparently.

They entered and the portrait closed behind them. Draco had already gotten out three glasses.

"You have the strangest things in this place."

"I do?"

"Tumblers?"

"Family heirloo-" The voice wavered, "heirlooms. They were a birthday gift."

Without a word, Ron poured them each a glass. He raised one and waited for the others to do the
same. "A toast then. To-"

"Finally getting my way." Draco interrupted.

She and Ron both looked at him for a moment.

He looked right back and asked. "What? I'm not allowed to have layers?"

Deadpan. Draco's most formidable weapon.

"Layers, yes." Hermione answered. "Hints of a nervous breakdown? No."

Draco smirked. "Why not, I think I deserve some inappropriate humor right about now."

Hermione raised her glass again, "Let the inappropriate humor out after a few belts, for now, let's
drink to, endings."

Draco gave her a calculating stare before nodding, "To endings."

They threw their heads back in unison.

They also coughed in unison.

Draco looked at Ron in disgust. "Where did you get this swill?"

Ron quirked his head. "The twins."

Draco shrugged. "Another?"

Why not?
_________

The bottle was nearly empty. They were sprawled, in varying degrees, all over the couch.

"You know," Ron began, "I'm very relaxed."

Draco snorted a bit. "I'm glad this made you feel better."

Hermione looked concerned. "You mean it didn't make you feel better."

Draco shrugged. "A bit. But..."

"But what?" Ron asked.

"I could really go for a good shag."

Ron looked at Draco strangely. "Got anyone in mind?"

Draco let his head fall back and roll listlessly. "I don't know. Hmmm No one specific. But I think.
A guy. Definitely a guy."

Ron narrowed his eyes a bit. "Could you explain that?"

"Explain what?"

"The guy thing."

"Why?" Draco leered. "You interested?"

Ron whapped him on the shoulder. "Don't be a git."

"I'm not being a git, I'm propositioning you. There's a difference."

Hermione watched the conversation with interest. It was starting to look interesting. She was
suddenly very happy she was a quiet drunk.

Ron shook his head. "Stop that. Really. A friend of mine just, I think anyway, the conversation
was very confusing, decided he likes blokes."

Draco leveled a calculating stare at both of them.

Even drunk, she noted, he qui quick.

But Draco didn't say anything other than, "You don't just *decide* you like blokes."

"Then what do you do?"

Draco paused, obviously trying to find the right word. "You... realize it."

"How?"

She made a note to remember how nosy Ron got when he was drunk.

Well. Nosier.

Draco eyes unfocused for a moment. Then he shook his head and those eyes clearly stated that he
had come to a decision.

Uh oh.

"There are lots of ways." Draco started. "An ill timed erection. Strange dreams. Lusty thoughts."
Clear blue eyes looked through shuttered eyelashes. A deeper, huskier voice continued. "Someone
throwing you against a wall and shoving their tongue down your throat."
She shivered. Just a bit.

"What's it like?" Another question from Ron.

"Kissing?" Draco again paused to search for the right words. "Same as with a girl, just different
things to hold onto."

Ron sat up a bit straighter. "Liar."

Draco somehow managed to swagger while sitting down. "I'll prove it."

She leaned a bit. In the name of science, of course.

"Prove it?" Ron was starting to lose his cool.

"Let me kiss you." Draco's offer was met with silence. He persisted. "Come on. It won't do
anything more than prove that kissing is nothing more than two sets of lips mashed together."

Right. That's all it would be. "Go on, Ron. Let the little ferret," Draco pinched her leg for that,
but she ignored him, "have his way with you. It'll help you understand."

Ron stared at her for a moment and then sighed. "Fine. Kiss me."

Yes. Kiss him.

Draco slowly moved from his position in the corner and slid down to the floor where Ron was
leaning on the couch.

Ron's eyes had gone wide.

Draco threw a leg over Ron and settled comfortably on his lap.

"Hey!" Ron protested. "I thought this was just a kiss."

"It is." Draco threaded fingers into bright read hair. "But I wouldn't feel right if I didn't do this
properly." He leaned in.

Oh wow. That. Was. Hot.

Draco obviously knew what he was doing. Ron's hands weretchitching at slim shoulders.

Not pushing away. Clutching desperately.

Draco tilted his head slightly and sucked in a lush bottom lip.

Ron gasped.

She watched Draco expertly delve his tongue in.

And out.

And in.

And out.

Well, if it felt like this just watching.

The kiss was coming to an end. Draco was slowly pulling away, sucking on that lower lip for as
long as possible.

She watched them stare at each other for several seconds before making a decision. She drained
what was left in her glass and slid to the floor to join them.

With more dexterity than she ever thought possible she snaked into the nonexistent space between
the two boys and claimed Ron's mouth for herself.

She could feel Ron's surprise but he didn't hold out for long. Soon she was crushed against him
involved in a dizzying kiss.

She felt another body mold itself to her from behind. Careful lips sucked behind her ear.

A warm flush spread through her entire body.

An especially strong suck, followed by a nip turned the warmth into a low, aching throb.

Arms from behind snaked past her and gathered both her and Ron into a tight embrace.

