The Domino Effect

Title: The Domino Effect
Author: Dr. Jeckell & Mrs. Hyde (aka Taran & Magdelena)
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Harry Potter/Severus Snape, Ron Weasley/Draco Malfoy (secondary pairing)
Warnings: Non-consensual sex, Violence, Adult Language, Sexual Situations, Graphic Sexual Content, Rimming, MPreg
Summary: HP/SS – Slash – Chapter 7 of ?. Harry discovers that when he kills Voldemort, all of the Death Eaters will die as well because of the bond that they share with the Dark Lord through their Marks. Harry vows to do anything it takes to allow Severus Snape to escape that fate.
Disclaimer: We do not own any of the characters herein (only the plot). All the characters in the Harry Potter universe belong exclusively to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers, and anyone else JKR chooses to allow to play with them. We are publishing our fanfiction writings only for our own selfish desire to be a part of their world.
Authors’ Note: Thanks to the incredibly wonderful beta job that Sev1970 did for this story.

~*~


Chapter Seven – Protectiveness and Tenderness

Remus gently pulled the door to Severus\' suite closed and sighed softly. He had spent the last several hours talking to the confused man, who had run through a course of emotions concerning Harry Potter. It was obvious that Severus liked being cared for and enjoyed Harry\'s attention, but he still felt himself unworthy and unlovable. Remus wanted to shred the persons responsible for Severus\' lack of self-esteem.

What had Severus the most confused, however, was the fact that Harry used the photos as blackmail to force him into such a situation, when he could have asked for better grades, money, or any number of other things. All Harry had asked for was Severus himself, and the Potions Master simply couldn\'t understand why anyone, especially the \'Boy-Who-Lived\' who could have anyone he wanted, would go to such lengths to get him.

Remus could offer no advice, so he sat and listened attentively. He bubbled with anger toward his best friend\'s son, but he bit his tongue and allowed Severus to ramble. He offered to speak to Harry, to find out why he was doing this, but Severus turned snow-white and begged him not to, and said he would deal with it on his own. Remus could see and taste the fear emanating from his friend, so he nodded and gave his word to leave it be, for now.

Remus had probably stayed longer than he should have, but wanted to make certain Severus was okay before leaving for the night. When Severus, who was stretched out on the sofa, finally started to drift off, Remus remained in the chair facing the other until he was sure the exhausted man was asleep then finally took his leave.

As he made his way up from the dungeons, Remus could feel how near the full moon was, the wolf in him itching to be set free. He caught a familiar scent approaching and growled in anger and a protectiveness he didn\'t know was there. He stopped on the stairs and waited for his prey.

Harry headed down to the dungeons actually feeling refreshed, having napped the late afternoon away. After his conversation with Draco and Ron, the three had collected Hermione and snuck down to the Kitchens to nick some food, and then retired to the Room of Requirement to gossip about some of their classmates.

Spending a couple of hours in the company of people who knew Harry’s true intent, and just having a good time, served to divert his thoughts from obsessing over every detail about his interactions with Severus, and helped him regain his focus. Harry had spoken with Dumbledore briefly about his concerns about Remus, and the Headmaster had assured Harry that should Remus come to see him that he would find a way to allay the werewolf’s concerns. This also helped to calm Harry, whose entire focus needed to be centered on keeping Severus alive, instead of his fears about the man’s reaction to the subterfuge.

As Harry was thinking about his plan for Severus this evening, he was completely shocked when he started down the stairs and faced a very angry werewolf.

Remus growled low and glared at Harry for several moments before he spoke. \"You remind me more and more of your father,\" he said with distaste, his voice low and rough due to the coming change. \"I know what you\'ve been doing to Severus. Be careful of the fires in which you play. A wounded animal can be very dangerous, as can a protective one.\"

The werewolf stepped close to Harry, smelling fear, shame, pain and oddly, protectiveness. He desperately wanted to question the young wizard, but bit his tongue, holding to the promise he had made.

\"I promised him that I wouldn\'t speak to you… so I won\'t.\" With that, he brushed angrily past Harry to continue up the stairs.