They finally ended their kiss. Ron looked dazed. She was panting like a race horse.

A husky voice came from Draco, "Leave now if this isn't what you want." She got the feeling that
he wasn't talking to her.

Ron had a strangely intense look on his face. "Bloody hell." He whispered and reached for the
remained liquor. After downing it in one gulp he said, "Why not. I can think of worse ways to
spend an evening."

Draco's arm snaked up to Ron's head and pulled him forward into another deep kiss. Then
whispered, "This is equal opportunity, Ron."

Ron nodded and slowly, tentatively ran a hand down the strong back.

She arched her back, letting them know that she was still there. Draco obligingly caresser an
aching breast.

"Oh." Her voice was a breathy moan.

Lips found their wa her hers again and caught them in another embrace.

Buttons were beginning to open. Shirts slide off.

The first press of skin to skin was extraordin-
_________

"STOP!" Harry sounded desperate. "I get the picture." In color. With sound. And special affects.

He checked the time. Hours to go before he could go back to the dungeons.

He looked at his friends. "He's that good a friend?"

Ron and Hermione shared a look. "Yes." They answered at the same time.

Spooky.

Part 33

Severus Snape was once again debating the merits of getting drunk. The bottle in front of him
offered respite, but at what cost?

With a sigh he put the bottle back in its place and went to get some tea. Harry would undoubtedly
be showing up and it might be a more intelligent idea to be sober this time around.

Though, not the more appealing one.

There was a knock at his door. Obviously not Harry, as the boy seemed to have appropriated his
rooms for his own.

He debated not answering. That lasted as long as it took for the Headmaster to poke his head in.

Damn the man!

It was one thing to know that his wards were a joke to him, it was another to have it thrown in his
face at every opportunity.

"Albus," he scowled, "you have the manners of a first year."

A congenial smile. "Thank you, Severus."

"Fuck you, Albus."

Shaking his head. "Under other circumstances... I'm I'm afraid your card is undeniably full."
Albus came to stand directly before him. "I trust you don't use that language around the children.
Otherwise I might not be so forgiving."

There was an idea. "Maybe I should. Then I wouldn't have to have this sham of a marriage."

Scruffy eyebrows lifted. "Sham, Severus?"

That's right you old coot. Sham. "Why are you here?"

Albus looked at him calmly. "I've made some arrangements that I thought I would inform you of.
They do, after all, involve you."

"Oh yes, god forbid I know what's going to happen to me *before* the fact."

"Now Severus..."

"Just tell me." Tell him so he can go back to his misery in peace.

"First, Lucius. Have you written to him yet?"

Had he? It was less writing and more blood letting. "Yes, I wrote to him. I need only wait for his
owl to return, the day after tomorrow, to send it. Assuming he receives it and has taken leave of
all of his senses, he will walk through the main gate, the morning after."

Albus nodded. "I have arranged for several Aurors as well as some of the faculty to be here for
the meeting."

"So it will be party, then."

The all too familiar sound of tsking was reaching his ears.

Ah Albus' disapproval. Whatever would he do?

He supposed it would matter more, if cared at the moment. A thought suddenly occurred to him.

Why not?

"Albus, I think, perhaps Draco should be allowed to watch. I do not think he will appreciate being
told, after the fact." He directed a glare at the older man. "I know I don't."

Albus just twinkled his eyes at him. "I think that is a good idea, I have a feeling that Harry will be
there as well. I will leave it you, however to explain the situation to them."

To HIM?

That meddling, interfering, intrusive, officious, downright ANNOYING, old man.

Of course, he'd rather have the painful, emotionally fraught conversation with Draco, than the
painful, emotionally fraught conversation with Harry.

He was sure he had several good reasons too. But, for his own sanity, he did not try to name
them.

Instead of answering the Headmaster he simply said, "I assume you had another reason for
coming down here and working on my ulcer?"

"Ah, yes. The marriage." Albus offered a comforting look.

Joy.

He continued. "I have the paperwork, it simply needs signatures and witnesses. And of course the
erm.. Traditional vows."

There was something to be said for tradition. In this case, it meant short.

Albus went on. "All that is needed now, are for the two of you to find your witnesses. Two for
each."

"I know how this works Albus."

"Just making sure. Do you know who you will ask?"

He glowered. "There aren't many choices. I'm assuming we're still going to keep this a secret. Its
always fun to engage in an exercise of futility."

"Severus, you may ask whomever you want. I will not object."

The measure of kindness was... disconcerting.

He nodded and considered carefully. "Then I will ask Minerva and... Draco."

Albus smiled. "Intriguing choices."

"Intrigue had nothing to do with it. It simply makes explaining things to Draco much more
agreeable." To himself. "It also avoids *another* annoying conversation."

"If you say so, Severus."

"I do." He did.

Albus gave him a knowing smile.

He glared.

Did. Did. Did.

He received a chuckle for his efforts and once again reminded himself that the damned man could
*not* read minds.

He watched Albus moved to the entrance of his chambers. "Tomorrow, after lunch, should be
soon enough for the minister. Is that enough time for you?"

Time for what? To dig a deeper hole? Throw himself out of the astronomy tower and leave the
mantel of responsibility to another unsuspecting victim.

And probably kill Harry in the process.

A sharp nod. "Yes. Enough time. I suppose you want me to tell Harry that as well."

"Thank you, Severus."

Before he could say another word, Albus was gone.

How did he *do* that?

That bottle of brandy was beckoning him.

Unfortunately, it was an even worse idea now.

He was about to waste time reading his the remaining pieces of drivel he had yet to grade, when
he knew.

Harry was on his way down.

He once again contemplated the brandy.

The decision was taken out of his hands when the door to his chambers opened.

As Harry walked into the room, he absently noted that it was getting worse.

He wordlessly gestured to the couch. Harry nodded and changed direction to it.

They arranged themselves comfortably and only then did they relax.

"How was your day?" Harry asked him.

He looked down tiredly. "Must you start with the inane questions already?"

"Is it so hard to believe I asked because I want to know?"

"Yes."

"Fine. I don't care. I'm just being polite. How was your day?"

Sighing. "It was slightly more intolerable than normal? How was yours?"

Harry started to answer, but paused and seemed to think something over. "It was... very... very
strange. On the brighter side, I think I've gotten a handle on the rumors."

"Oh really? Dare I ask how?"

Harry looked at him and raised an eyebrow in an uncanny impression. "I yelled at them."

That sounded nice. "Was it as enjoyable as I imagine?"

"It was almost as enjoyable as..." Harry trailed off.

He nearly made the mistake of asking what, but he stopped himself on time. He needed to talk to
the boy before... he got distracted.

"Albus paid me a visit."

"I'm sure you had fun too. What did he say?"

"We spoke on several matters." More than he was probably aware of. If the conversation was par
for course. "He asked me to relate some of them to you."

"Politely too, I imagine."

"The way he asked... is beyond words. That is not the point."

Silence.

"Well?" Harry prompted.

"He spoke to me of our upcoming nuptials."

"Oh. Do you always use big words when you're uncomfortable?" Harry smirked. "Never mind.
That would mean you're uncomfortable all the time."

A raised eyebrow. "He informed me that everything has been arranged. All that is left is to decide
on the Witnesses."

Harry nodded and swallowed thickly. "I'll talk to Ron and Hermione in the morning." He
hesitated a moment. "Who are you asking?"

"Minerva and Draco." There was a pregnant pause. When it became apparent that Harry wasn't
going to comment, he continued. "No objections?" He sneered.

"No... u Dra Draco... Somehow I think he'll take it in stride."

"The boy does that have that habit."

Harry snorted. "Boy does he."

He became aware of a soft stroking on his chest. He captured the hand. "There is one other
matter we need to discuss." He said seriously.

Harry gave him a serious look. "You sound ominous."

"I always sound ominous."

"True." Harry agreed. "Well go on. Ruin my day further."

"This morning. I received a letter. From Lucius."

The lax body next to him became tense. He stroked the soft hair beneath his fingertips.

"And?" Harry asked.

"He wants... a second chance."

Harry was looking at him with an uncomfortable intensity. "Why do we care?"

WE? "He was... my friend once. A long time ago. I watched him... disappear."

Harry blinked and looked at him for a moment. "Wait. I thought Draco killed him."

"Apparently there was a liberal use of polyjuice potion."

"Ah." Understanding. "Its probably a trap, you know."

"I'm not an idiot."

"You're meeting him anyway."

Not a question, he noted.

Maybe he was an idiot.

"Yes. I have spoken to Albus, it has been arranged, two mornings from now, Lucius Malfoy will
apparate at the edge of the forbidden forest and walk into Hogwarts."

Harry shook his head in disbelief "That's insane."

Very. "Yes. I know. There will be several teachers and a number of Aurors waiting. We will see
what he wants and... let the scene play out."HarrHarry sat up straighter. and looked at him intently. "What aren't you telling me?"

Enough to fill a book. "What are you talking about."

"There's something you're not telling me."

He sighed. "Can I not have something for myself?"

Harry leaned into him and gently stroked a cheek. "Tell me." he whispered.

He looked into those eyes for a moment before turning away and closing his own. "I loved him."
He murmured.

Oh, that hurt.

"What happened?" barely a whisper.

He almost missed the soft request. "I don't know." Hoarse. "I wish I knew. But I don't." Gaining
momentum. "One day he was there, the next I looked up and... gone."

Harry inclined his head and took him into an enticing, warming kiss. Agile lips sucked and pulled.
Danced across his in an incredibly arousing way.

They broke apart and Harry looked into his eyes. "You want to give him a second chance."

Again. Not a question. A statement.

He nodded dumbly, "If I deserved one. So does he."

Harry nodded, "I'm going to be there too."

"You are not."

"If you get killed, I'm going to be very pissed." Harry swept in for another kiss.

"You'll be a distraction."

"I'll be more distracting on the other side of the castle."

Damn the boy for making sense.

"Fine. Have your way. Why should today be different from any other day?"