Remus’ harsh and unforgiving attitude affected Harry deeply, but Harry had no choice but to brush back the revulsion and humiliation that Remus’ cold and bitter words had evoked in him. He wanted to reach out so badly to Remus, but he knew that Severus’ need for Remus was greater than his own. Instead, he choked back a sob, and whispered, “Thank you, for being the one person he can trust.”

Remus turned and gave Harry a hard look, confused by Harry\'s strong emotions as well as his words.

\"I still love you, Harry, just as I loved your father,\" he said softly before rushing up the stairs and out to the Forbidden Forest where he would run throughout the night.

~*~


Harry paused for a moment outside the door of Severus’ private suite and took a calming breath, trying to soothe his rattled nerves. Remus’ feelings had been expected, but the comparison to his father had still managed to blindside Harry. He braced himself, settling into the cool veneer he had adopted for his sessions with Severus and spoke the last of Severus’ passwords, slipping into the Potions Master’s sitting room.

His cool mask slipped at the sight before him. Severus was laying on his couch, fast asleep, soft lips slightly parted. A wisp of onyx hair and coal black eyelashes made for a stark contrast against Severus’ pale features. Harry frowned though as he realized that even at rest, Severus still looked anxious and drawn. He crossed the room, and knelt by the Potions Master’s side, raising a finger to gently stroke the hair from Severus’ cheek, tucking it behind the older man’s ear even as he leaned down to brush a chaste kiss against Severus’ forehead.

In a flash, Severus was sitting bolt upright, his wand wavering slightly in his hand and pointing directly between Harry\'s bright green eyes. He let out a long shaky breath as he lowered his wand, glaring at Harry\'s shocked expression.

\"Don\'t do that again,\" he said between clenched teeth. \"What do you want?\"

Harry recovered from his momentary shock, and cocked his head, fixing Severus with a glare of his own. “I believe we have already established what I want, or more precisely, who I want, and as for touching you, I shall do it whenever, wherever, and however I want.” Harry pointedly raised his hand to settle possessively against Severus’ cheek. “I want you to enjoy our interactions, Severus, but never forget that I am in control here.” Harry nodded towards Severus’ hand. “Put your wand away, now.”

Severus timidly kept his eyes down and slipped his wand back into its hold up his sleeve. He was kicking himself for how easily he gave in to Harry\'s demands. He was normally a very strong, independent person, not the sort to allow anyone to dominate him and certainly not to take care of him. Somehow, though, it seemed natural to obey Harry… almost as though it were his destiny, if he were the type to believe in destiny. He took a deep breath and forced himself to relax.

“Look at me, Severus.” Harry’s calloused thumb gently stroked Severus’ cheekbone, encouraging Severus to obey his command. He waited until the tired, obsidian gaze was locked with his own before continuing.

Harry’s other hand slid between Severus’ knees and he pushed them apart, scooting forward until his body was between the Potions Master’s legs. He pulled Severus’ face towards him until their lips nearly brushed. “I’m not going to hurt you, but I need you to understand that this is going to happen between us, whether you want it or not. You are going to be mine, and no force on earth or in the heavens will stop me, not even Remus Lupin. I love him dearly, but he will not stand in my way; no one will.”

Harry moved his head back a few inches, and studied Severus’ face seriously for a moment. “And I really don’t think you want them to. I think you’re beginning to enjoy this more than you’re willing to admit.” Harry planted a soft, possessive kiss on Severus’ lips and then again drew back. “I could feel the way your body was trembling with need earlier today, and maybe if you’re good and follow my directives tonight, we will get back to that.”

Severus opened his mouth to respond, but couldn\'t find any words to say. When Harry was kissing him, all he wanted to do was melt into the strong arms and warm body and let the world fade away around them. Staring into the shining, passionate green eyes was like looking into the sun, blinding and beautiful all at once. He gave a small nod and swallowed hard, not knowing what he was giving in to, but willing to take a leap of faith, trusting in another, as he never had before.