Harry looked at him in an exasperated fashion. "Just... shut up and kiss me." An impish smile.
"I've always wanted to say that."

He looked at the creature sitting practically on his lap. "We are getting married." He'd said it. The
castle was still standing, will miracles never cease? "Can I keep what is left of my propriety for
another evening?"

Shaking hands touched his neck. "Then I'm going to have to leave. I can't..." the husky voice
trailed off.

He trailed trembling fingers across a soft cheek. For only the second time, he truly initiated the
situation.

Soft lips parted for him and the moist cavern behind them was heaven.

They drew apart panting. "That is not what I meant."

"Oh." An articulate response left Harry's lips.

"I meant, that we should keep to the boundaries that we have previously kept."

"Oh."

They were kissing again. Harsh, wet, demanding kisses that drugged him and made him loose all
sense.

He undid the clasp on Harry's robe, then attacked the buttons underneath. Strong ropey muscles
greeted his questing hands. He caressed every patch of skin he could find, working his way up to
two peaked nipples. At the first touch, Harry gasped.

Keeping a slow circle around one tight bud, he moved his lips to the darkened bruise on the side
of Harry's neck.

Another gasp. Followed by a breathy moan. "I don't... don't think... this... is going to be enough."

He worried the flesh beneath his teeth for a few moments before responding. "I know." Another
lick. "I have an idea."

He slowly wound a trail of nips and kisses down the strong chest. Around the belly button he slid
to the floor. And continued his descent.

Once he was eye level with the noticeable bulge, he allowed his nimble fingers to undo the clasp at
that held the trousers closed.

He heard an, "Oh god." from above.

Once opened, he delved into the convenient opening and wrapped his long slim fingers around a
pulsing hardness.

Another moan came from parted lips. Whose it was, he had no idea.

Didn't really care anymore.

Harry spread his legs, giving him better access.

He allowed himself an experimental stroke or two. Hips twitched forward.

"Oooh. Don't stop."

He noted that when the mouth was not otherwise occupied, it said delightful things.

He listed forward and gently licked.

Harry's breath hitched.

Perfect. Keeping a firm grip on the base, he gently placed the head in histh. th.

"Oh god."

And sucked.

"OH GOD."

Up.

Down.

In.

Out.

Harry was panting and moaning with each movement. "Yes. Yes. Oh god. That is.. Oh god."

He pulsed in time with the hardness in his mouth.

He hummed.

Another gasp. "Wait!"

He stopped. But didn't remove himself.

Harry struggled to move his legs, he felt something clawing at his sides.

Oh, he was removing his shoes.

The legs settled down again. Knees wide and feet...

...in his lap.

Oh.

He resumed.

The feet rubbed.

Oh.

Creativity should be rewarded. He swallowed and strengthened the suction.

The feet skipped a beat, but continued.

Soon. It had to be soon.

His right hand went down to guide one foot while his other sought out that place right... behind...
there!

Harry bucked into his mouth.

Oh. Now they were getting somewhere.

Oh. Yes.

Good. Very good.

Something electric was starting at the base of his spine and working its way upward.

So good.

Oh god.

Don't stop. Don't stop.

Harry was close. So close.

They were so close.

He increased their pace.

Oh yeeeees. Yes. Yesyesyesyes.

Muscles tightened.

Sweet anticipation.

On a precipice. The edge.

Sensation swampedry sry sense.

There! There!

Then, it doubled.

And they fell.

Part 34

He woke to the sound of deep breathing. The slow even movement at his side added to his
relaxation and nearly lulled him back into sleep.

That is, until he remembered what happened last time Harry had spent the night.

Maybe he should have gotten drunk. Then at least he'd have a headache to distract him.

The warm tufts of air against the side of his neck was starting to feel a little too good.

He gently shook the closest shoulder. "Harry."

"Mmmphgm."

"Harry." A little louder.

Stretch. Squirm. Settle.

Sigh. Time to try another tactic.

He carefully rolled them over on to their sides and cupped the slack cheek. The gentle press of
lips on lips sparked the familiar sensation in his body.

"Mmmmm"

He couldn't agree more. The kiss continued in a languid fashion, until they were both breathless.

"Good morning." His voice was a husky timbre.

"Guh."

Well he was awake. But apparently coherency seemed to be far behind. "You need to get back to
your friends and I need to find Draco."

The body in his arms stiffened.

"Right. Yes. What are you going to tell him?" Harry sounded dismayed.

Good question. "A great many things, I suppose. I believe he should know about his father."

Harry stiffened up further. "Right. His father." he said and started to roll away.

He tightened his arms around Harry, reflexively.

Without looking at him "Let me up."

He let go and watched Harry practically throw himself out of the bed. "You're in a bad mood."
He drawled.

Harry's shoulders visible tensed. "No I'm not."

Bullshit. "I'm not an idiot."

Harry swiftly turned around. "For someone who's not an idiot you certainly feel the need to point
it out often enough."

That. Arrogant. Boy.

Seething. "Get dressed and get out."

"What's the matter Snape," Harry spit his name out like an epithet, "You can put people down,
but only if they don't fight back?"

"I don't like being blatantly lied to." His voice had gone deadly quiet.

"Too bad!" Harry's nostrils were flared and he was breathing heavily.

"You miserable wretch!" He swung his legs out of bed and stood up. "Can't you control yourself
for ten whole minutes!"

Harry crossed his arms. "Apparently not!"

He stalked across to room to where Harry was standing and grabbed him forcefully. "What is the
matter with you!"

"Nothing!" Harry barked.

"Why do you insist on lying!" He snarled.

"Because, I don't want you to know-" Harry cut himself off.

A deft shake to the arms he was holding. "Don't want me to know what?"

"Nothing!" Harry turned his face away. "Just let me go."

He lifted a hand and forced Harry to look at him. "What. Is. Your. Problem."

With and angry snarl, Harry finally gave up. "Lucius Malfoy makes me angry! Ok! Happy?"

Blink. That was not what he had expected.

"He makes you angry?" He sneered. "That is what this little temper tantrum is about?"

"Yes! He makes me angry. He's using you! Using whatever you had to get what he wants!"

He looked down at the green eyes. Intense emotions swirled about. "That's not the whole truth."

Harry leveled a glare in his direction. "What, you haven't humiliated me enough?"

"Humiliate?" He seethed. "I have not humiliated you. Humiliation is when two of your colleagues
ask you, if in between make out sessions you've been allowing your partner to see his
GIRLFRIEND!"

"Girlfriend? What the hell are you talking about?" Harry yelled back.

"I don't know!" He stopped and took a deep breath. "I don't know." He said more calmly. "What
are you talking about?"

Harry's eyes were blank for a moment. Then they widened. "Oh! No. Not like that. She was
helping me get rid of the rumors."

"A cover?"

"I guess. Was mostly her idea. We didn't have time to discuss it before hand."

"That explains one thing. Now, why are you angry?"

Harry looked up at him defiantly. "Why were you?"

Why couldn't he just answer a damned question? "You are infuriating."

Said calmly. "So are you."

"I was angry because... because you are the most frustrating person alive."

"Not that. The other thing."

"The other thing?" Feigning innocence.

"When you mentioned Hermione, you're mouth did that thing it does in potions when Neville's
screw ups are particularly spectacular."

Glare.

Harry didn't budge.

"Fine. I don't know why. Something about being asked about your girlfriend... irked me."

"Ah." Harry started to wiggle out of his arms.

"Uh uh. Tit for tat young man. Why. Were. You. So. Angry."

Another defiant stare. "Lucius Malfoy makes me angry."

He pushed Harry a few feet until he was flush against the wall. Using his body weight, he trapped
the young man and cupped his cheek. "Why?" He asked with an intensity that he hadn't expected.

Softly but steadily Harry began to speak, "I think of him and I think of you and it makes me...
itch. Worse, he's probably using you to get away, or to get to me and you don't deserve that."

He stared at Harry for a few moments. How did one respond to that?

He swooped in and kissed the young man warmly. Almost tenderly. When they parted he pressed
their foreheads together. "Right now. I don't know of anything that can come between us.
Including Lucius Malfoy."

Harry's hand freed itself and came up to touch his face. With a shaky voice, "Oh... good."

Warm lips touched his and he greedily took them in. Their hips ground into each other creating
waves of sensation. When Harry attacked his neck with sharp teeth, his knees buckled and they
slowly sank to the ground.
_________

He escorted Draco into his study. While under normal situations, it would have been highly
inappropriate, he did not want to have this conversation in his office and he figured why break the
trend of highly inappropriate things now? After all, he was on a roll.

He motioned for the young man to take a seat on the couch while he sat in the armchair. He
winced as a jolt of pain went through his lower b Whi While idly thinking about whether he had
the correct pain potion he made a mental note to never do anything that gymnastic on the floor
again.

Before he could speak, Draco did. "Is this about my father?"

"Some. There are actually several things we need to discuss."

Draco looked surprised and a bit wary. "Several?"

"Several." He confirmed. "Since none of them are pleasant, I shall take them in chronological
order." He looked at Draco for a moment, studying the serious, young face in front of him, before
continuing. "In a few hours, right after lunch, I am getting married."

He watched Draco stare at him for several seconds. A small snort, then a larger one. It was
obvious that he was trying not to laugh.

He sighed. "Don't fight it. You'll only make yourself look foolish."

Draco resisted for a few more moments and then let loose a low snicker. "I'm sorry sir, but you
make it sound like a fate worse than death."

"Wait until you hear the entire story."
_________

Draco gave him a calculating stare before responding. "That's... that's very entertaining, sir."

He raised an eyebrow. "I'm glad I can amuse you."

"Sir," Draco said, sounding confused. "I'm not quite sure why you told me all of this."

"I am in need of a witness and I find the irony in asking you appealing."

Draco looked at him with a smirk. "I don't hate you either, sir."

He sobered for a moment and formalized his request using the traditional phrasing, "Draco, will
you stand by my side and Witness my binding to another?"

With a solemn nod, Draco answered. "It would be an honor and a privilege to stand by you and
yours."