“Good.” Harry leaned in and again captured Severus’ mouth with his own, his tongue automatically darting between the already parted lips to savor the taste of the older man’s mouth. He kept the kiss gentle but possessive, thrilling when he felt Severus slowly responding. Harry backed off, nipping once at Severus’ lower lip affectionately before pushing himself up until he was standing before the older wizard.

Harry barely stepped back, and began slowly stripping off his clothing. When he had stripped off everything except his boxers, which were tented with his unmistakable erection, Harry stood still, watching as Severus instinctively leaned forward. Harry reached out a hand to Severus’ shoulder to stop him. “No, Severus. This is not about me tonight; this is about you.”

Not waiting for a reaction, Harry turned on his heel and headed in the direction of Severus’ bedroom, calling back over his shoulder. “Strip completely and meet me in your bathroom.”

Severus stared wide-eyed at Harry\'s young toned body, Harry\'s words echoing in his ears. He shook his head to clear it and stood up. Quietly and quickly, Severus stripped down to his pale white skin, laying his clothes neatly on a nearby chair. He stepped quietly into his spacious bathroom.

While Severus had been undressing, Harry had been hurriedly arranging things in the bathroom. He had dropped some bath oils he had found into the large bathtub, and had started filling it with water which was almost uncomfortably hot. After charming the water to stay warm, Harry spelled the light from the sconces a bit lower, and moved a low stool, shampoos, bathsoaps, sponge, and several large fluffy towels near the tub. Just as he had finished placing the final item by the tub, Severus walked into the room.

Harry walked slowly towards Severus, his eyes roaming the body of the proud man before him greedily. “I know that earlier today I told you I was going to fuck you tonight, but I want to set your mind at ease. I believe I shall wait on that particular gratification for at least another night. I was interrupted in my earlier attempts to see to your pleasure and comfort, so I want the chance to finish that first.” Harry held out a hand to Severus. “Come, let’s get you in the bath.”

Severus felt his cheeks warm a little as Harry reminded him of their earlier activities. He quickly schooled his face into a blank mask, not wanting Harry to see his true feelings. He was surprised by the gentle strength in which Harry held his hand and helped him into the deep, hot bathwater.

Severus gasped as his toes touched the steamy water and he fell back against Harry. If not for the younger man’s well balanced feet, they both would have crashed to the tiled floor, but Harry caught him easily.

\"It\'s too hot!\" Severus said with a slight whine.

Harry chuckled softly, and accio’d his wand. He spelled the water a few degrees cooler, and then placed his wand on the nearby stool. “That better?” he quipped.

Severus gave Harry a glare, then reached his hand down and tested the water. He sighed contentedly before he could suppress it. He blushed lightly as Harry once again helped him in. This time, Severus sank slowly into the warmth and comfort of the water. It had been a long time since he had last soaked in a hot bath. His normal morning routine was a quick shower and shave.

He gave a soft moan as he sunk lower, his neck supported by Harry\'s strong hand until his head rested on the edge of the tub. He suddenly felt completely relaxed and at ease in Harry\'s tender care.

Harry knelt behind the tub, slowly breathing in and out to quell his rising ardor. The delightful sounds that Severus had made had gone straight to his cock. When at last he felt a bit more in control, Harry reached for the sponge and bath gel he had placed near the tub earlier. He drizzled a bit of it onto the sponge, and then dipped it into the water. Perching on the edge of the stool, Harry began gently washing Severus’ neck, chest and arms.

Severus kept his eyes closed and allowed himself to get lost in the sensations. His heart pounded wildly at every touch, his body shivering in spite of the heat of the water. He bit his lower lip as Harry moved the rough sponge over his sensitive nipples and he fought against the urge to arch up into Harry\'s touch, moaning again, instead.

Harry bit his lower lip to suppress the urge to lick the length of Severus’ collarbone and suckle the juncture of his shoulder and neck. Instead, he moved along the side of the tub, dipping the sponge lower and gently cleansing Severus’ abdomen. Harry swept the sponge methodically over Severus’ crotch, almost moaning himself as Severus easily, trustingly spread his legs to give Harry access. Harry swiped the sponge quickly and efficiently, resisting the urge to linger.