He wasn't surprised he knew the correct answer. "Thank you."

Draco nodded. "Are you ok, sir?" The end of the sentence was interrupted by a large yawn.
"Sorry."

He raised an eyebrow. "Am I boring you?"

"No sir, I just haven't been sleeping much."

"Nightmares?" He enquired.

Draco considered the question for a moment. "Those too."

He sensed there was something else going on, but now was not the time to play verbal games.
"Draco, there is also... the matter of your father."

All the humor in Draco's face was gone. "My father."

He sighed. "Yesterday morning, I received a letter-"

"Please just tell me, sir." Draco interrupted.

He gave up any attempt at tact. "He is alive. The man that you killed was under the influence of
Polyjuice."

"And the letter?" Draco prompted.

"He wants to meet me."

Draco nodded. "Should I assume you said yes?"

Who was in charge of this conversation? "Yes."

"It's a trap, you know." Draco said matter-of-factly.

Dryly, "So I've been told." He paused. "I have received permission for you to be there."

"Thank you, sir." Draco looked at him, "Where and when?"

"Two days, here."

"What!" Draco yelped.

His sentiments exactly. "Believe me, it is not my idea. There will Aurors and several staff
members. We should be fine." He tried to reassure him.

"I'm not convinced." Draco looked away. "But I will be there."

"I knew you would be. I will see you in the Headmaster's office after lunch."

Draco got up and began to leave, but stopped and turned around, "Sir, if it looks like... if it looks
like a trap, don't hesitate. I wouldn't. The man that you knew, that my mother married, wouldn't
want to live like that."

He nodded, understanding better than he thought possible.

"And sir? Can I... Am I allowed to talk to someone about this?"

"If you feel they can be trusted."

Draco nodded and left.
_________

He knocked gently on Minerva's office door.

"Come in!" She called from inside.

He entered and waited for her to look up.

She finished whatever she was writing and glanced in his direction. Pulling out the next sheet of
paper, she continued to write. "Severus, to what do I owe the pleasure."

Her majesty didn't deign to look at him.

Might as well take the plunge. With a deep breath, "Will you stand by my side and Witness my
binding to another?"

The quill she was using broke and large splotch of ink stained the parchment. "What?"

"It seems, I am to be married, this afternoon."

She slowly put down the quill and gestured for him to take a seat. "Does young Mr. Potter have a
say in this?"

"Do I?" He winced. "And please... don't call him that."

"Mr. Potter?"

"Young."

She looked over the rim of her glasses. "Ah, you do have a conscious."

"Damnit! You're just as bad as Black! I did not do this on purpose! In fact, I did not do it at all!
Have you spoken to Albus at all?" He was getting tired of explaining this.

She nodded. "He informed me of some of the more... complex aspects of the spells, as well as the
visit from our l Mil Minister of Magic."

"Then stop looking at me like that!"

She raised an eyebrow and he felt, for all the world, like a student telling his teacher his wand ate
his homework. "I just want to make sure that *young*" she emphasized the word, the old bat,
"Mr. Potter is not... overwhelmed."

Dryly. "I assure you, he has as much control of the situation as possible."

"Severus." She looked at him seriously. "You had to want it?" She was clearly asking for some
sort of explanation.

He sighed. "Yes, that was part of the requirements of the spell."

"He's a student, Severus."

"Really?" He sneered, "I had no idea."

"Severus," She leaned forward, placing her elbows on her desk, "tell me why I shouldn't demand
that you be fired."

"Because I haven't broken any rules!" He threw at her.

She rolled her eyes. "You're talking semantics."

"No I'm not!" He yelled.

"How do I know!" She shot back.

"Because I wouldn't have!" His chest was heaving. Oh god, what had he said?

Quieter, almost unsure, she asked, "Severus?"

He buried his face in his hands. "I wouldn't have." He whispered. "No matter how compelling, the
temptation for comfort, for company," He looked up, almost pleading, "I would not. Have done.
Anything."

Minerva's eyes were wide. "Albus and Ms. Granger were right. You had to want something, but
it wasn't necessarily sex was it?"

He was slumped in the chair. "God help me, no."

"Severus..."

"Will you stand by my side and Witness my binding to another?" He asked again, before she could
say anything else.

Minerva walked out from behind her desk and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. The itch
increased. In a low, comforting voice, she answered him. "It would be an honor and a privilege to
stand by you and yours."

He gave her a sharp nod, got up and left.

Part 35

Harry eventually made it back to his common room. Limping. And a bit sore.

Parvati was lounging in front of the fire reading some sort of book, she glanced at him when he
entered and blinked at him owlishly, but wisely said nothing and went back to reading.

"Have you seen Ron or Hermione?"

Without looking up, "Upstairs I think. Her room." She gestured vaguely in the direction of the
stairs.

Made sense. She was a prefect. Why not take advantage?

He knocked on the solitary door and waited patiently for an answer. He once again pondered the
pluses and minuses of prefects. Yeah you got your own rooms and a wicked bathroom, but he had
already had a great deal of responsibility thrust, oh not a good word, onto him in his life that he
couldn't imagine voluntarily taking on more.

He noticed that it was taking a bit longer than usual for Hermione to answer. He knocked again,
slightly louder.

Another minute went by and the door slowly opened. A bleary eyed, robe clad Hermione
answered. "Harry, what time is it?"

"Around nine."

"Oh." She just stood there in the doorway, staring at him.

"Is Ron there? I need to talk to both of you." As he asked the question he realized his mistake.
She had obviously just come from bed She She blinked at him for a few moments and then slowly nodded. She stepped aside and allowed
him to enter. "Wait here."

He suddenly had the urge to tell her to forget it, he'd come back later. Except that there really
wasn't much later to fall back on. He reasoned that they had to go to breakfast at some point.

That thought had sufficiently satisfied him until he saw Ron appear in the bedroom doorway
followed closely by... a... blond... head...

Draco.

It was too early in the morning for this.

Clear blue eyes looked at him. "Potter."

"Malfoy." He acknowledged

Ron looked about, a bit confused. "Harry? Why're you here?"

"I need to talk to you two." He answered and still looking at Draco. "And I imagine that Snape'll
be looking for you soon."

Draco paused at this. "Looking for me?"

Harry noted that he wasn't questioned on his information. Though sharp eyes did look at him with
unsaid knowledge.

Yes. Draco had definitely changed. How much was still waiting to be seen.

"I should go back and get dressed anyway. I'll see you two later."

He watched Draco make an aborted hand movement to both of his friends. The thin should tensed
and then shrugged. Fingers deliberately brushed against the back of hands and silent nods were
given.

Harry suddenly felt like an intruder. He used to be able to do that.

Not shag them senseless. Talk with their eyes.

Closing the door behind Draco, they turned to him and silently asked what he wanted.

Ok. Maybe he still could. But it wasn't the same. How many things had he missed about himself
and Ron and Hermione?

He felt like an utter prat.

"Stop berating yourself Harry, you're still my best friend." Hermione spoke up.

He was suddenly elated that she had practically read his mind. First time for that in weeks.

He noted it wasn't half as annoying as when Dumbledore did it.

She continued. "Sex doesn't have to define every relationship. We're all... in flux at the moment.
The whole school is really. We promise not forget you're alive as long as you promise to do the
same for us."

He nodded and felt a better. Until he realized she'd mentioned sex. That meant... things he wasn't
going to think about. Too many things were threatening to make his head explode as it was.
Which reminded him, "I need to ask you guys a question."

Ron spoke up. "Go on Harry, I'm sure Hermione, ‘I'm as blunt as a bludger', Granger will tell
you if its too personal." He gave his... girlfriend? Lover? Shagbunny? A goofy grin.

Hermione smacked Ron on the shoulder. "Ask whatever you want, Harry."

"Well, I told you, yesterday, that I'm... we're getting married, right?"

They both nodded slowly, is seemed he wasn't the only one having a hard time swallowing... oh
god... it.

With a gulp, he plowed on. "Well, the Headmaster has managed to arrange everything for today,
after lunch, to be exact, there are just a few minor details that need to be ironed out."

"Like what?" Hermione asked.

"I need my Witnesses."

Ron looked at him seriously. "Are you asking us?"

"Of course I am."

Ron, once again, smiled widely. "I always pictured being asked formally the first time, but then I
never imagined being asked while I was still at Hogwarts."

"Formally asked?"

Hermione must have sensed the void of knowledge because she instantly shifted into lecture
mode. "The marriage ceremony is one of the oldest in the wizarding world. It predates almost all
of the more complex spells and charms that modern wizards use by hundreds of years. Its also
unique because it invokes formal phrases that have nothing to do with spells or charms."

"Formal phrases?"

She nodded. "For example, asking your Witnesses to stand with you. There's a traditional saying
that's used."

"What is it?"

She thought about it for a moment and then carefully said the phrase.

He nodded and said it back to them, "Will you stand by my side and Witness my binding to
another?"

"It would be an honor and a privilege to stand by you and yours." Hermione and Ron both
answered.

At the same time.

God it was getting worse.

"Thank you." Was all he could get out. He was suddenly choked.

He was getting married.

He had been ORDERED to get married.

By the Minister of Magic.

His life was getting more absurd by the minute.
_________

Severus Snape stalked up to the entrance to the Headmaster's office and ground out the
password, once again going over exactly how far out of control this was.

He was getting married.

To Harry ‘I'm a walking target' Potter.

Godson of the bloody Sirius Black.

Thorn in his side.

Best lay he'd had in years.

He stopped and blinked.

He really wished his mind would stop coughing up little doozies like that one.

"Ah, Severus, please come in. Minerva and Draco are already here. We're just awaiting on the
other Bridegroom and his party."

He leveled a glare at Albus that would have made Longbottom pee in his pants. Of course the old
coot did nothing but sit there and smile at him.

Infuriating. Insufferable. Old. Man.

He took a seat in the corner of the room and glowered, wishing he'd cursed him when he had the
chance. Knowing the Headmaster, he would have enjoyed the more sedate ones.