Moving further down the tub, Harry then swept the sponge over each of the long, slender legs in turn, making sure to soap and rinse each foot carefully before he again moved to settle on the stool behind Severus’ head.

Harry didn’t resist the urge to nuzzle his nose against Severus’ cheek before whispering softly in the Potions Master’s ear. “Lean forward for me. I need to get your back.”

Severus shivered in spite of the hot water. Keeping his eyes closed, he leaned forward, his head bowed to allow Harry to wash the back of his neck as well. His mind started to wander as Harry slowly worked all the tension out of his body. He was almost desperate to know the young wizard\'s motives for treating him with such loving care, but didn\'t dare ask. He didn\'t want to do anything that might cause Harry to stop.

Harry dipped the sponge in the water, and brought it to Severus’ head, one hand gently cupping the Potions Master’s chin and encouraging him to lean his head back as he drizzled the warm water through the coal black strands. Once Severus’ hair was completely saturated, Harry dropped the sponge onto the floor and squeezed out a dollop of shampoo onto his hand. After setting down the bottle, he rubbed his hands together so that both of his hands contained a bit of the gel and then gently began to rub the foamy substance through Severus’ long hair, his fingertips massaging Severus’ scalp and gently working through the knotted strands as he went.

A smile spread across Harry’s face as he heard the soft moans and sounds of appreciation that Severus tried so valiantly to hide from him. He took his time with rinsing and conditioning Severus’ hair, finally rinsing it completely before encouraging Severus to lean back against the back of the tub.

“Relax for a bit longer. I’m going to dry off, and I’ll be waiting in the sitting room for you. I’ve left towels for you on the stool.”

While Harry was talking, he stood and nonchalantly stripped off his boxers, which had become damp while he was bathing Severus. He then picked up one of the towels and proceeded to dry himself, eventually wrapping the towel around his waist.

Harry trailed a fingertip along Severus’ arm, and leaned down so his lips almost brushed the Potions Master’s. “Don’t dawdle too long, however. I do still have plans for you tonight.”

Severus shifted nervously in the water as his libido leaped at Harry\'s sensuous voice. He nodded curtly, then sighed as Harry left the room. His burgeoning hard-on faded fast as he became anxious about what exactly Harry might have planned, however, he had to admit that he had thoroughly enjoyed his young suitor\'s attentions. Never had anyone shown such sweet devotion to his needs.

He sighed uneasily as he pulled himself up from the comforting water. He reached for a towel and surprised by its soft warmth, he couldn\'t resist bringing it to his face and inhaling the clean scent. He stepped out of the tub and dried himself quickly, then wrapped a dry towel around his narrow hips the same way Harry had. He took a deep breath before entering the sitting room.

~TBC~


~*~

Review Replies: Thanks so much to Marie, lilith, antipyro, Blackrose, Micka, Hazel, mysticslave, melody demort, Quashi, Sailor Sol, War-Chan, Anon, Nelver, Silverwolf, and AyanEva for your reviews!! We\'ve answered a couple of your questions below!


Sailor Sol - Severus has NO idea that Ron and Draco are actually together, so he is under the impression that the photo is manipulated, though he still feels like no one would believe his POV, hence he\'s going along with Harry\'s blackmail. He will likely feel even more betrayed should he find out that one of his own Slytherins helped in this before the entire truth is revealed. Currently he is under the impression that only Harry and he know about the blackmail. He thinks the other Gryffs merely thought that they were pranking him and so went along with Harry\'s antics. Colin realizes that something more serious is going on, that Harry, Draco, and Ron at least are scheming against his Professor, but he thinks Harry is perfect and so doesn\'t distrust Harry\'s judgment at whatever scheme he has planned.

War-chan - Not a bad idea at all! But actually for right now, we\'re letting the whole situation simmer as Remus had to go howl at the moon for the night. Thanks for your suggestion.