/Oh Severus, I really did enjoy the wiggling underwear./

He settled for another glare.

They sat, waiting with palpable tension in the air.

His thoughts had just gotten to the point where he was weighing the pros and cons of running
away when Harry and company made an appearance.

Harry looked at the people in the room sheepishly, "Sorry, we lost track of time."

Albus just smiled and waved them in. "That's all right Harry. You're here, that's all that matters."

Yes. Harry was here. Lets do get on with taking all control of his life out of his hands.

Albus stood up and walked to the front of his desk. "Severus, Harry, if you'll stand in front of
me."

They didn't move.

"Gentlemen." Albus gently pushed.

He braced shaking hands on the arms of the chair, stood up and slowly took his place. Harry soon
appeared next to him.

Albus nodded, "Minerva, Hermione, on either side of me please, Draco, Ron, behind Severus and
Harry."

Places were taken and the urge to run increased.

Albus turned worried eyes on them. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to take the rings off,
its part of the ceremony and its tied into the signing of the parchment. I'm sorry."

The rings off?

It was becoming readily apparent that they could barely control themselves with the rings *on*.

He cast a look at Harry and gave a tight nod. Together they slipped off the rings.

As the cool metal left his finger and wave of pure longing swept through him and he gasped. He
was distantly aware of a similar sound coming from Harry. His knees where threatening to buckle.
Strong hands latched onto him. Warmth seeped into his robes where they made contact. He
looked up and there was delicious soft skin staring back at him.

Those green eyes were haunting him. Beseeching him silently to stop the ache. He took those
grasping hands into his own and tugged Harry closer and until the full length of the younger
man's body was felt against his own.

Finally some relief.

Without looking away from those eyes he spoke, "Albus. Start. Now." Or god knew what would
happen.

A crinkle of parchment told him that Albus had picked up the scroll. In a slow careful voice, the
Headmaster began. "We are here to Witness the binding of two people in a form more ancient
than time. Severus Lucius Snape and Harry James Potter are here to join their lives together.
*Bindus*." The last word had an echoing, enchanted quality that old magic tended have when
wielded by an especially powerful wizard.

The parchment transfigured itself into a length of satin chord.

"Right hands, gentlemen." Albus gently reminded them.

Slowly, they manipulated their hands so that only the right ones were clasped between them,
palms together, fingers entwined and facing up.

Albus slipped the chord between their hand and carefully wrapped it in the pattern that would be
familiar to any wizard that had attended a similar ceremony. It only took a few seconds to fully
bind them down to the elbows.

The two ends were tied to together and Albus began again. "The ring, a reminder and symbol
serves to finish this joining.

A ring was pressed into his left hand. He slowly lifted it and said, "Will you wear my reminder and
symbol to finish this joining?"

Green eyes looked deep into his before a hand came into view. "Yes." Harry rasped. "I will wear
it."

He slipped the ring onto Harry's finger.

Albus turned to Harry and handed him the other ring.

Harry lifted it and asked, ""Will you wear my reminder and symbol to finish this joining?"

He swallowed, emotion thick in his throat. ""Yes." He whispered. "I will wear it."

The ring was once again slid onto his finger. He still couldn't tear his eyes away.

Albus's deep, intoning voice once again spoke up, "Is there a witness to this binding?"

Minerva stepped forward and placed her hand on their bound ones. "I am here to witness Severus
Lucius Snape and bindbinding to his other." She stepped back.

Draco was next, "I am here to witness Severus Lucius Snape and his binding to his other." He had
stumbled slightly on the middle name, but looked deeply honored to be included.

Once Draco's hand had been removed, Ron stepped forward, "I am here to witness Harry James
Potter and his binding to his o." B." Before stepping back gave them both a short, supportive nod.

Next, Hermione. ""I am here to witness Harry James Potter and his binding to his other." She
gave them a warm smile.

Finally Albus stepped forward and placed both of his hands on theirs. "You have chosen your
others and bound yourselves to them, even without these bindings," Albus tugged on the satin
chords sharply and flash of power went through him, "you are bound." The cord had come away,
unraveled from its complex weaving without having been unwound. Before their eyes it
transfigured back into the specialized parchment.

The only difference was that the names of everyone in the room were now on it, in the
appropriate places.

He looked down at their still clasped hands in wonder. God, he was married.

He gave a sharp pull and Harry was in his arms. Warm tingling was once again invading his entire
body.

Harry gave a muted gasp and tangled his left hand in his hair.

He mirrored the action.

Soft lips called to him, parted sweetly and beckoned him in. He leaned in tasted them.

Oh it was sweet.

They slowly broke apart.

"Severus, thank you for your restraint." Albus had a disgustingly cheerful manner of breaking the
mood.

"Shut up, Albus." He put a little more space between them, but their hands refuse to let go.

A voice from behind him muttered, "This is so strange."

He turned to Ron, "Strange?"

"You're married to Harry Potter." Came a chorus of voices. Draco, Ron and Hermione had all
answered at once.

Harry snickered and muttered something he didn't hear.

"What?" He questioned

Harry cleared his throat and repeated it again, with more volume. "Gotta be the sex."